What was your very first piece of
writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been
published?
I was twelve when I started writing about an extraordinary girl
in another world. Over the next few years, I wrote three books in that series. At the age of seventeen, I
took on the task of rewriting that series, and I continued well into my twenties.
As a matter of fact, I recently revised that first book, and I'm trying to get an agent for it. The main character is Avrianna Heavenborn, who is
featured in my short story Ghost of Death. One day, her book (series) will be
published. I know it. :)
NEXT IWSG QUESTION: How do you find the time to
write in your busy day? (Sept. 7th)
***************************
PROMO EFFORTS:
Facebook Party: I held a FB party with 6 AWESOME co-hosts. The turnout was great. I did a grand prize giveaway
that required people to sign up for my newsletter for the chance to win. I got 16 new subscribers.
Lesson Learned: Try not to host a party when everyone is taking vacations, and make sure it's set to PUBLIC.
Social Media Push: Throughout July, I pushed one of my releases each week. That's one tweet a day, three posts a week on Instagram, one on FB, and one on Google+. Sales? NADA
Social Media Push: Throughout July, I pushed one of my releases each week. That's one tweet a day, three posts a week on Instagram, one on FB, and one on Google+. Sales? NADA
Lesson Learned: Social media is
not much of a strategy, though it does help to announce releases, sales, etc.
Newsletter Ads: I paid for a Coffee
Time Romance’s newsletter ad located on their website. The first day it was up, the link for
my ad was the link to another author’s book! I did another with The Romance Studio on August 1st that went into subscribers' inboxes. Again, no sales.
Lesson Learned: Newsletters that are full of ads won't get you noticed.
Lesson Learned: Newsletters that are full of ads won't get you noticed.
My Overall Mood: Discouraged.
***************************
COVER REVEAL FOR BISH DENHAM!
Pirates. Explorers. And spooky ghost hunters.
It’s 1962. Sam and her
best friend, Nick, have the whole island of St. John, in the U. S. Virgin
Islands, as their playground. They’ve got 240 year-old sugar plantation ruins
to explore, beaches to swim, and trails to hike.
But when a man
disappears like a vapor right in front of them, they must confront a scary new
reality. They’re being haunted. By whom? And why? He’s even creeping into
Nick’s dreams.
They need help, but the
one who might be able to give it is Trumps, a reclusive hunchback who doesn’t
like people, especially kids. Are Sam and Nick brave enough to face him? And if
they do, will he listen to them?
Their carefree summer
games turn into eerie hauntings, and Sam and Nick learn more about themselves
and life than they could ever have imagined.
Pre-order HERE today and
enter the ghostly tale as soon as it releases.
About the
Author:
Bish
Denham, whose mother’s side of the family has been in the Caribbean for over one
hundred years, was raised in the U. S. Virgin Islands. She still has lots of
family living there whom she visits regularly.
She
says, “Growing up in the islands was like living inside a history book. Columbus named the islands, Sir Francis Drake sailed
through the area, and Alexander Hamilton was raised on St.
Croix . The ruins of hundreds of sugar plantations, built with the
sweat and blood of slave labor, litter the islands. Then there were the pirates
who plied the waters. It is within this atmosphere of wonder and mystery, that
I grew up. Life for me was magical, and through my writing I hope to pass on
some of that magic.”
The Bowl and the Stone: A Haunting
Tale from the Virgin Islands , is
her third book and second novel. You can find Anansi and Company: Retold Jamaican Tales and A Lizard’s Tail, at Amazon.com.
Visit her blog, Random Thoughts.
She
can also be found on Facebook.
And
Twitter @BishDenham
102 comments:
Glad to see that you have never given up on that original piece of writing and inspiration.
Never give up on that first book Chrys. Good luck in your pursuit to getting it published.
The book by Bish seems fantastic. I wish her all the good luck with it.
Yvonne.
I love Bish's latest book.
Paid ads so rarely work for books.
So sorry to hear you're feeling discouraged, Chrys. Hang in there and believe in yourself. You've already accomplished so much! :)
Yep, social media and paid ads are mostly useless in the end. The only ones getting rich are the ones running the ads.
Sorry you have felt discouraged recently. I enjoyed reading about your first series, I hope you find a home for it. And congrats to Bish on her new release.
What a wonderful story about your first writings. Good luck with finding an agent.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with ads. I've been considering them, but may change my mind now.
Congratulations to Bish on her new book. Ghost stories are some of my favorites.
Wow, that's amazing you stuck with it and kept writing the series, especially at such a young age! Good luck with it!
Thanks, Roland. I believe in it so much that no matter how upset I get that I don't have representation for it yet, I can never give up on it. :)
Thanks, Yvonne!
Bish's book is fantastic. I had the honor of reading it.
Me too. :)
I always heard to try paid ads, so I do.
Thanks, Madeline! I'm hanging in. :)
I am realizing that now. Grrr
Thank you, SUzanne! I hope I find a home for it, too. Soon. ;)
Thanks, Beverly!
There's a couple of paid promos I may try because they sound like they may get my work out there, but I won't know until I try.
Thank you, Megan!
How wonderful that you've kept working on a story begun in your teens! There's one novel of mine I started in my 20s that still lingers in my mind. Every once in while I think about hauling it out and... but then I pause. It's all hand written, in three spiral notebooks... OMG, the work!
Thanks for the shout-out on my cover reveal!
You should haul it out. You started it for a reason. Maybe it wasn't the right time then but it could be now. :D
You're welcome!
I like the cover for Bish' book. Very unique! I would imagine it has to be hard as a writer to get out there and promote your books, looking for the right avenue to do so, not knowing what (if anything) will work. Hopefully you'll find that right thing soon.
betty
HI, Chrys,
I admire your tenacity... At least you TRIED... if you hadn't you'd always wonder, "I should have done it..." Now you know..
Cool that you are reviving your old stories, and you will get them published.
Congrats to BISH! The cover is GREAT and it sounds like a very fun read...
It is hard. You never know what'll work, what'll be a waste of money. Commenters often say I know so much about marketing, but this proves I know as much as everyone else.
Thanks, Michael. I can say that I at least tried. :)
Chrys you're a go-getter and I have no doubt that you'll see your first book (and series) in print one day. No matter how long it takes.
Bish's cover is charming!
Keep plugging away at the book series, it sounds like it will be worth it :)
Sophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
Hugs to you, lady Chrys for picking your way through the stickers to the soft grass of success! I know you'll get there. No need (and clearly no desire) to ever give up!
Bish, your book sounds delectable! Love the tantalizing cover. I enjoyed learning about you and where your special magic originates :-)
I love the name Avrianna! I figure if we can still remember and care about characters we created years ago, it was meant to be. Eventually, I plan to get back to the 18th and 19th century characters I created when I was probably around 6 or 7 years old (originally as contemporary characters, then changed to historical characters when I was a preteen).
Thank you for sharing about your marketing strategies. I find marketing daunting and discouraging, too. I'm glad you're still working on your original series. Good luck with it!! Congrats to Bish! Sounds like a great story!
Sigh, the lack of success with marketing is just depressing. :-/
Aha! I knew there was some depth to that character. =)
Love Bish's new cover. Yay!
Yeah, it can be tricky to figure out what works for marketing. I know a few guru's who drop tips every now and then. I just have to actually implement them, and sometimes that's just too much work. =)
Revising that first book? Very cool! Sometimes there's gold in those first efforts.
Here's wishing you lots of luck with finding the right agent for that book!
It's so hard trying to figure out what works to sell books and what doesn't. In the meantime, keep writing, because when people do discover your books, they'll want to keep buying.
I'm looking forward to seeing it out there with your other works. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I think it's wonderful that you kept at it with that first piece. Shows a lot about your personality and determination. Kudos, Chrys. Best of luck finding an agent.
Love the new cover for Bish! Keep at your passions. They will make it someday.
Thank you so much, Michelle! :D
Thanks, Sophie! I will. :)
Oooh, rough time with the advertisements. Yeah, summer is hard, and facebook parties are even harder for me. I tried helping out with a friend's release party and trying to juggle that with my kids is nigh impossible. I think anything online that doesn't fit into my lunch hour will likely have to wait until the kids move out.
You should write her series! There's a ton of people out there (ahem) that would love to read it!
Nope, no need or no desire to give up.
Thanks! :D I believe the same thing. I tell myself all the time that it was meant to be and will be.
You created 18th and 19th century characters when you were 6 or 7? WOW!
Marketing is daunting. I have good moments with it and know some things that work for me, but because I'm trying new things it's becoming overwhelming and not working out as I had hoped.
Thanks, Lori!
It is!!! *sigh*
I like the name Avrianna Heavenborn. Best of luck finding an agent. :)
There is! There is so much more with Avrianna that readers of Ghost of Death don't even know about. *snickers*
It can be too much work. I've been spending all of my time marketing and not actually writing, which is a no-no.
There can definitely be gold in our first efforts. We must have to dig for it. ;)
Thank you, C Lee!!!
I do need to get back to writing. It's taken a back seat lately.
Thank you, Anna!!!
Aw. Thanks, Joylene. I really believe in this book. :)
So cool that you were able to polish up a manuscript that you wrote when you were twelve!
It's discouraging when you put a lot of effort into marketing your book, and don't see results. I wish there was some way that worked 100% of the time. Supposedly, people have to see your thing 7 times before they buy it. So keep plugging away.
Thanks, Jennifer!
Haha! I can understand that. The only time many working mothers have is their lunch hours.
Thanks! :D I have to rewrite part of Book 2 now and need to edit books 3 and 4, but I have them. I just need to finish the process and, of course, publish book 1.
Thank you!!! :D
I'm often amazed that I was able to do it, but maybe it's because I rewrote it when I was still young, so rewriting it again as an adult wasn't hard. If I were to look at that book now and attempt to rewrite it, I don't think I'd be able to.
Thanks, Sherry. I will. :)
Congratulations to Bish on her new release. Please don't get discouraged, Chrys. You are amazing, and I've learnt one has to always keep at things. I know it's easy for me to say. But I really believe in you. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm sure that first novel will get published. No doubt. Wishing you well.
Thank you for the push, Murees. I appreciate it. :)
It is great that you persevere with your first story. It'll find its readers soon.
It's so hard to figure out what works for marketing. I really have no clue although it sounds like the FB party was a success for you. Wish I could have been part of it! If you have another one let me know. :)
And how cool that you kept working and re-working that first story. I have a feeling Avrianna's story will be out in the world sooner rather than later. Good luck!
Thanks, Olga!
I will let you know, Julie. I'll probably do a release party for Tsunami Crimes...if it gets a contract.
Thanks, Julie! I hope so. :)
How wonderful of you to keep sticking to that story! I have no doubt that it will get published at that rate. The list of your promos and lessons is interesting...honestly, thanks for posting that. It's great to see your thoughts.
Thanks, Teresa! You know, it may be frustrating but I like to show my ups and downs with my promo efforts for others to learn from. I'm being the sacrificial lamb. :p
I love the character already and I've no doubt that if you believe it will be published, then, Chrys, it definitely will be published. Her story is waiting to be heard!! So pleased to hear of your successes. You are a fantastic writer!
Thanks for the enthusiasm, Nicola!
Marketing is so tough, Chrys. I feel your pain. I think the real problem is reaching your target audience. As writers and authors we help and encourage each other, but we're not necessarily the target group. I wish I knew the magic formula!
Congrats to Bish! Her new release looks awesome!
Hey Chrys,
Firstly, hearty congrats to one of my adoring fans, Bish.
Your passion for that first piece of writing is such a driving force in your love for the written word.
I submitted a play to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at the age of nine. I never received a reply. Never mind, eh.
All the best to you, Chrys and of course, Bish.
Gary :)
Hang in there Chrys. Any time I can be of help or you need reviews for something I haven't read, let me know. I love your work and will be more than happy to share!!!
sherry @ fundinmental
Exactly. I have so many writers and authors in my audience, but I need more readers. It's hard to target them when you're not known and don't have a big publisher helping you.
Thanks, Gary! :)
At the age of nine? Wow. You were ambitious.
All the best to you, too.
Thank you, Sherry. I may hit you up on a review for Seismic Crimes. I don't think you read that yet, and I'm trying to get reviews for it with no success.
Maybe now that July is in the rear view mirror, sales will pick up, Chrys. Let's hope;) Hugs.
How's the kitties?
Bish your childhood sounds wonderful. Wishing you much success with your book.
I hope so, Sandra. :D
My kitties are great. Getting fat. Haha
Wow, that is cool about the character you created as teen having her own series. You're doing great. Hang in there. This is journey and right now the wind is not blowing but you just wait a gale wind is on its way.
Congrat Bish on the Cover Reveal. I really like it.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Thanks, Juneta. I have a kite ready so I can catch and ride that gale wind. :D
Yes! Keep believing in your character and her story and it WILL be published one day!!!
I'm sorry to hear about sales. :( But it sounds like you're doing all the right things! That's interesting how there doesn't seem to be much of a connection between being active on social media and sales. You always hear how authors need to be active on social media. Hang in there. It'll get better. Hugs!
I will. :)
Being active on social media is one thing and great for an author to do, but pushing your book(s) on social media doesn't do much unless it's for a sale or new release. At least that's my experience.
Thanks!
Chrys one of things I'll suggest is try to get fellow writers as fans of your work. A number of books I bought this year were referred by authors I trust on social media. And not in a book promotion way but a congrats way that only fans can post and mean it. Sorry social media is not bringing in much for you. Keep at that dream agent for your series though. Good luck. Congrats to Bish on her upcoming book. I've added it to my wishlist. I've been on a bit of a kindle pre-order kick lately.
I hope you don't stay discouraged. You are certainly putting in the effort!
Congrats to Bish!
Oh my goodness. I hope they gave you your money back after linking the wrong book.
I often feel discouraged too. I mean, what is the magic bullet? If anyone finds it, it will be you. You have more perseverance and gumption than any writer I know. Heck, you didn't even give up on the novel of your youth!
Hi Chris - you've got another story to keep you going ... marketing is such a difficult 'tool' to master or even get over the start line ... just keep on and get more books out there .. take care and yes - Bish .. I love her cover and the premise - should entice a few readers ... cheers Hilary
That's great you never gave up on your first book. Good luck finding an agent for it. Never give up, never surrender!
Love your positive spirit, Chrys. Your first series sounds great. (You know how much I like sci-fi :)) While I'm sorry you haven't had good luck with the promo, thanks for sharing your experiences. Loved helping with your FB party. It was fun.
Actually, the problem is I only really have fellow writers as fans. I need readers. Reader readers.
Thanks, Sheena!
Thanks, Lynda!
They didn't because it was a month-long promo. :\
I wish I knew the magic bullet. If I do find it, I'll share it. :)
Thanks, Hilary! I'll keep on. :)
Thanks, Lidy! I won't. :)
Thank you, Diane! I'm so happy that you participated in my FB party. It was a success. The only thing that went right. ;)
That sounds like a true story of the heart! I bet with all that love behind it, it will be published one day! :)
It is. Thanks, Jemi!
The novel I'm working on was first conceived when I was in the 10th grade. Never give up ;)
I found this wonderful book about craft sales and marketing through social media. It can be done, but you need a strategy. It's more about the conversation. (I still need to apply what I've learned from the book.)
Sorry for the discouraging turnout on the various types of marketing. :(
I hope you can bring your early series to fruition!
Hi,
All the best for getting an agent for your book. Keep revising it until it's your best and I'm sure when you knock on an agent's door, they'll say come in.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I think that's neat that you're working on a novel you started in high school. Don't give up in yours either!
I thought I had a strategy to what I was doing, but I'm reworking it now.
Thanks, Shannon!
Thanks, Pat! I am. :)
I love that you're pursuing that collection, and I know, you will get it published! :) Good on you!
Thanks for the information you've shared about your attempts at marketing. I've found the same, very discouraged!
I loved being part of your Summer Book Bash though, truly fun!
Next one will be twice as good!
Bish has done a fabulous job!
I am, Yolanda. Thank you!
*sigh* With so many authors out there and a TON of books being released daily, it's hard to get attention.
The Bash was my one success from July. :) Thanks for being a part of it!
Oh no, so sorry about the lack of marketing success! I hope the coffee people refunded your money for that mistake. That really sucks.
How about your blog tour? Did that help?
They didn't because it was up for a month and the mistake was only for a day. *shrugs*
My blog tour did very well. I stand by blog tours, though, I will find other ways to maybe make them more interesting so other bloggers' followers will visit and not skip it as some do.
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