How Can Authors Hijack The News?

 

One of the best ways to get attention for your book or self is to talk about something already getting attention. In other words, find out what the media is covering and give them a sound bite that they are looking for. 

Here are some rich areas to dwell in. Strike when the time is right:

News Of All

Know what is going on all over the place and be ready to tie your book or message into something that already is in the news. 

Dwell On A Singular Topic

Just Google the crap out of a singular topic and be prepared to chase opportunities that arise. Be opportunistic.  

Comments

Look for journalists, bloggers, and podcasts who cover your subject matter — and comment on their posts.  

Surveys/Polls/Studies

If the results of a poll for a subject you know well, be prepared to comment on it. 

Analysis and Opinion

Help shape and determine the news by analyzing it. 

Letter to the Editor

Comment on a story in the news by emailing that publication’s letter to the editor section. Sign it as coming from the author of your book. 

Social Media Detective

Find journalists who cover your topic, locate them on social media, and seek to connect with them send a message directly to each one. Instead of email or voicemail, try Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. 

Partisanship Advocacy

Pick a side and advocate for it. Be a champion for something. 

Predictive News

Provide your insight of what could be. Make bold predictions. 

Honorary Day, Anniversary, Holiday

Follow the calendar and shape your message for a story that ties into a special day such as Mother’s Day, the 25th or 50th anniversary of something, or National Doughnut Day or Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Trends

Sound like an insider and show how things have been going and likely will. 

Whatever you see out there, steal it. Hijack the news and make it your own. Take ownership of what people are already naturally talking about and somehow, bring it all back to you and your book. 

 

Contact For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, 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 30 years of experience in helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This 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 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. 

Interview With Author Of A Unique Tattoo Book, Donna L. Torrisi

 

Donna L. Torrisi spent 29 years working with low-income patients in the Family Practice & Counseling CLINIC, a multisite practice in Philadelphia. After realizing that many of her patients’ tattoos related directly to the trauma she was there to help heal, she decided to partner with professor and clinical social worker John Giugliano and photographer Ken Kauffman (all Philly-based) to spotlight the stories of a group of local women and their tattoos. The resulting book, The Tattoo Monologues: Indelible Marks On the Body and Soul (October 19, 2021; She Writes Press), features the personal stories and photographs of 29 Philadelphia-based women for whom body art played a role in their healing after trauma or loss.

Torrisi says: “Each woman commissioned her tattoo for a different reason: to help cope with cognitive difficulties in the wake of a brain aneurysm, to keep her late mother close to her heart, to bring a sense of control after enduring sexual abuse. Yet for all the variation, each woman’s decision to get a tattoo served a similar function: it grounded them, empowered them, and brought a feeling of catharsis. It gave them control over their narrative and their pain.”

Below is an interview with the author:

1. What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into a book?
I began with the simple idea of a book about women and their tattoos without any thought of trauma or pain or redemption. After the first several interviews, those themes emerged and I shifted the focus. The first person I interviewed, Manya, was my colleague and assistant at work. Her daughter was killed tragically in a car accident. Manya’s first and only tattoo was in remembrance of her….it was etched on her back because her daughter “always had her back”. I was moved to write the book because I was touched by the experiences of my patients who have overcome very difficult and painful life experiences. They were eager to tell their stories, and I thought their stories should be told. Before working on the book, I didn’t realize the deep connection between tattoos, suffering, and then emergence from that pain.

2. What is it about and who is it for?
It is a collection of stories of 29 women as well as the story of a tattoo artist and analysis from some professional trauma experts. In this Photo-Story book, women tell their personal stories of pain and triumph.

3. What do you hope the reader will be left with after reading it?
A greater understanding of the depth tattoos reveal, a better understanding about why women scarred by emotional pain chose to mark their bodies. The body art had helped them transform their suffering into something fixed, controllable, beautiful, and unique. The resulting book is at once a testament to the universal power of perseverance and redemption, and a personal tribute to these particular women’s experiences and the tattoos they hold dear. I also hope readers are left with more of an awareness of trauma and its effect on human beings

4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers?
I would say, the writing of the book for me was the easy, fun and gratifying part, getting it published and marketing it is the greater task--unless, of course, you are John Grisham or someone in the category. It can also be a huge expense if you do it well.

5. How did your understanding of how people use body art to process their pain and impactful life events change after conducting the interviews for this book?
I began with the simple idea of a book about women and their tattoos without any thought of trauma or pain or redemption. After the first several interviews, the themes emerged and I shifted the focus of the book. The first person I interviewed, Manya, was my colleague and assistant at work. Her daughter was killed tragically in a car accident. Manya’s first and only tattoo was in remembrance of her.it was etched on her back because her daughter “always had her back”. Before working on the book, I didn’t realize the deep connection between tattoos, suffering, and then emergence from that pain.

6. Tattoos have become ubiquitous these days. They no longer hold the transgressive element they used to. Has this diminished their healing power at all?
Good question, I actually think quite the contrary. In fact, as tattoo parlors and tattoos have exploded, the artistry and creativity of both the artists and the tattooed have come to take on a greater depth in both their appearance and their ability to tell a story. There is so much story-telling capability in the tattoos we see today: Celtic and Greek symbols, realistic renderings of lost loved ones, chests without breasts adorned with an environmental design, and lines from songs and poetry that depict a heartfelt story.

7. Is there something unique about tattoos that aid the healing process for these trauma survivors? Psychologically and clinically speaking, how can tattoos help?
First let’s remember that a tattoo is a major commitment—there is no going back. It is indelibly emblazoned on one’s body. Some women, like the woman who lost custody of her children due to substance abuse and inked her body with each of their names said; “now they are always with me”. So, there’s a sense that the beloved individual who is physically lost to them can somehow be physically present. The courageous woman revealing her body art says, “look at who I am and what happened to me. I am still here and surviving.”

8. How do tattoos relate to the memory loss issues commonly developed from trauma?
Trauma often results in repressed memories. Psychologically speaking, the repression can protect the person from something they can’t manage at that time, something that’s too overwhelming. When an individual reaches a different place in their lives, when they are more able to manage past trauma, sometimes repressed memories surface. Consider the woman in the book who moved into a basement apartment as a young adult, which triggered memories of having been molested as a girl in a neighbor’s basement. It was only after the memory evolved to the conscious, knowing mind that she could conceive of a tattoo image that signified her take on the experience.

9. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
This is not my expertise and I do not feel equipped to answer this

10. What challenges did you overcome to write this book?
Finding a publisher was the biggest challenge and then making a decision about which self-publisher to choose. In the end, I chose the most costly one but the one I trusted the most to do a professional job.

11. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
I think it should be mine if they have a fascination with tattoos or an interest in learning how inking of the body relates to trauma management, survival and redemption. Let’s remember that a tattoo is a major commitment—there is no going back. It is indelibly emblazoned on one’s body. Some women, like the woman who lost custody of her children due to substance abuse and inked her body with each of their names said; “now they are always with me”. So, there’s a sense that the beloved individual who is physically lost to them can somehow be physically present. The courageous woman revealing her body art says, “look at who I am and what happened to me. I am still here and surviving.”

 

Contact For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, 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 30 years of experience in helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This 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 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. 

Please Join Authors Who Support The National Kidney Foundation

 

As the holidays approach, I urge you to give, and give generously to worthy causes. One such cause for so many people is the National Kidney Foundation. My dad had two bouts with kidney cancer that left him on dialysis. For tens of millions of others and their families, they know what it is like to struggle with chronic kidney disease. Let’s band together to help them and their families. 

Lit Hub shared the following below with me, and so I am forwarding it to you. Make a difference!! 

“On November 13, 2021, the National Kidney Foundation’s 33rd annual authors luncheon will feature four beloved, best-selling writers. Walter Mosley, Mary Roach, Elizabeth Strout, and Amor Towles will share the stories behind their stories in exclusive, intimate conversations with Michael Krasny, from NPR’s Forum, and celebrated author Gail Tsukiyama. 

“Register now to join virtually at 12PM (PST) from the comfort of your favorite reading nook. Individual tickets range from $75 - $1,000, with guests receiving a single book selection or gift packages including a full book set from the featured authors. 

“Every year, America’s most celebrated authors come together to raise awareness about this important cause. Proceeds from the event help the NKF in its vital mission: to bring attention to the 37 million Americans living each day with chronic kidney disease, and to help in its prevention and treatment. For 32 years the event has been a source of inspiration and hope for those who are impacted by this disease. 

“Please visit Kidney.org/Authors to learn more and purchase individual or group tickets, order books, or become a sponsor of the event.”

  Contact For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, 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 30 years of experience in helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This 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 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. 

Will You Take A Writer's Oath?

 

A Writer’s Commandments

Should every writer take a sworn public oath and make a certified commitment to act out of a certain standard that serves readers, helps society, and shows respect for others? 

We are each, when called to testify before a court of law, asked to take an oath.  

When we are getting married by a religious leader, we commit before God to care for one another.  

If we sign up to serve in the military or certain civil service jobs, such as police or fire, we take an ethical oath to act a certain way.  

Is it time we ask those involved in the business of words — publishers, literary agents, promoters, book editors, advertisers, cover designers, and authors — to take an oath?  

Making a public declaration can be powerful. We do it with a New Year’s resolution. We do it before an addiction recovery group. We do it daily with promises and proclamations on our social media. So why not craft a document each of us can sign onto: A Writer’s Commandments. 

What might be in such an oath? 

How about this:  

I am dedicating my mind, body, and soul to be the best writer that I can possibly be. I am committed to learning, receiving criticism, and utilizing the help of others in order to improve my craft, the very art of using words to inspire, enlighten, inform, and entertain others. 

I vow to ensure my writings:

·         Are steeped in fact and truth.

·         Use a diverse array of credible sources.

·         Exhibit proper word usage.

·         Employ correct punctuation and proper spelling.

·         Make a commitment to being edited. 

I promise to:

·         Staunchly defend free speech.

·         Responsibly use my First Amendment right.

·         Speak out against, but not call for the cancellation of, books that I disagree with or feel offended by.

·         Write an original book.

·         Advocate for any silenced author, even if I disagree with their books or dislike the author.

·         Never plagiarize, misquote, or steal the creations of others.

·         Not defame or libel anyone.

·         Avoid using the power of the pen just to seek revenge against the innocent, do unfair harm, or disproportionately criticize another. 

·         Not misreport a source, invent data, deny facts, intentionally mislead others, or fake results.

·         Avoid suppressing or concealing a view or objection of any view that I believe I cannot rebut.

·         Not caricaturize, distort, or faithlessly undermine an opposing view.

Further, I will:

·         Commit to marketing my books and not leave that to chance.

·         Mentor others or share advice about writing.

·         Seek to write books of value to society and not just look to capitalize on purely commercial opportunities.

·         Push myself to write beyond my comfort level or the formulaic approaches of others.

·         Recognize my role as the guardian of the arts and use my creative talents to serve the greater good of the world.

·         Not allow for petty jealousy to lead me to act inappropriately towards another writer or member of the book publishing community.

·         Give back to the book world and society at large by donating books, funds, or services to those in need.

·         Take pride in my work but not act solely to serve my ego.

·         Sacrifice my time, money, and life experiences for the greater good of pouring my mindshare, energy, and body into writing my best work yet.

·         Respectfully and ethically use the power of the pen to seek justice — and peace, love, and democracy -- in the world. 

As a writer, I believe we have a moral obligation to take the oath proposed here. If you disagree with it, tell me why.  If you agree, go and live this oath. Post it — with credit back with attribution to me, of course. Share it and encourage others to live by A Writer’s Commandments. Then go out and write, write, write.

 Contact For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, 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 30 years of experience in helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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Great Book Marketing Podcast Interview With Savvy Book PR Pro Brian Feinblum

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/04/great-book-marketing-podcast-interview.html

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This 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 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.