Bah Humbug, Book Ad

14/12/2018

The holiday background Simona picked for my holiday ad.

I was working on my Christmas book ad and quit. Yeah, it happens like that sometimes, but now as I'm writing this blog, I thought of something funny to put in it. Sometimes, I think you have to say fuck it, and go wash dishes or make a really questionable breakfast of chile sauce and flour tortillas (with coffee). I was too downtrodden to make eggs. Bah humbug.

I think the real issue is that I get so bummed out when I see no reviews and sales flat line (though I did sell eight last weekend, in real time). Then there is the question of freebies and no reviews.

I was counting the downloads from my November givewaway, and there were over 40, but no book reviews. Why aren't people reviewing my book? Are they busy? Have a long reading list? Will they read it this holiday season? Do they think my books suck? I suspect that most people who download my books are hustling to sell their own books and asking the same questions.

I know friends who are like, "I don't like zombie books, but I bought yours." Which probably translates to, I didn't read it. I had one friend tell me recently, "I read your book, and you are a very talented writer, but I just can't suspend my beliefs when it comes to zombies." He can't understand how they function when there is no blood flow to the brain. (You're not supposed to!) Could you put that positive shit into a review? Nah.

And after all that blah blah, I always come to the same conclusion. Just fucking write and love it. Put all you've got into it, and then, send it to the two really great beta readers you have for support. Yeah, stocking gift coming your way.

Bah Humbug Doubts and Writing Blues. #barrioblues

2 Comments

Jesú Estrada
Pen Name: María J. Estrada
Chicago, IL

You follow me everywhere @drmariajestrada, except Twitter.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Radical Books and Activists.

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MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and a menagerie of animals.

Alison Aldridge link

20/12/2018 03:37:11 pm

I am contemplating self publishing in the new year but my fear is that nobody will buy or review my book. Then I remember that I am not writing for them, I am writing because I need to. I hope you get out of your slump and if I have time (super busy these days), I would love to check your book out. I love zombie TV/Films but not read a book. I tried to write one myself but struggled as I could see the event cinematically in my head but they didn't come out write on paper.

Keep at it. Have a happy Christmas. I hope 2019 is very prosperous for you.

Jesu Estrada link

22/12/2018 06:07:12 am

Awe thanks Alison! I'm mostly out of my slump. For me, the sales go in peaks and valleys. I would focus on the great writing first. To be honest, self-publishing is easy. The marketing is what is hard, and I am not sure that it would be easier with traditional publishing. I try new things, like book markers and free book giveaways, but getting reviews is really difficult. With this next book, I am leaning towards putting the collection on different platforms, even if I have to dish out a little money. I haven't made headway into real bookstores because dealing with Amazon is such a pain in the butt for them. I would give that zombie story a shot, but play up to your strengths. What do you normally write? Mine are really about the characters and the monsters they face, often internally. Good luck! Let me know if your read my book. Happy Holidays!

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