Here I am (below) with "my posse." These lovely ladies are my fans! I have to say, there's no better feeling than being at a large conference and knowing there's a group of people who came just to see YOU. In fact, one lady drove eight hours. I think these women are pretty special. And on those days when I think, "Okay, time to revise...AGAIN," I'll pull up my image of their shining faces and remind myself, "These wonderful people are my readers. … [Read more...] about Mayhem and Murder in Muskego!
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What Does a Publicist Do?
I was reading my emails the other day. The writer suggested that I tell my publicist to do more publicity on the other side of the pond.That was incredibly thoughtful...and lovely.http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2009/10/19/091019sh_shouts_weiner?printable=true … [Read more...] about What Does a Publicist Do?
A Beautiful Thought About Books…
I don't think people should burn books, ban books or throw books away but I do think they are meant to be used in a way that best suits the reader. I have books from university, graduate school especially, which are filled with my notes, thoughts, on related and even unrelated topics that come to mind.My Norton Anthologies, Oxford and Penguin Complete Works, Histories of Art all have my scribbles in the margins along with arrows, highlights, … [Read more...] about A Beautiful Thought About Books…
Cut, Crop & Die Approved by Tigger the Cat
This wonderful email came the other day: "Hi Joanna, I have read both your books and love them. Keep them coming. I am an avid scrapbooker. I just wanted to share a photo of my cat with you. Her name is Tigger and she fully endorses your book and even reads it by osmosis. Cheryl Nakayama" So it's official! Tigger approves. + … [Read more...] about Cut, Crop & Die Approved by Tigger the Cat
Does Pre-Ordering a Book Matter?
Great question popped up on one of the lists. The person asked, "Does pre-ordering a book help the author? Is pre-ordering more important than buying a book within the first 3 weeks it comes out?"Here's my answer:As I understand it, pre-ordering helps a lot. The publisher looks to pre-orders to determine print run--and early indications of popularity. The higher the print run, the more a publisher has invested in a book, and therefore, the more a … [Read more...] about Does Pre-Ordering a Book Matter?
Dealing with Depression
I thought I was handling my mom's death pretty well, until the other day. My sister sent me a photo of my mom's gravestone. I had asked her to, but somehow, seeing that stone with Mom's name and date of death, just...well...it sort of sent me over the edge.Of course, this came at a bad time. A lot of my professional life is up in the air. I'm living in a rental house, and it doesn't always work for me. My husband is working a lot of hours. None … [Read more...] about Dealing with Depression
