event planning Archives - Jeanne Burrows-Johnson's Word Empowering Blog

DYNAMIC AUTHOR PORTRAITS

ENGAGING AUTHOR IMAGES

This year has taken wholly unexpected turns for everyone in our world. For too many, this has greatly impacted professional as well as personal well-being. Despite challenges to health, commerce, and public safety, I believe this period of global transition may prove productive for creative individuals and organizations. The following is the first of several suggestions for maximizing this unsought opportunity for enhancing our daily living ,as well as our event planning.

MAXIMIZING OUR RE-EMERGENCE
Let’s begin today’s conversation by considering how the global environment has benefited from the absence of traffic on the road and the re-modelling of some segments of manufacturing. None of us can predict how this may influence decisions that global leaders will make, but we can endeavor to see that our own work reflects progress on many fronts. Like a butterfly emerging from a caterpillar’s cocoon, each of us can come out from this challenging period of global blight with a re-orientation of our lives. From our personal appearance to that of the products and services we offer our multi-cultural world, we can magnify a new dynamism that will benefit more than our individual avenues of activity.

THE AUTHOR’S VISUAL PRESENTATION
Regardless of changes that may occur in the evolving retail marketplace, it’s likely that my books will continue to be sold—at least via the Internet. Fortunately, this ensures the longevity of my visibility. Therefore, it behooves me to ensure that the images I project reflect my inner self, which I have endeavored to embed in my writing. Most of us have heard the adage that an author or artist, should create works that reflect personal knowledge and experience. I have always strived to do this despite a narrowing path of the latter days of my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my creations will continue to demonstrate both my personal and professional growth.

DYNAMIC IMAGES FOR AUTHORS
There are many ways in which our images are utilized for branding and promotion. These can include business cards and brochures, websites, blogs, and interviews with the media, as well as the book jackets and bookmarks used by those of us who are authors. Sometimes pictures taken during events offer an active view of projects in which we are currently or previously involved. But given the casualness with which such pictures are taken, it is often more effective to use studio produced images that can be shaped and re-shaped to ensure the impact one desires for multiple purposes.

IMAGES FROM THE PAST
The first photo in the above pair was taken during a public speaking event at a service club’s meeting. As you can see, there are extraneous items surrounding me. So while this picture is ideal for discussing the purpose and content of that particular talk, utilization of this picture for other purposes required the adjustments that I made in the edit.

MY AUTHOR PORTRAIT
As noted in my blog of March 2020, I initially viewed this year as an ideal time to introduce a fresh look in my marketing materials. In contrast, since my personal appearance has not changed greatly, I chose to retain the professional photograph shot during the publication of Prospect for Murder. A few refinements were required to render that image effective. You see, my preferred photos were taken at the end of the shoot in a space whose air was treated by evaporative cooling rather than air conditioning. The result was that my hair was somewhat flat. Fortunately, I have a friend who copied, pasted, and tweaked my hair.

Other aspects of arranging my portrait included an elegant jacket and necklace, books to my side and a colorful Asian fabric as a backdrop. These choices combine to project an intriguing representation of the trio of Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries which feature many pan-Pacific components. The one new element in my self-introduction is presenting my picture in a circle…I wonder if I could substitute the spines of my own books for the classic volumes beside me?

In considering images you will want to use, remember that your goal is to acquire a rich palette of images of yourself and your work. To achieve this, I suggest that you examine the many individual and group photos you may have already–in both hardcopy and electronic files. Even those from your youth may prove useful in discussing your personal and/or professional journey through life. And for each one, be prepared to shape multiple images that will prove effective for varying purposes.

FYI CAROL BLONDER, the lively host of NETWORKING ARIZONA interviewed me earlier this year. CLICK BELOW to catch the podcast. To learn more about Carol’s continuing connections with Arizona business professionals, visit her website https://networkingarizona.net/.

Wishing you the best in your creative endeavors,
Jeanne Burrows-Johnson, author, consultant, and motivational speaker

Another blog you may find of use for promoting creative projects is at https://blog.jeanneburrows-johnson.com/2017/01/book-promotion-and-evolving-art/

To learn more about the award-winning Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries, including Murders of Conveyance [Winner, Fiction Adventure-Drama, 2019 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards] and other projects, please drop in at my author’s website JeanneBurrows-Johnson.com . You’ll even find Island Recipes that might inspire your culinary creativity.

For more ideas to strengthen your Wordpower^© and branding, please visit: Imaginings Wordpower and Design Consultation.

Follow Me:
Amazon, Arizona Authors Association, Apple Books
Audible, Authors Den, Barnes and Noble, Blogarama, Book Bub
Cozy Mysteries-Unlimited, Facebook, Good Reads, Hometown Reads

Book sellers may contact book distributors such as:
Baker & Taylor, Follett, IPG, Ingram, Mackin, Midpoint, TitleWave

EVENT DISPLAYS

DESIGNING A MEMORABLE AUTHOR’S DISPLAY

This year began with new technical and artistic challenges, ranging from the computer I mentioned in my last post to creating visual elements for events. My latest project is refining my displays for book fairs and other opportunities to visit with current and prospective readers. This has led to revisiting several artistic standards. One would think these issues had been solved at the onset of my event planning long ago…

WHERE TO BEGIN
Images of the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries are my starting point for most visual projects these days. Even when I’ m introducing other projects, the center of my public interaction is this series.

EVENT DISPLAY ISSUES
Most of the events in which I participate feature displays on at least one half of a rectangular luncheon size table, approximately six to eight feet in length and two feet in width. In the past, that has meant utilizing small posters, about 11 x 17 inches presented on tri-legged frames of wood, metal, and/or acrylic. These images have centered on a single book or project, which has meant an ever-growing number of items over the last few years. Even when I diligently refresh my tablescape during an event, by the end of a day there has been an accumulation of clutter.

With the current trio of titles within my mysteries, I decided that 2020 would be the year to introduce a fresh look. One that could be maintained easily throughout a day I have the opportunity to greet current and potential readers—or even organizations that might like me to present a motivational talk or seminar. With increasing emphasis on personal marketing, this seems especially prudent!

I began this undertaking by examining the books and other materials I want to present, as well as the decorative touches that visually present the Hawaiian Islands. The books themselves are offered in both hardcover and softcover editions. Accompanying signage is needed to highlight eBook and audible editions that are available at various online and brick-and-mortar locations.

FINDING DISPLAY MATERIALS
A visit to a local store fixture outlet fulfilled several of my desires.
~ Acrylic stands for over-sized postcards, bookmarks, and business cards
~ Clear plastic sales bags that display my book covers
~ Colorful bags for customers wishing to present gifts
~ A three-tier acrylic stand to hold three or more books per shelf

This last item is proving especially useful. While I am concerned about the stand’s fragile material, I find it preferable to the heavy weight of metal and wood alternatives I have been using. Properly wrapped, the stand will be easily transported to distant locales, such as the Hawai’i Book and Music Festival. Best of all, regardless of the surface on which the stand sits, my award-winning book covers shines brightly upon it!

SIGNAGE
I found myself staring at signs in every direction of the showroom. From the front door to the walls and counters, display cases and bins, text and images alerted me to the joys of an array of “toys” for introducing my products…and myself. Hmm. In the past I’ve simply enlarged book covers, matted them on gold cardstock, and laminated them.

But this is 2020. Something sturdier and more elegant is desirable. With a trio of primary products, a triangle seemed most appropriate for the 18×24 poster I was planning. My next question was sequencing. Should I place the books in chronological order? Or, should I emphasize the last publication. Because that book, Murders of Conveyance, recently won First Place of Fiction Adventure-Drama in the 2019 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, I opted for the latter option.

FINALIZING THE POSTERS
Now we turn to the details that took several days to finalize. I considered colors and textures for a background. Eventually, I realized that the jewel tones of my book jackets scream out for the classic jewelry store option of simple black. The issue of fonts also arose. In short order, my wonderful artist, Yasamine June, sent me the necessary information to present promo text in the same font as that on the book jackets.

Initially, I was delighted with my creation. The image of each book sat on a black background with harmonizing text in gold. But somehow the overall image was incomplete. Then, as I stared at each volume in the series, I experienced an ah-ha moment. What was missing was the lovely gold framing I had had Yasamine design for me. It is based on Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, and features a hibiscus flower in each corner!

After a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, I remembered there might be events for which a larger poster [22×36 inches] might be appropriate. So, I increased the size of my images and text and added book reviews!

INTRODUCING MY NEW DISPLAY
On March 14-15, 2020, I had planned to unveil my new look at the Tucson Sisters in Crime Booth at the Tucson Festival of Books. I envisioned the larger poster mounted on a grid at the back of the tent, with the smaller one being positioned on the top tier of my acrylic stand, with the series’ books framing it. I would complete the new tablescape with a few battery-operated lights, shell leis, and a gold palm tree! Unfortunately, due to the cancellation by leading authors facing travel challenges caused by the Coronavirus, the Festival was cancelled…

Fortunately, on Sunday, March 22, I’ll be introducing myself at a Meet & Greet at the front of the Tucson East-side Barnes & Noble Store [5130 E. Broadway Boulevard] from Noon – 4:00 p.m., WHICH SHOULD BE RELATIVELY SAFE, AS IT’S NEAR FRESH AIR. I’d love to meet you if you’re in the area…otherwise you will find pictures on my Facebook personal and professional pages, as well as my next blog…UPDATE: THE MEET & GREET WAS ALSO CANCELLED…

Wishing you the best in your creative endeavors,
Jeanne Burrows-Johnson, author, consultant, and motivational speaker

For more ideas to strengthen your Wordpower^© and branding, please visit: Imaginings Wordpower and Design Consultation. You might also want to check out some of the items mentioned in the post blog on book promotion and evolving art.

Follow Me:
Amazon, Arizona Authors Association, Apple Books
Audible, Authors Den, Barnes and Noble, Blogarama, Book Bub
Cozy Mysteries-Unlimited, Facebook, Good Reads, Hometown Reads

Book sellers may contact book distributors such as:
Baker & Taylor, Follett, IPG, Ingram, Mackin, Midpoint, TitleWave

EMPOWERING BIOS

WHO NEEDS A POWERFUL BIO?

With 2019 quickly unfolding, authors and artists face a multitude of challenges and opportunities. Beyond financial planning and tax preparation, this is the ideal time to strategize and schedule events, design and/or revise our websites and social media outreach, and shape marketing materials to support these endeavors. While professional service providers can address many of these issues, there are expenditures that can be avoided if we are able to do some of the work ourselves. The essential question is whether we possess the skills and artistic vision to do so…as well as the time that will be required. Fortunately, like book synopses, several elements of biographies can be utilized repeatedly. Your picture, logos and slogans, descriptions of your work, and biographies of varying lengths and emphasis will all prove useful eventually. Today, I will suggest requisite elements of effective biographies.

WHEN WILL YOU NEED AN EMPOWERING BIOGRAPHY?
You are invited to view points raised in a humorous discussion of the need for biographies at imaginingswordpower.com/bios-to-empower-you.html. The gist of the piece is that everyone, both in and out of public view, has a need for one or more biographies…ranging from single sentences of self-introduction, to paragraphs for professional publications, and even a lengthy eulogy that will enumerate key aspects in one’s life.

WHERE TO BEGIN SHAPING YOUR BIOGRAPHY
By reviewing hardcopy and electronic files that contain materials addressing your life and work, you can gather facts, as well as previous stylistic choices from which you can draw. In addition, I suggest you create files of bios that have impressed you. These can include materials from colleagues and co-authors, as well as the brochures of professionals whose offices you visit.

Regardless of whether you work on a computer, or with pen and paper, begin listing words, phrases and other verbal images that you find attractive and worthy of positive public attention. At this point, do not be concerned about the length of your notes, their chronology, or even the vocabulary you are utilizing. For example, if you were writing a physical description of yourself, you might begin with the basics of hair and eye color with simple words like “brown” and “black.” You can add interest later by replacing “brown” with more dynamic words like coffee, chestnut, or charcoal.

IS THERE AN IDEAL LENGTH FOR A BIOGRAPHY?
If you are a professional, you will interact with colleagues and the general public in differing ways. Each time you are required to produce a new bio, you will face varying requirements in length and style.

~ A casual meeting or elevator speech requires a single sentence of self-introduction in a first-person voice

~ Casual reference by another person requires similar length, but should be written in a third-person voice

~ Your brief self-introduction, should be about three sentences in a first-person voice

~ A brief introduction by another person requires similar length, but should be written in a third-person voice

~ Detailed self-intros often range from a paragraph to a page, written in a first-person voice

~ Complex intros that are to be delivered by someone else should be similar in length, written in a third-person voice

~ Anything longer can be used for slow elevators or tall buildings

BIOGRAPHY ELEMENTS
Regardless of usage, I recommend you utilize verbiage that expresses your personality, as well as the products or services you offer. This allows readers or listeners of your promotional materials [especially prior to an event] to feel they have actually met you. You should consider including the following.

~ Education and training
~ Career highlights and focus of work
~ Professional accreditation and affiliations
~ Photographs are optional and may be appropriate to only some uses. Authors can be photographed holding one of their books and artists may wish to show a sample of their art. Head and bust shots, as well as images of you standing on a stage or at a podium will all prove useful someday. If you have action shots featuring other people, you should obtain a signed release from them.

BIOGRAPHY LAYOUTS
Biographical layouts vary with length and purpose. To maximize harmony with other promotional materials, your biography should utilize elements from your style sheet with your signature font[s], colors, logos, slogans, etc.!

USAGE OF BIOGRAPHIES
Once you have created biographies of varying length and style, you can utilize them in numerous places. Bios can be placed in several places on the internet, including: One or more pages of your website[s], your blog; Facebook and other social media sites; a framed copy can face visitors to your office or studio.

I send copies of appropriate bios to organizers of public speaking engagements twice; once when arrangements have been confirmed, and just prior to the event. I also carry copies to the event in case the host does not have one. Depending on the purpose of the engagement, the bio/intro may be short or long. If short, I print it on cardstock, as well as 8.5 x 11- inch stationery. I also carry a copy with bulleted key points in a non-glare archival quality sleeve in my presentation folder…for those unexpected occasions when I end up having to introduce myself. [With bulleted data, I can choose to add or delete points that I may decide are, or are not, appropriate to the day’s audience.]

FYI: I recently received a call from a radio personality wanting to interview me. For a mere $125 per quarter of an hour, I can be featured on a drive-time radio show…This has reminded me of other [free] opportunities I have had. Not only am I glad to have varied bios at the ready for those I choose to pursue, but I’m thinking about preparing a series of questions that I might want an interviewer to ask…

Wishing you the best in your creative endeavors,
Jeanne Burrows-Johnson, author, consultant, and motivational speaker

For more ideas to strengthen your Wordpower^© and branding, please visit: Imaginings Wordpower and Design Consultation.

Follow Me:
Amazon, Arizona Authors Association, Apple Books
Audible, Authors Den, Barnes and Noble, Blogarama, Book Bub
Cozy Mysteries-Unlimited, Facebook, Good Reads, Hometown Reads

Book sellers may contact book distributors such as:
Baker & Taylor, Follett, IPG, Ingram, Mackin, Midpoint, TitleWave