A funny thing happened on the way to the post office

Well, actually it happened at the post office. I had a big stack of books I was sending out (eleven to be precise). The guy working the counter asked me about them, thinking I was an eBay bookseller or something.

I, seizing upon opportunity (somewhat uncharacteristically), said, why, no, this is a book I wrote.

Post office guy? He. Was. Astounded. I had to tell him all about it. His wife had to know because she loves to read.

It’s at this point I think to myself: wow, I should really have some book business cards made up.

Then, the woman next in line piped that she has teen daughters who love to read.

Insert an image here of me kicking myself.

I was reduced to writing down titles on scrap paper.

So, I need some cards, ASAP. I tried some of those online design-your-own type places, but the results looked like someone with no graphics arts ability using one of those online design-your-own type places. But something is better than nothing, so I’m pushing this task up on my to-do list.

I also need a better answer to the question: “How long does it take to write a book?”

“It depends.” did not go over too well. The guy working the counter looked at me like: What? Is she crazy? She doesn’t know how long it takes to write a book? Isn’t that what she does?

I guess I could’ve told him four years. I got the initial idea for Geek Girl’s Guide in February of 2004. It sold in March, 2008 (and we still had another revision to go through).

Of course, I wrote other things during that time. Shelved it, took it out again, shelved it, started working with Darcy … hm, I had a moral in mind, I’m sure, beyond persistence and being in it for the long haul.

But all I really can think of is: book business card.

Must. Have.

Temptation, thy name is Staples

I’d write something today, but …

chaircat

Someone has stolen my chair.

So, yesterday, I took a trip to Staples. And walked out with a box containing ten reams of paper. That’s 5,000 sheets of paper.

That should keep me and Miss B supplied–at least for a little while. I think that’s enough for her to create an entire paper world, complete with its own paper ecosystem.

I also wandered into the clearance section and wandered back out with white boards in silly shapes and singing pens–all fifty cents each. Uh, these would be for the kids, not me.

In the end, I walked out without causing too much damage to my wallet. Still, even with clearance prices and rebates on paper, Staples is a dangerous place for a writer.