Remembering Book Tours

Even though I love the age of eBooks I still enjoy the smell and feel of a new book in my hands.When my first three novels in the Soul Series came out in print, I along with many other authors went on tour. I miss those days. Nothing beats the smell of fresh coffee and new books!

Readings and tours were essential component of promoting books.

 I loved sharing my work. However, I never got over blushing when I read the sexy stuff aloud.

Big events at places such as Barnes and Nobel and literacy festivals

encouraged authors of various genre to meet and inspire not only fans but also each other.

  

I did a solo tour visiting many towns of my home state, Michigan.
Coffee shops, book stores, libraries, museums!

I was in Bambi's Coffee Shop when the statistics came out announcing that women who read romance books have sex 70% more often than those who don't. 

I sold most of my copies that day to men who purchased them for their wives.

Visiting small town book shops and spending time with the owners 

made me appreciate all the work booksellers do for authors. 

Release Day in the library.

Always give your local library lots of love.

Fans and new writers enjoy discussing writing techniques.

Sometimes an author has to make special appearances at toga parties held in cultural centered cities.

The highlight of my tour was when my mentor, Doug Allyn showed up. 

AWESOME!!! He gave me a signed copy of The Burning of Rachel Hayes. 

As I’m writing this, one big question looms: are readings and tours worth it? That is, do people buy books and connect with the author actually happen? Yes, people buy books. On my tour, I believe I sold books to people who normally wouldn’t have bought the book. Does it make up for the expenses? No way. But it is sooooo worth meeting all the wonderful people. Something many don't mention is how while on tour, authors will find inspiration for their own work as well as inspire new writers. This to me is worth more than the dollars collected from a sale.

Special thanks to my first editor and BFF since 1968.

Tricia edited all my works in high school and college. She also co-wrote a story with me during a visit to London waaaaaay back in the '80's. 

Do you enjoy interacting with favorite writers?

Throwback Thursday - Book Signing Events

I love my kindle but nothing beats the feel of a bound book in my grasp.

I miss the days of traveling across the state promoting my print books with various events.

Fans would not only have me sign their books but many would also have bookmarks at their favorites passages. I always enjoyed answering questions and sharing the back stories of my books.

Reading excerpts took a bit of getting used to. 

I still blush when I read the steamy parts.

Do you attend author events?

What's your favorite part?