DIANA RODRIGUEZ WALLACH

I had this thought the other day. I was going around to bookstores in South Jersey, dropping off bookplates for all three YA novels in my series (yay!) and introducing myself to store managers. And every time I walked from the parking lot to the store, I had the distinct urge to change into a pink suit, ring a doorbell and yell “Avon calling!” (Not that there’s anything wrong with Avon. It’s a lovely company, I’m sure).

But here’s the thing—I’m not shy. I also don’t fear public speaking (that much). But even I get nervous introducing myself to book sellers for the first time. Do other authors feel this way? I can’t imagine what it would be like if you were introverted.

Add to that, I’m in the process of editing my book trailer (stay tuned, it should be ready by Friday). And while I was logging the footage I shot on my last trip to Puerto Rico, laying down audio, and overlapping titles, I wondered—what do people do who don’t have a broadcast journalism degree? It’s not like first time authors (at least most of them) are rolling around in extra dough.

And how about websites? I’m lucky enough to have a husband who works for an online advertising agency. Hence, my website was free. My web designer even works weekends (from the couch next to me…in his PJs). But I can’t imagine what it would cost to pay someone do all this.

Not to mention, this morning I sent out a Media Advisory about my book launch party to a couple dozen reporters in the Philadelphia area. Many of these are contacts I had developed through my previous job (handling marketing for a nonprofit). Now of course, authors don’t have to do this. We all have publicists who do their part. But I think it’s nice to give it that extra effort. Because let’s face it, no one’s going to work harder for your success than you are.

But my point is, it almost seems like to be an author these days you need a degree in graphic design, an MBA, a few years in film school and your own PR firm. I think they should come out with an “Apprentice: Extreme Publishing Edition.” Because if we can fake our way through all of this, then we can surely handle the Donald.

POP-CULTURE RANT: Olympics

I’m obsessed with the Olympics. It’s almost as bad as my obsession with the primaries during the Obama/Hillary race. But, wow, talk about stepping up. I’m convinced at this point that Michael Phelps is a superhero. He and Lance Armstrong should have their own country where they train other people were similar superpowers. I mean, did you guys see that men’s relay race? My husband and I were jumping up and down! And I can’t wait for the women’s gymnastic finals. I even find beach volleyball interesting. U-S-A! U-S-A!