If you want to see a rather eclectic garden, visit Lotusland in Santa Barbara, California. This 37 acre garden was created by Madame Gann Walska, a polish opera singer and socialite. She started the garden in 1941 and worked on it for the next 43 years. The garden was open to the public in 1993.
Visitors will see all kinds of interesting things, such as a forest of dragon trees, avenues of succulents, weird little garden gnomes , a huge clock made of flowers, and a lotus pond.
The two-hour tour of the garden is by appointment only. These are given Wednesday through Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Admission for adults is $35.00. If you would like to schedule a tour, call 805-969-9990.
The two-hour tour of the garden is by appointment only. These are given Wednesday through Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Admission for adults is $35.00. If you would like to schedule a tour, call 805-969-9990.
Today's IWSG question of the month is, "What elements do you include in a book launch?" I always do a social media (and email) promotion which includes a cover-reveal and a countdown. Sometimes, I'll have a cover vote to spark interest. I also do an online book tour. I've used Silver Dagger Tours and The Children's Book Review Awareness Tour. The first is inexpensive. The second is expensive, but more effective in getting the word out and getting reviews. I also contact reviewers to try to get pre-publication reviews. I've been doing Authors in Grocery Stores book signings at Kroger. That's been a great way to get my books out there and make sales.
What do you do for a book launch?
What a beautiful garden! If I ever get to Santa Barbara, I will check it out. Thanks for the launch tips as well! I am adding the Authors in Grocery Stores to my list of ideas and I will look into book tours.
ReplyDeleteI've done well with the Authors in Grocery Stores. If you happen to do it, please mention that you learned about it from me. I'll get a little kick back. Thanks!
DeleteImagine working on a garden for so many decades. I am slowly finishing that NBC series GROSSE POINTE GARDENING SOCIETY, it is mildly bad, but watchable.
ReplyDeleteMildly bad but watchable. Too funny!
DeleteGrocery stores! Unique place to sell books.
ReplyDeleteIt is. But surprisingly, it's been working.
DeleteIf I had any reason at all to go to California...LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou are my best marketing author.
Thanks! I feel like it's a marathon. Hopefully it will all pay off. :)
DeleteI've talked to a few authors who've had good luck with the Kroger author program. We don't have any of those where I live.
ReplyDeleteThe garden is beautiful!
It's expanding, so hopefully it will be in your area soon.
DeleteDear Sherry, what a gorgeous and captivating garden! I think grocery stores is a great idea, Sherry! Everybody has to shop for food! LOL! Seriously, though, you will meet people who perhaps don't shop at bookstores, for whatever reason, so this is a wonderful opportunity!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good opportunity. I've met a lot of people this way. Even teachers who want me to come for school visits.
DeleteWow. Looks like a cool place! Yeah, it seems like a service is the way to go if you're going to market.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful garden!
DeleteAuthors in grocery store is a nice idea I didn't think of till now maybe. I keep scrolling back to that garden's picture. Why it's such a nice place!
ReplyDeleteAIG has been around a while. It's recently come to Georgia where I live. Hopefully it will come to a store near you.
DeleteI'm impressed by your success doing blog tours. Author signings at Kroger sounds like a neat way to attract new readers.
ReplyDeleteBlog tours have been good. I'm getting ready to do another. I've enjoyed meeting people at Kroger. Definitely thinking outside the box for marketing!
DeleteI love those gardens...well, any garden, really. They are places that rejuvenate and inspire me whenever I visit. I love your new blog space. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGardens are so restful. I enjoy them immensely!
DeleteHi Sherry ... incredible to work on a garden for 43 years - not many people would have had that duration of time ... wonderful legacy she's left for us. Your books are such fun - congratulations ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing! I'm glad she did it. It is a beautiful legacy!
DeleteThat garden looks fantastic. And big congrats on your new book and the Kroger tour. I "heart" your Instagram posts. Come to the Kroger in Bedford, TX!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hmmm. I know the program is in Texas. I'll have to look into that. :)
DeleteI imagine launching children's books is different from fantasy. Possible support from libraries and schools?
ReplyDeleteApril is the ideal time to refresh goals and turn small daily actions into major wins, utilizing the season's new energy for growth.
“Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations.” ― Catherine Pulsifer
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge international blog hop
Libraries and schools are great for children's authors, but you have to have a good program when you reach out to them.
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