We now possess the updated, illustrated, way-it-was-always-meant-to-be copy of Raven’s Heart. Yes, just one book. Something we can fully stand behind and say with pride that we created. Let me sit back and give a blissful sigh.
(One moment later…) Another sigh—this one, not as blissful. I thought writing was tough, editing was hard work, and illustrating was massively time-consuming. Those were just the initial stages of the process. Once AuthorHouse took our manuscript into their hands, we had a small break. In preparation of GenCon in August, I know there are two steps yet to go.
The first step is always on my mind, as part of this task is standing in our living room. Ah, marketing. I revel in what we have already done in terms of promotional material. Matt has already packed the suitcase with our new bookmarks, signage, and business cards. Our good friend Joe and I have been on task creating such eye-dazzling trinkets for people to slip inside their books or bags while they shop at the convention—all in hope that someone might return to our table and buy a copy of Raven’s Heart. We even have white chocolate candy hearts, wrapped in purple foil. A promotional stretch? Maybe, but people like chocolate—especially free chocolate. Oh, and I can’t forget the temporary tattoos of our raven logo!
Hand-outs are one game piece. Visuals are another. This year, Matt declared that we will not have a table loaded with all manner of digital photo frames, luminaries, glowing salt crystals, etc. I agreed we needed to simplify, but then, how will we attract attention? Two shy authors who look like high school students, sitting behind a table loaded with books…well, who would give them the time of day? We refuse to stand on the table and shout at people (yes, one gentleman actually did this at the convention last year). We will not pull out a guitar and sing for you. Nor will we juggle, dance, light things on fire, or throw our candy hearts.
This year we will return with our giant map of Secramore and our poster of the book cover. Maps are amazingly charismatic, and they do attract a particular crowd. We think the book cover is striking enough to catch the eyes of roving gamers, and honestly, ravens are just freakin’ cool. But this year we needed something new and different.
So exactly what is standing in our living room? Arcturus. Or, the beginnings of him, anyway. A life-sized cut-out painted to detail to match our lead character. Tell me a red-skinned, white-haired guy with a staff won’t attract attention! He is destined to be our photo opportunity as well as our message board. Arcturus won’t let us down. After all, he’s a politician, and he knows how to grab an audience. He’s larger than life—or at least, life-sized.
Now if I can just get motivated to pick up the paintbrush….
(PS, I mentioned there are two steps to go. The other will be physically sitting at that convention table for four days, eight hours each day. Sigh.)
-Stefanie
