As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a 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, Paul Henry Johnson, who is taking his latest book, Scrolls of Darkness, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
Luckily for us, Paul 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 Scrolls of Darkness.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Scrolls of Darkness. What is it about?
PHJ: A modern day search for ancient, satanic scriptures, located in the area of Qumran.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
PHJ: I’ve always wanted to write fiction. In college, however, I felt that the pursuit of a legal carrier would be a better choice in providing for a family.
THEN:
Approximately nineteen years ago, our teenage daughter was killed in a traffic accident. I started to write as an escape from the pain, hurt, and reality of that tragic event. I wrote and wrote for a two-year period, doing little else. I practiced law just enough to pay the bills. Writing became an escape.
After several years, I quit writing altogether – I needed to provide for my family. I knew that writing had disrupted my pragmatic priorities. However, I knew that someday I’d return to my great love for fiction writing.
Oh, I’d go back to writing for short periods, mainly to hone my writing skills for a later time.
A little over a year ago, I decided that I’d get serious about becoming an author and finish the Scrolls of Darkness. That I’ve accomplished and ‘am working on my second book.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
PHJ: Anyone who wants to sit down to a “page turner” and when finished say, “That really kept me entertained. I got good value for my money.”
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
PHJ: When I write, I write for enjoyment. I get an idea and go with it. I don’t know what’s going to happen. If you asked me how my second book is going to end, who’s going to get killed, what places are my characters going to go to, I don’t know – and, writing is rewriting – I could change the direction of the story, and have more than once – It’s all part of the thrill and passion of fiction writing. I don’t know anything comparable. I hope these are the things that will make my book special for my readers.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
PHJ: No. Yes.
OP: Thanks for your time, Paul! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paul H. Johnson is a corporate business transaction attorney.He has lived in Paris, Brussels, Sun Valley, and Carmel. Currently he and his wife reside in Santa Barbara, where his daughter and two grandchildren also live. His lifelong love of intriguing and exciting fiction has come to fruition in The Scrolls of Darkness, the first in a series.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/ScrollsofDarkness
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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