As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market your self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Odette B. Lezama Rodriguez, who is taking her latest book, The Last Golden Egg, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
Luckily for us, Odette was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of The Last Golden Egg.
OP: Tell us a little bit about The Last Golden Egg. What is it about?
OBLR: The story is set during medieval times in a kingdom that believes its prosperity results from the possession of a ‘Golden Egg.’ This egg has been passed down from generation to generation, believing the kingdom’s peace and safety is attributed to its presence. The kingdom population then treats each other with the highest regard, so as to retain the prosperity that emanates from the keeping of the egg. The king hires a local village boy to care for the egg, as he is now too old to perform the weekly ritual of dusting and cleaning the golden egg.
The egg is highly coveted by the rival kingdom, whose king eventually steals the egg. The peasant village boy is blamed for the disappearance of the egg and is jailed. The story evolves as the boy attempts to escape and retrieve the egg to prove his innocence. The boy elicits the help of his animal friends and they experience numerous adventures in finding the egg. In the end, the egg is forever lost, never to be found again. The king and his subjects come to the realization that it was their choice to treat each other respectfully, which resulted in their prosperity.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
OBLR: I enjoyed reading bedtime stories to my then six year old son and found it difficult to find wholesome children’s stories. I wrote the story to aid in teaching him such values as honesty, respect for elders and animals. I didn’t want to expose him to the prevalent children’s stories that deal with violence, sex, disrespect for parents and the occult.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
OBLR: All family members will appreciate the storyline and virtuous lessons contained therein. However, the book lends itself to younger aged children.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
OBLR: What made this book so special was the purpose for writing it. As already mentioned, I was inspired to write it for bedtime reading for my only son and also have it be a source of moral values instruction in an entertaining manner.
Though the book does not contain illustrations, my writing is descriptively detailed to where the readers can easily visualize the story. The book is perfectly suited for an animated motion picture.
Additionally, I was able to express my artistic creativity by using one of my oil paintings I specifically painted for the cover of the book. I’m now motivated to continue painting my own cover designs for my subsequent books.
Finally, I’m now the proud grandmother enjoying my seventeen month old grandson, for whom the main character of the book is named after. He appears on the author picture provided.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
OBLR: The Last Golden Egg is my first published book. However, I have currently submitted a second manuscript and Outskirts Press has also agreed to publish it. I’m currently waiting on illustrations from my talented brother to finalize the printing. I also have numerous completed children’s stories, waiting for illustrations and submittal for publishing.
OP: Thanks for your time, Odette! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Southern California, Odette B. Lezama Rodriguez, spent many hours as a child writing poems and adventure stories, just for fun. She was inspired to write this book for her six year old son. Now a grandmother, she has finally fulfilled her dream of becoming an author.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/thelastgoldenegg
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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