ankeny authors fair

Busy Is The Name Of The Game…Or Maybe Crazy

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Either I’m a glutton for punishment, don’t know how to pronounce the word no, or secretly like doing a million things at once.

We added some new lighting to the ‘master’ bath, which leads to a new paint job. I tell ya, there’s nothing like playing contortionist with the ladder. Strangely, I’m not covered in paint. Yes, I usually end up with more paint on me than the walls. As of writing this, I haven’t painted the ceiling, so there’s still a chance.

Plants are arriving and I need to get them in the ground, if the weather would cooperate. I’m not into gardening—hate it, actually—but like the end result.

I was asked to do a promotional flyer for a non-profit. Copy is a completely different beast than fiction. Much more difficult, if you ask me. Darn thing has gone through countless rewrites and changes. Here’s hoping they find one they like and I can check it off my to-do list.

The super-secret project we’ve been working on is in the finishing stages. Just a few tweaks to give it a good send off. If all goes well, I’ll be able to tell you all about it next week. I’m incredibly excited about this and it’s been difficult keeping my mouth shut.

New bookmarks have been ordered and should arrive soon, meaning I’ll be spending an afternoon slicing and dicing the cards. Eventually, I’ll have to change the blade on my paper cutter.

The swag is ready and looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. I’m hoping it will be enough to get me through at least the first two events of the season. If you’re in Central Iowa you can snag one at the Ankeny Authors Fair, or you can come check them out at the North Iowa’s Author Event. I’m also donating a door prize for North Iowa and that’s bagged and ready to go.

Writing this reminds me, I have to order books. This probably should have been higher on the list.

Somebody want to come do my dishes and laundry, so I can keep thinking about what else needs to be done?

How And Why I Choose The Events I Do

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I apologize to my handful of readers for not posting the last couple of weeks. It was a major fail on the part of my hosting company. While doing some maintenance they discovered a problem, a big problem. A problem big enough to take down all the sites housed on this server. Once they got us back online, it was with a backup from January and I couldn’t chance changing things. As of today we are up and running with current content.

Now onto our regularly scheduled blathering…

Today, I want to chat a little about events, conventions and why writers can’t do all the things.

There have been some questions as to why I won’t be attending some local events this year. It’s me, not you. No, seriously, it is me.

You all know I love getting to meet you in person. One of the best parts of my job is interacting with you. Whether it be a chance meeting—I don’t mind you coming over to say hi, if you see me out and about—or at a scheduled event.

It’s not that I don’t get invited. This year alone, I’ve been invited to more than I can count. That’s the problem, making them count. I have to weigh out the pros and cons of each invitation and make a decision on attending.

Most events fall on a weekend, which is great because more of you can attend, but bad because it takes away family time. Not that I’m not used to that, doing hair for multitudes of years has conditioned me to work on weekends.

Many events charge a fee. I’m not complaining, I know that’s how they are able to pay for the venue, advertising and in some cases make it free to the public. Most of the time, it’s money well spent. There are times when you wonder where the money went.

Expenses for travel have to be taken into account. I may not look it, but I do need to eat. There’s the cost of getting there and I need a place to stay. It all adds up.

I know some of you are scratching you heads right now wondering why we—writers—have to worry about this stuff.

There’s a big misconception that we get to do all of this for free. Well, maybe if you’re Stephen King or Danielle Steel, you get comped into the conventions, your travel expenses paid, and you might even get an appearance fee. Not lowly mid-list writers—this goes for both indies and traditionally published—we have to pay our way, just like everyone else.

As much fun as these things are, they have to come out of our marketing budget. That budget includes things like bookmarks, business cards, advertising, fun swag and the giveaways we like to do for you. It all goes hand in hand.

Here are some examples of events I attend and the reasoning behind my choices.

I offer to do library events because I’m a firm believer in the power of libraries. Unlike some writers who charge the libraries for appearances, I always do these for free and give the library copies of my books. I worked as an associate at our local library for ten years and know the problems they face. But I’m not apposed to snarfing down a few cookies and almost enough coffee to fuel my stay. Hard to say no to homemade cookies and caffeine.

I usually don’t attend vendor events. I can’t justify space rental or the time sitting behind a table, when I could use that money elsewhere and spend that time writing. I’m a writer, not a sales person. The one exception is when Prairieland Herbs calls, they’ve been so helpful to me and a few of my friends over the years. Not to mention, it’s a heck of a party when they do a Sample Sunday. It’s also one of the few places that stocks my books.

This year I’m part of a multi-author event in Clear Lake, Iowa. Hosted by BF Bookies, three lovely ladies who run a review site, two are local authors. I try very hard to support our local writing and reading community whenever possible. It’s a free event to the public, which always makes me happy. And my expenses will be minuscule, allowing me to donate to their door prizes and goodie bags, which will make you happy.

With two science fiction and fantasy conventions in the area I have to make a choice. There is no way I can attend both.

Last year I made a flash appearance at DemiCon in Des Moines for an author meet and greet. It was fun to chat with sci-fi and fantasy junkies like myself, but I’ve opted out of attending this year in favor of attending ICON in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

ICON was such a whirlwind last year, I hope I can slow down and enjoy more of the festivities this year. The reason I chose the more expensive of the two can be chalked up to it being a bigger convention—there will be some cross over from DemiCon—so I get to meet more people, I get to socialize with many of my writing buddies from that side of the state and it’s very organized.

If I could have one wish, when it comes to any convention, they would come up with some sort of discount for those who volunteer for programing. It would probably entice more participants. I’m not saying comp the entire event, but maybe have a rate justified by how many programs you are part of.

As much as I love attending events, there are a few I’ve decided to opt out of this year for various reasons. Anything from the cost to what was expected of me. It all has to fit in the budget, whether it be the monetary, writing time or just life in general.

Hopefully, this clears up a few questions about how and why I choose the events I do.

How about all of you, do you intend on attending any events—of any kind—this year?

Author Swag, Take It Or Leave It?

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Swag, the little things writers come up with to promote their books. They’re fun, but what happens to them? Do readers put them, like cherished items, in a keepsake box? Do they end up in the junk drawer? We all have ‘that’ drawer, you know the one with things we’ll never use, but can’t throw away. Or do they toss them in the trash?

I love things that are useful, like bookmarks. Sure, they don’t mean much to those who read exclusively on electronic devices, but to those who still read actual books they are indispensable. If I’m reading something for research I’ll end up with multiples in one book. And as a writer, they can act as business cards in a pinch.

In the back of my addled brain, there’s always been a desire to have one of those cute little trinkets to give my readers. Yes, I have the signature scent, Enchanted, created by Prairieland Herbs, but that doesn’t always work. My male readers, unless they have a girlfriend or wife, couldn’t care less and it’s a bit pricy to just give away and bulky to keep on hand.

My dilemma is finding something to fit the hairstylist theme of the series. I could get imprinted combs, but that just seems boring. I want something a little more fun, a little more memorable. With a little digging I think I’ve found the perfect thing. I’m not going to reveal it here, that wouldn’t fit with my cliffhanger modus operandi. All will be revealed at the first event of the season. So if you’re curious, and in the central Iowa region, stop by the Ankeny Authors Fair in April.

How do you feel about author swag? If you’re an author, what have you used? If you’re a recipient, what do you do with it?

Farewell 2014, Hello 2015!

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2014 was a banner year and I almost hate to see it over, but can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store.

The year started with some unexpected, but greatly appreciated help that opened a door to a whole new world. Rachel Aukes was the key of knowledge and experience that not only unlocked the door, but gave me a push. I will be forever grateful for her shared experiences and introductions to people and places.

Through Rachel I met Dana Beatty, king of publicity in the Iowa sci-fi and fantasy convention world and his lovely wife, Jill. With her recommendation he added me to the list of writers he graciously spends his free time promoting.

At last year’s Ankeny Author Fair I met another key, one who’s work I’d admired from afar, The Slaughterer of People on the Page, Tamara Jones. I’d attended an appearance by Tammy years ago—sponsored by what has evolved into the Saturday Writers—now, I’m lucky and honored to call her friend.

Because I took that step—or stumble, after Rachel pushed me—I was welcomed into a new community. Not only the sci-fi fantasy community, but a community of writers here in the great state of Iowa and a couple from across the boarder in Nebraska. They are fabulous caring and sharing people. People I admire for their talents and aspire to continue passing knowledge and help forward. They know who they are, but Dennis Green, Jed Q. Peterson, Aaron Bunce, Lettie Prell, Terri M. LeBlanc, Maria Watson and Adam J. Witlatch are a few of the wonderful writers and bloggers I met and you should check them out.

2014 also brought changes on the home front. We—by that I mean the Breadwinner, with a tiny bit of help from me—finished the outdoor fireplace and pizza oven project. The backyard, aka Paradise, is one step closer to being the perfect getaway.

I was also lucky enough to tag along with the Breadwinner to New York. What an experience, so many people, so much noise, so many things to see. Total sensory overload. The biggest thing that will stick with me forever is the 9/11 museum. I know it’s my job to put things into words, but I can’t do it justice. It’s something everyone must experience for themselves. The pain, the sorrow, the fear and the anger. Being there has left a heaviness in my soul that can only be eased by my belief in our great nation and the people who live here.

On a lighter note, we did see On The Town and had dinner with a member of the orchestra. A delightful evening was had by all. Both the Breadwinner and I love the arts, but his background in theater made the night extra special.

Our travels wrapped up with a visit to family and friends in northern Iowa. It was nice to catch up over the holidays with everyone back home. And 2014 wrapped with our traditional seafood feast on New Year’s Eve as we watched the countdown to 2015.

All in all, 2014 was a pretty great year and I’m excited about 2015.

I’ve already made plans to attend the Ankeny Authors Fair and Icon 40. I also have a few plans for my Meadowites and changes on the website, including more chat about cosmetics, possibly some step by step tutorials and Q&A sessions. Book 4, in the Fey Creations series, is in the works. No, it doesn’t have a title, but I’m sure something will come to me. With any luck I’ll also have  some of the background stories of various characters finished. So, yes, 2015 will be a busy year.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

What Not To Do At An Event

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I want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by the Ankeny Authors Fair. Getting to chat with you made my day.

Things not to do at an event.

1)      Don’t trust Siri to find the venue the day of the event. Make sure you figure it out before you leave the house.

2)      Don’t forget your name when you greet the organizer. Hopefully, she didn’t notice the deer-in-the-headlights moment brought on by caffeine deficiency.

3)      Don’t stare at your tablemate in awe, no matter how fantastic you think they are. You are just going to make them question their judgement in agreeing to share a table with you.

4)      Don’t drop your jaw in utter disbelief when someone asks you to sign their e-reader. Play it cool and professional, no matter how much you want to jump up and do the Snoopy dance.

5)      Don’t slip into fangirl mode when a writer, you admire takes the time to stop by and chat with you.

6)      Don’t down sell yourself when a writer, you admire wants to purchase your books. Act as though you do this every day and move on.

7)      Don’t say yes to having lunch with the writer you admire and then forget to check your phone. (By the way, you really should have your phone number memorized, so when said admired writer asks for it you don’t have to ask a friend to call your phone to make sure you have it right. Yes, I know the number is in phone info. Chalk it up to another brain fart. Trust me it won’t be the last.)

8)      Don’t ramble when the writer at the adjacent table engages you in conversation. Trust me, you won’t remember a third of what you said and most of it is probably embarrassing. That the writer side of your brain caught fire and you want to continue to study this person is not an excuse. It’s creepy. Don’t do it, or get better at faking a conversation.

9)      Don’t run out of gas before the event is over. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before and pace your caffeine intake to the length of the event. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a great tablemate who will poke you if you’re looking a little more dazed than normal.

10)   Don’t forget to thank your host. Believe it or not, I did not forget to do this!