What’s New For Affordable Book Promoting Options? Cat’s Sharing Some Marketing Tips For Authors Just in Time For Holiday Book Sale Season!

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Hello and Welcome Authors and Writers!


Since it has been too long since I have posted and shared some of my book marketing and promoting tips, I thought it was a good time to do it and Right Before The Holidays! Is it me or does it seem book sales have been a wee bit sluggish? Then it is time for an e-book promotion perhaps? When summer begins to wind down, kids going back to school, and mom’s and dad’s are busy getting them ready, they are thinking about grabbing a new book to read.


So it’s the perfect time to give them an incentive to do so. Many will be taking the last summer vacation of the summer season for Labor Day weekend and why not take a great book along for some relaxing reading time readers? Even authors and writers are avid readers. So here are some tips and advice for getting a jump start on selling some books when it is a slower time of the year. And hopefully, the book reviews will follow.


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Author Branding and Promotions on All Author

Let’s start with promoting your books and branding all in one new place I came across called “All Author.”  It is a great place for authors to set up a free Author Program profile and can add up to 4 books and use a few of the boo marketing tools. Placement in their Book and Author Directory and more. When I place all my author clients on All Author? Since they have a huge readership all my authors get views and click’s to all their books like crazy!

They have a Pro Plan which is $59 for a 6-month plan (still pretty affordable for 6-months promo blast) that comes with all the tools, bells and whistles and authors can use them as much as they want for a whole 6-month duration! Like a free personalized website, “make your own” book banner/teasers, many nice themes for your profile, free Twitter scheduler and much more. You can see pricing for both plans, Free or Pro here: .“All Author Pricing.” 


All Author
is an exceptional place for all avid readers to find new releases and discounted books and e-book sales too!

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(Banner Made Courtesy of Author Shout – 3-D Book Banners)

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Author Shout Is A Great Book Ad and Banner Place!

Another amazing book promo site that is extremely affordable and has a large readership is my good friend Terry and his team at “Author Shout.”  They have an awesome “Author and Reader Member Zone” where authors for just $25 a month recurring can get all you need to effectively promote your book and brand as an author. If you pay a whole year in advance? He gives you an even bigger discount!

What I love about both Author Shout and All Author? They do an email list and newsletters out to all their readers, but Author Shout even sends text alerts for new releases for those readers who subscribe to both services! Pretty cool right?

Now just like All Author, Author Shout has many affordable services if you don’t want to do the Membership. They have affordable book ads, low-cost beautiful book banners, (like the one above), teasers, and even book trailers made the way you want them! What I like the most is that they promote through many social media channels like Twitter, FB, Google+ and even Instagram and Pinterest. And they connect readers to authors Worldwide.

Now, along with marketing advice and videos unlimited use, here are some of the Member Benefits for promoting your book:

As a monthly Author’s Club Member, you will also get the following:


Book Promotion Benefits

  • Book Promotion: Every month that you are a member we will promote a book of your choice on all of our social media platforms, add it to our recommended reads page, and a feature spot in our “Shout Out” Newsletter.
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  • Book Teaser: You will get 4 teasers in 2 different sizes and formats of your book for you to share on social media that can/will contain your book title/author name, blurb/one-liner, and where your book can be found, whether on Amazon or a link to your website
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  • FREE Book Days:  Giving your book away for FREE?  We will help get the word out and promote your FREE BOOK days through social media shout-outs, a custom-made teaser/banner, and featured spot in our newsletter at no additional charge
  • Author Shout Out (Digital magazine):  You will get access to Author Shout Out; our digital online magazine
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  • Members-Only Pricing for additional services:  You will get a MEMBERS ONLY discount on each of our packages and/or services to promote additional books.….

(*NOTE* Unused benefits do not carry over from month to month if you do not use them.)

 

They do however let you choose which book you want to promote each month with the One Year Membership!

So go visit the team at Author Shout and get your book promo and advertising on! …

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\"5+Stars if I could for this GEM. Wisdom from a...... review gif
(Author Joe Siccardi’s Banner Above made at All Author)
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How does this Cat jump-start your book’s sales and reviews when it is a slow time of year?

We do an E-Book Sale! I always suggest to the author clients I work for, there are two times a year you need to lower the price of your e-book and have a sale. This time of year when it slows and now just around the corner? It’s NOW CHRISTMAS Holiday E-Book Sale TIME!  Starting Thanksgiving week thru right before Christmas to include sales from Black Friday, Cyber-Monday, and last-minute e-book Christmas sales!

And it doesn’t have to cost a penny to promote your e-book sale either. But of course, there are some MANY low-cost options to boost the exposure for the SALE. Like my favorite at “READING DEALS!” And? When you have Cat promote your E-Book Sale? You’ll get a discount off your Book Ads!

And they have vetted reviewers who love free books for a READ FREE for an Amazon Book Review promotion! So ask me about it as my Discount Applies to this service too! Your e-book needs to be at a discounted price per their policy, need the Mobi file to place the ad and have 5 reviews averaging 4 or 5 stars.

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Great Deals On eBooks

Great Deals On eBooks From  “READING DEALS!”
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Get Your Sale Organized:

First,

if you have a publisher, send a request for the dates of your e-book sale a month in advance so you know the PRICE will be lowered for your sale. If you self-published? You have the control to go through your vendor account and lower it a day or two before the sale to ensure it gets done properly.


Second,
 let readers know in advance about the e-book sale and promotion. Here are the places you’ll want to “Add An Event” and it’s free to do on:


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Facebook Event Page and Boost The AD!

A Tip – You can get a bigger reach and exposure when you share the Post of your FB Event and then do a Facebook “Boost a Post.” Then all FB readers and users will see your event and Ebook Sale!

Goodreads – Add Ebook Sales As An Event and Make Sure and add It on your Blog or Author Website too! As others to share it as well!

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Do you know any Book Bloggers? Ask them if they would share the event on their website too! I know I enjoy sharing book promotions on my blog for all my readers. Also, Book Reviewers may share as well. Don’t be afraid to ASK.

Want to boost your exposure for free or low cost?
You can do so at a few more of my friend’s book and reader websites free or for a minimal charge. And they offer a Free Author  Interview to go along with your Book Listing too! Go visit these awesome book sites below to see how they can help boost your Holiday Sale and Promo …
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As my buddy, Vinny of Awesome Gang who works hard to get your books and your E-book sale promos in front of over 69,000 readers combined on their Facebook and Twitter! You can add all your books for free, but for an e-book sale, I think it’s worth the $10 to boost your listing don’t you? Invest in yourself!

Go here and add your E-book Sale at “Awesome Gang.” You won’t regret it!  A couple more places like Awesome Gang? Check out this list Vinny put together for Authors of free and low-cost places to add and market all your books and Book Sales!
“Places for free promotion.”


“My hope is that many of the tips and advice in my post here helps authors sell more books this holiday season!”

AND?  I’m sure you are asking yourself, why is CAT sharing all her book promo secrets? Lol … It’s because there is no shortage of New Authors that need my help and services. I am passionate about what I love to do as my “At Home Business!” And many writers hire me because they may be on a ‘new book deadline’ and just don’t have the time to market their books.

You can check out my New Website at “LYON MEDIA SERVICES”  Today! You can see some testimonials and see just how affordable we are!

And lastly? I have always been a firm believer that authors need to invest in themselves and set a budget to promote and market their books or readers are not going to know the books exist so KEEP a FEW LAYERED Low-Cost Book Ads Running Each Month and especially through the Holiday Season for your books! 

Now you are ready and can market them and do an E-book Sale & promotion like a Pro!  Still, Have Questions or Need Help?

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Contact James H. Mayfield


Shoot Cat an Email if needing a quote for Book Marketing and Promotions!
lyonmedia@aol.com  … 


Happy Book Promoting and Marketing Authors and Writers!


CAT ~ Come Follow me on FACEBOOK! and on TWITTER Too!

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Lyon Book Promotions Welcomes Author, Kevin Cooper A Fantastic Friend, Author, Musician, and Family Man.

It’s not every day you get to ‘Shine The Spotlight’ on a dear friend and author …
Please meet Musician & Author, Kevin Cooper of KC Books and Music.

 

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Kevin Cooper
( Author, Kevin Cooper AKA, … Couch Potato. Lol.)
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So, I happen to catch up with my buddy Kevin Cooper as he has been kind enough to help some of my authors I book promote for with fantastic Author Guest Interviews and Book Reviews on his newly freshened up WordPress website KC Books and Music. Many don’t know that Kevin is also a songwriter as he wears many hats. Author, Songwriter, Book Reviewer, Book Blogger, A Poet, and OH MY I just can not keep up with him! Lol.

You are most likely wondering just how Kevin and I met? Well, when my current book was released way back in November 2012, Kevin and I met on social media. I happened to notice he was doing book reviews on his blog, so I asked if he would read and review my book. He was very kind to oblige me,  and he was my very first ‘Author Interview and Review’ blog was on. Wow! We have known each other almost 4 years now. And I have been blessed with his friendship since then!
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Not only did he read and review my book, but he also did a fabulous book review post of it on his blog too! He had an INSTANT Friend for LIFE! Lol. So in order to catch up with my buddy, I did send him a few “burning desire” questions to see what’s been going on with him over in the UK and here is all the hot KC gossip you will only read here.

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Q.) Can you give us a peek into your family life and how your family feels about you being a writer/author?

A.) I live with my wonderful wife, Pat and our two little ones, Aragorn and Rico. Pat is very supportive of my writing, even Aragorn comes to see how I’m doing while I’m typing, and he lets me know when I need to take a break and spend some time with him instead. Rico, however, is far too busy for any of that!

 

Q.) Where do you live and why you like living there?

A.) I live in Hull which has a population of almost 259,000 and is set in the idyllic countryside of the East Riding of Yorkshire. My wife and I do our best to make the most of the coastal areas of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.


Q.) What brought you to writing?

A.) My admiration for great authors like JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Terry Brooks, and Philip Pullman to name just a few.


Q.) What is the title and genre of the book your newest published?

A.) The book I currently have with my publisher is called, Caboodle & The Whole Kit. It’s a collection of short stories, poetry, and songs of various genres.


Q.) Can you summarize your book in two short sentences?

A.) Caboodle is filled with relaxing episodes of life, family, love & romance, faith, and even the odd, inadvertent run-ins with some quite unsavory characters. There is something for everyone in Caboodle.


Q.) How did you come up with the title?

A.) I threw a little bit of everything in this work and with that in mind I thought, Mm
 I’ve got the whole kit and caboodle here and that’s where I borrowed my title from. 🙂

Q.) Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

A.) Anyone and Everyone
 Adults of pretty much any age. There are stories and poems for lovers, family, people of faith, people who like fiction, Sci-Fi, and real life tales, people who like reading lyrics and finding meaning in them, People who like flash fiction and/or poetry.

They should read it because they will find something somewhere in Caboodle. It may make them laugh, cry, feel a sense of well-being or intrigue, or even offer some kind of enlightenment
 You just never know when you’re reading Caboodle & The Whole Kit!

 

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(You never know where Kev will show up next!)
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Q.) As if I don’t know already, who is your favorite character from your book and why

A.) Gollum, I have an interlude with Gollum
 One of Tolkien’s characters
 he’s an interesting character, to say the least.

Q.) And lastly, what is your favorite color & favorite food?


A.) I love lots of colors but if I were to pick one, it would be blue. Fish & Chips
 I am English after all! 🙂  Lol.

Now let me share a little more about what keeps Kevin occupied besides books, music, blogging. Her name? Pat his wife!
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Kevin and Pat have their own blog together! See, Kevin and Pat had been living together for almost 8 LONG Years, LOL, and they finally took the “marriage plunge” on Feb 14th, 2013. So, this blog is all about marriage, family as they have 2 babies, of the “furry” variety. I KNEW he was a CAT guy!  🙂

So on their blog together,  Love, Life, Tears, & Laughter they share their home life and just what married people do! … LOL. So make sure you go visit as the blog posts are interesting and humorous, to say the least.

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( Rico and Aragorn ~ Furry Babies )

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What is Kevin working on now? Well, he has written some wonderful books. He was kind enough to share a “Cover Reveal” with us of his new book titled;  Caboodle & The Whole Kit. It will be out later this year. Kevin now offers a new service on his site! He now designs Book Covers right here:  Kev’s Book Covers. And, of course, he is an author as well. His two newest books are;  “The Wizard: The Girl and The Unicorn’s Horn: The Chronicles of Geo” Book one, and  “Animal Tales”  both are available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.


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The Wizard, The Girl and The Unicorn's Horn: The Chronicles of Geo Book One           Animal Tales
( click books to purchase on Amazon today! )

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So, where else can you connect with my good friend Kevin Cooper beside’s his awesome websites? He is all over Social Media Baby! …. (See below)


So go connect with him and tell him *Cat* sent you. I want to thank ‘Kevin’ for letting me share him with all my blog and reader friends who come to visit. And? I hope I didn’t make “The Hot Seat” too hot for you Kevin! And authors? Don’t hesitate to go visit Kevin’s website to see how he can help you with a book cover for your next book, maybe a book review and more KC Books & Music …

 


Kev’s Social Media:

Kevin on FB
Kev on Goodreads
Kev is on Twitter
And on Google+


“Spotlight Presented By Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions of Author, Catherine Lyon”

Time To Put “OM” Blogger Jason Cushman In The “Hot Seat!”

 

Hey, look! “It’s a bird, it’s a Plane! NO, It’s SUPER JASON!!

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Yes, this Cape Crusader is one of the most “Popular WordPress bloggers I know. So, I thought it was high time to put Jason Cushman of ‘The Opinionated Man’ ON THE HOT SEAT!

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Now I know many bloggers, friends, and visitors may know Jason from his awesome blogs, over at  HarsH ReaLiTy | A Good Blog is Hard to Find ….

Sometimes I get confused, but at age 53 I am told that is due to hovering in “old age.” Jason has loads of happenings going on over on his blog with a gazillion names like OM, HarsH ReaLiTy, Opinionated Man, and, OH, A Good Blog Is Hard To Find? So I ask? Which The Hell is it Jason? LOL. LOL. So, I am hoping you will learn a wee bit more about this interesting man of mystery we all may not know! Let me start with a few “Hot Seat” questions I asked Jason . . . .

*Hot Seat Interview Questions*

 

Cat – I and many readers know you are a very popular blogger, what is something readers may not know about you?


Jason:
  “I think new readers may not realize that I am not popular at all. I have simply taken the time to meet and associate with a lot of bloggers. That is how you form online relationships and a community of your own. Popularity is just a word, in reality. you only get back what you give.


Cat
 – How did you decide to start book promoting for authors? Do you enjoy reading books?
Jason: “I do enjoy reading books, but specific books and authors. I simply felt it was easy to offer some authors a little help through my platform and I do sometimes feel bad for those caught in the struggle to get noticed.”

Cat
 – Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, what genre or type would you write?

Jason:
 “I’ve considered it. I have a few in mind, but the first book would probably be a memoir in format.”

Cat – Tell readers a little about yourself?

 

Jason:  “I was born in Pusan, South Korea and was left on a street when I was 3 years old. I was adopted and lived my early childhood in Jackson, Mississippi which was
 interesting. I moved to Memphis, TN around the first grade and although similar in some ways, Memphis was very different in others. My adopted parents are white. My mom is a writer and my father is a doctor, I have an adopted sister who is Korean as well, and I have a white adopted brother. I am the middle child.

I grew up playing competitive soccer, golf, and gymnastics. I hate baseball so I guess I will never be “American.” Something about small hard objects being thrown at my face does not appeal to me. I was never tall enough when I was younger and did not get picked often to play basketball. They would say “we will takkkkkkeeee
 Cindy!!!” “DAMMIT!!!”

Growing up with all white friends and black school mates was a bummer because I was generally in the lower 25% in height and weight. A fact that was readily apparent in physical altercations, but I will say that I gave as good as I got. I grew up white which really is simply the truth. I didn’t even eat Asian food, and yes I say Asian here because I wasn’t Korean at the time.

I attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and quickly went from a good student to a below average student. Mainly because for some reason to do well in school you have to attend class, a concept that passed me by. I did not do well in college mostly because of anger at my birth mom, which I discovered in 2000. I still have not met her or talked to her and she has kept me from ever meeting my older sister, whom I didn’t know existed till 2000 as well. It took me 12 years to move past that. I still like soju, though
 so at least I have a comforting companion.
I enjoy writing, poetry, history, animal shows, ESPN, a few regular shows, and I also LOVE Anthony Bourdain. (CNN ) If I could meet him I would, he has inspired me in many ways. I would also love to meet Robert Jordan, W.E.B. Griffin, and Raymond E. Feist, my three favorite authors. Unfortunately, I will have to wait a bit to meet Jordan, RIP we will always miss you, Robert. Your light still shines.

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Jason-Cushman
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Currently, I work in information technology under the yoke of ‘Corporate Rule’ 
 but maybe one day I will be able to be a real writer. Right now I do not consider myself a writer at all, in fact, I would say I am an amateur pretending to be a writer. I will accept the title of blogger though, that I suppose I have earned. I enjoy scotch, 12 years or even older if I can afford it. Famous Grouse is my favorite brand because it is cheap, but if I could drink Macallen every day I would. Unfortunately, my Crohn’s keeps me from drinking too much of that, probably a good thing.

What else
 this is beginning to sound pretty frivolous. I like to debate and I admire conviction and passion in anyone. I dislike people who throw facts around without basis, or that try to validate themselves by throwing up hypothetical statements. That to me is the most annoying thing ever. I guess I am more human than I thought.
I currently live in Colorado with my wife and two daughters. It snows here. I hate snow. Anyways, that is pretty much me.

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HEY NOW! Look what I found! Jason DOES NOT LIKE Snow? Bet he didn’t SEE this one coming, Right Jason?

 

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GOTTCHA JASON!!! LOL
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Jason is such a good sport!. One last thing that is important I did ask Jason.

Cat – Where and how can readers and authors find what you offer with “Book Promotions” and how readers can find the books and author’s you promote?


Jason:
  “I list my book promotion terms on my personal blog at https://aopinionatedman.com/book-promotion-terms/. I also show my current promoted books on my WordPress blog at https://aopinionatedman.wordpress.com/

YOU can also find Jason on social media too! On Facebook: Opinionated Man – -Opinionated Man Jason C. Cushman … – Facebook  And on Twitter: @SmokeNdust

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So I thank Jason Cushman “WordPress Blogger Extraordinaire” for letting me put him on “Lyon Book Promotions Hot Seat” for a little while. I met Jason on WordPress years ago. He was actually a very nice blogger pal to me when I first started visiting his blog three years ago. Has really been that long? Wow. I took to his funny sense of sarcastic humor when some just “didn’t get it!” I love that he never holds back and shares just what he feels, and he shares a lot of his personal life through his blog like this post that touched my heart because I know how Jason felt:  Struggle To Feel “Accepted”  …

He knows I too suffer from a few mental health challenges myself and have also been in that complete “dark hopelessness” as he has. When he writes and shares about that part of his life, that truly is the “human side” of Jason. Not many can do that in an open forum like he and I both do on our blogs. So when I need a pick me up, all I do is go to Jason’s blog and find something there that takes me out of “myself” to me feel better!

So know this Mr. OM,  ….  my best-est “Cape Crusader”? Thanks for being such a great friend. Thanks for doing a ‘Fantabulous Job’ in your new venture of promoting my book and many authors I am sure “Thank You” for giving them a new book promotion platform for their books so readers find them. You really are appreciated in the “Blogging Community!!!”  XOXO

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Authors? Don’t hesitate to go get your Book Promotion Package with Jason  ….

 

“Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions by Author/Columnist, Catherine Lyon”  🙂

About My Book, My Writing, and My Book Blogging Ramblin’s. . .

Hello and Welcome All,

Now it is no secret that many of my blog friends,  my followers, and readers who come for a visit know that a live life in recovery. I share this a LOT. But I also need to keep in mind those of my visitors that are new to my book promoting blog may not know this about me. They may not know that my current book titled; Addicted To Dimes, Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat, is some what my Memoir of my life, starting as a wee little girl to about 2012.

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Product Details
Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat) Nov 2012

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And I can honestly say that my life has changed in SO many ways since my book was released on my 50th birthday! Yes, I’m 50 something, but age is just a number people! That was in November 2012. My book was written & shared with the intent to make readers who also live in recovery from any addiction know they are not alone.
That they can recover and overcome!

I can also honestly say, that my writing has become so much better as well! LOL. We all know great editors can help make our words come to life, and they can make our words within the pages of our books look and sound good. But as a writer, the rest is up to me.
Is my storyline strong enough? Or did I grab the reader, did I hold their attention with my craft and prose till the end of my book?

These are many questions all of us as writers ask. One of the ways we learn what readers think about our books is through the power of book reviews. I take all my book reviews from 100% organic readers very seriously. Now, not to brag or toot my author horn, but I have been blessed with most all 5 star Amazon Reviews, and one 4.8 review. Not bad for a first time writer/author. But I did work very hard for those reviews. I do believe all writers and authors do. And we take our craft as writers seriously. Not to say you can’t have some fun along the way right?

I always tell many in recovery, “we all have a story within us to tell.”
And I do believe that. Look, over 8 years ago, if some psychic lady told me I’d be a writer and published author in my lifetime? Man I would have laughed in her face. Really! I would have, as it was never on my life radar.

Now, am I a good writer? Well, I hope so. My readers seemed to think so as far as their book reviews of my current book. Writing for me is a release. Yes, my book maybe hard subject matter, but many who have never experienced addiction, or the joy of triumph in recovery, or even may not know anyone with addiction problems, but many readers say they learned much from story.

In recovery, we all know that our words and stories of recovery can be a powerful tool to help those who do live life in recovery. But through my book, and my other blog, my recovery blog: https://catherinelyonaddictedtodimes.wordpress.com/
they are meant to not only help those in recovery, those reaching out for help, but also they are about creativity. Many people journal in recovery. I do, and I have for years because it was the only way to see my positive progress in recovery, and also my weakness’ where I needed to work harder in those area’s.

Well I look at writing the same way. We as writers are always learning and evolving. We grow in our craft as writers the more we write. Wring came natural to me because I was already journaling a long time. Now, that is not to say because one writes in a journal or diary, that now you’re a professional writer. Oh no, but many of us who do write enjoy it as it puts our mind, heart, and our imaginations to work. Of course, these are just my own experiences.

Since my current book is non-fiction, about addiction, my life, and recovery, this topic is much harder to write. There is a very fine line for sharing a story of addiction without readers feeling you are using excuses, rationalizing, or blaming things on someone or something other than my poor choices when I was deep in my addictions.

I feel the same when writers write fiction. The characters and storyline needs to come alive. And that can be a tough job. My own struggle is the darn endings, or close out of my books, that is my weakest area as a writer. When this is accomplished with your books, and readers tell you through their reviews or maybe comments on your blog or website, there just is no other fantastic feeling ever as writer. It is also why I book promote as my business. I enjoy helping other authors find their readership, and have the honor of reading many fabulous books they have written. If you’re an author and need some advice or tips on how to promote your books? Then check out my new Feature Page of Book Promoting tips here on this blog.

Many authors hire me to just pure book promote for them, so they can continue to write more books, and have the peace of mind knowing I’m getting out there for them promoting their work through all forms of social media, book promoting sites, with a dash of sending out Press Releases announcing their books to many media outlets, book bloggers, and internet media. I enjoy doing this for all authors at very affordable prices. I want all of us to be successful, and make sure readers find all our amazing reads.
My clients are authors helping authors.

I hope you enjoy my Book Promoting Blog while your here. If you’re a reader, check out my Monthly Hot Book Picks page, and if you’re a writer? Keep Writing!!

Until next time everyone!

Much Happiness & Success All,
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon