Getting Better

Getting better, but it'll take a while. At least I'm off work on Wednesdays anyway, so I'm not using up a sick day. I fell asleep again on the couch and woke up a few hours later. It's best to get my sleep while I can. Colds are weird that way.

In the morning, I'll have to think up something special to say here, but for now I better hit the hay.

I'm a Puppy

Well, Rascal may not be a puppy anymore, but I am. To keep my blogs going, I'm posting these few lines. After that, I will try to go to sleep. This cold or flu or whatever it is came onto me yesterday and is getting worse. Bummer. At least I made it through the book signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday before getting sick. For that I'm grateful, especially since it was very successful.

Good night,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Rascal Gets Blessed - 2008 - The Blessing

It's been a week and a day since Rascal got blessed. Have I noticed any difference? Hmm, Rascal says she's taking the 5th amendment. Actually, she did good today at obedience class. She hadn't gone there in a while, but she remembered what to do and everyone was pleased with her performance.

Of course, that's that's part of her scheming - pretending to be a model dog, then being a brat later, especially when my husband is in the other room or sleeping. She knows I'm easy prey and I fall for almost anything, like when she whines and acts so sad I have to give her a treat or bone to play with, though she's got a bunch of stuff littering the floor. I really need to put my foot down one of these days. Sure.

Easy As 1, 2, 3 - Book Signings

If you prepare ahead of time, book signings can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. See my post yesterday on how I got ready.

One thing to remember is don't sit still. If you must be at your table, it's best to stand. Roaming the store with bookmarks and copies of your book is also a good way to get the word out that you're there. Bookmarks are great conversation breakers. Even if customers don't buy books that day, sometimes they'll order from the publisher,from Amazon, or the library. Also, many people like to decide what to purchase in private, so they'll take the bookmark, walk away and read it, then maybe come back if they're interested.

I'm happy to report the book signing went very well today at Barnes & Noble, Arlington Heights, Illinois. I sold books, made new friends, and enjoyed the company of fellow mystery authors, Michael Black and J.A. Konrath. They had a great selling day also, by the way.

Goes to prove a successful book signing is as easy as 1,2,3 if you know what to do.

1. Morgan Mandel

2. Michael Black, Morgan Mandel

3. Michael Black, Morgan Mandel, J.A. Konrath

Preparing for a Book Signing

Here I am at one of my first book signings - Barnes & Noble DePaul Center in March, 2006.

Tonight I'm getting ready for a book signing tomorrow, Sat, Oct 18, 1-3pm at Barnes and Noble, 13 West Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL.

For those who don't know how to get ready, here's what I do in advance:

• Confirm the date with the book store coordinator.


• Find out if the book store will be able to order the books or if I should bring them.


• Make sure I have enough books to bring.


• Tell people about the signing by word of mouth or Internet, if possible newspapers.


• Make sure I have enough promo to bring with for the event. I bring book posters, a photo of myself, rack cards, postcards, business cards, sell sheets and most important, bookmarks. I've also got some giveaway items, among them pens and keychains.


• Arrange transportation. Since there's no conflict in schedules, my husband can drive me. Also, this time it's not too far. If it were at an unfamiliar spot, I'd be checking with the store and the Internet, even my Iphone, to figure out how to get there.

If I haven't done it before, the night before I:

• Make the final decision on my clothes. What I wear depends on the image I wish to project. Tomorrow, I'll wear an argyle sweater with white cuffs and collar, a black jacket for just in case it's cold, black slacks and black leather comfortable shoes since I plan not to sit still, but scout out the readers. This is a safe outfit, which looks professional, but not overly so. Since I have both a mystery and a romantic comedy to sign, I'm treading the line. If I were selling a medical book or something more intense, I'd wear something more staid. I still have to decide on earrings and a ring. I'm not sure if a necklace will go with the outfit. I have time to figure that out tomorrow.


• Get my books together. This time I've put them in a box which fits in a shopping cart. Although it's a mystery authors' book signing, I'm bringing both Two Wrongs, the mystery, and Girl of My Dreams, my romantic comedy. I've had shoppers pick up both books without looking at them and purchase them on the spot. You never know.


• Get my promo together. This time I've put them in two tote bags to balance the load.


• Change purses. I'll pick out one of my many purses that's pretty small because I'll keep it on me when I roam the store. It's not a good idea to abandon your purse at any time during an event like this where it's easy to get distracted. The nicest looking people can hide nasty streaks. Guys don't have to worry about this item on the list.

So, I've got most of my act together. Tomorrow I'll go to aerobics class in the morning, but will have more than enough time to get ready for the 1:00 p.m. start of the book signing. I'll make sure to leave home early to get there ahead of time so I can confirm procedures with the store coordinator and set up my portion of the table. Whatever I do, I don't want anyone wonder where I am. Being late is not the image I want to project.

Time now to relax a bit. I'll be busy enough tomorrow. Let me know what you do to get ready for a book signing. Did I forget anything? Hope not. I'll find out when I get there.

Ask Angela - Twitter Help

TWITTER HELP

LAURIE (L.C. LEWIS) asks: Not only do I not know how to use Twitter I don't even know what "Twitter" is. I would also love to know about the value of marketing on Facebook and MySpace, and the best sites for virtual book tours.

I'm writing my current series under the name L.C. Lewis and my most recent release is Book Two in my historical fiction series, "Free Men and Dreamers." It's entitled, Twilight's Last Gleaming.

Thanks for the advice!
Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
http://www.laurielclewis.com/
http://www.laurielclewis.blogspot.com/

Author of the Free Men and Dreamers Series Featuring
Dark Sky at Dawn, Twilight's Last Gleaming
Buy at the Wicked Wordsmith store!

Angela says : Laurie - Great questions!
Twitter is considered a microblogging site, where you only have 140 characters to share your thoughts. Check out my column on how to use Twitter easily and effectively. I also have a column about marketing with MySpace which you might find helpful.

I will say at this time that I have much better luck meeting serious readers and writers on Facebook. This social network - which recently launched a nifty redesign -is cleaner than MySpace, and offers authors the ability to create Fan Pages, like these for Pop Syndicate and Canadian author Elizabeth Van Amelsvoort. When you create a Fan Page, be sure to put the link to the site for folks who are NOT logged in. That way, someone surfing Facebook doesn't have to have an account to find you.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that social networks are for authors who target youth. Everyone is networking with someone online - even if they don't have an account with MySpace, Facebook or Ning.

As for virtual tour stops, you need to target your market. Find sites that appeal to readers in your demographics. Book review sites are a given for nearly all authors of adult fiction. Then, you will want to target sites that support your genre.
Find out more about virtual tours here.
Good luck!

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at:http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Ask Angela

VIRTUAL TOURS = SALES?

BILLIE WILLIAMS SAYS: Hi Morgan and Angela,
My question for Angela is about blog tours -- Do these increase sales significantly? Or is there some other method of promotion that seems to do more for individual authors?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I'll be looking forward to reading this column.

Billie A. Williams
Ancient Secrets
Buy it from the Wicked Wordsmith store!
Mystery/SuspenseAccidental Sleuths solve crimes with wit, wisdom and chutzpah
www.billiewilliams.com

Angela says: Billie -Thanks for submitting your questions through Morgan Mandel's blog. Virtual tours are the best option for authors with low budgets to reach a massive audience. You do them from home - or a coffee shop - on sites guaranteed to find fans in your target demographic.

Every author I have interviewed says they noticed an increase in page views at Amazon and their Web sites and/or blogs during a tour. Some saw significant sales increases; others got higher search engine rankings and found new fans, albeit on a smaller scale. You may not sell a book from that one viewer, but that person could forward your site to a friend, family member or coworker who likes your genre - and requests your novel as a gift, or adds it to an Amazon Wish List.

The more you are on the Web, the more chances readers have of finding you. In this vast world of books, where every cover is screaming out at readers to buy it - and promotional budgets are non-existent for non-bestselling authors - you need every advantage you can get. Online promotion - particularly virtual tours - allows you to touch base with fans, network with other professionals and save money on gasoline and other expenses.

Canadian author Cheryl Kaye Tardif became a bestseller because of her online promotions. Now, she is taking it a step further by writing her next novel, Finding Bliss, on an iPhone 3G. She has already completed several interviews on using the latest techno gadgets to write. It is a great cross-promotional tool.

I would encourage you to read my column on Virtual Tours to get started. Then, check out my other columns on marketing plans, and integrating microblogs like Twitter into your online campaign.

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at:http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Hot Mamas

Okay, after seeing Trace Adkins Friday night at Sears Centre Arena, his performance was so great, some of his songs just happened to stick in my mind. Actually, that probably would have happened even if I hadn’t gone to the show. Like everyone in the world probably knows, I do love country music.

Anyway, his song, Hot Mama, sprang to mind when I read an article in the Daily Herald in the Health & Fitness Section on Monday. It was about Moms participating in an unusual health program called StrollerFit, with all kinds of fun exercises like Peek-A-Boo Lunges and Ring-Around-the-Rosie Squats.

Apparently this craze is sweeping the NorthWest Suburbs of Chicago and classes are being held at many park districts. More on this program is at www.strollerfit.com.

Gone is the idea that once a woman has a child she can no longer be attractive. Instead, women are encouraged to get back into shape and not suffer in the process. Many books feature women who have children. Miraculously, somehow they manage to make it through birthing without losing their svelte beauty.

Some themes centering around women who give birth are the Single Mother Going It Alone, Man Falls for Woman with Instant Family, and the Secret Baby novel. Secret Baby is about how a woman keeps the birth of a baby from the biological father. At some spot in the novel he learns about his child and mayhem results. Although it’s been done often, if it’s done well, the suspense and discovery can be riveting. If you’d like to read one, I recommend This Time for Always by Debra St. John. You’ll hear more about her novel in a later post.

In the meantime, I thought I’d put up the link for Trace’s video, Hot Mama, for you to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjdpSQD2bns

Good Neighbor/Bad Neighbor

I hope to get another video ready of Rascal's blessing, but since time is short today, I thought I'd post about something I observed on the way to work this morning.

I happened to look down on the sidewalk and saw some foam pieces, black on one side, white on the other, in varying sizes. They were also on the grass. It didn't take long for me to figure out what they were and it made me sad. Vandals had destroyed someone's Halloween lawn decorations.

Another block down, I saw a friendly gent named Tom. We've gotten into the habit of exchanging a few words about his dog or mine, the weather, or neighborhood happenings as I fly by on my way to the train. I always feel good talking to someone as pleasant as Tom. Also, his wife's garden is a sight to behold. She spends her time creating beauty for everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates her efforts.

Neighbors can be great characters in novels. They can be good or bad, buddies or enemies. There are enormous possibilities of weaving them into a plot, from the best friend to the cheating neighbor. Think about adding a neighbor to your plot if you haven't already.

Rascal Gets Blessed - 2008

Country Concert Review

Awesome Concert Last Night at the Sears Centre Arena!
We had great seats six rows from the stage on the side. Before the show I met up with Marci Braun, Musical Director at WUSN-FM 99.5, America's Country Station.

James Otto came on first for half an hour, put on a great performance and got everyone all revved up.

Then came the guy I really wanted to see - Trace Adkins. I was not disappointed by his performance. His peformance lasted an hour and he was excellent!! I took the most photos of him since he's my fave.

Then came Alan Jackson, who was not a slouch. He did a terrific job and sang so many hit songs for two hours I lost count.

I went home tired, but happy. It was a wonderful venue to see a show. Not only that, the show was worth every penny.

First are my clips from the show, which aren't professional, but it's hard to get any kind of shots in the dark. After that, I found an official youtube video of Trace Adkins for you to enjoy.




Thought you'd get a kick out of this video of Trace's from www.youtube.com. There's more over there, by the way.

Do You Like Country?

What Country Artist Do You Like? Leave a Comment, please.

I Can't Wait by Morgan Mandel

Tonight my husband and I are going to a concert starring Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins. As some of you may know, I'm a huge fan of country music. I listen to country music at America's Country Station, WUSN, 99.5 FM, in Chicago each night as I go to sleep and wake up to it in the morning. I also love watching and listening to GAC.

I have no idea yet what to wear, except jeans for sure. I don't have any fringed shirts, but I'll find something. I do have a western hat, but am not sure if I wish to alienate people in back of me by wearing it. I don't expect to be able to take photos, because at places like that they don't usually allow it. Too bad. I would have liked to put some up on my blog.

I haven't been to a paying concert in a while. I've been to plenty of outdoor festivals with free concerts during the summer and was happy with the entertainment, although none of the singers were currently popular.

The last concert I attended at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois was a problem. Although I love Rascal Flatts and it's not really a rowdy group, the screaming fans were so loud I had to stuff tissue in my ears. I still got a headache afterwards. From then on, I decided to listen to their CDs instead.

That was a much younger crowd than I expect at tonight's show, since Alan and Trace are a bit older, closer to my age. Also, it will be at the fairly new Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, so hopefully the acoustics will be better. I've never been there, so I'm curious to check it out.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. I better sign off now. I have to figure out what I'm wearing still.

Ask Angela

*ARCS - TO SEND OR NOT TO SEND*

CAROL GORDON EKSTER asks: I wondered what your opinion is on how many books to send out yourself (as opposed to your publisher) to reviewers or people who might spread the word about your book. Each book costs the author plus the mailing, and I'm confused about how much promotion to do. Any insight you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks, Carol Gordon Ekster
Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?-A Story of Divorce
a children's book released by Boulden Publishing, fall, 2008
http://www.carolgordonekster.com/

Angela says: Great question, Carol! First, try to find out from your publisher or publicist where ARCs are sent. Some will have standard outlets that always receive ARCs. As for your personal stack, you should only send to publications that you know want the book and will likely do a review. Don't expect every one to follow through. It simply is not feasible. Don't spend a ton of money send ARCs via FedEx, USPS overnight delivery, UPS or DHL. Send it media mail - unless specifically requested by the publication.

There is no guarantee faster delivery will get you a quick review turnaround. To save time and money, ask reviewers if they will accept a PDF ARC via email. Some will, some won't. Personally, I get a better reading experience from a hardcopy, but I do make exceptions - particularly for self-published/POD authors. You may consider using password protection for the PDF, and sending that information in a separate email. If you don't have the full Adobe program to covert Word to PDF, visit Adobe's Web site, where you can do that for a nominal fee.

*BLOG ETIQUETTE*

JESSICA JAMES asks: I am getting ready to plan a blog tour and have a couple of bloggers I would like to contact. What is the proper etiquette for contacting them, and what should I offer them in return for their time and energy in hosting me?

Jessica James
Author of the award-winning Civil War novel,
Shades of Gray
http://www.jessicajamesbooks.com/

Angela says : Jessica -Congratulations for your entry into the virtual realm! You will find most bloggers don't stand on ceremony - but that doesn't mean you should send less-than-stellar email queries.

At Pop Syndicate, I immediately delete all queries with rampant misspellings, poor punctuation and incoherent thoughts. I don't expect someone to be formal; just professional. If they don't care enough to send a well-written, but brief, MySpace message, chances are they won't follow through on their tours.

Keep your queries short and to the point. Use the host's name, if available. Tell them why your novel is a good fit for their blog and ask them to consider hosting you. Include your email, address, phone and Web site in the signature line. Do not send attachments of your book cover or excerpts until they are requested.

In return, tell the bloggers you will promote their site and your tour date to your fans on social networks, in newsletters, forums, listservs, groups and any other online venue you belong to. Some may ask you to do a permanent link to share on their site - I'll post your site if you post mine.

Consider these requests, but do not feel obligated. If you do several tours, your list will become too long and difficult to navigate, and will clutter your page.

Read more about planning virtual tours here.

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at :http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Habit - Get Into It

(Tune in tomorrow for Ask Angela, a new Thursday feature. This week authors, Jessica James and Carol Gordon Ekster, get answers to their questions about book tours and ARCs. )

At the end of August I joined a listserv called blogbooktours. The aim of this group is to get people ready for virtual book tours. Their August challenge was for its members to post a blog a day for a month.

I'd gotten in on the tail end of this challenge, but I decided to make my own challenge. Beginning August 29, I started doing a blog each day here. It wasn't easy at first, and sometimes it still isn't, but I did get into the habit of daily blogging.

I went along pretty well, but then a distracting obstacle came along - vacation. Could I or did I want to continue blogging each day while on vacation? With many fun things to do and only a little over a week to do them, did I really want to spend time blogging? Even before I got to our summer cottage in Wisconsin, on Saturday I faced an over seven hour drive. Once at my destination, I also faced unpacking and organizing, which would take up time. Could I do my blog that day?

Fortunately, I remembered a feature on blogger where I could preschedule my posts. I didn't have a bunch of posts to schedule ahead of time, but I did manage to do an extra post the night before I left. I scheduled it to post the next day and it published as promised. The string of blogs was not broken.

I used the feature a few other times on vacation, but most of the time I fit my blogs in no matter what. Why? Because I got into the habit of doing so, even with other things to do, like shopping binges, a visit to a radio station, playing slots at the casino for hours, way too much eating of food, and a book signing at Book World in Eagle River, Wisconsin during Cranberry Fest.

Here's a photo from the signing.
If you start the right one, habit can be a good thing. Think of something you really want to do, but don't know if you can carry it through. It may be blogging. It may be getting a certain number of pages written on your manuscript each day. It may be submitting your manuscript to editors. You decide.

Once you start, pretty soon you'll get into the habit and it won't be so hard to do. Try it.

A Dream Lost

While I've been working on my blog, in the background is WGN Sports describing the White Sox fans dressed in black filing out of Cellular Field like they were leaving a funeral.

Once again, Chicago's hopes have died. Now both teams are out of the running to advance to the World Series.

It was only a dream anyway, especially for the Cubs fans who've waited and hoped for a miracle for over 100 years.

Still, there's nothing wrong with dreams. I have plenty that might not ever come true. They keep me going and hoping that maybe someday...you never know.

For one thing, if I hadn't dreamed, I never would have gotten Two Wrongs or Girl of My Dreams published. In fact, the reality show contest for Girl of My Dreams is based on the producer's concept of his dream girl.

Like many authors, I dream about getting a bestseller, quitting my day job and spending more time writing. I also dream about a larger kitchen with lots of cabinets, eating whatever I want and not gaining weight, so many other things.

What do you dream about?

And Then There Was One

Cubs, Sox and Brewers all in the playoffs! Wow! Lots of excitement around here. I was actually wondering who to root for if they played each other, and I'm not a true sports fan. I usually get involved only when it really means something. Then, I pick any Chicago team, since I live in the area. Also, since our summer cottage is in Wisconsin, the Brewers are my next favorite.

Unfortunately, the Cubs and the Brewers lost three in a row. That left the White Sox.

The division playoff is a great lesson in building suspense. With each loss, the White Sox faced extinction. They lost one, then two. They needed another or it would be all over.

A good author doesn't let anything come easy, but instead makes the character face all kinds of mental and/or physical calamaties on the way to achieving a goal. With each victory, another obstacle presents itself.

The White Six won Sunday's game. Now they've lost two and won one. Will they overcome their deficit or fold? Time will tell.

Remember to keep the suspense going. Drag out the conclusion of your novel as long as you can. Keep the readers guessing, like the Sox are doing to their fans.

Which is Worse?

Which is worse, packing for vacation or packing to go home from vacation? I say the latter. Why? Because I have to look forward to going back to work on Monday instead of goofing off.

One thing I will be happy to get back to and that is my DSL. I know, I rag about the slow network card too much while I'm in the NorthWoods, but I do get so frustrated when I want to get more accomplished and have to be patient. I'm not used to being patient any more. I'm so very spoiled.

I set this post up ahead of time since I know we'll be on the road for at least seven hours and then unpacking. We'll be lucky enough to have time for dinner and getting ready for work the next day.

Though the weather could have been better and I lost money at the casino, all in all I did have a good time. It will be at least seven months until we get to come back and I know I'll miss Wisconsin and my dear friend, Jeanne, who promises to visit our neck of the woods for Christmas.

Book Signing at Book World in Eagle River, WI

I had a great time in Eagle River, Wisconsin at Book World. Sue Greenman, the store manager, was loads of fun. Here she is on the right with me. Sue and her assistant, Laurie, filled me in on all the local happenings, that is, in between when she rang up sales and I hawked Two Wrongs and Girl of My Dreams. Lots of coming and going of customers since the store is located on Wall Street, the main street in town, and it just happened to be the popular Cranberry Fest weekend. That event is usually a madhouse and today was no exception. The streets were jammed even before we entered the main thoroughfare. The sunny day helped, since the week before was generally cloudy.

This time my mystery, Two Wrongs, though not the latest release, was more popular than the romantic comedy, Girl of My Dreams. Because I can't predict readers' preferences, I always bring both along just in case. Good thing I did. Here I am holding them up. No, I didn't stand in that position all day. Just wanted a photo with both books in it.

I've been reinvited by Sue to come back again for the Saturday of next year's Cranberry Fest. I intend to take her up on her offer. I wouldn't miss it. It was a great way to spend the last day of my vacation in Wisconsin.

Meme - Six Book Things About Myself

I missed the first round on the meme since I had my blog critique yesterday, but better late than never I guess.

Chris Verstraete from Candid Canine tagged me to say Six Book Things About Myself, so here goes:

1. I like to use photos to break up my blogs. Here's Rascal at the Blessing of the Animals two years ago. We were disappointed to learn that Holy Family Church wouldn't have the Blessing this year, but Fr. Hoffman promises to have it again next year.

Unfortunately, Rascal doesn't promise to behave in the meantime.

2. I don't stick to one genre when writing. My first book, Two Wrongs, is primarily a mystery, though it does contain a romance. My second book, Girl of My Dreams, is a romantic comedy, though it contains a sliver of mystery. Now I'm working on three books: one is a mystery, another is a romance, the other is a book about my dog, Rascal, based on actual experience.

3. I listen to other people's conversations when I'm walking to work in Downtown Chicago and try to remember what they say so I can include some version in my books. Often by the time I get somewhere to write it down it's lost, just like my dreams when I wake up after them.

4. I don't always know what I'm going to blog about, but figure it out by something that strikes me while I'm walking my dog.

5. I'm a slow writer. It takes me a long time to get the word count up. Part of my problem is I don't always have large blocks of time to write, so each time I have to go back into the story a bit to ground myself. Another reason is I like to edit, probably more than write. Once the words are down on the page, it's a lot easier to make everything better. The problem is getting the words down in the first place.

6. I created Book Place, a network for authors, readers, illustrators, reviewers, librarians, publishers, editors, and anyone else connected with books to market and share thoughts about their books and writing in general. So far, more than 1300 members are over there networking.

That's my six.

I tag these people to come up with 6 Book Things about themselves:

Helen Ginger - Straight From Hel
Dana Fredsti - Zhadi's Den
Vivian Zabel - Vivian's Site
Maryann Miller - It's Not All Gravy