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, Ivon Blum, who is taking his latest book, Code Talker, 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, Ivon 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 Code Talker.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Code Talker. What is it about?
IB: A noble inquiry into survival and belonging of a Navajo Indian, marine code talker (and his comrades) participating in WWII and the tortuous Long Walk of his ancestors 80 years before as prisoners of the US army during which the army attempted to exterminate an entire Native American people.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
IB: My US, Southwest research took me to the 19th century persecution of the Navajo Indians by the US army and, then, to their selfless heroism as marines, many of whom used a special, unbreakable code of their own language during WWII to help (and, perhaps save) the very government which had persecuted them just 80 years before.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
IB: Those who love deeply layered characters in a fast-moving story of the struggle of the human spirit to survive discrimination and persecution. Those who revel in stories of WWII and the battle for Iwo Jima and those readers who seek to delve into 19th century Navajo culture and religion and the fight of a Native American people in constant conflict with the US military which later used their talents and language to win the war against the Japanese.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
IB: It presents two parallel historical dramas, separated by 80 years, of Navajo Indian characters and their many antagonists who must deal with persecution, discrimination, revenge, family hate, love, devotion and sacrifice.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
IB: My first published novel is “River of Souls, A Novel of the American Myth.” I plan to publish more of my historical novels in the coming months and years.
OP: Thanks for your time, Ivon! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ivon Blum is a retired Los Angeles lawyer who has been researching and writing
about the American Southwest for more than 20 years. His novel, River of Souls,
about the Santa Fe Trail, was well received. He’s visited the Tewa and Navajo in
their hometowns and fly-fished many of the rivers in New Mexico and Arizona.
He’s a member of Western Writers of America. When he writes about Canyon del
Muerto, Shiprock, or old Fort Defiance, he is no stranger.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/codetalker
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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