An evening at home with an author

 

It still feels wrong to refer to myself as an author.  Perhaps writer? Doodler? Self-publisher?  I don't know.  In any case, here I am working on a new Halloween book with my faithful pooch half in my lap.   She really wants to be a lap dog, but she's too big, so she tries her best.  I really want to be an author, but am not completely sure of the process, so I continue to try my best. 

Beginner Bingo Books

My Beginner Bingo Books are perfect for our littlest readers right on up to those learning to read on their own.

Each book is structured like the original Bingo song with the same verse repeated throughout. Each additional verse is sung omitting a letter in the word each time, replacing it with a clap, sound or action.

Repetition is key to learning.  It helps build confidence when the reader or listener knows what to expect.

Bright and bold illustrations feature fun characters.

BONUS:  There is a related activity included at the end of each book!

 

Pinckney Food Truck Friday

 There is my adorable set up for Food Truck Friday in Pinckney, MI.   What a fun day!  It was nice to be back in my hometown.  Felt so very comfortable.  I miss the strong community of small towns.  

My table was complete with baskets of free stickers and homemade buttons and bookmarks.  They were enjoyed by many children.  

The wind was so strong it was good that my host had weights that we shared on one side of the canopy!

I did run into a couple of people I knew as well as people who knew my parents.  It was heartwarming to chat.

Though I had a wonderful day, next time I would just like to hang in Pinckney and absorb the atmosphere.  I miss it.

Business Card Recommendation

 

My business cards came in!  I have had several ask for a card at the two events I have done, so I thought I had better make some.  

These are actually two different cards, not the front and back of one.   Though I am considering taking the  best parts of each and making them into one card.

In any case, I used templates from canva.com and then changed them up to suit my needs.  On a side note, I do pay for canva.  It has been my one big investment in my book making journey!

So, I found templates that I liked in canva, changed them up a bit and ordered 50 of each design via canva.  It only cost $15 for 50 cards.  That includes shipping and I had the cards within a week.

I am very happy with them and cannot wait to start handing them out!

Bookmark Giveaways

I have been hard at work getting ready for the Food Truck Friday in Pinckney on Aug. 18th.  I wanted to have some fun giveaways for people.  There are plenty of buttons left over, but I was low on bookmarks, so I made some more!

Since I will be at my grandfather's house turned State Farm Insurance, I wanted to feature my book about him.  I ordered five copies and a couple of the writing journals made with his art AND three amazing bookmark designs! 

I had a really good experience with Rite Aid in the past, but this time around almost every bookmark has a white edge.  I can't tell why  :(   But that is ok!  We carry on!

In any case, I have the three for my grandpa's art book and then five featuring some of my picture books.   I hope people like them and put them to use.  Don't dog ear book pages!

 

Author Business Card

I created and ordered business cards using Canva!  Yes, they are wild and wacky and I love them.  I modified existing templates and added my own touch.  Who said that business cards have to be boring?   

I am a loud and energetic librarian and edu-tainer and I wanted a card that reflected just that.  I have to admit, my favorite is the top card which is a bit more wild.  It is colorful and will stand out!

The bottom card is nice too (hey, I made it so I had better like it!) but it doesn't have such an in-your-face feel.  

Maybe in the future I will work on them again and find a way to combine the elements that I like!  Until then, I have 50 cards of each design and I think it will take me awhile to get through them!

Thank you libraries!

 

Thank you libraries!   I have sent out about 8 packages of books (maybe 2 each) to libraries in my state and have been curious if any actually added my books to their collections.   To be blunt, I have been scared to check.

So I finally worked up the nerve and to my great surprise, three libraries, not including the library I work for, have added my books to their collections!  I am so pleased!  It makes my heart happy!

Thank you Howell Carnegie District Library, White Pine District Library and Pinckney Community Public Library!  I do hope your patrons enjoy the books!

Too many exclamation points?  I am beaming; I am so happy!

Grand Ledge Island Art Fair 2023

 

Well, I have survived my second author event.   My friend Ed signed up for the Grand Ledge Island Art Fair and invited me to tag along.  It was the 50th anniversary of the art fair and sure to draw a crowd.  As the rain came down that morning and I struggled to keep my books dry I really wondered if anyone would be coming by!

Thankfully Mother Nature got the rain out of her
system and we were blessed with the most beautiful day!  I sold 14 books and this time kept a list of them so I could analyze what sold.   Honestly I don't see a pattern or anything.  I think when it comes to sing-able picture books, it is whatever strikes a person's fancy when they are going through the bins!

The one thing that I learned this time around is that I really need to have business cards!  I have a printed sheet that has all the info, but no one wants to carry around an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper.   This crowd told me as much and the feedback was appreciated and heard!   I'm looking into designing some and getting them printed now.

Next event is August 18th at the Pinckney Food Truck Fridays.  I can't wait!  I will be in my hometown right in front of my childhood home!   Yes, there is a story there and it is coming in a future post here!  Be on the lookout!