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.

 

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

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.

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!

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?

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.

Paperbacks are Here!

Isn’t it Lovely?!

 

I’ve had a few readers ask about paperback copies. I’m happy to announce that they are now available from your retailer of choice.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my dream. There is more to come.

First Radio Interview

Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

I had my first author interview with Kimberly Kaye at WFKX 96 KIK FM radio in Jacksonville, Tennessee.  I am the “Author of the Week.”

Me? Me.

It was all a dream and I am thankful for being able to live it today.  Kimberly is an excellent interviewer and puts you at ease immediately.  We’re best friends now!

I’m grateful for the opportunity.  Have a listen to the interview below:

Now it’s back to working on this next book.  I have a series to create.

Sidenote:  Did I mention the ebook for “Moment of Truth” is available for FREE on Amazon right now?