I Ran Off with the Circus

by Nicole Seitz
Some of the most unexpected blessings of my entire writing journey have been the people I've met and friendships formed along the way. Not something you'd expect to hear from a girl who, on her kindergarten report card, had "Cannot throw a ball" and "Does not play well with others."

I've come a long way, baby. My husband makes this puppet-moving-mouth movement with his hand when I talk too much...to strangers. I like strangers. They're strange, just like me. And over the past several years, strangers are becoming my fastest, bestest friends. Let me explain.



Ringmaster, Kathy Patrick

 Last weekend, I ran away to the circus. Really. If having the time of your life, dressing up in costumes and laughing the nights away with a bunch of clowns and animal tamers is the circus, then I'm not lying. I am still riding high after an amazing trip to Jefferson, TX, where every year the Pulpwood Queens book clubs congregate to party down at Girlfriend's Weekend. Kathy Patrick, friend to all, is the mastermind and Energizer bunny behind all of this. She was probably the girl in kindergarten that everyone fought to sit next to. She is a magnet for good times and fellowship, and people flock to her and the the quaint historic town of Jefferson.

This was my third straight year of attendance, and for me, it just keeps getting better and better because of the PEOPLE! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed visiting with friend Shellie Rushing Tomlinson (author of SUE ELLEN AIN'T FAT, SHE JUST WEIGHS HEAVY). We met three years ago at the same Jefferson Convention center--I was dressed as a cicada Barbie with wings and she was a rainbow. We just hit it off. This time, we sat talking in Beje's Diner with Christian karaoke going on in the background dressed in pink prom attire. It was just what we needed.

Me, Shellie, Lisa Wingate, Carla Stewart, Marybeth Whalen



I also got to spend time with other amazing authors and friends, River Jordan, Michael Morris (I bought his wife's painting in the silent auction), Karen Harrington, Kathryn Casey, Marybeth Whalen, Lisa Wingate, Carla Stewart, Judy Christie, Marcia Fine...okay, I'll stop here, because the list is just too long, but you get the point! And I haven't even mentioned the Pulpwood Queens who have touched my heart year after year!



Jimmy Moomaw, author of
SOUTHERN FRIED CHILD, and me



In addition to some old friends I've made along my writing journey, I got to make some new ones. I cannot name them all, but let I'll give you some highlights: driving author Robert Hicks (THE WIDOW OF THE SOUTH) around and around between Shreveport and Jefferson, missing my turns because he's such an amazing storyteller. Being outfitted by the lovely Pulpwood Queens of Eureka (and Woodlands) in a pink prom dress, gloves and silver shoes. Staying at the Benefield House Bed and Breakfast and being spoiled by sweet owner Donna. Visiting last year's bed and breakfast, Steamboat Inn, just to visit with those sweet owners. Meeting Jimmy Moomaw, who turned 75 years old with us and told me to buy her book "Because it's really good. No crap." I liked her frank style and the way she boogied on the dance floor so I bought that book and cannot wait to read it. And how could I forget talking about how I missed my family back home with author William Torgenson (LOVE ON THE BIG SCREEN), and learning he turned sentimental on me and went to call his own family after our chat.



The point is, I never knew playing with others was so much fun. What was I afraid of before? What's amazing to me, is that when it comes to a love of books, people seem to be able to reach a deeper level of intimacy quicker, and therefore, the relationships seem more meaningful. I have become more open to others because of writing my books and I've learned to reach out and truly connect. Of course, I realize there is a divine hand at play because the connections seem so poignant and perfectly timed. All in all, I am blessed with many people I truly care about now, and that is a far cry from the girl who, not so long ago, liked to keep to herself behind a computer screen. I'm fairly sure when I'm too old to remember any of the titles of my books, I'll still have some of these friends around to haunt me with freakish photos from our weekends in Jefferson. Knowing me, I'll just invent my own past and convince myself I really did run away to the circus. And you know, that doesn't seem like such a bad way to go.

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Nicole Seitz's latest novel releases on January 31, BEYOND MOLASSES CREEK. She is the author of five other novels and often paints elements of her book covers. She lives in Charleston, SC, with her sweet family. Visit her web site at http://www.nicoleseitz.com/ or find her on Facebook and Twitter.



Jimmy Moomaw, SOUTHERN FRIED CHILD



Bill Torgensen, LOVE ON THE BIG SCREEN

Pulpwood Queens of Eureka, Pam and Heidi

PROMOTING YOUR FIRST BOOK

By:  Mary Alice Monroe

You’ve finished your first novel, sent it to New York, and your pub date is set. Congratulations! Now you wonder what can you do to help your book succeed?

If you had asked me this question just a few years ago, I would have my answer ready. I’d tell you to visit bookstores in your region, set up book signings where possible, offer book marks if they accept them, and establish a relationship with the booksellers.

A problem many new authors face, however, is getting a bookseller to agree to a signing. If you are self published, it is even more difficult. If, however, you are successful at securing a book signing date, bring a smile, a cheerful attitude-- and leave all expectations at the door of the bookstore.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump, every book signing is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. Don’t be disappointed if no one is waiting to see you. Remember, as great as it is to walk up to the store and see a line waiting for you, it’s also great to get your book title highlighted in the window, to become acquainted with the book store staff and help them better understand your novel for future hand-selling, and to meet new readers.

What happens at a signing? If you sit at a table with a group of seasoned authors over drinks you’ll hear hilarious stories about book tours and signings. It’s bonding. Rather like a group of mothers sharing labor experiences, or soldiers recounting war stories. Most authors share the common experience of sitting in the front of the store with a stack of their books only to have a person walk up to the table and ask, “Can you tell me where the bathroom is?” or “I’m looking for a book by….” My advice at such a moment is to stay cheerful, introduce yourself and hand her a free bookmark. And if you know where the bathroom is, do tell! Whether the person buys your book at that moment or not, this reader now knows who you are. Consider this progress.

And that’s my point. Stay positive. Don’t measure the success of a book signing solely on number of books sold. Especially today as e-books have radically changed the buying patterns of readers. Other book signing tips include:

• Engage! Don’t sit at the table and tune out. (No reading other books or magazines, looking bored, etc.) Remember that you are a guest of the bookseller. Do as your mother taught you: It is your responsibility as a guest to be cheerful and engaging.


• No intimidation. I’ve watched open-mouthed as an author practically tackles someone and shoves her or his book in the reader’s face. If you do this and the reader walks away with your book, don’t feel smug. The bookseller is likely to find it lying on a shelf further back in the store. Be gentle and sometimes the shy reader will return after you’ve gone to check out your book.


• Practice your pitch. Can you describe your story in two exciting sentences?


• Thank your bookseller for the opportunity to sign. It’s work for them to bring you in, to advertise, and to offer you that cup of coffee. Perhaps buy something in their store.

As for publicity and promotion for your new book, any tip I might offer today may be out of date tomorrow. The business of bookselling is changing so fast we’re all scrambling. With the announcement that e-books will be counted toward New York Times placement, we are left to wonder how to appeal to this new market. Are book tours worth the time and expense? What new methods should we explore?

I honestly don’t know. We’re all searching for answers. I do know this, however. As a seasoned veteran in this business, I’ve witnessed many changes over the years. I’ve learned the only thing you really have control over is your book. Write the best book you can. Word of mouth is hotter than ever. Impulse buying can result in more books sold overall. For example, if a reader raves about a book she just read, another reader can download it instantly.

• Be positive. Negative thoughts can destroy your career. Watch what you say about other authors, too. The publishing world is like a small town.

• Take the long view. Success doesn’t usually happen overnight.

• Enjoy the experience! We are all so fortunate to be published and read. With each book you write, you’re living the dream.

On Sale May 3, 2011

Mary Alice Monroe is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of thirteen novels.  Her newest book, THE BUTTERFLY'S DAUGHTER, hits stores May 3. 
For more information visit http://www.maryalicemonroe.com/. 

Book Signings That Rock

by Mindy Friddle

Since our proposed topic is the good, the bad, and the ugly of book signings-- I thought I'd concentrate on the good. I mean, enough with the bad and ugly already, right? I don't know about you, but I've had it with that phrase "in this economy." Yeah, it's challenging out there-- but there's good stuff going on, too--inventive, creative events. Especially with book signings. Lately, I've attended or been part of a number of readings and book signings that had something in common: these were successful author events part of a reading series. Groups of readers showed up and bought books.

One example: Litchfield Books' The Moveable Feast, which features literary luncheons with authors at restaurants on Fridays. Tickets are usually $25 each. Books are sold at the luncheons and at the bookstore afterward. I've been honored to do to the Moveable Feast twice as an author-- and both times were fantastic: a roomful of attentive readers.

There are also library-sponsored readings: the Georgia Center for the Book is, again, masterful at organizing author events and cultivating groups of readers who attend and buy books.

There are scads more-- savvy bookstores and libraries and colleges who put together author events that pretty much guarantee that readers will show up. The key, I think, is that they bring the readers to you, the author...they help build a community of readers and writers.

So maybe you live in a place that has no reading series? No author luncheons? No way to bring authors and readers together? Consider starting one. Really! In our community here in Greenville, SC we have a reading series called The Reading Room, sponsored by the nonprofit Emrys Foundation, featuring regional writers who are published and read nationally. We invite [and pay modest honoraria] to poets, novelists, and essayists of the Southeast to read from their work, ask questions of them, and enjoy fellowship with other friends of the arts. [A bookstore is on hand to sell their books.]

And local independent bookstore Fiction Addiction is launching a NEW luncheon series here called Book Your Lunch providing "the ultimate food for thought" with a wide range of authors -- from mystery writers, to award-winning regional novelists to nonfiction and cookbook authors. The series kicks off Sept. 1 with debut novelist Amanda Gable, author of The Confederate General Rides North.

Hey, you can even host readings in your home! [see Poets & Writers article: "thanks to a growing trend in grassroots marketing and publicity, writers in the San Francisco Bay area are reading to packed houses—literally.]

Necessity is the mother of invention-- that old saw is apt. It sure sharpens the entrepreneurial spirit.

Mindy Friddle is the author of THE GARDEN ANGEL (St. Martin's Press/Picador) and SECRET KEEPERS (St. Martin's Press). Visit www.mindyfriddle.com and her blog, Novel Thoughts: On Reading, Writing & the Earth to read excerpts from her novels, interviews with authors, book reviews, and random musings.