Erik Estabrook tells about his first Booksigning

My First Book Signing

Contributed by

Erik Estabrook www.erikestabrook.com

The experience of my first book signing was valuable one. I find it important to note that many poets will never get known unless you hit media outlets or spots where you can have signings, recitals, etc.

I organized my first book signing at Starbucks in Alexandria, Virginia. I was faced with allot of uncertainty in arranging it.

First the possibility of them laughing me out of the building.

Second the fact that you could undersell.

Third the fact that there could be absolutely no interest.

At my first book signing I was approached by a fellow poet who was traveling the country.She was one of the most important contact I've met to this day.She goes by the name the Midnight Writer, and writes stunning poetry. She blogged about me on her site, and we talked throughout the day.

It was at the signing that I learned valuable salesmanship tools. I found that if you ask them to read your book while drinking their coffee and relaxing you just might have a sale, and if you don't you've still met someone.

The Starbucks coffee signing trained me with sales knowledge, people skills, and in the end it just turned out to be a heck of allot of fun. All and all it is not a successful signing if you don't enjoy yourself, enjoy the atmosphere, and the people around you.

ErikEstabrook.com - Homepage

www.erikestabrook.com

Erik Estabrook's Art and Poetry: personal poetry site of published poet Erik Estabrook.

Stay Warm This Winter

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson


Winter is my favorite season by all! I am happy to see the first snow fall and take long romantic walks with my husband. Now, my husband on the other hand is not a fan of winter. He lives for hot summer days, so keeping him warm during our walks is a top priority. We usually go for walks when the snow stops, which can sometimes be in the middle of the night. It may sound crazy, but being a photographer, I long for the rare opportunities to take unique pictures. I, of course always remember to set my home security alarm from Home-alarm-systems.com/ before leaving for one of our charming walks. A few tips for keeping warm that have worked for me; have as few as possible layers on when inside the home,so that when you layer up to go outside, you will get the best effect and instead of wearing gloves keep your hands in the pocket. I find that keeping my hands in my coat pockets tends to warm them up better then wearing gloves, they are not exposed to cold air as much. Also, remember to walk at a fairly quick pace. The slower you walk in cold weather, the harder it will be for your body to get its temperature up. The faster you go, the warmer you shall be. Hope that helps!

Julia Butterfly presents her poetry at Mendonesia Cafe

This Saturday, January 22, 2011, Julia Butterfly will present her poetry in a very rare appearance at The Mendonesia Cafe in Willits, California. Julia is an activist who loves the earth and its people. Her heart is in her poetry and her writings embrace the experience that made her a heroine and a legend. Julia Butterfly received national attention when she spent 738 days living in a redwood tree. Julia made a powerful statement to encourage people to wake up to the plight of these ancient forests and the earth's environment.

Her perspective about life on this planet fills her writing. If you care about the ancient forests then come to share with Julia as she pours out her heart in words of passion: (excerpt)
"See.....
what we do to the Earth
we do to each other.
And how we treat the Earth
is reflected in how we treat
each other."

Tickets are on sale at the cafe and seating is limited so don't miss this opportunity to share an "intimate evening" with Julia Butterfly. The event runs from 6-10 pm. Get your tickets today at the going price of $20 .

 Call 707-459-1001 or visit The Mendonesia Cafe on the corner of Highway 101 and Commercial street in Willits.

Call this special hotline to get your tickets: 707-354-0994

The Mendonesia Cafe was closed for about one year for reconstruction but has reopened its doors. Musicians are welcome to come play or poets to come recite. Events are in full swing, the coffee is great, the atmosphere is relaxing, the host is friendly and the food is tasty. If you need to use the internet, the Mendonesia Cafe has free wireless for its customers. Entertainment is a big part of this local cafe. Host a private party or a public event. Just call the local number for details and come be part of the small town culture that makes Willits a "must stop" place on your Highway 101 adventure!

The Midnight Writer