Honoring Child Abuse Prevention Month! by DL Larson

My new book, Promises My Love, is not quite ready.  Release is set for April 24 ~ if all goes well!  These last two weeks I have sent newspaper articles to several Illinois papers about my book and its release in April, honoring the Child Abuse Prevention month. 

A few reporters called for an interview and I was grateful to talk to them and explain the setting of my book in the 1840's, way before DCFS was established or child abuse was a national issue.  I've been doing what my publisher suggested, to promote myself releasing a book, rather than just the book.  So I mentioned in the articles that I worked for eleven years at Northern Illinois University in the Department of Children and Family Services.  We were in charge of on-going educational classes to social workers, clergy, policemen, guidance counselors, etc.  I listened to the professionals talk about every aspect of abuse, the heartache and the cleansing of forgiveness and the moving on in the victims lives.  It was quite an education.  From that experience I felt empowered to write about such a sensitive subject.  My character, Francis Frailey faces the dilemma of his abusive past while struggling with the daily intimacies with his young family.

This week I plan to send a glossy picture of my book cover to Illinois libraries and book stores.  I will include the price, ISBN number and a backcover blurb. I will mention that I am a librarian, a member of the WindyCity RWA and Historical Novel Society.  And of course, I will state that I am an Illinois author.
Yes, it will cost me money and time to send this information out, but it will also be an investment for future sales. 

I hope to do the same type of promotion on the internet.  I will set up a few blog tours and see what develops from there.  If anyone is interested in hosting me, I would appreciate a chance to visit your site.
Feel free to leave a message here at Acme Authors, or email me at dllarson_60518@yahoo.com

Til next time ~

DL Larson

Book Covers ~ A Challenge and a Blessing! by DL Larson

It's here!  My book cover arrived today! 

My task is to look it over and decide if there are any mistakes and then notify the publisher with the changes I want to make. 

The only thing that needs changing is the price.  Right now it goes for $00.00.  We writers get
paid little enough, I don't want to give it away. 
The price will be $15.95 in book format, much less
in e-book.

The size will be 6 x 9 inches, with a soft cover.
My family and friends helped choose the cover. I had thousands to pick from.  I think we did good!
Thank you family and friends for your input.  It made the decision much easier hearing various view points on what worked and what didn't.  Angie, Amber, Shannon, Pat, Cindy, Wendy, Gina, Judy, Marge and Kurt ~ thank you, thank you!

I'm closing in on the final product ~ a finished and published book.  It's been a long, long time coming.  Once all is done, my book will be available in various places:  Ingrams, Baker & Taylor - valuable venues for bookstores and libraries; Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble - great for consumers, especially e-book readers. 

I've seen the text layout and now this!  Let's hope it all comes together soon.  I'll keep you posted!

Til next time ~

DL Larson

PS:  next week, author Karla Brandenburg will join us.  Be sure to stop by!