I have three readings scheduled for my book Night Terror.
First things first-last weeks clichés:
Man of the World – A sophisticated, experienced individual. From 16th Century meaning simply a married man not a “man of the church” like a priest who was celibate. See Shakespeare As You Like It, 5:3. Not clear when term changed to mean sophistication or worldliness, but it did by the time Emerson used it in The Conduct of Life (1860).
To go to hell in a handsbasket – Means to deteriorate rapidly. Originated in America in early 20th Century. Something carried in a handbasket is light and easily conveyed. The phrase can mean going to ruin easily and rapidly. However, more likely it’s simply an alliterative elaboration of gone to hell, meaning ruined or destroyed since the early 19th century. This cliché is usually applied to large generalities.
By Fits and Starts – In bursts of activity, spasmodically. Fits portion dates from 16th Century and pairing with starts came soon after in early 17th Century. See Robert Sanderson in one of his Sermons (1620). Also John Ray’s proverb collection of 1670 used it slightly different – “fits and grids”
To Fall Short of – Fail to attain a certain standard or be insufficient. Expression comes from archery, horseshoes, and other activities in which a missle may fall to the ground before reading the desired goal or mark (falling short of the mark). See essayist William Hazlitt, Table Talk, (1821-22).
Did you find them all?
Night Terror has been selling well. I can’t give you a ballpark figure on how many books I’ve sold, because most have been through Amazon for ebooks. Personally I’ve sold or given away about 34 books. Am I in fat city with the sales of my books? No! However, I’m happy with the way things are going. Can I improve my sales? Of course!
One of the ways to do that is to be on the go and get out there with your book and do readings.
With that in mind, I’m scheduled to read at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa, CA at the Redwood Writers Author Launch on Sunday, July 8th from 3-5p.m. There will be several authors reading and all guests are free. I’m also scheduled to read in Santa Rosa at Gaia’s Garden, 1899 Mendocino Ave., from 2-4 p.m. on July 26th along with other readers; and reading on July 29th at Copperfields Book Store in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa from 7 – 8 p.m. with another reader.
Time will tell by reading from my book if I will generate more interest and book sales, whether paperback or ebook.
Keep Writing!
Julie
