2009 Archives

2009 In Restrospect-the “simplydilsa” Way

  • Posted on December 29, 2009 at 9:33 pm

Wow!  What words can I use to express how great 2009 was for me!  I am a published author.  I released my first novel, Dreams Thrown Away, on August 14, 2009.  Opening that first box of books and lifting out that first copy was like, and I know this sounds cliché, holding a newborn baby.  It is an awesome feeling to see your work in a finished product.  I carried it around, smelled it, flipped its pages, and floated around for the rest of the day, weeks, and even months.  When people purchased it and called me or emailed me to let me know how captivating it was to read.  The  characters in that book, until August 14, 2009, had belonged only to me inside my mind.  Hearing people’s reactions  was the beginning of an addiction.  I wanted to hear more.  And, the desire to create more culminated. 

However, along with the birth of a book comes a new responsibility.  Just as the newborn needs to be fed, bathed, clothed, and kept safe, a new book has to be presented to the market.  It has to be fed to an audience, it has to be clothed in a package that makes others want to read it, and it has to be tended to on a regular basis.  You can’t write it and hide it in the closet.  So, a new journey began.

The 2009 year had begun writing, polishing, editing, and developing Dreams Thrown Away.  Then the second quarter began the journey of putting all the research I had done on self-publishing to the test.  I chose a self-publishing company, Outskirts Press, and submitted my material.  By the beginning of the last quarter of the year, I had to put my research and my experience to use marketing my book.   My first attempt was daunting.  At first, I wished I had pursued the traditional process of submitting it to agents and traditional publishers.  Then, I met other authors who were published traditionally and were out there marketing their own books.  So, I took a deep breath and dived in.  Letting people know about Dreams Thrown Away by Dilsa Saunders Bailey was my job, regardless of the publisher and I take this job very seriously.

Here are a few things I did to market Dreams Thrown Away through events and networking:

  • Pumped up my website:  www.dilsasaundersbailey.com.
  • Announced it on my blog:  www.simplydilsa.com.
  • Book Signing at Emory Healthcare in September.
  • Speech at Victory Voices of Vision Toastmasters Club about writing in September.
  • Book Signing at party in Cape Coral, FL in September.
  • Book Signing at BE Hair Designs in October.
  • Appeared in an article in my hometown newspaper, the Union Daily Times in October.
  • Speaker at National Association of Medical Staff Services in October.
  • Book Signing at the Eagle Eye Book Store in December.
  • Read a two-minute book excerpt from my book –open mic–  at the Atlanta Writers Club in December.
  • Posted all of my events at booktour.com, writtenmag.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,  Good Reads, and Amazon.
  • Posted a book trailer on YouTube.
  • Posted an excerpt reading on YouTube.
  • Created flyers to give to anyone who was standing still long enough to talk about my book.
    • Party in West Covina, CA
    • Conference in Las Vegas
    • High School reunion in South Carolina
    • Conference in Reno
    • Volunteer Work  in Atlanta
    • Christmas Parties in Atlanta
    • Supermarkets
    • Hair salons
    • Nail salons
    • Doctor’s offices
    • Too many places to recant.
  • Created emails to friends and family keeping them up to date on my activities and sales on my website.
  • Five individuals gave me stunning reviews on Amazon.  Over 30 responses from others, some listed on my website, and others saved for prosperity.
  • Sold above average number of books for a first time, self-published author within the first four months on the market based on averages quoted in articles and at seminars.  I am on my way!

If you want to learn how to become a self-published author, stay tuned.  I believe in sharing. 

Happy New Year!!!  May 2010 be a stellar year for all!

 

Comma Ze This, Comma Ze That-Itis

  • Posted on December 1, 2009 at 10:24 pm

I hate commas, and I love commas.  Commas are the source of my greatest weakness in writing.  That is why, I  hate them.  Commas are also the greatest source of my research, so I love commas.  I don’t know why, but commas cause confusion in my overly active, highly distracted mind.  I have always been under the assumption that commas were meant to either separate singular words,  phrases, or  clauses or, they were meant to indicate pauses in a sentence.  When writing fiction, I write the way the character speaks or thinks.  So, there are places I might automatically insert a comma for a pause effect.  Where’s the buzzer, let it buzz loudly(NOT!).  Just because the pause sounds perfect in my mind as I write, it does not mean it is the perfect place to put a comma.

Just in case, you suffer the comma ze this, comma ze that-itis that I suffer from (where’s my editor), here are a few tips on comma usage I have learned along the way.

1.  A series of three of more items should be separated by commas.

The roses in the vase were red, pink, and white. 

2.  Commas separate related adjectives that modify a word.  If the adjectives are not related or connected in meaning, commas are not required.

The tall, thin man leaned against the wall.

The tall tan man leaned against the wall.

3.  Commas follows words, phrases, and clauses that have an introductory function.

Finally, Jim scored a home run after striking out the whole season.

As a result, the whole class began to follow the teacher’s lead.

As if that wasn’t enough, the dog barked louder than ever.

4.  Stop.  Interrupt a sentence with a comma.

The hurricane, unfortunately, turned back toward the shore.

The school, that held the highest scores for the SAT’s, was located in a surprising location.

5. Commas separate two independent clauses separated by a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so).

I could have sworn I heard a train, but it was actually the screeching sound of a low flying airplane.

6.  Commas separate the ordinary (this is probably where I got the pause theory from).

Hold still, Kathy, so I can take a great picture.

Stop running inside, Johnny.

The source of my comma tips range from many websites to many books.  My favorite book for learning to write effectively is an old text book called “The Confident Writer” by Carol Kanar.   I love writing and do my best to alway find time to jot down a few words here and there, even if I have to use commas. 

 

Atlanta Writer’s Club

  • Posted on November 21, 2009 at 11:16 pm

I attended the Atlanta Writer’s Club meeting this afternoon.  I enjoyed it immensely.  Four published and successful authors were presented, one children’s book author and three romance writers.   I listened intently to their advice and their stories of how they got started and where they were now.  I dreamed of being where they are in their careers and was happy to know that I am on the right track.  They were informative, but shared nothing new I haven’t read or heard before.  It was just so good to hear it again from successful authors.  Their advice rang true and reminded me to:

  • Let the story drive you.  Some of the authors wrote multiple genres.  The romance writers reminded us that there is romance in most stories and it can cross genres.  The message was not to set out to write a specific genre or deliver a specific message, just let the story drive you to write it.  The messages and the genre will follow.
  • Read books that help build your trade and your skills.  Some of their favorites were shared, such as Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas and Story by Robert McKee.
  • Find a process for writing the novel specific to you.  One author wrote in the evening and re-visited or re-edited in the morning.  Two authors wrote outlines.  Everyone was different, but each had found their own comfort zone and knew how long it would take them to write, revise, and edit their novels.

Those were just a few of the tips that reminded me that “Yes I Can” be a successful author just like they are.  So thank you, Danny Schnitzlein, Anna DeStefano, Tracie Howard, and Jennifer St. Giles for making me believe my dreams can come true, too.  I am half way there.  My first novel is already in the homes and hearts of many.

Check out my latest YouTube excerpt of Dreams Thrown Away…Dilsa Saunders Bailey

Dreams Thrown Away – YouTube Excerpt

Customer Service

  • Posted on November 6, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Only of One of Two Choices

Only of One of Two Choices

Have you walked out of a store because of poor customer service?  Have you hung up the phone because you had to wait so long or the opening message was so long all you did was get distracted before you heard your option?  I want to hear about your customer service experiences, good and bad.  It hit me as I was driving the other day why some companies succeed no matter the economic climate.   Instinctively, I believe it is because of great customer service.  However, if you could share with me the good, the bad, and the ugly, I would like to compile  a few snapshots of who is successful and who is not based on the type of service provided.  Email me at dilsa@simplydilsa.com  if you want to be discreet.  Or post it here.

And don’t forget, pick up the book that nobody wants to end:  Dreams Thrown Away by Dilsa Saunders Bailey.

Learning So Much About Self-Publishing Fiction

  • Posted on October 25, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Self-publishing for the non-fiction writer is a lot more cut and dried, more black and white.  You have a specific product to sell to a specific niche.  Writing a romantic suspense novel puts the self-published author in a totally different ball park.  If you are like me whose book, Dreams Thrown Away, has been read and enjoyed cross gender lines, cross racial and cultural lines, and cross the age lines, you have a wider target audience that you would like to reach.  I want everybody who is interested in an atypical love story filled with tragedy and intrigue to have access to my novel.    I have been on the marketing track since the first book arrived, but I am finding there are different rules for me.  However, not so different.  Let’s cover some:

1) Major book stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders aren’t open to hosting book signings for the self-published author.  So strike that off your wish list. 

2)A lot of libraries here in Georgia, should I dare say, discriminate against the self-published author.  A couple did assure me they MAY do a self-published author event one day  and will keep me in mind.  They all asked for free books.

3)Independent bookstores are more open, but not as open-armed as you might think.  They, too, have been burnt (oops!)  or been turned off by Print-on-Demand publishing.  They are most put-off by the No Return policy.   I was told by one Indie that he has even had problems with a self-publisher’s willingness to live up to its Return Guarantee.  (What’s that?  Will talk about the Returns another time.)

4)Discounting the book to get it out of just cyperspace?  It is possible, but book Stores want more of your retail price, a whopping 55% at the major chains.  Indies will settle for 40%, but they prefer to sell on consignment.  So guess who pays for shipping and handling.  You do.

5)With all the ups and downs of items 1-4,  what I have learned about self-publishing is that I still own the rights to my work.  I can market when and where I want.  There are still venues out there to do booksignings.  You can use various places of businesses with foot traffic, such as art galleries, coffee shops, museums, and more.  Even more rewarding, you can meet some of the most intriguing, informative, creative, and talented  people out there while selling your book.  And everybody is willling to help everybody else.

Don’t look at any of the above as a negative.  Learning is learning and you can use what you learn in a positive manner.  Keep meeting those wonderful people out there, and keep asking those book stores and libraries for a leg up.  There is somebody out there who likes fiction, and will like your work.  I have.

Ongoing – Just the Beginning of the Marketing Journey

  • Posted on October 13, 2009 at 8:22 pm

Whether you are self-published, or published through a traditional publisher, only one thing is going to generate sales.  Marketing.  You have to get the word out, whether it’s pushed through  free medium or it is paid.  There is no rest for the ambitious writer, yet you still have to find time to write.  Thus, my blogging has taken a back seat.  I am blogging today to let you know that I am not quitting the blog, just managing my time so I can get back to writing.  Selling my book is now an ongoing journey.  Each small step is bringing me closer to writing success and a full-time writing career.  What steps are you taking toward your dreams?

The Frenzy is On

  • Posted on October 2, 2009 at 7:11 am

It doesn’t matter whether you are self-published or published by a traditional publishing house, you have to market your book to get the sales.  I have been in a state of frenzied marketing activity.  I never knew how much work is actually in networking and marketing.  Book marketing is more than just book reviews, book signings, and store displays.  You have to get people to talk about your book to other people.  That’s “word of mouth,” but it wouldn’t hurt to get viral, with viral marketing a means of exponentially growing the message that your product, your book, is out there to be picked up and enjoyed.  I haven’t mastered viral as yet, but I do have a host of family and friends forwarding my email announcements. I do have a website, and I am actively networking.  I am on social networks, but I am finding the face to face network multiplies sales just as quickly.  Before you stress out, like I have and still do day to day, don’t worry about getting that book signing event set up so quickly.  It will come in time, when the time is right for you.  Get out, socialize, and talk about your book.  Start with the basics, face to face.  “Hi, do you read novels, romance novels?” –”You do?”– “Well, you might like my novel.  It’s a romantic suspense called, Dreams Thrown Away!”

Journey to the Road of Great Health

  • Posted on October 1, 2009 at 7:54 am

Having recently published my novel, Dreams Thrown Away, I realized one thing was missing.  I am actively promoting my book and running out of steam faster than I had imagined.  So it finally dawned on me, in order to be successful, first I have to be healthy.  So today, I am beginning to journal my road to great health, from a 5′2″ small frame, but 184 pounds sound and former smoker to a healthy 130 something pounds with the stamina of a sixteen year old.  I am not going to do this alone, I have company and we would love more company.  Any tips, ups and downs to a lifestyle change, or kudos you may have will be greatly appreciated.

Here’s how I started my day: 

Walked 1.27 miles on the Gazelle

Ate a cup of cheerios with almond breeze milk.

Drank 10 oz of grape juice.

One multi-vitamin.

What did you do?

Dreams Thrown Away – Review and Reader Responses

  • Posted on September 13, 2009 at 10:07 pm

I couldn’t help but share..simplydilsa

Dreams Thrown Away, the dramatic new novel by novice author, Dilsa Saunders Bailey, is one that transports its reader, not only to the space and time of the characters, but also into their minds.  Amazingly, the reader begins to anticipate the next move of the characters.  At some point, one begins to feel that this is not a book, but a movie.  The readers become voyeurs of the characters as they follow a young southern girl who is whisked away from her small town to the City of Philadelphia shortly after the tragic deaths of her parents. 

 

We watch this main character change from a fragile orphan to a wise woman of the world.  Bailey has captured the character’s inner strength, while at the same time retaining the softness and fragility of a nurturer.  The characters in this book come to life so readily that the reader may actually find herself speaking to them, as one might do in a movie.  Several passages in this novel will make your eyes swell with tears, as this character endures some of the worst tragedies of a lifetime at the hands of the ones she loves, the men in her life. 

 

Although Dilsa Saunders Bailey is a female writer, she has an extraordinary ability to capture the masculinity of the male characters.  She is able to speak in the male language as the characters interact with other members of their gender.  This book goes from displays of great emotions between lovers to the turmoil and violence between brothers.  The reader will find herself on the edge of the seat of this romantic suspense as the acts and threats are carried out.  You will not want to miss this novel.

 

 

Here are some responses from its readers:

 

Wow!  I can say the book was wonderful.  I did not want to put it down.  It made you want to keep reading to the end.  You never knew what would happen next…every chapter was more exciting then the last.  I am so glad I purchased the book.  Good luck with future writing. 

Sonie D.

 

∞

 

Absolutely loved the book.  Keep the stories coming. Love to see the saga of your characters continue.  Maybe I will miss E. Lynn a little less.

Linda C.

∞

 

This book provoked so much emotion in me, but I couldn’t put it down.  Some of it just made me so mad, but I wanted to know how everything unfolded.  I couldn’t stop reading. 

Jeanne H.

∞

The characters still haunt me.  My colleagues and I talk about them like they are real people. 

Catrinia O.

∞

 

I was riveted to the story.  The characters came alive and the plot kept me rooting for Kali.  The book truly was full of suspense and romance. 

Donna W.

∞

 

I love it!!!   I wanted that to happen, but I didn’t really know what to expect at the end.  Needless to say, I didn’t forgive Ashton, but I began to like him again.  I can’t wait to get the next book.  This was really a great book… 

Brenda J.

∞

 

Much drama and suspense.  I just kept turning the pages wanting to find out more about Kalina aka Kali and her fight to overcome the dominance of a powerful and wealthy family.  She kept it together through all the tragedy by staying in school at the top of her class.  I can’t wait for the sequel…

Sharon F.

∞

 

 

You can read an excerpt of this novel on www.dilsasaundersbailey.com.  Dreams Thrown Away is currently available on www.Amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.borders.com and it can be ordered by your local bookstore at www.outskirtspress.com/buybooks.

The Book is Published-Now What?

  • Posted on August 30, 2009 at 10:04 pm

I know I sound like a broken record, because all I can keep saying is “I am so excited”!  My book, Dreams Thrown Away, was officially published August 14, 2009.  I had the book in my hands less than a week later.  It felt so good I carried it around the house.  My husband scolded me and told me I couldn’t bring it to bed.  I promise, I didn’t take it to bed.  Once I got it though, I started marketing full-force.  I had begun the legwork prior, sending out announcements that it would soon be released.  I set up my website, www.dilsasaundersbailey.com  and took pre-orders.  I ordered a huge lot and began to sell them to my friends, family, and co-workers. 

So what are my goals, and what should be done?  I self-published, but from what I have been reading whether you self-publish or go the traditional way, you have to market your book in order to be successful.  These are some of the steps I have taken and will take to make this book a publishing success:

1)  Take pre-orders offering free shipping and an autographed copy on my website.

2)  Send news releases to the local papers, organizations where I am a member, and to city publications where I have lived.

3)  Send information sheets with a full-blown copy of the cover to book clubs.  These sheets include an excerpt of the book and where it can be purchased, plus an offer to have a visit from the author.

4) Schedule book signings at independent book stores.

5) Email the full release status of my book and a reminder that the special offer of free shipping and an autographed copy ends soon.

There are more tactics that I plan to employ, but the most important tactic is to not ever quit.  To be a success, one has to remain focused.  If you have that book in you, follow your dream.  See it.  Believe it.  Achieve it!

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