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.

Introducing Cody/Scar from the "Shifting" books of The Twin Cities Series

I love working with artist and Kwazar of Deviant Art was one of the best experiences I have had. I spotted her talented work on her site while cruising around in search of someone to draw wolves for me.

For those of you who have not read the "Shifting" novellas, the main character is a shape-shifter named Cody. Cody has a big problem because the lady he loves adores him in his wolf form, as Scar, but could care less for him as a human. She does not know they are one-and-the-same.

The books "Shifting in The Realms" and "Shifting Agony & Ecstasy" are from Cody's point of view and mostly while he is in wolf form with Simone, his lady love. "Shifting Places" is the third and Cody joins Mr. Grimm to help him find his kidnapped daughter.

I wanted wolf drawings where you could see a hint of the human (Cody) peeking out. Kwazar certainly gave me what I was asking for. Here is a sampling of her work and the way I am using it to promote the books. Enjoy!

You can find the "Shifting Books" on your favorite buying platform, or

go to The Twin Cities Series

And you will find the links directly under the header.

The UK 'Whatcha-ma-callit"

I had a birthday recently and was spoiled rotten, as usual. Much to my surprise among the many well wishes, eating out events, treats and gifts, I received a "Whatcha-ma-callit" from my friend David in the UK.

Well, at least I thought it was a "Whatcha-ma-callit." It could have been a "Thinga-ma-jig" or a "Whatsit," or even a "Whing-ding." I really had no idea what it was, but I took a few guesses...

I tried wearing it like a crown...but it was a wee bit too small.

 

I tired wearing it as a bracelet...but it was a wee bit too big.

 

 

I thought it might be a container for a magic spell...but the magic slipped out.

 

 

 

It was a little too thick to be a bookmark and a little too thin to be something to sit on...

though I almost got it into the shape of a chair.

Perhaps it was fashioned for fairies? (In that case, Beatrist *my fairy friend* says it needs a cushion.)

 

 

I tried flying it, but it is not very aerodynamic...too many holes.

(Though Farloft and Scar enjoyed the 'fetching' part of the game.)

 

 

So...I decided it was just a beautiful little UK Whatcha-ma-callit and I would put it in the Moroccan Room so it could mystify and delight other's imagination, as it has mine.

 

Thank you, David and if you deem to enlighten me, My Dear Mage, I would be honored to know the true use of the UK Whatcha-ma-callit.







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I will be giving away a copy of SHIFTING IN THE REALMS

He's a shape shifter - He's in love

Only one problem his lady only loves him in his wolf form

What's a shape shifter to do?

A Reading at 'Another Read Through'

I am pleased to announce my paperback books are being carried locally at a bookstore on N. Mississippi Another Read Through .

Elisa, the shop owner, has a very nice intro on her website:

"We specialize in fiction for adults and kids, with smaller sections for mystery, nonfiction, bio/memoir, science fiction and fantasy, true crime, poetry, manga, and young adult books. We have multiple monthly readings from local authors and other cool and fun things for people of all ages. Wander in and find an old favorite you want to revisit, or a new author to get excited about."

This past Thursday I was asked to do a reading. The space is lovely. Reminded me of the movie "Crossing Delancey," wonderfully comfortable wing-back chairs in a cozy upstairs that longs to have people chatting away about books and writing.

I hope to become "a new author to get excited about."

Dad and Elisa in the reading room. Check out "We 3" on the tables.

I brought the promised Chocolate!

The Farloft Chronicles on display at a Bookstore for the 1st time!
An author's dream come true.
Thank you, Elisa

The Shifting Books

The Star Traveler Series
So excited I didn't get them all in the picture