Roller Boy Excitement
I’ve been away for a bit, but I’ve certainly been keeping busy during these hot humid days. Seems it’s a summer filled with weddings, showers, concerts and other fun get-togethers. But, aside from these pleasant distractions, there’s only a month or so to go until the release of my new middle grade novel: Roller Boy, published by Fitzroy Books. To kick off the launch, I’ve got three events lined up back to back, all in NH (details below).
I’m having such fun spreading the word and getting everything ready. If you see someone wearing a roller skates necklace around town, it’s probably me. Roller skate novelty items are not easy to find. These little skates were in the bead section (on sale!) at Hobby Lobby. And then to my surprise, my friend Rosemary found a pretty roller skate pin in the thrift shop that resides in the basement of our library.
At the first and main launch party, we’re going to have all sorts of food, fun, prizes, and good times in conjunction with the library’s 130th anniversary as an established public library. There’ll be a scavenger hunt throughout the building with staff stationed here and there to answer any questions. September is also Library Card Sign-up month, so be sure to stop in at your own local library if you’ve been missing out on all it has to offer.
Upstairs in the meeting room, I’ll have freshly made chocolate lollipops for the first 50 people who stop by my book table. I found a plastic candy mold online and decided to make a small batch ahead to test out the idea. First, I painted in the blue and white chocolate and then I melted Hershey bars for the skate boot. I might mix and match a bit, for example, white or blue skates, we’ll see. Naturally, they’ll be GF since Mateo eats strictly gluten-free.
It was fun to come up with a craft, too (below). When I added juice caps to the back as well as to the front of a cardboard skate, I was happy to discover it could now stand up on its own.
I’m especially excited to tell you about the scarecrows. Like several other towns in New England, Hampstead has a town-wide scarecrow exhibition for the month of October. Participation goes to a good cause, so thanks to Marilyn, who came up with this bright idea, we decided to give it a try this year. The library is buying two scarecrows to dress and decorate and, here’s the extra fun part, one of them is going to look like Mateo, the main character in Roller Boy! The scarecrow isn’t assembled yet, but this is how I’m hoping he might look, although I’m sure he’ll be a little slouchier, plus I’m having trouble finding old skates to give up to the weather. There’ll be a contest to name the other scarecrow. Stay tuned for pictures.
Here are the details for my upcoming launch events:
Sept. 29, 2018 Roller Boy Release Party at the Hampstead, NH Public Library in conjunction with their 130th Anniversary Open House celebration. Drop in anytime between 10 and 2.
Oct. 6, 2018 Children’s Author Festival from 11-3 in conjunction with Strawberry Banke’s Fall Fest, a popular annual event in scenic Portsmouth, NH.
Oct. 13, 2018 Barnes & Noble Book Signing from 12-3 in Salem, NH.
When tossing around promotional ideas, I was encouraged (dared!?) to put on a pair of roller skates. Did you know skates are much wobblier nowadays? It couldn’t just be my weak ankles. And the ground is definitely more slippery than when I was a teen. So to be blunt, it was terrifying! At least I lasted for the amount of time it takes to snap a picture, and then survived the ordeal.
If you’re anywhere near NH, stop in and say hello. Maybe you’ll visit your own home libraries, too. Librarians love to hear what patrons want to read, so if you can’t find Roller Boy on the shelf, you could easily put in a request. As always, thanks for reading and have a wonderful rest of the summer!
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Marcia Strykowski 
Wish I lived down the street! You are AMAZING. This is very exciting! I love all your promo props and pops. A fabulous launch for Roller Boy…to the stars!! x
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Hi, Pierr, I wish you lived down the street, as well, Seattle is a long way away. Thanks for all your good wishes!
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How exciting and bravo to you for donning roller skates. I wish you all the best for a very successful launch. Enjoy what is left of the summer.
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Thanks, Darlene! It felt good to get back into my sneakers. 🙂
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Wow, Marcia lots of excitement in your neck of the woods. 😊 I love all your promotional ideas especially the chocolate lollipops, they look amazing. I very much wish I was somewhere (anywhere) near NH I would love to come and say hello and join in the fun. The scarecrows are going to look amazing! Well done on standing up in roller skates – I don’t think I would even try! Good luck with the launch I’m sure it will all go well. Hugs Barbara
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Hi Barbara, wish you were nearby instead of way across the pond. I was surprised and happy that the lollipops turned out as well as they did. Hope all is going great for you! xo
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How exciting — on the wheels of the release of your MG novel, “Roller Boy!” Glad you’re able to find so many cool and cute roller skate items to help you celebrate! I’ll look for it on the shelves…otherwise you’ll be hearing from me for a request.
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It’s tricky to find roller skates, plenty of roller blades and skateboards, though. Thanks, Lynn!
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A collection of brilliant ideas! Good luck with your book launch,
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Thanks very much, Anabel!
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Wow. You are a dynamo as you get ready to launch, Marcia. I love the chocolate roller skates! Good luck with all your signings. I’m sure you’ll be all set to go and “skate” through it. 🙂
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That would be something to see: me skating through it. 🙂 Thanks, Diana!
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What unique and fun events! I love the scavenger hunt, crafts, and the scarecrow. Best of luck with the launch.
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Thanks, Yvonne, should be a fun time!
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I’ve already pre-ordered through Amazon! Can’t wait!
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Oh, how nice, thank you very much, Donna! 🙂
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Such exciting times ahead! I wish you all the best and love your promo ideas. I wish I could join in the festivities but will be volunteering out of the country. I’ll be looking for Roller Boy when I return!
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Thank you, Joyce, we’ll miss you. Best of luck with your own activities!
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Really interesting blog, Marcia. I love all you’re doing for the promotions. I’m looking forward to seeing you on Sept. 29 and also eager to read the newest book. Good luck!
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Oh, goodie, I’m happy to hear you’ll be there, Louise—it’s been a while!
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Hi Marcia! I absolutely LOVE your book title and can’t wait to read! I will definitely preorder on Amazon as well. Wish I were close by to try one of your yummy-looking lollipops, they are adorable. Great job and good luck!
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Thank you so much for your support of Roller Boy!
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Wonderful, creative ideas for promoting Roller Boy. Wishing you much success!
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Thank you very much, Michelle!
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I’m too far away for the launch but am cheering for you from afar! Just put in a request for purchase in our library system.
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How kind, thanks so much Tracy! 🙂
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I love your chocolate roller skates. What a fantastic idea! It was great to read about your upcoming events. I wish we were going to be in the Northeast for one of those.
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Thanks, Anne, wish you could be here, too! I’d never made any kind of lollipops before, so I was glad they ended up pretty goof-proof.
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Love that — goof-proof! I could use a lot of goof-proof in my life!
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Ha, my favorite kind of task. 🙂
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So exciting! I love hearing about all your book launch plans. So inspiring…and creative! Cx
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I’m having fun trying to connect my plans to the book. Thanks, Clare!
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Can’t wait to read your new book. I’ve loved all the others.
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Thank you very much, Edna, nice to have such a loyal fan! 🙂
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Marcia, this is so exciting! I will try to stop by the library on your big day. 🙂
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Seriously!? Oh wow, what a surprise that would be as I know you’re not too close by. Thanks for getting caught up in the excitement, Jennie!
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I would love to be there, meet you, and celebrate your book. Will try!!
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These are so deliciously cool in so many ways, Marcia. What a glorious summer you’ve had, You’re on a roll(er) indeed.
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Ha, fun pun. Thank you, Mirka!
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Wow, Marcia– this all sounds so fun! Chocolate pops, roller skates, and scarecrows! You have such fun ideas! Have a great time and congratulations on your book!!
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Thanks so much, Sheri!
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Wow! What a lot of fun activities you’ve got planned for ROLLER BOY’s debut, Marcia! I’m so impressed that you made skate lollipops. Congratulations and best wishes on your book’s birthday.
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Thanks very much, Ev! The lollipops were fun to make.
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It all looks so great – hope the sun shines for all of your events. Sounds like your local library is super supportive. Have fun!
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Sunshine would be a great addition to the schedule. 🙂 Thanks, Jan!
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Can’t tell you how much I love this post Marcia!! — Cute chocolate pops! roller skate jewelry! And skate crafts! But the best is that the book is almost here!! I sure do wish I could drop in for your events– would love to celebrate at the library and go to Barnes and Noble and watch you sign books for all your eager readers!! And– love you courageous photo on roller skates!! ha ha! Such an exciting time. I’ve missed your posts– glad to get to read through this great one! And I can’t wait to get read the book! Enjoy every minute Marcia– So happy for you! xox
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Aw, I wish you could join in, too, Rhonda. Thanks for all your enthusiasm, I appreciate your interest and friendship! xo
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Hey Marcia– Im waiting to hit Amazon soon as your book arrives!! Hope all your events are super fun and encouraging!! xox
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Oh, Roller Boy has definitely arrived on Amazon 🙂 but good reminder, I should have added links to this post. Thanks very much for your support, Rhonda! xo
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I’m off to check it out Marcia… xo
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I wish I lived on the east coast!! Everything sounds so much fun!! My friend and I have you on our favorite author lists so we r looking forward to roller boy!!
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It would be such fun to meet you and your friend, Ashley. Until then, I’m looking forward to your thoughts on Roller Boy. Thanks for your support!
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How exciting the big day is almost here! We will be traveling up to NH to go to your book signing! How fun are your lollipops and I cannot wait to see the scarecrow! Sounds like you have some wonderful book launch events for your new book! I am looking forward to reading it! Congratulations! Well done! 🙂
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Wonderful! Glad to hear you’ll be coming, Bette. Thanks very much for your support!
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I am very pleased and excited for you, Marcia, about the upcoming launch of your new book. That is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.
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Thanks so much, Robbie! 🙂
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Hi Marcia! I liked this post for a number of reasons. It makes me want to rush out and buy your book. It makes me wish I lived in New England where I know you’re having cooler weather and a gorgeous fall soon. Finally, reading about all the different ways you are promoting your books is good information for me.
I wish you every success and that Roller Boy sells like…chocolate covered roller skates! I was going to say pancakes, but that seemed more appropriate. I hope you’ll let us know how well it sells and how you gauge that.
Take care!
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Thanks, Sharon, good to know you enjoyed the post!
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Good for you! Well done!
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Thanks very much, Sophie! 🙂
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It’s fun to read about your upcoming book launch. The rollerskate candies look absolutely amazing. I’m impressed by how well they turned out.
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I was surprised how easy it is to add different colors to the molds. I’d been planning to just pour in one color and call it a skate. Thinking of your own interests, I just looked up 1918 roller skates and am surprised at how much comes up. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Sheryl!
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This is tremendous, Marcia! Very exciting, and what extraordinary treats and plans you have for your book launch. I wish you all the best and oodles of interested–and interesting–readers. (I am still getting caught up on my blogs, etc, after a big summer consisting of two things–a trip to Germany to meet my relatives, and becoming a grandma!). All the best success for your book, Marcia.
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Thank you so much, Ramona! 🙂 Your summer sounds amazing. Congratulations on the new grandbaby and welcome back to the blogging world!
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Nice to meet you, Marcia. Will you be coming to Boston? When is Roller Boy set?
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Hi Evelyn! I go to Boston often, but nothing yet planned as far as books go. Roller Boy is somewhat contemporary, no dates are mentioned, but definitely more recent than my past novels which were set in 1973. 🙂
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