A few months ago, every few days I received a brown paper package in the mail from my agent.  The first one made sense, even though there was no note.  It was eight copies of my paperback.  I guess the publisher sent my allotted free copies to Joelle, and she was forwarding them to me.  Alright, I certainly don’t mind, even if I already received my copies in June.  But when the second and then third package arrived, each containing a random number of paperbacks, without a note, I wondered if Joelle was just cleaning her office of unwanted clutter.  Even so, what’s there to complain about?  I fairly filled a dresser drawer with paperbacks and went about my business. 

Then a few weeks ago, I spontaneously put out a notification on bookblogs.ning that I was giving away free copies to any literary book blogger that wanted to host a giveaway or do a review.  Have you ever done something and said to yourself- why didn’t I think of that before- why didn’t I do that sooner?  Well the response was super, and I found myself unloading a number of giveaway copies, and even inspiring Shambhala to send out additional review copies.  Thus in recent weeks, The Sign for Drowning has been reviewed in Taiwan, and a author interview is being arranged in a Taipei magazine.  I was interviewed by Stephanie, a self proclaimed bookworm, and reviewed on a few more websites.  Numerous copies of “Sign” were given away free (Stephanie’s giveaway closes December 4!), and lots of people tried to win them.  I also experienced a small rush of emails from strangers telling me why they were interested in reading a book about deaf characters or the loss of a child, and people telling me how the book had touched them.  All lovely.  There’s still some more paperbacks….

In recent weeks I’ve been on a very successful hunt.  Since taking a book promotion class on-line a few months ago, I’ve had the thought in the back of my mind that I need to tap into the blogosphere.  My first step was in March- with starting this blog.  Which I will say, was done hesitantly.  It took a bit of convincing for me to think I could make use of- and enjoy!- having an author website and blogging.  This is somewhat about being shy, and more so about timidly taking on a writer’s identity.  But I have found so much joy in embracing my identity as a writer and in building a stronger writing life in the last two years as The Sign for Drowning left my own computer.  It’s been all pleasure– except for the writing days that have been terrible.

So, a few weeks ago I discovered an amazing collection of on-line groups- which contain hundreds of members all of whom blog about books, do book reviews, or are authors, and all avid readers.  I’ve been crawling through the members and their blogs ever since and have found no shortage of totally interesting, entertaining, fun, and like-minded writers/bloggers/readers/people. 

One of the best relationships I’ve made so far is with Sheila DeChantal.  She has a chock-full blog that dazzles the eye and is hard to leave once you’re perusing.  She was so gracious as to interview me, review my book (upcoming) and give away two signed copies of my paperback in one her giveaway contests.  On top of all that- she takes care of business lickety-split.  The other great find was Book Club Queen.  Desiree at Book Club Queen reviews books and makes recommendations for book clubs.  She’s astute in her reviewing, and made me think about my writing style anew.  Thanks to both of them!