Book Signings 101

We launched Virginia is for Mysteries last January. Since then, we've done quite a few book signings, panels, and presentations for our anthology. Here's what I've learned...

1. Always have lots of pens and give-aways with you. I had my only pen dry up at our book launch.

2. Stand up at your signings. It makes you look more approachable. I learned this from Lisa Scottoline at the Virginia Festival of the Book.

3. Always bring candy, and it should be chocolate. Thanks, Mary Burton for the tip.

4. Create a supply bag. Include tape, pens, camera, bookmarks, business cards, and anything else you could need.

5. If you're in a large room and you wear makeup, you may want to go with darker colors, so the folks in the back can see you.

6. Ladies, paint your nails. Everyone is looking at your hands.

7. When you schedule a signing, always ask about the location. We did an outside venue in January. And even though they had a heated tent, it was freezing.

8. Even if someone else is selling your books, keep a box with you. We had two signings where the bookstores ran out.

9. Always have something to give away. Print bookmarks, postcards, or business cards with your social media contacts. Don't forget to put your ISBN# on your materials.

10. I bought a fold-up handcart on Amazon. It's great if you're toting boxes of books to different venues.

Happy Book Signings!

A Cool Tool - Text Generator

This site will generate dummy text for you. I use it to create sample flyers or website mockups. I have also used it when I'm testing software, and I need a block of text to check the size of a field.

You can specify how many words and your style preference. One option will create text with letters, numbers, and symbols. It helps if you're looking to design a layout before content matters.

Check out Dummy Text.

It's Slurpee Day

Happy Birthday to 7-11. Today's National Slurpee Day! Enjoy! Coca Cola is still my favorite!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July! Many thanks to those who fought to protect our freedoms. And thanks to all the first responders who have to work on holidays to keep us safe.

We live in the greatest nation on earth, and we are truly blessed.

I hope you're enjoying your long weekend with family and friends. If you're on the East Coast, batten down and stay safe in Arthur.

The Virginia War Memorial - Richmond, VA

Downtown RVA through the War Memorial's Wall of Honor

Writing and Editing...

I finished the June writing challenge with my virtual writers' group. I added over 34,500 words to my work in progress. And the first draft is done. Whoo hoo! I need to do some more polishing to get it ready for critique group.

I'm also putting the finishing touches on two short stories that I'm going to submit to the second Virginia is for Mysteries anthology.

I enjoy purusing #amwriting. It's an interesting mix of writers and projects.

What are you working on?

My Dog Blog

My Jack Russells, Disney and Riley, know how to play hard and when to relax. Here's what they've taught me...

1. Play like you mean it. Enjoy what you do.

2. Just go for it. They don't waste time over-analyzing things.

3. Wake up joyfully exuberant (even on Mondays).

4. Find the fun in whatever you do.

5. Live in the moment. Don't stress about the past or the future.

6. Bark when you have to, but not all the time.

Disney Dog in one of her favorite kitchen chairs

Riley the Rocket

The Generational Workforce

I recently completed an online course on "Managing Millennials." I am a member of Gen X. I was always one of the youngest in all of my work groups, but now, we're beginning to hire more of the Gen Y cohort. The work styles and expectations are different among the groups. And sometimes, there is friction.

I've seen a variety of names, and the years for each group vary slightly. Here are the generations that are sharing the workforce:

• 1927 - 1945 - The Silent Generation, The Traditionalists
• 1946-1964 - The Baby Boomers
• 1965-1983 - Gen X
• 1984-2002 - Gen Y, the Millennials
• 2003- Present - Gen Z, Gen C (for Click), the Digital Generation

This is the first time in history when there have been so many different groups in the workplace at the same time. Gen Y outnumbers Gen X almost three to one.

Gen X was the most "unwanted" group. There was a rise during their early years in the use of birth control, abortion, day care, and women who chose not to have children. This is the generation with more working mothers and latch-key kids. All of this combined to make members of this cohort more self-reliant.

Gen Y, on the other hand, was the "most wanted" generation ever. They were born during the time of test tube babies, adoption, and surrogate mothers. Older parents were having children, and adoptions were on the rise. This generation has always been over-scheduled and busy with activities. Their parents have always been involved in every aspect of their life. They like constant feedback.

The next group that's coming along is Gen Z or Gen C (for click). This is the digital generation.

It was interesting to see the characteristics of each group and the history/cultural events that defined them. The work styles do vary among the groups.

This will give you a sense of the differences in Gen X and Gen Y.

The generations all come with their preferences and styles, and sometimes, it's a challenge to get all of the members to work together effectively.

How to be an Internal Consultant

I recently took a class on internal consulting. The information is good for leadership as well. Many thanks to Bob Huebner. 

Here's what I learned:

1. You need to know your role. Are you the expert, a pair of hands, or a partner?

2. The critical skills you need are listening, questioning, and advising.

3. The communications triangle is an equilateral one. All three sides are valued the same. You need to ask questions, check in frequently, and share information. Keep the balance.

4. If you want detailed information, ask open-ended questions (e.g. how and why).

5. Three quarters of the people you work with have a different style than you. You need to remember that not everyone thinks and communications just like you do.

6. You also need problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.

7. In conflict resolution, you need to address issues immediately. Don't wait until they fester and build resentment and anxiety.

8. Build strong relationships.

9. Communicate throughout your project.

10. The instructor also suggested "brain writing" instead of "brainstorming" as an idea-generating technique. It helps introverts and extraverts work better together.