Lord' Williams Author Interview

Hello Lord, how are you!


Tell us, what led you to write Shadows of The Heart?

I released Shadows of the Heart for so many reasons. The book has a paranormal feel to it because I wish to reach those who has physic abilities, to let them know they’re not crazy, most important to embrace their gift and not reject who they are. –The spirituality overtures and scriptures are aim directly at Christians, where I confront the core of our/their faith. –In Shadows, I try to display life as it effects you, I and those we live with. The classic battle between Good and Evil.


Are any of the characters you or someone you know?

This question is asked all the time, and it is so unfair, and that’s for reasons I cannot go into. –But the book is fictionally based on actual living people (and this is the first time I admitted so). –Some events are true, most are not. Who is who, I will never tell. These people are trying to find, or maintain peace within their lives, and I must respect that.


What genre is it?

Fiction – Suspense, Romance,


What is Shadows Of The Heart about?

A husband and wife trying to reconcile their marriage before all hell breaks loose. The main character William, knows he’s about to die, but he don’t know when, or how, and he doesn’t know that woman he put out the house a month earlier is returning to him where she must decide to kill him or not.


What were the easiest and the hardest parts to write?

I easiest parts to write were the sex! LOL. But the rest of it was a job. –This book The Unicorns has been a work in progress for over 15 years. Dealing with real life, and real issues these people faced.


How do the Unicorns fit into the story?

Straight from out the King James Holy Bible. Many people believe unicorns are fairytales, but they are mention 10 time in the bible, along with the many references to the Horn. Unicorns are one of those cannot explain topics so it’s much easier to say “there is no such thing”, or “they got it wrong” –Instead of understanding that everything in God’s world is not privilege us in our degenerate state of existence.


I know your just starting this writing journey, but how has it been?

The publishing world is really a journey. I am learning, which makes it easier to accept, because I like learning. –There is a lot to this business, and that’s something new writers and authors don’t realize, this is a business, and it’s not an easy one to conquer.


Does Shadows have a sequel coming?

Oh yes,
A Stem full of Thorns. So get a box of tissues because there will be cheers and tears at the end.




As a writer, what has been your epiphany?

That I am not an writer. I am a story teller. I have always wanted to be an author, because I have the ability to teach, and help many through the art of telling a story.


What was the killer line in the book for you?

There are a lot of parts in the book I just love, but what kicks at me more than anything is when William explain the tattoo on his back. It jaw dropping.


When should we expect it?

Shadows is available where ever books are sold. If you local bookstore don’t have it, tell them to get it.


What do you like to read?

I have a wide range of genres, drama, suspense, mystery, crime drama, fantasy, horror.


What did you do while writing? Music etc?

I usually play music. I would create playlist, CD’s, tapes, whatever with inspirational themes.


When you finished writing Shadows, how did you celebrate?

You really don’t wanna know, but I’ll tell because you asked. I broke out a cheap bottle of Champagne for the wife and I. Finished our glass and got busy.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself having a wider audience and larger following, if that be God’s will.


What do you want people to know about you?

I want people to know I am just like them. –More than what the eyes can tell.


What is your Book and Contact information?

The title of the book is “Shadows of the Heart” 2nd edition. The book is available everywhere books are sold, or purchase it from my website where I will autograph it for you, and send you free gifts.
www.myspace.com/irlwilliams
The book is OUT!!!!!
Order your copy today!!!
$10.00 plus S&H
Click the Buy Now button to Order your copy!

www.Lord'Williams.Net



www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
www.simplysaidreadingaccessoies.blogspot.com
odebdeb@aol.com
Debra Owsley

Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

All About Me !!!

If you are curious and wanna know who I am and what I am about….
Read my BOOKMARKS, are they will give you some idea !!!
It's what I do But it's All About You !!!
Please COMMENT on your favorites


www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid


Direct Link to Catalogs
Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

Donna Hill Author Interview

Donna Hill is my DEAR FRIEND as well as one of my favorite authors. She is so real and down to earth it’s like we have known each other forever, To show you how small the world is, Donna worked at the library that I used to hang out in when I was a teen. We probably passed each other a million times, but met face to face 3 years ago. Donna has a wicked sense of humor and loves music as much as I do. I am very proud to say I own almost all of her 50 plus books and anthologies. Donna is my friend and I adore her, OH and I am the President of her FAN CLUB

Hello Donna Hill , how are you!
As always I am stressed and crazed but it's all good!

Tell us, what led you to write Seduction and lies?
Well, S&L is the sequel to Sex and Lies. It brings to the spotlight one of the new cartel members Danielle Holloway, who is immersed in an identity theft assignment. I thought of the storyline because of all the incidents in the news about folks having their lives totally ruined by identity thieves.

Are any of the characters you or someone you know?
Aw, hell naw! LOL. My life is no where near as interesting.

What genre is it?
Romantic Suspense

What is Seduction and lies about?
Well, as I mentioned it centers around an identity theft ring that is wrecking havoc on New York. Danielle who is a fashion photographer gets pulled into the assignment when her best friend and fellow cartel member, Savannah can't handle it as she is in her first trimester of pregnancy and and Mia has to go out of town on business. Danielle has to get a crash course in Cartel operations in order to pull it off, and she must keep it all a secret from her live-in lover Nick Mateo. Nick and Danielle have their own personal identity issues as well, which are revealed through their hot and steamy relationship.

This is book 2 of a series right?
Yes it is. The first one was Sex and Lies

BUY IT HERE….
PRE ORDER SEDUCTION AND LIES NOW
http://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Lies-Kimani-Romance-Donna/dp/0373860927/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227199675&sr=1-11


What were the easiest and the hardest parts to write?
Hmmm, now that its finished it all seems easy! LOL. It's not so much that it was hard or easy, but just having the time to dedicate to pulling it all together and making sure that above all I brought the characters to life.

Does Seduction and lies have a sequel coming?
It sure does! And guess what? The first three chapters of the sequel Temptation and Lies is in the back of Seduction and Lies!

Has writing Seduction and lies, given you any AHHH HAAA moments?
I think it would be the discovery that Danielle makes about herself. Working that out in my head and then on paper gave me one of those moments.

How has your writing journey been?
My journal has been long, pretty successful, full of surprises and constant challenges.

How many books have you written?
Wow, well over fifty.

Not calling any of your babies ugly, but which was your favorite?
Hmmm, I would have to say Rhythms

As a writer, what has been your epiphany?
That it never gets easier!

What was the killer line in any of your books for you?
"I may as well tell you now. You'll find out soon enough. I slept with my best friends husband . . ." from An Ordinary Woman.

Let’s talk about Donna!

What do you have brewing?
I am currently working the "What Mother Never Told Me," the followup to Rhythms. As well as Book 4 of The Ladies Cartel.

When should we expect it?
Fall 09

Who do you like to read?
Hmmm, James Patterson, Bernice McFadden, Toni Morrison, Carleen Brice, Pearl Cleage

What are you reading right now?
A Mercy by Toni Morrison

What did you do while writing? Music etc?
Try to concentrate on my work and not surf the internet!!

When you finished writing Seduction and lies? How did you celebrate?
Vegged out on TV!!

What is your one guilty please?
Buying electronic gadgets!! sigh..

Debra….. Yes I want that new Kindle you just got !!!!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully a successful publisher.

What do you want people to know about you?
That when it's all said and done, I'm real regular. With a crazy family, bills, aggravations, faults and shortcomings just like everyone else.

What is your Book and Contact information?
Donna Hill Website
www.donnahill.com
Blog
www.donnahill.blogspot.com
The Donna Hill Fan Club
www.dhfanclub.ning.com
Blogtalk Radio call in and chat with Donna
www.blogtalkradio.com/author-donna-hill
Sunday nights from 6-7:30 pm EST.

Charade! is back same steamy story with a brand new sizzling cover
On The Line...Available Wherever Books Are Sold
Sex and Lies Available Wherever Books Are Sold... Book 1 of The Ladies Cartel series
Thanks Donna!!!

The feisty women who sell Tender Loving Care body products are hiding a secret: they're undercover operatives in The Ladies Cartel—the flip-side organization of TLC Cosmetics. They're sworn to an oath to never reveal their clandestine activities, and not even their families know about their alternate lives.Danielle Holloway is the newest member of the group. Her first assignment: infiltrate a ring of identity-theft criminals. With cool wit and seductive charm, Danielle uses her skills to piece together the clues, and she's shocked to discover a cloud of guilt hovers over her beau, the very sexy and charismatic Nick Mateo.

SEDUCTION AND LIES by Donna Hill ON SALE NATIONWIDE DECEMBER 1, 2008. Be sure to get your copy from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10th, 2008

Holiday Contest!!
Those who purchase the book between Dec. 1 through Dec. 10 and send me a copy of the receipt by Dec. 15 will automatically be entered into my holiday contest. Details of where to send your receipt is located on at my fanclub website. http://dhfanclub.ning.com

1st prize A Victoria's Secret Gift Certificate
2nd prize A Gift Basket of Body Products
3rd prize Autographed copies of 3 of my hardcover novels


Readers which are your favorite Donna Hill Books???




www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
odebdeb@aol.com
Debra Owsley

The Vision Board by Joyce Schwarz

The Vision Board:
The Secret to an Extraordinary Life
by Joyce Schwarz

http://www.amazon.com/Vision-Board-Secret-Extraordinary-Life/dp/0061579084/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1227199918&sr=1-12

I so want this book for Christmas.
I’ve always believed that when you visualize what you want, you really focus on it. If you focus on it, you convince you’re mind that it’s really possible to have the life you want. What the mind conceives you can achieve. I’ve heard great things about this book and author.

The bookmarks that I make are a type of a “mini vision board” They have wonderful and inspiring quotes and bits of wisdom that you can carry with you!
I am also inspired to create Vision Bookmarks!!! You can have mini pictures on it of your Vision of your life.
Give this book as a gift for the holidays and add a Vision bookmark, created just for the receiver!!!!
How cool is that!!!
www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
odebdeb@aol.com
Debra Owsley

Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

odebdeb@aol.com

Loving Tina McElroy Ansa, Herman and Lena !!!!

Tina McElroy Ansa on
BlogtalkRadio
Black Authors Network
With Ella D.Curry


This Is My Favorite Book Of All Times
Love Lena And Herman !!!
Listen to her interview, and me GUSH !!! LOL













www.simply-said.net

Chatting with Tina McElroy Ansa on Blogtalk radio

Best Buys for the Holiday

Are you shopping yet??
Let me do the work for you ......
Pick A card
Choose a bookmark
or
Book thong
Want it in a stocking??? NO PROBLEM !!!
how many do you need??
Wholesale prices are available
Buying in bulk reduces prices and SAVES YOU MONEY !!!
I will package it all up and ALL YOU would need to do is sign and mail



www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
odebdeb@aol.com
954 562-5709
Debra Owsley

Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

odebdeb@aol.com

President Obama

These pictures are of President Obama and Family on election night. They moved me to tears again
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/with/3008255125/
Rosa sat so
Martin Could walk
Martin Walked so
Obama could Run
Obama
ran so
Our
children can fly

My Christmas Tree!!!

Hello Authors,and Book Lovers,
My name is Debra Owsley and I am the owner and creator of Simply Said Reading Accessories www.simply-said.net. I create by hand a full line of bookmarks, and book thongs, for book lovers. As an avid reader myself, I have designed this line with us in mind. They come in many categories, such as motivational, provocative, wit and wisdom, I love my pet, and a children’s line and more.
During this holiday season what would more perfect and fitting to give your fans and fellow book lovers? They also are great gifts for teachers, your children’s classmates, your church congregation, your co-workers, or and one else you want to give a thoughtful and useful, inexpensive gift to for the holidays. If you have a lot of people to buy for, you can buy assorted packages, mixed and matched for your needs .I also can create mini packages for specific people on your list by request, to make it even more special. I also do custom work if you want to create “Giftmarks” for your fan base.
They are wonderful stocking stuffers and they will fit into a holiday card for easy mailing. Please visit my site www.simply-said.net
as well as my www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
and browse the many pictures and
reward your loyal fans and readers
Let’s make your shopping for the holiday, Simply Said !

I Hope You Dance

Barack Obama
I danced in the street last night. I hooped and hollered, and I danced. Barack Obama won the presidential Election. My whole neighborhood was out screaming and crying. I laughed and joined in the celebration, but I didn’t cry. I reflected. On all those who made this possible. For all those who died for this. I danced into the tune of The Track of My Tears. They were dancing in Kenya, China, and New York and all over the world. My boys, whom I adore and my youngest who voted for the first time, danced with me. There was no “MOM WHAT ARE YOU DOING” they understood. They were as proud as I was. I danced in the street for joy. I danced for pride of this moment. I danced for the fact that I never dreamed that I would see this in my lifetime. I danced because I felt so many of us were on the same page. I slept last night literary in fear that I would wake and something had changed, they mis-counted, all the electoral votes were wrong. I woke this morning and turned on the T.V. which I never do in the morning. Presidential Elect Barack Obama won by a landslide, which is what I prayed for. That’s when I cried, and I danced some more.
I hope you dance
“It’s not the color of his skin; it’s the content of his character”
Martin Luther King is dancing too!
Amen and Amen,
I am full,
All I pray for now is 8 years,and that he and his family will be safe.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR TODAY???






www.simply-said.net
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

odebdeb@aol.com
Debra Owsley

My Friend Deborah and Ms. Gwynne Forster !!!

My Friend Deborah and Ms. Gwynne Forster !!!

I went to a book event this past summer and
my friend, my partner in crime, my ride or die girl, could not make it.
“Oh no, what do you mean you can’t go”????
Her son was graduating college that same weekend and had just let her know.
We both were devastated because she wanted to meet several of the attending authors.
As I left to go, she kept a stiff lip and said have fun……. (Sniff)
And it broke my heart.
You see Deborah is such a great person and gives much and never gets much.
So off I went to the event, knowing I was going to bring back all the goodies and books I could so she could almost feel as if she was there.
I would take pictures of all the authors, the dinners, and all of the festivities.
During day 2 of the event Ms. Gwynne Forster , Deborah’s favorite author was browsing the vending area where I was.
I have met her many times before, and she is very approachable, warm, and friendly. I walked up to her, and said hi. The light bulb went off over my head and I asked her could she do me a HUGE favor???
I explained that My ACE, BOON, COON could not make it and I was wondering
UMMMMMMMM could you give her a call???
Ms.Forster , laughed and said sure!!!
I called Deborah handed Gwynne Forster the phone and I could hear Deborah scream!!! LOL
Gwynne , laughed and they had a brief but meaningful conversation.
I always thought Gwynne Foster, was a class act, but that phone call meant so much to Deborah and myself, she really gained even more respect.
You see, I have met authors that have turned me off so bad, I will never buy another one of their books.
Ego is a beast
It truly blew me away, that a simple phone call to a fan could mean so much. The simple gesture was so appreciated that, at that moment I wondered why more authors, don’t realize how something so simple could impact a fan as well as their book sales.
PAUSE AND THINK
My friend, ride or die chick, my partner in crime is still talking about THE PHONE CALL lol. It made me so happy, when I handed her the picture of Gwynne Forster , talking to her on the phone, she just cried.
Moral of the story is…. A simple act of kindness can mean the world to someone.
What have you done for a fan????

HARD TIMES

Blog Blog Blog
Hard Times….
Times are hard right now, not just for me but for everybody.
I am a hairstylist by profession, and hair, is considered a luxury.
During hard times, it is the first on the list of the things that gets cut back or cut off.
I’ve watched my clients cut back from every week to every 2 weeks to every 6 weeks.
Don’t these guys realize they pay my salary???
SIGH.
I do understand.
I have cut back too. PEDICURES, WAXING, My favorite pizza, driving, cable, movies, and the worse yet MY BOOKS!!!
I can’t afford to spend the $100.00 or more a month on books.
That hurts more than anything and I think I am going thru withdrawal and it’s not pretty.
I am cranky and irritated because I can’t get away from my drama in a great read; Reading has always made me feel better.
It was either whew my life ain’t so bad or I traveled to a far away place and had a mini vacation, or maybe I fell in love and lived happily ever after, even if it was until my next read.
My books are my Calgon, take me away.
So, I am re reading, revisiting, remembering.
I often re read my favorite books.
The Hand I Fan with by Tina McElroy Ansa is my all time favorite book and I religiously re read it once a year. I must visit Herman and Lena once a year, and yes I still cry over the end.
I am re reading Rhythms by Donna Hill, which and whom I totally adore with all my heart.
I am also going to re visit all of my Eric Jerome Dickey, Gloria Naylor, Victor McGlothin and Bernice McFadden books which are on my short list of loves.
I am so grateful I buy when I can.
So when times are hard and I am to broke to buy, I can revisit my hearts, the ones that left a mark on my heart and I consider, my treasures.
My boys who are no longer boys, say “We live in a library”, I just smile and say, Thank God you do. But we can leave, when ever we want to.
Simply Said.
www.simply-said.net
www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
odebeb@aol.com
www.simplysaid.ning.com
www.edc-creations.com
Literary Director
Debra Owsley


What or whom are you grateful for today?

Love Notes

Here are just a few of the "Love Notes" That I make.

Don't End Up Here

"give them something to hold their spot and they hold onto you"

“Holding your spot, making your mark”


A favorite”GIFT-Mark”
might have a useable lifetime of many years, and thus might be viewed many thousands of times. Bookmarks are an under-rated and under-appreciated vehicle for advertising.

Dear God

This is what started it all !!!
One Christmas, I decided to make bookmarks for all of my clients for gifts. Most of them are readers, so... I saw this little prayer, and made a bookmark out of it.

Embrace Your Magnificence

Simply Said Reading Accessories

My main goal is to provide you and your business with elegant ways in representing your work. Sure business cards and fliers are fine to give to customers and potential clients; however give them a complimentary item that will not end up in the nearest trash can.

~Established people who are looking to purchase keepsakes in order to show appreciation for their new and current fan base. ~Up and coming people who are looking to broaden their customer base by distributing their message and contact information in an elegant way.



RETAIL PRICES
Pre-Designed Items

Bookmarks $3.50 each
4 for $12.50
Book Thongs $7.00 each
4 for $25.00
Love notes $3.00 each
12 assorted $24.00
Book Plates 25 plates
$21.00
Plus shipping and handling
$3.00

Wholesale pricing available upon request

*CUSTOM WORK $25.00
*PER LAYOUT
*ALL WORK MUST BE CAMERA READY



*Add Details Such As
Rose Petals
Pearls
Foam Hearts
A Photo
A sentiment
An email address
A quote
A name
And more !
*Requires a direct quote from me via email

This is what I do but, It’s all about you

This is what I do but,
It’s all about you
Your work
Your words
Your readers
Your style
Your way




The ½ mark and a book plate fit in an envelope and is ready to mail very personal, a very nice touch from you to your fans

A favorite “GIFT-mark” might have a useable lifetime of many years, and thus might be viewed many thousands of times. Bookmarks are an under-rated and under-appreciated vehicle for advertising



Simply Said Clients
Donna Hill
Marcia King- Gamble
Pat G’Orge- Walker
Michelle Monkou
Noire
Paula Chase- Hyman
Rochelle Alers
Elaine Overton
D’Bora LeBree
In gift bags for
Kendra Norman- Bellamy’s Cruise
D.J.Parhams
Samara King
L.Martin Pratt/ KultureFirst
SORMAG
Te’an Swington
Deborah Slappey Pitts
Romance Slam Jam 2007
Hue-Man Book store
Da Book Joint
Book Lovers Lounge
African American Bookstore
Afro In Books and Café
Pyramid Books

Several Book Clubs
And several pending

Attended 2007
Miami Book Festival
B.E.A
National Coalition Of Black Women

And several book fairs
EDC Creations
SOROMAG


Your Giftmark
Can have
Your picture
Book cover
Contact information
Current and up-coming releases
Past works
Tour schedule
All of your books
Double sided for dual releases or anthologies

™©

®

What’s your EPB? Estimated Publicity Budget

What’s your EPB?
Estimated Publicity Budget

As I hit year 3 of working with authors by way of “Simply Said” reading accessories; my company doing custom “Gift Marks” aka bookmarks, book thongs, book plates, and note cards, A few common denominators keep reoccurring, such as
How much should I spend?
What should I invest in?
What will give me repeat customers?
What will keep me on there mind even after the book is finished?
What can I do to stand out from the rest?
What will give me more bang for the BOOK?


Well, I have been dealing with many authors in the last few years and these issues reappear almost every time.
YOU CAN”T SPEND MONEY TWICE!!!
OR CAN YOU???
Any promo material should be designed for REPEAT BUSINESS
You want and need to BE REMEMBERED
You Do Not Want To use the same promo materials that others have use and disgared
Please watch the slide show I created about where your bookmarks end up at the end of a festival
It clearly shows, flyers and your average bookmarks littering the streets, in huge numbers, after the festival. This happens at every festival I have attended, there is no value to them, they are common and considered disposable. Same stuff different festival.

Hmmmm, pause and think.



If you are a seasoned author or up coming with several books coming soon,
YOU WANT YOUR INFORMATION TO BE RETAINED
YOU WANT TO STAND OUT FROM THE REST
But.. How do you do this?????
OK
First you figure out how much you want to spend on publicizing your book.
Do you want to spend your entire advance?
Do you want to spend $100.00 or $1000.00 dollars?
Who is your target audience?
What are you trying to achieve?
Who are you trying to reach?
Break it down…
Book signings
Festivals
Contests from your site
How much do you estimate to spend per event?
It’s really difficult to really guess how many people will turn out to these events so estimate and then add 20%, at least
Well known events such as the B.E.A or Romance Slam Jam will pick up any overage from other events that did not have good turn outs.
Do you have a press packet?
You want to add a creative addition to your packet to stand out.
At you more intimate book club signings.
You want to give a gift for the invite and the hospitality.
What about the reader who adores you and comes to you with EVERY book you have written?
You want to THANK them for being loyal.
What about the FAN who lives in ALASKA, where your not doing any signings???
Do you disregard them? Just send them an email?
Don’t you want to stay in contact with your fan base?
How do you work you EPB ??
On a limited budget?
I started this business quite by accident. I give me clients ( I AM A HAIR STYLIST) gifts every year for Christmas and a few years ago I noticed we all have reading in common and made the BOOKMARKS for the years Christmas. Years later ( I GUESS I’m SLOW) I noticed they were still using the bookmarks and they encouraged me to do more and sell to stores which I did and do.
I also do author Marcia King – Gambles hair and she commissioned me to do custom bookmarks for her, and other authors began to contact me from seeing hers thus the custom work began
The way I see it is, it’s like a tree
a seed, a tree, limbs, branches, leaves.
It’s as simple as that.
One thing leads to another
You will never know where you may end up
So your information is pertinent on everything you put out into the universe
Your SIGNATURE
As metioned earlier
I create, design, and hand make

“Gift-marks”
(Bookmarks)
That are so unique and durable they can with stand years of use and also retain your information
They are large 2 x 8 inches
Heavy laminated
Or
“half-marks”
2 x 41/2
which can fit in any wallet again after your book is finished being read

Hand cut with torn paper edges and a satin ribbon
Creating a concept for your “gift-mark”. Is always up to you, what you want to say and what image you want to get across to your readers.
You can have your photo, your book covers, listings of past and up coming releases, or use picture I have to design your “gift-mark”.
Some authors even want more such as pearls or rose petals added, whatever you can think of can be done
The “gift-marks can also be autographed with a sharpie


The Book Thong
Are also bookmarks , but they are jewelry for the book lovers.
They are sexy, (just the name alone) swinging, eye catching, which will bring peoples eyes to your book… colorful and very unique.
We can coordinate the colors with your book cover or theme.
The book thongs are wonderful gifts to book clubs, your more intimate signings as well as contests on your site. They come in many colors and variations.

Book Plates
Do you have readers in Alaska???
Planning on going to do a signing there?
Well hopefully you do have readers there and you do want to autograph and acknowledge them…
So send the an Autographed Book Plate !!!
If can have your picture book cover or a phase from your book, just sign and mail along with a “Giftmark” only .41 cent to mail.
Is that customer in Alaska worth .41 cent to you?

Note Cards
Can be sent to different people as a invitation, a thank you note, just a hello, I’m trying to stay on your mind. Birthday, Book club anniversary, Christmas, the choice is yours

I have had many authors order a package of all of the above. They strategically, mailed to Book groups, had them for release parties,
Had many contests, mailed them to publicists and book stores and created quite a buzz.
The attraction was they were different and retained your information. It also showed that you went the extra mile to be noticed,
you the author did not want to be disposable.
Now I am not saying not to use flyers and other bookmarks they can be effective in some venues.
My product line is truly your”A” game your Sunday best
When you want to make a real impression that you are
Investing in yourself

It’s really All About You
Debra Owsley
odebdeb@aol.com
Myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
954 562-5709

Presentation Is Everything

Presentation Is Everything
I do a lot of book events.
Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Signings, On-line events, Book Club Meetings, etc. I try hard to attend these events for business, but also because I am a Book Lover,
So it’s purely for enjoyment either way.
I have the ability to look at things from 2 sets of eyes.
One set see’s what is presentated and
the other see’s the business side of it.
Of course in seeing there is analyzing going on too.
I see a lot of what to do, and what NOT to do.

Here’s my 2 cent…
Atmosphere is everything
If you are a romance author, bring some romance with you!
and create ambiance.

If I were an author I would have a suitcase filled with props and tools to make my signing or table or booth EXTRAORDINARY.


Need A Theme ? Let Me Create One For you !!!
I can layout a theme and all the props you need to create a intimate setting!!!



When I do book events, I try to have a theme, or find out what the event theme is so everything pulls together.

The object of the game is to draw people in,
MADE YOU LOOK !
Once you get their attention make your pitch,

PUT THE BOOK IN THERE HANDS!!! I have seen many authors do this and they sell more than those who just point to them or hold it themselves

Keep your sales pitch 3 to 4 minutes at best, because that most peoples attention span, especially if you are at a book festival.

If you are shy, the props and setups will draw people to you.


Have attractive promo items
(HINT HINT) like
Giftmarks, Book Thongs,

That will have you info on it for future contact.

Have them sign a guest book. This builds your mailing list. Send a Thank You Note , after the event for coming, and what’s coming up from you, add a ½ mark and a book plate


At an instore signing,
You’re still a little shy, and you want to get the discussion started, or they are a little up tight because they are a little nervous.
Hmmmmm , what’s an author to do????

Play a game !!!

It breaks the ice and all of the people in the group win a prize
YOUR PROMO MATERIAL !!!!

At the end of the discusson the most active participant wins a
Book Thong and a book
You’ll have a fan for life

Trust me, I started this business to support my book habit,
I am first and foremost a bookaholic !!!

If you are not the creative type and would like me to help you create a attractive display or create your bag of tricks, and other Promo Materials,
let me know


Some authors like to buy packages such as
Thongs, full size bookmarks, ½ marks, book plates and the love notes. They customize them and send them to different targets.
To maximize their reach,
Book Clubs
Book Events
Contests
Promotional opportunities
Signings


Your Giftmark
Can have
Your picture
Book cover
Contact information
Current and up-coming releases
Past works
Tour schedule
All of your books
Double sided for dual releases or anthologies

What Do I offer
Bookmarks
(Giftmarks)
Half-marks
Book Thongs
Book Plates
Note Cards
Press Packets
Promotional Tools

This is what I do but,
It’s all about you
Your work
Your words
Your readers
Your style
Your way
The ½ mark and a book plate fit in note card and is ready to mail very personal, a very nice touch from you to your fans

A favorite “GIFT-mark” might have a useable lifetime of many years, and thus might be viewed many thousands of times. Bookmarks are an under-rated and under-appreciated vehicle for advertising

Just My 2 Cents and My Sales Pitch LOL
Myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
Sinplysaid.ning.com
odebdeb@aol.com

Come on over to my place!!!

Visit Simply Said Reading Accessories