I finally showered today. First time since Saturday. This cold has me whooped so bad. I got tired of doing nothing but exhausting myself over email, so I cleaned up. In uniform (pink SIMB t-shirt and black pants), and smacked up with lipstick, they can’t tell I’m sick.
My dad took the day off to help and it sure has been nice.
We went down to Ocean Beach in San Diego where I was born, to start us off. It’s a beach community with a hostel and lots of food shops on Newport, the main drag.
I walked into tanning salons, gift shops, and women’s clothing stores with my post card, ordering info, special discounts, and Publishers Weekly review.
First was a pass off of info, second was a strong possibility, and on the third store I went into the manager asked me how many books I had on me and bought 6 of the 9 I had. Instant sales! My dad had said not to bother because the store was known for selling drug paraphanalia, but I said “Look at the sign, it says they sell books.”
I’m going to be going door to door to as many beachside gift shops I can over the next three days. (San Diego to Los Angeles) It’s not so much to make money as it is to spread the word.Grassroots marketing. I think it’ll be a perfect summer read whether at the beach or by the pool.
On the way home to package more handouts my dad said,
“How about that hotel? It’d be perfect for their gift shop, it’s right by the beach!”
That’s the spirit I like to hear. Here we go!
I love this grassroots, get your arse outta bed and do it yourself stuff. It’s the fucking best!
Very happy to read this post and virtual high five Leo.
Yer baby!
This is good work Jen and good use of your time. By the time you hit Montreal you will be a pro at pitching and selling this book – and racking up sales along the way sure helps. Keep up the good work – and good luck on the 50 I sent you. Hope you leave SoCal with zero!
love
s
I hope you start feeling better soon. Can’t believe you’re still sick! Ugh. But it sounds like things are going well–getting out of the house (and selling some books while you’re at it) is always a good thing.
Way to go, Jen. Hard work but nothing more pulsating than meeting the people on the street.
When are you going to Montreal?
Thanks Everybody!
Yes, I am now recovered. 🙂 Thursday I tested my energy and Friday was for real. And now I’m looking for jobs in California. I’ve been sitting on the corner atop the new box of Sand. My cardboard sign says: Have skills, will use them for paycheck.
Dial up is painfully slow so bear with me while I get to responding to all the emails that have come in this week.
Today is Sat and my dad is taking me up to the northern San Diego coastal towns. Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside. Whatever we can do in four hours. I’ve got other work to do too like WrittenRoad the full meal deal, and applying for jobs.
Montreal? For a few days between July 10 and Juley 20 for the huge Comedy Festival. Susan, your words about the trip sound encouraging. Keep me posted on our progress with funds.
Again, I appreciate all your support. Thanks so much.