Eileen Granfors's Blog, page 10
November 29, 2011
The Public Eye
After I confirmed the date with the Vroman's Bookstore events team, I spent about two months obsessing over what to wear, what if no one comes, what if the other presenting authors are Keira Knightley lookalikes?
All ridiculous. I found an outfit that I liked, that I was comfortable in, AND got a new pair of boots that I love wearing.
When I arrived (you know me, 90 minutes early), the other author was there with her mom. She had decorated her half of the display up front with a bright blue tablecloth, a purple treasure chest, stacks of her book, and a map of the land she had envisioned. "Twinkles" is a book for 8-12 year old girls. Cassandra Black has done a number of readings and events. She soon put me at ease, helping me to feel like we were a team of presenters, not competitors.
The events' lead came out to explain the time-frames (which I had called about at noon so I could mark my book passages for length).
Then, in walked my childhood friend, Denise, and her husband John. It was just what I needed to have someone I know so well to talk to and welcome to our part of Southern California since she's from San Diego (Chula Vista). John and Patrick hit it off, and they were talking about dinner after the event.
People began arriving. My former student Jill Grigsby Roberts with her daughter (12), followed by Annalee and Daniel Davis. Annalee had been my student and then my student teacher. I am proud she has gone on to teach. Many of my writing cohorts,Marianne Wallace, Anita Swanson, Jeannie Bloom, Helen Meek, and Sarah Freifeld arrived. What a surprise! And what do you know, but a Saugus grad from my last teaching year, Steven Wright. I was so happy to see him.
We gave people time to settle in. Others joined the audience. Cassandra read first, with such comedy and good humor, in her sweet tale of an insectland where one firefly doesn't light up. She talked about growing up in Tennessee. She answered questions from the smitten audience, and it was my turn.
I read the beautiful poem that opens my book, "For Your Daughter," by LA poet, Yvette Johnson. I was sorry she wasn't there to hear her words ringing out. I read part of the opening chapter, the part about the Newfie dog and his owner, and Zoozle's despair. I moved on to read the chapter that I turned into a flash fiction story, about Grandpa Joe eating M&M's with Zoozle, day dreaming about chicken and dumplings. I ended with his good advice, "Ah honey. Today's as important at forever."
Wild applause. I handed around a basket of M&M's. I answered great questions, some things that I had been prepared for and some from out of the blue. I had a chance to talk about "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" in answer to a couple questions.
The Vroman's coordinator took it from there--showing people the nearest cash register to purchase books before signing. "Stairs of Sand" sold out! I could have sold another 10 of them.
Patrick took us out to dinner across the street at Roy's (delicious!) We had a couple of hours of talk and sharing with Denise and John, Jeannie and Helen. It was an unforgettable evening, though we did come home to two cranky dogs--they are not used to our being out at night.
Thank you all for coming, and if I left out your name, please remind me because, like a wedding or other big event (oh, and I had two Hawaiian martinis at Roy's), the whole thing is a blur! (pictures tomorrow)
All ridiculous. I found an outfit that I liked, that I was comfortable in, AND got a new pair of boots that I love wearing.
When I arrived (you know me, 90 minutes early), the other author was there with her mom. She had decorated her half of the display up front with a bright blue tablecloth, a purple treasure chest, stacks of her book, and a map of the land she had envisioned. "Twinkles" is a book for 8-12 year old girls. Cassandra Black has done a number of readings and events. She soon put me at ease, helping me to feel like we were a team of presenters, not competitors.
The events' lead came out to explain the time-frames (which I had called about at noon so I could mark my book passages for length).
Then, in walked my childhood friend, Denise, and her husband John. It was just what I needed to have someone I know so well to talk to and welcome to our part of Southern California since she's from San Diego (Chula Vista). John and Patrick hit it off, and they were talking about dinner after the event.
People began arriving. My former student Jill Grigsby Roberts with her daughter (12), followed by Annalee and Daniel Davis. Annalee had been my student and then my student teacher. I am proud she has gone on to teach. Many of my writing cohorts,Marianne Wallace, Anita Swanson, Jeannie Bloom, Helen Meek, and Sarah Freifeld arrived. What a surprise! And what do you know, but a Saugus grad from my last teaching year, Steven Wright. I was so happy to see him.
We gave people time to settle in. Others joined the audience. Cassandra read first, with such comedy and good humor, in her sweet tale of an insectland where one firefly doesn't light up. She talked about growing up in Tennessee. She answered questions from the smitten audience, and it was my turn.
I read the beautiful poem that opens my book, "For Your Daughter," by LA poet, Yvette Johnson. I was sorry she wasn't there to hear her words ringing out. I read part of the opening chapter, the part about the Newfie dog and his owner, and Zoozle's despair. I moved on to read the chapter that I turned into a flash fiction story, about Grandpa Joe eating M&M's with Zoozle, day dreaming about chicken and dumplings. I ended with his good advice, "Ah honey. Today's as important at forever."
Wild applause. I handed around a basket of M&M's. I answered great questions, some things that I had been prepared for and some from out of the blue. I had a chance to talk about "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" in answer to a couple questions.
The Vroman's coordinator took it from there--showing people the nearest cash register to purchase books before signing. "Stairs of Sand" sold out! I could have sold another 10 of them.
Patrick took us out to dinner across the street at Roy's (delicious!) We had a couple of hours of talk and sharing with Denise and John, Jeannie and Helen. It was an unforgettable evening, though we did come home to two cranky dogs--they are not used to our being out at night.
Thank you all for coming, and if I left out your name, please remind me because, like a wedding or other big event (oh, and I had two Hawaiian martinis at Roy's), the whole thing is a blur! (pictures tomorrow)
November 26, 2011
Reading Challenge
I set my 2011 goal at 100 books. I'm on 89 and my report says I am one behind. Maybe I can get caught up in December? as if December is not busy! Oh man.
November 23, 2011
Reading to the Public!
My big day is Sunday, November 27, at 4 p.m. Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena.
I sought advice from friends on my opportunity to read to an audience at a bookstore (Vroman's Pasadena, 4 pm, NOvember 27th).
Here is what they told me:
1) Dress in something you love to wear. Comfortable and eye-catching. So I ditched the red power suit and will wear a sweater and jeans and NEW BOOTS for verve (breaking in the boots).
2) Practice aloud. I put this off and put this off. I started this week. What a difference. The dogs are very tired of hearing the presentation, but reading to them has helped me get the pacing, censor the passages, and remember the problematic words. Practice, practice, practice ALOUD.
3) Relax. My hair stylist told me, "This is the moment you were born for. Just do it!" And so I will.
4) Handing out M&M's--sweetens the deal for everyone.
A big thank you to Vroman's Pasadena. It is one of a few independent bookstores left standing in LA, plus they support indie authors. My book is shelved next to Lisa See's and Janet Fitch's!
I sought advice from friends on my opportunity to read to an audience at a bookstore (Vroman's Pasadena, 4 pm, NOvember 27th).
Here is what they told me:
1) Dress in something you love to wear. Comfortable and eye-catching. So I ditched the red power suit and will wear a sweater and jeans and NEW BOOTS for verve (breaking in the boots).
2) Practice aloud. I put this off and put this off. I started this week. What a difference. The dogs are very tired of hearing the presentation, but reading to them has helped me get the pacing, censor the passages, and remember the problematic words. Practice, practice, practice ALOUD.
3) Relax. My hair stylist told me, "This is the moment you were born for. Just do it!" And so I will.
4) Handing out M&M's--sweetens the deal for everyone.
A big thank you to Vroman's Pasadena. It is one of a few independent bookstores left standing in LA, plus they support indie authors. My book is shelved next to Lisa See's and Janet Fitch's!
November 18, 2011
Tweet!
I've been introduced to Twitter. I don't know if it's selling books, but it's a little bit more addicting than Facebook.
Lots of fun discussions and news and encouragement. Watch who you follow though--some people are OUT THERE.
Lots of fun discussions and news and encouragement. Watch who you follow though--some people are OUT THERE.
November 7, 2011
Giveaway Extra
I want to thank everyone who participated in my last goodreads giveaway (as well as those of you who were part of the giveaway hop Spooktacular).
I have set up a discount code for the paperback edition of "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead." The discount code is only good through November and ONLY if you buy the book on createspace.com.
Createspace is affiliated with amazon but the code won't work on Amazon. I can't explain that.
Anyway, get $2.00 off the paperback with this code on createspace.com
U8D6VLSW
Kindle edition on Amazon.
I have set up a discount code for the paperback edition of "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead." The discount code is only good through November and ONLY if you buy the book on createspace.com.
Createspace is affiliated with amazon but the code won't work on Amazon. I can't explain that.
Anyway, get $2.00 off the paperback with this code on createspace.com
U8D6VLSW
Kindle edition on Amazon.
October 24, 2011
400 Bloggers United!
400+ bloggers are working together on the Spooktacular Giveaway this week.
I am offering "Art of Fielding" on Word Joy and a choice of one of my books on my author blog.
Be sure to check it out, and thanks to Inspiring Kathy (i am a reader, not a writer blog) and Rhiana for organizing this event.
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com (Word Joy, for Art of Fielding)--great holiday gift! Enter to win!
http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogs...
Any title of my books, again, a gift for a loved one or treat yourself! Enter to win!
I am offering "Art of Fielding" on Word Joy and a choice of one of my books on my author blog.
Be sure to check it out, and thanks to Inspiring Kathy (i am a reader, not a writer blog) and Rhiana for organizing this event.
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com (Word Joy, for Art of Fielding)--great holiday gift! Enter to win!
http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogs...
Any title of my books, again, a gift for a loved one or treat yourself! Enter to win!
October 20, 2011
Giveaway Hop
Just to let my goodreads followers know that my two personal blogs outside goodreads are part of Inspiring Kathy's fall giveaway hop.
Over 400 bloggers are participating-- that's a lot of choices for books to win.
On my blog, Word Joy, I will be giving away a copy of "The Art of Fielding." It would make a wonderful present for a man in your life, especially one who likes baseball. There's a quiz on the blog that will enter you into the giveaway--but don't vote until Oct. 24-31!
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
On my author blog (my own books), you will find another quiz and a different giveaway, "Flash Warden and Other Stories," complete with writing prompts to use for yourself or in your classroom.
http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogs...
I have a giveaway of "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" this month on goodreads in honor of El Dia de Los Muertos. LA is hosting more ceremonies in honor of this treasured Hispanic celebration.
Over 400 bloggers are participating-- that's a lot of choices for books to win.
On my blog, Word Joy, I will be giving away a copy of "The Art of Fielding." It would make a wonderful present for a man in your life, especially one who likes baseball. There's a quiz on the blog that will enter you into the giveaway--but don't vote until Oct. 24-31!
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
On my author blog (my own books), you will find another quiz and a different giveaway, "Flash Warden and Other Stories," complete with writing prompts to use for yourself or in your classroom.
http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogs...
I have a giveaway of "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" this month on goodreads in honor of El Dia de Los Muertos. LA is hosting more ceremonies in honor of this treasured Hispanic celebration.
October 4, 2011
Don't Forget to Celebrate!
he Day of the Dead follows Halloween. It is a sacred and joyous festival in Mexico and other Hispanic lands.
My book, "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead," is a coming-of-age story that includes many of the customs of this exciting time of year.
The cover art on my book, by the talented Martha Rodriguez, is only a small display of Martha's work. Find her other items, most related to the Day of the Dead, at this web site: http://www.missionartistsunited.org/a...
Martha lives and works in San Francisco.
My book, "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead," is a coming-of-age story that includes many of the customs of this exciting time of year.
The cover art on my book, by the talented Martha Rodriguez, is only a small display of Martha's work. Find her other items, most related to the Day of the Dead, at this web site: http://www.missionartistsunited.org/a...
Martha lives and works in San Francisco.
October 1, 2011
Strong New Review: Stairs of Sand
From Caroline M on Amazon. Thank you!
The quote of "stairs of sand" from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, harkens back to a tragedic life. Yet Zoozle's life is inspired, replete with courage, undaunted by myriad rivulets of temptation that flood her path. Intricately wound through the life and heart of Zoozle is the creator of Zoozle, her mother, equally tragic and yet reaching, albeit in later years, to overcome the force of insidious workings of a tortured mind and dastardly training. Despite the complexity of these intertwined personalities, these forces - one who would destroy without wishing to, and one who would rather be destroyed until suddenly she would not - this is easy reading. The power of the simplicity of this writing, with its absolute observation, carries one easily through the book in a matter of hours with fascinated curiosity. It is not only a great read, from the standpoint of a voyeur's gleaning of other's lives, but it is psychologically interesting, written with insight, honesty and courage.
The quote of "stairs of sand" from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, harkens back to a tragedic life. Yet Zoozle's life is inspired, replete with courage, undaunted by myriad rivulets of temptation that flood her path. Intricately wound through the life and heart of Zoozle is the creator of Zoozle, her mother, equally tragic and yet reaching, albeit in later years, to overcome the force of insidious workings of a tortured mind and dastardly training. Despite the complexity of these intertwined personalities, these forces - one who would destroy without wishing to, and one who would rather be destroyed until suddenly she would not - this is easy reading. The power of the simplicity of this writing, with its absolute observation, carries one easily through the book in a matter of hours with fascinated curiosity. It is not only a great read, from the standpoint of a voyeur's gleaning of other's lives, but it is psychologically interesting, written with insight, honesty and courage.
September 28, 2011
Record Sales Month! Jump in!
With Stairs of Sand hitting the shelves (Kindle and Vroman's Bookstore among others),
Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead and Flash Warden have also seen an upward spiral!
"Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" is good reading for October as the book's heroine, Marisol, attempts to journey back to Tijuana in time to honor her deceased father on the Day of the Dead. Unlike Halloween, the Day of the Dead is a sacred and joyous festival of those who have gone before us in death. There is a giveaway on my author's blog, on goodreads, as well as through the Halloween Spooktacular! (www.authoreileengranfors.blogspot.com)
"Stairs of Sand" is stirring up controversy with the family drama of a cold mother and her lively, joyous daughter. Both have flaws, and neither sees the other's point of view. Life isn't perfect.
And a last bit of news is tied to Flash Warden and Other Stories. The story "Saturday" was recently featured on Bibliophilic Blather. One of my fans wrote to me, asking why the story had to end that way? What can I say? Life isn't perfect is one of my more common themes.
One of my favorite flash stories, "Apocalypse Tao" reached the last round of judging before being cut. Yep, life is not perfect!
Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead and Flash Warden have also seen an upward spiral!
"Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead" is good reading for October as the book's heroine, Marisol, attempts to journey back to Tijuana in time to honor her deceased father on the Day of the Dead. Unlike Halloween, the Day of the Dead is a sacred and joyous festival of those who have gone before us in death. There is a giveaway on my author's blog, on goodreads, as well as through the Halloween Spooktacular! (www.authoreileengranfors.blogspot.com)
"Stairs of Sand" is stirring up controversy with the family drama of a cold mother and her lively, joyous daughter. Both have flaws, and neither sees the other's point of view. Life isn't perfect.
And a last bit of news is tied to Flash Warden and Other Stories. The story "Saturday" was recently featured on Bibliophilic Blather. One of my fans wrote to me, asking why the story had to end that way? What can I say? Life isn't perfect is one of my more common themes.
One of my favorite flash stories, "Apocalypse Tao" reached the last round of judging before being cut. Yep, life is not perfect!
