May 2023 Blog Includes:
*”Big E’s Trick to Fishing” Book Launch Party
* Three Helpful Book or Product Launch Tips
*Reviews for Big E’s Book So Far…
*Books I’ve Read in April
“Big E’s Trick to Fishing” Book Launch Party
As an author, there is nothing more exhilarating than seeing your hard work come to fruition in the form of a published book. However, the journey doesn’t end there; there is still the book launch to look forward to. And let me tell you, my 13th book launch was nothing short of a blast!
Here’s a peek of a few of the days of my book launch and what we all talked about.
I asked everyone to add their Fun Fish Facts. I learned so much from this and I think you will, too.
Click on each image below to see all the answers from my Facebook post.
In Big E’s book there are a few jokes Big E’s Papa shares with him at lunchtime.
I asked fans to “Make Us Laugh” with a few jokes they knew.
(Again, click on the image to see the jokes.)
Yum! Fish Recipes! Oh my, did I get some great fish recipes on this day.
► Click below.
Finally, I had to admit to my fans that I’ve only fished once in my lifetime.
I now want to try fishing again with all the fun facts and tips I’ve learned.
“What Am I Not Doing Here?”
Three Helpful Book Or Product Launch Tips
Here’s a few simple, but important, tips I learned and wanted to share with you if or when you plan your next launch for your book or new product.
*Be prepared, but be flexible. (I’d say spend at least a month or more, gathering all your images, words, etc. and what you will do each day. Yes, a lot of work, but all the planning is worth it.)
*Have more planned than what you will use. (Be ready to switch things up, if needed. You will get the feeling from your audience on what’s working and what’s not. In this case, it’s always better to have more than less.)
*Have fun! By all means enjoy this time to celebrate your new book or product. If you have the 1st and 2nd tips in place, your book/product launch will be a breeze.
Reviews for Big E’s Book So Far…
The reviews are coming in and we are so pleased for these for Big E’s story so far.
If you have read this book, we’d love to hear from you! Big E would be so excited, too. Yes, he is a real person, and in fact, my great-nephew.
Click on the links below:
Amazon:
► Paperback – (Size 7X 10, 32 pages)
► Kindle
Book I’ve Read in April
Remember my post from April and how I talked about ► “Finding Time to Read?” I was wondering if I was going to get in some reading time last month?
Since book launches require you to stay involved with your fans during that time, that’s exactly what I did. I still was able to get in these titles.
“The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates,” by Jenny Pearson
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked up a copy of “The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates,” by Jenny Pearson at our local library and wasn’t a hundred percent sure it would be the book for me. Reading it as an adult, my perspective might be different than what a middle grade reader may enjoy.
I did find it to be funny, heartfelt and entertaining with the various situations Freddie Yates and his friends got themselves into. I’m giving it five stars for all the action which will keep middle grade readers turning the pages.
I enjoyed author Jenny Pearson’s writing and look forward to reading more of her books.
“Little People, BIG DREAMS: Treasury: 50 Stories of Brilliant Dreamers,” by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve seen the “Little People,” series and then I found this! “Little People, BIG DREAMS: Treasury: 50 Stories of Brilliant Dreamers,” by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara.
“This 224 page book is a beautiful, gold trimmed book filled with wonderful, talented creatives we all have heard about over the years. It’s written for young children but will be treasured by adults, as well.
I’m adding this book to my list for the next time I’m thinking of giving a book gift. Classrooms and families will want to include this book on their shelves to enjoy for years to come.”
“Drawing the Head and Hands,” by Andrew Loomis
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Drawing the Head and Hands,” by Andrew Loomis is a large book with detailed instructions on drawing heads and hands. Many illustrations to learn from, when drawing all ages from infants to older individuals. Step by step instructions were easy to follow.
This drawing book is somewhat dated for today’s times. If you enjoy vintage drawings, you will love this book. The instructions on how to draw are basic in today’s standards, though, and will help those learning.
I created a more modern version of the various tips I learned. What do you think?
“The Art of Drawing Poses for Beginners: Techniques for drawing a variety of figure poses in graphite pencil (Collector’s Series,)” by Ken Goldman
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Art of Drawing Poses for Beginners: Techniques for drawing a variety of figure poses in graphite pencil (Collector’s Series,)” by Ken Goldman shows many different figure poses of all ages.
It starts off learning detailed human anatomy, the skeletal and muscular structure, expressive portraits to realistic poses.
This 8 x 11, 144 page book is be easy to pull out and practice when needed.
“The Chanel Sisters,” by Judithe Little
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed, “The Chanel Sisters,” by Judithe Little. This historical fiction novel is about Coco Chanel and her sister. They were abandoned and placed in a catholic orphanage in their early years. It was interesting to follow their growth and how they evolved into early adulthood. This book is full of fashion, hard work in pursuing one’s dreams and a bit of romance sprinkled throughout this story.
“Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked,” by Adam Alter.
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked up this book at our local library and found it so interesting. I can’t quit talking about it and I hope everyone reads this book.
“Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked,” by Adam Alter. This book was written in 2017. It made we think the whole time I was reading it, what could it be like for those addicted now in 2023 with our ever growing online world?
Alter explains, the science of addiction, the emotions of recovery, personal journeys, triggers that may occur overcoming addiction and so much more.
It’s a book I think everyone should read to inform themselves, especially those with young children.
“The Joy of Writing a Great Cookbook: How to Share Your Passion for Cooking from Idea to Published Book to Marketing It Like a Bestseller,” by Kim Yorio
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you are entertaining the thought of writing a cookbook, this book is a must read.
Actually, this book is helpful for any writing. “The Joy of Writing a Great Cookbook: How to Share Your Passion for Cooking from Idea to Published Book to Marketing It Like a Bestseller,” by Kim Yorio explains it all from traditional publishing to independent publishing. This 159 page book is informative and also filled with many authors experiences on their cookbooks.
“How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs,”
by Kimberly Witherspoon
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs,”
by Kimberly Witherspoon is a book of stories from different chefs from around the world.
I knew going in, “this is not a cookbook,” it still felt like a recipe shared from a few of them would have made this book more complete.
I enjoyed each Chef’s stories and experiences for the most part. Personal stories were shared from how they learned to cook, their studies, to becoming top Chefs. A bit of a warning: A few stories were a bit eye opening and candid. I enjoyed the second half of the stories the most.
For upcoming Chefs, I think they would enjoy this book more than the average reader.
Tell Us What Your Plans Are For May
Enjoy this month of May! Such a exciting time of year to fulfill activities outdoors such as hiking and camping, attending cultural events and festivals, to pursuing personal goals and hobbies, the possibilities are endless. It’s a month of celebrations, Mother’s Day and reflections, Memorial Day.
We will be spending a lot of time at the ballpark now that we have two players! Yay! 💕⚾💕
I hope this month is the best for you all!
As always,
Happy Reading!
Rosie
Congrats on your book launch! You do the crafts and games for it so effortlessly. Hitting the hood’s outdoor pool, beach and fairy garden in May before hosting a Memorial Day cookout for friends. May is a busy month. Have fun at your b’ball games with your little players!
Thank you so much, Cat!
What a fun May you have planned. Love your little fairy garden. We are going to have to create one, too.
Yes, the games are already started and we are off and running to catch them all. I hope to talk about that more in June.
Have a wonderful May, Cat. 🙂
Hi Rosie, your launch was super fun. Congratulations on another successful launch party. Keeping your tips in mind for next time.
Hi Sandra, thank you so much and glad you enjoyed it. This one was super fun and went smooth. I missed it when it was over. It felt like no work at all once I had everything in place.
Let me know if you need any help with your next launch. 🙂
Have a great weekend and thanks again.
Loved your book launch. So creative! My summer plans are to survive these next few weeks and keep applying for new jobs. Not sure what my next chapter will be.
Thank you so much, Rebecca. 🙂
I’m excited to see what your next adventure will be. I know it will be a good one.
Best wishes always.
Enjoy your weekend.
Congratulations on your new book release! I enjoyed learning more about your book and your writing process. You have some great tips for aspiring authors and illustrators.
Also, I’m glad to see that you enjoyed the book “Irresistible”, it was one of those books that I couldn’t put down and found myself highlighting and taking notes throughout. Certainly a good read for everyone that uses technology in any capacity.
Hi Chris, thank you so much and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
As you know by now, I loved the book you suggestion and think everyone should read it. I liked his straight forward writing and looking forward to reading more of his books.
Have a great Spring and I appreciate you stopping by today. 🙂
Your book launch was so creative and fun. Taking notes for my next one!
Thanks so much, Julie! This one was so much fun. Even though I ran it for 13 days, it wasn’t hard once I learned these simple rules.
Have a wonderful weekend.