mysteries and motorcycles

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Merry Christmas

It's my blog and I can say Merry Christmas if I want to!

I had a fun time over at "Way Station" books last Thursday. I was there pretty much all day with a short break in the afternoon for a quick bowl of chili. I had the chance to meet a lot of the fine people from the Lansing area and sold a few books along the way.

My next public activity hasn't been firmed up yet but it looks like another group signing in the Lansing area. I'm working on trying to set up a signing at the Barnes & Noble in Flint as well. And then there's my "International" appearance at the Lambton County Library in Sarnia, Ontario coming up in early April.

Right now it's time to think about getting the motorcycle ready for the next riding season. I hope to do some engine upgrading over the winter. My bike is a 2004 Harley ElectraGlide Ultra-Classic and it has a shade over 80,000 miles on it. I was lucky enough to win the high mileage award in my HOG chapter with just a whisper over 26,000 miles.

Posted by The Unreal McCoy :: 6:34 PM :: 2 Comments:

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Friday, December 15, 2006

A fun time in Bad Axe

Last night I had a wonderful time with the friendly people of Bad Axe, Michigan. We met at the Bad Axe public library for some cookies, coffee, and a little book talk. I even ran into an old friend who I haven't seen in decades.

I really enjoy these intimate get-togethers and view them as an opportunity to become acquainted with my neighbors and to join the community. I must say that I was impressed with all of the thoughtful comments and introspective questions.

All I can say is thank you Bad Axe for your hospitality and friendship.

Posted by The Unreal McCoy :: 10:07 AM :: 0 Comments:

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Monday, December 04, 2006

Christmas gift suggestions

One of the things that authors learn early on is that success doesn't come easy. Just writing a dynamite book isn't nearly enough. Most publishers, even the big ones rely on the author to promote and market their books. For many writers the challenge of publicizing their work is far more intimidating than the actual writing of the book. It's like being in two businesses at once. The writer needs to be a determined and dedicated wordsmith, carefully crafting a compelling story and once the work is finished he must become a huckster and salesman. I call it phase one and phase two.

I know a number of extremely talented authors who admit to being absolutely terrified at the prospect of facing an audience to talk about their books. They do it anyway because the only way to get the word out on a personal level is through presentations and appearances.

Maybe I had a bit of an advantage in this area because in my pre-author life I was required to conduct weekly meetings with employe groups. Perhaps that's what helped me conquer stagefright.

Now that Christmas season is here I'm trying to pack in a couple of appearances in December. Books make great Christmas gifts. Maybe a personally autographed copy of a mystery novel is just the thing for that, hard to buy for Uncle Mort or maybe even the boss. It's cheap, easy, and not too personal.

I'll be appearing at the Bad Axe Public library in Bad Axe, MI at 7:00PM on December 14th and on December 21st I'll be at Way Station Books & Stuff, 223 South Washington Square in Lansing, MI. My hours there will be 11:00AM - 2:00PM and 5:00PM - 7:00PM.

Posted by The Unreal McCoy :: 4:25 PM :: 0 Comments:

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