Marketing Your e-Books and More

After you've written "The End" on your manuscript and sent the file to your publisher, what next? Just a short few years ago, the answer would be start your next project.

With the increased importance of e-book sales, the demise of many of the large bookstores like Waldenbooks and Borders, and a market flood of all kinds of books, everything has changed. While you must still prepare to start your next project, now you need to create a major promotional plan as well.

1. Develop a presence on the Internet. Be involved. Be interested. Join groups of writers whose work is in or close to your genre. Be positive in what you say. The personality of a writer is evident in the comments that writer posts. People have long memories, and sometimes even an innocently conceived remark can be taken the wrong way. So choose your words wisely. You will need a Facebook page for both you and your book. You should have a Twitter account. Try to visit both sites once or twice a day. Check out the people who want to friend you or follow you. Friend and follow back those people who you feel comfortable having as followers and friends.

2. You will need both a Web site and a Blog. The Web site is the steady location to which you will direct your readers so they can learn more about you and your books. You should update your Web site periodically. Ideally, the site should contain a buy link for each of your books.

You can create one or more blogs for free. Blogger and Word Press are among the most popular. You will need to create a new post at least once a week. The Facebook and Twitter icons at the end of your new post make it easier to announce it. Choose a theme and post with the theme in mind at least periodically.

3. Create an impressive and useful Blog by taking a class or reading articles. Dani Greer offers occasional Blog Book Tour courses and also has helpful articles and tips available for free on the blog site.

4. Plan a Blog Book Tour. You will need to research blogs that feature writers in your genre. Also, you will want to find readers' blogs. After all, these are the people you really want to reach. Once you discover appropriate blogs that have good traffic and comments, then contact them and see if they are willing to host you during a one- or two-week blog tour.

5. Write Press Releases. Get the word out about your book the old fashioned way. Tell about your new book with a brief blurb. Make your press release appealing by focusing on an unique aspect about you or your book. Attract the editor's interest.

6. Write an Article about the location where your book is set or about some unusual aspect of the plot. If your book happens to be a reincarnation story, write on that subject. Become an expert on a subject important to your book.

7. Become a speaker for meetings of local organizations, conferences, libraries, etc. Let people know about your areas of knowledge. Put your speaking topics up on your Web site. Be sure contact information is easily accessible.

8. Make new Business Cards, Brochures, Flyers, Posters. Have them ready for your personal appearances everywhere.

9. Get new Photographs taken of you, the author. If you don't have someone who can take good photos, hire a professional. You'll be amazed at how often you will need these pictures, especially for your internet blog appearances and for your press releases.

10. Consider every possibility. Radio shows, television, blog radio. The list keeps growing. Be sure to write down all the ideas you have.

All of this promotional effort will take a lot of time, so don't forget to keep on writing--a little each day--on that next book.

My Fascination with Angels and the Tapestry for Peace Continues

With my Tapestry for Peace panel in Denver

In 2005 while I was visiting Denver, I met with a wonderful woman by the name of Eve MacKintosh. She told me about her vision of an angel who told her, "There's a place in space for peace." She showed me the beginning of a panel being created by a member of the Denver Branch National League of American Pen Women for the Tapestry for Peace project, the idea for which Eve conceived after seeing the angel on the side of a Florida highway.

Representing the Richmond Branch NLAPW, I had already decided to create a panel for the project prior to meeting Eve. However, seeing Eve in person further inspired me because it was so special of her to meet with me, a perfect stranger, in a hotel where she lugged a pile of materials to show me how to start my panel. I cried when I learned of her sudden and unexpected death in late November of that year.

Some 60 panels were completed and hung for the NLAPW conference in Denver in April 2006. Several members of Eve's family participated in unveiling the Tapestry for Peace project. The tapestry panels later hung in the Colorado State Capitol Building for several months and was viewed by thousands from all over the world.

Tapestry for Peace panels hang in Denver 2006

For a while, I kept up with the Tapestry for Peace project by way of its web site, but that eventually vanished. Sadly, I couldn't find out anything more about its whereabouts. Eve's plan was to have it travel all over the world in promotion of peace.

In early June, I was thrilled to discover that the project had resurfaced. The final art panel--66 total--was sewn in place in March 2012 by members of the Denver Branch.

A video documentary about the tapestry is now nearing completion and will be for sale. The search for a permanent home is underway.

Such a magnificent project envisioned by an amazing lady. I look forward to following the development of the next chapter in the life of the Tapestry for Peace.

Do You Belong to a Critique Group?

Last Saturday, Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling historical romance author, was luncheon speaker at a writer's conference in Virginia Beach. The importance of critique groups to Cathy's career stood out for me during her talk.

When Cathy joined Virginia Romance Writers she had recently developed a dream to become a published author, but she hadn't written anything. She did, however, become a part of a critique group. She then brought in other aspiring writers to that group, including Mary Burton, now another New York Times bestselling author, who hadn't yet written anything at the time. They, along with several other writers she named, read each others work, passing manuscript pages to each other often while working at their day jobs.

The critique groups worked for them. They supported each other and obviously became successful writers.

Soon after I started writing fiction, my instructor at the community college where I was taking a writing class formed a critique group with some of her students and I was part of it. We read each others work and learned a great deal in the process. Unlike Cathy and Mary, we were not all romance writers. Several people wrote non-fiction and later had successful books published. None were New York Times bestsellers.

Do you belong to a critique group? I know a lot of people who believe their successful writing careers began there!

For the Love of Writing - A Conference at Virginia Beach

For the Love of Writing, a Conference at Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center gets under way Thursday evening with an opening reception. Lots of fun and learning for those attending. Keynote speakers will be Barbara Samuel and Cathy Maxwell. Editors and agents will be there to take appointments with attendees.

On Saturday at 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., I'll present a workshop: "Writing Fiction and Non-Fiction, How to Do Both." The event is sponsored by Virginia Romance Writers.

Exciting news for Notes Along the Way! This blog won first place in the 2012 Virginia Press Women's Communication Contest for Blogs: Special Interest Sites. The two posts entered were: "Women's History Month - What Woman Most Influenced Your Writing," March 25, 2011 and "My Three Best Hotels of 2011." The entry will now go to the 2012 National Federation of Press Women's Communication Contest for judging.

The Art of Book Reviews and the World of Writing

We all know that book reviews are important to the author. They are certainly important to the reader who often wants to know a little more about the book other than the blurb from the publisher.

I just read a blog post on Marilyn's Musings about a new book by Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards, veteran reviewers. In her post, Marilyn Meredith lists their "Ten Commandments of Book Reviewing" which promote honest, tactful reviews that don't give away too much of the story. They also urge reviewers not to overwhelm themselves with more review copies than they can handle in a timely manner.

Over the past several years, I have written reviews for Reader to Reader. I love reading books, but even with the few reviews that I do I can get overwhelmed. I've always enjoyed books by Diane Chamberlain and am reading her latest book for review right now. As an author, I believe we should attempt to stay in touch with the writing of others as well.

Tomorrow Marilyn Meredith will be guest author on Notes Along the Way. I hope you will stop by and read about the changes she has seen in the publishing world.

Diana Cosby, My First Ever Guest Blogger

"A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goals!"

By Diana Cosby ©2012

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great.” - Mark Twain

Dreams are visions of what we can become.  But, dreams are also an invitation to doubt, to wonder if you’re good enough, or if you have what it takes.   When I retired from the Navy, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a published author.  After 100 rejections, I quit counting as I figured I knew how to achieve a rejection.  Then, after 9 ½ years, I finally sold.  The journey taught me many things, which I’d like to share with you.

-Take yourself seriously:  If YOU don’t, no one else will. 

-Associate with people who inspire you, and encourage you to achieve your dreams.  Encourage and inspire others as you grow in your own writing.

-Set a clear goal:  Once you know exactly what you want, break down steps to achieve it.  If you’re unsure how to start, read biographies of people who have achieved a dream similar to yours.   What steps did they take?  Are there comparable avenues you can pursue?

-Success is a compilation of small steps toward one focused goal.   

-Affiliate yourself with professional organizations:  Join accredited groups to educate yourself about the industry you’ve chosen.  In addition to net-working, you will have opportunities to learn from on-line or local sources.

-Self affirmation:  Each morning reaffirm that you are good enough and clarify your goal of the day.  Then, move forward with positive, focused steps.

-Inspirational quotes:  I’m a huge fan of inspirational quotes, they ground and remind me that each of us struggle as we pursue our dreams.  Each day, I find a quote that touches me and post it on my Facebook page in hopes others find inspiration in the message as well.

-Permission to fail:  Success is not a moment, but a journey.  As we grow within our craft, there will be times when we fail at certain steps.  Focus not on the failure, but on the lessons learned.  What worked, what didn’t?  Move forward and make wiser decisions with the knowledge learned. 

-The way we act, and talk about our goals reflects our commitment to them:  What are you telling yourself?  “I WILL do this!”  Or, are you assuring yourself that one day you’ll really try?

-Give the gift of example:  When you make the choice to follow your dream, you are doing more than commitment to self, but teaching your children an important life lesson — dare to dream, and follow through.  So, be bold.  Believe in yourself. 

            I hope you’ve found inspiration from my comments.  Remember, there is no right path, but the steps right for you.  Believe in yourself, YOU have what it takes!

*How do you encourage others to go after their dreams?

**One person will be drawn from all posts today.  The winner receives a signed copy of His Destiny!

Bio for Diana Cosby

After retiring at 36 from my job as a Navy Chief Meteorologist/Oceanographer, I dove into my passion – writing romance novels. With 33 moves behind me, I was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people I’ve met throughout the world. Nine and a half years later, I received “The Call” from Kensington and sold the first two books in the MacGruder brother’s series.

I have many passions, but one that resonates most in my life is that of giving. I firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life.  With each book I sell, I tithe 10% of my royalties to a charity of my choice.  I’m currently working on the next book in the award-winning MacGruder brother’s series, and look forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author

www.dianacosby.com

His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder

His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder / His Destiny-Patrik

(Updates on the MacGruder brothers series coming soon!)

Highland vampire anthology:  Title/Release date TBA
. http://www.dianacosby.com/
http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

Thank you, Diana, for being my guest today! I first met Diana several years ago at a meeting of the Virginia Romance Writers. I was impressed with her poise and charming personality. Since then, I've been amazed at the interest she shows in all the writers in our VRW group. Although she moved to Texas soon after we met, she has continued her connection with Virginia Writers. I very much admire her interest in a variety of charities and her dedication to giving a portion of her royalties to those of her choice.

Please comment on this post. I will leave it up though Saturday, and a winner will then be chosen to receive a copy of His Destiny.

Diana is my first ever guest author. I hope to make this a new feature on Notes Along the Way for 2012 with a guest once or twice a month.

Magic in a Box

I'd forgotten how many wires crisscross beneath my desk as I write at my computer. Yesterday, I was amazed as I looked at the puzzle that stretched out beneath my feet. My husband patiently untangled each wire and handed them to me one by one to attach to the appropriate opening on my new computer. I was thankful he knew the meaning and purpose for each of those little wires with the pretty colors on the ends because I didn't have a clue.

I wonder how many writers are out there like me, setting up scenes, lost in the magic of story, yet completely unaware of how our computers work, how we string words together and place them in a file to retrieve again electronically whenever we need them.

The other day I watched a movie about  Virginia Wolfe and saw her writing her stories on paper with a pen that she dipped into a bottle of ink. Writing was so much harder then, I think. There was no magic locked in a little black box.

Perhaps though, the writer of that time had a far greater sense of accomplishment when he held the final product--a finished book--in his hand. It's much easier now to get published. There are so many writers out there that seldom is one writer unique.

Still, I am surprised, and pleased, when a perfect stranger walks up and is in awe of you, the writer.

As I look beneath my desk today, the maze of wires appears to have grown. I still don't know what they are. I only know there is magic inside the box that is my new computer. And I am glad!

Loving the Cardinals - It's Hard for the Fans

Tony LaRussa at Spring Training

It's been about eight months since my husband and I flew into Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and headed to Jupiter for Baseball Spring Training with the St. Louis Cardinals. The first day we were there, we learned that the co-ace of the pitching staff, Adam Wainwright, would be out for the season with Tommy John surgery. That was a terrible blow for the team and diminished their hopes for a post-season run. All the while, Cardinals manager, Tony La Russa, remained upbeat. Spring training is such a special time because every team has hope, some teams more than others. Despite everything, Tony and the Cardinals had that hope.

In late March, the Cardinals started this season with a flurry of losses, making their prospects seem even more dismal. With a multitude of injuries, they plodded along and eventually spent a while in first place before they eventually went on an eight-game losing streak.

During the baseball season, on every trip we took, I had to find a sports bar with satellite TV so we could see the Cardinals play. We discovered sports bars in Boone, NC, Lake Tahoe, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Hilton Head, SC, and up and down Lake Michigan and Lake Superior in Wisconsin and Michigan.

The last week of August, the Cardinals were far behind the Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers and 10 1/2 games behind in the Wild Card race. How could they possibly make it to the postseason playoffs?

But they did.

David Freese at Spring Training

The team began a magical run and overtook the Atlanta Braves on the last day of the season to take the Wild Card. Then, in an unlikely scenario, they defeated three outstanding pitchers from the Philadelphia Phillies that had been hailed as the best team in baseball with the best pitching staff. Who would have dreamed it?

Last night, the Cardinals won over the Milwaukee Brewers and will now head to the World Series against the Texas Rangers. And, it was not Albert Pujols, but it was instead third baseman David Freese who was named most valuable player in the National League Championship series.

All the while, dedicated fans like us watched every game. For the last six weeks, each game we followed was a "must win" situation. It's been really hard on the fans because we have no control over what happens.

Still, this year, 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals have been the team of destiny. And we've watched every pitch from beginning to end.

Will this team of destiny become baseball's World Champions? It's still an unlikely scenario, or so I've heard. But, I'm hoping...

Pay It Forward Blogfest

The Pay It Forward Blogfest from Matthew MacNish at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment and Alex J. Cavanaugh is designed to get participants to spread the word about three blogs that are special for them. Hopefully, you will visit the ones suggested by blogfest participants.

Here are my three:

Sunny Room Studio because it's magical to visit there. Daisy Hickman writes beautiful messages and posts gorgeous photographs she has taken. A visit to her studio makes you feel good about the world. Please take a look.

In Time because there's always a story posted. Michael Di Gesu writes amazing Y A stories that will capture your imagination.

Straight from Hel because of the informative articles. I always learn something interesting or important when I visit Helen Ginger's blog site.

I hope you'll visit these blogs as well as those of Matthew MacNish and Alex Cavenaugh. Also, as many others from the blog fest participants as you can. That's well over 200 at this point.

What Do You Do to Advertise Your Books?

How should authors go about advertising? That's a question we all ponder on a daily basis. Should we set up a blog book tour? Should we hire someone with more knowledge and contacts than we have to set it up for us? We do interviews. We visit lots of blogs. We post on as many sites as possible. Yet sometimes we can't help but wonder if much of what we do is simply lost in cyberspace.

I hope not.

The people I've met by blogging in the last year and a half  have been wonderful and inspirational. I don't know that meeting these folks has resulted in any book sales, but my life is richer just from getting to know them.

I was interested to read an information request on one of my lists yesterday. A writer wanted to know if she had a well-edited book, could she expect to realize $1000 in sales each month from that book? She has received a variety of answers from that question, including one that said she should expect to put sales proceeds back into promotion, advertising, and building name-recognition for about the first five years.

How and when to advertise is a complicated issue. What's important to you about advertising? Do you have a magic formula to share?

Here's my next event in advertising. There'll be a lot of writers tailgating, so hope we find some new readers along the way.

Fall for a Writer Tailgate Party-Book Signing
October 15th, 2011, 10Am-2Pm
3714 Richmond Rd., Keswick, VA

Bringing People to Your Blog

You've spent a lot of time. You've researched your subject, and you've written a wonderful, informative post on your blog. But no one visits. No one comments. How can that be?

Several years ago, I started writing occasional blog posts, but no one ever saw them. No one came to visit. I had no followers.

That changed when I took the blog book tour class taught by Dani Greer. Her class was intense but productive. It turned my blogging life around. I just went to her Blog Book Tours site and found some of her excellent instruction there ready for review by anyone who visits. I hope you'll take a look.

During that class, I discovered a number of wonderful bloggers like Alex Cavanaugh who surely never sleeps because he comments faithfully on everyone's blogs, writes new blogs virtually every day, sees every movie known to man and reviews most of them, writes books, has blogfests, etc., etc. I would love to be like Alex, but my life appears to be too scattered.

Here are some tips I have learned that can help one become a better blogger:

1. Focus. Pick a topic and become known mostly for that topic. Alex is known for his movie reviews. And, no, scattered is not a good topic!

2. Visit the blogs of others. Follow the blogs you like.

3. Tweet about your blog and the blogs you follow.

4. Post regularly, even if it is only once or twice a week.

5. Write often about those things that will help others. Write sometimes about the things you love. Although I don't believe I have many artists among my followers, I sometimes cannot resist writing about art. Occasionally, I need to write about baseball as well. That's definitely breaking the rule on focus.

6. Join blogfests that interest you. You'll meet new people there and make friends. You'll expand your horizon.

7. Spend an hour a day, if you can, developing your blogging skills. If you can only spare 30 minutes, use that time to your advantage. It will be time well-spent.

8. Take a look at your blog statistics and see which posts attract the most visitors. I have never topped the number of visitors I got the day I posted my thoughts on the sudden ending to the Medium television series.

Good luck with blogging. It's an exciting way for a writer to touch readers.

If you have a chance, please visit the Night Writers blog where I am posting twice a month, 1st and 15th about travel.

Are You a Professional Writer?

Writing is hard work. I don't do it for fun nor do I do it for the satisfaction of seeing my name in print.

The exhilaration of viewing my byline on an article vanished long ago after my name had appeared many times on feature articles published in a major city newspaper. Those articles often took weeks to compile after numerous phone calls and research in old books, magazines, and newspapers. I spent hours digging up information for the stories I wrote about people, locations, and events in my rural location in Virginia before I would even start writing. Then I would go to the site and take the photographs necessary to go with the story. My outstanding editor taught me to how to edit, a skill that has aided me in all the writing I have created since that time.

For breaking news and for coverage of local governing bodies, I had to call in and dictate my articles to someone on the state news desk in the city. All of this was done using an electric typewriter without the luxury of instant correction we have now on our computers. Because I wrote for one of those afternoon newspapers that no longer exist, I submitted my stories early in the morning before I left home for my job teaching school.

Although the pay was meager, my writing provided extra funds to enhance our family income. It provided money for trips our family of five might not have taken otherwise.

In addition to the hundreds of stories written for newspapers, I also have written many travel articles including my favorite ones about journeys to the Caribbean islands. Some of these stories have appeared in magazines for airlines and other places. Because I love to relive these often exotic experiences, stories about the islands don't seem quite as hard to write.

Some of my adventures are now turning up between the covers of books. My publisher has labeled these novels, "Passenger to Paradise." A couple of years ago, she designed a logo for them which is the same image I use for my Notes Along the Way blog. I love the logo because I learned long ago to travel light and am often seen pulling my roller bag through the concourses of airports.

Writing novels is a job. I consider myself a professional writer.

If you are an author, don't you consider yourself a professional?

(Passenger to Paradise novels by Mary Montague Sikes include: Hearts Across Forever, Eagle Rising, Secrets by the Sea, Night Watch, and Jungle Jeopardy.)

The Weather Touches Us All

"What Kind of Weather?"  MM Sikes

When I looked out from the deck of our condo located near the top of Sugar Mountain in North Carolina, I was awed by the scene at sunset. This was Tuesday evening following the horrific tornado that struck Joplin, MO Sunday evening. The weather pattern passing over us was part of that storm system. How beautiful the light and clouds appeared in the western North Carolina skies. Although it was windy and there were weather warnings, the storm clouds brought only heavy rains. At one point, we drove through a downpour of large hail. We were a little surprised the noisy nuggets of ice did no damage to the surface of our vehicle.

Although the weather touches all of us, we have no control over where 200 mile tornado winds will strike. When a tornado hit the Lambert International Airport in St. Louis last month, it swept through the terminal building with full force but did no damage to cars in the lot where our daughter's vehicle was parked. The St. Louis Cardinals baseball game was played at the same time that night.

The sweeping clouds in the late evening light were like a piece of art to us. How savage and ugly they were earlier.

We are little people on a large planet moving through space. We have no control.

"W" Is For Williamsburg, Virginia - Land That I Love

"Williamsburg Inn" painting by MMSikes

Williamsburg, Virginia is the community of my heart. For many years, it has been a central location in my life. As an art student at the College of William and Mary, I commuted to the school at least three times a week, studying painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. I've exhibited art in exhibitions and in galleries in Williamsburg. As a correspondent for the Newport News Daily Press, I covered Williamsburg and wrote feature articles for several years. Now I play tennis there three times a week.

"The Historic Area--stretching from the College of William and Mary at one end of Duke of Gloucester Street to the Capitol building at the other--attracts droves of admiring visitors from all over the world. Nearby, at the edge of the restored area, the Williamsburg Inn offers gracious accommodations, graceful decor, and delightful gourmet dining."

That's what I wrote as part of my entry in Hotels to Remember featuring the historic inn. My painting on the left is actually of the back of the inn as seen from the golf course. I love this side of the inn because it seems more like old Williamsburg to me.

We are fortunate that in 1926, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. decided to support the project to restore the historic area to eighteenth-century glory. Now every year thousands of people flock to the community to tour the colonial buildings and absorb the history. Those who retire here often serve as guides for the tours or become interpreters.

As the Passenger to Paradise, I cannot think of a better destination for travelers. Have you ever visited Williamsburg? If not, it's a worthy place to add to your travel list.

Hang on to Your Dreams and Write, Write, Write

"Veil of Dreams" (detail) MM Sikes

If you have a dream, hold on to it and write, write, write. I recently read an article about best-selling author Cathy Maxwell, and it made me remember how important it is to hang onto your dreams, especially if you are a writer.

I've known Cathy for over 20 years, from the time before she was a published author. She joined Virginia Romance Writers a few years after it was founded and soon undertook the role of a vivacious leader in the organization.Cathy has an amazing smile, and long after she leaves a room you remember her smile. That beautiful, happy attitude has helped Cathy become and remain an outstanding, successful author in historical romance. The article I read said that it took Cathy two years to sell the first novel she wrote. She now has 22 published novels and has been part of five anthologies.

Cathy had a dream, and despite adversity when she lost her husband in a tragic accident, she hung on and continued to write. Romance novels account for nearly 50% of mass market paperback sales. Her books are part of that popular market.

But you don't have to be a romance writer to be a selling author. If you dream about writing mystery or even non-fiction paranormal books, hang on to those dreams and keep writing. Write, write, write until you sell. That is a real key to success.

Presenting a Workshop on a College Campus

Earlier this week, when I arrived at the campus of the University of Mary Washington to present a writer's workshop, one thing I did not have to worry about was finding a place to park. Barbara Quann, trade book specialist for the university bookstore, had arranged a parking spot for me as well as many other special accommodations. That made for a pleasant and positive experience at the university from which I received my undergraduate degree in psychology.

So much of the campus has changed since I was there, but as I was preparing one of my talks for the day on creating a gathering book I began to realize how much I owe my university.Years ago, I took my first art class ever while attending Mary Washington. Drawing and Design was offered in a wing of duPont Hall. In that class, we created a portfolio for the art work we made as well as for the sources of some of our creative ideas. That was indeed my first gathering book. Many more gathering books and portfolios have been created in the years that followed, but, as with many other things, the first one was very special.

I wanted to major in art there, but my father did not approve. After all, art wasn't a good way to earn a living. He was right, but in my heart of hearts I've always yearned to create art.

And I've always had to write.

That was another place where the University of Mary Washington played a large part. While I was working as a student assistant in the English department, a retired professor emeritus hired me to type his novel written out in his sometimes difficult to discern handwriting. I typed the manuscript, and I learned a great deal from the experience.

As I think back, my four years gave me a lot more than I realized at the time. And I am still using what I learned in my art, in my writing, and also in my teaching.

Encaustic Artist Workshop - Loving Art

Because I love art, artist workshops intrigue me--especially those close to home. Arts Alive!, our local support group for the arts, has a marvelous schedule of artist workshops. One of my favorites is the Encaustic Painting Workshop, sponsored by the Virginia Museum and taught by Karen Eide.

Karen drives her giant van into town and sets up an array of heating ensembles, trays of molten wax (both bees and paraffin), lumps of wax colored pigments, piles of paint brushes, heat guns, mat board pieces, books, and much more. She demonstrates some of the techniques for painting with this beautiful hot colored wax, then for five hours her students get to experiment with the process.

Molten wax heats on hot plate

Projects in progress

Heat gun fuses wax

Some students may choose to use a collage technique incorporating photographs, drawings, beads, sequins, and many found items. Others just enjoy discovering what happens as colors mix in transparent overlays. Whatever techniques are chosen, the entire process is a lot of fun!

Nook Vs. Kindle - What's the Story?

My mystery/suspense novel, Night Watch is available as both a Nook and a Kindle book as well as a trade paperback. Ever since my publisher released the Nookbooks version, I have wondered what the difference is in sales between the two e-book formats for other authors.

I've watched the ads for both. Kindle looks like a good e-reader, and Nook looks great for the visual folks among us who like to see color whenever we can.

So far, I hate to admit it, but I do not own an e-reader. If I had one, I don't know when I would use it. Life just gets in the way.

Still, I find the technology fascinating, and I long to try one out. But I don't want anything else I don't have time to use right away.

What about you? What's the story between Kindle and Nook? Or does each have its own place in our ballooning technological society? I'd love to hear your story...

Travel, Florida, and Embassy Suites

We love to travel to Palm Beach, Florida each year for St. Louis Cardinals spring training in their beautiful Jupiter facility. Over the past several years, while trying out different hotel facilities, we discovered the Palm Beach Gardens Embassy Suites.

Bach and Beethoven, the resident swans, add a peaceful ambiance to the lobby. While we were there, a wedding took place in front of the bridge that is part of the swan sanctuary. Last year, the manager explained to us that this is the nation's number one Embassy Suites property.

We look forward to breakfast that is included each day. Eggs are cooked to order and served with a variety of breakfast meats. Almost anything you could want is on the breakfast buffet, and I imagine if it is not, they will try to get it for you.

An added bonus, each evening at the manager's reception, you may run into one of the baseball players staying at the hotel. If not, there are plenty of other enthusiastic fans to talk with you.

If I were writing another Hotels to Remember , I would definitely consider including this property in my book. It's a place I like to visit again and again.

Orchids in the lobby - MM Sikes

Enter Like a Rock Star - It Would Work for Writers, Too

For the past several years I've been watching baseball players and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. When LaRussa enters a room or comes onto a baseball field, he moves with authority and confidence. I get the feeling, he's entering like a rock star. Other high-paid players show the same confidence when they "come on stage."

The same is true of many well-known authors such as Nora Roberts. When she enters a room or takes the podium to make a talk, Nora exudes confidence. The Mary Burton author photo that depicts her standing tall, arms crossed is another example of an author with a fearless approach to the public. These people--ballplayers and authors--are confident, and they are successful.

As writers we can learn a big lesson from these celebrities. I love the idea of entering like a rock star. If you do, how can you fail to have self-confidence? Think about it. Shoulders back, standing tall, you are self-confident. Try it next time you make a talk, have a book signing, or enter a room. You may be surprised what happens if you enter like a rock star.

Does self-confidence aid a writer in promotion?

What part does self-confidence play in creating a star in any field?