“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”
–John Boswell
The first day of December touches down tomorrow, are you ready? Buh-bye autumn leaves and pumpkins--hello mistletoe and cranberries!
I've been pretty much living in the holiday limelight for the past few weeks thanks to the launch of A Novel Noel, but I realize others may prefer to ease their way into twinkle light zone. #Gasp Ready or not, this week is the big transition from fall to winter festivities and I am loving it!
As we gathered with our central California family members, the holiday season began in earnest with a fantastic, Thanksgiving meal, followed by the glitz and glam of the seller stands at the Cowgirl Christmas event in Paso Robles. A fun time was had by all at our blinged-out booth, and I loved meeting my new readers! Everyone was in a merry mood, and we delighted in those #BlackFriday and #SmallBusinessSaturday sales!
Our nieces, Ashlynn and Makara were great selling companions and so fun to celebrate the holiday jollies with! And did I mention they're uber talented? 💯
'Tis the season...The decor at the Allegretto was holiday winery all the way--I'm gathering ideas for the vineyard at Cherrywood Hall! 🎀🍷🎄
So, I'm now back at the SoCal abode, enjoying the abundant twinkle lights and finishing up book 8 in my cozy series, newly inspired with the merriment of the season. Wishing you bright days and cheery nights as we move into the final month of the year! #HoHoHo let the holidays begin! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Let's talk about sales...
Like every author out there, I'm thrilled when I make a book sale. The Cowgirl Christmas event taught me a valuable lesson--get out there and meet readers in person! For this event, I offered the print copies of my 12 books at competitive prices to clear out some stock here at home. I'm glad I did--sales were excellent for the 2-day event, enabling me to blow-out my November sales goals! #HoHoHo
My two best sellers? A pleasant, unexpected surprise with The Crown for Castlewood Manor followed by A Novel Noel. Hopefully, I'll have a few more readers enjoying the series, and, I made sure my cards with website, email, and Twitter handle info were included. Be prepared to answer questions--the readers want details!
Biggest lesson learned, the in-person meet and greet is the best way to sell books, and so much fun (and profitable). In 2023, I've decided to hit the roads and participate in as many in-person events I can book. I want to change things up next year, and this will be a big, must-do in the selling process for me!
Marry Christmas merriment this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Cathleen Maza, Mrs. Christmas Rose, 5 ⭐
The holidays are in full swing as we gather back with Carolyn and her family as they travel to their zany, Cousin Rose's Christmas Eve wedding! As the matron of honor, she wants the big day to go off without a hitch, but a last-minute blizzard has other plans in store for the family and friends. Stranded guests and absent staff place the nuptials in limbo--will the magic of the season save the day? Or ring in the wedding bell blues?
Author Maza once again delights us with the charming exploits, eccentricities, and laughter holiday gatherings bring, especially when things don't always go as planned. Sit back, relax, and prepare to smile as you read this latest holiday tale! 'Tis the season, a fun, uplifting, heartwarming read!
Next up in the reading queue:
Outdoor sparkle and colors of the holidays at the Allegretto
The central courtyard really sparkled at night with the lighted tree leading into the hotel. We enjoyed sitting there in the (cold--yay!) evenings under the lights and stars--it was magical.
In the daylight, the grounds were so festive with the potted, holiday arrangements. I love the colorful flowers nestled under the trees and always enjoy that pop of red!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the first days of the final month, friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. A charming, author chat in next week's post! Rikkhe and Gemma approve 🎀❄👠