A Book Signing

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . and a great time for a Book Signing party!  To introduce my recently published book, “288 Chances”, we organized a local Book Signing / Holiday Party that turned out to be a great success.  The event was held at a private residence on Sunday afternoon, December 8th.  Guests arrived to quiet Christmas music playing throughout, the aroma of hot apple cider and a beautifully decorated holiday home, complete with twinkling white lights inside and out - - and even some real snow. 

I had plenty of books on hand ready for signing.  I designed and printed business cards for guests to pick up as they came through the line.  On the front of the card, I included information on where the book is available for purchase, both in paperback and as an e-book for download.  On the back side, I chose an excerpt from my book to give readers a sample of the writings I included.

 

 

I put together an “Inspiration Station” for guests to visit if they chose to.  I offered some printed informational postcards, free for the taking, and also shared some printed articles that outlined some valuable tips and inspirational quotes on writing.  I also created a PowerPoint presentation that played continuously during the 3-hour event, which showed highlights from my book and where I shared some insight on finding the courage to share my words with others.

We offered an assortment of goodies, much appreciated by our guests.

Each guest signed in when they arrived.  We had a drawing at the end of our event and gave away this gift basket to one lucky visitor, which included a complimentary signed copy of my book, some chocolate, a spiced candle and a glass mug with the makings for a cup of hot cocoa or some chamomile tea.  

The next day, the local newspapers published a photo and short article on the event.  All in all, it was a very successful afternoon.  Smaller, more personal group book signings are a great way to put the word out on your book at the local level.  A little planning and organization and you have the opportunity to spread the word about your book in a very positive way.

Here is an interesting article from Authority Publishing.com that may be helpful to you when you plan YOUR first book signing.  It addresses how you might want to personalize your book when signing.

How to Autograph Books: Book Signing Tips for New Authors By Stephanie Chandler

Recently a new author asked me how she should handle autographing her books. It took me back to when I had published my first book, remembering how awkward it felt to sign copies. I also thought about my first business—a bookstore—where we flipped through used books in search of autographs (the equivalent of a literary jackpot!). Some were short and sweet with just a name, while others had more personal inscriptions. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare to autograph your books!

1. Decide where to sign. I like to sign my books on the title page, which is where most books are autographed, though you can also sign the inside cover. In some cases, you may want to sign the front cover, though this is rare and would probably only be appropriate for a coffee table book or something that will be on display.

2. Personalize your message. In most cases people want the book inscribed to them personally, though sometimes it’s intended as a gift so be sure to ask, “Should I sign this to you?” Use their first name and always ask for the spelling since even common names can have unusual spellings. If you have time, try to personalize your message in some way: “It was great meeting you at the XYZ conference” or “I enjoyed learning about your business…”

3. Choose a signature phrase. Ideally you should have one to three phrases that you write each time you sign a book so you don’t have to think too hard! Your message can also be memorable and should fit within the space allotted. When I’m not pressed for time, I sign my books: “Wishing you abundant joy and success.” If a line of people are waiting I simply write “Best wishes.” Here are some others: All my best Thanks In gratitude To your health Much appreciation Warm wishes Best regards Onward Your friend Etc…

4. Make sure your name is legible. Consider the fact that someday your book could be a collector’s item! Even if it isn’t, do you want to leave any doubt that you’re the one who signed it? If needed, practice writing your name so that it is at least partially legible. You should also sign first and last name unless your name is Madonna or Cher.

5. Add a date (optional). Admittedly I usually omit the date—mostly because I can never remember what day it is! But recipients will appreciate it when you date your inscription.

6. Use a good pen. I’ll never forget the day I was signing books and the only pen I had on me was one of those cheap stick pens I picked up from a hotel room. Though it got the job done, I didn’t feel like it demonstrated how serious I am about my work. For those of you who autograph the cover or inside cover, a good Sharpie will probably be your best choice. For everyone else, do yourself a favor and invest in a nice pen. It doesn’t matter if the ink is blue or black, if the barrel is thick or thin, just choose something that you love and that makes you feel like an author! (Oh, and make sure the ink dries quickly!)

Happy writing!

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

An Excerpt

My book, “288 Chances”, is a collection of writings that reflect some of my thoughts on everyday life and the moments that make up our day-to-day existence.  Inspired by a single word, I wrote whatever came to mind, the first thoughts that popped into my head, without thinking too hard. It was important to get my thoughts down as quickly as possible, without caring about grammar or punctuation, before the train left the station and the words escaped me and I found myself with my fingers poised over my keyboard – and nothing.  When the inspiration on seeing the word was immediate, my fingers couldn’t type fast enough!

One of the words in my book is “Unexpected”.  What first enters your mind when you see the word?  Perhaps you’ve recently experienced something unexpected, something you weren’t looking for to happen.  We would hope our unexpected is always going to be good, but as unpredictable as life is, it may not always be welcome.  I happen to think the most important thing about unexpected, good or bad, is what we learn or gain from it.

Here is an excerpt from my book.

“Life is full of unexpected.  It it wasn’t, we would all know the why, what, when and where every event in our life would take place and how it all turns out.  Unexpected events can change the very direction of our lives in an instant.  Unexpected – tragic changes us one way.  Unexpected – happy or joyous changes us in another.  The real challenge lies in how we react and respond to these unexpected moments, how we grow, change, learn or benefit from them.”



Maybe you learned something about yourself through an unexpected experience in your life.  Maybe it was good, maybe it wasn’t.  But just maybe you discovered a positive quality in yourself or perhaps an inner strength you have that you hadn’t realized was there before.  And maybe you’ll find five minutes to sit down and write about it sometime.

As I wrote in my book “Unexpected can show us things about ourselves we might not otherwise see”. 

Will you look at your next “unexpected” as misfortune or as an opportunity?

Think about it.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

My softcover book is available for purchase now at WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson, Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, and other online retailers.

The Magic of Storytelling

I love animated movies.  The colors, the music, just the genius of today’s animation is mind-boggling.  I’m completely amazed at how animators can create pencil characters on a blank piece of paper and then bring them to life in stories that make us love them, fear for them, root for them and relate to them just as we would human actors.  These artists, with their mighty pens and a little computer generated technical wizardry, combine with a terrific tale to capture our attention and hold it for an entire full-length feature movie.



I came across this article on Businessinsider.com, “22 Storytelling Tips for Writers From a Pixar Storyboard Artist”, and found it fascinating.  I, as a writer, would love to know how they create this magic.  These are a few of the storytelling tips that will no doubt help any writer either begin writing or better critique their own storytelling.
 
1. “You admire a character for trying more than for their successes." - How many animated movies have us caring about and rooting for the underdog?  We empathize with and feel just as much for the character for their efforts and determination, even when they don’t come out on top.

2.  “You gotta keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different.” - It isn’t always going to be about what we the writer wants, but more what’s going to attract and hold your reader’s attention from beginning to end.

3.  “What is your character good at, comfortable with?  Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. how do they deal?” - We all eventually want to see the “happily ever after”, don’t we?  But if in the process, our characters have to face something outside their comfort zone and better yet, they overcome it in the end, we’ve told a story with both heart and substance.

4. “Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.” – I get this one.  Inspiration strikes in mysterious ways.  I have sometimes had the ending to a story all figured out from the get-go and then written my way backwards.  It’s fun!
  
For more storytelling tips, link to the complete article here.  

Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, The Incredibles.  All creative characters telling touching, teaching, entertaining stories.

“To infinity and beyond!”  Maybe that’s a testament to Pixar’s storytelling philosopy.  What’s yours?

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

A Book Review

I’m still getting used to the idea of having published this book.  The privilege of being able to share my words with others, that opportunity in itself, still seems almost surreal.  The satisfaction of having put in the time, done the research, finished the manuscript, completed the editing process, and seeing this project go from first draft to final product is reward in itself.  All of that, and simply accomplishing the goal of finishing something I started, feels really good.   

I’d like to share one of the first reviews from a reader.  I’m so appreciative of the kind words.



“288 Chances is an insightful look into the heart and mind of a wife, mother, daughter and friend.  The book is full of thoughts and situations in daily life that everyone can relate to.  In a world full of busy and complex, 288 Chances is an insightful reminder of what really matters in life.  We all experience the joys, frustrations and highs and lows in life.  It’s what we choose to do with them that defines who we are and how we approach every day.  This book is well written, from the heart and offers something for everyone”.



I’m so pleased.  And grateful.

Such an awesome, valuable, unique learning experience.  I highly recommend.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

Writing Tips from the Pros

In this article from Huffingtonpost.com, there is a collection of quotes from some famous and very successful authors that I found so interesting.  These brilliant writers obviously mastered their craft.  We could learn a lot from them.

Writing Tips: 31 Most Invaluable Pieces Of Writing Advice From Famous Authors

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

ME - How many times do we have an idea and never follow through because we doubt our ability to create something of real importance to anyone else but ourselves?  Self-doubt stifles creativity and can ultimately convince the writer that their words won’t really matter anyway.  And that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Even if you’re writing just for yourself, your words matter.  A lot.

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.  No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost

ME - I wholeheartedly agree!  If we the writer don’t feel the emotion in the words we put to paper, we can’t expect the reader to.  Why do we write?  To reach out, to touch, to engage and to inspire others.  The writer has to “get it” before he can “give it”.

“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent, he would be wise to develop a thick hide.” – Harper Lee

ME - Rejection is a fact of life for any writer.  Even the most prolific and successful writers could probably show us boxes full of polite rejection letters before something they wrote was recognized as having enough potential to actually be published.  There are many really creative, talented, insightful writers out there whose words may never be shared with anyone, let alone be published.  And that’s a darn shame.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King

ME - Many times I’ve sat at my computer, my fingers poised above the keyboard – and nothing happens.  Not right away.  Other times, if I’m genuinely inspired, I can’t type fast enough.  My brain is working faster than my fingers and I have to really concentrate not to lose that momentum.  The first draft of anything is always very rough, but the important thing is it’s a start.  And you have to start somewhere.

“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends.  In the end it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life as well.  It’s about getting up, getting well and getting over.  Getting happy, ok?” – Stephen King

I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Does writing make you happy?  Leave a comment and share if you wish.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

A Picture Paints 1000 Words

You already know I have a love of writing.  I also appreciate a beautiful photograph.  A picture paints 1000 words, so can words paint a picture.  For me, writing and photography, the two are intertwined.
 
Do photos speak to you?  Sometimes my writing inspiration comes from a photograph.  And the photos were extremely important in the writings I included in my new book , 288 Chances, recently published by WestBow press, a division of Thomas Nelson.  Each photo was carefully chosen to correspond with each writing.  All of the photographs, all my personal photos, have particular meaning to me, but I hope that the reader will make the connection from words to photo as well.
 
Here are three photos, two are in my book.  What word or words come to mind when you see them?  Don’t study the photo too hard, though. I find first impressions are the most honest and rewarding.







Does a picture speak louder than words?  Can words paint a picture?  I think it’s all in how you “look” at it.

If you like, leave a comment to share your impressions.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

A Writing Exercise

The beginnings of a story, poem or any piece of writing, can come from anywhere.  Consciously and subconsciously, a writer sees, hears and tucks away bits and pieces of inspiration, anything that might kick-start the next big idea.

Here's a simple writing exercise I sometimes use to get started.
   

Choose one noun, one verb and one adjective.  Link them together in a simple sentence.  Then link the sentences one after another until something forms. Here's one of mine.

The dog barked loudly.

The dog barked loudly, straining at the chain attached to the collar around his neck.

The chain attached to the collar around his neck was necessary so he wouldn’t stray into the next yard over and get into Mr. McGillicutty’s prize rose bushes again.

Mr. McGillicutty’s prize rose bushes, carefully planted in masses of deep reds and brilliant pinks, were his pride and joy.

They were his pride and joy because every year he entered them in the annual Flower Show, where his roses consistently won high awards for being the largest, most beautiful blooms.

They were the largest, most beautiful blooms because the soil they grew in was well fertilized because the dog from the yard over liked to “do his business” in Mr. McGillicutty’s rose beds.

Which is why the dog was straining at the chain attached to the collar around his neck.

The dog barked loudly.

So, now I write the story.  What kind of dog is it?  A large, intimidating German Shepard or a short-legged, long-eared Bassett Hound? And who is Mr. McGillicutty?  Someone I know?  Someone random I may have passed on the street whose face stuck in my mind?  Or perhaps Mr. McGillicutty really was the name we called the neighbor man who lived across the street when my children were young.  I haven't thought about him in years, but he popped into my head when I began writing this exercise. 

You try it.  And share in the comments if you'd like to.
 

Where will your next story idea come from?



 Thanks for visiting! 

Brenda  :)

A Million Little Ways

On any given day, we can all use some encouragement.  Something that inspires us to look at things in a more positive way, to find the good in our lives instead of only what's difficult and taxes our spirit.  Lack of time, low energy, too many demands on us in our daily lives, can all do more to stifle the creative spirit than using a full bucket of water to put out a single candle.  We tend to make more time for others and put their needs ahead of our own.  And when we do find a few spare moments to ourselves, we're sometimes too tired or physically or emotionally drained to get much real value from the opportunity.

I've been a regular visitor to the blog http://www.chattingatthesky.com by Emily P. Freeman for some time.  Emily is such a talented writer.  She has a warm, down-to-earth writing style that's more like she's speaking directly to you instead of just sharing her written words on a computer screen.  She shares personal experiences we can all relate to and draws you in with her compassion and caring, which quite honestly, shines through in her writings. 

Emily's third book, A Million Little Ways, has just been released and is available for purchase.  I've already downloaded it and would encourage you to as well.  Her words will inspire you to look inside yourself to "uncover the art you were made to live." 

Follow this link to see an inspiring and encouraging video promoting A Million Little Ways. 

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/a-million-little-ways

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)

 

My Book – 288 Chances

All we have is time, right?  I wish that were true, but unfortunately, it isn’t.  Every day is a gift.  Every new 24-hours is another chance all of us are given to do with and fill with whatever we choose.  We can fill it with family and friends, spend time on a favorite hobby or activity, or spend quiet time alone recharging our batteries and reenergizing for everything that our busy daily lives demand.

It’s important to find ways to recharge our emotional and spiritual selves.  Maybe you read or write or pray.  Maybe you exercise or do yoga or get outdoors and enjoy the peaceful quiet and beauty of God’s creation.  Whatever you do with your time, in every 24-hour period, we all have the same 288 chances to do just that.  To take five minutes and just stop, to think, to feel, allow ourselves time to breathe, grab hold of a thought or a word or a feeling, or capture a moment. 

My new book, 288 Chances, just published through WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson, is a collection of writings whose foundations began in a quick five minutes. I related the title, 288 Chances, to how many opportunities in every 24-hour day that we all have to take a five-minute time-out, just stop for a few minutes out of our busy day to be thankful, be grateful, be hopeful, for something . . . . or someone. Can't we all find five minutes?

For some time, I’ve been participating in an online writing exercise called Five Minute Fridays with Lisa-Jo Baker at Lisajobaker.com.  Lisa-Jo graciously extends an invitation to her blog visitors who want to participate, the opportunity to write for five minutes, and five minutes only, on the word prompt of the day.  The invitation is to write on one word for five minutes – see the word, don’t think too hard, just write – and then stop.  Then, if you want to, share with others who were inspired to do the same.
 


In this book, I’ve shared just a few of the writings whose foundations began in five short minutes. Open, honest, thoughtful words written from the heart, words that will hopefully engage the mind and the spirit as they relate to the simple, everyday feelings and emotions that we all experience over a lifetime. Love, Loss, Trust, Expectation. Just a few of the hopes and fears, joys and disappointments that otherwise might go unspoken, unshared, until we take the time to write them down.
 

My hope is that readers will relate to one or more of these writings, that the words may strike a familiar chord, relate to a similar experience or evoke a positive memory from the past. 

Everyday life is full of ordinary moments that should inspire us all to be extraordinary. Sharing those moments with others connects us.
 
My softcover book is available for purchase now at WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson, Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, and other online retailers. 

The E-book will be available soon for download to your Nook or Kindle.

Please "take five" and take a look.  I hope you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)