Friday, December 29, 2006

Official Tally of 2006

Well, it's December 29th, 2006 and I have sold one more book today, bringing the official tally to 262 for 2006. I know I have a couple more days to go in '06, but I'm posting the number now! 262 copies of Legend of the Treasure is not bad for a self-published author with no marketing and sales team behind him. And, the book came out in late May, meaning I would probably have sold over 500 copies my first year!

I'm aiming for 1000 sales by May '07. The 1000 mark is significant because 93% of all authors sell less than 1000 books in a year's time. I want to be in the upper 7%, but I need your help. Big things are due to happen with Overlord Enterprises early in 2007 .... stay tuned!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Talisman of Unification Update

I'm in the process of going through chapters 5-12, the ones I worked on while flying to and from Key West. The storyline is solid, and the action is very good. I'm hoping to finish off my final editing (Pass Three for those of you who've seen my lecture) by March 1st, and then it's off to the editor.

Also, last night I reconnected with a cousin who I have not seen in years, and she asked if I'd be interested in helping them out at Wheeler School in Seekonk, Massachusetts. I said of course I'm willing to help out! Let's hope that I can add another community to The Overlords Empire!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Curtis Corner Middle School Lecture

Today, 12/22/2006, I spoke about writing and the creative process at Curtis Corner Middle School in Wakefield, RI, my son Devin's school. I was very proud of my son, who stood in front of 50 or so students and introduced me to the audience. You know how hard this can be for an 11-year old! The kids enjoyed my talk, and liked creating monsters even more! The group was a bit wild, but what do you expect on the last day before Christmas break? I hope the kids took away something from my speech. Devin said the kids loved it and were very impressed.

I'm going to enjoy my own Christmas break and will take off doing public events until after the New Year.

Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year 2007!!!!

22 Bowen's Marketing Social

Last night, 12/21, I attended a social event at 22 Bowen's Wharf, a very nice restaurant in Newport, RI. Gail Alofsin arranged the event and invited me to network with people of interest in the local area -- reps from ABC6 (local TV), published authors, radio personalities, etc. This event proved to be a great way to promote my book. If all goes well, I should have a local interest story about my novel and self-promotion on ABC6 in the January/February time frame. I'll have to keep you posted on this one!

QuadAngles Magazine Photo Shoot

Also on 12/20 I had a photo shoot for my upcoming profile in the University of Rhode Island alumni magazine, QuadAngles. Nora Lewis, the photographer, took over 40 shots of yours truly, showcasing my first novel, Legend of the Treasure. This is going to work out great to kick off my marketing for 2007. The article, written by a journalist student, will appear in the February 2007 issue. If you're an alum, be sure to check it out.

I want to send a special thanks to my dear friend, Gail Alosfin, who asked me to speak to her Dynamics of Business Marketing class at URI on 11/29. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have been able to get this far. Also, thanks to Vida Griffin in the URI publications department for moving this whole thing forward and getting it into the magazine.

East Providence High School Lecture

On Wednesday (12/20), I lectured at East Providence High School in East Providence, Rhode Island. I spoke to about 50 9th and 10th grade students about the concepts of writing and publishing. I think the kids enjoyed the speech, and I sold six books to the kids. I'm looking forward to teaming up with Ms. Cari Ravo again in the future to help get my word out. Off to my next post ...

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

St. Philomena's Meeting (Cont.)

I met Karin at the Custom Coffee House in Portsmouth, RI and we agreed on the format for me to help in her classroom. The meeting went very well, and it looks like I'll be helping her students on my first off-Friday from work, 1/19/2007. I'll be dreaming up an agenda for two classes of 25 students apiece. This is going to be a blast!

Also, the Custom Coffee House is a perfect venue for a book signing event. Again, think outside the box , I feel I can help generate business both for myself, and the store owner. I'm awaiting his call and will keep you posted ....

As for today, I'm off to East Providence High School to give a lecture on the Concepts of Writing and Publishing, and then I'm off to URI for a photo shoot for their alumni magazine, QuadAngles, where they will be doing a profile on me for their February issue.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

St. Philomena's Meeting

Today I'll be meeting Karin Lord, a teacher at St. Philomena's School in Portsmouth, RI to discuss my role as a consultant to her writing classes. I have some great ideas for her two classes. Each class will have 25 students, so we'll have a lot of creative energy flying around that room! I spoke at St. Phil's on 12/1 and had a great time, so I'm expecting more of the same. I'll let you know how the meeting went later ....

Friday, December 15, 2006

The Overlords Keeps Rolling

I'm really glad I sent out the "get your orders in soon" email to my fans -- I've been inundated with orders! Thank you very much, everyone! I heard back from East Providence High School (East Providence, RI) and Curtis Corner Middle School (Wakefield, RI) and we're all set with my upcoming lectures. Also, the people at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI have confirmed delivery of my press kit. Hopefully, in the near future I'll be doing book signings for thousands of travellers to our lovely state!

If anyone wants to be added to my Overlords Newsletter mailing list, please shoot me an e-mail and I'm be glad to sign you up.

Thursday, December 7, 2006

Key West Is Really Nice!

Well, this is my first post on my new blog site and I'm happy to say that I'm writing from Key West, Florida. The weather's beautiful and the place fantastic. This is my first time in Key West, and though it's for work, I'm very pleased.

On The Overlords front, I found a local bookstore, Key West Island Books, where I've dropped off an autographed copy of Legend of the Treasure, the first novel of my Overlords series. If you find yourself down in the Keys, stop by and snag that copy!