One of the parts of being a writer that I don’t like is marketing. Selling your books doesn’t have to make you a pushy person, but for those of us who don’t like to talk about ourselves at all, it’s absolutely miserable. But, we should also make the most of every opportunity, especially if extroverts pushed their way into our lives.
That’s what happens to me. Many (many) times when I go out in public, people feel the need to talk to me. Keep in mind, these are people I have never laid eyes on before and I have not initiated conversation with. I have not even made eye contact with them until they spoke to me. I must have a sign of my forehead that reads, “Please, please, please talk to me!” One time while at the grocery store I learned one woman’s life story when all I really wanted was a box of brownies.
Another time, and this was the time I realized I had been missing out on prime opportunities, a little girl chatted with me about all kinds of things while her mother was shopping for… wait for it… books.
As soon as I got out to my car I kicked myself for not taking advantage of a potential opportunity. What I should have done was ask what kinds of books the mom liked to read.
I learned my lesson. Now, I always have bookmarks, postcards, or business cards on me. The next time someone feels the need to speak to me, a random stranger, I plan to go with it. Maybe I can work what I do into the conversation. Maybe I can plug my books a little bit. Maybe I can make a sale if I happen to have books in my car just waiting for readers.
The moral of the story: Seize the moment. Don’t let an opportunity to talk to others about your books pass you by. Be prepared and be ready.
That’s what happens to me. Many (many) times when I go out in public, people feel the need to talk to me. Keep in mind, these are people I have never laid eyes on before and I have not initiated conversation with. I have not even made eye contact with them until they spoke to me. I must have a sign of my forehead that reads, “Please, please, please talk to me!” One time while at the grocery store I learned one woman’s life story when all I really wanted was a box of brownies.
Another time, and this was the time I realized I had been missing out on prime opportunities, a little girl chatted with me about all kinds of things while her mother was shopping for… wait for it… books.
As soon as I got out to my car I kicked myself for not taking advantage of a potential opportunity. What I should have done was ask what kinds of books the mom liked to read.
I learned my lesson. Now, I always have bookmarks, postcards, or business cards on me. The next time someone feels the need to speak to me, a random stranger, I plan to go with it. Maybe I can work what I do into the conversation. Maybe I can plug my books a little bit. Maybe I can make a sale if I happen to have books in my car just waiting for readers.
The moral of the story: Seize the moment. Don’t let an opportunity to talk to others about your books pass you by. Be prepared and be ready.
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