Saturday, August 20, 2011

Post-Hunted

awesome wolf hat given to me
by some equally awesome friends

Hey, all! As most of you are (hopefully) aware, my debut YA novel, Hunted, was released on the 9th and I had my launch signing on the 11th. There were about 150 people there and a good chunk of them I didn't know. :-) The store also ran out of books, so that was exciting, but sad, haha. I'll be posting a post about the event on my own blog soon.

Now that the book is out, though, the issue at hand is how to keep the interest going. It's easier, I think, to get people's attention about a book prior to the release because it's new and shiny, but afterwards, people tend to focus on/get excited about newer, non-released books. I have a few interviews planned and I'm going to try and get back to a regular posting schedule over at my own site, so I hope those items will help keep my name out there. Anybody have tips for post-release buzz?

However, I'm glad I can take a break from pre-release promotion. I've been filling my time by plotting new ideas, discovering new music, trying/failing to write new songs, and reading. I'm also taking this time to become a better writer, to feel more confident in the words I type and the worlds I create. Even though I have a published book, I'm still a newb at all of this and am eager to continue growing and learning. But at the same time I'm enjoying just relaxing and not having to focus on Hunted anymore. I'm excited to see what is in store for me next. Are you? :-)

Question of the Day: Why do you write?

5 comments:

  1. Oh, man...I never thought about post-release buzz. Make sure to post and flog good reviews you come across, and "just say yes" to interviews. :) I'm so excited for you, DJ!

    I write because when my brain is shaping a story (as it often is), it helps clear my mind when I put it on paper. Plus, is there anything more fun than creating something? Most people dread Mondays, but I, and most writers I know, look forward to it with excitement. "YES! Writing time, yay!"

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  2. Squee!! So glad the release went well.

    Why I write? Hmm. Because I get crazy ideas that nag me to be written. Very rarely do I get a 'normal' idea. Someone close to me was recently diagnosed with a not fun condition. I thought it would be good to write about it. What should have been contemporary YA turned into a paranormal sci-fi with condition actually being a side affect of cool powers. Hmmmm.

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  3. I LOVE that hat! Can't wait to see pics from the signing. :)

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  4. Id like to invite you folks to come to Amish Stories for a recipe for "Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Sticky Cinnamon Buns" along with a book signing schedule for Amish fiction writer Wanda Brunstetter for Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as a contest to meet her. I hope everyone so far is having a great weekend. Thanks everyone. Richard from Amish Stories.

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  5. I love the hat too! And congrats on the release.
    As for why I write, I do it, because I can't help myself. To me, this question is akin to "Why do you breathe?" Because it's a necessary part of my life.

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