To Oprah: So glad you liked the book. Sorry, I already have a gf. Love, Nav
Well, it’s been an exciting last few days. There was the first confirmed sighting of The Mirror. An unnamed lady who is dear to me purchased three paperback copies at the FriesenPress online book store. I wasn’t aware that the book arrived only a few days later–I still haven’t received my promotional copies yet. Imagine my surprise when she came over to visit Saturday evening, when I was at my parents’ home.
The book looks even better than I had dared hope. The red-on-white-with-black looks very striking. For those of you who, like me, prefer a real paper book to an e-book, it was a sublime moment when I first held a copy. Although I had read the words that I’ve written many times over on a computer screen, seeing them in physical print for the first time made it seem real. Electrons are so fleeting and ethereal; a physical book can last a minor eternity.
To add to the good news, the delightful Tam over at TravellingBookJunkie has honoured me as her Author of the Week and has given The Mirror, Book One – Welcome to the Evil Sisterhood a 4-Star book review –check out the links and support Tam for supporting The Mirror. Tam writes some intriguing travel posts about fascinating destinations, which typically include photos that magically transport you to these exotic locations.
I suppose I shall have to get myself organized, and try to get a blogging book tour scheduled. Would anyone be interested in writing their own book review about The Mirror, or in hosting an author interview like the one at TravellingBookJunkie or the one that KG did? I’d probably look to schedule one or two of these a week, to spread them out over the summer. No one would be rushed, and I’d be happy to help with the writing.
Any takers?
The Mirror 
Congrats on the success.
Thanks, Charles. It was really kind of Tam to do this for me, and it’s part of my school-of-hard-knocks education as to just how much work goes into marketing a book, especially a self-published one.
My working life is going to get busy again in June. The evenings and weekends free time that I had used to write Book One now has to be split between marketing Book One and writing Book Two. The sequel is going to be slower going, unless I make it a priority over the marketing of the current book.
I hear you. It does get a little easier once you find your groove and figure out what works. Hopefully you get a lot of fans who are patient for the second book.
I think having a loyal readership is key, as you point out. This takes both books that are worthy of their time to read and an enduring effort to communicate this worth to them.
I’ll have to see what works and what doesn’t. I suspect there are some basics that cross all genres and situations, some that are genre-specific, and some that may even be book- or series-specific.
Won’t know until I try.
Probably. There are a lot of sites that have marketing packages, but aren’t genre specific. The first book always has an ‘experimental’ feel to it because of the marketing.
I’d noticed some of these sites, and I had initially thought that I would perhaps try to employ one of these. However, I now suspect that it’s best to try and first spread the word via the connections I’ve made from blogging.
There is more likely to be a shared interest amongst us, and the support of friends is a benefit which can be of significant help. Plus, once I get a little experience under my belt and get a better feel for both marketing and how the book is being received, I’ll be better able to make intelligent and informed future decisions.
Blogging is definitely a good foundation for a marketing plan. The only trick is to get the book noticed outside of your circles. Still, I would guess that a non-fiction book can take a little more time with a slow build. Fiction doesn’t always have that luxury because so many ideas are similar, so waiting too long can bury you.
I think I also have the extra advantage that my non-fiction work gets into some original ideas, so there may be a bit of a “timeless” aspect to it. I may have even more of the luxury of a slow and steady build of support and recognition v. having to strike while the iron is hot.
I’m definitely going to do a review of your book. Will download it either today or tomorrow on my iPad. I prefer real books too, but the last time I moved I already filled 6 boxes…electrons don’t take up that much space. 😉
Hi, Tarnished. (Can’t call you TS anymore, can I? BTW, you shine brilliantly in my eyes.) A review would be wonderful, thanks so much for offering to do this.
I hear you on the convenience of e-books. While the experience isn’t the same, the convenience and compactness/weight advantages are significant.
You can call me just about anything you wish, Nav. 🙂
It’s no problem at all. I consider you a good online friend, and I’m always happy to help those who are good people.
People like you make WordPress a great place to be. The sentiment is mutual, most assuredly.
Right back at you. I really like our mutual blogger friends, too. GNL and Francis are great people in their own right, along with everyone else (so many to name!) that makes up our not-so-extremist section of men’s rights/gender politics of the WordPress world.
Have to agree with you. We’ve both fallen in with some wonderful people here at WP.
Oh, and what exactly are you going to cover in book 2?
Book Two is actually an exciting project, though a bit daunting in its scope. Book One was an autobiographical journey of discovery narrative that was meant to appeal to as many readers as possible. On top of the gender narcissism and parental alienation themes, there are strong elements of intrigue and scandal.
In the same vein, Book Two picks up where Book One left off: I’ve beaten off the fraudulent, malicious, and criminal child “protection” action, and now have to go through the divorce trial and custody determination process itself. Believe me, the Evil Sisterhood wasn’t taking any vacation time when it came to my case.
I also further develop my thoughts on gender narcissism–the unified construct of gender narcissism–, both as it applies to individuals (especially feminists) and as it applies to society. I think I can do this in a way that’s as interesting as Book One, in that it’s a mystery as to why the family “justice” system behaves as it did, and I find clues that allows me to solve the mystery, and look how the whole story is all revealed in the end.
There will also be some interesting forays into gender politics (obviously) and religion (less obviously). This latter possibility hadn’t even occurred to me when I started on this writing journey, but it’s a logical consequence that’s too important to ignore. Again, I think it will be very interesting.
I’ll also argue, in what I hope will be a rigorous and compelling manner, that western civilization, especially the English-speaking part of it, is in the midst of the same long-term process of social decay as that which befell the Roman Empire.
Hence, the subtitle for Book Two: Harbinger of a Dark Age. For those of the glass-half-full variety, the good news is that it appears as if there will be a 2nd Enlightenment, at some point in the future. Glass-half-empty is the journey we take to get to it.
My goodness…you really have your work cut out for you with book 2. Let me know if I can help in any way, these are all amazing topics!
Thanks, Tarnished. Actually, the blogging reviews and author interviews are a big help. It’s also a really big help when people who’ve read the book write good, short and honest reviews at the online bookstores (e.g., Amazon). The more these build up, the better the credibility of the book, and the easier the marketing will be.
This helps reduce the Book One marketing effort, which hopefully will leave me with more time for writing Book Two. Actually, I think it’s already written in draft in the back of my mind. It’s just a question of getting it out.
That was a very interesting and nice interview Nav 🙂 Each one shows a different insight to your personality.
The physical book’s charm is entirely different. Even though I prefer ebooks now, I would love to have my hands on this book in paperback at least 🙂
I enjoyed both interviews, KG. I think the question sets reflect the different personalities, interests, and perspectives of the interviewers. As you’ve noted, this difference highlights different aspects to me as a person and a writer.
We’ll find a way to get a physical book to you, for certain. I’ll email when my promotional-plus order arrives, and we’ll get one out to you.
I hope the hardcover looks as good as the paperback does, because the paperback looks brilliant. Of course, I may be a little biased. };-)>
😀 Yay!!!
How nice. Congratulations and enjoy the tour.
Thank you, Beth. I fear I have to actually arrange a tour first, but I’ll get there.
Yes! I shall review your book. I think I’d like to read it again first though – I do believe it bears a fourth go-round, don’t you? 😉 In the meantime perhaps you can get your butt signed up on Goodreads so I can review it there as well as on my blog…? *bats eyelashes*
Just let me know when the blog tour is – I’m there. 😀
Appreciate this, Linda–very kind of you to help. I did sign up for Goodreads, but didn’t get beyond this, so I’ll head over in a few minutes.
Gotcha. I’m your biggest fan! But not in an Annie Wilkes sort of way. hehe
Thank goodness for that. Hey, I might have my promotional book copies this evening.
Great! I just ordered a paperback copy from Amazon! 😀
Awesome – thank you, Linda.
It was an honour and a pleasure to complete the interview and have you as our Author of the Week. I have enjoyed the last few months – reading the Mirror and discussing the themes that run throughout. 🙂
It has been fun, hasn’t it, Tam? The waiting was the hard part. At least the book can now be openly discussed in all of its aspects, which is a relief. Thanks for helping give it that big shove out the door.
You are willing to break Oprah’s heart?!?! I could just hug you, Nav!
No disrespect to the nameless one, of course. 🙂 (Congrats!)
For The Nameless One, I fear I would have to break Oprah’s heart. };-)>
Thanks, Audrey. At least I now have an excuse for Oprah not having read my book, unlike the millions of other authors. “Oprah refuses to read my book, because I jilted her.”
As if.
The Nameless One has Oprah beat by miles.
You don’t need Oprah anyway, Nav.
You’re right, Audrey. I’m just being lazy, anyways.
No time for lazy! Now, if we’re going to get you back to eating sugar again one day, you need to walk. 🙂 ♥
}:-)> ❤
It’s full steam ahead for you now my friend. That’s just wonderful. 🙂
Thanks, Sue. I have to check my dark WP settings, as I am still not getting email alerts for your posts. Nor the Wine Wankers. Must be a KGB plot against Australian bloggers.
Ha ha. Conrad will just love being called a Wink Wanker I think rofl
Rats, you caught my typo before I could edit it out.
Speaking of Sir Conrad, I’ve informed him earlier today that he’s inspired a response post from me to one of his latest posts.
I think it will be a fun one.
Sounds great. I have been skimming their posts lately (sshhhh don’t tell them). Looking for more hours in the day.
If only there were. (More hours in a day.)
In a week and a half, I will have more because I will no longer be working full time. 🙂 Looking forward to that one.
Good for you, Sue. I think taking charge of your life to make the necessary improvements for spiritual wellness is a smart and proactive move.
If not a sound financial move… lol
Delightful news, Navigator.
I’ll try to find your book for a FB link and post a recommendation. Amazon usually makes a link easy. I’ll get around to blogging you a proper review soon and I’ll make sure you see it.
It is, indeed, Madam 22. Thank you for your kind assistance with the book promotion and FB and blogging stuff. Every bit helps spread the word.
I’ve also applied for a Goodreads.com author’s account, so I’ll have to get conversant with that specialized form of social media, assuming that it does indeed fall under that category.
Yes I can think of only one other thing that can surpass the feeling one gets when holding their physical book for the very first time! And that’s holding one’s child after birth! Now as to the interview, you needn’t even ask! You are always more than welcome on Two Voices….One Thought and we’d be honored to have an Author of your caliber my friend…. truly! We do our interviews two months in advance so the first opening we would have wouldn’t be until the beginning of July. If you would be interested, just email me your acceptance and whether that time frame would be doable. If it is, I will contact you around the 3rd or 4th week of June with the first draft of the interview. From there we will continue with it until it posts. Hope this helps our friend and again, best of luck! 😉 inionnmathair@frontier.com
Lovely ladies! My email should arrive in your inbox as I type. Thank you for your kind offer, which I accept.
Yes, the experience of holding one’s book for the first time is indeed akin to holding your child for the first time. Aptly put, madams–it is a joyous and special moment.
Congratulations my friend! It looks amazing! I’d be happy to do an interview on Tipsy Lit and be a part of the book tour on my own site. Just let me know. You have my email. 🙂 ❤
You are a dear one, Deanna. My email acceptance of your kind offer awaits you in your inbox. Tipsy Lit should be fun, as from what I’ve seen, the there emphasis is on fiction. ❤
Congrats Nav. This is an awesome accomplishment. It must feel really great. Celebrate, my friend.
Thanks, Paul. It does feel good to have gotten the book out and to have it being recognized. Tam’s practice at TheTravellingBookJunkie of doing a regular books column and Author of the Week is a wonderful way to support writers, so it was an honour tot be chosen.
Wow and wow again!
Congratulations Nav, yes, it looks fantastic.
I’ve been away from here for some tine and so much has
happened since, especially the Book!
I absolutely love the cover, and I can’t wait to feel the pages
With my fingers.
You did it buddy 😉 I’ve bragged so much about it, I’m now
going to proudly present one to my friends as actual proof
Of the Evil sisterhood, lol.
Seriously, well done for putting to paper suvh a poignant and
Revealing material…..it is ripe at these times for everyone to know.
Dotta! I’ve been meaning to email as of late. So wonderful to hear from you again. Thank you. Hey, we can trade autographed copies of our books–won’t that be a treat?
I’m thrilled with how the cover looks in read life. I liked how the FriesenPress cover designer implemented my general thoughts on symbolism, but a computer screen doesn’t do justice to her artistic magic. You really have to see a real book to appreciate it.
I’ll help you bring your friend over to the Dark Side. };-)>
Cheers. ❤
…still cannot believe it is happening…LORD knows how you must feel dear.
I am so pleased you put in the part about ‘will help with the writing’…I do say I fear myself being not quite up to the art of interviewmanship…but do so wish to offer a spot for ‘whatever you feel will best suit purpose’.
😛
Thank you, Belinda. It may be easier than you suspect. You can think of what you liked about the book, and ask questions to pull out this sort of information. You can also ask about the experience of writing a book for the first time, as this may be of interest to your followers, too.
Plus, you can have a look at other blog’s author interviews to see if you can get some ideas.
I quite appreciate the support.
Thank you dear for the ideas!! I shall have to see what I can come up with 😀
And will let you know. OK?
COOL!
Sounds great, take your time, no rush, and thank you. It might be a fun and educational sort of experience, which perhaps will lead to future posts of this nature.
Never can tell.
Missed this one – came looking for the ideas you had! Yes Sir! It is an area that needs attention indeed! (nothing like the deep end right? *~* LOL!
Jump right in! You can also check out this delightful mother-daughter team for some ideas: http://inionnmathair.wordpress.com. There is also Tipsy Lit(erature): http://tipsylit.com/about/
Thanks dude. having a read around and letting things brew…. Hope I can get something ticking over. 😛
Seeing as how it is you who are the one who is doing me the favour, it’s the least that I can do.
Favour schmavour. YOU DO know how glad I am you wrote this book right???
Yes, I do. But mother always taught me to mind my manners and be polite.
And to wear clean underwear.
LOL! Yes she did – didn’t she!? 😀
Humour has a way of drawing folk in so beautifully does it not?
She did, and, yes, it does. I think a mild element of humour in the face of adversity shows both a degree of humanity and an unwillingness to surrender to the vicissitudes of life. People can relate to others who are human just like them.
There you go then right 😀
I can’t imagine how it must feel to actually hold a book in your hands that you’ve written. *dreamy sigh* Savor it!
Even better, my promotional books showed up today. I have around 75 of the little critters, Madam Aussa. What surprise me is that the paperback just might be a bit more beautiful that the hardcover, and I’ve always been a hardcover sort of guy.
Thank you, Aussa. Yes, it is a wonderful feeling. The words seem to take on a reality and importance that just wasn’t there when I saw them on a computer screen.
I could lend you one, just so you could share the experience…
Ha I’m still an awful internet friend who hasn’t read all the words in the e-version! *dodges the book you just threw at her* I don’t think I’m worthy!
How could I or anyone not but love you, Madam Aussa? Just was reading the paperback book, and that reading experience surpasses an e-book by a country mile.
You were just holding out, classy lady that you are.
Well Nav, I’m losing the plot! I thought I had already responded to this post but can’t find my comment anywhere and then I realised that it must have been when I was having major problems on WP with unable to comment. Very frustrating indeed. So, here I am to say: Loved the interview and also that I would be happy to help out with an interview later in the summer if that helps! How thrilling for you to see your book in all its glory…so happy for you 🙂
I’ve had my share of WordPress troubles, so I can certainly sympathize, Sherri.
So glad that you liked the interview, and an interview at your place would be very helpful. I accept you kind offer, so please let me know when a convenient date or rough time frame would work for you.
I’m finding these to be fun sorts of posts.
I’ve not done an interview on my blog before (other than the fun one I did with my daughter which you might remember!) so this will be a new experience for me but I’m so glad to help you out! I’ll have a think about the time frame and I’ll email you…meanwhile, have a great weekend Nav 🙂
You, too, Sherri. No rush on the email. Whenever you’ve the time.
Thanks Nav 🙂
Cheers for Nav. =)
Thank you, Madam Wayfarer.
Do remember me when you are rich and famous.
Always, although I fear that impoverished, imprisoned, and infamous are an alternate possibility.
Then I (italicized)
pledge
to remember
you in those
straits.
You are eloquent in both word and sentiment, Madam Wayfarer. Thank you. We pledge to remember who we really are, whatever fate should befall.