One Week After Launch: The Stories Behind the Seagulls
It’s been about a week since Welcome to Seagull Street officially launched, and I’m still catching my breath, in the best possible way. I had a busy weekend (May 30-June 1) of book drops and surprise moments in Ocean City, Maryland!
Signed Copies Available (In-Store & Online):
Caprichos Books (11310 Manklin Creek Rd, Ocean Pines, Maryland)
Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Raggamuffun Boutique (24th Street, Ocean City, Maryland)
Book Cover Artist Marc Emond’s Shop!
Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Bethany Beach Books (99 Garfield Parkway, Delaware)
Ravens Parade
With all of the book excitement, I didn’t realize that this was the Ravens Roost Beach Party weekend! As a huge Ravens fan, I knew I had to fit in the parade because it’s always so much fun. (In a past parade, we got to meet Jacoby Jones!) This year, the highlight had to be the performance by the Baltimore Twilighters. Check out my highlights video on TikTok!
Conversations on the Boardwalk
I spent a few hours on the Boardwalk on Sunday, chatting with anyone curious enough to stop by my book sale table. The weather was cooler than usual for this time of the year, so it was not very crowded. I had to pivot my original Boardwalk plan due to the rain and hail(!) on Saturday. Note to fellow artists and performers: you can set up on the Boardwalk to pitch your own expressive arts (perform for tips, or sell your own crafts/books/artwork, etc…) (Official OCMD Boardwalk Performing Details.)
I sold a handful of books, but the best part wasn’t the sales, it was the conversations. Aspiring authors, beach-town locals, and the kind of characters who should be in books all stopped by. It was one of the most interesting, inspiring three-hour stretches I’ve had in a long time. Proof that stories (whether in books or real life) bring people together. To the man who recited his clever poem about anchovies, well done! I hope that one day that you too are a published author/poet!
Social Media Traffic
As a marketing consultant, I’ve been completely obsessed with my marketing stats for the book launch. I’ve been posting (organic and paid ads) across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. While Instagram and TikTok seem to get all the likes and comments, Facebook is quietly doing the most. Yesterday, three people walked into Raggamuffin Boutique in Ocean City asking for my book after seeing posts on Facebook. (Yes, really!) When I donated the book to the OCMD library, the librarian said she had seen the book on Instagram the night before. Social media marketing works!
Next Weekend
And if you’re in central Maryland, I’d love to see you at my upcoming signing event next weekend!
🖊️ Second Edition Books & Music – Columbia, MD
📅 Saturday, June 7
🕚 11am – 2pm
Thanks to everyone who’s shared a post about my book, bought a copy, or just said “Congrats!” The journey is just beginning, and I’m so grateful to have you all along for the ride.
See you on Seagull Street.
AlissaArford.com 
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