'The book launch is just around the corner...so is my virtual tour. If you're interested in the process...here's how it goes:

After sending in my money and  talking over the game plan with a wonderful woman named Dorothy, here's what that looks like:

** I've had a trailer made for YouTube, 
** a banner created
** I'm guest blogging on 20 different writing blogs
** I've sent off 4 books to be reviewed
** I've written an article for a piece about my novel

In March, when the virtual book tour starts, I'll guest blog, I'll open some Q and A with other bloggers, I'll have a blast! So far, I have been really happy with the process. I'll let you know how it goes as March comes in...see what sales looks like after. This is, after all, about promotion, promotion, promotion!

If you have any questions about this process...please ask!

Until then, I am off to Disneyworld to visit my youngest daughter and play like I was 10 years old!
Woot!

So, we've decided to have the launch in an art gallery. How cool is that? I think it's really cool because then we can also support the local artist talent in Corvallis, some of whom are good friends of mine. This month, the display is of carousel/merry-go-round animals that are being carved right there on site.  I asked the guy a million questions because I am a geek. I loved it!

Anyway...I ordered my invitations using www.vistaprint.com because I could design them myself and pay only for shipping. I was able to resize the cover so the front of the invitation looks like my book and the back has all the important info. Loved it! i also purchased business cards with the cover on the front, as well as return label with the cover on the side. Whew. That's a lot of covers!

We're having a blast party planning...what to wear...what to wear! Again, my feeling is, if you want to BE big, you have to THINK and ACT big, and so we're pulling out all the stops. The art gallery is in an old church, so there is this great old ambience inside and out. I love it. We're having it catered, of course, and will be signing Across Time as well as Tory's Tuesday and the last two of the Storm series.

Above and beyond the party, one of my students is interviewing me for the paper, which is always fun. I'm answering guest blogging questionnaires for what we like to call the Virtual World Tour :), and I'm sending emails to everyone I know (and barely know) about the book. I'm also contacting all bookstores in the area to see about signings and/or just keeping the book stocked. It's busy legwork, but it must be done.

If you haven't yet tripped on over to the community site of spinster_bell here on livejournal, check us out. We're new, but we're as an online community, but we're working really hard on getting our stuff out there...and to connect with other writers and aspiring writers. So come on over and ask questions...chit chat...or just leave a quick note!

The party planning is in high gear...I'm so glad I have people who can do these things better than I can.

Other than that, I had a phone converence with 15 other authors from our publishing company to discuss how to get more exposure. We talked about blogs, about web sites, about You Tube, and all the ways we can go out and get press for our books. It's time to hit the bricks. Right now, I am designing the invitation, so I need to scoot.

Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement and excitement. It's always fun to share this with others who appreciate it.

Everybody needs people. Good people. People who are better at you at whatever endeavor you are attempting. I am attempting a book launch of HUGE proportions...but I have people. Really good people. That really makes a huge difference. Day after tomorrow, my book will be released, and about a month later, we will launch it at an event we want everyone to talk about. This is big, and I am terribly excited.
What does a launch of this magnitude entail:
1) a great space
2) Great food
3) Lots of wine
4) People who understand that they are there to BUY the book...hiopefully more than one.
5) Great background music
6) Just enough chatter to chat up the bok without being boring
7) take home party gifts
8) a raffle for other books I' ve written
9) Hostesses who know how to make a party GO VRROOOM
10) Me.

Like I said...having the right people in place makes al the difference, and I have some outstanding folks in my life.
Right now, we are narrowing down the place...deciding on food, and making the guest list. I can't wait.
As usual, I will keep you updated. Maybe by this time tomorrow, I'll be holding my next novel in my hands. 
WHat fun!

Okay...I admit, I am not sure what to expect, but so far, Dorothy of Pump Up Your Book Sales hasn't steered me wrong.
Last night, she sent me this link to U-Tube. I'm really curious what you all think about it. What works? What doesn't? What should be on there more that isn't. Does the trailer whet your appetite or do you think, "Ho hum" Another dumb trailer.

I'm not wedded to it, but I prefer constructive and insightful criticism than bashing without results.

After watching the 1 1/2 minute clip, what do you give it? You may have to cut and paste it into your browser. I'm not sure the link works for everyone.

And thanks so much.
Stay tuned as we count down to the Big Book Launch. You'll learn the do's and don't of making a successful book launch that lasts well beyond the last bottle of wine consumed.
So stay posted. Things are getting ready to roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfHDNaYUf48

I am very pleased and excited to announce that my next book will be out this month! 
So...what does this mean in terms of writing? Well...here's where the business side of writing takes place. I don't mind this part, really. Although it takes me away from what I love most (the actual writing), it must be done, so I do it happily...afterall, it  comes with the territory of being published.
Here's how it ought to go down:
1) Author's copies will arive this week. I will give those only to the people who are in the acknowledgments.Why/ You can't make money by giving the book away...and...if people really want to help your career and support you, then they ought not to ask for a single copy, but buy 2 or 3!
2) Conference call with the publishers about what to do to help this sell well.
3) Plan the Book Launch. I won't do this. I have people. :) Actually, I have GREAT people who excel at that sort of thing. I'm a beans and weenir kind of gal...my people, however, are champagne and Brie types, so they'll  put on a bash that will probably have close to 300 people. That's a great way to kick off  novel. I go and sign it and chat, and just enjoy the people who have come to support me. You'll hear all about it.
4) Virtual Book Tour...I'll be a guest blogger and do some chat room gigs...I am really looking forward to that.
5) Arrange book signings/ readings. I'm not a reading kind of author...they're too stuffy for me. No, I prefer signings so I can go talk to people.
6) Keep writing
7) Arrange to be a signer at Northwest Booksellers Association and any other place where books are.
8) Work to get the book reviewed. Once only hard backs were reveiewed, but that is no longer true.
9) Keep plugging away at getting the book to as many places online as possible.
10) Enjoy the work and the ride!

That's it for now. 
Bizzeee Bizzee Bizzee!

Oh....and if you buy a book from me (you can just send $$ via paypal) I'll send you my first book as an e-book for free! Can't beat that!
Thanks for your support!