OMG! I’m A Library Book

Yeah, yeah; I know. Books are expensive, cumbersome, and expensive. Did I say that twice? I also know that the cost of keeping a public library afloat increases every year. And yes, I also know public libraries are constantly under attack by crazy people who don’t want adults OR children to read books that will expose them to radical new ideas like gay and trans people exist. We’re not even talking about civil rights here; we’re talking about existing in the real world.

If you’re an indie writer like I am, getting your book on a library shelf can be a daunting experience. It has been for me. My own county library collective won’t carry my books for reasons I cannot fathom since 1) I’m a local author, 2) people have continually requested THE POMEGRANATE, and 3) I’m in that damn WSP library branch all the frickin’ time. I even had to get a replacement liberry card because mine was worn out!!!! So when one of the Senior Son’s friends requested THE POMEGRANATE from the St. Paul Library, she sent him a picture on the day she picked it up. To say I was thrilled was an understatement.

But now St. Paul Library has decided it’s okay to have me on the shelves. I feel somewhat like a velveteen rabbit. Yay, me! However….

It’s time to play Soap Box.

So here’s what I want to tell you, gentle readers: if you have a favorite indie author who is NOT on the shelf of your local library, ask your librarian to get the book for you. You might have to fill out a request form online or at the library, but do it. You might not realize how important that is to us. Same thing at your local indie bookstore. ASK them with great charm to stock a particular author’s book…like THE POMEGRANATE. Tell them you read it and loved it and think others would like it, too. I do know that new authors, especially indie authors, won’t get on any shelf without support from the reading public.

Yes, ask for THE POMEGRANATE, please. But also ask for the other indie authors you’ve been reading. I know people like to carp at Amazon, but I will tell you Kindle has been good to me as an author….but that’s because the book sells well for them (I’ve broken the Top 100 several times in both Kindle and paperback.) I get great reviews, but if you’ve read it and have not reviewed it on Goodreads or Amazon, please do so. Your reviews and your ratings make a huge difference.

Honest ratings and blunt reviews wanted. Whatever you want to say, I will listen. If you liked it, fabulous. If you didn’t, tell me why. I will not be offended. In fact, those reviews are crucial to my process, and I learn the most from them. Any review, like publicity, is a good review. Us indies count on word of keyboard and mouth to sell books. It’s just that simple.

And coming soon to a filmmaker near you….THE POMEGRANATE look-book is almost done; I hope to commence pitching shortly. I can’t show you the inside yet, but if you know someone who knows someone ….. contact me directly. I’ve got a list going, but the more the merrier. Yeah, it’s a long shot, but one I am anxious to take.