I Could Just Weep With Joy!! (Over Great Reader Reviews)

Yes, it’s true. I can get a little choked up when a reader says they really enjoyed my book, IDENTITY CRISIS. But this review posted on the DorothyL list was SO incredibly awesome . . . well, I’m just overwhelmed.

Here it is:

“This is a first person narrative, so you only know and see what the narrator
knows and sees, but so much happens to the narrator that there are few dull
moments!  The narrator is a lawyer, Sam McRae, who’s client in a domestic
dispute, disappears and is accused of killing her ex.  Sam is trying to find
Melanie, grapple with her own personal identity theft, and her own married
boyfriend problems, and trying to figure out what is really going on.  She
gets beat up by mobsters, almost gets caught breaking and entering, and a
few high speed chases, makes this a very exciting and somewhat complex
mystery that will have you guessing to the very end.  I loved the
characters, and plot, and the twists and turns, & bodies,  that keep you
reading on.  This is an amazing first book from this author, looking forward
to more Sam McRae books in the future.  Highly recommended.

“Kindle format is only $1.59 and well worth the price!”

Be still my heart! And thank you so much, Joan on the DL list, for that incredibly wonderful review!

 

 

Announcing! Announcing! Announcing! (How Many Times Can I Say That?)

Just want to take this opportunity to announce that the Author Exchange Blog has announced the news of the excellent print review of IDENTITY CRISIS run on p. 24 of the Oct./Nov. issue of The Maryland Women’s Journal. You know, the one I announced previously on this blog? Well . . . I’m announcing that someone else has announced it, too.

You may also notice that the announcement also announces that my interview will be posted on the Author Exchange Blog on Friday, Nov. 20. That’s next week.

When you can expect to see an announcement about it here.

 

 

I Guess Crime (Writing) Doesn’t Always Pay

Damn! This post by Declan Burke (via Sarah Weinman) is one of the saddest things I’ve read in a while.

I wish I could show this to everyone who says, “Just get that first novel published, and you’ll be an overnight success in no time!”

Yeah, right.

 

 

Smashing News from Smashwords!

Smashwords, one of the e-book sites on which my novel, IDENTITY CRISIS, is available has formed a business alliance with Barnes & Noble. So . . . as part of that, they are making e-books on Smashwords available to B&N through their Premium Catalog, if the e-books in question meet the proper formatting requirements. Mine didn’t. At least, not at first.

I managed (with some guidance from Smashwords and thanks so much for that, Smashwords people) to fumble f*ck my way figure out how to reformat the manuscript. I did this twice–resubmitted twice–and voila! Now, IDENTITY CRISIS will be available as an e-book through (and I quote this statement from Smashwords) “Barnes & Noble (and their properties such as Fictionwise and the Ereader app) and Sony.” Hey, that’s a lot of distribution. Plus it says, “More outlets are forthcoming.” Well, all right!!!

So–great news! B&N and Sony are getting into this just like Amazon. They each have e-readers (B&N just released the Nook. Or nook. Whatever.) And they’ve got the e-books now. All they need is people to buy them.

So, please buy IDENTITY CRISIS as an e-book through B&N or Sony. (And please make this poor techno-idiot’s efforts worth it. )

 

 

On Speaking: A Few Tips for Authors

As a writer, one is often called upon to make speeches or talk at various types of public events. Let me tell you, I think I’m safe in saying most writers don’t particularly enjoy making speeches–that’s why they became writers.

Like me, for instance. I don’t mind sitting at my computer and writing for hours at a time. But put me in front of an audience and–ulp!–sometimes words fail me.

So, one of the things I’ve had to get used to is public speaking. (Did you know that most people find public speaking more frightening than death? And this is the majority of people, not just writers.) Over time, I’ve grown a bit more comfortable with the spotlight. However, I’m still far from perfect.

For what it’s worth, I thought I’d pass along a few tips (learned the hard way, of course) on how to speak in public like a pro (or, at least, how not to disgrace yourself completely).

1. Prepare written notes. If you’re a writer, this part should be easy. Write down the major points. Just a few lines can do it. Something to both solidify your thoughts in advance and prompt you when you’re actually speaking.

2. Practice. Practice what you’re going say aloud. Don’t simply read from notes during your presentation. People who read from notes tend to drone and fail to make eye contact with the audience. Practicing not only avoids this problem, but makes your delivery seem more spontaneous and natural (as it should be).

3. Beware the ill-advised ad lib. When you’re talking in front of people, it’s very easy to suddenly blurt out words to express something you hadn’t completely thought out ahead of time. I’ll give you the most ridiculous example I can think of at the moment–me.

On Saturday, I was on a panel of authors. When it was my turn to speak, I had to answer a question about how much my legal background had inspired my main character. I said something to the effect that a real lawyer’s life was completely different from a fictional lawyer’s. (A mystery that depicted most real lawyers’ lives would put people to sleep!)

At one point, I said, “My character’s life is about as different from mine as–” Full stop. Oops! Forgot to come up with an analogy of some sort. Gee, that would’ve really helped. (I hemmed and hawed my way through with some half-baked nonsense . . . something about filthy dumpsters and Hilton hotels . . . please, don’t ask . . .)

One could do much worse in the ill-advised ad lib department, I suppose. I’m only telling you this to demonstrate how much planning can help in this situation.

4. Remember to mention your book and character. No matter what question you’re asked, an author must keep in mind that these appearances are about selling your work.

I’m not saying you should spout advertising for your book. That’s just annoying. Nobody wants to be hammered with an author’s promotional announcements.

What I am saying is to think about how to highlight your work in some way when framing an answer to the question. Ask yourself, what can I say that will both enlighten the audience about my work and answer the question?

5. Entertain. Let’s face it. Most people don’t want to hear about the boring, awful parts of this business (unless you can turn them into humorous anecdotes–that works!). They don’t want to hear your sob stories, your petty jealousies, your rants or bitterness. By and large, people will like you (and tend to consider buying your work) if you entertain them. Why would they buy a book from someone who can’t do that?

Good fiction starts with good stories. Show people you know how to entertain with your spoken words, as well as your written ones.

Oh, yeah. Final thought. If I’d been more prepared on Saturday, I might have squeezed in this somewhat humorous anecdote. Before the panel appearance, I’d been selling books at a Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast. At the breakfast, I met a woman who works for Random House. (Audience: “Oooooh!!”) She works at the distribution center in Carroll County. (Audience: “Aaaaw!!!!” :: chuckles :: — at least, that’s how it plays out in my imagination.)

I gave her a copy of my book, of course. (And, if you’re reading this, Alison, thanks for stopping at my table and introducing yourself!)

 

 

Double Booked! (Sorta)

Got a big day of marketing coming up this Saturday. Yes, on Sat., Nov. 7, I’ll start my day off with pancakes! (Pancakes? That’s right. Pancakes.)

I’ll be one of the vendors at the 8th Annual Fall Pancake Breakfast & Craft Fair sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City, MD. (Did you say the Kiwanis Club? Yup.)

So along with getting to eat free pancakes (included in the vendor fee and a pretty powerful incentive in itself), I’ll be selling my novel IDENTITY CRISIS and helping the Kiwanis Club to raise money for its youth programs, scholarships and other philanthropic endeavors for kids. Now that’s really cool, if you ask me.

But wait! The breakfast runs until noon and I have to be in Kensington, MD (about a 45-minute drive assuming GOOD traffic) to appear on a Sisters in Crime, Chesapeake Chapter lunch panel, no later than 12:30.

Whoops! Looks like I kinda, sorta double-booked myself. Someday when I can afford an able assistant (abler than myself, that is, which these days isn’t asking all that much) such things won’t happen, I’m sure.

So, I’ll be leaving the pancake breakfast early (at around 11:00) and heading south toward Kensington. I’ll be appearing on a panel of Chessie Chapter authors who’ve had their books published (or re-published, as the case may be) this year. I’ll get to talk some more about IDENTITY CRISIS and my books will be on sale, courtesy of Maryland’s own fabulous mystery bookstore, Mystery Loves Company.

And we’ll be having a light lunch. Which will be good after all those pancakes I intend to eat.

 

 

The Press Release! (Grassroots Marketing Campaign, Phase 3)

Okay, here’s where I’m at. The first phase of the grassroots marketing campaign for my book, IDENTITY CRISIS, is off to a good start. It’s still (technically) underway and the second phase (the outdoor advertising?) is still visible on my driveway. I’ve been doing all sorts of other things–arranging to appear at events, signing up as a vendor at trade shows, book fairs, and other places, hand selling everywhere, giving out cards. But one of the major efforts I’m making lately is to send out press releases to local papers, because they’re always looking for interesting local stories.

See if this sounds like a story. Local author publishes first novel, which goes out-of-print nine months later due to publisher’s financial problems. Local author has a stroke, develops rare movement disorder, keeps writing anyway. She writes three more novels and starts a fourth (while also working on short stories, two scripts and a one-act musical). Oh, and she’s also querying agents and publishers. And freelancing. And marketing her freelance business. Anyway . . .

Local author decides to reissue her out-of-print novel through Lulu.com, takes a year to pull this off, puts novel up as an e-book in the interim. In less than five months, she sells more than twice as many downloads of the novel than print copies during the nine months it was first released (more than two and a half times as many, actually). Due to persistent marketing efforts, people she’s never met now know her name. She runs into people at a convention (like Bouchercon) and someone she’s never met says, “I’ve been wanting to read your book!” (Local author feels stunned, then incredibly grateful.) Sounds like a human interest story to me.

Local papers like to run stories like this, in which people like local author make good (or better, anyway). But local papers aren’t the only ones who are getting copies of this press release. There are many more publications that may have an interest in this story. To date, I’ve come up with the following places to send the release and hope one or more will do a notice, a book review or even an author profile.

They include: the University of Maryland alumni magazine (yeah, U.Md. journalism major and got my Master of Library Science there, too), the University of Maryland law school alumni magazine (been there, done that, got the JD), AARP Magazine (I’m, ahem, a member, plus mysteries have historically appealed to an older demographic), AARP Bulletin (not sure if they run this kind of story, but it’s at least worth a try), the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce (they run press releases about members in their newsletter), the Washington Post Magazine (I mean, why the hell not?), Baltimore Magazine (ditto), Washingtonian Magazine (double ditto), the City Papers for DC and Baltimore (once again–dit-to).

And these are just a few publications that have come to my mind. I’m sure I’ll be able to think of more local magazines and papers to pester contact about my book and other work.

And I have other plans in the works for getting the word out. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of my astonishingly amazing grassroots marketing campaign. A multi-phase effort and a highly-ambitious project.

 

Some Giveaways Aren’t About Promotion

As you may have noticed, I tend to give away a lot of copies of my book, IDENTITY CRISIS. I’ve given several books to reviewers who post on DorothyL and I hope to give out several more.

I also gave away 50 copies of the book at Bouchercon, as well as 10 copies to members of the DorothyL list who participated in a contest during “Virtual Bouchercon.”

I’ve sent a few copies to publishers, but most giveaways have gone to readers and DorothyL reviewers (who are, generally, people who read for fun, book club members or librarians, rather than professional reviewers).

The point is that giving away books helps build readership and generate word of mouth.

However, sometimes giveaways aren’t about all that.

Last night, for instance, I attended the Dystonia Golf Classic–a charitable event to raise funds for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. The money is intended to fund research to find a cure for dystonia. And I offered my book as a donation, along with four books donated by Marcia Talley (two copies each of her serial novels, NAKED CAME THE PHOENIX and I’D KILL FOR THAT).

If you’re wondering, “What’s dystonia?” the technical definition is as follows: the third most common movement disorder “in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle; a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire body.” I’m quoting the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Rather than describe it in words, allow me demonstrate it:

First, the trailer from “Twisted” (a documentary about dystonia):

Then a PSA made by the Bachmann-Strauss Foundation:

Seriously f*cked up, isn’t it? Why don’t more people know about this? Why haven’t they found a cure yet? According to sources I’ve found online, Herman Oppenheim, a Berlin neurologist, first discovered this disorder in 1911. That’s almost a hundred years, people, and we still have no cure.

Many patients with dystonia (even today) get misdiagnosed or they’re told the problem is psychological. They end up not getting the proper treatment for years. Such treatments as there are, that is.

Because available treatment options are fairly limited. There are a few medications (which often don’t work), botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to deaden the overstimulated nerves (which isn’t perfect and usually causes weakness in the injected muscles, as a side effect) and (in certain extreme cases) brain surgery to implant a device that provides deep brain stimulation (which has helped some, but not all patients).

Kind of sad, huh? You’d think science would be a bit farther along than this by now.

That’s why I held my own fundraiser for dystonia–the Freedom Ride for Dystonia–last May. The weather was drizzly and chilly, the turnout was low, but we raised more than $1,300, even so.

I don’t mind telling you, that was a proud moment for me. Which is why I was happy to contribute a book to this latest event. And why sometimes giveaways aren’t just about promoting me.

So last night, as I walked around the table featuring the items put up for silent auction, I spotted the books. Mine was on top. A woman walking by picked it up and flipped through it. I couldn’t resist. I walked up and said, “I wrote that.” She looked up and smiled. “Really? That’s so cool.”

I thought it was, too, and not just because I wrote the book.

 

Bouchercon Redux (with Photo)

Hey, remember that book give-away at Bouchercon I blogged about recently? One thing I didn’t mention was how astonishingly crowded it was, especially for 9:00 a.m. on the last day of the conference. (It was packed!)

Remember I said I didn’t take photos. Well, someone else did. Christa Faust came through. She’s posted a Twitpic photo of the Book Bazaar (found courtesy of her blog), which I’ve copied below. Behold!

It's Christmas at K-Mart, people!

See, I wasn’t kidding. Somewhere in there, is a tiny image of a blonde head. Me. Signing books and giving them out, as fast as possible.

Readers could buy additional tickets for $1 per ticket (proceeds went to charity). At some point, they ran out of tickets and people were buying pieces of yarn (I sh*t you not–yarn) to trade for books. Eventually, someone scared up some more tickets, because we started getting tickets again (blue tickets–the first round was yellow).

Truly, it was a mad scene, but really, really cool. Felt great to know someone wanted to read my book–50 someones at that! Cuz I gave out all 50 of my books. Success!!

So thanks for taking this photo, Christa! That day was one for the books. (Bad pun, I know . . . )

 

More Good Reviews for ‘Identity Crisis’!!

Wow! After coming off a fabulous trip to Bouchercon, I’ve become the beneficiary of not just one, but two (count ‘em, two) good reviews! (Well, that is to say, my book, IDENTITY CRISIS, has gotten the good reviews.)

The first is on p. 24 of the Oct./Nov. issue of The Maryland Women’s Journal, and that includes the Howard County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County and Montgomery County editions, at the very least. (Page 24. Check it out. I couldn’t find it in the Prince George’s County edition, but I’ll check again to make sure.)

In case you have trouble accessing it or finding it, here’s what it says (with my occasional commentary in brackets):

“Of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock [sweet!] once said, ‘There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.’ Author Debbi Mack nails that statement in this tightly written tale [oh, double sweet!] about a flawed Maryland attorney, ‘Sam’ McRae, and her relentless search for a killer when the domestic abuse case she has been handling kicks itself up a notch: The accused is found dead and his wife [ex-girlfriend, but hey, close enough, right? ] has taken off. Not good. Add to that the FBI, the Mob, identity theft, and a vulnerable main character involved with a married prosecutor and you have a darn good page-turner. Debbi Mack crafts a taut narrative with crackling dialogue.”

Sweet, sweet, sweet!!!! Thank you Aimee Zuccarini for writing such a wonderful review!

The journal is a free local paper distributed all around Maryland, boasting a readership of more than 250,000. I even have a couple of print copies.

The second review is on Carl Brookins’ blog, underneath his photos from (what else?) Bouchercon. Here’s the link direct to the review. (And I gotta tell ya, I just love this description of my protagonist: “Sam is smart, but not infallible, doesn’t leap even low bushes at a single bound, [LOL! so true . . .] so she’s easy to relate to.”) And, what the heck, let’s throw in some more photos of the convention here and here.

And thank you so much, Carl, for the kind words about my book!

And, while we’re on the subject, don’t forget, you can pick up a copy of this well-regarded book for 10% off the retail price when you buy through the Lulu.com order page and enter the code FALLREAD at check-out (at least, until the end of this month).

I should come up with a macro for that last paragraph.