CHASING AMANDA #10

I screamed, danced, jumped for joy with my children, who said, "We're so proud of you, Mom! You're the best author EVER!" Okay, their view of authors is very limited, but at this moment, in their eyes, that's just what I am, and hey, who am I to squash that excitement?

Here I sit, staring at my computer monitor, afraid to move. I realize that I'm one person in a world of billions, and that this little bubble that I live in is only of interest to me and those close to me, but it sure feels bigger than that. I've longed to have my book(s) enjoyed by readers, dreamed about it, fantasized, and then, fell prey to the fear of it all. I keep wondering when the proverbial shoe will fall and it will all fade away, but that's just the realist in me. I'm outrunning the fear by trying to bring my books to more and more readers with the hopes of staying on the upper end of the "list". 

But there's something else running rampant in my mind. How can I help other authors to feel the same excitement? There are over 1.5 million ebooks out there in cyber world, how can we make a difference. We all know that networking and cross promoting helps expand readership. Cross promotions allow us to bring our books to more readers while helping others promote their books, and allow readers a one-stop shopping venue. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be developing programs that will bring authors and readers together on WoMen's Literary Cafe. 

For the release of COME BACK TO ME, my third novel, I've decided to have a virtual launch party with 35 other authors. Not only will COME BACK TO ME be reduced to just 99 cents, but every participating author will offer their books for the same low price--99 cents. Readers will have a chance to purchase 35 books for less than $35! We're also giving away books. YES, GIVING them away! At three points during EACH day of the launch party (Tues, Nov 1 - Thurs Nov 3), we will randomly pick winners of ebooks. Anyone who purchases 3 books is eligible to enter the drawing--one entry for each group of 3 books that you purchase. The other authors I'm hosting are the most amazing people! They give back to others, they're wicked writers, and most importantly, they're the type of authors that think about their readers--a lot! Our focus during this planning stage for the launch has been all about what we can bring to our readers!

I wanted to do something really special for my readers, and offering more books was the perfect solution--or so I thought. Then I met Arthur of Renaissance Art. What an amazing artist he is! Arthur makes leather-bound journals--beautiful leather-bound journals, many of them refillable. He makes them for adults and children, and even makes cases for iPads. We put our heads together (or rather our cell phones airwaves together), and we're teaming up to give away a one-of-a-kind leather-bound edition of COME BACK TO ME. I don't even own one (I have to admit, I am very jealous!). Everyone who purchases a copy of COME BACK TO ME during the launch party will be eligible to enter the giveaway. One entry for every copy purchased. 

More details about the launch party coming soon.

Right now I'm riding the happy wave, and I have to admit that it feels great. There is one more thing that today drives home, something I am always tweeting and Facebooking about--gratitude toward my readers. I post that I wish I could hug every one of my readers and celebrate the success of my books, and it's true. I wish I could host a party of thanks, and grand event where we could sit around in shorts and t-shirts (because I'm comfy like that) and talk, laugh, get to know each other as people. My email is always open to readers. My Facebook page and Twitter accounts are managed by ME, not by a  PR person. Contact me. I'll always respond (please don't spam me). 

I will always write for you. Thank you, readers, for having enough faith in my writing to buy my books!