Final Countdown

In 12 days, Amazon Encore will release my novel worldwide. I keep pinching myself to be sure I’m not dreaming. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear some new, exciting development with my book. Last week I heard that 5 local bookstores in San Diego are reviewing advanced reader copies, and if they like it, they will order some for their stores and consider setting me up for a book signing. 

Yesterday I learned that the PR folks at Amazon produced a 30-second movie trailer to promote my book, and it’s absolutely awesome. I think it redefines “creepy”. Even I got goose bumps. A link to this video is on the upper right hand side of the home page. I’ve watched it a dozen times, and each time I do, I can see how perfectly my novel would adapt to a movie. One can only hope. 

Today I found out that USA Today ran a feature article about Amazon Encore in their LIFE section and they mentioned my book and me. Another Encore author captured the limelight and was interviewed. And they also showed a photo of her book cover. Unfortunately, I played second fiddle. But I’m not complaining. USA Today ain’t exactly a penny saver. 

I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring but I hope the momentum keeps building. This waiting game is pure torture. If only I could sleep for the next 12 days and wake up the day my book is launched. Then again, I might miss out on all the pre-release excitement. Now where did I put that bottle of Grey Goose?

The Write Stuff

Well, last night I attended the 44^th Annual Local Author’s Exhibit held at the San Diego Public Library. I never knew there were so many writers in San Diego, and I’m sure a good number of them weren’t even there. I’d guess at least 125 writers showed up for this event, and each writer brought a guest—except for me. 

As luck would have it, my wife and a few of her workmates drove to Big Bear Mountain this weekend for a little skiing, snowboarding and female bonding. My wife rarely chums around with the “girls” so as much as I would have appreciated her accompanying me to this event, I encouraged her to go and enjoy herself. 

My contingency plan was to invite my dear friend, Paula, who is actually much more than a friend. Paula, a fellow writer, voracious reader, writer of musicals and plays, has been instrumental in nurturing my writing career. Did I just say, “career”? She helped me design my author’s web site, created a video to be used by Amazon to promote my book, and overall she’s been a very positive influence in my life. She’s a gal who always looks at the glass as full. Not half-full, but full. 

Unfortunately, Paula’s glass was empty yesterday. She had been fighting a terrible head cold and it got the best of her Saturday afternoon. Needless to say, there was no way she could accompany me to this event. As I’ve mentioned many times before, I’m not high on these social get-togethers, even though I realize they’re an important part of self-promotion and marketing. So, I pissed and moaned but went in spite of my discomfort. 

Most of the books on display from local authors were nonfiction. As I milled about checking out name tags and looking for at least one familiar face, it amazed me how many of the authors were PhD’s. One in particular overheard me talking to another writer about my Amazon Encore deal and he approached me. This Latino man, nearly 80 years old, was a natural storyteller. His energy level was that of a 30 year old man. We talked for over an hour. And I listened while he told me about his book and his struggles to get it published. 

This very colorful man writes every single day, and he writes longhand! He even showed me his calloused fingers from grasping a pen for hours and hours. His book is based on a true story. It’s about an organization that made millions of dollars smuggling illegal aliens into the United States.

I went into Amazon.com this morning and searched for his book. I used the “Look Inside” feature to read a few excerpts. The guy is a hell of a writer. If you’re interested in reading a remarkable story, his name is Manuel Vic Villalpando, and the book title is The Illicit American. I might even ask this guy for some coaching.

Hobnobbing

As an author living in San Diego, I was invited to attend the 44^th Annual Local Author’s Exhibit to be held at the main branch of the San Diego Public Library. This will be a great opportunity to meet other authors, share ideas, and hear about successes as well as failures. This event is a terrific networking opportunity.

To be frank, I’m not totally comfortable in crowds. Most people who know me would probably dispute this statement. I appear to be outgoing and an extrovert. But the truth is that I’m more comfortable with less people around. Now there are exceptions. When I’m with a group of people I know well, I have no problem getting in the groove and showing my gregarious nature. But with a group of strangers, I’d rather sit in a quiet corner counting the minutes until I can leave.

This hang up of mine hobnobbing with strange crowds, poses a major challenge for me as an author. I’m told by those who know marketing and promotion that in this day and age, a writer—particularly a novelist—needs to lead the charge and get as much public exposure as possible.

This event at the San Diego Public Library is merely the tip of the iceberg. As the publication date for They Never Die Quietly rapidly approaches, (the release date is February 16^th), I will undoubtedly attend other such functions, not to mention book signings, interviews and God knows what else.

So, I guess it’s time for me to get over my phobia and learn how to be the life of the party. And I thought I was only a writer.