What I Really Wanted To Promote

 

I love baseball and wanted to be a sports journalist coming out of college 35 years ago. But after applying to every newspaper and magazine in New York City and not even getting a job interview, I moved on.

I landed a job with a book publisher, fell in love with books, and remained in the book publicity industry for over the past three decades. I will likely die clutching a book in one hand, a pen in the other.

But what I really would have loved to do is market x-rated movies and promote porn stars. My life would have been very different if I had pursued that industry, and not for the better.

I likely would not have gotten married or had kids. I likely would worked long hours, including nights and weekends. With the hard partying that I assume to be associated with it, I could have developed an addiction or lived a reckless life.

Still, the allure of being around some of the best bodies and most gorgeous people, while I watch them from just a few feet away do things that most of us fantasize about, was always a huge allure.

The variety of people, positions, settings, and locations in the world of adult film is tantalizing. I imagine it would be like being at an amusement park with a pass to unlimited rides.

Humans are animals, especially men. We eat, crap, and screw. Repeat and rinse. That’s who we are. Admit it. I have.

Sure, many men live great lives, are successful or do interesting things, from helping others and serving society, to pursuing intellectual curiosities and making lots of money, and sure, many guys are great husbands, dads, and humanitarians. Still, as a baseline, most heterosexual men just obsess over sex and beautiful women. It must be in our DNA.

So, why didn’t I combine my skills and passions, and promote people who have sex for a living?

I chose books — or they chose me — because they speak deeply to my interests, morals, and needs. Usually one dislikes or is disillusioned by the industry they work in, but I have not fallen from my obsession with books. If I worked in the industry of mechanical sex between strangers, who took what could be an act of love and romance and turned it into just another job, perhaps I would have denied myself so much more that women and life can offer.

I don’t regret the career choices that I have made, but I do wonder what it would have been like to be a part of an industry that seems so mysterious and otherworldly to me on one hand, and so obviously dehumanizing and unhealthy on the other.

Perhaps, like most scenes filmed by the adult industry, it is best to fantasize about than to participate in. I will remain a happy and proud book promoter, a faithful husband who is content only contemplating the what-if. 

The possibility of working in the world of xxx films still teases me in a way that fuels a fire that may never be extinguished, but I don’t regret the choices I have made.

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Author Olympics!

 

The Summer Olympics have arrived with their usual quadrennial fanfare, stirring feelings of optimism about our athletes and fueling national pride. This is America and we expect excellence and demand success. Too bad we don’t have the same competitive gathering for the world’s best writers, where we can display, discuss, and praise the most impactful, interesting, and inspiring writers.

Think about it. The political parties have their conventions. Hollywood has its Oscars. Football its Super Bowl. What do writers have, by way of a big news-worthy public gathering, where writers are competing, and the events is being covered by television or a major streaming service?

With our large population and ability to recruit the best coaches and athletic talent globally, we are poised to be very strong contenders to win the most medals at these Olympics. Everyone can relate to the notion of physical competition, but what about the less-visual intellectual battles that take place, amongst writers and within each writer?

Let’s face it, books and writers lack the sex appeal of women’s beach volleyball, the grit and muscle of men’s weight lifting, the courage and resilience of men’s boxing, or the drama of the women’s gymnastics team.

I admit, as much as I love books, there would be many challenges to raise excitement for an Olympic-level competition or show for authors and books, but we have a lot of good material to work with. Stories of overcoming adversity to write and publish amazing stories. Protests against censorship and book bans. Rallies for literacy. Discussions about the creative process. Behind-the-scenes looks at how book publishing green-lights a manuscript, edits, cover designs, background checks, legal clears, packages, prints, distributes, and promotes a book and brands an author.

So, when all eyes are on our bring-the-gold-home athletes, give a thought to all of the people who make books possible — and who make the world a better place. 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Interview With Author Harold Kruger

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

Several factors were involved in my inspiration. Firstly, I had read many good books, including great books such as Dune and Lord of the Rings that inspired me, and I always wanted to write a good book. Intense life experiences and what I had learned inspired me. Then it is a matter of just having imagination, dreaming up a fantasy world and characters that wanted to be written about. Inspiration can simply strike and it is mysterious. Maybe inspiration has a spiritual source. As a writer I felt compelled to write.

 
2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?

It is mainly about the life of a space pilot, Milton, who is haunted by depression and struggles with crippling addictions. Yet the book has many vivid characters with multiple, inter-weaving plot strands that come together in a final game-battle. In a vast universe of the distant future the Earth-type planets of both low and high technology are linked by a network of hyper-space portals, and Myron, the sorcerer Demon Lord sits on the sapphire throne. Quesha, the ruthless High Demon Lady is hell-bent on taking the throne. Rashalika, the High Demon Lord also seeks the throne for ethical reasons, yet he also aspires to reach the mystical garden of Sequa. Rashalika sees potential for Milton, and wants him to join his cult, and Milton is thrown into a fierce power struggle. He finds himself caught between the mechoid Karen, who has a mission to harvest his rare DNA, yet the relationship becomes something tender, and Carmelia the Demon Lady, who plays a hypnotic flute. Milton's personal struggles become part of the cosmic struggle. The book is not narrowly targeted and can be enjoyed by any adult reader.

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

Firstly to be entertained. Secondly to be inspired both to write creatively and consider the self-help, ethical and spiritual themes. I hope they will discover wisdom within the pages and have something to think about after finishing the book.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

Flowers of the Demon Lord has significant meanings. Rashalika worships purple flowers to contact his Guru Sequa, who can manifest as purple flowers. Rashalika offers flowers to others at key points in the book. In addition, the Flowers of the Demon Lord can refer to the students of Rashalika, such as Milton, who play a central part of the game-battle. I drew the artwork especially for the book, and Austin Macauley Publishers did the lettering for the cover.

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Firstly to persevere over the long term it can take to write a good book. Flowers of the Demon Lord took me ten years to write. Just keep working on your project at times when this is possible. It also helps to get professional assessments. I had both drafts three and four assessed through SA writers. This was really useful and educational. It may also help to study creative writing in university.

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

Although full-length books will be around for a long time, sadly I think the trend will be that they become less popular because modern technology is training people to have shorter attention spans. Paperbacks used to be the most popular format, but I think audiobooks are now becoming more popular. I know how to write a good book, but I don't know much about the industry.

 7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

They were crucial. I have overcome several substance addictions and battled with mania and depression. These experiences helped shape the story of Milton. One meaning of Demon Lord is to master a demon or addiction.

I might add that in my earlier chaotic years of mental illness I struggled to escape reality in a fantasy world. I felt possessed by alien Demon Lords of great power to balance my feelings of powerlessness. I developed a personal Mythology, and, while I was later able to face reality more and channel the creativity into a book, it was in those dark and confusing years that built up the background of my fantasy world.

In terms of career, my studies at university in philosophy and biology helped me write the book. Philosophy in a more general sense, while I used my knowledge of DNA biochemistry for one of the chapters involving Milton's rare DNA.

MY training in karate and the sword came in handy for the fight scenes, and understanding the way of the warrior in general. The Demon Lords are great warriors.

MY career as a singer-songwriter came in handy, as Rashalika and Dravid both perform songs in the book, and lyrics are included.
 
8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My style might be described as dense, concise and fast-paced with some rich description. I write in an original style, and I don't know who else it would be similar to.

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

With my mental condition and the mandatory medication, I often had a chronic lack of motivation to overcome. I was so often without inspiration, imagination and creative energy, with low moods, usually unable to write creatively and not interested in anything. I worked on the book slowly over time in short creative bursts. I found that often the only way I could write creatively was to firstly give up coffee for about a week, enduring the strong headaches, then to binge-drink coffee so I would stay up all night and be able to write creatively. I would then have to wait and repeat the pattern later in time.

There were also other challenges, since I was possessive about the story and characters of early drafts, yet the assessment taught me I had to make severe changes and sacrifices in order to create a better book.

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

Because Flowers of the Demon Lord has something for all readers of books; fast paced action and adventure, romance and intimate scenes, self-help ideas and wisdom. It is both highly entertaining and thought-provoking.
Writing is about communicating in text, and I certainly have something to say.

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

Interview With Author John Allyn

 

 

1.      What Inspired me to write this book?

 I am a lifelong fan of the original Star Trek. I had a monotonous job which gave me a lot of time to stretch my imagination. I have two Star Trek novels still unfinished. The idea was to create my own story in hopes of having success with it to get the other two on the market. My book took on a life of its own. The idea grew and I became immersed in the new characters and original storyline. I have started book two and three. There may even be a fourth. 

2.      What exactly is it about and who was it written for?

The book is about a young research technician ( Terrance Newton Tupnic) who accidentally activates alien technology from the Roswell crash. It alters him genetically in order for that device function after bonding physically with him. To call the device "smart" is far past an understatement. Tupnic learns that he can travel in time and into other dimensions by trial and error. As he gains power sources he expands his travels and control over the reality he chooses to live in. The government agency A.R.G.O hunts him and his associates in order to find out how to use the technology they can't seem to make function.  The book was written for my family. I never thought it would be the great American novel but hoped it would be a dime store paperback that might make retirement a tiny bit better.   

3.      What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I hope they get a smile and be entertained. I also hope that they get a moment away from daily life and enjoy the story.  

4.       How did you decide on your book's title and cover design?

 The title came to me on my way to work one night like several things related to design and storyline. It would be a seed that I would develop over a few days. The title started out as just Time Trials. I would print what I wrote each session and put it in a binder. One that I had been given at work and it was for unit H333 so I added it to the title. The cover started with my reading news releases about the latest space news and looking at the photos with the reports. I liked the spiral galaxy and the thought was that Tupnic was spiraling out of control into space. That was the basic idea. A few other story related pictures were added.  

5.      What advice or words of wisdom do you have for your fellow writers-other than run!?  

 Run would be first! Do not think this is easy in any way. Be sceptical of everyone and everything. There are more scams out there that there are people that will help in any way. Being published is just that your book is for sale and only for sale. Never think published means sales. 

6.      What trends in the book world do you see--and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

While I am not very well informed, I see the industry heading more to a social media type industry. There seems to be little way to get a book published by the large companies but there is among all the scams some legitimate possibilities for success. I have had a few that I think will generate sales once I start taking advantage of them.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

A lifetime love of science fiction to start with. A thirst for that story that  makes you go wow at the end and makes you want more. Being fortunate enough to have a good boring job that allowed me to think about more than just the job. Allowing my mind to wonder. Being blessed with a wonderful supportive family that allowed me to spend an enormous amount of time on this project with all its failures.  

8. How do you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? 

My two favorite authors are Edmond Hamilton and Clive Cussler. As a child I read most of the Captain Future series and that sold me on science fiction. I try to write in a similar style as Hamilton. I like the story to be simple and clean but still sort of twisted so as to be unpredictable. Cussler keeps the plot interesting with twists and unforeseen turns but I choose not to try to write like him but try to be unpredictable.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in writing this book?

I have been writing but not completing books since I was in elementary school. Finishing anything is the hardest part of any task whatever it is. Finding the time to simply write was a challenge. Developing the mindset to create an original idea was harder. And of course, all the things life throws at you when you are just trying to survive let alone do something extra. I think that is the most difficult.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

It is an easy, quick read with a unique take on the Roswell crash and is entertaining.  

About The Author: John Allyn was born in the mid-fifties on the North side of Houston Texas. He had a normal childhood and started college. His love of music took control of his life and for several years perused one of his great passions. During this time, he found the love of his life and they were soon married. With only local success in music, he entered the job market and found a career in transportation management. The idea for Time Trials: H333 and the series is one that sprang from another of his passions, science fiction. Writing was always part of his life from music, short stories, and unpublished novels.  The Time Trials novels is the result of seeking an original path to successful publishing.  John still lives in the Houston area with his family. For more info, please see: (20+) Facebook and Recent updates | Goodreads 

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Interview With Author R.B. Batson

 

1.) What inspired you to write this book? My battle every day with a "thought disorder" led me to write a story about disorderly thoughts in a most well-ordered way. I don't consider it to be a disorder at this point. It is more of a spiritual journey. 

2.) What exactly is it about and who was it written for? Travis Marx was just like any other teenager. He was experiencing angst caused by the fundamentalists in the community where he lived - - that was until one evening when a visiting alien promised him telepathy in exchange for what could be his doom or his deliverance. In conflict with the values of his family, he took an adult adventure across the nation and across religions. He pursued Islam, the New Age and Buddhism before the select Christians experiencing clairvoyance found themselves at cross purposes with him and determined that he could be none other than the Antichrist. Will he be delivered from them, and all the heartache they had caused him or will he become yet another of their victims?  

The novel itself is a blend of Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Supernatural and Social Commentary prose. If you do not like fundamentalism in all the world's religions, if you are tired of your religious leaders telling you who to vote for, and would like more choices for your political representatives or even if you find consciousness expanding media like Gaia network to be helpful, you will find the information I share in the novel to be useful. 

3.) What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? You will probably put your very life at risk being as liberal as you can be, and if you are inclined to be as liberal as you can be, you need to think about authenticity. Authenticity is not a license to show a lack of compassion or a lack of restraint. That is a lesson everyone in my protagonist's home community could benefit from. 

4.) How did you decide on your book's title and cover design? When I came up with the title, I was thinking, is this a teaching that I take seriously? If it falls outside of the views I associate with fundamentalism, I didn't want to appear flippant, but if it is common among fundamentalists, then I did not mind. As far as the front cover goes, the ravens as carrion eaters are traditionally associated with the occult and they make an appearance in the novel when flying into the protagonist twice during alien-induced hallucinations. The little blue monster is a child version of one of the characters I named the Big Blue Guy. They come from an alien race that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Big Blue Guy in Monsters, Inc. He, the adult, is the visiting alien that promises telepathy. On the back cover are gnomes of an alien race surrounding a hospital providing some foreshadowing of where I take the reader for the end of the novel.  

I wrote about aliens that my protagonist confuses sometimes with demons because he has been given a mental health diagnosis. I covered and filled my novel with aliens and their apparitions that appear harmless instead of as fearsome demons, because I wanted my protagonist to lapse out of Christian thinking throughout the novel. Something that appears harmless will be more effective at that as opposed to something that appears to be a fierce demon 

5.) What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers - other than run!? Sign a contract, at least with your first novel, that includes a promotional campaign and pay extra for a combined book exhibit display. Someone will notice if you are doing all that to call attention to your work. It may be worth it to self-publish if you are allowed to retain all rights.  

6.) What trends in the book world do you see - - and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  More and more people are publishing books and they are not by and large self-publishers. The book publishing industry will sell paperback or hardback copies of a book and the return on it for the author is lower than with an e-book, but I believe people still like buying a physical copy just from speaking with them.  

7.) Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I was a delegate to the Green Party Convention in 2020 and worked to pass the 2020 Platform, which I borrowed from for useful ideas in my novel. I also subscribed to Gaia network for a while and borrowed Kundalini Yoga and was inspired by Juliette of the Herbs, the Beautiful Truth, and Gentle Birth Choices in my writing. I traveled to New England and then to Seattle on a Greyhound, and from there on an Amtrak to Oakland. I used my impression of the New England states as well as Portland, which I traveled not only through but to with my family after staying in Oakland a while.  

8.) How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I would describe my style as telepathic travel and religious narrative for this first book and synthetic biology - infused reality for the second novel I am currently working on. I identify with Fred from my second novel more closely than I do Travis from my first. As for my writing style, I have to admit that it is actually inspired by a TV show - - The X-Files. The gnome aliens and the shapeshifter protagonist in my second novel both were conceived by X-Files writers before me.  

9.) What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Naysayers telling me it was not worth it to get a novel published that could be controversial and that I should get a regular job instead.  

10.) If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? I included a lot of educational material, from political propaganda to religious teachings to even including info from The Great Courses Plus programming I was into to try to give the reader a lot of hidden knowledge they may not stumble across without reading it, even with it being set in a parallel world. 

About The Author: R. B. Batson currently resides in the Deep South with his beloved family. He has a master of ministry in ministerial counseling and history of biblical interpretation and theology, which he received with honors; a master of professional studies in community development; and a bachelor of arts in geography. He is an Eagle Scout and in his spare time, he likes to backpack, sing, and draw. He is currently writing another novel and owns a handmade, sustainably produced, and organic soap-making business.

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Interview With Author Andrew C. Kirkpatrick

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? I had seen articles and videos concerning how one could make money through passive income.  One of the options was writing my own book.  I had never thought of myself as a serious author, and I wasn't sure what kind of book I could write that people would want to buy or read.  I did some searches on what books had been published concerning K12 support staff, and I saw nothing.  It was then that I decided to write a children's picture book about school support staff, so as to better educate families as to what support staff does within the school setting.  

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for? The book highlights some of the roles/titles which support staff play/have within the K12 public school setting.  The book is targeted toward parents, especially those with special needs children.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope that readers will gain a better understanding for support staff and what they do for our children.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? The title was suggested by an editor at Palmetto Publishing.  The cover was the idea/work of Mr. Blake Marsee.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Keep trying.  Do your research, and don't give up.  Find out what works for you, and just stick with it.  If something doesn't work out, then try something new.  Don't give up.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? I am new at this, so I am unfamiliar with any trends.  Hopefully in the future, independent authors and independent books will be more respected and mainstream.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I tried to think of all the support staff that I am lucky enough to work with at school.  I did not wish to leave anyone out.  

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I am used to writing academic research papers (from my college days).  I don't think that I am similar to any other author, as I can tell.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? The people at Palmetto Publishing were great to work with.  They made the whole process easy.  The hard part for me was being patient when it came to waiting for illustrations and edits.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? In the summer, people do not wish to be reminded of back to school.  As we get closer to September however, it is important for parents and students to familiarize themselves with those who work in the school setting.  

About The Author: When we think about a school's staff, we typically think of teachers and administrators. But did you know there is a whole group of people who play a vital role in keeping your school running smoothly? Without a dedicated support staff, our schools would struggle to provide a safe and effective learning environment for children. Discover all the ways a support staff contributes to your school and find out how you can help members of the support staff in return. The Support Staff at Your School is a simple and effective tutorial for educating elementary aged children on the benefits of support staff within the American education system. Please see: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrew-Kirkpatrick/author/B09NRWVKGN?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_9&sr=1-9&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over 3.9 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.