Patricia Stoltey

Author

Countdown — Two Months to Publication

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Most of the ARCs (advance reading copies) of The Desert Hedge Murders have been distributed to reviewers. My local newspaper reviewer highly recommended the mystery for a “Snuggie-covered reading session.” The first online review is available at armchairinterviews.com. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for a good word from one of the big four: Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, or BookList. Two good words would be even better.

On July 11th, I’m giving a two hour workshop on self-editing for Northern Colorado Writers. I’ll attend Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference in Denver in September and Bouchercon 2009 (mystery convention) in Indianapolis in October. I’ve also applied to participate in the Author’s Room at the big Holiday Market in Fort Collins, Colorado, the two days after Thanksgiving. I’m even squeezing in a weekend writing retreat in mid-November to catch my breath and, hopefully, start a new book.

Now I must fill in the spaces from mid-September through the end of the year. It’s decision time. Will I schedule bookstore signings? Give talks at retirement communities or libraries? Keep activities regional or hit the road? Or will I focus on a Blog Book Tour? Perhaps do a mailing? Or maybe try a little bit of everything while not overdoing anything. It’s time to make up my mind. Plan. Write it down. Make the calls. Send the e-mails. It’s time.

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Comments

  4. Patricia, I am so very happy for you. Enjoy every moment of the ride. And I agree with Galen. I value your opinion of these activities and look forward to learning more from you.
    Karen Walker

  6. Galen, I do plan to write a series of posts on each of these planned events. I can tell you now, however, that I place a high value on attendance at writers’ conferences and mystery conventions–meeting readers in a place where they want to meet authors, getting your name out by appearing on panels or conducting workshops, further educating yourself by attending workshops and panels. Some events are pricey, some are reasonable, different conferences have a different slant.

    If I remember correctly, you live not all that far from Colorado, so a trip to Denver for the Colorado Gold conference in September or Colorado Springs for the Pike’s Peak Writers’ Conference (March or April), would not be too bad.

  8. I asked a similar question over on Helen Ginger’s blog and am thinking you’re also be a good information source.

    Might you think about doing a post, or series of posts, on the activities and conventions you’re attending? Specifically, how you prepare for them, what you expect to get in return, and whatever kind of financial analysis seems appropriate (cost vs return, etc).

    I’ve never done many…well, to be honest, any of the things you’re doing. However, you have great credibility with me and I’d (and probably others) would be interested to hear your ideas, views, and expectations of the activities you’ve listed.

    Best Regards, Galen.
    Imagineering Fiction Blog