Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For July, the question is: “What would make you quit writing?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Pat Garcia, Victoria Marie Lees, and Louise – Fundy Blue. Click on their names to see what they’re up to this month.
My answer to the question – What would make you quit writing?
The answer that makes most sense for me is “Being physically and/or mentally unable to write anymore.” I always write. If nothing else, I still jot down a diary entry every evening (since 1989), which takes between 20 and 40 minutes! Too long, really, especially since I proofread and edit each sentence.
Mark, Liesbet, and Zesty in California
The thing that slows down other writing is my adventurous lifestyle. As I mentioned before, if I had to choose, I’d rather travel than write. In general, I don’t have to choose, but when it comes to bigger writing projects, like a book, I cannot combine my life on the road with a full-time job (which authordom is) behind the computer.
My promo news
I have been in Belgium visiting family and friends for almost two weeks. Mark joined me last Thursday. Life has been extremely busy and overwhelming. I tried to get press meetings out of the way before Mark arrived, because Dutch became my primary language during that time and because I didn’t want to “waste” the precious, yet short time we have here together.
In June, this happened with my travel memoir Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary:
Promotion:
- I put extra effort in Facebook posts for groups where promotion is allowed. I made my blurbs more relevant and compelling to the audience and incorporated a link to my book instead of blatantly sending potential readers to Amazon.
- One of those well-composed posts I put on two big boating group sites with a combined total reach of 100K members (All Things Sailing: 76.2K members; Liveaboard Lifestyle: 39.3K members) and finally had it take off after unsuccessful plugs for Plunge. It led to tons of comments, shares, and extra sales.
Spike in sales due to vigilant (free) promotion on Facebook
- Plunge briefly became a #1 Amazon bestseller in the Tahiti Travel Guides category.
Bestseller Tahiti Travel Guides
- My book was also selected as “Book of the Week” on the largest memoir Facebook group. It has over 5,000 members. My short interview regarding this spot garnered a few comments and likes, but I’m not sure it sold any books.
- One of the ten We Love Memoir members who won/selected Plunge in May wrote and posted a review in that Facebook group. No imminent sales resulted.
Someone’s review of Plunge on the We Love Memoirs Facebook page
- I was one of the authors mentioned in Alyson Sheldrake’s monthly newsletter. Together with 19 talented and accomplished authors I created a chapter for her next anthology, Itchy Feet.
Author introduction in Alyson Sheldrake’s monthly newsletter. I am one of the contributors in her next anthology, “Itchy Feet.”
- Thanks to my Belgian friend Sven, who has contacts in the Flemish press, I lined up one TV interview and two major newspaper features/interviews. The TV occurrence happened the same evening as the reporter’s visit to my parents’ apartment. You can find the link here. The newspaper articles should show up soon; material for next month.
Seeing yourself on the TV news is weird!
- Despite all the media presence, I don’t expect my sales to go up substantially. From experience I know that press presence does not sell books. Especially not English books in a Dutch-speaking region. Favorable reviews do a better job at that.
Authors Helping Authors
- Author and blogger Pam Wight and I recently met at her home in Massachusetts. I purchased both her children’s books, Molly Finds Her Purr and Birds of Paradise, as birthday presents for our twin nieces and received her newest memoir as a gift. (I wrote three reviews on GoodReads). You can find Flashes of Life here and all her books here. Pam bought Plunge many months ago. We signed each other’s books with a personalized message.
Exchanging signatures with Pam
- I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of fellow travel memoirist Kevin Kelly’s newest release Midlife Misadventures in Cuba. I pointed out a few typos in private and left reviews for his entertaining book. While I really had to schedule this one in, three days before the deadline (these years, it usually takes three months to read a book and it’s not because I don’t love reading or the books are tough), it was a fun and easy read. You can find it here.
Midlife Misadventures in Cuba by Kevin Kelly
Other News
- I dropped Plunge off at the library of Newburyport, where it is now available to members. So far, I haven’t been able to meet properly with the boss of Merri-Mar marina, who promised I could display my book in his marina store as well.
- From being a local author in Newburyport to being a local author in Belgium: one of the three libraries my mom used to take me as a kid and teenager (the more books the better in those days), bought two copies of Plunge – one for their archives and one to lend. The head librarian previously started a file about me with article clippings. It was a pleasure to be welcomed in Berlare with open arms. I grew up in this town, played volleyball, and lived here until I went to college. It was my Belgian residency until my parents sold their house three years ago, which was the last time I visited my home country.
What’s next?
As I mentioned last month, my promotion goals will take the entire summer. I’m not able to work these first two weeks of July, but when I return from Belgium, I want to make a few changes to Plunge’s back cover and fix the few remaining typos inside.
Maya devoured Plunge as well!
I have been invited to set up a booth at the Craft Show during the annual Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Festival in August. There is a steep fee to join, so I am still contemplating my participation. I would invite another local author to share my booth and the cost, but I will still need poster boards, other decorations, and promotional material to make my presence as professional as possible. To be continued!
July 7, 2021 at 06:14
It appears I’m first in line to congratulate you here. You are really rockin’ PLUNGE, and now internationally. I could travel to Switzerland, my homeland, but I don’t know anyone there, so I wouldn’t necessarily sell books, but I would enjoy cooler tamps and no threat of hurricanes.
You are so intentional about updating and promoting your book. Whether you sell books or not, you definitely leave no stone unturned with marketing.
Two other things I’m happy to observe: Mark is now with you. (Where is Maya?) and, I must admit, I’m envious you got to meet Pam. Wow! 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 12:01
Hi Marian!
Thanks for the congrats! Yes, I am putting a lot of time, effort, and energy in promotion, because I did the same when creating Plunge. Therefore I’m going to try and do whatever is needed to get as much traction as needed, while I can. 🙂
Mark has been with me in Belgium for a week now. Time is flying and I’m exhausted. I have little opportunity (time wise and internet wise) to catch up with my daily tasks, like replying to comments, emails, and social media. I just bought an hour of internet and am doing this quickly. Hopefully not too many typos! 🙂
We have our good friends Duwan and Greg from “Make Like An Ape Man” pet sit Maya in our room above the garage. It gives them a nice break from their camper van.
It was nice meeting Pam. She said the same about you. She remembered our Florida meeting from your blog. Until later!
July 9, 2021 at 11:39
I was so ecstatic that Liesbet and Mark traveled from Newburyport to visit “my guy” and me. It was like meeting celebrities – and then Maya was the icing on the cake. We sat out on our (smallish) front porch so we could be outside and munched on breakfast goodies and enjoyed flowing conversation. Really a wonderful get-together. I’m hoping that Liesbet and I can have some more time together once she returns from Belgium. And takes a breath.
July 14, 2021 at 11:39
I’m looking forward to a “girl-time” repeat, Pam. After I get settled again and sleep for three weeks straight!!! 🙂
July 7, 2021 at 07:30
Just amazing what you have done to promote your book! I am impressed.
Maya really tore into your book!
Hope you are having a great time in Belgium.
July 8, 2021 at 12:02
Maya can be naughty! And she – literally – eats everything. Even letters! 🙂 Belgium has been nice, but super busy. I’ve been exhausted since I arrived. But in a good way.
July 7, 2021 at 08:34
Hi Liesbet, I’m happy for you that you are visiting with your family and friends in Belgium. How exciting! And getting to be with your family and friends is so wonderful for your heart and soul I’m sure.
That is fantastic news about Plunge going international!! Woo! Hoo! The fruits of your labor are finally paying off. Good for you Liesbet.
July 8, 2021 at 12:03
Thank you so much for your support and compliments, Lea. It’s been crazy busy, but the family time is very welcome and precious. It had been three years since I saw my friends and family. Especially for my niece and nephew, this is a long time. They have changed a lot since 2018!
July 7, 2021 at 10:01
Just amazing. All the promotion you’ve done. And right next to Michelle Obama in the library! What fun to be celebrated in your home town.
I’m happy to report Maya hasn’t eaten any books since you left. She seems happy and contented but I know she is looking forward to your return!
July 8, 2021 at 12:05
Hi Duwan! While it sounds like I did a lot in June, that was all – mostly – before I hopped on a plane. I’ve had little opportunity, other than press meetings, to deal with Plunge in Belgium. I arranged my book next to Michelle’s! 🙂 You made me smile with your comment about Maya. We were a bit worried she’d get into the “antiques.”
July 7, 2021 at 10:41
Wow! Good work Liesbet! You are doing an incredible amount of promotion for your book and deserve all the success you achieve. All of those details are difficult to coordinate and plan (especially for a nonplanner!) but you seem to have found a path to do it. Meanwhile I hope you are having a wonderful time visiting with family and friends after such a long time. I look forward to hearing about where you go next! ~Kathy
July 8, 2021 at 12:10
Hi Kathy!
Thank you for the continued compliments and encouragement! Can you believe I still haven’t gotten to the promo idea sheet I created over the years. I’m still working off a mental list and one thing leads to the other and then I ended up coming to Belgium, so that direction had priority. We – really – all need more time in a day!
It’s been nice being spoiled by family and friends. I’m soaking it up, but my eyes can barely read this right now, even with my glasses. I’m just so tired. And, doing nothing with Plunge! If only I’d have internet at my accommodations, I could quickly catch up on everything before I get up and after I go to bed, but I haven’t had WiFi for a week now, without having to search for it or buy it. So I have to prioritize and that means not reading blogs and commenting with delays…
July 7, 2021 at 10:44
I’m exhausted just reading this! I was wondering if you have a Dutch translation of your book–it sounds like no? You have amazing energy, Liesbet!
July 8, 2021 at 12:13
Hi Jacqui!
Sometimes, when circumstances allow, that energy pops its head up, because I want Plunge to be successful. 🙂
No Dutch translation for my book. Like I tell people here, if a Belgian or Dutch publisher is willing to pay me or sponsor me for the Dutch version, I’ll think about it. Until then, English is the language. Luckily, most Belgians speak and read it fluently.
July 7, 2021 at 11:23
Glad to read you are enjoying Belgium, Liesbet, and how fun to promote your book in your home town and be a celebrity! Congrats on the success of Plunge! It seems like a ton of work and I get how you could be exhausted just thinking about it, especially while traveling. I don’t have that excuse for my writing. I suppose I enjoy retirement too much to do anything more than blog and explore Washington. Enjoy the rest of your time with Mark and take good care of each other 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 12:16
Haha, a celebrity! If only. Or, maybe not. I’d like the success for Plunge, but I wouldn’t want the pressure of expectation or the need to have to change my lifestyle! 🙂
To be honest, I can’t wait to take a prolonged break from my book and pick up my normal life, one of these months. In the meantime, I am enjoying a three-week break from promotion to devote my time to my family and friends. It’s been precious! Keep enjoying Washington, especially over the summer! No rush…
July 7, 2021 at 13:21
Glad to see other dogs eat non-food items! But more on point, I’m glad you are widening Plunge’s market!
July 8, 2021 at 12:17
That’s a good way of seeing it, Lexie… widening the market for Plunge. 🙂 Maya eats everything. Really! I assume your puppy does as well??
July 7, 2021 at 14:01
The most annoying thing about marketing can be the delayed outcomes. You had all this good press and didn’t see anything big immediately, but down the line you may see something pop up as a result.
July 8, 2021 at 12:18
You are right, Patricia. It is very difficult to actually detect which promotion efforts and trials actually work. When it comes to the press, I think it’s not so much about selling books but about somebody down the line showing interest and that potentially leading to something bigger. Fingers crossed! 🙂
July 7, 2021 at 16:20
That’s a lot of hard work! But it got you shelved next to Michelle Obama, you are in illustrious company.
July 8, 2021 at 12:19
I love the company of Michelle, Anabel. I made it happen by rearranging the books. Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone. 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 14:17
Your secret is safe with me, don’t worry!
July 14, 2021 at 11:29
🙂
July 7, 2021 at 16:25
Congrats on all the marketing. Way to take control. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
July 8, 2021 at 12:19
Thanks, Anna! I have to be in control or nothing happens. 🙂
July 7, 2021 at 18:29
You are doing a phenomenal job promoting your book! I was pretty impressed to see your book displayed next to Michelle Obama’s. Enjoy your friends and family in Belgium… don’t forget to take some time off to have fun!
July 8, 2021 at 12:21
The fun is happening this weekend, Janis! Four days along the Opal Coast of France with my cousin and her beer-brewing husband, who are also good friends. Trying to quickly reply to some comments now.
By the way, I was allowed to arrange the display around Plunge for the photos. 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 03:03
Wow, it looks like you really put the effort into marketing, and it’s paying off. You have amazing energy.
July 8, 2021 at 12:22
Thanks for the kudos, Nick. I’m not sure it’s paying off (yet) but I sure as hell am doing the effort. If I only write one book in my life, I have to make it count. 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 07:52
Liesbet, I loved the question posed by your writer’s group and your answer mirrors my own. While I will never write a book, like you did, I can’t imagine not writing something, almost daily. Fingers crossed that all your promotional work will pay off. Enjoy your time with friends and family.
July 8, 2021 at 12:23
Thank you so much, Suzanne! Fingers crossed on all fronts for both of us. Sending you hugs from northern France!
July 8, 2021 at 22:10
Hi, Liesbet – I truly do not know where awesome writers (like you) get all the energy, dedication and diligence to write, rewrite, revise, edit and produce a full quality book (like Plunge). Then to do all of the necessary promotion just blows my mind. Congratulations on all of the above. You are very inspirational!
July 14, 2021 at 11:31
Thank you so much for your compliments, Donna. At the moment, I am doing nothing for my book, as I am exhausted and don’t have the time, but hopefully I’ll be able to get back to it next week, when I return to the US. I could never keep working the way I am doing with/for Plunge, but for now, I will try and do my best to push my book until we hit the road again. 🙂
July 8, 2021 at 22:57
Wow… I would have thought the hard work of writing a book would actually be writing the book. Who knew there was as much work after the fact as during? I give professional writers so much credit for pushing forward and finding new ways to get eyeballs on their work – it’s like an entirely different career requiring entirely different skills. I’m sure it’s exhausting, but so rewarding, too. Hope you get some rest soon and enjoy your time with your family!
July 14, 2021 at 11:34
I have joked a few times this last year that writing the book is actually the easiest part. In a way, it is. No deadlines or pressure and before the editing process, you can pretty much write whatever you want. I think – all things considered – I disliked the actual publishing process the least. As long as I have time for everything else, it ain’t too bad. 🙂 But you’re right, an author has to wear many hats, especially a self-published one.
I have enjoyed my time in Belgium, but it has been go-go-go with no rest and little sleep for three weeks. I am – honestly – exhausted. More so than when living on the road!!
July 9, 2021 at 07:28
A number one best seller and book of the month. I’ve never had either of those, so well done on achieving those, Liesbet. Your hard work with marketing is obviously paying off, but it’s good to also read about the bits of marketing that hasn’t worked for you.
I hope you’re having a great time in Belgium, and have a safe trip back to the States. Give me a wave as you pass over the UK.
July 14, 2021 at 11:36
Hugh, I will wave at you tomorrow, on the way from Brussels to Iceland. And, I did wave at you when I was standing on the shoreline of the Opal Coast of France last week and could see the white cliffs of Dover on the other side of the channel. 🙂 I have been disappointed about some efforts (like my press presence in Belgium) not leading to any sales. Talk later!!
July 9, 2021 at 10:07
You are totally amazing, Liesbet! You know your market and you go after it. Bravo! Oh, and I also edit the sentences of my journal/diary entries, letters I send, emails, even my blog post comments. All best to you!
July 14, 2021 at 11:38
Aha, so you know how long it takes to finish any writing project, Vic! Especially my diaries as so much happens in my life, constantly!! I’m not totally sure about my market. I’m just trying a lot of things and hope some of it will create results. My Belgium promotion efforts were a flop, though. Oh well. Back in the US, I will jump in again. 🙂
July 9, 2021 at 11:45
I am parts envious and jealous and parts hiding under my hair when I think of all the (good) work you do to promote your excellent memoir. These are the things that all of us published authors must do to get our book “out there.” Being an introvert (or ambivert, as Marian Beaman says) keeps me from doing some of the fabulous things you’re doing to promote. You’re right – some of it won’t create sales. But as a friend who once was a sales person for outdoor advertising said, “Name recognition and repetition is so important.” Maybe the first time a potential reader hears/reads about your book, she won’t buy it. But maybe the 3rd or 4th time, she will! Enjoy your Belgium/France adventures!
July 14, 2021 at 11:42
I think you did an amazing job with your in-person launch party, Pam! That’s an experience I don’t have. My energy level to promote Plunge is still high at the moment and I can’t wait to get back to it, next week. But, this won’t last! I just know that once we hit the road (fingers crossed we get lucky with a truck and can pick up our lifestyle again soon), promotion will pretty much be non-existent. If my time and internet issues are anywhere near they have been here in Belgium anyway…
I appreciate the wisdom of your friend and will keep pushing to get Plunge out into the world and into everyone’s face. 🙂
July 15, 2021 at 07:17
I’ve vibrated out to the Universe that the right truck will come! Keep up the energy levels (I’m envious). On my side of the world now, a friend (one of the hosts of my Launch Party) is insisting on being my “marketing” person and going door to door to local gift stores/country farm shops to explain why they should carry and sell Flashes of Life. This should be interesting!!! ;-0 <3
July 18, 2021 at 12:46
I want your launch party friend!!! 🙂 I hope the PR goes as planned/expected/hoped for…
July 9, 2021 at 21:21
Liesbet, You’ve done an impressive job promoting your debut book. Enjoy your time in Belgium/ France and have safe trip home!
July 14, 2021 at 11:43
Thank you so much, Natalie! Believe it or not, but I am looking forward to returning to the US and to my room above the garage… I’m exhausted!!!
July 10, 2021 at 00:33
Congratulations on your #1 status! That’s awesome! I’m very impressed with your energy in promoting your book – that’s always the hardest part. (And I giggled at the photo you took after Maya devoured your book. I hate to see a book damaged, but your caption made me laugh.)
July 14, 2021 at 11:46
Hi Diane!
“They” always say having your book categorized well/in as many different categories as possible (on Amazon anyway) helps. I think that’s the only reason Plunge ever reaches #1 status, when it pops up in a little-presented category. 🙂 Or, when it launches after being on pre-order for a bit.
Funny thing about the book is that just a few days earlier, after Maya devoured a roll of paper towel, I said to myself “At least she hasn’t gotten into (MY) books yet!”
July 11, 2021 at 23:16
I see books being sold at the farmers markets around Vancouver island. And you get to have some fun and talk to people. I have also been to some readings in person where a lot of books were sold.
July 14, 2021 at 11:48
A reading might be a good idea, Ann, once life restores after Covid. Still, you need to be able to attract people who are interested in the subject. I think an in-person presentation is the way to go, but it requires a lot of work and materials. Apparently fairs and markets are hit or miss. I actually plan on joining one of those (a craft fair during a week-long festival) in the beginning of August. After that, I will have more experience with something like this… We will see how it goes!
July 13, 2021 at 19:59
You remind me Liesbet how great answers require a great question. This is a good question. I am not surprised by your answer. You have always been and will always be a writer. A very good writer! I am happy to hear you are visiting friends and family in Belgium. Yay, about Mark joining you. Yay, about “tons of comments, shares, and extra sales.” Promoting a great book is still a lot of work and takes a great deal of time.
I love the photo of you and Pam! Congratulations on everything. Safe travels!
July 14, 2021 at 11:51
Hi Erica! I am suffering at the moment, because I am soooooo behind with everything. It’s never been this bad – not only have I been in Belgium visiting friends and family non-stop for three weeks, I also rarely had internet, let alone a moment to myself. I am ten days behind in my diary… It’s insane. On the plane tomorrow, I will be too tired to do anything, so I sure hope I can catch up on those diary entries, emails, blog comments, work, and blog reading next week!! And, that I can start promoting Plunge again as well.
July 14, 2021 at 21:31
This is an exceptionally busy time for you, Liesbet. It is extra special how you have been able to visit family and friends in Belgium. Everything else will fall into place in the future. ❤️
July 18, 2021 at 12:43
I’m sure you are right, Erica. Priorities! 🙂 The last three weeks have been about my Belgian friends and family. Everything else fell by the wayside and now it is catching-up time (and preparing for an event). I hope all this can be achieved in one week, so “normal” life can resume afterwards. Or, by August! 🙂
July 14, 2021 at 22:17
Look at you working every opportunity, putting yourself out there. Good for you! And happy to hear that Mark actually was allowed into your country. And so awesome you got to meet up with Pam. A happy post. Enjoy. <3 xx
July 18, 2021 at 12:45
Some things did go alright this month, Debby! 🙂 Yes, we were quite lucky Mark and I both could go to Belgium. I fear worse times are upon them/us again when it comes to the pandemic. We might have squeezed this visit in right in time. Even though it is not required anymore (and after two negative Covid tests), I am wearing a mask inside buildings again and still haven’t eaten inside a restaurant. Stay safe and healthy!!
July 19, 2021 at 08:39
Sounds like you did get in and out in the nick of time. And you are smart to wear a mask with half the country unvaxed and spreading germs. We have been in one of the strictest lockdowns forever it seems. We just lifted a lot sanctions off us but here too, masks are still worn. With the virus rising again almost everywhere seems the smart thing to do, especially since hearing of people catching it even double vaxed! 🙁
July 20, 2021 at 10:32
I hope the opening of the Canadian borders will not cause issues again, like what’s going on in Europe with the Delta variant… Fingers crossed for more, yet safe, freedom in your neck of the woods!!
July 20, 2021 at 10:38
Thanks Liesbet. I wouldn’t be surprised if they upped the date again before August 9th for the US border if they don’t get themselves under control with vaxing. Oye!
July 21, 2021 at 12:12
Oye, indeed! Sigh…
July 18, 2021 at 12:32
Hi, Liesbet! Somehow I missed this on IWSG Day. I’m happy to see all that you are doing with your book. I’ve been erratic and overwhelmed in the past few months because my husband Terry had a serious heart attack. He’s doing very well and life is normalizing again. My brother has been writing in his diary without missing a day in over fifty years. I’m too scattered, but I write in it when I can. Happy traveling to you!
July 18, 2021 at 12:51
Hi Louise!
I’m so sorry to read about your husband. Such a scare! I’m glad Terry is recovering splendidly and that life is back on track again. We can’t take anything for granted!
I still have to swing by your IWSG blog as well. Especially since you are a co-host! I just haven’t had any time for blogs, work, and other internet occupations this last month, but now I’m back in the US and in a stable environment.
Fifty years of diary writing! Wow. I wonder if I’ll still be on it by then, just like your brother. Probably. I have a sneaking suspicion it will be the longest consecutive activity I’ll do in my life, except breathing and eating. (And going to the toilet.) Happy Sunday!!
July 19, 2021 at 15:52
Liesbet, we have bought your book and I, Jim, and half way through it. I am enjoying your adventure and love that you share the good and the bad with your readers. At the beginning of the book, when you gave up after a few days sailing, I wondered how the rest of the book was going to pan out. Glad I have kept reading. Really looking forward to the last half of the book. It is a fun read! Congratulations! Jim
July 20, 2021 at 10:35
Hi Jim!!! First, thank you so much for purchasing Plunge and reading it. Luckily, we are not people to give up easily, haha. Determination gets the job done. But, our dogs mean everything to us as well. Stay tuned for the second half of the book and for our upcoming plans, Covid-dependent. I’m glad you stuck with the book and are enjoying it! Happy reading and happy traveling in Beauty yourself!
July 20, 2021 at 22:26
enjoyed your update on Plunge – and wow – you are an inspiration for the way you promo –
July 21, 2021 at 12:13
Thanks, Yvette! If only all those efforts would pay off in sales. Patience, determination, and creativity are king! 🙂
July 20, 2021 at 23:04
Congrats Liesbet on the appearance on local TV and all the promotions to your book!! Sounds like you have been very busy while on “vacation”!’ Love the fact that the library where you grew up bought two copies of your book. How very satisfying that must feel!
Yes the major reason we are so backed up on our blog is that while we are traveling we prefer not to use precious time indoors on the computer when we can be outside adventuring.
You and Pam got to meet!! Wow that is so very cool! Wonderful.
Peta
July 21, 2021 at 12:23
My encounter with the librarian in Berlare was fabulous, Peta. To receive respect, help, and interest from a “stranger” in person is new to me and quite enjoyable. 🙂
As you know, I totally agree with those priorities – outdoor adventuring vs. computer time inside. I hope to follow that passion again soon as well. It’s been too long since we’ve been on the road and all this computer time in Massachusetts is messing up my eyes and swallowing precious time.
I hope to meet up with Pam once more before we get out of here.
July 22, 2021 at 12:26
Thanks for continuing to take us along on your journey, Liesbet. Promotion is hard work, and as you’ve discovered, not everything will result in immediate sales, but building awareness is important too. Media appearances add to your legitimacy and look great on a website and pitches if you ever want to land speaking gigs, etc.
The great thing is that you’re TRYING. So many writers say “Marketing is hard!” and leave it at that, even though there’s tons of places to learn this stuff for free, especially on Facebook.
You’re doing well! 🙂 I’m cheering you on from Canada.
July 22, 2021 at 14:49
Your cheers mean a lot to me, JH!! Some days I am full of energy and ideas to get cranking on promotion again. Other days I ask myself “What does it matter” and rather do other things. Or nothing at all – I’m still exhausted from my three weeks of go-go in Belgium. I will get tired of promo at some point, but not yet… 🙂 I know you know exactly what I mean.
You are so right about the legitimacy of the press presence. While I had used a previous newspaper article to line of some of these interviews, I hadn’t given the awareness factor a lot of thought. Thank you for bringing that up. I have the clippings and the links and I will certainly use them for other opportunities in Belgium. Focusing on two countries at once for promotion is a bit too much, though. I’ll try one more thing in Belgium and then switch back to the US.