Friday, January 18, 2013

Jenny Milchman's Book Launch Party

On the left in the photo is Jenny Milchman who is introducing Lois Winston on the right. Jenny Milchman had a book launch party at Mendham Books, in Mendham, NJ, last night. Jenny Milchman's Cover of Snow, is a thriller published by Ballantine Books.

I "met" Jenny in an author's discussion forum at Amazon. I read her blog, which includes Made It Moments--the success stories of other authors. It took a long time for Jenny's dream of publication to become a reality so at her launch party she allowed others to speak about their hopes and dreams.

Lois Winston spoke of the literal dreams which started her on the road to publication. Shelley Freydont, pictured in the photo below started out as a professional dancer, but she, too, had vivid dreams which led her to write.


A poet spoke of her love of words. A teacher spoke of her desire to make the world a better place. Rabbi Ilene Schneider just wants to entertain those who read her books.

Hubby wanted me to speak so he could take a photo of me. :^) My hope is that nobody makes the mistake I did in getting an agent who charged a hefty fee just to take me on as a client. I lost a lot of money in the process and the agent did not help my writing career at all--also she made me a lot poorer.


As usual, I digressed so I don't know if anyone really got the message, but just in case make sure you read this article about agents.

It was a wonderful evening! Mendham Books is a terrific bookstore. Jenny Milchman is a talented and gracious author. I am glad hubby and I braved the rush hour traffic on Route 287 so we could join in the party.

6 comments:

MarkD60 said...

Sorry you got ripped off by your agent. It should be that they only make money when they make you make money

Penelope Marzec said...

Mark,

I was much younger, very naive, and knew nothing about the book business at the time. I learned many things the hard way. :^(

Yes, agents should only get a commission when they sell the book. There are many agents who are honest. I just happened to be taken in by one who wasn't so honest.

William Kendall said...

It's a lesson learned.

Looks like people enjoyed themselves!

Penelope Marzec said...

It was a lovely evening. Food, talk, and books. :^) What could be better?

jenny milchman said...

Penelope, it was so great to have you at the launch party, and to get to hear your cautionary words. I think the writers in the audience all understood what you were saying!

Thank you for being a part, and writing about it here. Very cool when virtual friends become Real :)

Penelope Marzec said...

Jenny,

My daughters believe I have only imaginary friends. Yes, it is nice to have a photo and prove some friends are REAL. :^)