I am always excited to do book signings, but every now and then something different comes along. For example this past summer I did a lot of summer camps with kids ranging from 4-12 years old all over South Western Ontario. I enjoy these as something different than a traditional book signing because it allows for some creative feedback from the kids. I usually try to get them to draw a picture and write a story about it. "Try" is the key word as sometimes kids just do not have the patience. No matter what though, it is fun talking to kids, reading them part of my book, and interacting without there being any real emphasis on the selling.
That being said, there are also fun events that do include the book selling for example, a teachers appreciation day I took part in recently. A musician, a masseuse, my friend and artist TJ Vogan and myself all took part in the day in Guelph a few weeks back. It was fun because along with signing books, there was something else going on that put a real buzz in the air. We talked to a lot of teachers in the area, and learned things about them, and heard some fun classroom stories.
I am also looking forward to an author's fair I am taking part in this November 28th and 29th at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Main Street, Port Dover. It is being put on by the Norfolk Artsco that is an organization made up of local artists. They have actually talked to me about being their promotions director and it is something I am interested in. The things you get into by being an author and networking.
Anyways enough of a rant,
Matt
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Writing Process
Often people ask me how I wrote a book, or how I am writing my new book.
I think it is a different process for everyone but I can speak about my current process. The key for me is imagining (funny since my book is called the Imagi Nation) where I want it to go, and then trying hard to get it there. Seems easy, but it isn't always. Here are some of my notes on how to write.
Everyone talks about writers block, but my problem is more or less having trouble with writers motivation. At the end of a long day it isn't always easy to be creative or want to write, so that is the first step in my process. GET IN THE MOOD. Not everyone can write as a career, and in fact most book authors do not. So first you have to find the time to get the juices flowing.
As I mentioned above it is great to know where something is going and how to get it there. I have numerous brain storming sessions before I start to write, thinking about the general storyline, and then later how to create mini sub plots to keep readers interested, but also to advance the plot line. That is important. Everything should be building to something. I have been trying to leave hints and clues through out the book I am currently writing that will lead to future story lines and keep the reader interested. Not everyone may do so in such an obvious manner as me, but you want the reader to lose sleep over the possibilities of your story, and make them anxious to read on.
I like to sit down and actually map out where my book is going. Create a timeline of events and fill in the sub plots. I have heard this as being called the skeleton of a book. It is in fact the frame work that you will add the "meat" later on to.
Once you have written your outline, added to the outline and are happy with the outline; you are now able to write your book.
Once the book is done, is it really done? NOT A CHANCE! Reread, reread, and reread. Make changes where you can, and then put it on a shelf for a few weeks or even months if you are patient. Get it back out and reread it again. You will be surprised at things you may want to change. Then there is the fun process of getting feedback. Be interested in other peoples criticism and look for a lot of it. It will only make the end result that much better.
This is writing in a nutshell.
Matt
I think it is a different process for everyone but I can speak about my current process. The key for me is imagining (funny since my book is called the Imagi Nation) where I want it to go, and then trying hard to get it there. Seems easy, but it isn't always. Here are some of my notes on how to write.
Everyone talks about writers block, but my problem is more or less having trouble with writers motivation. At the end of a long day it isn't always easy to be creative or want to write, so that is the first step in my process. GET IN THE MOOD. Not everyone can write as a career, and in fact most book authors do not. So first you have to find the time to get the juices flowing.
As I mentioned above it is great to know where something is going and how to get it there. I have numerous brain storming sessions before I start to write, thinking about the general storyline, and then later how to create mini sub plots to keep readers interested, but also to advance the plot line. That is important. Everything should be building to something. I have been trying to leave hints and clues through out the book I am currently writing that will lead to future story lines and keep the reader interested. Not everyone may do so in such an obvious manner as me, but you want the reader to lose sleep over the possibilities of your story, and make them anxious to read on.
I like to sit down and actually map out where my book is going. Create a timeline of events and fill in the sub plots. I have heard this as being called the skeleton of a book. It is in fact the frame work that you will add the "meat" later on to.
Once you have written your outline, added to the outline and are happy with the outline; you are now able to write your book.
Once the book is done, is it really done? NOT A CHANCE! Reread, reread, and reread. Make changes where you can, and then put it on a shelf for a few weeks or even months if you are patient. Get it back out and reread it again. You will be surprised at things you may want to change. Then there is the fun process of getting feedback. Be interested in other peoples criticism and look for a lot of it. It will only make the end result that much better.
This is writing in a nutshell.
Matt
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Today's Book Signing
I went to the Stoney Creek Indigo book store today, and it is a very impressive store. Anyone in the Hamilton ON. area who has a chance to check it out, I strongly recommend it.
It was a very slow start to a signing. I think for the first 30 minutes I didn't have a single person stop by. I was located in the chilrdens section, but often in the children section, parents drop their kids off to play with the toys, while they go and find books of interest to them. I had the pleasure of watching two young boys, pretty much destroy a puppet display and terrorize many people actually interested in books. Nice.
Eventually people started to take notice of me, and I told them about my book. It always seems to take a little while for me to get into the "selling zone" but once I do, time seems to fly bye. I think I sold around 10 books, and the great people at Indigo books sold quite of few of mine before I got there. I even had a kid come in who had purchased my book a few weeks ago and ask me some questions while I signed his book. It is always fun meeting someone who has read the book, a process I hope to repeat more and more in the future. I think, that is the point.
I also met a nice store employee, who like many other people I talk to wants to write but just don't seem to get around to it. Well I think a lot of people are in that boat with a lot of things. My advice, is to just DO IT! Nike has it right. There is no time like the present. Try, try and try again. You may fail but who cares. That is part of the fun.
Matt
It was a very slow start to a signing. I think for the first 30 minutes I didn't have a single person stop by. I was located in the chilrdens section, but often in the children section, parents drop their kids off to play with the toys, while they go and find books of interest to them. I had the pleasure of watching two young boys, pretty much destroy a puppet display and terrorize many people actually interested in books. Nice.
Eventually people started to take notice of me, and I told them about my book. It always seems to take a little while for me to get into the "selling zone" but once I do, time seems to fly bye. I think I sold around 10 books, and the great people at Indigo books sold quite of few of mine before I got there. I even had a kid come in who had purchased my book a few weeks ago and ask me some questions while I signed his book. It is always fun meeting someone who has read the book, a process I hope to repeat more and more in the future. I think, that is the point.
I also met a nice store employee, who like many other people I talk to wants to write but just don't seem to get around to it. Well I think a lot of people are in that boat with a lot of things. My advice, is to just DO IT! Nike has it right. There is no time like the present. Try, try and try again. You may fail but who cares. That is part of the fun.
Matt
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fun Filled Book Signing
Well I had a fantastic book signing this past weekend at Lime Ridge mall in Hamilton. As most starting authors could probably tell you, book signings can be lonely. It wasn't until one and a half hours into my signing that I finally sold a book. Then in a flurry of activity I sold 3 books in about 10 minutes.
Book signings are always fun for me, because they often allow me chances to interact with my intended audience. I have yet to go to an event and not make a sale, but I have had other authors and book store employees tell me that not everyone is so fortunate. I am still waiting for the day I don't sell any.
The interesting thing about book signings is the variety of people who stop in for a "chat" but have no real interest in purchasing my book. I have no problem talking to these people, but at times they seem to stand and talk to me for periods of time exceeding 20 minutes about great book ideas they may have, while not being aware of the fact that potential buyers of my book, are dissuaded by them. As a "rookie" in the business I feel handcuffed by these "site seers" who simply want to take in an author. It would be nice if they would offer me some popcorn from time to time to make it official while a bookstore employee walks menacingly close to me reiterating that people are "not to feed the author."
For anyone who reads this check out my book online at www.theimagination.ca.
Matt
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My Very First Post
Imagi Nation Fans, Random Web Surfers, Stalkers, Professors, Doctors, Lawyers, Mom, Dad and anyone who may come across this blog, GREETINGS!!!
For anyone new to the wonderful world of the Imagi Nation, I Matt Minty, am the author of the children's novel the Imagi Nation, A Strange New World. It is in fact pronounced the EE-MAJ-EE Nation. You wouldn't believe the amount of times it is pronounced wrong. My blog will be used as an outlet for me to discuss book signings I have done, the progress I feel I may or may not be making, and anything else that comes to mind.
Future posts may be entitled "Please Don't Blow Your Nose With My Book", "Yes Mam I May Be Signing Books Here but YOU Can Use my Table to Sit On", and "No, I do NOT Know Robert Munsch".
The world of writing and publishing books can be a long and wild road. I hope to have feedback along the way from anyone reading, anyone with advice, and anyone with a random question that they may want to know more about.
I will do my best to try to keep people in the loop of the challenges I am facing, ideas I may be having (copyright protected of course.... I will find you), and my opinion on new and exciting things. Please bare with me as I am new to blogging.
For more info about the Imagi Nation check out www.theimagination.ca. If you are by chance in Southwestern Ontario and have any need for an author, let me know.
Keep on reading and enjoy the ride.
Matt
For anyone new to the wonderful world of the Imagi Nation, I Matt Minty, am the author of the children's novel the Imagi Nation, A Strange New World. It is in fact pronounced the EE-MAJ-EE Nation. You wouldn't believe the amount of times it is pronounced wrong. My blog will be used as an outlet for me to discuss book signings I have done, the progress I feel I may or may not be making, and anything else that comes to mind.
Future posts may be entitled "Please Don't Blow Your Nose With My Book", "Yes Mam I May Be Signing Books Here but YOU Can Use my Table to Sit On", and "No, I do NOT Know Robert Munsch".
The world of writing and publishing books can be a long and wild road. I hope to have feedback along the way from anyone reading, anyone with advice, and anyone with a random question that they may want to know more about.
I will do my best to try to keep people in the loop of the challenges I am facing, ideas I may be having (copyright protected of course.... I will find you), and my opinion on new and exciting things. Please bare with me as I am new to blogging.
For more info about the Imagi Nation check out www.theimagination.ca. If you are by chance in Southwestern Ontario and have any need for an author, let me know.
Keep on reading and enjoy the ride.
Matt
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