Free books online

I have to say that those of us who write seem to be big on reading, too. And of course, don't always have loads of money. There is a site you can go to read books online. (I know, it's not the most friendly way to read. Better to have the book so you can be prone, in bed, head on pillow. But free is still free.) If you'd like to find out more, go to their website - http://www.readprint.com/

So now, when you should be working on something, doing research, writing the next chapter, calling that client, exercising, twittering, sending emails, or various other tasks, you can be READING both non-fiction or fiction. It's pretty exciting. Except for the fact that it does show someday printed books (the ones we are all hoping to sell) will disappear and we'll have to find new ways to sell our wares. Of course. (Who moved my cheese!)

Happy writing.

Book Blues (not the bookstore)

I've been working on my newest novel, Obsession, and wishing I had a magic wand to help me finish it quickly. But more than likely that won't happen. I'm plodding and plotting and plunging into places unknown.

The story is about a man who works at a chemical factory (among other characters, of course). I could use help from someone with experience with chemical pesticide manufacture (back in 1972) . Anybody out there know about this? If you worked at a factory that produced such stuff, such as DDT, 2-4D, Lidane, etc, would you be willing to assist me with some facts? If so, please send me a note. I could use your input.

Thanks a bunch.

Habits and Habits

Twitter is the newest rage for connection. There are rules to learn, and the habits of those of us trying to join the party must change. I ran across this article that explains just how to develop the habits that will bring a person into deeper communion with the Twitter crowd. If you'd like to see what the experts are saying now about twitter, check out this blog.

http://blog.mrtweet.net/7-habits-of-highly-effective-twitterers-kris-colvin

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest is having an auction. I'm partial to them, since they are doing research on retinal issues, such as achromatopsia. What if they found a way to make the achromatopsia retina function normally? Many people are asking that question. My daughter is one of them. It would change everything. She wonders if perhaps she'd have to set up one room in her house that was all black, white, and shades of grey, just to remain sane. Would color be distracting and confusing at first? She doesn't know, since her whole life she's never seen color. But she and many others with achromatopsia say they are willing to take the chance.

If the Retina Foundation can assist that process, then I'm all for it. I support their efforts, and urge all of you to visit their website: www.retinafoundation.org. And if you can, attend the auction. It looks like it should be a lot of fun.

Win a Copy of My Blindy Girl

The Book Blues is giving away a free signed copy of my book, My Blindy Girl on May 10. You still have time to sign up to win. To find out how, visit http://www.thebookblues.com. You can order an autographed copy from the Book Blues or my website, www.ellentomaszewski.com. Or a standard copy from Amazon.

I think you'll enjoy the book. It's a timeless story of a mother's hope. And while you are reading, if you like Cup of Comfort books, I've got a story in the new collection, due out at the end of May, called A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs. I'll be doing book signings for that around the Northwest. Come say hi.

Ellen

Book Signings - mystery and magic

A week ago, I received an advanced copy of a book called A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs, because I'm a contributor. (Check out page 150 if you want to read it.) So I'll be doing book signings and such at local book stores. I've learned a few things about signings.

Book signings are mysterious. Sometimes they are a hit. Other times, no one comes. But there are some things an author can do to help make them successful.

1. I found I had to make people feel comfortable just talking to me before they ever got around to purchasing a book. Many are nervous about speaking to me. Did they think I'm going to somehow trick them into purchasing a book? Hard to tell. So I chat about other stuff, not just the book.

On the other hand, there are those who won't leave. Perhaps they are desperate to talk to anyone. Since I'm stuck at the table for the duration, I'm a sitting duck. The book seller can help with this one, distract the customer. When I'm cornered like that, I stand and move about, talk to others nearby. But I'm never rude to the talker.

2. Bring something free. When I did a signing on Valentine's Day, I brought chocolate hearts, but few people took any. So perhaps candy isn't a good draw. Almost everyone takes a bookmark, though, so I always hand out those. Once a book seller provided muffins and pound cake. I also bring a table cloth to jazz up the table.

3. Advertise. Send out emails to all your friends and any one in your address book within driving distance of the book signing. Even if they already purchased your book, encourage them to attend so they can chat with you, and help make your signing look popular. Others will join if you've got a crowd around you.

If you're an author, let me know what special things you do to make your book signings memorable. And if you are a book reader, write and tell me what would draw you into visiting a book author's table at a signing. What makes you purchase a book?

Happy writing and reading.

Ellen T.

Self Publishing

I've learned a lot about self publishing in the midst of trying to get my book to print. Here are some of the things you need to pay attention to.

Unless you have a market already outlined, you won't need a lot of books (100 is probably a good start). Today's printers are so flexible. You can get very few copies for a reasonable price. So start small and order more when you see what your market is. You won't invest a lot of money in product you can't sell.