The Advantages of Joint Book Signings

Earlier this month, I participated in the first-ever Authors at Art Walk at the Park Central Library in downtown Springfield. The event was sponsored by Ozarks Romance Authors and was a rousing success.

I happily shared a table with Cecily White, YA/paranormal author of Prophecy Girl; Kaye Calkins, historical romance author of Deverell's Dilemma; and Jean Rosenow, inspirational and women's fiction author of Blessed Are The Pure In Heart. I signed my picture books: What Do You Want To Be? and The Missing Key.

Most authors have book signings on their own unless they're at a conference. As I visited with friends, customers and authors, several advantages of joint book signings occurred to me, namely:

• By having a signing with authors who write other genres, you'll draw a bigger crowd.
• Having the backing of a well-known writer's organization is immensely helpful and garners credibility. Thanks, ORA!
• Customers are likely to buy more than one book from various authors.
• You share in marketing the event which reaches a multitude of different audiences.
• Your reach grows exponentially due to the shared marketing, especially via social media.
• There are several photo opportunities.
• There's someone to watch your table while you grab a coffee or go to the restroom.
• You don't get lonely.
• You are guaranteed some sales--authors always buy one another's books (or at least trade!)

Have you ever had a joint signing? Try it!

What Are You Working On?

I know several of my readers well since they're writer friends or family members, but some of you are new here. I thought it would be fun to fill each other in on our current projects. So, what are you working on both professionally and personally?

I'm working on a huge surprise birthday bash for hubby (I'd tell you the theme and more details, but with my luck, he'd read my blog for once. Doubtful--but you can never be too careful with a surprise party.)

Professionally, I've just started to query agents for my debut novel, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, a work of women's fiction set in the Midwest with four professional women who have chaotic lives, ridiculous family members and impossible situations. A normal day, right?!!

I'm almost half finished with the sequel to COCONUTS and two-thirds finished with a romantic suspense, yet to be titled, which is set on a college campus.

I've got a cookbook cooking and two ideas for non-fiction books simmering. There just aren't enough hours in the day, are there?

Finally, I've completed two children's picture books and may have an announcement soon! Fingers and toes crossed. I have more picture books drafted and waiting patiently in the wings.

How about you? What are you working on?

Kicking Off 2011

This year I already have several writing projects in tow. I submitted five recipes, two rhyming recipes (yes, they rhyme) and two essays to High Hill Press for a new cookbook the publisher is working on.

I also submitted two essays to SMITH Magazine for possible inclusion in their new book entitled THE MOMENT. SMITH strayed from its six-word memoir format and asked writers to tell about a moment that impacted their lives using 750 words or less. I actually wrote four essays (about 3,000 words) but only submitted two.

While at the pharmacy counter, the pharmacy clerk mentioned two words that made my eyes fall onto the counter. I picked them back up, washed them off with antibacterial gel--well, I was at the pharmacy, after all--and said, "That would make a great children's picture book." She agreed and I drove straight home (forgetting all about my planned errands) to type a 1,000-word kids' manuscript. Hopefully, it will be my third picture book.

Finally, I've written about 17,000 words for JANO, our January challenge to write 50,000 words. I'm behind on this goal but I'm chipping away and really enjoying one of the characters. Maybe a little too much. She may have to become the protagonist which would be a big rework. Egads. And I'm the one who hates editing. Sigh.

To recap, I've written over 25,000 words this month. No wonder I'm taking Tylenol arthritis medicine. What are you working on?