Who'd a thought??

Just when you think things can't get any better, a surprise lands in your lap. Not that I'm totally responsible, mind you. I have plenty of help from friends, family and business associates when it comes to my writing journey. I have a publisher who has pulled out all the stops to get my Vinnie Esposito series to people around the world. I'm on a few lists with other authors who help promote one another nearly every day. I tweet, facebook and make a general nuisance of myself to anyone who'll listen. That aside...it's the book outlets that make such a difference to all of us who author these delightful reads.
You say it takes talent to write a book? Well, heck, yes, it does. But that's just the beginning. Once the daylights are edited out of it, the cover bandied about like there is no tomorrow, and the book goes to print/ebook, then the real work begins on a daily basis. Why? Good question! The answer is...if you don't have readers, all that work is for nothing. I've found that through Twitter alone, my readership has grown. My website doesn't just sit there, all alone, never looked at. In fact, the site has become a beehive of activity. THANK GOODNESS! LOL I had begun to think that taking the site down wouldn't matter to anyone. Now, I know different.
Not only is Barnes & Noble offering my series for $0.00, but the series itself is offered for a low price as well. http://tinyurl.com/824txxh
The end results are worth the efforts we put into them. No effort = no good results ...while lots of effort = marvelous returns.

The Ebook Arena

Sharing my stories and artwork in paper format has been an interesting and fun experience. When a friend mentioned she has put her books up on Smashwords and Amazon in ebook form, I got to thinking. I am an artist and a mystery author with books in both genres, so maybe I should go ahead and give it a try....putting my books up there in the ebook world.

While my publisher, Lachesis Publishing, has the Vinnie Esposito mystery series in ebook form, I will put Murder on Spyglass Lane out by tomorrow on both Smashwords and Amazon's Kindle site for a minuscule amount of money. This story takes place in present day west coast Florida, has a sexy hero and a psychic heroine who finds her abiltiy annoying. Then there is always the who-done-it factor and a way too cute Bassett hound. So stay tuned for that.

Next week I plan to try my hand at placing a Zentangle art book in ebook form on Smashwords. Let's hope I don't crash and burn before Christmas gets here.

Wish me luck!! LOL

Blogging with the Divas

On Tuesday, this week, I will be blogging at the pop culture divas site. It's a great site with interesting news and articles. Join me tomorrow for a brief encounter. Ya gotta love those mystery writers!!!!! My website has recently been updated, sorry it took so long, but there's a new contest for this month and some other news for you. Take a peek at www.JMGriffin.net

Book Signings

Every chance I get to do a book signing or public appearance somewhere...anywhere...to promote my novels is a chance I take to get out and meet/greet the public. I recently attended an art retreat where each artist introduced themselves and told a bit about what they do. I mentioned I am an author with 4 published novels. I never expected the group to be so fascinated by the fact that a novelist was among them on this adventure.

I always try to carry a bag or box of books in my car, and luckily, I had some tucked in the back seat. I scurried out to the car, brought them in and sold them. I was surprised...and pleased.

So, the moral of this story is that you never know where you'll find avid readers and/or generate fans.

Tonight I will join Annette Blair and Karen Frisch at Books on the Square in Providence, RI for a book signing/meet the authors night. The three of us are mystery writers. Annette writes about magic, I write humorous mystery and Karen writes Victorian era mysteries. It should be a great time for all, so join us if you can.