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Help Wanted

We've been on vacation for the last two weeks, so hence the silent blog. Grandparenting has been the main focus. Grandpa kept two four-year-old boys entertained with treasure-hunting  (geocaching) using his treasure finder (handheld GPS). Grandma made cupcakes and homemade bread with them. Kneading the bread dough was the most popular activity in the kitchen, other than putting more peanut butter on the bread. We colored, painted, played the memory game (remember those little cards?) and a slew of other things--walks, swimming in the pool, reading books, and watching Tropical Storm Debby flood the street so you could canoe down it. It was a pretty exciting time. Once we were home, the master bedroom was repainted (we hate painting) and both of us are still alive to tell the tale. I think every muscle in my body is complaining at this point, so I'm glad a massage is just around the corner.

Sunday night will be the reality check to get back in the swing of the daily routine. The alarm clock will be set, the familiar rhythm of the workday begins again Monday morning. It also means it's time to get back to the author business since that's what I really want to be when I grow up. So here's the "Help Wanted" section.

A BIG thanks to all who've purchased The Time Under Heaven. The book has received some great feedback and reviews.  It's a bit of an adrenaline rush to start at ground zero as a brand new author with all the wonderful possibilities looming out there or... not. As any business person will tell you, marketing is key. You have to get the word out on the street whether you're selling the latest Schticky or books. Since there are no dollars for an infomercial, I'm relying on those who are brave enough to try a book by a new author.

Author, Jody Hedling has a great blog post for readers to help authors promote a book. The list is pretty simple and many of you may have already helped.  One of easiest is to write an online review at Amazon.  Here are a few more to consider:

1. Books make great gifts.  If you'd like an autographed copy, I'll be happy to send an autographed bookplate to you to put in the book.

2.  Let your friends on FaceBook know that you're reading The Time Under Heaven and what you like about it. Share the Amazon link there too.

3. If you belong to Good Reads, add it to your shelf, write a review, recommend it your Good Reads friends.

For the complete list, visit Ms. Hedling's blog, just click the link on her name above. 

Now for my part.  I have a copy of The Time Under Heaven to give away. So if you'd like a shot at getting a book for free, just become a follower of SimplyLife and leave a comment on one of my posts. Those who do so between July 1 and July 10 will have their names put in the hat and my trusty husband will draw the lucky winner from said hat. You'll be notified by email of your major award. 

Marketing is much more fun with a team and I hope you'll consider being a part of the adventure.  Watch for more fun stuff coming up. 


Comments

Susan F. said…
Laurinda, best wishes on the release of your first book. Thanks for posting about it at Goodreads. It's a great site to get the word out. I'll be following your blog!
July 05, 2012
Laurinda Wallace said…
Thank you Susan!
July 05, 2012
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