Here it is late Sunday night and I just realized I usually post something on Sunday nights. It’s been a busy few weeks. I’m writing and writing some more as I try to keep words spilling across my computer monitor and get my new story out of my head.
It can get pretty crazy when I have a writing deadline to meet at the same time as a new book is releasing. I need to schedule better or write faster. But I do enjoy talking about a new story coming out for readers. A few reviews are beginning to show up from readers who are getting advance reader copies. A Booklist Review had kind words about my story. That’s always good.
Anyway, since it is late, I checked back into my 2008 archives to pull out some thoughts about publicity and how to connect with readers. At the time, I had come across a bit of an old ditty from a comic opera, Ruddigore written by William S. Gilbert and published in 1887.
If you wish in this world to advance
Your merits you’re bound to enhance.
You must stir it and stump it
And blow your own trumpet
Or trust me you haven’t a chance.
Ever since I published my first inspirational novels, starting with Scent of Lilacs in 2005, I’ve been trying to take that advice and do some stirring and stumping, but to be honest I never could get much of a toot out of a trumpet. All my children played trumpet in their high school band although my daughter switched to flag girl at the first opportunity. But my boys liked the trumpet. They tried to teach me how to blow it, but I was a slow learner. Or maybe an uninterested one. Now my grandkids like blowing the conch shell I have that belonged to my great grandfather. I think they used it back when to call the hounds. Some of the grandkids can make the thing honk and call the hounds, but mostly they just make my dog howl.
Still it is true that sometimes a writer has to get out there to try to get her book noticed by readers. There are so many good books being published these days and so many other things to entice readers away from books. But in spite of the many other things we can do to entertain ourselves, luckily a lot of people still enjoy picking up a book and being transported into another world. I know I do.
But back to stirring and stumping. It’s time for me to do some of that as the time for the release of my upcoming book, In the Shadow of the River, draws closer. I’ll be a guest on some podcasts. I’ll be having some book events beginning next Saturday as I go to the Southern Kentucky Book Fest in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That’s always a fun book event so if you live close by, check it out.
They have classes for writers. I’m doing one at 9 a.m. CST on creating characters, but you can also check out other classes throughout the day. Then there are panels where you can hear writers talk about their books. Those are fun. I’ll miss being part of one of them, but I’m looking forward to talking about creating great characters too. I’m even trying to work up a Power Point presentation. If I can get that done I might actually look as though I know what I’m doing as I stir and stump and try to share what I’ve learned over the years of writing and publishing thirty-seven books.
As to the blowing that trumpet in order to advance the merits of books, I will have fun talking about writing and my new showboat story in the next few weeks. More than anything, I enjoy talking to readers like you, face to face or computer to computer.
As always, thanks for reading.
Do you have trouble “blowing your own trumpet?” Do you get tired of others doing the same – for instance authors sharing about their books?
Comments 10
Imagine the wonder, excitement and amazement of what the aspiring writer that you were as a child would think if she knew that you were going to write 37 books and counting?? That is amazing and through it all you still manage to interact with your readers and spend time with your family! I don’t know how you do it all-I think you are better at time management than you think! We all benefit from the wonderful stories your imagination brings forth and I can’t wait to read In the Shadow of the River!
Author
That is a fun thing to think about, Hope. The only thing is that when I was that kid dreaming of being a writer, I no doubt believed I’d write books everyone would want to read. My words would be magic. And you know, they sort of are when readers like you and others can see my story come to life in their heads by reading my words. There is something magic and amazing about that.
I do appreciate you letting my words come to life in your imagination. Reading is the best!!
The more authors share about their books, the more people will know there is a new good book out there to read.
Author
And then we have great reading friends like you, Connie, who will help us share the news about those new books. Thank you for that.
Loved that little poem! Lots of truth there. I am happy to hear you are getting good vibes!!!! Keep doin’ what you are doin’!!!
Author
I looked for more information about that poem, Marjorie, and found out it’s actually part of a song that has many more verses. I changed my post to show that.
I’m eagerly awaiting my copy of In the Shadow of the River!
Happy writing, Ann and have fun at the book festival in Bowling Green. I wish I lived closer, but I’ll keep an eye out for other events. Maybe I’ll see you later if you do a book signing in your home town. 🙂
Author
I do plan a couple of signings here in my hometown, Lavon. I’ll have one early at the cute store, Tastefully Delicious. The people there have been so good to carry my books and made them available for local people. Then I might have another book party at the library in June. Haven’t decided for sure about that. I haven’t done a book party since 2019. Maybe it’s time again, but that’s still a long drive for you. Maybe I’ll get invited up your way someday.
Thank You for sharing this Love your post! Many Blessings coming your way! Can’t wait to read In the Shadow of The River !
Author
So glad you are looking forward to riding with my characters on the Kingston Floating Palace in my book, In the Shadow of the River, Sarah. Can’t wait to hear what you think about the story.