I haven’t talked about my novel in months. Because, HELLO? New bright, shiny objects obliterate old, tired tomes. Promoting Not Without My Father is all-consuming. The first ninety days of a book are make-or-break.
So why am I wasting an entry to mention To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis? My sad, lonely little novel virtually nobody is reading?
Well.
I got this e-mail message.
Andra,
I have just read an article from a small locally published magazine,Validity, promoting your work and efforts to keep Meriwether Lewis alive in new adventures. This is an extremely intriguing idea.
Because I am a first cousin, 5 generations removed to Meriwether as my 3rd GGrandmother was Jane Meriwether Lewis, Meriwether’s 1st cousin, I have heard all of the stories multiple times with the unfortunate non-resolution regarding his death circumstances. Of course, the Lewis family has for years tried to have the death issue resolved with roadblocks put up in many pathways.
I want to thank you again for having the foresight and fortitude in producing this fresh adventure and keeping him in our memories.
Good luck and I look forward to a great read!
Sandy Henry
I still don’t know
how to convince people
to read my novel.
I struggle
and stammer
and mostly fail.
But give me one message.
One person who cares.
And I’m ready to go to the mat and try again.
What are you reading?
Explorer Meriwether Lewis has been stuck in Nowhere since his mysterious death nearly two centuries ago. His last hope for redemption is helping nine-year-old Emmaline Cagney flee her madame mother in New Orleans and find her father in Nashville. To get there, Merry must cross his own grave along the Natchez Trace, where he duels the corrupt Judge, an old foe who has his own despicable plans for Em.
Click to read a sample of To Live Forever
Formats: 6″ x 9″ paperback; Kindle; Nook; iBook; e-pub; mobi
Price: $3.99 electronic; $14.99 paperback
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30 Comments
excellent. sometimes a word from someone can change everything.
It absolutely can.
Perhaps it’s just that the novocaine has worn off, but this made me cry today. I so wish that I knew what I could do to get more people to read your beautiful writing. I know I’d be doing them a favor. You are awesome! Never forget that – your words, once people read them, change people for the better.
It just takes bull headedness, time and luck, Lori. You’ve been such a cheerleader, and no matter where I end up, you’ll be there with me. I love you to pieces.
That’s actually so freaking cool. Don’t quit. Don’t you dare.
It made my whole week!!
To me, Andra (and I’m not the one selling my hard wrought book). to me, a message like this is worth one hundred, no more. “foresight” “fortitude” “fresh adventure” – by a descendant of Meriwether Lewis! Wow! I’m grinning with glee – and this isn’t even mine. Enjoy it for now. Just enjoy, Andra. 🙂
I savor every single one. 🙂 🙂 And all the people I’m meeting along the way. Like you and Tom.
I have abandoned 4 books in the last week as unsatisfying bunkum, among them very well regarded memoirs like “Lost in Translation”. I I read one more opening of a memoir that took place in the past written in the present tense I will … I will… eat my arm. Or something. Your two books have been among the most entertaining and innovative I’ve read in the last year. It mystifies me what catches the public interest.
It just takes lots of money to generate buzz quickly. I think I’m on a slow burn, but I’ll get there. This comment made me let out a whoop in public. SO THANK YOU!!
That’s just sweet.
Yep.
Awesome, Andra. Keep going. Your writing is wonderful, just keep taking steps forward.
Will do. Forward is the only way to go.
I am quietly and patiently waiting on your next book Andra. 🙂 I am proud to be able to say I know you and consider you a friend. You have worked so hard to get where you are at. We are here, with you and behind you 100%. Keep on keeping on and do what you do best which is be YOU. So, keep writing and we will keep reading and advertising for you. OK?
And I am impatiently awaiting time to work on my next project(s). 🙂 All this promoting sure does eat up writing time. I appreciate your words, James. You and Katy mean a lot to me.
awww that is so sweet of you to say Andra. Hugs to you and MTM.
I got chills reading this, sometimes the world feels so small with how it can bring you exactly what you need to hear at just the right time.
I got chills, too. So awesome.
That is fantastic, Andra!! That has got to be the best feeling having received the email. WOW! That you are bringing joy to his family through your words and your actions is phenomenal! xo
I hope lots more of his relatives read and love it.
Keep swimming, Andra. Keep swimming!
I never thought I could swim this long. Ha. 🙂
Your work won’t promote itself at first — keep banging away at it, To Live Forever is an excellent tale!
It may take years, but I’ll get there. Thanks for your words of encouragement, Rob.
It’s very clear that promoting a book is an endless journey, but occasionally someone comes through that really seems to appreciate the work involved and sends a thank you for upholding a family name and reputation. What a cool message to have received. Very cool indeed!
I’m still smiling, Debra.
That is sooooo cool that Sandy Henry contacted you! You know we’re all pulling for you, Andra!!!!
Thanks, Linda. I just re-read your text about the Brazilian steakhouse again. 🙂 Hope we can do that before year-end.
See? There’s always something silver in the lining. 🙂 Merry, Emmaline, and the Judge are … spectacular. And slow burns keep you warm for longer.
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