The Writers' Life: Personality Type (Introversion and Extroversion)

One of the biggest challenges facing writers is self-discipline.  Rather than giving up and thinking we don't "have what it takes" to be a writer, perhaps part of the problem is that our work space and schedule are not compatible with our personality type. 
     The Myers Briggs personality test was developed to help people determine their personality type or temperament.  The test identifies four pairs of temperament types: Extroversion vs Introversion, Intuition vs Sensation, Thinking vs Feeling, and Judging vs Feeling.  In this blog I'm going to look at the first pair: Extroversion and Introversion. 
     Extroverts (E) feel energized by being around other people. This makes it difficult for writers who are extroverts to work alone at home, especially for long periods of time.   If you are an extrovert, consider working part of the day at the library or even in a busy coffee shop.  At the end of the day reward yourself with social time.  As an extrovert, I find I do my best work if I've scheduled in social activities with friends and family in the late afternoon or early evening.  It gives me something to look forward to.  Extroverts are also energized by belonging to a writers group and getting live feedback.  However, they need a group where the energy is positive and constructive, since extroverts prefer a harmonious environment and place a high value on what others think.  
     Introverts (I), in contrast, prefer solitude or being with only one or two other people.  They may even feel a sense of loneliness in a crowd.  Most writers and artists are introverts.  If you are an introvert set up a writing space in your home that is away from other people and activities.  Try to set aside a time to work when others are gone.  Some introverted writers get up early in the morning before anyone else to do a few hours of writing.  If working at home is not an option, consider finding a quiet space away from home.  Many libraries have quiet rooms.  While extroverts tend to find live writers groups energizing, introverts may balk at joining one, preferring to "write for themselves."  If you are an introvert, consider joining an online writers' group rather than a face-to-face writers' group.  The rise of the Internet, where one can "meet" with other people while being alone in one's home, has given a boost to writers who are introverts.  In addition, many publishers and editors now interact with their writers almost exclusively by email and other electronic media. 
     If you are not sure what your temperament is, the Myers-Briggs test can be purchased online.  It is also available at most college career offices.   It is generally best to do the test with a professional who can help you interpret the test results.  If this is not practical, an alternative form of the test, known as the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, is available in the book Please Understand Me II: Temperment , Character, Intelligence by David Keirsey. I like this book because it has detailed explanations of each personality type. The book can be purchased from Amazon.com for under $20.     
     In my next blog, I'll be looking at the next two personality types: Intuition (N) vs Sensation (S).  I'll also discuss how these traits are influenced or modified by extroversion and introversion (EN, ES, IN, IS).
    

The Writers' Life: Book Signings

Except for the top-selling authors, publishers no longer spend as much time as they used to publicizing books.  It is up to you, the author, to promote your book.  There are several venues for book signings including bookstores, libraries, book fairs, and conferences.  In this post, I will discuss book signings at bookstores.

      Before approaching a bookstore for a book signing, check the Internet or call ahead to find out the name of the manager or appropriate contact person.  Once I have a name, I visit the bookstore in person.  I always bring a copy of my book to give to the manager along with postcards or business cards. 

     If the bookstore is not already carrying your book, drop off two or three copies for them to sell on consignment.  Most bookstores like to carry books by local authors.  I have never had a bookstore turn down a request to carry my book on consignment.  Set up a time for the book signing during the visit.   

     Once you get home email the manager of the bookstore to thank him or her and to confirm the date and time of the book signing.  Also, email the manager a publicity notice with the picture of the book cover, a summary of the book, and the details of the signing so it can post around the store and on their website. 

     While bookstores generally announce book signing in their newsletter and/or through posters in the store, the author is usually responsible for notifying the local newspaper.  You should also post information about the signing on your website, Facebook page, and Twitter. 

     Arrive early on the day of the signing.  Dress appropriately.  You may want to dress in costume to call attention to the theme of your books, such as a long dress if your book is set in colonial times.  I have a penguin shirt I wear since my book is set in Antarctica.     

      Bring a poster to call attention to your table.  I also bring my collection of ceramic penguins, which I set out beside a bowl of wrapped candy.  Check with the bookstore first to make sure they allow food.  Some bookstores actually supply snacks and drinks for book signings.

      Bring extra books as well.  At my last book signing, we sold all of the bookstore’s copies as well as a dozen extra copies I brought with me.  All sales should take place at the bookstore register.  Keep track of the books that you brought with you so the store can give you your cut of the sales (usually 60% if you supplied the books and they did not have to pay for shipping).  Checks for sales of consignment books are usually sent to the authors twice a year.

     Also, have plenty of postcards or bookmarks to hand out.  Some people may show interest in your book but are not ready to purchase the book just yet or would prefer to purchase the eBook online.  I have a QR code on my postcard that takes them directly to the page for my book on Amazon.com.

     Once the book signing is over let the manager know how many books you sold from your own supply of books.  If the book signing went well you can request the bookstore to purchase your books through a distributor such as Ingram.  While you will probably make less of a profit on each book, this saves you the hassle of having to supply bookstores with copies and having to keep track of bookstore sales.

    Finally, send a thank note to the manager and offer to be available for future books signings or other events.

UFOs over Antarctica? Neumayer UFO

An unidentified object was spotted recently over the Neumayer research station in Antarctica.  Some speculate that the object was a UFO.  Other argue that it was most likely a weather balloon.  For more on the Neumayer UFO go to http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/13/ufo-spotted-over-antarctica/

This is not the first "sighting" of a UFO over Antarctica.   Reports of UFOs in Antarctica date back at least to the 1990s when they are said to have appeared over Lake Vostok, a large sub-glacial lake, shortly after drilling began to reach the lake. 

Writer's Life (Writers Groups)

 Being a professional writer requires not only writing skill, but just as importantly, self-discipline.  As part of my attempt to become more disciplined (and accountable), I've decided to write a blog at least twice a week about what I did in the past few days that facilitated my writing as well as what got in the way of my writing.  So, here goes!

Belonging to a writers' group provides valuable feedback as well as accountability for those of us who want to become published writers.  My advice for the day?  Beware of writers' groups that only flatter you.  Writers' Digest writes that if you don't go home and cry after having your work critiqued (at least some of the time!), then you need to find a new writers' group.  I bawled my eyes out after receiving quite the criticism of my short story "The Cornfield."  After recovering from my "humiliation," I sat down at my computer and revised the story, taking into account my group's comments.  And--lo and behold--"The Cornfield" got accepted for publication in Blood Moon, an anthology of short stories!

"The Cornfield:" Short Story

My short story "The Cornfield" is appearing in the book Blood Moon, an anthology of short stories by New England mystery writers.   I've been creeped out by cornfields ever since seeing the movie "The Signs."  Who knows what lurks among those rows of stalks? I wrote the story as a sort of therapy but instead I'm even more creeped out by cornfields now!  You can purchase the book from Level Best Books for $15.95.

Book Signings

I am having book signings for Deception Island on November 3rd from noon to 2:00 at Wakefield Books, and on December 6th from 5:30 to 8:00 at the Brown University Bookstore.

Hope to see you there!  

Deception Island in Hard cover

Deception Island is now available in hardcover for $24.99.    So far the novel has benn getting very good reviews.