Refrain Book Tour Musings

I just returned from four days of speaking about creativity and my book, Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics.

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These three luncheons, hosted by Women’s Connection (affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries), were located in the Central Coast region of California: San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, and Paso Robles. I was the feature speaker who preceded the guest speaker, so I set up a table to display samples of my artwork along with my books, book brochures, and business cards.

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I gave helpful hints on how to enhance and manage creativity and explained how to make masquerade masks, floral centerpieces with rusty springs, oil paintings with the use of a projector, and mixed media pieces with oil painting and poetry.

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I combined the mini book tour with a girls’ time. My sister, Gina, her best friend, Mona, and my sister-in-law, Susan, had a wonderful and relaxing stay at the Apple Farm Inn.

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We enjoyed the picturesque surroundings…

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Apple Farm Mill

and feminine decorations.

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I must do a part two post to include more pictures of the Apple Farm Inn, Restaurant, and Gift Shop.

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Susan and Mona did some spontaneous recruiting for me by sharing about my book with a reporter/author who was staying at the Apple Farm. He wanted to meet me and we had a wonderful chat about the book. I also gave him a couple of copies and my media kit. Ironically, while they were talking with him, I was nestled in a chair writing these words about marketing my book: “I don’t know which way to go from here.”

So what an unexpected surprise it was to have the reporter give me helpful hints on how to share my book with reporters.

I also met a local artist and his wife, both former educators, who now host art shows with local artists at the Apple Farm in the fall and spring. He invited Gina and I to bring our artwork to these shows and join the fun. He also creates and sells apps for IPADS, and so we talked about some future possibilities.

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I also sold a book to a woman who overheard me explaining my book to a hotel employee. She called from behind: “Hey, can you come over here and tell me about your book.” I retrieved a copy from the car, and then we had the most enjoyable chat about writing and creativity. She explained that she is also writing a book and is certain that she is also a creative eclectic.

So all in all, the mini book tour was a success. The experience expanded my vision of the various ways I can market my books, while providing an enjoyable vacation with my family and our friend.

 

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