BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Hat's on the Other Head

Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Hat's on the Other Head

At today's signing at A Thin Line Tattoo, a writerly friend stopped to show support and to buy a "purple rose" Bryony soy candle,courtesty of Valerie's Heavenly Scents. Since we're both hat people, we like getting our picture taken together in our hats. She didn't wear a hat that day, but mine perfectly matched her shirt, so we shared!

Last Saturday at The Book Market

One of the questions I often ask fellow indie authors is how much they sold at a particular event.

It's less about being snoopy and more to assess our overall expectations, marketing efforts, and areas of improvement.

I had very little idea how most of this worked when I began publishing eight years ago, and many of the rules have changed since that time.

I'm certain every artist hopes, deep down, that they'll knock sales and customer response out of the park.

Last night on Twitter, I saw in my feed a rather "lean and blunt" company that has one purpose: to pay writers $200 to $2,000 for all the rights to manuscripts (in certain genres) they can't sell. I'm not certain how legitimate this company is, but I'm sure it gets plenty of inquiries. And I was curious enough to briefly consider writing slush in those genres and pitching it.

The struggle to sell art is nothing new. Now that I can look up this knowledge online, I've found a number of my favorite authors (literature that's now considered classic, authors now deceased who were favorites in my childhood) either didn't sell in their lifetime or worked hard at it during their lifetime, with some books selling better than others.

Even Eoin Colfer, the author of Artemis Fowl, when I interviewed him a few months ago for The Herald-News, had this to say, "I've written over 40 books. Sometimes you have success with that and sometimes you don't."

I'm not gong to stretch this post out like social media click bait, But I did want to give Saturday some context and provide some information that might be useful to other indies like me.

I sold just over $75 worth of books and just under $50 worth of candles in three hours. For a small event at a small venue on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I feel I sold surprisingly well.

Most of the people who bought are people I know in some way, and those people came to The Book Market on purpose to buy one or more books and/or some candles (my candlemaker has lung cancer, and our goal is to sell the entire stock).

But I did receive some interest from people who stopped by the table, and one never knows where that will go.

I'm not certain how other authors might rate the outcome, but I consider the day a success (despite the photo of my kids playing on their phones) and here's why.

1) I am gradually reducing the candle volume, bringing me closer to the goal. And I actually sold far more candles that I thought I would, so that was an unexpected bonus.

2) The people who bought books on purpose, since they bought on purpose, may actually read them. If they enjoy them, they may recommend them, to a friend, which furthers the reach. If they don't, that's OK, too, It's part of effort of finding the readership. And their support, with their time and their money, is worth far more to me than words can fully express.

3) Some of the books were gifts. See number two.

4) Just hosting the event brought about awareness through flyers, news releases, and a little media exposure, for me and the store.

5) The Book Market made a percentage from the sales of my books. Not enough to close up shop and retire, but hey, sales are sales.

6) The owner always seem happy to see me and didn't seem happier to see me go. ;)

As authors and artists, we struggle to find our foothold, and sometimes we don't find it at all. But somewhere between obscurity and world renown are places we can set realistic goals and then take small doable steps to attain them.

Last Saturday, I felt, hit the right spots.

Candle Sale for a Good Cause

A few months ago when Rebekah was assessing our BryonySeries candle stock (what we had left, sizes, scents, etc), she noticed some of the candles needed fresh labels.

So we reached out to Valerie Burkholder, owner of Valerie's Heavenly Scents, who had made the candles for us, and learned she was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Although Valerie has kept us generously supplied with candles, we are actively trying to sell them all so she can have the money now, when she she most needs it.

The candles are homemade, soy, and come in a variety of sizes and five BryonySeries scents: bryony (a patchouli-like scent), purple rose, Sue's Diner (vanilla pudding), Lake Munson (ocean breeze), and Simons Woods (pine).

The candles burn very cleanly and retain the scent to the end.

The candles and I (along with my books) will be at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23. The Book Market is located at 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

If you only have money for either a book or a candle, I strongly suggest buying the candle. We will have specials for combos and multiple orders.

If you live out of the area or cannot attend the event and wish to buy a candle, message us at bryonyseries@gmail.com and we will ship candles to you.

Most of all, please send up prayers/good thoughts and wishes for Valerie. 

Thank you. :)

Music, Book, and Candle

Are you planning to read (or re-read) the BryonySeries this year?

Consider two other related products for a complete experience: a CD of ten original BryonySeries piano songs by James Onohan and a soy candle in one of five BryonySeries scents.

First, the backstory behind the CD:

After Mrs. Clements had already returned Melissa’s library card, she reached under the counter. “I almost forgot. Here’s something else you might like.” She handed Melissa a record album. “This just came.”

The top of the cover read, "The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons," and featured a picture of the musician sitting at a piano. Melissa turned the album over to the back and blinked in disbelief. She was face to face with her grandmother’s music box.

Ladies and gentlemen, James Onohan created the CD for us. For more information on James, the music, and how to buy the CD, go HERE.

Second, we have soy candles in several sizes available for purchase in five BryonySeries scents, all created by Valeries's Heavenly Scents.

The five scents are Bryony, Purple Rose, Sue's Diner, Lake Munson, and Simons Woods.

For more information on the BryonySeries line, including sizes, pricing, and ordering, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Now try reading the series by flickering candlelight with piano music in the background.

Have a beautiful Monday, readers, writers, and vampire fans! :)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 22 through Sept. 29

Several recaps today, stories and what's in store tomorrow at the White Oak Author Fest in Crest Hill.

First, the event:

White Oak Author Fest:

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Where: White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill

​

Etc: Local authors, talks (book preservation and Illinois Author Project), and bookish crafts. BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

​

Visit: whiteoakauthorfest.org.

Next, what I personally have in store for those who stop at my table to say, "Hi" to me, Rebekah, and/or Bertrand (Yes, of course, Bertrand will be there).

1) A variety of BryonySeries product for sale: books, cookbooks, and bryony-themed homemade soy candles in five scents. Steep discounts on proof copies of Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone. (new copies haven't arrived yet).

2) Assorted small giveaways for kids (sticks, eraser, plastic spiders, and the like).

3) Free gift of sample chapter from Before the Blood when you sign up for the upcoming BryonySeries newsletter.

4) A chance to win a BryonySeries basket full of great BryonySeries stuff.

5) A chance to win the out-of-print 2012 holiday edition of Visage. (It's the only place where I'm photographed as a kangaroo. Seriously).

6) For those who've read Bryony: Play the Bryony trivia game and win a 20 percent discount on anything for sale on my table. Play as many times as you like. Each win gets you another 20 percent discount.

7) Information on upcoming releases.

8) Information on WriteOn Joliet and WriteOn Joliet's upcoming open mic night.

Hope to see you there!

Moving on...

Where to find my non-bylined works?

Local events: Pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars: where to find them? Under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Assembled by moi.

More local events: Gotta Do It, also by me, runs each Sunday in the People section.

Community news: Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web and in web on other days as I have the time: Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Minooka woman discovers 'The Way'

By Jean Tyrell

This past summer in July, Pam Boucher of Elwood and I were able to walk one of the Camino routes and I got to experience what it means to be a modern day pilgrim.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/22/b0802198c8d241e898c8b7a9acfbfa36/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Minooka man wrestled giants and slew dragons

"As little boys, we believe our dads can wrestle giants, slay dragons, and protect us from monsters," Jason Strode, of Wilmington, wrote in his father Dave Strode's eulogy. "Now that I am grown with a wife and children of my own, I see that my dad did wrestle giants, slay dragons, and fight monsters, but they were far scarier than those I imagined as a child."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/18/77bd5751d6564387b4d098e0dea4bb95/index.xml

Mokena girl is best in her class

On Aug. 23,  Lyla Grace Wroble of Mokena won the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, for her age group.

At 10, Lyla takes her win in stride. Whether she rides for pleasure or competition, it’s ultimately a fun experience, Lyla said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/23/4aba7980ca614799bda95efdc3814b35/index.xml

Pets of the Week: Sept. 25

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/19/73745a924ddc4028bd6f2535f65ebc9f/index.xml

Joliet chef's on his third TV show

At 9 p.m. Sept. 27 on the Food Network Joliet Junior College pastry chef Andy Chlebana was one of eight chefs competing for the title Best Baker in America.

In Q&A format, he discusses the show's premise, his past TV competition experiences and why he loves competing.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/26/8f26186a70d3453a800be77e6cf745b4/index.xml

Joliet pagan group puts its own spin on Thanksgiving and new beginnings

At the center of the celebration for Treibh na Tintean is Mabon, a Welsh god.

“He’s kind of an obscure god who represents the great hunter,” Sandy Costa said. “He’s also a god of light and youth and strength. And although there is no real evidence the holiday was meant to be named after him, he’s a very good symbol of it.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/27/e6c704f1a3544fcbb78f3e717ee67fe8/index.xml

Joliet Franciscan captures the extraordinary in the ordinary

As Sister Marianne Saieg's ministry brochure states, "embedded in Franciscan spirituality and with a passion for beauty, she illuminates the ordinary as an extraordinary means to encounter the holy."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/27/419e5084632040158702a97c029d1319/index.xml

Patriotic quilt at Joliet VFW will benefit veterans

Admirers of her patriotic quilt have offered to pay Cheryl Kraus of Joliet to make quilts for them, too, but Cheryl had to decline.

"I quilt for my own pleasure," she said.

And, in this case, to support veterans, too.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/09/28/1d4dae71db534f44bbeb7f15b5c48fb5/index.xml