Thursday, December 21, 2006

More waiting; more promotion

What I'm reading: Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag; Miss Snark's Crapometer; Golden Heart entries; Sophie Metropolis by Tori Carrington

What I'm writing: Chapter 17


Now that I've finished scoring a RWA chapter contest, it's time to dig into the Golden Heart entries. I received 7 to judge. Although I've judged lots of local chapter contests, this is my first go at the 'biggie'.

Both my publishers are in holiday mode, so the waiting continues. I did get my advance copies of Finding Sarah, and on a scary note, that means that the publisher is sending out ARCs for reviews. Considering what my heart rate jumped to when I scrolled down to find out what Miss Snark had to say about my hook, I'm not sure I'll survive dealing with reviews.

I've been fighting with Word and Avery templates, but I emerged victorious and have my first promotional piece for Finding Sarah laid out, tested, and ready to print. Until I see some financial returns, I'm going low-budget and DIY whenever possible. I've got a postcard sized flat—cover image on the front and blurb copy on the back. Now I'll have something to put out on the 'goodie tables' at conferences. I don't know what the return is in terms of sales, but I know I'll get a charge out of seeing my cover. I also had a turn at a Writerspace chat the other night to promo Sarah, and that was fun.

Meanwhile, I've finally (I think—nothing's ever permanent) figured out how to weave a couple of threads together in Dalton's story. Minor characters have a way of demanding more page time, and I have to give them a good reason to be there. It's also time to start brainstorming meetings again. I'm meeting my CP next week, and looking forward to some recharging.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I can't wait to see your promo stuff!

Good luck recharging.

Anonymous said...

Hi Terry, sounds like you are prepared for a good launch. I'm excited for you! Just popped in to wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

Terry Odell said...

thanks, Julie & Carol Ann - I got the layout fixed, finally. Who whould have thought you have to have all these other computer related skills to be a writer. I figured learning how to get the words on paper was the hard part--not necessarily so!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the promo stuff! When do I get to see it?! Have some Bushmills for me, as I only bought one bottle of that stuff. :)

Terry Odell said...

Right now I just have prototypes. Nothing fancy-cover on one side, blurb on the other. You can get the gist on the website. Biggest setback is the printer doesn't like the gloss stock. We'll test it with matte finish and see how that turns out.
Eventually, I'll have to get them professionally done, but for now, I'm still trying to save a few bucks.
Am rationing the Bushmills; I only got one bottle, and it's not like I can pop over to the distillery for more.