Laura McNeill's Blog, page 12

Reader Feature: 20 Questions with Hailey Fish

Today, I’d like to introduce you to fabulous reader and blogger Hailey Fish. She’s been a joy to get to know, always has something positive to say about other people, and loves to talk about books!

On her website, she has two really awesome lists of authors she’s met and authors she’d like to meet! Hailey has met Jane Green, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, Charlaine Harris, Lee Child, and many more! She would like to meet Stephen King, Wally Lamb, Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, Sarah Dessen, Liane Moriarty, & Anita Hughes (and about a few dozen more).

Here’s the 411 on Hailey:

Full Name: Hailey Ellen Fish
Hometown: Westerly, RI
Where you live now: Pawcatuck, CT
Family members: Jim and Sharon, two older brothers Will and Chris, an older sister Mallory, two nieces Grace and Jill and two nephews Devon and Colton.
How did we “meet?” Through Facebook
Five words friends would use to describe you: Sweet, loyal, loving, friendly and compassionate
Name of your blog: www.fishlovesbooks.blogspot.com. How and why did you start blogging? I’m not as active as I would like, but I started blogging because  ladies who blog have a great camaraderie with other women around the world, always talking about great books, things going on in their personal lives, their families.
What is the most rewarding thing about it? Being able to meet great, inspiring women.
Finish this sentence. “When I’m not reading, I’m working or hanging out with family but try and sneak in moments to read.”
Finish this sentence. “I love it when people compliment my eyes and recommend books.”
What would you do with a million dollars? Put money into trust funds for my nieces and nephews, buy myself a new car, buy my parents new cars as well as my brother in law and sister, go on vacation and put a lot in the bank as a nest egg.
Favorite book: That would be like asking who is your favorite child, if I had any kids. I guess if I had to choose, it would be 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. It captured how people would feel during a shooting at a school, the repercussions of the shooter and the family of the shooter.
Favorite movies: Billy Madison, Practical Magic, The Little Mermaid, Growns-Ups.
Favorite treat/snack: Smart food popcorn, goldfish crackers, creme brulee
Favorite vacation spots: Las Vegas, NV; Orlando, FL: Universal Studios
Romance or Suspense? Romantic Suspense!
Coffee or Tea? Tea with milk and sugar in a nice big comfy mug
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Sun or Snow? Sun, the temperature in the 70’s
Where can people find you on the web or on social media? Facebook: Hailey Fish  Twitter: @hailey_jam91

 

I have to say that I also love Jodi Picolt’s 19 Minutes, SmartFood Popcorn, and romantic suspense!  Thank you so much to Hailey for taking time to sharing all of this.

Love & hugs, Laura

Writer Wednesday: Defining Platform & Brand

Defining Brand & Platform Can Be Confusing!

There are quite a few abbreviations and terms tossed around in the publishing business, including ARC (advanced reader copy), A/W (artwork), and “Comp” (which just means layout).

I’m sure you’ve also heard or read about an author’s “platform” and “brand”–important for both traditionally and independently published writers. At first, the terms might seem as confusing or interchangeable, but they are truly very different. Here’s an easy way to define each:

BRAND:  An author’s image and identity.

PLATFORM:  How you get the word out about your work to readers.

Make sense? Let’s look at both a little more closely.

Every author has his or her own personal style. Try as you might to mimic a Dan Brown or Kristen Hannah (and you shouldn’t), you can never truly replicate another author’s method of expression. Write authentically. Write what you love. Write about what you believe in, what you are passionate about, or what fascinates you.

Think about your purpose as a writer–how can you best entertain, delight, and communicate to readers? Then, work on perfecting that! Your “brand” as an author will shine through.

Non-Fiction Authors:

Think about Maya Angelou, Anne Lamott, and Truman Capote. Do you have an instant reaction when you read each name? Is their work serious or thoughtful, focused on violence or happiness? That’s part of what helps define their brand.

Fiction Authors:

What about Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and James Patterson? Does an immediate feeling (a gut reaction) about each author come to mind? As a reader, you know what to expect from that author’s writing. That can be defined as brand.

Now, think about your own books. Would you like to shock readers or keep them on the edge of their seats? Do you want to leave readers with a happy ending or feel like they’ve been part of solving a challenging mystery?

How you choose to tell your stories, the genre you write in, the words that you use–even tone and descriptions–will help define your brand. When readers pick up your book and read the first few pages, how will they react?  What kind of emotional response should readers have when they finish a novel or short story? Again, brand is something you can’t and shouldn’t force. Let your brand evolve naturally.

In order to sell books, any publisher will explain that you need a platform. In its most basic form, a platform is how you spread the word about your book; how you reach your target audience.

Social Media

Social media plays a huge part in an author’s platform. How often do you Tweet? How many followers do you have? Do you blog? Do people comment on those blog posts? Are you active on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook? To a publisher, more friends or followers means more potential book buyers.

But platform reaches beyond social media. Do you write articles for magazines or online publications? How many people do those reach? Are you a member of a writing group? A literary community? Do you speak at book clubs or present information at conventions? Do you attend workshops and interact with readers? All of these methods count toward your overall author platform.

Genre and Audience

Are you focusing all of your efforts on the right audience? It may seem a silly question, but if you are writing horror but only reaching romance fans, you are likely wasting your time!

It is well-worth it to define your audience and find out where they hang out. If you write thrillers, find bloggers who love that genre and are willing to share your work. Look for thriller/mystery/suspense groups on Facebook, Google+ and Goodreads–then, join and contribute. Think about membership in Mystery Writers of America or International Thriller Writers. If you write Romance, RWA is a great resource. Children’s author? Consider SCBWI. Each organization offers resources and tips for experienced and novice writers on how to best reach audiences.

Experience & Credibility

Do you write about planes in your novels? If you are a pilot, that will give your work credibility. If you write about TV news, and you’ve been a reporter, again, credibility. If you write medical thrillers, are you a nurse? If you write non-fiction, do you have a Ph.D.? An MFA counts for some publishers. Use your degrees and experience to your advantage when you are crafting your bio and talking with your audience.

When Should You Start?

So, when is the best time to begin working on defining your brand and putting together your platform? Ideally, when you start writing your first novel, collection of poetry, or non-fiction book. The second best time? Right now. It’s never too late to get started.

If you feel overwhelmed, start small. Tackle one social media outlet at a time. Attend one conference. Join one organization. Do those well, and then add more to your platform.

What are your thoughts on brand and platform?

The Sisterhood of Book Clubs

I love my book clubs. The more the merrier, right? And what’s not to love? Great books, good conversation, cold drinks, and sweet treats make for lovely evenings.

The first and “official” book club I belong to is one that I joined with other staff and faculty from Spring Hill College. It’s a friendly group of women from far-off places like California, New York, Chicago, and Arizona who gather together in Mobile, Alabama–our adopted home away from home.

Twice a year, we choose the books for the next six months, and I’m happy to say that one of my suggestions is our next selection — Claire Fuller’s Our Endless Numbered Days, a suspenseful family drama with a fabulous twist ending. Fuller, who lives in the UK, but isn’t able to Skype because our book club meets during the middle of her night, has graciously agreed to answer all of our questions via email!

My second book club isn’t really a book club at all…really. It’s “book club night” at Page & Palette bookstore in Fairhope, Alabama. Two of the P&P staff members preview novels and non-fiction coming out in the next few months to a large, enthusiastic audience made up of members of at least 10 different book clubs from around Fairhope and the Eastern Shore. Advance reader copies of books are given away, along with t-shirts and other goodies. Oh yes, and there’s wine, too!

The third book club is part of a Facebook group I recently joined. This club has 473 members from across the U.S.; authors, readers – all smart women who adore great writing.

This month’s book pick is the Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner. The novel is a gripping story told during World War II that hooked me from the first chapter. In the last line of that opening section, the main character confesses that she is not 93 years old and that she is not named “Isabel.” Fascinating, right?

I’m grateful for the fun and fellowship of these gatherings. There’s a special sort of bond that forms–a sisterhood of sorts–when women gather to talk about books. And it’s more than sharing thoughts in someone’s living room, sipping wine in a bookstore, or typing impressions of a novel on a Facebook page and reading members’ responses.

It’s the laughter that ensues, the debates that are sparked, and the personal stories brought forth. It is also the memories from childhood shared, the sensitive topics discussed, and questions raised–questions that might not be brought to light under any other circumstances.

I know this much, as well. Because of book clubs, my life is enriched and the world is a more magical place. For that, I am grateful.

 

If your book club would like me to visit & talk about Center of Gravity (Yes ~ I would love to!) please email me – laura@lauramcneill.com.

Live outside the Deep South? Let’s Skype!   

7 Reasons to Love Indie Bookstores

Today, more than 400 independent bookstores across the country participate in the first ever Independent Bookstore Day. Plenty of fun and quirky events are being held from Athens, Georgia to Biloxi, Mississippi (details to follow), but first, here are 7 reasons to LOVE our Indie Bookstores. 

1. A place to connect –

Indie bookstores have that wonderful neighborhood feel — a definite sense of community in our rushed and busy world. Indie bookstores are friendly and welcoming, the perfect place to meet a loved one for coffee and conversation, shop for a gift, or talk books with the very knowledgeable staff.

Joshilyn Jackson

2. Author events

I don’t know about you, but the chance to meet and talk with authors like Joshilyn Jackson, Chris Bohjalian, Skip Horack, and Greg Iles is pretty darn fabulous.

Ask questions, get your book signed, or just listen. It’s really special to meet the person “behind” the writing. Author events are one of my favorite ways to spend an evening.

3. Great recommendations

Stephanie & Anderson at Page & Palette

 

I’ve found that the staff at indie bookstores are amazing resources. Can’t remember the title of a novel? Describe the cover and they’ll figure it out! Want a new suspense novel? They’ll know the hottest books coming out next month.

Want book club recommendations? They’ll give you a list! Looking for the perfect present for someone who has everything? Say no more! All you have to do is ask!

4. Lattes and literature

Most indie bookstores have wonderful coffee shops. What goes better with a book than a delicious latte, frozen coffee drink, or a creamy hot chocolate?

5. There’s no rush

The great thing about indie bookstores is that time seems to stand still inside them. It’s great to spend an afternoon exploring the shelves, checking out new releases, and perusing a chapter or two in the comfort of a cozy bookstore corner.

6. The local economy

Your dollars go further — much further — at an indie bookstore.

Pledging to spend $100 A YEAR (not a month!) at a local business helps support a healthy local economy.

7. The vibe

No two indie bookstores are the same. Some are renovated houses, some are tucked between local shops on quaint streets. Some have entire rooms dedicated to travel or children’s books. I particularly love the sections dedicated to regional and local authors.

Check out these May 2nd Indie Bookstore Events

Burlingham Books, Perry, N.Y.: “I really wanted to do it, because I thought it was cool,” said owner Ann Burlingham. “Sometimes it’s hard to invite people to come celebrate the independent bookstore, to appreciate  us for us and think about why they come here instead of going other places. (via the Daily News)

Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, N.H.: “In True Brew Cafe: Marvel themed drink specials, because it’s also Free Comic Book Day (in support of our neighbors at Double Midnight Comics).”

Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, Kentucky: Competing against the Kentucky Derby will be a challenge, but Carmichael’s is hosting an “Old Fashioned Derby Party,” where you can “learn how to mix the famed bourbon-based cocktail. And, of course, everyone will listen to the Derby at race time.” (via Insider Louisville)

Barrington Books, Barrington, R.I.:  Stop by Saturday from 11-1 as they kick off Independent Bookstore Day festivities with complimentary samples from the wonderful folks at MEDICI GELATO!

Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.: “The emphasis is on foot traffic and making a physical appearance in a bookstore–a symbol of how integral book-and-mortar stores are in this digital, online world,” said bookseller Rachel Kaplan, who is coordinating the event. (via the Banner-Herald)

Do you have a favorite Indie Bookstore?

Reader Spotlight: Ron Wright

Today, I want to introduce you to my friend and trusted beta reader, Ron Wright! Ron and I met on Facebook several years ago and connected over a mutual love of books!

He is also an author, and published Once in a Lifetime.

The book is a personal and humorous account of his month-long trip to Japan to reconnect with his older son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

Here’s the 411 on Ron:

Name: Ron Wright
Hometown: Oxford, OH
Where you live now: Port Orchard, WA
Family members: Sue, David (and a bunch who no longer live with us)…
How did we “meet?” Facebook!
Five words friends would use to describe you: Smart, Happy, Caring, Outgoing, Reader.

Ron & Sue Wright

Finish this sentence – “When I’m not reading, I’m online.”
Finish this sentence – “I love it when people help others.”
What would you do with a million dollars? Make my house ADA compatible, and help others.
Favorite book: The Girl in the Woods by Gregg Olsen
Favorite movie: “Mr. Baseball”
Favorite treat:  Tiramisu
Favorite vacation spot: Itsukushima
Romance or Suspense? Suspense
Coffee or Tea? Both
Beach or Mountains? Mountains
Sun or Snow? Sun
Where can people find you on the web or on social media?

Facebook
YouTube

Thank you so much, Ron, for sharing with us! It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you.   ~ Laura

Writing Wednesday: One Million Words

One of my favorite books about writing craft contains a quote that really resonates with me. In On Writing, Stephen King offers this sage advice to budding authors:

“The first million words are practice.”
That sentence is powerful enough to make anyone stop and re-think his career. Those six words might have a person doubt her own drive and ambition.

I’ve been there. More than once. But I also haven’t given up. And that’s the stuff of writers are made of.

A note before we get any further: I’m a “1/2″ fan of Stephen King. Half of me loves him. The other half of me shudders at the thought of reading one of his horror stories. Put Cujo, It, or Rose Madder on my bedside table and I won’t sleep a wink.

But, The Green Mile is a favorite book of mine, and I love “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.” I’ve also recommended On Writing more times than I can remember–at conferences, talks, book signings, and to anyone who asks.

 

King’s wit and humor shine through in On Writing. He shoots straight from the hip. He shares his own stories of failure. He talks about having enough rejection letters to paper a wall. And he shares that he didn’t give up. That’s the stuff of one million words.


And King doesn’t mean a million words haphazardly strung together. In my humble opinion, he’s talking about one million words of blood, sweat, and tears. One million words of emotion and insight into the human experience. And learning. Always learning.

Author Ray Bradbury agrees. He is quoted as saying this:

“Write a thousand words a day, and in three years you will be a writer.”

Here we go, again, with the one million words (plus or minus 95 thousand) rule.

Taken literally, should this formula produce a bestselling author when he or she crosses the million-word mark? Can we, then, as writers, set our laptops aside and lounge by the pool?

 

Sorry. No. Afraid not. Like a professional athlete or a concert musician, perfection comes from dedication, passion, and daily practice. Even with great talent comes a learning curve. Stephen King still writes almost every day. Jodi Picoult says that she does.

 

In my estimation, I’m hovering around the 600,000 mark. Each novel that I’ve completed ran 90,000 words in the first draft, with another 10,000-20,000 revised and cut. The short story is about 20,000 words, and my WIP (work in progress) just crossed the 46,000 word mark.

 

Here’s my list:
Book(s) .5 – Several that I started and didn’t finish!
Book 1 – A completed novel “Which Shall Not be Named” or Published
Book 2 – Stay Tuned (Lauren Clark)
Book 3 – Dancing Naked in Dixie (Lauren Clark)
Book 3.5 – A Very Dixie Christmas (short story, L. Clark)
Book 4 – Stardust Summer (Lauren Clark)
Book 5 – Pie Girls (Lauren Clark)
Book 6 – Center of Gravity (Laura McNeill)
Book 7 – Sister Dear (Laura McNeill)
Book 8 – WIP set in NOLA (Laura McNeill)

Thanks to help from excellent beta readers, experienced editors, and sharp reviewers, I’ve improved and changed my writing craft over time. I always outline, which works for me, and I always write a book from chapter one to the last chapter (if I stop to edit, I will get stuck for days). In the meantime, I am reading other novels (Joshilyn Jackson, M.O. Wilson), absorbing books about the writing craft (James Scott Bell, Donald Maas), and learning tips and tricks from many great writing blogs (www.betternovelproject.com & many more).

I’ve no doubt that I’ll reach the one million word mark. It’s also not likely to be this year, but when I do, I’m confident that I’ll be a much better author, producing much better novels, for the learning, time, and energy I’ve put into it.

What are your writing goals?

What’s In a Name? Selections for Center of Gravity

Naming characters is almost as daunting as naming a new baby. And, once your book goes to print, it’s just as permanent.

As an author, much like a mother, you create and give birth to a person. That character, depending on how quickly you write and revise, lives in your imagination for months or years.

Over time, the character becomes almost a living, breathing entity, capable of action, thought, mistakes, and triumph. Dozens of chapters are written, containing your heroine’s quirks and likes, a description of hair, skin, and eyes, her personality, and what makes her laugh or cry. She faces difficult challenges, wrestles with danger, and is forced to examine her biggest fears.

Choosing Names

Choosing names is one of my favorite parts of beginning a new story, though I don’t have a specific method that I use for every book. I can, however, give you some insight into the process that works for me. I start by defining a character’s most distinct attributes and traits, and then make a long list of names. Usually, one jumps out at me right away.

Ava

In Center of Gravity, I knew that I wanted my heroine’s name to reflect a person gentle, gracious and sensitive. She needed to be intelligent and caring, but still a bit naive, especially where men were concerned. She is trusting, in fact, too trusting for her own good.

Ava seemed the perfect designation, and brought to mind the late actress Ava Gardner (even though my Ava is a strawberry blonde). In Latin, Ava means “life.”

Jack

For my hero, Jack, Ava’s 8 year-old stepson, I needed a strong name, one that indicated he was a rough and tumble boy, one capable of a little mischief, but with a big heart. The name Jack dates back to the Crusades, and to me, brings about images of a younger President “Jack” John Kennedy.

Mitchell

In creating Mitchell Carson, Ava’s husband, I pictured a person charming and debonair; a man who turned heads and commanded attention.

In Center of Gravity, Mitchell always looks put together, dresses well, and keeps his appearance neat and groomed. The origin of the name “Mitchell” is American and means “who is like God.” Mitchell is also referred to as a sharper alternative to Michael.* For me, George Clooney seemed a perfect representation of the novel’s Mitchell Carson.

Graham

Graham Thomas, Center of Gravity‘s Harley-driving, leather-wearing lawyer from Nashville, was chosen as I was looking for an edgy, distinct name. Graham has been popular in Scotland and England since the 1950’s and is now gaining popularity in America.

Famous Grahams include race car driver Graham Hill and Canadian Actor Graham Abbey (“Heartland”).

What’s in a Name?

For me, it’s crucial for a name to fit a character’s temperament, appearance, and way of life. I really enjoy  jotting down names, paging through baby name websites, and thumbing through books, seeking the right fit. If I’m a few chapters into writing a novel, and a name doesn’t end up ringing true, I don’t hesitate to change it. After all, if a name isn’t working for me, it probably won’t resonate with readers either (which is doubly important to me!)

Do you have any favorite character names? 

*nameberry.com

Harper Lee & Me (Or, Why Her New Book Will Not Ruin My Life)

Harper Lee’s new book, Go Set a Watchman will NOT ruin my life. Yes, you read that right.

Here’s the story …

About a month ago, I attended my local book club meeting and was deep in discussion about the novels we might select for the upcoming six months. A friend of mine, an English professor, tossed out a few ideas, including To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman. Nods all around.

Another friend asked when it was being released, and after a quick Google search, one of the teachers in the group announced July 14th.

Our Book Club in December

“Really?” I asked, my throat tightening a bit. The room suddenly looked darker. Felt colder. And I repeated the date for confirmation. “July 14th?”

The room went silent. I’m sure I offered a too-big smile or a shoulder shrug, betraying my slight worry. “That’s my release date for Center of Gravity,” I explained.

After a few consoling words, laughter, and some ribbing from one of my closest friends, (“Sorry about that” and “Better luck next time on the bestseller.”) I decided that Nell and her new book would complement, not compete, on launch day. After all, we have lots in common. We can share. People can pick up two new glorious titles that Tuesday, right?

Here are 8 reasons you should pick up Watchman & Center of Gravity July 14:

1. We are both Alabama writers who honor the Deep South with intricate family dramas (Harper Lee resides in Monroeville. I’m in Mobile, Ala.)

2. Harper Lee and I once had lunch together (okay, about 65 writers had lunch with her at the Alabama Writers Symposium 3 years ago when she made a surprise appearance)

3. We both studied law (Harper Lee at Alabama; I studied at Syracuse). Both ventures were short-lived, thankfully.

4.  We’ve both spent time in Eufaula, Ala. (Harper Lee in 1983 for the Heritage Festival. I’ve visited several times to tour the city and research the annual Pilgrimage)

5. We have the same publisher, HarperCollins (Watchman is the Harper imprint. Center of Gravity’s imprint is Thomas Nelson)

6. Harper Lee and I both wrote for our college newspapers (Harper Lee wrote at the University of Alabama. I wrote for the Clarion Ledger)

7. We both have a connection to Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. (Harper Lee received her honorary degree from SHC in 1997. I currently work at the college as a web content and social media manager)

8. Our covers are a similar, striking shades of blue and will complement any bookshelf!

I could go on, but you get the idea….

Like almost everyone else on the planet who cares about books, I’m thrilled and fascinated with the discovery of Lee’s novel. And like many other avid readers, I’ll be picking up my copy at a local bookstore and diving in to Watchman in July.

If you’re doing the same, be sure to check out the “other” release that day, available everywhere fine books are sold!    ~  Laura

Pre-Order Center of Gravity and Go Set a Watchman

*photo credit of Harper Lee: Spring Hill College

Writer Wednesday: 10 Ways to Promote Your Novel

I’m frequently asked at talks or conferences how best to promote a novel. Promoting, in my opinion, is different than selling. If done right, and done with consideration and collaboration, promotion does much more … and goes much further.

Promoting, to me, means:

Establishing your author platform – Who knows you as an author? Who knows your novels? Where can they find them? Do you blog? Write for magazines? Tweet? What do those numbers look like? What is your reach? (More on platform & branding in my blog post on April 29, 2015!)
Building your brand – Branding expert Marty Neumeier explains that brand is, “…a person’s gut feeling about a product, service, or company.” So, when readers finish your work, what kind of emotional response would you like them to have? 
Showing people who you are and what you care about
Connecting with readers AND other authors
Sharing your expertise and information
Giving more than you receive

Promoting well is not a one-shot deal or a campaign that lasts a day or a few weeks. Promotion is hard work and can be a full-time job, in addition to writing (if you let it!). Promoting well is for a day-in, day-out effort for the long-term.

Here are my top ten ways to promote your novel well. These efforts are what have worked for me, after much trial and error, a few mistakes, and a lot of fun!

Write – Do your homework. Write a Good Book. Edit. Proofread. Create a great cover and craft a compelling story summary and a fun author blurb.
Distribute – Make your book available in as many places as possible: Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, ACX, etc. Give your readers as much opportunity as they can to find you!
Socialize – There is no magic formula for social media, other than consistency and being consistently gracious and polite. My recommendation is to share interesting, useful information. Make it meaningful. Mix it up with some humor and praise for other authors. Also, as it can be overwhelming, master one social media tool well (say, Instagram) and then add another (Twitter). A good rule of thumb is to share other people’s work 80% of the time, share your work 20% of the time.
Get Reviewed – Ask nicely for reviews (say please and thank you to these hard-working bloggers and reviewers) and if the friend who is writing is an author, offer to give a review in return. Be aware that some people will promise to review and won’t – hey, life happens! Always over-ask.
Advertise – Again, you may get more than you receive, but you are raising awareness. Consider advertising on sites that won’t break the bank. Ereader News Today, Digital Book Today, Kindle Book Review, Free Booksy, FKBT, and Book Buzz, etc. are all good choices.
Tour – Set up a blog tour, either by yourself, or with a blog tour company. I suggest getting your book on at least 20 blog sites over two months. In addition, tour locally. Visit local bookstores, ask if they will carry your book. Try to get a few authors together and sign books at a library or indie book store, if they are game! Indie bookstores typically take 45% commission, so be prepared for that! I’ve used Goddess Fish extensively. There are many other tour companies out there! Some that I have not used, but have been recommended include:  AToMR Tours, Candace’s Book Promotion, Xpresso Book Tours (YA), Pump Up Your Book, PageCurl, Worldwind, and Loving the Book.
Make Friends – Connect with other authors in person or on social media, especially those in your genre. Join a writers’ group. Participate in a book club. Attend indie bookstore events.
Share – This is the time to be generous. Comment on other author’s blogs, comment on blogger’s posts, share Facebook posts, retweet on Twitter. Review other books on your own blog. Giveaway your paperbacks on Goodreads or LibraryThing. Hold a Rafflecopter contest on your blog! Pay it forward.
Be an Expert – What is your book about? If it’s non-fiction, you have a built-in platform. If you write fiction, it can be a little more difficult to pinpoint theme or purpose. Is your novel about children? Is it set in a certain region of the country? Do you know tons about airplanes, antiques, animals, etc. (and you’ve covered that topic in one of your books)? Think about pitching local and regional magazines on a subject that you love!
Be Free – Offer your book for free, even for just a few days. I would suggest doing that when you launch the book. If you have several books, or a series of novels, make one of them free permanently. It’s a lovely way to introduce readers to your books and writing style.

Here’s an excellent article on promotion and marketing I just discovered this week (see below). The information can be overwhelming, so take in a little at a time, or schedule out tasks to do once a week!  It’s a marathon, not a race!  (article: Book Marketing Buzz)

What are your favorite book promotion ideas or examples (as a reader or a writer)? I’d love to hear about them!

Goodreads Giveaway – 2 Winners

I’m so pleased to report that as of midnight, April 20th, 735 Goodreads members have added Center of Gravity to their “Want to Read” shelves.  A total of 1522 people entered the giveaway for a copy of the paperback. THANK YOU, everyone, for adding the novel to your shelves!

(Please Note: A 10 Paperback giveaway will be held by HarperCollins in MAY and I am continuing my own giveaway until 1000 readers have added C of G on their shelves!)

The winner of the April Goodreads paperback giveaway is:

Charlotte Rottiers who lives in Gent, BELGIUM

And because more than 500 readers have added the novel to their Goodreads shelves, I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card!

The winner was chosen through random.org. She is:

Ashlee from Calgary, AB, Canada!
More Chances to Win!

I will give away a $15 iTunes gift card when 800 readers have added Center of Gravity to their Goodreads Want To READ shelves, Right now, we’re just 65 people away!

When 1,000 readers put Center of Gravity in their Goodreads Want To READ shelves, I will give away a $25 Amazon gift card.

All you have to do is add Center of Gravity here: