Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Somewhat Slow Week, and a preview of an upcoming book
Hi everybody! It's time for my weekly blog post about Penny Brown. There is not much to report for now, but that will soon change. Last week, I posted about filling out an interview for thedabblingmum.com Well, I was accepted, and the interview will appear on www.thedablingmum.com on April 4th. I am so excited! I sent in one book order for the upcoming signings in Tulsa in April. (Another book order will be going in at the end of the week) Michelle and i want to make sure there are enough books for everyone who wants them. Earlirt in the week, I posted two of Michelle's drawings for the book we are working on "I Am Sorry that Gigi Forgets........But I Will Be Okay" Many people have been asking about the second book, so let me give you littole background info. This title was inspiried by my beloved Grandmother, who has been living with Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia for the last four years. Grandma is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. We have been through a lot over the years. Being a caregiver is difficult, but it is also very rewarding. Penny helps care for her beloved Gigi after Gigi became a permanent member of Penny's household due to dementia. It is my hope to have this book out on shelves by October 29th, or Grandma's 75th birthday. What a great gift that would make. I will write more later. Please keep reading "I Sit IN A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay." As always, thank-you for the support.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Promotional Opportunities
Hello everybody!
What a busy week in the world of Penny Brown. I have constantly stayed glued to the computer in the hopes of promoting our upcoming book signings in April. I have learned that i will get a chance to do not one, not two, but three signings in one weekend. WOW!!!! (I am fixing to place a book order next week to make sure I have enough books for everyone who wants them. All three signings will be in and around the Tulsa area. Michelle and I will head to The Little Lighthouse and Steve's, but will also get a chance to promote Penny at Sperry Public Schools (Friday, April 15).
I have probably spent more time promoting Penny this week than I should have. (In other words, I have let the housework slide a bit YIKES) However, it was well worth it. I answered some questions about "I Sit In A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay for the Dabbling Mum.com. She features children's books on her blog. I also got word to Fox 23 in Tulsa about the upcoming book events. What I am most excited about is an invitation to appear on a radio program called "Disabled Radio" The producer contacted my by e-mail, He has scheduled me to do a phone interview on Wednesday April 13th at 8 P.M central time. (The show airs from Chicago). So, thank-you to Vince Staskel and host Rob Pritts. I am really looking forward to this!
I am also on Facebook (I Sit in A Wheelchair......But I Will Be Okay (Penny Brown Books) Feel free to become a fan! My Twitter account is @74330yahoo.com Feel free to follow me.
I realize I may talk about "I Sit in A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" a LOT, but Michelle and I feel promotion is the key to success. At times, I even feel I may be forcing the book on people, but it's my job, and I really love it!!!
I think I will go for now. More later!
What a busy week in the world of Penny Brown. I have constantly stayed glued to the computer in the hopes of promoting our upcoming book signings in April. I have learned that i will get a chance to do not one, not two, but three signings in one weekend. WOW!!!! (I am fixing to place a book order next week to make sure I have enough books for everyone who wants them. All three signings will be in and around the Tulsa area. Michelle and I will head to The Little Lighthouse and Steve's, but will also get a chance to promote Penny at Sperry Public Schools (Friday, April 15).
I have probably spent more time promoting Penny this week than I should have. (In other words, I have let the housework slide a bit YIKES) However, it was well worth it. I answered some questions about "I Sit In A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay for the Dabbling Mum.com. She features children's books on her blog. I also got word to Fox 23 in Tulsa about the upcoming book events. What I am most excited about is an invitation to appear on a radio program called "Disabled Radio" The producer contacted my by e-mail, He has scheduled me to do a phone interview on Wednesday April 13th at 8 P.M central time. (The show airs from Chicago). So, thank-you to Vince Staskel and host Rob Pritts. I am really looking forward to this!
I am also on Facebook (I Sit in A Wheelchair......But I Will Be Okay (Penny Brown Books) Feel free to become a fan! My Twitter account is @74330yahoo.com Feel free to follow me.
I realize I may talk about "I Sit in A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" a LOT, but Michelle and I feel promotion is the key to success. At times, I even feel I may be forcing the book on people, but it's my job, and I really love it!!!
I think I will go for now. More later!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Signing Books in the Fort
Hey!
Hope everyone is doing well. I am wonderful. Glad to have Michelle here with me for the weekend. We were on hand at Fort Smith Public Library on Friday afternoon. That place amazed both of us. The library was about three stories----It isn't just a library, but, it could pass for a small city. The Fort Smith Library had a small cafe called Dewey's and a book shop where you could actually buy books! (I took advantage of that for the book club swap!)
Michelle and I couldn't have been treated better. We enjoyed chatting with Mrs. Diane Chessier, and some of the library staff. All were friendly and helpful. We sold a grand total of five books--I know you are probably thinking this is a low number, but were were okay with it, considering the circumstances, gas prices, and such. At one point, a line of people formed to talk about "I Sit In A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" We met a gentleman who was a retired special education teacher, who actually got his start in Tulsa (close to Michelle's stomping ground) We also met a gentleman who is a full time caregiver and advocate for disabled person's.
If you missed us on Friday, don't worry, there will be several more opportunities in the coming months. Thank-you everyone for making our library time enjoyable. And, as always, you can find "I Sit In A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay on http://www.amazon.com/
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Writer at Work
Hello friends!
While I am still busy promoting Miss Penny Brown and her wheelchair, I would like to take a different approach to this week's blog. It has to do with Penny Brown, but it also profiles writing life in general.
I have a confession to make. Sometimes, I am envious of other people. Like Penny, I wish I could do certain tasks more easily. She wishes she could walk, run, or slide down the big slide. Well, I wish I could have a regular nine to five job, and could drive to that job. I would love to have an office where I would sit and do nothing but write all day. However, I have to learn to accept my short comings, and realize that I will be okay.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade/ So, I can't work at a regular job. Therefore, I decide I will devote my life to writing books and magazine articles. Writing has been my goal for as long as I I can remember. My job may be more different from the 9-5 work in an office building. However, it doesn't matte where you do the work as long as you are productive.
One question arises here. People often ask me, "How can you be productive at home?" The answer can be summed up in one word. Motivation. You have to love what you do, or you won't stick with it. One misconception about working from home (especially for writers) is they do not actually work. Instead they sit around watching Trashy talk shows and daytime dramas. those folks couldn't be more wrong. Work at home writers have to work even harder to stay focused because there are so many distractions. People don't realize writers have working hours, just like everybody else.
Here are the top five distractions for people working at home. (And how to deal with them!)
1. The television-Some people work with it for background noise. I am pretty well used to this, but if there is a show that I want to catch during the day, I simply set my DVR, and watch it when I can.
2. The Telephone-This is a huge hindrance to some people. (Myself included) Sometimes, people call during the day just to chat. This is fine for me most of the time, but sometimes, I will get on a writing roll, and the shrill ring of the phone stops me completely in my tracks. Sometimes, I can get the rhythm back after talking, sometimes, I can't. I usually look at the caller ID, and if I don't answer, it's because I am writing mode. i will call back as soon as I am finished with my thought or idea.
3. Family members. in my case, this isn't a distraction. I am a caregiver to my wonderful 74 year old grandmother, and I lover her very much. True, when I am care giving, I am not writing. However, the caregivee's needs ALWAYS comes first. Writing will always be there, your loved ones will not. Sometimes, care giving for me is a good distraction from writing. If I am stuck on an idea, and Grandma needs my assistance, I try to meet her needs, and come back to writing later.
4. Facebook, E-mail, and Twitter The computer can be your best friend or worst enemy. Social networking sites are good for promoting your writing, but before long, you realize you have spent a long time promoting when you are supposed to be writing. I check e-mail and facebook at random throughout the day. It usually helps to set a timer and stick to it.
5. Housework-If you are like me, you try to keep the chores up on a daily basis. I have a schedule for chores. I only do three a day on a rotating basis (except laundry, which is done everyday in my house) Chores are done at certain times, early in the morning or late at night. this way, you are not neglecting writing, but not totally neglecting housework either.
I am sure many more distractions are out there. A writer must learn to set limits. The work will get done. See you next time.
While I am still busy promoting Miss Penny Brown and her wheelchair, I would like to take a different approach to this week's blog. It has to do with Penny Brown, but it also profiles writing life in general.
I have a confession to make. Sometimes, I am envious of other people. Like Penny, I wish I could do certain tasks more easily. She wishes she could walk, run, or slide down the big slide. Well, I wish I could have a regular nine to five job, and could drive to that job. I would love to have an office where I would sit and do nothing but write all day. However, I have to learn to accept my short comings, and realize that I will be okay.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade/ So, I can't work at a regular job. Therefore, I decide I will devote my life to writing books and magazine articles. Writing has been my goal for as long as I I can remember. My job may be more different from the 9-5 work in an office building. However, it doesn't matte where you do the work as long as you are productive.
One question arises here. People often ask me, "How can you be productive at home?" The answer can be summed up in one word. Motivation. You have to love what you do, or you won't stick with it. One misconception about working from home (especially for writers) is they do not actually work. Instead they sit around watching Trashy talk shows and daytime dramas. those folks couldn't be more wrong. Work at home writers have to work even harder to stay focused because there are so many distractions. People don't realize writers have working hours, just like everybody else.
Here are the top five distractions for people working at home. (And how to deal with them!)
1. The television-Some people work with it for background noise. I am pretty well used to this, but if there is a show that I want to catch during the day, I simply set my DVR, and watch it when I can.
2. The Telephone-This is a huge hindrance to some people. (Myself included) Sometimes, people call during the day just to chat. This is fine for me most of the time, but sometimes, I will get on a writing roll, and the shrill ring of the phone stops me completely in my tracks. Sometimes, I can get the rhythm back after talking, sometimes, I can't. I usually look at the caller ID, and if I don't answer, it's because I am writing mode. i will call back as soon as I am finished with my thought or idea.
3. Family members. in my case, this isn't a distraction. I am a caregiver to my wonderful 74 year old grandmother, and I lover her very much. True, when I am care giving, I am not writing. However, the caregivee's needs ALWAYS comes first. Writing will always be there, your loved ones will not. Sometimes, care giving for me is a good distraction from writing. If I am stuck on an idea, and Grandma needs my assistance, I try to meet her needs, and come back to writing later.
4. Facebook, E-mail, and Twitter The computer can be your best friend or worst enemy. Social networking sites are good for promoting your writing, but before long, you realize you have spent a long time promoting when you are supposed to be writing. I check e-mail and facebook at random throughout the day. It usually helps to set a timer and stick to it.
5. Housework-If you are like me, you try to keep the chores up on a daily basis. I have a schedule for chores. I only do three a day on a rotating basis (except laundry, which is done everyday in my house) Chores are done at certain times, early in the morning or late at night. this way, you are not neglecting writing, but not totally neglecting housework either.
I am sure many more distractions are out there. A writer must learn to set limits. The work will get done. See you next time.
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