Want to enter? Check out my Facebook Event Page @ http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=99953559009
Start Time: Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 3:00pm
Email: TeaganOliver@yahoo.com
I'm signing at RWA National's Literacy Signing on July 15 @ the Marriot Wardman Hotel, Washington DC. The proceeds are for a great cause, but the signing can be long when you aren't an A-List author. Help me fight my boredom by dropping by to say hi to me and putting your business card in for a drawing of a nifty giveaway bag! I'll be putting an item a day into the bag and since I'm pretty eclectic in what I do... the bag will be eclectic also. There are 2 ways to enter... 1. New to my Face Page? Friend me within the next 6 days (ends July 11) and I'll put you in the drawing.2. Already a Face Friend? Drop me a message and I'll include you in the drawing (good through July 20th).3. Drop by the signing and save me from boredom by saying hi and dropping your business card (or something with your name on it) into my little drawing bag. I'll be drawing the name out of the bag on July 20th.Want to know more about my books... or my ghosthunting... or just life in Maine in general? Drop me a message, a comment, or check out my website @ http://www.TeaganOliver.com -- My writing blog is http://www.TeaganOliver.blogspot.com and my Paranormal blog is http://www.ParanormalMaine.blogspot.com
List of goodies in the bag:
Day 1: Three Truths of Katie Talmadge by me!
Day 2: A lovely pair of Amethyst chip earrings from Mystic Harbor Designs.
Day 3: Grow your own Lucky Clover kit in honor of my blog With a Little Luck...
Day 4: Nope, not a gravestone... You get a copy of Stephen King's On Writing.
Day 5: A bunch of writer goodies! All the little things we love!
Day 6: A charm bracelet from Mystic Harbor Designs like the one in Three Truths...
Day 7: $10 Borders Gift Card!
I'm leaving in the morning for DC, but you can still enter. There's plenty of time. And don't forget to stop by and say hi to me at the conference! Safe travel to those who are attending and I hope you have a wonderful week to those who can't make it.
RWA Prep...
Phew! So, far today I've been going around and around working on getting things done for my trip to RWA in DC starting Sunday.
So far today...
I spent 1 1/2 hours at WalMart getting the oil changed in my car.
Drove my daughter to Borders to get a book for her summer homework (not RWA related, but still running.)
Drove said daughter to work (and picked her up and drove her to driver's ed)Arghhh!
Packed my suitcase.
Bought my toiletries for the trip. Gotta have that allergy med.
Found my shoes in the bottom of the closet and in my daughter's room (big surprise).
Glued my shoe (again... thanks to daughter).
Put together the Maine RWA basket. I'd post a pic, but too wiped.
I know there's more, but frankly... I can't remember it.
Bought my toiletries for the trip. Gotta have that allergy med.
Found my shoes in the bottom of the closet and in my daughter's room (big surprise).
Glued my shoe (again... thanks to daughter).
Put together the Maine RWA basket. I'd post a pic, but too wiped.
I know there's more, but frankly... I can't remember it.
I know when I pull out of the driveway on Sunday morning at 5am there will be things I've forgotten. But right now... I don't care...
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
I have a love of poetry. No, don't groan. I grew up with a healthy respect for Longfellow poetry and the words of Robert Peter Tristram Coffin. Robert Frost filled my teenage angst and carried me through some horrible times. Coffin was a local boy, turned prolific author and 
poet. Should you happen to pass Cranberry Horn Cemetery in Harpswell, the well-travelled route that divides the sacred cemetery, then take a moment to pause and look at Coffin's beautiful stones with their prose and elegance. Even in mourning and death, Coffin was prolific. His stones carry more words than I've yet to see elsewhere. But he wanted to be buried in the homeland he loved. I thought I'd share his poem, Cranberry Horn School. It was written about Coffin's experience in the one room schoolhouse, turned home where I grew up. The same school my father and countless other Harpswell boys and girls tread the boards and began their education. Enjoy...
Cranberryhorn School
Robert P.T. Coffin (192-1955)
The popple trees on Cranberryhorn
Will be white in the wind this blessed morn;,
The red schoolhouse turns gold for me
Within aureoles of memory.
Up Cranberryhom trudge newer lads
In seamy breeches cut from dad's,
With faces very woebegone
To think of books to be studied on.
Why Washington crossed the Delaware,
How Redskins loved collected hair,
The rule of three that makes boys swoon,
Words that get plurals from the moon.
Pages and pages to thrum and bend,
Headachy puzzles world without end--
And I'd give spoils of the Pirate Seas
To rub those desks with a boy's bare knees!
poet. Should you happen to pass Cranberry Horn Cemetery in Harpswell, the well-travelled route that divides the sacred cemetery, then take a moment to pause and look at Coffin's beautiful stones with their prose and elegance. Even in mourning and death, Coffin was prolific. His stones carry more words than I've yet to see elsewhere. But he wanted to be buried in the homeland he loved. I thought I'd share his poem, Cranberry Horn School. It was written about Coffin's experience in the one room schoolhouse, turned home where I grew up. The same school my father and countless other Harpswell boys and girls tread the boards and began their education. Enjoy...Cranberryhorn School
Robert P.T. Coffin (192-1955)
The popple trees on Cranberryhorn
Will be white in the wind this blessed morn;,
The red schoolhouse turns gold for me
Within aureoles of memory.
Up Cranberryhom trudge newer lads
In seamy breeches cut from dad's,
With faces very woebegone
To think of books to be studied on.
Why Washington crossed the Delaware,
How Redskins loved collected hair,
The rule of three that makes boys swoon,
Words that get plurals from the moon.
Pages and pages to thrum and bend,
Headachy puzzles world without end--
And I'd give spoils of the Pirate Seas
To rub those desks with a boy's bare knees!
1 comments
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Glastonbury 2009 - The Big Picture - Boston.com
This link originally came from a Twitter follow, London Interesting or @LDN (for those who want to check them out), which led me to their previous posts which led me to these pictures. They are incredible! They also make me very glad to have missed the event. Somehow, I'm not sure you can estimate just how many port-a-potties are needed for 190,000 people who all seem to be drinking heartily. You have to believe that the faery folk with traipsing about and having a good laugh and all without causing a bit of notice. Still, I'd like to Glastonbury... but minus the 190,000 people.
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Friday, July 03, 2009
Happy Father's Day...
This is my Dad. I've talked about my Mom a lot over the years, but I don't really think that I've given enough credit to all that my Dad has done for me. I could go on for days about all the little things that he has done to make sure that I had a good life. All the times that he went without to make sure that we had something that we wanted, or just something that he thought we would like. I could tell you about the encouragement and love that he offers up unconditionally and the fact that should I ever need him he would be there in a heartbeat. I could tell you all these things... well, maybe I already did, but there is so much more to my dad. He is a man who believes in what is just and right and that no person should go undefended. He believes that a good sense of humor can put a shine on any day and that there is nothing that can happen to you to that you can't get through. He's my biggest fan and probably the best promoting tool that I have! (him and my uncle are an awesome pair at this!) And he does all these things with a kind of quiet devotion, working behind the scenes always and taking little credit for what he's done. I am proud of him for all that he's accomplished in his life and the things that he has yet to do. I really won the lottery when I got him as a dad. Someone was smiling down on us. And for this... I will always be eternally grateful.
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Sunday, June 21, 2009
Coming in July!
Stay tuned for the exciting details from the road!
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Bitten By Books
Haven't heard of them? Well, if you're a writer then I suggest you hop, skip and jump on over to the website @ http://www.bittenbybooks.com
Not writing paranormal? It doesn't matter because if you are an author there is plenty to learn about the art of promotion. I've never seen a more intensely focused promotional site then this one. Rachel is on facebook, twitter and every where else she can possibly be. She's out there
promoting all day (and most of the night sometimes) for authors with fantastic books.
I've gotten into several of the book releases and it's lead me to some great authors. Yasmin Galenorm, (who has some of the hottest covers out there. I'd say they're as good as the P.C. Cast covers at drawing people in), Sara Taney Humphreys and the list goes on and on. Even my friend Lina Gardiner is on the site. (Buy all of their books. They're fantastic). My only regret is that I didn't know about it when Three Truths came out. It would have been a much different experience.
Not writing paranormal? It doesn't matter because if you are an author there is plenty to learn about the art of promotion. I've never seen a more intensely focused promotional site then this one. Rachel is on facebook, twitter and every where else she can possibly be. She's out there
promoting all day (and most of the night sometimes) for authors with fantastic books.
I've gotten into several of the book releases and it's lead me to some great authors. Yasmin Galenorm, (who has some of the hottest covers out there. I'd say they're as good as the P.C. Cast covers at drawing people in), Sara Taney Humphreys and the list goes on and on. Even my friend Lina Gardiner is on the site. (Buy all of their books. They're fantastic). My only regret is that I didn't know about it when Three Truths came out. It would have been a much different experience.
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Friday, June 05, 2009
Deep-sea explorers may lose vast treasure to Spain - Yahoo! News
Deep-sea explorers may lose vast treasure to Spain - Yahoo! News
It's no secret that I'm fascinated by treasures, pirates and the search for gold. I would say, after all this company has been through... This would really suck.
Just my opinion.
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Thursday, June 04, 2009
Industry Talk: Indie vs Chain
There's been a lot of talk on one of the mystery writers list about Indies and Chain Stores. I confess, this is something very close to my heart. As a writer and as someone who wants to see my local economy come back from the hardship of the last few months, I have a vested interest in seeing any bookstore succeed. Here in Brunswick we recently lost our local Indie bookstore. I have a ton of memories wrapped up in that store. My parents idea of a good Friday night was to go to dinner and then go to the bookstore to see what was new in stock. I bought my Nancy Drew books there, my comics, my first romances... and Gothics.. and mysteries... I could go on and on. This store was also the hub for our writer's group. The store had graciously hosted us in their meeting room for years (in return, we bought more than our share of the great food from the cafe). It was sad to see it go. There has been a lot of talk that the new Borders in town was responsible for it's downfall. But I don't think that the total blame of ANY store's demise can be blamed on a chain store.
Distribution:
In my earlier life, I worked for a map publisher and part of my job was to contact Indies about putting the maps (a well established series of map books) into their stores. These were what we considered an automatic buy for most stores. Especially, if their patrons had an interest in the outdoors. I would call and they would say yes or no, depending on the amount of books that they had left on the shelf. Trying to get books into chain stores was another matter. Most often, I would contact the head office, who would forward me to a buyer, who would say I'll get back to you. Sometimes this required multiple phone calls. Sometimes, they would tell me they couldn't be brought in unless we went through a distributor. (I hear a collective groan from a lot of writers out there on this one).
Stocking your book:
This is a hard one to compare. I would have to call it an even draw on this. It depends on the amount of floor space and the ability to get interest in the books. I was selling over sized books that either took up shelf space or required a rack or dump (those lovely cardboard displays that aggravate everyone as they try to maneuver around them in stores.) If it was a shelf sell then it was usually 6 books. If it was a rack it was full product, including more than the map books and meant that they had a vested interest in the product. Pretty much same with dumps, but limited to a few... maybe only one book. We did a lot of these when we had a new state map come out. For an author, shelf space is a priority. Authors have to worry about cost, placement (next to Nora or Clancy?) and availability. Again, this is a draw. Indies work on sometimes non-existent budgets and need to be convinced to bring in your books. Chains sometimes require a pint of blood and your first born child to get it approved and on the shelf. Either way, your promotion, good reviews and backing from the publisher go a long way in helping to get it on the shelf. So, it's a draw for me as to whether your books will get better shelf space and placement in an Indie vs a Chain.
Promotion: Also, Good Customer Service...
Now, my local Indie was very good to the group as a whole. We were not only strong buyers, but they had a first crack at knowing what was coming out But they also were very overworked and unable do the kind of hand sell that authors want. I'm sure it's not this way with all, but this was my experience. Shortly before Obsidian came out I went on a mini road trip around Maine and New Hampshire, making the loop from the coast of Maine up and around Lake Winnepesaukee, NH and up through the mountains and back to Maine. I think I hit something like thirty bookstores in one day. Some were okay. Most couldn't care less if I walked through the door. I was extremely polite (a hot button, ask my kids) and I just introduced myself and offered information and bookmarks. I would say that the overall results were dismal. Sometimes, they were downright rude. But I pushed on. I have found that I actually had better results when I did just a postcard mailing when Obsidian was re released as a large print. The cost of the stamps was less then the gas and aggravation of being rejected so much. Of course, the chains have a system for authors down pat. When I introduced myself to the local Borders I was congratulated on the sale, given paperwork to fill out and asked to contact them when the time got closer. They set up a signing for me on St. Patrick's Day and when that was snowed out and the store had to close they offered to reschedule me on what they called an Educator's Night. They give discounts to educators and offer them goodies and incentives. They called me to offer me this. I was extremely grateful. Even now, when I go in the store they recognize me and ask if I have anything coming out soon. I work retail, so I'm always impressed by good customer service. I'll keep going back just because of this.
Now, there are those who would be upset about the Indie vs Chain debate. I personally feel that there is a place for both within the community. Each have strengths and weaknesses, but there isn't a business out there that doesn't have the same. Me? I'm going to go where they have my books, the books I want, and friendly and helpful service.
Distribution:
In my earlier life, I worked for a map publisher and part of my job was to contact Indies about putting the maps (a well established series of map books) into their stores. These were what we considered an automatic buy for most stores. Especially, if their patrons had an interest in the outdoors. I would call and they would say yes or no, depending on the amount of books that they had left on the shelf. Trying to get books into chain stores was another matter. Most often, I would contact the head office, who would forward me to a buyer, who would say I'll get back to you. Sometimes this required multiple phone calls. Sometimes, they would tell me they couldn't be brought in unless we went through a distributor. (I hear a collective groan from a lot of writers out there on this one).
Stocking your book:
This is a hard one to compare. I would have to call it an even draw on this. It depends on the amount of floor space and the ability to get interest in the books. I was selling over sized books that either took up shelf space or required a rack or dump (those lovely cardboard displays that aggravate everyone as they try to maneuver around them in stores.) If it was a shelf sell then it was usually 6 books. If it was a rack it was full product, including more than the map books and meant that they had a vested interest in the product. Pretty much same with dumps, but limited to a few... maybe only one book. We did a lot of these when we had a new state map come out. For an author, shelf space is a priority. Authors have to worry about cost, placement (next to Nora or Clancy?) and availability. Again, this is a draw. Indies work on sometimes non-existent budgets and need to be convinced to bring in your books. Chains sometimes require a pint of blood and your first born child to get it approved and on the shelf. Either way, your promotion, good reviews and backing from the publisher go a long way in helping to get it on the shelf. So, it's a draw for me as to whether your books will get better shelf space and placement in an Indie vs a Chain.
Promotion: Also, Good Customer Service...
Now, my local Indie was very good to the group as a whole. We were not only strong buyers, but they had a first crack at knowing what was coming out But they also were very overworked and unable do the kind of hand sell that authors want. I'm sure it's not this way with all, but this was my experience. Shortly before Obsidian came out I went on a mini road trip around Maine and New Hampshire, making the loop from the coast of Maine up and around Lake Winnepesaukee, NH and up through the mountains and back to Maine. I think I hit something like thirty bookstores in one day. Some were okay. Most couldn't care less if I walked through the door. I was extremely polite (a hot button, ask my kids) and I just introduced myself and offered information and bookmarks. I would say that the overall results were dismal. Sometimes, they were downright rude. But I pushed on. I have found that I actually had better results when I did just a postcard mailing when Obsidian was re released as a large print. The cost of the stamps was less then the gas and aggravation of being rejected so much. Of course, the chains have a system for authors down pat. When I introduced myself to the local Borders I was congratulated on the sale, given paperwork to fill out and asked to contact them when the time got closer. They set up a signing for me on St. Patrick's Day and when that was snowed out and the store had to close they offered to reschedule me on what they called an Educator's Night. They give discounts to educators and offer them goodies and incentives. They called me to offer me this. I was extremely grateful. Even now, when I go in the store they recognize me and ask if I have anything coming out soon. I work retail, so I'm always impressed by good customer service. I'll keep going back just because of this.
Now, there are those who would be upset about the Indie vs Chain debate. I personally feel that there is a place for both within the community. Each have strengths and weaknesses, but there isn't a business out there that doesn't have the same. Me? I'm going to go where they have my books, the books I want, and friendly and helpful service.
Gail Carson Levine: Mystery mystery
I've been in the processes of undertaking a new project... a mystery. And in my process I've sought out the words of others writing mystery. Today I came across Gail Carson Levine's post on her blog about her own trials with mysteries. I was immediately drawn to her post. My daughter was an avid fan of Ms. Levine's books and I was grateful for the wonderful worlds that she uses to enchant her readers. Not only is she an eloquent writer of spellbinding enchantments, but she is a struggling writer taking on new project... struggling the same as myself. That makes my struggles just a little more approachable.
So, if you are a fan of Ella or if you are a struggling writer (like me), then check out her post for a little inspiration and commiseration. It's worth the look...
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Labels:
conference
I just realized that Nationals are less than 2 months away. Somewhere in all of the chaos that has been this spring I didn't realize that it was creeping up on me so fast. This, is a big year for me. I've been to several National Conferences over the year, but I've never been a presenter. It's a real honor. I can only hope that I do it justice. Going to be in Washington DC during July 15-18th? We will be, too! The Pop Tart and Dollar Menu Tour is still in the planning stages. Delsora Lowe and I will be joined by a new... errr?! ... author on this trip. I'll let you know who it is when we get closer, but suffice it to say... she's in for a good time!
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thinking lobsters and clams this weekend...
Well, here's my plug for the local economy. Brown eggs may be local eggs, but you won't get anymore local or fresh then buying your lobster and clams from the local dealers. Fresh from the boat with no little side trips in between. In the Harpswell area? Check out Hawkes Lobster in Cundy's Harbor. While you're there you can peruse the gift items. Sue has a great selection. And Hawkes Lobster ships year round. So, can't make it to Maine? Check out their website and give them a call. You can check out their website at www.hawkeslobster.com to get an idea of what they are offering.
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Saturday, May 23, 2009
Free Virtual Writing Conference
This came across the MMA list and I thought I'd pass it along. The list of presenters is impressive and cover the spectrum of the publishing genre. I'll be working on the Maine RWA Writer's Retreat this weekend... but I'll be taking my laptop with me because I don't want to miss this!
There's going to be a Virtual Writers Conference online May 18-22 at... wait for it... http://virtualwritersconference.blogspot.com/. Writers, editors and agents will post columns and respond to comments. It'll be fun, and I'm sure there'll be discussions of promotion.
There's going to be a Virtual Writers Conference online May 18-22 at... wait for it... http://virtualwritersconference.blogspot.com/. Writers, editors and agents will post columns and respond to comments. It'll be fun, and I'm sure there'll be discussions of promotion.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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