Today I did something I've never done before: I "scheduled" my first book signing for Missing in a book store. I was nervous, but I prepared ahead of time by searching the Internet for information about book signings, creating a temporary business card (I don't want to have an official one printed 'til I get my book cover), and by talking to a good friend of mine, Josi Kilpack, who had previously held effective book signings there.
As luck would have it, however, about an hour or so before I'd planned on stopping in at the store, my nerves started building. I wish I wouldn't get so nervous all the time. You'd think that with as many times as I've sung solos and spoken in public I wouldn't be so suseptible to nerves, but I am. Pitifully enough.
Anyway, before I walked into the store, I told myself the owner would want me to do a signing, that everything would go well; and I was right. In truth, I was pleasantly surprised with how accommodating and informative he was. He was the first person I saw when I walked in (I've shopped there several times before and knew who he was), and he was very responsive to my questions and requests. He also offered a promotional opportunity I hadn't expected. The name of the store is Reflections of Utah, and it is located on main street in Brigham City, UT. I hope to see you there when I know more about the exact release date!
As if my first signing wasn't enough to smile about! When I returned home, I sent an e-mail to my editor, Linda Prince, at Leatherwood Press/Walnut Springs Press, telling her about the signing, and she replied with more good news: she's currently editing my book--It had very few flaws, she said--and she should have the edits to me in a few days. Yay!
As a final note, I've also created a new blog. It will deal exclusively with Missing.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
An Interview with Josi Kilpack about the Teen Writer's Conference
RONDA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.
RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.
JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.
RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?
JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.
RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?
JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.
RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?
JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.
RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?
JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.
RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?
JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.
RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?
JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.
RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?
JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.
RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?
JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.
RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?
JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.
RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.
JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.
RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.
JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.
RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?
JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.
RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?
JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.
RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?
JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.
RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?
JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.
RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?
JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.
RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?
JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.
RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?
JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.
RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?
JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.
RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?
JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.
RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Book--Publication and Signings
Within the last few days, I not only received another, slightly modified copy of the contract from my publisher to peruse, but I also learned that Missing is scheduled to be published in June. Yay! We also discussed some of the ins and outs about scheduling book signings, so now I'm busily trying to finish the first draft of my current book, TRAPPED, before this weekend's Storymaker's conference; working on promotion ideas; and putting together the front and back matter pages, like dedications, acknowledgements, blurbs, and bio info. It's busy, busy, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed; but it's an exciting overwhelmed. This is a place I've wanted to be for, well, since I was twelve years old. I won't say how many years ago that was.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Contest--A way to Promote
Susan, over on Bloggin 'Bout Books, is running a contest for a free copy of "Taken By Storm," by Angela Morrison. Susan, also, is an avid reader and book reviewer, so I say kudos to Angela for finding a great way to promote her book!
Monday, April 13, 2009
MISSING latest updates
Throughout my blurb gathering process, I've learned there were a few places in my book I wanted to tweak; so after talking with my editor, Linda Prince, about what worked best with her editing schedule--to revise it now and send it to her or to wait until she edited it so I could fix it all at once--I spent a lot of hours, including most of an entire day, last week going through my book again and editing some of the grammar and tweaking some of the scenes. I'm much more "at peace" with it now.
Meanwhile . . . I'm trying to move my thoughts back to my second novel. I only have a couple of chapters left to write of my first draft, and I really want it completed before I attend the Storymakers Conference on the 24th-25th. While it's kind of hard to switch my focus from MISSING's main character, Stacie Cox, to my new book's main character, Emi Warrin, I'm finding it's not quite as hard as I'd expected. A good thing.
Meanwhile . . . I'm trying to move my thoughts back to my second novel. I only have a couple of chapters left to write of my first draft, and I really want it completed before I attend the Storymakers Conference on the 24th-25th. While it's kind of hard to switch my focus from MISSING's main character, Stacie Cox, to my new book's main character, Emi Warrin, I'm finding it's not quite as hard as I'd expected. A good thing.
Friday, April 3, 2009
TEEN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Hey, everyone! If you're a teen or if you know a teen who's dreaming of becoming a writer, check out this amazing opportunity! I'd have loved to have attended something like The Teen Writer's Conference when I was a teen. It will be a one day event held at Weber State University in Ogden, UT on June 6, 2009. Presenters will include award winning authors and editors (I will be one of them!), and we'll even host a writing conference. Check out the link here or on my sidebar. You won't be disappointed.
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