day 2 of marketing...

I am off to Roots to see some nice ladies for my personal consultations. I should probably download info on my book so I am carrying it EVERYWHERE. At some point, I'll have a carton in the car. 

Some updates: Called the local B&N who are eager to have me read and had the sensitivity to comment, "you'll probably want to pick out the date based on the astrological aspects," which made me smile. Generally putting-it-out-there efforts are best undertaken with a waxing moon phase, although I've had remarkable results with new moon stuff. Also emailed my friend Becky's husband who has a great bookstore in Concord, NH, Gibson's. Llewellyn will support efforts I make to get readings at bookstores and other venues by sending media material and setting up the shipping of books with their sales department.

When I told them I did have a lengthy and varied history with daily and weekly journalism outlets in the Boston area they suggested I reach out although they generally caution authors against contacting book reviewers directly. I commented that during my years at a rock critic it was very wearying to hear from bands about how great their band was. As Doug Simmons, my predecessor in Cellars by Starlight said, "if you're so great, someone else will tell me." 

I mention this because the marketers at L. said they'd had authors "go rogue," and contact reviewers DIRECTLY. Knowing the infrequency of book review sections in the press and the glut of material that comes over, through and around the transom I have to agree. 

That said, I was actually entertained by The Astrological Elements reading it post-partum, as it were. Here's an excerpt: 

Chapter 2 – The Earth Element

Introduction

Earth signs are very  likable. Not always lovable, because they're the element that often feels they have to “hold the line,” but certainly easy to get along with. They come in three flavors: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. And, yes, there's as much disparity among them as there are similarities. They combine well with one another and can even have lasting love relationships, but often someone with another element will bring out their hidden qualities. 

Earth signs are renowned for their will and endurance. Yes, some would say stubbornness, and every earth sign I've ever known will admit (after the fact) that they are stubborn. You do not want to wrangle with them without a cohesive strategy laid out ahead of time. And for all their fondness for routine, they can be surprisingly capricious when it comes to “acting on whim.” 

It's also a sign you don't want to rush. Let them move at their own pace, and figure things out on their own. Once they learn something, they know it well, but you can add to their feelings of insecurity by acting as if they need to be speed-demons when it comes to task completion. 

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Later...(I love 3star breaks). Just heard from Laura Cortner at http://www.21stcenturyradio.com/. She produces a very interesting show with a very interesting and surprising philosopher named Dr. Bob who's kind of the Zelig of pop-culture -- intersecting w/a variety of realms. He wrote an excellent and detailed book about the making of my favorite cartoon movie when Hal and I were kids: Yellow Submarine. I've been a guest on the show talking about astrology and taking calls from folks. They're based in Maryland and we wave on our way to Bethany Beach. So hopefully I'll be on soon especially once TAE is in the stores....