Proof the Kentucky Loves Me
When Forrest Gump came out, I was regularly referred to as “Lieutenant Dan.” On Monday the 22nd, 2010 I got promoted to… Colonel Dan! The honorable order of Kentucky Colonels was formed in the 1930′s as a charitable organization. Members must be nominated by an active ‘Colonel’ and approved by the Governor.
I was very honored to be considered and accepted into the organization. I now have proof that I’m Honorable, it says so right on the certificate!
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged award, barking dogs, certificate, fish and asparagus stew, honor, Kentucky Colonels, promotion
OK, I realize I’m the last person in America to sign up for a Twitter account. However, you can now find me on Twitter at @Dan_Marvin. Follow me!
Posted in Uncategorized
Recently I became a guest blogger for Ceramic Industry Magazine. My first entry was intended to give a little background about me, and to introduce the blog to the world. Here’s a link:
Guest Blog: Tile Tech Notes – Editor’s Blog – Ceramic Industry.
Posted in Uncategorized
When the LLBookReview was kind enough to review Briefs, I became a frequent visitor to the site. I was impressed that someone was passionate enough about self publishing to want to help out other authors with reviews and information. When a post came up asking for another reviewer, I was quick to throw in my hat. The owner of the site, Shannon, offered me the gig and I jumped in with both feet.
On Tuesday, my 10th review went live. I’ve also done a couple of reviews on my own at my New Media Reviews site. Reviewing other people’s books is rewarding but challenging. I see in their successes ways to improve my writing. I see in their shortcomings things to avoid to improve my writing. At first I was reviewing books from PDFs but I just don’t read that way. Getting on the computer for a couple of hours to read a book just doesn’t work into my lifestyle. Once I started requesting a hard copy of the books I was reading, it became much easier and more fun.
Writing can be a selfish, solitary pursuit. Writers tend to get wrapped up in their own writing. It’s a natural thing, you’re pouring your time and energy and soul into it, you want other people to enjoy it and you want to talk about it. By doing these reviews, I’ve gotten to ‘meet’ some really good writers and give back a little. I encourage you to explore the work of independent writers. Find books that aren’t on the aisles at Walmart. Take a chance, gamble a few bucks on a book that may or may not suck. Read the reviews. If you like it, take a minute to say so on the author’s web site or Amazon page or parole board. You’ll be glad you did!
I’m traveling this week, off to the sunny state of Florida. However, I did want to mention that I’ll be having another TV interview on July 30th at 12:45PM on LEX18, a local TV station here in Lexington. This one may be a bit more lively, Lee Cruise is a funny guy and I’m sure I’ll get to be the butt of many toilet jokes, so to speak. Meanwhile, I just wanted to thank all the visitors who have stopped by in the last few weeks while I’ve been in the middle of moving. Hopefully soon it will all be over and I can get back to promoting my book a little. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged book signing, fish and asparagus stew, interviewing, Kentucky, LEX18, Lexington, Marketing, NBC, promotion, TV interview
Discussing "Briefs" at the local library
Today I had the benefit book signing for the Anderson Humane Society. Although the ladies from the library and the humane society were both apologetic that more people didn’t come out, I was personally happy with how it went. Unlike two weeks ago when I didn’t sell a single book, I sold quite a few this time out. I was able to donate $50 to the Humane Society and had my single biggest book sales day to date. I definitely think having some one on one interaction is a must, people were able to ask questions, chit chat about whatever they wanted, and it didn’t feel like I was ‘selling’ as much as getting to know some nice people. We talked about dogs and the library and writing and reading and burgoo. Thanks Anderson Humane Society and Anderson Public Library!
The Anderson Library
I’d like to invite everyone to my second book signing. This one will be held at the Anderson Public Library in Lawrenceburg, KY on June 21st from 2 to 4 PM. I know it’s Father’s Day but really… what better gift for dad than a bathroom book? It’s just what every dad needs. This book signing will benefit the Anderson Humane Society. They will play host, providing food and drinks and $1 from every book sold will go to them. I will do some readings, talk about the process of publishing, and sign books.
In other news on July 30th I will be interviewed by the LEX18 News at 12:30. This is a pretty widely watched channel in Lexington and the interview should be a nice boost for the book. Tune in!
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged anderson county, benefit, book signing, briefs, Briefs for the Reading Room, Dan Marvin, humane society, Kentucky, Library, Marketing, promotion, reading
