On Wednesday, September 15, log on to www.artistfirstradio.com.  I will be a guest on the radio show, which will run live from 6:00 pm CST to 7:00 pm CST.  I will be promoting both of my books..."How High Can You Fly?" and "Reflections On Life's Lessons."  Please "tune in" and show your support...

On Saturday, August 7, 2010, I will be setting up a table at Asiel's on Mammoth Lake.  They are located on Dixie Drive in Lake Jackson/Clute.  There will be a number of vendors set up there from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.  I will be having a table there at which people can purchase copies of either (or both) book(s).  I will also be autographing the books that are sold and doing a meet and greet.  Please stop by to visit and/or purchase a copy of your book.  I look forward to seeing you there!

If you're in the Webster area on August 24th at 7:30 pm, stop by the Barnes and Noble store.  They are hosting a poetry slam again that evening, and I've been invited to participate!  Come by and show your support.  I'm also working on setting up an author event (for both books) at this location, as well as the Barnes and Noble in Sugar Land.  I'll keep you posted.

My children's book, "How High Can You Fly?," was recently placed in two local teacher supply stores.  If you're in the Sugar Land area, and happen to stop by Crystal Children and Teacher Supply, look for a copy of my book.  The owner, Doreen Choi, said that she would place copies of the book at the register in order to highlight a local author.  The book will be at both of her store locations.

The book signing I did on July 7th in MN went extremely well!  I was so nervous going into the book signing because I grew up in the area and still know many of the residents, but in the end there was no need to be so nervous.  I brought 30 copies of "How High Can You Fly?," and 40 copies of "Reflections On Life's Lessons" with me to the signing.  I didn't expect to sell much, but the publicity in the local paper really helped sales...that and word of mouth.  Within the first 45 minutes of being there, I had already sold 9 copies of my books...mostly children's books.  When the four hours were up, I wound up selling all 30 copies of "How High Can You Fly?," and 10 copies of "Reflections On Life's Lessons."  The store manager was so impressed, that she ordered 12 additional copies of the children's book, and bought 4 of the poetry books that I had left.  When I returned to my parents' place, I had orders for 6 more children's books.  I ended up having to ship books back to MN once I returned to TX.  I was so thrilled with the overwhelming response and turn out.  There was even a little 5 year old boy who came up to me and said, "Can I have your autograph please!"  It was so adorable!!  I spoke with the manager the other day, and she said that people are still coming in asking for copies of my books!  I am so excited to finally have a store carry both books, and be successful at the same time!!  I was so honored to be able to return home and have a successful event!  It pushes me to really do more to be successful here with my writing and illustrations.  I'm already working on the next children's book...

UPDATE:

I will be conducting another book signing on July 7, 2010.  This new book signing will be held at City Drug in Int'l Falls, MN from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The local newspaper in Int'l Falls has also been contacted for an article highlighting the recent award which "How High Can You Fly?" has won.  I also received news yesterday that City Drug is interested in carrying the children's book as well.  I am planning for a huge promotional deal from this, and I am extremely thrilled to be doing a book signing in my hometown!

Well...my 45 day promotion event has ended, and only a few offers for interviews were made.  I've completed one interview to date, and have at least two other radio stations that want to interview me regarding my children's book.  I have press kits available and am waiting on another shipment of books (the first shipment has sold out completely), and then I can begin approaching bookstores about author events/book signings. 

I am trying to locate a reputable agent to represent my work, but it is so very difficult.  I am open to any and all suggestions from everyone.  If you happen to know of reputable agents who take on children's book authors, let me know.  I didn't realize that publicizing a book was so difficult to do on one's own...I need help.

My children's book, "How High Can You Fly?," is now available through www.amazon.com; www.amazonuk.com; and www.barnesandnoble.com.  You can also check it out, along with a brief bio of myself, at www.jacketflap.com.  Look for author signings and readings coming soon...maybe to a school or book store near you! 

I am now attempting to get some publicity for both of my books through book signings at local bookstores.  I have contacted six different major bookstores as of this morning, and now it's a waiting game.  I am so hoping that I will be able to begin making some appearances within and around the Houston area this Fall.  It is very nervewracking trying to organize author appearances, continue with college, teach, and raise a young son but I know that it will be worth it in the end.  Even if nothing huge comes from writing books, I know that I have at least impacted some lives in a small way.  I didn't start writing for the fame or the potential monetary reward anyway...I began writing as a way to express myself, and writing children's books began with the birth of my son. If my books give someone joy, laughter, or a way to deal with their emotions and knowing that they're not alone in what they have gone through, then that is all that matters.

This blog has been launched today.  It is an effort to self publicize one of my two books, "Reflections On Life's Lessons."  This collection of poetry is available through www.amazon.com; www.hastings.com; www.barnesandnoble.com; www.waldenbooks.com; and www.vantagepress.com.  It is hoped that, through a wider range of marketing, more individuals will have the opportunity to check out my book.  I have also just released a children's book called, "How High Can You Fly?," which is available at www.authorhouse.com.  It will officially be in bookstores nationwide in 30-45 days.  Please leave feedback on the site and let me know whether you have checked out either of the books.  Don't forget to sign the guestbook!