Road Trip – Sort Of

In the days before eBooks and blogs, when an author wrote a book, the first task was to garner attention and hopefully book sales. Authors were known to stake out shopping centers, book stores and anywhere else they thought they could slow down the pedestrians long enough to tell them about their book.

Today, new authors don’t have to do that. Today, thanks to the internet, the blogosphere, social media and all the other ways to “reach out and touch” someone, we get to pester all our friends, family members and contacts, in the attempt to increase sales.   I have been asked several times, “What is the hardest part of writing a book?” My answer is always the same, “Letting people know I wrote it.”

Enter the newest avenue, the blog tour.

A blog tour is a digital and electronic trip the book makes across the blogosphere stopping to visit several blogs and make an appearance hoping to arouse the interest of the blog followers. Kellynch is in the middle of such a tour at this time. Over the past couple of weeks the book has stopped at several blog sites for introductions. It has been a lot of fun for me to tag along, and see the increased attention.

A couple of the blogs have done reviews:

“It’s brave to write a sequel to a Jane Austen book, and Kwen D. Griffith doesn’t only take on the task, he succeeds at it too. He managed to make the characters believable, both as a continuation of the characters in “Persuasion” and as people living in the 1800s. The settings are described in detail, the writing is solid, and overall, it’s a very enjoyable experience to read this book.” – Majanka, I Heart Reading blog.

“We start the story with Anne and Fredrick living in her family’s estate, happily married and in love after years of not being able to be together. The story then goes on with intrigue, betrayal, and a new family bond forming. When Fredrick rejoins the royal navy rumors fly that he has left his beloved Anne and she has to face the choice of believing the ugly rumors or trusting her heart. The story started out a little slow, but it quickly picked up and was an overall great read. My only real complaint about the story is I felt it ended too soon. But with a good read that is usually the case.” – nik, Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock blog.

Publishing a new book is much like sending a child to their first day of school. As a parent, you believe your child is smart and talented, but suddenly they are thrust into the world where they will be compared, graded and reviewed. As we see them off on the bus, we hope the other children will be nice to them, the teacher will be patient with them, and they won’t run into bullies.

I believe “Kellynch” is holding its own.

If you have not read my latest book, I ask you to give it a try. It is a great story. If you have, I ask you review the book on Amazon (with an honest review).

The road trip continues for another week or so. It’s been a fun ride.

First Review

 

My phone rang a couple of mornings ago. I was busy and didn’t focus on the screen.

“Hello,” I said.

“You made me cry.”

“I what?” I’m focused now. “I did what?”

“You made me cry.”

“How? When?” I was confused and flustered, “Who is this?”

A chuckle, “Its Colette, your friend.”

“Oh, Colette,” a friend from church, “How did I make you cry?”

“I just finished your book, Kellynch. It’s great.”

“Thank you. I didn’t know it was listed yet. I just submitted yesterday and it normally takes Amazon about a day to convert the files. When did you get it?”

“I bought it last night at ten o’clock and I had it finished by six this morning.”

“You were up all night?”

“What can I tell you? I couldn’t put it down.”

It was my turn to chuckle, “That’s amazing. You read it in one night. Is it alright if I assume your cry was a good cry?”

“Oh, of course. The book was so much more than I expected. I thought it would just be a retelling of the original book, but you took the characters to new places. I really liked the growth you showed with Elizabeth.”

“I always felt bad for her. She’s the prettiest sister and she’s the one who can’t find a husband. I’m really glad you liked the book.”

“Liked it? I loved it. You added so much to the story. I really liked the part about the ships and the attempt made by the British navy to stop the importation of slaves.”

“Historically accurate. They committed one sixth of the British navy trying to stop it. Besides, I had to add stuff for the guys. I mean, this is a story that has sword fights, muskets, bird dogs and even pirates in it. I am surprised you got it so quick.”

“I knew you planned to release it before the end of this month, so I’ve checked Amazon a couple of times a day for the past week.”

“Thank you Colette. You’re a good friend. You’ve been a wonderful supporter of my work.”

“Hey, what can I tell you, I like your books.”

“See you at church.”

I’m counting this as the first review of my new book “Kellynch.” I think this one would be a five star rating. The book is now available on Amazon.com in both Kindle and paperback versions.

Thanks again, Colette.

Welcome To Kellynch

It is done.  I made the deadline.

Think of me, as the head gatekeeper and I have swung open the gate, doff my hat, and bid you to enter.

“Welcome to Kellynch,” I proclaim.

Kellynch is the name of an imaginary estate used by Jane Austen in her last novel, “Persuasion.”  She died shortly after it was finished and never got to see it published.  I know most of the world is nuts over “Pride and Prejudice,” but “Persuasion” and “Mansfield Park” are mine.  Miss Austen worked on the two of them together and I think they are her best work, without question.

The cast of “Persuasion” is rich with personality and conflicting points of view.  It truly was fun to borrow her characters for a short period of time.  I endeavored to add depth to them but maintain the balance given them by their creator.

You, the readers, will tell me if I have succeeded or not.

So, I say again, “Welcome to Kellynch.”

Find your favorite place to read, grab your best beverage or snack, and enjoy a good book, if I do say so myself.