Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Sick of Me Yet?

More fun questions about me, writing, and the book over at Book Focus today. I especially like the six word story question.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Did Ya Hear?

I also forgot to tell ya'll about the other fun places you could find me today! (slaps self in the head)

You can read all about the Big Idea behind The Shifter over at John Scalzi's blog, Whatever.

Find out more about me in an interview at Sierra Godfrey's blog.

And see if you or your characters are running the show over at The First Novels Club.

Thanks for letting me share your space, guys!

Happy Release Day!!!!


The Shifter comes out today! The Shifter comes out today!

-happy dance, followed by squeals of joy, followed by more happy dancing-

I won't get all mushy on you guys, but this is a great day for me. A lifelong dream has come true, and it's cool that I get to share it with so many wonderful folks. (Okay, I got a little mushy).

Also, a reminder that I'll be at the Alpharetta, GA Barnes & Noble tomorrow at 7pm. I'll also be at Fox Tale Books in Woodtsock, GA on Saturday, the 10th, at 1pm, doing a young writers workshop. Come on by, because if no one shows up, I'll be really bored. (to say nothing of the embarrassment!)

And now for some shameless self serving requests...

If ya'll are so inclined, please tell folks about the book (and the book signings). Blogs, lunchtime chat, office gossip, twitter, anything to get the word out there. I'd really appreciate it.

Let the celebrating begin!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Four Days and, Oh, You Know the Rest...

Quick post today because I've been running around like a crazy girl all day. Nothing really major, just getting all my ducks in a row for next week. I did stop by the Barnes & Noble in Alpharetta, and they have a poster up for the book singing next week, so that was exciting.

I actually have some tips this time, and not just a rundown of the day.

My husband and I have been looking at marketing materials and giveaways and whatnot, and it's easy to get swept up in it all and spend money that wont actually help your book sales. (Yes, I know it's hard to know if any of this stuff actually does help, but it's fun.) Luckily, my husband is a sharp cookie and he's been good at looking at this from a cost vs benefit perspective. My tendency to go "Ooo won't people love that?" is balancing against his cold hard facts and irritatingly logical mind. We've come up with some fun ideas, and will probably test a few to see how they go.

In a month or two, I'll do a big rundown on what I did to prepare PR and marketingwise for the book launch as a guest blog over at Tall Tales and Short Stories (still love that title) I'm sure at some point I'll re-post here as well, with some new info as I learn more things. I know when I was trying to figure all this out I checked everywhere I could, and so much of it conflicts that it's hard to know what to do. Like some say bookmarks are great, others say don't waste the money they wind up in the trash.

And on that guest blog note...

I've had so much fun doing guest blogs for other folks (you'll start seeing them next week) I thought it would be fun to invite you guys to blog here. October is going to be a hectic month for me, so now's a perfect time to share the love. If you have some ideas or would like to guest blog, drop me a note.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Five Days and Counting...

Today is a little quieter, thank goodness. I actually got some writing done yesterday and a little more today. Hooray!

It was a productive morning.

Got some great news about fantastic bookstore placement from my editor.

Also found out today is the official release date of the UK version (I thought they both came out on the 6th), so for those on the UK, The Pain Merchants is out on the shelves! Hear it calling you?

The new website is live, though I did catch one or two things we still need to fix. (Isn't that always the case?).

Confirmed another book signing, so if you live in the Gainesville, GA area, I'll be at Hall Book Exchange November, 14, from 1-3pm. Here's a list of appearances, events and news so far. Reminder that I'll also be at Barnes & Noble in Alpharetta, GA on Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm, and in Woodstock, GA Saturday 1pm at Fox Tale Books.

Also confirmed a school visit to Otwell Middle School on October 22-23. A second school visit is still in the works but I hope to have dates for you shortly.

Another guest blog has been added to the list, which looks like it might be a recurring visit for a few months. Some cool topics, so it should be fun. You'll see me all over next week, so I hope you won't get sick of me. -grin-

Sent out for quotes on some promotional event materials, like posters and some cool mood pencils to use as giveaways at the schools. They turn from dark blue to light blue, symbolizing pynvium blue and shifting. (Thanks to my bud Bonnie for suggesting those).

Had a friend email me a photo of my book on the shelf at her local bookstore, out a week ahead of schedule. (Which is embedded in the email and I can't see to get it out of there or I'd post it)

Had two friends tell me they saw the interview I did for Writer's Digest Magazine, so that's out now as well. Check your stores! I haven't seen it yet, so "go to the store and buy a copy of WD" is now on my To-Do list.

Whew.