April 2022
Guess what day it is today. Did you guess National Jellybean Day? Yep, I thought you might have figured that out. But it may be less obvious why we are talking about this (though I could take a poll and see how many other households, like mine, do still have some leftover jellybeans available for sharing. But I digress.)...
April 2022
It’s a joy to work with authors and to celebrate the wide variety of approaches and ideas they employ to tell people about their books. In this Buoyancy community, it’s important to us to support authors and encourage them to learn from each other. And, possibly let the examples of others serve as a bit of nudge when someone suggests...
March 2022
Most of the Christian journalists who interview authors have a specific show, podcast, or subject area for which they are responsible for their organization. Those shows have some parameters on the content that works for their theme or audience. Smart show hosts do a lot of planning ahead of time. Two examples and some lessons about this for today.While I was...
March 2022
In recent weeks, I’ve been working with some clients who finally have their books in hand. They are celebrating those piles of shiny new books they are selling and giving away, and are delighted to be talking to me about their press kits and availability for interviews.Fun times.But that reminded me to share this with you. Sometimes it's at about...
February 2022
Lift up your head and look around. If you are a writer, there is a wealth of resources all around to help you. And events and groups to meet with to encourage and support you. One of the resources out there we speak about here regularly is the Christian Retail Association (CRA), the trade association for Christian bookstores, as well as...
February 2022
Having a book signing any time soon? Or getting ready to start trying to book them? It might be a good time, as from where I sit, it looks like in-person events are on the upswing again. This is on my mind because I got some welcome news this week. One of my clients in Cincinnati with a new book...
January 2022
Pitched yourself to a journalist or bookstore recently? Or tried to convince your spouse, boss, kid, or friend of anything? Just a reminder today of something you already know: It’ll go better if you keep their interests in mind and present the idea accordingly. You know, a somewhat less crass version of “What’s In It for Me.”A couple of different interactions...
January 2022
Authors--considered selling your book(s) at a book fair?Keep reading. All the world is in upheaval again, but some book fairs are coming back in person, especially those, I suspect, in warm climates where some events can be outside in milder months. And if you are wondering what this is -- book fairs are festivals that celebrate reading, authors, and writing...
December 2021
Images of the Christmas season, think Hallmark movies and Christmas cards, make the most of home and hearth, generally in a cold climate. Gifts and loved ones in abundant measure. But we know that’s not how it is for oh so many in our country and around the world. They aren’t cozy at home. Nor for that matter, was the One we...
November 2021
In this season of being thankful, it truly is good for the soul to look around and be aware of the blessings we receive when other people are gracious, giving, forgiving, kind and compassionate.But then look also at your own life. Be aware that when you go just a bit out of your way to be kind to a stranger,...
