Still Under Construction

The galley print for CONDEMNED TO FREEDOM was sent to Booklocker by Ingram on Friday, and they have forwarded it on to me. What this means is that I'm still weeks away from actual publishing. We won't start a marketing campaign until that happens, so the only people who know about this are family and some friends.

I'll be happy when it is finally released. It's trite to say that the greatest fear is fear of the unknown, but in this case it is true. And the greatest unknown right now is whether or not readers will like CONDEMNED. And even if they like it, will they like it enough to recommend it to others? Those who have read the manuscript--a few friends, the editor, several agents, a film producer, the publisher--all have liked it. Next is the general public. Will they like the mystery? Will they like the school setting? Will they "buy" the message that we all need to take responsibility for the choices we make?

I hope so. Then maybe these notes I'm writing will be a true blog and not just an electronic diary.

Scary Things

Hey Anyone,

This is my first post, and, given my technological expertise, if anyone can read what I'm writing I consider it a minor victory. And if anyone is actually visiting this blog to read it, I consider it a compliment. Thanks for coming!
Today or tomorrow, I am submitting the finishing touches on all things cover to cover, so Condemned to Freedom should be available by the end of March, or by April Fools Day (prophetic?). It's been a long haul, and this whole process is kind of daunting.
Am I ready for publicity? Am I prepared to go to book club meetings, signings, etc.? The marketing is my main concern. All new authors have to get out there and push their book, to make sure it is read beyond friends and family. The more unknown you are, the harder you have to push ... and the longer it takes (if ever) for the novel to gather its own momentum.

My last foray into marketing was when I sold cemetery lots during my senior year in college. If I got anyone to agree to visit the cemetery, I made ten dollars and the lucky person, or family, got their choice of a blender or an electric can opener. I felt like a cross between Ron Popeil and Nosferatu. What a job.
I guess we'll see how things go, but for now, though, I have to be prepared for my sixth grade son to get home from school. He has an early dismissal and is bringing two friends along for an afternoon of videogaming. Talk about daunting. I'm making lunch. How does cream of hamster soup with a side of olives sound?
Later, John