Michael Parker's Ramblings

Today is the start of my Goodreads giveaway. This is where I offer three of my books to Goodreads readers who will put their names down for the draw. The offer ends on May 26th. and the three winners will each receive a copy of A COVERT WAR. This will be followed by a three day, free promotion of the same novel, but in e-book format. The idea behind this ‘scheme’ of mine is twofold: I will send each winner another book to go with mine. It will be a top author for each one. The winners can do what they like with that extra book, but for me it is essential to my slipstream marketing campaign. The follow up free download promotion will enable those who missed out on the draw to download the e-book for free. Anybody will be able to do this regardless of whether they are members of Goodreads or not. The result, if all goes to plan will be that a significant rise in the rankings which should generate subsequent, paid sales of the book. I will also be putting NORTH SLOPE up for free on the same dates. It’s all very subjective and could end in dismal, and costly (not too much) failure. As a result of my ‘scheme’ I have to concentrate a bit on promotion. The trouble is, there are so many sites where I can promote my book without having to pay that I could spend several hours a day traipsing round the Net. That way I wouldn’t get anything else done. I’m still battling with my current manuscript and keep changing parts of the storyline. If I ever get this one finished I will probably hate the book. But that’s not fair: I’m not that kind of writer. I love all my books, which is natural because I’ve sweated so much over them and waited so long for success. Well, my kind of success! My current rate of progress should see me finish the manuscript by the end of the year. Yesterday, as I walked into my church, one of the ladies there asked me if I was writing another book. I said I was and asked her why. She told me that her friend has read all of mine and she enjoyed them that much she can’t wait for my next one to come out. Wasn’t that nice? I treasure little gems like that. So, I’d better get cracking. Trouble is; we’ve got guests coming in about an hour’s time and I’ve got to take the dog out. Wish me luck!