Here I am again....always finding ways to improve on the first of many books in the Penny Brown series. I started this blog sometime ago, but have had trouble with it....so I have the majority of blog posts under my notes tab on Facebook. Never fear....I think I have FINALLY figured this blog out. Therefore it will be updated once a week with Penny Brown information.
I am also going to start another blog on here about the writing life in general. I love writing....it's my job. i think the writing blog and the Penny Brown blog will help me stay focused on all aspects of my writing life. Thanks for your support.
Brittany
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
A "mini" Runion, Combined With A Book Signing
Hey friends! Sorry it's been awhile, but I have been on vacation, and am just now getting back to my blogging. The vacation started off on Thursday June 3rd with a book signing. I would like to thank Chris Hardy of The Pryor Book Echange and Bible Bookstore for allowing Michelle and I to sell our books. We had a lot of fun. It turned out to be a mini reunion for me because I saw people I have not seen for years! It was fun talking with Christy McNaird Reed. Her three girls are adorable! Alicia Rietz Huckleby also stopped by, and we had a nice chat. Michelle and I enjoyed talking to a group of kids from the Boys and Girls Club. They were really excited about the book. Even though many of the kids were older than pre-school age, we still read the book and answered queestions. I also understand the Boys and Girls Club will be opening a new facility soon. While I was reading to them, in walked my former Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sue Ray. It was great to see her as well as Mrs. Ginger Wild. All in all, Michelle and I sold 15 books. I do believe Mr. Hardy has some copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" in case you missed the signing. At any rate, it was GREAT to see everyone. If I am not mistaken copies are also available at the Pryor Public Library. Thank-you all so much for supporting us. Please do not forget to leave us a review on www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com Until next time........
The Importance of a Review
Hi everybody! Not much going on around Penny Brown world this week. Michelle is illustrating the second book while I am hard at work on the third book, featuring Penny Brown and her family. We are excited about Thursday, June 3rd. Michelle and I will be signong copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay." from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. I would like to thank Chris Hardy for allowing us to visit his store The Book Exchange and Bible Bookstore in Pryor, Oklahoma. This was one of my favorite places growing up. I would walk in the place, and instanty want to own a bookstore. I would spend my allowance there. it was wonderful, sitting and reading all of those "Hank the Cowdog" books. Tell your friends and neighbors. I hope to see everyone on Thursday. Thank-you to KITO in Vinita for putting it on their community calandar. We are still selling copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com Thank-you to everyone who has brought a copy on those sites. We have has five good reviews on the book so far. However, I encourage everyone to review the book. You type in the name of the book in the search engine, then yuo click on the book, and click on write a review. I know I seem to harp on this quite a bit. Reviews are important for two reasons. 1. It gives Michelle and myself valuable feedback. All the reviews so far have been good. However, if there is anything you feel that needs to be changed, please let us know so that we may fix it in the next book. 2. Each review a reader gives can help the sales rank. The sales rank determines if the book will end up on the best-seller list. The lower the sales rank, the better it is for us. I wil close for now, but be looking for more from us soon.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Good Times in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Well, we are back...........from Stillwater, Oklahoma that is. Michelle and I were out at the Special Olympic Summer Games in Stillwater, Oklahoma last week. We sold 35 copies of I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay. Michelle and I both had a BLAST
On Wednesday, we started selling at 2:00 P.M. Here is a valuable lesson we learned. Make sure you do not forget your table. We did happen to forget it. I spent Wednesday afternoon holding the book up and canvassing up and down the vendor area. By the time we quit at 4:30 P.M. I had only sold 3 books, but handed out a dozen or so order forms. Michelle and I packed up our stuff and we all headed to Eskimo Joes.
WOW!!!! What a bust place that was. There was three buses of kids in addition to the Sperry Pirates. Michelle was none too excited that it was going to be a two hour wait, but oh well.......after we ate, Michelle and I along with her cool Aunt Cheryl went and brought a table.
Thursday was a successful day!!! We sold 25 books, and passed out nearly two dozen order forms. (So what if we nearly froze to death!!!) We met many interesting and inspiring people that day, but one guy really sticks in my mind. He looked to be about 25 or so, and you cold tell he was "challenged" He had an aide. They stopped by my table to look. This guy made up his mind he wanted a book, and he was not going to take no for an answer. The aide kept saying, "You don't have any money......we will come back." This went on for about 20 minutes. Finally, I reached in my pocketbook, pulled out a twenty, and let him buy a copy. Tears formed in his eyes. The guy was so happy! Then, he came and gave me a hug.
This episode gave me a tingly feeling inside. I mean, most of these kids don't get a chance to do what others can. I believe it is important to help them out whenever possible.
The Sperry Pirate team, coached by Michelle's Mom Deanna Oakley, did AWESOME!!!! A few gold medals, a few silver, and a few bronze. The kids were so happy. The Pirates are an awesome group, and I enjoyed getting to know them.
Friday disappointed me a little. We could not set up due to the heavy rains and high volume of water. We might have sold a few more copies, but I sold three as soon as I got back to Sperry, so it was all worth it. (I am just glad we didn't get any of the tornadoes that Tulsa got)
All in all, it was a great experience. Will we sell books next year? Yes. in addition, The Special Olympics has inspired me to participate in the walk. it will be an awesome feeling. Over and Out!
On Wednesday, we started selling at 2:00 P.M. Here is a valuable lesson we learned. Make sure you do not forget your table. We did happen to forget it. I spent Wednesday afternoon holding the book up and canvassing up and down the vendor area. By the time we quit at 4:30 P.M. I had only sold 3 books, but handed out a dozen or so order forms. Michelle and I packed up our stuff and we all headed to Eskimo Joes.
WOW!!!! What a bust place that was. There was three buses of kids in addition to the Sperry Pirates. Michelle was none too excited that it was going to be a two hour wait, but oh well.......after we ate, Michelle and I along with her cool Aunt Cheryl went and brought a table.
Thursday was a successful day!!! We sold 25 books, and passed out nearly two dozen order forms. (So what if we nearly froze to death!!!) We met many interesting and inspiring people that day, but one guy really sticks in my mind. He looked to be about 25 or so, and you cold tell he was "challenged" He had an aide. They stopped by my table to look. This guy made up his mind he wanted a book, and he was not going to take no for an answer. The aide kept saying, "You don't have any money......we will come back." This went on for about 20 minutes. Finally, I reached in my pocketbook, pulled out a twenty, and let him buy a copy. Tears formed in his eyes. The guy was so happy! Then, he came and gave me a hug.
This episode gave me a tingly feeling inside. I mean, most of these kids don't get a chance to do what others can. I believe it is important to help them out whenever possible.
The Sperry Pirate team, coached by Michelle's Mom Deanna Oakley, did AWESOME!!!! A few gold medals, a few silver, and a few bronze. The kids were so happy. The Pirates are an awesome group, and I enjoyed getting to know them.
Friday disappointed me a little. We could not set up due to the heavy rains and high volume of water. We might have sold a few more copies, but I sold three as soon as I got back to Sperry, so it was all worth it. (I am just glad we didn't get any of the tornadoes that Tulsa got)
All in all, it was a great experience. Will we sell books next year? Yes. in addition, The Special Olympics has inspired me to participate in the walk. it will be an awesome feeling. Over and Out!
Going "Home" to be a Warrior
Hello everybody. I am so sorry. I realize that it has been awhile since I have written in here. I do apologize for that. On Monday, May 3rd, I got an incredible opportunity. I was invited by Adair public School (Home of the Warriors!!!) to come and speak to grades PreK-5th. The experience was AWESOME!!! I must admit at first it felt kind of strange walking back into the halls of Adair Elementary school. There were a lot of teachers and faculity that came to hear me. Yet, there was some I didn't know. I was a little late getting there. Therefore, I began speaking to the third, fourth, and fifth graders right away. Let me tell you, they asked some great questions, some of which i will post in a question and answer session on Facebook in the very near future. Some of the students after that session rushed up to tell me they loved the story so much that they were going to buy the bookThis made me feel good. I got to hang out with teachers that I haven't seen in years. A big thank-you goes to Judy Dodson,Lisa Couch, and Becky Deloizer for help in making this event a great experience for me. The Pre K-2nd graders were so cute, and great listeners. I ended up selling a grad total of seven books, with possibly more on the way. Thank-you Adair for allowing me to come Home and be a warrior, if only for a few hours anyway. For those of you who wanted to see me, but didn't get to, I apologize. I was a little short on time, but would be happy to talk with you by e-mail if you message me.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
An Upcoming Event
Hey!
Michelle and I are excited about an upcoming event. On Friday, April 23rd, we will be in Ozark, Arkansas. Author and Illustrator will be reading to children. This is my second event, but the first reading event I have had. I love children so much. Our hope is that they will like the book, discoverr a love of reading, and realize it is "okay" to play or interact with others who are "different" than we are.
Event Details:
When: Friday May 23rd
Time: 9:30 A.M.
Where Melton Child Development Center, Ozark, Arkansas
We will have books available for purchase. So, feel free to come on out and say hello. Hope to se you there!
Michelle and I are excited about an upcoming event. On Friday, April 23rd, we will be in Ozark, Arkansas. Author and Illustrator will be reading to children. This is my second event, but the first reading event I have had. I love children so much. Our hope is that they will like the book, discoverr a love of reading, and realize it is "okay" to play or interact with others who are "different" than we are.
Event Details:
When: Friday May 23rd
Time: 9:30 A.M.
Where Melton Child Development Center, Ozark, Arkansas
We will have books available for purchase. So, feel free to come on out and say hello. Hope to se you there!
Writing, activities, family, how they all fit in
Hello Friends!
I realize it's been awhile since I have written on the blog, but you know, times flies when you are having fun! I have been busy with the book, of course, trying to find places to promote it. "I Sit in a Wheelchair.........But I Will Be Okay" has given me a lot of joy. For those of you that have been around me lately, it's all i seem to talk about. But, you know what? I love it! I have found something I love to do (writing) and have gotten totally immersed in it.
Writing is not my entire life. I love to read, and am even part of a book club. I like to go to church, when I can, to be thankful to God for all He has provided for me. I spend a lot of time with my sweet Grandmother, whom I love dearly. Grandma is one of my biggest fans in my writing endeavors. She has inspired a lot of my stories. I love her so much.
Some people have asked me over the years about a writing schedule. Well, I try to keep one. My favorite time to write is between 8:00 P.M. and Midnight. The house is quiet. There is nothing good on television these days (Except "American Idol", and Lifetime Movies.) Some nights, the words just flow. However, at times I grow frustrated, and pick up a book to read.
I get up about eight every morning, but that time is reserved for helping Grandma with a few things, and cleaning the house. Occasionally, I will get creative bursts throughout the day as well. I stop whatever I am doing, and write. Facebook, Twitter, and E-mail are a big part of my day too. I check all three constantly. (Something I am trying to learn to do a little less of.)
In short, I do take my writing life seriously. I treat it as my "job", since I can't work a regular office job. As I have said before, books do not sell themselves. Therefore, you have to work hard. Writing is hard work, but as long as you learn to have fun and relax it is all worth it.
I realize it's been awhile since I have written on the blog, but you know, times flies when you are having fun! I have been busy with the book, of course, trying to find places to promote it. "I Sit in a Wheelchair.........But I Will Be Okay" has given me a lot of joy. For those of you that have been around me lately, it's all i seem to talk about. But, you know what? I love it! I have found something I love to do (writing) and have gotten totally immersed in it.
Writing is not my entire life. I love to read, and am even part of a book club. I like to go to church, when I can, to be thankful to God for all He has provided for me. I spend a lot of time with my sweet Grandmother, whom I love dearly. Grandma is one of my biggest fans in my writing endeavors. She has inspired a lot of my stories. I love her so much.
Some people have asked me over the years about a writing schedule. Well, I try to keep one. My favorite time to write is between 8:00 P.M. and Midnight. The house is quiet. There is nothing good on television these days (Except "American Idol", and Lifetime Movies.) Some nights, the words just flow. However, at times I grow frustrated, and pick up a book to read.
I get up about eight every morning, but that time is reserved for helping Grandma with a few things, and cleaning the house. Occasionally, I will get creative bursts throughout the day as well. I stop whatever I am doing, and write. Facebook, Twitter, and E-mail are a big part of my day too. I check all three constantly. (Something I am trying to learn to do a little less of.)
In short, I do take my writing life seriously. I treat it as my "job", since I can't work a regular office job. As I have said before, books do not sell themselves. Therefore, you have to work hard. Writing is hard work, but as long as you learn to have fun and relax it is all worth it.
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