That was Then, This is Now
I found most of a blog entry in my drafts. I wrote it in mid-April, almost two weeks after my last entry in March. I knew it had been a while, but not that long. So where have I been (I’m asking myself, not you)?
I’ve been working on all the tasks an author must finish at this stage of the publishing process to get her book to the printer in time to release on the designated launch date. And then there was life. I don’t remember much of the life part of the last couple of months. But I know how it ended.
I received my book cover proof and signed off on it. All done. Then I printed a copy of the spread and folded it as though wrapping it around my memoir's pages, so it looked like a book.
Then Dad became ill and was hospitalized. As always he determined that because he was released from the hospital he was all well. All systems normal. Not so. This was the first time I heard—maybe he heard—that he’s 91, that there is not much to do except tweaking medication, and pacing himself. A new normal. I am happy to say that after about three weeks this has finally set in and we’re embracing the new normal. So, I can return back to this, the blog, the ridiculous amount of social media posts and management… is it worth it?
All the pre promotional work gives me something to do that provides a sense of control in a process in which an author really has no control. Who knows if it is helping. I think it does—a smidge. But here are the things that really work:
When readers preorder the book.
When readers call or drop by their local libraries and ask the librarian to order the book.
When after reading the ARC (advance readers copy) or the book (once it’s out) they leave a review EVERYWHERE—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads.
When readers suggest that their book clubs read the book.
When a reader shares the book on their social media pages or gifts it to someone.
When people follow an author on their author and personal Facebook and Instagram pages. When they interact.
I will admit that I’ve fallen behind on doing a lot of the above in this last two months before Tea with Dad drops on June 1. But, I’m getting back to it as soon as possible.
