The Week That Was...

Where have I been?! I haven't posted in quite some time now. Well let's see. Last week was a blur. Not in the sense that I don't remember what happened, but in the sense that I had two events in one week. The amount of planning and running around that happened, and poof, just like that it was all over, in what seemed like an instant.

First I had the website launch party on Tuesday, January 22, where I also did a photo shoot with the photographer extraordinaire +Maria U (@MariaUst - twitter). The shoot/party was held at Goose & Firkin (@GooseandFirkin - twitter). They renovated their restaurant last year, and the place has a really cool vibe. The food was really good too. I will post pictures of what I had eaten there (like the sliders - yum!) on my Foodies, but Goodies page very soon. I will also post pictures from the event on www.uponastarbooks.ca.

Then I had a book reading and book launch party for the kiddies this past Sunday. It started off very stressful because in old Jessica fashion I planned the event and organized everything myself. Thankfully my mom and my BFF Justine were able to help me set up. Love those ladies! Then my cousin Donna was able to help out too, especially for the colouring contest. Overall I had the turnout that I wanted (10 kids) and I had a great time. Most importantly, the kids had a good time. Apparently one of the kids told their family when they got home that "it was amazing." Too cute.

I also got more positive feedback about the book, "What If the World Had No Colour?"
Since I last wrote a post, I had mentioned that I was going to be sending out emails to try and get media attention. I've come to realize that my emails are most likely going straight to the junk mail pile. Don't laugh, this is not an excuse! I first noticed this a few weeks ago when trying to book a venue for my party. The gentleman said he never received anything from me, and then a few days later he said he found it in his junk mail. So I thought it was just him, but then when I contacted a local media station, they said they never received it, and I kind of believed them because the first time I tried emailing them, I received a failed delivery notification, and then the second time I sent it, it seemingly went through [straight to the junk mail pile no doubt]. So the previous night I sent out a bunch of emails, but out of curiousity I tried sending the same email to my gmail account to see if it was working, and what do you know, it went straight to spam. So now I have to call a bunch of folks to see if they have actually been receiving my emails. My guess is no, and if that is the case, I can breathe a sigh of relief, that people aren't ignoring me, they just aren't getting my emails at all. Now of course, there is a chance that after this issue is corrected they might actually ignore me, but I am keeping POSITIVE, that I WILL receive responses, and that they will be GREAT responses!

Until next time. 

Follow on twitter:
@Jess_alex88
@UponAStarBooks
@MariaUst
@GooseandFirkin

Media Blitz

My quote of the week:

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure ~ Bill Cosby

It's Media Time

As promised I am documenting my journey as I try to publish and sell my first book.  This week is all about the media. I've been dealing with social media, but it's overdue that I push the pavement (so to speak) and let publications (both online and print), as well as local TV stations, know about my first book. So this is the next step, follow me as I try to get noticed in the media for my new book. 

I chose the Bill Cosby quote this week because contacting the media can be daunting; down right intimidating. Now is not the time to worry about rejection. It's like what we learned growing up; the worst that they can say is no. Well, the worst that could happen is that they can completely ignore me, but hey, at least I can say that I tried. Right now though, my mentality has to be in a positive mind-frame. I will contact the media. I will get a response. I will have a positive outcome by reaching out to the media. 

I have a good story that people need to hear. This is something that I have to remind myself to focus on when I am putting my product out there. 

Within the next few weeks I will continue to update the blog, and our official website (www.uponastarbooks.ca) with any media coverage that I have received. From there, I will also update you on any upcoming events that I will be hosting or attending.

Until next time! 

Who to Follow on Twitter:

@Jess_alex88 (me)
@AfroLengths (associates)
@MariaUst (associate)

Who to Follow on Google+:

+Maria U 
+Athena Alexandra Bulbulian 
+Upon A Star Books 

NEW WEBSITE!

Upon A Star Books Launches Its Official Website!

Upon A Star Books Inc. launched its first official website Saturday, January 5, 2013. This is exciting because for the first few months we had an instant page, which was great but limited in what we could publish on it. Now with our site you can get updates, see tweets (from @UponAStarBooks) and even see my blog!

When my book What If the World Had No Colour? becomes available to the public on January 22, we will give the opportunity to purchase my book online as well! If you want to check it out visit www.uponastarbooks.ca, and be sure to let me know what you think. 

This is another step in my journey to having my books available worldwide. As promised I will continue to keep you posted on my progression in the publishing world.

Until next time!

Leaving Insanity in 2012

The definition of in-san-i-ty |inˈsanitē|

Sometimes life throws things at you, things that you would never have expected. It’s guaranteed to have curve balls in your life, but what do you do when this happens? Some people learn to ‘go with the flow,’ while others try and change the flow, putting the odds back in their favour. 

What about the everyday things though? The day to day life that one lives? How do we deal with the every day rut that one can find themselves getting in to? 

According to the New Oxford American dictionary, the definition of insanity is:

{noun}

• the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness 
• extreme foolishness or irrationality

Of course we also have heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If you are living your day to day life, doing the same routine, and you’re unhappy and are looking for a change, sometimes it is time for a change! Are you doing what you really love to do? 

I know it sounds like I am oversimplifying things. It’s not always easy to just stop doing what pays the bills, and start doing what you love to do because sometimes what you love doing doesn’t guarantee a paycheque every two weeks. Even if you stay at your 9 to 5, something's got to give. Maybe you need to take a jog in the morning, take an art class after work, go to the movies more often - something positive that will change up the same old, same old. I for instance, write stories, and even started my own business to accompany my regular old 9 to 5. 

Being unhappy is not worth it, and if you think that doing the same things that don’t make you happy will suddenly one day make you happy, then you’re insane!

Follow me +Jessica Alex on Google+ or @Jess_alex88 on twitter. 

Taking Action

My Quote of the Week:

Action is the foundational key to all success ~ Pablo Picasso


This quote is ironic because I have been slacking with the blog posts this week. You know, with Christmas and all, I didn't have a chance to make a new post about my progress. 

Things are coming along pretty good so far. Word of mouth is doing great. Every time I run in to someone I know, they heard about my book or want to buy my book.  If I'm getting this buzz from word of mouth, I have to keep the momentum going. Next month (which I less than a week away) I will be sending out copies for reviews with various publications. 
Any review that I get, I will be sure to post it right here. 

I have to say I am truly looking forward to 2013. A lot of people look for the new year to start fresh. In a way I'm looking forward to continue the roll that I've been on, but also expand on it in a major way. I have a few projects coming up in the new year (that I will keep under wraps until they become official). 

I also want to take this time to shout out @AfroLengths (Keshia and Marilyn) who are on their way to releasing an amazing hair product for the naturalistas in 2013. I also want to shout out +Maria U who is an amazing photographer, and my official photographer. I know that she has an amazing year ahead of her. I cannot forget +Athena Alexandra Bulbulian who is working on some new projects for 2013. 

Whether you are looking to start fresh, or keep the momentum going I wish you all the best! Remember: take action and just go for it!

My children's book: #whatiftheworldhadnocolour?

Champion Status

Every week I am going to look for a quote that will inspire me for the rest of my week.

My quote of the week:


I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'
~ Muhammad Ali


As you may know, publishing a book is hard work. It's even harder when you decide to go the independent route.

Nobody knows who I am, and has no reason to want to buy my book. The good news is, in the first week of printing my children's book, "What If the World Had No Colour?" I have sold 35 books through pre-orders! My next steps include getting my book online, and of course getting my book reviewed by a well-known publication.

By the end of this week I will update you with my progress, what I've accomplished and any new goals that I may have set!

FINALLLLLLY! My book is out!

What If the World Had No Colour?

My book, What If the World Had No Colour?, has been printed and is ready to sell. It is a children's book that deals with many issues including bullying, racism and prejudice. It's a fun, easy read filled with lots of bright colours that are appeasing to the eye. So far I have had quite a few pre-sales, but I'm am also trying to get the printed version up and ready on amazon.ca really soon. 

What's also coming soon is the eBook, which will be available through www.kobobooks.com

For more information on how you can get your hands on a copy go to www.uponastarbooks.ca or www.uponastarbooks.com and click on "contact us" and we'll get back to you right away. If you have a twitter account tweet #whatiftheworldhadnocolour? 

I think it's an important message that needs to be heard, and so far I have received a lot of positive feedback from it. 

Continue to follow me through my journey of publishing my first book as I try to get publicity and sales for it. I know I have a challenge ahead of me, but I know I am up for the task!

Until next time.