It's Hodge-Podge Time AKA Random Stuff

1.  The RWA (Romance Writers of America), Silicon Valley Chapter,  has an all-day event coming up in San Jose on Feb. 25.  Here is the info:

Silicon Valley RWA Chapter Presents:

Write, Publish, Market an Amazon Bestseller

February 25, 2017, 9-5, San Jose

Led by Andrea Hurst, President, Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management!

Gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be successful at indie and hybrid publishing—how to obtain higher visibility, greater sales, and a better overall product. Insights that can be applied wherever you are on the publishing journey.

Topics Addressed:

• The current state of publishing and what this means for you
  
• Tips for writing books that sell: genre, audience, craft
  
• Navigating your way through the editorial process
  
• Writing and leveraging a series
  
• Platform building and enhancing your author brand
  
• Effective marketing strategies
  
• Production advice on pricing, placement and keywords
  
• The process of a successful book launch
  
• Sales tools to apply anywhere on your publishing journey
  
• Basic steps to setting up promotions, ads & social media marketing
  
• Attracting publishers and agents from your self-published book
  
• How are the Amazon imprints different from traditional publishing
  Want to increase your self-published book sales? Interested in becoming an indie or hybrid author? Just want to build your audience? This workshop is for you.
  Fee: $150 includes full-day workshop and continental breakfast and lunch.
  REGISTER TODAY: http://tinyurl.com/jql9jer
  ANDREA HURST represents high profile adult nonfiction and well-crafted fiction
  to major publishers, and her self-published book, The Guestbook, is an Amazon bestseller with over 1,300 reviews. www.AndreaHurst.com and www.AndreaHurst-author.com
  REBECCA BERUS, Founder of 2Market Books, offers strategic consulting and promotional services on finding, engaging and building audiences and effective book marketing. www.2marketbooks.com
  SEAN FLETCHER, Author, Director of Author Services, Developmental Editor, and Agent Scout for Andrea Hurst & Associates, manages editorial and consulting services for clients.
  

2.  Well-known blogger, JJ Spina, of Jemsbooks, posted this article from 2 notable doctors: 

Does Reading Make You Healthier and Happier? by jjspina

I recently read the column of Drs. Oz & Roizen, titled Reading makes you healthier and happier. Here is partially what Drs. Oz & Roizen had to say.

…But neuromarketing researchers from the University of Sussex’s Mindlab found that reading an old-fashion, open-a-book-and-learn-something text (start with “You: The Owner’s Manual,” revised) or an escape-to-the-beach-novel (try James Michener’s “Hawaii”) for even six minutes a day is more relaxing than listening to music, taking a walk or even (these were English researchers) having a cup of tea. The study says getting into a good read eases muscle tension and slows down your heart rate. That dispels stress and makes your RealAge significantly younger!

In addition, reading keeps your brain sharp, improves sleep and makes you a more interesting social animal. Also, if you know someone, especially a child, who has difficulty with reading, spend some time with them and read aloud together. Lots of kids have a hard time learning to read, so if you’re a parent, grandparent or just a good neighbor, be aware and help them out. You’re giving a gift of learning. Traveling the world through the written word opens doors in the mind and in life?

3.  Author Appearance Alert:  Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See, is coming to the Bay Area.  He is being sponsored by Books, Inc. and will be at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater at 7:00 on April 4.  His touring is celebrating the release of his book in paperback.  If you want to buy tickets, go to Books, Inc. website.

4.  Question for authors:  Why do all chapters start on the right-hand side of the book?  I've read a bunch of books recently where a new chapter only starts on the right.  If the previous chapter ends on the right side, then the next page on the left is blank.  I don't get it. Somebody?  Anybody?

NEXT UP:  My next blog will be about Davina Morgan-Witts' appearance at the RBC last night.  Her book-recommending website, BookBrowse, is a great way to find out which books to keep an eye out for.