I admit I am a little…eccentric. I pay attention to the phases of the moon and Mercury Retrogrades. I buy new outfits when Venus tours my sun sign. I listen to psychics. Well, sometimes. I tend to go with my gut first. The thing about trusting your gut is, if you are an introvert like me, it can hold you back. Keep you in your comfort zone. This means, if you’re a writer, you won’t promote your novels much.
Yet I find myself in the middle of a massive (for me) promotional campaign. I’m not sure how it happened. Two psychics told me I should “take a bigger stage” that it was “my destiny.” I doubted my inner voice saying “NO! Stay home and write.” It felt a bit cowardly. After all, I had to launch three books in three months. And so I talked myself into hiring a PR person to make up a media plan. Now that I’m in it, I can’t believe I began such an intimidating enterprise. What was I thinking? It might have been the steroids I was on for a sinus infection.
Whatever the reason, I find myself okaying a press release (my first ever), giving interviews to journalists, pulling together media kits, agreeing to book signings, reviews, workshops, conferences, social media suggestions. Just a big fat YES to everything.
Already I feel overwhelmed and I’m only one day past the first release of three books in three months. Yesterday was release day for Blue Heaven, the Encore edition. An in-dpeth profile appeared in the local papers; I participated in a Facebook Launch Party. Both things never part of my experience before. It may have worked. Blue Heaven went from being ranked in the sub-basement of five million up to two thousand. (UPDATE: In July of 2016 Amazon featured Blue Heaven in a summer read campaign. Blue Heaven hit the top 100.)
I need a break. The keyboard calls. I must write. Immerse myself in what I do. I have an all day event, a book signing, but that’s not until next month for the second release. And I promise myself I’ll submit review copies and do other things on the list this winter and perhaps participate more in real-world events next spring. Because spring is a long way off and perhaps the stars will align again for me.
Cynthia Harrison 
Is that your reading? Two Wands and The Star along with a Pentacle? You go! To paraphrase Santana, “everything is coming your way.” I love that you took action and saw immediate positive results. Good for you!
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I do love drawing wands, Ashantay:)) I had not read my cards in quite a while before this and tried a new method, but yes, that is essentially my reading. I like it too!
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Wow I’m exhausted just thinking about it all but hang on its so much newness and fun you AMAZING introverted extrovert!!!! I must go order my copy of ‘Blue Heaven’!
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Thanks Jackie. I can become extroverted because I have had a lot of practice as a teacher. First time I walked into the classroom I realized I was in for a big challenge but I got used to it. So I can be “on” just need time to recuperate in between:) And thanks for buying Blue Heaven x
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It’s such a daunting thought putting ourselves and our writing out there yet so necessary in this age. Well done for jumping in and all the best with your new work!
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Sometimes I wonder if it really is necessary and how much any of it helps, Rose. But I’m happy to have Amazon doing the heavy lifting on this one:)
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I do know what you mean, as I am basically a coward myself. I can always find fifty urgent things to do rather than show my face anywhere, but… needs must, as they say.
Hope your courage repays you a thousand fold!
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I never thought of it as courage, Anita! Thanks for that positive spin:)
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so welcome!
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Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes.
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