Yesterday being Mothers’ Day, I was one of those last-minute shoppers scrambling at my local stores for a gift for Mom and the stuff I’d need to prepare a fabulous dinner (because it’s MY day, darn it! I want a fuss even if it means I have to make it myself!) So I’m strolling thru my local supermarket early in the morning, wearing one of my favorite writers’ t-shirts. This one says (in bold scary print): Need Coffee, Have Deadline, Must Write. It always gains some kind of reaction and yesterday was no exception.
As I was perusing the dairy aisle for ingredients for my raspberry truffle pie (Hey! When I make a fuss, I do it right!) a store employee walked past me and pointed at my shirt. “I have to get a shirt like that for my wife,” he said.
“Oh?” I asked. “Is she a writer?”
“No, she’s a reader. I swear I never see her without a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.”
My mind starts scrambling. “Really? What types of books does she read?”
“Oh, all kinds,” my victim…er, new friend…replied. “But especially romances.”
“That’s great,” I told him. “You know, I’m a romance writer. I happen to have a few copies of my books in my car. Would you like to buy one for her for Mothers’ Day and I’ll autograph it for you?”
You’d think I just offered him a winning lottery ticket.
Ka-ching! That fast, I made a sale and (I hope!) a new fan.
The thing about promoting is: you must always be ready. Opportunity knocks at strange times. Keep business cards, promo items, and books as close at hand as possible. You never know when you’ll be able to gain an advantage.
For more promotion ideas, be sure to join Dunes & Dreams RWA at their next meeting on Saturday, May 30th at the Mastics/Moriches/Shirley Library from 11 am to 1 pm when we’ll be joined by our guest speaker, Patti Ann Bengen, who’ll be sharing her pearls of wisdom on the topic!
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Gina Ardito writes lighthearted contemporary romance. Her alter ego, Katherine Brandon, writes sweeping historicals. While Gina is the co-founder and current President of Dunes & Dreams, Katherine avoids politics and maintains a low profile. Find out more about both authors by visiting their respective websites: www.ginaardito.com and www.katherinebrandon.com
OMG – what a great day for you and for that unsuspecting reader!
You rock! Debora(Quote) (Reply)