In my continued pursuit of getting the news out about my books, Instagram (IG) was suggested to me by my poet friend, Brian Corrigan. He puts a new short verse up every day, sometimes more than one poem. He’s quite good. If you’re on IG check him out. Anyway, since he suggested it, I thought I’d give it a try.
I dipped my toe into IG by advertising the last countdown deal I did on The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow, and as expected, my one follower, Brian, liked it. The world didn’t end, so I decided that I would try my best to put something up about a Haunted Series book once a day. I confined my activities until after I finished writing for the day. I thought, easy, make or take a picture, and include a sentence or two from the book. Easier said than done.
I found you had to have square pictures, so I couldn’t just slap up the book cover. Next was finding something that would represent the book or a character in the book. This is where you Kindle and eReaders came into play. I looked at the most highlighted phrases. This really gave me pause. I started to see a pattern in the liked passages. It really touched me that a lot of you took time to highlight what was the heart of the books. I was overwhelmed. It was every bit as strong as the feeling I had when I first found out my books were on the shelves at the Farwell Library. Whoa.
You see, when I’m writing, I’m in the book with my characters. I write what I feel is true to them and their evolving personalities. For example, Father Santos has changed after the incident in The Middle House: Return to Cold Creek Hollow. He has softened his stance on quite a few things. To put this in perspective, think about the most stubborn person you know – in my family this would be me – and think about them changing their view on just one thing. It’s hard to imagine, but it does happen. Unexpected events, happy and sad, are opportunities for growth. For me, it was asking for help. I’m the first one to offer it, the last to ask for it.
I’m going to continue the IG experiment. I’ll start the next group with advertising the next Amazon Countdown Deal starting December 8th, 2017. The set of the first three Cin Fin-Lathen Mysteries for $1.99 and £$1.99, with hopes of attracting a few mystery readers. These novels take place in Florida and England, centering around the antics of a recently divorced whiskey-drinking music librarian. If you’re interested check them out.
Updates:
I’m nearing the end of the first draft of Cid Garrett P.I.’s third book called Tiny Houses. After, the 23rd book of the Haunted Series will be written. This book has been haunting me for quite a while. Which brings up the question, “Are authors haunted by their characters?” In my case, yes. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stay warm if you’re in the northern hemisphere, and remember sunscreen if you’re in the southern hemisphere. Please check out IG if you get a chance. As always, emailing us at alexieaaronbiz@gmail.com with suggestions or questions is appreciated, as are comments and posts here and on Facebook.
Love, Alexie
