Letters, I've Got Letters ...

Some I'd Like to share ...

Poetry has been given an undeserved bad rap over the years. So many authors have asked me, “What’s the best way to sell poetry books? In my case, it was children’s poetry.

You’re only limited by your imagination. A good start for me was first, setting up an author website. Then, setting up bookstore book signings, library readings, and sending a copy of my children’s poetry book to children’s hospitals nationwide (at that time, there were 13).

Besides having an author website where you can post samples of your poetry, contact elementary schools, send press kits to the media in different towns and states and offer to do interviews. Post your fees and upcoming schedule on your website. As newspaper articles are written, add them to your press kit.

“Orchid Letters” are a wonderful way to promote your children’s poetry books and further advertise your availability as an author who does school visits. As you get them, post on your website to further promote yourself.

Here are just a few of the letters I received after author school visits when my first book was released in 2000. These are from my New Hampshire and Massachusetts file ...

CJ,
I hope your night was good at the Ramada. Thank you so much for your presentations. It was a great day and the kids are still talking about your visit! I will definitely pass your name on to other schools.

If you would like to add me as a reference, please feel free to. I so enjoyed hearing your poetry and meeting you. Keep in touch.
God Bless,
Cindy Myra, Literacy Coordinator
Julia Bancroft School
Auburn MA

Dear Ms. Heck,
thank you so very much for donating a copy of your poetry book, "Barking Spiders (and Other Such Stuff)" to the Peter Woodbury School Library. I took it home for my family to review -- they are my guinea pigs, you see. I can assure you, it was enjoyed by all, but most especially by my ten year-old. He was quite pleased that someone had the nerve to name a book after his favorite bodily function!

"Barking Spiders" has come just in time to be included in our poetry study during the month of February. As a school, we'll be reading a myriad of poems (happily including yours) and then celebrating poetry with a school-wide poetry contest. As I mentioned, we would love it if you had time to be a judge

Again, thank you. It's wonderful for the students to have exposure to great local talent and the possibility of encountering you, by chance, here in Bedford. We hope you'll stop in anytime.
Regards,
Mindy Beltramo
Peter Woodbury School Librarian
Bedford NH

Dear CJ,
Our daughter, Rachel, brought home your signed book, "Barking Spiders", yesterday. She attends Jewett Street School. She asked that I read her the poems that had not been read during the day. They were wonderful! I found them charming and very easy, even at first reading, to read. I will admit, after she went to bed, I went through and read the rest of them! We look forward to your next offering.
Congratulations!
Dick Pacquin

Dear CJ,
Thank you for taking time out of your hectic schedule to participate in our writers' panel discussion. It is greatly appreciated. Who knows, there may have been a budding children's writer/poet in the audience that you have inspired! Best of luck to you and thanks again.
Sincerely,
Debra Spratt
Wadleigh Memorial Library
Milford NH

Hi CJ.
Just a note to let you know how very thankful we are to you for generously sharing your time and creative talents with the "Poolside Tales Summer Outreach Program” through PBS. On behalf of children and families in Manchester, we thank you for all of your efforts in promoting literacy! Your poetry books are fantastic!! You are one talented lady ...
Sheila M. Brisson
Summer Outreach Coordinator
Manchester School District

Dear CJ,
Your visit to Hallsville on April 10, made for a delightful, enjoyable day for both students and teachers. Laughter filled the library as you read and discussed your poetry. Your poems written for children from the child's point of view allowed our students to quickly become connected to you!

You had requested that we have the children become familiar with your poetry prior to your visit. Thus evolved the 'morning poetry readings' from your book. A student from each room would practice one of your poems and then read it over the intercom. This happened each morning during 'poetry month' and prior to your visit. To this day, the poetry reading by students over the school's intercom has continued.

You were very gracious to show up at our 'Young Authors' Celebration" that evening. Students recognized you and felt pride as you walked around reading their works and chatting with them. Thank you.

We are already discussing next year's "Young Authors' Celebration". And, as we’ve discussed with you, we are hoping you can return and become part of that week's celebration, as well. The first week in April looks like the date for this event. Hopefully, you are available during that time.
Sincerely,
Jim Davenport, Principal
Hallsville Elementary School
Manchester NH

Dear CJ.
Your visit to Bow Elementary on April 20 was a great success. I just got some pictures back (enclosed) and you can see by the looks on the faces of the children how very much they enjoyed your presentations. Your poetry seems to touch our funnybones and our hearts all at the same time. My personal favorite was "Gramma's Apron". It carried so many visual images and evoked wonderful thoughts and memories.

I appreciate your flexibility in scheduling, group size, and meeting locations. It was very helpful to me that you were willing to travel from room to room during your visit. It was great for me to get a chance to know you personally, too. I feel like I've made a new friend!

I have passed your name along to my husband, Marc, who will very likely contact you for a school visit in Goffstown. Thank you so much for your wonderful visit.

I hope you will consider coming back to Bow next year to meet the younger half of our school population. I will be in touch with you in the fall to set something up. I will email you when your face graces our website in photography!
Best regards,
Karen Boyd
Bow Elementary School
Bow NH

Hi CJ!
We really enjoyed having you at Campton and I'm sending you a letter to add to your credits, but for now, I wanted to tell you about after you left.

A sixth grader came into my room after school and started telling me how much she enjoyed your poem, "Gramma's Apron". She said how she enjoyed your readings and all of a sudden, she started crying. I hugged her and she told me the poem made her think of her grandmother who died three years ago.

Just wanted you to know, your poetry touched yet another heart. Again, thanks for your great job.
Julie Morton
Campton Elementary School
Campton NH

Final Notes:
I miss the author school visits, the students and their teachers so much! After doing them for twelve years, osteoarthritis finally shut me down. My last school visit was in Pennsylvania in 2012.

The school had three flights of stairs and very long hallways and when I woke up the next morning, I could hardly get out of bed.

As they say, nothing lasts forever and those that can —do. Those that can’t do —teach. I’ve been working on a program of some type where I can teach through videos, but I know that would never be quite the same …

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