Book Release Party How To and Not to

So a little over a week ago I had a book release party for my long awaited (at least by me) ebook: The Mission (out now on Amazon and wherever ebooks are sold, print on demand). Let me say doing marketing for a book is a job in itself. I'm sure I'll need a publicist. But the kick start was planning the a party which was nerve-wracking.
If you ever have to plan a publicity party here are some tips:

1. Do an RSVP but don't expect people to stick to it. More or less may come, people will invite others at the last minute
2. Pick a venue that matches the crowd your book caters to. You can get interest from people who are already patronizing the place to see what your little shindig is all about.
   
    
3. If you can do a book reading, please do! I picked a place with a live band so that was a no go for me but I would have liked to.
4. Have food. People don't know you as an author yet so enticing folks with treats helps to get attendance.
5. Have giveaways.Make those giveaways related to the book. In my book the girls go out to eat a lot, so we had a gift card to a restaurant. I also had giftcards to amazon so they can buy the book (or whatever) and of course giveaways of the book.
6. Expect people to want a signed copy. In fact no one is buying a book without a signature so have lots o pens!
7. Have business cards. This is also a great networking event. You never know who will attend
   
   who you can work with in the future to help you with marketing and you help them by being a speaker to their class or group etc.
8. Decorate, have a poster of your book. It not only lets guests know where the function is, it may entice other patrons.
9. Have a photographer. You want to remember this event. And the pictures are good advertisements on your site.
10. Have a person help you with getting payments and storing the money properly. You don't want to be focusing on the money situation, you want to be networking, talking and such.

Things I would have done but didn't

1. Advertised to more people. I kept it to family and friends. I could have extended the invite to more people and sent something out via twitter and facebook and my meetup groups etc.
2. Have knick knacks. Having more items with my book title on it is more advertising (like pens and bookmarks).
3. Do a joint party with other authors, preferably writing in a similar genre as you. More people. Even better if that other person already has a following who could be interested in your book. You get interest from their guest and visa versa and you split all the costs for the party.
4. Have your party at a place that will also hype your event. I did not and I can't help but think that it would have helped if that was offered.

Well for the first time, I can't complain. It was a learning lesson and a lot of fun. Hope this helps!

News Alert: TV isn't real

Yes, I know everyone knows that (she says in her Gieco commercial voice) but I wanted to focus on something that I see in TV and movies that's been bugging the heck out of me. It is the mundane but it's the mundane that just doesn't happen in my world. Let me explain.


In TV it's light out when the characters wake up. Birds are chirping. Sun is brightly shining. Unless I wake up at 8am or its spring/summer, it's usually dark. In my world, especially now, its like night out when I get up. No birds are a chirpin. Now unless we are to believe that all TV is set in the spring and summer, I get annoyed when I see these allegedly busy characters wake up late enough the sun is out. And even with the light out when I wake up, I still have blinds to keep the light at bay (and pervs), do people in movies not sleep with blinds? Exhibitionist...


Which leads me to my second point. These busy people in TV shows have time to workout and visit with friends all before they get to work (and its light out). Now I know many people who workout before work but again, its not light out right now. And most folk don't have time to visit with friends for coffee or chit chat (unless they are blue toothing it in the car) before getting to work between the hours of 8-9. The average start times for work. Who are these people? How are you a lawyer or doctor or news reporter (hint hint Being Mary Jane) and have children and also have time to visit your friend down the street before going to work. With it being light outside? Where they do that at?


Perfect hair. I love me some Olivia Pope, but with her job schedule how does she have time to have hair like that? I've seen other shows too, especially with the loose curls. Seriously, Dr. So and So, you have time to get up in the morning and wave your hair before going into the ER? Get outta here.

I know some of this is for the sake of the show/movie but er, uh, what's the deal with coming over unannounced and talking about things that can be discussed over the phone? In my life, I don't visit with my friends all the time. Specifically not on a random Monday night. This is also because my friends don't live super close. I mean an occasional Game of Thrones or Scandal watch party might happen but it's not the usual. And my friends have lives, they are too busy to always stop by unannounced and that would bug me anyway unless its an emergency (a gal likes to put a face mask and some hair curlers on from time to time). This ain't Friends or Seinfeld.


Lunch dates/meetups. Unless I work in the same office as my friends or within walking distance, I'm not meeting my gal pals for lunch during the work week. By the time we get to each other and back lunch is over. We'd have to flex out of work and make up the extra time. So not worth it. I'll catch ya'll at happy hour. Same goes to dudes who ask to meet for lunch. I rarely even take a lunch break, c'mon. Let's do dinner, sir.

Just my soapbox statement for the day.

Frequent Flyers

Not a surprise that a blogger is a big blog follower. And instagram and Pinterest follower. Not only that, but I am a huge magazine reader and fancy myself a stylish kind of girl. As such, I am always looking for new sites to get tips on everything from makeup, clothes, hair, books, exercise and food. Here are my top sites (be they blogs, youtube videos or magazines) put in categories.

Great Hair sites

www.moknowshair.com- natural hair expert with the best curls I've eva seen. Hair crush for sure and she is very knowledgeable about curly hair
www.curlynikki.com- she's the staple for anyone who is natural
www.naturallycurly.com- great information about natural hair and you can purchase hair products through them with reviews
www.hairsisters.com- great site to purchase wigs, weaves, instaweaves etc at all price points
www.elevatestyles.com- another great site to find wigs and such
Youtube- naptural85- she is also on instagram. She is another one of my curl crushes for natural hair.

Fashion/Makeup

www.peoplestylewatch.com - I love this magazine. You find great style ideas at all price points. I also follow them on instagram
www.amazon.com- best site ever to find everything. I buy clothes, books, electronics, hair (yes I do) and the delivery is quick and simple
Destiny Godley- you tube- great make up tips
Motives Cosmetics- instagram- another great make up site
www.girlwithcurves.com- this curvy girl rocks some serious fashion. you don't have to be plus sized to follow her. She really just shows a great array of styles for any size girl with curves.
MooreBeautyLove- instagram- great hair and makeup styles

Food

www.allrecipies.com- when I do feel like cooking, this is a site I frequent for ideas
Pinterest- great site to find recipes

To do/Travel

www.yelp.com- I literally use this site as a go to for travels all over the world to find places to eat, shop and party
www.tripadvisor.com- This is my basic go to for making any trip arrangements.
www.thrilllist.com- great site to find the cool things to do in major cities

If you know of any good sites in these categories please share with a gal!

Hollywood and interracial dating

Soo I recently read a post about Lupita Nyong'o possibly dating Jared Leto. I get nervous when I see articles that could incite ignorance in the comment section but to my pleasant surprise most people seemed really excited about this idea.  I mean who doesn't love Lupita and Jared (Jordan Catolano, sigh) (side note: can you believe he is 42?!).

So anyway, I'm reading the comments and everything is cool except for one dude who rants about how Hollywood women of color. He states that as soon as they make it big, they get paired up with white men. This led to an online conversation that I did not get into but it made me think. I don't think this is true of all famous black women but I can see why he believed that . However, can't the same be said of famous black men (I mean how many can you name, under the age of 45 who are with black women?).  So, to play devil's advocate with myself, I wondered, does Hollywood push people of color to date white if they make it big (assuming the celebrity is single of course)? And how does this alleged push happen?

Personally, I don't think its Hollywood trying to "white wash" or assimilate these actors. I think its a very limited community and if you are a person of color who gets famous before you get married its not as simple to encounter other people of color who are at/near/ or can appreciate your level/art. We have those who met after fame (B and Jay, Courtney B. Vance and Angela Basset , Will and Jada) but it gets harder after that. I try to hold judgment and not assume that all of the famous black people I see with white partners are doing it because they've "made it big". It's way too many to assume that it's a preference or part of a Hollywood package. I think we date our environment. It speaks more to the lack of diversity in Hollywood than anything. For the sake of my sanity, it's better to believe that interracial dating in Hollywood or anywhere, is more about happenstance and less about seeking a trophy in the form of white skin.

Scandal v. BMJ: Why do I root for one and not another?

Okay I am a big Scandal and Being Mary Jane fan but I have to admit, I pull more for Olivia over Mary Jane. Why? Yes, they are both smart, successful, independent women who are...side chicks. So technically I should dislike them both. But I never hated Olivia like I tend to hate Mary Jane. Admittedly, Mary Jane redeemed herself by the end of the first season but honestly before that I gave her several side eyes and eye rolls. I tell my friends this and they don't understand why the double standard so I had to think on it and here is my reasoning:

• Scandal gives me side plots that help me take the focus off the foolishness of the affair.

• Scandal has a Jake. Yes, I am team Jake. I just don't care for Fitz, just as I didn't care for Mary Jane's married Boo. These men are not sympathetic. So if there is a good guy who can stir the side chick right then I'm for it. I thought Mary Jane had one but turns out he got himself a new girl so maybe next season.

• The wife. So regardless of her personality, I still respect the wife on Scandal because that is what she is: the wife. She may be unlikeable but she was done dirty. However, Scandal still makes Olivia sympathetic because it really showcases the back story for both women and their understanding of the situation. In Being Mary Jane, I just didn't hate the wife. She seemed okay and was wronged for no reason. She didn't seem evil or conniving which made Mary Jane more of a home wreaker.

• Mary Jane didn't seem really sorry for her actions. In Scandal, Olivia often pushed Fitz away and encouraged his marriage to his wife. Mary Jane tried to humiliate the wife. Not cool.

• Olivia just seems so much more caring. She stands behind her "gladiators" and will help them no matter what (I mean she is still trying to look out for the backstabbing Quinn). Mary Jane helps others but she fuses all the way. Either help your family or leave them alone. And how she accused her friend of telling her secret without any proof- not cool.

All in all, the side chick foolishness is not cool but if I have to pull for someone, I must get some redeemable characteristics that make me want to pull for the person. I'm still iffy on Ms. Mary Jane. But that's just me, I like some kindness in my side chicks!

The Set Up

The Snow’s a commin! The Snow’s a commin ! But what does that mean? Knocking on wood and all that, I am blessed that I don’t live in an area where snow storms can shut the city down for a week. Yet time and time again if the weather man (who I am convinced has a side deal with the grocery stores) says snow is a commin we jet to Safeway like it’s the zombie apocalypse. Lines zig-zag through the store like they are giving away something free. Why do we give in? Why do I think I must prepare for battle when a few flurries are threatened? So it was a nightmare last night at the grocery store. While standing in line I began to wonder why we always flock to the store when a winter storm is a commin. I mean do we think we are going to be stranded in the house and can’t get out to get food for days? Did we not have enough food before we went to the store to keep us for a day or two because that’s usually how long we are going to be stuck inside (not mentioning that we can always order because somehow Pizza hut can always deliver along with that good guy mailman/woman). I saw people buying food like they were going to be stuck inside for at least a week or more. So now you are inside with a bunch of food the day before Valentine’s day (or as we singles call it – Friday) so you’ll want to go out and buy more crap (either at happy hour or a restaurant). Thus wasting all that money you spent stockpiling for the revolution. *Scratches my head* I don’t get it. Yet, I’m still nervous about the idea of not going to the store when snow is threatened. Also side note: Why must people make sure they get bread, milk, and toilet paper when snow is a commin? Are they going to eat more cereal or bake more during the storm? They going to eat more sandwiches? And are people expecting to take more dumps when they are snowed in? I get it if you have kids, especially small ones, because they can be eating and pooping machines (cute ones nonetheless) but for the rest of us? As my dad put it, the new staples should be croissants (or cinnamon rolls), chocolates and wine… That’s the kind of luxury eating/drinking you want to do when you get a snow day on a work day! So in my mind liquor stores should be getting more business when the snow is a commin. I’m just saying…

It's coming along

Finally have a set book description. Edited and peer/family reviewed, I think this sets up what The Mission (my first romantic/comedy/chick lit fiction book) is all about! Look for it as an ebook (with limited print release for now) on March 21, 2014.

The Mission

Rule #6: Be mysterious, but always approachable…keep him wanting more!

Rule #11: Always remember, no sex in the beginning. Make him wait!

Rule #19: You’ve got to give a little to get a little. Be giving of yourself, and it will make a lasting impression to keep your Mr. Right.

Sheila and Denise are successful, funny and attractive, but very single women. Not that being single is horrible; but when Denise is hassled to have a date to an old friend’s wedding-of-the-century, and Shelia needs an escort to an industry banquet where everyone who’s anyone will be in attendance, being single loses its perks. To add to the dilemma, Sheila tells a little white lie to her workplace nemesis about dating a successful music producer, which explodes into a career-threatening rumor. Under extreme pressure from family, friends and coworkers, they resort to making a pact. Their Mission: Get A Man in Three Months. They will use “proven” rules to finding their Mr. Rights. Rules that worked for a friend of a friend …how hard could it be?

Join them in their hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking adventures as chapter by chapter they follow a new rule, and delve into the treacherous world of Washington, D.C. dating. The gal pals suffer through speed dating (Sam Needs-a-Bath). They allow themselves to be set up on blind dates (Bitter Crying Kevin). They try a dating service (Apron-Strings Adrian). They try the bar scene (Smoky the Bear who smokes more than cigars). They even meet men in the beauty salon (Javier Not Quite Straight). And there’s more, much more. Surrounded by family drama, workplace stressors and their own hang-ups about love, will the rules actually help them find their Mr. Rights in time for their events?