Here at IngramElliott Publishing we talk often about the importance of building an author platform. One of the key ways to do this is to leverage exciting new tools in the marketplace for social media, website development, and marketing materials for your author brand. Our friends at Adobe shared this great information with us and we'd like to pass it on! We'll be trying Adobe Express for ourselves and will be sure share back any tips and tricks! -IngramElliott Publishing Photo available via Adobe Stock From Pen to Pixel: How Authors Can Transform Their Book's Success with Adobe ExpressBook authors often face the dual challenge of producing compelling content and marketing it effectively. While writing is at the heart of their craft, today’s authors also need to master the art of promotion. Adobe Express offers a powerful set of tools that can help authors manage their creative and promotional needs with ease. Whether designing eye-catching book covers or creating engaging social media posts, Adobe Express can be a valuable resource. Here’s how authors can make the most of this tool.
Creating Stunning Book Covers The first impression a book makes is often through its cover. Adobe Express offers a wide variety of templates that can be customized to create stunning book covers. Authors can start by choosing a template that fits the tone and genre of their book, then personalize it with their own imagery, fonts, and colors. Adobe Express allows authors to upload their own photos or choose from Adobe’s stock photo library. This flexibility ensures that authors can create professional, high-quality book covers that captivate potential readers and stand out on the shelf or online. Designing Social Media Graphics for Book Promotion Promoting a book requires a strong presence on social media, and Adobe Express can help authors design eye-catching graphics that grab attention on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With its simple drag-and-drop functionality, authors can create engaging posts that highlight key quotes from the book, announce launch dates, or share behind-the-scenes content about the writing process. Adobe Express even allows for the creation of animated posts and stories, making it easy to capture attention in a crowded social media landscape. Crafting Beautiful Marketing Materials Beyond social media, Adobe Express can also be used to create a wide range of marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and digital ads. Authors who are planning book signings, speaking engagements, or virtual events can use Adobe Express to design promotional materials that reflect their book’s aesthetic. With customizable templates, authors can produce consistent branding across all of their marketing efforts, ensuring a cohesive look that resonates with their audience. Developing Author Branding For authors, branding is just as important as writing a compelling book. Adobe Express allows authors to create logos, business cards, and other branding materials that reflect their unique style. By developing a consistent visual identity, authors can build their personal brand and make themselves more recognizable to readers. Whether they are self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher, having strong branding can help authors establish themselves in the market and foster a sense of professionalism. Making Engaging Book Trailers A book trailer is an effective way to pique the interest of potential readers, and Adobe Express makes it simple for authors to create short, engaging videos. With Adobe Express’s video editing features, authors can combine text, music, and visuals to create a cinematic teaser for their book. These trailers can be shared on social media, added to the author’s website, or included in email newsletters. The drag-and-drop interface and pre-made templates make video creation accessible to authors, even those with no prior experience in video editing. Creating Email Newsletter Designs Email newsletters are a powerful tool for maintaining an author-reader connection. Adobe Express provides customizable templates that authors can use to design visually appealing newsletters. Authors can craft newsletters that include updates on their writing journey, exclusive content, and upcoming book releases, all while maintaining consistent branding. Adobe Express’s easy-to-use interface ensures that authors can create professional-looking newsletters without needing advanced design skills, helping them to stay in touch with their audience and build a loyal reader base. Collaborating with a Team or Publisher If an author is working with a team, whether it be a publicist, marketing agency, or publishing house, Adobe Express’s collaborative features make it easy to share and edit designs. Authors can invite collaborators to view, comment on, and edit their designs in real time. This feature allows for seamless collaboration, ensuring that all aspects of the promotional process are aligned and that the final product reflects the author’s vision. In today’s competitive publishing landscape, authors need more than just great writing to succeed—they need to market themselves and their work effectively. Adobe Express provides an intuitive platform that allows authors to create professional-quality designs, whether for book covers, marketing materials, or social media content. By utilizing Adobe Express, authors can take control of their branding and promotion, ensuring their books reach a wider audience and make a lasting impact. Ready to ramp up your author platform? Check out Adobe Express and their free trial to bring your creative vision to life!
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Author Peter Berk on feeling young again with his highly anticipated novel, First Line of Defense9/27/2024 Jackson Blaine, the President of the United States and a former defense lawyer, shocks his estranged son Brian and the entire world when he decides to personally go to court to help defend the young man after he’s arrested for murdering his best friend and college dormmate. This is the compellingly unique premise of First Line of Defense, a political/legal thriller and murder mystery coming out October 1 by one of IE's most awarded and prolific authors, Peter Berk. First Line of Defense marks award-winning author Peter Berk’s third novel with IngramElliott, following the recent publication of TimeLock and TimeLock 2: The Kyoto Conspiracy, the first two entries in an imaginative series of sci-fi and action novels co-authored by Peter’s father, Columbo and Mission: Impossible writer Howard Berk.
And now, Peter adds legal thriller to his distinguished list. Tinged with action, suspense, romance, humor and more than a few unexpected twists, the new novel takes its 21-year-old lead protagonist, Brian Blaine, on a life-altering adventure that will dramatically change his relationship with his father and alter the course of his entire personal and professional life forever. “To publish my first legal thriller and murder mystery is more rewarding than even the finest author in the world could ever properly express in words.”Available October 1 anywhere books are soldWill the President risk it all to save his son? When college student Ben Porter is murdered in his apartment near the University of Maryland, all evidence points straight to his best friend and roommate, Brian Blaine—the son of Jackson Blaine, the President of the United States. Despite Brian’s estranged relationship with his father, Brian has no choice but to await trial in the house that was never a home—1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. These staggering events exacerbate the young man’s rocky relationship with his demanding father and might very well end his budding romance with a beautiful pre-med student. To the shock of the entire nation, President Jackson Blaine, a former defense lawyer, does the unthinkable—he decides to represent his son in court. Will Brian and his father discover the truth about Ben’s murder before it’s too late? Interview with Peter BerkWe caught up with the author ahead of the release of First Line of Defense on October 1.
Please tell us something about your book that is not in the summary. It can rightly be called a political legal thriller, but I mainly consider the book to be about a family - in this case, the First Family - and more specifically about a young man reconnecting with his estranged father. And because I had the opposite relationship with my late dad, Howard, Brian's turbulent rapport with the President through at least the first half of the book was the hardest part to write for me. What do you most hope will be the reaction of readers to your book? Like any author, I just hope people are compelled to keep reading, care about the characters, come across a surprise twist or two and enjoy the overall reading experience. Why did you pick this particular subject matter to write about? I hadn't written anything in the legal thriller genre and out of the blue had this wild notion of a President who's a former lawyer actually representing his own son in court. Not likely of course, but that's why it's called fiction! What is your favorite scene in your book? Why? Probably the meet cute scene when Brian first meets Emma; a later scene when the President catches a beet-red Brian and Emma after their first romantic encounter; the scene when father and son finally reconcile; and the "big reveal" at the end in the courthouse. Writing a novel can be personal. Did you ever question whether to include or exclude any of your personal experiences or feelings? Despite writing from a 21 year-old's perspective so long after I was in fact that age myself, I did include a lot of my own personal sensibilities throughout - being an only child like Brian, having a best friend who's like a brother (who is happily still very much in my life), possessing a self-deprecating sense of humor and more. Please tell us something about yourself and how you came to be a writer. What inspired you to write your first book? My writing inspiration has been and always will be my father - a far better writer than I'll ever be. "First Line of Defense" was actually my first novel, but not the first one published, since I was fortunate enough to connect with IngramElliott after novelizing the screenplay of "TimeLock" my dad and I wrote several years back. Do you have any advice for other writers? Only the corniest of advice - never stop writing! Unlike being a dancer or athlete where you have a limited number of years to perform on the stage or on the field, writers can write at any age. My dad was working on a new novel at 92 and look how long it took me to have a book published, so keep at it forever. Tell me a little about your book’s title and what it represents? Nothing too subtle here, I'll admit, but "First" as in First Family and "Defense" since that's what the entire story is about.
About The Author Peter Berk has written six novels, three TV pilots and a dozen screenplays, including several with his father which became the basis for the TimeLock series of novels. The original TimeLock novel was named as a Distinguished Favorite in the TechnoThriller category of the 2024 Independent Press Award and was a Finalist in the 2023 Chanticleer International Book Awards for Science Fiction, Mystery, and Global Thrillers. TimeLock 2: The Kyoto Conspiracy was published in 2023 and the third book in the series, TimeLock 3: The Millennium Paradox, will be published in Spring 2025 by IngramElliott. Peter and his family live in Southern California. Connect with Peter on Facebook and Instagram @peterberk_author. Author M.M. Cochran is more than a fiction writer--she spent early years in her career as a journalist and is no stranger to the frantic pace of getting a news piece out on time, long hours on the news floor researching a story, and the 'cold, ambiguous' atmosphere that a news room can generate. She's put all this moody experience to great use in her latest novel, a highly anticipated psychological thriller called The Button Collector. When Chicago journalist Jessica Knight is linked to a string of odd murders, she must navigate being under the watchful eye of the police––and the killer––while risking it all in a dangerous game to make up for the mistakes of her past. Available everywhere books are sold September 17 A bone-chilling story set in snowy Chicago, this psychological thriller revolving around newspaper journalist Jessica Knight and the serial killer known for murdering Knight’s family members combines atmospheric drama with romance and mystery reminiscent of book-to-screen adaptations like Sharp Objects (HBO), The Last Thing He Told Me (Apple+), and Verity by Colleen Hoover (Amazon/MGM). “This book’s aesthetic is very mysterious, with cigarette smoke, dark apartments, snowy streets, and police cars. It’s exactly what a reader would expect from a journalist on the run from a killer––and falling in love with a detective the whole time,” says author M. M. Cochran. “When a thriller lover picks up The Button Collector, I know they’ll be trying to solve the mystery from page one, and I’m really excited to see who can put the puzzle pieces together before the ending.” Cochran’s award-winning debut novel--Between the Ocean and the Stars—was published in 2022 by IngramElliott Publishing and hailed by reviewers as “heartbreaking, poignant, and emotional.” The novel was named a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards® and is available anywhere books are sold. Her fans are very excited about her second novel and can get signed copies at her book launch event in October. Cochran will be holding a book launch party for The Button Collector on Saturday, October 12, at Third Space Coffee & Bakery in Landrum, SC, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Third Space is located at 803 E. Rutherford St., Suite D, Landrum, SC. The public is invited to attend the party, where light snacks and refreshments will be served. Please bring your copy of The Button Collector for Cochran to sign at the event or purchase a paperback or hardcopy at the event. "Obviously, I’ve never been hunted by a serial killer, but I was a journalist for five years (like my main character), and I’m currently in my mid-twenties just like my main character." -Author M.M. CochranAbout the book Can Jessica button up this case on her own? When Chicago journalist Jessica Knight is linked to a string of odd murders happening across the country, her life takes a turn for the worse. She is left wondering why her relatives are the ones dropping like flies under the signature mark of a serial killer . . . why she can’t stop thinking about Michael Bradley, the appealing detective assigned to protect her . . . and most of all, why, despite being the Button Collector’s prime target, she’s still alive at all. One thing she knows for certain: the killer is always watching. As the line between truth and deception begins to blur, Jessica crumbles under the dense web of lies she’s trying to keep straight––especially once the police start questioning more than just her sanity. With pressure mounting, Jessica must navigate being under the watchful eye of the police––and the killer––while risking it all in a dangerous game to make up for the mistakes of her past. Her days are numbered…one way or the other. Interview with author M.M. CochranWe caught up with the author in advance of the release of The Button Collector on Sept. 17.
Writing a novel can be personal. Did you ever question whether to include or exclude any of your personal experiences or feelings? The Button Collector is full of personal experience. Obviously, I’ve never been hunted by a serial killer, but I was a journalist for five years (like my main character), and I’m currently in my mid-twenties just like my main character. I drew a lot of inspiration for this book while I was interning at a newspaper in my early twenties. In fact, a lot of The Button Collector was written in the conference room of that newspaper office. I hope my readers can really feel that cold, ambiguous aesthetic as they’re reading. Tell me about your book’s title and what it represents? The Button Collector 100% represents the serial killer in the book, whose nickname was been deemed by media due to his wild calling card. Originally, I was calling this book “Blood Stains,” but after going back and forth with that one and “The Button Collector,” as well as pitching that name to my parents and publisher, everyone agreed that The Button Collector was the way to go. Who is your first reader? Typically, my first reader is always my mom. With The Button Collector, I knew I wanted my mom to have eyes on the manuscript first because she loves thrillers. I knew she’d give me honest feedback. It turns out that this is her favorite book of mine! The Button Collector is available September 17, 2024, in print and e-Book. Order your copy now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Rakuten kobo, Apple iTunes, and anywhere books are sold. About the author M. M. Cochran is an award-winning journalist and fiction writer. She is the author of young adult mystery romance novel Between the Ocean and the Stars, which was named a finalist in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards. She lives in the foothills of South Carolina and can most commonly be found watching sunsets, making homemade lattes, or seeking out the next adventure. Keep up with M. M. Cochran on @m.m.cochran_writer. IngramElliott’s latest author, Jordan Berk, is more than meets the eye. He's a software engineer by trade, and a self-proclaimed "nerd by nature." He also writes songs for piano, plays basketball, travels, and now . . . writes science fiction! Tackling the mind-bending complexities, potential world-changing ramifications and confounding ethical quandaries associated with time travel, The Timestream Verdict not only spans several fiction genres, but finds an inventive new way to tell the classic story of an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances that is certain to resonate with readers of all interests and backgrounds.
Is it in the genes? Jordan has loved time travel stories for as long as he can remember, which is why it’s no surprise to those who know him that his first-ever novel would be in that genre. He also grew up around the world of writing, film, and television. Jordan is the grandson of noted screenwriter and novelist Howard Berk, whose credits included Columbo, Mission: Impossible and The Rockford Files. Jordan’s father is Peter Berk, co-author (with Howard Berk) of IngramElliott’s award-winning TimeLock series of action/sci-fi novels and the author of a political legal thriller, First Line of Defense, available October 1. "It’s got a little bit for everyone, but I think anyone who loves technological forecasting and intricate time travel plotting will especially appreciate it."About the bookAaron Barnett falls asleep as an ordinary 1980s accountant and wakes up sixty years later as a juror for the trial of the century. As he soon learns, the utopian society of 2042 is grappling with the murder of the legendary scientist deemed the ‘mother of time travel.' And only this jury of inadvertent time travelers is equipped to reach an impartial verdict. Once the shock of his situation begins to wear off, Aaron finds the world of the mid twenty-first century to be a paradise. Far removed from his monotonous life, he savors the advancements and luxuries that the seemingly idyllic future has to offer. Unfortunately, Aaron’s initial euphoria is shattered once he uncovers the complicated, hidden truths behind time travel, and realizes that his own past, present, and future are suddenly at risk. Because the harsh reality is that Aaron and his fellow jurors may be ruling on far more than a lone case of temporal homicide. They may be delivering a verdict on the very nature of time itself. Interview with author Jordan BerkWe caught up with the author recently for an exclusive interview about the launch of the novel, The Timestream Verdict, on September 10, 2024.
Who is your first reader – who do you first show your work to? On Father’s Day, 2022, I handed my dad an unmarked manilla envelope. Inside was the first copy of the just-completed Timestream Verdict (though not yet with that name): the fully-formed version of a loose idea that he had pitched to me two years prior and had surely forgotten about since. The idea always resonated with me, and after a few months of noodling on it, I started the long writing process, always with the intention of culminating with the gift. Other than my wife, nobody was even aware of the ongoing work; it was a surprise to everyone and especially my brother, who gave him tennis racket-shaped pasta. (Not that it’s a competition.) My dad and I spent the next couple months refining and expanding the book as collaborators, and also settled on the Timestream Verdict title together. What genre do you generally write, and have you considered other genres? Time travel fiction of all kinds has always called to me; I find it to be the most compelling genre given the unprecedented level of storytelling possibility. It’s not a coincidence that my favorite movie (Back to the Future) and favorite novel (Replay) are both in the genre, and yet even these two examples are wildly different in how they use the device. However fictional it may be, it’s the only genre in which I feel qualified to write. Tell me a little about your book’s title and what it represents? The title has two meanings. One is literal, as the protagonist is a time-traveling juror who must reach a critical verdict. The other cuts deeper into the core of the story, which ultimately is about how each character’s perspective on the mutability of the timestream dictates their choices and actions. Writing a novel can be personal. Did you ever question whether to include or exclude any of your personal experiences or feelings? While it’s not intensely personal, I pulled in as much as possible from my own history. Aaron, the protagonist, shares many of my more introverted and antisocial tendencies, though he is ultimately braver and more affable than I’ll ever be. And bits of dialogue or humor were pulled from personal experience, to add relatability and realism, and because I’m not nearly imaginative enough to come up with it on my own. Where do you find joy in life? Anywhere I can! Beyond the usual and most important source – spending time with friends and family – I love to sit down at a piano and write songs. I can’t sing, and have never played with anyone else, but I find it peaceful and fulfilling. Beyond that, I play basketball as much as I can. I’m gangly, awkward, and can’t jump over a sheet of paper, but I’ve got a mean mid-range jump shot, and it helps a lot that I’m tall. I also love traveling, watching television, and of course: writing sci-fi! What is your favorite scene in your book? Why? I’m particularly partial to the jury deliberation scene that comprises the bulk of chapter fourteen. It was inspired by 12 Angry Men, and I tried to follow that beloved, classic film’s blueprint of one (or in this case two) jurors taking on the burden of convincing their peers of the correct verdict using logic, reasoning, and healthy skepticism. And, during the writing process, I intentionally avoided seeding the trial with little clues in anticipation of this chapter. Instead, I was making the same logical extrapolations that I wrote for Aaron as I went along. I also really like the defense attorney’s closing statement that comes shortly before. My mom always said I would make a good lawyer; maybe she was right? The Timestream Verdict is available September 10, 2024, in print and e-Book. Pre-order today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and Rakuten Kobo or wherever books are sold. About the author Jordan Berk is a software engineer by trade and a certified nerd by nature. He has loved time-travel stories for as long as he can remember, and The Timestream Verdict is his first contribution to the genre. In addition to writing, he enjoys basketball, technology, and amateur songwriting (even though he can’t sing to save his life). He lives with his wonderful wife and two kids near Los Angeles, California.
Guest blog post by contributor Sierra Osborne
An engaging trailer can leave a lasting impression on viewers, and the more effort you put into it, the more compelled your audience will be to read the book.
What are book trailers?
Book trailers are essentially commercials for books, designed to pique your audiences’ interest and get them excited to read your story. They're short videos, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, that use a combination of visuals and audio to give you a taste of what to expect during the read. Have you ever watched a movie trailer that persuaded you to buy a ticket to see the film? Or even purchase the movie itself? Imagine that same concept, but for your book. ​ Here's what a book trailer typically does:
Whether science fiction, romantic, mystery, or supernatural, a book trailer will give potential book buyers a sneak peek into your world.
How are they made?
An engaging trailer can leave a lasting impression on viewers, and the more effort you put into it, the more compelled your audience will be to read the book. Effective trailers can be shared across social media platforms, reaching potential readers who might not have otherwise come across the book. Ultimately, the goal of a book trailer is to generate interest and lead to sales. Book trailers can boost sales by capturing the essence of the book, making the genre and tone clear, and enticing viewers to take action. Studies have shown that people are more likely to purchase a product after seeing a video about it. Trailers can be a powerful tool for authors to convert that interest into sales.
Book trailers can be made in a few different ways, depending on budget and desired complexity. Here's a breakdown of the general process:
1. Concept and Script: This is where you brainstorm and solidify the key message you want your trailer to convey. Write a script that outlines the visuals, narration (if any), and music to achieve that goal. 2. Gathering Assets: This involves collecting the visual and audio elements you'll use in the trailer. These can include:
3. Editing: The magic happens here! You'll use video editing software to assemble your clips, images, text, and audio into a cohesive and engaging sequence. There are many editing programs available, some with user-friendly interfaces suitable for beginners. 4. Polishing and Distribution: Once you're happy with your trailer, add any final touches like titles, credits, or calls to action. Then, export the video in a format suitable for online sharing on platforms like YouTube, social media, or your author website.
Alternative Approaches
The bottom line ... whatever your vision, bring it to life in whatever way you can! Your audience is waiting.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Guest blog post by contributor Sierra Osborne Your readers know you best by the words you’ve written and the stories you’ve created, but do they know your voice? For most people reading a book is simply just engaging in a story from the first to the last page, then putting the book to the side. However, there are some readers that are impacted beyond the pages and remember what they’ve experienced years later. Remember, your story doesn't end on the last page.You only need your phone and internet connection to record and publish your first episode. Read on for pro tips and encouragement! Your audience is waiting. The before and after . . .What if you could reach an audience before the book and after its ending? About 30% of the world’s population are auditory communicators. They thrive in learning and discovering information through discussions, debates, and stories told verbally. A majority of this category indulge in audio books and podcasts, and of course this isn’t exclusive. The growth of podcasts since COVID-19 has been consistently exponential. As an author you would be tapping into an expansive realm including politics, sports, and other hot topics, but you wouldn’t be the first. Author John Green of the novel The Fault in Our Stars has a podcast where he talks about being a writer, the inspiration behind his story telling, and his crazy experiences after the novels’ success. Having a podcast to describe your writing process and share with people the journey you took before and during would open up a lot of perspective and allow people beyond your readers to discover you and your talents. The after would include the motivation for your books character building and plot development. Readers always want to know ‘what was this character’s inspiration?’ or ‘what led the author to have this happen?’ or ‘why did the author end the story here?’. Those common lingering questions and genuine curiosity could all be answered by you personally. Think outside the book!As mentioned before, answering readers questions would be a key success to your podcast. If you wrote a book in the eyes of the opposite gender, where did you draw your inspiration from? If a serious and impactful character in the book was killed off, why did you make that choice? Why did you choose to write in multiple POV’s? The list has potential to capture the attention of your readers, and other people that come across your podcast. Everyone wants to know more than what you presented on the pages, so think outside the book! Another great suggestion is an author interview on your own podcast. You can have another person asking you these questions, or other questions of your choosing. There’s also the ability to have a discussion with your publisher in an interview, and what made them finalize the choice to choose you. Creating a community with other author’s that have podcasts can expand your reach. You can stay in the niche of your genre or be open to other possibilities. The other authors don’t need to have a podcast- just feature them on yours. Keep 'em coming back for moreAs much as you promote yourself and your book on social media, make it a point to promote the podcast as well. Someone stumbling across your book may not be inclined to read it, but they may be interested in your podcast. Just simply listening to how passionate you are about your work may be the turning point for them. You only need your phone and internet connection to record and publish your first episode, so why not start now? Spotify provides all the necessary tools and even great tips and suggestions: https://podcasters.spotify.com/resources/learn/how-to/start-a-podcast Remember - your story doesn’t end on the last page. Sierra Osborne is a writer, content creator, and avid reader. She's created podcasts, book trailers, and more. Image by Tumisu from Pixabay Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay IngramElliott’s latest author, A.L. Glennon, is more than a writer—she’s a teacher, an occasional ballet student, and most importantly—a mother of three. Her passion for reading started at a young age when she would line up at her local library to check out the next Little House on the Prairie installment. “I still remember where my hometown library used to shelve them,” she says. “I would run straight for that shelf as soon as I entered the building!” Times haven’t changed much, except these days, she’s the one doing the writing. With a master’s degree in communications from Georgetown and a previous novel already under her belt, the author believes we all have a story to tell. The only thing holding us back, she says, is us. “Too many of us let busy schedules or the fear of rejection or the idea that ‘anything less than perfection is pointless’ stop us from putting words on the page. Carve out the time to write your unique tale, and then worry about next steps later!” "I get an idea and . . . I fly by the seat of my pants, turning my characters loose and seeing where they take me and my story."And A.L. Glennon has followed her own advice. In her new novel, Hungry, a new adult coming-of-age story, she’s brought to bear a truly unique tale about the ways that young people cope with loss. Weaving together storylines about ballet (a former love of the author’s—and indeed she still occasionally finds time to take ballet lessons), diverse family structures, and the emotions involved with losing a loved one, the author manages to create a narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening. About the bookSulie Bingle feels her loved ones slipping away. Her Grandma Nell has just died, her mother’s a wreck, and her lifelong best friend, Cam, is increasingly busy pursuing his dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Sulie’s been pulling away from everyone, hiding beneath layers of her late grandmother’s crochet, and trying to hold on to her loved ones in strange and unusual ways that leave her feeling empty and unfulfilled. Slowly, though, she finds ways to emerge from her crocheted cocoon and connect with the people around her, including the intriguing bad boy of Cam’s ballet studio, Serge. Sulie learns that moving on after a loss doesn’t mean forgetting the person who passed away; in fulfilling her grandmother’s rather bizarre last wishes, she both honors her grandmother’s memory and is inspired to make new plans for her future. Interview with author A.L. GlennonWe caught up with the author recently for an exclusive interview about the launch of the novel, Hungry on September 12, 2023.
What fact about yourself would really surprise people? I have loved ballet all my life. I took formal lessons from age four to age sixteen, and I have taken classes on and off as an adult in DC, NYC, and Charlotte, NC! What is your favorite scene in your book? Why? I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say that there is a scene in which Cam has been working really, really hard and making sacrifices for his career that really strikes a chord with me. I know what it is to be driven, and I have been fortunate enough to know elite athletes whose dedication inspires me tremendously. What motivates you to write? My motivation for writing is the same as my motivation for breathing—I just have to do it! I’ll hear a story starting to tell itself in my head and, eventually, I need to write it down, so I don’t go completely crazy. (Or, rather, so I don’t go crazier than I already am, hearing stories in my head!) Is there a special place that you prefer when you write? I sit at an antique wooden desk, in a very uncomfortable antique wooden chair. The furniture has really been through a lot—I bought it secondhand in college and tried sanding and painting it myself. But I love it. The desk tells its own unique story, and, over the years, it has really become a big part of mine. What makes you the happiest? Where do you find joy in life? I love going on adventures with my family, whether it’s a local day hike or a vacation to an exotic destination. My three sons have changed the way I see everything…even the biggest misadventures end up being a lot of fun with them. Writing a novel can be personal. Did you ever question whether to include or exclude any of your personal experiences or feelings? If there is a way to write a story that isn’t shaped by my own personal experiences and feelings, I haven’t found it yet! Everything I have done, seen, heard, and felt has made me the writer that I am, and—though it might not have been a conscious choice—those personal experiences and emotions absolutely impacted this novel. Who is your first reader – who do you first show your work to? I have been blessed to have been a part of a longstanding critique group. I have known some of the members for years and years now; one of them is always my first reader. Hungry is available September 12, 2023, in print and e-Book. Pre-order today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes or wherever books are sold. About the author A.L. Glennon has a Master of Arts degree from the Communication, Culture, and Technology Program at Georgetown University. She currently lives with her family in North Carolina, where she teaches high school English. She is the author of the YA novel Wait for It. Follow the author on Instagram @alglennonauthor and on Facebook @ALGlennonAuthor or check out her website at www.alglennon.com. Learn more at www.ingramelliott.com/hungry. M.M. Cochran is one of IE's best selling authors with her debut YA novel, Between the Ocean and the Stars. Within weeks of her launch, the book reached #2 in YA fiction across IE's distribution network. In the blog post below, the author shares her tips and tricks to help set you up for success for a new book launch or a refresh of an existing title. Don't miss her secrets to success! Special IE author guest blog post By M.M Cochran Introducing your novel to the world comes with a handful of tasks that only the author can complete. For example: promoting it on social media, to the press, and word of mouth. I’ve been a published author for only a few months, but I had over a year to prepare for my book launch. Today, let’s discuss the ins and outs of creating a social presence for your novel, written from the fingertips of someone who has very recently done so. Build the hype As soon as you find out you’re publishing your novel, spread the word. There are several steps to take to get the word out and give your book presence among your community, including these tactics:
"There’s no better way to sell a book than to first build a relationship with the reader." -M.M. CochranSocial media: a whole different presence The first thing I did when I signed my first publishing contract was share the news on social media. From there, I created excitement and started to build an audience who followed me along my journey, all the way to the moment I was holding my hardback in my hands. Moreover, my novel had an online presence––perhaps the most important there is. But how does this help a book launch? Let’s dive into this. By creating an online social presence, the book becomes familiar with your followers, whether you have an audience or not. Prepping for the book launch on social media will unconsciously build an audience among followers; by seeing content related to your book release every few days, it will become expected and desired. When my book was about to release, I did a few things that my publisher said helped my number of sales, which included:
My online presence grew from only hundreds of followers to almost 3,000 between the time I announced my book was under contract to the day of my launch. The experience was encouraging for a little author like myself, plus it impressed my publisher and sold more copies than I thought my homemade advertising could pull off. What about online presence after the big launch? Many authors have no problem spilling the hardest part about publishing, and to sum it all up, it’s marketing. Writers are writers, but they’re also content creators, master marketers, and multitaskers. All of this falls under the dreaded umbrella of selling your own book. While publishers have worldwide distribution and connections, in the end, they count on the author of their novel to sell that story better than anyone. I mean, who else is better to do the job? With that being said, I want to share what I did to heighten my success after my book launch. After my book released, I did a few things on social media such as:
Staying consistent and enthusiastic about your novel brings attention to the story and the author. The more present the book is on social media, the more people will be enticed to read it. When focusing on a book launch, don’t forget the little details like engaging with followers, responding to their feedback, and being overall active with them. There’s no better way to sell a book than to first build a relationship with the reader. In the end, make your book launch not only about your book but about everyone who is walking alongside you in your journey to publication, and at the end of the day, enjoy your moment in the spotlight!
Connect with the author on Instagram @m.m.cochran_writer
Special IE author guest blog post By M.M Cochran Writers and social media don’t always mix very well. But authors and social media? That’s a must. I know, I know. . . writers of all kinds are typically reclusive when it comes to making private life public. All we ask of the world, with puppy dog eyes and hands in prayer position, is this: “Will you buy my book?” Here’s a fact: the world just might do that––IF you put it out there for them to see. So, the nagging topic that seeps its way into every author’s life . . . “social media as a new author.” Let’s chat about it. I’m M.M. Cochran, new author of my debut young adult novel Between the Ocean and the Stars, published by our very own IngramElliott. When I first signed my contract with them, they told me to prepare to do some heavy marketing on social media. And if you’re trying to promote your book, personality/brand is what’ll make you or break you. Seems crazy, right? But as a new author myself, I had to find a way to make myself known, and to tell you the truth, branding myself, which means also branding my book, is really quite fun. New authors, Instagram is your best friend. (Raise your hand if you want to consider spending hours on Instagram “work”!). My tips and tricks for promoting my book is this:
After all, your audience follows you for a reason, and that reason is because they’re interested in seeing your life as a writer. With a debut novel coming out, show them what the publishing process looks like, or the writing process, or the editing process. My social media development started taking off when I announced on Instagram that I’d signed my first publishing contract. It’s been growing ever since. Here’s some quick tips and tricks that helped me get the ball rolling:
Let me expand on this. By posting bookish content, my followers became familiar with my brand, what I do, and what they can expect from me. Even if your novel is a year away from seeing a bookshelf, don’t stop promoting it. Keep your followers excited for release. Between the time I signed my contract with IE and now, I have gained fans from all over the world who have told me they love my content, love my story, and can’t wait for release so they can get their hands on my novel. I let my audience know that they can reach out to me day or night. Just as they encourage and support me, I want to offer the same right back to them. If they see that you care about them, they’ll never leave your side (or your book! *wink wink*). This builds a strong community around you, which, in the discouraging times that writing often brings upon us, is much needed. This pivotal tip can make or break a follow: keep your page pretty. Determine your aesthetic and stick to it. Depending on the season, I keep my pictures on Instagram nice and matching to the weather. During winter, I post white and blue colors. During spring, I like to keep it pastel. In summertime, I post vibrant, colorful pictures. When fall comes around, I like to share lots of outdoorsy, turtleneck sweater pictures. Meanwhile, I keep readers informed on my publishing process and what’s to come. But don’t be afraid to get honest in your posts. Everyone has a vulnerable side, and sharing yours will draw people closer to you because of your relatable content. Writing isn’t easy. In fact, that might just be the most vulnerable form of art out there. The whole point of publishing your book is for people to feel your words and experience your story. Why stop at a paperback or e-book, though? New authors, take it a step further and start sharing your words on social media. Be confident in your book––in your vulnerability, in your branding, in your journey to publication––and show the world who you are. I promise they’ll love you! Have questions? Need advice as you enter the publishing industry? Follow me on Instagram at m.m.cochran_writer and let’s chat!
Fans of Jeffrey F. Meyer may be surprised to know that he was a member of the Franciscan Order and studied to be a priest for seven years. This important time in his life, combined with thirty-five years as a professor of Religious Studies, informs, inspires, and influences his latest novel, Crooked Lines. Crooked Lines follows Jeffrey's award-winning debut historical fiction novel, A Call to China, heralded by Kirkus Reviews as "An engrossing fictional exploration of family, culture, and what it means to belong in both China and America." Set in the late 2020s, Jeffrey's latest visionary work of fiction asks the question: Can our hero and his strange band of friends find the courage to restore democracy to an America teetering dangerously on the precipice of authoritarian rule? When asked about his motivation to write, Jeffrey notes, "Since I retired from UNC Charlotte in 2008, I have spent most of my time writing fiction, a first novel that I could never get right, then A Call to China, now Crooked Lines, and I’m working on another novel, now about half way through the first draft. I consider myself lucky to have this inner urge to write fiction¸ which I suppose was inborn, something in my heart and mind that can’t be fully explained." And Crooked Lines is no ordinary literary journey. The reader will encounter action, humanity, humor, and serious issues, all wrapped into a framework based upon an abridged translation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West. This pilgrimage story follows a famous Buddhist monk traveling from China to India in order to bring back to his native country all the sacred scriptures that were lacking in China. The monk seems unlikely to succeed. In Crooked Lines, Bishop Donovan is an ordinary man, neither brilliant nor possessed of heroic virtue. Set in a future where authoritarian governments have taken hold around the world and the planet heads toward a climate disaster, Bishop Donovan and two unlikely companions—an Asian monk and a former pro-football player—risk everything to share a way forward with the world. Accepting the complexity of all human beings, Crooked Lines also deals with a number of important issues: authoritarian government, the threat of climate change, the intersection of religion and politics, the place of faith in a cynical world, women’s role in traditional religious institutions, and the meaning of success and failure as individuals and institutions strive to realize their ideals. We chatted with the author about his new novel in advance of it's upcoming release. Crooked Lines is available September 18, 2020 in print and e-Book. Interview with author Jeffrey F. Meyer What fact about yourself would surprise your fans? Readers might be surprised to know that I was a member of the Franciscan Order, studying to be a priest, for seven years. I left the order about a year and a half before ordination, but my time in the Order was very important in my life. I became aware that a number of my colleagues who also left the Order resented the time wasted and years lost. I did not. I felt that I gained a lot by the experience, maybe the most important thing was learning how to live in a community. Another thing was learning of the importance of religion or spirituality in human life, a conviction I have never lost. That conviction is obvious in Crooked Lines, as it is in all my writings, fictional and academic. Where do you find joy in life? Exploration and travel. Learning about nature, in the manner of Mary Oliver (for its spiritual meaning), and exploring and foreign lands and peoples. I’ve spent, for example, about three years of my life in Asia, mostly China and Taiwan, amazed and intrigued at times at how different these cultures are from my own, and at other times marveling at how much alike all of us are, from the east or west, as human beings. Tell us something about Crooked Lines that's not in the summary. The inspiration for Crooked Lines comes from an Asian source. About three years ago I was reading an abridged translation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, a sort of pilgrimage story in which a famous Buddhist monk goes from China to India in order to bring back to his native country all the sacred scriptures that were lacking in China. The monk seems unlikely to succeed. He is often diffident, somewhat fussy about his own comfort. How will he be able to make the arduous and dangerous journey across the Silk Road to India? He does it by finding three companions who will accompany and help him, the chief one being Monkey, probably the most popular character in all of Chinese fiction. The three are mischievous, sometimes badly behaved characters as well as “superheroes” so there is a strong element of fantasy in the novel. My aim was to retell this story in a western setting, preserving the serious religious purpose while using elements of fantasy and humor. What books did you love growing up? As a kid I remember riding my bicycle to the local library in Cincinnati, where I grew up, and checking out books regularly. I read all the Wizard of Oz series, the Hardy Boys (young detectives) stories, and I recall going through an African period, reading stories about its fascinating animals and terrain. I can remember only one title, Treks Across the Veldt, though I read many. These were books written from the imperialist’s point of view, glorifying the big game hunters and explorers, with the actual people of Africa playing secondary roles as scouts and bearers. But early in my teen age years I began to read adult books that left a permanent mark on my mind, like Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth, about a Chinese farmer and his family. Another was J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. I was also deeply moved by the Anne Frank story. Why did you pick this particular subject matter to write about? Besides my love for the original story of Journey to the West, I took up this novel as a way to touch on three issues that I consider crucial at this time in American history, and really, world history. The first is the growth of authoritarian governments around the world and the corresponding weakening of democracy, which can be seen right now in the U.S., China, India, the UK, Poland, Hungary, Brazil and the Philippines. The second is climate change, and the third is the role of women in world religions—name me a single world religion where the patriarchal model does not dominate. I hope these issues become more tangible as the reader encounters them in real social settings in the novel. A professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for thirty-five years, Jeffrey F. Meyer taught Asian religions in the Religious Studies department, with a focus on Buddhism and Daoism. He is married with three grown children and currently living in Davidson, North Carolina. His first novel, A Call to China, is a Silver winner in the 30th Annual Benjamin Franklin Awards and a finalist in the 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards and the 2019 NextGen Indie Book Awards. Follow the author on Goodreads. |
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