Conversations with Calliope- Book Publicity

(Erie Canal Lock)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's afoot this morning?
JOE: I was just thinking over my weekend.
CALLIOPE: Were you satisfied with it?
JOE: I enjoyed all the socializing and even got a little work done.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: Distributing my book announcement to my readers, thinking about my next book and planning my publicity.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more ab out the publicity.
JOE: I will notify all my contacts on various sites, do some videos for Youtube and ask for an announcement in the local paper.
CALLIOPE: What focus do you plan to take with the newspaper?
JOE: Distributing my book for free, it's format as a dialogue which is unique as far as I know and what goes into being a writer.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good start. Do you ever pay for advertising?
JOE: I haven't yet and don't think that is a very efficient or productive approach at least for me considering the cost.
CALLIOPE: So you plan to rely more on word of mouth.
JOE: I do. At least for the time being. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Ten Reasons

(Odd Inspirations)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: The wheels are turning.
CALLIOPE: With what results?
JOE: Yesterday I continued my final review of Conversations with Calliope: A Year With My Muse. In the back of my mind was a question about how to market it.
CALLIOPE: Did something occur to you?
JOE: It did. I ran across a reference to something I tried with Navigating Life.
CALLIOPE: Don't be coy. Tell me.
JOE: I wrote and posted ten reasons to read the book and ten reasons not to.
CALLIOPE: I recall. Are you planning a similar adventure for our book?
JOE: I am.
CALLIOPE: What will you include in the lists?
JOE: That's my challenge for today. Want to help?
CALLIOPE: I'll get right on it and let you in on any ideas which occur to me.
JOE: Much appreciated. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope-Sleepy Ideas

(Sunset in Leroy)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Sleepy.
CALLIOPE: Didn't you go to bed last night?
JOE: I did but I kept waking up with new ideas for my writing.
CALLIOPE: I had a few ideas I thought I might share with you.
JOE: Thanks. I woke up early and wrote them all down before I forgot them.
CALLIOPE: I hope they help.
JOE: I'm sure they will?
CALLIOPE: Where do you plan to start?
JOE: I finished reviewing our book, Conversations with Calliope, and I think the text is adequate.
CALLIOPE: But?
JOE: It could use a little enhancement.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: I am going to try adding a cream background instead of white which seems a little boring. I will also rearrange some of the photos and complete an index I started yesterday. I also plan to add to the announcement and publicity ten reasons to read this book and ten reasons not to. I'm anxious to get going again. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Appearing on the Radio

(Daisies)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How did the radio show go?
JOE: Quite well I thought.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: I have appeared on the radio before. Although I was not sure exactly what to expect, I didn't feel nervous.
CALLIOPE: What put you at ease?
JOE: I arrived early and watched the interview before mine. I had also met Wanda Frank, the host of the show and knew her style.
CALLIOPE: What happened on the air?
JOE: She asked me to introduce myself and my book, Navigating Life.
CALLIOPE: Then what?
JOE: I had sent her a brochure before the show and she chose several points I had outlined to explore further.
CALLIOPE: Anything else?
JOE: She wanted to know what were the major influences in what I write now.
CALLIOPE: What did you tell her?
JOE: I had been thinking about this on the way to the show. I told her I had nine years in the seminary and monastery to think about life, especially my own. Then I worked for thirty-five years as a psychologist helping people make sense of their lives. All in all, a good experience. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Radio Publicity

Whale Mural- Robert Wyland

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What are you up to today?
JOE: In a couple hours I will be appearing on a local radio talk show in Batavia.
CALLIOPE: Have you ever done that before?
JOE: I have, but not about my writing.
CALLIOPE: What's the focus today?
JOE: I will have a ten minute spot in which my book, Navigating Life: Commonsense Reflections for the Voyage will be featured.
CALLIOPE: Not much time. How will you handle it?
JOE: It is in the hands of the interviewer Wanda Frank who has hosted the show for many years. I have met her socially at arts events. She is a respected figure in the local arts community and has directed a number of community theater musicals over the years.
CALLIOPE: What do you expect will happen?
JOE: As she put it, she will pick my brain.
CALLIOPE: And what will she find?
JOE: My reasons for writing.
CALLIOPE: Which are?
JOE: To encourage people to take charge of their lives for the communal good. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope-Newsletter

(Sea Lions- Pier 39, San Francisco)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little sluggish.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: Hard to tell. Sometimes I get off to little slower start. Today is one of these days.
CALLIOPE: What are you up to today?
JOE: Now that I have my column on perfection finished for Saturday, I will turn to other matters. I have been thinking about a newsletter.
CALLIOPE: What are you thinking?
JOE: I have been sending my column to a growing list of people. I have considered making it into a newsletter with quotes, photos and writing news as well as the column.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting. Who would you invite?
JOE: People already on my mailing list as well as people I have met in various online groups and whom I have established as friends.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good start. How are you doing otherwise with making people aware of your work?
JOE: I've been thinking about that too. I haven't done any local publicity for my book yet but have started exploring options for radio stations and the newspaper. I am also looking at a reader forum at church.
CALLIOPE: So at least the wheels are turning.
JOE: They are. Now I'm ready for the day. Thanks for listening. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Podcasting

(Diverse Audience)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I wasn't sure I would hear from you today.
JOE: It turns out I was busy for a while.
CALLIOPE: So early? What were you up to?
JOE: I was engaged in a Podcast about my writing.
CALLIOPE: With whom?
JOE: John Murray for his now podcast series Rambling Verser, associated with Story Institute.
CALLIOPE: I see. How did it go?
JOE: Quite well. He sent me a series of questions he wished to explore and I was ready when he called.
CALLIOPE: Do you like having the questions ahead of time?
JOE: It made the interview much easier. I could concentrate on expressing myself rather than being nervous about what to say or what was coming next.
CALLIOPE: Did you get to say what you wanted to?
JOE: I did. I have had a little experience with podcasts in the past as well as a recorder interview about my writing. I think I am becoming much more comfortable with the process.
CALLIOPE: What did you learn from the experience today?
JOE: One of his questions was what made my readers unique? I hadn't thought much about this until he posed the question. I realized that my readers were thoughtful about their own lives and concerned about their effect on others. They also approach life from a spiritual perspective, which I define as "awakening to the goodness and joy for which you were created." Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Marketing

(Herb Market- Vigo Spain)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Ready for a new week and a new year.
CALLIOPE: What did you do over the weekend?
JOE: Nothing too taxing. I relaxed, skied, watched some football and sat for ideas.
CALLIOPE: I'm glad you're pacing yourself. Did any ideas come to you?
JOE: I've been thinking about marketing. I concentrated on announcing my book on the internet and have covered all my current contacts.
CALLIOPE: Now what?
JOE: I'm continuing to work on article marketing.
CALLIOPE: Did you submit any articles lately?
JOE: Yes. I sent my article on creativity being a result of inspiration and perspiration to Article Marketing and Ezine.
CALLIOPE: Have you thought of other article marketing sites.
JOE: I have a long list of them and am just beginning to explore the possibilities.
CALLIOPE: How about local publicity?
JOE: I have been considering local service groups, the library, bookstores and the local radio station. I will work on those outlets this week. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Nineteenth century tavern- Genesee Country Village)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: Good. I have my Christmas shopping and report writing done and am ready to get back to work on my writing.
CALLIOPE: Did you get anything literary done yesterday?
JOE: I finished posting the reading guides I developed and shared with you a couple days ago.
CALLIOPE: Did you do one for Navigating Life?
JOE: Not yet. I need to wait until my book is listed on Amazon so I can include it.
CALLIOPE: I see. What plans do you have for today?
JOE: I think I will start posting this blog on the sites where I previously did.
CALLIOPE: Don't you still have links there to this site?
JOE: I do but decided it was too much to expect readers to travel here. I thought it might be best to just post them where I did before.
CALLIOPE: Why did you change your mind?
JOE: It had to do with Google. I thought that by listing my blog in several places it reduced the Search Engine Optimization qualities of the blog.
CALLIOPE: Doesn't it?
JOE: I think so but decided it made more sense to have greater visibility than to count on it optimizing visits to my web site. Talk to you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Butterfly Museum- Niagara Falls, Ontario)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. I was up early to start soup and bread. Today is the beginning of our holiday entertaining. We have a noon and dinner seating.
CALLIOPE: Sounds busy. How about the book?
JOE: Yesterday I sent in the final manuscript and cover files. Now someone else's technology takes over and out will come a book.
CALLIOPE: When do you expect it?
JOE: I'm hoping it will be ready in a week or two.
CALLIOPE: So what are your plans in the mean time?
JOE: Yesterday I modified my web site to include Navigating Life. I also started working on some marketing materials I have accumulated but not yet perused.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good plan. Do you have any other writing projects in mind?
JOE: I have been thinking of doing a book of our conversations. I would like to take a little break until Navigating Life is in print. Then I'll start working on our book.
CALLIOPE: I can't wait. Have you looked back over our conversations?
JOE: No, I haven't. But I think they give a glimpse into the ongoing progress and frustrations a writer faces on a day to day basis.
CALLIOPE: There have been some of each.
JOE: No question. Right no I'm happy with the progress. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Geese preparing for migration)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: Busy but productive.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more?
JOE: I was gone most of yesterday. Saturday night I received an online proof of Navigating Life. I did a little editing and returned it as a final copy for publication.
CALLIOPE: Is your book ready for printing?
JOE: Almost. There are a few details to settle such as the price, advertising copy for Amazon, etc.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you're getting close. Did you have time to do anything else?
JOE: Yesterday morning before I left for my travels, I composed a marketing brochure for Navigating Life. The brochure is getting good reviews from the few people to whom I showed it.
CALLIOPE: Do you think it will help with sales?
JOE: Yes. I have already sold some copies even before the book is printed.
CALLIOPE: To what do you attribute this?
JOE: The title, cover art, spiritual theme and my reputation based on selections from the book which I previously published.
CALLIOPE: Great. What's next?
JOE: I plan to start developing other promotional materials such as a sample chapter on my web site, print and video materials for MySpace, YouTube and other sites. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Carol examining jewelry)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What have you been up to?
JOE: I was in Batavia all day yesterday getting my car fixed and helping my son set up a print show as well as photographing his most recent prints.
CALLIOPE: Does that mean you had no time for literary pursuits?
JOE: Unfortunately it does. I guess I can't count on having every day available for writing.
CALLIOPE: I guess you're right. What about today?
JOE: A different story. I plan to get back to work.
CALLIOPE: Doing what specifically?
JOE: Further takes on my promotional videos for one thing.
CALLIOPE: Do you think you can produce acceptable ones on your own?
JOE: Good question. I was just thinking about that. I don't think they need to be highly professional for YouTube or MySpace. If I'm not satisfied I am considering looking for a communications student at Genesee Community College who might be in need of a project.
CALLIOPE: Good thought. Anything else planned?
JOE: I plan to get back to revision of Marital Property and consideration of my friend Gerry's comments which he sent some time ago.
CALLIOPE: How come you have not looked at them yet?
JOE: I wanted to finish my first person oriented draft first. Now it is ready. On with the show. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Spanish Moss- New Orleans)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Less burdened by possessions.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I recycled bags and bags of old papers and am packing up boxes of old books.
CALLIOPE: Where did they all come from?
JOE: My years as a psychologist. I had file after file of information which might come in useful sometime but seldom did. I also have a collection of early psychology books documenting the past hundred years or so in my field.
CALLIOPE: Do you think you might use them sometime?
JOE: Hard to say but these days many old books are available online if I should need to consult them. So far they have mainly taken up space.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel with a leaner collection of possessions?
JOE: Leaner. It feels like I have been dragging things around for years which clutter my space. I'm glad to have more room. My mind has more space too.
CALLIOPE: What's on your agenda today?
JOE: More sorting and packing. I think I am ready to get back to work on publicity for The Pastor's Inferno and plan to work on my video "Are You Afraid of This Book" with the equipment I have available rather than waiting any longer to get my video camera back in operation.
CALLIOPE: You can always update it in the future if you aren't happy with it.
JOE: My thoughts exactly. Time for work. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. I just got back from a massage and am feeling quite relaxed.
CALLIOPE: Ready to go to work now?
JOE: I am. Yesterday I caught up on most of my marketing and correspondence.
CALLIOPE: Most?
JOE: Well, I still need to send the Daily News review of The Pastor's Inferno to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
CALLIOPE: Is that difficult?
JOE: It wasn't the last time I sent one. I hope it's not too complicated.
CALLIOPE: What's up for today?
JOE: I was just wondering that myself. I would like to review another story on Critique Circle and then post Or Not To Be for review. Then I think I will get to work planning the videos I have had on hold.
CALLIOPE: Why on hold?
JOE: I am not satisfied with the video quality of my webcam. I am waiting for a new USB cable for my Canon camera so I can use it for recording my podcasts. I expect it any day.
CALLIOPE: What's kept you from doing the planning?
JOE: Procrastination. I focused on other things while waiting for the cable. But today I'm ready to get going. Talk with you tomorrow.
(Sandwash- Batavia, NY)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good. My main goal was to finish writing my column for Saturday and I accomplished that.
CALLIOPE: What is it about?
JOE: The title is Hear What You Want to Hear and Disregard the Rest.
CALLIOPE: Shades of Simon and Garfunkel. Tell me more.
JOE: I wrote about selective listening and how people often listen to what they agree with or are ready to dispute, ignoring everything in between and creating misunderstandings.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting. Will it be available Saturday as usual?
JOE: Yes. On my Commonsense Wisdom website.
CALLIOPE: What else did you do yesterday?
JOE: Worked on familiarizing myself with my new camera. I feel like I am running short on stock photos. I also continued editing Marital Property and gave Carol some initial chapters to read.
CALLIOPE: You're making progress.
JOE: I am, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all I have chosen to do.
CALLIOPE: I'm glad you realized you have chosen your tasks. Some people feel like they just have things dumped on them.
JOE: I know it is my choice and that I can work as hard and as fast as I want. I just need to keep my priorities straight. I think I might do better to finish the editing and then be free to concentrate on other tasks. On to editing. Talk with you tomorrow.
(Sunset- Dunkirk, NY)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Quite busy. My mind is swimming.
CALLIOPE: What's on your plate?
JOE: I have a presentation tomorrow at 1:00 PM at the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. I have done the presentation before but want to review it and make sure everything is ready to go.
CALLIOPE: What's it about?
JOE: I will be discussing the various types of writing I do and using examples of my work for people interested in writing. It is part public relations and partly for publicity.
CALLIOPE: What else is going on?
JOE: I received my first professional review of The Pastor's Inferno. I will post it on my website. The problem is that I can't access my e-mail or website for some reason. I am trying to reach my Internet service provider to see what the problem is.
CALLIOPE: Anything else?
JOE: Yes. I have come to the realization that I have been presenting The Pastor's Inferno as a novel about sexual abuse with I think might be turning people off. It is really about the search for redemption and I think I need to stress this more in my publicity.
CALLIOPE: Good thought.
JOE: I better get going before I run out of time to do everything. See you on Monday.

(Last gasp of winter in Batavia)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. A little late aren't you.
JOE: I decided to treat myself to a massage this morning.
CALLIOPE: Must be nice. Are you ready to get to work?
JOE: I'm relaxed.
CALLIOPE: What did you get done yesterday?
JOE: Quite a bit I guess. I spent the morning working on a publicity flier for my presentation on Writing for the Soul at the end of the month.
CALLIOPE: Can I see it?
JOE: I'll post it at the end today's entry and see what happens.
CALLIOPE: Okay. Anything else yesterday?
JOE: I did some more exploration of publicity and updated information about me in various locales.
CALLIOPE: Any actual writing?
JOE: No. I had some research to do for my next chapter. I would like to have my couple revisit their siblings and friends who appeared earlier in the book. I had to go back to find out what happened the first time around and what these people would be interested in hearing.
CALLIOPE: Do you plan to do some writing today?
JOE: That's my plan for the afternoon. Talk with you tomorrow. Following is the release, but with some of the formatting omitted:

Sliding Otter Publications
598 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020
www.commonsense-wisdom.com
(585) 343-2693

Writing for the Soul: A Conversation with an Author
Lift Bridge Book Shop
45 Main St.
Brockport, NY 14420
(585) 637-2260
Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joseph G. Langen
Web: http://www.commonsense-wisdom.com/
Email: jlangen@commonsense-wisdom.com
Phone: (585) 343-2693
Have you ever wondered about writers or wanted to be one?
Did you ever wonder why writers write, who people write for or how they write? Many people say they could write if they wanted to or if they had the time and think writing is easy. Others don’t write because they think it’s too hard. Join Dr. Langen for a discussion of these topics, illustrated by selections from his writings. He will share examples of his journal, blog, short story, newspaper column, novel, memoir and inspirational writings. Maybe it’s time for you to start writing too. This presentation is free of charge.

About the Author
Dr. Langen has been a psychologist for many years working in various agencies and in private practice. His book, Young Man of the Cloth, chronicles his nine years in the seminary and monastery. He has also published a book of inspirational life observations, Commonsense Wisdom for Everyday Life. His novel, The Pastor’s Inferno, portrays how a sexually abusive priest seeks redemption for his misdeeds. He is currently working on his second novel, Marital Property, about a couple coming to terms with their marriage problems. For more information about Dr. Langen and his writing, please see his website at http://www.commonsense-wisdom.com/. He also maintains a blog about the daily writing process through conversations with his muse at http://www.commonsense-wisdom.blogspot.com/.

(Tower Bridge- London)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE:Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Well, than you. My cold is hanging on but is close to banishment.
CALLIOPE: Did you get much done yesterday?
JOE: Alas. I had other commitments which kept me from concentrating on creative pursuits.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: A mental health meeting, dentist appointment and exercise.
CALLIOPE: I see. Did you work on your writing at all?
JOE: I did wander around MySpace trying to figure out how I could use it to my advantage.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: Not too much. It still seems like an electronic playground. I will have to explore a bit more to see if it can be useful. I wonder how other writers use it.
CALLIOPE: Me too. Maybe some of them will favor us with their opinions. What do you plan to do today?
JOE: I write up an agenda for today already. I plan to work this morning on benefits of my books and finding famous quotes to support my writings. This afternoon I will get back to work on Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: You sound like you are still struggling with working consistently.
JOE: I guess I am. Not having regular phone service has thrown me off somewhat. But I will keep working at it and try to regain my balance.

(Warming up in San Juan)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.

CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?

JOE: Better than I was yesterday. I visited a chiropractor who put my back in shape again so I can sit up straight and sleep at night.

CALLIOPE: Sounds good to me. What did you work on yesterday?

JOE: I developed a business card for The Pastor's Inferno containing its basic nformation. I thought it might be easier to carry around than announcements, especially on my trip next week.

CALLIOPE: Your trip?

JOE: I thought I told you. Carol and I are going on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean, our usual Valentine's Day jaunt to get away from the cold for a while. We are going with three other couples and looking forward to it.

CALLIOPE: Sounds great. How is the eulogy coming?

JOE: It's just about finished. I am still waiting to hear from a few of Aunt Lucille's children which might be last minute. I left them messages and they may or may not call. If not, I should see them at the funeral home tomorrow night.

CALLIOPE: Could I see the eulogy?

JOE: Of course. I will post it Thursday morning. I think it only fair that the family see it first.

CALLIOPE: I agree. Any progress with our poor couple in Marital Property?

JOE: You will be relieved to know that their passion has been requited. They were. Both seemed to enjoy themselves and each other immensely and are looking forward to their next practice session in the bedroom.

CALLIOPE: So am I. What's up for today?

JOE: I have some final work to do on the business card. I also plan to do some work on marketing this morning. This afternoon I will see if my couple is ready for another bedroom practice session. Talk with you tomorrow.

(Sunset- Dunkirk, NY)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good afternoon Joe. I was beginning to think I wouldn't hear from you today.
JOE: Never fear. Actually I have been quite busy with things I have let go all week to work on marketing. I won't bore you with the details.
CALLIOPE: Okay. What progress have you made on marketing?
JOE: I am busy finding contacts for news releases at the moment. I am making good progress, but finding detailed accurate contact information is not always so easy. I did search the library yesterday for newspaper contacts and magazine contacts. I also discovered Gale's, a wealth of information when I find the time.
CALLIOPE: You sound quite busy. Any progress with Marital Property?
JOE: Yes. I worked on the bedroom chapter with my couple. I thought I had reached the end of the chapter but they were having too much fun and wanted to continue.
CALLIOPE: So did you leave them hanging, so to speak.
JOE: I did. It doesn't look like I will have to write today. But I am sure they will both reach full satisfaction on Monday. It's not quite so frustrating to have to wait when it fictional. I hope they won't hold it against me.
CALLIOPE: I hope so too. What's next?
JOE: More work on Marital Property next week as well as more marketing efforts.
CALLIOPE: Do you hve a plan?
JOE: Yes. First was to get my website where I wanted it. I am happy for the moment with it. Now I need to look for reviews and am scouring the country for possible sources.
CALLIOPE: Are you doing any local PR work?
JOE: I am developing a program which I think I will call Writing from the Soul. I plan to talk about the different kinds of writing I have done, give examples from my writings, and engage my audience in discussion of their writing or aspirations instead of a traditional signing. Of course I will have my books for sale as well. I guess I better get going. See you on Monday.

(Window at Charlotte Lighthouse- Rochester, NY)