THE FIRST SIGNING OF 2013

HERE  COMES  SANTA  CLAUS
I’ve just returned home from my first signing for this season’s new mega international Christmas tale:
The Santa Claus Killer
It was the last weekend in August, and there I was at Tampa ComiCon at the Convention Center, just one isle over from Hugh Howey.
We were there to sign our newest books, him, the latest in his WOOL series and I, The Santa Claus Killer.
I hadn’t met Hugh yet, we merely chatted on Facebook a few times, and I was a follower of his extraordinary accomplishments connecting with fans via the internet. Now, of course, he’s a phenomenon and case study in how to make it in this modern day era of selling books.

As  for me, this was stop number one on a ten city tour that will skyrocket Santa to the rainbow of bestseller status.  It’s been a busy year, a long awaited debut of this thriller, one which I shelved for a year for my agent to work with.
Now, the time has come – September 1st 2013, the book will release to the global market supported by an international advertising campaign in November, new publicist, NICHOLAS WALE… book promoter extraordinaire.
I came to hear of him through friends or friends, them, trying to break into the business, all saying positive things of his ability to get their books before the general readership.
It doesn’t take much to get my attention, especially when quality people surface to broaden my appeal and market-share of the reading consumer. 
One thing I learned in LA, people are placed in your path for a reason, nothing happens by chance, and when opportunity knocks, you better answer that door, because as Eminem will tell you, OPPORTUNITY NEVER KNOCKS TWICE.
It barely knocks once.
So let me review: It’s been more than a year since I wrote “The End” on page 400 of The Santa Claus Killer, and never could I have imagined that 12-months later I’d still be awaiting the release. What I did  learn…. things take time in the publishing industry — just like  Hollywood Studios or Productions Companies, its all about who you know and who holds the keys.
So, here I am, at ComiCon  - selling books, meeting new fans and old, just getting out the word that the book is almost ready for release.
The distributor has informed me we’re set, the advertising is ready, art work done. it’s  90-days until the ads begin to appear and the orders commence.
So what have I learned? That making connections is key — this is a team effort, a community of fans, publicity, image and hard work.
It also has to do with having a commercial product that appeals to everyone. The Number ONE commercial appeal?
SANTA CLAUS and Christmas
Nice fat bulls-eye on that one!
So now… with the help of Christmas, Nicholas Wale, My agent Joyce Keating and a big chunk of advertising, it’s all up to the book buying community.
I can honestly look at my reflection in the mirror and say, I went all out, gave it everything I had, and didn’t turn a blind eye to detail.
For now… I rely on the fat man and his naughty list to carry the day.
Him, and all those five star reviews on Barnes & Noble should bring the film deal — and damn, isn’t that why I do this?
NEXT UP – SPOOKY EMPIRES in Orlando, outside the gates of Universal Studios. How fitting! Come on out and say hello!