Category: Writing

original works by Debra VanDeventer

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Book Signing 101

Tips From a Lesser Known Author

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Society of Southwest Authors book signing event in Green Valley AZ. Maybe you have attend such events as an author or as a customer. This is only my second book signing, so I’m still a novice but here are my tips from the SSA event this year:

Why Book Signings are Important for Authors

Whether you are a traditionally published author or self-published like me, this is your chance to meet your audience (readers) face to face. You get to make contacts with fellow authors, see what they are writing, and how they are marketing their books. For me, it is a way to become part of the literary community of writers and readers. Plus…you might sell some books!

How to Prepare for a Book Signing

Here are some basic items you will need:

  •  Copies of your book (obviously)
  • Printed description of your book and a few published reviews
  • A sign that gives the price of your book.
  • Bookmarks or business cards to giveaway.
  • Square device? (for accepting credit cards)
  • Pens for signing (I forgot to bring these…)
  • Cash to make change
  • Candy bowl?
  • Tablecloth for the table
  • Book stand

How to Set up Your Table

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4 Ways to Move Through Writer’s Block

…and Embrace the Seasons of your Creative LIfe

Color Schemes

by Debra VanDeventer

 (sometimes)
I am turquoise
confident, creative 
shining brilliant,
reflecting
sonoran sky
caribbean sea

(sometimes)
I am gray
silent, solitary
suspended in space
between
black and white
gathering thoughts
for turquoise days

What is Writer’s Block

Some call it “writers block,” for me it’s more of a lack of inspiration, low energy, self-doubts I call them my gray days. Whatever it is, these dry spells are concerning for me. Negative thoughts creep in and that internal nagging voice seizes the opportunity to taunt me: you are a bad speller, no one will think your writing is interesting, there are better uses for your time, it’s too much work…

Moving Through Writer’s Block

What do you do when you experience a block to your creativity? First of all, don’t panic. It happens to all writers and other artists. Here are 4 things I’ve found to be helpful during gray days.

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Tucson Festival of Books

March 12-13, 2022

A reader finds a quiet spot at the Tucson Festival of Books.

Imagine a Disneyworld for authors and book lovers! Every spring, thousands descend on the campus of the University of Arizona for a weekend of workshops, author meet and greets, books sales, food , music, and fun. The Tucson Festival of Books has been virtual for the past few years, but took place in person this year, though plexiglass dividers and facemasks (for the most part.) Here are my take-aways from this year’s event:

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Winter Trees

Two Poems by Debra VanDeventer

Sycamore trees across Lake Monroe photo by Debra VanDeventer

When I travel to the Midwest in the winter, I’m always inspired by the winter trees. Here are two poems from my recent trip.

Photo by Debra VanDeventer

Winter Trees

by Debra Van Deventer

ink-penned artist strokes

etched on watercolor skies

strong, still, beautiful

Photo by Debra VanDeventer

Bare Branches

by Debra VanDeventer

Ebony branches pirouette against ashen sky. Trees recently adorned in autumn’s glorious red, bronze and gold, now have nothing to hide.  In winter’s wrath, they reveal their bones, their foundation. Stoic columns rooted deep, stand tall. Limbs, strong and limber, dance in bitter winds. This is the true beauty of trees–not delicate buds of spring, nor luxurious summer foliage and fruits, not astonishing autumn coats −but bare branches unveiling the tree’s secrets.

Morning over Eagle Bay photo by Debra VanDeventer
Threads of thought icon

Threads of Thought

I used to dread winter, even moved to a warmer climate to avoid it, but on this trip I found beautiful images and words.

Look for somenting beautiful in this season where you live!

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Designing a Blog Header

A Fresh Look for a New Year

Hello Friends,

Seams Like a Story is celebrating its one-year anniversary! My very first post, Creating a Space to Sew and Write, debuted January 4, 2021. http://seamslikeastory.com/creating-a-space-to-sew-and-write/ . Since then, I’ve published 46 posts and have had 4,793 views.

My most popular posts were from the RV trip we took with our granddaughter. http://seamslikeastory.com/the-rv-adventure-begins/

For a blogging newbie, I’m happy with the numbers. More importantly, Seams Like a Story has given me a chance to see the world through the eyes of a storyteller/writer. I love finding little snippets to share with you through my words and photographs each week.

Naming my Blog

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