Hello all! So, it is back to the grindstone, now that I had a really nice vacation in Louisiana and Mississippi with my father! It was nice to walk the sandy beaches and relax for a while. We also went to Biloxi, MS, where my historical pirate novel is set. It's always nice to visit the place you write about! Check out my vacation pictures on Facebook - you can friend me under "Karolina Blaha-Black." Just mention my writing blog when you friend me.

Right after my father left on a plane back to Europe (volcano ash permitting), I turned right around and went to the Oklahoma Writers Conference in Oklahoma City. The sole purpose of me going was to get an agent for my historical pirate novel. I don't want to say that I was succesful, but the verdict is positive- I met with an agent from Oregon. Her words were: "I'm intriqued. Clean it up, edit it, and send it to me. Not making any promises, but I would like to see it." I consider that quite positive! Well, no more delays, back to the manuscript, and back to editing! Until next time, writers!

Well, I am back from the Chisholm Trail Book Fest in Duncan, OK. It was quite packed, full of wonderful authors writing a variety of different genres, and I definitely felt in my element. I did sell a few books (during bad economy, a few is more than any writer can hope for, I suppose, unless you're one of the big names), but I had great fun. In the next few days, I'll be posting info about some of the people I met and their links to their sites and/or blogs.
If you're considering going to a book festival anytime soon, consider these following tips:

1) Arrive early: you'll have a plenty of time to set up, put out your books, and unwind before customers start coming in.

2) Have some freebies: customers like something free with their purchase. Have a small item ready for free when customers buy your book. It can be anything that is related in some way to the theme/genre of your book. For my book, Anika and the Magic Top, I gave out small wooden tops with the purchase of my book. You can buy these and other cute promotional things here: www.orientaltrading.com.

3) Talk to other authors: this is a great way to network, because you never know what will come your way. Exchange books, business cards, emails, make yourself available to not just customers, but to people in your industry as well.

4) Have an email list ready: encourage customers to sign your email list if they liked or were interested in your book. Ask their permission to send them updates about your works, appearances, and other stuff of interest.

5) Be civil, have a smile on your face, and have fun!

Well, a lot of water under the bridge has passed, and I haven't posted anything of value on this blog for a while. That said, I am going to change that and make some cool announcements.

1) Oct. 24th, 2009- my book, "Anika and the Magic Top," will be on display and for sale at the Chisholm Trail Book Festival at Duncan, Oklahoma. Check their site out at http://okwriters.blogspot.com/2009/03/chisholm-trail-book-festival-announced.html

It will be a nice event, with tons of authors selling books on every possible subject. Come out and see us, and if you buy a copy of my book, you'll get- shhh!- a surprise gift with purchase. The event runs from 9-5p.m., and it is bound to be loads of fun for the whole family. Come out for a fun afternoon!

2) In May 2009 I gave a talk in North Branch Public Library in Denton, TX on basics of editing. It was a success, but if you missed one of my talks, never fear- there will be more. Just watch my blog for more announcements of this sort in the future.

3) I am hard at work on my second novel, "Murder of Ravens," a historical pirate adventure. So far I have about 40 K words, I am working hard daily to get the other 20K or so in. So far so good, however, sometimes I have to almost chain myself to the computer to get things done. Writing is such a lonely endeavour, as most writers know.

Well, that is about it as far as announcements go for now. Watch this space for more updates about my book(s), and what's going on with me. Until next time!
Caroline

Here is a great tip on writing and a good quote on reading that I heard recently. I think that these are worth their way in gold.

1) If you get ready to write, DON'T check your email first. Leave it for later, after you're done writing, as a cherry on top. (I am guilty of this one).

2) "A book is like a mirror. If an ass peers into it, you can't expect an apostle to look out."
- G.C. Lichtenberg

Happy reading and writing,
Caroline

Well, here I am with my hubby. We are standing in line to the Pin Show, which was a fabulous indie-designer fashion show in Dallas, TX. There were definitely things to write about, and all those reps from the magazines in the area were, of course, in on the fun, including some TV newscasters and other celebrities. Feels nice to mingle like that, especially now that I have decided to go back to school and get my second degree in fashion. Besides nice clothes, fashion shows are great ways to mingle with magazine editors and models, ask them questions (if you're lucky enough to get a slice of their time), and get writing ideas! Writing ideas are everywhere, even in your backyard.

Here are some websites that I am a member of and that I am crazy about: these are AWESOME!

1. Postcrossing.com: great site where you write a postcard to anyone in the world and receive one back from a random person. The more you send, the more you get! I am absolutely addicted to this site, because it's great, and all it costs is postage.

2. Bookmooch.com: another site, where you swap book with people. Get rid of books you don't want, and swap them with books that other people have that you desire. I have gotten some great prizes this way. Again, all you pay is shipping.

3. Etsy.com: this site has everything handmade, from jewelry to household and pet items and beyond. Myself, I have handmade jewelry on here, some paper goods, some of my books, and little bits and pieces of handmade treasures. Check me out on www.karli.etsy.com.

4. Swaptreasures.com: a site where you can swap anything for anything, from books to electronics. You make an offer to another swapper, and they either take it or reject it. Bartering is a welcome activity on that site!

This is my list of great sites for the month. Besides, these will keep you busy longer than Ebay!
Caroline

In an effort to try to attract more readers to my blog, I am going through a really cool customization process, and I hope it will increase my readership. Please check out the updated look of my blog, as now it looks a little better and is easier to read. Also, it looks a little more "writerly" than before. I am still working on it, so bear with me, but this is a start.
Caroline

Hello writers,
here's a small but important announcement in case any of you are in the Denton, TX area. There will be a booksigning of several local (Denton) authors in the Denton Golden Triangle Mall at the Barnes and Noble. It will be me with my children's book Anika and the Magic Top, and two other authors, Ben Dickerson and Liz Lally. I am not sure as to what they write, but I am sure that they are fine writers with great books to read. Please stop by and support your local authors! The booksigning will go from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, which is tomorrow.

Hi guys, Caroline again. Lately, not much has been happening in my writing life, but I must say that my book is selling fairly well. I'm having fun talking about my book to various people (a little of word-of-mouth marketing, if you will), and that's great. If nothing else, it helps me get over my shyness. And we all know that writers should not be shy, as that is a detriment in selling books.

As far as my writing goes, I'm currently working on my first zine. Zines are cropping up everywhere lately, and I guess that inspired me to make my own. Stay tuned, as I will soon post the title page here for all to see.

Until next time!