Your Brand Here!

I'm "vacationing" in Portland for a few days because my husband had an art opening and thanks to Twitter, he sold a piece already! But I haven't really been far from work. I spent several hours yesterday morning doing radio and blog interviews about the book, then went to Powells in Portland to see where they had me. BURIED in the business section. Bah! Geoff did some creative re-shelving...

I had a conference call today with my agents to discuss some ideas to boost sales higher. It's frustrating how hard it is to convert someone who is interested in the book to actually going to a store and paying $26 for it, and I'm trying hard to brainstorm about anything else I can do to spur more interest. Book tours aren't popular with publishers, but I think we're going to lobby to hit up a few places. I got done with the call a little weary. Every time I think maybe I've worked hard enough I can coast a bit, I realize I can't.

So, it was interesting to read the write up of my interview on Dan's blog about personal branding. He was kind enough to say it was the best interview he'd done. I hope people get something out of it-- I know I did: a reminder that there are just no short cuts no matter what point you're at in your career. Hard work and relentlessness is the only way I've ever gotten anywhere, so why should forcing my way onto bestseller lists be any different?

Anyway, let me know if your city has a thriving entrepreneur scene and might be a good place for a reading/party.