Interview with Science Fiction Author Daniel Logan

 

1. What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book?  The Martian Enigma is my sixth novel, the first three being about time-travel, and the last three being about space travel to the tiny moons of Mars and ultimately, Mars itself. I wanted to write a realistic novel about the conflict between using human crews with the associated risk and high cost and robotic crews flying autonomous vehicles guided by artificial intelligence.

2. What is it about and who is it for? It is about the first crew—comprised of both humans and robots—seeking clues to an ancient civilization there. They land on Mars and encounter an enigma that threatens their safe return. It is written for those who have an interest in NASA, Mars, Androids, and Artificial Intelligence.

3. What takeaways might the reader will be left with after reading it? An understanding of how a difficult a trip to Mars is and the risks involved. A curiosity about what Mars was once like eons ago and whether a civilization might have once lived there.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?  The Martian Enigma title is a condensed summary of what the book is about, the mystery of the history of Mars and what might have been. As to the cover design, I tried many concepts, but the reddish-orange globe of Mars is not very appealing. I always try to tie the cover into a major scene in the book, in this case, the view seen by the crew upon the descent for landing, which is dramatic.

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? Never give up! 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? The trend is toward self-publishing, and the market is flooded with books of dubious quality. The difficulty is to write a top-quality book that stands out from the masses so it can be attractively marketed.  

7. What challenges did you overcome to write this book? An author faces a spectrum of skills from that of a writer to that of a business operator, requiring marketing, accounting, and other skills. Most authors can be proficient in one but not both.

When writing, the promotional portion of the spectrum is shirked. When promoting, the writing portion fades. Covid-19 wreaked havoc with public appearances and signings.

8. How would you describe your writing style? I tend to put the science back in science fiction, writing realistic stories with no “little green men” making an appearance. My writing is direct with believable and loveable characters, but not so scientific that readers are overwhelmed by the science. 

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? NASA and the United States are developing serious strategies about returning to the moon and then on to Mars. This book explores possibilities within that current area.

 

About The Author: Daniel Logan has always been fascinated by aerospace, beginning with his boyhood dreams of flying and space travel. He incorporates that fascination and other life experiences into his writing. A Hoosier, Logan graduated from Purdue University, known as the “Cradle of Astronauts,” for its many astronaut alumni, including Neil Armstrong. Logan now lives in Houston, America’s “Space City.” For more information, please see: www.DanielLoganAuthor.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!

Do’s, Don’ts, & Maybes For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/dos-donts-maybes-for-authors.html

 

How Do Authors Handle Failure?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/how-do-authors-handle-failure.html

 

What’s The Future Of Book Publishing?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-future-of-book-publishing.html

 

What Should You Do To Promote Your Book?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/what-should-you-do-to-promote-your-book.html

 

Are You A Book Marketer or a Writer?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/are-you-book-marketer-or-writer.html

 

Overcoming 37 Barriers Market Your Book Successfully\

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/overcoming-37-barriers-to-promote-your.html

 

25 Messages That Sell Lots of Books

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/25-messages-that-sell-lots-of-books.html

 

20 Reasons Why Someone Buys Your Book

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/20-reasons-why-someone-buys-book.html

 

A Lifetime Book Marketing Timeline For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-lifetime-marketing-timeline-for.html

 

Ask Me Anything About Book Marketing

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/ask-me-anything-about-book-marketing.html

 

22 Things Authors Should Do In 2022

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/22-things-authors-should-do-in-2022.html

 

Authors: Obey The 10 Golden Rules

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/authors-obey-10-golden-rules.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 ©2022. 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. 

 

 

17 Ways For Authors To Think Successfully

  

Sometimes, a self-help approach to book marketing is needed. That means setting goals, making changes, and feeling inspired to improve, grow, and become better at the act of book promotions.  

The strategies of good book marketing of course are important to know and practice, but before you can do anything you must transform your mindset.  

Here are 17 suggestions for anyone seeking to improve their book marketing:

 

1. Ignore the naysayers, critics, or people who suggest that your book will go nowhere. Believe in yourself and your book.   

2. Decide that no one or nothing can stop you. Make a real strong effort and ignore the speed bumps.  

3. Set SMART goals for your book marketing – your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.   

4. Know that only you are in charge of your activities and attitude. No one needs to give you permission to succeed.  

5. Choose between being reactionary to events or initiating things. One waits for things to happen; the other creates his or her own opportunities.   

6. Explore new ideas and opportunities every day  

7. Learn from failure or when things don’t work out as planned.  

8. Don’t hold off from trying something new or challenging. Nothing will ever be 100% guaranteed to succeed. You need to take the plunge without everything lined up perfectly. Don’t wait until you think you are ready.  

9. Believe that you can do it, that you can succeed. Positivity will fuel productively -- and that will create success.  

10. Ditch a bad habit today. And a good one. Do the same tomorrow and the day after that. Get out of a routine of mediocrity. 

11. Determine your long-term goals, divide them into short-term steps, and hack away every day at them.  

12. You don’t compete against other authors. You collaborate with them. You compete only against yourself.  

13. Don’t be so quick to give up. 

14. Being productive is the goal -- not just too be busy.  

15. Failure is necessary to succeed. You need to take risks and push yourself further. No playing it safe.  

16. Stay focused, persistent, and determined on what you are doing. 

17. Know why you are doing what you are doing. We fight harder when we are driven by a goal.

 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!

Do’s, Don’ts, & Maybes For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/dos-donts-maybes-for-authors.html 

How Do Authors Handle Failure?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/how-do-authors-handle-failure.html

 

What’s The Future Of Book Publishing?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-future-of-book-publishing.html

 

What Should You Do To Promote Your Book?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/what-should-you-do-to-promote-your-book.html 

Are You A Book Marketer or a Writer?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/are-you-book-marketer-or-writer.html 

Overcoming 37 Barriers Market Your Book Successfully\

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/overcoming-37-barriers-to-promote-your.html 

25 Messages That Sell Lots of Books

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/25-messages-that-sell-lots-of-books.html 

20 Reasons Why Someone Buys Your Book

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/20-reasons-why-someone-buys-book.html

 

A Lifetime Book Marketing Timeline For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-lifetime-marketing-timeline-for.html

 

Ask Me Anything About Book Marketing

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/ask-me-anything-about-book-marketing.html

 

22 Things Authors Should Do In 2022

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/22-things-authors-should-do-in-2022.html

 

Authors: Obey The 10 Golden Rules

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/authors-obey-10-golden-rules.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 ©2022. 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. 

 

 

How Authors Bargain For What They Want

  

After reading Bargaining for Advantage: Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable People, by G. Richard Shell, I thought about how every time an author engages someone about their book, there is actually a negotiation taking place. Granted, one is not negotiating the purchase of a car or world pace, but they are interacting in a way where a transaction could take place.  

Are you looking to sell your book to an individual? Perhaps you are swaying a bookstore to carry your book? Might you want to convince a group to host you as a speaker? How about the news media - do you want them to cover the book? Could you want someone to follow you on a social media platform? 

Any and all of these things involves negotiation -- the power of persuasion and how you market your book or comport yourself. How will you negotiate? 

In Shell’s book, he identifies a foundation of six effective negotiation elements. Let’s look at them, as they could relate to your book: 

1.      Bargaining Style 

How does your personality affect your approaches to negotiation? Are you shy or chatty? Do you speak with confidence? Do you sound friendly? Do you show an interest in their needs, desires, or concerns? 

2.      Goals and Expectations

The beliefs that you have about what is possible or probable --and of what you deserve - can shape your approach. 

3.      Authoritative Standards & Norms

How do you see and treat others? Do you project yourself to be an authority or expert? 

4.      Relationships

Do you act consistently in a way one expects you to? Are you fair, trustworthy, and helpful in your dealings? 

5.      The other Party’s Interests

Do you protect your self-interests but also come off as respecting the needs of others? Know what moves others. 

6.      Leverage 

What can you use to bring people to embrace your views? Are you fearful or at the mercy of someone that you are interacting with? 

Some of the ways to think about how you interact with others should include the following:

 

• Think win-win; not just win.  

• Ask lots of questions- show an interest in them and learn information that can be used to your advantage.  

• Rely on fair practices and standards, especially ones the other accepts or expects.  

• Always acknowledge the other party -- make them feel cared about. 

• Hidden psychological strategies will be used in any good negotiation. 

• Be willing to shed unhelpful assumptions. 

• Let people feel they earned a concession even if you are willing to give it to them. 

• Stay within ethical boundaries of behavior. 

• Prepare, exchange information, bargain, and then commit to what you want and are willing to give in exchange.  

• Let people see your passion and good will. 

• Let others feel they are helping you without compromising themselves. 

• Shoot for more than you could hope to get. 

• Show good faith by giving something away of no real consequence, or make a promise to do them a favor.  

• Seek common ground and try to see how your values align with theirs. 

• Get them to like you and see you as a human being. 

• Anticipate what others might demand, ask, or push for, and decide how you will handle them. 

• Get people to YES by getting small things agreed on early in the discussion. Find common ground even on issues unrelated to your book.  

• Always assuage the ego of another. 

• Give others the feeling they lose something if they don’t say yes to you.

 

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!

Do’s, Don’ts, & Maybes For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/dos-donts-maybes-for-authors.html

 

How Do Authors Handle Failure?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/how-do-authors-handle-failure.html

 

What’s The Future Of Book Publishing?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/whats-future-of-book-publishing.html

 

What Should You Do To Promote Your Book?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/what-should-you-do-to-promote-your-book.html

 

Are You A Book Marketer or a Writer?

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/are-you-book-marketer-or-writer.html

 

Overcoming 37 Barriers Market Your Book Successfully\

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/overcoming-37-barriers-to-promote-your.html

 

25 Messages That Sell Lots of Books

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/25-messages-that-sell-lots-of-books.html

 

20 Reasons Why Someone Buys Your Book

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/20-reasons-why-someone-buys-book.html

 

A Lifetime Book Marketing Timeline For Authors

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-lifetime-marketing-timeline-for.html

 

Ask Me Anything About Book Marketing

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/ask-me-anything-about-book-marketing.html

 

22 Things Authors Should Do In 2022

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/22-things-authors-should-do-in-2022.html

 

Authors: Obey The 10 Golden Rules

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/authors-obey-10-golden-rules.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 ©2022. 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.