Good day Francine and thank you for agreeing to an e-interview for Bookpleasures.

Norm:

I wonder if you could give our readers a brief résumé of your educational background and your experience as a travel writer.

Francine

I am a college graduate and was a feature writer for newspapers for many years.

Norm

What motivated you to write about Long Island Alive?

Francine

I discovered with my first guidebook, Catskills Alive, that people have misconceptions about an area. When you travel and investigate you discover wonders that others have no knowledge of. As to Long Island, we have cousins and friends there so I was somewhat familiar with Long Beach and the beach clubs along Nassau County's South Shore. Also, my husband and I had visited Sagamore, Theodore Roosevelt's home on Long Island's North Shore, and I had read Nelson DeMille's Gold Coast (about the North Shore), so I knew there must be unheralded treasures beyond the Hamptons (which is included in the book, of course).

Norm

No doubt, as your Long Island guide is very comprehensive, you must have devoted a great deal of research, time and effort into its writing. How long did it take you to do the research and eventually write the guide?

Francine

I think research took about 1-1/2 years. Long Island is a lot closer to home than the Catskills so I was able to make more trips. Each time I returned home I input my notes. It was like completing a jigsaw puzzle. When all the pieces were in place, the book was done - that is, until my editor came back with all her questions.

Norm

When travelling, do you keep a journal and how do you decide what material to include in the book and what to leave out?

Francine

Fortunately, I know steno from years as a legal secretary so I'm able to take down conversation and jot notes easily. I know that readers will want to know certain things with lodgings, for example: what it looks like, amenities, proprietor's demeanor, cost, directions and website address. Sometimes even I forget to take down information on something and either have to check their website or call.

Norm

How many times a year do you travel, and when you do travel, is it always to gather material for an upcoming article or book?

Francine

Like a writer friend of mine, I find that I only enjoy traveling when I'm taking notes. On the other hand, sometimes I need a break and simply try to enjoy myself. I don't travel much - mostly to research and promote my books so I'm either driving to the Catskills or Long Island.

Norm

How do you go about marketing your your books?

Francine

I did several book signings when Catskills Alive was published, but decided against it with Long Island Alive. Except for two book parties when friends, relatives and neighbors showed up to lend support, few people attended. Even at Barnes & Noble and Borders where folks were drawn to my talks on the Catskills, no one purchased a book. In fact, at one Barnes & Noble I was told that the store had sold ten copies the week before, which clearly illustrated that my presence was not necessary.

When Long Island Alive was published, I sent postcards (with the cover pictured on one side) announcing its publication to everyone mentioned in the book. I telephoned merchants who had expressed an interest in stocking the book and sent releases to media in the New York metropolitan area. This resulted in some book reviews and on-air interviews.

Book marketing is a shot in the dark and you never know which tactic is going to work. For instance, after posting a press release on www.longisland.com, a Long Island radio station spotted it and called me the next day for an interview!

My biggest marketing effort, however, has been on-line. A few months ago I hired a professional web designer who created hundreds of links to Catskills and Long Island attractions. The idea is not only to sell books but to provide a service to travelers. I contacted Long Island search engines and promotional agencies, with the result that most are now linked to my website (www.nystatetravel.com). (The more links, the more coverage on Yahoo, Google and other search engines).

The best learning experience has been Book Promotion Newsletter, which I started in March, 2003. While it hasn't helped sell my books, the interactive, bi-weekly ezine provides terrific marketing ideas and leads from authors of all genres. New subscribers are asked to fill out a questionnaire and the best responses become fodder for my newsletter.

Norm

What words of wisdom would you convey to any of our readers who may have aspirations of becoming a travel writer?

Francine

I started by writing for a travel newsletter. It was good practice in learning how to gather minute details. Actual writing was minimal, but you need tearsheets to prove you are a travel writer. At one point, I did a piece on the Catskills, which led to an article in the New Jersey Record newspaper. Somehow that marked me as a Catskills expert and every spring they contact me for a Catskills article. Another good way to start is to get invited on fam tours. Everything is paid for and you are treated like kings and queens with gifts left in your room and wonderful meals. You also meet other travel writers (that's how I met my author friend). However, I wouldn't advise going on the trip unless you have a market lined up to buy your article. It's embarrassing taking all this largess and not giving back.

Norm

Do you have any future writing projects in the works?

Francine

I don't. As editor of Book Promotion Newsletter, (for authors of every genre), I am very busy putting together issues, signing up and seeking subscribers, and answering fan mail. Also, the second edition of Catskills Alive will be published in early August and I'll be very busy promoting it.

Norm

Thank you once again for your kindness in accepting to be interviewed.

Francine

My pleasure, Norm.

Read The Review Of Long Island Alive Here