So What's The Big Idea?

Do you know what swag is? (I know, dumb name, but we didn't make it up.) It's all the fun stuff authors give away to promote their books; bookmarks are the most common, but there are buttons, pins, notepads, candy, and so much more. Some authors from the big publishing houses get to giveaway tee shirts, iPad skins, gift cards, one even gave away a box with clues to solve a puzzle.

Being pubbed by a small house means you have to do all that on your own.

And on your own money.

So we had to be creative with ideas and finances.  If you know us, or attended a signing or conference (or maybe even met us by chance) you probably got some swag. Here's a picture of what we offered:

(Note: missing kitty cat key/phone charms in pink and black. They went fast!)

Now that Sirenz Back In Fashion is coming out, we need to start the process for this sequel. In one way, it's exciting: new book, new characters, more Hades, outrageous situations, whole new color scheme. The creative juices are flooding our brains faster than the Raritan River can drown Manville and Green Brook (that's pretty fast if you know NJ).

But here's the problem: most authors tend to use the same old things- bookmarks, pins, yada yada. I want something unique. And I'm willing to bribe you to do some brainstorming for me. You tell me your idea for a great swag item and I will send you 3 (yes, THREE) books from the list at the bottom of this post, your choice. Now here are the rules:

1. Must be cost effective. We cannot give a gold coin to hundreds of people. (Yes, that's a clue- gold coins figure in the book.) And I'm already doing a chocolate gold coin, so don't think you're going to submit that. The chocolate red shoes were a hit and cost effective over large numbers.

2. Must be easy. While Nat and & are pretty creative craft wise (she knits, I crochet, we color nice pictures, etc.) we are no Da Vincis. We don't want anything that can be mucked up. If it's something a company can do for us without having to sell our children to the gypsies, thumbs up. (Next clue: there's a music/concert/dance element, but please nothing with copyright infringement problems so forget anything Glee, American Idol, etc.)

3. Must be fun!  Nobody wants boring stuff- school pencils will end up at the bottom of the junk drawer, used for grocery lists and that's about it. Whatever you suggest can be practical, but must be pretty/fun/unusual to put a smile on recipient's face. We're all about the FUN element. (Next clue: forget the feathers, but something's fishy....)

4. Must be available in time. You might have the cutest idea, but if it's going to take six months to put it all together, have it made, shipped and received, well, that doesn't help. (Last clue: Sirenz = shoe, Sirenz 2 = fuzzy vest.)

This swag has been done: chocolate (in any form), bookmarks, pins, Hades' business card (people STILL talk about that, they love it), feathers, pretty organza bags, key bobs (unless it's really cool).

So let's see what you come up with. Here's the list of books the winner may choose three (3) of:

Skyship Academy with signed card from Nick James
The Trouble With Half A Moon (MG) by Danette Vigilante
Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
Bloodspell by Amalie Howard, signed
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski

One last clue; if you check out www.thesirenz.com you can find more hints about the book.

Char

As We Dream By The Fire....

This is what the hubby and I bought each other for Christmas--a gas fireplace. No holiday ties you wear once a year, no more jewelry I don't have any more fingers, toes and arms to wear, no vacations to places we're too busy to get to.

When you think about it, it's kind of a romantic, practical, good investment gift.

It will be romantic to sit by the fire with our wine, talking over the day's events.

(Or watch the hubby snore on a different couch, this one in front of the fireplace instead of the big screen TV).

It's practical because when we lost power for five miserable days, I was forced to go to the mall to keep warm. (Which got expensive, all that shopping.) This baby warms up quite a bit of the old cabin, and we can all snuggle down in the living room to sleep if the electricity goes off.

(We just have to fight over who gets to sleep on the couches, and who gets stuck on the hardwood floors.)

It's a good investment because people love a fireplace, especially one that doesn't require: being friends with Paul Bunyon for wood, a gazillion trips in and out stocking up firewood, vacuuming up all the chips, dirt, bugs (eek) and ashes, and repainting every year to get the smokey haze off all your white ceilings and colored walls, and off your furniture, carpet and drapes.

(Why were we the only *(&%! house on the block NOT to have a fireplace?? EVERYONE has one.)

Plus there is the humorous aspect. Son, now 12, was singing about the fireplace. (tune: Winter Wonderland) "...Later on, milk will expire, as we dream by the fire..."  Don't ask me where the heck he got 'milk will expire' from "we'll conspire."

And it'll be nice to curl up by the fire with a good book.

Resolutely Yours

It's after New Year's Day--and I pondered a bit about what to write. Yes, I've made the obligatory resolutions.

But this year will be slightly different. I'm not resolving to lose weight, give up smoking, exercise more. My resolutions (yes, plural) are what I'm promising to do for YOU.

In 2012, I resolve to:

1. Give positive feedback as much as I honestly can, whether it's someone's book, haircut, screw-up or opinion.

2. Obey the rules. I will drive safer, even if it's just down the road to the grocery store.

3. Let you go. If our relationship, whether it's as friends, acquaintances, fellow author or even family member, is toxic to either of us, we'll part, hopefully amicably as possible.

4. Promote the good. I'll talk up other books, libraries, volunteering, worthy charities, anything that brings awareness to a good thing.

5. Not discuss politics. Nothing good ever comes of discussing this subject and as we draw closer to the election and tensions run higher, I'll just leave it alone.

I think that's enough. I only have so much resolve, and there's a few things I resolve to do for myself, but I won't bore you with them.

I wish you all a healthy, happy, successful, peaceful and wonderful 2012!

Char

12 Things I Hate About Christmas

I'm no Scrooge--(even if I wear Grinch socks) but admit it, there are things that make people crazy about the holidays no mater what you celebrate. So here's my list:

1) The "Christmas is so commercial!" whine. Let me clue you in on something: we live in a commercial world. People, and companies, will make a buck off anything or anyone they can. We buy bumper stickers that say "9/11- Never Forget." Does that make it any less profound and touching because someone sold it to you? I don't buy glow-in-the-dark Madonnas from St. Patrick's cathedral in NYC or send money to TV preachers who beg because I think it's tacky, tasteless, and self-serving--but I don't let it ruin the meaning of the religion behind it. Christmas is only commercial if YOU let it be.

2) Naked houses. Driving down streets at night, homes are a-glow with twinkling lights. Visit those same homes during the day and you'll be lucky if there's a wreath on the door. Let's consider daytime visual interest people; I need some greenery, ribbons and festive decorations.

3) Fruitcake. Hate it, won't eat it, don't bring it.

4) Stupid lawn blow-ups. I mean really, you plop this polyester bag on the lawn, plug it in, and a fan inflates it. It's a lazy way to decorate and during the day when the power's off, it looks like a mess. And Santa in an RV? Crass.

5) The Mall. Me, a woman, hate the mall?? It's overcrowded, stifling hot, overpriced, and filled with people at their greediest and nastiest (and don't even get me started on the parking wars).

6) Bad Christmas songs. Madonna singing Santa Baby (a song about selfish greed using sex) seems to be specifically made for the material girl, but that doesn't mean it's a song for the holidays. Sure, I joke around with the hubby and kids about wanting a deed to a platinum mine but it's more to make fun of the song. And treasured songs of old do not translate well into rap, heavy metal or disco, no matter who the artist is. At least once during the year, absorb some classical or traditional music so your soul doesn't starve for something cultural.

7) Christmas Decorations Before Halloween. Can I enjoy the two holidays between labor Day and Christmas? I love Halloween and Thanksgiving. Don't rush me.

8) Offensive Movies That Scare Children Who See Them. Movies like that one about a serial killer dressed as Santa; I think it was Silent Night, Deadly Night. Some people are really sick; to make such a revolting movie, your mother must be so disappointed.

9) Cheapskates. People will think nothing of dropping bucks on ridiculous junk like fake nails, jeans with more holes than fabric or antler hats for the dog (call the ASPCA), yet they walk by the Salvation Army kettle without putting at least some change in it. What if people passed you by when you were hungry, homeless, lost all your clothes in a fire or flood, or needed some emergency assistance?

10) Thieves. They're bad enough during the year but to target people through charitable scams is so low a snake would slap you. I think Dante needs to update his Inferno to include a circle in Hell for scum, because those people qualify.

11) Not Saying Merry Christmas When It's Obvious I Believe In It. Hint: I'm buying something Christmasy, like a personalized ornament, or a Jerry Garcia Christmas tie, or I have Christmas wrapping paper in my bag. See a theme here? I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. Don't say "Happy Holidays." Need another hint? I'm wearing a (God forbid!) Christmas sweater, a nativity pin or jingle bell earrings. Don't make me pull out the musical Christmas pen.

12) People Who Whine 'I Can't Wait Till The Holidays Are Over.' Well obviously you're stressed about getting everything on the list done. If you're hosting Christmas dinner for the always-fighting in-laws, then stop hosting. Why continue to do something year after year that makes you miserable? Make changes! Unless of course you're like those people who have dental work done without novocaine (because you need to maintain absolute control). Then don't complain if it hurts! If you want to let your holiday be ruined, it's your choice. I just don't understand why anyone would. Don't burst my holiday happy bubble with complaints.

So there you have it. I have a few others, like people who say the religious aspect is gone (ahem, when was the last time you attended church? Donated time to a cause?). And stop bitching because for one day the movie theater or your favorite restaurant are closed and you're bored. Read a book. Sleep late. Have a party. Volunteer at a soup kitchen so Christians can celebrate.

And the list goes on, but you get the idea. Let's all try to have peace within, and amongst, ourselves--at least for one day.

Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Happy Chanukah!

And the Winner Is.....

My very first giveaway!

The Cup of Destiny has spoken!

(Actually the cup didn't do anything. I put all the names in and mixed them up. One son made the cup, the other chose the name.)

And it goes to....

Love Between Pages!

*Claps, jumps up like 2 year old, squeals like 4 year old.*

So, which book do you want? I'll even give you the choice of Sirenz, signed, if you wish. But feel free to pick any one book: Watersmeet, signed by Ellen Jensen Abbott, Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia, Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski, or Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade. And, I will ask those author buds if they will include signed bookmarks for each of their books. So I need your addy- you want to get it before Christmas, right?

Congrats, and peeps, keep reading and checking in- I'll be giving away more stuffies.

Char

A Word From The Wise

There are just some people who take FAN to a rocking level. I'm not talking about those 'moms' who have scenes from a certain book tattooed on their body (By the way moms, that's scary and creepy, and doesn't leave much room for other books you may fall in love with. And what do your husbands think?)

I'm losing the thought train here.

Superhero co-author Natalie Zaman and I, along with a host of other authors, were invited to "Unmask the Writer Within;" book signing, author workshops, lunch and Halloween party in Johnstown, New York. Hard times and that freaky snowstorm probably kept away some people, but we all had a great time, made new friends and talked books.

And then Melissa Marie, the darling of Mysteries on Main Street Book Store, gave one of these to each of us:

It's Sirenz, done through a series of photos of signs, objects, window bars, wrought iron, etc. in a lovely black frame.

It was my first gift from a fan. I was so touched and thrilled and astonished and speechless (really, me? right?). I've re-arranged my home office so I can be thankful for it, be inspired by it, and be humbled by it. By no means am I encouraging all fans to send such thoughtful, beloved, delightful gifts (while nice, I'd surely run out of room). Cheerful emails, blog comments, a chat at a book signing, a little note on FB mean so much to authors, especially those that are not in the spotlight, that are on a tight publicity budget, that don't fit the current trend (yes, I have no vampires, werewolves, zombies or steam-powered devices. Do have a witch though...) Sometimes we non-famous authors feel neglected, forgotten, overlooked. It takes so much advertising, going to book signings, blogging, interviewing, guest posting, and networking to steal a bit of attention. Nat and I have no famous relations, no connections in show biz or the literary world to ease our path; we're two moms from New Jersey who love to write and just want to share our books with as many people as we can.

It takes a simple reminder; a picture of 6 letters but a universe of meaning, to refresh our memories of why we write; because we love it. Sirenz was no labor; hard work at times, but the fun and laughter Nat & I shared will continue as the series progresses, come what may. So thank you, Melissa Marie, and your wonderful mother (who did the eye-catching photos) for such a priceless gift; appreciation for our work.

YOU get the first copy of Sirenz, Back In Fashion.

How The Mighty Have Fallen...

Okay, I'm not mighty in any sense of the word, but just go with me.

 I'm sick--flu, cold, bug, whatever.

My nose is stuffed, my sinuses hurt, my throat is sore throat enough that I want to stamp my feet and scream. So I've fallen out of my routine. House needs to be vacuumed, novel isn't getting finished, errands aren't being run. Now I could excuse myself that I shouldn't spread germs to the public at large, and that's a valid reason for not grocery shopping (maybe I picked this bug up from a grocery cart? ewwww; motivation to shop with your gloves on.), going to the robotics meeting (and leaving my germs on high science desks), and lunch with my writing gal pals (talk about torture!). But neither the dirty rug nor the blank pages care that I feel so lethargic it's a task to get another drink for my burning throat.

There are times we all fall short of expectations. A friend texted me saying "Cheer up! The holidays are coming and you have so much to do!" First of all, reminding me how much I have to do is NOT the way to cheer me up. Second, I'm not depressed, I'm just sick. The holidays are far enough away (even Thanksgiving, the Forgotten Holiday) that I don't need to worry about it; I'm more worried about making my book signings on Thursday in NYC at Books of Wonder (18 W 18th Street, 6-8) and Friday in PA (Children's Book World, East Main Street, Haverford, 7-9). If I can get past them, then I'll be able to get back on track...

Except my firstborn, away at college since August, is coming home on Friday (no doubt with laundry and demands). And I'm helping out the kids' bell choir on Sunday morning. Monday might see the plumber coming to install the new gas fireplace and then there's the regular fencing practice, SAT tutoring, and writing group rescheduled meeting in addition to getting ready for Thanksgiving.

There's always an excuse to put off things that need, must, should, ought to get done. So, I've had my two days of bed rest (almost- I did do laundry, some dishes, straightening up, checking of emails, media posting, yelling at offspring for garbage, recycle and homework; I am not a total slug.). Tonight, I'll start clearing up all those things that are backlogged and get back into the grind, er, routine.

My blog entry is done for the week; that's one thing off the list.

Char