Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Birth Announcement

Yesterday, my book became a reality as it came off the printing press.  The twenty month pregnancy finally ended.  Nearly a pound, the little guy measures nine inches long, six inches wide and is wrapped in a paperback cover.  Tomorrow, the load gets packed in a truck and will make the trip from Minnesota to me.  With an ETA of late next week or early the following one, I can begin to process the orders I already have and share a piece of my soul in each package.  So far they are destined for eight different US states and two other continents!  Of course, more orders are always welcome at my website.

I forecast a busy summer.  My collaborator, Uta Mooney arrives the last day of May for three months and we have already been selected to participate in two local art walks in Mill Creek and Edmonds, WA, as well as one in Portland, OR.  Uta will be exhibiting her Cabin 108  inspired paintings and I hope to sell some books along the way.  We are determined to promote each other successfully and spread the word as far and wide as possible.

Yep, new addition to my family and I'm already looking for other locations for the little guy.  Any word of mouth (positive preferred) would be greatly appreciated.

 


Sunday, May 5, 2013

No More Almost


Delete 'nearly' too.  Yesterday, I completed my transformation and became a professional writer as I launched my website for my new book, Cabin 108, and began accepting orders.  So, I didn't get many but I got enough to prove that people will pay for my words.  More will follow as delivery of product nears by the first of June.   The proof copy sits on the table downstairs right now and will be in the printer's hands by Wednesday.  Two weeks to produce and a week transit time after that.  Presto!  I can begin fulfilling orders.

Would have told you two years ago, even one year ago, you were crazy to think I could write and publish a book.  But that's where I am.  So much going on lately.  My publishing coordinator told me in a meeting that my book is a thousand times better written than 50 Shades.  She's only been in the publishing business for 30+ years!  Settled on a company to warehouse and distribute my novel to bookstores and libraries.  Bought packaging supplies for direct sales, which I need desperately to make this venture viable.  Calculated postage for domestic and international sales.  Figured out how to put a "Buy Now" button on my website.

The learning will continue as I enter the world of literary marketing, promotion and publicity.  I'm already working on events to spread the word.  Perseverance, passion, determination and hard work got me this far.  So many chances to give up and walk away, but I refused.  Cabin 108 became an obsession that wouldn't let me quit.  

For now, I will leave you with the cover of my new book.  Based on a painting by Uta Mooney with beautiful model, Jacqueline Davey, and graphic design by Laura Zugzda.