A Place for Links

I found a great site to share links and stories called KiRTSY. This is my first post. I hope to add more gradually. I will post them here as well as on twitter, myspace, and facebook, etc. Http://shar.es/XiGyd

http://aalbc.com/reviews/phenomenally_me.html?sms_ss=twitte

Updates and Introducing: Once Tangled Wings

So, an update. My book has finally been listed online in bookstores. However, Publish America switched distributors and that put my book behind in getting made available to you. This was very disappointing. Finally, Publish America switched back to its original distributor since things weren't working out with the new one. My cover image is still not showing up on my page. However, if you click on the blank image it takes you to my page which has a user submitted photo that can be viewed.

Did you know I published a second book? This time I went with Xlibris. The book was released August 2010 and was available on Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobles, etc. one month later. Amazon has a tracking system to let you know how many books per week you sell. I haven't checked with other bookstores to see if they do the same yet. I bet they do as well.

I had a book launch party in November. I had a fellow poet share some of his poetry to open. His name is Desjaun Benson-an aspiring author who is witty and poetic in his own captivating style. Then, I followed with a series of hand selected poems from both books. I shared some personal tidbits along the way. This was recorded and can be seen on Youtube.com. I also shared it on facebook. It will be posted to my facebook fan sites soon: Sarah Heidelberg.

On December 6th I participated in Main Street Book's 7th Annual Author Extravaganza. It lasted for three hours. There were so many authors there, it was difficult to get people to buy. I sold my first book that night to fellow author Charlsie Russell who wrote Epico Bayou. She has been an invaluable asset to my writing career because she has helped me in preparing my latest manuscript which is a novella. I have not been devoting as much time to it as I would like during the holidays, but I plan to get back to it soon. I am planning on playing my violin for a sorority sister's wedding in February and have to devote much of my time preparing for that event. I want to take my time on this last book, but I don't know how patient Xlibris will be with me. I have already received my initial proofs for the cover and the inside text. But after getting with Charlsie, my story has undertaken an overhaul. There is so much I want to change and improve. I just hope they allow me to. I hope they do not rush me because I have already paid to have my final two books published. I want everything just so. It will be my first novella. I will keep you updated on it. It's title will be Stream Into A Raging River.


As far as other things going on in my life. I recently, as in, December 10, 2010, graduated with my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I am so thankful to God and those that helped me that I was able to complete that endeavor. If you would like to purchase a copy of my books you can go to this link: or go to:

I am really excited about the increase in sales that the holidays have brought on. I hope this continues into the NEW YEAR!

Book soon to Amazon, Borders, etc.

Finally, my book has been entered into the system of Amazon.com and Borders.com. I am awaiting Barnes and Nobles and Books-A-Million because I would love to have booksignings at those locations and they like to order the books from their own systems.

I have a book review by QBR coming out in September, I am really looking forward to. I have been reviewed by the AALBC and the Book Cubby. I would like to try to get reviewed by USA Today if possible!

Update

I recieved my first review today! It was favorable, so I'm feeling pretty good. It was by T.S. Wilkins of thebookcubby.com. I have two more supposed reviews coming. One by the AALBC due April 20, 2010 and the other by QBR hopefully due in May.

I sent a copy to Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Ntozake Shange. You never know... Now I am ready for my first book signing with Barnes and Noble. It will be this Thursday and Friday on the USM campus. I made flyers and handouts and have a few books available to sell.

Today I found that my book is being featured at Authors Den. I am so excited about getting hits. I added a few poems from my book to the site. My project for the next month is to set up booksignings. Hopefully, I will have one at the University in Barnes and Nobles and one in Laurel, maybe at the library. This depends on whether or not my books are returnable to my publisher. Something I found could be an issue.

There is a weekly open mic night, Friday nights, at Taste's Bar and Lounge in Hattiesburg. I haven't yet attended one of these events, but I will keep it in mind and will post the days that I plan on going. I recently performed Sugar Metaphor at Chocolate and Candlelight held at Taste's on February 11. No Sugar Metaphor is not in my book, but it may be on the Authors Den site soon.

I created a group on Linkedin.com. Its called Phenomenally Me like the one on facebook. Feel free to join.

I have sold a total of two of my personal copies of Phenomenally Me. I look forward to many more. I have never thought of myself as a salesman, so this is new to me. What I am learning is that the books, pretty much sell themselves. I have quite a few more people who have told me they plan to buy a book. Yay! The journey begins.

Official Release Date

I recently found out that my official release date, when it will be available on Amazon.com and various other online bookstores, is March 20, 2010. So if you order now you will be ahead of the game. Order now at http://www.publishamerica.net/product88848.html. I am looking for reviewers now so you can request a free review copy on the publishamerica.net site.

Join "Phenomenally Me" on Facebook. Order your copy of the book from PublishAmerica.com. Just go to the Online Bookstore and type Phenomenally Me into the search bar.

Out Today!

I just got informed that my book is out. It is available on the Publish America website. It is listed as Poetry and African-American. I encourage you to go ahead and order your book now. Those of you who have heard me read my poetry over the years know that publishing has always been a dream of mine. I can actually say that it is a dream come true.

My next venture is to plan a booksigning in my hometown of Laurel as soon as possible.

Cover Design!

I am still in the process of being published and today I received my front and back cover proofs. I am pleased with my cover design. It represents layers of self and employs beautiful colors. I have waited quite a long time for my cover and I feel relieved that its here.

I have been working hard on my website and have included audio and visual poems for your enjoyment. I still do not have my release date yet. I will keep you posted on that and where my book will be available for purchase.

The First of the Year

Here it is...2010. I am looking forward to many good things this year. One of them is the arrival of my book! I can't hardly wait.