Miesels TV Chat About Writing and Publishing

December 23, 2009
Community Television Network, Access Ann Arbor, Channel 17 Presents:
Brenda Meisels, Author of Family at Booknookand, and Sally Seymour, business writer, as they chat about writing. (12/23, 10am & 2/pm) (12/26, 3& 5:30pm) (12/28, 11am) (1/6, 10am 5:30pm)(1/7, 11:30am) (1/9, 3pm)


TV Appearance and Recommendations for Novices:

My writer friend Sally Seymour and I taped an interview for Access Ann Arbor Channel 17. This was a first for me. I was nervous and insisted on arriving early; the crew was running late, and I subjected Sally to a long wait in the Green Room.

When we finally went to production, there was a lovely set, with a Family at Booknook poster as a backdrop. The lights were blinding, the crew out of sight in the darkened room. When Sally introduced me, I looked toward what I thought would be the audience and came face to face with this wrinkled older woman—me!

After recovering from seeing the wrinkled face intruder, we had a nice chat about writing and publishing. There was one complication; in the dark room Sally could not make out the hand signals that Dwayne, a crew member, was making denoting the time. Part way through the interview, while the camera was focused on me, I saw Sally’s eyes flitting back and forth. Thinking we were running out of time, I picked up the pace and tripped over a few words. Sally gathered her wits and asked the crew how much time we had and was signaled that we had sufficient time. However, I Could not see the signal and did not know this until the interview ended.

After the taping, Sally and I celebrated by taking our husbands out to dinner.

When Murray and I watched the first airing, I noticed every flaw but was pleasantly surprised about how well it had turned out.

Recommendation 1: If you’re over sixty, get a face lift or wear lots of makeup. And do not look in the monitor!

Recommendation 2: If you are concerned about time available, ask the crew.

Recommendation 3: Most importantly, have a good time.

BOOKNOOK SOLD AT MEIJER

COMING EVENTS: Tomorrow, 2:00pm, talk and signing at the Adrian library. Friday, 12/11/09, 3:00 to 5:00pm signing at the Adrian Meijer store.

MORE COMMENTS:

Elmo Morales: I finished the book and cried at the end. I can see this as a movie...Brenda describes scenes really well. I can picture them so clearly -- colorful and picturesque.

Maureen Knight: I just finished your lovely book. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I am glad you added the last chapter. Still, I find myself wondering where Finch is working and who she married.

Ellen Toronto: Believable and fascinating characters are an essential part of a good book for me. From that perspective Family at Booknook definitely qualifies. Dave is a lovable curmudgeon. Sparrow is quietly spunky and devoted to her daughter. In spite of her own difficult background she is committed to making a good life for her. As with any family the fate of the characters becomes deeply intertwined. The reader is drawn in to their all-too-human frailities, sorrowing in their tragedies and rejoicing in their ultimate message of hope.

MARKETING FOR CHRISTMAS

I am delighted that Meijer is going to sell Booknook. It will be in the Adrian Meijer and the three Ann Arbor stores. Meijer supports local authors, and Georgette St Amant, has taken me under her corporate wing so to speak and is shepherding the book through corporate channels.

Ben Negron the director of Adrian Meijer is planning a signing event in December, which will feature three authors, Laura Krzyaniak, Judge Sheridan and myself. A popular local band, The Injured List, will be selling CD’s. Ben tells me the band took the name in high school, when they played football and spent more time on the injured list than in the games.

Today I took more novels to Nicola’s books and dropped off Christmas fliers at several shops. At Unique Hair Salon, Karen read the back cover and bought two novels for Christmas gifts. She made my day.

GOOD READS

I read novels like some people watch TV—every night. One of my top ten is Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout, about an adolescent daughter coming of age with a single, reclusive mother. Hmm, similar to Sparrow and Finch in Family at Booknook.

My favorite scene: Isabelle, the mother, is in a dither about entertaining her boss, whom she secretly loves. He and his wife do not show; Devastated, Isabelle dumps her gorgeous homemade chocolate cake into the trash. This is something that most of us can relate to. Inviting guests into our homes is anxiety producing. We worry, will the food turn out? Will there be enough? And, heaven forbid, what if our guests don’t come?

Strout's scene inspired me to write about entertaining. In Family at Booknook. Sparrow stumbles into uncharted territory, when she invites her friend Maria for dinner. Maria is late and Sparrow is fearful that Maria will not come. The dinner does not go as Sparrow has planned.

I was thrilled when Strout’s recent book of short stories, Olive Kitteridge, came out. Olive is featured in some stories and plays cameo roles in others. She is a tough appearing, no- nonsense sort of woman who estranges some people, including her son. A few readers think she is unlikeable. At times she made me cringe, but the nasty things that she says are often thoughts that we may have. In old age, we see her grow and regret her mistakes. Finally she is able to give up a bit of her rigidly and seize a moment.

I liked Olive. She reminded me a bit of crusty Dave Stanley in Family at Booknook. Sparks would fly if Olive met Dave. But I think they would be attracted to each other. Dave is mourning his sweet life Emily, and a feisty woman might bring him back to life.

Just musing. But I do recommend both books—good reads.

ADD ONS, THE ANGST OF SELF PUBLISHING, what every person who self publishes should know.

COMING EVENT: Talk and Signing at the Adrian Public Library Saturday, November 21st, 2:00pm

Marketing is a challenging adventure, often exciting, sometimes anxiety producing and occasionally discouraging. Every day I learn something new. And this I should have known, did know and repressed it. It was written clearly in the information I received from Author House. Returnability, the ability for bookstores to return unsold books to the distributer is an imperative feature in marketing. It costs $1,299 for a three year period. Still, I am ordering returnability today. It should be in the system by the fourteenth of this month.

Why am I, a frugal person, springing for this? I’d like to sell a few books. The big guys, as the independent book store owners call Borders and Barnes and Nobel, won’t consider books unless they can be returned. Also the ability to return books would have to benefit the smaller stores. In addition, buying this feature also gives the distributor, Ingram, a 48% discount from Author House, which hopefully will be shared with book stores. I am told that if book stores order directly from Author House they are assured of a 48% discount.

MARKETING 101 SUGGESTIONS FOR SELF PUBLISHING:

Make your book as good as you can and then pay a professional editor. I hired three. The first copy edited; the second lived in Texas, was unreachable and did not return the manuscript. Finally I hired Elizabeth Kirchen, an Ann Arbor editor, who worked with me for several months and helped make the parts of my novel a whole—better than the sum of its parts. Self publishing companies provide some editing for a fee. But I would recommend a local person that can work with you.

Read your contract carefully and then ask questions. Then read your contract again.

Procure copyright registration, your proof of ownership, which gives your book an ISBN number. This can be done on the internet and is a bit complicated. However with help I obtained the copyright for $30. Author House would have charged $175.

I purchased a Library of Congress control number for $75, which I am not certain I need, but I think allows libraries to access a book more easily.

If you want to market your book, purchase returnability.

You may want to create a web site or a blog. Advantages for a blog, simple, free and ongoing. I chose to craft my own blog, contact the news media, send out press releases, and create posters.

The publishing company provides these types of services for fees, which range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on what you buy. This is no panacea as, in my experience, no one at the company read my work. The author must decide the message and supply the publisher with information. The publisher will then produce your advertising material. If I am correct, authors buy posters, banners and bookmarks which may not be tweaked as they learn more about sells. Think of it as a factory that produces a certain product. For example, perhaps you order a doll in a brown dress. For Christmas you would like your doll to wear a red dress. You must make or buy your own.

Publishing companies often do not make the details of the business clear. New writers are naive and confused. Published authors could be a great source of information. If you have been published, it would be interesting and helpful to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Description of Family at Booknook

The description of Family at Booknook is way, way, back on older posts, and since this blog is supposed to be about the novel, I've repeated the description.

A traumatized teenage mother, a cantankerous older man and a precocious child create an unlikely family. Sixteen-year-old Sparrow is pregnant. Banished from her home, she is deposited at Dave Stanley’s bookshop. Withdrawn and seemingly unaware of her pregnancy, Sparrow remains and works at Booknook. With the birth of her daughter, Finch, she awakens and is determined to keep her baby. Dave becomes a surrogate grandfather, protector of mother and daughter. Longing for her mysterious, absent father who, she mistakenly believes can complete her family; Finch grows up feeling the sting of being illegitimate. This is a story of relationships and of hope, in which a reclusive single mother and a feisty girl come of age.

Ms. Meisels Writes: As a psychotherapist I have heard many personal narratives and have been privileged to play a part in helping people like Sparrow. I wanted to show authentic characters that make mistakes, hurt and bleed but learn to trust, love and find resolution. The novel is set in Michigan: Milan, Adrian, Clinton, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, places I am familiar with and fond of. I’m excited to meet and talk with people about the novel and the process of writing and publishing.

Michigan Independent Book Store Survey

In the past two days I have called twenty-five independent books stores to pitch Family at Booknook. Ten phones had been disconnected and several stores with limited hours had answering machines. All ten of the proprietors that I reached were welcoming and expressed a desire to support Michigan Authors.

When the owners had a moment, I asked them about business—my little survey.
Carolyn at Squirreled Away Books in Armada, a farming community of 600 families, told me that she has been in the business for years and has loyal clientele. “I don’t have to compete with the big guys and we offer service.”She also sells on line, and during fall colors tourists stop in.

Amy at Horizon Books in Petoskey indicated that she and her husband opened their shop in 1960 and own their building. Thus they are well established and have low overhead. “We don’t depend on best sellers. We sell books one at a time. We pay attention to the nuts and bolts and are involved with the community.” she said.

The Island Bookstore in Mackinaw City will close for the winter. The pleasant young woman who spoke with me indicated that their book store caters to seasonal tourists. They are interested in any books by Michigan authors about Michigan.

These successful businesses seemed to have several things in common: longevity, low overhead, desirable location, service, carving out a niche and, most important, a love of books. I’d love to have comments from independent book store owners. How are you succeeding?

ANYONE CAN POST

I just found a button that indicates that anyone can post without signing in. I clicked it. I hope this makes it easier for people to comment.

INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES STRUGGLE

Since Family at Booknook is a novel by a Michigan author set in Michigan, I’ve been marketing to the states independent bookstores, four named Book Nook. When I mention that Booknook is set in Michigan the comment is, “We like to support local Authors.”

Yesterday I talked with Gene, owner of The Book Nook in Allen Park. When I told him I was calling independent book stores he laughed and said, “How many are still in business?” He told me that his store has been in business since the sixties and that, due to recent industries changes, he focuses mainly on magazines, but that I should go ahead and send him information. It was clear that he was a book lover and that limiting his stock to magazines was not his first choice.

I did not like the idea of charming, neighborhood book stores going under. And I was relieved when I called Janet Berns at The Book Nook in Monroe, who was busy with a huge shipment of text books. My next call was to the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague, where McKenzie Smith told me that she ordered from Ingram and to send her information. Both women were upbeat.

But, on my next call the book store phone had been disconnected. I got to thinking about what Gene had said. I had been invited to do a signing at Cranesbill Books in Chelsea, a quaint shop packed with great books. Recently the owner, Janet Loveland, emailed me that she was sorry she could not host a signing. She was closing her book shop and getting on with her life. This woman has devoted her professional life to the world of books. Her simple statement seemed sad, as though she were leaving a failed love. Walking down the street in towns and cities I see shops with a closed or out of business signs. How many of these were once book stores?

I have little understanding of the print industry and how technology is changing it. I know technological advances are changing the way we access books, newspapers and magazines. Much information reaches us via the internet. Here I sit typing away. I will send this out to space where it could be read by millions but realistically will be read by a handful. (Still, I get to express myself and I will save a tree.) Books are read on line, and books that you hold in your hand are bought on line and often for less than a bookstore with its overhead can sell them for. My little novel is listed on Amazon and on occasion is less expensive there than it is in book stores. Thankfully the buyer must pay postage when he orders over the internet. But it’s tough out there. Even Borders is having difficulty.

Hopefully small bookstores will find inventive ways to survive. Strolling into a book store with its smell of fresh print, browsing through the shelves and having a book lover, someone that I may know, help me make a selection is an experience to be cherished.

I’m making more calls to book stores today and will post about them. It would be interesting to hear from book store owners or managers. You just have to sign in to comment. Thanks

This Comment Made My Day

Ms. Meisels,

I just wanted to say that yesterday a friend bought your book from the local Walden books store and I decided to read the first chapter while riding in her care. Reluctant to give it up she finally caved in and said, "Amanda you are such a fast reader so go ahead and borrow it and I will read it later." I must say that this is the first really amazing book I have read in a long time. From the moment I picked it up and started reading it I couldn't put it down. I have already finished it and I was wondering if by chance you will write and publish another book that follows up on Finch's life? I am so interested in knowing what happens! I wish you the best of luck in any future novels that you write. I also know that I am going to have to go out and purchase this book and any others you may have published in the future. You are an amazing and captivating author. Congrats on a book well written!

Sincerely,

Amanda Blaire Krawetzke

Susan Bach emails from Waldenbooks in Adrian

I wanted to share Susan's email with all those authors who are tryinkg to get their books read.

Brenda,
What a lovely blog about your signing at the bookstore! Thank you for that and for coming to spend time with us. We have now sold 15 copies of the book and the most fun one was today. A young woman came in to buy a copy because her English teacher at Jackson Community College read the first chapter to the class today! The word spreads on books that way and your visit increased interest in the book. I gave the student your book club questions and the information about your library program and I asked her to share with the teacher. Please stay in touch.
Susan

Novice Writer Trys to Sign

Coming Event: Talk and Read at Adrian Library Saturday, Noveber 21st, 2:00pm

On my way to Waldenbooks in Adrian, I stopped at the Clinton Inn to chat with Laurie and Mark, who are selling Family at Booknook. We talked about the Fall Festival. I complimented Mark on his delicate, cheesy broccoli soup that he made for the Festival. Mark told me that he makes five gallon vats of it continuously for the three days of the fair.

When the Inn is open, Laurie and Mark are there, and that is six days a week. When I asked how many hours they work, Laurie promptly replied, “Eighty hours a week.” That makes thirteen hours a day. They did vacation for a week this summer, their first in nineteen years.

Laurie had sold a book. I high-fived her. We celebrate the little things.

For a couple of hours on Saturday I hung out at Waldenbooks in the Adrian mall, a social destination on a Saturday afternoon. The book store is small, but with shelves from floor to ceiling it houses a wealth of good reading—best sellers, staff picks, local authors, and a display of discounted books. There was a steady stream of lookers and buyers. Manager Susan Bach is a reader, knows her patrons and what they like. She ordered nine Family at Booknook novels a couple of weeks ago, sold them and reordered. When I asked how she did this, she said, “I make recommendations based on the kind of book I think each person would like.”

Sitting at a table just outside the entrance to Waldenbooks was a bit daunting. If I was a favorite author, readers would have been excited to stop and chat. But I am unknown and was sitting at a table like one of those people selling windows or doors at the county fair, except that I had no prizes to give out and had not thought to bring a bowl of tootsie rolls. And unlike Susan Bach, her customers do not know me, nor do they trust my judgment.

Still, some people did stop and chat. A mother, with four stair-step children and two at home, agreed that she was a very busy woman. An older man, with a carved wooden cane, talked about his canes. A woman, who told me she had moved twenty-five times but that Adrian was her home, thanked me for writing a local book.

I’ve been told that an author should mingle and be approachable at a signing. So I took Family, held the cover in a way that it could be seen and wandered around the store, smiling and trying to be helpful. No luck! Then, Susan rescued me, introduced me to Lois Speed, a member of the Morenci Library Board. Lois purchased a book and I gave her one to take to the library. A woman from a book club in Onsted picked up a list of discussion questions. A lovely older woman purchased Family for a Christmas present. This all happened in about five minutes, and then it was three o’clock. Over.

From there I swung by the Adrian library and visited with Director Carol Shouchock about my talk on November 21st. Every time I’ve been to the library, evening or day, she has been there. She indicated that in two weeks the library renovations would be complete. And the space is lovely--warm carpeting, high ceilings, two lofts, natural lighting and lots and lots of books. Carol is another person who is always working. It seems that in order to be successful, one must keep at it. One step at a time.

Blogging Class

I'm at the library learning how to blog. This blog does accept comments! So, please do try and post. If you succeed let others know. If you don't succeed let me know. Thanks!

WHY DO WE WRITE?

Coming Event: Meet and greet at Waldonbooks in Adrian Saturday, October 10th 1:00-3:00pm

I’ve been thinking about Laura Kryzaniak one of the women who read at Art-a-licious. She wrote Riding to the Occasion about a dyslexic young man that she taught. She was saddened by his decision to quit school and applauded his becoming a champion rodeo star. Laura and I both began writing when we were touched by the torment of dyslexia.

Thirteen years ago I began to write in earnest when our youngest twelve-year old son, a severe dyslexic, could not decipher the reading code. My husband Murray, and I were compelled to send him away to boarding school. I felt like I was abandoning my son. Each morning I would journal until I felt I could begin my day. Writing became my therapy.

I think this is why people write. We write to understand, to find our voices, to make sense of our lives. We do not have to be gifted writers; the computer makes it possible. We can cut and paste and check our spelling. And when it is all done, even if it’s just for ourselves, we feel cleansed. And once in a while, if we work hard and figure out what we really want to say, we end up with something worthwhile that others want to read.

If there are any “closet writers” reading this, I’d like to hear your comments on writing. I think this blog will accept comments. You just have to register. I’m assured commenting will not open you up to unsolicited email.

COMING EVENTS

Coming Events: WLEN FM 103.9 interview to air Monday, September 23rd, 6:15

Walden’s Books in Adrian, signing Saturday, October 10th, 1:00-3:00pm.

Clinton Fall Festival, Saturday afternoon, September 26th

Clinton Inn is going to be selling food in front of the Inn at the Fall Festival and Laurie Pedersen invited me to join them with Family at Booknook. Daughter Renee, her “sissy” Laura and I will be hanging out, taking in the scene. Come on over and say hi.

ADRIAN MY FORMER HOME HOSTS ART-A-LICIOUS

I lived in Adrian in the '70s and worked at Community Mental Health. Booknook is set in Adrian. I was tickled to participate in Adrian's Art-a-licious and hopeful of connecting with old friends. The art festival, in its fourth year is well worth the trip—music, food, art and activities for the kids. Cristina Trapani Scott, a reporter from the Tecumseh Harold, read her poetry and was mistress of ceremony. With passion she introduced local authors Sally Gomez, Laura Krzyaniak and me. Several people stopped, visited and purchased.

Maumee Street was abuzz with friendly people. After a lengthy renovation, Adrian Library opened its front door for the celebration. At 7:00pm I found director Carol Shouchuck, who had been working nonstop all day, giving a leisurely tour of the library to a couple of patrons.

It was delightful to see Debbie Strayer, whom I’d worked with years ago at Community Mental Health. Her husband Lad Strayer had taken my photo for the Booknook Telegram article and was also displaying his work. Former colleagues Helen and Roger Hendricks stopped by. In retirement Roger gardens roses and gifts bouquets to various businesses. Roger said he welcomes people to come by and pick the flowers. At dusk I wandered through his garden. The roses are gorgeous: yellow, white, red, orange and colors in various shades. I love the idea of sharing. So, I picked five and am planning to take a single rose to several friends and neighbors. Thanks, Roger.

Husband Murray and I ate at the Grasshopper, my favorite Adrian restaurant: mole chalupas and green cheese enchiladas. The chalupas are crunchy and delicate, enchiladas are rich with cheese without being over powering. Here I go commenting on the food again. But seriously, when I ask for the green cheese enchiladas at a Mexican restaurant, they don’t know what I’m talking about. Our server said that locals get off the plane from wintering in Florida and head to the Grasshopper. I told Rachel, manager and wife of the owner, how my protagonist, Sparrow, lived in Booknook across from the Grasshopper and longingly watched the comings and goings at night. Rachel was anxious to read Family at Booknook and thought her teenage daughters would also like it.

It was a lovely evening. This marketing isn't half bad.

A CELBRATION AT NICOLAS BOOKS IN ANN ARBOR

Coming Events: Art-a-licious in Adrian, Friday, September 18th, 5:00pm
WLEN FM 103.9 interview to air Monday, September 23rd, at 6:15
Family at Booknook, will be available at Walden’s Books in Adrian, as well as: Lighthouse Coffee Shop in Milan, Clinton Inn, Nicolas Books, Ann Arbor and Amazon.

September, 16, 2009—Last night, when I spoke at Nicolas, It felt like a celebration. Old friends: three from Community Mental Health in Adrian, writing partners, neighbors, people I didn’t know but would like to know and a new friend. Swimming yesterday I discovered a potential friend in the locker room. She was dressed—I was in process. Sig is a recently retired nurse, a closet writer and was excited to come to Nicolas and hear about writing and publishing.

Besides selling books, I’d like to inspire people like Sig to develop their creative passions. (Sounds a bit grandiose) But as an aside: When I heard Jay Leno interviewed, he said he was not the best or the brightest but he worked the hardest. When he was working sixteen hours a day, the Tonight’s show was not doing so well. He upped it to eighteen hours and now, he is on at prime time. This resonated with me. I can’t work eighteen hours a day but I am working hard, and I’m having fun!

When Nicola introduced me, she indicated that she liked to spotlight local writers. I’d heard this and once I had Booknook in my hands, I went directly to Nicola’s. Doing the absolute wrong thing, I walked in unannounced. Nicola was scurrying about attending to several things at once. But, when I asked if she had a minute, she said of course. She led me over to a couch, sat and listened to my rambling pitch, agreed to look at the book and gave me some good advice. Her positive response set me on a journey to marketing. I am indebted to Nicola for her help.

Sam Adamopoulos, the young man who wrote the complementary article on the Clinton Inn event for the Adrian Telegram, was free lancing for the Heritage papers. Sam’s article will focus on self publishing, and my experience with it. It will be in several Heritage papers and the Ann Arbor Heritage magazine.

After the celebration Murray and I came home, where we relaxed with a peach martini. I say one because Murray had a sip and I enjoyed the rest. I’m still trying to duplicate Laurie’s Clinton Inn martini. I guess I have to ask her for the recipe.

Clinton Inn Hosts a Scrumptious Event

September 11, 2009--Clinton Inn, a Scrumptious event
An interesting, spontaneous group of people met at the Clinton Inn last evening. My daughter Renee, and her family made it a memorable evening for me. Renee is adamant that my character Finch is patterned after her. Perhaps so. They know their minds, are honest and are not timid in speaking up. Thankfully Renee gave Booknook a thumb up. Thanks Renee!

Sam and Sally Dickson read about me in the Clinton Local and deduced that I was the Brenda Pincheon that worked at Lenawee Community Mental Health in the 1970s. It was fun to reconnect with them, especially since there are several scenes in the novel that take place at CMH. Several old and new friends were there, and a Clintonian, Pat, had seen the flyer at the Clinton Library. We also had at least four writers or would-be writers in the group.

The Adrian Daily Telegram sent reporter, Sam Adamopoulos, to interview me and a photographer to take my picture. Ann Arbor has lost its daily newspaper and it is reassuring to know that the Telegram is alive and well. Sam thought the article would appear in the Sunday Telegram.

Suzanne, from Discover Milan newspaper, has suggested that I’m becoming a food columnist. I deny this, but I have to tell you about the meals we had last night. The food was so good and so reasonable. My grandsons had stuffed trout. My husband salivated over the homemade pasta. Renee and I had seafood ravioli that melted in our mouths. And after it was all over, I relaxed with one of Laurie’s peach martinis, which I love. The Clinton Inn is a gem, well worth the drive. You might consider stopping by for lunch or dinner, and you could pick up a copy of Family at Booknook, while you are there. Or you can check the book out from your local library. The libraries all have copies.

Thanks to all of you who came last night. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Coming Events: I will be reading in the Children & Authors tent for Art-a-licious in Adrian, at 5:00 next Friday the 18th. And an interview with Dale Gaertner will air on WLEN Monday, September 21st at 6:15.

Family at Booknook a Book Club Book

September 6, 2009

First a reminder:

Reading and signing at the Clinton Inn,
Thursday, September 10th, 6:30

Reading and signing at Nicolas in Ann Arbor,
Tuesday, September 15th, 7:00pm

My book club had a passionate discussion about Family at Booknook this evening. We are an older group of college-educated women and well remember the stigma of teenagers having babies out of wedlock. One member was angry with Sparrow that it took her so long to grow up. Others explained why it took so long. It was as though Sparrow was a person they knew.

As a group we tend to visit and skip around, but tonight we focused on the novel and issues that concern women. It was exciting. If other book clubs would like to read Booknook, I’ve written discussion questions and would be happy to visit with them.

Coming Events & Description

Tuesday, September 8th, 2:30 P.M. WLEN interview with Dale Gaertner

Thursday, September 10th, 6:30 P.M. Clinton Inn, Clinton

Tuesday, September 15th, 7:00 P.M. Nicola’s Books, Ann Arbor

Friday, September 18th, 4:00 P.M. Book Tent at Adrian's Festival

A traumatized teenage mother, a cantankerous older man and a precocious child create an unlikely family. Sixteen-year-old Sparrow is pregnant. Banished from her home, she is deposited at Dave Stanley’s bookshop. Withdrawn and seemingly unaware of her pregnancy, Sparrow remains and works at Booknook. With the birth of her daughter, Finch, she awakens and is determined to keep her baby. Dave becomes a surrogate grandfather, protector of mother and daughter. Longing for her mysterious, absent father who, she mistakenly believes can complete her family; Finch grows up feeling the sting of being illegitimate. This is a story of relationships and of hope, in which a reclusive single mother and a feisty girl come of age.

Ms. Meisels Writes: As a psychotherapist I have heard many personal narratives and have been privileged to play a part in helping people like Sparrow. I wanted to show authentic characters that make mistakes, hurt and bleed but learn to trust, love and find resolution. The novel is set in southern Michigan: Milan, Adrian, Clinton, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, places I am familiar with and fond of.

I’m excited to meet and talk with people about the novel and the process of writing and publishing.

More Comments

Carol SouchockDirector Adrian Public Library


I read your book this weekend and really enjoyed it. I did not want to put it down! I would like to plan on a book talk/signing with you in late October or early November.



An Avid Reader writes on Amazon Books



This wonderfully paced story will keep you turning pages until the final, hopeful outcome. Many different age groups will relate to the multi-generational characters, and the choices they make ring true. This would make a terrific book club selection.

My post from a reader

September 1, 2009

No one seems able to decipher how to enter comments. If someone out there has the key please let me know. Until we solve the mystery, I'll be happy to post comments.
Diane Neal of Harbor Springs, Michigan wrote: I ordered Family at Booknook from Amazon. It arrived Friday afternoon and I finished it Sunday mid-day -- I didn't want it to end. What a treat to follow these characters' lives in small-town Michigan. This is a sweet, touching story that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Well done.

First Event at Lighthouse in Milan

August 26, 2009 A red letter day! Personally I sold five books today. Renee at Snips Hair Salon read Booknook in two days, friend Diane said she did the same. Is it because it is engrossing or is it short?
Lighthouse Coffee Shop event brought out an intimate group, family, friends, and two that I invited when I put up posters. The guests were interested and supportive, the chicken pasty delicious.
For all you would be published authors out there, personal contact is the key. I’d had a phone conversation with Susan Wess, the director of the Milan Library. I’d stopped in at Edward Jones and met Brenda. Susan and Brenda recommended that I speak at civic organizations, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. Good suggestions for all of us marketers—a readymade audience.

Closet Writers in Milan

Since I’m counting down to my first reading at the Light House Coffee Shop this coming Tuesday, the 25th, I decided to make a last trip to Milan, meet some people and put up flyers. I had a warm welcome there. I do love small towns! It was interesting; the men were polite, helpful, but not readers. The women were enthusiastic! I met Brenda at Edward Jones Investment, who called Gwen, the financial advisor, from her office to chat. Brenda indicated she wanted to bring her friend Norma to the reading that Norma was a talented writer but timid about trying to publish. I hope that Norma and others like her will come. Tuesday is my first event. Wish me luck.

Friendly Small Town Clinton

I went to Clinton a couple of days ago and had a leisurely lunch at the Clinton Inn with friend Gretchen, where we shared two amazing vegetarian sandwiches. I took Booknook event flyers and hoped that businesses would display them. This is all new to me, and not knowing what to expect, I timidly approached the first store, the Woolen Shop. The gracious proprietor was nestled in a chair, knitting a Christmas sock for her son in the UP. The shop was filled with gorgeous skeins of wool and knit items mostly done by her. I felt as though I’d entered her cheery living room. At the picturesque florist shop, Lynn put the flyer on the front door and suggested businesses that would hang the flyer. Malinda, at the spic and span, newly opened Coney Island, said she had read the Discover Milan News article “Author Writes Small Town Story with a Big Heart.” She loves to read local authors and suggested I participate in Clinton Fall Festival. A friendly librarian indicated that she would get Booknook in the library catalogue and put up a flyer. All of these women expressed interest in coming to the reading on September 10th.
Although I’ve been uneasy about approaching people, (perhaps that is an understatement). I had a great time. I came home and told husband, Murray about the adventure. He said of course I would like it that I’m a small town girl. Maybe so, but Clinton is an amazingly friendly town. And I’m encouraged to make more flyers and meet more people. Thank you Clintonians!

Dinner, Drinks and Me at the Historic Clinton Inn

The Clinton Inn is a destination place for fine dining in a cozy atmosphere. Join me for conversation, a reading and signing on Thursday, September 10th, at 6:30. See links for their web site and menu.

Meet the Author

Tuesday, August 25th, 6:30 P.M., Lighthouse Coffee Shop, Milan
Thursday, September 10th, 6:30 P.M., Clinton Inn, Clinton
Tuesday, September 15th, 7:00 P.M., Nicola’s Books, Ann Arbor

Enjoy a scrumptious dinner and drinks at the historic Clinton Inn, a light supper at the Lighthouse coffee shop, or cheese and wine at Nicola's. I'll be looking forward to talking with you about Family at Booknook, about the process of writing and publishing.

Have a Small Town Experience

Family at Booknook is now available at the charming Lighthouse Coffee Shop in Milan, Sparrow's home town. Stop in, have a cup of great coffee and peruse the book. Or have lunch or dinner at the historical Clinton Inn in Clinton, where Sparrow and Bob have a confrontational meeting. The novel is also available there.

On Sale at Amazon

Check out Family at Booknook
Amazon.com

READERS COMMENTS

KERRY RUTHERFORD, a writer in Indiana: Wow! I finished your book this morning....What an epic story. It drew me in, so that every free moment I picked it up and read. I wanted to see what happened to the characters. I have to say that I teared up at the end and was very moved by the evolution of the characters emotionally. I started seeing it as a miniseries on PBS or Liftetime.

SHARON FELDMAN, an artist in Oregon: It is a wonderful story and so well told. The tenderness compassion, character development and insights are outstanding. I imagined myself as a teenager reading it and how the dialogue and insights would have been so helpful to me in that time of my life.

MARGRET FUCHS SINGER, Author of Legacy of a False Promise: A Daughter's Reckoning:
Realistic, compassionate and tender, this novel will appeal to youth and adult readers alike. It is a satisfying read.

Hi All, Nicola's Books in Ann Arbor has scheduled me for a book talk on Tuesday, September 15th at 7:00 P.M.. Nicola indicates that people are most interested in the process of writing the book--why and how. I'll be talking about how thirty years as a psychotherapist listening to peoples stories, how I was inspired to write a novel.

About FAMILY AT BOOKNOOK

A traumatized teenage mother, a cantankerous old man and a precocious child create an unlikely family. In 1959, date rape was not uncommon, pregnancy out of wedlock was shameful, and abortion was illegal. Sixteen-year-old Sparrow is pregnant. Banished from her home, she is left at Dave Stanley’s bookshop. Dave, grieving the death of his wife, is disturbed by her presence. However, an accident forces a temporary alliance. Withdrawn and seemingly unaware of her pregnancy, Sparrow remains and works at Booknook. With the birth of her daughter, Finch, she awakens and is determined to keep her baby

Dave becomes a surrogate grandfather, protector of mother and daughter. Living life through her child, Sparrow secludes herself at Booknook. Finch grows up feeling the sting of being illegitimate. She longs for her mysterious, absent father who, she believes, can complete her family. As an adolescent, Finch hates her mother’s passivity and secretiveness.

Only when Finch calls her mother a recluse does Sparrow confront her fears and embark on a terrifying journey outside the safety of the shop. When Finch announces that she will be leaving home, Sparrow’s world is again shaken. But when tragedy strikes, it is Finch who is desolate and Sparrow who attempts to comfort her. Finch is further devastated when her mother’s secret is revealed.
Can Sparrow confront her past and ease her daughter’s pain?

Hi All,

My book, Family at Booknook is now available at Amazon, and Author House book store. My author name is Brenda Humphrey Meisels.