On Bobbleheads and Promotion
Writers need readers. In my youth, I thought that if I wrote and published a book, I would be discovered and the book would magically appear on the New York Times bestseller list. And maybe even Oprah could call me. The reality for any writer, whether they have a contract with a publisher or they self-publish, is that promotion is part of the “job.” Unfortunately, I come from a reserved Scandinavian background where self-promotion doesn’t go much further than, “I don’t suppose you’d want to read my book? It’s pretty good.” Anything beyond that is considered bragging.
Back in grade school, a sales rep from the Minneapolis paper would come every year with all sorts of prizes if you could sell subscriptions to the paper. I desperately wanted the two bobblehead dolls that kissed each other, but I couldn’t bring myself to go door-to-door to sell subscriptions. When I broke down in tears at home because I’d never get those kissing dolls, my mother (bless her heart) bought a subscription to the paper even though we already had one. She said, “It’s okay. We can always use two.” And yes, I got my bobbleheads, and we ended up with a lot of daily newsprint.
Every year, I resolve to abandon my roots and come up with a plan to get the word out about my books. I have a shelf full of “how-to” books on promotion and a wealth of hours listening to podcasts and online workshops. I usually make it through the introduction to the book or the first fifteen minutes of the Zoom before my eyes glaze over and I remember the fiasco of the kissing dolls.
This is a long way of saying I’m terrible at promotion. But I’m trying. So here goes.
Buy the E-Book of And the Lake Will Take Them! It’s on sale for $.99 from February 4th through February 11th! (It’s pretty good ☺)
Coming Soon
What the Fields Saw
What the Fields Saw. Sheriff Red investigates when a sixtieth class reunion brings up bodies and bad memories. Available now for pre-order. Publication date March 24th.
On Amazon
Only The River Knows
Only the River Knows. A community theater production in Lykkins Lake turns deadly when the director is found in the waters of the Bourbon River. Is Sheriff Red looking for a serial killer? Available now for pre-order. Publication date September 22, 2026.
On Amazon
The Secret of Ravens Valley
The Secret of Ravens Valley. Liza and Mrs. Wilkens investigate the death of the librarian and discover a town cloaked in fear. Publication date April 21st. Cover reveal soon.
Final Note
Now that I’ve gotten my resolution to do more promotion out of the way, I can get back to writing. More Sheriff Red, Liza, Mrs. Wilkens, and, of course, Goldie the cat are coming. Stay tuned.
As Always
Reviews are appreciated (even ones that say the book is pretty good ☺).
Best to all in this time of turmoil. Don’t forget to hug your loved ones.
Linda