Shy authors and the promotional game

 Catherine's post on Persistence, and the struggle of introverted authors to toot our own horn, made me smile. How I can relate! It's twenty-five years since my first book came out, but with 21 (soon to be 22 books out), I still have to force myself not only to praise my own work on social media and at parties but also to initiate conversations with (AKA waylay) perfect strangers in mall bookstores and public events. I'm proud of my work. I think I've written some pretty good books, which have even been nominated for awards over the years. But I absolutely suck at saying that. As a psychologist, I was much more adept at listening than talking and much better at letting the other person lead the conversation where they wanted it to go. But no doubt I chose that profession in part because it fit my introverted style.

I've gotten better at this socializing and promoting business over the years and have developed some "patter" I can trot out. In structured situations like doing presentations, interviews, and panels, I am now at ease, but in unstructured conversational settings, it still does not come easily. Yesterday evening I attended the annual Christmas dinner of Capital Crime Writers, a local Ottawa crime writers association founded over thirty-five years ago and still going strong. I was one of the earliest members, one of twelve, none of whom were published (yet) but we wanted to learn the craft and support one another. Over the years members came and went, but the organization grew and many of us went on to successful publishing careers. I remember one of the earliest dinners I attended. I don't recall whether I'd had any short stories out by then, but one of the members had had two works published. They might have been screenplays. The only thing I remember was that I was in awe of her and shy to talk to her. Who was I, after all, to presume to occupy her time! 

Good grief.

My debut baby, Sept 2000

The organization has quite a few published authors now, especially with the recent increase in indie publishing and micro-presses, but at last night's dinner I was one of the longest-published and most recognized authors there. The shoe felt as if it was on the other foot! I wondered if some of the new and aspiring writers would be reluctant to approach me or wait for me to talk first? That turned out not to be the case, but it was a relief not to have to worry about promotion or exposure. I had no pitch to sell, no bookmarks to offer. I could relax and enjoy the dinner and the chance to connect with old friends, commiserate about the book industry, and enjoy the book talk. But I remember that shy little me who didn't know what to say to a real published author and now that I experience it from the other side, I realize it was all in my head.

The glass of wine was nice too.

What to Wear

As I (Donis) mentioned when last I wrote, I'll be launching my latest novel The Wrong Girl, A Bianca Dangereuse Old Hollywood Mystery, at 7:00 p.m., October 29, at Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona. I’ll be appearing with the great Martin Edwards, who is also launching a new series with his book Gallows Lane. I hope that if you are anywhere in the contiguous United States, or heck, why stop there? - anywhere in this wide world - you'll hop a plane and fly in to join me. Or if that's asking too much, pick up a book (or ebook or audiobook) wherever books are sold.

All that may sound like a bit of promotional overkill*, but after writing ten Alafair Tucker mysteries,

2018

The Wrong Girl is the first of a new series for me and I hoping it does well enough to warrant a second. Some of my author friends who are talented and disciplined enough to put out two or three really good books a year, probably don't worry as much about their launches as I do. But I'm a slow writer at best, only managing a book every year or year-and-a-half, so when I launch a book I have a tendency to over-prepare. Even though I've done this many times. Some may say this makes me neurotic. I wouldn't argue.

2011

One thing I spend way too much time on is pondering what to wear. Why oh why so I make such a big deal out of the launch outfit? When I attend book events with well known male authors, it seems that none of them much care what they wear. In fact, I wonder sometimes if some guys cultivate a insouciant artist vibe, like "I live on too high a plane to care what I look like." I haven't noticed quite the same attitude with women authors. I believe that after all this time I've developed a kind of superstition about my outfit. Just the right outfit will - I don't know what - please the gods? I've stopped trying to figure it out and just give in to the inevitable.

This writing game is tough. And when it comes to promoting yourself, you just have to put your head

2007

down and go. What works for one may not work for you, so you try everything you can manage and do the best you can. The really important thing, though, is to do the best you can without making yourself miserable. Life is too short.

It is now 19 years and probably a hundred personal appearances after my first book launch. Here is what I’ve learned:

1. It takes a great deal of practice and repetition to be witty and spontaneous on the spot.

2016

2. There’s nothing wrong with using your 'A' material over and over, especially when you’re traveling.

3. Look at your audience when you speak - make eye contact. They’ll like you better as a person, and you’ll better be able to judge how you’re going over and make adjustments in your presentation as you need to.

4. Don’t worry about it if you’re nervous. Your audience is predisposed to like you.

5. Always wear comfy shoes.

______________
*or a whiff of desperation?

(BSP) Blatant Self Promotion

YOU’RE INVITED

BOOK SIGNING MARCH 23, 1:00 PM BARNES AND NOBLE LOVELAND

THE HEALER’S DAUGHTER

By

Charlotte Hinger

Starred Review in Library Journal

“Readers who appreciate historical accuracy in their fiction will find this a powerful read. The impressive degree of realism and Hinger’s skillful weaving of personalities and story lines make it a real page-turner.”

I know this is shameless. But it really makes me very happy. More along a proper writing post next time.