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Blogs by Marge B. Fulton
Despite the Black Ice 12/5/2008 3:35:28 AM
Bookselling in Appalachia On the scanner last night one of the cops said he almost busted his behind in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Black ice coats this area. I am wondering how many will show up at the second day of the Holiday Bazaar at our local library.
Yesterday we had a fair turn out. There were ten vendors with everything from homemade baskets to buckeyes and quilted or embroidered items. One couple sold hand decorated vintage milk cans and tea kettles. A retired teacher like myself performed magic with vintage Appalachian toys. I was thankful to be the only person selling mostly books. I was thankful as well to sell five books and one painting!
My customers ran the gamut. Once again, a therapist bought my book. So did a student and a local photographer. A professional buddy bought one and a complete stranger. Many, many people looked and said, "Are you gonna be here tomorrow?" Well, tomorrow is here and I may go in late due to the black ice. The question is will they be back?
When you stump around to sell your own book, it is so rewarding. Just telling others about why you wrote it or how they could publish a book themselves, is satisfying to say the least.
It has been a good week. I sold ten books on Wednesday, to a "country store" that actually does a thriving business. I'd say it is the best way for me to do business. I have twenty books on consignment in four places and with Christmas so near, I hope for the best. Here and there, I am making my dent.
One of my characters is named "Dent", a name I thought I had invented. I found out at a booksale that a local lawyer's father is also named Dent. Now, how do you find out things like that if you don't circulate and hawk your book? I have sent one to Oprah... maybe her successor will call. It seems that many people investigate my book on the AD Autographed bookstore. I have given ALL ROADS LEAD TO HAZARD, a killer price on there! Be good to yourself and buy this debut collection!
If you want one for Christmas, order soon as I will surely run out of these at the house and it takes about two weeks to get more books! I am working on my second collection of contemporary Appalachian short stories and this one will involve fantasy and horror. My first book is destined to become a classic. A college has invited me to come speak in the Spring! It is a wonderland out there and in here as well.
