Wednesday, July 2, 2014

IWSG: Reporting Back!

It's the first Wednesday of the month, and that means it's time for ...
 

For complete details on this very supportive and awesome group - CLICK HERE and check them out!

So last month (I cannot believe a whole month has flown by!) - I blogged about the insecurities I felt as I was about to take my advance reader copies around to local bookstores.

I'm thrilled to tell you that overall it was a HUGE success. (But not a total success.) I finished feeling pretty high, but it was definitely a roller coaster ride. Some bookstores were thrilled to talk to me while others were quite hesitant. The hesitant ones gave me the impression that they get a lot of walk-ins who say, "Look at me! I wrote a book, and here's my three ring binder with my well worn manuscript inside." ;)

Some of the hesitant people warmed right up to me after they looked up the book on their computer and found it already listed in their system. That was a huge advantage.

And the work isn't over yet. I still need to follow up with several of the stores. Some of the decision makers weren't in when I stopped by, and some wanted to read the book before committing time and shelf space to it. I totally respect that.

From the stores I visited, I was able to schedule three events (yes, go ahead and click on that events tab up above now!), and I'm so very thrilled with the reception the owner of Hyde Park Books gave me. She was excited, supportive, and asked me to hold my launch party there. So, please, if you're anywhere within a hundred mile radius (seriously!) come and visit and eat a cupcake and of course, buy a book. ;)

The point of this post is ... even though something might scare the crap out of me, it's totally amazing when the rewards outweigh the cost of pushing through the nerves.

What scares you? Will you push through it?

4 comments:

  1. Good for you! What's that quote? Courage isn't the absence of fear - it's feeling the fear and doing it anyway. :)

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

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  2. Fantastic! So pleased for you. Very glad your bravery paid off.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  3. Congrats on how thing worked out. Last year, I took my books in to the local used book store. It was terrifying, but I'm glad I did it.

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  4. That's fabulous - huge accomplishment. I got excited for a second when you mentioned Hyde Park - I thought maybe you were in Cincinnati. Apparently you aren't anywhere close.

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