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, Jim Maryott, who is taking his latest book, Love and Truth, 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, Jim 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 Love and Truth.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Love and Truth. What is it about?
JM: The theme is from II John, from the Holy Bible. With an economy of words, the apostle John writes that God is love and truth. Through this two-in-one theme, a synergy is created. Likened to a vitamin pill, vital nutrients are condensed into a single source. Likewise, the elements of love and truth are spiritual nutrients, the bread, which Christians live. Throughout this book, unique perspectives of these spiritual nutrients, love and truth, are told.
Some say that a “picture is worth a thousand words;” consequently, in this book, a short story is entitled “Ill-timed Fairy Tale;” I also wrote a narrative with references entitled, “This Love Story is not a Short Story”, regarding Christ. Actually the larger portion of this book is in a narrative, story-telling style, with references to support the conflicts and action within the text. However, the elements of love and truth need today, as it needed yesterday, a solid foundation. In Chapter Six, the historical chapter, sixty-two references are utilized to support the truth and love that the USA today, as the USA of yesterday, is built upon the rock-solid foundation – “One nation under God.”
But more recently, a minute minority wants to pull this foundation out from under us. Prior to the work of atheists, other non-theists, and “sick segregationists,” the USA prospered and lived under the security of freedom. However, since the countenance in our nation as well as around the world has cooled toward the one-true God, have we discovered another truth? Without God, fear rules!
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
JM: While many writers, including yours truly, are not resistant to fame, fortune, and the thrill of the moment, I believe that the truer writer in them is susceptible to writing because they have to! When I “grow up” – someday, hopefully soon – I want the truest writer within me. And yes, I wrote this book because a magnetic-like field kept pulling me towards writing this book.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
JM: The readers who will enjoy my book are Bible-based Christians worldwide; Christians who are patriots of the United States, and Americans with conservative values; also, readers who have a wide range of interests, such as United States history, variations of social norms of American generational societies, history buffs World-wide who are interested in United States history, and readers that are interested in societal issues, with conflicting norms of Christianity and atheism and other non-theists, as well as conflicting norms of Christianity and radical Islamic believers. Readers who “think outside the box” will also like this book; for example, I utilize a fictional story to illustrate the power of an idea.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JM: While there are biblical verses throughout the book, this text is not special unless it leads readers to the Bible, or helps one to gain a better understanding of the Holy Scriptures.
Several books address conflicting norms of Christianity and political correctness, but few state the biblical truths that homosexuality is a sin. The advocates of political correctness use the word “intolerance”, when one disagrees with their norms; however, intolerance does not equate to disagreement! The true principle of tolerance is understanding one’s difference.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
JM: Love and Truth: From Here to Eternity is my first book publication. Yes, I want to write an eBook about my experiences in Guam, another non-fictional Christian book and possibly a fictional book.
OP: Thanks for your time, Jim! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Jim Maryott (Ed.D. Oklahoma State University; M.Ed. University of Central Oklahoma) is a retired educator. At the University of Guam, Dr. Maryott was an associate professor, department head: school administration, an elected faculty senate member, and evaluator of the Micronesian Educator. He has also authored several articles in professional journals.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/chroniclesofloveandtruth
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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