Book Signings

Hello, I’ve been pondering on the value of book signings and would love to hear from authors about their experiences. What are the best kind of book signings?

One of the best I did was in Chichester a few years ago.  The book being launched was set during the second world war and concerned two evacuees from London who were evacuated to the country.

We had a good position at the front of the shop (Waterstones) and the management even went out and bought some wartime song tapes by  the original artistes and had them playing very softly in the background all  the time we were there.  We sold a lot of books and heard many stories from people who also had been evacuated during that period.  The signing achieved its aim in that alone, but the networking with the reading public was good too.  That particular book was called TIN HATS AND GAS MASKS.

Would you agree that book signings depend on more than a good story? The weather, the day of the week and the time of day are all factors and of course whether the event has been advertised at the right time – too soon and it can get missed on the day and too  near the event many people are committed elsewhere.  It is a more delicate operation than one thinks sometimes.

It is  a good idea to ask someone to write a report for local paper or/and magazine emphasising details of where the book is still available to buy because once the event is over it is quickly forgotten.  Look forward to hearing your stories on this subject.

Happy writing and reading,

 

Writing Hut

Hurrah. I think I have managed to post a picture. This is my writing hut.

Not much writing done there so far since we moved here, but there will be.

Would love to hear from others who have a hut, shed, special room or place for their writing.  It is true I think that a writer can work anywhere, a laptray, a corner of the kitchen or dining table, in bed, in an armchair, on a train or bus etc but to have a quiet spot where you can leave your notes and part finished work around is wonderful.  No  more, having to clear a space so you can lay the table for a meal, and when you  return to  it – no preparation to do, simply sit down and carry on from where you left your characters, whether they were dangling over a cliff edge or in the middle of a kiss… good wishes from Joan

Are you an Organised Writer?

Are you an organised writer? I thought I was until now, but since we moved house earlier this year I have realised that I am not.  The aspect I’m best at right now is making lists. Problem is that instead of getting shorter the lists grow, and grow and grow…  I cross one item off and add two or three more. I have never been a great one for New Year Resolution(I know I would never keep them for more than a week), I prefer setting deadlines like Aim to finish first draft by... I can work with  that, especially in the first  draft when I’m anxious to get the story from my head and onto the paper. I know there will be a lot of work to do after that but I have my  skeleton story and it’s fun fleshing it out and dressing it.  It would be interesting to know how others approach their work. Anyway I’ve started this blog now and I hope to hear from some of you writers out there. Will try and post some pictures tomorrow if I can work out how to do this

Happy writing, from Joan