Have you done one? Have you been to one?
Good Morning Friends!
The last newsletter, The Hardest Chapter to Write, began with the statement: “Where I will be going has to begin with how it all started.” It described where my story began and hinted at where it will be going in the near future. There was no newsletter last week to prevent putting the cart before the horse. I am still going to talk about this new opportunity that has fallen into my lap. This important cause that has become my passion is another way for me to give back what I have received in life and will be discussed, but first things first!
If you have never had a book signing…feel free to come on this journey with me. I’m going to share how the process has gone for me – not right or wrong – not exactly how it’s done – just what it has been like for me. If you will be attending…read on for some sneak peeks of what you can look forward to. I have to talk about this first because it is a vehicle to announce the next part of my journey.
My Corvette Stingray began this trip slower than planned. Although it took two years to write My Prosthetic Life, it could have taken much less time with more self-discipline and less drinking which caused more depression. It was kind of like staying in the round-about, going round and round, and being too afraid of making a decision. So, I decided to get an oil change to remove toxins damaging my engine, get a tune-up (or get my head out of my butt), put premium fuel in the Vette and get on the road!
The excursion began and ended with a very steady pace. After all, a Corvette can look more impressive just cruising. Then the book was finished, the interior design and cover were ready to publish within a few weeks. The final edit was done and my life was uploaded to Amazon and went live immediately. By. Accident! No time for pre-sale. No time for advance copy reviews to help sell and the algorithm process. No time to launch an author website. Suddenly, my Vette was in high gear without my knowing how to compete in this race. It’s time now to downshift, exhale, gather my nerves as the driver and cruise up to the yellow light instead of blowing through it. I know what the car is capable of, but just like me, it shouldn’t stay at 120 miles an hour if we want to enjoy the journey. OK, enough with the silly metaphor already!
IT IS FINALLY HERE! The book signing for My Prosthetic Life, A Memoir will happen in three days. My first recommendation is to ask for help if you are going to have one! I am the luckiest person in the world to have the best friends ever. One of them happens to be a designer with amazing organizational skills as well. I asked her if she could arrange some books to make my table look professional. I should have known what would happen. She has graciously offered to make everything beautiful using not only her talent, but also utilizing things she already has on hand like tablecloths, vases, book holders – you name it. I can’t wait for you to see the handmade table runners her daughter put together for the event!
Most of our ideas came from Pinterest and YouTube. There will be printed bookmarks and cute little magnets for giveaways. As the overachievers we are, there will be handmade bookmarks there for a minimal fee. They are SO CUTE. Here’s a short list of “must haves” for you as well:
· Pens – some people choose Sharpies, but I can’t write well with gel or permanent markers; therefore, I chose the Pilot Dr. Grip ballpoint. I’m bringing extra just in case.
· Pens to place by the sign in sheet – cheap and extras cause people steal them!
· Business cards with my website address and contact information
· Business card holder
· Sign in sheet or book for names and email addresses for newsletters
· Square Reader to accept credit cards. If you are having the event at a bookstore, they will take care of payments for you.
· Canva is the best free online graphic design tool ever. These were created using this:
o QR code for scanning directly to my website o Price list for books – so people don’t have to ask (that would be awkward) o Media Kit – to hand out to anyone interested in having future book signings or events for you.
The rest is just whatever you feel like doing to make your space inviting, comfortable and professional.
I will be including more information next week. I’ll be sure and take photos of all the goodies, decorations and set-up. So you’ll want to open the next newsletter if you’re unable to make the event itself! I’m also going to try my “hand” (pun absolutely intended) at video – maybe to upload to YouTube or Reels or…who knows? It depends on my learning curve!
Are you still awake? Stay with me – there’s some great stuff coming up!
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