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?

Monday Mojo - Lovin' Things

Some people are sexually attracted to objects

While we all may see beauty in inanimate objects such as the Eiffel Tower and the historical Berlin Wall, some people love buildings, objects or architecture so much that they develop a sexual attraction toward these objects. One lady became so besotted by the Eiffel Tower that she had a civil ceremony with it in 2007 and changed her surname to “Eiffel” to reflect the bond. There are a small number of people around the world who feel a sensual, emotional and physical attraction to inanimate objects and they call themselves “objectum sexuals”.

Are you an author?

"Do I have a marketing plan? Are you kidding? I'm buried with writing, editing, fighting with a website, trying to balance a job, family, and all the other demands of life. If I think about taking on more, I start to stress out. But I'll listen to suggestions. I need all the help I can get."

Is this you? Are you a writer who fights constantly to find better ways not only to write, but also to promote? Need help? Like to offer solutions?

A writer pal, Kayelle Allen, told me about an awesome online group for writers. Check out  Marketing For Romance Writers. It's a self-help and mentoring group for writers dedicated to helping authors.

They will host a free online conference in July; so mark your calendars.