Monday, August 12, 2013

this isn't going to win me any friends

and I might just lose some as a result, but it's still something I feel like saying. No one is holding a gun to your head and making you read it, so feel free to opt out at any time.

First I have to say that I've had a few dedicated friends that have been absolutely AMAZINGLY SUPPORTIVE of my writing career. Rest assured, I am not speaking about you here. Got that straight? Alright :)

I have a couple hundred friends between the two facebook profiles that I use to promote my book. I also belong to a swinging lifestyle group with almost 500 members and I've promoted the shit out of my book to that community in the past 8 months since its publication.

The simple truth is that very few of my friends either in or out of the lifestyle have read Mountains Wanted. Many of the ones who have read it or said they were going to have never followed up with me to tell me what they thought of it, nor have they written reviews.

I have to say that I'm pretty disappointed by the lack of support. I am sure that the genre is not for everyone but I thought especially my lifestyle friends would be eager to throw their support behind a book that positively and realistically portrays the lifestyle. And even if it's not your genre, do you really think it's going to break your bank to spend $2.99 for my book? Even if you just skimmed it and read a few of the hot scenes, I'd like to think it's worth that much. PLUS, I've had several promotions where you could download the book for free.

I know, I know, it's an e-book. Well, guess what - if you can access Facebook, then you can access my book, whether it's on a laptop, tablet or smart phone. There are really no excuses about not being able to access it unless you're living in a cave with no electronic devices and no wifi.

For the record, if one of my friends wrote a book, I would make every effort to read it. Not just because I'm a writer, but because I would be so proud of my friend's extraordinary accomplishment, I would want to lend my time and financial support. After reading, I would go back to that person and say "Hey, I liked your book, what can I do to help you succeed as a writer?" Or if I didn't like it, I'd tactfully disclose my reasons or offer some suggestions on how to improve it.

This has been an illuminating journey for me because I have learned what kinds of relationships I have with my friends. In some cases, people I've barely known have come out of the woodwork with amazing support and in other cases, people I've known for years can't even be bothered to like the page for my book on facebook even though they've been invited several times. I guess in some ways even this information is valuable and if nothing else it has reminded me what kind of friend I want to be. And if I'm falling short, I hope I will be told so I can try to make amends!

I'm working on my first book for vanilla audiences right now and its success will partially depend on my ability to leverage connections in my hometown and with friends and family. I need advocates who will help me get the word out. I hope I have better luck with it and being able to market/promote under my own identity than I have with my erotica. I hope that my friends and family will really come through for me. My fingers are crossed.




8 comments:

  1. I hate to admit that I haven't purchased your novel or commented on what I've read. Unfortunately for me Amazon only takes credit cards which has prevented me. I have read the exerts that you posted on the website and thoroughly enjoyed it. You are a very talented author and I am sure as you publish more your success will grow.

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    1. Send me an email at mountainswanted@gmail.com and I will send you a free copy if you'd like.

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  2. I've received very little support from my friends and family, and I've been self-publishing for 2.5 years. They all like to commend me for writing, but it's very rare that anyone is willing to actually read my books, even if I offer those books to them for free. I agree that it's very disheartening.

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    1. I also heard from another writer friend that she shares this problem. Have you ever voiced your disappointment? I just wondered if part of the problem was people just not realizing that we were upset about it?

      I'm just not very good at sitting back and being quiet about stuff. LOL

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  3. I have bought both of your books and finished reading the first and working on the second. Both purcheses were my small attempt at support. Once I finish the second I will write a review. I pinky promise.

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    1. Thank you so much; I really do appreciate it. Looking forward to your review! xo

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    2. Hello Phoebe darling. Thank you for writting two wonderful works of art. As pinky promised I have written my reviews.
      Keep up the good work.

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    3. Thank you SO much! I am eternally grateful xoxo

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