Photo Credit: Nessie Johnson/Private Book Reading and Signing Event/Hosted by The Edible Garden/Clearwater, Florida/October 26, 2019
In all honesty the past month has been exhausting and feels like a whirlwind. I launched Influence of Place in the United States on October 24, 2019 and had two incredible book readings and signings. It's a special experience sharing my work with family, friends, and strangers alike. It has been amazing!
Photo Credit: Gerwayne McElaney/ Plush Mills/Book Reading and Signing/ Ken Wright (book’s editor) Introducing Ernestine Louise/October 24,2019
I am learning first hand the challenges, difficulties, and hard work that come with being a first time published writer with a small press. It means that if you want your book out in the world then you must see to it that it gets out there.
Supporting local independent bookstores is important to me because of the value add they bring to our communities. I don't mind doing the leg work to engage with them and yes I am finding success in getting Influence of Place into bookstores. I am excited that 90% of the sales of Influence of Place has been through independent bookstores and that is in large part due to readers who have chosen to buy directly from them. Thank you!
Amidst the responsibilities of getting the word out about Influence of Place and engaging with independent bookstores and communities, I still have my bread job – climate policy and environmental justice consultant. Juggling both of these aspects of my life is challenging but necessary. I used to say that I am waiting for the sexy part of being a writer to happen, but I think that taken as a sum of all its parts – it's hard work, which must be the sexy part of it.
I have to take a moment to appreciate the accomplishment of successfully turning an opportunity to make a dream of mine come true. Sharing the milestones of the book is a practice in acknowledging and appreciating the outcome of the work that has been put into Influence of Place.
And thank you for all of the wonderful reviews and feedback that I have received for the book! If you have not gotten your copy yet or picked up a copy for someone else you can BUY INFLUENCE OF PLACE HERE.
And don’t forget to let me know your thoughts and/or comments about Influence of Place, it means a lot to me hear from you!
All the best of everything wonderful and positive,
Ernestine Louise
Photo Credit: Stig Marlon Weston/The Edible Garden/Book Reading and Signing/Clearwater, Florida/October 26, 2019