Blog

Posted on

Things I Learned from My First Book Signing

I had my first book signing, ya’ll! Now, I’ve been to more than a few signings for my favorite authors but it’s different when you’re on the other side of the table.

I didn’t know what to expect.  Would anyone show up?

I was nervous. What do I say if they show up?

I was excited. Oh my God, I can’t believe this is happening!!

And it turned out great. It was a big crowd and I sold more books than I thought I would. Here’s what I learned from the experience:

  1. Invest in a tablecloth. At the last minute I thought about the table covering and bought one from Dollar General. It got the job done but next time I want a more professional look.
  2. Pre-sign books.  It will save time.
  3. Take more pictures. I tried to do this myself and missed some good shots because I was talking with people. I might have to recruit a family member as my photographer.
  4. Pass out cards and bookmarks to everyone that walks by. They may not be a book reader but I bet they know one.
  5. Do a better job getting the notice out. Don’t rely solely on social media.
  6. Invest in bags. It’s another good way to advertise.
  7. Have fun!

The last one is the most important. I definitely had fun and meet some wonderful people.

 

Posted on

June 19th – World Sickle Cell Day

 

No copyright infringement is intended

Today is World Sickle Cell Day.  This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 in order to increase awareness about sickle-cell disease.

In my book, Moment of Truth, a character has the disease. I did extensive research and interviewed someone with the disease. I hope I did it justice.

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited, genetic and potentially fatal disease.  About 80% of people with the disease are African-Americans.  The only known cure is a blood marrow or stem cell transplant.

A person with sickle-cell anemia suffers from anemia due to the abnormal shaped red blood cells.  These “sickle” shaped cells get stuck in the small blood vessels and cause blockage.  Blood vessels and body organs cannot get oxygen which leads to health problems like severe pain, organ damage or failure, severe infections, stroke, headache, liver problems, heart problems and more.

To learn more, you can start here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/index.html

Do you know anyone that suffers from this disease?

Posted on

10 Reasons I Love “The Hitman’s Bodyguard”

This movie came out in 2017 but I didn’t see it until this year on cable. I’ve seen it about 10 times and love it. Here are the 10 reasons this movie is my favorite.

  1. Samuel L. Jackson – any movie with Samuel L. is made better by his presence.
  2. Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool in a suit.
  3. The Premise – The thought of a hitman needing a bodyguard is hilarious to me.
  4. The “seat belt” rule – Watch the movie. You’ll get it.
  5. Salma Hayek – Badass
  6. The inside “mole” that you see coming but works anyway.
  7. The road trip and the car chases.
  8. Triple A rated – Seriously, watch the movie. You’ll get it.
  9. The “plethora” use of the word – muthaf**********
  10. Samuel L. “Muthaf***” Jackson

Bonus:  “When life gives you shit, you make kool-aid.” – Life advice.

#mdrayfordwrites

Posted on

Bestselling List

Guess who made their very first bestselling list. Take a guess. Yeah, that’s right. Me.

Number 9, ya’ll.  I’m beyond excited and motivated to get the next book out there.  Thanks to everyone that purchased a copy.

#NationalBestseller #AALBC #NKPP #mdrayfordwrites

Posted on

Book Photoshoot

Check out the beautiful pictures taken by Jason Frost of @rootbeerphoto

 

 

Posted on

Office View

Here is where the magic happens:

 

I have my story board with characters and brief index cards so I keep the players straight.

I’m excited about the new additions. Can you see them?

T’Challa, Okoye and Erik
Shuri, Nakia and Deadpool

 

 

Wakanda Forever 🙅🏾‍♀️ and Deadpool2

Posted on

Story Soundtrack – WIP

Music is intertwined in everything I write. Right now, this song is on repeat.

 

Posted on

UnArmored Characters

Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

I’m writing my next book and the scene wasn’t working. It should be filled with tension and intrigue but it felt flat. Then it hit me. I applied “Plot Armor” to my POV (point of view) character.

Plot armor is defined as “plot devices that prevent important characters from dying or being seriously injured at dramatically inconvenient moments. It often demotes a situation in which it strains credibility to believe that the character would survive”.

Now, I’m not writing a thriller so no one miraculously survives a fiery crash or close range gun fight. My plot armor was applied in a more subtle way. I didn’t want my character to get her feelings hurt.

I know it’s crazy. In the scene, my character (Carmen) confesses an affair to her best friend, Gayle. And Gayle pulling punches. Not really telling Carmen how she feels. Totally unrealistic. These women have been friends for years. They lived together during and after college. Their relationship is built on mutual trust and a history of supporting each other through good and bad. Gayle would check her friend. Carmen would be upset but that’s not a bad thing.

I went back and revised the scene removing the armor. It worked. Now it reads better and conveys the tension that was missing.

Note to self:  Shit has to get bad for your character! Make them uncomfortable and see what happens. It makes a better story.