Social Media and Books Sales

This is not a "How to Market Your Book Using Social Media" post.

Hear ye! Hear ye! The Bryony Facebook page does not exist for the purpose of persuading people to buy my book.

GASP!

It’s a place to let people know when it will be out there and that, before and after the book’s release, we can have fun peeking at the illustrations, reading book quotes, submitting recipes for the Bryony cookbook, and engaging in light banter through the quirky posts.

Of course, there will be updates about Bryony's progress and information on how to get the book once it's published, but I will not bug you about buying it.

Heck, I didn't even create the page.

Yes, I do mention Bryony on my personal Facebook page, but only because the process of creating this book is part of me and what I do. My postings, however, don't obsess on the book because there is more happening in my life than Bryony (If only life could be that simple). My posts vary, depending on the day's events and what I find interesting (sad, funny, annoying, exhilarating) that day.

Now, I DO find Bryony interesting, and the Bryony site is one of the first pages I visit in the morning while eating breakfast. However, since I’m not the one posting on that page, I click onto it as a “fan,” too, wondering what I will find there today.

The Language of Fans

At one ball, Melissa attempts to wave away an obnoxious vampire with her fan, worried that she used the wrong signal, for he ignores her rebuffs.

In the Victorian age, a fan was a customary, feminine accessory at a ball. Not only did women use it to revive themselves following a brisk dance, they positioned it in certain ways to convey messages, especially to men.

Nanalulu’s Linen Closet (http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/), which offers exquisite linens, handerchiefs, home décor and gifts, posted this “Language of Victorian Fans” on its website.

If a young lady held her fan to her lips, it begged a kiss

Carrying in right hand in front of face meant, "Follow me."

Carrying in left hand meant desiring an aquaintance

Dropping it meant friendship only.

Drawing it across her eyes meant an apology.

The fan placed near the heart signaled, "You have won my love."

Did she hide the eyes behind an open fan ~ I love you.

Opening and closing the fan several times ~ You are cruel .

Drawing through her hand ~ I hate you.

Drawing across the eyes ~ I am sorry.

Letting the fan rest on the left cheek signaled, "No."

Letting the fan rest on the right cheek signaled, "Yes."

Fan opened wide meant, "Wait for me."

Fanning slowly meant, "I am married."

Fanning quickly meant, "I am engaged."

Twirling the fan in left hand ~ "I wish to get rid of you."

Twirling in right hand ~ "I love another."

Drawing across the forehead ~ "You are being watched."

Denise M. Baran-Unland