Keeping print alive

Last week, I got a call from The Bookstore in Michigan City, Ind., to tell me they've sold my book, which is great. Then to also tell me the store is closing, which I was bummed to hear about.

With today's digital technology, local business, especially bookstores, are going through hard times. Since my book came out in February 2012, four stores have closed that once carried my book and it's all because of poor business.

It's really sad that print is going through this period, books and newspapers. Someone told me that print has a better lifespan in terms of archiving than digital will. I didn't think of that until they told me. Think about it. How often do computer programs get updated? How often does print get updated? It won't be long until our digital age will be incompatible to the future. Then what?

Please, go out and support your local bookstore and newspaper.

Book contests and Author Night

I have been submitting my book, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," into contests and have come up empty. I think it's 0-for-4. While I'm trying to keep it in perspective because I'm used to winning awards with my journalism, it's a bit frustrating. I wonder if it's even worth submitting the work into contests, seeing that it costs money to do so. So if anybody has a thought on that, please let me know.

I've got one more I'm going to try for. Let's hope for the best.

My Author Night on Wednesday was a good time, but a tad disappointing. I was hoping for a bigger crowd than what I actually got. Don't get me wrong, I was extremely grateful for the people that showed up. But I promoted the heck out of the event. So I'm trying to figure out how I could've increased the attendance. I thought I would've gotten more than I did. I did sell four books at the event, including three to my first-grade teacher Mrs. Black. It was so nice to see her and truly appreciate her support.

Here is a picture of the two of us from Wednesday night:

And here is a picture of me speaking at the event:

Up next is a book signing at Martha Merrell's in Waukesha, Wis. I'm there from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit breast cancer research.

After that, I'll be at the Lakefly Literary Conference and Book Fair on Saturday, May 11, in Oshkosh, Wis.

Then, I don't have anything scheduled for the time being.

Author Night

The long-awaited Author Night at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee is tomorrow night. I'm eager to see how everything turns out.

If you haven't gotten your tickets, still time to do so, go to: Villa Terrace website to get them.

Article in Shepherd Express (Milwaukee)

Page 37

My new car - 2013 Chevy Cruze!

Five-star review!

Just received a five-star review from a reader on Amazon.com!

Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/A-Life-Worth-Dreaming-About/product-reviews/1468543008/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_5?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0

Just added

I have added a book signing event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Martha Merrell's Books and Cafe, 231 W. Main St., Waukesha, Wis.

It's a big day in downtown Waukesha. In the morning is the season's first farmer's market. Also taking place is a breast cancer awareness walk, followed by an Art Crawl. I will be signing/selling copies of my novel, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," at Martha Merrell's. I, along with Martha Merrell's, will donate portion of the proceeds toward breast cancer research.

Be sure to come out and support a local author and a worthwhile event.

www.nickdettmann.com

West Bend recap

I can't complain with the kind of day that was had at the 15th annual Spring Fair to Remember on Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds in West Bend.

I sold three books and was interviewed by the community television station. It may not sound like much, but it was another opportunity to get the word out about my book.

I encourage those who have read it to please send feedback, whether it's by contacting me directly or by posting reviews online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and/or Goodreads.com. All reviews are sincerely appreciated.

My next appearance is one a big one: Author Night at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1.

For more information, click on the link: Author Night

Just arrived!

Just arrived! Complimentary pens or magnets with a purchase of "A Life Worth Dreaming About" at an upcoming appearance.

April 20: West Bend Spring Arts and Crafts Fair, West Bend, WI, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 1: Author Night, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee, WI, 7 p.m.
May 4: Art Crawl/Breast Cancer Research Walk, Martha Merrell's, Waukesha, WI, 2-5 p.m.
May 11: Lakefly Literary Conference and Book Fair, Oshkosh, WI, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Info on upcoming events