Sherri's Jewel Box Came!

I would like to thank everyone for the great response to my new magazine; Sherri's Jewel Box. I have had a lot of hits and great comments. I am so grateful, thank you to everyone. I also would like to promise you a great new issue coming out in September! It will be bigger, full of great interviews and beautiful pieces. I can't wait till everyone sees it!

Here is a new picture from my Paws for Troops signing, yes I did sign someones book it was not just me sitting there smiling. I did enjoy the event and the best part was they made they're goal so all those soldiers and puppies and kittens will get together and party:)













































I am very excited about my new event that I will be a part of, it is a Webinar called, "A Live Reading." I will read a selection from Fantasy Time Inc. It will be at the end of this month, and its free:) All you have to do is call in and listen. There will be four authors that will be doing readings and I am really excited to be a part of such a fun event! Stay tuned for date and time.










For my interview I'd like everyone to welcome Cindy Cromer
and her book Desperate Measures!







What was the first book you remember loving? Do you still own it?









This is a very hard question since as long as I can remember I have loved to read. The Nancy Drew mystery series stands out from my childhood. When I was in elementary school I'd rather read the next Nancy Drew book than play during recess. Unfortunately, I don't have any of those books but I wish I did.













What kind of books do you like to read? Do those books have an affect on your own writing?








I enjoy mystery suspense and also books mingled with some science or medical drama. Books of this theme have definitely affected my writing. I earned my Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology and became the president of a laboratory network. My scientific and executive experience has helped me to create the main character of Desperate Measures, Caitlin Martel, and have thrust her into a suspenseful plot of family secrets and an unknown enemy.












Do you remember what is the first that touched you deeply?









Another tough question since I have read so many books but I'd have to say Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas by James Patterson. This was the first book I read outside of Patterson's Alex Cross books and truly revealed the authors talent, diversity, and brilliant story telling with an unexpected ending. I have to admit, I cried my eyes out at the ending. There is also another book I'd like to mention at this point, "The Perfect Husband" by Lisa Gardner. She is a master of the craft of twists and turns which keeps the reader guessing. In writing Desperate Measures, I strived to achieve what Lisa Gardner has in her books.








From the reviews that I have received, it appears I have so far accomplished this goal. Here is one review I'd like to share with you. For further reviews visit my publishers website, http://etreasurespublishing.com/ . Desperate Measures is listed under Top Sellers.








1. Posted by Cher green on 8th May 2011



2. Cindy Cromer debuts with a real page turner. Just when you think you've figured it all out, a new twist appears and sends you in another direction. Keep guessing, but you'll never guess who the villain is.







Is there an era of writing that affects you? 1920's, 1800's and so forth?








I enjoy novels written in the present but there is another book that stands out that I won't forget, "A Land Remembered" by Patrick Smith. Excellent novel and one I wouldn't normally choose. The author takes the reader on a journey from the 1800's to 1960 in Florida and dramatically describes the development of Florida to what is today. My so had to read this book, the child's version, in fourth grade and I couldn't wait until he came home from school so that we could discuss the Maclvey's adventure and heartache through the swamps of Florida.













Where do you like to write? Is there a favorite nook or corner?








Anyplace where it is quiet with no interruptions. I have my small office set up and block out the world when I write. Sometimes I pace the house and pool area when I am struggling with a scene. At this point I not only talk to myself but answer myself until I have the scene worked out. My family looks at me like I'm crazy but for the most part they have gotten used to it.












Do you prefer one genre' to another?







My preferences are mystery, suspense, and medical thrillers. Science Fiction usually doesn't capture my interest.









Do you like the feel of a book in your hands or do prefer an electronic devises?








Well, since Desperate Measures was released in e-format until 100 books sell, I should say electronic device but I will be honest. I like the physical book in my hands to flip pages and dog ear each stopping point.








Can you tell us about what your working on now?








I am currently putting the finishing touches and edits to my second book, Desperate Deceptions. It could be considered a sequel, but I have written it as a stand-alone and the reader won't be lost if they haven't read Desperate Measures. Of course, my goal is propel the sales of my first and make the reader want to read both. I have a third and fourth book in a rough draft format, and are completely different from the first two. They are mysteries, but totally different characters and plots. Once I finish those two I would like to get back to a few characters I created in Desperate Measures, especially Tomas. I created him as a minor role to provide a bit of comic relief to the reader, but he took on a life of his own and I want to create his own story line. Barry Solerno also needs to be the main focus of a book. I have no idea where I came up with him, but he became my favorite character.








Thank you for this opportunity to answer these questions. Please visit my website http://www.cindyhuefnercromer.com./.




















Thank you Cindy for such a great interview, I think we will all enjoy to read your new book:)








Please check out my books at; http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Time-Inc/Sherri-Rabinowitz/e/9781432758110?r=1 or http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Murder-Inc/Ri/e/9781598002829?r=1 .








please read my magazine at; https://sites.google.com/site/sherrisjewelbox/ .











Till next time:)

Waiting period

One thing people don't tell you about the press and promotion of a book, not to mention the money is how long you have to wait for everything. So I sit in a period of waiting and I am not the most patient of people. This might shock my co-workers in my customer service job because I am very patient with our customers. In reality I am a normal American I want instant gratification.

But no, I am waiting. Waiting for the first quarterly report on sales. Waiting for a review. Waiting for the reimbursement for my first book signing. Waiting to hear about my next book signing. A lot of waiting and not much patience.

So what are you doing during this period of waiting you may ask?
Thanks for asking.( I have to be silly or I might cry.)

I am writing of course. I am working on my next novel and some short stories. I also have some other ideas I am feeling out. So I keep my creative side nice and busy, thanks.

I am reading of course one of my favorite pastimes. I just finished, Agatha Christie's Murder in Mesopotamia. I am reading The Jane Austen Book Club. And last but not least Eat, Pray, Love.
I have always loved Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers I have a weakness for English Murder Mysteries written in the 20's through the 50's. They are puzzles and I love a mind puzzle.

I love Jane Austen, I have read her whole lexicon and loved it. I saw the movie The Jane Austen Book Club and loved it. So when I found the book a bit worse for wear at a book sale I had to get it. So far so good its different but very interesting and I am enjoying it. I am about halfway through it.

I hadn't heard of Eat, Pray, Love till it became a movie. I don't really look to see who is on the best seller list I buy books by my instincts so I didn't know about it at all. I started to read about it on the Internet and it sounded fascinating to me. I have been on a spiritual search since I was in college. So looking for the spirit with in is quite a draw for me. So I bought the book and saw the movie.

There were several things in college that drew me to the spirit. I went to a spiritual center near school as a lark with a friend and found it fascinating. I was taking comparative religions in school because I was studying Anthropology so I really wanted to find about all spiritual practices. I come from a form of Judaism that is really open to exploring all forms of spirit so I had no fear only open eyed interest. The reading was spot on and the books in the shop were fascinating I think I bought about four of them.

The second thing that happened at that time that I thought was just cool but now I realize was truly an honor as well as a really big deal. One of my classes was Peoples Of India. I was in an advanced class in my second year because I adored the professor. He was a wonderful teacher full of enthusiasm and he love to help students in any way possible. In fact he sponsored our Anthropology club. He was a cute little man with gray hair, very attractive with a wonderful voice. He was funny and open . He loved to teach and love to have exchanges with his students. He had been traveling in India for years and knew everyone.

One day we were told one of our guest lecturers was going to be the Dali lama. Yes, himself. We were all thrilled he had brought several very famous experts to our class but we were never given instructions on how to act with them before. I think we were all nervous. He came in with his brother who acted as his translator. He was wonderful, funny, open and loved to hear our questions and was very much into open discussion. We stayed pass our time we were all impressed with how down to earth he was since he was a spiritual leader of a whole religion. When he left we couldn't stop chattering about him. One thing was that he spoke wonderful English and really didn't need a translator but that we were glad his brother came because he was as sweet and funny as his famous brother.

That was it, no great spiritual encounter it was an educational encounter about his people in Tibet and how his religion developed. So though I was very, very impressed with him I never connected it to my own spiritual quest till much later. About ten years later I was taking an extension course in UCLA and he came to promote saving Tibet. I didn't go because I couldn't afford it, I was a starving student, but I had already met him with only 15 other people, spoke one on one with him got to shake his hand so I knew that I was ahead of the game. This was to be a massive audience with thousands of people and the only view of his holiness would be from the back of the theater. One of the girls from my class went and came back to class with a black eye. Her story was that she was overwhelmed with his presence and swooned and hit her eye on the corner of chair. I realized then I was fortunate, I met him under the best of circumstances and it was a memory I will always cherish.

The other part of the book and the movie I loved was Italy. I have always loved movies with Italy I am very drawn to them. Summertime with Katherine Hepburn, Enchanted April, with an all star British cast and several others. I am also drawn to travel, I have been a traveler and seeker all my life. So I really enjoyed that part of the movie. I always wanted to go to Italy...maybe someday.

Well that's it for today.
(I think that is enough don't you? quite the ramble)

pictures from the event

Here are some pictures from my signing. The lady behind me is my Mom. She sat back there very proud of her kid because she knew I overcame shyness to do this kind of thing. My mother still suffers from innate shyness so she mostly watched and was my support system. I had a lot of support that day. It was really nice. My relatives came, my friends came, but I was pretty proud that I had a few strangers come up and chat.

Two people I didn't know bought the book and I was really proud that it had happened. The point of the book signing is to interest new people to my writing and I did! I had three strangers other then the two that bought the book. One was a lookiloo, one was trying to sell me bookmarks and one just wanted to rest and chatted to one of my relatives. That was ok, maybe they will remember how nice we all were and they will buy the book later. At least I am hoping that will happen.

At the table beside my Mom was a lot of snacks for my guests. They were really good, I had one of each and My Mom had one too. We were both too nervous before we left to really eat so we were both hungry. We were starved after so we went to lunch together to celebrate my first successful book signing:)

I have to admit I was really a nervous wreck that day. First after weeks of preparation I was terrified no one would show. Then I was terrified no one would buy the book.
Then I was scared that no one would like it. All my fears were groundless but that doesn't stop them from being very, very real.

One question that kept coming up was what was next. I think I confused people with my answer. This is not shocking because it confuses my family but I have always worked this way because I get easily bored. I am working on three books. Yes, I said three.

I don't work them all at once. They are all in different stages and they are all in different genres. So there is no way to get confused and I work best this way. One book is being loaded in the computer, I write onto pads, in my horribly scribbley handwriting that only I can read. One is going into second draft and the third I just started. I like them all so I may do any one of them as my next book. I have no idea yet.

Well I am working on my next book signing, hopefully it will go smoother and my book launch. This weekend I just tried to relax and recover from last weekend. So I will be a diligent little worker bee and get cracking on the next terror raising event.

Till then:)

Project Book Signing Complete

Well I had my signing yesterday afternoon. I was really excited and nervous. A friend of mine came over to do my make up and hair. ( I had my own stylist :) I had picked up my Mom and she watched as we ran around getting ready, she was very entertained. The three of us left for the book signing about 11a.m. and we were due at the store at 1130a.m. The book signing was set to be at 12p.m.

Its a beautiful Barnes and Noble it has two stories. It has a look of Europe about it. I set up on the second floor and waited. They supplied nibbles and we ate a couple mostly because we were nervous and hadn't had anything to eat. I had a tiny brownie. It was very good.

We waited for a bit before people started to come. It started as a dribble but then it got wonderfully busy. Friends, family. associates from work, old friends and new acquaintances. They all came and sat and chatted it was great!

I really want to thank everyone for coming, I know that a lot of you made special trips to come and I really appreciated the support.

When it was all over, I looked at my cell and it was 216p.m. Time to find out the results. I sold 14 books. I thought I didn't do too well but when I went down stairs so they could run the official tally for me it seems that it was a very good run. Most authors only sell three to five books. I was stunned! They said I had done so well they want me to sign up for the next step which is a discussion and book signing at one of their stores. Wow! I was really excited and ran to tell my Mom who was also very excited.

We went out to a late lunch, early dinner to celebrate it.

Project Book Signing was a success!

Road Blocks

I know that life is full of road blocks but I seem to get more then my share. Other people may get things as gifts from heaven but I am not one of those people. For every goal I have made, I worked like a dog to get there. It is always the way, I know I am not alone but sometimes I feel that I am.

First road block this week is that I am having an issue with my publisher to show my book returnable status for Fantasy Time Inc. It is returnable but there is this long ugly process and I am terrified it will unravel all that I worked so hard to accomplish. I have worked up the chain and I am trying to fix the problem but the anxiety it is costing me is with out equal. Your book has to show as returnable or book stores will not have anything to do with you. That is why it is crucial that I get my publisher to fix this issue as soon as possible. Cross your fingers for me.

My second road block this week is really sad. If you remember a couple blogs ago I told you the plight of the libraries and that my arrangements were on hold till that was settled? Well the worst happened. The lady I was working with was let go and the man who is now in charge is brand new. It's not that he isn't interested, he was very nice, but the thing is that I have to start the process all over again. It means waiting another two or three weeks for something that was suppose to happen in August. It just really saddens me and make me wonder.

I am sitting here trying to come up with something positive to leave you with but the only thing I can think of is that I have started the second draft of my next novel and that I got an idea for another story. At least I am trying to be productive.

Till next week, (I hope I am teeming with good news)

Sherri

My Very First Book Signing!

Well as you can see by the title of this blog I achieved my first goal. I have set up my first book signing. Now I have to get my publisher to put the information on the Barnes and Noble site before the book signing or I am in huge trouble. I have sent them several emails and they keep promising but nothing is happening so I asked for a supervisor. I will call up the chain till I get what I need. You would think they would be more cooperative they are going to make more money from my book then I will.

So I am going to work my back end off till I get this accomplished. I am so excited! The other thing is I need to get people there. It is really important that it is successful. I have sent evite, facebook evite and tweets and called all my friends and family. It is only 4 weeks but I am going to work really hard to get this thing together.

Next I find I am responsible for getting the poster too. All these things that no one ever tells you. You have to get markers too. Wow! It just keeps coming. So I have my work cut for me. Thank goodness for credit cards.

On the minus side of things, the person I talked to at the library was one of the people who were let go. So I have to start all over again with a new person. I have no idea if this person knows anything and if he will be as enthusiastic but I really pray it works out. I have meeting with him on Monday night. Cross your fingers and toes!

The most important thing is my first signing is on Aug. 7th at Barnes and Noble in Calabasas. Yes, that is the same Calabasas that Kim Kardishian made famous. I was chatting to one of the sales people at the store and he basically said that the Kardiashian's put Calabasas and The Commons on the map. That when TMZ mentions it, they just say the Commons not where it is or even the state. The power of Celebrity.

Till next time,

Sherri

Strike out one and up for bat again...

Hi Everyone,

Well I heard back from the manger at the book store. They put a halt on all book signings. I felt like my heart would sink to the floor. Then she said she knew of another store that did a lot of local author book signings. So my heart zoomed up again.

I called the manger at the other store and he said that he was interested but said that everything was wrong on the book's website. He said I needed to write my publisher with a list of corrections. Which of course I did.

He said I should drop off my book and he would read it and let me know if it is cost effective to have a book signing. Of course I said I would but the loss of another book with no return makes my heart cry.

After all, I sent a bunch of books out all ready with no results so I am hoping that I will get some kind of positive response.

I really need a positive response. I worked so hard on my book and I need to know that this book will be a success. It is my baby and I want it to grow. I don't want it to shrivel and die.

So I will drop off my baby in good faith and hope that the book store manager will take good care of her.

Wish me luck!

The brickwalls of the new writer

This weeks blog is about the effect of the economy and the difficulty to get a return call from bookstore event planners.

First of all the economy, all the small bookstores that would give you a chance are falling by the wayside. They are closing and becoming virtual stores. It is very discouraging. The stores that would give you chance to do signings and display your books well are being squeezed out by the giants.

Then the economy is also effecting our libraries to the point that they are cutting hours, closing doors and laying off personnel. I think this is a crime. Our founding father Benjamin Franklin created the lending system so all Americans would have access to books. Now they are cutting down to the point that the very young and the very old can't get the books they want.

Now with the cuts in the economy they are cutting at the most essential places including libraries. Why can't they cut things that are not important, why must we all suffer for their lack of efficiency. All the fat for changing a light bulb or a going on a "fact finding tour" is now being paid for by us. I find this outrageous! Don't you?

I also need to discuss how hard it is to get a return call or email from an event planner at certain big bookstores which will go nameless. They can't even hit reply and say sorry not interested. It is not only discouraging it is rude. The only thing I can say is that I am going to keep trying but it is maddening.

I will let you all know if I have any success.

A New Writers Challenge

Hi Everyone,

My name is Sherri and I have been writing since I was a small child. I always loved it! It was way to express myself since I was very shy. In college I used to write short stories instead of my papers.

I started to write poetry and short stories for Fanzines. Then for Fan Fiction websites. It was way to learn my craft and get feed back. I love it because you meet wonderful people and learn to get better as a writer.

I have written two novels. The first one is called Murder Inc. I learned a lot from that one and how important promotion is and understanding how the public thinks from the reviews. I truly thank all those people both for the good reviews and the bad. I think that helped me become a better writer.

Now I have new baby, Fantasy Time Inc. ( I guess I'm really into titles with the word Inc.) I am going to work like hell to get it out there.

Here's the rub, the thing no one tells you. No one will really help you. I have a P. R. firm and they did they're job with the press releases and such. It's my job to seal the deal and it's very hard to do that if no one will reply to your attempts to meet with them. If your not established they won't see you.

Thus the birth of this blog. My goals are thus;

1. To promote my new book.

2. To help fellow writers.

3. To reach a new audience.

4. To reach the powers that be.

5. To entertain.

There you have it. All you lovely people in blog reading land. I will be silly, chatty, frustrated and maybe a bit angry from time to time. I hope I will also be informative and helpful.

Here's to our joint adventure,

Sherri