Showing posts with label promoting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promoting. Show all posts

Saturday, November 1, 2014

How Steampunk Granny Became a Hooker

                                                                   


My husband, Dan, keeps telling me that I’m working harder now that I’m retired. Do women really retire? The house still needs to be cleaned and the meals cooked...women don’t really retire. He is right about one thing; I am busier than ever. I spend most of my time writing, babysitting, writing, ghost hunting, writing, book signings, writing...you get the picture.

Writing the book is the easy part, at least for me. The stories are in my mind and they struggle to be released...but, selling the book, well that’s a horse of a different color altogether.

                                                                     


Promote, Promote, Promote! How do we do that? I contact coffee shops, libraries and book stores. To tell the truth, I will sell my book just about anywhere. I had the pleasure and the opportunity to sell my book, Roof Oasis, this past Tuesday night at a little shop in Audubon, New Jersey called Steampunk Works. I sold a few books and had fun talking to the amazing shop owners, Lee and Ralph Cobert. They have the best Steampunk clothing and accessories that you’ll ever want or need to razzle and dazzle at the next Steampunk Ball.

I really go all “Full Metal Jacket” to sell my book and you can usually find me at a venue waving my book in the air and trying to get people to stop and listen to my quick rundown on what the book is about. A close friend, fellow writer, and fellow member of the South Jersey Writers’ Group, James Knipp, once described my book as: Romeo and Juliet meets the walking dead written by Jules Verne. He’s right about that and “Saving Solanda” the second book in the series (which should be out by June) will have even more action and a few new characters.

                                                                 

So, let’s get back to promoting and selling my book. I told my daughter the other day that sometimes when I’m selling my book, I feel like a hooker. You know...“Hey mister! I have something that you want! Imagine their surprise when they realize it’s not what they think...Yes, I’ve turned into a book whore; a book hooker.

Do I mind being a book whore? Nah...I’m gregarious person by nature and I love meeting new people and learning about them. In fact, while I’m busy promoting my book and my love of Steampunk and ghost hunting, I also love promoting other people. I have met some of the nicest and talented people: actors, directors, musicians, fashion designers, models, authors, dead people and all because of my writing and book signing. I want to know their stories, what makes them tick and then I send their interviews and stories out into the world...

                                                                   

This week, I’ll be pimping myself at a few places and you can come look for me. I’m the one dressed in the Steampunk clothing with a ghost or two hanging around. Look for me in Maple Shade this November 6th at 6:00. I'll be at the Maple Shade Library on 200 Stiles Ave , Maple Shade N.J. 08052

Sunday, August 24, 2014

How to Do a Book Sigining

                                                                 

I’ve had friends (who are also writers) ask me why I like doing book signings and how they could go about doing a book signing. I grew up in a grocery store in South Philadelphia and learned from a very young age the importance of promoting your business from my parents, the famous Fred & Lucy from my blog episodes called Life with Fred and Lucy.

These early lessons of promoting a business helped me later on in life when I worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences and was the Coordinator of their Birthday Party Program. I had to do some big time promoting of the birthday parties on a shoestring budget. Museums are non-profit and at the time, there wasn’t that much money to advertise my program on a large scale; so I improvised, and brought in lots of clients.
 
                                                                       
So, back to the book signing as I said at the beginning of this blog, someone at a recent meeting of the South Jersey Writers’ Group asked me how I do a book signing. They had no idea how to start. Since I’ve been doing book signings for our group's anthology Tall Tales and Short Stories from South Jersey with my super hero sidekick, Dawn Byrne, I’ve decided to do a combination book signing, crafts and jewelry event with a few friends.  The event will be called Steampunk Granny’s Gala Books & Craft Extravaganza. Details to be announced.

How to prepare for a Book Signing

Have a supply of your newly published books to sell. Always bring more than you think you might sell.

Business cards: I have a personal business card and a business card for my book featuring the cover and info on where to purchase the book. People don’t always have the money to buy a book that day, but they will go home and order it later. Cards help remind them about the book and meeting you.

Banners/ Posters/ Flyers: Since I squirreled away my pennies for the big book launch day of Rook Oasis the first book of my apocalyptic series, I was able to get a nice size banner with stand.
                                                                   
Poster board I have an 18x 24 poster featuring my book cover. I was able to get this item from Staples at a very reasonable price.
                                                                         

Flyers: You can print them up yourself and get permission from shopkeepers to stick in their windows or bulletin boards.

Calendar: keep one with you all the time for when a possible signing comes up.

YOU NEED SOMETHING TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

The banner is a sure way to get the attention of people walking past the coffee shops and books stores where you will be selling your book. But, if you can’t start big, go with the poster board size that can be clearly seen where you’re selling books. I paid 22 dollars for this poster size and I have a smaller one which I use when there is very little space to maneuver around. It only cost me fifteen dollars.

Advertise  

You need to advertise your upcoming book signing and you can do this on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and local newspapers. Shout it from the roofs!!!
                                                                      
                                                                                          

Sell Yourself: Yes, that’s what I said! You are selling yourself. Do you know what that means? You are out there trying to sell a book that you feel is a good book, but you have to convince people to read this good book and that means you have to be friendly and appreciative when people stop by your table to ask about your book.

Be Appreciative

Money is tight and when people shop, they need to stay within their budget, but they will be more willing to purchase your book if you are ready to chat with them and answer questions. I often take pictures of myself with the people who buy a book from me. They love when I tell them that they will be on my blog. It means that you care about them.
                                                                 

When I do a book signing at a coffee shop or book store that has been gracious enough to let me come in and sell my books, I leave a signed book for the owner as a thank you. Sure it’s out of pocket, but they’ve welcomed you into their business, and let’s be honest; our presence does throw off their normal routine. Call it good karma.

How do I find venues to sell my book?

Where do you go for coffee? Is there a favorite independent book store that you like? Are there festivals coming up in your neighborhood? Are you checking the internet for upcoming book signing opportunities? Here is one example, Collingswood, New Jersey has a yearly Book Festival and they invite writers to sign up and sell their books. The Philadelphia Free Library has a yearly event also.

Search your weekly newspapers to see what opportunities are there to sell your books. I’m pretty sure that you can sell your books at most events. Call and find out. Find out what other writers are doing and where they go to sell books.
                                                               

You are selling yourself and sometimes it means visiting as many places as you can and setting up dates for your signing event.

I hope my advice has helped you feel more comfortable with planning and doing a book signing. Now get out there and get started.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Gilbert's Interview with the Creator of Devine Organics


                                                                      


 

Demetra Davis is a dear friend and colleague from the days before I retired from the Academy of Natural Sciences where my position was Manager of the Changing Exhibit Hall and Birthday Party Coordinator. Demetra, who was part of the WINS Program, not only worked in my department, but helped out with Safari Overnights, Outside-in, and Diorama Carts. What is Wins? Women in Natural Sciences, which is a free after school and summer science enrichment program at the Academy of Natural Sciences that introduces hundreds of high school girls to careers in science by providing hands-on science workshops. I knew from that first day that Demetra introduced herself to me in the Changing Exhibit Hall, that this young lady was going places. She has the entrepreneur spirit! Demetra has started her own business selling beauty products and she is my guest on my blog.

                                                                  

 

What inspired you to start Divine Organics?

I was inspired to start my business because there are so many products out there that don't do what they're supposed to do. They don't moisturize, they don't clean, and a lot of them are bad for you laced with more chemicals that natural ingredients. Also I've noticed a lot of the healthier options are too expensive. A lot of people will buy the cheaper stuff because it's cheap and they're harming themselves. I wanted to offer solutions to both problems.

Have your friends tried your products and if so, what did they like or dislike about the products?

Yes I make everything myself and I also allow anyone who wants to order from me to customize their order. Right now I offer body scrubs and whipped hair and body butters. I allow the customer to choose their ingredients.

 

Yes, I’m planning on selling this on line and people can find my products on these two sites. Life with Demetra and here. 

Here is the list and price of products available now:
 
                                                                      

So far I have three scrubs I love

Vanilla Coffee

Vanilla Lavender

Lavender Mint

Eucalyptus Mint

Vanilla Almond

Vanilla Lemon

You can customize your scrub by choosing your ingredients from the list below….
                                                                   

Exfoliates

  • Dead Sea Salt (Body)
  • Atlantic Sea Salt
  • Lavender Dead Sea Salt (Body)
  • Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt (Body)
  • Organic Coconut Sugar (Face and Body)
  • Cinnamon Vanilla Nut Coffee (Face and Body)
                                                                      

Oils (All organic and cold pressed)

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Unfiltered and Unrefined)
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Sunflower Seed Oil
  • Castor Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Rosehip Oil
                                                                       
                                                            
  • Jamaican Black Castor oil
  • Peppermint Castile soap
  • Lavender Castile Soap
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Lavender Essential Oil
  • Peppermint Essential Oil
  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil
  • Organic Orange Extract
  • Organic Vanilla Extract

I have 4 oz for $4, 8 oz for $8 and 12 oz for $14 available now and will add more sizes later this week.
Demetra Davis's Products can be found here and here.

I'm so happy for you, Demetra, and I want to thank you for visiting my blog. You can bet that I’ll be ordering my own body scrub to try out and I'll be telling everyone how much I love it. Best wishes to you.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Promoting Tethered by L.D. Davis






My friend and fellow member of the South Jersey Writers' Group has a new book out. Check out this amazing trailer and then buy the book when it comes out!!!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Writing and Sharing Ideas Over Coffee

I'm having some "me" time with my fellow members of the South Jersey Writers' Group. We are at Audubon, New Jersey's Treehouse Coffee Shop and we are all either working on our blogs, or learning how to set up a blog, or writing period.

Our President is at one table helping new bloggers set up a blog and giving helpful hints on how to manage and share their posts. While Amy Hollinger is busy doing this, Glenn Walker is doing his normal saintly duties by helping the rest of us bloggers who are a bit tech challenged.

All in all, it was a very productive day for all who attended our monthly Blog Fest. If you want to learn more then check out the South Jersey Writers' Group Blog  http://south-jersey-writers.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Author Leo Craven talks About Hallows End




                                                                     





I have met the most talented people while writing for Biff Bam Pop and my own blog, Gilbertcuriosities. When I learn that my on-line friends have published a book, I’m eager to promote them, especially because I know from following their blogs that their stories will not only be interesting, but best sellers. I’m honored to have Leo Craven as a guest on Gilbertcuriosities and today we are going to learn more about his book Hallows End and the lead character, Sarah Chase.

Marie Gilbert: Thank you Leo for visiting my blog. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what type of stories you like to read and write?

                                                                                                                                                
                                                                 




Leo Craven: I am an author and marketing professional, living in a small, tranquil town near Pismo Beach, California with my wonderful wife and kids.  The first book I remember really enjoying was “The Hobbit” when I was about ten years old.  While I found the presence of goblins, dwarves and wizards to be exciting, it was Smaug (the dragon) that made the reading experience truly memorable for me.  My parents were huge science-fiction / fantasy fans so as I continued into my adolescent years, it was the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Edgar Rice Burroughs who shaped my literary world.

These days I take pleasure in reading much of the same, having also added the horror genre to my must-read lists (thank you Bram Stoker).  It’s not just books for me though; I love all mediums involved in the art of ‘story telling’, including graphic novels, music and movies.  As a writer, I’m primarily invested in the Sarah Chase book series along with some short stories and the occasional song.  Down the road, however, I hope to add graphic novel and movie script development to my creative endeavors.

Marie Gilbert: Tell us a little bit about the book, and your inspiration for the story and the main character, Sarah Chase.
                                                                   
Leo Craven: I enjoy stories with heroes and heroines that as a reader / viewer I can both cheer for and relate to.  ‘Boy scout’ characters like Superman and Captain America are fun to watch in action, but they’re almost flawless, making it hard for most of us to identify with.  I always find it more interesting when the hero or heroine is conflicted.  I also strongly believe it’s a shame that more lead characters in action stories aren’t female.

My primary motivation in writing “Hallows End” was to create a strong female lead through the character of Sarah Chase.  She is the ideal ‘conflicted heroine’ in my opinion, working as a police detective by day and operating as a vigilante vampire and werewolf hunter at night.  Although this first book introduces a wave of exciting characters and mythological elements, the Prophecy Trilogy is ultimately about Sarah Chase and her evolution from vigilante to heroine.

Another important facet to “Hallows End” and anything else you see published by Leo Craven is that my stories are written for adults.  I believe the current ‘YA’ (Young Adult) trend has produced some marvelous literary works, but I do wonder how long these “PG / PG-13” novels will keep the interest of adult readers in the long term.

Marie Gilbert: Is this the first of your books published? If no, list your other works.  If this is your first book published, will we be seeing more of Sarah Chase?

Leo Craven: “Hallows End” (Part I of the Prophecy Trilogy) is the first in the Sarah Chase series as well as my debut novel.  My goal is to release the second part of the trilogy on Friday the 13th this June 2014 and the final installment on Friday the 13th in February 2015.  I like the idea of branding myself as the “Friday the 13th” author; plus, it gives me a nice timetable to aspire to for my book releases.  I have also published a few other short stories, poems and songs on my website, Leocraven.com

Marie Gilbert: Did you go traditional or self-publishing?

Leo Craven: I self-published.  I like to take risks and I’m more than willing to learn from my mistakes.  I figured it could take months (if not years) before a publishing house picked up “Hallows End”, and even then they could realistically require me to go through several re-writes before publishing my book.  In that same amount of time I figured I could publish the entire Prophecy Trilogy myself and allow the world to decide if Sarah Chase is worth reading about. 

Marie Gilbert. Leo, would you list the sites where my readers can find you and the link to buy your book.

Leo Craven: My official website is Leocraven.com. 

My book is currently available exclusively on Amazon:


Marie Gilbert: Leo it was a pleasure having you as my guest and to all my followers out there, check out “Hallows End” and let Leo and I know what you liked best about the book.

Leo Craven: “Thank you so much Marie Gilbert for the interview and for your support!” 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Introducing the Wonderful and Talented Author, Keira Kroft


                                                                     




Today my little zombie friends, I'm turning my blog over to a good friend, Keira Kroft. I'll let her tell you about herself and her book.

Take it away, Keira!!!

Hello, my name is Keira Kroft and I am the author of romantic suspense, Glow in the Dark,

Marie has been so kind as to let me and my hot fireman visit her awesome blog today.

 
A little tidbit about Glow in the Dark.

 

Single mother Corey Nolan thinks that her life has made a turn for the better, when she meets three handsome firemen from Chicago’s engine 25. Until her daughter’s life is threatened and someone tries to burn Corey and her family alive.

                                                                   


 

Corey is a bartender and would like to share the following drink recipe with you.

 750 mls southern comfort

12 ozs lemonade concentrate (thawed)

12 ozs orange juice concentrate (thawed) 
2 liters of sprite
2 pints of Rainbow sherbet

 

Place all the ingredients in a large punch bowl. It stays cold for quite a while.

 

Enjoy~ Corey Nolan, Character in Glow in the Dark

 

 

                                     Jake the fireman shares this safety tip.

 


                                                                                                                                                          


Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes
 
Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough? Or tall enough?

Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.

Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.

Be Safe~ Jake Gilroy, Character in Glow in the Dark

 
Complete synopsis

Women melt around smokin’ hot Chicago fire fighter Jake Gilroy like butter in a hot pan, getting him dubbed the clichéd and rather false moniker…“the ladies man”. Yet, he never had an interest in anyone, until he meets Corey. She’s different and doesn’t seem to be turning into a pool of goo around him. He wants her and must have her. But she is already taken so he can’t have her…can he?

At first Corey Nolan is resistant to Jake’s advances until a series of events proves that the love between her and her dead beat boyfriend have dissipated a long time ago. It’s then that she begins to think that she and Jake just might have a chance at something real. Until—it becomes clear that someone is stalking her and killing off the people she loves and that her need for Jake may be more than desire—it may be a matter of life and death...

 
                                                                      
 

 
The first Chapter of Glow in the Dark

 

Prologue

 

The doorway stood empty. The entire corridor appeared abandoned, except for the occasional nurse scurrying by, even that was very far and few between.

Please God, please.

Corey Nolan surveyed her languid five-year old. One minute she had been fine—in the blink of an eye she was here, hooked up to a ventilator to help her breathe, a tube stuck up her nose, another one down her throat and a needle jammed in her tiny hand. The cuff on her arm wrapped around to check her blood pressure periodically. A gray plastic clip clamped to her tiny finger measured her oxygen levels.

Please, Molly needs to wake up.

She wasn’t sure that imploring a higher power would work. But it didn’t make one bit of difference; she was willing to try anything. Whatever it took, anything she had to do… it would be done.

Corey released her hands from their prayer position, and slowly stood up from the orange plastic chair, moving her head from side to side until her neck cracked. Her muscles were tight from sitting half the night in the chilly room. The neatly molded corners and freshly waxed taupe-colored floor, with scattered orange triangles and lack of curtains or any homey touches whatsoever, gave the room an unfriendly aura. The large round clock adhered to the wall revealed that it was after nine in the morning already.

Where was her mother? What could be keeping her? Added fear and anxiety was not something she wanted to deal with right now. Her heart pounded as she glanced at her daughter once again. Strength and positive thinking was what Molly needed right now. Corey couldn’t afford to break down.

Molly was so sweet, innocent, and trusting. Corey would have done anything to protect her. It was too late. She couldn’t protect Molly just like her parents couldn’t protect her. She stifled a sob.

Trudging to the other side of the room, she laid a hand against the locker that passed for a closet. The cold metal beneath the gray paint gave her a chill. Images of the man that had made her life unbearable for everyone she loved swarmed in her vision. His face appeared in her head, laughing at her, tormenting her.

“Go away!” she screamed.

Slowly, she turned toward the hall wondering if anyone had heard. They would have probably thought she was crazy. They’d take one look at her and lock her up, maybe throw the key away. If any stranger witnessed her outburst, they would not have understood what the last year had been like for her—for all her loved ones.

Corey threw another glance at her daughter. Her tirade didn’t breed any response from a comatose Molly, or any of the staff for that matter.

Jerking the door open, she grabbed the blanket and clutched it to her chest, willing the tension away. She needed to stay sane, in control—anything to help her daughter. Composing herself and releasing her tight grip, she shook the blanket open as she walked over to Molly. She then tucked her daughter in tight and read her a story, just as she had done every night for five years. Except now, it wasn’t dark outside and Molly wasn’t tucked safe in her own bed. She’d been told it was good to read to patients in a coma. Halfway through The Cat in the Hat, her eyes brimmed with despair, and she couldn’t make out the rest of the words.

“I love you,” she whispered, her voice cracking. She set the book aside and stroked Molly’s hair. The usual silkiness was dull and luster-lacking. Smoothing a stray strand, she drew away and straightened. Her daughter’s pale face didn’t move. No twitch of her eyes, no quirk of her mouth, no flutter of her lips when she breathed out during sleep.

“Stay strong, Corey.” The words said out loud didn’t help. She should have been telling Molly to be brave, but her own strength was trickling away with every hour Molly lay silent.

Desperation formed a knot in her throat. Needing a minute away to pull herself back together, she whirled around quickly, almost knocking a vase over, but catching it before it shattered to the floor—just as her nerves threatened to do. Corey could barely put it back on the bureau in one piece, her hands trembling. Stifling the sob that threatened to erupt, she bolted to the bathroom.

She stood in front of the sink and stared into the mirror. Leaning in, she pulled the taunt skin under her eyes downward. The dark circles looked terrible along with the black streak marks over her skin. If Jake could see her now, he probably wouldn’t think she was all that great of a catch. Damn, how embarrassing am I with all this soot on my face, my arms, and my clothes?

“Who cares right now?” she mumbled, and then marched back to her daughter’s bedside. She plopped down into the chair and gently placed Molly’s IV-ed hand into hers. Careful not cause her daughter any more pain, she gripped those tiny, precious fingers. “I don’t know what I can do? I can tell you that I will love you—for always. You breathe a special life into the large part of my heart. If you go away, it will die.” Emotion choked her. She sobbed, unable to hold it in any longer.

She didn’t know how much time had passed. Deep breaths were the only thing that could calm her at this point. With her free hand, she pulled out her cell phone and pressed a number on the keypad. Placing the phone to her ear, she kept her gaze on Molly; her serene expression brought another rush of tension to Corey’s chest. She breathed harder, trying to control the uneasy pacing of her heart.

“I am trying your grandmother again. She is late as usual.”

Molly continued to lay unmoving. Corey bit her lip as the ringing sounded through the device. Come on, Mom, where are you? I need you. This isn’t like you. Faith Nolan was still not picking up.

Corey dropped the phone onto the bureau and stood up, anger surging through her. With arms stretched out, she glared at the ceiling. “Is this my punishment, you tell me? Yes, you—that thing, that being I assume is watching over us, protecting us. Ha! That day I was told by my doctor that my heart was too weak to carry Molly—” She fell to her knees. “I did it anyway. So, this is it, my penance, right?”

Crawling to Molly’s bedside, Corey gripped her baby’s small fingers. “I won’t let you take her, I won’t.”

 


Available for purchase



 

 



Thank you for stopping by.                       

Cheers,

Keira Kroft

 

You can find me at: