Reputation

I love that song, "I Don't Give a Damn About My Bad Reputation." But when it comes to writing and success, a lot rides on a good reputation.

One of my most favorite things to do is speak at conventions. There is so much excitement and Adventure, not to mention attention! It is every extrovert's dream! I also really enjoy my time there. I love interacting with the other guests as well as the fans. The costumes are phenomenal and where else can you stay up all night drinking and eating M&Ms with your friends and then have breakfast in the morning with the likes of Jacqueline Carey and Voltaire? Where else is Vic Milan going to chide you for not sneaking into the SFWA party?
Cons are, by far, my favorite authorial perk. It is where I can really shine and it is where I can make connections and network and it is where I get to see the people who buy my book face to face. This makes me the happiest of all.

And I have developed, over the past year and a half, a very good reputation among conventions. Such that, I have been asked back year after year. Sure they are expensive and a bit of a headache to plan around, but I have seen a marked increase in my sales as well as a healthy dose of name recognition. (Plus they make me deliriously happy to attend!) Slowly I am building my way to Mostly Famous (I would consider myself Nearly Famous right now!) and then I can be Really And Truly Famous (with a nice royalty check to match! Goodbye student loans!).
Even my wonderfully frugal fiance who watches our every penny has to admit that my momentum has caught on and it would be foolish to stop this snowball once it has started to roll downhill. So, more conventions for me! Yay for a sterling reputation!

In addition to building a good reputation for making appearances and being a valuable addition to conventions and other events, I have been developing a network of people for whom I have written and who are always willing to take a look at more of my work. This started with non-fiction and costume history writing. This has now begun to cross over into fiction where small publishers are requesting work from me. Now, if only I had it ready to give, I'd be set! I think that maybe I ought to finish this up and complete my grading and get home to log more words!

But long story short (too late!), a reputation is a valuable thing. It is precious and should be guarded and nurtured. I started this process in June 2006 and have seen excellent results, but it was certainly not an overnight process!
Be aware that writing is a business and you are more than just representing yourelf, you are representing yourself as a brand, as a marketable commodity. I think about that whenever I step foot out of my hotel room and out into the public convention space. I put such thought into my clothing, my hair, my perfume, like dressing a character for a play. It all plays into my reputation.
And without a good reputation, all the talent in the world can only take you so far.

A moment of real life blogging

2007 swept into the sunset like an errant whirlwind, leaving me dizzy and catching my breath.
In 2008, I have made a concerted effort to straighten out my hectic schedule and allow for some more "down-time" where I am doing stuff just for me to recharge my soul batteries.
And here it is, end of January and I am rushing to finish yet another ambitious wearable art project, start about 4 new novels, and foster an extremely energetic 5 month old puppy.
There went that New Years Resolution. At least I am losing weight! ^_^

But going into February, I have one time-sensitive sewing commission to finish and reams of words yet to be written, but in my own time and from my own mind.
I full intend to blog more and craft more (especially since I have just learned to knit this month!) and stress less.
So, I'll keep you appraised of how that all goes.

Until then, this is my foster pup, Eowyn, dozing on the futon with Guinevere, the Drama-Dog.
For those new to this, Eowyn is the blondie, a Yellow Lab/German Shepherd cross. Guinie is the ebony to her ivory and is a Border Collie/Blue Heeler cross. They get along about 90% of the time, unless there is food involved. Then Guinie will get snippy. Or if there is attention being given to anyone else besides Eowyn, in which case she becomes the very figure of a jealous, demanding bitch.
But they are both just angels when they are sleeping!

Because there is far too little bookishness to speak of, I shall distract you with costumes!

"Lux Arumque,"Christmas at Belmont, 2007
Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, Nashville, TN
Original costume design by Franne Lee. Construction and additional design by Sara M. Harvey.

Much Ado About Nothing, Belmont University's Inaugural Performance in the new Troutt Theatre, September 2007.
Original costume design, Franne Lee. Assistant costume designer, stitcher, shop manager, Sara M. Harvey

Author Chat and upcoming e-anthology

You can join me in an Authors' Chat for the upcoming e-anthology from Circle Dark Publishing, Twilight and Thorns on Friday November 30th at 7pm CST. Click here for the direct Java-enabled chat room link. Or find the "CDP Chat" link at the bottom of their homepage!

Not only is this Circle Dark's debut work...it is my first foray into the world of e-books! Let's make it a good one!
Books may be ordered at the website or by emailing the wonderful ladies of the Circle Dark at orders@circledarkpublishing.net!

It's official!

This week I received notice of my reversion of rights for A Year and a Day.
It is a double-edged sword as my current publishing situation is finished, but that means I can move onto other things. Sadly, my publisher ran into some major financial issues that turned into a 6 month struggle between them and us authors. But we have won the day and are free to take our publication rights back and move onto new venues. I have some great leads, so fret not, dear readers, I will be back before you know it!

For now, I am relieved and optimistic.
Books continue to be available on Amazon's marketplace and on ebay...at a STEAL, too!
Also, I was also awarded custody of the remainder of the stock. So I have a few at my disposal. Let me know if you want a signed copy!

Thanks for everything! We'll meet again soon, I know it!
But keep an eye out here and on my website for all the latest developments.

For the record!

There is one more copy of A Year and a Day left on Amazon, but you can find both used and new copies easily on Amazon's Marketplace and eBay. Both covers are available, just be sure to search under "Sara M. Harvey" as there two other popular novels titled "A Year and a Day."

Also, the cottage is officially named The Cottage Caravansarai ( or The Cottage Caravansary, depending on your spelling preference!). It is still really not in any reasonable order, so pictures will have to wait just a little while longer.

...that is all.

Autumnal musings!

Things have been supremely busy!

I have been busting my chops working for my non-fiction publisher, Greenwood Publishing. I had to do an emergency fix in their 19th century chapter. I cranked out 51,000 words in 10 days. Yeeeaaaahhhhh....I now have the flabbiest butt in Nashville. But a good friend and yoga diva and I are working out a exercise routine.

I am also working on a fabulous sewing project for Catherynne M. Valente's novel Orphan's Tales. Pictures to follow, I promise!

And the biggest news of all...I am getting married! Matt proposed on August the 11th at Pi-Con and we are planning to tie the knot in September 2008!


And there are new shiny bits on my website, updates and excerpts! Go check it out!

And now to go enjoy the weather...it is finally not 100+ degrees. ^_^

Costuming Shout-out!

For all you good costumers headed out to CostumeCon 2008 in San Jose, CA, I offer for you a few links of interest!

• Lacis- The quintessential destination for any historical costumer! No TV special or website does it justice. They feature a fantastic book selection, hard-to-find patterns, boning, grommets, hat blanks, millinery supplies, and an entire museum of antique through vintage through retro items for sale.
• Stone Mountain and Daughter- Not too far from Lacis, Stone Mountain and Daughter is a GREAT resource for wools, brocades, velvets, and whatever else they find to sell at low-low prices!
• Dark Garden Corsets- If you are going to be across the Bay in San Francisco, visit Dark Garden for a fun afternoon of corsetry and coquetry!
• BustleDress- A St. Helena vintage costumer's paradise! They are an online establishment, but if you are bringing a group, I would recommend giving a call and seeing if you can arrange a tour!
• A listing from Sewing San Jose!
  
• Aladdin's Lamp- A theatrical costume supply store. Make-up, masks, fun stuff!

And don't you DARE leave San Jose without seeing:

• The Winchester Mystery House

• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium

Drop me a line if you want more information! I am still investigating my ability to go to the Con, and I will happily lead tours to various adventurous locales!!

Hypericon this weekend in Nashville, TN

Hello chaps and chapesses!
This weekend is Hypericon here in Nashville. The full schedule can be found here!

My personal schedule is here:

• Friday: 9pm Dialogue: This Is How People Really Talk
• Saturday: Noon Costuming - It's In The Details
• Saturday: 1pm SIGNING
• Saturday: 4pm READING
• Saturday: 8pm Making The Unbelievable Believable (Yes, this is opposite the Masquerade. Please come see me for a little while at least??)
• Sunday: 11am History of Lingerie (Me and the decadent ladies of Big City Burlesque in vintage undies. NOT TO BE MISSED! And you might learn something too!)

Hope to see y'all there!

The winds of change

Ah, it has been far too long since I have updated to you, my dear friends and readers.
There have been a lot of changes in my small literary world, and I should be able to explain all of it in the next week or two. Somethings are legal matters and must remain under wraps for the time being. Others are just too new to comment upon and when I know something, you'll know something.

Until then, take care 'til I come back... and don't burn the internet down!

It's MAY already!

Where does the time go??

I look back and realize that I haven't posted since March! Mercy!

There, unfortunately, is very little to report at this time. I have been busy in the world of non-fiction and equally busy dealing with a whole slew of issues with my novel, none of which I am at liberty to talk about here.
I was also very, very ill...but I am doing much better now. Better living through science and all.

There should be some news forthcoming, but for now, good readers, I will remind you that my next event/appearance will be the BookExpo America in NYC over the first week of June.
I will be hanging out in the city a few days prior to the event, so drop me a line and we can have a coffee at Veselka's!

Congrats to Elizabeth Donald!

Good friend and fellow writer Elizabeth Donald was honored with the Darrell Award for her short story "Wonderland" at this year's Mid-South Convention in Memphis, TN.
"Wonderland" comes from her short story collection, Setting Suns published by New Babel Books.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Congrats to Jeri Smith-Ready!

Recently, I had Jeri Smith-Ready's book, Eyes of Crow recommended to me by a friend and fan of my work. I confess that I haven't gotten to read it yet, but I have it on order from Amazon and am eagerly anticipating it.
Imagine my surprise that this debut novel of hers has shown up as a RITA finalist for Best First Novel! (the RITA Award is the big award for Romance writing and is given out annually by the Romance Writers of America in a variety of categories.)

I have some more congratulations to give out for another friend and another award, but that deserves a post all its own!

Springing forward!

Oh, the post-holiday, after-Valentine's, not-quite-summer-reading time is upon us.
The time when almost all authors look at their flagging sales and sigh.

But, I am not going to be downhearted about the relative flatline of this time of year. Instead, I think I may go work on some on my upcoming fiction and slip you good readers a little teaser...or two.



The first is that Seven Times a Woman, my fantastical pseudo-myth set in almost-Japan is being officially considered by the firm my publisher works with that distributes mass market books to CVS Pharmacies, but also Ekerd's and Rite Aid (yes, Rite Aid! Hear that West Coasters??). No further news beyond that, but it is a good start. It went to them with the highest recommendations from my beloved editor.



The second is that I have gotten permission to reference Loreena McKennitt and some of her lyrics in my current novel, To Shining Sea, about a Selkie girl who plays in an Irish band.



Lastly, please stop by my website. It is all shiny and new (with some updates that still need to happen)! Please remember to update your bookmarks/favorites. The /mambo on the end of the URL will lead you to a 404 NOT FOUND message.
And in these website updates, I am still on the hunt for fan art, so if my writing has inspired you and you would like to share that with the world, please send me an email!

I LIVE!

I have surfaced for air from my latest costume history textbook project.

HUZZAH!!

And now, I shall play some WoW to decompress and then go head off to the Centennial Sportsplex and see if I can't join the Women's Hockey League here in Nashville.

But don't despair, fair readers, I shall be far more attentive to you now!
I have news for you....but that's for tomorrow. Because after five weeks of hellbent writing to get this project in on time...I am damn tired of typing.

(Actually, this is not me. My NE is named Lilia and I play on Garona. But this toon is pretty similar to mine.)

Anon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Great big hugs and kisses with all sorts of frilly hearts and everything that sparkles to my family, friends, and fans!

I am also sending out vibes for some black leather and spikes for those of you who'd prefer not to have anything frilly. ^_~

(You can't see it, but I am wearing pink fishnets under that black Victorian Gothilicious jacket!)


Happy Valentine's Day!

Book signings and YOU!

The time has come!
Premium Press America will be holding a signing featuring me and two other authors!
I will be signing copies of A Year and A Day at the Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs this Saturday!
Consider yourself INVITED!




A large turnout is my aim, here. And for two very good reasons:

1. I would love to see you! And it would be awfully shiny to have fans there, otherwise we will all look pretty silly.
2. A gaggle of Sara Harvey fans clamoring for my autograph will also make a stellar impression to the good people of PPA. Not only will this make the people who sign my checks very happy, it will also look good to any potential agents and larger publishers.

So, if you plan on being in Nashville on Saturday...or if you want to plan to plan to be in Nashville this Saturday, come on by the Barnes & Noble and say hello!

The pertinent details are as follows:

• WHAT: A Valentine's Day themed book signing featuring yours truly!
• WHERE: The Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs, Brentwood, TN (Brentwood is about 20 minutes south of downtown Nashville). Please call 615-377-9799 for details!
• WHEN: Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm(CST)
  

Cool Springs is a huge shopping and eating district and I plan to go have some sushi or cheesecake or something else celebratory after the event. I would be glad of your company if you are so inclined as to come along!

Oh and *mumblemumblerumormumblebuzzSevenTimesaWomanmumblebuzzmumble*
(Intelligible details to follow in a soonish fashion, I promise!)

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Event Updates!

12-14 January~ Arisia Convention~ Cambridge, MA
26-28 January~ Chattacon Convention~ Chattanooga, TN

Just added!
3 February~ "A Little Romance" Signing at Barnes & Noble, Cool Springs~ Franklin, TN
My FIRST OFFICIAL PUBLISHER SIGNING!!!

If you are in the vicinity of Nashville at all, please come out and show your support! Details on the time on Saturday2/3 will be forthcoming!

Premium Press America's Website!

The Premium Press America website is finally live! Not all links work, but you can noodle around in the Romance section and check me out!
Currently, A Year and A Day is the featured Romance title! Come check me out!

And have you posted your review on Amazon yet? This holiday downtime is a GREAT chance to catch up on reading and reviewing! I know I did! I think I posted two long-overdue reviews this week and I still have one more yet to go.
And even if you don't want to leave a review, or don't feel that you really have the time to write one, you can vote on the "usefulness" of those who have reviewed before you!


I hope everyone is enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas. I love them, myself, but I can do without the waterfowl.
A little bit of 12 Days trivia...if you got each of the items mentioned in the song you would receive 81 gifts.
BUT if you got each item mentioned in the song EACH TIME it was mentioned...that makes 364 presents!
That's a lot of partridges and pear trees!

Merry Christmas!!

Whether you celebrate, or not, I hope everyone is having a magical day today! And I hope that Santa left YOU something special, too!

Me, I choose to take a bit of on Eponine route...Matt and I had quite the Solstice party with creole pasta (not the least bit traditional, but eh...details!) and a bottle of fabulous Shiraz red wine. We couldn't stay up to meet the sunrise of a new year (damn day jobs!!)...but we did enjoy the quiet joy of the longest night and in the style of the Kushiel books of of our friend, fellow author Jacqueline Carey, we wished one another joie!

And here it is, Christmas morning and I am back in my beloved California. After a whirlwind of European-style feasting, revelry, and gifts last night, I have come home to my childhood house to the traditional day-after presents and cookies for breakfast with my parents. Well, with my Dad. My Mom is a nurse so she is at work today, bringing Christmas cheer to the entirety of the hospital, I am sure! She is a little Eponine-like, herself! But she'll be joining us for Christmas dinner, which will be much more subdued than the delightful chaos of last night and will round out the two-day event that Christmas has always been in my family.

So, have a merry day everyone. Good luck and good cheer! I drink to you, all of my loving and loyal readers! Thank you all for selling me out on Amazon so many times that they have taken to calling my distributor and publisher and asking for more books!

I love you all, I hope you know that. YOU are what makes this all worthwhile, YOU are what keeps me going, YOU are who I am writing for. I want to bring joy and wonder to YOUR life and I never want to let YOU down.

Happy Holidays to YOU. Yes, YOU!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may JOY be yours all the days fo your life!