Lucky Bookmarks or Not-So-Lucky Bookmarks?

I'm afraid I must revise one of my marketing strategies.

The two bookmarks I labeled with codes good for one free download of my novella "Day Dreamer," along with instructions on how to redeem the prize, so far remain unclaimed.

The first one was for the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference back in June. I was not able to fully participate at the conference because of work, so I left it to be found on the merchandise tables. The stack of bookmarks leftover at conference's end, which I assume still contained the one lucky bookmark, was taken to "Tomcats" in the Sunrise Shopping Centre. Last I checked, those bookmarks had not yet been set out for customers.

The second one I made for the Natrona County Library, and in particular, for a class held there last month on how to download e-books from the library collection. Again, I was not able to fully attend because I was working, but I left a stack of bookmarks--including one marked with a redemption code--with the instructor before the class. I'm pretty sure he neglected to pass them out as I had requested.

Now, as nonsensical as it seems to promote a book whose sole means of being handled by readers is electronic through the dispersion of physical strips of printed card-stock whose implied purpose of place-holding is virtually useless to any reader (except maybe the cartoon hero "Freakazoid"), and despite the lack of success I've had in awarding a free download of my story to any serendipitous redeemers of either of the marked pair of page-keepers, I still believe it's a worthwhile idea. Bookmarks are a simple method of spreading the word regarding available titles, of promoting an author's works, and of helping to get books into the hands of readers--whatsoever the format.

However, I have resolved to cease passing out any more "lucky bookmarks." At least, for now. Those two that are yet unclaimed shall remain redeemable; I will honour them, if and when they are ever found and their instructions followed, for as long as I operate this blog. Nevertheless, I still think a "lucky bookmark" is a cool, little idea; therefore, I have decided that I will make more. But when I do hand out more bookmarks redeemable for free books, I will hand them out myself, making certain that they really do end up in the hands of readers.

I honestly hope to award some fortunate finder of a lucky bookmark a free download of my story someday--sooner or later.

Downloading E-Readers --plus-- Another Lucky Bookmark

The Natrona County Library is holding a class on Monday, July 2nd, at 2p.m. on how to download e-readers from its collection.
For more information, here is the link: http://www.natronacountylibrary.org/event.php?id=2836.

The class is free to attend and ought to prove interesting as it heralds a shift in how libraries handle their collections and how people interact with them. I know our library has been busier than ever with all of its various services, and by encouraging the growth of electronic lending it promises to remain a valuable resource for people well into the future--or as long as folks wish to read.

To support the library and this class, I will have bookmarks available at the Circulation Desk and at the Tech Centre. Once again, one lucky bookmark will hide amongst them. The finder of that bookmark shall win one free download of "Day Dreamer." Just follow the directions on the back. By the way, the first bookmark from the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference has so far remained unclaimed--it just might be lurking at Tomcats in the Sunrise Shopping Centre. Nevertheless, the code on the back of it is still valid. So now two lucky bookmarks await their fortunate finders. I look forward to awarding the winners.

Awarded The Horizon

I was the recipient of the "Western Horizon Award" last night at the Wyoming Writer's, Inc. conference for my book,"Day Dreamer." Quite the pleasant surprise, especially since I was working and was unable to attend the awards banquet. I showed up for the conference book signing afterwards, and that's when the award committee chairman found me and presented me the award. I apologize for missing the ceremony. Nevertheless, my thanks to Aaron Holst, Cindy Bower, and Pat Frolander of WW, Inc.

My wife and our twins were with me when I received the award, and it was my honour to share with them such a special moment.

Also, the "Lucky Bookmark" so far remains unclaimed. Whoever finds it, be sure to leave a comment with the code to claim your copy of "Day Dreamer."

The Lucky Bookmark

The Wyoming Writers, Inc. conference is this weekend in Casper. I have a display at the conference bookstore of flyers and bookmarks. Hidden amongst those bookmarks is one marked as the winner of one free download of my novella, "Day Dreamer."

The first to find the lucky bookmark, please follow the instructions on the back: Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post with your name and contact information, along with the special code found on the bookmark.

You shall win one download of the story in your preferred format (PDF, EPUB, MOBI, or PRC.)

Again, the conference is being held this weekend in Casper at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel. Thanks to Trisha Sanchez of Tomcats Books and Cards (formerly Ralph's) and to Wyoming Writers, Inc.

Blog Hop Contest Winner

The winner of the Musa Memorial Day Blog Hop Contest is...
Laura Hardgrave.

She gets a free copy of my Novella, "Day Dreamer."

Congratulations, Laura, and good luck on your upcoming release, "Captive By The Fog," coming this autumn.

I hope you enjoy the story and that you come back here and share your thoughts.

Thanks.

Musa Blog Hop

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I am joining my fellow Musa Authors in a Memorial  Day Weekend Blog Hop. You are invited to explore from site to site and to leave comments or questions. 

We're also all running a contest in celebration. I'll be giving away a copy of my novella to one lucky visitor.

It is an e-book. You can check it out here:
Day Dreamer - Devin Hodgins

It's available from Urania Speculative Fiction for only 99 cents.

Here once again is the companion poem I wrote with the story.

Tomorrow’s Dream

To dream every night of what shall be the next day…

When would you ever wish to fall asleep?

And how would you ever know whether you were awake?

Twilight shines across evening skies      

Even while morning shadows arise        

Memories and expectations turn one into another

Spinning and spiraling and becoming each other

And through each night

To dream of awakening and then of falling asleep

O, the oneiric lucidity

Of every nightmare and daydream

Twilight shines across morning skies

Even while evening shadows horize

Expectations and memories turn into each other

Spiraling and spinning and becoming one another

Lost  in revery

So every night seems

Making each day

A recurring dream.

You don’t know if you’re awake or asleep

You only know you are dreaming

To dream the day away

Awake, Asleep

Every dream, Every day

Every day, Every dream

 

 

 

 

Feel free to share your thoughts.

If you want to enter for a chance to win a copy of the novella, all you have to do is this: leave a comment--about what you dreamt last night, perhaps, or what Memorial  Day means to you--then sign up to follow my blog, friend me on facebook, and like my author page. Also in your comment, let me know how and in what format you would want your e-book sent to you. One winner shall be chosen from all qualifying entrants and shall be notified on Tuesday.

Be sure to enter on everyone's site--you just might win more than one book. 

I wish everyone a splendid and safe holiday as Memorial Day gives us a chance not only to remember our loved ones but to observe how the past begat the present and where the future lies--an appropriate sentiment, perhaps, for a blog hop.

Yesterday's Crescent Sun

The annular eclipse last evening was spectacular. I could not for the life of me find my eclipse glasses, the ones I got in my stocking a few years ago when we had that eclipse upon Christmas Day, nor could I locate my welding helmet; so, I was reduced to using a pinhole camera. Still impressive. Still intriguing. Still mystifying. Still astounding to stop and ponder the heavenly alignment of Sun, Moon, and Earth of being able to be witness to such wonder. 

I hope everyone else got a good glimpse. 

The next Total Solar Eclipse shall track right over my home--Casper, Wyoming! 

Been waiting a while, and now it's just five short years away. I'll be sure to have found my glasses.