Last week, I was searching for a term other than 'marketing', because the concept is abhorrent to me. Actually, not the concept, per se. I acknowledge the need for and benefit of good marketing. And I appreciate those who do it well, and with integrity. I just don't like doing it myself.
So, I'm working on a new concept. My first idea was nixed by my family: they said I could call the promotion of my stories "Book P*mping". Especially since they are identified as children's books. Also adieu-ed were any concepts associated with this first idea... I need not reveal possibilities some of my friends devised.
As I racked my brain, which is not hard to do, a notion was jostled loose. Invitation. Yes, Invitations! Everyone loves invites--to parties, weddings, holiday festivities, family celebrations, to see the doctor... well, maybe not the last. The point is, invitations are a delight to receive, even if we aren't able to accept.
One can see the significance of invitations, because there is a whole industry out there dedicated to invitations. Look at the expense, and the outlay of cash (or credit), for the invitations to weddings. To graduations. To baby showers (what? they can't shower on their own? maybe that's why they call them 'babies'). To baptisms and bar mitzvahs. To divorces (well, for some, there oughta be!).
And they come in such an array, these invitations. Colorful ones. Simple ones. Ones on paper so expensive the card stock could be used as White House wall paper. Each one, no matter it's quality or distinction or character, carries a hope, a promise, a desire. A hope that the recipient will come to some event, a promise that there's a party going on and you're wanted, the desire for your presence. Maybe just for the presents, but still.
Now, this is something I can resonate with! I love invitations. I mean, I love invitations! Getting them, and, though it conflicts with the 57% of my personality that is introverted, I love giving invitations. It is so much fun to invite people, to reach out and say, "Hey, we're having a party this Saturday. Why don't you come on over?" Or, "You are fun. Come join us this weekend. There's a group of us that get together to <blank--watch a game, play cribbage, practice group narcolepsy>, we'd love to have you there."
Yes, this is something I can do. Now, to practice. So here's my first effort.
You readers of my blog, out there in the ether world. Wish I could get you all together, share a drink and swap stories. Until then, I'd like to extend an invitation. I've written several stories, and I'd like to invite you to read them. I'd especially like to invite you to tell me what you think of them. Yes, the truth of what you think, and how you feel about them.
Okay, that was too long. I'll have to practice. One more effort before I'm done for this week.
Good time-of-day, blog readers! I'm inviting you to consider my books, 'like' them (I think that's the term), and 'share' them with your friends and family.
Shorter. Maybe better? I'll have to work on this.
Have a good week, everyone. Share your stories, and remember, if the invitation doesn't have an RSVP, you don't have to respond. But, hey... you'll be missing one fun, extended event!
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