FIrst of all, Wednesday was D-Day. Would A Crafty Killing make it to the New York Times bestsellers list? It had a hefty print run, I'd been busting my butt for TWENTY THREE MONTHS to get the word out to Lorna's readers that Lorna and Lorraine were the same author. I sent out over 3,000 postcards, but obviously not to the people who buy from stores that report to the New York Times.I feel like a complete and utter failure.
I've been on the Atkins diet for two weeks. I lost two pounds the first week. I GAINED a pound the second week.
I feel like a complete and utter failure.
I could just give up on trying to let my readers know that Lorna and Lorraine are the same person.
I could just give up and go back to my other eating habits.
Instead, I'm going to change tacks.
I'm going back on Weight Watchers. It's the best diet/lifestyle plan there is. I was too stressed to do it while I was waiting to find out about A Crafty Killing's sales status. Well, that stress is gone. I hate the thought of counting points and keeping a food diary, but . . . I want to lose weight because A) I'm vain and B) I don't want to end up with diabetes like my Dad and die a horrible death twenty-thirty years down the road.The next Victoria Square book isn't coming out for a year. That gives me a lot of time to keep pushing the first one, trying to find Lorna's readers and let them know and . . . hoping for the best.
So, I'm picking myself up, dusting myself off and starting over again.
What else can I do?
I can't wait to read a Crafty Killing! It looks super cute.
ReplyDeleteYou're not a failure. A Crafty Killing was the best darn book I've read so far this year.
ReplyDeleteI also think economic times has an impact on book sales.
The best advice I can give you is get the pointsplus calculator. It will help you with your points especially when dining out.
I'm on day 3 of WW and I have to say that I'm not starving for food and I'm actually eating more veggies than I have in the past.
Keep your head up. I'm sorry it's been a disappointing week. The NY Times is obviously not talking to the right people. A Crafty Killing (as is all the other of your books that I've read) a wonderful book. I can't wait for the next one in the series. And I always pre-order your other books as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the diet. It took me about a year to take off over 80 pounds (and since I've been recovering from surgery and not getting enough exercise, I'm alternating fighting stuffy my face - apparently healing increases your appetite - and fretting when I lose the fight. So far the weight gain is at bay - but I digress). One thing I learned during that year of weight loss is that sometimes you are up and sometimes you are down. Stress can cause you to be up - even if you didn't drown yourself in chocolate. And too much sodium can cause you to be up. I'm glad you are not letting being up one pound stop you from your goal. Sometimes it just takes finding the right program for you.
Maybe a Crafty Killing didn't make the NY Times list, but it's one of my favorite reads of 2011 so far.
Congrats on starting WW, Dru. We're going to be a couple of skinny minnies at Malice, eh? I've got to go to the WW website and get up to speed on the new version. I love veggies and I hear most of them are now free. Weeeee!
ReplyDeleteHang in there, Lorraine. You are one of the best and hardest working writers I know (and I'm looking forward to meeting you in person at Malice!). And what's not to like about free veggies!
ReplyDeleteEdith
http://edithmaxwell.blogspot.com/
You could never be a failure to your faithful readers. As one of them, I appreciate your postcards, bookmarks, blogs and facebook postings. I've loved the Booktown Series, and loved "A Crafty Killing". Banish the word failure...for you, it is just not appropriate!
ReplyDeleteI am currently on weight watchers and it's great. I have a phone app and it's so easy to log food and to point things out ahead of time to make smarter choices. You are and will be great--your fans have complete faith in you. Don'tl lose faith in yourself. You are woman hear you roar!
ReplyDeletePhooey on the NY Times Best seller list! Read your comments, It's obvious that quite a few people think you're a best seller anyway. It has been a tough year, and it's winter, and I think both things drive sales down. People will clue in soon.
ReplyDeleteStress is an odd thing, and it can mess with even the best diets. I'm on WW and it has worked well so far. The online concept works great. My mother and father have diabetes, so thumbs up in making the change for your health.
Whatever you dream, you can do it!
Good to see someone keep steady in disappointment. I've always let stress and disappointment affect my eating. I'm trying the WW thing too, and I have had success with it in the past... but one must stick with it. That's my downfall.
ReplyDeleteHowever, for WW points and recipes... check out Kitchen Parade: http://www.kitchenparade.com/2002/10/weight-watchers-recipes.php
Great site!
And... there's always the next book!
I have to agree with David, big time. It's nice to have approval in print, but remember all of us that have your books in out lives and love them. Your books are way to good for you to let a thing like lists get you down. Hang in there girl. And best wishes on the diet thing :^)
ReplyDeleteOh Hon your not a failure, you are a wonderful author,I think you are one of the most respected authours today and you could never be a failure to your fans so you need to remove that word from your sentences. If you need help getting the word out let us help I know I would love to help and I know your other fans would love to help also just point us in the right dirrection and tell us what we can do and I know I would be honnored to help you anyway I can. Don't you dare give up now!!!! and as far as losing weight, come on no one can lose weight when the weather is so cold we need that extra weight to stay warm, lol
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone.
ReplyDeleteCindi, I would LOVE help in getting the word out that Lorraine and Lorna are the same person. I figure Lorna has about 30-40,000 more readers than Lorraine. I'm really proud of A Crafty Killing (and love the next one even more). I'd dearly love for readers who've enjoyed the Booktown Mysteries to discover it, too.
Okay I'm on it, if there is anything I do have its a big mouth, lol I have started spreading the word thru my friends, kids, family and of course facebook and most important my bookclub, we will get them to know the two is really one. P.S. My husband wanted you to know he agrees I do have a big mouth, (hehe).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindi. You're a peach!
ReplyDeleteHey, kiddo, erase that word ("failure") from your vocabulary!! You. Are. Not. A. Failure. Period.
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the most hard-working, gifted writers I've read. (And believe me, I've read a LOT.) A CRAFTY KILLING is your best cozy work, bar none. Don't forget the MILLIONS of people (readers!) that have been absolutely hammered by snow/ice storms/blizzards that have rocked most of the country since Christmas. People have been much more worried about simply getting food and much-needed supplies in the few days between storms than going out and buying (:sigh:) books. Besides, the smart ones have Nooks/Kindles/e-readers and got THEIR dose of A CRAFTY KILLING without having to brave the horrendous weather! So -- warm yourself by the B&N listing of #5!!
And congratulations on starting WW! With all the comments from your other readers about how good the program is now (including phone apps -- hopefully including the Android phones), I'm going to delve in and (probably) join myself. Lord knows I need to lose more! :-) Hugs!
Lorraine, you are one of my favorite people, and one of my favorite authors, as well. Let me tell you, I have had my nose stuck in books for decades, but I am a discerning reader, and your books are awesome. If the NY Times doesn't know their backside from a hole in the wall, it's their loss. You have lots of faithful readers that will read anything you write, even your grocery lists, because you are a wonderful writer and we love you! Good luck on the diet -- I am thinking about Weight Watchers myself.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Debbie
I totally adore your books and wish there were someway WE could let the NYT know. I had Crafty Killing pre-ordered and began it within 15 minutes of getting home from work and finding it waiting for me. If you are doing what you love and what others enjoy, then there is no way you are a failure. We are unable to control the actions--albeit stupid actions--of others. Control what we can and "deleted expletive" the other things. I'm proud of your WW decision also.
ReplyDeletePat
I'm going to sound like everyone else but you're not a failure, you're an amazing author with zillions of readers. I've bought A Crafty Killing and it's waiting patiently for me to read it next. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the diet, I'm with you on that. It's so hard to stick to and I go well for a week or two then fall off the wagon. Fingers crossed we can get better as the year goes along!
Please don't be so down on yourself. It will be a successful book, and things will be better soon. Using WW is a good idea. I was a member once, but now just try to keep down the sugars, fats, and starches. What else is there? I have to lose, I am being tested soon for mitral valve problems, and weight loss is important to my future. I have too much to do, to take time for illness or the next step right now. Hang in there and keep us happy with more books to read. A whole year to wait for the next book? I can do it, I'll be here!! Karen
ReplyDelete