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Teel James Glenn Talks About His Book Promotion

Interview with Teel James Glenn

1. Where are you from and where are you now?

I’m a Brooklyn boy, born and bread in Flatbush, though as I often point out—I am from Flatbush, not of it. I think of myself as more of a citizen of the world. Though I didn’t get far-I live in Union City New Jersey right now just across the tunnel from Manhattan.

2. How did you get started writing?

I started writing as far back as I can remember filling notebooks in grammar school with ‘comic books’ of adventure characters.

3. What do you do when not writing?

I fall down, or get stabbed or set on fire. I am a stunt man and fight choreographer who is a sword expert. I do plays, TV and films (lots of low budget late night drinking party watching films).

4. What would readers like to know about you?

That I believe in heroes. Not just believe, I actively live my life trying to see the positive, not ignoring the negative, but choosing to operate ‘in the light.’ And so do my characters. I don’t want to spend any more time with ‘villains’ than needed to tell the story-I’m sick of the idea that the badguy is always more interesting dramatically-I thinks that’s not true if you really find the humanity in your hero.

5. What inspired your first book?

I had a summer writing course in high school and we were supposed to write a short story each week-I talked my teacher into letting me do a ‘novel- a four chapter book (which by the way I rewrote as a novella some thirty five years later and it saw print!)

6. How many books have you written?

To date I’ve written eighteen books, most of them in the last three years since I committed to writing as a career.

7. What are the titles of your books and in what genres?

The published or contracted books are:

The World of Altiva fantasy series books are: Death at Dragonthroat, Tales of a Warrior Priest, The Daemonhold Curse, Sister Warrior and the forth coming The Daemonhold Inheritance. (All from Epress-online.com)

The Exceptionals Sci Fi Thriller series books are: The Measure of a Man, Across theWasteland and On the Good Ship Caligula (From WhiskeyCreekpress.com)

The Dr. Shadows pulp detective/mystery books set in the 1930s are: A Hex of ShadowsShadows in Hong Kong (both due out from Epress-online late in o8 and 09.) and

And the first books of two series:

Vision Quest Factor (Sci Fi) and Knight Errant: Death ad Life at the Faire (Murder mystery)

Lastly: Them Fightin’ Words: A writer’s Guide to Writing Fight Scenes is a nonfiction book from Epress-Online where I give away some of my tricks.

8. How do you decide on a topic or genre and why are specifically qualified to write on that topic.

My stories always start with a character or two—the theme or genre actually comes later, in fact I ‘ve had characters shift genre’s on me when they wanted (Yes I think of them as alive). And I never write about something I have not experienced or researched very deeply—my varied background in my ‘other job’ has helped with that.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused when writing a book?

When I’m starting a book I have to really focus in—until the movie in my mind is running full bore-then nothing can distract me-I write while walking down the street, eating, talking with people—once I’m rolling I’m a ‘writing machine.’

10. Do you write to make money for the love of writing or both?

I write to be read-otherwise I could just fantasize the stories and be done with it. I want money for my writing so I can afford the time to write to be read by more people. Would I write for free? I might tell my stories for free at a gathering of friends but , no- as Robert Parker once said when Mickey Spillane referred to readers as ‘customers’—“That’s right, we ain’t giving it away for free!”

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used. Which are most successful?

I am absolutely no judge of this—I haven’t sold enough for long enough to be able to tell you.

12. What are some unique methods you’ve used? Which are most successful?

Again, not a clue but I hope to have soon.

13. Do you sell through a website? What’s the address, if not why?

I refer people to the publisher’s website or Fictionwise or Amazon—I am not web savy enough to run my own site though someday I’d like to.

14. Where can people order your books?

My books are all available on Fictionwise or Amazon or from the publishers directly. Just goggle my name and I shall appear!

15. What format are your books in? E Book, Print or Audio?

So far both my publishers (and those of the anthology I have a story in) do both print and e versions. Hopefully audio books will follow.

16. Will you write more books?

Try to stop me!

17.What do you have in the works?

I just finished the Third Exceptionals novel and am about to launch into the fifth Altiva novel but I may take a little break to do some short form detective fiction I have a contemporary character Jeremiah Falcon that has been flying around in my consciousness waiting for a landing strip.

18.What does the future hold for you and your books?

I would like to do an illustrated version of some of my work—and a collection called Visions of Altiva-I am a painter/illustrator as well- which would explore the world visually. And The Exceptionals was originally conceived as a TV series and I’d love to shoot it—I did do a pilot trailer for it which I later recut into the book trailer.

19. What is the most successful thing you’ve done to promote your books?

Getting reviews, I would think—I did a lot of research and went after reviewers for my last few books and I think it has helped get the word out. That and making sure the books really were the best thing I could do and had my heart in them—I think the word gets out if you do that.

20.What is the least successful?

I don’t know—it is hard to gage-probably the writers groups I belong to—I don’t think most writers have the money to buy a heck of lot of the competition’s wares. But I might be wrong.

21. Tell us about your most recent work.

The first Exceptionals book: The Measure of a Man came out in May and has been doing well, was in fact the best seller for Whiskey Creek Press. It is about bio-enhanced bounty hunters in the year 2030 whose identities are protected by UN mandate.

22.what makes this book special?

It is my take on realistic ‘superheroes’ filtered through political science and current technology. And a way to examine just what it is, philosophically that makes a person risk their lives to do what they perceive is right. When I created the world of the Exceptionals in 1998 with my writing partner Jerry, we imagined terrorists attacking the World Trade Center in 2010. We were off by years but a lot of the world we foresaw is happening, and maybe will happen.

23.What sort of comments have you gotten about the contents of this book?

It has been doing well, a best seller for Whiskey Creek Press and spent a couple of weeks at number 17 out of 4400 at fictionwise. And one of the reviews at Simply Romance reviews said, in part:

“…The Exceptionals is a great book and the start of what I hope to be a long series in the science fiction/thriller suspense genre. The authors fictional world set in the mid 21st century is so vivid and compelling you find yourself believing that this reality of the world actually exists. Teel James Glenn and Jerry Kokich have created a great fictional world for their Exceptionals and I for one can't wait to return.”

24. What makes this a book other people must read and why?

It offers hope for that darker world to come and deals with some eternal issues about life, its meaning, purpose and direction. And the action is darn good.

25. What people need to read this book?

Anyone who loves adventure writing, strong women characters and political thrillers.

26. What sparks your creativity? And any tips for others to help them spark theirs?

I can get my inspiration from anything—A tv show that I didn’t like the plot twist and so see it going another way—or one I liked so much I want to do my version of it. A book I read, an article. Or some location I think a character should go to. As to sparking others’ creativity—just be open it comes at you from all sides. Just pick one and go with it.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think it is the same motivation that the firs story tellers had sitting around a campfire—they have something to say- about themselves, the state of the world or some hope they need to express. It is easier now than ever to get your story out there—less of a monolithic new York tower to climb so more people are taking the plunge-which is good in many ways but bad in the sense that there are so many voices now that it is hard to be heard even if you do have something to contribute.

As for me—I have always wanted to share my stories with people. One of my biggest thrills is reading my work ( ala Dickens) at conventions. I do story telling at Ren faires and to know my work can touch people is a tremendous feeling. It is a hard industry, however, and so I have had to work to become a craftsman as well as a storyteller and that is the stage, I am afraid many new authors don’t embark on—it is the hardest part.

28. What is the most unusual thing you have done to promote your books?

Let people hit me in the head with pipes. On screen. The book trailer I did for Measure of a Man, culled from the TV pilot has me being bashed about quite a bit. And I do a lecture demo for Them’s Fightin’ Words that has a bunch of that in it.

29. If a potential reader wasn’t interested in this book what could you say to convince them to read it?

If they aren’t hooked by the first page I’d be surprised. It starts off at a dead run and doesn’t stop; the characters, even the bad guys- are people you can relate to.

30. Why does this topic interest you and why would a reader want to read it?

The search for meaning is universal and ultimately that is what all my work is about—that and the search for love to give life meaning. Even heroes need love

Mark Tewart Talks About His Book and His Promotion

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Mark Tewart

1. Where you are from and where are you now?
I a was born and raised in Middletown Ohio and currently reside in beautiful Lebanon Ohio which is a country suburb of Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio

2. How did you get started writing?
I started writing training manuals with my ideas back when I was a General Manager of an auto dealership. That continued on when I became a professional speaker, trainer and consultant and I have written 11 or twelve training manuals and numerous CD,DVD and on line training materials. Later, I was asked to write a monthly column in a trade journal and that became several articles a month in different magazines. I also was asked to do an ongoing TV show on a satellite training network in which I wrote the shows. My new book is my first book through a publisher.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?
I own four businesses that keep me very busy. I am a speaker, consultant, coach and now author. I own a products company, a reinsurance company that reinsures many of the products and services I offer and a real estate investment/holding company. I am also married to my wife Kim with two children – Erin a 23 year old senior at Wright State University and Jake a 9 year old son. I am actively involved with Jake in coaching and supporting his sports and school activities. I am a member of the National Speakers Association, Authors Guild and the Elks Lodge. I like to scuba dive, ski, sky dive, read, write, travel and spend time with my family.

4. What would readers like to know about you?
I am the same as everyone else. I have hopes and dreams, triumphs and tradgedies, fears and trepidations. I grew up on the tough side of the tracks and left home after I graduated high school to make some money for college. I moved across country to a place with a better economic climate, but where I had no place to stay, no job, no car, no money. I experienced tough times but was able to benefit from it and persisted to create a successful path.

5. What inspired your first book?
Two things. First of all I was diagnosed with cancer in November 2005. I am a lifetime non smoker who eats right exercises and takes care of myself. However, I still got cancer. When you face a life threatening illness it causes strong introspection. I had always been pretty good about going for my goals but upon reflection I had not written he book that I had always had a goal to do. I got busy in educating myself about the book business and process. When I started writing, I wound up writing the whole book in less than two months. Secondly, I became tired and frustrated and watching intelligent, talented people either fail or not reach their goals, hopes and dreams. I knew that I could help them. I felt like it was my calling to share with anyone that had a desire to seek something better. I also know what a difference books have made in my life.

6. How many books have you written?
11 or twelve manuals I have self published, tons of articles but 1 published book so far.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

How To Be A Sales Superstar – Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It
Sales, Sales Techniques, Sales and Marketing

However, I have been told by many that this book is also a book about life and strong self improvement book as well.

8. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
I started selling when I was 18 or 19 years old. When I was in college, I started to sell automobiles and did well. I became a general manager of a dealership when I was 27. I started my speaking, training and consulting career when I was 31. I have personally sold many millions of dollars of products and services from business to consumer, business to business and presided over companies selling millions of dollars of products and services each month. I have spoke to over 2,000 audiences on sales, sales marketing and sales management. I have coached and consulted with many different companies in various industries that have had magnificent increases in sales and profits. I guess the simple answer is that I have and currently do what I write about. I have been fortunate to have success in the sales and business arena so I have a desire to assist people in reaching the goals and success they wish.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
I set aside a time each day to write and in that time, I do not allow distractions. No emails, cell phones, office calls, office visits, family interruptions – nothing. The world has to wait. I wrote my book in less than two months. When I start something I am pretty fanatical about finishing it.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
Both. I don’t believe that you have to separate the two. I think it’s dangerous to start making the two mutually exclusive. I think it becomes a self imposed roadblock. I love to write. I love to share. I also know that if my writing has great value it will be impossible for me to not be rewarded and one of the ways I will be and expect to be rewarded is financially. Money follows value.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
Dimensional or lumpy mail – trash can mailers, bank bag mailers, barf bag mailers, FED Ex Mailers etc. email marketing – newsletters, autoresponders, special notices, tele-seminars, associations, articles with by lines, trade magazines, 800 recorded messages, special reports, ebooks, sponsorships, special events, speaking engagements, Twitter and many other social networking events, vendors and many more

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?
Yes, www.marktewartlive.com – www.tewart.com – www.marktewart.com – www.howtobesalessuperstar.info

14. Where can people order your books?
www.marktewart.com – www.marktewartlive.com – www.amazon.com as well as book stores and other online retailers

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?
My book is only in print form at the moment. I do have a couple of ebooks and niched industry specific DVD, audios and workbooks as well.

16. Will you write more books?
My goal is write 1 or more a year for the next ten years minimum

17. What do you have in the works now?
I am writing another sales book titled – From Zero to Sales Hero In 60 Days or Less

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?
I will continue to write and have my books published where I am creating a brand around me and my writing and projects.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?
Teleseminars, joint venture book announcements, speaking engagements, social media

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?
Hire a PR firm

22. What makes this book special to you?
It’s a lifetime culmination. The book is a completely different perspective on sales. The book emphasizes not only sales skills, people skills, life skills and marketing skills. I believe everyone is a salesperson and that we all should get better at sales. I have wonderful feedback from people who are not in traditional sales capacities that have expressed how much the book has helped them. I also wrote this book in a more conversational form which made it fun for me and hopefully for the reader as well.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?
I have been told that it brings the missing elements to sales and success. I have been told that it updates and professionalizes the profession of selling. I have been told that it is a book anyone should read not just salespeople.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
This book is so much more than sales it is a success primer. The book addresses the roadblocks that in some form or fashion we all face and gives you real life effective approaches to use in your life. The things expressed in this book are not just theory they are tried and tested. The approaches have worked for myself and thousands.


25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
They only need two things. They need an open mind and a teachable spirit.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own
creativity?
Just about everything. I look at everything and ask what the opposite would be. I am a Contrarian. I also look at everything from a value and marketing perspective. I read newspapers from a marketing and copywriting perspective. I also get great creativity and motivation from education – Education = Motivation. I am constantly self educating myself through seminars, books, CD’s mastermind groups and more

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
I think most people feel they have something to say and a burning desire to share. I have no misconceptions about my ability to spin prose. I only have confidence in my information and ability to communicate.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I am in the process of setting up corporate sponsors and utilizing non profits where I can donate some proceeds from the book and in turn they will assist me in marketing

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
Everyone is a salesperson. To be truly great at what you do, you must be great at sales in some fashion. This book is unique in the approach it takes to help you get to that success. This book breaks the mold of traditional selling techniques and brings a new perspective to sales. The world and the marketplace is a different and changing all the time and this book gives real world information on how to sell and market in today’s environment.


30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.
I have lived and breathed sales and marketing my entire adult life. I have seen the rewards this information can bring and I have seen the sorrows that salespeople, entrepreneurs and people in general experience if they don’t have sales and marketing skills. Quite simply, you can’t afford to not have this information. It can only help and not hurt you. If you want to excel to higher levels you cannot do what you have always done. For what a person pays for book in relation to the value received and the possible results it can being is minuscule.

To read the first chapter of How to be a Sales Superstar and to receive several FREE bonuses from Mark Tewart, visit www.marktewartlive.com.

Full tour details are posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

Lillian Brummet Talks About Her Book Promotion

Your Name: Lillian A. Brummet

Where you are from and where are you now?

Lillian: Originally, I am from California (USA) – However my family moved often so I’ve also grown up in Nevada (USA) and BC (Canada). I even worked up north in the Artic circle for a half a year when I was 18. Now, at 38 years of age, I reside in a sleepy little city of 6,000 in the South-Western area of BC with my husband, Dave - whom I've been with for 18 years. BC is the western most province of Canada and sits above the US states of Washington and Idaho.

How did you get started writing?

Lillian: I have always written for pleasure and as a healing tool, but I began writing as a career in 1999 with the column Trash Talk. I wanted to leave a lasting, positive legacy behind and felt that writing was the tool for me to do this. This continues to be the drive behind my various passions and endeavors.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Lillian: Dave and I purchased our very own home, our first home, nearly 3 summer seasons ago. It was a rental for about 20 years and as such needed a lot of tender loving care, which we provide with every spare moment (and every spare dollar) we have. I am a gardener at heart and I can often be found playing in the dirt. In between these things I am a wife that juggles caring for the house and yard with a drum teaching business that my husband and I operate. Besides writing, I am also a book reviewer and a radio show host. Dave and I produce 2 radio shows, in fact, through the Blogtalk Radio Station.

What would readers like to know about you?

Lillian: Readers tend to want to know what I’ll be doing next. I just completed a cookbook project for our families and friends to enjoy in CD format. Since then, I took a bit of a break on large writing projects for a while but have plans on returning to another project that was started about 20 years ago by my mother. This is an organic gardening guide that offers harvesting tips and a planting calendar for those who are interested in organic gardening using biodynamic, intensive planting methods. I’m not sure where this project will take us, but it is something I’d like to complete and help my mother realize her dream of sharing her knowledge too. Since the release of Purple Snowflake Marketing I've written approximately 24 poems; most of these have already been published in several magazines and read live on radio many times. Just this summer, one of the poems from Towards Understanding was converted into a song by the band Grooveyard for their recently released CD: Place in Time (www.grooveyard.ca). That was a wonderful experience, for sure!

What inspired your first book?

Lillian: Ironically, it was a client from a business I used to run that inspired our first book Trash Talk. She was telling me how afraid she was of being seen taking in the returnable bottles or going to thrift stores - even only to buy Halloween costumes – since she was of the upper middle class. Yet when blue box recycling began in her neighborhood, it was a really big deal to make sure that her items were put on the curb so that she would be “seen” as participating. This got me to thinking about false pride and the importance of helping people realize that living consciously is not always about saving a buck or two, it is about the kind of legacy we want to leave behind when our time is done. So I started with an article on the subject and quickly realized that this was a column in the making - which it proved to be. Trash Talk column ran internationally in a variety of publications and was translated into Spanish and French languages between 1999 and early 2007 – when the last article of this series was written. The articles continue to be picked up and used by various publications. Anyway, as time went on Dave and I realized that this column just was not large enough to allow us to share all of the information we had – that was the spark of inspiration for the book, Trash Talk.

How many books have you written?

Four books in total, but only 3 are available for the public. We are currently looking at the potential for e-commerce on our site for the family cookbook that I completed last winter and possibly for an upcoming gardening book project as well. We haven’t decided yet.

What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

Lillian: Ok, the other two published books are Towards Understanding and Purple Snowflake Marketing. Towards Understanding is a collection of nonfiction poems; Purple Snowflake Marketing is a guide for developing marketing plans for written pieces (books, articles, etc).

How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Lillian: Well, a writing teacher once told us that writers should focus on topics they know well or have a genuine curiosity about. So that is where we started and how we continue to work with today.

How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Lillian: A healthy dose of self-discipline! People will also find that they may have to train their family and friends so that their writing time is respected.

Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

Lillian: I tend to write for the pleasure of it although it has grown to be a tool that I use to leave a positive legacy with.

What are some of the marketing techniques you have used? Which were the most successful?

Lillian: Personally I feel any opportunity to build name recognition is an opportunity not to be missed. Every day I put in at least 2-6 hours into some aspect of marketing the book. The Internet has proven to be a powerful tool where an immense amount of information can be found from newsletters, publishers, forums and authors. Every on-line communication we have is an opportunity to plug our book by simply attaching an auto signature. We developed promotional materials (flyers, mini-posters, large posters, bookmarks, and labels) and, of course, galleys and sample packages for editors and booksellers. Most importantly, we had a great website built.

Having a plan of action for every project is vital. Every project should have an outline starting from the title through to the end. There should also be a market plan laid out. Who are you marketing to? How you are going about it? What will you do first? These are the most important tools of a writer.

Most people think of a writing career being one where you have lots of leisure time and creating with words. On the contrary, most of the time is spent marketing and organizing projects. For instance, we might write an article and query it to a market. That market may take a few days to get back to us, but it may also be as long as a year before we hear from them. In the meantime, that article is idle and we do not get paid until after it is published - often several weeks after it is published. Therefore, a writer must have many pieces of their work at various stages of writing and marketing at one time. They need to know where each piece is and its status, at a glance. We use the Excel program to take care of this.

The market plan that we use for our books will take us years to complete and is constantly being amended with new information, new contacts to broach. That is normal, actually. A writer must spend much of their time promoting the book for years after publication in order to keep sales happening until the contract with the publisher is finished. So the more work an author has ahead of them in their marketing plan, the better. Unfortunately, promotion and writing time are unpaid hours.

What are some unique methods of marketing you have used?

Lillian: Free promotional filler articles, book review projects and media interviews are the most
effective frugal marketing tools we have found to date.

Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

Lillian: We don’t currently sell our books ourselves – we let those in the industry do that for us. We are already overwhelmed with marketing and writing and do not want to take on the additional headaches that come with shipping and handling, lost orders, filling orders and all the taxes and international border issues that may arise from this. We are currently considering, as I mentioned earlier today, of doing e-commerce on our site in the near future with simple “buy now” buttons. The incentive to do this soon is there because of my husband's level 1 hand drum CD and the Grooveyard CD. We are excited about looking into this, but are a little apprehensive as well, because taking on yet another project like this means committing even more time to learn new things. It will, once again, boil down to finding that healthy balance.

Where can people order your books?

Lillian: Virtually anywhere. Trash Talk and Towards Understanding are paperback books printed on 50% recycled paper and are available to order through online and traditional retailers around the world. The books are stocked in numerous library systems in the UK, Canada and the US as well. My personal favorite online retailer is Barnes & Nobles due to their exceptional prices, shipping and speed of delivery - so I do recommend that online retailer.

Purple Snowflake Marketing is currently available as an e-book and as such on can purchase it at places like:

www.twilighttimesbooks.com
www.booklocker.com
www.fictionwise.com

However, in late 2008 Purple Snowflake Marketing will be released as a second edition with 200 more resources and marketing opportunities for writers to access. I am told it will be available in both hard and soft cover format and will be accompanied with a CD so that readers can still access the convenience of live links.

What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Lillian: Without a doubt the most successful thing I did was to build a strong name recognition foundation to work from. With that to work with, doors opened much more easily for us whereever we went. Without it, our marketing efforts would have been much less effective because even if people took the time to listen to or read the exposure we received; they would have had a difficult time finding us online or anywhere else.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Lillian: Reading other people’s work is a huge inspiration to me on a creative level. I am
constantly learning from others with every word I read.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Lillian: The notoriety is probably a big draw for most people - people treat you differently when you are a published author. However the reason behind our books, articles and even our 2 radio shows as well, is to inspire others to live more conscious, proactive and positive lifestyles. In doing so we hope to create a ripple effect of good works or good deeds across the planet.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books.

Lillian: I really enjoy doing crafts, though I rarely have the leisure time (she laughs) and I put this to good use. I reuse breakfast cereal boxes and maps or wrapping paper and create bookmark displays for various applications. I then take these around during our travels and keep an eye out for a friendly counter or bulletin board. I found tremendous success through laundry facilities near high tourist traffic zones in town and also at a popular restaurant that has a display for maps in the front. These were very effective methods to reach those tourists coming through our small city. Because the displays are pretty and attract the eye, they are very effective. I have different styles for different applications and would consider that prior to taking a display in. For instance, if the store serves a predominately male clientele, I take in a display made from a map or wrapping paper with images of antiques. Travelers would enjoy the map design, while families and women would be more attracted to floral and ribbon decorations.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

The answer would vary depending on the book and the targeted audience. For Trash Talk it might be “save money, reduce waste and green the planet”. For Towards Understanding it might be “an emotional journey of finding one’s self and pursuing their passion”. For Purple Snowflake Marketing, I might say “learn how to create a frugal and effective marketing plan for every piece you write”.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, author of the Book Promo 101 series and owner of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. For more information, visit – www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm and www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Winton Churchill Talks About Promoting "Email Marketing"

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Winton Churchill

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

Originally from Miami, Florida and now a vagabond...my business interests mean that I travel quite a bit, my company is based in Los Angeles and my wife and I have a place in Huatulco, Mexico that we consider home base.

2. How did you get started writing?

I came to writing through the back door... through the door of long copy direct marketing and advertising.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I run a consulting business helping executives and owners of small to medium size businesses grow their business. That usually takes the form of systematizing their sales process to eliminate the chaos I see in about 80% of all businesses of this size.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

That would have to be my name...I get questions about my name every single day!... and yes, that is my real name...there is kind of a long story about my name and rather than include it here I’ll give your readers this link so they can read the full story if they have an interest: http://www.churchillmethod.com/name.html

5. What inspired your first book?

I do a lot of speaking to small business owners on the topic of growing their business. In particular, my talk about email marketing has been very popular. I got a lot of appreciation for demystifying the concepts and putting them into plain language most business owners and executives could understand. When audience members asked me if I could recommend a book on the topic, I couldn’t find one that explained this stuff in business terms for the non-technical person...so I wrote it!

6. How many books have you written?

This is my first.

8. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

There are a lot of good books about email out there but the complex sales cycle gets neglected. The things that work for selling toiletries through an online catalog site are completely wrong for say an engineering consulting firm that has to build trust and credibility before their prospects buy.

I have been using email in the complex sales cycle for over 20 years...long before most of your readers even had email address. I had the good fortune to work for companies like Apple before they were a household name, and other great companies like Oracle, Sun Microsystems and Spinnaker to name a few. I am very measurement oriented and have seen thousand of testing results in thousands of marketing campaigns and I know what works in certain situations and what doesn’t.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

I have my talks and seminars transcribed and do all my editing from there. I get in to a rhythm with that and it helps me maintain focus.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

I wrote this book in part because it establishes me as an authority on the topic. Of the people the do the kind of work I do, not one in a thousand has written a book about it...so it definitely elevates one’s work in the eyes of the market.

The other thought I had is that there are so many people who could benefit from email marketing (and aren’t now using it effectively) that I wanted to say something to the business people beyond those who hear me speak.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

The book is published by MorganJames Publishing and they have done a number of the traditional things like a press release and programs with the booksellers.

The blog tour is one of the most unique and most successful. I could clearly see how effective it is when, on the third day of the tour my book hit the Amazon best seller list.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

I sell my company’s products through my main website ( http://www.churchillmethod.com/onlinestore.html ). The book is distributed by Ingram and available at all the usual online locations including Amazon.

14. Where can people order your books?

I have a domain set up that takes you directly to the Amazon sales page:

http://www.easyemailbook.com

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

Today, both hardback and paperback.

16. Will you write more books?

Yes, I have one on the works with my wife. It is a book on Winston Churchill’s leadership secrets for college students.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

I will continue to do both consulting and writing. I find that working in the field means I can bring a different quality to the work. I find that so many authors on this topic don’t actually work in the field...they interview people that do and write from there. That is one approach but I like to bring the most current knowledge to my readers.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Has to be the blog tour and that has spawned a number of other marketing opportunities.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Press release...didn’t see a lot of activity from that.


22. What makes this book special to you?

I had my first email address in 1980...so I was using email a good 10-15 years before most of the people on the planet even knew what it was. I also knew how effective it could be to build relationships and trust. I am glad to be able to bring that expertise to a large audience with this book.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

Feedback has been great...the most common theme is that readers (mostly business owners or executives) say they finally see how they can use email without being branded as a spammer or marketing pest.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Prospects want to get to know the businesses they buy from even more than in the past. Companies are starting to recognize that the quality of the LONG TERM relationships they have makes for better sales, more profit and a better run company. Email is the best tool to build, strengthen and extend that relationship. Spam is a big problem today and many have turned away from email marketing because they incorrectly confuse it with spam. As spam prevention improves email will continue to get even more effective if done right.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who touches sales in a company must understand this medium. In our consulting practice we typically work with the CEO, VP marketing or VP sales to design and implement effective email strategies. As your competitors begin to understand and use email, they have a discernable edge over your business if you don’t have a similar program. They can reach prospects more frequently, for less money and with greater impact than you can. If they pull ahead of you it will be very difficult for you to recover that lost ground.

We also find a lot of sales executives reading this book. Their companies frequently have “glossy brochure” sent out as email campaigns that are largely ineffective. They want sales leads and to build sales relationships. By applying some of the principles in this book they can improve the speed with which they build relationships and close deals.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own
creativity?

My creativity is sparked by the challenge of helping a client take their product or service and turn it into a successful marketing campaign. We find those campaigns can run for months to years because it really speaks to their prospects in a way that their competitors don’t.

When I am wrestling with a challenge like this, I like to immerse myself in as much data as I can dredge up. I talk to customers, past clients, prospects, internal people and when I am drowning in information for a day or 2 I begin to get tiny insights about some aspect of the problem. The insights build into a solution almost the way you would put together a puzzle.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think that every author (myself included) believes they have a message or insight that is not being heard.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

It was accidental...I was traveling to Chicago sitting in an aisle seat. I was preparing to give a talk and wanted to refer to something in my book. To make sure I quoted the information exactly as I put it in the book, I whipped out the book and started flipping through the pages to find my reference. The guy sitting on the window saw the book and asked me about it. I told him I was the author. Turns out that he owns a business and wanted my consulting advice.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

If they have any responsibility for a business this is an essential process to understand. To me this is like the early days of the telephone, automobile or electric light. Many people thought it would be a passing fad. It’s not. In fact it is looking more like the aorta of the business in 5 years...and if your aorta isn’t up to snuff your business will almost certainly perish.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Email marketing completely changes the game. It is a nearly free way to communicate with people...that’s the good news. The bad news...if you don’t communicate well they may not give you a second chance.

If you have to form a relationship with your prospects before they buy, you have a complex sale. Most of what you know about selling won’t work in this new environment. Read this book and you clearly see how to make those changes.

For more information, visit www.churchillmethod.com. Visit www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com for the most up to date information. His full tour schedule is posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/winton-churchill-email-marketing-for.html. Winton Churchill is offering a wealth of free gifts for every person that purchases his book Email Marketing. Visit www.churchillmethod.com/bookbonus for full details about how to download all of these free gifts.

Susan Wingate Talks About Her Book Promotion

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Susan Wingate

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

I’m from Phoenix, Arizona and now live in Washington State.

2. How did you get started writing?

My dad was a writer and I always toyed with it when I was young but then started writing seriously about 13 years ago with poetry.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

Well, lately, I’ve been taking care of a sick kitty, Twinkle. She’s been diagnosed with lymphoma and it’s been fully on my mind. She needs subcutaneous fluids twice a day, a steroid injection twice a day, three tube-feedings and several doses of water throughout the day. She’s really ill and I’m holding out on the hope that we can get her well enough to go through a series of chemo-therapy. But, we’ll see.

When I’m not busy with her, I read and clean and do the things most people do when they’re off work.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I’m an avid fan of animals.

5. What inspired your first book?

My first book was inspired by an argument with my first husband. I was driving a motor home nearly 1,900 miles en route to where I live today and developed the story line over the time I spent on the road.

6. How many books have you written?

I’ve written four total – one short story compilation and three novels.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

“Ravings of a Mad Gentlewoman: A Bold Collection of Writing” is the title of my short story compilation.

“Of the Law” is my first novel and it’s a murder mystery with a strong female antagonist.

“Bobby’s Diner” is my second novel (which has just been released) and it falls into the women’s fiction genre.

“The Last Maharajan” is my third novel and I’m currently shopping it around to publishers and agents.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Well, for “Of the Law” I had to do a ton of research. I have a stack of reading material about four feet high for the research – books and information I pulled off of the internet. It prepared me to handle the details of forensics and crime scene investigation. That was a blast. Plus, I met some pretty high level people from the FBI and interviewed them.

For “Bobby’s Diner” and “The Last Maharajan” my credentials (that make me specially qualified) are that I’m a woman. I think I know a thing or two about being a woman, a married woman at that and one who has been through the crushing experience of a divorce.

As for how I decide on a genre, well, usually ideas come bubbling up to the surface and if one feels enticing, then I write about it. But, lately, I’m finding I enjoy writing about women in conflict, especially conflict between mothers and daughters. In fact, I’m beginning a memoir that is interwoven through a fiction story.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

I’ve been writing full-time since February of 2004. That’s when I quit my day job! At first, I bounced around from one thing to the other – from working at the computer to cleaning toilets. Really! I cleaned a lot after I quit my day job – cooked too. But, after about six months I settled in.

I get up every morning, Mondays through Friday and sometimes on Saturday, and get to work.

When I’m writing a book, I edit my work from the previous day and then begin writing new work after that.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

Well, at first it was all about the burning need to get an idea onto paper. Thirteen years ago I never imagined I’d be writing for a living but here we are. So, things changed for me. I went from not making money with my writing to making money with my writing. But, the one constant has been that burning desire to write. I don’t foresee that ever changing.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Well, I use press releases when anything wonderful happens in my career and I’ve advertised. The press releases are far more successful and cost nothing to nothing much, whereas, advertising is expensive and the dollars spent usually produce nothing much. Also, hiring a publicist (like you, Nikki) is always money well spent. Publicists know markets and the people who make decisions to get your book out. I ALWAYS feel the money spent was worth every dollar when I’ve used publicists.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Well, I guess because of the newness of internet marketing I can consider it unique but that’s changing rapidly.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

Yes, I have my books available through websites. A reader can buy my first two books through my website, www.susanwingate.com, and my blog, www.susanwingate.blogspot.com, and through Amazon.com. “Bobby’s Diner” is available through the publisher, ebooksonthe.net and also Amazon.com, FictionWise.com and Mobipocket.com. But, there’s a link through my website and blog to get to all of my books.

14. Where can people order your books?

Well, darn, I answered this question too soon!

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

“Ravings” is in print and “Of the Law” is print and ebook. “Bobby’s Diner” has been released in ebook and is expected to go into print later in 2009.

16. Will you write more books?

Of course! It’s my passion.

17. What do you have in the works now?

Right now, I’m working on two books and two screenplays.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Well, I believe it holds the brightest of futures. Everyday my books get in front of more readers. That’s the most rewarding part of what I do.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Hire Nikki Leigh – oh, wait, that’s you! But, seriously, I feel this is the most successful method of marketing.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Do the publicity on my own.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

“Bobby’s Diner” is my latest release and it’s a story of a women in search of what she hopes to find, family and home.

22. What makes this book special to you?

Other than the fact that I wrote it? Well, it’s special because the characters really grabbed hold of me while I was writing it. Plus, I’ve pitted two really good characters against each other. Neither one is what I would call a traditional antagonist.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

My ex-husband told me he got teary reading it. That’s good, I thought. Someone else told me that it felt a bit like Flagg’s “Fried Green Tomatoes.” That’s good too.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

It’s a story of growth and tolerance which, when I read the news, seems sadly lacking these days.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Women. Any woman who has been through the break-up of a love relationship. Any woman who has lost a husband whether through divorce or death.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own
creativity?

When I’m involved in a story I like to flex my creative muscles by writing a few poems before beginning my prose. Writing poetry helps me cement ideas with specific words and phrases. Once I feel my creative juices have been properly stimulated, I begin working on my story du jour.

But, when I feel like I want to stand away from my computer and look at it from a distance, I’ll take my dogs for a walk on the beach. It gets me out of my head. It frees my flow and plus it’s good for me and makes my boys happy.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think people write because they need something to say, to communicate something. And, I also wonder if putting pen to paper and then reading what you’ve written doesn’t feed itself a little. Once I read something I’ve written I want to write more and more and more. It’s an addiction.

The industry came along with the writing for me, quite frankly. If I’d been involved in the industry first, the business side of writing, I’m not sure I would’ve become a writer.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Once I wanted to teach a workshop at a writing conference and part of doing so was to list all the books I’d written. Well, at the time, I hadn’t a single one. So, I made one up. I self-published my collection, “Ravings,” and sent off my title before the conference. When I showed up to teach I had a box-full!

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

You don’t think sex and violence is interesting? And, if they don’t like that:

You don’t think family conflict is interesting? I’d really have to know the person before I tried to sway them, one way or the other. But, honestly, “Bobby’s Diner” is just one darn good read. I think they’d be missing out if they didn’t read my book.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

The topic is grounded in family unrest and conflict. To me that’s interesting. And, anyone who has grown up in a family (what?) probably feels a bit like spying on someone else’s troubles.

Okay, here’s a hook:

“Bobby’s Diner” is a story of a woman trying to find herself in a town where nobody wants her. Georgette Carlisle, twenty-five when she saunters into the rustic town of Sunnydale, Arizona, snags husband, Bobby, away from another woman, Vanessa Carlisle. After he dies - fifteen years later when the story begins - he leaves his restaurant called Bobby's Diner to both women. But, that's not the only problem. Bobby's Diner, situated on an attractive highway corridor property, is slated as the next boutique tourist site and sits smack in way of Zach Pinzer's dreams and future with Chariot International Incorporated, a large developer headquartered in Phoenix. Even after Zach arranges to destroy their property and fatally wounds their beloved busboy and gardener, he nearly kills Roberta, Vanessa's daughter. Georgette and Vanessa hold fast to the only thing they have, each other, and they fight. Georgette's story tells a tale of life, love, death, grief, pain, loneliness, and redemption. And, she finds her true family with the most unexpected people.

Thank you, Nikki, for this very thorough interview. Your questions were sometimes difficult but always well-thought out. Sincerely, Susan Wingate.

For more information -

Website Address: http://www.susanwingate.com

Primary Blog Address: www.susanwingate.blogspot.com

Ebook can be ordered at: www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NewBooks2.html

For more information about Susan Wingate’s virtual book tour and her full schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/08/bobbys-diner-by-susan-wingate.html

"Ask Nikki Leigh" - Answering Your Promotional Questions

I've thought it would be fun to be an advise columnist for years. But, I would have to do that under an unknown identity :) Today, it hit me that it might be fun to add a promotional advise column to my Muze's Musings blog. So, I want to extend an invitation to people to send me their questions about writing, publishing and especially promoting. Once I start getting regular questions, I'll feature one or two on my radio show - Book Promo 101 - Write, Publish and Promote. Seems like that could all work together.

So, I invite you to send me your writing, publishing and promoting questions. But, I need to give you give you two warnings -

1 - I reserve the right to chose which ones to answer - and when to answer them
2 - I reserve the right to give you an honest answer - I should mention that I can sometimes be blunt, but I will make every effort to be kind and I will make an effort to make all the answers helpful.

The good news - I will leave the comment option on my blog and I invite others to share their thoughts. If the Ask Nikki idea really takes off, I'll move it to another blog. For now, the questions and answers will be posted at www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com and please submit your questions to AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com That is the address for your questions. I look forward to hearing what people want to learn more about.

Nikki Leigh --- Send questions to ---- AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com

Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com
Follow Me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/litekepr
Nikki Leigh Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

How to Submit Your Promotional Interview

Below are the interview questions. If you would like to submit your promotional interview for possible inclusion on this blog - copy the questions below and paste them into an RTF document file. Answer all questions completely and you can send your picture to be posted with the interview if you want. All interviews are posted on a first come, first serve basis and you will be notified when your interview is posted. Please complete the Q & A and email to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and put "Promotional Interview" in the subject line.

Nikki Leigh


You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name:

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

2. How did you get started writing?

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

4. What would readers like to know about you?

5. What inspired your first book?

6. How many books have you written?

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the
most successful?

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

14. Where can people order your books?

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

16. Will you write more books?

17. What do you have in the works now?

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

22. What makes this book special to you?

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own
creativity?

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, author of the Book Promo 101 series and owner of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. For more information, visit – www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm and www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Promotional Interview with Dave Richardson

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name:
Dave Richardson

1. Where you are from and where are you now?
Born and raised in Southern California. Now live in Kansas.

2. How did you get started writing?
My 2nd son, Craig, (I have 4 sons), had tried for years to get me to put down in writing the stories I had related to them regarding my Vietnam experiences. (Incidentally, he has followed somewhat in my footsteps by becoming an Army helicopter pilot who served in the Panama incursion as well as Gulf Wars 1 & 2. He did Medivac [the Army version of rescue] in Panama and Gulf War 2. By the way, I have forgiven him for being in the Army instead of the Air Force!)

I resisted his efforts until I received a preliminary account of the ‘Streetcar’ rescue by Kenny Fields, the last guy I rescued. I thought it might be fun to write a counterpoint narrative, telling the story from my point of view, and found it to be enjoyable.

That was when Craig and I began working in earnest on the project—I wrote the narratives and supplied the photos, while Craig did the maps and supporting documents.

All of my sons, David, Craig, Eric and Mark plus my wife, Kaye, have participated in one fashion or another during the creation of this book.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?
Read; work with computer; enjoy life with wife, Kaye.

4. What would readers like to know about you?
I am a Christian. Decided while in the 7th grade I wanted to attend college, become a pilot with the USAF, retire and teach school—that is what I have done. (I flew a variety of helicopters and taught 8th grade Mathematics.) Wife and I are High School sweethearts. We live on the shore of a small lake in rural Kansas.

5. What inspired your first book?
My experiences as a combat rescue helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

6. How many books have you written?
One.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?
Vietnam Air Rescues. Historical/biographical.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
Because I lived it. This book is an auto-biographical summary of my 7 rescues, plus other related instances that occurred while I was serving in Vietnam as a combat helicopter rescue pilot.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
I try to pick a time when I am fresh and not involved in other things; then I ‘write up storm’ for awhile; then quit and do something else. Finally I review what I have just written and make corrections as they occur to me.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
Originally, I wrote this book for the benefit of my children. Later, when others began requesting copies, I decided to have it published commercially. I found that I do enjoy writing and have been quite pleased to discover that others are interested in what I have written.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
Other than giving a few talks locally, this is my first attempt to market my book.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
See answer #11

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?
Both through a website and directly through Amazon. The website address is: www.vietnam-air-rescues.com. The book is currently available in 2 formats: (1) as a printed book available through Amazon and (2) as a downloadable eBook. Both are linked from the website. I will soon have a third option—in audio book form. In addition, the book is available in Kindle format at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDMNYU.

14. Where can people order your books?
See answer #13

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?
See answer #13

16. Will you write more books?
Although I have frequently been asked this question, I do not envision writing more books (at least not for the moment!)

17. What do you have in the works now?
Nothing.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?
Using my 30 minute power point presentation, I plan to offer my services as a speaker at churches, civic clubs and the like, hoping that I can stimulate interest in sales of the book.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?
Speaking locally, I have managed to generate both interest and sales. I am hoping this blog tour will acquaint those in other areas with the availability of my book on Amazon. Another idea that has helped was to make, and distribute free of charge, bookmarks with advertising material about my book on them.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?
Fortunately, the few things I have done to date have all proven successful.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.
“Vietnam Air Rescues” comes in several parts. Part 1 is my take on the history of the Vietnam War. Part 2 gives general background on how the rescue system worked. Part 3 presents the details of my 7 rescues. Part 4 is a collection of 30+ anecdotes concerning things that happened to me apart from a particular rescue. Part 5 is a summation of general topics. Part 6 contains a final word. and Part 7 is a glossary of military jargon for the non-military minded. Scattered throughout the book, at appropriate places, are over 100 photos, maps and drawings.

22. What makes this book special to you?
It relates a period in my life that was both stressful and joyous; when I was asked to gamble everything for the sake of others. Fortunately, my training and equipment stood me in good stead. Most important, at least in my view, is that the Lord stood by me and returned me home safely.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?
Approaching the 100 books sold mark, all the comments I have received have been positive. In addition to the verbal remarks from people who have read the book, there are 5 reviews on Amazon which are all praising the book.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
I tried to be both factual and dispassionate in my storytelling. Many people have very different conceptions of the Vietnam War, both positive and negative. I was involved in the effort to save American lives, without regard to politics. I hope people will read about this and perhaps get a new view or slant on what went on—this time from a positive view.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Both those who lived through the Vietnam years and those who knew only know about it from history books.

Surprisingly enough, a lot of women have been fascinated by this book. I
would have thought it would appeal mainly to men, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Several women have commented that it has allowed them to understand what happened to their father or husband when they served in Vietnam.

I did not keep a diary while I was there, so I wasn’t able to give a day to day account of my experiences. What I tried to do, and what some people have said they find fascinating, was to record the bare facts and avoid any hyperbole, while still communicating the details of rescue operations.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
In my case, there was little creativity involved, as these are tales of what actually happened to me in a manner that is burned into my memory.

In my case, I had constant support and input from my wife and all four sons, who encouraged me and occasionally prompted me to include tidbits I might have forgotten to include.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
See answer #2

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
To date, my promotion has been limited to speaking to churches, civic clubs and historical societies.

One bit of advice I received, which I believe has been of benefit, was to make bookmarks advertising the book and give them away. This has seemed to work quite well.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
This is a book that is more about saving peoples lives than war itself. I would encourage them to read a single rescue sequence to see if they found the descriptions interesting.

I knew that not all my readers would know about or remember the background of the Vietnam War, so I put in a section detailing my impressions of how and why we, as a country, became involved.

For the same reason, I included a background of life as a Jolly Green pilot and a bunch of anecdotes not directly related to rescue itself.

My hope was that even those who were vehemently opposed to the war would find something interesting they could relate to.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.
I think most people are intrigued by ‘how it really was’ stories. The Air Force rescue portion of the Vietnam War, for some reason, has been mostly overlooked, so this is something new for most readers.

It interests me because I was there and experienced all the various incidents described.

Others, I think, find themselves fascinated by the lengths our country went to in attempting to rescue those in harms’ way.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, author of the Book Promo 101 series and owner of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. For more information, visit – www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm and www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com