Katey Schultz's Blog, page 27
May 9, 2013
Book Marketing Schedule
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I'm learning a lot from this experience of seeing a book through from contract to tour. Hiring a publicist and book tour manager has not been cheap, but I feel I can earn my money back over the next few years in book sales (fingers crossed!). The education I'm getting in the meantime is priceless.
For instance, there's an order of operations to things: pre-release, official release, Buy Day, then ebook advertising. The pre-release happened last week (hopefully everyone reading this received an email from me and has ordered the book!). Pre-release is basically the stage of book publication where it is available to the general public, but not necessarily in many stores yet or officially announced in the literary world. The official release is a newsworthy event, and that's what any good publicist builds up to and helps make a success. That's when the book will start appearing in more stores, and even more reviews will be coming out (fingers crossed, again!). Official release for Flashes of War is Memorial Day, May 27th, 2013 at Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville.
Buy Day happens roughly three weeks after official release,
Finally, I'll be investing in an advertising campaign through Kindle Nation for the ebook of Flashes of War (which happens to be available RIGHT NOW, in fact, through this link for Kindle, etc.). Despite its name, Kindle Nation isn't actually affiliated with the Amazon Kindle e-reader. My publicist informed me about them and here is what I learned: "During the past few years we have built the community that we call 'Kindle Nation' into the largest and most influential independent community of Kindle enthusiasts and ebook readers on the web. We are in touch with over 147,000 Kindle owners every day via web posts, email blasts, Facebook, and Twitter. With our sponsorship programs, we are offering you the opportunity to connect directly with our readers." Yes, it's a pitch, but it's a darn good one! I've saved enough to invest in a low-tier ad campaign through them and once that's said and done (three weeks after Buy Day, according to my publicist), I'll be able to exhale a little. Why exhale? Because by then I will have done all that I can do in terms of the initial marketing and publicity push. Phew!
May 6, 2013
Why War?
Today, the May issue of Bookslut was released, featuring their interview with me. Some of my fave questions from them include:
1) Were there any books you looked to as examples for how to structure or even write Flashes of War?
2) These stories definitely tug on the heartstrings, but never in a cheap or maudlin way. Achieving that balance is one of writing's perpetual challenges, but did you find it more difficult to achieve in this book due to the loaded subject matter?
3) For one thing, the imagery in these stories is stunning. What do you think it is about metaphor that speaks so loudly and makes even stories that take place in far-off lands hit home with readers?
Check out Bookslut and the full interview here.
Last week, author Alan Gratz published his interview with me about Flashes of War. Here's what he asked:1) Why flash fiction? How does the form fit the material?
2) How did you research the experience of the soldiers before, during, and after the war in the Middle East to be able to write so well about it?
3) You not only tell stories about Americans, but about people of Afghanistan/Iraq. How did you learn about their experiences enough to be able to write about them?
4) You often write about children. Is there a children's book writer inside you trying to get out?
5) You say in your epilogue that you chose to write about war--and this war specifically--because you wanted to understand it better. To get to know what it was like from the inside out. What did writing Flashes of War teach you? What answers did you find?
The fourth question was the most interesting to me, and the most surprising. Read the full interview here.
And in other news, I'm single again. Ugh.
May 2, 2013
Flashes of War available for pre-release!
Dear readers of The Writing Life Blog,Since 2005, I've provided free content on this blog for fans, friends, and strangers. Today, I'm happy to announce that my first book of fiction, Flashes of War, is available for pre-release. Yes, I've made it into Bookland--but this time the content isn't free. Your support by reading this blog (whether evidenced through comments, personal emails, or stats on my dashboard) has carried me further than words can express. It's finally time to help my first book, Flashes of War, meet the world. The following steps may seem meticulous, but they're well-researched. If each person reading this blog acts now, the impact will be profound. I simply cannot stress this enough--and whether that means picking up the phone or buying multiple copies (yes, please!), now is the time to take these steps. It would mean the world to me. Here's How to Help...
If at all possible, please purchase 2 copies of the book using the following steps:FIRST: Order Flashes of War through my website. These sales help fund my book tour. Buy now for $16.95 with PayPal using the button on the left sidebar.SECOND: Call your local bookstore and order the book. Your bookseller will find Flashes of War in the Ingram database and consider stocking additional copies. The limited arrangement with my publisher does not include distribution, but your local purchase initiates grassroots book distribution. I cannot get this book into stores on my own.Note: If each person receiving this message acts soon, a flood of orders will draw attention to Flashes of War.If you prefer to purchase directly through Loyola University Maryland, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or order the e-book, use this link.You may receive 2-3 more messages about this book campaign. If you'd like to skip those, kindly unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of this note.For book tour updates, send me a friend request through Facebook or follow @kateyschultz on Twitter. Happy reading and thanks for your continued support!Warmly,Katey
If at all possible, please purchase 2 copies of the book using the following steps:FIRST: Order Flashes of War through my website. These sales help fund my book tour. Buy now for $16.95 with PayPal using the button on the left sidebar.SECOND: Call your local bookstore and order the book. Your bookseller will find Flashes of War in the Ingram database and consider stocking additional copies. The limited arrangement with my publisher does not include distribution, but your local purchase initiates grassroots book distribution. I cannot get this book into stores on my own.Note: If each person receiving this message acts soon, a flood of orders will draw attention to Flashes of War.If you prefer to purchase directly through Loyola University Maryland, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or order the e-book, use this link.You may receive 2-3 more messages about this book campaign. If you'd like to skip those, kindly unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of this note.For book tour updates, send me a friend request through Facebook or follow @kateyschultz on Twitter. Happy reading and thanks for your continued support!Warmly,Katey
April 29, 2013
The Challenge of the Ingram Database
I'm happy to announce I've received enough feedback on early copies of Flashes of War to create a "reviews" page on my website. Please click here to read feedback I received during the lead-up to book launch.
Some days, it feels like I've been waiting forever for this book to be published. Other days, I want to put on the brakes to take care of "just one more thing." In truth, I've reached the point where the book is fully out of my hands. It can meet the world in any number of ways and formats, and indeed it already has. Two small papers in Virginia published a review last week and the esteemed author of The Watch, Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya, reached out to me and offered his unsolicited impressions. It's exciting to be welcomed in this way. I know Bookland won't always be kind or full of praise or even accurate, but at least I'm starting on the right foot and in good hands.
One thing that's struck me about hiring a publicist is how much I've learned--not just about marketing a book about war, but about marketing in general. By default, I've also learned about the challenges of book distribution. When I asked my publicist who was handling distribution, she referred me to my publisher. When I asked my publisher, he referred me to my publicist. What they weren't saying is this: book distribution is up to me...and the book's reputation, however it unfolds.
When dealing with a small but respected publisher such as Loyola University Maryland, they consider their job "done" when they upload the book the Ingram database. Being distributed by Ingram is great--that's how anyone with a respectable title is getting his or her books out there. But in this day and age, it's not enough. There has to be something else that encourages book sellers to actually look up the book in the first place. With 900 new books published a day in the United States, why would a book seller think to look up Flashes of War?
That's where my publicist comes in, and if her work does its magic, then booksellers will hear the buzz about Flashes of War, look it up, and stock it in their stores. It's also where my friends come in, so readers, pick up your phones and start dialing, please!
The tough truth about this model is that I'm relying on good faith, good PR, luck, the right timing, and the ability of book sellers to follow through. That's a lot to rely on, especially without a face-to-face connection or real person to reach out to Time will tell just how detrimental this hole in the system could be for Flashes of War. The optimist in me hopes that the book will get noticed and things will solve themselves. The businesswoman in me knows that I have to ask everyone I know to call their local bookstores and request it, in addition to ordering through my website (that's right, the Buy Now button is there, on the lefthand sidebar of this page!) And the pessimist in me--well, I just can't go there. I've come this far. There's just a little further to go. No point in looking down at my feet!
Some days, it feels like I've been waiting forever for this book to be published. Other days, I want to put on the brakes to take care of "just one more thing." In truth, I've reached the point where the book is fully out of my hands. It can meet the world in any number of ways and formats, and indeed it already has. Two small papers in Virginia published a review last week and the esteemed author of The Watch, Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya, reached out to me and offered his unsolicited impressions. It's exciting to be welcomed in this way. I know Bookland won't always be kind or full of praise or even accurate, but at least I'm starting on the right foot and in good hands.
One thing that's struck me about hiring a publicist is how much I've learned--not just about marketing a book about war, but about marketing in general. By default, I've also learned about the challenges of book distribution. When I asked my publicist who was handling distribution, she referred me to my publisher. When I asked my publisher, he referred me to my publicist. What they weren't saying is this: book distribution is up to me...and the book's reputation, however it unfolds.
When dealing with a small but respected publisher such as Loyola University Maryland, they consider their job "done" when they upload the book the Ingram database. Being distributed by Ingram is great--that's how anyone with a respectable title is getting his or her books out there. But in this day and age, it's not enough. There has to be something else that encourages book sellers to actually look up the book in the first place. With 900 new books published a day in the United States, why would a book seller think to look up Flashes of War?That's where my publicist comes in, and if her work does its magic, then booksellers will hear the buzz about Flashes of War, look it up, and stock it in their stores. It's also where my friends come in, so readers, pick up your phones and start dialing, please!
The tough truth about this model is that I'm relying on good faith, good PR, luck, the right timing, and the ability of book sellers to follow through. That's a lot to rely on, especially without a face-to-face connection or real person to reach out to Time will tell just how detrimental this hole in the system could be for Flashes of War. The optimist in me hopes that the book will get noticed and things will solve themselves. The businesswoman in me knows that I have to ask everyone I know to call their local bookstores and request it, in addition to ordering through my website (that's right, the Buy Now button is there, on the lefthand sidebar of this page!) And the pessimist in me--well, I just can't go there. I've come this far. There's just a little further to go. No point in looking down at my feet!
April 25, 2013
Black Mountains Backpacking
Me, Trevor (aka Zero/Zero), Dennis (kneeling), Jake, Susan, Mike, Ryan, & MitchI always find it challenging to get a total mileage count at the end of a hike, but I think this 3 1/2 day trip added up to about 26 miles and I got to summit Big Butt, Little Butt, Point Misery, Blackstock, Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Craig, and Big Tom. The group was a mixed assembly of members of the North Carolin High Peaks Trail Association and at our height we had 9 people and 6 dogs (the first night), but for most of the trip we had 7 people plus 4 dogs. The trip was a bit last minute for me, and there are very few people on this planet that I'd say "sure" to when asked if I'd like to go on a 3-night backpacking trip without looking at a topo first. But Dennis and Jake could walk these mountain blind, so when they said they knew where our water sources were and where we'd camp, I said "count me in!" It also helped that everyone rallied to arrange shuttles and rides, as a few of us had to come off the trail 1/2 day early due to obligations (myself included). I couldn't have gone without everyone's help and that's just one more reason I love these guys!
Standing on the hook of the J looking toward home and the highest section of the Blacks where we'd end up. We hiked to the "right" of this photo and around the curve, then "left" along the ridgeline shown here.I know the Black Mountains fairly well, but I don't know the eastern hook of the J of this chain of mountains well at all. Although I knew where I stood in relation to home and my northern end of the Blacks each day, every inch of this trail was new to me--and very exciting!As it turns out, my analogy about being able to "walk these mountains blind" proved interestingly true for one man...On day 2 we crossed paths with Trevor Thomas (aka Zero/Zero), the blind hiker.
Other cool things about this trip included scouting out the remains of a 1960's airplane crash at Rainbow Gap. Nearby, we also found an old cabin and the sweetest spring and water supply in backpacking history. They way this particular spring had been rigged up by some trail angels, it took about 40 seconds to get half a gallon of water. Unbelieveable!
Another highlight for me was the first night's camping spot just before the summit of Big Butt at Flat Spring Knob. This is in the middle of a gigantic patch of wild ramps (like nature's hybrid of leeks and scallions). We could even smell onions through our sleeping that night, and this patch is only a fraction of what we saw. You could hike 1/4 mile either direction from here and find ramps as far as the eye could see.
Although I'm not used to creature comforts in the backcountry and prefer to hike without them, as well as without a phone or watch, the NC High Peaks crew is largely made up of well-outfitted 50+ retired folks who like to hike with resupplies, iPhones, and...frothy beer mugs. I'll keep my comments about hiking with phones (or turning them on while hiking, at least) to myself...but I will say this was the first time I'd backpacked with wine, Irish whiskey, or beer and I certainly didn't mind a sip at the end of a long day.
Mitch, Ryan, myself, Trevor, & Tennille (on leash) separate from the group for an afternoon to "bag" 3 more peaks. Here we are at the high point. We said goodbye to Trevor here, as he continued on the MST and we hit the Crest Trail on down to the Big Tom connector trail, then met up with the rest of our group at Maple Camp Bald. A final view the morning we hiked out, always so bittersweet:
April 22, 2013
A Lil' Spring Dash
The presale for Flashes of War launches on May 1st and something in me knows it's now or never...so I've hit the trails for 4 days with my pals from the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a little backpacking trip. I'll post pics on Thursday's blog. Exactly one year ago, I backpacked with a group of women in Canyonlands National Park (southern Utah). Here's the video from that. Perhaps a group trip in early spring is becoming an annual habit! Here goes!
April 18, 2013
A Challenge from Spring
From my desk, I stare out two large windows overlooking Burnt Ridge and Winter Star peak. If I look to the right, I can see Gibbs and Horse Rock peaks as well. Spring is late this year, which means I get a few extra weeks of this view before the leaves come out and the ridgeline disappears. This week, the view has been a schizophrenic panorama of weather, as well. One minute there's mist and fog with patchy beams of buttery sunlight. The next moment, it's total downpour. Water drips slowly through the bathroom fan into a bowl I've conveniently placed on the floor. Another towel is set along the back bathroom windowsill, because, despite best efforts, the trough still fills with rain and occasionally overflows onto the counter. I let the towel soak up this spring rain and hang it up to dry after each heavy downpour. My dad and I can fix these things, but in due time.
Drips and drops aside, I marvel every day at how self-contained this little 31x8-foot living space [video] is. Almost everything that makes up my home-on-wheels is 43 years old. A little leak here and there doesn't dispel the magic of Airstream Living. In fact, it affirms, for the most part, that Dad and I did a pretty darn good job "sealing this puppy up," as they say. I've been in here for 60 mph winds, lightening storms, Carolina downpours, sub-zero temperatures, and an 80 degree day. And I've never been happier for it. My gas and electric bills are within reason, my privacy is secure, and I receive visits from the neighbors' dogs who clamber over the ridge or across Shuford Creek for their daily ration of Milk Bones. It is a good life.
A best friend helps, too.And a life worth paying attention to, too. Just as I've made strides this week to clear my daily schedule so that I can mentally and spiritually prepare myself for the book tour...and so that I can answer daily emails and interview questions to coordinate all the PR...I seem to be tested. The Universe is funny that way, as if asking me: Are you sure you want to be balanced? How serious are you, really? Well, I'm serious enough to schedule a manuscript critique 4 months out (instead of starting it next week). And I'm serious enough to encourage my adult writers to take the summer months off. Likewise, serious enough to push back on a particular contract job that's asking me to do more than I'm supposed to--when typically I'd take the heat, take the extra work, and figure it all out in the end. And I'm serious enough to tell a return client (4 years and counting) that I cannot run their national arts marketing campaign this year, rather, only their regional and large city campaigns.
Those are big steps for a Type-A Capricorn! Big steps indeed. It feels good and right to be making the time, however uphill the effort seems right now. I'll only get a first book tour once. And I won't always have this chance to be neighbors with my parents, who I love very much. And I won't always even have this protected little space to call my very own. Slowing down and exhailing lets me keep this gratitude close.
Drips and drops aside, I marvel every day at how self-contained this little 31x8-foot living space [video] is. Almost everything that makes up my home-on-wheels is 43 years old. A little leak here and there doesn't dispel the magic of Airstream Living. In fact, it affirms, for the most part, that Dad and I did a pretty darn good job "sealing this puppy up," as they say. I've been in here for 60 mph winds, lightening storms, Carolina downpours, sub-zero temperatures, and an 80 degree day. And I've never been happier for it. My gas and electric bills are within reason, my privacy is secure, and I receive visits from the neighbors' dogs who clamber over the ridge or across Shuford Creek for their daily ration of Milk Bones. It is a good life.
A best friend helps, too.And a life worth paying attention to, too. Just as I've made strides this week to clear my daily schedule so that I can mentally and spiritually prepare myself for the book tour...and so that I can answer daily emails and interview questions to coordinate all the PR...I seem to be tested. The Universe is funny that way, as if asking me: Are you sure you want to be balanced? How serious are you, really? Well, I'm serious enough to schedule a manuscript critique 4 months out (instead of starting it next week). And I'm serious enough to encourage my adult writers to take the summer months off. Likewise, serious enough to push back on a particular contract job that's asking me to do more than I'm supposed to--when typically I'd take the heat, take the extra work, and figure it all out in the end. And I'm serious enough to tell a return client (4 years and counting) that I cannot run their national arts marketing campaign this year, rather, only their regional and large city campaigns. Those are big steps for a Type-A Capricorn! Big steps indeed. It feels good and right to be making the time, however uphill the effort seems right now. I'll only get a first book tour once. And I won't always have this chance to be neighbors with my parents, who I love very much. And I won't always even have this protected little space to call my very own. Slowing down and exhailing lets me keep this gratitude close.
April 15, 2013
The Elusive Middle Ground & the Lost Cove Hike (Metaphor, Anyone?)
One reason I've felt a little edgy about all the book tour events as more and more are scheduled, is that I've been too busy to enjoy the moment. What have I been busy doing? Earning money the best way I know how: through arts writing, literary critiques, and waitressing. It's hard to think of letting any of these things go, because they supply me with much-needed income for the travel that lies ahead. It feels like a double-edged sword: If I don't do these things, I won't have the money to travel and promote my book; if I want to travel and promote my book, I have to do these things.
But recently, I've added book promotions (plus hours of weekly correspondence required to fulfill this) and a relationship to my daily life experience...without taking anything else out of the picture. I've also added a good number of hours volunteering with the Carolina Mountain Club. Busy is what I know. It's what I'm good at. And while it's not entirely fair to say that I don't enjoy being busy--because I genuinely like the things I devote my time to--it also isn't fair to say that it always brings me joy. Never mind that the results of "busy" include social praise, personal rewards, and financial freedom.
I've been challenged to find the happy medium. To do what I need to do for my career, my spirit, and the people in my life, while also not busting the bank or dropping the ball, as they say. I have no doubt this is what I want, but I need support in order to achieve it. I have been a go-getter-independent-strong-willed-get-it-done self-employed woman for a while now. A lot of that, I like--it's who I am in the best possible ways. But even too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. And I do want more freedom and time in my life. In order to do this, I need to feel like trying to achieve this happy medium is good enough, even though I won't achieve it at every turn. And I need the presence of mind to face each day with an open heart balanced by a good dose of reason. First things first: lighten my load. Second things second: get good sleep. Third things third: hope the money will work itself out. And above all else: keep dreaming big for that book. Dreams are free, after all.
Meantime, enjoy these snapshots of my hike to Lost Cove, a pre-Civil War settlement accessible only by foot until 1905, when the train came. The last settler left in 1957. This is in Yancey County, not too far from where I live, and a good 2 1/2 mile (1500 foot) drop down toward the Nolichucky River Gorge. Amazing:
Black Mountains in far distance, with Celo Knob on the left.
Looking opposite direction from previous photo, down into Nolichucky River Gorge from Yancey toward Mitchell side.
Here's what used to be at one old house site (above), and here's what remains (next two below). Same 1937 Chevy truck:
Old cemetery overlooks Shinbone Ridge across the gorge.
This old schoolhouse held 30 students at one time, all raised in an environment that required a rare, all-day walk to the "town" of Poplar to get supplies. Most everything folks needed was grown or made in Lost Cove. Few left for anything.
I liked the old settlement, but my favorite spot was about halfway down, crossing this "hidden creek" that gurgled audibly beneath the long, wide swath of moss-covered rocks. Evidence of water was everywhere, though it remained out of sight.
But recently, I've added book promotions (plus hours of weekly correspondence required to fulfill this) and a relationship to my daily life experience...without taking anything else out of the picture. I've also added a good number of hours volunteering with the Carolina Mountain Club. Busy is what I know. It's what I'm good at. And while it's not entirely fair to say that I don't enjoy being busy--because I genuinely like the things I devote my time to--it also isn't fair to say that it always brings me joy. Never mind that the results of "busy" include social praise, personal rewards, and financial freedom.
I've been challenged to find the happy medium. To do what I need to do for my career, my spirit, and the people in my life, while also not busting the bank or dropping the ball, as they say. I have no doubt this is what I want, but I need support in order to achieve it. I have been a go-getter-independent-strong-willed-get-it-done self-employed woman for a while now. A lot of that, I like--it's who I am in the best possible ways. But even too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. And I do want more freedom and time in my life. In order to do this, I need to feel like trying to achieve this happy medium is good enough, even though I won't achieve it at every turn. And I need the presence of mind to face each day with an open heart balanced by a good dose of reason. First things first: lighten my load. Second things second: get good sleep. Third things third: hope the money will work itself out. And above all else: keep dreaming big for that book. Dreams are free, after all.
Meantime, enjoy these snapshots of my hike to Lost Cove, a pre-Civil War settlement accessible only by foot until 1905, when the train came. The last settler left in 1957. This is in Yancey County, not too far from where I live, and a good 2 1/2 mile (1500 foot) drop down toward the Nolichucky River Gorge. Amazing:
Black Mountains in far distance, with Celo Knob on the left.
Looking opposite direction from previous photo, down into Nolichucky River Gorge from Yancey toward Mitchell side.
Here's what used to be at one old house site (above), and here's what remains (next two below). Same 1937 Chevy truck:
Old cemetery overlooks Shinbone Ridge across the gorge.
This old schoolhouse held 30 students at one time, all raised in an environment that required a rare, all-day walk to the "town" of Poplar to get supplies. Most everything folks needed was grown or made in Lost Cove. Few left for anything.
I liked the old settlement, but my favorite spot was about halfway down, crossing this "hidden creek" that gurgled audibly beneath the long, wide swath of moss-covered rocks. Evidence of water was everywhere, though it remained out of sight.April 11, 2013
The New "Normal"
For weeks, months it seems, so many elements of the book tour felt up in the air. I have been fortunate enough to hire two kind, connected, literary professionals (both based in Portland, Oregon) to help me with publicity and the tour. But even the most savvy, skilled person can't make someone else hurry up...let alone an entire English Department, Board of Directors, or--as the case sometimes is--one headstrong, uber-focused individual. And then all at once, like spring itself, the yes's start coming in. Two weeks ago, my book tour manager of amazing-wonderful-super-sweet-proportions secured my book launch at the one-and-only Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, NC. This store has a great history, a strong following, and a tradition of hosting award-winning authors for events. Since that breakthrough, so much else has fallen in place. Off the top of my head...
May 1 interview published on Alan Gratz's author website
May 1 online presale launches through my website
May 14 radio interview in Asheville
May 26 radio interview in Asheville
May 27 radio interview in Asheville
May 27 book launch and signing at Malaprop's in Asheville @ 7pm
May 31 Necessary Fiction publishes "research notes" essay about Flashes of War
May 31 Flashes of War mentioned in Memoir (and) Journal's "Editor's Note"
June 2 reading and signing at Penland School of Crafts @ 4pm
June 10 reading and signing with author Abigail DeWitt at The Celo Inn @ 7:30pm
June 18 reading and signing with author Louise Hawes @ Interlochen Center for the Arts
June 23 reading and signing at People's Books Cooperative in Milwaukee, WI
August 7 reading and signing @ Interlochen Center for the Arts
August 13 reading and signing with author Benjamin Busch in Michigan
September 6 (tentative) reading and signing at City Lights Books in Sylva, NC
September 12-14 featured author at Carolina Mountains Literary Festival in Burnsville, NC
October 10 reading and signing at Oakland University in Detroit, MI @ 5pm
(And this doesn't even cover reviews, which should be coming out anytime between now and mid-summer...or additional interviews which I've done via email already and am waiting to hear back about regarding publication dates...)
As these pieces have fallen into place, we're finally freed up to focus on the Pacific Northwest leg of the tour, where we have lots of leads. Leads are great, support is great, and I couldn't do it without either...but in the end, what I really can't do it without is a book tour manager who has a level head and a knack for detail. The person I've hired has all that AND a delightful sense of humor (thank you one thousand million times over for that), so I'm learning and laughing and celebrating all along the way.
Well...that "celebrating" part is only partly true, which brings me to this notion the new "normal." Each time an event has rolled in, I'm struck with flashes of fear and anxiety. Not because I don't enjoy giving a hearty public reading. And not because I think it's too good to be true. But really, because each event moves me closer and closer to this big, unknown something also known as a book tour, which from everything my author friends tell me, is going to be one hell of an emotional roller coaster. I don't want the roller coaster part of it, though. I had enough of that when I put my life on the road for three years.
My mom keeps telling me to "Embrace it! Enjoy it!" And Dad says, "This is the new 'normal'! Soak it up while you can and remember that this is what you wanted!" They're both right, but the type-A Capricorn in me still seizes up when news comes in....How will I afford the plane ticket? Will I find housing or stay in a hotel? Should I rent a car? Will there be food I can eat and affordably access? (I have severe, lifelong food allergies) If I sell 10 books, that won't even cover gas, should I still go? How long will I have to be away from home and how will that affect my personal life? Who will introduce me? What should I wear? What if I get lost and am late to my own reading? What if someone is angry about what I have written and publicly, verbally attacks me?
I've blogged all along about the publishing process and the steps to getting that first book contract. I've blogged about hiring a copyeditor and going through revisions. Likewise, on hiring a publicist. Next up, I suppose, will be blogging about this great unknown of the book tour, and piggy-backed naturally on top of that, book distribution and sales. I'll try to organize my thoughts as soon as I can assimilate each experience. For now, I'm all pins and needles...and more in need of advice than in a space where I can rightly offer any to others just yet.
Anyone else holding on tight? I sure am. This feels like it's going to be one heck of a learning curve...
May 1 interview published on Alan Gratz's author website
May 1 online presale launches through my website
May 14 radio interview in Asheville
May 26 radio interview in Asheville
May 27 radio interview in Asheville
May 27 book launch and signing at Malaprop's in Asheville @ 7pm
May 31 Necessary Fiction publishes "research notes" essay about Flashes of War
May 31 Flashes of War mentioned in Memoir (and) Journal's "Editor's Note"
June 2 reading and signing at Penland School of Crafts @ 4pm
June 10 reading and signing with author Abigail DeWitt at The Celo Inn @ 7:30pm
June 18 reading and signing with author Louise Hawes @ Interlochen Center for the Arts
June 23 reading and signing at People's Books Cooperative in Milwaukee, WI
August 7 reading and signing @ Interlochen Center for the Arts
August 13 reading and signing with author Benjamin Busch in Michigan
September 6 (tentative) reading and signing at City Lights Books in Sylva, NC
September 12-14 featured author at Carolina Mountains Literary Festival in Burnsville, NC
October 10 reading and signing at Oakland University in Detroit, MI @ 5pm
(And this doesn't even cover reviews, which should be coming out anytime between now and mid-summer...or additional interviews which I've done via email already and am waiting to hear back about regarding publication dates...)
As these pieces have fallen into place, we're finally freed up to focus on the Pacific Northwest leg of the tour, where we have lots of leads. Leads are great, support is great, and I couldn't do it without either...but in the end, what I really can't do it without is a book tour manager who has a level head and a knack for detail. The person I've hired has all that AND a delightful sense of humor (thank you one thousand million times over for that), so I'm learning and laughing and celebrating all along the way.
Well...that "celebrating" part is only partly true, which brings me to this notion the new "normal." Each time an event has rolled in, I'm struck with flashes of fear and anxiety. Not because I don't enjoy giving a hearty public reading. And not because I think it's too good to be true. But really, because each event moves me closer and closer to this big, unknown something also known as a book tour, which from everything my author friends tell me, is going to be one hell of an emotional roller coaster. I don't want the roller coaster part of it, though. I had enough of that when I put my life on the road for three years.
My mom keeps telling me to "Embrace it! Enjoy it!" And Dad says, "This is the new 'normal'! Soak it up while you can and remember that this is what you wanted!" They're both right, but the type-A Capricorn in me still seizes up when news comes in....How will I afford the plane ticket? Will I find housing or stay in a hotel? Should I rent a car? Will there be food I can eat and affordably access? (I have severe, lifelong food allergies) If I sell 10 books, that won't even cover gas, should I still go? How long will I have to be away from home and how will that affect my personal life? Who will introduce me? What should I wear? What if I get lost and am late to my own reading? What if someone is angry about what I have written and publicly, verbally attacks me?
I've blogged all along about the publishing process and the steps to getting that first book contract. I've blogged about hiring a copyeditor and going through revisions. Likewise, on hiring a publicist. Next up, I suppose, will be blogging about this great unknown of the book tour, and piggy-backed naturally on top of that, book distribution and sales. I'll try to organize my thoughts as soon as I can assimilate each experience. For now, I'm all pins and needles...and more in need of advice than in a space where I can rightly offer any to others just yet.
Anyone else holding on tight? I sure am. This feels like it's going to be one heck of a learning curve...
April 8, 2013
Spring in the Black Mountains
Spring has finally sprung in the Black Mountains and, that fast, we're all hearts-thumping, boots pounding, ready-to-hit the trails. Not that I haven't hiked in snow, for instance, this 10-miler just a week ago:
My friend Jana's dog Molly, takes a break in the snowy trail.And not that we haven't had a few sunny days, for instance, this one out on volunteer litter pick up with the NC High Peaks trail crew:
But still--on both hikes I was wearing wool and synthetic layers. I also wore a hat and gloves half the time and contemplated strapping on my yak-trax just to get through the icy spots. To think that a year ago March, I backpacked these same trails at over 6,000 feet [ view video here ] and there were insects flying around in my face. Unseasonal, sure, but an intense contrast nonetheless. A few days ago, we were still seeing hoar-frost covered peaks like this, which I observed from my Airstream on a chilly 17-degree morning:
Yesterday topped out at 67 degrees and Gus and I bushwhacked over Burnt Mountain (which is really just a ridge) somewhere around the 4000-4200' contour and connected White Oak Creek to Shuford Creek. And today hit 68 degrees and we did the Bob Creek trail...myself in a t-shirt. Later, I raked straw back from wintered grasses while wearing...a tank top. It's the little things, isn't it? And everyone I know in the South Toe Valley is more than ready for this turn in the weather.
Monday, I'll head out with the volunteer Carolina Mountain Club trail crew (which I do every Monday, weather-permitting as dictated by our crew leader) to the Appalachian Trail at Wolf Laurel. I'm still packing my wool hat and rain gear, but not because I think I'll need them--only because enough miles have taught me that you always pack for an overnight even if you're just planing on a half day.
Meantime, what is it that I do? Oh yeah. I write. Indeed, I do. And teach and send critiques and press manager and blog and meditate. But the hiking, oh, the hiking--especially in springtime--takes precedence over all. Who says I can't write into the night and enjoy the growing, warming daylight now that it's finally here? No one. No one at all.
My friend Jana's dog Molly, takes a break in the snowy trail.And not that we haven't had a few sunny days, for instance, this one out on volunteer litter pick up with the NC High Peaks trail crew:
But still--on both hikes I was wearing wool and synthetic layers. I also wore a hat and gloves half the time and contemplated strapping on my yak-trax just to get through the icy spots. To think that a year ago March, I backpacked these same trails at over 6,000 feet [ view video here ] and there were insects flying around in my face. Unseasonal, sure, but an intense contrast nonetheless. A few days ago, we were still seeing hoar-frost covered peaks like this, which I observed from my Airstream on a chilly 17-degree morning:
Yesterday topped out at 67 degrees and Gus and I bushwhacked over Burnt Mountain (which is really just a ridge) somewhere around the 4000-4200' contour and connected White Oak Creek to Shuford Creek. And today hit 68 degrees and we did the Bob Creek trail...myself in a t-shirt. Later, I raked straw back from wintered grasses while wearing...a tank top. It's the little things, isn't it? And everyone I know in the South Toe Valley is more than ready for this turn in the weather.
Monday, I'll head out with the volunteer Carolina Mountain Club trail crew (which I do every Monday, weather-permitting as dictated by our crew leader) to the Appalachian Trail at Wolf Laurel. I'm still packing my wool hat and rain gear, but not because I think I'll need them--only because enough miles have taught me that you always pack for an overnight even if you're just planing on a half day.
Meantime, what is it that I do? Oh yeah. I write. Indeed, I do. And teach and send critiques and press manager and blog and meditate. But the hiking, oh, the hiking--especially in springtime--takes precedence over all. Who says I can't write into the night and enjoy the growing, warming daylight now that it's finally here? No one. No one at all.
