Experiencing my first ACFW reader event
September 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as book signing, writers conferenceI recently attended the 2025 ACFW Conference in Springfield, Missouri. During the conference they hosted a ACFW sponsored reader event in the bookstore on Saturday morning. It was open to the public and promoted by all the forty plus authors who participated and the organization itself. We had a great turnout. Many readers even drove a few hours to attend the 8:30-10am event.
Reader Event Positives
There were several things that I felt I did well at this event. I purchased the advertising package which allowed me to put a standup display as well as swag around my books. I had buttons, postcards, bookmarks, and business cards.
My business cards were built with the book covers on the front and my linktree QR code on the back. That way they could see all the links in one place to be able to choose what they wanted to find. I handed out as many as I could. If you you’d like to see what I put on my linktree click on the link.
I also had a small Hei Hei rooster to add to the table during the ACFW reader event. I had a few people say they stopped because it grabbed their attention. The rooster in my stories, Bert, is a fun character that I then shared with them. Most wanted the button with him on it. And the sticker. Then I shared that my son drew him and they loved the personalization.
Many came to see some of the bigger authors at this ACFW reader event, and since I was at the front, I could help readers find who they came to see. It gave me something to do, I was being helpful, and most ended up asking me what I wrote, which led into a conversation about my books.
Since I was standing there all alone a few times, I grabbed my bookmarks and handed them out to those standing in line to pay. Readers love freebies, and bookmarks are easy things to collect (I collect them myself). I watched several take the time to read what was on my bookmark while they were waiting. Who knows how many will decide to read my books at a later date because of this.
Reader Event Learnings
For the bookstore, I had decided to sell stickers. The lowest we could sell on an item was $5. So I decided to go ahead and sell each for that price. Not ideal, but I wasn’t there to sell the stickers as much as my books, but I thought it would give more attention to my table space.
What I learned is many thought the stickers were free. I found some in different spots on the table as they noticed the bookstore card attached after the fact. When I counted them at the end, I had a few missing. Don’t know if any were purchased, or if someone took them home.
I did see some authors bundle their stickers together and sell them that way. Others gave out stickers for free (which I had some others as well). I didn’t know I could bundle them, so will consider doing so at any future ACFW reader event. Or if possible, sell them for less.
Additional thoughts
I really enjoyed talking with readers. By asking several questions I learned some things. Those included what genre they read, who their favorite authors were, and what they liked about stories. I also was able to learn how to share about my books, what interested them the most, what they wanted to hear (what inspired me to write these stories, and which authors were my favorite and had an influence on my writing).
Here are some pics I took with readers during the ACFW reader event.
I ended up selling out of my debut novel. I think it helped that it was up for an award. But it also helped to highlight it was part of a series and more were coming out in the future. I got the impression readers want to invest in authors they can keep reading. It will be interesting to see if I gain additional e-book sales because of this.
I also was able to take a few pics with authors who were participating in this reader event right near me.
Denise loves to share about her writing journey. You can check out this special link to see all of her posts on a Slice of Orange.
0 0 Read moreFlourish Even Amongst Writing Deadlines
August 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as Denise M Colby, Word of the year, writers lifeMy 2025 word of the year is flourish. And when I started this blog post with a different topic, I realized I had not written anything about it this year on this blog. None. Zilch. Nadda. Except for one little mention in a blog post about my 2nd book’s birthday.
And then it hit me. I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about my word this year, because I’ve been so busy living it. Which is exactly where I want to be.
I will admit, that even though flourish is my 2025 word, there are some days I feel like I’m floundering. But then I look at all I have accomplished this year, and I have flourished. (This is why we need to keep track, and count all the steps we take, including those in between every year. I share some tips in a blog post titled Find Motivation to Accomplish Goals)
Flourishing in My Writing
My writing has improved. I’ve published my second book in 2025, successfully, I might add. And my first novella releases in November (I can do a cover reveal post next month). I’m currently busy writing my next full novel as well as putting together pitches for more stories.
Not bad for someone who was ready to quit two years ago.
Yes, you heard that correctly. I was ready to walk away from all of this and then my big break happened.
Thriving in My Marketing
I’m still figuring out how to juggle marketing my current books while continuing to write, but by writing down what I’ve done so far this year, I have done several things. (Launch windows are a whole other thing as well and I’m getting better at it).
January is when many other writers set their blog and review schedules, and I’ve been able to do a yearly planner for the first time this year. I’ve learned how to utilize BookFunnel and have added both my books to a different promotion every month.
For example, this month both my books are in a Christian and Clean Romance Books group. Click on the graphic to see what it’s all about. It will also help me get my numbers up 🙂
I’ve also participated in an author email swap and an author sponsored book club with eleven other authors. It’s been great getting to make new author friends and read their stories.
Health Matters, Too
As I grow older, health has been an area of focus for me and this year is no different. Figuring out which foods affect me has been one thing. Having hernia surgery in March was another. I had no idea that something I had felt for years was impacting me so much. Now I’m on a quest to get stronger, lifting weights every day and stretching to get myself in better shape. When we went camping last month, I could ride a bike longer and without pain in my leg. I call that a win, and another area I can flourish in.
Spiritual Flourishing
Definitely not last on the list is my walk with God. This one is the most important area for me, but something that can be the most challenging to make the time for. It must be a daily event for me to focus on and strive in order to flourish. Through my time with Him comes the stories he wants me to tell. But it’s more than that. It’s the compass of my life, all aspects of my life, and how I respond to the daily challenges thrown my way.
Again, I feel sometimes as if I’m floundering here, but the grace, mercy, and forgiveness I receive from the Lord, helps me in turn show others the same. That was something I stumbled on when choosing flourish this year. There is a thing such as spiritual flourishing, and even though there was not a specific Bible verse for this, this was exactly what I am striving for.
Spiritual flourishing involves regular prayer, studying the Bible, trusting in God’s promises and living out my faith in daily actions. The nature of true flourishing is a contentment in Christ regardless of circumstances.
And that we can help others flourish too. By encouraging others, share God’s love, serve those in need, and pray for one another. This is my daily prayer, that I can be an encouragement to others including my husband and my kids.
“In his days may the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:7
“May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children” Psalms 115:14
Word of the Year Pages On My Website
I’ve dedicated a section on my website for my Word of the Year. I’ve already started building the flourish page. Take a peek. And come finish the year 2025 with a flourish!
0 1 Read moreWriting Research Trip of a Lifetime
July 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as London, writers life, writing researchIn May this year, I had the opportunity to take a writing research trip of a lifetime. Not only did I take so many notes in the genre I like to write in, I also was able to visit so many places I’ve read about.
Meaning, I stood in the spot many of my favorite literary characters have stood. I could even imagine favorite scenes of carriage rides in Hyde Park, a stroll across Grosvenor Square, or sitting at a show performed at the Royal Albert Hall with royalty in the box down the aisle.
I thought it would be fun to share some of these photos with all of you. Which also helps me preserve the memories from my writing research trip.
Visiting Places I’ve Read About
In London alone, we were able to visit Grosvener Square, where the elite once lived and is now home to several embassies. We got here on our last night and I was so happy. It was on my bucket list for this writing research trip.
Castles and Palaces
We also were able to drop by and see two Palaces, and go inside Windsor Castle (the state rooms are amazing. We weren’t allowed to take pictures, unfortunately. But I did take notes on some things I saw. Never know when those notes can be used for writing research.
Famous Streets
Several books have taken me to a variety of London neighborhoods including Bow Street, Drury Lane, and Trafalgar Square. I had hoped to get to 7 dials, and a few others, but boy is it all a lot of walking. Even Hyde Park is huge, we had to break it up into two days. But just walking around gave me such great insight into the lay of the land. Perfect information for my next read or writing project. I kept finding every thing we saw as a research opportunity.
Hyde Park
Hyde park was so fun to walk through. We walked one side on one day, and the other side another day. The main area where many carriages would parade to be seen was so big and open. The Serpentine was too. So many people were enjoying the park for the day having a picnic or renting paddleboats on the river. I could imagine scenes with the hero rowing a sweetheart and wooing her at the same time. I’ve read many scenes like this.
The London Zoo is where AA Milne would visit Winnipeg the bear that inspired the Winnie the Pooh Stories. This was a fun thing for me. Everything has a rich history in London. With many research points to capture.
Writing Research Outside of London – the trip continues
I was so excited to go Bath and see the Roman Baths. I’ve read many stories with this setting in it. To see it in person was amazing. So much history it was overwhelming. We also walked through several churches including Notre Dame in Paris. In Scotland, visiting Edinburgh Castle gave me several ideas for a new series, where I also could possibly include the history of golf at St. Andrews Golf Course. Again, I found myself continuously taking writing notes on my phone.
There’s so much more I haven’t shared, I think I need to do it in another post. Let me know in the comments if you are interested in more from my writing research trip.
All in all I feel beyond blessed to be able to have seen all that we did. And look forward to adding these pieces to future stories. I’m so thankful our son decided to study abroad. Which got us planning this trip in the first place!!
Last month I shared about how I managed my book launch while on this trip. Take a look at all the pics I took with my book cover at these historical sights.
Or visit my website to read more on my blog.
2 1 Read moreA New Book Release and First Book is an Award Finalist
June 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as Denise M. Colby, finalist, new releaseI wanted to share my exciting book news – a book release AND an award final announcement! My first book become an award finalist and my second book released, all while on our three-week trip abroad (I will write another post about all the great research I did).
2025 ACFW Award Finalist
My debut novel, When Plans Go Awry, is a 2025 Carol Award finalist in the debut category. It is such an honor to be recognized in this way.
I was so surprised. In fact we were at Disneyland, Paris when I started receiving texts early in the AM (think nine hours ahead). I might’ve made a few incoherant sounds as I reached for my laptop to find the website page and confirm before I said something to my family. Sure enough, my book was listed. I think I walked around the parks in a daze that day. As I said, such an honor. Winners will be announced at the ACFW conference gala on September 6.
A New Book Release
My second book, A Slight Change of Plans, released May 27th. About midway through our trip. In fact, I was going through the final proof on the plane to London.
Which meant I didn’t have a book in hand with me on my trip. Instead I printed out the cover and glued it to cardstock and carried it around with me taking pictures against major landmarks.
It was my little way to celebrate the release of my book and be able to create this graphic for launch day, announcing it was released to the world.
I took way more than what could fit on one graphic, so I thought I’d share them here. See if you can guess some of the places I visited. Once the book released, I stopped (and kindof wished I hadn’t).
Celebrating both a Book Release and becoming an Award Finalist
I was staying present for our trip, except to respond to all the well wishes on both announcements.
On release day it rained as we walked to find a coffee shop and breakfast. This is the one picture of me and the book cover that day. I was a little wet and tired (we had walked and walked and walked every day). But still celebrating. A Slight Change of Plans made it to the 7th spot in one of the new release categories on Amazon, and has received many lovely reviews.
This week A Slight Change of Plans is on a blog tour. Click on the link to check out all the interviews, excerpts, and reviews being highlighted this week.
It’s been an exciting month having a book release and become an award finalist. Thank you everyone for your support. I’m so happy to see readers enjoying the story and feeling encouraged. I love to write stories full of faith, hope, and love. If you are interested in learning what inspired and influenced my stories, I wrote this blog post a few months back about it.
0 0 Read moreWelcome to My Book Birthday Celebration!
May 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as Book Birthday, Denise M. Colby, new releaseThis month, I’m having a book birthday celebration as my second book, A Slight Change of Plans releases on May 27, 2025. This is book 2 in my Best-laid Plans series.
I’m excited to share Jenny and Ren’s story with everyone. Out of the five teachers coming west, Jenny is the most insecure. She didn’t have a lot of love and affection growing up and hoped this new start would change all that. But the book starts with her school shutting down and she has no other options, so she heads to Washton, where Olivia is (the heroine in book 1, When Plans Go Awry).
You’ll meet Ren, and see familiar characters from book one including the rooster, Bert.
I’ve been busy putting together tidbits and information related to this story to share with everyone on my website, blog, and social media. Sign up for my newsletter to follow along.
Book Launch Activities
This time around I’m doing a blog tour through JustReadTours June 9-13
I’ve also created some of my own graphics to share
My son added on to the original map of Washton to show the parts mentioned in the story. This rests in the front of the book matter (and hopefully soon on my website)
My husband had designed the journal notebook for the first book, and so I asked him to do something for this one as well. This is what he came up with.
Other Book Launch Things
I recently was interviewed on Awesomegang.com, and have new listings of A Slight Change of Plans on all major platforms.
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231221127-a-slight-change-of-plans
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-slight-change-of-plans-best-laid-plans-book-2-by-denise-m-colby
AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/book/97529/a-slight-change-of-plans-best-laid-plans-book-2/
fictionfinder: https://www.fictionfinder.com/book/detail/10961
As most of you know, it’s a lot of work to organize a book launch, yet so rewarding after spending so much time writing, editing, and marketing this story. And I get to do it again in six months when the prequel releases in November.
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post sharing which books inspire my writing. I also pick a word every year to focus on. This year it is Flourish.
Thanks for following along in this journey with me!
0 0 Read more
