| Author |
Message |
    
Leanna Cumberland
Awareness Member
Post Number:
10
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 07:24 am: |   |
I watch very little TV, but oh how I'm hooked on American Idol! Am I alone? Not only am I hooked, I've been calling in and voting on my favorite, which is George Huff. The reason I'm writing about a totally "off" topic is this. The guy's singing is great...but I have to say that all of the contestants are great. But what gets me about George Huff, is this: He's not an overly handsome guy, but has a very nice and truly appealing face. His smile is genuine; his personality is humble, outgoing and just well...great! He is the real thing, as far as I'm concerned. A truly likable person from the moment he steps on stage, and I wish only the best for him. George Huff's smile can light up the world; I liked him the moment he stepped up on stage. If you're keeping up with American Idol, I have no doubt you know which contestant I'm talking about.
My point? We may write great books. Perhaps they are doing well, and many of our readers will give us the 2 thumbs up. But how do we present ourselves in the public's eyes? Do we shine? Do we have that certain something? Presentation is half the battle. Presentation not only in the book's cover, or synopsis; but presentation of the author.
Joy Lee Rutter
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?AuthorID=13176&id=11092
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Dennis Collins
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
716
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 11:06 am: | |
Know somethin' Joy??? You may have opened up the next mega-thread right here. If there's one thing that mindsighter's are not short on, it's opinions.
My 1-2/3 cents...
First of all not all of us are capable of that innocent, lovable look that projects such a universally endearing aura. I often describe myself as somewhere between Mel Gibson and Homer Simpson.
We can compensate to a degree by presenting ourselves as trustworthy, optimistic, generous, and friendly. When you think of it, the ability to display your inner-self might effectively offset even looks like mine. After all, when I picture Mother Theresa, well....
Another option is to make our characters appealing enough for us to ride their coat-tails.
Above all, I think that it is imperative that we treat the public with respect, give them what they want and be thankful when they accept it.
Sounds like a lot of this can be related directly to learning the craft of writing, doesn't it? |
Joy Lee Rutter
Awareness Member
Post Number:
1
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 11:32 am: | |
}
We can compensate to a degree by presenting ourselves as trustworthy, optimistic, generous, and friendly. When you think of it, the ability to display your inner-self might effectively offset even looks like mine.
Right on Dennis! } |
Donna Brown
Awareness Member
Post Number:
18
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 11:49 am: | |
Dennis - A cross between Mel Gibson and Homer Simpson? That sounds rather interesting though your photo is really too small to tell.
I think this is an interesting topic but I'm not sure that I agree with the premise of selling myself. I buy books all of the time and I've never met the writers - normally, I buy on the merits of the writing, not the personality of the author (again, because I don't know the author). My favorites include Toni Morrison and Joyce Carol Oates, but I don't know much about them as people. I know I like their work and if they put out a new book, I will probably buy it. I'd probably buy the books even if I didn't like them as people because I like the way they write.
Joy, I would agree with you if you were only discussing book signings, but my hope is that more people will buy my books than will ever meet me. And I think there's a huge difference between being a performer and being a writer. Don't you?
Donna |
Joy Lee Rutter
Awareness Member
Post Number:
3
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 12:26 pm: | |
Yes, Donna, basically I was talking about signings, and being around people in general. Being an author changes things to a degree. Suddenly we're noticed more...amongst people in our town, our co-workers, etc. We probably won't become famous, or be seen by a kazzillion people like the Fox show American Idol, but a smile and friendly personality can help the image we do portray. 
Joy |
priceless1
Awareness Member
Post Number:
29
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 02:37 pm: | |
Linda Alexander gave a really cool talk about image at the PA convention. Very worthwhile and really made me think; much like this thread. Thanks, Joy.
Lynn |
Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1278
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 03:13 pm: | |
I've always been a big fan of smiling a lot at signings, as well as not 'taking a seat', as it were...authors should never sit down at a signing, unless they're actually signing a book (or have a line waiting).
Unfortunately, authors (for whatever reason) have a stigma in the eye of the public, which tells them "they're unreachable" (that's the positive guess...the less-than-positive guess is "RUN the other way!!!!"). By placing an object, such as a table, between ourselves and the buying public, we reinforce and encourage that problematic attitude.
So, instead, we should encourage an attitude that draws them near.
Myself, I have a basket full of candy, and a big smile on my face. Eye contact is a must, as well as a friendly "howdy" (and yes, I do use the phrase "howdy"). Between the smile, and the candy, they come closer. At that point, I engage them in conversation (by asking a question about their reading habits).
You'd be surprised how many more people will stop at the table at this point...
However, after the actual signing, it's up to your writing to carry the day, as DJ/Donna mentioned...though, until our books are widely stocked in great numbers (and have huge followings), signings and personal contacts are most likely going to be the way to get books sold in the first place...
Who knows? |
Dennis Collins
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
719
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 05:15 pm: | |
Probably the most connection that I ever felt with my audience was at a signing almost a year ago at a Huge Indy store near Lansing, MI.
I had an opportunity to look the place over in advance and it helped me plan how to dress and present myself. The presentation was in a quiet section of the store that had a fireplace (Gas logs but real flames) and a very homey atmosphere created by the upholstered furniture in the area.
We did the "fireside chat" thing with me sitting on the arm of an overstuffed chair in front of the roaring fire. I wore dark pants and a dark blue casual long sleeve (NEVER wear short sleeves) shirt. I had my book in my hand and I'd talk a little, read a little, answer a question or two, and then talk some more. I was comfortable, the audience was comfortable and we all became friends.
I was concerned because this store had purchased twenty copies of my book and was sure they'd never unload them all. Actually, they sold every one and then ordered a couple more for store stock. |
Violet Towe
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
305
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 05:57 pm: | |
The one and only signing I have had turned out to be good. It too was at an indy store. I carried with me around 30 of my second book and around 20 of my first book. I sold around 19 0r 20 of the second book and around 10 to 12 of the first book. I even charged the full price of $19.95 and no one seem to mind. It was fun, but since I am not good at promoting myself and with no experience at such things, I don't know if I want to do it again with out a guiding hand. We'll see.
The great part about the whole deal, the store did not take any of the money from the sell of my books. The manager said they loved to promote local authors. But, he added, since my book was published through a POD publisher, he would not order any since there was a no return policy and offered me if I wanted to buy the books and him stock them that he would sell them on consignment. I decided I'd wait a while then got busy going to trial, selling the other house and having this one built, moving and all simply didn't get a chance to go back. Now that we live a good distance from that book store, it would not be worth my time.
When my next novel, Betrayed, comes out in May I do plan on taking a trip to Cleveland, Georgia and visit the one and only bookstore there, leave the book with them and since this book takes place in that little mountain town, maybe they will want to hold a booksigning for me. Here again, we'll see. |
Linda Alexander
Awareness Member
Post Number:
3
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 06:00 pm: | |
Lynn:
Thx for the good words re: my presentation. I do believe, to a large degree, that writers often become part of the product. It's not always the case, but depending on what one writes, this applies to varying degrees.
Here's the example I used in my talk: I researched, & wrote a book about, people in the porn industry. . . .
Now, how many of you might have an automatic mental impression of what type of woman would write, & research, about the X-rated world? I can ask this question & w/some understanding know the answer because I get the reaction all the time. But think about it. It doesn't have to be as drastic as a book about the adult film world. It could be -- romance: not as much as before, but it still holds true to some degree that people "see" a certain type when they think of a romance writer. Or religion: probably a spiritual person. . . . etc, etc, etc.
-- Linda
http://www.i-am-america.net
http://www.authorsden.com/lindajalexander
http://www.cutting-edge-ezine.com
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Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
724
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 10:12 pm: | |
Are any of you shy? I don't seem like it here, I know, but when I am in a social setting I am a huge wallflower. I am completely at a loss as to what to say to people, even people I know. I can't imagine being the center of that much attention. And I tend to laugh a lot when I'm nervous or actually just about all the time, so I look even more like a dork. |
Donna Brown
Awareness Member
Post Number:
21
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 11:05 pm: | |
Gloria - I doubt you would ever look like a dork. I have never been called shy in my life. I sometimes embarrass my daughter when she goes places with me because I will start conversations with anyone I think looks interesting. Of course, sometimes this gets me in trouble. I used to talk to my mailman until he started telling me about his marital problems and asked me out - he wasn't divorced yet, mind, just wanted to find out what it might be like to date again should he and his wife separate. I got in a long discussion with my trash men one day because they were refusing to pick up a lot of construction trash in front of my house (long story) - I talked them into picking it up, but for a month after that if I was outside when their truck came down the street they'd actually stop and all get off the truck and come up to talk with me - I'm sure my neighbors couldn't figure out why the trash truck stayed at my house for so long. I had a garage sale one time and a kid of about sixteen rode up on his bicycle. I didn't have much left at that time, but I talked him into buying a toaster - he put it in his backpack and rode away on his bike.
I love talking to people, but not about myself - I'm just really not good at selling me (well my books anyway - I've never really tried to sell me - honest!)
Donna |
Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1281
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 05:17 am: | |
When I'm in a social setting, I'm extremely shy...and tend to stay away from too many conversations (unless I know people, so converse with them)...
When I'm selling books in a formal signing, I generally have no problem conversing...because the info is something I really know about (my book), and I honestly believe people would enjoy the story if they read it...
Maybe that's just me...and may explain why I don't have an aversion to signings... |
Steven Shrewsbury
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
618
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 07:24 am: | |
I should do one. I can work a room.
AMERICAN IDOL?
Make 'em fight SURVIVOR cast.
Live ammo would be great.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com |
Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
725
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 08:52 am: | |
Donna, That sounds like you are a good listener besides being a good talker. I have that "problem". I'm constantly getting in trouble at work for talking too long to the clients on the phone. Although I'm not really the one talking. Getting divorced or establishing paternity or whatever family issues arise, is a scary time for people. They have a lot they need to say and a lot of questions they need to have answered, not always legal. Really, basically they just need a neutral person to listen. I guess I'm just the bonus therapist who just listens and offers an occasional "yes" or "that's terrible" or whatever. It's sad, but most people in this world are inherently lonely in my opinion. They have family and friends, etc. but no one to really listen to their problems and thoughts. So, I'm good at doing that. And I don't have to talk. |
priceless1
Awareness Member
Post Number:
32
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 09:07 am: | |
Donna, you sound simply adorable! Anyone who takes the time to stop and smell the roses is my kinda person. I remember when we moved to Lake Charles, Louisana about a hundred years ago. We were still so California-ized that it really took some resocialization on our part to realize not every state is anal-retentive about being in a hurry. We nearly went into cardiac arrest when the city water guy came out ON A SATURDAY to inspect our pipes. He stayed and just yakked with us. It was a wonderful lesson and one we took back to California.
Those types of qualities are what make people feel comfortable at a book signing when so many customers are working overtime to avoid eye contact. I can't imagine you having a tough time selling your books at a signing. After all, you did get a kid to buy your toaster. Just pretend your books are all toasters! LOL
Lynn |
Donna Brown
Awareness Member
Post Number:
22
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 11:56 am: | |
Lynn - I don't think most people consider me to be adorable (I'm really way, way too old to be adorable!), but thanks! I'm very opinionated, ask anyone who knows me, but I am also very open-minded and willing to listen to the opinions of others as long as they can state them in a reasonably intelligent manner. I lose patience with people who want to sling insults because it's the only way they know to make a point. What is the saying about not suffering fools? That's me.
I just find book signings weird. I'm not sure how to explain it though - can anyone help me out?
Gloria - I agree with your comment about lonely people - there are too many of them in the world and so many people simply want someone to pay attention to them for a few minutes (remember the Beatles song about all the lonely people?). It's good that you are willing to be that listener.
Donna
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Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
726
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 02:42 pm: | |
Donna -- I can tell you how I would explain it. I think, although I've never done one, that I would feel much like a monkey in the zoo. Only, I don't do tricks.
Maybe it's just that I would feel like I was on display?
This is going to sound wrong and insulting and I don't mean it to. And, of course, I'm going to have to get over this and do a signing or two. But mostly I just think it seems vain. Maybe it's some kind of mental thing, because when other people talk about booksignings, I think it's neat and good. But when I think about doing one, I think "who would want to meet me?" and I think about this one guy who I kept seeing doing them all over for about a year and usually he was sitting there all alone, looking miserable. Of course, I already have a plan for to make my table look a little more inviting and goodies to give out, but still, I'm trying not to think about the actual conversation part of it and trying to sound intelligent.
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Donna Brown
Awareness Member
Post Number:
24
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 03:51 pm: | |
Oh, Gloria - that's it exactly. I hate the idea of that stupid table! I've seen people sitting there all by themselves with a little stack of books and looking so hopeful. You feel bad if you don't go talk to them, or at least I do, but I don't necessarily want to buy their books. I used to try all kinds of little hooks to get people to the table - with The Total Man, I did a give-away a few times. People could stop by to register to win a tin of "Total Sin," the best chocolate chip cookie in the world (maybe someone could have sued me over that claim!!). It was fun and usually drew a lot of people, who would end up chatting about the book, etc.
I do remember one signing where a man stopped to look at the book and ended up getting very, very angry with me. He noticed that I didn't wear a wedding ring and asked me if I was married. I said no and he started getting mad, telling me that I probably wasn't married because I was a feminist and men didn't like that. He told me that the only way I was going to "get" a man was to behave like a woman! My daughter was with me and he asked her who she was - she told him, and he told her that he was sorry he had insulted her mother, then he continued to insult me, letting me know that women like me who refused to stay home where they belonged were the cause of all the problems in the world. My daughter went to get the store manager, who politely asked the man to move on. He did, but came back about 30 minutes later, told me the same things again, told me he was planning to write his own book about dating, then asked me to sign a copy of my book so he could buy it. I did and he did! How bizarre. Maybe that's why I don't like book signings  |
priceless1
Awareness Member
Post Number:
39
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 06:30 pm: | |
Geez, Donna, what a psycho! Since my book has only been out since December, my only booksigning experience was at the PA convention. While it was a very nice affair, 150 authors all sitting around trying to sell their wares was much like being in a bazaar in the Middle East without the frankincense and mur. I was treated fine by the people walking by, but it cracked me up how they tried avoiding eye contact. Obviously I need more experience, but I'm not looking forward to it.
Lynn
lynnprice.net
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Joy Lee Rutter
Awareness Member
Post Number:
18
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 07:23 pm: | |
Donna, that was a classic. I loved it! My booksigning experience yesterday would have been perfect....that is, if one of my co-workers hadn't come by and talked my head off. At least he bought a book. And ate the cheese, and drank the wine, and then talked the bookstore owner's head off. Good thing I like the guy.
Lynn, I can't imagine that many authors at one book signing. Was it successful? I still can't believe I missed the convention and it's only about an 8 hour ride for me.
Joy Lee Rutter |
Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
979
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 07:25 pm: | |
Lynn, Donna & Gloria,
Obviously I am in the minority here, but I rather like booksignings. Course I am a very outgoing person and always ready to talk to just about anyone. I am shy inside, but never, never let it show. To me every opportunity to talk to someone about my book is a blessing, and I use every minute, because I totally want the world to know what adoption is all about. That might be because my book is sort of a memoir or biography, but IF I write something, it usually is close to my heart and I mean everything that I write on the subject. And I am not afraid to stand up for my beliefs or subject matter when someone opposes me, and usually I can turn them at least towards thinking about the subject more closely and examining both sides of the argument.
But that said, I am able to understand where you are coming from. Perhaps if I were any less open about my story, I might want to not talk about it as much as I do, or maybe if it were a novel, instead of my life out there, I don't know. But I truly do believe that even in novel form, a book is an extension of the person who wrote it and there are bits of that person scattered on every page. Talk to the people on a booksigning the way you write your books and you will not have the fear......
Claudia |
Kevin P. Grover
Unity Member
Post Number:
1105
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 07:30 pm: | |
I had one book signing....
Sat there for two hours and only had one person come up.
Of course, I tried to mingle...but in Columbus you have to be careful or someone will mace you.
Then again, it was a fiasco from the start. First, the assistant manager was let go after we hashed out the deal, so I had to set it up all over again. Then, the new manager refused to pre-order the books because of the no-return policy. A friend of mine was gracious enough to order 20 copies for me from Amazon on a priority overnight express order.
I can say that it helped me learn a lot more about prepping an author for a signing.
www.winterwolfpublishing.com |
Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
728
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 08:08 pm: | |
Claudia, I think you have something very special to offer people. I am always surprised by the sheer number of people affected by adoption, one way or the other. Feeling that way, I'm sure, makes a difference in wanting to talk about your book. You know where it came from and you know what you want to say with it.
I have been meaning to say this to you, too. I know that the timing was wrong for your book's release, right near 9-11. But your story is timeless. When the time is right and you get it published by another publisher, it will still be just as true and just as needed as it was then. I know it hurts you that it isn't out there available to as many people as need to read it, but it will be and when it is, those same people will still need it...and there will be more people who need it, as everyday the number of adoptees grows.
Gloria
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Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
981
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 09:30 pm: | |
Thanks Gloria,
I appreciate what you just said. I know that the book will still be relevant, and needed, I just wish that it COULD be read because the people who need to read it would know about it and how to get it. I can't get the word to as many people who need it, by myself.
Claudia |
Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1283
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:30 am: | |
"...asked me to sign a copy of my book so he could buy it. I did and he did! How bizarre. Maybe that's why I don't like book signings"
That's better off than one of my classics...
I had a lady come up and fawn all over my book, and asked to have it signed (and personalized). Signed it, and she moved on to the back of the store.
Because the manager wasn't there that day, I went in the next week to thank him for holding the signing...the manager still wasn't there, but when I spoke to one of the assistants, they mentioned that they'd found a copy of my book in the shelves...and it had been signed and personalized to someone. Yikes!
(For PR purposes, I went out to my car, and swapped out a clean copy for theirs, and then gave the signed one (which I covered with mailing labels) away to someone)
People are just crazy...
But so am I, and that must be why I enjoy signings... :-P
However, on the topic of vanity......if one thinks hard enough, are our attempts at getting published not, in fact, vanity? We wish the world to validate our writing, because we ourselves think it's worthy of such. The first step, getting a publisher to say "yes, it is worthy".
Just a point to ponder... |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1281
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 09:11 pm: | |
Replying to different posts as I read this thread...too much catching up to do...
My father, when describing me to others, states that I am a cross between Raquel Welch, Dolly Pardon, and Cher. With my new hair style, I've been compared to Cheryl Crow and Elvira. So, according to those around me (I don't say this because I just feel wrong commenting such things about myself), I guess I have the visual presentation part taken care of.
Todd, I agree whole-heartedly with the table making one unapproachable. For that matter, I wouldn't even identify myself as the author until after some rapport has been reached. Many authors know their local bookstores almost as well as (sometimes better than) the employees. So let the shoppers think you are an employee. Talk to them about the book. Get them interested. THEN identify yourself as the author. It not only shows a willingness to "go the extra mile", if the customer does purchase the book and decides they like it, they will then pass on to others that you are very personable. Not stuck up in that "celebrity way" that being an author behind a table presents.
Gloria, I can ditto that sentiment. Many times, coworkers think I am taking a personal call when I am dealing with a customer. I like to know about the people who call me. Most of the time, with a missed delivery (newspaper), they aren't really upset about not getting the paper. There is something else, and they are taking it out on me because it just happened that this was the "final straw" for the day. If I can get them talking, they usually change their mind from a cancellation to a renewal order. There is a classified customer who refuses to deal with anyone except for me, too, because even though he holds a grudge against the company, I don't treat him as if he is "that mean man" when he comes in. He is still a customer and deserves to be treated as such. I offer him the only smile he will receive in the building and go from there. Of course, with some of the customers, I go an extra step. I have a list of people who will be receiving a small book of crosswords "for those days when we make mistakes with our puzzles." It's the little things that count.
Confidence makes a difference. Whether you are short, tall, or whatever, confidence is what makes the sale.
LA
www.authorsinkbooks.com
LaurieAnne
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Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2765
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 05:22 am: | |
This is an interesting thread and I loved reading how everyone feels on the subject.
No one would ever describe me as a cross betweek Raquel Welch, Dolly Parton, and Cher. You are blessed, LA. I am more like a cross between Marjorie Main, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Kathy Bates. So I have a LOT to overcome.
However....I can speak in front of the UN in my sweats and convince them I'm brilliant, or in front of Congress with an eloquence that makes grown men weep. But put me on public display at a book signing and I become a dribbling idiot. If anyone tries to engage me in conversation about my book, I freeze like a deer in the headlights. And no amount of morale boosting or encouragement can change me. |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1285
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 06:50 am: | |
With that kind of mental block, Laurel, then this is what I would recommend:
Find another person with whom to work, preferably another author. THEN, each of you markets the OTHER'S book, not your own. Thereby, you are not selling "yourself", you are selling them. At the point of a sale, you can then approach the other person, request an autograph if the customer would like it, and viola, stage fright taken care of. In theory.
Worth a shot, right?
LA
LaurieAnne
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Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2768
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 08:03 am: | |
If I had my choce, I'd rather look like a cross between Raquel Welch, Dolly Parton, and Cher hee hee. Eliminating that "Ma Kettle Does a Book Signing" scenario would help a lot I think.
If I ever do another book signing I'll give your way a shot, LA. |
Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
758
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 11:58 am: | |
When I was younger, and smaller, I may have been something to look at, my husband said I looked like Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Now, I am way past that. It's funny that you mention Kathy Bates, Laurel, after watching The Water Boy, I realized I kind of look like her, which is fine, she's not a bad looking woman, I would just have preferred to keep looking like Jessica Rabbit.
"Ma Kettle Does a Booksigning"....yep, Laurel, we are definitely on the same page. That's exactly how I feel. I am the last person in the world that has anything profound to say about writing or my books. I write, that's it.
Gloria |
Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1583
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 12:29 pm: | |
Well Laurel, it could be worse.
It could be "Pa Kettle Does a Book Signing!" LOL!
Nancy |
priceless1
Awareness Member
Post Number:
43
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 10:09 am: | |
Okay, how 'bout we all get together and title ourselves 'Grumpy, Fun Old Ladies Do a Book Signing'?
Lynn (who is truly feeling a tad grumpy today)
Lynn
lynnprice.net
|
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1150
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 10:58 am: | |
Works for me!
J
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2772
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 11:29 am: | |
hee hee hee. I could never pass for Pa Kettle, Nancy, but could pass for Ma.
When I do a book signing, I can't even be grumpy because I'm zoned completely out just praying to survive the ordeal.
Yes Gloria, there is nothing wrong with how Kathy Bates looks. Maybe for my next book signing I will go as her and carry an axe.
|
Bill Nelson
Awareness Member
Post Number:
35
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 12:38 pm: | |
Do I detect a lack of eau de testosterone wafting through this thread?
What if there's no such thing as PMS and you're really like that?
BN |
priceless1
Awareness Member
Post Number:
44
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 01:31 pm: | |
'What if there's no such thing as PMS and you're really like that?'
I will find it necessary to play on the freeway until I become a hood ornament.
Lynn
Lynn
lynnprice.net
|
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2774
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 02:00 pm: | |
I didn't get that Bill, but then I am rather dense. |
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1152
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 04:10 pm: | |
I don't blame PMS. I'm just a bitch. 
Jenn
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1290
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 06:47 pm: | |
I second what Jenn said, she really is just a bitch.
LMAO!
Kidding...really, we fight for that title.
LA
LaurieAnne
|
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1153
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 07:17 pm: | |
watch it girlie... you're sharing a room with me......
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
D.R. Bennett
Hunger Member
Post Number:
64
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 11:10 pm: | |
Okay guys...here's my shameless plug:
Need an agent?
'Write Spiritual or Philosophical material?
Go here: http://www.literaryagent.2ya.com or call me at 480-474-8211.
No fees. No hassle.
- D.R. -
http://www.drbennett.2ya.com |
|
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