A Gathering Place for Writers

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Comment by Marian Van Eyk McCain on November 1, 2009 at 10:00pm

Welcome to this Gathering Place, Mary. Your new project sounds interesting and I look forward to hearing more about it in due course.
Blessings,
Marian

Comment by Mary Ellen Latela on November 1, 2009 at 1:33pm

I started writing seriously many years ago, published books on pastoral care and spirituality, most recently have taken a plunge into the scary critique of institutional faith groups based on my people-watching, caring, and my experiences in various ministriest throughout the US. I'd like to have some company on the way. Mary

Comment by Elaine Mayer on October 3, 2009 at 5:34am

Marian, I very much appreciate your invitation to your Elderwomaspace network! And I'm happy that another author is writing for children. I donated one of my books to our public library, and have contacted a bookstore today about it. This afternoon I intend to call the city newspaper. I am not comfortable speaking but do ok with notes, and will welcome an opportunity if it means advancing the Universe Story. Peace, Elaine

Comment by Elaine Mayer on October 3, 2009 at 5:24am

Thank you all, I'll post the web site early next week and I appreciate the encouragement. Elaine

Comment by Marian Van Eyk McCain on October 2, 2009 at 7:08pm

Yes, I agree with Derek. 'Shameless self-promotion' is what you need to do. And there is heaps of advice out there on the Internet about how to do it - and without costing a fortune, too.
It's great that you're getting a website. They are essential for writers these days. As soon as it is up and running, be sure and add the URL in a sig file to go on all your emails. Get some bookmarks and postcards printed (VistaPrint does this sort of thing very cheaply), and little sticky labels for the outside of all your envelopes. Start a blog (free via sites like Blogger.com) and go on a 'virtual book tour' round other blogs. Write tie-in articles for magazines. Get your book reviewed. Pitch it to libraries. Offer your services as a speaker to groups (if you enjoy public speaking, that is).
And would you like an invitation to my Elderwomanspace network? It's a free, private, invitation-only network for 'third age' women and lots of us are writers. In fact someone on there is writing a similar book to yours. You will find a big welcome there.
Blessings from Marian

Comment by Derek Chamberlain on October 2, 2009 at 6:06pm

Hi Elaine, every book and article I've ever read on publishing, the people say 'self-promote. Do book signings. Get the word out that you've got a book out.' Even if it's only friends and acquaintances who come the first time, the fact that you're there will attract others, and your acquaintances can show around your book and say, 'It's a great book. I know the author.'
I'd recommend checking out sites like http://www.writersdigest.com/ or http://www.writersweekly.com/ or one of the other sites for writers and look at what they have to say about signings.
Hope this was helpful.
Derek

Comment by George Polley on October 2, 2009 at 9:58am

Be sure to let us have your web site URL when it's up & running.

Comment by Elaine Mayer on October 2, 2009 at 9:55am

I don't even know what sort of advice I was seeking... My website should be up next week - with the help of a daughter. Also, I decided to sell books from home, at least for a few months to see the results. The promotional ideas keep coming, so there are more decisions in the future. A friend does not recommend book signings because the people who come are acquaintances. I'm not sure I want to be this busy, but I can handle it until the end of the year.

Comment by George Polley on September 23, 2009 at 5:42am

Good to have you here, Elaine. Congratulaltions on self-publishing your first book. What kind of advice are you seeking?

Comment by Elaine Mayer on September 22, 2009 at 11:55pm

With awe that I have joined this gathering place for writers. Retiring nine years ago, I am self-publishing my first book through Trafford. "Letters to Grand Children" was written for my family to reveal the "amazement and enchantment" of the world, and to feel the peace, healing, love, forgiveness that Earth's web provides. This neophyte welcomes your advice.

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