I have received several emails in the past two weeks asking if I have fallen off the face of the earth. My Facebook and Twitter activity has dropped to almost nothing; I'm not posting reviews like I was, I'm not touching base! Well, I am still here, and still doing my thing, but more quietly. This post is to let you know about all the new and exciting things happening here at the Beech House and why I am where I am, communication wise.
Why Have I Stopped Social Media?
To be honest, I'm burnt out with self-promotion. There are a thousand pages and websites that target indie and small press writers, promising them increased exposure by posting their books on their sites, for a fee, of course. I did a little of that when I was starting out, but what I've realized is that the audience for all of those sites is other writers, trying to promote their book. As my friend, Mike (T.M. Brown), author of Sanctuary and Testament, said: "Writers aren't buying books, their writing." It's true. I've stopped the self-promotion. The best promotion is word of mouth anyway. So if you read my books and like them, I hope you are telling somebody.
Why am I not posting Reviews?
I'm not reading. It's as simple as that. I do have a review to go out this week, but it has taken me a long time to find minutes to read the book, which was good, and typically would have taken me a couple of days. I'm just not reading.
Why am I not Reading?
At the beginning of 2018, I launched Beech House Books to help other indie writers find a path to publishing. I haven't done anything to promote it but have just let it be there. I started learning the elements of interior layout and design and have completely redesigned the Alison series, I've learned the aspects of building a cover, and while I am still learning, it's a way for me to use my creative eye, which is very satisfying. It's also an income stream to supplement my writing, which is fantastic.
Am I still Writing?
Oh my gosh, yes! All of this creativity has inspired me and kicked my writing to another level. My next book, Off the Dark Ledge, is due out in July, from thewordverve. It is a psychological thriller, and as I was working through the second draft with my editor, I enjoyed it and saw a lot of growth in my writing. I'm nervous about it because it is something different, and that's always frightening. I am also working on and nearing the end of the fourth book in the Alison Hayes Journey, and I thought it was going to be the last of them, but, I woke up this morning and had the first line of book five running in my head. So, stay tuned.
Book Clubs
The past two months have been a lot of fun with book clubs. If the club is too far away, I can join the conversation via Skype, but if the club is relatively local, and if I can work it into my family life, I am willing to travel a bit to join those conversations. It has been exciting to see that when the book selection is Intoxic, most participants continue with Purgus and Icara. The thing I hear most often is: "Tell me there is a fourth book!" That's the highest praise you can give me, that you want me to keep writing. I love book clubs. If you have a book club and would like me to particpate in your discussion of any of my books, contact me. I would love to join you. It's one of the best things about writing, knowing that what I've done has some value to somebody beyond myself.
Thanks for the emails. Thanks for following along on my journey.