Stand Together or Hang Alone

Excuse my forgetfulness. I don't remember exactly which of the founding fathers made the statement, 'We must stand together or we will surely hang alone' or something like that but I believe the sentiment holds true for writers as well as rebels.

All writers are voracious readers also. As a group we're supportive of each other with words and with our actions. We critique for each other, give advice, help each other make contacts and buy each other's books. When there is a booksigning we promote for each other on our blogs, we go to the booksigning even if we've already bought the author's books and cheer for each other when all is said and done.

Last Friday night at Aaron's Book Shop, I was pleasantly reminded of this as I signed copies of my first fantasy novel, The Keepers of Sulbreth. Not only did I have the entertaining company of my fellow CPRW authors, Victoria Burkholder, Misty Simon and Victoria Smith with their wonderful books for sale, we were blessed by several friends dropping by to support us.

Kim Wenger and Donna Grant from CPRW stopped in, made purchases, and offered their support. It was so great for me to have a chance to speak with them outside our meetings. I learned how interesting Kim's job is and about Donna's upcoming adventure to Europe. Another very welcome visitor was Walt Honsinger's from Pennwriters. Walter not only is an accomplished author himself, he's the area representative for Pennwriters and does a terrific job with a monthly newsletter detailing all our successes and promoting our appearances and latest releases. Thank you, Walt!

If you live anywhere near Lititz, you must visit Aaron's Books. Not only is it comfortable and friendly, it contains nearly any book you might desire. It has none of the rushed, noisy, take-a-number feel of the big chain stores. If you can't find a book, they'll order it for you. If you love a certain author, they can recommend a similar author you might want to try. And the town of Lititz has atmosphere aplenty.

Last but not least, I should mention how our booksigning fared. WONDERFUL! I believe I sold every book they'd ordered for me and my fellow writers did as well or better. Thank you everyone!

Remember support each other and support your local independent bookstore. If you have one to recommend in your part of the country let us know so we can all stand together and help each other survive.

Giving Them Wings

This Sunday, I will deliver my third and youngest son to his first year of college. He's the mature independent sort and handles stress with an ease I envy. I'll know he'll be fine, but it's still difficult to send another child out on his own. I've done what I can for him. Hopefully he'll remember his manners, his responsibilities and shine all on his own.

I can't help but compare this to the day I have planned for next week. My publisher, Medallion Press, sent me an entire stack of cover flats. One day next week, I'm going on the road to all my local bookstores. I'm going to introduce myself and hand them a cover flat with all the information on for retailers to order my January release, The Keepers of Sulbreth. I'm also going to send cover flats to some independent book stores I know of that are out of driving range.

I remember being nervous sending out that first manuscript. It was very much like watching my oldest son walk in the school door on his first day of kindergarten. There was so much insecurity. Was my son ready? Was my book ready? Turns out my son was but the book needed a lot more work. LOL

Now I'm trying for the next step. Now I have to sell myself in person to those booksellers and convince them to take a chance with their precious shelf space. Hopefully a few will even take a chance on a book signing in January. I'm more nervous about this then sending my eighteen year old to a college many hours from home. I'm sure he's ready. Now I need a little of that confidence myself.

Are there other suggestions out there of places to drop my cover flats? Have any of you talked to bookstores in preparation of your book's release? Does a personal visit convince them to order your book? How much say do local managers have in what fiction books end up in their store? I guess I'll find out.