First Book Signing: Ahah and Duh Moments

Last Saturday, I read and signed copies of my new picture book, Katie Ling Fashion Queen at the Kingwood Branch Library. It was a blast. Kids are so fun, especially excited, little girls. They were adorable! Many came decked out in sparkly jewelry and bright, frilly clothes. So cute! Although, my experience was a rewarding and unforgettable one, if I had a do-over, I would definitely sit down and make a checklist to check and re-check before the actual event. I made it harder on myself by making a mental instead of physical list. Below are the items that would certainly go on this list. Live and learn, right?

Book Signing Checklist (I know, but I'm a title person)

1. Book Copies
2. Pen
3. Chart for contact information (like if you aren't taking credit card)
4. Business Cards (I used printer paper, but as I handed the flimsy paper to potential buyers, I wished they looked a little more professional)
5. Refreshments (I went this route with homemade cookies and lemonade. Someday maybe this won't be as necessary, but for now, I'm trying to be remembered and make a name for myself)
6. Napkins and Cups (again, cute but cheap from the dollar store)
7. Journals, glitter, sequins, markers, glue for activity (I feel this is important with kids. Many stopped by just from seeing the supplies on the table. While the kids did the activity, parents perused through the book. Luckily, I had everything but the glue and markers from teaching. So, use what you have!)
9. Posters (I made one poster for the front of the children's book section and one to display where we were at, so people walking by would know what was going on immediately. Unfortunately, I didn't think about displaying the poster a week or so in advance at the library. That would've been smart. I made it the day before without much advertising thought. Next time!)
10. One of those wheeled boxes (I borrowed a really deep one from my husband. That was awesome! From where my car was parked to where the actual signing took place was a little ways. This really cut down on the trips in between and gave me more setup time. Thanks hubby!)
8. Last but not least, CASH! (I completely forgot to get cash for those who need change. My mom-in-law ended up running to a nearby store. Pathetic, I know, but like I said live and hopefully learn!)

There you have it! Yes, I definitely could have made my book signing flow smoother in several ways. Nonetheless, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Rick Mickelson, AwareNow Publishing

I would like to welcome Rick Mickelson to my blog today. He is a publisher at AwareNow Publishing. Rick and I worked together on, his latest project and my debut picture book, Katie Ling Fashion Queen. 



 Why did you want to become a publisher? 

I wanted to work with creative people and support them in getting their work from inside their ‘minds and souls’ out into the world.  If it was time for someone to give birth to their book, I was willing to be the ‘mid-wife’ in the process.  The role that I sought was one of facilitation.  That is to say, working as a catalyst so that something creative that is ready to come to life, actually makes it into existence.


What is the greatest  challenge in publishing?  

Making money.

What is the most rewarding aspect of publishing?   

Holding the finished product (a book) in your hands and going through it for the first time as you receive the first print run.  To realize that you have worked with a creative person to create something worthwhile, something of value, from nothing.  That realization produces a heavy dose of satisfaction.



What would make an author want to sign with AwareNow Publishing instead of another publisher.  

AwareNow Publishing does not follow a “corporate model”.  Its primary purpose is work with individual authors, in partnership, to bring creative products into the world.  To this end, authors will find that our publishing house works hard to support and encourage them in every possible way, trusting that the creative processes occurring are happening for very important reasons.  While our company seeks to be compensated fairly for the work and services provided, the primary ‘modus operandi’ is not simply to ‘make money’ at any or all cost.  There is a higher purpose involved.



Is there anything else you would like people to know?   

Yes.  We are expanding our book offerings to include:- Children’s Books, Books on Personal Growth and Transformation, Memoirs and General Interest Books.

Click on the link to the beautifully updated AwareNow Publishing website:  http://awarenow.ca/ 
Check out the website for their various links to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Summer Fun

Summer has always been such a fun time for me. As a child, it meant no school. As a college student, it meant fewer classes. As a teacher, it meant, again, no school. As a mom, well, this is my first summer with George, so we'll see. I'm thinking sand castles and swimming. No matter my age, one of my favorite parts of summer was when my mom would take my sister and I to the McKinney Library (North Texas where I grew up) and we would get to pick out as many books as allowed. Lori, my sister, and I would have those books read in no time and back we'd go. At the time, I had no idea how beneficial that was. I just thought it was fun. What are your favorite summer memories?

Memorable Children's Book

I have read many great children's books. I think my favorite is Mem Fox's "Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge." This picture book is about a young boy who tries to help an older friend remember her life. He brings her different objects that remind her of times in her life. It is such a touching book. I read it to every second grade class I taught, and I always cried. Is there a children's book that you loved as a kid or discovered as an adult? What makes it stand out to you?

I'm in Love with "Little Feet Love"

Recently, while browsing the book section at a local store, I came across the children's book "Little Feet Love" published by Piggy Toes Press.

After skimming through the board book pages, I instantly fell in love. What a wonderful idea! A touch-and-feel book for sweet, little baby feet. Babies can feel "comfy towels, " "powdery sand," "shaggy rugs," and several other perfectly stimulating textures.

I quickly ran home with my new, exciting find. George, my nine-month-old, loved the book as much, if not more, than I did. He smiled and giggled while I placed his feet on the pages. He grabbed the book during his independent play and I watched his curious fingers peruse the pages repeatedly.

So, if you're looking for a new board book that will foster a love of literature and keep your little one fully engaged, "Little Feet Love" is the perfect book for you!

My Heart is Smiling :)

Today I went to infant story time with my son and his grandparents. We sang songs, played instruments, and listened to the picture book, "Ten Little Ladybugs." I don't think my heart has ever been so happy. Even though my son took it upon himself to grab a little girl's face and hit another kid with a toy (all of which we are working on for next time:) , I was truly overjoyed to see all the sweet faces so excited about the music and story. Every time I'm around kids listening and reading stories, I get so pumped to write. It is such a joy to be doing something that I love and brings smiles to children. I know I sound beyond corny, but corny is probably the perfect word to describe me, and I'm perfectly happy with that.

The Waiting Game

If you've been trying to get published for any length of time, I'm sure you've discovered that waiting plays a huge part. I am currently waiting on one of my favorite publishing houses as they consider a picture book manuscript, waiting on another one of my favs as they "think on" another picture book manuscript, waiting for updates from my agent about a picture book she is querying, and waiting to see the final version of my new picture book "Katie Ling Fashion Queen." Don't get me wrong, I'm totally beyond thrilled that these books are even being considered, but I am definitely a player in the waiting game. To try and keep my sanity, I've entered a Hallmark greeting card contest (which I'm also waiting to find out if I'm a winner at the end of the month) as well as editing stories I've written and brainstorming new ideas, not to mention blogging :) So,if you're in the writing business and patience isn't exactly your best quality (like yours truly) , you may want to keep your mind busy with other projects. Notice I said mind. Yeah, my body's dead tired, a sweet, little eight month old will do that to you!