Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Close to the Heart


I'm curious to know how many writers out there have that one special novel or even a short story that means more to you than all the others. For me, that extra special book was written in a genre I rarely write. I market myself as a paranormal author but no matter how many werewolf or vampire tales I spin, I continuously receive more fan mail about this book.

The Wooden Nickel is a vintage romance set during WWII and The Great Depression and is loosely based on my grandparents. I've had readers approach me at book signings with a bummed look on their faces because I'm only signing copies of a current paranormal release. So, I've decided to sign The Wooden Nickel at the 4th Annual Buns and Roses Tea for Literacy on October 11th.


It's a fun event where authors have the wonderful opportunity to have tea with readers. I promised some of the readers last year that next year I would sign The Wooden Nickel so I can't disappoint.






Another reason I think this book is more popular is because of its wide appeal. It's appropriate for young and old alike. Perhaps the biggest appeal though is the message, ever lasting love.

I visited my mother the other day and she told me she just finished reading it for the third time and cried all over again. My grandmother volunteers at the hospital and convinced the gift shop owner to purchase my book and sell copies. She said the owner loves to tell shoppers that the author is a granddaughter of one of their volunteers.

My grandma rocks! She's a marketing genius. She really knows how to spread the word. She started talking up a product sold in my uncle's pharmacy. He sells those emergency necklaces to call 911 for the elderly and disabled to wear. She wears one and told all her friends about it. My uncle called her and said, "What did you do? I'm selling out of these things and the customers all say you sent them."

So, I'll just sit back and wait for Grandma to run into a movie producer. In the meantime, I'll dream about my favorite actors playing the characters I created. Do you have a favorite book you've written and dream of seeing it on the big screen one day? I'd love to hear about it.

Here's the book video for The Wooden Nickel. I'd love to hear your thoughts.




Happy Tuesday,
Alisha

7 comments:

Palmaltas said...

The story closest to my heart is a short story called Cotton published in Boys' Quest Magazine March 2004. It is a true story about my father when he was a little boy riding his pony and lost in a blizzard. I submitted the story in the spring of 2001 and two weeks later I got the acceptance letter! I stood on the sidewalk outside the mailboxes and cried and cried--tears of joy. I had to wait 3 years for publication but it was worth it.

Alisha said...

What a sweet story, Tricia! I know that wonderful feeling!

Hugs,
Alisha

Regina Carlysle said...

Have fun at Buns and Roses. Wish I could be signing with you! As always, I'm sure you'll have a blast! I think it's so incredibly wonderful that you wrote this story about your grandparents. sigh.

Asylumgirl said...

Isn't it nice to be reminded sometimes that it can take very little to make someone happy, give them hope or the strength to persevere?

Deidre

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

The story closest to my heart is one that I've never submitted (it's in a folder on my bookshelf). The Concept of Being is about a teenage girl and young mother that moves to a new town with her family. She's a senior in high school and has never been in love (her pregnancy was the result of an encounter one night at a party that went horribly wrong) until she meets Matthew. He's the quarterback of the football team, popular, smart, and all the things she believes a girl like her will never have. The story is about them, her son, and the would be father that reappears a year later.

Again, not submitted or published, but close to my heart.

I loved the trailer. The Wooden Nickel is on my TBR list and seeing that reminded me that I have to get it and read!!!

Hope you are doing well, October is finally here!

Jaime

Alisha said...

Reg ~ I wish you were signing with me at Buns and Roses. We will have to find time to get together soon. I'm having serious withdrawals.

Deidre ~ It's the little things in life that matter. You're so right.

Jaime ~ Your story sounds wonderful, as all your stories do. Do you think you'll ever submit it? Thanks for your kind words about my trailer. Hope you get a chance to read it. :)

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Oh crap! I forgot to mention the signing. That looks like so much fun! I hope you have a great time. ;)

I'm not sure if I'll ever submit it. It doesn't really have a niche as the protagonists are only eighteen (ends with an epilogue years later, but still).

=0