Author Marc McCormack is taking his latest book Stella the Rejected Star on tour — a Virtual Book Tour, that is, with Outskirts Press! Technology has created a wide variety of ways to reach audiences all over the world. All it takes is a little thinking outside the box, and nowadays you can market a self-published book in a variety of affordable and impactful ways. Virtual book tours, for example, are a great way to connect with readers from all corners of the globe, all from the comfort of your own home. Join Marc McCormack and Stella the Rejected Star as they appear in features and interviews (such as the one below) in the weeks and months ahead!
Luckily for us, Marc 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 Stella the Rejected Star.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Stella the Rejected Star. What is it about?
Marc: It’s a Christmas story about Stella, a four-pointed star, that is rejected by the other five-pointed stars because she is different and the brightest. The other stars are unkind to Stella and even “starnap” her at one point. Ultimately, she is selected by God to lead the wisemen to the manger on Christmas.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Marc: I wrote Stella the Rejected Star when I was 11 in 1983. About five years ago, my Mom found a copy of the book in the garage and asked me to reread it. I read it again, and I realized 37 years ago I had written the story of my son, Brady, who is now a beautiful blind and nonverbal 14-year-old individual with autism. I took the story to one of my close friends, and he illustrated it. Brady was the inspiration to publish it.
OP: How did you get your book published?
Marc: I contacted Outskirts publishers and went through the self-publishing process. I decided that the year 2020 was the perfect year for Stella’s debut! This is a story of hope in a world in need of it.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Marc: Kids who love stars, even mischievous ones, and Christmas will love this book, and all Individuals with special needs are represented by Stella. The book is set against the backdrop of the first Christmas and Nativity, but it is truly meant for everyone.
OP: What is special about your book?
Marc: This book is special because it is not only a cute story, but it is the perfect way to teach your children about the importance of kindness. Children will see that Stella was made fun of for her differences, and you can easily teach your children about love and acceptance. The ones among us who are considered different often shine the brightest! I am also planning on donating some of the proceeds to local (Orange County, CA) autism charities.
OP: What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Marc: It’s a Christmas story about the first Nativity, but it is more than that because of its message of acceptance and inclusion.
OP: Have you published any other books?
Marc: This is my first published book.
OP: Do you plan to publish more?
Marc: Yes, I do. I’m currently working on writing the story of my son, Brady (and his brother Carson who we lost), from his four months in the NICU and his current triumphs as a beautiful 14-year-old with severe special needs.
OP: Thanks for your time, Marc! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I wrote Stella the Rejected Star when I was a wide-eyed, 11-year-old. Thirty-seven years later, the story is even more relevant personally when I consider my 13-year-old beautiful son, Brady, who was born at 24 weeks at one pound, six ounces. Brady was a twin, and tragically his brother, Carson, passed away after two weeks. Now, Brady is a blind, nonverbal boy with autism who has sometimes been rejected for his differences; however, he radiates love and light every day in my life and so many others. I want to express my sincere gratitude to a close friend and brilliant artist, Seth Thompson, who helped bring Stella to life through his perfect illustrations. Stella the Rejected Star is for Brady and all individuals with special needs who illuminate the world when, like Stella, they are given the opportunity to shine. With love, Marc McCormack
For more information or to contact the author, visit https://www.outskirtspress.com/stellatherejectedstar
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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