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“Can a Publicist Help an Author … Without Author Involvement?”

August 29th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on “Can a Publicist Help an Author … Without Author Involvement?”)

Book publicity can be tricky.  My job is to raise awareness and make connections for authors, however many times I get this question from authors, “Do I need to be involved in the process for this to be successful?”
The short answer is yes.
Logically, an author or a business owner must become the spokesperson or source for their own book or company.  No one knows the product better than the author.
Numerous times in my career I have heard, “I don’t want my name associated with the product,” or “I want publicity but I don’t want to be on-camera.”
It can be frustrating and confusion but here are some tips to succeed.
*Make the story about the product or process and not the person.  When a product was featured on a prime-time TV show, we spread word about the product to local newspapers and received some media mentions.
*Make sure the client is comfortable and able to speak about their product.  Do media training with them and make sure they are comfortable.
* Make sure the client knows they must take part in order for the process to work.  They do not have to dedicate 40 hours per week to publicity, but they must be willing to contribute.
But what about the original question? Can an author really success if they are not involved?
As a book lover, I do enjoy hearing from the author and learning about the author.  Here are some issues that may arise if the author is not involved.
•    One many lose readers if they ignore then.
•    An author may turn off contacts: libraries, bookstore owners, media,  if they do not participate in events.
•    The media may be more interested in who you are if you don’t want your name associated with publicity.
My advice is to participate.  If you have written a book and you are proud of it, shout it from the rooftops!

FYI:  I will be out of the office for my wedding and honeymoon from September 2 to 26.

The bears from Miley Cyrus’ performance are still haunting my dreams.
On Sunday, August 25, the Staples Center hosted the MTV Video Music Awards.  The broadcast is known for radical behavior, outrageous performances, and scantily dressed women.  It is ground zero for train wrecks and pop culture and Sunday night did not disappoint.
From Lady Gaga’s white dress that resembled the Flying Nun to Miley Cyrus twerking Robin Thicke; the show the audience breathless and the media exploded with coverage.  Although the VMAs are legendary  for unforgettable behavior such Madonna rolling on the stage in a wedding dress to Britney Spears in a see through jumpsuit performing in a cage, Sunday night’s show seemed to sink to a new low.
Former Disney child star, Miley Cyrus came on stage, tongue wagging and jumping up and down with giant-sized bears.  She is making it clear she is no longer Hannah Montana.   She is also making it clear she is a sexualized, objectified creature.  The example she is setting is clear:  It is okay to go from innocent girl to oversexed young adult.
Some will say she is not a role model, nor does she wish to be.  However, she is a role model just by being on the stage.
Some will say she is accomplishing her goal because we are all talking about her.  True, however she must figure out what kind of performer she wishes to be: A stripper-like performer with singing being an aside or an artist? This performance will not be a highlight if she is ever a Kennedy Center Honoree.
So here is my question:  Are we going too far as a culture? Is the only way to get attention to wear little to nothing?  Where are the talented singers and performers?  Cyrus is not the only singer guilty of this.  Beyonce, Rhianna, Madonna, Britney Spears, Cher, even Selena Gomez use their bodies to get attention and sell music.
Ironically, Taylor Swift was criticized for looking elegant and like a lady.
However, watch your mouth Taylor!

Hey, it’s Kim’s baby.
On Friday, August 23 look for the most beautiful, smart and perfect baby to appear on television.  Kanye West is set to be a guest on his girlfriend’s mother’s talks show on Friday, The Kris Jenner Show.  It is rumored that he will show a picture of his daughter, North West.
Ok, I have many problems with this.
1.    Who Cares?   As Americas we have to stop caring about this type of news.  Is it news?  I guess if bloggers (myself) and others in the media did not write about it, then it would take away power from people like the Kardashians and West.
2.    Why promote your child?  It just feels wrong to show the picture of an innocent client to millions on national television.  If they want privacy, why show the pictures?  I know they want to take the power away from the photographers, but think about what that is doing to the child.
3.    What is more important :  publicity or the safety of a child?  In this age, when a celebrity has a a new album out or wants to help their struggling talk show, they bring on family and famous friends.  What happened to the days of celebrities coming on talk shows just to have fun and have a conversation?

Ok, I’ll get off my soap box and I do wish them well.  I hope we won’t be seeing a North West reality show or sex tape in the next 30 years.
Have a great weekend!

Elmore Leonard Passes Away

August 20th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Elmore Leonard passed away this morning from complications from a stroke.  He was the author of crime novels Get Shorty and 3:10 to Yuma.  He was 87.  Our thoughts are with his family.

“Online Dating Nightmare”

August 15th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Let me get this out of the way … I had a wonderful online dating experience.  I met my fiance and future husband on one of the most popular web sites and it was a very positive experience.   Based on my positive experience, my mother joined another dating site.
It was going very well for her and she started corresponding with an interesting man.  However, this posting is to warn anyone of the negative side of online dating.   They seemingly shared similar interests–they talked on the phone and traded emails.  They even set up times to meet in person.
Then the red flags started.   Here are a few of the red flags that she wanted me to mention.
1.    During their email session, he did not seem to be reading her comments.   She wrote about her background and feelings and the next email would be about religion or another topic.
2.    His phone voice did not match his background.  She had a feeling he had a different ethic background than he told her.
3.    He would cancel meetings at the last minute.
4.    He did not know some very common local locations.
She overlooked most of these but they were always on her mind when talking to him.  Then came the negative event.  He told her he was going to West Africa on business and they would meet up when he came back.
The next day she received an email from him.  He was in Africa and the electric voltage system in the country ruined his computer.  He wanted her to buy him a computer and he would wire her the money or she would charge it.
She told him she would not do this and she gave him alternatives.   Again, he disregarded her comments.  He became more insistent upon her doing this for him.  He wanted to mail the computer to her address.  She refused and told him  to use UPS.
He refused and started to make her feel guilty and he then cut off communication.
Please be aware of individuals who are scammers or who are trying to take advantage of you.
Online dating is a wonderful way to meet new people but there are users out there.
Be aware!

Boy, this is a slow news week!  It’s the dog days of summer and it seems like many are on vacation or just coming back to work.  Reruns are on TV and the movie theatres are filled with dreary comedies and airheaded action movies.
Don’t get me wrong, I love summer but I’m ready for the fall!
There is one enormous reason I’m ready.  On September 6, at about 4 p.m. I become a Mrs.  He is the love of life.  He wooed me with his gentle spirit, keen intellect, and handsome demeanor.
I met him last June and by August I was smitten.  He proposed in October.  We knew we were each other’s mates in a matter of months.
This posting is about that elusive thing called love.
I’m a lover of love:  Romance novels, movies and TV shows.   I longed to fall in love.  To feel that emotion everyone from Byron to Danielle Steel wrote about.
However, I did not see love coming.  I did not fall in love at first sight.  It was a gradual thing.
So how did I know I was in love?
Being with him was so easy.  We would even finish each other’s sentences.  He would suggest something for dinner and it was already being made.
Weird coincidences were rapid.
Also, when I looked at him, everything else disappeared.
So on September 6, I marry my soulmate.   I wish everyone the chance to find true love.
In the meantime,  wedding planning is coming to an end.  The details are frustrating and never ending.   So here is what I learned in the past year.
1.  Do not lose sight of the goal.  That goal is to marry the man you love.  I am going to race down the aisle.
2. It’s not about the dress.  Think about it.  It will be in the closet for the next 40-50 years.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Let other people help with details.
4. It will not be perfect.  Nothing ever is.
5. Lastly, surround yourself with a small group of people who have your best interest at heart.
Have a great day!
Sara

A Wonderful Night of Poetry

August 8th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

On Tuesday, August 6, I experienced an evening of laughter, joy, sadness and talent.  Poet and photographer, Ute Buehler gave a lecture about her new book,  at the Hudson, Wisconsin Public Library.  In a small book, surrounded by friends, family and fans, Buehler read from her book, showed her work as a photographer and mesmerized us all with her passion and talent as a poet.
We all sat in a circle and listened to her read her poetry.  Others volunteered to read as well.   The following are a few of the poems audience members loved.  Thank you to the Hudson Library!
To find out more about Ute and her work, go to www.Buehlers.net.

Ute2

PhotoUte1
Love
Love
This most amazing of all the emotions
Selflessly living
And yet so demanding

Love
This most challenging of all the emotions
Completely trusting
And yet full of doubt

Love
This most rewarding of all the emotions
Bringing bright sun to our souls
And happiness without remorse

The Giver
She is a giver
Not a taker

She gives her love
She gives her care

She gives compassion
She gives comfort

She gives advice
She gives a smile

A smile so like this flower
Filled with sunlight

A smile that links her heart to mine,
And through the windows of her eyes
Embraces me
She never seeks to take, yet,
She deserves so much

Food Court Wars Winner!

August 6th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Congratulations to Tomme Beevas!  He won Food Court Wars on Sunday!  Whoo Hooo!
Tomme’s restaurant is Pimento Grille.
By winning the show, Tomme and his business partner won one year of free advertisement at the Burnsville Mall.
Go here to read more information about Food Court Wars:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food-court-wars/slum-dogz-vs-pimento-jamaican/index.html
Here is Tomme’s web site: http://pimentogrille.com/

My Favorite Books

August 1st, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

As a book publicist, I read books all day.  My passion in life is a great story and book.  I like adventure, romance, and also biographies.  I love reading about a person’s story.  What happened to them and how did they overcome their problems?
In this blog, I will list my favorite books as well as books I’m currently reading.  I’ll list my favorite biographies and romance novels.
Biographies:
There are many wonderful biographies.  My favorites are about Hollywood, specifically old Hollywood.   Here are a few of my favorites:
1.    Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations by Peter Evans
2.    How to Be a Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood by William J. Mann
3.    MGM: Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot by Michael Troyan
4.    TCM: Classic Movie Trivia: Turner Classic Movies
5.    Anything by David McCullough
Romance:
Ahh, I love a good romance novel.  They are pure fantasy.   My favorite thing is to sit on a rainy day with tea and read Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice.  Here are a few hidden gems.
1.    The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
2.    The Gift by Julie Garwood
3.    Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
4.    Dark Prince by Christine Feehan
5.    Crossfire Novels by Sylvia Day
Enjoy a great story today!