I’ll be signing copies of and reading excerpts from my first two novels, The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent at Hayward’s Independent Bookstore – Books on B – on Saturday, July 28 starting at 2 p.m.!
What: Book signing/reading with yours truly
Where: Books on B, 1014 B St, Hayward, CA
When: Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m.
Check ’em out and get your copies ahead of time or purchase on the day of the event.
The book tour in support of my second novel, The Dark Descent, wrapped up yesterday with a signing event at the Dublin, Calif., Barnes & Noble store. Geographically, this store is centrally located and offered the best opportunity for friends and colleagues to stop by. Several did just that. So, thank you to the Cortez family, the Griffin-Bailey family, Wayne Deboe, Bill Soliday and Tony Khing for coming by, picking up a book or two and supporting my writing endeavors.
Since The Dark Descent’s release on April 23, I participated in two panel discussions and four signings. I sold dozens of books, handed out just as many bookmarks and postcards, and met even more folks. During the past two months, my first novel, The Dark Truth, was a finalist for the International Vampire Arts and Film Festival’s Golden Stake vampire literature award.
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and hang out with some groovy authors – K.M. Riley, Mike Esola, Mark London Williams, and Samantha Heuwagen. It’s been great to get to know folks who share my passion for fiction writing. It’s also good to know that we are experiencing the same trial and tribulations as we begin our journeys, kick start existing careers or change directions along the way.
There have been some funny moments as well.
I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful folks who have stopped by to chat, buy a book, take a postcard or just say “hi.” If you did take a postcard I hope you do decide to purchase and give The Dark Passage series a shot.
Different things work for different people when it comes to indie or small house book marketing. Some writers buy ads on social media platforms or Amazon, some send press releases to various publications, some make appearances on radio, television and podcasts. Some do readings. Some do all of these things and more. I have explored numerous avenues trying to get my books to readers. I have found that I enjoy book signings at Barnes & Noble stores as part of my marketing campaign.
I’m still finding way through these sometimes murky waters and those of you who have decided to take a chance on me and my novels because of a conversation we had at a bookstore – I thank you. And I’d like to thank everyone who has bought and read the books so far, my friends and colleagues who have come out to support, and those folks who stopped by just to see what it was all about.
You never know, I just may take the next book tour out of Northern California.
The last scheduled event for The Dark Descent book tour is fast approaching!
All my East Bay peeps! I’ll be at the Dublin, Calif., Barnes & Noble the weekend after Father’s Day on Saturday, June 23, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 23
2:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Hacienda Crossings
4972 Dublin Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
925.560.1495
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take part in an intimate panel discussion on fresh takes in science fiction, horror and dystopian fiction with three fellow authors from my publishing house, Trifecta Publishing House, at the 2018 SF Comic Con at the Oakland Convention Center in downtown Oakland, Calif..
Samantha Heuwagen (Dawn Among the Stars) made the trip from Atlanta and we were joined by K.M. Riley (Fever Rising) and Mark London Williams (Max Random and the Zombie 500). On Saturday, Mark and Samantha joined me at Sláinte in Jack London Square in Oakland for an episode of the Get the Knaak podcast. Sláinte is an Irish pub with a literary theme and features a giant portrait of Oscar Wilde on the wall.
The four of us enjoyed discussing our books, our processes, and a lively Q&A session. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and it’s always good to spend time with kindred spirits and reach new readers.
The journey as a novelist takes many twists and turns and attending and participating in events like this are worthwhile attractions along the way.
Unfortunately, I came up empty for the International Vampire Film and Arts Festival Golden Stake Literary Awards for vampire fiction literature. Congratulations to the winners.
Some weeks ago, I submitted The Dark Truth for The Golden Stake Award, the vampire fiction literary award of the Vampire Arts Festival, which is now currently happening in Transylvania.
I learned this evening that I am a finalist for this award.
I am beyond excited! I very much would love to win this award, but to be among the six finalists for this genre-specific award is truly thrilling. Unfortunately, the timing and expense such as it is, I was unable to even consider attending this event.
Conferences, festivals and conventions are next for me for it comes to my fiction writing endeavors. I have enjoyed a modicum of success when it comes to book signing events and panel discussions. Now, I need to make the rounds at genre-specific events and horror writing confabs.
Winning this award would send me over the moon. Wish me luck.
I know the headline seems redundant, but sincerely, Barnes and Noble Modesto was fantastic last weekend. My second event there went better than the first. Thank you to Josh Mckay who set it up and continues to support me.
I think Barnes and Noble Modesto needs to put me on the payroll. Apparently I have become the Barnes and Noble greeter. My book signing table was located near the entrance to the store and more than one person appeared to think I was a store employee stationed there to welcome them to the store despite the sign and stack of books that surrounded me.
One particular gentleman and I had a funny exchange. I said to him, “Hi, how are you sir?” He responded, “I’m looking for The Awakening.” I said, “I don’t work here.” Had I been on my game, I would have asked, “Which one?”
“You’re useless,” was his retort. Other shoppers nearby overheard and enjoyed a hearty laugh. As he asked customer service about the book he wanted, I called out to him, “I’m just sitting here breathing your air.” He responded with, “I guess you are.”
A young lady waked by. I gave a similar greeting and she responded pleasantly. She proceeded to the nearby new released rack. A woman walked in right behind her. I asked, “Do you like vampire stories?” She replied, “My daughter does,” and gestured to the woman who had just walked by me. We had a good laugh and she purchased a copy of The Dark Truth for her daughter.
I look forward to my next event at the Modesto Barnes and Noble. Thank you to Veronica, Eddie and German, and all of the new people I met and especially those who purchased The Dark Truth and/or The Dark Descent.
Jerry Knaak.com 