January 2014

What an incredible month! With the release RUNNING SECRETS on the eve of the new year, it's been a time of excitement and joy, but also of Facebook and Goodreads, of Google+ and Readers& Writers Connect as I struggle to bring RUNNING SECRETS to as many folks as possible and plea for readers' comments on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads.

I'm not crazy about any of that. I'd rather be writing, quiet and anonymous in some noisy coffee shop, a new tale unfolding in my head and flowing onto the page. But that's only half the equation. A published writer has to sell, especially if she wants a publisher to continue to push her books into the world. And she has to collect readers' comments. Just as sales are a sign of public interest in a book, reviews show publishers that readers are interested enough to share an opinion.

I didn't expect Booktrope's team approach to publishing to affect me quite the way it has. Because the book manager, editor, designer, and copy editor all share a percentage of sales, I find myself pushing harder than I did on my last book and wanting RUNNING SECRETS to exceed all sales expectations, not just for myself, but for the entire team. I didn't foresee this aspect of the team structure, and I find it fascinating.

As soon as RUNNING SECRETS was released and the wheels of promotion started turning, I was happily overwhelmed with the generous support of family and friends as I sought the perfect location for a book launch party, and I mean party! I booked Richard Hugo House and planning was underway.

Tomorrow’s the big day. The box of books is at the door, the hors d'oeuvres are in the refrigerator, and the drink tickets are waiting to be claimed. I hope you can join me!
 

RUNNING SECRETS Book Launch Party!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Richard Hugo House

1634 11th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 322-7030

For more information on RUNNING SECRETS and the complete ALKI TRILOGY, please visit my other website at: www.AlkiTrilogy.com. You are invited to subscribe to both sites for regular updates.

(a book you should know about) Running Secrets, a novel by Arleen Williams

Here's a recent interview with Booktrope author and illustrator, Jennifer Hotes. I hope you enjoy the read!

Readers & Writers Connect

Are you a reader? Do you enjoy learning about new books and the writers behind those books? If so, you may want to check out Readers &Writers Connect.

This is a new website created by book manager, Tiffany White, to build a bridge between those who write and those who love to read. There's a lot here, something for a variety of reading interests.

This month Tiffany will be spotlighting authors published by Booktrope publishing out of Seattle. I hope you check it out.