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.

 

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?

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

Book Photoshoot

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

 

 

Smashwords Promotion

Beginning today through April 16th, Moment of Truth is available via Smashwords for 75% off the ebook price.  That’s a savings of over $2.00.  To take advantage of this special pricing, go to Smashwords.com and enter coupon code: ML78V

Thanks in advance.  And as always, please leave a review.

Virtual Book Tour Links – Revised Cover

Revised Cover – Same Great Story
Original Cover

 

 

 

 

I revised the cover after the virtual book tour was announced.  Want to hear me talk about it?  Visit any of these links below:

 

 

Nothing But Books http://pauletteharper.blogspot.com/

Reviews by Crystal           http://reviewsbycacb.blogspot.com

Arlena’s Book Reviews    http://arlenasbookreviews.blogspot.com

Perfect Chaos    http://sdwperfectchaos.blogspot.com

Rainy Day Reviews           https://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/

Keep Calm and Write On              www.kristyfgillespie.com

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm        http://lynnromanceenthusiast.blogspot.com

Mello & June, It’s a Book Thang! https://mellojune.com

Maureen’s Musings         http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com

Adrienne Thompson Writes         http://authoradriennethompson.blogspot.com/

Room with Books             https://roomwithbooks.com

Books for Book Lovers    www.kimpayne.wordpress.com

Harper’s Court   https://harperscourt77.blogspot.com/

Hope. Dreams. Life… Love           http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

The bookworm lodge      www.thebookwormlodge.com

Write Stuff          www.thewritestuffradio.wordpress.com

Loves Great Reads           https://lovesgreatreadsblog.wordpress.com

LBAS Book Blog http://www.lovebitesandsilk.co.uk

Sheena Binkley https://sheenabinkley.com/

J.L. Campbell      www.joylcampbell.com

Beach Bound Books        https://www.beachboundbooks.com/blogging-about-books

The Pen and the Needle https://thepenandtheneedle.blogspot.com

All Write RVA     https://allwriterva.org

Hope, Dreams, Life, Love http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

I’m looking forward to connecting with you in these virtual streets!

Virtual Book Tour

Moment of Truth’s Virtual Book Tour starts today – March 22, 2018!

Hosted by WNL Virtual Book Tours

http://wnlbooktours.com/fiction-authors-book-blast/

Story Soundtrack – Settling Up

I’m working on a chapter for my new book and I have this song on repeat. Can you guess what the scene is about?

Do you read and/or write to music? What’s some of your favorites?

Novel Soundtrack – Settling Up

I’m working on a chapter for my new book and I have this song on repeat. Can you guess what the scene is about?

Where It Began

Where it All Began

I was going through things at my Mom’s house and found this. It made me smile. My very first published book, The Hard Times of Stephanie Ross.

I can clearly see a 5th grade me working with my teacher, Mrs. Bass. I remember writing the story. I can smell the cardboard and glue I used to craft the book. I can feel the pride of my parents and teacher when I was recognized by the school district. I got a ribbon and a certificate that day. There was a picture but I couldn’t find that.

This was the moment I learned I could create stories. It’s amazing I can remember my teacher’s name after all this time.

I had several other teachers and professors along the way who encouraged me and recognized that creative spark inside of me. Teachers have a thankless and necessary job molding young minds. The good ones are rarely honored but I hope they know they are appreciated.

Crew, do you remember any teachers in your past that helped shape your future? Shout them out in the comments below.