Have I told you I am a published author? I published a couple of professional books and articles while I was working in my career as a marriage and family therapist and full-time faculty, but now I have stepped into a totally different genre. It’s kind of a second career for me. I have had these ideas swirling around in my head for many years, so I finally decided to just go for it when my full-time career came to a halt.
I guess one could argue it’s more of a hobby, as my expenses are way more than I bring in 😂🤪😂🤪, but I am taking on the identity of a children’s author and loving this new lease on life. I have published three children’s books (a picture book and two chapter books), and I’m working on writing some more. I also illustrated my chapter books.
I have a new website, primarily devoted to my books. Please, check it out! www.lucindawest.com. Also, join my Facebook page Books by Lucinda, if for no other reason than to boost my fragile ego 😄. No, I’m not Lucinda Riley and I did not write the Seven Sisters LOL. Rather than search for books by Lucinda, click on the link provided above to find the right page.
I recently had the privilege of attending the convention of the Texas Library Association (TLA) in Austin. I met a bunch of librarians and other authors. It was quite an event! Apparently TLA is the largest in the United States.
I joined an organization as a children’s writer. It’s the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They offer a lot of training and resources, as well as camaraderie. They purchased an exhibit booth at TLA, then extended to all the authors an opportunity to sign up for a time slot and sell our books. It was a little challenging, since so many authors were giving books away for free. But I did sell a few, and it was a great networking event. I had a great time!
It was too far to drive for an early morning time slot. Since I also saw the afternoon slot open up the previous day, Tim drove me out there and we stayed overnight in the Fairmont. It’s right by the Convention Center, with a unique canopy connecting to it. It’s a relatively new, high-end hotel, and I highly recommend it if you are looking. Tim enjoyed working from the room while I attended the convention. We lucked into a special rate on the room, or we might not have stayed there.
The open sides were a bit daunting 😳😳. It crosses the street below.
We left town right after my early morning MRI (of the brain) on Thursday and made the three hour trek to Austin. I had chemo the next day (Friday) in the afternoon, so the time I had at TLA was limited. I did get to walk around after my Thursday afternoon book signing and talk to some of the exhibitors. We had to leave after my time was up Friday morning.
Needless to say, I was a bit tired after all that setting up and tearing down, and travel back and forth (plus the two visits to MD Anderson), but I’m just happy to be alive and have the opportunity to do things like this. I just schedule life and then rearrange my doctor’s visits accordingly. If it’s last minute (like this kind of was), I make it work in between.
Most people see me and have no idea. I kind of like it that way. That’s life with metastatic breast cancer.
One of the hardest parts about being an author is the marketing side of things. Most authors are introverts, and they are asked to make public appearances, reach out to venues, and talk about their books. A wise author once told me, writing and speaking go hand-in-hand like a ball and glove. You can’t have one without the other.
Publishers will often help with that, but I decided to go the self-publishing route instead of hiring a literary agent. I’m still learning how to get into various venues, and searching for the best ways to reach people with my books. Lots of people say they love the concept, and love the books, but sales are low.
I have reached out to schools (they are much harder to get into than they used to be). I also have some events scheduled in Krogers, and created banners to draw attention to my table. I’m going to set it up outside our Airstream at the International Rally in Wyoming (coming soon). I just sat with a friend who gave me heaps of ideas as well as contacts, so that’s my next list to address. Although I’m open to traveling and conducting book tours, I’m working on strengthening my brand in the local market.
I am also considering ways to market to grandparents. After all, parents and grandparents are the ones who will buy the books. So, that’s one of my next steps. Unfortunately no, AARP doesn’t permit personal ads 🙄🙄.
In addition to writing a new picture book (a sequel to Onomatopoeia), I’m working on a second edition to my camping (chapter) book. Hopefully this will generate more interest as the cover will be simpler and well designed. (I also get to correct that typo in my mail address 🙄). I’m contemplating hiring an illustrator for the next edition when I get to that point, but I haven’t decided for sure. There are pros and cons!
If you have any ideas on how to market children’s books, or would like to let me know if you think I should hire an illustrator, please comment below. I’m also open to comments about ways to improve my writing. Just be kind, please 😁. Thanks so much for your feedback, and of course your support!
À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!
