Various bits and bobs

[erastes]

I have a spring egg! It only has four days, so please click!

Today is my first post up on Jessewave’s blog, and I’m talking about “My Favourite Things” about writing – and would dearly like to hear some of yours. Mine include pyjamas and bread.

Can someone tell me what the heck cover flats are for? Madelynne Ellis mentioned them when we were out last week, and I actually didn’t know what she meant, but didn’t like to say – and then UPS arrived yesterday (same driver too, he must think I’m drug running or something, the number of parcels he’s been bringing recently) The parcel had one copy of Transgressions in it and 20 or so “cover flats”.

What on earth is one supposed to do with them?

ETA: the_sea_to  suggested signing and offering them as prizes - would anyone be interested in that?

Comments

[the-sea-to.livejournal.com]

Wallpaper?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

If I had about another 1000 of them...

[the-sea-to.livejournal.com]

bind them together and send them to biohazard-anthrax with love?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Not worth the postage.

[the-sea-to.livejournal.com]

all our of ideas now. sadness.

[the-sea-to.livejournal.com]

actually serious idea - sign them and offer as prizes?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Would people want them? It's a good idea, if they would...

hmmm.

*edits post*

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Put them around other books in bookshops?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

*snorts*

you are evil.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

I have a better idea. Go to libraries, find the new releases bit, wrap some of the new books in Trangressions cover. peopl get interested, take book home, discovered - shock horror - Jodi Picoult! Come back and order book.

[eledhwenlin]

http://booksellerchick.blogspot.com/2006/01/cover-flat-in-all-its-glory.html

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Yes, I read that this morning. Still don't see what I can do with mine, though!

[rbm00.livejournal.com]

A lot of authors use it as a promo tool. They hold contests and give them away, etc.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I'd not thought of that - I'll see what people say - thank you!

[rbm00.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! I read a lot of urban fantasy and that's what a lot of UF authors seem to do. They don't really do much else with them.

[rbm00.livejournal.com]

Hey! Maybe you can give them to your local libraries, too. Have them put it up in a display or something.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Yes, I read that as well this morning, before I posted here, but still can't see how that relates to me - I think I'll take Chris' advice and offer them up as "one off" signed prizes or something.

I can frame one, that will be nice (and something I can hide away, probably in the loo)

[gehayi.livejournal.com]

Signing them would be good. And you might be able to convince some bookstores and libraries to use them as promo tools.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, when we find out which stores are handling them, although I'd have thought that books would come with promotional material, but what do I know. I doubt libraries will stock the books at all, but one can order the books if they aren't in the library system. Can't see it happening in Norfolk. I might send a package including the press release, a flat and a book to the last remaining gay bookstore in London, as they ignore all my emails.

[crawling-angel.livejournal.com]

You write in your PJs too? When I saw Secret Window I laughed at Johnny Depp in his PJs. They must be creative clothing!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Oh that I looked as good, and not a poster girl for "Bibendum in the morning"

[leebenoit.livejournal.com]

I've seen flats mounted on boards, backed with plastic or cardboard stands, and displayed at conventions, festivals, even in bookstores.

Signing and using them as prizes would probably be a great draw, too. :)

[erastes.livejournal.com]

The trouble is, that we don't even know what shops will be stocking the books in the UK yet - libraries are unlikely to have them without being specifically ordered, there are no conventions of the type they have in America, and book festivals are no good either, because although there are many of them around Britain, they don't have places to sell, you can't rent a stall, and to attend as a writer, you have to be invited. It's very frustrating!

Signing seems to be the only option!

[leebenoit.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I wonder, can you donate books to public libraries in the UK the way we can here in the US? I think of my own frustration when my public library doesn't have (or can't procure) what I want, and I imagine many would bless your name.

Signing is a good option, too, though. :)

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Don't think we can, but I'm not entirely sure! I'll have to check it out!

[leebenoit.livejournal.com]

Too bad, if not. My local public library positively fawn when I bring them donations. (Though I suspect they don't shelve *everything* I bring -- I'd love to get a look at some of their night tables.)

[alyx-j-shaw.livejournal.com]

My spring says hello to your spring. (http://dragcave.net/view/Q4zP)

Personally I signed my flats and handed them out with first editions of my book, gave a few to friends, and then framed one to put on my wall. Then my pet crows destroyed it. So if all else fails you can use them to amuse your pets. It certainly kept my crows happy for a few hours.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

There are two other types i WANT but have no chance of getting. But then I've never managed to get a gold, silver, paper, clown or chicken. I SUCK!

Pet crows? How cool, I've always wanted crows or ravens!

[alyx-j-shaw.livejournal.com]

You don't suck, you simply have a life. I have silvers, papers, and a clown, but never managed to get a gold or a chicken. They're exceedingly rare and the competition is fierce, and I just don't have the time required to catch them.

The funny thing about those crows is a native woman told me that Crow is my shaman animal, my eyes into the realm of the dead. I have always had crows turn up in my life. The current pair, Harry and Reno, are just adorable but MAN can they get into trouble! Yesterday they opened my cupboards and began kicking out my wine glasses.