Danny in a Newfangled World

Word on the Street was an Experience

// September 28th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

What a day!  Sunday, I spent seven hours peddling my book to a fantastic crowd of book lovers in Toronto.  Located in a section called Writer’s Block, I had my own booth set up where I was able to meet and chat with kids, parents, and teachers who dropped by to check out what Danny in a Newfangled World is all about.

I am always happy to see my book carried off by a young reader, parent, or teacher.  It means more kids will have the opportunity to enjoy this crazy new story and potentially share it with others.  There is no better way to increase the popularity of a kids’ book than through word of mouth by someone who really loved it.

Although a lot of visitors to my booth chose not to purchase my book, I appreciate that they now know about it.  Certainly, there was no shortage of interest over the theme of the story and hopefully, they’ll remember Danny Lenesky come Christmas time when moms and dads are looking for a unique literary gift to leave under the tree.

Unfortunately, some parents looked at the cover of my book and assumed the story is written in a way to encourage their kids to play video games.  In fact, the opposite is true.  Yes, the back cover says this book is for kids who would rather be playing video games (the truth hurts, but it’s still the truth).  That’s what makes it so ironic.  With so many parents and teachers struggling to find a book that can compete with the video game console or computer, this is a perfect option.  It caters to every typical kids’ fascination with all things digital thereby encouraging them to pick up this book and read (rather than turn on the screen).

In reality, the story is actually quite metaphorical in its representation of the difficulties kids may face online.  It touches upon such important internet issues as online predators and commercialism in a funky, zany, out-of-this-world story.  Most kids will get to the end of the book, however, and not realize that there was a single lesson in the story.  And, that’s the point.  Who wants to be preached to?  Not me.  Not you.  But, a really great kids’ story helps children to make better sense of their own lives and how they fit into the greater community without making it painfully obvious.  So, let’s not pretend that the digital screen isn’t a huge, massive, ever-burgeoning part of our kids’ lives.  It is and forever will be.  Isn’t it time to find a way for the literary world to help them grapple with it?

Yup.  Read my book.

Successful Book Signing at Chapters

// January 15th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

Today I experienced my first official book signing at Chapters, Oakville.  Although I’d hoped to lure a few of my friends who had not yet purchased my book, none of them showed.  It was just between me and whoever happened to walk through the store entrance. 

I am happy to report that the overall experience was very rewarding.  While not every family that I enticed to my table actually purchased my book, many of them showed genuine interest.  The greatest reward was watching kids’ eyes light up when I described the “cyber” premise of Danny in a Newfangled World. 

Also fulfilling for me, was the wonderful support I received from parents who understood the significance of this book.  They agreed that a cautionary tale about the internet is most relevant to the modern-day kid.  They recognize that, whether we like it or not, kids are online.  And this book provides an opportunity for kids to better absorb the message that the internet can be dangerous (while enjoying a fun story). 

Before my book signing, I set a goal (as I always do).  Today, I wanted to sell ten books.  While this may seem a rather low threshold to some, it is actually not an easy target to reach for an unknown author.  Certainly, when Suzanne Collins, author of the Hunger Games trilogy, visited downtown Indigo for a signing, she would have been inundated with a hundred or so fans, eager for her signature.  Not quite the same circumstance for, well, little ol’ me.  I ended up selling 12 books (on a January, snowstorm-kind-of-day).  In other words, a successful day. 

My next book signing is at Indigo in Erin Mills (across from Erin Mills Town Center) on February 12, 2-4pm.  I will be reading an excerpt from the book, and… offering a few other surprises!  I look forward to meeting more wonderful kids.  And selling, um, 15 books?

Change Can Be Good

// January 13th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I am excited to share that Danny in a Newfangled World has completed its mini-makeover.  I think everyone will appreciate its subtle changes.  The back cover now offers a mini-biography of its author (that’s me), and the social media logos, Facebook and Twitter, are gone.  After some careful thought, I decided they didn’t belong on the cover of a kids’ book.  Heck, I don’t let my kids join facebook, so I don’t want kids or parents to believe that I’m encouraging kids to join the social network.  However, kids and/or their parents are still welcome to become fans on the book’s facebook page, where I post regular updates about the book, its sequel, and book signings.  The more, the merrier!

The margins have also expanded to make the reading a bit easier on young eyes.  As a result, the final page count has gone up from 105 to 120.  Lastly, the illustrations will appear sharper in the newest edition.  Having just spoken to my printer, my next big print run will use 100% recycled paper.  I’m very pumped about that!

It hasn’t been easy, but my pledge to write one chapter every day (excluding weekends) has been going well this week.  I am now on Chapter 7, and by the end of tomorrow… should be done Chapter 8.   The downside to such a schedule is that my first draft will be a bit rougher than I’m used to.  The upside is that I will have the entire first draft complete by mid-February, at which time I can concentrate on major re-writes and smoothing out some of the sticky plot issues I am encountering along the way. 

The second book is turning out to be one fantastic cyber-story, so kids have much to look forward to!  Still haven’t thought of a title, though.  That’s always a tough call.  Hoping to get that ‘eureka’ moment in a few more chapters.

Selling 101 at a Holiday Fair

// November 6th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

Today I attended my first ever holiday bazaar – as a seller, that is, rather than a customer.  I have a whole new level of respect for the entrepreneurs who work the holiday fair circuit.  It is exhausting!  While I am not complaining (I enjoyed the experience), the effort that I expended smiling, chatting, coercing, and just plain old standing left me pooped long before the six hour day was over.

On the other hand, I felt a sense of pure pride in peddling my book to passersby.  As it turns out, it’s not so hard to sell wares when you’re 100 percent passionate about them.  Having written and produced Danny in a Newfangled World myself, it’s clear that I’m the best person to market and sell it to customers. 

Thankfully, the day was an overall success.  I sold a decent quantity of books and am happy to admit that I am almost sold out of my stock and look forward to picking up another 200 copies next week.

One of my favourite parts of the day was getting to know other vendors. Susannah, a mother of two and owner of Colours to Go was a great neigbour (her table was right beside mine.)  Her fantastic crayon/marker rolling packs and bags for kids are fun, colourful, and ideal for kids on-the-go.   Moms and dads should check out her cool creations for unique Christmas ideas for the little ones in their lives.

My overall observation for the Iroquois Ridge Holiday Marketplace was that it was a positive experience.  It helped me hone my marketing and sales skills, as well as, gave me fresh ideas on how to run a successful book signing in the new year.  Although my computer shaped gingerbread cookies were not the runaway bestseller that I’d envisioned them to be, the books sold very well.  (I’ll try not to think about the hours I spent baking, decorating, and wrapping 100 cookies!)  I also met wonderful entrepeneurs, parents, and kids, and I look forward to partaking in future Christmas bazaars this holiday season. 

Some tips for authors considering selling at a fair:

1. Be prepared to talk.  A lot.  Selling requires proactive efforts to draw in the customers and sitting on the chair waiting for them to flock just doesn’t happen.
2. Set up a practice table at home to ensure that your display will appeal to your market.  If it’s kids, then consider adding a lot of colour, some interactivity, and anything else to catch a kid’s eye.
3. Consider additional merchandise to sell as add-ons to the book.  Theme-based cookies or crafts can help take the pressure off of selling just books and will add to your overall revenues.

Thanks to Everyone Helping Sell My Book

// October 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

I recognize that Danny in a Newfangled World is a perfect story for today’s video gaming-online surfing-digital obssessed kids… Okay, maybe they’re not that obssessed, but you know what I mean.  Unfortunately, all the New York Literary Agents I queried didn’t agree with me.  Nor did the few publishers I queried (those few that actually open unsolicited manuscripts.)  I found it baffling that these experts in selling books couldn’t see how a middle grade book that is both a thrilling “cyber” adventure and a cautionary tale about the internet wasn’t worth investigating further.  Of course, that’s why I decided to stop wasting time trying to convince the editors and published it myself.

I have had enthusiastic feedback from so many parents and teachers about my book.  They agree that the kids’ market is ripe for this story.  A Montessori school in Oakville has even included Danny in a Newfangled World in their book fair this week.  I also had a fantastic conversation with the consignment manager at Oakville’s Chapters bookstore yesterday.  She is excited to put out a unique book that will help kids understand the internet, rather than scare kids from using the internet (’cause let’s face it… kids are going to be online whether we like it or not.)

To all those parents, teachers, kids, and bookstores who are helping bring this book to its readers… Thank you!

Illustrations Updated

// June 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

I just received some fantastic new illustrations from the book’s very talented artist.  As much as I loved my own drawings for Danny, Desmond, and Jingo, they’ve all received makeovers.  While there won’t be a great many illustrations in the book, readers will be able to enjoy graphic pictures every few pages to help break the monotony of typed page after typed page.  I have also decided to include some fun footnotes on certain pages to add more interactivity. 

More exciting news… I’ve seen a rough sketch of the book cover and it’s “awesome” according to my six year old son.  I’m looking forward to sharing the final artwork in a few weeks!