How Authors Celebrate -- And Wowzer Am I Glad They Do!

You know those lottery winners who say they never win anything? Yeah. I'm one of them--except I don't play the lottery. Waste of money. But guess what...I won a color Nook! I'm finally going to be a member of the snooty-tooty readers' club that whips out their electronic device to partake of a novel. That's akin to sipping a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby if you ask me.

Which you didn't. You want to know how I won, eh? Well, some authors create an opportunity to spread the word about their new release via the medium of a contest. That's what Vanessa Riley did for her debut novel Madeline's Protector. Here's a short blurb:

If all the young men of England leapt off a cliff, Madeline St. James wouldn't care. Then she'd have peace. Her nightmares of courtship would end, and she'd cozy up with a Psalm in her aunt's quiet sculpture garden. Yet, a chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything, and Madeline must trust the Good Shepherd has led her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire. Death and pain are no strangers to Justain Delveaux, Lord Devonshire, and he vows his dutiful bride will be kept safe and in her place. Though this compromised marriage is in-name-only, his wife and her unwavering faith both intrigue and allure him. Perchance when he thwarts his brother's killer, Justain will tempt the unpredictable Madeline with the comfort of his arms. But can Madeline and the stubborn earl forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?

The week of her release, she posted a question each day related somehow to her book. I happened to stop by on the day she was talking about Regency male suitors. Here's the question I had to answer:

Today’s Question: If you were a Regency Mama, which suitor would you pick for your marriageable daughter and why: The son of a family friend, a titled reformed rake, a wealthy gentleman looking for a 2nd wife?

How would you have answered? I chose the son of a family friend because I'd know the content of their character...and ended up being the grand prize winner.

A contest is just one way to celebrate and get the word out about a new release. There's also the traditional book signing at bookstores. Other authors have parties, inviting readers in their area. I've seen social media blitzes as well.

A HEART DECEIVED comes out on June 20th. I was thinking an all expense paid trip to England would be a fantastic publicity stunt, but when I open my purse, moths fly out. Wonder how I could tie in moths to a giveaway. Hmm. Might need to noodle this one for awhile.