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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
10 Comments:
I hate doing self-promotion. I love my characters and I love my stories, but it is difficult for me to tell people I think they ought to read my work. It is a little easier with non-fiction because there is a clearly defined problem that the book solves. I have had people ask me about setting up a church website and I have literally said, “I wrote a book on that. You should read it.” But fiction is hard because the selling point is that it is an enjoyable read. It sounds silly for me to say that I enjoyed reading my own book. It’s true, but it sounds silly.
When it comes to other authors, I don’t mind them telling me what books they have and what they are about. But there’s a point at which some authors don’t know to shut up. I hate hearing people talk about how they feel God has called them to write. God calls many people to do many things, but he didn’t call us to go around bragging about it. I also don’t like it when authors have trademarks. It gives me the impression that they think too highly of themselves.
I think a lot of writers justify that selling is for the Lord too. Since I'm not called in that area, I sure can't say, but I'm glad I'm not called in that area and don't feel guilty about it!
I struggle with this too. Everyone used to tell me I could sell anything, but when it comes to my own books, wow, it's hard. I totally get your feelings about being in the books with other people.
When Christmas Miracles was released, there were SOOOOO many great stories in that book, and it was never, ever about me, although my story is in there. I'm honored to be part of that book, and pleased to share it anywhere I go.
I wrote Board to Death with two other writers, and it's harder to promote because there's just the three of us.
I've just joined a new group that's supposed to help with that. It's called the Grace and Faith Author Connection. It's all about cross-promotion of each others' books, so you don't have to do all your own stuff. It's just getting started, but the founders seem to be putting a great program into place, and I'm excited to be part of it.
I'm sure you did a great job, K!
Most authors hate self promotion. Unfortunately, it's expected of us, and if we want more book contracts, the ones on the shelf have to sell.
I much prefer building relationships with readers, connecting with them on FB etc.
Yes, that's why I like doing signings where people don't feel compelled to buy. I like to talk with readers and get to know them. Yesterday with these women was lovely, it really was. They made my day!
Tracy, the cross-promotion is such a good idea. It's easier to believe and talk about another book than your own, I think.
Tracy, the cross-promotion is such a good idea. It's easier to believe and talk about another book than your own, I think.
Cross-promotion is a life-saver for me, because I simply cannot push my own book. Who's to know if a book I wrote will enchant any particular person? If someone has liked my work in the past, then I can say, "Great, we have more!" and not be too worried, but there's got to be a better way than the "Listen to me, I'm the best, look at my book!" uncomfortable input.
I don't write anymore but I do have an Etsy shop and I don't really do promotion for it except to put links everywhere I can think of. Just like in writing, I never think my stuff is good enough for people to pay money for. That said, I will tell you how to promote your book. Start with "Book 1 of the series ..." If I read Book 1 and I love it, that is it. I will buy every book after that in the series and any other books the author writes. :-) If I discover a series at Book 3, even if it's an old series, I will seek out the books. I must have all of them. LOL
Good thoughts Cheryl. I LOVE Etsy Sandie. It's all that stuff I can't make!
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