Reader, Writer, Author, Blogger

Marketer.

*flexes marketing muscle*

I remember when my first book came out. I held it in my hands, turned it over, stroked the cover then wondered, now what?

After sending in my very first manuscript, ever, I received an offer for my book. Sure, it was a children's book, but it was still a book I'd written.

It was back in the olden days, when books took years to come out. There wasn't on demand printing or e-books. I waited, with my heart in my throat, for one solid year. Even after signing the contract, I worried. Would they keep their agreement? Would I really have a book in my hands one day?

The day came, and with it all the wonder, worry, and excitement holding your own book can create. It was the what next question that bothered me. I soon discovered that your publishing company helped you out. They called the books stores, set you up with book signings, and mailed the books directly to you, You got to attend the Book Expo in LA and meet all kinds of fascinating writers, authors, and actors. You signed your book and gave it away--for free. Plus, the publisher paid your way down there and set you up in a hotel room, as well.

Time passed. I built a company and all thoughts of writing faded. Oh, I still dabbled, but now I wanted to write a novel. Raising three kids, working, and wifeing, took up too much of my time to ever complete one to my satisfaction.

After a crisis of conscience--kids growing up and leaving--me wondering what my new dream was going to be--I sold the company and left the Bay Area. I wanted my grandchildren to know what it was like to feel the ground beneath their bare feet instead of concrete.

Once free of the corporate world, I finished that novel. Several years ago, I entered it into the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest. After making the quarterfinals, I thought, hey, maybe someone else might be interested in the book. So, I found a small publisher offering a contest. I entered--and won. 

After the excitement faded, I was left with the what next, again. Times had changed. There were Kindles and Nooks, e-books and paperbacks. Not only that, but the world was exploding with independent authors who didn't even have publishers. As I unburied my head, I came to realize that I was responsible for marketing my own book. My what next wasn't going to be so easy this time.

I remember holding my book in my hands (Gemini Rising) after several months of editing, cover design, blurbing, there it was, heavy, colorful in design, perfect in every way, yet it glared at me with intimidation.

My marketing director told me to start a blog.

A blog? And write about what?

Anything and everything, preferably about your own book.

So I did. It took me awhile to get used to it. I was blogging to nameless, faceless, people, who read what I say, but rarely leave comments. After 300 some blogs, I'm hoping my non-commenters are my friends.

*hand waving*

Hello!

Then I joined Twitter. I didn't even own a cell phone. Then I had to buy a cell phone. Now I'm addicted to the game apps. Bubble Raider anyone?

About the same time, I joined Facebook. Within a short time I had upward of 500 friends. Of course, I had no idea how Facebook worked, but I did learn how to connect my blog to it and to Twitter. Before I knew it, I had multiple tweets, posts, and blog repeats going out in whatever direction multiple times, all over the place.

Sigh

Then I joined Tiberr. Tiberr is a blogging platform that you join with others and form tribes. The tribes can be about paranormal romance, horror, reviewing, whatever. You click on other tribe member blog posts to 'share' their blog with your 'friends'. Then Tiberr upgraded to a NEW Tiberr. All of a sudden, I had multiple FB postings, tweets, and my 'shares' were heard around the world, multiple times. Again.

My friends hate me.

I'm sure some of them have blocked me. Not all but some.

Yesterday, I joined Kindleboards. I'd joined them a few years ago, but forgot them. Now we're hooked up and I'm praying there won't be multiple messages to multiple places around the world.

But then again, you never know.

Just my perspective on this Wednesday afternoon.

Now back to work.

(((hugs)))

Louann

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