Autumn was a whirlwind of events as I promoted my latest novel, Guardian of Angel, the second book in the Father of Contention series. When it came to marketing my first book, it took me a full year to get through all the events I packed into two short months for my second book. Was I biting off more than I could chew? Probably, but I survived, sold some books and met so many wonderful people in the process. Here is a brief debriefing of my experience.
It all started with ThunderCon 2019 (Sept. 21-22), one of my favourite local events. Cosplay, celebrity speakers, larping, and tons to see and buy! I was thrilled to meet Kevin Porter (one of the nicest, inspirational men I’ve ever met) who was in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Daredevil, and who plays Batman on YouTube’s Bat in the Sun productions. Batman vs. Darth Vader (Super Power Beat Down – Episode 14) is my fave, and if you haven’t seen it, you should definitely check it out! I also met Richard Brake who played the Night King on Game of Thrones. The costumes were amazing, as usual and I am already looking forward to next year!
Next on the agenda was my book release party held at Mary J.L. Black Library on Sept. 24th in Thunder Bay. All of my friends and family were there to support me, for which I am brimming with gratitude. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by nerves and self-doubt when writing and releasing a new novel. But, my supportive network got me through it once again!
Shortly after my book launch, I had a book signing at Chapters/Indigo Thunder Bay on Oct. 5th. It was a dreary rainy day, which totally worked out in my favour, since the place was bustling with people trying to find something to do indoors. As usual, I received tons of support and positive encouragement from the community. It really boosted this writer’s heart!
Onward and forward, a virtual blog tour was next on my list. It ran from October 14th-25th, and each day a different blog featured my novel, Guardian of Angel, either as a spotlight, interview, excerpt or review. Check out my Articles, Interviews and Reviews page for links to the three reviews and one interview I was lucky to get on the tour. Thank you to all of the blogs that participated and helped bring my book to their followers: Book Junkiez, Beach Bound Books, Nana’s Book Reviews, Truly Trendy, Cuzin Logic, Valerie Ulmer, Book Reviews by Virginia Lee, Texas Book Nook, The Avid Reader, Jazzy’s Book Reviews, The Indie Express, and RABT Reviews.
Finally, November was NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month, and I joined the competition, committing to write 50 000 words in thirty days. I am happy to say that I came out the other side intact, although it was an intense process and I am happy to have a break. But, not too long of a break, since my next goal is to have my third book in the Father of Contention series, titled Sea of Forgetfulness, out on the market by next summer (2020).
So, there you have it! My autumn book promotion for Guardian of Angel in a nutshell. With Christmas on the horizon, I’m betting it will be another busy month, but I will check in again with you real soon!
Until then, keep reading!
💋 Lanie Mores
