Tuesday, February 26, 2008

When it rains it pours


Does anyone still have a very old container of Morton's Salt?

On the new containers, the illustration is of a little girl holding an umbrella in one hand and a plain, round, blue container, presumably Morton's Salt, in the other. Very simple.

On the old containers, however (see photo), the little girl is also holding an umbrella in one hand, but in the other she's carrying a container that's clearly Morton's Salt — with an illustration of a little girl holding an umbrella in one hand and a container of Morton's Salt in the other.

… and no this is not a typo where I inadvertently copied a line over and over. The graphic is carried out to infinity, with each little girl carrying a container picturing a little girl carrying a container … and so on to infinity.

At a launch party for "Murder in Miniature" last week, I had the feeling I was in a Morton's Salt ad.




The photo shows the outside of a miniature bookstore. In the bookstore window are small copies of my book and a sign advertising the event that I was doing in the life-size venue, which also had a sign advertising the event.

Confused? Sorry. It's hard to explain.

But what's easy to explain is the wonderful reception I had from fellow miniaturists who were so happy to have a series of their own, so to speak. Let's hear it for niche marketing. The mini shop was built by a crafter who bothered to personalize her store for the day. [Thanks, Donna!]

Writing is a funny business, where one day you get a rejection or a bad review. Or you may be seated next to a superstar at a conference, watching her signing line wrap around the corner while you signal your friends to keep you company.

But the next day you feel like you might actually be contributing to the pleasure of the reading public.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had the pleasure of being at that event, and it was truly remarkable. One could feel the genuine warmth and enthusiasm throughout, along with a wonderful insight into the writing world. xoxoxox

Linda O. Johnston said...

I love the infinite imagery in your post, Camille! Congratulations on your launching of "Murder in Miniature." May it sell an infinite number of copies!
--Linda

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Since I've read "Murder in Miniature," I can say that a lot of people are going to enjoy your work, Camille. I saw it at my local indie bookseller and told her what a gem it is!

Kathryn Lilley said...

Hi Camille, I just got your book. Looking forward to reading it!
--Kathryn

Ann Parker said...

Congrats on the launch! And I love the miniature of the bookstore. Very cool!
Hmmm. Joanna: Is that remark about a "gem" supposed to be a CLUE??? ;-)

-- ann (who's also read "Murder in Minature" and loves it)

Camille Minichino said...

THANKS for all the good words, everyone!

molly jean said...

The book sounds wonderful! Have you given the copy away already? If not, I would love to have it! Either way I will look for it in the book store.