I had a very long “to do” list for Summer 2011, and unfortunately I barely scratched off a few lines. The list carries on into Fall, but where did all the time go this year? Why didn’t I get more accomplished? In retrospect, Summer was dedicated to launching and promoting “Sea Horse, run!”. Come to think of it, so was the Spring…
“SEA HORSE, RUN!”
My first new book in 7 years, “Sea Horse, run!” (SHR), launched on June 1, 2011.
As a children’s picture book, SHR was entered into 16 different awards.
SHR won the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Award.
Seven fabulous reviews for SHR, the most reviews I’ve ever received for a single book! Several of the reviews were by major, national publications such as Kirkus and PW (Publisher’s Weekly).
Radio interview on Ozarks At Large which is a daily news program on KUAF, an NPR affiliate. Click on the link to access the podcast. My interview for SHR starts 24 minutes into the show. http://www.kuaf.com/content/tuesday-july-5-2011
I finally joined TWITTER in July where I customized my page with a SHR theme. Follow me: @T_CarterBronson.
SHR was featured in the July 2011 issue of Northwest Arkansas’ Citiscapes magazine, page 35.
Three book signings in bookstores: Barnes & Noble Store#2662, Omaha, NE (Tues, May 17th); Barnes & Noble Store #2721, Fayetteville, AR (Sat July 9th); and Nightbird Books, Fayetteville, AR (Sat, August 6th).
I learned that my original SHR website would soon disappear, so I started a Word Press Blog in July to replace it.
Waterman Entertainment in Los Angeles requested a copy of SHR in August.
Created a fun video on drawing the art for SHR entitled, “The Ribboned Sea Dragon.”
SHR shipped to IBPA for display at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The softcover of SHR was released September 1, 2011.
So far, five aquariums have ordered SHR for their gift shops.
BACKLIST, ALIVE & WELL!
With all the attention for SHR, I almost forgot my backlist, but out of the blue, a Barnes & Noble store in Lone Tree, Colorado ordered 25 hardcover copies of Polliwog (2004). Go, Polliwog, go!
Mariposa Press agreed to represent all of my books for distribution in France!
A distributor of English language books in Taiwan, Chang Yi Cultural Company, ordered SHR, Tiny Snail, & Polliwog.
In addition to carrying SHR in their gift shop, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium ordered copies of Tiny Snail.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ordered Tiny Snail, Polliwog and Kaleidonotes for their gift shop.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Three book signings in bookstores: Barnes & Noble Store#2662, Omaha, NE (Tues, May 17th); Barnes & Noble Store #2721, Fayetteville, AR (Sat July 9th); and Nightbird Books, Fayetteville, AR (Sat, August 6th).
Five conferences: SCBWI Midwinter Conference & Art Showcase (New York City, NY; January 28), Illinois Reading Council (IRC in Springfield, IL; March 17-18), Texas Library Association (TLA in Austin, TX; April 12-15), Arkansas SCBWI Spring Conference (North Little Rock, AR; April 29-30), Tulsa OK Play conference (Tulsa, OK; June 18-19).
2011 Texas Library Association Booth
Two library talks: Dallas Public Library event (July 28th) and Fayetteville Public Library event (September 24th).
Thirty-two author visits (January-September 8, 2011 at Good Shepherd Episcopal School).
For a total of 42 public appearances so far this year.
In the last ten years, the average number of public appearances I make in a year is around 55. Yes, over fifty appearances each year! I have 21 more school visits booked for the fall which brings my 2011 total to sixty-three appearances.
Visit my EVENTS calendar. (Remember to scroll down for the lists of author visits.)
IN SUMMARY
Where did all the time go? Traveling, filling book orders, building 2 new websites/blogs, not to mention mailing packets of books for schools, reviewers, and book awards. It’s no wonder I never found time to revise and submit my novel for possible publication or turn my picture books into e-books. Those “little” projects are now scheduled for completion in the coming months in between the 21 author visits that will take place in 7 different states. I have a feeling there will be more book adventures, announcements, and news in Fall 2011!
Tammy Carter Bronson 