Five Tips for Choosing Great SWAG! With Gabrielle Meyer!

Erica Here: It's my pleasure to be hosting my friend, Gabrielle Meyer, here on Seekerville today! She's got a fabulous giveaway for you, but first, read this fun article on how authors choose the SWAG that they give to readers with their new releases!

Five Tips for Choosing Great SWAG

Hello Seekers. I’m Gabrielle Meyer and I’m thrilled to be back on Seekerville. Today, I thought
we’d talk about swag, which, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is “promotional goods
or items.” When I think of swag, my mind immediately goes to a conference or convention
where vendors give away free items to draw you into their booth and promote their product.

In the book industry, swag often means a free item associated with a book or a particular author.
There is a lot of different swag ideas. Notebooks, pens, coffee cups, stickers, chocolate,
chapstick, letter openers, flash drives, pocket mirrors and brushes, and keychains are some that
I’ve seen. The swag often has the author’s name and website printed on it, and sometimes a
particular book.

As an author, how do you decide what items to give away? I’ve come up with five tips that I use
when I’m planning swag.

1. Useable. Is the item something the reader can use? I’m kind of a stickler when it comesto purposeful gifts. I hate wastefulness, so I try to offer swag that is useable, often consumable. Last year, for the Mississippi River Readers Retreat, I gave away chapstick with my name and website on the label. Recently, a reader messaged me and said that she uses it every day!
2. Recognizable. Is the item something that will make the reader think of me when she uses it? Does it have my name and website on it somewhere? Is there a picture of my book? Is it something so unique, she’ll remember me each time she sees it? I don’t want her to forget where it came from, because it’s meant to promote my book, after all.
3. Size. Is the item easy to carry? Mail? Use on a daily basis? For my recent release, When the Day Comes, I wanted to offer incentive swag to give away when someone preordered my book from Baker Book House. Because it had to be flat and lightweight, I decided on a bookmark, but not a paper bookmark that is easily discarded. Instead, I handmade ribbon bookmarks with a clock charm to represent my time-crossing novel. The result was elegant, like my book, and drew a lot of attention. It was also easy to mail!
4. Cost. Think about your budget and how many qualities items you can purchase within that budget. For the Mississippi River Readers Retreat, I needed a hundred and fifty pieces of swag. The chapstick, with the customizable labels, cost me about sixty cents per unit. I felt that it was a good use of my budget and wasn’t something that would be easily discarded. 
5. Consider Your Audience. This is one of the most important tips. As you plan your swag, think about the person receiving it and what they would enjoy. If you fit within your target demographic, think about what you would like. I knew that almost everyone attending the Mississippi River Readers Retreat were women, about my age, and, like me, they probably carry purses with chapstick. This was an easy choice.

Swag is a fun way to say thank you to your readers or to create buzz about your book. There is 
no right or wrong swag, though some items offer a little more bang for your buck. By being 
thoughtful and purposeful ahead of time, your reader—and you—will reap the benefits of good 
swag.

Your Turn: What is the best swag you’ve given or received? Do you have any thoughts for authors looking for swag ideas?

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her 
husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love 
with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, 
places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at 
www.gabriellemeyer.com.

When the Day Comes

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the 

other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the 
other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different 
lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal 
Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, 
Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any 
hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. 
But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on 
marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates 
matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she 
must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to 
lose in each life?

Gabrielle is generously giving away:

1. A copy of When the Day Comes
2. A handmade velvet ribbon bookmark
3. Handmade drop earrings
4. A customized chapstick

To enter, leave a comment. A winner will be drawn an announced on the Weekend Edition. US Resident only, please!

 

Advent Day 7 - Returning to My Childhood Home through Stories ~ Gabrielle Meyer

When I was a little girl, my dad was the caretaker for a nine-acre estate on the banks of the Mississippi River. My family lived above the carriage house at the bottom of the hill and the two mansions (you read that right, there are two historic mansions on the property) were at the top. The entire bottom of the hill was our play area and we spent countless hours making memories there. For several years in a row, my parents hosted a large New Year’s Eve party and for days in advance, my dad sprayed water on one part of the hill to make it icy. When you jumped onto a rubber inner-tube, you practically flew down that hill! My dad had to put several hay bales at the bottom to stop the tubers, so they wouldn’t slide onto the frozen Mississippi River.

One of the beautiful mansions at Linden Hill

 



There was also a small pond behind our house, which my dad would clear of snow so we could ice skate, and there was plenty of yard for the children to make snow forts and have snowball fights. At some point in history, the bottom of the carriage house was turned into a large heated garage. My parents would clean it to near sparkling and then set up the chairs and tables there. I remember pouring hot chocolate and hot cider into Styrofoam cups and then walking outside to see all the steam rise into the cold night air. It was truly a magical place to grow up, and I have so many wonderful memories of holidays spent there.

The homes were originally built by lumber barons who came to our town on the banks of the Mississippi River in the early 1890s. The last family member passed away in 1989 (the year we moved out) and the estate was donated to the city. It is now operated as a conference and retreat center. Every time I return there, it’s as if I’m cast back to my childhood. I live just down the river from the estate and I take my four children there often to reminisce. I also host a large writer’s retreat there each summer and attend several events there throughout the year. I’m so thankful I can return to my childhood home whenever I like.

The Meyer children at the Linden Hill Estate

I’ve also used the estate as a setting for both historical and contemporary stories. My newest story (and my first contemporary novel) releases in February 2020 from Love Inspired. The story, A Mother’s Secret, is set at the fictional Bee Tree Hill, which is inspired by the estate. In the story, there is only one mansion, instead of two, but everything else is the same. I loved writing this story and I cannot wait for it to release! It was like returning home as I wrote it. 

Enter to win a copy of this yet-to-be-released
title today!

I’d love to give away an advanced copy of A Mother’s Secret to one person who comments on this post. (US only - International winner will receive ebook only.) {Winner to be announced in the 12/15/19 Weekend Edition)

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and loves to write fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. Learn more about Gabrielle and her historical, contemporary, and cozy mystery stories by visiting her at www.gabriellemeyer.com or www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer.

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The Lies We Tell Ourselves as Writers

Erica here: It is my great pleasure to have my friend Gabrielle Meyer on the blog today. 

I recently saw a video that brought tears to my eyes, because I could relate. A woman invited several friends to her house, one by one, and asked them what sort of things they say to themselves. One lady said she calls herself lazy, another said she calls herself fat, a third said she tells herself she’s a selfish friend, and a fourth said she tells herself she’s not good enough. Then, one by one, the woman showed her friends pictures of themselves as little girls and said: “Can you tell this little girl those things?” All of them started to cry and said, no, they could not. One even said: “I don’t want to crush her spirit.”

This made me think about the writing life and the way we so often talk to ourselves: “No one cares what I have to say.” “I don’t write as well as my friends.” “My hard work will never pay off.” “I’ll never be heard or discovered among the crowd.” “My writing isn’t as deep and meaningful as someone else’s.”

“I’ll never be good enough.”

Could you image telling a child those things? “No one cares what you have to say…you’re not good enough.”

So then, why do we talk to ourselves that way?

If I interviewed each of my writing friends, I know they would have more lies to add to this list, because we all have different life experience. From the time we’re little, we start to believe the things people say about us. But the trouble is, as children, we don’t have the ability to distinguish lies from truth. We accept what people say, we absorb it into our identity, and then by the time we’re adults, even if it isn’t logical, it’s so much a part of who we are, we go on believing it.

I was raised in a small town in the middle of Minnesota. Often, I heard people in the community say negative, derogatory things about small-town life. At a baseball game one time, I heard a parent say to his child: “Why bother practicing? You’re from Little Falls—you have no chance at becoming a Major League star.” This statement, along with others, led me to believe that no one from my small town could reach for their dreams or accomplish something big, and that it would be a waste of time to pursue writing. Each time I receive a rejection, a negative review, or a disappointing outcome, those lies circle around in my head.

But lies aren’t limited to our childhood. As adults, we still take to heart what people say about us. Maybe a critique partner tore your first manuscript to shreds. Maybe an agent sent you a rejection letter and said your writing wasn’t ready. Maybe an editor at a pitch appointment said your ideas weren’t marketable. Maybe a reader wrote a review and said your book was a waste of time and money.

If we hear it often enough, and dwell on it long enough, we might start to believe it’s true.

Or maybe you’ve never let anyone even read your writing, because you’re your own worst critic. You’ve believed the lies long enough, and even though you want to be a writer, you struggle to believe you can achieve your dreams.

So how do we stop this cycle? How do we overcome the lies and start to believe the truth?

First, we need to identify the lies, ask ourselves where they came from, and then speak the truth over those lies. The Bible says we have an enemy of our souls and Hh is the father of all lies. If he can keep us captive to those lies, then the truth-giving, life-giving words we have to offer this hungry world will go unspoken.

What if we rejected the lies and wrote with abandon? What if we turned off the negative criticism and replaced it with a heart of confidence? What if we looked at rejection as a way to grow, instead of shrink? How different would your writing life look if you simply reveled in the joy of writing and didn’t worry about the outcome? Instead of being afraid you’re not good enough, or that you don’t write like someone else, why not marvel in who God created you to be?

After eleven published books, I went through eighteen months without a contract. In that time, I submitted fourteen book proposals—many of which were rejected. I had ample opportunity to wallow in the belief that a small town girl can never accomplish her dreams. I could have given up. Instead, I looked at that little girl I once was and told her the truth: God has a purpose for my life, no matter where I grew up. Laura Ingalls Wilder and Maud Hart Lovelace, two of my all-time favorite authors, grew up in small Minnesota towns. Even if I never received another contract, my writing is a gift that God can use however He chooses. Even if no one ever reads my writing, it still blesses me.

As I waited, I continued to believe the best, I continued to submit proposals, and I wrote another book, even though it wasn’t contracted. I found immense freedom and joy in my writing again. I was being who I was meant to be, and I wouldn’t let the lies tell me differently. I encourage you to do the same.

It’s your turn: what are some of the lies you believe that keep you from writing with abandon? If you’ve overcome the lies, what truths did you tell yourself? How could you encourage other writers to grow in confidence today?

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. 

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Twitter atwww.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, Bookbub, and her website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Eight Ways to Inspire Your Writing ~ Gabrielle Meyer

Erica here: I am so pleased to host my friend Gabrielle Meyer on Seekerville today!

Eight Ways to Inspire Your Writing

“Art, to be great, must turn the beholder into a creator by stimulating his imagination, challenging his brain, and allowing his own creative urge to express self.” ~Bob Bowman

I’ve often felt the definition of a successful artist (whatever art form that may be) is one who can inspire creativity in another person. When it comes to writing, inspiration is often (if not always) the starting point for every good story. Thankfully, we don’t have to look far to find inspiration. It’s all around us. Sometimes, it takes us by surprise and we have to quickly jot down an idea. Other times, especially if it’s been a dry season emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, we need to be purposeful about looking for inspiration. When we find it, it can go a long way in giving us the energy and drive to complete a project.

Below is a list of eight places (in no particular order) to find inspiration for our writing.

1. Paintings/Photography

Have you ever seen a painting or photograph that captures your attention and makes your imagination sing? Every single time I see a Thomas Kinkade painting, my mind immediately starts to create a story to go along with his beautiful image. Because I can’t crawl into his paintings and live in his idyllic world, I long to create an imaginary character who can. What kind of paintings/photographs inspire you? Seek them out and let your imagination soar.

2. Music

I know a lot of authors who have a playlist of songs that they listen to as they write. The music might be exciting, dark, upbeat, quiet, or loud. It all depends on the mood they want to create in their storyworld. If you’re stuck, and you need to add some depth to your story, try to listen to music. You might be surprised that your mood affects the mood of your story.

3. Books/Movies/Television/Plays
Do you want to write a compelling story? Then read as many compelling stories as you can. Watch great movies, study interesting television characters, dissect a riveting plot. Immerse yourself in great storytelling (whether you read it or watch it) and you’ll be inspired to write an amazing tale. I love reading stories by authors I admire. They inspire me to dig deeper and write stronger.

4. Nature/Weather

When I asked my Facebook friends what inspires their creativity, almost everyone said nature was their main inspiration. Who isn’t inspired by a snow-capped mountain, a powerful thunderstorm (as I write this, one is rumbling its way toward us!), or the lapping of the waves upon the sand? I live on the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota, and I don’t have to look any farther than my backyard for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to get out in nature and find inspiration in the beauty of God’ creation.

5. History

For me, there is no greater inspiration than a unique bit of history. Almost every story I’ve written has been inspired by real people, places, and events. It’s true when they say that history is often better than fiction. But history isn’t limited to historical novels. Many people write contemporary stories inspired by historical people and events. If you’re looking for inspiration, read old newspapers, visit historic sites and museums, or just listen to an elderly neighbor who has a treasure trove of stories to tell.

6. Quotes/Sayings

Just like the quote I shared above, which inspired this blog post, quotes and sayings can inspire all our writing. If you need some inspiration, look up quotes about the theme of your story. It might be helpful to you, your heroine, or even your reader.

7. People/Relationships

Have you ever met someone and thought: “That person would make a great character in a story!” Or, have you ever created a character and suddenly realize it’s inspired by a person you know, even when you didn’t consciously model your character after that person? In my story, The Gift of Twins, I modeled the twin boys from my own set of twin boys. I just asked myself: “How would my boys react if put in this situation?” and went from there. Relationships, whether positive or negative, can be great fodder for our writing. Of course, be careful not to offend; instead, use those relationships as a starting point to enrich your story.

8. God/Faith

Last, but certainly not least, is our faith. I think many of us would agree that our faith, especially as inspirational writers, plays a big part in what we write, how we write, and why we write. I’ve always believed writing is an act of worship. I feel closest to God when I’m telling a story. Use the experiences you’ve gained on your faith journey to enhance your story. You might be surprised when a reader emails and says that you wrote something they needed to hear. Suddenly, the trials you’ve endured have a more meaningful purpose.

These are just some of the ways I get inspiration for writing. I’d love to hear yours, whether it’s in this list or not.

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. You can find Gabrielle on her website, www.gabriellemeyer.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer. Her tenth story, Love’s Undoing, just released in The Backcountry Brides Novella Collection with Barbour.

About the Book: 

Love on Colonial America’s Frontier 

Travel into Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?

You can find out more AND purchase the book by clicking HERE.

Gabrielle is giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides to one commentor. US residents only. Just leave Gabrielle a comment telling her what inspires you!