Tag: book tour

Gearing Up

So this August will mark one year since Hurricane Baby: Stories published. It also marks twenty years since Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi and Louisiana. That has really brought a lot of attention to the book right now.

–The “Writers Drinking Whiskey” podcast drops on July 23. Bill Hincy and I talk the book and my debut journey here.

–“Talk to Me Day” on Mastodon on August 3. The #ScribesAndMakers group hosts me taking questions about writing and my book throughout the day that Sunday.

–Interview with The Southern Review of Books publishes on August 6. My MFA mate Katharine Armbrester put this Q&A together for this online publication

–Book Signing at Impression Books, a locally-owned bookstore here in Flowood. MS at noon on August 9.

–Book signing at Book Mart and Cafe on August 15 in Starkville, MS at 2 p.m., followed by:

–Panel and signing at Possumtown Book Festival in Columbus, MS on August 16 all day. Panel is at noon and the signing is following.

–Book Signing at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Flowood, MS at noon on August 23 at the front of the store

–“Lunch and Learn” podcast with Kyla Hanington, another MFA mate, at 11 a.m. on August 26.

–TV appearance on WJTV with Walt Grayson at 3 p.m. on August 27 on the “Focused on Mississippi program.

–“Tombigbee Tales” podcast with host Shannon Evans and guest Rod Davis to talk Hurricane Katrina memories and literature on August 29, TBA.

I think that’s everything.

And then I’m going to relax by continuing to query Looking for Home!

Seriously, if you can find a way to support some of these events, I really would appreciate it. Trying to do a big push to drive sales here before its book birthday. Thanks to all of you reading for all the support over this magical time these last few months. Happy writing!

MWG Coastal Chapter

So Wednesday me and MJ went down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to let me speak before the Mississippi Writers’ Guild chapter in Gulfport. We had a good trip down and got turned around once or twice trying to find the place the event was at, but we managed and had a lovely time.

I did my storyboarding speech that I gave to the students at the Southern Festival of Books, and it seemed to go over really well. I read it along with Tommy Hebert’s first story again, and everyone seemed to like how that fit in with the lecture.

And then we had a great Q&A session, with questions ranging from how I wrote the story to how I had selected the MFA program I attended. It was an interesting mix of people–some older than me, some about the same, and three that definitely seemed to be the young ones in the crowd. But the room was full, and they even had to bring in extra chairs towards the end.

At the end before I left, I handed out my bookmarks with ordering information and my website on them if they wanted to pick up the book or just check me out some more. Those have been the very best idea I had throughout this process–so cheap and so easy to hand out.

Next Saturday is my last event for June–a book signing at a coffeeshop/bookstore named Coffee Prose in the heart of Jackson. We’re going to do it from 9 am-11 am in the morning, then go to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch. I’m looking forward to that.

Just one event in July–I’ll be doing a Zoom meeting for a group of writers in Nevada on July 6, Sunday afternoon. I have no idea what this one is going to be like, so that will be interesting to find out about.

And hopefully next week I’ll get my manuscript back with new edits and see where we can go from there. Happy writing!

Highs and Lows

Let’s talk about the low point first.

I suspected as much, but I got the official notification on who won the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Fiction Award, and it wasn’t me. Which was a bummer. It’s one thing to not win an award because you wouldn’t dream something like that anyway. But to be nominated unexpectedly and then not win feels a little different.

But no matter. I called out the winner on Facebook and congratulated him and encouraged everyone to buy his book. It costs nothing to be gracious even when disappointed.

But one high–the nationwide Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference and Bookfair was in Los Angeles, California this past week, and Hurricane Baby: Stories was there! My publisher, Madville Publishing, had a booth there and they took my book with them! I saw a photo of it because my MFA program was also there, and they hunted Madville up and posted my book on their Facebook page. So nice to see my book in such an exotic locale.

And another high point–this Friday, I went to my hometown high school where I graduated from in 1988 and spoke to the junior and senior classes about having a vision for their life, and setting goals, and executing plans to achieve those goals. I was told before the event that this was a pretty unmotivated bunch of students.

But I didn’t approach them that way. I told them I was just like them back ages ago when I’d been a high school senior, but that I had a vision of what I wanted my life to look like and I worked until I achieved it. It seemed to perk them up somewhat. They asked me to read some of the book, and when someone asked where they could find it, I handed out my bookmarks and told them how to order. I hope I inspired someone at least a little bit.

So what’s ahead? I plan to start working back on Looking for Home on April 1–hopefully my beta readers’ feedback will come in and I can start incorporating what they have to say. And Friday I am conducting a breakout session at the Southern Literary Festival in Blue Mountain, Mississippi at Blue Mountain Christian University. I’m going to talk about how I constructed the stories in Hurricane Baby by a pattern, then I’m going to give them a silly writing prompt I hope they can have fun with.

Happy reading and writing this week!

New Bookstore Visit!

Bob and I went to peruse the offerings at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope, Alabama this past weekend. We saw many, many unique arts pieces and gift items and couldn’t resist buying a few of them to give as gifts or keep for ourselves.

Our most unusual finds this time were acoustic gramophone speakers made out of various boxes–a slot holds your phone and whatever song you are streaming spills out of a gramophone bell. They’re just amazing-looking and -sounding! So we got his-and-hers–Bob’s is made out of a repurposed The Empire Strikes Back lunchbox, and mine is made from a decorative replica of my original Peanuts lunchbox! Very gratifying find.

Then after looking at all the crafts and artwork and jewelry, we made our way to the venerable Page and Palette Bookstore, now in its fourth generation of ownership in the same family since 1962. The building also boasts a coffeeshop (Latte Da), a Yoga Studio (Plot Twist Yoga), and a bar (The Book Cellar).

We went in and looked around and then I decided to pitch Hurricane Baby: Stories to them to stock in their store. I left my bookmark and told them it was available through Ingram, and the girl said they’d probably order a few and see how they did. Which made e feel good. She brought up a signing, and I asked if I’d have to bring the books, and she said yes. So I’m not doing that.

If I’d been thinking, I should have stopped at every booth offering book-related items and pitched my book to them. I did hand out a few that I talked to, but not many. Live and learn.

Next weekend our family goes back to Natchez for a little R&R with my youngest daughter this time. So we’re going to enjoy that. The next Friday I go to my hometown, then the weekend after that is the Southern Literary Festival that I do a workshop at for undergraduate students. Wish me well!

Moving Right Along

So I have finished all the podcasts I was scheduled to interview for. One is supposed to come out this Tuesday–day after tomorrow. Another one, the podcaster said it would be out in June. I thought one other was supposed to have come out already, and the one I interviewed for last Thursday, I’m not sure when it’s coming out. I have three others I have reached out to that have not responded, but I think I’ve done enough in enough places to suit myself.

So now I move back into appearances. I go to my old high school in a couple of weeks, then the Southern Literary Festival at Blue Mountain Christian University in north Mississippi the first weekend in April. Two events in May, one in June, a Zoom appearance in July, and two events in August.

I have three other possibilities for August–they’re set but we need to nail down the exact dates. One in Starkville, another in Jackson, and another by Zoom. And I may get picked up by another book club. But that one is very iffy. And then there’s the banquet for the MIAL awards in July at Mississippi University for Women.

Y’all.

Just typing all of this out is unbelievable. I never thought I’d get to promote my work in so many different places. I had a lot of help to get here; people have been so receptive when I’ve just called them up or hit them up by email to see if I can do a program. It’s just been amazing. I don’t think I can emphasize that enough. Just amazing.

Riding the crest of the wave and seeing where the current takes me next! Happy writing!

Networking is Your Superpower! Event

So I went to this event on Thursday and spoke to a good number of ladies about setting goals and meeting them. I was very shaky and thought maybe it was nerves–but when it continued after I got home, along with chills and sweats and aches, I went to the doctor. Diagnosis: Flu.

But it was a good event. Less turnout than they typically have, but I just threw myself into the talk and Q&A with all I had–talking about the system I set up for accomplishing my goal of writing and getting a book published. I also provided examples from my freelance career and getting my MFA.

But it boosted my own resolve to say all those words out loud and be a living testimony that yes, you can do what you set your mind to, just like my mama always told me. I talked about setting realistic goals, setting mini-goals that bring you closer to your big goal, etc. I think it was a good talk, and the ladies who came thanked me for sharing with them.

And then they gave away two copies of my book that I signed for them. That was fun. They asked me to pick two numbers–the girl who organized the event had written names down and numbered them as each person came in–and the names that corresponded with the numbers won the books.

I was going to go back to the Mississippi Philological Association this coming weekend, this time in Ole Miss, but I’m not going to risk getting anyone else sick with this flu. So that’s sad. But more opportunities are on the way anyway, so I think it’s going to be okay.

Happy writing to all!

Trying to Give Back

I recently called the principal of my hometown high school before Christmas. I told him who I was and that I was a former student, and that I would like to give a talk to the students about finding their dreams. I said I had succeeded somewhat in my field, mentioned the book, but told him I wouldn’t be selling anything with the talk. Just said I wanted to tell them I’m from where you are, I went out with this vision, and this is how I put in the work to make it happen. He told me to call back after Christmas and we would plan something.

So I did. Mid-January. I think he was surprised to hear back from me. He looked at the school calendar, and he found me a Friday morning where he could arrange for me to speak to the graduating seniors and tell my story.

Why am I bothering? I’m not even going to hand out my bookmarks unless someone asks me directly how to buy the book. I’m not going to make any money. So why?

The only inspirational speakers I ever remember coming to my school when I was there were trusties from the state penitentiary. They told us how they wound up in jail and to not do what they did or we would, too. (The 80s were a very strange time in lots of ways) We all pretty well got that message.

But what if someone had ever come and said, “It’s okay to have big dreams! It’s okay to want more for yourself that what you see around you! You can do it!” That would have lifted my heart immensely. Especially someone I could identify with, like me.

So that’s what I want to do for these kids. I have no illusions that they’ll be excited or if they’ll even listen. But maybe I can plant that spark in somebody. I’m going to try.

Pontotoc County Library

(Picture above courtesy of Mary Jane Williams)

So my big event last week was going up to north Mississippi to Pontotoc and doing a reading, talk, and Q&A with almost thirty ladies that came out. I passed out my bookmarks and hope a few of them buy it. It was a very nice library, with books and seating and computer desks as well as a nice meeting room. The Garden Club arranged a lunch for the group with three delicious soups, cornbread muffins, and a tray of assorted cookies. So that was lovely.

I had typed notes to guide my talk into my note app on my phone, and that worked really well to keep me on track and keep me moving. Only a few of the ladies had already read it, and the library’s copy was checked out when I asked if I could take a picture of it. So that was fine. I talked about its publishing journey, I read part of the second story, and I opened the floor for questions. Mostly people wanted to ask about either Hurricane Katrina or how I wound up being published. So those were fine to talk about. I took up the whole hour, so I think it was a successful talk. My friend MJ took pictures that I need to get out of my phone and into my folder.

I was kind of stressed about it. All my other appearances had other authors involved, and this was really my first solo event. But I prepared well and think that paid off. We drove right back after it, trying to beat the snow home. But we did!

Thanks to all of you who read and support my website. I’m trying to be as candid as possible in writing these pieces, and I hope I’m succeeding. Seeing all of you reading the site makes me feel supported in this crazy journey called the writing life! Thanks again!

Hidden Costs for Authors

Some recent conversations have got me thinking. Most people do not understand the economics of a literary career. I’m going to talk about that for a bit.

First, let’s talk about the costs of shopping a book. Many debut authors get an in into the book world by being selected as the winner of a manuscript contest. Many presses hold these once or twice a year, where you send in a submission and your work is judged anonymously. But often there’s a catch–an entry fee. I entered many contests with Hurricane Baby and racked up a considerable amount of money since fees were typically $20 a pop. The press that bought Hurricane Baby was free to send to, as were many others.I could have made a principled decision to not participate in paid contests, but I knew that it could limit my options.

I got a traditionally published contract through a royalty-paying publisher. I did not get an advance against royalties and this house offered generous royalties. What I am having to keep in mind with my contract is that I don’t get any royalties until the cost to produce my books has been made. It’s not uncommon for that to be the case with a small press. University presses and larger publishers rarely make that stipulation. So I could sell a good many books without seeing any royalties (my percentage of the book’s price) at all.

Once the book came out in August, I started promoting it. I did not do paid promotions, like ads, etc. None of my media appearances cost me anything. Likewise, I never had to pay a fee to appear anywhere, although I have heard of authors being charged booth fees or table fees to appear at a festival. But I resolved not to do that. But with traveling, expenses can pile up–gas, lodging, food. My husband has said he’s not sure we can afford for me to get another book published. 🙂 But it is a consideration I have to keep in mind, as do many authors in the tier I’m publishing in.

Another fee I have decided to forgo is buying my own books at the wholesale price and selling them myself at library and other events. That route brings with it tax implications that I’m not prepared to handle. So I always ask if there’s going to be a bookseller at the event, If there isn’t, I just have to hope people there will remember me long enough to buy the book afterwards. I’ve also held a library event where guests came book-equipped and I signed them.

One expense I did go for was setting up an account with Vistaprint and buying promotional mailings for my events. My publisher had a social media person who designed the graphics for me, and I just downloaded it and printed postcards that I then mailed out for different events. Vistaprint helped design a bookmark that I’ve been able to hand out all over town, and Canva is another free resource to design your own graphics.

As you can see, I am currently operating a non-profitable outfit. But each sale brings with it a chance to improve my track record, which I can then use for the next deal. Hope springs eternal.

Life and Times of an Indie Author

So on Tuesday, I wrote my contact at the bookstore I went to yesterday and asked if he had my books in stock. He said no. I thought “OK. They’re stuck in shipping again.”

On Wednesday, he wrote and asked if I was bringing books, a common arrangement for independent authors. I said no. So what finally came out as we talked is that he thought I was bringing them, and I thought he was ordering them. Oopsie.

But he had a workaround–could I pick up stock from another store and bring them? He would work it out with the store to pay them for the books, and I would just deliver them. So I gave him the contact for the store we had here in town. I didn’t know how many they might have, but something was better than nothing at all.

Soon he messaged me back with the done deal. I brought fifteen books to the signing. We sold eight, the bookstore kept two for their stock, and the bookstore here got five books back. I didn’t think I would sell fifteen because I’m not really well known where I went, but I did come close!

It was really a great bookstore, too–a pair of bookstore dogs, a variety of beverages, lots of books, and very welcoming staff. They made me and Bob feel at home. So he enjoyed himself as well.

Two people I know came–my MFA mate Allison, and my lifelong friend, Lorie, who lives in a small town south of where I signed. We’ve talked a lot over Facebook over the years, but it had been a very long time since I’d seen her. To inscribe the name of my lifetime friend in a book that I wrote was a very cool moment.

Lesson: Always be clear on the details! And have an alternate plan in your back pocket if you’re not!

Happy reading, everyone!