Review Bloggers

I am trying to get more involved with the reading community on the web. I reached out to Bunny Cates and while she doesn't read books in my current genre: Hollywood Romantic Suspense (like my novel "Marquel") she did recommend several other book bloggers. Up until now, I have been unsuccessful in finding book bloggers who respond to tweets, so contacting bloggers through their blog sites seems to be more beneficial. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again Bunny! See www.bunnycates.com

New ebook cover - need your votes

Last night and today, I've been testing out a couple of new covers for my ebook, "Marquel." The book trailer will be up soon and my daughters have convinced me to get a better cover. If you would like to vote on your preference go to: www.facebook.com/marquelthemovie The movie is in development, but the photos from the book trailer and the new cover are up. However, I want to add that I went to a local Panera to write today and took print outs of the 4 covers and discovered this is a great marketing tool. Many diners were eager to help with their opinion and it only took a few moments to show all 4 looks.

Book signing observations

So I'm making an effort to attend other authors book signings and events. I really want to observe the best and worst and get some original ideas. The top 2 author events I've attended were a Stephen King appearance in Sarasota about 5 years ago and a Martha Stewart cookbook signing in Tampa. King's event was boring. I think the man is a genius, but his stage presence could use some tips from his inner writer. He chose to read a short story, as I recall and most authors do read from a current work but he could have indulged us in some stories from his tour or the drive to the venue, anything! Stephen King needs a holographic Tupac to engage with, as he doesn't seem to know what to do with a giant room full of people who adore his writing. King doesn't appear shy or annoyed, just there. Take away from Stephen King event: Act interested and share a little about yourself. Also, write tons of bestsellers! As for the Martha Stewart's signing, it was a brillantly organized event that snaked around her brands in the houseware's department of Macy's. Her people managed the crowd, engaged with Martha fans, got books prepped for the next in line and Martha took a moment to speak with most everyone who stepped forward and she signed things her handlers said she would not. Bravo to Martha. Take away from Martha Stewart event: Get help! Have trusted friends engage with your audience and keep them excited about your book. Be friendly and listen to those who waited to see you. Now each of these mega superstars have paid their dues and have my total respect. I went to another signing this week by a Florida author and for some stupid reason, I feel compelled to give my book to other authors? Like I think it's a common courtesy. Does someone what to help me with this? Am I wasting books? Is it like going to a party and bringing a bottle of wine to the host, or is it just my Madmen upbring? Am I just to buy their book and shake hands or just sit and watch? It's not like anyone knows me. Well I got the look from the author like, "I'm going to burn that when I get home," when I placed my book in front of her. Should I have curtsied, too? But she didn't miss a beat swiping my credit card on her SquaredUp iPhone. So, I'm going to keep observing. But I have this need to reinvent the book signing! More to come...

A week in the life of the film mom

It seems like everything converges at once. The youngest is doing the finishes touches on the book trailer for my novel, "Marquel" and the oldest is so busy working that I barely have time to speak with her. Oh, our youngest also had her short film "Relative Eternity" screen in LA SHORTS on Monday! And, our oldest had a great audition, but I can't keep up what project she is auditioning for. When either one of our daughters call, they are using a headset/speaker phone while driving and I get every third word. It's like, "Mom ...don't... for... listen...I..."

I also get cryptic text messages from both of them with no punctuation: dont know how cook steak read 

Translated as a reply from a prior message, a question and demand for attention: I don't know. How do you cook steak? Read!

Now, I'm supposed to understand this while juggling the other tasks in my life. So this week I was getting laptop repair for the oldest daughter, as well as get graphics set and a printing order for her headshots, while the youngest needed props shipped to LA. It all sounds simple, but the laptop repair had several hiccups and problems that made the expense of the virus infected unit more than anticipated. The shipping of the props was a priority mail sock in the wallet that was to arrive on Saturday and didn't. The headshots had a mark in the plate that printed a slash on our daughter's face and that had to go back. All the while, I'm still managing my marketing accounts and attempting to get a roof repair fixed at my mother's and work on the 2nd novel nights and weekends. I really only manage to get weekends for writing. But at least I got a blog post in this week! Finally! Got to rest up for the week ahead and it starts in a few hours...