From the Author's Desk
Read on for more information on the behind the scenes of working on this book, events, marketing, and all the other fun stuff that didn't make it into the book / found more details about while working on it.
Talk about a thrill! Had to cancel my first few events because the books didn’t make it to me in time but lo and behold, my first box of books did arrive at my door last week and was I pleased. I confirmed with the venue right away and the lovely folks at The Libros Lincoln Heights were so encouraging – they were even fine with me just turning up and doing a presentation on my laptop if my books didn’t arrive. So kind. I really had my heart set on this being my first event because it was CicLAmini in the area that day so there would be good foot traffic, but also it was the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and I wanted to support a locally owned business from the community. It was a bit of a walk to get to the venue past all the festivities of the event as many streets were blocked to vehicles, but it was a fun walk watching everyone on their bikes all decked up riding around. Also thanks to the husband who trudged along dragging that suitcase full of books – those things are heavy. And when I got to the venue, there was already a great crowd because I was right next to the coffee folks who had a stall there too. The Libros set me up with a nice table right up front by the entrance. I hadn’t even started putting flyers on the table and people started hovering over to see the book. I must shower kudos to the designer for creating such a lovely cover – the bright colors attract people right away, even from a distance, and that huge logo in the center gets even kids’ attention. But what happened next, I honestly wasn’t expecting. Within minutes of laying out the first 10 books, one gentleman walked over and started flipping through the pages. He purchased a book. My first customer! Within a few minutes, another passer-by stopped to ask about the book and got a copy too. And then it just went nonstop from there. My first ten books were gone within that first hour and I had to get the next 10 books out of my suitcase to display on the table. I wasn’t halfway through my time there at my author table and already I had sold half of what I had taken as stock. One kind lady purchased two copies – for self and a friend. People stopped by to say how much they appreciated a book covering so many cultures rather than certain neighborhoods or only cuisines or galleries. Some folks couldn’t believe certain communities were even present in the city. Every conversation was encouraging. Every person so kind with their words. And everyone was so generous to pose for pictures as you can see from the shots shared here. I don’t think I stopped smiling the little over two hours I was there. I seriously did not expect such a response for the book at an event that I did not even publicize given how close to the event date I received my copies. I was about ready to call my husband back for a restock of books if it got close to just one at the table. My heartfelt gratitude to every single person who purchased my book that day. You have no idea how much your purchase meant to this first-time author. And how much you helped build my confidence that day in sharing my book with you. Also walking back with an empty suitcase was a treat.
Someone invited me to a radio show at that event, another person connected me with a local book shop for an author signing and a third person took my card to invite me to area schools for author talks. How many of those will materialize I don’t know so you will just have to come back here and keep reading these updates on my little blog. But how very kind of folks to share their resources. I am equally elated and surprised by the kindness of strangers in this city. At final tally, of the 20 books I took with me, 15 were sold that day, 3 sold to The Libros if you want to stop by and grab a copy, and two others were presented as thank you gifts. Especially one to a very sweet and dear friend who spent her Sunday with me being my cheerleader and champion, hollering at everyone to come buy my book and sharing how much information my book offered. Have someone like that with you and there will never be a dull moment at your table. No, I will not give you her information, she mine. Keep following along for updates on the next few events and other fun book and author news. I promise to keep posting until I have a bestseller lol!
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