Interview With Christian Fantasy Author Dennis De Rose

 

 

1.      What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book? I write best from a prompt. It is said a picture is worth one thousand words but in my case, it morphed into 68,000 words. I happened to see a picture on LinkedIn entitled Inversion House, an architectural project built in Austin, Texas in 2005. It was so intriguing I could not help myself. Two months later I had written the main manuscript.  

2.      What is it about and who is it for? Bristlecone Magic is a YA Christian fantasy intended for anyone from 12 to 109. It takes place in a small Upstate New York hamlet, Rouses Point January 2020. John and Jim Honeycutt, twins living with their mom and dad on a small farm just outside of town, decide to take a midnight ride without permission. After all, what could happen? It’s a story of love, friendship, community, family values, and magic too. 

3.      What takeaways might the reader be left with after reading it? I can only hope readers will feel a bit more light-hearted having laughed a little and taken a surreal journey via the written word. Perhaps they’ll take the time to see the real magic in simple things like saying hello to a stranger or taking time out to talk to someone they’ve never met. Who knows, they might even decide to join T.L.F.G. 

4.      How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? Looking at the picture of Inversion House, I immediately thought it looked magical, reminding me of a TV show I watched many years ago, Time Tunnel. I thought it was magic, two guys disappearing in the blink of an eye. Giant trees, even as an adult, seem magical so I researched the oldest tree in the world, the Bristlecone Pine. And there you have it…Bristlecone Magic. The cover was created by an artist, Michelle Renee Goodhew of Mundus Media. She read the book from cover to cover and we came up with the design together. I think she did a fantastic job.  

5.      What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? We all have a story to tell so don’t be afraid to start writing, one word at a time. Never stop writing even if you’ve hit a snag. Keep a journal. And when you think you’re finished writing, trust me, you’re not, but it’s still worth it. Before you publish, do your research and do NOT rush the process.  

6.      What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? Sadly, but undoubtedly, paper publishing is on the decline. Audio and E books are quickly gaining ground.   

7.      What challenges did you overcome to write this book? Thankfully, none, because I knew I could do it. I had to reread my book seven times before I was satisfied I’d done the best job I could. I think it was harder to publish it.   

8.      How would you describe your writing style? I don’t like long. flowing descriptions, I would rather just give the reader enough to see a picture in his or her mind and hopefully that picture will be different for everyone. I prefer to write dialogue-driven stories where the dialogue is detailed enough so the reader can get a sense of the characters, how they look; why they behave the way they do.   

9.      If people could buy or read one book this week or this month, why should it be yours? Bristlecone Magic is a down to earth, wholesome (no swearing) story about a community, a group of people who care about their neighbors, something rather foreign in today’s world. There’s just enough humor to make one laugh and don’t we all feel better when we let it all out? People are worried about the environment, the high cost of living, the political climate and especially COVID and other diseases. Everyone needs a break. My Rouses Point, some might say, is in a time warp and that’s OK. Take a walk with me; it’s not far. The Honeycutts’ would love to welcome you into their home. Jimmy might even show you his new telescope.  

About the Author: Dennis De Rose, a retired corrections counselor, has been editing mostly fiction for over 12 years. He is meticulous and dedicated, according to his clients. He wrote his first story at the young age of 12 and received an honorable mention for his efforts. To date, he has written 6 short stories, 3 poems and his first novel, Bristlecone Magic, a YA Christian fantasy. He has been married for 47 years and has 3 children. Carla keeps him on the straight and narrow. For more information, consult: https://www.amazon.com/author/bristleconemagic

Please Contact Me 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 successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

Happy Holidays! A gift for you!

Free 2022 Bestselling Book Marketing & PR E-Book For Writers

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/free-bestseller-book-marketing-pr-e.html

 

The Most Popular Author Interviews of the Year! Learn What 32 Writers Say About Book Publishing – and Their Books.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-most-popular-author-interviews-of.html

 

How To Advertise Your Book Successfully

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/how-to-advertise-your-book-successfully.html

 

What Are You Thankful For?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/what-are-you-thankful-for.html

 

Just What Does It Take To Sell books?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/just-what-does-it-take-to-sell-books.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. 

 

 

 

 

Just What Does It Take To Sell Books?

 

 

Exactly, what does it take to sell books?

Have a very good book, sure.

Have even better marketing!

To achieve at promoting yourself and marketing your book successfully, you will need to properly appeal to the needs, desires, psychology, and habits of consumers.

You should not believe that people are buying your book because it is great. They have no idea if it is. They are buying on style with the belief and hope that your work has substance.

People buy based off of impressions. They look at the cover, the title, the packaging, and feel of the book. The back cover copy, an author’s credentials, and reading excerpts of random passages can also factor in. Price or format may be a factor as well. They can be swayed by testimonials, reviews, or news media coverage. Positive referrals or strong recommendations from a trusted person or source can also impact a buying decision. Influencers and social media posts also inspire book buys.

But the actual quality of the book may not factor into a buying decision. Understand that thought. Accept it. Embrace it.

Now go market your book as if it is great but realizing no one really knows if it is.

Please Contact Me 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 successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

Happy Holidays! A gift for you!

Free 2022 Bestselling Book Marketing & PR E-Book For Writers

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/free-bestseller-book-marketing-pr-e.html

 

The Most Popular Author Interviews of the Year! Learn What 32 Writers Say About Book Publishing – and Their Books.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-most-popular-author-interviews-of.html

 

How To Advertise Your Book Successfully

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/how-to-advertise-your-book-successfully.html

 

What Are You Thankful For?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/what-are-you-thankful-for.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. 

 

 

 

 

Interview With Author Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman

 

  

1. What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book? Three years ago, one of the program participants who had received a promotion stopped me in the hallway at a Fortune 50 company where we deliver the program.  He got tears in his eyes and he said, “Not only did your program help me get the promotion I so wanted, but it changed my life. I was in a really dark place before the program, and my marriage and relationships with my kids were greatly suffering.  Your program woke me up to who I truly am as an authentic human being, and my marriage and family relationships have transformed as a result.”  With tears rolling down his cheeks, he said, “Please take this program to the masses because you can not only help their careers but you can help their mental health.”  

After that conversation, I knew I had to write the book - The Authenticity Code™: The Art and Science of Success and why you can’t fake it to make it.      

After teaching The Authenticity Code™ program for over ten years and pieces of it for 20 years, I consistently saw major transformation in participants who attended our three and five-day programs. We have a 50 to 80 percent promotion rate within the first year of participants attending the program.  Many of these participants were previously stuck at a level prior to attending the program, and after the program they credited practicing what they learned in the program for finally receiving the promotion they most desired.   

Participants also significantly improve their authentic presence and presentation skills, which improves their influence, communication and leadership skills. In addition, we have done this program for sales and marketing teams and sales capture teams helping our clients win billions of dollars in sales. I wanted to bring all of these benefits to the masses by publishing a book with the majority of the exercises that are in our program.  I wanted more people to receive the benefits that program participants receive.   

2. What is it about and who is it for?  It is a parable about two professionals who are competing for the same promotion to Associate Director of Sales. In the course of going for this promotion, a Vice President Mentor, takes them under his wing, and teaches them The Authenticity Code™, which is Your Presence + Your Audience + Your Presentation = Your Success. These two professionals (Josh and Rachel) apply the exercises and the code to their own lives, and I can’t share the ending, but it is a story of who gets the job in the end and why and what happens to the other candidate as well. In the back of most chapters there are exercises that the reader applies to their own careers and lives.  

It is for any professional, leader and college student who wants to find a job that is an authentic fit for their unique gifts and talents. It is especially for professionals and leaders who are in their early to mid-careers, and college students who are going for their first jobs.   

3. What takeaways might the reader be left with after reading it? The reader will know their authentic brand statement, after answering 10 questions.  Their authentic brand is who they are and who they are becoming. It is about doing what you came here to do and being who you came here to be.   

The reader will know more about the authentic presence qualities that they shine in and ones that they need to grow in, along with how they will develop those qualities.  They will know their personality preference according to our style recognition assessment and also how to watch for clues in their key audience members in terms of what personality preferences they are.  There are even keys to adapting to your audience's style in the book while still keeping your authenticity.  It is an authentic choice to be in front of an audience, so we want to serve that audience.   

In addition, the reader will learn a formula for presentation success, that I guarantee will take your presentations and key communications (even job interviews) to way better than your past best.  Readers will clarify what they most want out of life, what success means to them, and cracking the authenticity code will help them go about getting it.   

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? I had a great artist as part of my publisher - Greenleaf Book Group.  I told her I wanted to express a CODE in the cover, and I wanted it to be soothing to the eye.  I absolutely love my cover design and blue color.   

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? Stick with it and don’t give up.  This book took me three years from start to my book launch date. It was a long process, and totally worth it when I saw my book hit the WSJ and USA Today bestselling lists.  It was #2 on the WSJ bestselling list in nonfiction eBooks.  Also, make sure you consider how to promote your book.  The writing is the easy part.  I had a great mentor, Sharon Lechter, who is a well-known author and just recently published Exit Rich, as well as co-authored Rich Dad Poor Dad. She helped me know what to do and when with the promotion of the book.  As a result, I was able to have my first book hit national bestselling lists.  Get the support you need to promote your book as well.  I had a publicist, social media support, and marketing support.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? I see more hybrid publishers like Greenleaf Book Group where you get the best of both worlds - traditional and self-publishing. They allow you to keep your own intellectual property, which was incredibly important to me, yet they provided marketing support that traditional publishers do. I also see way more emphasis on eBooks and audio books.   

7. What challenges did you overcome to write this book? Time - I run a busy business, Inside Out Learning (www.insideoutlearning.com) so finding time to write, edit, and promote the book was a challenge as it meant other priorities were put on hold.   

Parable Decision - I originally started to write the book as of a how to book, but I was not inspired when I read it. There was a critical decision point, when I decided to write a parable because I thought the early to mid-career audience would enjoy a parable and find it more engaging.  Yet the book is the best of both worlds, as the proven program tools and exercises are in the back of the chapters.   

Global Pandemic - At a time when we needed to pivot our business from 90% face to face to 100% virtual, there was a lot going on, but I knew this was the time when the world needed this book the most.  Balancing my business, family and book needs was a challenge. However, whenever we go through personal hardships, it makes us look more deeply into who we truly are.  This book helps people connect with what they came here to do and who they came here to be.   

Being a first-time book author - I had no idea what was required to be successful.  I had to use my extensive network and mentors to educate myself on what to do to be successful.  I am still learning and have learned so much about how this industry works.   

8. How would you describe your writing style? Fast and furious. I love to carve out time to write, and then just write what comes to me. I organize after I write.  Organizing before I write blocks my creativity.  

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? With the great resignation happening, people are making a statement that they want to live more authentic lives. We are all going through a global pandemic together and this hardship makes us each do real soul searching of the types of lives we want to live.  

Before you leave your current employer, read this book, and do the proven tools in the back of the chapters. If you don’t then you might go to something similar or worse than what you have now. Maybe you can have what you want at your current employer.    

My book will help you to define what success is for you, and to crack the authenticity code to achieve your definition of success. It will help you know what life is calling you to do next.  It will assist you in being who you came here to be and doing what you came here to do. And imagine the positive transformative impact to our global world if we were all doing just that! 

About The Author: Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Inside Out Learning, Inc. (IOL), an award‐winning global leadership, team and organization development consulting business. In addition to running IOL, With a doctorate in Leadership Development from Columbia University, and a Masters from Cornell University, Dr. Sharon is a global executive and presentation skills coach, leadership and organization development consultant, speaker, writer, educator, wife and mom. She has designed and delivered over 3,000 innovative programs, including many women’s development and executive presence and presentation skills programs. Dr. Sharon has worked with tens of thousands of CEOs, executives, educators, professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide. She has been an Adjunct Faculty Member at Columbia University and the Center for Creative Leadership, and has been featured in publications such as Authority Magazine, The New York Times, and several radio, television and podcast programs.   For more information, please see: https://insideoutlearning.com/

 Please Contact Me 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 successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

Happy Holidays! A gift for you!

Free 2022 Bestselling Book Marketing & PR E-Book For Writers

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/free-bestseller-book-marketing-pr-e.html

 

The Most Popular Author Interviews of the Year! Learn What 32 Writers Say About Book Publishing – and Their Books.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-most-popular-author-interviews-of.html

 

How To Advertise Your Book Successfully

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/how-to-advertise-your-book-successfully.html

 

What Are You Thankful For?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/what-are-you-thankful-for.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: 

How To Advertise Your Book Successfully

 

Authors, to establish their brand and sell books, should explore buying ads at a variety of online sites. Print, however, is a losing space for most authors. Avoid expensive magazine and newspaper ads at all costs.   

Digital ads can be: 

·         Targeted to your reader.

·         Less expensive than print.

·         Measurable and results-oriented.

·         Great for someone on a limited budget.

·         A good place to experiment.  

Print ads, unfortunately, are not cost-effective to most authors. Best-selling authors that want to merely announce their latest book, without having to explain who they are or even what their book is about, may benefit from an awareness ad in a big publication’s book review section. The author’s loyal fans, already familiar with his or her work, are merely being notified or reminded of the new release. But authors seeking to establish who they are or to sell their first book are not going to sell enough books to pay for even a small ad.   

If you want to reach people, other than consumers, a print ad might make sense. For instance, if you seek to showcase yourself to publishers or literary agents, try an ad in Publishers Weekly. Seeking to hit libraries, try Library Journal. Want to hit bookstores and other publishing professionals, try Kirkus Reviews. Hoping to see your book turned into a movie? Maybe The Hollywood Reporter. However, the internet is a much better playground.   

Consider advertising via: 

·         Amazon

·         Bookbub

·         Booktrib

·         Twitter

·         Facebook

·         Google 

·         ReadingDeals  

If your book serves a specific type of readership, try ads on sites where those group members gather.  For instance, if your book was about house buying, try sites that sell real estate. If your book is about health and fitness, try sites that cover gyms, doctors, or health.   

The only ad worth doing is pay-per-click. You don’t care how many people might have seen your ad or how many did but took no action step as a result. Go with the clicks. 

Of course, fraudulent marketing practices could easily yield fake clicks -- from competitors seeking to run your ad costs up to an ad provider who wants you to think people are clicking. But if you trust the process, pay-per-click is the tool of choice.  

The big factors include: 

·         Where will your link take them?

·         What will you say to get people to click? To buy?

·         What SEO words will be used to draw qualified readers and book buyers to your ad?

·         What will you pay per click -- and how many clicks will lead into a sale?

·         What will you make per click?

·         Do you want to advertise a free item to increase your branding?

·         Will you measure your results and adjust budgets? 

Advertising may work well on one site, not another. A campaign may be a hit one day, then a dud the next day. It’s okay. Experiment. Diversify your ad spends on different platforms, rotating the ad copy, and SEO words or key terms. Find what works for you. 

However successful your ad campaign is -- if it’s successful -- it doesn’t mean you should ignore other facets of your book marketing plan. Still pursue speaking engagements, do lots of social media, and pursue getting interviews, stories and byline articles with the news media. Keep networking, applying for awards, and doing what you can to sell, sell, sell.   

Ads are a piece of the book marketing puzzle but not a complete solution by themselves. 

Please Contact Me 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 successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

 Happy Holidays! A gift for you!

  Free 2022 Bestselling Book Marketing & PR E-Book For Writers

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/free-bestseller-book-marketing-pr-e.html

 

The Most Popular Author Interviews of the Year! Learn What 32 Writers Say About Book Publishing – and Their Books.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-most-popular-author-interviews-of.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.