I feel like I’m coming off as rather self-absorbed lately, mostly posting about my book and what it’s like to be a newly-published author. I have to admit that the marketing and promotion end of this business has consumed me. It has to. That’s what all the experts say. Hit it hard while the book is fresh.
Some authors say that promoting is more challenging than writing the book. And it is for most, since writers are usually introverts. But I have to disagree in my case, because writing Second-Chance Mother, reliving those memories, was probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Other than the original act of giving up my son.
I have no idea how well the book has done on Amazon and B&N.com, since I only receive quarterly statements/royalties. The e-book sales were respectable for November and December. I have personally sold 60 (locally) since I received my shipment about a month ago. I’ve reordered more to accommodate upcoming events.
Tucson Festival of Books, 3/10-11. A wonderful event (now the fourth largest book festival in the U.S.). I’ll be at the Author Pavilion, West Tent, on Sunday, the 11th, 9:30-11:30 a.m. with signed copies of Second-Chance Mother.
My community, Esperanza Estates, is throwing me a wine and cheese party on Sunday afternoon, 3/18, at our ramada. Many of my neighbors have already bought and read the book, but it will be great fun hearing their impressions, and maybe selling a few more to those who don’t know me personally.
On Sat., 3/24, 10-5, I will be among other local authors at a fundraiser, Monterey Court Studio Galleries, 505 W, Miracle Mile in Tucson, to support our friend Serena Freewomyn in her fight against an inoperable and possibly cancerous brain tumor. Authors and other will be donating a portion of their sales to Serena’s cause/ There will be music, a bake sale, shop discounts, and raffles that day. If you’re an author who would like to participate, contact: Cynthia Roedig (SSA) at Cynthia_33@msn.com.
I will be among six authors displaying outside of the Friends of the Library “Meet the Authors” GV Village library annex bookstore on Wed., March 28, from 10 on. This coincides with their weekly Farmer’s Market and always draws a big crowd.
I’ve just confirmed a book fair at Bookmans, Speedway location in Tucson, 4/21, noon-2:00. The theme will be “Women in Memoir,” and a lot of my friends will be there: Patti Hawn, Marilyn Pate, Patricia Punches, Pat Krohn, and others.
I hope to participate in a Phoenix-area Bookmans author fair sometime in the next few months.
If you are in Arizona, I hope you’ll come see me at one of these events.
In May, not sure of the dates yet, I plan to be in Northern California at a few book signing events. So far I have one. If anyone there has suggestions for possible venues, please let me know at droessle at mac dot com. I have many friends there and hope to see many of you while I’m there.
Thanks to all of my readers for your support. It means the world to me.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
SSA SCV CHAPTER ARTICLE
For those who can't access the GV News website or aren't on Facebook...
About a month ago, I was asked to bring a few published authors in to talk to the editor of our local newspaper about writing and publishing. I chose three from various genres, and we had a wonderful roundtable discussion. The article appeared in today's paper.
LITERARY SOUTHERN ARIZONA
By Dan Shearer www.gvnews.com
"For members of the Society of Southwestern Authors, the written word is a passion, not a hobby"
Part 1 of an occasional series by Wick Communications’ Southern Arizona newspapers.
They are four people who share a passion. When they start to talk, the air is quickly filled with a burst of ideas, ambition and creativity. And the more they talk, the more it builds.
They call themselves writers, and they spend their days in front of a keyboard developing plot lines and shaping characters. Their spouses are long-suffering, and their friends get used to them disappearing for days at a time. They do it, they say, because they have to.
The Society of Southwestern Authors was founded in 1972. But when the Santa Cruz Valley chapter came into being in 2007, it took on a life of its own.
Today, the Green Valley-based chapter holds annual book fairs, monthly meetings and a luncheon that members call their version of the Academy Awards, at which a handful of local authors get to read from their latest works.
The chapter gives writers “a place where people understand the struggles you’re going through,” said Mary Maas, a researcher and author who has written two books in the Images of America series. “You find like-minded people.”
Denise Roessle, who leads the local group, said writers love their solitude, but that getting together to share their work and receive encouragement is important. She said that the challenges of getting a book published today, which include learning to embrace e-books and understanding the realities of self-publishing, make it vital for authors to swap information.
Her first book, “Second-Chance Mother,” is out in e-book form from Red Willow Digital Press. Getting it published was an eight-year journey that was both frustrating and invigorating, Roessle said.
“This is what we get to do, and this is what we have to do,” she said.
Robert Hunton of Green Valley, whose second book was published this month, calls Southwestern Authors “one of the most important gatherings I’ve been a part of.”
He’s one of the lucky ones. Hunton has an agent and a book deal for his Borderlands Trilogy, a young-adult fiction series set in the Southwest.
“There’s a lot of rejection,” Hunton said. “Even with an agent, there’s no guarantee of anything. There’s a lot of nervousness in the publishing world.”
JoAnn Haberer, of Green Valley, who writes mysteries and romance novels under the name JoAnn Bassett, puts it less delicately: “Amazon is eating the publishers’ lunch.”
Long gone are big advances and high-dollar marketing blitzes from publishing houses. Instead, writers often have to generate buzz about their books through social media, blogs, book fairs and personal websites. They’re competing against millions of titles on Amazon, many of which will be downloaded onto electronic book readers at a fraction of the cost of print copies.
“You have to be on Facebook or Twitter, and they all have to circle back to a blog or website,” Roessle said.
But when Haberer is alone in front of her typewriter, none of that matters to her. "When I’m writing,” she said, “there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
Thank you to my fellow authors who made this a great interview!
About a month ago, I was asked to bring a few published authors in to talk to the editor of our local newspaper about writing and publishing. I chose three from various genres, and we had a wonderful roundtable discussion. The article appeared in today's paper.
LITERARY SOUTHERN ARIZONA
By Dan Shearer www.gvnews.com
"For members of the Society of Southwestern Authors, the written word is a passion, not a hobby"
Part 1 of an occasional series by Wick Communications’ Southern Arizona newspapers.
They are four people who share a passion. When they start to talk, the air is quickly filled with a burst of ideas, ambition and creativity. And the more they talk, the more it builds.
They call themselves writers, and they spend their days in front of a keyboard developing plot lines and shaping characters. Their spouses are long-suffering, and their friends get used to them disappearing for days at a time. They do it, they say, because they have to.
The Society of Southwestern Authors was founded in 1972. But when the Santa Cruz Valley chapter came into being in 2007, it took on a life of its own.
Today, the Green Valley-based chapter holds annual book fairs, monthly meetings and a luncheon that members call their version of the Academy Awards, at which a handful of local authors get to read from their latest works.
The chapter gives writers “a place where people understand the struggles you’re going through,” said Mary Maas, a researcher and author who has written two books in the Images of America series. “You find like-minded people.”
Denise Roessle, who leads the local group, said writers love their solitude, but that getting together to share their work and receive encouragement is important. She said that the challenges of getting a book published today, which include learning to embrace e-books and understanding the realities of self-publishing, make it vital for authors to swap information.
Her first book, “Second-Chance Mother,” is out in e-book form from Red Willow Digital Press. Getting it published was an eight-year journey that was both frustrating and invigorating, Roessle said.
“This is what we get to do, and this is what we have to do,” she said.
Robert Hunton of Green Valley, whose second book was published this month, calls Southwestern Authors “one of the most important gatherings I’ve been a part of.”
He’s one of the lucky ones. Hunton has an agent and a book deal for his Borderlands Trilogy, a young-adult fiction series set in the Southwest.
“There’s a lot of rejection,” Hunton said. “Even with an agent, there’s no guarantee of anything. There’s a lot of nervousness in the publishing world.”
JoAnn Haberer, of Green Valley, who writes mysteries and romance novels under the name JoAnn Bassett, puts it less delicately: “Amazon is eating the publishers’ lunch.”
Long gone are big advances and high-dollar marketing blitzes from publishing houses. Instead, writers often have to generate buzz about their books through social media, blogs, book fairs and personal websites. They’re competing against millions of titles on Amazon, many of which will be downloaded onto electronic book readers at a fraction of the cost of print copies.
“You have to be on Facebook or Twitter, and they all have to circle back to a blog or website,” Roessle said.
But when Haberer is alone in front of her typewriter, none of that matters to her. "When I’m writing,” she said, “there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
Thank you to my fellow authors who made this a great interview!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
ACCEPTANCE
Today, my sister and I had lunch with our dad, to celebrate his birthday.
While Debby was in the restroom, we went outside. Dad had tried to reach me on Friday before I took off to visit girlfriends up in Phoenix. I missed the call and didn't talk to him until Monday. He said he's wanted to come over and see both me and Henry. He had finished my book and wanted to hug us both! He said he had no idea what I'd gone through and that Henry was a saint for having gone through much of it with me. (BTW, Henry has been proclaimed a saint by many of my readers, and he doesn't like that title... not to mention, he was then, but has become a lot crankier since, LOL!)
Dad didn't go into detail and I wonder if he was referring to his reactions to my pregnancy and their decisions about that, my mother's actions toward me (I'm quite sure she would not be pleased, if she were still alive), the rash I took from Josh, or ??? I believe we will talk about it at some point.
I expected him to be defensive, but he wasn't. I feel like the air is cleared. He is no longer embarrassed of me. He has accepted my account of the truth.
It only took 40 years! And yet I appreciate it with all my heart.
While Debby was in the restroom, we went outside. Dad had tried to reach me on Friday before I took off to visit girlfriends up in Phoenix. I missed the call and didn't talk to him until Monday. He said he's wanted to come over and see both me and Henry. He had finished my book and wanted to hug us both! He said he had no idea what I'd gone through and that Henry was a saint for having gone through much of it with me. (BTW, Henry has been proclaimed a saint by many of my readers, and he doesn't like that title... not to mention, he was then, but has become a lot crankier since, LOL!)
Dad didn't go into detail and I wonder if he was referring to his reactions to my pregnancy and their decisions about that, my mother's actions toward me (I'm quite sure she would not be pleased, if she were still alive), the rash I took from Josh, or ??? I believe we will talk about it at some point.
I expected him to be defensive, but he wasn't. I feel like the air is cleared. He is no longer embarrassed of me. He has accepted my account of the truth.
It only took 40 years! And yet I appreciate it with all my heart.
THE SONG IN MY HEAD
Gordon Lightfoot, 1969:
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong,
With chains upon my feet.
You know that ghost is me.
And I will never be set free
As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see.
If I could read your mind, love,
What a tale your thoughts could tell.
Just like a paperback novel,
The kind the drugstores sell.
Then you reached the part where the heartaches come,
The hero would be me.
But heroes often fail,
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take!
I'd walk away like a movie star
Who gets burned in a three way script.
Enter number two:
A movie queen to play the scene
Of bringing all the good things out in me.
But for now, love, let's be real;
I never thought I could feel this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feeling's gone
And I just can't get it back.
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong.
With chains upon my feet.
But stories always end,
And if you read between the lines,
You'd know that I'm just tryin' to understand
The feelin's that you lack.
I never thought I could feel this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feelin's gone
And I just can't get it back!
I originally related this song to past loves. But now I'm thinking of my son.
The ghosts, chains, the fortress of secrecy, reading between the lines, not understanding, the feelings that he lacks, and my trouble getting it back.
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong,
With chains upon my feet.
You know that ghost is me.
And I will never be set free
As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see.
If I could read your mind, love,
What a tale your thoughts could tell.
Just like a paperback novel,
The kind the drugstores sell.
Then you reached the part where the heartaches come,
The hero would be me.
But heroes often fail,
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take!
I'd walk away like a movie star
Who gets burned in a three way script.
Enter number two:
A movie queen to play the scene
Of bringing all the good things out in me.
But for now, love, let's be real;
I never thought I could feel this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feeling's gone
And I just can't get it back.
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong.
With chains upon my feet.
But stories always end,
And if you read between the lines,
You'd know that I'm just tryin' to understand
The feelin's that you lack.
I never thought I could feel this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feelin's gone
And I just can't get it back!
I originally related this song to past loves. But now I'm thinking of my son.
The ghosts, chains, the fortress of secrecy, reading between the lines, not understanding, the feelings that he lacks, and my trouble getting it back.
Monday, February 27, 2012
SHOULD MY GRANDDAUGHTER READ MY BOOK?
Those of you who know me or who have already read Second-Chance Mother know that my granddaughter Naomi plays a huge role in the story.
She knows I’ve written a book and has asked about it online, but I’ve put her off a bit, saying I would tell her in person. Which I haven’t yet done, because she’s never asked when we’re together. Her stepmother Jenn has read it and liked it. (I don’t completely understand how anyone can “like” my story, appreciate it, yes, but enjoy? I’m thinking not so much.) I have asked for her guidance on whether she thinks Naomi should read it, since she probably knows Naomi better than anyone. So far, not heard.
Naomi is 15, going to be 16 in June. She is lovely, delightful and strong, despite her chaotic upbringing, yet emotionally fragile (IMO). She loves her dad, which of course she should, and she seems to understand his foibles, even stands up to him on occasion. I’m not sure that she should read something that reveals so much about him, things that happened before she was born or cognizant.
Today’s teens are much more worldly than in past decades. Mature? I don’t know.
My thinking is that she should be older before she reads SCM. Any thoughts? I’m open to feedback.
She knows I’ve written a book and has asked about it online, but I’ve put her off a bit, saying I would tell her in person. Which I haven’t yet done, because she’s never asked when we’re together. Her stepmother Jenn has read it and liked it. (I don’t completely understand how anyone can “like” my story, appreciate it, yes, but enjoy? I’m thinking not so much.) I have asked for her guidance on whether she thinks Naomi should read it, since she probably knows Naomi better than anyone. So far, not heard.
Naomi is 15, going to be 16 in June. She is lovely, delightful and strong, despite her chaotic upbringing, yet emotionally fragile (IMO). She loves her dad, which of course she should, and she seems to understand his foibles, even stands up to him on occasion. I’m not sure that she should read something that reveals so much about him, things that happened before she was born or cognizant.
Today’s teens are much more worldly than in past decades. Mature? I don’t know.
My thinking is that she should be older before she reads SCM. Any thoughts? I’m open to feedback.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
HOW TO BE OUT THERE
”Was reading that you are already overwhelmed by the reaction to your terrific book. I understand. After my book and the movie taking up my whole life for years, I had to take a break and find out who else I am. Just pace yourself. I didn't.”
A personal message from Carol Schaefer
Carol Schaefer is the author of one of the best-known birthmother memoirs — The Other Mother, first published in 1991.
What a brave soul she was — and still is. It was one of the first books I read after entering reunion, based on recommendations from other mothers. I also saw the television movie, which had me on the edge of the couch, tense and in awe at the same time. Hers and other early voices helped me through the chaos of early reunion.
She was a celebrity in the SF Bay Area at the time I was first reunited with my son, and I had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. I looked at her as a role model, long before I decided to write my own book.
Right now, I am still floating in the clouds, with all the great reviews and reactions from readers. It warms my heart that I have touched so many hearts. I don’t want to leave that place!
But I know the hard questions will come. The local reporter who reviewed my book (review to appear in this Sunday’s paper) called me after to satisfy her curiosity. I was fine with answering her questions. I wonder what’s to come. Will I be challenged at some point? Will someone call me out on being a bad mother in reunion to the son I relinquished so many years ago?
I guess it could happen. But for now, I’m going to accept the accolades I’ve received from mothers, adoptees and those with no personal connection to adoption. I know it might become more difficult to talk about something that brings me some pain. Or maybe it will become easier. I just don’t know.
In any case, I intend to stay honest, as difficult as that is sometimes. It’s just my way. I will not run away in shame. I did that once. No more.
A personal message from Carol Schaefer
Carol Schaefer is the author of one of the best-known birthmother memoirs — The Other Mother, first published in 1991.
What a brave soul she was — and still is. It was one of the first books I read after entering reunion, based on recommendations from other mothers. I also saw the television movie, which had me on the edge of the couch, tense and in awe at the same time. Hers and other early voices helped me through the chaos of early reunion.
She was a celebrity in the SF Bay Area at the time I was first reunited with my son, and I had the pleasure of meeting her a few times. I looked at her as a role model, long before I decided to write my own book.
Right now, I am still floating in the clouds, with all the great reviews and reactions from readers. It warms my heart that I have touched so many hearts. I don’t want to leave that place!
But I know the hard questions will come. The local reporter who reviewed my book (review to appear in this Sunday’s paper) called me after to satisfy her curiosity. I was fine with answering her questions. I wonder what’s to come. Will I be challenged at some point? Will someone call me out on being a bad mother in reunion to the son I relinquished so many years ago?
I guess it could happen. But for now, I’m going to accept the accolades I’ve received from mothers, adoptees and those with no personal connection to adoption. I know it might become more difficult to talk about something that brings me some pain. Or maybe it will become easier. I just don’t know.
In any case, I intend to stay honest, as difficult as that is sometimes. It’s just my way. I will not run away in shame. I did that once. No more.
Monday, February 13, 2012
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
I’m sorry (and yeah, also kinda pleased) that readers of Second-Chance Mother are experiencing sleep deprivation, distractions from their routines, and tissue shortages.
Many friends have told me that they stayed up way later than usual reading the book. More than a few have said they couldn’t stop crying while reading it. I feel compelled to say, I’m sorry to make anyone cry, even though part of me is glad that I touched their hearts.
A neighbor who I know only casually came up to me at a recent community event and said, “I have to hug you.” I opened my arms and said, “okay!” As she embraced me, she said, with tears in her eyes, “I read your book. I am so amazed at what you went through and how you dealt with it.”
WOW.
Almost everyday I receive emails and/or FB messages from people I know in real life and others only online about their reactions to my book. I figured I had somewhat of an audience among other birthmothers. They have thanked me for sharing, written that my words represent what their own experiences and feelings.
What surprised me most is the response I’ve received from adoptees, as well as those with no personal connection to adoption.
“I just finished your book last night... I couldn't stop reading the last few chapters, I was riveted. I don't even know what to say except thank you for writing and sharing your story because I can't imagine how difficult and painful it must have been to put it on paper and then let it go into the world. But you WILL help someone.”
“You know how much I love Tiger. He was playing this weekend but when I started to read I forgot all about Tiger and I couldn't put the book down.”
“Denise, your book arrived today and I started reading... a real page turner. I wish I could read all night... I just might.”
“Your book has caused me to reevaluate and possibly soften my attitude toward my own mother.”
Some say they feel close to me, as if they should in turn tell me their innermost secrets. I’m discovering how connected we all are, separated by a mere six degrees or maybe even less.
I know that SCM will never make the NYT Bestseller list or #1 on Amazon. But if it reaches those who can gain from it, I’m a happy author!
Many friends have told me that they stayed up way later than usual reading the book. More than a few have said they couldn’t stop crying while reading it. I feel compelled to say, I’m sorry to make anyone cry, even though part of me is glad that I touched their hearts.
A neighbor who I know only casually came up to me at a recent community event and said, “I have to hug you.” I opened my arms and said, “okay!” As she embraced me, she said, with tears in her eyes, “I read your book. I am so amazed at what you went through and how you dealt with it.”
WOW.
Almost everyday I receive emails and/or FB messages from people I know in real life and others only online about their reactions to my book. I figured I had somewhat of an audience among other birthmothers. They have thanked me for sharing, written that my words represent what their own experiences and feelings.
What surprised me most is the response I’ve received from adoptees, as well as those with no personal connection to adoption.
“I just finished your book last night... I couldn't stop reading the last few chapters, I was riveted. I don't even know what to say except thank you for writing and sharing your story because I can't imagine how difficult and painful it must have been to put it on paper and then let it go into the world. But you WILL help someone.”
“You know how much I love Tiger. He was playing this weekend but when I started to read I forgot all about Tiger and I couldn't put the book down.”
“Denise, your book arrived today and I started reading... a real page turner. I wish I could read all night... I just might.”
“Your book has caused me to reevaluate and possibly soften my attitude toward my own mother.”
Some say they feel close to me, as if they should in turn tell me their innermost secrets. I’m discovering how connected we all are, separated by a mere six degrees or maybe even less.
I know that SCM will never make the NYT Bestseller list or #1 on Amazon. But if it reaches those who can gain from it, I’m a happy author!
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