That’s right—I am now a card-carrying member of the Shameless Promotion Club. I often say it, tongue in cheek right before chatting up an unsuspecting potential reader about my forthcoming debut novel No More Empty Spaces, but it seems to me that pondering the “shameless” part of my imaginary club’s name is in order.
I have worked for more than two decades learning the craft of writing, and I have worked for more than one of those on this book. It was a story I had to tell, and for me, that meant I had to tell it well. So I read and studied, got coached and critiqued, and wrote and rewrote (and rewrote and rewrote…you get the idea). The result is solid, perhaps even beautiful in places. Then along with my labor of love, my publisher’s, She Writes Press, team made it more so, including its stunning cover! I believe in this book, and so do my literary agent, my publisher, and my publicist—a team of professionals who stand beside me in getting it out in the world.
So why should I feel shame in promoting it? Well, I shouldn’t, but promoting isn’t something I feel comfortable doing. I was taught, from the beginning, to do for others, not myself. I know I’m not alone in this. And promoting my work does not mean I am not humble in the knowledge of how many great writers are out there. It does not mean that I am not aware of how many great books readers have to choose from. I am humble and I am aware. At the same time, I trust that No More Empty Spaces also belongs on bookstore, library, and your bookshelves (or bedside tables) come April 9, 2024, its publication date.
When I was working as an environmental and engineering geologist, no one would have looked at me askance for promoting my consulting practice, in fact I was often advised to do more of it. Though marketing was not anything close to my favorite part of the work, I did it. And so, I will as a writer too, because like my first career as a professional geologist, I take my second career seriously, and this is simply part of that work in the publishing business these days. So, here goes…
My debut novel, No More Empty Spaces, is told in multiple voices, and explores rifts and shifts in an American family, and the landscape, when they move from the US to a remote and rugged region of Turkey. Timely and gripping, the book will make you think about how you relate to yourself, your family, and the Earth and its ever-changing processes. Learn more about it on my website or at She Write Press or at Goodreads.
No More Empty Spaces is available for pre-order now—ask at your favorite local independent bookstore, or anywhere else books are sold, including Bookshop or Bookworks, the great (yes, more shameless promotion!) local independent bookstore in Albuquerque, where I am a partner.
Thank you! And hey, let’s all let go of shame, and sign up for the Shameless Promotion Club in support of whatever we have worked hard to achieve.
Got my order in! Woo hoo!
I’ve known you for decades Deb – and I am so excited that you are now a card carrying member of the Shameless Promotion Club. That is a huge accomplishment! – I know it is nearly as big as what it took to create your first novel. Congratulations!
Atta girl!!!! So proud of you, and very much looking forward to reading it!
That’s great! No wonder you are smiling when I see you!
Congratulations! Zero shame in promoting. It is actually your job to get out there and sell your book. I just pre ordered. Looking forward to reading your work!
This is awesome! Sounds great! Looking forward to ordering and reading it!!! Congratulations! Editing is a mixed bag of feelings, glad you stuck it out! Cheers!
I love this post, Deb! You well deserve shameless promotion for this fantastic achievement!! I understand the importance of this achievement with the history we have as friends. I would like to order the book thru your store, and wondered if you might have a signing in Albuquerque as well as at the 2024 AEG Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. BIG CONGRATULATIONS. The sweet smell of success for sure. Gerry
I wish I’d known such a card existed when I was trying to promote my photography! I was constantly doing Shameless Self-Promotion. I get it. I got tired of doing it, but I have the attention span of a flea so it’s really no surprise ????
Can’t wait for your book release!!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read your book 🙂
Thrilled for the evolution of your story and gifts, privileged to have traveled parts of the journey with you, excited for it to hit the shelves and you to hit the road!