A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

My book, Only Losers Cry, has been out a couple of weeks now. Everyone asks me, "How are sales going?" I haven't a clue.  But, I keep doing everything the marketing department tells me to do and...boy am I ever tired. Who would have thought selling a book could be so exhausting.

I am getting a small write up in the Naples Daily News on Sunday -- in the Travel section under "Local Authors." Cool!

I had a real eye-opening learning experience this past Tuesday. I was invited to a local middle school to give an author talk to the 6th graders. I was there all day...in the library...and OMG. I knew they didn't know my book or me, but I had given one of my books to the teacher and another to the librarian. I even gave them a poster, hoping for a little pre-publicity. Did I get any?

NO!

"Don't worry." the teachers told me, "They will be full of questions."

I did my talk and left time for questions.

"Does anyone have any questions," I asked -- a big smile on my face.

Stares...blank stares...nothing...it was creepy. I looked to the teachers who tried to encourage the children.

But...stares...blank stares...nothing...really creepy.

You know what --The teachers did not even tell the children about me before they came into the library. Nor did they tell them why I was there...why they were there!!!! GREAT.

After the third group -- lunch. At least a break.

By the fourth group, the teachers realized that they needed to prepare the children and the rest of the day went great!!! Lots of enthusiasm and lots of questions.

This may sound like sour grapes, but the principal never stopped by to welcome me to the school. Since I have been in education for several years, I found this unusual. The only welcome and help I received was from the teacher that invited me and the librarian -- wonderful people.

What a learning experience. I know I will have to do this again, but next time I will be better prepared...and hopefully the kids will be, too.