Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Writer Geek Chic

Every career has some geeky components and accoutrements, and I've recently found out that being a published author is no different. I mean, I'm not carrying around slide rules or all-purpose bottles of Windex (remember My Big, Fat Greek Wedding?), but for the past month, I haven't gone anywhere without my Author Signing Kit.

The kit itself started as a money pouch and was a gift from a friend. It closes with a zipper, so I know nothing will spill into the dark hole of my purse. Inside, you'll now find two kinds of stickers, "Local Author" and "Autographed Copy". I also carry a stack of TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS bookmarks, which I slip into signed books, as well as hand out to people as a business card when they ask about buying my book.


And finally, my kit includes my favorite not-cheap pen. One that always works and makes my terrible handwriting a little better.

The only thing I don't like about the kit is the snickers I sometimes get when I pull it out. But I just sort of sigh and smile. Because hey, after years of weathering rejection slips, what's a laugh or two at something that's working for me?

On this note, I'm leaving on Friday for a four-day driving trip that will include hitting as many bookstores as possible. Wish me luck they have copies of my book to sign!

13 fresh comments:

stephhale said...

Tina,
Your bookmarks are adorable! I just got 5000 and will not go anywhere without them so you won't catch me making fun of you! :)
Steph~

TinaFerraro said...

Wow--5,000, Steph! Good for you! Did you get the little hole punch for the ribbon, too? I have to say that the ribbon tying got old fast! :) What you need to do is bring them to a group meeting--like your book club?--and get people to tie while talking...

I'm looking forward to seeing yours!

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Hey, I need one of those author kits! But I suppose mine might be a whole tote bag. haha!

Too cute bookmarks, Tina!

Jessica Burkhart said...

That's the coolest kit, Tina! I hope I have my own kit one day! :)

TinaFerraro said...

Thanks, Jess! You're off to a running start with your articles and stories! :)

Jessica Burkhart said...

Thanks, Tina! :) I hope so!

Lisa Asanuma said...

I love the bookmark, and I definitely aspire to needing a kit like that!

TinaFerraro said...

Thanks, Lisa! I'm sure you'll be putting one together soon, too...

holly cupala said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
holly cupala said...

Tina, I just finished your book! Loved it! Especially the ending. There used to be a place like that in Seattle, but it closed down, sadly. Nic was a very charming protagonist. I almost choked on my water when, after Alison's super-fast shower, she noted, "There was no way she'd used conditioner." Thank you again for sending it! I even got a bookmark - woohoo!

TinaFerraro said...

You are very welcome! And you're the first person who's mentioned the conditioner line. That was one of my favorites (it felt SO girly girl to me--and something I definitely would have thought) and I'm glad it resonated with you!

So glad you liked it! :)

alexgirl said...

That's so awesome! Love the bookmarks. I guess I should get on that too, huh! Good luck on your 4 day book signing tour. I'd love some tips on that because I'm a shy mental case and I'm so nervous about going into bookstores and saying "Hi, so... want me to sign a book or something? Or not? Arghhh!"
Oy vey.

crissachappell said...

Very smart idea. I dig your girlie bookmarks!