Trip to Richmond

Well, I went down to Richmond yesterday, to try and talk to a couple of bookstores that I was not reaching via email.  We were heading down to see my some of my Neices too, so I took some books and thought I would try in person.  First I went to Fountain and found that the person I neede to speak to was up the street at a books signing.  The person behind the desk was very helpful and I left a book and card behind for the buyer.  Hopefully I will hear back from them.  I stopped at Creatures and Crooks, and since I write Science Fiction, I thought I might get a great response there.  But the owner was out until Tuesday and the person behind the counter did not seem enthusiastic at all and couldn’t even ensure me that the owner would get my book and card…nice.  I left the book and card, told him to read it if he felt like it and told him the owner could contact me if she wanted.

Left me a little disappointed, but what can you do, everyone is not always going to be enthusiastic about my book and I will always remember those that were in the beginning.    I am not discouraged, I will keep on trying.  New bookstores to go to and try.  Also working on advertising plan as well.

Independent Bookstores

Today, I stopped in Constallation Books in Reiserstown Maryland and talked to the owner.  The end result is that I now have 5 books on the shelves and a release party/signing scheduled for April 18th.  I was highly impressed by the owner Lauretta, and she had a wealth of information for me.  I learned a lot and I reccomend everyone stopping in if you are in the area.  Their website is: http://www.constellationbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp.

Upcoming Events

So I am working on a plan.  Really.  Don’t know if it is much of a plan, but it is a plan none-the less.  Local bookstores and a book signing/release party are the crux of my plan with a smattering of advertising.  I am going to send out info to local Virginia bookstores from Norfolk to Winchester and see if they will carry my book or at least let me do a signing there.

This weekend, we are going to Maryland to talk to a bookstore that said they would do a signing there.   I am very excited to get moving on this.  I am hoping to get my book in a few bookstores.  I am also trying to get Barnes and Noble to carry it.   We shall see.  If you want to comment or leave me a note, click on the No Comment link below this posting or write me an email at chapmanwriting@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Mark

A New Fan

I had a great experience last night.  We had a large gathering of old friends last night; it has been a long time since we all sat down to break bread and it was fun with lots of laughs, and I know when I am having fun, because someone had to tell us to settle down (since we were in public).    I brought three books for old friends that I haven’t seen in a while and while I was signing the books for them, our waitress walked up and asked if I was Mark O. Chapman…It was a pretty cool feeling.  She called me a celebrity and asked me to sign a card for her.  So I signed one of my writing cards and gave it to her…she said she was going to go buy my book.  I told her I would stop by and sign it if she bought one…Thanks for the the support Jamy and the great food!!!  My friends were surprised that my head actually fit out the door on the way out.  Life is good!

Your comments

I am very interested in your thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc. You can click on comments below any posting to add comments or send me an email at chapmanwriting@gmail.com and can post your email for discussion. Thanks…Mark

Moving Ahead

Now it starts!  My website is up and running: www.chapmanwriting.com.  I thank Belote Enterprises for their help in making the site possible.  I am also looking for any ideas on how to market my book, so don’t be shy.  Also, for those who have asked, the sequel to Going Native is in the works, but don’t hold your breath, it is a long way off.  Thanks for your support!  – Mark

My First Blog – Thanks for stopping by!

In several discussions with friends and co-workers, many people kept stating that is was cool to be able to actually discuss the book with the author. It was suggested by multiple people that I should start a blog. Thanks for stopping by and if you would like to ask a question that you do not want posted here, please email me at chapmanwriting@gmail.com