With the abundance of self-published authors, 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, J. Olympio, who is taking her latest book, Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes, 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, J. Olympio 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 Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes. What is it about?
JO: The book is a true story about a young South American girl who had dreams of becoming a physician in her native home of Colombia. Uncontrollable events cause her to move to the United States where she struggles to survive. Over a period of several years, fate deals her so many blows, she declares: “I sometimes feel like life’s punching bag.” In spite of all that, she forges on, believing that life will one day get easier. While it is a story of disappointment, pain, and incredible losses, it is also one of strength and hope.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
JO: I witnessed parts of a tragedy unfold in a co-worker’s life, and I knew that her story had to be told. She had already been through the strangest of circumstances, and I could not fathom how anyone could quietly endure so much adversity. I thought her story would give others courage to deal with challenges in their lives. I also believed that it would help readers understand the nuances of other cultures and open their eyes to issues they ought to know about but might be oblivious to.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
JO: The writing style appeals to a wide audience. Both male and female readers of varying ages already rate it highly. Anyone who has been through difficult times or needs encouragement will relate to the story, and immigrants of all races will see themselves in this book.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JO: Right from the beginning, you are drawn into Arabelle’s world. She has a compelling story that encompasses many elements. A reader described the book as a tragedy, a comedy, and a mystery all in one. The narrative is so strong that you feel Arabelle’s every emotion. Parts of the book are sad, hilarious, enlightening, scary, or even strange. It is very well written and easy to read. Almost every reader’s comment is: “It was hard to put the book down.”
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
JO: I have two other memoirs to publish. The next one is another true story entitled Battle Lines – A Story of Deployment, Infidelity, and Broken homes.
OP: Thanks for your time, J. Olympio! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Whether she is writing financial columns, curricula, or proposals on multimillion-dollar contracts, J. Olympio endeavors to engage her audience. She draws you in and makes a subject come alive. She chronicles events in Arabelle’s life in a simple yet compelling way. She is the author of two other memoirs to be published soon. Arabelle is her debut novel.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/Arabelle
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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