My First Book Tour

When I first published my book Entrpreneur I heard all types of advice and different things from people inside the industry and out of it. The majority of the information was useful and some if it wasn't. I took what I needed, processed it, and discarded the rest.
One of the biggest takeaways was traveling outside of your comfort zone.
So I went to the state of Maryland with my then girlfriend (now fiance) and two of my author friends.
Before our arrival a book club agreed to host me and one of the authors,  Julia Press Simmons. I believe we were on our debut novels at the time. Fun times all around.
We expierenced every little roadtrip thing. We gorged on snacks and almost ran out of gas on the highway at one point. We got lost twice. None of us had access to GPS either. Eventually we found our way around the city and to our hotel. I had three signings in three different malls and all of them went better than I expected. I don't even think the stores where I signed are in existence anymore. (Which sucks)
The best part of the trip was the bookclub that hosted us. We set up in a room at a restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland and the staff there couldn't have been more pleasant. The women of the bookclub were hilarious. I enjoyed the fact that we had an in depth conversation about the books like the characters were real people.  That time remains one of the best book expierences I've had so far as an author. I'm sure i'll have more memories, but nothing is like your first book tour.

Book Signings

I heard about a new book store opening in Salisbury, Maryland and I became excited. Many of the black bookstores I frequented over the years have shut down for one reason or another. So news of a new establishment was a breath of fresh air. I took a case of books and marketing materials and me, my wife, and my oldest son took a trip down to Maryland. I wasn't prepared for the beach traffic we endured, but its a part of the business. I'm not the most patient person and we didnt get to the venue until 1:40. (I was scheduled for 1:00) I was really impressed with Eric's professionalism. He did everything he said he would do. He put out an email blast, put me on the event list on the mall's website and plasteted his store with promo for me and my cause. Also people he informed through social media showed up as well. We tag teamed the respectable crowd flowing through the mall and had a pretty solid day. The store is in a good location for foot traffic. If an author is willing to put work in they can have s succesful day out there. When we left the mall we went to a little spot called English's Famous Fried Chicken. I'm usually skeptical of food places that have famous in their marketing. They delivered on everything and now I have a spot to go to after my book signings in Maryland. I'm definitely going back again. Salisbury showed me much love!

Urban Oasis

2300 N. Salisbury Blvd.

Suite H135

Salisbury, Md 21801

410-742-4857

Writing Groups

In my writing career I've never tried out a writing group. I'm not sure why I neglected joining one. I knew of a writer's group called the liars club. I can't remember how I heard about them but I was intrigued by what I heard and saw via the Internet. One particular member named Kathryn Craft I contacted online about them and she gave me the rundown. Even though I knew the time and place they met I still didnt go to a meeting. I made so many excuses not to go I just stopped attempting to go at all. Then after I saw the process of Kathryn's book go from manuscript to book deal I was happy for her and her success. Last sunday I buckled down and went out to the Willow Grove Barnes and Noble to sit in on one of the meetings. I met a literary agent and a author published by one of the big six. It was a breath of fresh air to hear perspectives from them both. Alot of the times authors have no clue why they are being rejected by a literary agent. Hearing from someone on the inside gave me a sense of what really goes into their decision making and what their selection process actually is. Sometimes as authors we can get discouraged with lack of progress. Being around like minded people was very helpful because knowing other people have expierenced what you have lets you know things will improve with hard work, dedication, and patience.

Now that I finally made it to a meeting I'm going to make it my business to attend future meetings!