Book Trailer Buzz? What's that?

I have a really good excuse for not blogging in 2 weeks . . . I've been busy making this mini wee movie. It's a sample book trailer (think movie preview) for my not quite yet published novel, LOVE WORTH FIRE. Have a look and tell me if you think I should give Michael Landon Jr a call. Or if it makes you want to read the book. Or if it just gives you hives.

Yeah, I'm not sure about book trailers. I mean, it seems like a novel idea, (Yes. That was a pun. Clever of you to notice.) but most reading friends I ask have never heard of or seen one. I don't think readers usually go to a publisher's website looking for something to read. They might go to a favorite author's website, but probably won't think of that when they're jonesing for a juicy good book. And what about the authors they haven't heard of?

Hmm. So how are these teeny trailers supposed to get people interested in a book if they're just hanging out politely on some nice, upstanding website? C'mon you writers: we put great gobs of guts & glory into making these mini movie masterpieces, shouldn't we make sure someone sees them? (And should blogger put a ban on aliterations???)

How can we hitch these babies onto something everyone will see? I wonder if Kindle books can handle video clips. Y'know, like previews that come with your DVDs. Just a thought. The wave of the future, baby. Wax your board and c'mon y'all ---let's ride! Let's brainstorm a way to promo the promo. All serious suggestions will be taken seriously.

Here's my mini wee movie.

(Sound on - for those of you who normally turn off your speakers because of the ding dong alerts that distract you while you're being a very serious writer or some other kind of very serious person.)

~Camille

Mount Hermon: Last Minute Chance To Save $

Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference, coming up April 3-7 2009, has made a tremendous offer. If you have never been to this conference, and if you register to attend by April 1, and if you mention on your registration form that someone already registered (like me or someone else you know) invited you, you will receive $200 off the price of the conference! The regular cost varies according to your room choice, it ranges from $845 and up, so minus $200 if you take them up on this offer and attend this 5-day conference for $645. This includes EVERYTHING: tuition, materials, accommodations, excellent food, snacks between sessions, and all the editor/agent appointments and high quality workshops, morning tracks and keynote evening sessions you would expect from a professional writer's conference. The morning mentoring tracks are awesome too (10 students-to-1 teacher, intense daily critique sessions) but you need to sign up for those ahead and pay a little extra.

Check out the conference here: http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference/

But even though it’s a professional conference, the atmosphere is casual, serene and inviting. Mt Hermon is a sprawling, secluded campground nestled into a gorgeous redwood forest and includes scenic hiking/running trails. The evening sessions are awesome, beginning with a sweet time of worship (I love it when hundreds of people from various places and backgrounds worship the Lord together . . . makes me think of what it will be like in heaven). The setting is beautiful, peaceful and inspiring! Of course, the company isn't bad either. You'll meet editors, agents and writers from every facet of the media. I made some great friends with whom I still keep in contact. It really is an awesome conference. I came away from it last year full, excited, changed and inspired.

If you sign up, I or the person you mention will get to share in the savings too. If you have never been to Mt Hermon and you register by APRIL 1 and give the name of the person who invited you, that person will also get $200 off our conference cost. I think this is a huge offer on their part, and certainly makes going to a high quality Christian writer's conference more affordable for us all.

Are you up for it? I had the most amazing time last year. I hope you will consider going with such a huge discount being offered. It is well worth the price! Let me know if you decide to go on my invitation. I would love to see you there.

~Camille Eide

I Love It When A God Plan Comes Together. . .

I'm so thrilled - my writing buddy CARLA STEWART (and her agent) signed a two book deal this week, her first publishing contract. Carla is a phenomenal writer! (I know, I'm the writer this blog is supposed to be about, but I just can't help myself)

I can't wait to get my hands on A Dandelion Day coming out in 2010, and the second (yet untitiled) after that.

One of the things I admire about Carla is her love for the Lord, and her humility. Okay, that's two things. But it's a lovely combo, don't you think? I love it when the Lord gently reminds us that we are in His hands, and that all things work together for the good for those who love Him, whose heart's desire is to follow Him. Carla mentioned on her blog that her apprehensions about the future were stilled by remembering that it was God who brought her this far. I love that, as I need to remind myself this same thing regularly. Her comment reminded me of the story of Peter when Jesus called him out of the boat. Peter lost sight of Who had called him and enabled him to walk on water, and he started to sink. I pray my friend will keep her eyes on Jesus, and I know she will.

And when I mentioned the Peter getting out of the boat thing, Carla told me she had been praying in that exact way---that the Lord would let her step out on the water and keep her eyes on Him. What an amazing God we serve! I love the truths in His word that comfort, guide, and correct us. I love it when He confirms our prayers like this, reminding us that He is listening and is intent on helping us as we step out into the unknown, venture into uncharted waters. I believe that when we aim to use our abilities to glorify God, he will move mountains and quell raging seas to help us succeed. How can you not love that!

That's all, I just wanted to rave a little. :-)