Category: Writing Life

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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.

 

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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

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Book Photoshoot

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

 

 

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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

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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.

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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.