As the sun set slowly on I-85 northbound, I drove home from Newnan, the Great Peach State Book Tour officially over.
In the CD player: One Sweet Day by Tom Watts, our musician for the American Pie Tour. We had just reprised the Tour at the Corner Arts Gallery: Sara DeLuca and Paul Lentz reading, along with yours truly, and Blue Donkey Coffee providing the stellar coffee for our pies.
Jenny, our hostess, was a gem--not only for opening up her gallery to
us to perform, but locating chairs, moving space heaters, letting
finances go through her system, taking photos and pushing PR. Thank
you, Jenny!
Tom's wife Rebecca, who facilitates our writer's group, closed the afternoon by declaring us a bonafide group, that needs a funky head shot, and to go on the road through the 50-odd libraries in Georgia. What do you think?!
A great idea that will have to wait...I'm about to close the boatyard for the season...the season of new adventures!
On January 1, my sister and I began edits of my brother Peter's novel, and we are having a great time! Who knew how much editing fun we were missing en famille?! While Mary and Pete hunt for dangling participles, adverbs and passive verbs, I'm tackling structural and character issues. We're all on grammar police duty. Grateful for the workout with fiction for a change, and hoping for a writers' retreat this summer with the peeps.
We also took time to edit my chapbook submission "Squibs"--
produced during the November PAD Challenge--now at Poetic Asides, awaiting final judging--due today! Either way it goes, I'll
begin submissions of individual poems in other journals and see how I
do.
I'll leave a note on the door, while I head out to sea...well, over the sea...four months in Europe await me, and you'll have to shift over to my travel blog if you want to read about those. Among other things), the trip will include continuing edits on The Culture Shock Poems--with maybe a few additions.
So stay tuned, shift if you like, and track the continuing adventures of an urban clamdigger in a foreign land.
Ciao for now!
Showing posts with label Finishing Line Press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finishing Line Press. Show all posts
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Sunday, December 1, 2013
A Box of Bees
Hope you all had a fine Thanksgiving, and we won't get into Black Friday. Let's just say I wrote a few poems about it, and studiously avoided all stores.
I wrapped up my five-event sprint with a week off, unplugged and recovering at home. Catching up on the pile of paperwork I had been throwing in my apartment the past few weeks, I flipped through a journal picked up at the Florida writers conference. I had forgotten about reading this interview, with Robert Birnbaum and author Sandra Cisneros. In it, Ms. Cisneros admitted:
"I don't have very much contact with other writers. I don't get invited to these things, or I don't go to them... It's very rare. Even when I do these book fairs...I come in and I go out. I can't hang around with lots of people these days because I am hypersensitive. So when I am around a lot of people or a big roomful of people, I get almost autistic. I get overwhelmed and really tired...
"I think because the kind of work...is so intensive with people that perhaps, whether you realize it or not, you are just absorbing everybody's buzz. I feel like I am in a box of bees when I am in a room with lots of people and I'm just looking for the door."*
Sandra, you are not alone in the bee box! Anyone else recognize the symptoms?!
I had first read the interview after fleeing the conference, having absorbed way too much people buzz. Sitting on a park bench in St. Augustine, I had laughed out loud in recognition. Busted!
Very few people have articulated just what happens to the monastic inclinations of the average (introverted) writer, in the face of conferences, book signings and readings. A box of bees.
Thank you, Sandra Cisneros, for your gift of words! After a week off, I'm ready to emerge again. Whether you like buzz or not, there is honey in that bee box!
Next event:
Dec. 6: "PoeTea," 3:30-5:00 pm, at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Readings, signing, poetry exercises, tea and light refreshments. Sponsored by the OM Bookstore, with discounts for the season, so c'mon in, sip some tea, write a poem, and squeeze in some Christmas shopping to boot!
*From "Writers Ask," published quarterly by the editors of Glimmer Train Stories...a journal I've never succeeded in scoring an acceptance! Issue #58, Winter, 2012, Glimmer Train Press, Inc.
I wrapped up my five-event sprint with a week off, unplugged and recovering at home. Catching up on the pile of paperwork I had been throwing in my apartment the past few weeks, I flipped through a journal picked up at the Florida writers conference. I had forgotten about reading this interview, with Robert Birnbaum and author Sandra Cisneros. In it, Ms. Cisneros admitted:
"I don't have very much contact with other writers. I don't get invited to these things, or I don't go to them... It's very rare. Even when I do these book fairs...I come in and I go out. I can't hang around with lots of people these days because I am hypersensitive. So when I am around a lot of people or a big roomful of people, I get almost autistic. I get overwhelmed and really tired...
"I think because the kind of work...is so intensive with people that perhaps, whether you realize it or not, you are just absorbing everybody's buzz. I feel like I am in a box of bees when I am in a room with lots of people and I'm just looking for the door."*
Sandra, you are not alone in the bee box! Anyone else recognize the symptoms?!
I had first read the interview after fleeing the conference, having absorbed way too much people buzz. Sitting on a park bench in St. Augustine, I had laughed out loud in recognition. Busted!
Very few people have articulated just what happens to the monastic inclinations of the average (introverted) writer, in the face of conferences, book signings and readings. A box of bees.
Thank you, Sandra Cisneros, for your gift of words! After a week off, I'm ready to emerge again. Whether you like buzz or not, there is honey in that bee box!
Next event:
Dec. 6: "PoeTea," 3:30-5:00 pm, at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Readings, signing, poetry exercises, tea and light refreshments. Sponsored by the OM Bookstore, with discounts for the season, so c'mon in, sip some tea, write a poem, and squeeze in some Christmas shopping to boot!
*From "Writers Ask," published quarterly by the editors of Glimmer Train Stories...a journal I've never succeeded in scoring an acceptance! Issue #58, Winter, 2012, Glimmer Train Press, Inc.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Flagler College
After a quick check-in at the Holiday Inn, I headed over to Flagler College, where the Other Words Conference would be held, and into the adventure of parking in St. Augustine. I easily found the college (after a quick detour to a boatyard :), and as for parking...let's just say a good workout was in order anyway, after the 6-hr. car ride.
I registered and looked for the Finishing Line Press peeps, who were nowhere to be found, and spent the few minutes I had left photographing the incredible rotunda and decoration of the front hall. Architectural ecstasy. (Yankees, picture a Newport mansion...even the bathroom had a fireplace in it!)
One elevator ride later, to the 4th floor of Ponce de Leon Hall, more goodness awaited: the newly opened, newly renovated Solarium, the crown jewel of a National Historic Landmark. I confess it held my attention longer than the opening poets. More photos, a few sketches, and jottings of thoughts inspired by the arrival in a coastal town.
The building was one of two posh hotels Henry Flagler built in the 1880s—an incredible Spanish Renaissance–revival structure with towers, turrets, and stained glass by Tiffany. When we moved from readings to nibbles, I followed some out onto the terraces, where St. Augustine twinkled by Matanzas Bay. Magical. "I get to spend four days here?!" I marveled. With only my iphone with me at the time, I quickly filled my camera roll with dozens of shots of the panoramic views (none of which I can download at the moment unfortunately--but do follow the links above).
The renovation completed this summer, to mark the 125th anniversary of construction of the hotel. Ponce became Flagler College in 1968, and the Solarium was used as a library, occasional classroom, writing lab, and offices for the college newspaper. It was closed off in the 1970's for safety reasons. What a shame. What joy for me. Writing, talking about writing, learning about publishing, editing and the digital convolutions going on in all of the above, in a national landmark, surrounded by beach, boat and salt marsh...can you spell B.L.I.S.S.?!
I registered and looked for the Finishing Line Press peeps, who were nowhere to be found, and spent the few minutes I had left photographing the incredible rotunda and decoration of the front hall. Architectural ecstasy. (Yankees, picture a Newport mansion...even the bathroom had a fireplace in it!)
One elevator ride later, to the 4th floor of Ponce de Leon Hall, more goodness awaited: the newly opened, newly renovated Solarium, the crown jewel of a National Historic Landmark. I confess it held my attention longer than the opening poets. More photos, a few sketches, and jottings of thoughts inspired by the arrival in a coastal town.
The building was one of two posh hotels Henry Flagler built in the 1880s—an incredible Spanish Renaissance–revival structure with towers, turrets, and stained glass by Tiffany. When we moved from readings to nibbles, I followed some out onto the terraces, where St. Augustine twinkled by Matanzas Bay. Magical. "I get to spend four days here?!" I marveled. With only my iphone with me at the time, I quickly filled my camera roll with dozens of shots of the panoramic views (none of which I can download at the moment unfortunately--but do follow the links above).
The renovation completed this summer, to mark the 125th anniversary of construction of the hotel. Ponce became Flagler College in 1968, and the Solarium was used as a library, occasional classroom, writing lab, and offices for the college newspaper. It was closed off in the 1970's for safety reasons. What a shame. What joy for me. Writing, talking about writing, learning about publishing, editing and the digital convolutions going on in all of the above, in a national landmark, surrounded by beach, boat and salt marsh...can you spell B.L.I.S.S.?!
Friday, October 25, 2013
We have arrived in port...
...and my second child has had quite a busy week...but we're sleeping through the night :)
The Boatman's Daughter arrived, Poems from the Boatyard went Kindle, and my first book event took place last Saturday.
If you're missing the festivities because you didn't get a chance to pre-order, here's the link again.
Round 2 in my Fall book tour comes up tomorrow, with the Books Down South inaugural event (see below). My bags are loaded and my photographer is ready in the wings (BTW, you can see her capture of the first event on Facebook. Thank you Silvi!) All these are being fed to Stephen Andrews as he squirrels away at my new website, with technology I barely know exists. We're getting there. Take a peek: www.theliteryarboatyard.com, and don't forget to download the iphone app!
Thanks for the encouragements and FB likes and comments - generous, kind and abundant!
Onward!
October 26: Books Down South Book Fair, 10 am - 3 pm, at the former Rivers Elementary School, Sandy Creek Rd. & Veteran's Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA. Book sellers, Author Signings, Storytelling, Children's Readers, Speakers, Giveaways.
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. At the request of Finishing Line Press, which will have a table at the fair, I will attend as an FLP poet, and can promote my book. This also affords time to take advantage of a number of opportunities: getting to know more of the publisher's associates, attend workshops, and network. I've never done anything like this before, so ready to plunge into the next level of author development.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6: "PoeTea," 3-5 pm, at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Details to follow!
The Boatman's Daughter arrived, Poems from the Boatyard went Kindle, and my first book event took place last Saturday.
If you're missing the festivities because you didn't get a chance to pre-order, here's the link again.
Round 2 in my Fall book tour comes up tomorrow, with the Books Down South inaugural event (see below). My bags are loaded and my photographer is ready in the wings (BTW, you can see her capture of the first event on Facebook. Thank you Silvi!) All these are being fed to Stephen Andrews as he squirrels away at my new website, with technology I barely know exists. We're getting there. Take a peek: www.theliteryarboatyard.com, and don't forget to download the iphone app!
Thanks for the encouragements and FB likes and comments - generous, kind and abundant!
Onward!
October 26: Books Down South Book Fair, 10 am - 3 pm, at the former Rivers Elementary School, Sandy Creek Rd. & Veteran's Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA. Book sellers, Author Signings, Storytelling, Children's Readers, Speakers, Giveaways.
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. At the request of Finishing Line Press, which will have a table at the fair, I will attend as an FLP poet, and can promote my book. This also affords time to take advantage of a number of opportunities: getting to know more of the publisher's associates, attend workshops, and network. I've never done anything like this before, so ready to plunge into the next level of author development.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6: "PoeTea," 3-5 pm, at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Details to follow!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
We have a sighting!
The good news came in double doses yesterday, to close out my Friday work day: The Boatman's Daughter has shipped, and Poems from the Boatyard will be going to Kindle format! Yippee!
So today began with preparing the next set of docs and images for another format...reminding me of visa application days...subject of my third collection being worked on! Stay tuned for that one. The Kindle format will be available internationally, so my global peeps can finally get a copy.
You should have your pre-ordered copy this week, and if you didn't get a chance to pre-order, here's the link again.
A new website is almost complete, but you can take a peek now: www.theliteryarboatyard.com, as is the new iphone app. Many thanks to Stephen Andrews for the hours of technical wizadry he has invested in the Boatyard. If you need website design, you want to work with Stephen!
And don't forget the Fall line up of literary events! Hope you can make one, and hope you enjoy the poems. Thanks for your patience in this last delay, and see you around the county or Boatyard!
Fall Schedule:
October 19: Open Mic Matinee, Poetry & Spoken Word Performance, 1:00 pm, Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214 · 770-461-8841. Reception and Book Signing to follow, including light refreshments.
October 26: Books Down South Book Fair, 10 am - 3 pm, at the former Rivers Elementary School, Sandy Creek Rd. & Veteran's Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA. Book sellers, Author Signings, Storytelling, Children's Readers, Speakers, Giveaways.
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. At the request of Finishing Line Press, which will have a table at the fair, I will attend as an FLP poet, and can promote my book. This also affords time to take advantage of a number of opportunities: getting to know more of the publisher's associates, attend workshops, and network. I've never done anything like this before, so ready to plunge into the next level of author development.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6: "Poetry Tea" at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Details to follow!
So today began with preparing the next set of docs and images for another format...reminding me of visa application days...subject of my third collection being worked on! Stay tuned for that one. The Kindle format will be available internationally, so my global peeps can finally get a copy.
You should have your pre-ordered copy this week, and if you didn't get a chance to pre-order, here's the link again.
A new website is almost complete, but you can take a peek now: www.theliteryarboatyard.com, as is the new iphone app. Many thanks to Stephen Andrews for the hours of technical wizadry he has invested in the Boatyard. If you need website design, you want to work with Stephen!
And don't forget the Fall line up of literary events! Hope you can make one, and hope you enjoy the poems. Thanks for your patience in this last delay, and see you around the county or Boatyard!
Fall Schedule:
October 19: Open Mic Matinee, Poetry & Spoken Word Performance, 1:00 pm, Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214 · 770-461-8841. Reception and Book Signing to follow, including light refreshments.
October 26: Books Down South Book Fair, 10 am - 3 pm, at the former Rivers Elementary School, Sandy Creek Rd. & Veteran's Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA. Book sellers, Author Signings, Storytelling, Children's Readers, Speakers, Giveaways.
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. At the request of Finishing Line Press, which will have a table at the fair, I will attend as an FLP poet, and can promote my book. This also affords time to take advantage of a number of opportunities: getting to know more of the publisher's associates, attend workshops, and network. I've never done anything like this before, so ready to plunge into the next level of author development.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6: "Poetry Tea" at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Details to follow!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Books Down South
Another event makes it onto my busy fall calendar: Books Down South launches this month, a premier event in the Southern Arc (southern suburbs of Atlanta). This is a pretty big deal in these parts, featuring 40 local and regional authors, including some NY Times bestselling ones. Our local literary world of publishers, authors, and libraries is abuzz. Glad to be part of making a little Peachtree City history here, even if we're nowhere near a boatyard. See schedule below and come help us make this a home run event!
I'll be sharing a book-signing table with two friends from my writers' circle, and we will be donating one of the giveaway gift baskets.
Update from Finishing Line Press: the galleys have gone to the printer this week, and The Boatman's Daughter is queued up! She is due to birth this month, although I have alerted FLP that my first event is in two weeks, and would be much obliged if I could receive some copies before then!
Fall Schedule:
October 19: Open Mic Matinee, Poetry & Spoken Word Performance, 1:00 pm, Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214 · 770-461-8841. Reception and Book Signing to follow, including light refreshments.
October 26: Books Down South Book Fair, 10 am - 3 pm, at the former Rivers Elementary School, Sandy Creek Rd. & Veteran's Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA. Book sellers, Author Signings, Storytelling, Children's Readers, Speakers, Giveaways.
Nov. 7-10: 2013 Other Words Conference, Florida Literary Arts Coalition, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL. At the request of Finishing Line Press, which will have a table at the fair, I will attend as an FLP poet, and can promote my book. This also affords time to take advantage of a number of opportunities: getting to know more of the publisher's associates, attend workshops, and network. I've never done anything like this before, so ready to plunge into the next level of author development.
Nov. 14: Dogwood Gallery, 6:30-8:30 pm: Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6: "Poetry Tea" at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA. Details to follow!
Thanks for your interest and see ya around the Boatyard!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Inching forward...
The second set of galleys has come and gone this week, and now I await word that The Boatman's Daughter is going to print! I'll let you know as soon as that happens, and when the book tour begins.
In the meantime, you can pencil in some dates, if you're in the Tyrone vicinity:
October 19: Open Mic Matinee, Poetry & Spoken Word Performance, 1:00 pm, Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214 · 770-461-8841. Reception and Book Signing to follow, including light refreshments.
Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm: Dogwood Gallery, Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6, afternoon: "Poetry Tea" at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA
These will warm up my poetic and performance muscles! I only hope my book arrives in time for that first outing. In any case, I will read and have postcards on hand, as well as a few copies of Poems from the Boatyard. Come to one or all, as you are able and interested!
Into the Fall we go...a great season to curl up with a cup of apple cider, maybe a fire in the fireplace, and a dash of poetry. Have a great one, and thanks for your patience with small press publishing!
To be continued...
In the meantime, you can pencil in some dates, if you're in the Tyrone vicinity:
October 19: Open Mic Matinee, Poetry & Spoken Word Performance, 1:00 pm, Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214 · 770-461-8841. Reception and Book Signing to follow, including light refreshments.
Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm: Dogwood Gallery, Book Launch Party. Stop for some poetry, art, wine and nibbles.
Dec. 6, afternoon: "Poetry Tea" at OM, 285 Lynnwood Ave., Tyrone, GA
These will warm up my poetic and performance muscles! I only hope my book arrives in time for that first outing. In any case, I will read and have postcards on hand, as well as a few copies of Poems from the Boatyard. Come to one or all, as you are able and interested!
Into the Fall we go...a great season to curl up with a cup of apple cider, maybe a fire in the fireplace, and a dash of poetry. Have a great one, and thanks for your patience with small press publishing!
To be continued...
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Where is The Boatman's Daughter?!
Back safe, sound and sane from travels!
Galleys arrived shortly after I did, and needed a bit of work, so back they went to the publisher. I'm awaiting the new galleys, and guestimating that The Boatman's Daughter will go several weeks past her due date. May it not be too long, but...
Last word from Finishing Line (in mid-August) was that the printer was running two weeks behind schedule. Assuming that the galley delay adds another couple of weeks to the mix, we're looking at end of September if you ask me. Can we consider this building suspense?!
In the meantime, I've been working on a few book launch parties is these Southern parts, with the first scheduled for November at Dogwood Gallery, right here in Tyrone, GA. Owner Greg Blair, friend and awesome dude, runs a fun and inviting gallery which I frequent at any and every excuse, even if I have to invent one.
Mark your calendars now, if you're in the Tyrone area: November 14, 6:30-8:30 pm. Come prepared to exercise your poetic muscles, learn some back story and family history to both chapbooks, and view some artwork! Thanks, Greg, for the opportunity. (BTW: Greg does a fantastic framing job and is VERY reasonable. Unless you're going to buy a ready-made, you won't do better. Give him a try.)
Two other local events are sloooowly developing...stay tuned for details. And I've got a gig in St. Augustine, FL in November--details also to follow.
So, a promising return to the Boatyard, and the gears will progressively crank up as we head into the fall. Sorry for the delay on The Boatman's Daughter - will keep you posted!
Happy Labor Day from the Boatyard!
Galleys arrived shortly after I did, and needed a bit of work, so back they went to the publisher. I'm awaiting the new galleys, and guestimating that The Boatman's Daughter will go several weeks past her due date. May it not be too long, but...
Last word from Finishing Line (in mid-August) was that the printer was running two weeks behind schedule. Assuming that the galley delay adds another couple of weeks to the mix, we're looking at end of September if you ask me. Can we consider this building suspense?!
In the meantime, I've been working on a few book launch parties is these Southern parts, with the first scheduled for November at Dogwood Gallery, right here in Tyrone, GA. Owner Greg Blair, friend and awesome dude, runs a fun and inviting gallery which I frequent at any and every excuse, even if I have to invent one.
Mark your calendars now, if you're in the Tyrone area: November 14, 6:30-8:30 pm. Come prepared to exercise your poetic muscles, learn some back story and family history to both chapbooks, and view some artwork! Thanks, Greg, for the opportunity. (BTW: Greg does a fantastic framing job and is VERY reasonable. Unless you're going to buy a ready-made, you won't do better. Give him a try.)
Two other local events are sloooowly developing...stay tuned for details. And I've got a gig in St. Augustine, FL in November--details also to follow.
So, a promising return to the Boatyard, and the gears will progressively crank up as we head into the fall. Sorry for the delay on The Boatman's Daughter - will keep you posted!
Happy Labor Day from the Boatyard!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Rain, Reprieve & Radios!
Torrential downpours continue here in Atlanta, but the poetry world is alive and well. I've been hunkered down up with a 3rd poetry manuscript, coming down the homestretch...a little more gathering, a few poems left to revise, then the organization and layout...getting there!
Finishing Line Press has granted me an extra week on advance sales, which will hopefully be enough to push me up the press run ladder! Thank you FLP! July 14 is my new deadline.
They've also invited me to a book fair to represent them in St. Augustine's in Florida! That is a big deal and a tempting offer! Putting the crowbar to the calendar...and the wallet! Stay tuned for details. The conference takes place in November.
Then a friend called to tell me she had met a guy from BlogTalkRadio--who hosts online radio interviews of poets! She nominated me, I'm looking into it, and will keep you posted. Sundays at 7--listen in!
That's the latest from the Boatyard, peeps, and I close with another call to mobilize you over this soggy and cool July 4th, to reserve your copy of The Boatman's Daughter. Here's the link, and if you have any trouble with it, the email: flpbookstore@aol.com.
I'm looking to sell 40 more copies, so if you can help lower that number, I will seriously appreciate you! International orders also accepted!
One more week of harassment, and my social media lips will be sealed until at least next book signing...
Why you should order now:
. my press run double, which means my payment in copies doubles;
. you will save on shipping costs;
. I will seriously appreciate you!
Ready? Go! And don't forget to pin, tweet, share, link in, forward!
Grateful...and Happy 4th! Hope you're getting a little more sunshine in your corner of the world, and if not, there's some poetry to be had...
Finishing Line Press has granted me an extra week on advance sales, which will hopefully be enough to push me up the press run ladder! Thank you FLP! July 14 is my new deadline.
They've also invited me to a book fair to represent them in St. Augustine's in Florida! That is a big deal and a tempting offer! Putting the crowbar to the calendar...and the wallet! Stay tuned for details. The conference takes place in November.
Then a friend called to tell me she had met a guy from BlogTalkRadio--who hosts online radio interviews of poets! She nominated me, I'm looking into it, and will keep you posted. Sundays at 7--listen in!
Dan Veach of Atlanta has been named this year's Georgia Author of the Year
for his Finishing Line Press book ELEPHANT WATER (award presented by The Georgia Writers Association). I don't know Dan, but know of him, and asked him for an endorsement on The Boatman's Daughter. Didn't realize he was so busy...sorry Dan! But congratulations! Glad to be in such good company with you and Finishing Line Press.
That's the latest from the Boatyard, peeps, and I close with another call to mobilize you over this soggy and cool July 4th, to reserve your copy of The Boatman's Daughter. Here's the link, and if you have any trouble with it, the email: flpbookstore@aol.com.
I'm looking to sell 40 more copies, so if you can help lower that number, I will seriously appreciate you! International orders also accepted!
One more week of harassment, and my social media lips will be sealed until at least next book signing...
Why you should order now:
. my press run double, which means my payment in copies doubles;
. you will save on shipping costs;
. I will seriously appreciate you!
Ready? Go! And don't forget to pin, tweet, share, link in, forward!
Grateful...and Happy 4th! Hope you're getting a little more sunshine in your corner of the world, and if not, there's some poetry to be had...
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Shift Happened!
The doldrums are over! The Boatman's Daughter has taken off, and momentum boosted me to the bottom rung of the publishing scale. That means a Kindle version too - yippee! Positively exponential...
I frankly wasn't expecting that, but frankly, most of what has happened during this advance sales period I haven't expected. Like a day on a boat...
This has been a lesson in Zeitgeist and humility. The lessons I learned in the Boatyard are serving me well, to navigate this current stream.
Pushing onto the next rung: 105 copies.
Why is this important?
It's all about the pressrun, determined as follows:
Prepublication sales between 55-104 copies sold = 250 pressrun. Payment = 25 copies.
Prepublication sales between 105-154 copies sold = 500 pressrun. Payment = 50 copies.
If you’ve already placed your order, thank you!
If you forgot, or got stuck in the hamster wheel, were planning to order and haven’t yet, now would be a great time. You can order with credit card or PayPal online here. Click, pay and you’re done!
If you ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW WEBSITE, email flpbookstore@aol.com They will call and take your info over the phone, process your card, or give info for mail orders.
42 more pre-orders will double my press-run and my royalty. That’s only 6 a day...
I frankly wasn't expecting that, but frankly, most of what has happened during this advance sales period I haven't expected. Like a day on a boat...
This has been a lesson in Zeitgeist and humility. The lessons I learned in the Boatyard are serving me well, to navigate this current stream.
Pushing onto the next rung: 105 copies.
Why is this important?
It's all about the pressrun, determined as follows:
Prepublication sales between 55-104 copies sold = 250 pressrun. Payment = 25 copies.
Prepublication sales between 105-154 copies sold = 500 pressrun. Payment = 50 copies.
Prepublication sales between 155-204 copies sold = 750 pressrun. Payment = 75 copies.
Prepublication sales between 205+ copies sold = 1000 pressrun. Payment =100 copies If you’ve already placed your order, thank you!
If you forgot, or got stuck in the hamster wheel, were planning to order and haven’t yet, now would be a great time. You can order with credit card or PayPal online here. Click, pay and you’re done!
If you ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW WEBSITE, email flpbookstore@aol.com They will call and take your info over the phone, process your card, or give info for mail orders.
42 more pre-orders will double my press-run and my royalty. That’s only 6 a day...
And if you’re at all inclined, tweeting, reposting, sharing, pinning, linking back, or plugging The Boatman's Daughter on your site would help… a lot! (Buttons are on the sidebar.) Thanks so much.
Think I can make it in a week?! Living in the exponential...Saturday, June 15, 2013
Father's Day
Everyone has a father. But even the best of fathers are “flawed and imperfect.”--to quote that alien invader, wiping out Capt. Kirk’s crew.
What was your father like? What kind of fathering did you have?
Our earthly fathers have defined and shaped us, whether they were absent or present. Mean or doting. Wall St. broker or Boatman.
“Many view father as ‘a competitive and authoritative force that wants to keep the individual from succeeding. It begins in the nursery with the father competing with the child for the mother’s attention. It is why one of the most important events in an adolescent male’s life is the first time he honestly is victorious over his father at something, anything, even something as trivial as a game.’”--Thomas Smail, The Forgotten Father
Well, I’m not male, but I grew up in a male world. And this book has captured my imagination for years, as I watched the men around me. I return to it regularly. It has articulated something I still don’t understand completely, but I believe is a profound truth (which is probably why I don’t understand it; this depth of mystery is often perceived in the spirit but eludes the mind).
The Forgotten Father, required reading for a course I took, merged the psychology of ‘father’ with the theology of ‘Father.’ This sentence dropped like a depth charge into my being: “...‘father’ is nothing less than a quintessential concentration of the central conviction out of which Jesus lived and worked.”
No one I knew was living out of such a conviction! In American culture, ‘father’ is understood as clueless and bumbling, the butt of ridicule. If not absent entirely. We are awash in a fatherless culture.
As a Hebrew, Jesus would have understood something very different: in Middle Eastern cultures, ‘father’ would have been understood as someone to whom absolute obedience and allegiance was due. Jesus was able to give it because of the absolute love and affirmation he was receiving from his Father. Even to the point of accepting the cup of crucifixion, because he trusted the Hand from which it came. Not one raised in anger; one of affectionate authority. This blows my mind.
Out of a morass of language, ‘father’ stuck. Not Savior, Lord, or Redeemer. Not Prophet, Good Man or Myth. Western Christian that I am, I was raised on one of these two categories of thought about Jesus. Words that were either meaningless to me, or false, incomplete. The first category from my religious upbringing, the second from my culture.
I didn’t know how to relate to a Redeemer, really. We don’t have an equivalent in American culture. Father I understood. A father/son relationship I understood. I had four brothers. I grew up watching. My theology began to change.
I had to evaluate my own father in light of this theology. How accurately had he represented the Father, the model of Affectionate Authority? It was a painful exercise. I loved my father, but he had his faults, and I had to acknowledge them, forgive him. Then I had to evaluate how this had colored my perception of God the Father. I passed the course. A lot of distortions died that year. And so did my father.
I never got the chance to tell him all this. He would have loved the theological discussion (and probably hated the psychological one!) Poetry took the brunt of my loss, and replaced the conversations I would have loved to have had with him. Two chapbooks later, I remain in awe and thankfulness, writing poetry, and groping after the mystery.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Happy Father’s Day, Abba, Father.
Friday, June 7, 2013
In the Doldrums
The Doldrums--mysterious but Disney-esque image for baby boomer boatyard kids, our equivalent of Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Doldrums--expression typically applied when we were pouting. A more colorful translation came from my Irish granny neighbor--who figured in any hoolie mentioned in The Boatman's Daughter--if she saw one of us moping around. With twinkling eyes and gales of cackling laughter, she'd ask, "What's the matter--yer bread fall butter side down?!"
The Doldrums: "a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art."
The Doldrums: the challenges of marketing in June, an advance sales period sandwiched between two holiday weekends, with the world unplugging to go on vacation. In an age of online sales--the cyber-doldrums!
Yes, The Boatman's Daughter is languishing in a "belt of calms and light baffling winds..."
Sales are anemic, at a measly 15--yikes! I only need 55 to make it to print, but I have less than a month to do that. If you're a fan distracted by summer fun, please take a moment now before heading to the beach this weekend and click here to order!
The Doldrums--expression typically applied when we were pouting. A more colorful translation came from my Irish granny neighbor--who figured in any hoolie mentioned in The Boatman's Daughter--if she saw one of us moping around. With twinkling eyes and gales of cackling laughter, she'd ask, "What's the matter--yer bread fall butter side down?!"
The Doldrums: "a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art."
The Doldrums: the challenges of marketing in June, an advance sales period sandwiched between two holiday weekends, with the world unplugging to go on vacation. In an age of online sales--the cyber-doldrums!
Yes, The Boatman's Daughter is languishing in a "belt of calms and light baffling winds..."
Sales are anemic, at a measly 15--yikes! I only need 55 to make it to print, but I have less than a month to do that. If you're a fan distracted by summer fun, please take a moment now before heading to the beach this weekend and click here to order!
And would you pass the word through whatever social media you're on? Pin, tweet, post or link--help The Boatman's Daughter out of the doldrums!
If you have ordered already, thank you!
Waiting for the wind to pick up...and the typical exhilarating race as the doldrums give way to the breezes...thanks everyone! And have a good weekend!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Occupational Hazards
Occupational hazards of the poet: getting lost on the quiet, meditative morning walk in the woods, creating the platform for epiphanies...
When I first entered the trail, I wanted nothing more rigorous than a morning constitutional to get my metabolism kickstarted. After 3 days of meetings in chairs, I needed a good stretch.
I entered mulling over another occupational hazard: book sales. Waiting out that advance sales period, wondering if your book is going to go to print. Thinking, “I can market all I want, but can’t make people buy the book...I must depend on them to do it, in time...and wait it out.”
In I went on Morton Trail...followed by Coon Crossing and The Path Down Under. Too easy, too short; I pressed on, in the company of cardinals, crows and red spiders. Fire Road Loop, Ranger Loop, Man Bites Dog Loop.
Too many loops...where’s the guest house?! I walked on and the signs got more and unhelpful, until the inevitable sign-missing-at-critical-juncture moment. I stared at the signless fork in the road ahead of me, while a line from a Robert Frost poem floated through my mind. I turned to the left.
That led me through two more loops. Man Bites Dog. Ranger...uh-oh....
“I’m not going to get out of here without help,” I realized. “I’m going to need to run into another hiker or biker.”
In time, the biker appeared. He pointed out the route, said to wait at the parking lot, and if I was not where I needed to be, he'd drive me home. And off he sped.
A couple of miles later I extricated myself from all the loops, and emerged in a parking lot, recognizing nothing. A few minutes later the biker reappeared, asked if I was ok, and was this where I had entered. Nope. He looked puzzled as he tried to figure out where I had, and smiled when we found my entry point--with the help of GPS--several miles up the road.
“Y’all had a good ole stroll this morning!”
“And I couldn’t have finished without you!” I acknowledged, as he dropped me off.
I have a few more loops to go on this advance sales period--3 to be exact--and I’m not going to get out of here without help. I’m far from the goal, waiting for my audience to show up, getting a good workout. Click here to close the loop!
I’ll be glad when I find you.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Boatman's Daughter
Hope you're finding your way to a beach, boatyard, or clam bake this weekend! And not forgetting our men and women who have served in the armed forces, preserving out ability to do so if we want.
My father was an Air Force man, my uncle in the Coast Guard, and my brother in the Navy. His son was in Afghanistan, and I hope that is the end of the men in my family going to war.
From the legion of sketches my uncle did, of battleships, shore birds and lighthouses, this one emerged from the pile--perfect as cover art for The Boatman's Daughter. I'm so pleased that I can again honor him in death with a sketch that perfectly suits the subject of this chapbook.
And the title...I toyed with several before lighting on this one--from a friend of my Navy brother--noted on a place card at my niece's wedding last year. It gave me a chuckle, and I jokingly said when I saw it, "Makes a good title!" Little did I know that in a few months, I'd be searching for one! I stuck it in my bag at the end of the evening, and it has sat on my desk ever since, winking at me at the height of the search. Voila! Book title--check!
And so, from the family affair that is the source of tremendous love and support, artwork and book titles, not to mention inspiration for so many poems, introducing...The Boatman's Daughter!
My father was an Air Force man, my uncle in the Coast Guard, and my brother in the Navy. His son was in Afghanistan, and I hope that is the end of the men in my family going to war.
From the legion of sketches my uncle did, of battleships, shore birds and lighthouses, this one emerged from the pile--perfect as cover art for The Boatman's Daughter. I'm so pleased that I can again honor him in death with a sketch that perfectly suits the subject of this chapbook.
And the title...I toyed with several before lighting on this one--from a friend of my Navy brother--noted on a place card at my niece's wedding last year. It gave me a chuckle, and I jokingly said when I saw it, "Makes a good title!" Little did I know that in a few months, I'd be searching for one! I stuck it in my bag at the end of the evening, and it has sat on my desk ever since, winking at me at the height of the search. Voila! Book title--check!
And so, from the family affair that is the source of tremendous love and support, artwork and book titles, not to mention inspiration for so many poems, introducing...The Boatman's Daughter!
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Boatman's Daughter
Book contract time!
As you may or may not have picked up from the social media, or being anywhere near me in recent weeks, Finishing Line Press has accepted
my second manuscript, The Boatman’s Daughter, for publication. Yahoo!!!
After the initial euphoria, wheels went into motion on all the myriad tasks required to bring a book to publication—much easier the second time around, knowing what to expect and how to read a book contract!
After the initial euphoria, wheels went into motion on all the myriad tasks required to bring a book to publication—much easier the second time around, knowing what to expect and how to read a book contract!
I’ve been in a whirlwind of paperwork,
updating mailing lists, printing labels, and selecting
cover artwork (once again, artwork from my late uncle Jack is accepted), followed by trips to Staples and the post office, and to the nearest body of water for an
updated author’s photo…all in the mail, on time, this week. Ouf!
I have a few last tasks to finish this month, and then I’ll be free until approximately May. 20, when advance copy/pre-publication sales start (May 20 - July 5). Mark your calendars! As you may remember, press run depends on how many books are sold in this period. I am ‘paid’ in free copies; the higher the press run, the more free copies I receive. From sales of those, I build my fortune...
Release date is scheduled for Aug. 30, 2013, just in time for Labor Day.
So I’m sprinting, excited, energized, and tired, if you can be all those things at the same time. The Boatman's Daughter is sequel to Poems from the Boatyard, and I'm so glad Finishing Line Press accepted it; sequels need to be timely, right?!
Onto endorsements on the book! One of those is a developing story...if indeed it comes about, I'll be blogging about that next time or two! Stay tuned and get ready for that magic link on May 20!
I have a few last tasks to finish this month, and then I’ll be free until approximately May. 20, when advance copy/pre-publication sales start (May 20 - July 5). Mark your calendars! As you may remember, press run depends on how many books are sold in this period. I am ‘paid’ in free copies; the higher the press run, the more free copies I receive. From sales of those, I build my fortune...
Release date is scheduled for Aug. 30, 2013, just in time for Labor Day.
So I’m sprinting, excited, energized, and tired, if you can be all those things at the same time. The Boatman's Daughter is sequel to Poems from the Boatyard, and I'm so glad Finishing Line Press accepted it; sequels need to be timely, right?!
Onto endorsements on the book! One of those is a developing story...if indeed it comes about, I'll be blogging about that next time or two! Stay tuned and get ready for that magic link on May 20!
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Payne family lived next door, and Mr. Payne often came over to watch my father working on his boat. He would also lend a tool or bit of advice, and chuckle at my father's pluck, like someone who knows he'll never build a boat, but sure admires the guy doing it. My parents befriended the Paynes, which troubled me. For one thing, Mrs. Payne listened to opera. And they had a fence in the middle of their backyard. Behind this fence, they let their property grow wild, another neighborhood anomaly. I worried that their wilderness would sneak over into our backyard when we weren't looking and flirt with our poplars and upside-down boat. Baby anomalies would be born and unpredictable forces unleashed.
I needn't have worried. The Paynes moved away, to be replaced by the Cross family, which cut down the wilderness and added children to itself with the same regularity as did my family. This conveniently lined up playmates for each of us, and we all got along famously. Mr. Cross was a mechanical genius, demonstrated by the fact that he owned a French car, which he could start with a screwdriver. He showed us the engine in the trunk of the car, and the piece of plywood he had built in between the front and back seats. This kept children from falling off the backseat in the days before seatbelts, and we thought this was way cool. We begged him to take us for a ride in it, even though it was an anomaly. He piled us all in and we rolled around that piece of plywood like bowling balls and bowling pins.
Mr. Cross' particular genius with engines, and the fact that he loved airplanes as much as my father, sparked a lasting friendship between them. A kindred spirit had moved into the neighborhood. My father's vision for the boat expanded, fueled by Mr. Cross' technical knowledge, which now invested itself into nautical transportation. My father peppered Mr. Cross with questions, and their heady collaboration produced a great deal of energy, which they funneled into the boat. Ribs went into place, and a hull covered the ribs. Our cat took to sleeping under its shade. Peggy Cross and I danced under that hull¬-tent in the shadow of the poplars and held tea parties on its struts.
I needn't have worried. The Paynes moved away, to be replaced by the Cross family, which cut down the wilderness and added children to itself with the same regularity as did my family. This conveniently lined up playmates for each of us, and we all got along famously. Mr. Cross was a mechanical genius, demonstrated by the fact that he owned a French car, which he could start with a screwdriver. He showed us the engine in the trunk of the car, and the piece of plywood he had built in between the front and back seats. This kept children from falling off the backseat in the days before seatbelts, and we thought this was way cool. We begged him to take us for a ride in it, even though it was an anomaly. He piled us all in and we rolled around that piece of plywood like bowling balls and bowling pins.
Mr. Cross' particular genius with engines, and the fact that he loved airplanes as much as my father, sparked a lasting friendship between them. A kindred spirit had moved into the neighborhood. My father's vision for the boat expanded, fueled by Mr. Cross' technical knowledge, which now invested itself into nautical transportation. My father peppered Mr. Cross with questions, and their heady collaboration produced a great deal of energy, which they funneled into the boat. Ribs went into place, and a hull covered the ribs. Our cat took to sleeping under its shade. Peggy Cross and I danced under that hull¬-tent in the shadow of the poplars and held tea parties on its struts.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Lew's Ark
Soon the whole neighborhood heard about the boat, and neighbors began coming over to see "Lew 's Ark"--as it was dubbed. We could have sold tickets.
I don't know how many believed my father would actually finish the boat. The general feeling-in the family and in the neighborhood-was not so much that my father was building a boat, but that he wouldn't finish something he started, and why start something so difficult to finish as a boat?
I wanted my father to finish the boat. His character and our reputation were at stake. I knew, as did everyone in the family and the neighborhood, that one shouldn't start projects one couldn't finish. Moral fiber hung in the balance. I wanted visible proof that his moral fiber would not be found wanting, to show the neighborhood, and myself. A boat would do it.
I don't know how many believed my father would actually finish the boat. The general feeling-in the family and in the neighborhood-was not so much that my father was building a boat, but that he wouldn't finish something he started, and why start something so difficult to finish as a boat?
I wanted my father to finish the boat. His character and our reputation were at stake. I knew, as did everyone in the family and the neighborhood, that one shouldn't start projects one couldn't finish. Moral fiber hung in the balance. I wanted visible proof that his moral fiber would not be found wanting, to show the neighborhood, and myself. A boat would do it.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Well, I’ve barely had time to create buzz, but since 'going live' last weekend, it's been quite the buzz...a fast, fun week of marketing and media releases, with the learning curve taking on new meaning, and a whole new world opening up. Lots more Facebook friends for starters :)
I’ve been a marketing maniac these past two weekends, visiting art centers, libraries, coffee shops and bookstores. And after monkeying around with Mail Chimp all month (not sure the boatyard prepared me for Mail Chimp…although it sure required perseverance!), I got my first media release out before heading to Florida for a few days.
A flurry of phone calls to brother Pete, coordinating the northern media blitz on LI and New England filled in any gaps I might have found during the week. He is poring over family lore and photos, scanning in all sorts of goodies, and in his own learning curve on social media marketing. Thanks Pete!
Many thanks to all of you who wrote, bought, and/or encouraged this week. It has just added to the fun and I really appreciate celebrating with you.
In case you missed this in Mail Chimp, I have some answers for the FAQs coming my way; if you’ve already read it, you can stop here, and enjoy the rest of your day. See you next time!
1. The book is not published yet. This is an advance sales period, during which the publisher is testing the marketability of the book. Based on sales during this period, they will or will not publish. They need a minimum of 55 orders.
2. I am ‘paid’ in copies; the more copies that are sold during this period, the more ‘free’ copies I receive, which I can then sell at retail. My goal is to sell 205 copies during this advance sales period, which will net me the highest quantity of free copies the publisher will send me: 100.
3. Assuming all goes well, and I sell the 55 minimum, this is a limited edition press run. The maximum number that Finishing Line Press will print is 1000. So you may want to get in on the action early!
4. Shipping costs are reduced to $1.50 just for the advanced sales period; costs will go up once the book is published.
5. I do not have any copies of the book to give you when I see you in person, because it is not published yet! I will take orders, however, if you don’t mind waiting until you see me to receive them! (I don’t want to incur shipping costs for myself.)
6. During the advance sales period, if you use Pay Pal, you can also use the ‘bill me later’ option, and get a $10 rebate.
7. Because you want to amaze Finishing Line Press with how vital ‘Poems from the Boatyard’ is to your life, the poetry world, and culture in general!
8. You want to encourage me ? (shameless, I know…).
I’ve been a marketing maniac these past two weekends, visiting art centers, libraries, coffee shops and bookstores. And after monkeying around with Mail Chimp all month (not sure the boatyard prepared me for Mail Chimp…although it sure required perseverance!), I got my first media release out before heading to Florida for a few days.
A flurry of phone calls to brother Pete, coordinating the northern media blitz on LI and New England filled in any gaps I might have found during the week. He is poring over family lore and photos, scanning in all sorts of goodies, and in his own learning curve on social media marketing. Thanks Pete!
Many thanks to all of you who wrote, bought, and/or encouraged this week. It has just added to the fun and I really appreciate celebrating with you.
In case you missed this in Mail Chimp, I have some answers for the FAQs coming my way; if you’ve already read it, you can stop here, and enjoy the rest of your day. See you next time!
1. The book is not published yet. This is an advance sales period, during which the publisher is testing the marketability of the book. Based on sales during this period, they will or will not publish. They need a minimum of 55 orders.
2. I am ‘paid’ in copies; the more copies that are sold during this period, the more ‘free’ copies I receive, which I can then sell at retail. My goal is to sell 205 copies during this advance sales period, which will net me the highest quantity of free copies the publisher will send me: 100.
3. Assuming all goes well, and I sell the 55 minimum, this is a limited edition press run. The maximum number that Finishing Line Press will print is 1000. So you may want to get in on the action early!
4. Shipping costs are reduced to $1.50 just for the advanced sales period; costs will go up once the book is published.
5. I do not have any copies of the book to give you when I see you in person, because it is not published yet! I will take orders, however, if you don’t mind waiting until you see me to receive them! (I don’t want to incur shipping costs for myself.)
6. During the advance sales period, if you use Pay Pal, you can also use the ‘bill me later’ option, and get a $10 rebate.
7. Because you want to amaze Finishing Line Press with how vital ‘Poems from the Boatyard’ is to your life, the poetry world, and culture in general!
8. You want to encourage me ? (shameless, I know…).
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Start Your Engines!!!
We’re live folks!!!
That's right--Finishing Line Press is ready to roll, a little ahead of schedule, which is fine with me, as I benefit from an extra 10 days of marketing. So here’s the nitty-gritty, from the press release:
"Finishing Line Press is proud to announce the publication of Poems from the Boatyard, a collection of poems by Pat Butler.
“In Poems from the Boatyard, Pat Butler…is our tour guide, leading us via stark, concise images through a past as vivid as right now. Butler weaves her narrative in verse, honestly, like one whose life depends on it. These poems hit hard, get straight to the point and you’ll want to experience them again and again. Just listen to this as Butler writes in “Riptides,”
“they go straight through you, and hold you down that one second longer
than lungs can hold air. The sand scrapes your knees, sears the skin
off knuckles and nose, and fills your bathing suit, teeth and ears.
You get pounded up the beach, legs over head, to surface with sand
in your mouth and salt in your eyes.”
—Travis Wayne Denton, The Burden of Speech
Poems from the Boatyard can be ordered through Finishing Line Press, during an advance sales period ending March 30, at www.finishinglinepress.com. Click on “New Releases and forthcoming title” link, or go directly to: http://www.finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm
PLEASE NOTE: This is an advance sales period. Books will ship May 27 (just in time for Memorial Day laziness!).
The books are listed in order of author’s last name, so you will need to scroll down to find my title—on the third row down. Please note that Poems from the Boatyard will not be available on amazon.com until after it is published (May 27).
Why buy during advance sales?
. shipping costs are reduced;
. if you buy before Feb. 28 using Pay Pal, you can get a $10 rebate—so the book would only cost $3.50.
. the press run is determined by advance sales; the more sold, the higher the press run, and the more I am 'paid' (in free copies, which I can then sell for retail);
. this is a limited edition press run, and I know a LOT of people!!! Only 1000 copies will be printed max.
Unless they go to a second edition. Which they almost never do.
Of course, we could blow the socks off their whole routine, and exceed all expectations, couldn't we?! My brother thinks so...
Go for it, dear friends, and many thanks!!!
That's right--Finishing Line Press is ready to roll, a little ahead of schedule, which is fine with me, as I benefit from an extra 10 days of marketing. So here’s the nitty-gritty, from the press release:
"Finishing Line Press is proud to announce the publication of Poems from the Boatyard, a collection of poems by Pat Butler.
“In Poems from the Boatyard, Pat Butler…is our tour guide, leading us via stark, concise images through a past as vivid as right now. Butler weaves her narrative in verse, honestly, like one whose life depends on it. These poems hit hard, get straight to the point and you’ll want to experience them again and again. Just listen to this as Butler writes in “Riptides,”
“they go straight through you, and hold you down that one second longer
than lungs can hold air. The sand scrapes your knees, sears the skin
off knuckles and nose, and fills your bathing suit, teeth and ears.
You get pounded up the beach, legs over head, to surface with sand
in your mouth and salt in your eyes.”
—Travis Wayne Denton, The Burden of Speech
Poems from the Boatyard can be ordered through Finishing Line Press, during an advance sales period ending March 30, at www.finishinglinepress.com. Click on “New Releases and forthcoming title” link, or go directly to: http://www.finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm
PLEASE NOTE: This is an advance sales period. Books will ship May 27 (just in time for Memorial Day laziness!).
The books are listed in order of author’s last name, so you will need to scroll down to find my title—on the third row down. Please note that Poems from the Boatyard will not be available on amazon.com until after it is published (May 27).
Why buy during advance sales?
. shipping costs are reduced;
. if you buy before Feb. 28 using Pay Pal, you can get a $10 rebate—so the book would only cost $3.50.
. the press run is determined by advance sales; the more sold, the higher the press run, and the more I am 'paid' (in free copies, which I can then sell for retail);
. this is a limited edition press run, and I know a LOT of people!!! Only 1000 copies will be printed max.
Unless they go to a second edition. Which they almost never do.
Of course, we could blow the socks off their whole routine, and exceed all expectations, couldn't we?! My brother thinks so...
Go for it, dear friends, and many thanks!!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
P minus 14 days….
For those of you trying the link to order the book, and discovering it’s not active yet, that’s because it’s not active yet!
Feb. 15 is P for publishing day, and I will let you know, so do your finger exercises until then, and get ready to click on “order” at my signal!
In the meantime, after monkeying around with Mail Chimp for a couple of weeks, I have officially won and am now moving on to tinker with the postcard. The version Finishing Line Press sent me does not meet my finicky standards, so--time to create another! May I please be pre-forgiven by any of you who receive a graphically overloaded if informationally correct postcard until I get my own version out?!
And brother Pete is on the 'scouring every library on Long Island' to market the book. Go Pete! He is also on his way to my mother's house, to pore over Uncle Jack lore, in anticipation of blogging about Uncle Jack's part in this venture. (That blog is here if you want something to do while waiting for Feb. 15, but there's not much yet--only one blog post so far!)
So many projects, so little time...but all things come to those who wait.
Feb. 15 is P for publishing day, and I will let you know, so do your finger exercises until then, and get ready to click on “order” at my signal!
In the meantime, after monkeying around with Mail Chimp for a couple of weeks, I have officially won and am now moving on to tinker with the postcard. The version Finishing Line Press sent me does not meet my finicky standards, so--time to create another! May I please be pre-forgiven by any of you who receive a graphically overloaded if informationally correct postcard until I get my own version out?!
And brother Pete is on the 'scouring every library on Long Island' to market the book. Go Pete! He is also on his way to my mother's house, to pore over Uncle Jack lore, in anticipation of blogging about Uncle Jack's part in this venture. (That blog is here if you want something to do while waiting for Feb. 15, but there's not much yet--only one blog post so far!)
So many projects, so little time...but all things come to those who wait.
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