Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 20
January 19, 2016
7 Ways to Promote Your Live Author Event with Ease
Live author events, whether a book signing, reading, speaking engagement or something else, can be tremendously valuable...or not. It all depends. Mostly, it depends on the AUTHOR, not the event host.
I've noticed a lot of authors tend to expect to sit back and let the literary world deliver book sales with no effort on the wordsmith's part. I see it with publishing and with live events as well.
When you publish a book by whatever publishing method, you an't expect to put up your feet and let the publisher promote for you This simply does not happen. You can't just bury yourself in the next project; you have to promote and market your own book. That makes everybody happy, because you sell more books.
Same with events. Just because you've agreed to appear at a book signing, excerpt reading, or other live author event, that doesn't mean you keep your mouth shut about it and simply show up and sit in your seat like a soggy lump until you're "on."
You want a successful event, right?
5 Reasons Why You Want to Help Promote an Author Book Signing/Speaking Event
You might sell more books. This is obvious, but worth focused attention. People who are connected to you, whether readers, family or friends, are likely to come in support, and/or perhaps buy a book for themselves or as a gift. Sales are all about numbers. The more people attend, the more statistically likely it is for you to profit.
Name recognition. Every author needs a wider net with more people who know about you and your books. Even if I don't like your genre, I have friends who do, and those friends are always looking for a good read. The old saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind." You want to be IN sight and ON people's minds. Every time someone sees your name and hears about you, you become just a little more relevant.
You only reap what you sow. You'll only get out what you invest. Contribute nothing and you can expect nothing in return. Then you'll be whining that the event was a waste of time when you, in fact, were at cause in the poor results. Help spread the word and you'll be the darling of the event hosts and can anticipate rich rewards.
The Golden Rule Principle. Momma taught you the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you want them to treat you." The others are the event planners, any other authors, and the attendees. You want a great experience for everyone. The success of any event is a team effort. You want to care t the success of the event not only to bolster your own self-interest, but because it is right to put forth some effort. The event coordinators are most assuredly expending many hours and much energy to support YOUR writing.
What you focus upon expands. Focus on expanding siness as an author and it shall grow. Simple universal law.
Here are 7 easy ways you can let your world know about your event.
Method 1: Tell Family and Friends
I'm sure you're snarking at me right now for stating the blatantly obvious, but scoff not. Your friends and family don't know about everything you're doing. They have lives. Busy ones.
Let them know the benefit to them of coming to your event. The big news is NOT that you're there selling books. The big news is the value of the event in the person's life.
It's ok to let friends and family know how much you'd appreciate them for supporting you by attending. But know why else they will enjoy coming.
At the Meet the Author Festival at Kimberling Area Library, those who attend can meet more than 40 regional authors with published books. Whatever genre you enjoy, there's probably an author who writes in it. Children may be thrilled to meet K. D. McCrite, author of the April Grace series.
Method 2: Invite your email subscribers
If you have begun to gather email subscribers who like to hear from you from time to time, be sure to invite them.
You can share the city in the subject line so folks know where it is before opening. Some systems allow you to send to a geographic region, but not many. But simply having "LA ____ Event invitation" as the subject lets each reader know whether this is relevant right away.
You probably have information from the event coordinators, nad you can easily copy and paste this as part of your email message.
Method 3: Post Flyers in Your Favorite Haunts
Your event post no doubt has event posters or flyers you can print off and use. Do you frequent a coffee shop that has a bulletin board or window where you can post a flyer? Never hurts to ask.
Consider places like:
Favorite diner
locally owned shop where you do business
Grocery store bulletin boards
Indie bookstores
Method 4: Write a Blog Post
There are 2 really good reasons to write a blog post about your event. Sure, give all the details, but say what the value of the event is for attendees and share your excitement to be there. Your passion is contagious.
You inform your current and potential readers who see your post about the event.
You alert search engines and thus leave more foot prints on the web. This is even more important than the reader notification reason. The more tracks you have, the more impressive and important you seem to search engines.
Method 5: Tell Your Local Library
Be sure your library knows a local author will be appearing/speaking. Ask to post a flyer, but take it a step further.
Sign the flyer and perhaps offer to make a small display including your book. Libraries celebrate authors and readers. They will likely be delighted to know their hometown boy or girl is making good things happen!
Method 6: Share on the Social Web
Not everybody reads email. You won't see everybody at the store or coffee shop. Sharing how pumped you are about being part of the event. If the planners have a Facebook event you can join it and invite your relevant contacts.
If the organizers have created any tweets or other shareable material, by all means use that to make it easy to spread the word.
Method 7: Make a Public Google Calendar Event
Did you know that Google Calendar allows you to create public events? You can add all the details including location, and it will show up for anyone to find. The event creators may have done this already, but if not, you can represent your own participation by creating your own.
Here's the 2016 Meet the Author Festival listing.
How do you do this?
Login to Google Calendar .
Click "Create Event."
Complete all the pertinent details, including date, time and location.
Write or copy/paste the description, including a link for more details.
Choose "Public" for event type. It's at the bottom.
Click "Publish this event."
Back up at the top, click the red SAVE button.
This goes back to putting footprints all over the web. Make the event isting as robust as possible.
I hope these tools help you. What other ideas do you have? Please share in the comments!
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best 
selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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The post 7 Ways to Promote Your Live Author Event with Ease appeared first on Write On Purpose .
January 11, 2016
This Simple Change to HOW You Eat Could Shrink Your Waistline Without Changing WHAT You Eat
I dread January. Oh sure, it is cold and dark and all the holiday sparkle goes away. That's bad enough. But what I dread is all the fuss about resolutions, dieting, and self denial. Bye-bye good life, if the media is to be believed. We're all expected to put on our diet blinders and do squats while brushing out teeth.
Yeah, I actually saw that on the Today Show this week.
Seriously? You mean I can't simply brush my teeth and be present with my self-care routine?
If you believe that what you focus on expands, which it does, why spend energy counting calories and focusing on limitations, lack and loss? All that brings is more limits with less results.
I started conducting an experiment in late December inspired by author Pam Grout's book E Squared: Nine Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality.
Food Blessing Experiment
Grout recommends blessing the food before eating, every time you eat, for 72 hours and see if it affects the scale.
I don't own a scale, and I did this experiment; my measurement tool was the tape measure, not the scale. I recorded my waist circumference.
I made a couple additions to the experiment.
Feeling deep gratitude for every food or beverage. I mean really feel.
Blessing the food to nourish.
Savoring everything I ate and drank.
I reveled in gratitude for the honor of nourishing myself, blessed the food/beverage to nourish every cell of my body AND savored it. This kept me present while eating and drinking. Kale or coffee, chocolate or chili, that was my mission.
I did not make any cutbacks like avoiding foods or counting calories. I just basked in the moment while eating.
Results of Gratitude, Blessing and Savoring
My waistline reduced by a quarter inch. Remember, I made no diet changes and no exercise change.
After 2 weeks, down 1 3/4 inches.
It is healthier to uplift and nourish than chastise and deny.
Try it yourself and let me know your results.
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both 
fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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January 4, 2016
Meet “Chester Drawers” and 40 Ozarks Authors February 7, 2016 at Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City, Missouri
Meet 40 Authors & Hear 11 Speakers at Meet the Author Day in Kimberling City on Feb. 6. 9:30 AM - 2 PMEvent is FREE & open to the public
Whatever you read you'll find an author you'll want to meet at this Southwest Missouri event at Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City Missouri. For those of you who know me I'll be there, but I don't have a table. I'll be at the special drawing table with a gift basket to give away.
Here is a video showing last year's event:
Kimberling City, MO. – Meet 40 regional authors and hear from eleven speakers at the Fourth Annual Meet the Authors Festival at the Kimberling Area Library. The event will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
“We are offering this free, stimulating event to provide individuals an opportunity to meet and talk with a treasure of talent,” said KAL Director Kathryn Kufahl. “We feel fortunate that the event has attracted popular and award winning authors who will be on hand to share their stories, sign books, answer questions and much more. We also have an interesting line-up of speakers and a book will be given away after each speaker’s presentation.
The two featured speakers this year are Comedian Eddie Bowman (Chester Drawers) and Peter Longley.
Bowman, who is a sought after speaker for schools, will talk about bringing out the best in our youth. Longley will talk about his famous dog, Orbit. Orbit’s ability to sing to Bettine’s flutes, took him around the world on concert tours where his spirit moved international audiences.
Speaker topics and times are as follows:
9:50 AM—McQueen, Newman, Racing and Sailing—Fred Harshbarger
10:10 AM—Winds of Deception – Cover-Up by President Johnson—Tierney James
10:30 AM—Understanding Juvenile Diabetes—Trina Licavoli Gunzel
10:50 AM—History of a Professional Baseball League in the Ozarks—J. B. Hogan
11:10 AM—What’s the Big Deal about Ginseng—Madison Woods
11:30 AM—Orbit the Famous Dog—Peter Longley
12:00 PM—I’m One of the Hillbillies You’ve HeardAbout—K. D. McCrite
12:20 PM—Your Tongue Determines Your Destiny—April Shenandoah
12:40 PM—Choices Along Our Path—Diane Yates
1:00 PM—Fate and Timing Changed My Life and History—WWII Veteran Billie Armstrong
1:20 PM—Bringing Out the Best In our Youth—Comedian Eddie Bowman (Chester Drawers)
“We invite everyone to join us on February 6. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss,” said Kufahl. Almost every genre of book will be represented at the event including nonfiction, fiction, children, young adult, cooking, Christian, westerns, historical,
mysteries, romance, health, humorous, family, sci-fi fantasy, adventure, military, and photography.
The Kimberling Area Library is located at 45 Kimberling Boulevard in Kimberling City, Missouri. For more information call the library at 417-739-2525 or visit www.kalib.org.
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The post Meet “Chester Drawers” and 40 Ozarks Authors February 7, 2016 at Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City, Missouri appeared first on Write On Purpose .
December 28, 2015
7 Tips for a Successful Author Book Signing Event
Meeting your potential (and current) readers in person is a big deal. Book signings can either be a roaring success or a dismal waste of time. It all depends on how you the author approach it.
I've done a few author book signing events, and in fact I'm on a committee planning Meet the Author Day at the Kimberling Area Library in Kimberling City, Missouri. Here are some things I've witnessed.
Some authors come:
Having only a box of books and no table covering.
Stacking books on the table in an unappealing manner.
Sitting behind the table, waiting for magic to happen.
Wandering around talking to other authors instead of connecting with readers.
Having no way of making change or taking credit cards.
Making customers use coins instead of rounding that .95 up to the next dollar.
Not asking questions or talking with potential customers.
If any of these describe you, then you will want to read this article and plan for your next event.
1. Don't Expect the Venue to Provide for You
I'm not sure why authors expect the host location to do everything from provide tablecloths to make change for them, but they do.
I did a library book signing event in another town, and I even had to carry my own table and chair with me!
The organizers will probably let you know if you need to bring a table/chair, but they probably won't think to tell you about other things you need. KAL Meet the Author Day gives you a half table and 2 chairs. The rest is up to you.
2. Create an Engaging Display
Tablecloth
You know how they say people eat first with their eyes? Well, they SHOP with their eyes. Sure, if someone knows your books they may not care if they're lying in boring stacks. But new readers are more likely to flock to more appealing displays.
If you do nothing else relevant to your display, please oh please bring a tablecloth. Don't expect the venue to provide them.
Remember Vertical
Stacks or fanned books aren't especially enticing. Remember vertical. You can get plastic or wood racks that allow you to create a tablescape.
Think Thematically
If your books have a theme, represent it on your display.
One of the authors had a novel inspired by his experiences as a firefighter. How cool would it have been if he brought a toy firetruck? Nothing fancy, just a borrowed toy from his kids or a dollar store find.
For my first book I'll push You Steer, which initially was my only book, I set a toy car and a miniature tree as table dressing that spoke to the road trip theme.
When I brought The Peace Seed to an event where I only had 18 inches of space, I set my peace symbol and an amethyst point on the table, stood up one book in a little picture frame, and stacked the rest behind. Even though I didn't have anything elaborate, this did the job in a tiny space.
3. Be Prepared to Accept Payments
At this year's book signing event, several authors expected the library to make change. Not sure why, as library isn't a bank or store. Customers need a way to pay.
Cash
Try to have $80 or $100 in cash, primarily small bills. Attendees may come with "yuppy food stamps" ($20s.)
Don't mess with coins. It's just a pain. Round up that 5 cents.
Just consider the sales tax included.
Bringa calculator if you're not good at figuring out change (most millennials as well a those with learning disabilities have trouble with this).
Have an envelope or divided holder for your cash.
Keep money on your person or in a secured place during the event.
I have a little plastic case with dividers in it, like you might use to organize your household bills. I separate 1s, 5s, 10s and 20s.
Credit Cards
Taking plastic used to be something only for the big guys. You used to need a machine and an expensive merchant account. Not anymore.
Now all us little ol' authors can join the 21st century and make buying our books easier on our cherished readers. The minimal processing fee per transaction is a small price to pay for offering our dear readers easy ways to buy our books.
There is absolutely no excuse for not accepting credit cards these days. You can use a scanner like PayPal Here, Flint, PayAnywhere, or any number of other apps that don't require a special merchant account. Check your phone's app store.
When I was selling books at this year's events, I was the only one in the room offering this convenience. People won't necessarily have any cash on them at all, let alone perfect change. So provide options other than empty hands and disappointments.
4. Be Where the People Are, Not Behind Your Table
The whole point of a book signing eent is to connect with readers and sell books. If you're slumped in your chair only answering direct questions, you won't make a good showing.
Like what Ariel sings in The Little Mermaid (TM), you want to be where the people are. It's fine to sit behind your talbe during a lull, but don't grow butt roots.
Stand if You Can
If it's possible for you, stand in front of your able when readers are near. If this isn't possible because of bad knees or a disability, then set your chair in front of the table.
Look Inviting
Use open body language, even if you're sitting there and nobody is near. They can see you from across the room, unless they're blind.
When nobody's near you, wear a pleasant expression. Think of things that make you smile so you don't end up scowling because you're thinking of all you have to do when you get home.
Smile
Smile when talking with people. Just like the orphans sing in Annie, you're never fully dressed without one.
5. Connect
Most authors are introverts. I am, even though I seem not to be. But I know the importance of talking with people and asking questions.
They won't bite.
Here are some points to conider when talking with those who come by your table.
Remember your smile.
Focus on the connection, not the possible sale.
Ask questions.
OK so sometimes I'm at a book signing event and I make the mistake of asking a question of an author, then it's as if I've opened a floodgate. THe author goes on and on and ON about their book, failing to notice that I'm not interested.
Sure, you're excited about your book, but that doesn't mean you need to fire-hose it at anyone who walks up to your table.
So here's what you can do to make a human connection without running off the attendee.
Warm greeting
Smile and say hi. Just be yourself as long as your self is friendly.
One author I know who is painfully shy came up with a terrific way to be more open in public. He wrote up a persona a character sketch of how he wanted to be at events. He used a cowboy hat, and whenever he put on the hat, he became that character. This allowed him to speak to groups and do other crowed events much more easily.
Ask the "Golden Question"
Ask the person, "What do you enjoy reading?"
This is a golden question. Not everyone knows the word "genre," so don't be fancy. This demonstrates to the reader that you're not trying to be pushy. You're engaging. You can tell if they would enjoy your work. If you write multiple genres and have several options on the table, you can also decide on which book to focus your attention.
Serve the READER
At an event I had a fantasy novel, a peace book and, 1 for business owners and an inspirational/self-help. One guest was a young lady of about 9 years old. Only 1 of the 4 would be of any interest to her. She said she wanted to learn to write a book. I explained that my book about how to do that was meant for people who own shops or other businesses, so she would be most unhappy if she bought that one.
She said she enjoys fantasy, so I told her a quick description of my novel. I also said to her mom that a school teacher friend of mine had her students read it, so it was safe for her daughter. No hot love scenes or anything else a momma wouldn't want her girl to see.
IF the guest would not enjoy your book:
If you ask the magic question and can tell they aren't likely to be interested, you can follow up with, "I write _____, so you may not like my books, but do you have any ______ lovers among your family or friends?" This might trigger the guest to remember how much her sister or his nephew or whatever likes that genre. IF there's interest, you can give a short description of the book likely to please them.
Several times I directed people toward authors who wrote what they loved. "Since you love political thrillers, you'd love talking to..." I would then try to point out the author or say something about how they look. "He's the one wearing the black cowboy hat," or "She's the one wearing the pink boa."
If the attendee loves your genre
If the guest might like your book, give your 1 sentence "elevator pitch" / logline description of your book. Point out the book. You might flip it over to the back if you have some juicy cover quotes. zip your lip.
Listen
Once you ask about genre, be still. Let the person either ask a question of you, pick up a book to see, or move on.
6. Decorations & Swag
f setting a great tablescape/display can be having items that go along with your books, like peace sign keychains for The Peace Seed. It's nice to have little gifties for those who buy, and possibly a tiny something any guest can take away. This isn't essential, but it's nice.
Since I'm playful and I do a lot with butterflies, I bought some butterfly super-balls to give out to customers or well behaving kids. I got them from Rhode Island Novelty, which offers affordable bulk items around a giant variety of themes.
7. Keeping In Touch Using Email Marketing
THis is actually the most important thing you can do at any live event. But I figured if I put it first, I'd scare you off.
Having an email "list" is incredibly useful. You can let your readers know about your next book or appearance. You can share free stories or run contests. You can share things your readers will find interesting...all in a "1 and done" manner that frees up your time.
I won't go into a lot of detail here, but it's important to have the option of follow-up.
I like to give away free stories. If people like your work or your genre if they don't know you, they would likely enjoy new things to read. Easy enough to save as a PDF and upload them to your site. Then put them behind an optin so they can't just download it without giving you their email.
If you do a giveaway, like a basket of things related to your books (not your books!), you can get people to share name and email in order to be in the drawing.
You can find out more about the program I use and why at WriteOnPUrpose.com/email Soon I'll post an article about it for you.
I hope these 7 tips are helpful!
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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The post 7 Tips for a Successful Author Book Signing Event appeared first on Write On Purpose .
December 24, 2015
Leader Dog Jemma and Ronda Del Boccio Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
This is purely for fun. Here's a JibJab video featuring me and Leader Dog Jemma.
Whichever December holidays you celebrate, may you cherish them.
Warmly,
Ronda and Jemma
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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December 20, 2015
FREE Story: An Angel Came” from I’ll Push You Steer, by Ronda Del Boccio
People around the world are celebrating miracles at this time of year, which is December, in case you read this some months in the future. Jews celebrate the miracle of the oil, Hindus the miracle of light, and Christians the miracle of the savior's birth, just to mention a few.
I was thinking about one of the stories in my first book, I'll Push You Steer, with my fabulous co-author and dear friend Bonnie Tesh. We each shared tales from our journey in what many would call "disability."
One of my contributions, "An Angel Came," is the story of how myt belief trumped the church's teachings when I went to visit a comatose woman in the hospital. Martha was not expected to awaken.
Do you expect miracles? I do. P
lease enjoy "An Angel Came. I've posted just the beginning here. Those who have joined Ronda's Readers get the full tale free as a downloadable PDF.
Ronda's Readers get free stories, sneak peeks, special gifts and more at WriteOnPurpose.com/read.
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An Angel Came
by Ronda Del Boccio
from I'll PUsh You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On by Ronda Del Boccio and Bonnie Tesh
I'm not always great at following the rules. Oh, the ones that make sense, sure, but sometimes there are stupid rules. Those just beg to be broken, in my opinion.
A bunch of years ago I was "shadowing" a hospital chaplain to see if it was something I might like to do. A college classmate of mine worked at a nursing home and arranged for me to go around with the chaplain there.
The chaplain I went with was a wonderful, caring person, very good with the patients and family members, but we had a difference of spiritual opinion one time during my visit.
Whichever holidays you celebrate, may you feel blessed and nurtured.
If you'd like to get your own copy of I'll Push You Steer, it's available in print from your favorite bookseller and Amazon, as well as Amazon Kindle. Grab your copy now at WriteOnPurpose.com/amazon.
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The post FREE Story: An Angel Came” from I’ll Push You Steer, by Ronda Del Boccio appeared first on Write On Purpose .
December 18, 2015
They All Died Smiling Novel Update
If you've been following my work, you may have seen posts with little excerpts or other tidbits from my works in progress. Here's the latest update on my novel.
NaNoWriMo and Beyond
Last year during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), I completed the first draft of m paranormal suspense novel They All Died Smiling. I finally got it finished off ready enough to start sending around this fall. Finally!
Pitch Perfect?
I had an opportunity to pitch it to an agent at a writing conference in late November, and I jumped at this opportunity. I figured no matter whether she wanted to see the whole book or not after my quick meeting, having this experience is valuable for me. Whatever the outcome, I'm glad I did it.
Critique
A couple friends said I should have let some people read the final-final version first. Could I have sent the book to beta readers? Undoubtedly, but the timing turned out to be what it was, and I wasn't about to wait. If the agent says no way would she onsider taking me on as a client, then I'll happily get some betas.
One thing that happened while writing was that I had a chance to have high level authors critique some of the cenes. I gained valuable insights from veteran writers with multiple books to their credit. This was incredibly valuable to me.
Anticipation...It's making me wait
As of today, I've sent the manuscript and other requested materials off to the agent a month ago and am waiting for a response. I know not to bug her. Every so often, I send along something I know she will enjoy, and I'm continuing to nurture the human relationship.
Whatever else happens next, that is of paramount importance to me. We made a fantastic connection, and that won't change regardless of the outcome.
To Agent or Not to Agent?
Some folks have asked me why I'm considering an agent when it's so easy to self publish. So here's my answer.
Books don't magically fly off the virtual shelves no matter what publishing method you choose.
Yes, it's easy to self publish. I've done it.
Yes, there are thousands of small presses that could publish it. It's not hard for anyone to access these.
No, without an agent, it's not possible to crack the big guys. I've decided to give it a shot. Why not try for something beyond my reach? Agents are gatekeepers who bring their highest quality options to publishers.
Will I have an agent in the end? I have no idea. It has to be a relationship that "clicks." We both need to feel comfortable with each other.
So that's my update.
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Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post They All Died Smiling Novel Update appeared first on Write On Purpose .
Author Ronda Del Boccio and Leader Dog Jemma Featured in Christmas Parade
Leader Dog Jemma and I rode the Lions Club float at the Kimberling City Christmas Parade. The parade theme was "All I Want for Christmas Is..." Our Lions CLub's answer was "The Gift of Sight."
Here we are on the float with our mascot Lion alongside us.
Our float showcased some of Lions' vision-related programs, including eyeglasses and Leader Dogs for the Blind.
It was fun being on the float. Jemma, of course, was the star! Her golden coat gleamed and her smile beamed. We had perfect weather. I heard cameras snapping all along the parade route.
Here is a Facebook post about our adventure:
It was my honor - and a lot of FUN - to be on the Lions Club of Kimberling City, Missouri float at the Kimberling City...
Posted by Ronda Del Boccio, Author & Speaker on Monday, December 7, 2015
Lions Clubs founded Leader Dogs for the Blind back in the 1930's. Jemma is an adolescent golden retriever. We became a team July 14, 2015. Stay tuned for the book I'm writing about us.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Author Ronda Del Boccio and Leader Dog Jemma Featured in Christmas Parade appeared first on Write On Purpose .
December 17, 2015
Is Your Dog a Canine Good Citizen?
How do you know if your pet or service dog is safe to appear in public? You take your pooch through the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen or CGC test. Ten tests of temperament, manners and obedience determine whether your companion is worthy to add the prestigious CGC after its name. I'm writing about it here because it's part of the book I'm writing about how my guide dog and I came to be a team.
CGC is certainly not requreed, but I think any service dog should be able to pass it one she's been with her new handler for a while My first 2 guide dogs, Thunder Skywalker and Molly Flagtail, were both CGCs.
I wanted my new dog to wear the tag and earn the proud title. When I got Jemma Flagtail at Leader Dogs, I felt incredibly excited that head trainer Jessica Bimmerman was a certified CGC tester.
Could My Guide Dog Pass the Canine Good Citizen Examination?
Since Jessica could administer the examination, I was determined to get my new dog ready to pass. Setting her up for success meant diligence on my part. Would we do it, or would my new guide dog flunk? After all, we were essentially strangers back then.Imagine you have a new dog whom you don't know well, and you have to We met July 14th and would leave for home August 5th. That's only 3 weeks to get a dog to behave perfectly in trying circumstances.
Some of the ten tests were about basic commands like heel, sit and down. Those didn't worry me a bit. She had a good puppy raiser and plenty of work on her basic behaviors. We worked basic O as I called it every day. Still do.
I wasn't too concerned about her how she would act with other people and dogs approaching. all part of her training. If she had shown aggression, she would have been career changed. The biggest issue there was distraction. She would have to show no interest in another dog, which is not an easy feat for any canine. Lookie, no sniffy or touchy is what we needed.
It took more preparation to get her ready to stay with a friendly person while I left the room for 3 minutes. May not seem like a long time, but think of it this way. Jemma would often whine while I went into the bathroom to take a shower, and I'm pretty quick about it.
Practicing the out of sight stay meant I had to be within earshot so I'd know if she whined while being out of view. The dogs go through some pretty big changes by the time we new handlers get them, so they've lost their anchor when we're out of sight. For Jemma, she had a lot of anxiety and normally stuck to me like glue everywhere, even around our little hotel room sized bedroom.
So I needed to work out some activities that meant I left eyeshot. I started by leaving her in a sit-stay while I walked around the corner into the bathroom. She didn't like that very well most of the time, but I persisted and her strong desire to do what's right prevailed.
I also played a game which I called "Gimme My Meal." She had to sit on her mat without getting up. Meanwhile, I would go around 2 corners into the bathroom, pur her kibble into the bowl, wait an increasing amount of time, and return to her. Once I set down the bowl, she was not allowed to eat until I released her. If she broke, we started over.
I still expect the same manners here at home. She sits and waits, if impatiently, while I get her food. The only difference is I don't hang out by the food bag before coming back to her. I simply wait a varying amount of seconds before releasing her.
That's how we prepared for one of the tests in the Canine Good Citizen Examination. You'll read more about her adventures in her category here on this site and in the book I'm writing about our first adventures together.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma, CGC, on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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Congratulations to Jemma, CGC, for being a Leader Dog AND a Canine Good Citizen!
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The post Is Your Dog a Canine Good Citizen? appeared first on Write On Purpose .
December 13, 2015
Is a Guide Dog Always in Harness? Leader Dog Questions
I'm writing a book about the adventures of my Leader Dog Jemma and myself. Since I get s from people I figured it would be a great idea to include those questions and answers in the book.
Here's one of my very favorite pics of Jemma. She's clearly having fun unmaking the bed. She does this by running laps in the house and using the bed as her turn-around point.
"Does a guide dog always wear the harness?"
No. That would be unnecessary for me and certainly uncomfortable for the dog. I mean, who wants to wear a handle 24/7?
Let me explain the role of the equipment. Think of the guide harness as a work uniform. If you're a police officer, you put on your work duds to go on duty. Then at home, you slip into your comfies.
Also, the harness is there to help me. It gives me way more info than just a leash. I'll talk more about that elsewhere, but I get a ton of data through that handle.
Now think about home life. Are there curbs, traffic and unfamiliar obstacles? Well, at my house there are Jemma's toys everywhere, but those aren't life-threatening. Since there are no distracted drivers inside my house, she doesn't need to protect me. And I know where my couch and bed are, so no need of help there.
Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures is my beautiful girl's Facebook page. While you'll see pictures of her sitting at a hardware store or lying down at a restaurant, you'll also see her being a dog.
Here she is lying on my friend's feet, warming her up after she got chilled.
Comfy
Posted by Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures on Friday, November 27, 2015
And here she is playing with one of her toys:
We finally had sunshine! What a fun walk. Now mom put treats and one of my toys, and I'm working on that. See you and we...
Posted by Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures on Thursday, November 19, 2015
So as you can tell, Jemma is just a dog out of harness. She clearly has a terrific life. You can tell my looking at her.
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Writing is pure Bliss
- Ronda J. Del Boccio's profile
- 64 followers
