Marketing through Anthropomorphism

ˌanTHrəpəˈmôrfizəm/

noun

the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know the meaning of this word even though you may not have known it, because you have chatted with my dragon, Farloft.

Throughout the world of marketing you will find talking animals or objects promoting products and causes. Smokey the Bear informs you, "Only you can prevent forest fires." Toucan Sam tells you "Follow your nose! It always knows," to the closest box of Fruit Loops. Charlie the Tuna, Tony the Tiger, Trix Rabbit, The M&Ms team, Chester Cheetah, Morris the cat, the list goes on and on, but you get the picture.

I didn't mean to create Farloft as the 'spokes dragon' for my series and yet he happened and he has become so much more. I have been wanting to tell this story for about two years now. So grab your cup of coffee or tea and sit back in your comfortable chair, and I will tell you how a Star was Born!

I published my first book in June 2013. It was James & the Dragon. Farloft is the main character in the book.

Norwich England's Dragon Walk - Summer 2015

What an incredible walk. Wish I had been able to attend. I cannot possibly pick a favorite.

GoGoDragons! 2015 was an interactive arts sculpture trail bringing 84 large dragon sculptures and 120 school dragons to the City of Norwich.

The proceeds of this projects auctioned off dragons funded the valuable work of Norfolk Charity Break who support vulnerable children, young people and families across East Anglia.

Dad's 89th Birthday!

Dad celebrated his 89th birthday last month, but he, like I, really enjoys dragging it out. 

Since I love tea and had the day off today, I took dad to tea at the
English Garden Tea Cafe. 

It is a new little place that just opened in June.

Dad and I found it delightful and will not only go back again, 

but endeavor to spread the word about this lovely place. 

The decor is pleasant with hand painted flowers, bushes and dragonflies above the chair rails. 

We met Roanna, our very pleasant hostess, who said her hand was really cramping
before she completed the painting. It runs all the way around the room.

There is a hat-tree with a selection of hats,
which the owner/staff encourage you to wear while enjoying your tea.

Presentation was nicely done. Loved the fold of the napkins.

The first course was a lovely spicy chicken soup. No MSG here and it was delicious.

Second course was a cooling off fruit compote of peaches, pineapple and strawberries.

Real whipped cream ladies and gentlemen.

Dad excited over the three tiered tray of savories

(egg salad, cucumber and chicken salad 'which was exceptional'),

two kinds of scones (plain and cinnamon raisin) and

sweets (just going to let you drool here).

In addition, they offered not one, but two kinds of jam

and 

homemade lemon curd for the scones. 

YUM!

Treat yourself to a lovely tea experience at the English Garden Tea Cafe.

And follow their Facebook page

A Dilemma Presented - A Problem Solved

The Dilemma:

I have encountered a delightful dilemma, as an author. I have folks sending me my own books because they want me to autograph them and then mail the books back to them.

I am flattered that my signature and well wishes mean so much to my reading friends.

The Problem Solved:

I have had CreateSpace ship me some copies of my books. I have rounded out the pricing so you get a good deal on all the set. I have also devised some pretty cool 'bonus gifts' that I will ship with the books from my end in addition to the autographed copies. We all like 'Goodies' and 'Freebies.'

And I want to give you a special 'head-up' with this notice too.
If you buy a set of THE FARLOFT CHRONICLES and you have several children. Let me know. I will send you a coloring book with the 'kid friendly' tattoo for each of them. Not just one book for them to share. I know sharing can be an issue, though Farloft does his best to teach the concept.

Purchase the full set of "The Farloft Chronicles" for $60.00.

You receive the coloring book and kid friendly tattoo.

Purchase a full set of "The Star Traveler Series," for $60.00.

You receive all 6 frame worthy 11x17 posters of the cover art and cool bookmarks for each volume.

Poster Art by Sherry D. Ramsey

Bookmarks

Purchase a full set of "The Twin Cities Series" for $24.00.

You receive 8 frame worthy, 8.5x11 wolf prints of Scar and bookmarks for each volume.

Art by Kwazar of Deviant Art

Bookmarks

Purchase "We 3" for $20.00.

You receive custom bookmarks with tips & tricks for Elder Care.

Email me at TheresaSnyderAuthor@gmail.com to request the book(s) you would like.
I will get them to you as soon as possible.
(Additional charge for postage)

My First Book Fair!

Oh, how I have looked forward to this. Weeks of preparation, as you all know. 100 days of lovely, hot summer days. Unseasonably dry.

Not on Saturday...The 7th Annual NW Book Fair opened to a drizzle, proceeded to a downpour and ended with a mist. Go figure...the best laid plans, right?

There is an up-side to all of this. I learned I could still prepare for an event. We had the best looking booth. We were organized. Between Russ, Cheri's wonderful husband, Daniel, my IT guru and friend, Sarah, my graphic designer, Cheri, me, and Angela, Cheri's 8 year old granddaughter, we put on a great show.

The Farloft selfie cut-out was a hit between rain showers. The dragon puppet, dubbed Spitfire, was loved by all and we sold our share of books. It's just that the turnout was limited.

I have another event on August 1st at Another Read Through on N. Mississippi from 11:00-2:00 and I will be at the Japanese Skosh Festival August 8th from 10:00-2:00 at the Gresham City Park corner of Powell and Main. I am hopeful the weather will be better for those events and you can drop by to visit and have your copies of my books autographed.

My Table

Cheri's Table

Both of our banners were done by Sarah Hyndshaw my Graphic Designer

The downpour outside out tent

Marketing preparations for the 7th Annual NW Book Festival

I have been accepted to the 7^th Annual NW Book Festival, July 25^th in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Last year they had over 3,500 people attend with over seventy independent authors. I am excited to be involved is such a large event. It will be my first as a published author.

So how does one go about preparing for such an event? How do you make the most out of the contacts you will have an opportunity to make at a festival like this? How many books should you bring? (My books are print-on-demand, so books that are bought are out-of-pocket expense for me.) How will I get readers to come to my booth and, better yet, buy from my booth? So many questions that luckily, I have the background to answer because I have a history that includes ‘marketing.’

Sarah's Graduation

Sarah Hyndshaw is my graphic artist and the designer of The Farloft Chronicles' covers. This past Saturday she graduated from the college I work at, the proud recipient of a degree in Graphic Arts.

I wanted to share her work with you all one more time and also a glimpse of our little celebration.