Who Said Selling Books Was Easy?

Blimey, being an author is challenging... After the hectic holiday season I picked up where I left of with regard to promoting Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper.

Book promotion is a constant uphill battle for a first-time, unknown author. No-one out there cares about the book more than I do, so I work tirelessly to open up new opportunities to highlight this new children's adventure story. If I don't bring it to the attention of retailers, parents, teachers, librarians, and children then who will? I can't simply leave it alone to become a bestseller all by itself, as if by magic. How can it sell if no-one knows it exists?

I am under the impression that some writers and new authors think that just because their book is published then it WILL sell, and bring in substantial royalty payments. Some may think "I am a published author. Just sit back and watch the money roll in. The hard work is over." Fortunately, I was not too naive in that regard. I knew I would have to work at it, but was not prepared - to be honest - for how difficult an uphill struggle it would be. I have energy and enthusiasm. I believe it this awesome adventure story I co-wrote. I work very hard to push my product. However, it is tiresome to depend on other people to give you a leg-up, and when it takes ten calls and emails just to speak to someone - never mind agree on a consignment or an event. Other people have their jobs to do; their own lives; their own families; their own special projects which take precedence.

I guess, what I want to say to writers and new authors is this. No-one cares about your work more than you. Keep plugging away and make it happen. Work hard and do not give up. It may not be an overnight success, but it won't be a success at all if you don't work at it.

Chicago Events for 2012

Author Alison Madden looks forward to the following events in Chicago:

February 15, 2012 (Wednesday):
1-2pm: St. Josaphat School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.

February 28, 2012 (Tuesday):
9.30am: The Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge.  A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.

March 3, 2012 (Saturday):
12pm: I've Been to a Marvelous Party!, 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Book signing!

March 7, 2012 (Wednesday):
1.30pm: St. Clement School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.

March 31, 2012 (Saturday):
1-3pm: TipsyCake, 1944 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773 384 4418.  http://www.tipsycakechicago.com/

Thank you to my hostesses Shannon Valko of Little Beans and Naomi Levine of TipsyCake - two fabulous, entrepreneurial working mothers - for welcoming me into their establishments. Thank you to the kind teachers and principals who welcome me into their schools. I appreciate all of your generosity and support.

Fred & Fiona Flea at Jean De Lafayette Elementary School

Thank you to Miss Emily Gann and the Kindergarten class at Jean De Lafayette School in Chicago for inviting me into their lovely classroom to read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. I had fun with all of the students who seemed to enjoy the story a great deal. Keep up with your reading and creative writing kids because you are doing great!! It was a pleasure to meet such enthusiastic, young writers.

The British School of Chicago

Two days prior to Thanksgiving I had the privilege of meeting staff and students at the British School of Chicago. I felt right at home there! All of the teachers there are British, and a number of the students are either British with accents or had British parents.

I met about 125 students split into three groups. I read excerpts of the book and brought the story to life by using different English accents. We had such fun with it!! The students seemed to love the story, and asked all sort of interesting and probing questions afterwards. I was impressed by their intelligence, and their thirst for information.

Many of the children told me they had visited London, and had been to either Buckingham Palace , the Tower of London, or both. They really got to grips with the story, which had meaning for them because they were familiar with the subject matter.

After the reading and questions, we had time to discuss my publishing experience, as well as writing tips. The children were amazed that the publishing process can be such a long and drawn-out process. I highlighted to them that the idea for the story came when they were just babies, and that finally the story was accepted, and then published 6 or 7 years later. They came to understand that all writers need patience, and that a good story is worth writing and deserves perseverance.

Thank you to Mr. Henry Bray - Head of Literacy at the British School of Chicago - for giving me the opportunity. It was a pleasure to meet the students and staff, and to bring Fred & Fiona Flea to life for everyone.