Getting your book onto library shelves means you’re reaching a wider audience of readers. For my thoughts and tips on library marketing, please pop over and visit me today at Alan Orloff’s blog, A Million Blogging Monkeys.

Having a book released is almost like having a baby. Pop over and visit me at Routines for Writers today to find out more.

Some of you have asked me how the release is going. As far as I can tell, it’s going pretty well. The buzz seems good to me and I was at my local library branch this afternoon and saw my book had 13 requests already. They still have it on order currently, though.

Getting our books into bookstores and libraries is a big part of 21st century writers’ jobs. I’m not great on the phone, but love writing (i.e.—mail.) I’ve called some stores and will send postcards to others.

How do simple things change our (and our characters’) perspectives on the world?

Please visit me at InkSpot today to find out.

My Myrtle Clover series is set in a small, Southern town. My Memphis Barbeque series is set in a larger city.

There’s a certain gossipy element that small-town settings provide. People in small towns may know more about you than you wish they did. Not only that, they may compare your behavior to other members of your family from generations back–favorably or non.

Larger cities, on the other hand, can provide an exciting backdrop for your story. At night in Memphis, you never know who you might run into on Beale street. The city is faster-paced and music, food, and the Mississippi River are threads that run through everything.

I’m having a good time writing both settings. I grew up in a small town, but I’ve since lived in larger cities. I love the sense of community I get in a town, and the cultural/entertainment opportunities available in larger ones. The suburbs get a bad rap, but I think I’ve gotten a little taste of both worlds there.

Are you pulled toward small towns or larger cities for your settings?

And today I’m making a guest appearance at Marybeth Geer-Smith’s blog, Desperately Searching for My Inner Mary Poppins.

It’s a Gnome-Approved interview. :)

Hope y’all will pop over and visit me there.

Book Release Parties:

I know plenty of authors who have awesome book release parties. My friends Jim and Joyce Lavene recently had one at their son’s restaurant with a band and everything.

I decided not to do anything, myself. Parties where I or my book are the center of attention should be something fun, but I’m just too introverted to have a good time. Instead, I’m looking forward to a pretty busy promotional schedule–I’m going to be giving interviews, doing guest posts, and generally hanging out a lot online. This is perfect for me. Besides, I’m in the middle of polishing up my manuscript for my next deadline.

One thing I am interested in is a Twitter party. I keep hearing about them, know you text back and forth using the # key, but I don’t totally understand. Maybe for my next release?