Getting Book Signings and Interviews

1492162_10152125585440546_1133363978_oYou’ve written that first book. You’re so proud of it. Now you want to make sure your public hears about it. What can you do to get some exposure in the ‘real world’ as opposed to on-line via social media?
Let’s talk about two that worked for me; book signings and interviews on radio and TV.

Book Signings:
I live in a relatively rural area, not a big city, but I think that this can work even in cities. When my first book came out I took some with me and travelled about to all the bookstores I could find within an hour’s drive. At each one I would gather all my courage and ask to speak to whoever was in charge about doing a book-signing. I soon learned that the person with the authority to make that decision is not always present. Lesson number one; call or e-mail ahead for an appointment with the owner or manager. It will save a lot of time and frustration. Also make sure you know the owner’s name and can address him/her by name when you meet. In a way, this is a job interview. Treat it like one. Continue reading “Getting Book Signings and Interviews”

Book Brief: A Deeper Cut

ADC_Cover smallA Deeper Cut
by Sheri Wren Haymore
Genre of this Book: Suspense/Thriller
Word count: 80,093

When Hunter Kittrell and his beautiful friend Miki arrive in Beaufort, NC, for their summer stay, they decide to liven up the small town by pulling a harmless prank. That prank, however, quickly finds them deeply entangled in a blood bath face-off with a knife-wielding serial killer.

As the usually peaceful town is plunged into chaos, Hunter and Miki find themselves drawn more deeply into the investigation, and it turns out their connection to the murders might not be as tenuous as it seemed at first. As the investigation continues, burning questions bubble: Why is Hunter being framed for at least one of the murders? And why does his missing father’s name keep popping up all over town?

Everything crashes to a startling conclusion on Hunter’s 21st birthday, when Hunter is forced to face the truths he’s been running from his whole life.

This book is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Continue reading “Book Brief: A Deeper Cut”

Magic Realism: An Overview

signMagic Realism, or Magical Realism, has become a hotly discussed term among writers of both fiction and non-fiction. Indeed, some would argue that it has no place in fiction. Others disagree. It is also discussed in other art forms but I will stick to writing in this post.

I have been participating in a few groups where these discussions take place, mostly as a fly on the wall, listening and learning, occasionally offering a beginner’s question or comment. My interest was piqued when two other writers suggested that my books could fall into that category. So with the qualifier that I still have a lot to learn I will attempt to pass on some of what I have discovered. Continue reading “Magic Realism: An Overview”

Book Brief: Pick-up Stix

Pick-up StixPick-up Stix
by Jacqueline Lorraine Conwell
Genre of this Book: Fiction
Word count: 61, 880

Things were going well for Alora-with the exception of her stagnant relationship with Jordan. She was hoping that her usual beach ritual would bring something to fruition and save her from her current situation. But with their junior year of college approaching, her hope was starting to feel like a pipe dream. Little did she know, her beach ritual wasn’t in vain … For what felt like an eternity, James had waited patiently for Alora’s toxic relationship to dissipate as he kept a safe distance. He didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to stand idly by, when without warning, his patience paid off. Alora’s situation took a turn for the better from his perspective, which finally gave him the chance to step in and help Alora start fresh. But soon after James was introduced to her, he realized that swooping in to save the day isn’t always as easy as it seems.

This book is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Continue reading “Book Brief: Pick-up Stix”