Daddy's Christmas Angel

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Not As Simple As I Hoped

Well, I started off the year 2020 with the plan to set up my Goodreads account properly and to write a blog each week. So far, I have found that because I neglected Goodreads for many years, getting it in proper shape is taking longer than I thought. Also, I am behind already with my blog a week, but I plan to catch up.

I blame part of my tardiness on my art activities. Last week, I taught an oil/cold wax workshop which required a lot of time for preparation. Sometimes art sabotages writing, but it is a part of my life that I wouldn't change.

"Hearts on the Line" ©Mary Montague Sikes
As I mentioned in an earlier blog post about my writing marketing campaign this year, I will be using art more vigorously in my plan. On January 25, I have a book signing scheduled at the William & Mary Barnes & Noble in Williamsburg, VA. I plan to use a Valentine's promotion for my book and will give a blank greeting card with envelope to the first 10 people buying my book, Hearts Across Forever. This book is a romantic tale set on the beautiful island of Jamaica. People who travel on cruise ships in the Caribbean or who love to vacation on tropical islands will especially enjoy my book. I'm making a list now of the many ways Hearts Across Forever can be promoted. Books are written and never found. The right promotion is the key. This is a romance for all seasons, but it will make a special Valentine's Day gift. Perhaps, it will be given with the promise of a special all-inclusive trip to Jamaica.

In addition to promoting Hearts Across Forever,
the next part of my plan is to update my Amazon Author Central page. When my original publisher passed away, everything on my page was thrown off. Now I need to replace or change the information that is no longer valid. However, some of my books might never get re-released, so I want them to remain visible in some way. Ideas abound in my head, and I look forward to creating new books for them.

Right now, for the remainder of January, my promotion plans are:

1. Good Reads - Complete the update
2. Amazon - Tackle the Author Central page
3. Book Signings - Use art to devise promotional plans for book sales

Promotion is not as simple as I hoped, but deep down I never expected it to be.

4 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That sounds like a great way to promote your book at that signing.
Good luck with updating your Goodreads and Amazon. I just had to do that to my Book Bub account.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

After listening to a seminar on setting up Amazon Author Central, we sent the information to all of our authors - good photo, link to newsletter, very short bio (1-3 lines), a list of all books, then links to sites.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Alex.

Diane, thank you for sharing your info!

Birgit said...

I love your art piece which has beautiful passionate colours. I m glad you are showcasing your book at such a great bookstore. Sounds like a good start to the year in this way anyways