Raise a Banner

On the 31st of July, I received my parcel from VistaPrint containing my Pull Up Banner; this Banner will be used when I am out selling my books at a market place or a stall. Being on special, I took advantage and designed something that will advertise my whole series. I put a QR code for those with phones, my website for those who don’t like QR codes and my hashtag for those who are on social media.

One Year Anniversary

Today marks one year since I had my book launch in my hometown, today marks 365 days since I ‘kicked off’ my career. During those 12 months, I have had highs and lows, weeks of no sales and bursts of books bought. I went to a high school, I went to a market place, I went to a university, a contest in Campbelltown. I bought business cards, and lately a banner.


I got my self on the radio, I had an interview with a university student, I even had my book in the local magazine.

I released three books in the first year, all on Amazon and iTunes and the first two on Lulu. I probably spent more than I earned so far with marketing and promotional campaigns. I tried a Christmas Special for book three, I tried a Winter Special and a Christmas in July special.

During that year I edited the fourth book as well as the the two before that. I am up to Chapter 8 of the fifth book in terms of writing the draft.

Christmas in July Sales

Next week is the 25th of July and people celebrate Christmas in July. Being Winter in Australia, we have the ‘cold’ Christmas theme while others picture Santa on the sand. I tried to do something last month and it didn’t work out because it was only a few hours and wasn’t much notice. Well this month I am doing a Christmas in July sale. The first 25 people to message me via the website with the key phrase “Christmas in July” will get 25% off the postage price. The book will be signed.

Feeling the Blues

This week I have been not feeling well, this meant I wasn’t able to go to my usual place to write on a Wednesday and my enthusiasm for writing has been wavering. However something did arrive on the Wednesday to cheer me up a bit. I ordered a different look of business cards to help those that aren’t tech savvy. I plan to put them around town, have them given out.

Sample Image

With two months until I start getting my cover designed for the fourth book, I only have one chapter left to edit before I start getting myself ready to work out when to publish it. I hope to do it this year but I will decide once I get everything finished.

Depressing, Disappointing but Determined

Today is the last day of June and nine days ago, I did my first Book Special where I offered $3 postage for those in Australia to have their book delivered. The day was a good day, but it ended being a disappointing result. I got no messages, not a single person wanted the book delivered. This was depressing, knowing I advertised the special in advance and got zero results. I still have at least 40 copies left at home that I ordered last year. I do hope they are not in my house by the end of this year.

I am determined to continue writing my series, I have one chapter left to edit for the fourth book and in September I am getting the cover designed. I am up to Chapter 8 in writing the first draft of the 5th book. My hope is that people will buy my book and read through and get the next one and then the third.

I found my first ‘negative’ review but I am determined to prove to the readers that my book is worth their time. It’s not written in a traditional way, it is written in my unique style and it may take people a few goes to understand it, but there is a method to my ‘madness.’

I have been lucky to have a trial using AI and I started designing character costumes and hero outfits.

I am not giving up, I am going to finish writing this series and have it available for everyone. It is out there on Amazon, iTunes or Applebooks and Lulu.

Two to go

Last week I finished editing the third last chapter of my fourth book; there are only two more to go. The fourth book won’t be available until I have finalised the cover, organised a price and marketed it correctly. I will be hoping to finish editing the book within the next two months and then I can have someone copy edit my story.

In two days, I am having my Winter Solstice Special starting from 7 am until 4:54 pm. It seems like a long time, but the first 30 people will be hearing from me to get their book delivered to their house. These books have been with me for almost a year and it is about time they find a good home and a person who would like to read it. The details for the special are on my Social Media pages as well as a previous blog.

Winter Solstice Special

It's winter; therefore, this solstice, I will be selling my books and having them delivered to your door. Signed and sent to your address for only $30 (including postage). All you need to do is be in NSW. The first 30 to contact me will receive their copy. Thirty copies for $30 for the 30 days of June.

In order to get your copy, all you have to do is contact me via my website and message me your address. Then once I have your address, I will be in touch.

Attempting a Market Day

On Friday the 2nd; I had a book stall at Crown St Markets in Wollongong. I arrived there at 8:00 to set-up my table and placed my books on display. The markets opened at 9:00; a few people were asking about it, but it wasn’t until 11:20 did I make my first purchase. The rest of the day was long but I made two more sales before I closed up at 3:00. It was a learning experience, given me ideas of what I need if I do it again. But everything costs. I would like to thank ‘Cuddly Bubs’ for the conversations and the company.

I am trying to work out how else I can sell my books, maybe offer a special or something this winter. I have a box and a half still to get rid of. The special will only be for those within a certain area. But I am hoping that this will spread the book to more people.

A Toast to my Booksale

On the 13th of May, I had a book stall set up at Campbelltown Catholic Club; it was part of the Annual District 70 Toastmasters Conference. I have been in Toastmasters for nine years (since May 1st) and have learned a lot from attending their meetings. As an author, I was invited to set up a table with other authors to sell my book. From 12:00-6:30pm, my books were out for anyone interested in asking about my process or my story.

I had several conversations with people from all over NSW and talked to them about how I started and what I have done. I even spoke to school-aged children about my book. Though my expectations for the day were unrealistically high, I did sell some of my books. So some are better than none. I continue to hope I can sell the books that I have ordered. I am hoping to find more markets, or locations that I can go to this year to sell my book.