There is so much I want to talk about. One, because I want to share. Two, because I need to hash it out. I'll try my very best to organize it all for an enjoyable read.
But first things first. Tomorrow I am waking up at 6:00 a.m. and getting my favorite coffee. Plus, a little (long) walk to get my head straight before setting up the party. It's a bit of a drive, but the drive is so worth it for Twin Valley Coffee. We'll probably buy a few bean bags to take back home.
I think setup is going to start at noon. I've got SO MUCH GOING ON. I've really tried to think about every minute detail, including decorations, themed food and drink (blood bags filled with virgin Shirley Temples), and little chocolate vampire bites (SO SO GOOD). I've thought about the music... I even created an entire playlist on my YouTube that matches the book to a T. When I listen to these songs, I think of the book. I'm literally in the middle of the story when I hear some of them. I think it's cool—but it's also how I imagined it. I also thought about a photo backdrop, which will have balloons, banners, and just somewhere everyone can take a photo. There's even going to be a photographer there! That was a cool surprise, and I'm excited to see what she does! I'll share her socials tomorrow. (Which reminds me, I need to create a thank-you list...)
Raffle System (ways to earn raffle tickets):
So, a way for people to stick around—or at least come back—is the prizes. I created these really cute prizes (in my opinion) for people to want to stay and have fun. I mean, Mayhem is literally a café filled with board games... sooo there’s already a lot to do. BUT this is just another way to really get some interaction as an author trying to sell her first book. I already posted this in a cute TikTok video, but I'll make a few others just for a clearer image and understanding. Here’s the information:
Ways to earn raffle tickets:
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(Worth 1 raffle) Take a photo and post on your socials with #nexuscrest & #gestrohl
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(Worth 1 raffle each) Follow me on socials!
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Facebook
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Instagram
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TikTok
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YouTube
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(Worth 2 raffles) Share my post on your socials titled "Debut Novel Out Now!"
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(Worth 2 raffles) Make a purchase
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(Worth 5 raffles) Subscribe to my website — gestrohl.com
Schedule (Pretty straightforward, right?)
This means I have two speeches to give. What, like, small 5-minute speeches... and honestly, I'll write them up and save them to my phone to read off of—and maybe even go off script. I'm good at public speaking when I know I have to be. I just need a bit to work up the courage, and I think by this point I’ve worked up enough. Plus, I'll have some wine in me at some point.
Schedule below:
- 6:00 Sip +Socialize
- 6:30 Welcome Speech
- 7:00 1st Raffle Draw
- 7:10 Author Reading
- 7:40 2nd Raffle Draw
- 8:00 Book Signing
- 8:20 Bite me Toast
- 8:40 Grand Prize
- 8:50 Closing Remarks
But I also want to take the time to vent a little. Write what I'm thinking about to get some of that negativity out. Part of me is thinking this is gonna flop. I say that because that's how I feel. From what I understand and what people are telling me... there will be about 50 people 100% going to attend. How long...? who knows... But I know for a fact 50 people are attending, and then there are like another 25 people who may or may not show up, plus the stragglers who might also pass by and say, hey, what's going on over there? and join in on the fun—and maybe even buy a book.
When it comes to buying the book... I feel like I want to say I'm going to sell out... PLUS some. But I also want to be more realistic and not be disappointed. I think I'll sell 45 books. MAYBE a bookmark here and there. I am giving out plain bookmarks for free... they just say Nexus Crest and have QR codes to all my socials, which maybe will help... but idk. I think I'll sell 10 stickers. I think I have some pretty cool stickers, and I'm proud of that. I also think I have some pretty cool deals, considering the nocturnal set.
Gosh, I'M JUST SO EXCITED BUT ALSO SO SCARED ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
I'd also like to add that I am scared of who is going to show up. But I guess we will see with that one too. And I mean, if an author says that no one in their life is in their stories, they are lying. I'm hoping some characters DON'T show up in person that are in my book. Wouldn't that be a show. But that is my life. A lovely little soap opera.
Do any other authors do this? Like honestly, I'd love to gather some friendly authors to bounce ideas off of. Being an author is a lonely island, and I feel like I'm just here throwing rocks to see if a fish will bite.
Well, if you made it this far in reading, leave a comment or a question to let me know! I think this is a great outlet for me to connect to readers and to also vent. Either way, It would be nice to know if someone is reading or not. If not, I'd write some crazier stuff. Lean more into the journaling/venting side of blogging.
Night for now! See ya tomorrow!
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