Bookstores, Podcasts, and Wineries too!
Lucky for me, I’m not a shy person. I love talking with folks, learning about them and having deep conversations. Because I am good at this you’d think that marketing a book and doing all the PR that is involved would come easy to me, right?
WRONG!
I have a helluva time knowing what to say about my work. I’m great at promoting other people’s work. But for some reason, when I’m asked about my latest release, I find it hard to wrap it up succinctly. It is always the toughest job for me, writing the summary. Making the pitch. But I’m getting better.
As a little girl, I dreamed of writing books for a living. As an adult, I found it hard to etch out time to get any writing done. I dove into adulthood as the responsible person I always was. I had the job, and soon after the husband, and the kids. I then took to marriage and parenting in the same manner. Everything else was first, and my writing was a “pipe-dream.” I would get to it one day.
Then I finally wrote my first book, After the Fire. It was a well received first novel, and I am still very proud of it, mostly because it was honoring my community after the devastating Valley Fire of 2015. But years later, and with many writing classes and workshops under my belt, I’ve found I’ve grown and improved my writing chops. It was high time I wrote something new.
Since my new book’s release this past July, Wildflower, has done really well. I’ve had, and continue to get, many opportunities to promote the book. Many bookstores have been very welcoming in putting my book on hand, and I’ve been invited to speak on both podcasts as well as Instagram, and Facebook live events. These are huge promoting opportunities. I’m very grateful.
The thing that continues to excite me is the upcoming events. I’m fortunate in that I’ve been welcomed to do book signings at store tables, and do readings at some stores as well. I’ve been invited to author panels, where multiple authors speak, and this is a great opportunity for me to meet other authors, which is one of my favorite things about the writing industry. The relationships you build in the writing world.
But in order to get these things to happen, I have to reach out. As an indie author, all the footwork and PR is up to me. And sometimes, it’s still hard to ask, but I do it anyway. Like I’ve said before, the worst people can do is say no. And we never get what we don’t ask for.
I think some of you know, but in case you don’t, I joined a classic rock band last year. It’s fun, and something I think lots of people dream of doing at some point in their lives. I’m fifty-seven. If not now, when? It’s a blast! One of our gigs coming up is at the Fults Family Vineyards Winery, in Lower Lake, California. They are so kind there, and because I know the owners, they are encouraging me to also sign my books on the night of our gig. A two-fer! I’m stoked about that. If you read this on or before September 4th, come on over for Thirsty Thursday, and see us there. Again…it’s the connections. I love people.
The main reason for me making the post today is to let you know that my new book it out there, but also that I’d love to talk with you. The best part of being a writer is talking about books, about writing, and the writing process. The WHY we write, and what drives us. If you love stories, if you love to read, or have ever thought you might want to write a book…PLEASE… come to one of the events on the schedule, or look me up! Email me at pdienerauthor@gmail.com and in the subject line write: Let’s Connect.
In the meantime, I hope your summer wraps up lovely. Can you believe it’s September now? I hope you enjoy your friends, the good weather, and the little things that add up to big things. Like, a great cup of coffee in the morning. A quiet moment, or a walk in nature. A belly laugh with friends over wine or your favorite cocktail, or the beauty of a spectacular sunset. I hope you know how very much you do matter, and that your contribution to the world only asks that you show up. In any way that you can. Some days it’s in bigger ways, and some days it’s just that you got out of bed. Just do your best, and know you are enough.
With all my love, I’m sending you wishes of happiness. Happy reading my friends.
Xoxo ~ Patti