Last day of the state fair.

While we haven't even paid expenses to be at the state fair, we have met many interesting people. I have loved networking and talking to authors and artists. And while I don't recommend the state fair to children's book writers with only a few books, authors who write for older audiences and authors with eight plus books who rented larger spaces seem to be breaking even here. Again this is a wonderful place for readers and networking. It's our last day come see us.

next projects

Being surrounded by writers sure makes you anxious to work on that next project. Anyone who is in a slump with their writing should sign up to be at the authors table at the state fair. I have a million ideas for my books running through my head. I have also been told about a few book fairs that are coming up. This gives me motivation to try to finish one more project before the next show. I know there is a book festival in Florence on Oct. 1rst.

Oregon State Fair Authors Table

This blog is supposed to be about writing, illustrating, and how to market what we do. I was very flattered to be invited and get accepted at the Oregon State Fairs authors table. It is an eleven day event for Oregon writers. We sit at a shared table for long hours, ten in the morning to nine or ten at night.Is it worth it? For me the answer is no. I market to the under five crowd and there are only a few sales in a day. Most days I have sold only one book in a twelve hour shift. Some of this could be blamed on the economy,or my writing ability, but authors who have been here for years set their goals at five books a day.This does not cover expenses. It is fun to talk to the public, and to network with other writers,but this is not an effective way to sell books. While a few authors may get asked to speaking events, there may be better ways to get the word out about your availability. The authors table is a great place for readers! Come by and talk to the writer to get signed copies.Writers who have several books out, for older markets seem to do the best. I do better at the Florence Saturday Market. I am in Salem for two more days, come visit the authors table, or I may not have the gas to get home.

State Fair

I am at the state fair in Salem Oregon this week. At least I will be here on the weekends. My husband and friend will cover for me Mon-thur because I have teacher meetings. I am at the Authors Table. Please come visit! Both of my books are available and I would love some feedback.

Fustration in Editing

I am having some trouble with blogger tonight. It won't let me make simple changes to errors. For instance, the last post should have the word"too" not "to". Please excuse my simple errors. Thanks.

Signing Upside Down is finally finished.

I have finally finished,"Signing Upside Down". If you are one of the few people who have ordered a copy, if you have already paid, it will be on it's way. If you are planning to order a copy but haven't yet go to: https://www.createspace.com/3651286 . Or to get it a little cheaper and avoid shipping charges visit me at the Florence Saturday Market, Saturdays from 10-6 or Sundays from 11-5. I will be there as long as it isn't to rainy or windy. I can also be found Wednesdays at the Walport Market. I am currently working on four other projects and hope to finish them this summer. What are you working on?

Painting at the Saturday Market.

I spend my Saturdays and Sundays at the Florence Saturday Market, peddling my book and dragons. I also paint faces and do Mehndi art. I have been really busy this summer trying to establish a business. My body painting gets better and better. Here are images from the 4th of July weekend.

Sent new book to publisher tonight

"Signing Upside Down" is finally finished! I sent it to Gail and Amazon tonight. Anxious to see proofs and get it done. I should have copies soon. I am applying to sit at the authors table at the state fair. I will take "Sleeping in Dragon Wings", and " Signing Upside Down". If I get in. I would also like to challenge myself to get at least one of the seven other books I am working on done in time to show. My mother sent me a copy of publisher software, and I can't believe how easy it is to use. All of the problems I have had in the past formatting my books and putting text over pictures melted away. I swear I would have been a long time ago, if I had

Art Grants

I wrote a grant at donorschoose.org for my classroom, the TAG program, and the Indian Education Program to do block printing. If you want to help click on the link and donate, or just pass on the information to someone you think might want to help. My students will be thrilled to get to do a new project. We are also hoping that some of the prints can be sold at an art showing to raise much needed money for these programs. Thank you.-Kassy
How Does it Fit Together? Creating Craft http://www.donorschoose.org/

P.S This grant will help over 50 children learn a new skill!