Greetings from about a month in to the release of my first novel, SCRAPBOOK OF SECRETS. Yeah, what you hear from authors, particularly debut authors, is that it’s hard, hard, hard to get publicity and get your book in the hands of potential readers. And it is. The first few weeks of launch is exhausting—full of the highs of great reviews and much attention and the lows of those stinker-reviews that leave you wondering if they read your book at all. But sometimes, you find moments of inspiration in all the madness.
Like the other day for example. I was appearing at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. We were expecting some rain storms. I thought nobody would show up. Everybody knows people don’t like to come out during rain storms. I know I don’t. But I was the author, so I sucked it up, put my rain boots on and made the drive. About fifteen hardy book-buying folks showed up. Fifteen? I was thrilled. They came out in the storm, listened to me speaking at the podium, and asked thoughtful, intelligent questions, then bought my books. What more could a writer hope for?
I wrote a bit about this on my own blog here. But I have to tell you, every time I meet with readers, I am so touched that they are taking time in their busy lives to read my books—and to come out to meet me, let alone in rain storms.
It is humbling, friends. It truly is. I may not ever make millions from my writing, or become a household name. But I have touched a few readers. That is what it's all about, after all.
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6 comments:
I definitely agree, Mollie. I've been at this for a while, and it's always so touching to me to have people come to events in which I participate to meet me. I admit to not being the best at social networking, but I also appreciate this way of getting to communicate with readers who are farther away.
Thanks for commenting, Linda. Yep, for me the best part about social networking has been getting to know some of my readers that are far away. Almost as good as meeting in person. Almost. ;-)
I can relate Molly. I just did a talk at my library and it was very soul satisfying.
Mollie, you never know when one of those 15 is going to become your champion and introduce your book to all sorts of readers. Yes, promoting can be daunting, but meeting readers is the BEST part of our job!
It really is! Thanks so much for commenting everybody!
Yes, that definitely is what it's all about, Mollie. I am always touched when somebody sends me an email and thanks me for writing my books.
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