Shameless Self-Promotion (Hey, If I Don't Do It, No One Will!)

Many people seem to think that writing a book is the hardest part about being a published author. Au contraire. I would argue that it's probably the easiest!

Let's think about this for a minute. Imagine you get this grand idea to produce glowing widgets. Would you then single-handedly design the widget, identify and purchase all of the needed parts, assemble those parts, develop a sales and marketing plan, find the perfect consumer base, sell the product, manage the expenses and income resulting from the burgeoning widget boom, and handle all P.R. and management decisions--all while developing the design for the next, new-and-improved widget for which you'll then do all of the above again?

Okay, okay. You can stop laughing now.

What I've just described above, by and large, is the lot of an author, especially an author who's just getting started. Over time, if you're an indie author like me, you "outsource" a number of tasks (editing, cover design, book trailer creation, etc.) to free you up to write your next book. One task that most typically remains the author's responsibility, however, is marketing.

This, my friends, is the hardest part about being an author. Not to put too fine a point on it, but we're selling ourselves (okay, part of ourselves) every time we put one of our books on the market. There's no getting around it, though. Even traditional publishers have largely backed out of extending marketing dollars to unproven authors, leaving them to fend for themselves.

As a result, authors need to make use of every possible avenue to promote their books...which brings me to the main point of this post: my new book, Defy (Book One of the Firstborn Trilogy). Released on Monday, April 30th, Defy ushers in the next generation and a new class of Estilorians, the Kynzesti. I'll leave you with the book blurb and a trailer to help pique your interest, and thank you profusely for indulging me in this bout of shameless self-promotion!

Defy (Book One of the Firstborn Trilogy)

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

Defy Trailer by Flatline Films

Where to purchase Defy: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords