If you’re gonna shop, shop local for a local cause
I must confess, I’m not a big-time Black Friday girl.
I have been taking the day off after Thanksgiving and skipping the whole shopping blitz for a bunch of reasons:
- I really don’t like shopping
- I really don’t do well in crowds
- I really don’t want to be that conspicuous a consumer
I also buy gifts throughout the year as I find them because that’s just how I roll.
Still, after Black Friday, there is Small Business Saturday (and I suppose Sunday, too, by default). I support this practice, if one must shop, especially if it means you’re also supporting local artists.
(And Etsy is another great place to visit if you are looking for something specific… and you can “shop local” using their filters to locate artisans who are geographically close to you.)
Looking for books as holiday gifts?
Tomorrow, I will be participating in the Jingle Fest in Bremerton, joining my pals at the Author Event Network booth to supply shoppers with gift options for all kinds of books published by local authors.
We have all kinds of genres on board, including memoir, poetry, science fiction, children’s, thriller, and more, all of these written by authors from all around the Salish Sea (for those not familiar, this is the new reference to the Puget Sound).
Some are traditionally published, some are indies, but trust me, there’s a little something there for everyone who likes to read.
Naturally, I’ll be there with copies of Intention Tremor to sign and sell.
This book makes a great gift for someone who enjoys poetry, literary nonfiction, and medical memoir written with strokes of honesty, humor, and hope.
I’ve probably sold more copies as gifts for other people, if that helps you understand the vibe Intention Tremor puts out there.
Sometimes copies even end up in neurology offices, where people in need of perspective and insight into a new MS or other neuromuscular diagnosis can find needed grounding and support.
Signed books cost $15, and I’m also offering coffee mugs (pictured, upper right) featuring a popular inspirational quote from Intention Tremor printed on the side, for $10.
Remember, 100% of my sales benefit the Accelerated Cure Project.
If you’re local, you should go to Jingle Fest!
Let me count the wins that come from attending Jingle Fest and buying my book (or one of my peers’ books) …
WIN #1: you can support a local author
WIN #2: you can benefit a smart nonprofit working hard to streamline research toward a cure for MS
WIN #3: you can find a fantastic gift for yourself, a friend, or family member
WIN #4: you can enjoy a fun Sunday excursion
WIN #5+++: you can also celebrate these additional wins… Meals on Wheels is offering swag bags for the “First 250” through the doors each day. Santa will be there for photo opps! You’ll find bake sales and live entertainment, hot food vendors, raffles, and even a gift-wrapping booth.
I hope to see you there, and if you find me, ask me to read a poem to you, it would be my pleasure!
WHAT: Jingle Fest
WHEN: Saturday, November 25 from 10am to 5pm || Sunday, November 26 from 10am to 4pm
WHERE: The Author Event Network Booth in President’s Hall, 1250 Fairgrounds Rd NW, Bremerton, WA 98311 Directions/location
COST: Free to attend, free parking! Hosted by Kitsap Meals on Wheels