Writing-wise and Marketing-wise, that is.
This is a very BIG POND out here and only the heartiest of small fishies will survive to write another day!
I'm speaking here in the context of having moved recently to southern California from the Colorado mountains. Both are resort areas, admittedly created for fun in the sun, whether frolicking in the water or on the slopes. If you're a relatively unknown writer who wants only to frolick in the waters of the Pacific, no problem. But, if you're a relatively unknown writer who wants some recognition for your books, big problem.
OK, so how to solve the problem of being a small fish in a big pond. (Any suggestions will be appreciated.) Since we're on a "water" theme, I think it best to approach the problem, considering the glass half-full as opposed to half-empty.
The half-empty glass, I can speak to with authority. It's intimidating to open the doors of the local libraries, bookstores, and newspaper offices in southern California, enter, and have your book bag in hand, not to mention your hat! Folks smile and they're very nice, don't get me wrong, it's just that they've heard my story countless times already. I mean, this is the land of Entertainment Tonight, E News, and Access Hollywood! This whole state is full of successful achievers or wanna-be-achievers and I'm beginning to think you've got to start with a spot on Oprah before you can expect any notice. Well, other than having a blog article appear in the Chicago Sun Times last week, I'm not expecting a call from Oprah's production department.
Short of that ...
The half-full glass, I can also speak to with authority. This half is far more refreshing and rejuvenating. For starters, WRITE A GOOD BOOK. No, WRITE A GREAT BOOK. Then, pack up your ego in the book bag you tote from bookstores to libraries to newspapers and get your 15 minutes of fame with each and everyone who will listen. Think positively and wait for a good response. Right? At the very least, get your name out there any way you can. Now, living in the beach cities, I see the airplane signs trolling the skies over the beaches, advertising this new show or that new beer ... and the truth of it is I'm quite sure I can't afford the same advert for my books. So, I'm going to keep plugging away with my postcards and bookmarks and nudges to the newspapers and we'll see.
A girl has to try. How else can I be California Dreamin`!
:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
Meggie's Remains 7/09
The Quaker and the Confederate series 5/10, 9/10
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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