The Floral City Heritage Council published Song of Jaybird. Now for the hard part…Marketing. Fortunately, I have had help getting started with that. FCHC placed ads and articles about the book on social media and in their local newspaper. Their graphic designer formatted the text, which was a tremendous help. Our communication solved minor problems and mistakes. They scheduled a book signing for Song of Jaybird on December 1, 5 pm-9 pm, and December 2, 10 am-2 pm. See the link below.
Other help I have received, is being part of a writer’s organization, The Authors Circle, created by Mixtus Media; Jenn has provided me with the necessary tools to help with marketing. For example, I made a website, became part of social media, and established a weekly blog and a monthly newsletter. The most challenging concept for me was and continues to be understanding the use of keywords to navigate the World Wide Web. Marketing is an ongoing process and a continuation of writing and publishing.
The art business is more daunting than creating art and books; regardless of the situations around me, I must constantly remember to be consistent and persistent about marketing and managing Art and Books Studio. Sometimes, it is difficult to stick to a schedule of art business when I would rather be in my studio. I have found that early dark mornings are the best time before the sun comes up to take care of business with a cup of coffee and soothing music. Depending on what needs my attention, I might spend an hour or four. It might take longer if I run into problems with the computer or printer.
I know I am not alone in a community of artists and writers who feel as I do. It is satisfying and emotionally rewarding to work alone, creating in our quiet space, but marketing our work is out of our comfort zone. Artwork displayed in a gallery or published writing reminds me of my girlhood performing on stage in recitals; it did not go well back then. However, age has made it less scary.
I am happy to share my new book, Song of Jaybird, which is available on Amazon, the Floral City Museum store, and the Citrus County Museum store. There are countless people to thank who brought me to this point, and I have acknowledged their help in my book.
My first tendency is to check off my to-do list and move on to the next idea, but I need to linger in the thankfulness to have reached this point and thank my future readers of Song of Jaybird.
