Book Promo Part 2!

Just when I thought my schedule was clear, it wasn't.

Hello! I almost missed my June post, but here I am! Taking a bit of time off of teaching, writing, and marketing my book has been much needed. I also, admittedly, was in a bit of a slump.

Let me explain—

Before my book published in March, I set up two months worth of events. Some were virtual, some in-person, some readings at coffee shops, community centers, and a university. I flew to each coast (first Los Angeles and then New Jersey). I met other authors and heard their books (and bought a few). And between it all, I sold a handful of my own book and signed them like a famous person.

But then it just ended.

And in a way, I wasn’t too upset. I mean, I was, because I thought that meant my debut book career was over. But at the same time, the burnout was real.

Bookstores didn’t want to bring me in because they determined I couldn’t bring in a big enough audience. They also were (mostly) hesitant to carry my book because it is distributed by Asterism, which is a growing distributor for small presses (which is great!) but also run with the policy of no returns. Turns out, bookstores don’t like that.

As the teaching semester ended for me at Miami University, and my book engagements dried up, I kind of got into a funk. And that’s when I decided I needed a bit of a break from it all.

And I highly recommend this to all authors—take time to step away.

Because you can always come back.

Even though I was lying low at home, and visiting family in Wisconsin, and generally doing things that were deeply personal and not about the business of my book, I kept my eye out for what upcoming literary festivals I could apply to, new podcasts to query, and any other event that could work. Even though my initial events had slowed, my drive to make Mosaic a success didn’t. The break, and persistence with reaching out, is proving to be worth it.

I feel rested and rejuvenated, I have a few new things lined up, and I feel ready to tackle them.

Watch out for an event/podcast coming out near you!

Saturday, June 28; 11-2pm—Birch Tree Bookery Indie Author Event, Marion, Ohio. I’ll be there with my table set up all cute, bookmarks, stickers, and books to sign just for you!

EmBRACE IT Podcast with Lanie Ishbia and Estela Lugo (coming soon!) A podcast dedicated to all things related to living with a disability, my daughter, Evelyn, and I had a great time chatting with the hosts, who both wear leg braces (AFOs) like Evelyn does. We chatted about Evelyn’s condition, what life for her is like, and how my book explores all of these things.

Youtube Interview (coming soon!) and book giveaway with the Graham’s Foundation—a nonprofit that supports parents with babies in the NICU. I talk with founder, Nicholas Hall, about our story of Evelyn’s premature birth, our time in the NICU, and how my writing is meant to connect with other families who need support. Follow them on Instagram to see when the book giveaway will happen!

Friday, September 19-Saturday, September 20, Punch Bucket Literary Festival, Asheville, NC—I’ll be on a panel with three other creative nonfiction writers to do a reading, Q&A, and book signing. Books will be available through Malaprop’s Bookstore.

There will be a couple more podcasts recorded this summer, and a couple more author events that are in the works!

What I’m Reading:

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult. I’m starting a new fiction book project this summer (think trauma leads a woman to a Black Mirror-type situation). Reading this book is the first of many to help me form the first draft of my own book. Written in a backwards chronology, Picoult writes about a hostage situation at a Women’s Clinic.

What I’m Watching:

My husband and I just finished the final season of The Handmade’s Tale. This ending was a long time coming, and feels like the end of an era.

What New Things I’ve Tried:

On a recent trip home to visit family in Wisconsin, we attended Crusherfest. I had no idea that my little hometown of South Milwaukee was also the home of a well-known wrestler in the 70s-80s called The Crusher. Well, now we have a bronze statute of him and a festival every two years. It was the first time I went to both, and it was such fun.

The Crusher Statue and posing with Al Snow and his sidekick (of WWE/OVW fame)

Until next time! Hopefully I’ll have more good book news and events to report!

~Laura