September 30, 2013


Hello all,

A while ago I found a Literary Agency that had a link to a blog called Pub Rants.  Out of curiosity I pulled it up to find that it contained a lot of very useful information as well as a similarity of mind that I admired. 

I followed the blog on and off for a while before looking further into the agency's website where I found a link to some webinars that Kristin Nelson, the author of the blog provided.  I was hesitant to sign up for any of them as I felt like I, as an author, was not capable of becoming better.  I had convinced myself that because I had no English degree and that my life had taken me in a different direction entirely that perhaps I was just meant to give it up and move on. 

At the beginning of September I pulled the website up again to find that there was a webinar for creating your query letter.  I read the description and the date and time and found that I could actually do this one and that perhaps I should reconsider my previous position about giving up.  Mind you I had continued to write I just felt that it was really just for me at this point. 

The information I gained from Kristin was more than I could have hoped for.  In addition I had a question after the seminar and I sent it in, and it was answered!  I really felt that this particular grouping of people had a genuine interest in seeing authors succeed. 

I have continued on and with the information I gained from the webinar and the information I obtained from the newsletter, yes they also provide a newsletter with a lot of information, I feel that I can make improvements in my writing and am currently taking another look at what I have done and reorganizing and re-editing with the hopes of soon submitting my manuscript again with a much better written query. 

If you are interest in looking at their site here is the link www.nelsonagency.com.

Perhaps next time I post I will have some more exciting news. 

Until then,

Katie

New beginnings

Hello my few fans,

I have been dreadfully delinquent in blogging, for a writer I am not very committed to this form. I have contemplating going back to school this coming fall and in addition to that have composed several letters to agents in a hope of getting some help in producing and selling my work.

I have to admit that my business keeps me busy from November through February every year so I have not been attentive to my books and my New Years Resolution is to devote more time to myself and my characters. I really need to do some exercises in character developement before I write any more manuscripts.

I hope you all had happy holidays and got to spend some good quality time with your families. I will try to post again soon and in the mean time keep those mental juices flowing by reading and if you are so inclined writing.

Till later.
Katie

MidWest Book Reviews

Hello,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote. It has been an eventful summer, some sad things and some happy. Please continue to pray for my cousins family, they are dealing best they can with the loss of thier precious little boy and still need our prayers.

I had some exciting and good news in August. My book was picked as the Reviewer's Choice for the month of August by MidWest Book Reviews. I am particularly excited about this because I did not have to do anything but send in my book. They liked it so much that I was picked. Very exciting! For those of you who don't know, anyone can get a review, if you want to pay for it. There are companies out there that will write the nicest review for you at a very reasonable price. I am joking, the price is outrageous and I am actually suprised that people do that. I personally want my work to stand on its own, I wouldn't want someone to say nice things about it because I paid them to. However, some people do and so the companies exist.

I am close to meeting the end of my contract for Bia and I am really hoping to get my next book, a children's chapter book, based on my two older children into production. Shhh, I have not sprung this on my husband yet and since I know he doesn't read my blog I feel pretty safe posting it here.

Anyway with school back in session and religion classes about to begin I might possibly find some more time to write. I have started on a second children's chapter book and also an adult chapter book, though that is not what I do best so I wouldn't look for that one any time soon.

Well, that is it for now. I hope you all had a great summer and will enjoy the upcoming fall.

Take care.

Until later.
Katie

Today I took the time.

On July 4th my cousins 6-year-old passed away at 6:20 after a hard battle with cancer. It was a sad day for his family. He was a remarkable little boy with great faith and love in his heart. He was surrounded by his family during his last moments and his passing was peaceful. He now rests in the arms of Jesus, who he regularly talked about coming down off the cross to snuggle him in his bed. This image gives his family great comfort and I am sure he is playing with the angels right now.

So last night while my 6-year-old took time to play in the tub I took the time to just watch, just watch and be greatful that tonight I had that opportunity. I usually clean or pickup until he yells he is done. Sadly like a lot of other mothers I hate bath time. But for tonight I was just greatful and I took the time to ENJOY that time with my son.

Please pray for all children everywhere who are suffering with illness, as Tony once told his mother God was taking care of him so we should pray for all the other children.

Till next time.
Katie

Presentations, presentations, presentations!

I have had a great time recently presenting and reading to different schools and day cares. The kids have been great and the teachers are so nice.

I am hopeful that my book will gain some interest this week at the BEA in New York. If you are reading this wish me luck.

Shor post today, very busy.

Talk again soon.

Katie

Book Bums

Good Morning,

Usually I will write about what is going on with my book but I had such a great week at Book Bums that I decided that they would be the subject of my writing today.

For those of you who don't know Book Bums is a very cute reading/coffee shop/gathering place in West Chester, Ohio on Cincinnati-Dayton Road, right in front of St. John's Church. The owners are probably two of the nicest people I have ever met, Mike and Christy Williams. They provide a great comfortable space to read, drink coffee, or just play with the kids. There is a lending library and toys and games avaiable for the kids. On Tuesday my son and I spend an hour or so there while waiting for my daughter to finish religion class. We met two teenagers this week, Britnay and Matt who invited Eli to play games with them and then read a book. They were wonderful with him and it has been a very long time since I have seen two teenagers that were so kind and considerate to the people around them.

On Saturdays they have music from local musicians. This week it was Emmaus Road and as I had suspected they were Christian musicians. The music was some original writings and some from other musicians but it was all very enjoyable. We sat and played cards, then Sorry, and then a golf ball game, (it was one of those figure it out things, no same colors touching, but I managed to do it once) while listening to the music and having our cookies and tea. There was another mother there with three children and they ate and then sat and played UNO. It was a lovely evening, very relaxing and so cozy.

They provide a small menu. They have some great cookies, also made by a local woman and they are so delicious. I had the chicken salad on Tuesday and on Saturday I had a strawberry shortcake, both delicious. An array of coffees and drinks are available.

The best part of going there is that they are so welcoming and always have a smile and a pleasant hello.

If you are in need of a space to meet or tutoring I would definitely contact them, you can find the link on my website. There are also book clubs for both children and adults. During the summer Christy, who is a first grade teacher, runs classes for young readers. Eli and Olivia both enjoyed them previously. You will find it comfortable immediately.

I hope you all have an enjoyable week.

Till next time.
Katie

What a wonderful weekend!

Hello all,

I had the most extrodinary weekend full of excitement, information and meeting of new friends. I could not be more happy about how the book signing at my old high school, Mount Notre Dame in Reading, Ohio went. I met a really nice author who used my same publisher, so information exchanged was very important, as well as her parents and husband who were super nice. So supportive and encouraging. It is so nice to meet people who are not all about the competition.

I also got to see some old friends from high school as well as meet their children and had the opportunity to read to them. The donuts were not bad either.

So I came away with a renewed determination to get off the fence and make this book sell!

I really need to thank Alisia from Mount Notre Dame and the school for allowing her to put on this event and remembering me in the process. I cannot say thank you enough.

Sunday was spent selling Girl Scout cookies, and well those things sell themselves, there is not much work to put into that but it went well also, so Thank you Mason Kroger for allowing us to have the opportunity to sell in your store.

It feels like the weather and is breaking, we have officially sprung forward, and it will soon be warmer and lighter during the day.

I hope everyone else had a great weekend as well.

Kristy, I hope you have an easy deliver and a healthy baby. Good Luck, and don't forget to post a picture!

Till next time, take care.

Katie

Re-organization

Ok, well it is time to re-organize. I recently spoke with a marketing agent from my publisher that gave me some good feed back, but it still seems I am pretty much on my own. I have made the decision to participate in a Book Expo in Abu Dhabi in hopes of increasing my sales. If that one produces increased sales I will participate in the children's one in Bologna, Italy.

I recently found a great avenue for hopefully some increased exposure in the form of an Authors Page on Amazon, so if you are so inclined have a look.

Upon my last blogging I was waiting to hear back from Joseph-Beth Book Sellers. I have noticed that they do have it listed on their website but I have yet to confirm it is on the shelf there, but I remain hopeful.

In addition my High School is wanting to do a Children's event with a buffet and some signings and book readings, so if you live near Cincinnati drop me a line and I will e-mail you back the information when it is confirmed.

On a more personal note I started reading a book by Diana Gabaldon; Lord John and the Private Matter. It is a short read and very interesting, pulls some of her other characters from the Outlander series. So check it out if you like to read, its available on Kindle, if you don't have a reader you may want to look into it, you can get the books cheaper and can carry many of them with you at all times. I love my Kindle for iPad.

Till next time. Take care of yourselves.

Katie

Renewed energy

After many disappointments I have a renewed energy for promoting my book. I am still awaiting to hear from Joseph-Beth Booksellers, but am hopeful they will pick it up. I have spent lots of time posting on blogs and Amazon forums in hopes generating interest. I also sent out some initial contacts to many small gift shops at retirement homes and hospitals, anywhere there might be parents or grandparents, family members looking for sibling adjustment books.

I am still hopeful for a good response. I have it in Book Bums in Olde West Chest and have had some sales there. I have also gotten a posting on The Children's Book Review web-site and author pages on Amazon and Promise Angels.

I hope everyone is having a nice fall and will have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Talk at you soon.
Katie

E-book

Hello,

Well I did get some exciting news. My book has successfully been turned into an e-book and can be bought on my existing web site. You can very easily obtain a copy by having adobe reader or a pdf reader on your computer or iPad. It is not quite the same as a paperback but for parents on the go, it can be very handy.

I also was able to schedule my second book signing at a very cute little bookery call Book Bums in Olde West Chester on Cincinnati-Dayton Road. The date is August 28th from 1-3 in the afternoon. I would love to see some of you there. The venue is adorable, they have great coffee and good treats, also a book exchange program and some for sale from local authors. They provide book clubs and children's programs. My children just really love it there and will be very disappointed when we won't be able to go on Monday mornings.

I hope everyone has had a great summer and wish you all the best in the upcoming school year and for the fall.

Till next time. Take care.

Katie

Updates

Hello everyone,

I keep meaning to update this blog more than once a month but things get so busy! I recently had my first book signing in Brookeville, that went okay, a few sales and talked to several other people, but I am not local there so I had not expected a great turn out. I have another possibility in West Chester at Book Bums, so look for more information on that to come. They are also considering carrying my book in their store which I am really excited about.

I plan to hit the hospitals near by that have maternity wards in hopes that they will carry a few. I need to plan a day to go though and finding one when you already own your own business is very difficult. But I will make it happen.

Life in general is going well. I would appreciate it if everyone could keep my cousins son Tony in their prayers, he is fighting a brain tumor for the second time and my friend from high schools daughter Ashley, who had a genetic disorder that has no cure and prognosis is usually not good. The families and these babies need the strength of prayer to help them through. Please remember them as often as you can.

Anyone who reads my blog, which right now is only a few. I would greatly appreciate it if you would request that your local library consider carrying my book. I requested it at the West Chester library and they ordered it right in. I was so excited and hope that it generates some more interest or a few sales.

Post me back some time so I have some time to read from you. I would be greatly interested in what you are up to.

Have a great month. It will probably take me that long to get back to you.

Til next time, happy reading.

Katie

Updates

Well, I have been quite busy since my last post. I have been working hard on my vision board issues. Some are coming along quite nicely and others are going more slowly, but they all are moving in a positive direction.

First off my list is that I have managed to drop 10 pounds in preparation of my up coming vacation. Although that is very exciting it is not the most exciting thing I have to report. I personally find my second item more important. I have managed to secure my first book signing. It is going to be on July 10th at a very charming garden center owned by a friend if the family. Please refer to my Facebook page for the details. AuthorKatieS.

There is also accomplishments on the business front. For those of you who don't know I am also part owner of a property management firm in West Chester, Ohio.

In addition I would ask that any if you reading are of the praying type that you would pray for my friend and my cousin who are looking for miracles for their very ill children. If you could keep Tony and Ashley in your prayers we would be most grateful.

Till next time
Happy reading.
Katie

Updates

Oh, it has been so long since I have updated. So lets start with my vision board. I am definitely spending more time on family and issues involving them. With the turn of the weather it has been nice to be able to get out with my 5 and 7 year-old. They both recently learned to ride their bikes without training wheels, so that was a big accomplishment. They are both so proud of themselves.

On the personal level I finally got into a pair of pants that I have held onto for 2 years! So that must mean that I am toning up, and I am feeling pretty good about being in a bathing suit at the beach this year. So positive direction there.

On the book front, I have not secured a book signing, but I did manage to get information from Barnes and Noble about presenting it to be placed in store as opposed to just on the web-site. I continue to work on things but it is still very slow going. I do so appreciate those of you who purchased my book and left a review on the web-sties for me. It really is helpful.

The kids are getting excited about the pool being open soon, they don't seem to understand that it will still be cold for some time and swimming is still some ways off. However that is just one more sign that summer is finally arriving.

I would love to hear back from you so don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Till next time.
Katie

Reading Challenge/Vision Board

So on Goodreads.com I entered this reading challenge. The Challenge was to read in the urban fantasy genere, four books by June. Two of them have to be by authors you have not read before. So I started with Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I really liked the first one and flew through it. The second one Dragonfly in Amber is full of political history. I don't like political history much, so I am having a hard time getting through this one. She is a fantastic writer and the research and dedication it must have taken her to put this together is just mind boggling. But I am going to stick with the challenge and get through all four of my books and I predict that it will be well before June.

On a side note I am still working hard on my vision board. Of course my personal goals are coming along better but I don't need to depend on what other people decide. So I keep plugging away, hoping that things will fall into place.

All things are possible with God. So I am forever hopeful.

Till Next time.
Katie

Vision Board

Oh, so I know I was going to have this up much earlier but with swim lessons, soccer practices, spring break...... Well, all you mothers get the picture.

So I had to give this a great deal of thought, its hard when you sit down and try to figure out what you are really striving for, but I managed to narrow it down to the essential things that I want to put on my vision board. I decided to leave the business end off since this not a business related blog.

Personal
1. Tone up
2. Weight loss about 5 lbs before vacation
3. Set more time aside for family

Book
1. Secure a book signing
2. In store availability
3. Professional Review
4. 300 sold as per my contract

So there it is. Now that it is in writing I need to start working toward getting
some of it done. Of course that is not all of it since I own a business that will
play into my time also, but it helps to have it in writing in front of me. I think.

So everyone enjoy this beautiful weather and your families.

Till next time.

Katie

Downward facing dog

Okay, so as I was at yoga/Pilate's fusion today doing the downward facing dog for the millionth time, I began to wonder is this some how representative of what sometimes goes on in peoples lives. Assume the position and then you get a good but kicking. Not that anything has happened lately to make me so cynical, it was just a random thought. But then I thought, maybe I need to make a vision board to make sure that things begin to get done in my life. After all now that I am in my forties I ought to have a handle on what I want right? The key is to prioritize. I need to decide which things are most important and put those things at the top of my vision board. So next week before Easter I am going to come up with a list of things that will appear on my board, I think some business related, some book related, some kid related and some just fun related.

So stayed tuned to the next posting to see what will appear on my board.

Till next time
Katie

the niecest people

I found the nicest guy on Goodreads.com this week. He is also an author Emmett Spain and the name of his book is Old Haunts: A London City Novel. I have not yet gotten his book in order to read it but I am very excited to read it.

On a funny note. For the two followers I have, if you don't know that I have a 5 month old great dane puppy, well I do. He got out the other day and as I was chasing him across the neighborhood I found myself thinking what the ******** was I thinking when I said I wanted a great dane puppy. Don't get me wrong he is really funny but gosh what a lot of work. I must be insane.

Kristi, Tammy. I hope all is well with you my only followers. I hope we get to see each other soon.

Katie

#17

I was googiling myself again tonight and I found that on www.tower.com I am ranked #17 on thier new sales for childrens books.

I want to list all the websites I find myself on but as of today, there are just so many. So if you are interested to look, just google my book title "Bia Gets a New Baby Brother" and they will all come right up.

I am still awaiting the first quarter report to find out how many have sold so far but it gives me hope that they will be good when I find new web sites all the time with me listed. Who would have thought!

Thanks to everyone who continues to purchase. I do so appreciate your support.

Till next time.

Katie

I'm back

It has been a while since I last posted but it is not because things have not been going on. I have been posting, posting, posting all over the internet. Which my marketing manager has told me is important. I am anxiously awaiting the schedule for my virtual book tour and am hopeful that will produce some good sales. I posted on high school face book page and actually got some response from that posting, so things are moving along, but as the publication took a long time, so does the process of getting the marketing working for me. As I have no expericence with it, it does not come as a suprise but I intend on working it as hard as I can and keep my chin up.

Please keep in mind that if you request it through a book store or at the library they are likely to then order it to keep in stock and I would be MOST grateful for that.

With spring coming I am hoping to be able to do some foot work around town to the book stores and market on a face to face level, rather than the mailings I have been doing through the winter.

Enjoy the warmer weather everyone.

Til Next

What made you want to do that

When ever someone finds out that I wrote a book, I always get, "What made you want to do that?" I can't say that it was a conscious decision. I always enjoyed writing. I was fairly good in English while in high school. I enjoyed it certainly but never really considered it a career choice. After high school I went to a non-traditional college and still did very well in English.

Years later after having a child and getting married I started to think about writing again. However, at that time the Internet was not what it is today. You still had to do it by snail mail, send in your SASE and wait. So I did. What I wrote made no great impression and if I did get a response it was never positive. So life happened and the writing was put on the back burner.

Many years later now I found myself unexpectedly pregnant with our third child. So I started writing again in hopes that I could stay home with this one, ha ha. That story is still waiting to be published. (I hope it will be the next one.) Then 11 months later I was unexpectedly pregnant again with our fourth child. (I know what you are thinking, doesn't she know how to prevent that. I really did think I had it under control.) So I started writing again. This story would become Bia Gets a New Baby Brother after many re-writes.

So the writing just sat there because I still didn't know what to do until one day I was on Google and I typed in literary agencies. I happen to find one that was geared toward children writings. So I signed with them and they put it in their data base. In the mean time I could not shop it to anyone else. So for two years it continued to sit and I re-wrote the entire thing.

In passing I was talking to my mother who told me that if I wanted to do it I should pursue it, as "Time is going to pass anyway, you might as well do what you want". So I did. I pursued it. Eventually Strategic Publishing Group contacted me and I worked with them for over a year in order to get it to print.

I really just wanted to do something that I love, that I can leave behind for my children, their children, etc. I like to think that somewhere there are children reading my book and smiling and laughing, that they are enjoying reading it as much as I had hoped.

So, I want to say Thanks Mom. Without her simple insight, that book would probably still be sitting on a disc somewhere just waiting to be read.

Till next time.
Katie