Potpourri for 500

This past month, my life has been going a dozen different directions, and as a result I am a bit scatter-brained at the moment. So for your reading pleasure, I give you a blog post full of interesting yet unrelated subjects.

1. LDStorymakers 2012 is coming! Soon! Like in just over two weeks.
   
   I've been very fortunate to work behind the scenes this year on the committee, coordinating registration. I dug into skills I learned some twenty-odd years ago and set up a database for organizing this year's attendees. That was a great experience.
   
   I also have thoroughly enjoyed seeing how many of my friends will be there this year. Of course, since it's my fifth(!) conference, it's really only the new people that aren't my friends. Yet.
   
   And I reverted to that childish practice of choosing my workshops based on where my buddies were going. Yeah, we're all so mature...
   



2. And even more exciting, I'm presenting a workshop of my own this year - on both days. It's called Culture, Motivation, Flaws, and a Cat: Four things every great character needs.
   
   It's been a lot of fun to work on this presentation, and things are finally coming together.
   
   
3. I got to do some fun writing research as I went on yet another camp out with my daughter and her Venture Crew. We backpacked in and out, and this time nobody froze. In fact, it was so warm I slept on top of my sleeping bag the whole time.
   
   One of the girls did a presentation on edible vs poisonous flora and fauna. She practiced what she preached by cutting the tail off of a scorpion and eating it. Yes, it tasted like chicken.
   



4. I got to do some not-so-fun writing research when the woman renting a room from us relapsed into a fairly destructive bout of mental illness. The shop vac got many great workouts, both in wet and dry mode.
   
   We also learned the distinction between civil and criminal law, and that the police can offer little more than sympathy when it comes to civil issues. Fortunately, with the support of prayers and legal advice, we were able to resolve the situation before there were any personal injuries.

So as you can see, this has been a very hectic month. But it's been a great month, and I look forward to seeing everyone next month at LDStorymakers!

Signings are More Fun in Groups

Don Carey has already posted about THIS, but I thought I'd share my perspective. :)

Please ignore my goofy smile lol.

This is a pretty sweet group to work with. All of us have stories to share, and a willingness to listen to one another. That can make a long car ride really enjoyable--and it did.

Tamara Heiner is quite a skilled author, and I'm looking forward to her next book. I'm also hoping she will trust her instincts and go with what she knows is good. ;)

Lynn Parsons knows her stuff. I love listening to her, and I know I didn't get 10% of the information she has to offer. It's my hope her book will reach members of the church the world over. It will help a lot of people.

Don Carey is totally fun, and patient. He talked airplanes because my daughter (who came along for the second leg of our trip) wanted to know. And, he and I share a love of the movie Labyrinth, which apparently is not shared by his family--so we made Lynn sit through the soundtrack on the way from Arkansas. Poor Lynn, but she's a good sport! :)

Summer is a difficult time for book signings. Everyone has trips, and all sorts of other plans that interfere with trying to get them into a bookstore to see you. However, I will suggest to all authors that they contact their local Hastings Books and Music stores. Seriously. They have a motto of being your home town bookstore, which is why you don't see them in many big cities. They like to promote local authors, and will do a wonderful job if you give them enough time. We had a twofold problem--we didn't give them enough time and we were up against the biggest garage sale in the world. I'd forgotten, but Duncan, OK does that every year and it's city/county wide.

Still, this was an invaluable experience and I look forward to repeating it.

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

by Rebecca Talley

I did a book signing the weekend before last. The signing was great, but I learned even more on the way home. The four of us, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I stopped at libraries and bookstores between Logan and Salt Lake. Following Tristi's lead, I learned from a fearless master to step out of my comfort zone and approach people about my book.


I don't have a problem talking to people. I can talk for a long time (just ask my kids), but talking to someone about my author self and my books is something altogether different. I always feel funny talking up my book because I feel like I'm bragging and being conceited or something. I love to talk writing and I love my books, but I don't want people to think of me as a salesperson trying to pawn off my books. Yet, if I don't talk about my books than I may not be doing part of my job as an author. It's a catch-22 for me.

I used to think being an author meant I wrote books. That's true, but that isn't the whole picture. Promotion and marketing are a big part of being an author. With so many great LDS books by so many talented authors, how will I stand out, especially if I don't try to promote mine? And, yet, I feel like that obnoxious car salesman that won't leave you alone for two seconds.

I haven't been too vocal about my books in the area where I live. I have visited, and even done a book launch, at an area LDS bookstore (I've known the owners forever) and I've contacted the newspaper to do an article. But, other than that, I've left my promotion to what I can do online because I'm way cooler online. But, after watching Mistress Tristi in action, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a few more things in my area.

I visited an area library and asked if I could leave bookmarks, but was told I couldn't and that left me a little deflated. But I decided not to give up and visited Hastings Bookstore and asked again. Not only did they allow me to leave bookmarks, but asked if I'd like to do a book signing. A few days later, I visited another nearby library. After slipping on the ice and landing in a snowbank, I wiped myself off, shook the snow out of my shoe, dusted off my purse, and asked if I could leave bookmarks. I was pleasantly surprised when the librarian there agreed to let me. I then went to a bookstore near that library and was able to leave bookmarks. The gentleman even asked me to call back so they could get more information and help promote a local author. Hooray!!

I'd still much rather write than promote. And if I never had to promote again, I'd be happy. But, it is what it is and stepping out of my comfort zone didn't actually kill me so I may try it again. Someday.

PS I ordered 1000 bookmarks from http://www.nextdayflyers.com/, both sides, glossy finish for about $60. I chose the 2-4 business day turnaround on a Wednesday and had my bookmarks the following Monday morning. I'd recommend this company.