David Fingerman

This week had been a busy one. A lot of things needed to get done, and more things I wanted to get done, or at least get started. One of my problems was I didn’t make a priority list. My mind was a jumpin’ from one thing to another. For a while I wasn’t getting anything done. I finally sat down and just started doing. For the past couple of weeks I had an idea rattling around in my head for a new novel. More immediately I had an existing manuscript to edit, a workshop to prepare for, a couple of wrter friends sent me their short stories to critique (they asked first), another novel that I started months ago and set on the back burner, and of course ~ this blog. Like a little child who sees a new toy, I had to start my new novel ~ NOW! I’m happy to report that the first chapter is now on my hard drive. Was that the wisest choice to make? Nope. At least as far as priorities go. I needed to get the editing done and I certainly need to get something solid down for the workshop. But like that little kid, I just couldn’t wait. Fortunately for me, other than the workshop, the only deadlines set are the ones I made for myself. I should have started with the workshop plan. I’ve got a few ideas to play with, but it isn’t until May, so why rush? Well, because I want to do a good job. I’m probably going to get name recognition and I’d much prefer it on the more positive end. People are going to be paying good money for the conference, and signing up for my workshop to learn something. But c’mon, planning a workshop isn’t nearly as fun as getting that first chapter of a new novel typed out~ or editing ~ or critiquing for that matter.

Next, I started editing my manuscript. After a number of hours, and my brain becoming quite mushed, I took a break from that and looked at my friends’ short stories. Both are quite good but I was in no position to give them an adequate critique. But they were a pleasant distraction. Then back to editing. I’m happy to report that “Playing the Hand She’s Dealt” the sequel to “Silent Kill” is on its final stages of completion and will be ready to submit very shortly. Speaking of “Silent Kill” ~ I believe that once the cover art is completed, it will be shipped to the printer and then ready to hit the streets. Just be patient a little while longer (I think I’m speaking more to myself on that one). I re-read the short stories and while formulating critiques, I took another diversion to write this blog. When I’m done writing this, it’s time to critique. Then, and only then, will I start working again on the workshop presentation. Oh, wait a minute ~ I still haven’t started taxes.

I guess this is a blog of do as I say not as I do. When you’ve got a list, do what I don’t – prioritze! And even more importantly – just do it! (Where have I heard that before?)

By the way – a very special thank you to Susan Whitfield, who featured me Friday on her blog. Check it out. Go to: Susan’s blog.

On February 27, the Bloomington Art Center held its annual book fair. This is the second time that I had a table there. Last year I had a great day; met a lot of fine folk, made some contacts, etc. I pretty much did everything I had set out to do ~ except sell my book. My grand total sales of last year = one book. This year, damn it, I was going to double that. One minor disappontment I had going into it this year ~ I was hoping that my new novel “Silent Kill” would be out. Even though I was originally told it won’t be out until the second quarter of 2010, well, I was still hoping. Okay, it wasn’t. I’m happy to say that I got over it pretty quickly. One thing I did notice different from last year was my location. Last year I was in the middle of a line in a hallway off of the main room. This year I had a table in the main area by one of the exits. It turned out I couldn’t have been placed in a better spot. I got to greet people as they came in and give it one last shot as they left. Another big difference this time around was I had experience. Last year I sat behind my table with a forced smile and nodded at people as they passed, waiting for them to strike conversation. Looking back – that is not a good way to try and sell books (or anything else for that matter). I admit that it’s still an effort, but I am starting to crawl out of my shell – and it made a difference. I’m not saying that I sold a ton of books, but for an unknown author mixed in with about one hundred or so (give or take a few) other unknown authors, and a few popular ones, i was quite pleased with myself. Let’s just say I far surpassed my goal of selling twice as many as last year.