I love this--from the coyotes to the book fair experience. We also hear the coyotes but rarely see them (though our neighbor says they hang out on our property pretty often. Luckily, they haven't taken any of our sheep.
The last book fair I participated in was pretty flat, but since my latest novel takes place in a specific rural area of my ancestors, the local historical society set up a book talk for me. It was WONDERFUL to be talking to people who for generations had lived on farms beside Solon Pond. I actually discovered I was related to most of them in some way. One older gentleman cried and gave me a big hug because the book broke his heart. Another man told me that before his father died my book was the last thing he read and was excited about. He showed me that the man had made an old-fashioned book cover out of a paper bag to protect it. It was so cute, I started crying. This is what I write for!
I crave more of the in-person stuff too. :) And good luck on your latest book! Is it on Amazon?
I discovered your Substack when I saw your wonderful video of you herding your horses and sheep in your farmyard! You seemed so joyful and in your element. I admire you for fitting in writing along with caring for farm animals!
Thank you so much for this lovely, lovely comment--and for sharing your extraordinary experiences at this book talk. What a delight that your book touched people so very deeply. I'm sure you will treasure those interactions always.
Yes to in-person stuff! Technology has taken us so far...now, we need to figure out how to reverse engineer it to rediscover ways to connect in person!!!
It’s hard not to be attracted to the promise of more readers by focusing on digital marketing. While it’s tremendously more enriching to meet readers face-to-face, the logistics of it don’t financially support the dream. I’m still trying to figure out marketing online—and how to feel good about it. getting paid a little is fun too. :)
I appreciated your thoughtful take on this, Adrienne! Marketing one’s books is for sure an ongoing challenge. As someone who’s kind of allergic to tooting my own horn, here’s what’s helped me a bit: an author I follow substitutes “communications” for “marketing.” Sharing and communicating about your book *does* feel better than “marketing” it!
Coyotes are very interesting. Several years ago I observed a young one outside of our fence, lying in the grass giving itself a tongue bath. I took a little video of it. The book event sounds amazing, we have a wonderful County Library system. Great post!!
Thank you so much, John! I agree, coyotes are fascinating—they became even more so for me, after I learned about their family units. Older siblings caring for the young seems really extraordinary.
How magical. And, since we used to host book launches and writerly "cabaret" nights at the branch library where I worked for many years, I know *exactly* what you are describing. It's so affirming and uplifting for everyone since that artsy sparkle is present and makes it feel safe to share with kindred spirits. I hope you exchanged contact info with your new Elven friend!
Sue, your thoughtful comment was quite magical for me!
I agree, that people did feel so safe to share their lives. What’s really interesting is that the event felt like a “commerce-free” space, although authors were selling their books. Maybe because there *was* a lot of “artsy sparkle” at the venue 😊
I was also fortunate to have my table next to the library’s free popcorn booth, lol. And btw, I did get the Elf Lady’s email!
Thank you so much, Jenn! This festival was quite a major thing…a joint effort of the library, the library system’s foundation, and our very community-connected local bookstore. I understand it attracted nearly 900 visitors!
I too hope your library will host something like this!
I love this--from the coyotes to the book fair experience. We also hear the coyotes but rarely see them (though our neighbor says they hang out on our property pretty often. Luckily, they haven't taken any of our sheep.
The last book fair I participated in was pretty flat, but since my latest novel takes place in a specific rural area of my ancestors, the local historical society set up a book talk for me. It was WONDERFUL to be talking to people who for generations had lived on farms beside Solon Pond. I actually discovered I was related to most of them in some way. One older gentleman cried and gave me a big hug because the book broke his heart. Another man told me that before his father died my book was the last thing he read and was excited about. He showed me that the man had made an old-fashioned book cover out of a paper bag to protect it. It was so cute, I started crying. This is what I write for!
I crave more of the in-person stuff too. :) And good luck on your latest book! Is it on Amazon?
Oh! Forgot to include my thanks for your kind words about my chicken book, and your interest 😊 Yes, Little Farm in the Henhouse is on Amazon!
I decided to order the second book in your series first ;)
Thank you so much, Adrienne! 😊
I discovered your Substack when I saw your wonderful video of you herding your horses and sheep in your farmyard! You seemed so joyful and in your element. I admire you for fitting in writing along with caring for farm animals!
I’ll check it out.
I appreciate your support!
Forgot to mention, I hope your neighborhood coyotes find other things to eat, and your sheep stay safe!
Aw. Thanks. So far, so good.
Thank you so much for this lovely, lovely comment--and for sharing your extraordinary experiences at this book talk. What a delight that your book touched people so very deeply. I'm sure you will treasure those interactions always.
Yes to in-person stuff! Technology has taken us so far...now, we need to figure out how to reverse engineer it to rediscover ways to connect in person!!!
It’s hard not to be attracted to the promise of more readers by focusing on digital marketing. While it’s tremendously more enriching to meet readers face-to-face, the logistics of it don’t financially support the dream. I’m still trying to figure out marketing online—and how to feel good about it. getting paid a little is fun too. :)
I appreciated your thoughtful take on this, Adrienne! Marketing one’s books is for sure an ongoing challenge. As someone who’s kind of allergic to tooting my own horn, here’s what’s helped me a bit: an author I follow substitutes “communications” for “marketing.” Sharing and communicating about your book *does* feel better than “marketing” it!
Hahaha! I LOVE this! I'm going to take that advice.
This event sounds so special! Good job participating… you learned so much and connected with so many!
Thank you so much, Carrie! The day was a total heartwarming surprise!
Coyotes are very interesting. Several years ago I observed a young one outside of our fence, lying in the grass giving itself a tongue bath. I took a little video of it. The book event sounds amazing, we have a wonderful County Library system. Great post!!
Thank you so much, John! I agree, coyotes are fascinating—they became even more so for me, after I learned about their family units. Older siblings caring for the young seems really extraordinary.
Yes, our library system is absolutely amazing!
How magical. And, since we used to host book launches and writerly "cabaret" nights at the branch library where I worked for many years, I know *exactly* what you are describing. It's so affirming and uplifting for everyone since that artsy sparkle is present and makes it feel safe to share with kindred spirits. I hope you exchanged contact info with your new Elven friend!
Sue, your thoughtful comment was quite magical for me!
I agree, that people did feel so safe to share their lives. What’s really interesting is that the event felt like a “commerce-free” space, although authors were selling their books. Maybe because there *was* a lot of “artsy sparkle” at the venue 😊
I was also fortunate to have my table next to the library’s free popcorn booth, lol. And btw, I did get the Elf Lady’s email!
This sounds GREAT. I'd love it if one of our local libraries hosted an event like this!
Thank you so much, Jenn! This festival was quite a major thing…a joint effort of the library, the library system’s foundation, and our very community-connected local bookstore. I understand it attracted nearly 900 visitors!
I too hope your library will host something like this!
What a wonderful way to meet readers and writers!
I'm glad it was a great day and here's to more books!
Thank you, Prue! The day really did feel like a true gift.