The Inn on the Isle: A Dover and Popplin Mystery

9/22/2024

Illustrated and written by V. A. Dawn

Debut Amazon author, V. A. Dawn introduces us to “The Inn on the Isle”:
Welcome to Rodentia, a fantastical Victorianesque world where forest creatures wear the most flattering fashion of the day while traveling by dragonfly carriage. Join Dover and Popplin as they embark upon a grand adventure filled with intrigue and laughter. What happened to the stolen Braybrook jewels? And how will two young squirrels solve the mystery while caring for the respectable (and handsome) guests of Thistle Creek Inn? A smattering of curious woodland creatures join forces to explore one of the most exciting and puzzling events they have ever encountered.

I loved this story! It was quite easy to be fully immersed in the adventures in Rodentia. The inhabitants are so polite and even the smallest details are consistent with the theme and setting of the book.
The book is so well written, it is a pleasure to spend some time in the inn on the isle with Dover, Popplin, and the others.
4.9 stars from me. I am very picky about certain things.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Inn-Isle-Dover-Popplin-Mystery-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-inn-on-the-isle
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-inn-on-the-isle-va-dawn

You can connect with the author:
https://x.com/doverandpopplin
https://www.clevertoaddesign.com
https://www.instagram.com/doverandpopplinmystery
https://www.tiktok.com/@v.a.dawn

Copyright ©2024 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

47 Comments

V.A. Dawn link

9/23/2024 10:55:04 am

Hello Mark, I’m so excited about this interview. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Mark

9/23/2024 12:06:30 pm

Welcome to the Word Refiner channel! I am very glad to help you promote your wonderful book.

First question.

Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

V.A. Dawn link

9/23/2024 01:54:35 pm

I'm a graphic designer by trade, and have won both national and NYS awards for my design. Though I am currently residing in the Eastern part of the states, I hail from the gorgeous Pacific Northwest (Oregon, to be precise). Like many people, my childhood wasn't all sunshine and roses… so I found solace in art, humor and nature. My brothers and I are extremely close, since we relied on each other. We always laugh about how we were like "The Lost Boys," (well, The Lost Boys and One Girl, that is) of Peter Pan. Ironically, that never made us bitter with hatred… we learned to love deeply those who loved us back, and that friendship is more than a "take," it is also a "give". You'll have ups and you'll have downs, but in the end… a true friendship is worth any battle you need to wage. We also discovered that family and friends come in all different shapes, and styles and age groups. That is why, when I write, I really want to focus on being a true friend despite appearances, social standing or differences. We also learned to watch and observe the world around us. Many times our best teacher was watching the results of what others did. That helped us avoid many pitfalls in our life.

Mark

9/23/2024 03:07:20 pm

Congratulations on your awards! They must have been very gratifying to receive such recognition!

I am an Oregonian also. I have lived up and down the west coast but most of my life has been in Oregon.

You and your siblings were certainly close. How wonderful for all involved.

New questions.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer?

What kind of work do you do if you are a part-time writer? Feel free to skip that question, if you would rather not answer.

V.A. Dawn link

9/23/2024 03:58:36 pm

Thanks. The companies I worked for perviously submitted my designs, otherwise I probably would never have sent submissions on my own. I always struggle with "I'm not that good, or I could do better." That is why it was quite a "leap of faith" for me to even put my book out there. Being in the graphic design field, I'm use to criticism, but it's hard when it's "your baby"… it is a very vulnerable feeling. That being said, I would LOVE my only job to be writing and illustrating… but unfortunately I have bills to pay, so that means I have to work in something that actually makes me money (LOL!) . As mentioned before, my life growing up wasn't always easy, so I do suffer from panic disorder. Writing and illustrating really helps relieve my anxiety, so I wish I could do it more often… however, most times I have too many "actual paying" jobs that take priority over what I wish I could do.

Mark

9/23/2024 05:32:58 pm

Those companies had well-founded faith in your abilities. Keep that in mind when you are doubting yourself. I hope you have those awards displayed prominently where you can see them easily. If not, get a copy and put it right where you work.

Pretty much every author struggles with self-doubt. I know I struggle with the imposter syndrome also. I recommend ignoring the inner liar. Shut it down whenever it tries to take over. The only thing it seems to want is destruction and it will continue to lie to you and me. Sometimes, I go to my website and read the testimonies from happy clients and that helps me straighten my perspective.

Almost all authors write part time. Just like you they have to pay the bills. It sounds to me like you are doing well. Keep on keeping on.

New questions.

What is your favorite genre to read for pleasure?

Has writing changed the pleasure of reading for you?

V.A. Dawn link

9/23/2024 07:28:14 pm

Ugghhh! That inner voice can be awfully loud and unkind at times… but I will keep those wonderful and supportive thoughts you gave me in mind. I really appreciate that. Okay… so my favorite genre to read… hmmm, I have so many, but I have to say that my first favorite is: Science gone awry… not quite horror, but more "Creature Feature." I am absolutely in love with authors like Michael Crichton, John Wyndham and James Rollins. But I love so many other types of genres as well… Mystery, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Children's Books. I have always wanted to be a writer since I was child, so writing has not changed the pleasure for me… in fact, writing has made me appreciate each authors unique style, and imagination even more.

Mark

9/24/2024 09:10:41 am

The struggle against the inner liar is real. You are welcome.

We have the love of reading in many genres in common. Science fiction is first for me, particularly stories about time-travel. Second, fantasy is neck and neck with sci-fi, I quite enjoy stories about dragons. Historical fiction is my third favorite genre. In no particular order, I like cozy mysteries quite a bit, YA with magical realism, romance stories can be a pleasure to read also.

Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was my introduction to fantasy. Through him I found C. S. Lewis. Lewis is probably most celebrated for The Chronicles of Narnia. It's a family favorite. Lewis also wrote a sci-fi trilogy, "Out of the Silent Planet" and he patterned the protagonist after his good friend JRR Tolkien. It is not nearly as popular as Narnia.

New questions.

Why do you write?

How has writing changed your life?

V.A. Dawn link

9/24/2024 10:36:17 am

The Narnia series is one of my favorites! Also, my husband and I named our cat (who sadly passed away a few years ago… greatest cat ever! Miss him terribly) Sméagol. We always felt it fit him perfectly… He WANTED to be good, but failed miserably. I also love the friendship between JRR Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Okay... so we could do a WHOLE blog on those two brilliant guys… but we are talking about me now… I know, I know, not as fascinating, but it is an unheard tale.

The reason I write is because I've always wanted to. It's relaxing, it gives me a chance to escape, and I love using my imagination to create new ideas. The thing I find most incredible is that, sometimes, I have an idea of how I want the story to go, but as I am typing the story takes on it's own life and decides to go into a completely different direction than what I originally intended. Storytelling can be so fluid and change in a second. I love that aspect of writing!

Writing has changed my life in the fact that those who have read my first book are after me all the time for book 2 (I'm laughing right now, because I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not).

Mark

9/24/2024 11:49:07 am

That is a funny name for a cat. I love it.

Yes, we could talk for quite a while about those two writers. Lewis wrote so broadly, fiction, non-fiction and memoir.

Many writers have said the same thing. They knew from an early age they wanted to write, like you. Many authors have mentioned a similar experience with the characters speaking up and explaining how the story should go. I don't recall any writer being unhappy with the new direction the story is going.

You can count me as a fan. I would love to read another Dover and Popplin mystery. I think there is a deep vein of stories in Rodentia waiting to be dug up and exposed to the world.

New questions.

Does your work, past or present, have any influence on your writing?

Who was the first person to inspire you to write?

V. A. Dawn link

9/24/2024 12:59:29 pm

YAY! Thanks for being a fan! I definitely have some exciting ideas for the residents of Rodentia.

I wouldn't say that my work has influenced my writing, but my life and the many people I have met were definitely an influence.

I also can't pinpoint a "first" person who inspired me… I think it was more of my love of certain authors who inspired me. Thornton Burgess who wrote the "Old Mother West Wind" stories (and more), was a big influence on my desire to write. Also, Carl Barks (he is an artist and writer of the Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge comic books) was also a huge inspiration in that I wanted to always add something "real" - whether it be history of legend or interesting facts - in my fictional story. In my early teen years, I began to read Arthur Conan Doyle (of Sherlock Holmes fame) and Agatha Christie (who had to ability to weave unique mysteries… but always gave you a way to figure the culprit - or culprits - out… if you looked hard enough). In my later teens I started reading Jane Austen… which gave me a love of the Victorian era.

Mark

9/24/2024 02:28:45 pm

I read a lot of Sherlock Holmes when I was in middle school. I was quite entranced with his mental gymnastics.

My wife loves Agatha Christie's books. Many of them have been made into movies. I have enjoyed the movies a lot. Her writing is amazing!

I have seen a number of movie adaptations of Jane Austen books also. Her dialogues are exquisite.

New questions.

What inspired you to write this book?

Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

V. A. Dawn link

9/24/2024 04:52:29 pm

I began quite a few manuscripts. There were a couple of mysteries, a romance and a few fantasy novels. The only story I ever finished writing was a "short story" fairy tale (which I have never published).

All the other novels I wanted to write never kept me interested. I would get so far and then be like -"eh… I'm not enjoying this." Then, one day I was on a cruise and I watched that movie about Beatrix Potter, and it hit me. What I needed to do was mesh all my loves together (my love of characters like Mr. Toad from Wind in the Willows, and my love of mysteries and my love of Victorian romance and fantasy, but also add some facts about insects, flora and fauna). I thought, "What if I put it in a bag and shake it up, what would happen?" That's when I found I could actually finish writing a novel… and to be honest, I am in love with the world it created.

That, however, comes with its own hazards. I'm having a difficult time finding where it fits in the literary world. I've noticed with marketing it appears to be easier if you are in a specific genre rather than multiple ones.

So, how about you? Have you noticed that? And would you have any suggestions?

Mark

9/24/2024 05:04:44 pm

Rodentia is quite cute. I love it.

You bring up a good point about genre and marketing. Quite a few authors run into the same issue. Answering the big "what if..." can result in interesting genre mashups.

A lot of blogs have been written about keywords and marketing on Amazon. Check my Highly Rated Blogs page and put "marketing" and "keywords" in the search box.

Your book is obviously fantasy but that is an extremely crowded field. Cozy mystery is another crowded field. I am not familiar with all of the subgenres to be any use to you.

New question.

Have you ever seen a UFO or UAP, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena?

V.A. Dawn link

9/24/2024 06:04:35 pm

I'll definitely read that blog! Thank you!

YES! I have seen a UFO. Here is the story: My husband and I were dating (so yes, this was quite a few years ago). We were attending a festival in a small city called Ogdensburg, NY (you will have to google that because it is NOT a well known place). The night sky there is fantastic, and as we stared at the stars we noticed one falling. One of us said "Look at that!". Then… and I am not making this up… (thankfully I have a witness!), the star stopped suddenly in mid air, then whipped off in the completely opposite direction. We both looked at each other with our mouths agape! "You saw that right?" I remember asking, and my husband shook his head yes.

I have to say I'm a complete "Mulder" in that "I want to believe"… but I'm glad there are "Scully's" out there that help me stay balanced. Now, if we were discussing BigFoot… with that I'm a TRUE BELIEVER! (Of course, I think it's a cryptid ape and not some missing link… but that is for another discussion.)

Mark

9/25/2024 07:58:42 am

Nice story! There are many eyewitnesses who have related similar encounters. Something is out there.

My sisters tell me we saw a UFO when we were children, but I have no memory of the event.

New questions.

How many drafts did your book go through before publishing?

Is there anything unconventional about your writing technique?

Why is that?

V.A. Dawn link

9/25/2024 11:09:28 am

The story went through 4 drafts before I published. I wanted to make sure that someone other than myself edited it. When you are looking at something over and over again, it's easy to overlook obvious errors… so I believe having an editor other than yourself is really important! (I actually had 3 different editors)

Maybe the only "unconventional" thing about my writing is creating words that would fit my animal world. It has actually been difficult because I will automatically write from a "human" perspective. For instance, I might write "He seems like a nice gentleman"… then I'll think - ooops! He is not a man, but an animal - so I will have to change that word to: gentleanimal. Even the word "handkerchief" … most of the animals in my book have paws, so it is now "pawkerchief".

Mark

9/25/2024 01:26:35 pm

Fresh eyes are not important, they are critical. You know all too well how easy it is to miss simple errors and typos. My latest blog is all about tricking your brain to see a manuscript in a new way so the errors can be spotted easily. Look on the Words For Thought page elsewhere on my website.

I noticed how you changed words to be animal centric and enjoyed that quite a bit. It made your story all the more charming for me.

New questions.

How many drafts did the cover go through?

At first glance, the cover seems obvious, but I frequently miss a detail or two. What do the elements on the cover represent?

V.A. Dawn link

9/25/2024 02:20:12 pm

It was only one draft for the cover, but that is because I designed it. I wanted the cover to look like the top of an old dresser… you know, with the picture frames, and odds and ends. I added items that can be found in the book as well (the Tarantula, tea cup, the caterpillar and more. The teacup actually has an image of squirrel lady. I also wanted to design it in two different styles… so, a more realistic style with the pictures in the frame having the cartoon look that is found inside the book.

The next book I am working on features a carnival… so that cover will also go along this same theme. I haven't designed it yet, but my brain is going towards a work station with a mirror that features things that a performer at a circus would have on hand (or paw, in my case).

Mark

9/25/2024 02:43:46 pm

I love the cover and have no idea how to make something like that. We all have our specialties.

Thank you for the hint about the next book. Carnivals were a lot of fun when I was a young boy. The state fair was the ultimate because it was so big!

New questions.

Was it hard to come up with the title?

What was the process?

V.A. Dawn link

9/25/2024 04:14:08 pm

It actually was very difficult to come up with the title. Being in the marketing field with graphic design, I know how important "headers" and "titles" are. You need something to draw in the reader. I'm still not sure if it was the best title… but it was the best I could come up with that described the book in various ways (that being that the "isle" plays a part in solving the mystery and that the "inn" will be a central part of all the books to come after.

Mark

9/25/2024 05:54:55 pm

There is no question, titles are very important. The title is the first or second thing that causes a reader to pause and think about buying and reading a book. I cannot think of a better title than the one you have. It will be an important part of your brand as you write and publish more books in this series.

New questions.

Were the character names difficult to develop?

How did you choose them?

V.A. Dawn link

9/26/2024 01:24:29 pm

Actually the names came very quickly and easily… almost like they named themselves.

This next book is a little different because I'm having to come up with all sorts of names for the new cast of players… I actually googled "good British names" for the new book!

Mark

9/26/2024 01:55:28 pm

Considering the Victorian-era setting of your book that is a good choice. Many authors struggle with appropriate names for a story. This is an easy problem to solve now. There are many websites devoted to popular baby names by year or decade and region. Relying upon birth, marriage and death records from churches and other authorities these lists go back hundreds of years sometimes.

New questions.

Have you written and published any short stories before writing your book?

If so, how long had you been writing before the first short story was published?

V.A. Dawn link

9/26/2024 02:12:08 pm

No, though I have written a few short stories. Actually, having this blog conversation with you has made me consider publishing one of them. It is a fairy tale… but I'll need someone to edit it… know of anyone? (LOL!)

Mark

9/26/2024 03:14:16 pm

Short stories are a good way to refine your writing techniques.

I have a list on my... Yes, I do know someone who can assist you with that. ;-)

I have recommended to writers that short story writing contests, especially those that provide feedback from the judges, can help a writer improve their writing skills. I do have a warning, there are a lot of shady contests out there. Some want to extract as much as they can from your wallet, others want to steal your intellectual property. Here is a copy-and-paste link about those things: Beware Bogus Writing Contests! Look for These 8 Red Flags. https://annerallen.com/2019/05/beware-bogus-writing-contests. You can also use the search box below to find the link. There are other blogs I have links for on my Highly Regarded Blogs page. Anne R. Allen is one of my favorite bloggers.

New questions.

Have you ever written any fan fiction?

If so, what storyline were you mimicking?

V.A. Dawn link

9/26/2024 05:25:45 pm

Oh! That is cool to know… and YES, the warning about the "shady" contests is very helpful. Too many snakes out there who want to take advantage of peoples intellectual property and dreams. I know I have been "bit" a few times myself (in the graphic design field) so again, I appreciate the warning!

No, I have never written fan fiction, but I have couple of friends who have.

Mark

9/26/2024 07:17:10 pm

Some really young writers first learn to write by copying the style of another author. My first granddaughter wrote a Harry Potter story, a few years ago, that was actually pretty good. Copying Rowling's style worked pretty well for her. Sadly, she hasn't written anything since then, sports and boys have taken up a lot of her time.

Anyone can write fan fiction, but they might run afoul of copyright law if they were to publish that work.

New questions.

How many books are you planning for the series?

Any side stories?

V.A. Dawn link

9/26/2024 08:42:34 pm

Yeah… those copyright laws can get you! You have to be very careful.

I don't have a certain number of books in mind. I really want to keep writing as many adventures as I can with my cast of characters. As far as side stories, this next book has a side story of one of the characters in it. I think side stories will happen naturally as I write the books.

Mark

9/27/2024 08:21:42 am

I think there is room for quite a few volumes based on reading this story. Your fans will be excited.

I hope you write down all of your ideas for stories in a journal or notebook.

New questions.

Is there a different genre you would like to explore in the future?

If so, what genre are you thinking of?

V.A. Dawn link

9/27/2024 11:22:02 am

I should keep a journal! Instead I have pieces of paper everywhere with my ideas on them! Not very organized. (LOL!)

Actually, there is! I am a HUGE fan of B-Sci Fi flicks. I would love to write an 70s or 80s type "Creature Feature". Nothing that the literary world would be amazed at, but something that I personally find fun and entertaining… I'm pretty sure there are other fans of this type of fiction out there. Accuracy of science? Who needs that! Impossible scenarios? Of course! :)

Mark

9/27/2024 12:07:05 pm

A little organization can go a long way.

Those grade B flicks can be so much fun! Two of the worst types of those movies that I have ever seen are Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and then years later, Sharknado! I must admit, I don't think either would actually measure up to a grade B. Probably closer to a D+.

New questions.

What do you think of the current controversy regarding AI, Artificial Intelligence?

Did you use AI in any of your writing or planning for your book?
I am not including research in this question because most of the major browsers have embedded AI in the browser.

V.A. Dawn link

9/27/2024 12:48:56 pm

My brother asked me if "Night of the Lepus" was a good movie… and of course, I love it! After watching it my brother said, "Thanks for that… that was 2 hours of my life I will never get back." (LOL!) I think you either love them… or hate them. (The 70s version of "Snowbeast" and "Kingdom of the Spiders" are up there as some of my favorite "cheesiest" B-movies).

There is a lot of controversy over AI. Personally, I feel it has its place. I haven't used it to write, and I didn't use it on my book artwork… but it has come in handy with graphic design. Before it would take me HOURS to make a photo wider (If you have a certain sized ad you are designing, but your image does not go all the way). I had to do it "old school" with a lot of layers and masking. Now, I just make a box and say "generate" and voila! To me it's like washing your clothes. Before you had to go to the river and wash everything by hand… now we have washing machines. Do you lose some integrity by not having as much hands on control of something? I think you do… but the time you save can be some compensation. Do I think it will be used inappropriately and cause people to lose some of their creative genius? Yes. I think all technology can be used that way. It can be taken advantage of, it can be used carelessly, and it can put certain people out of a job (I'm pretty much convinced that my paying job will one day become obsolete). But, then again, I think of the past… before machines there were many types of jobs… after machines, people lost certain positions. So… I guess what I am trying to say is that "AI" is here to stay and hopefully we can navigate its usage in a positive way. And if, for instance, my paying job becomes obsolete, I hope I have the drive to grow in another direction. "AI" was created and fed from "HUMAN" brains… so I have trust that the human brain will always prevail (as long as we don't become overly lazy with it).

In the future, I hope to use "AI" as my personal "Think Tank". Sometimes, I have an idea, but I would like to bounce it off of others. I think AI could be helpful in this regard… maybe giving me various options on which direction I could take. But in the end, I want it to be my decision and my writing and my artwork that is presented. So, in conclusion: Do I think AI can be a power of good? Yes. Do I think AI can be a power for evil? Yes. It's really going to come down to each person on how they decide to wield that power.

Mark

9/27/2024 05:11:13 pm

I think there are valid uses for AI and you mentioned a good one. Resizing a picture to a specific size seems like an appropriate use to me. You did the initial design work and the AI made it fit the desired dimensions.

I would be interested to know if using AI to sort through different ideas works for you. I think AI is good at a number of things including lists and summaries.

Many audiobook narrators are worried about losing work to AI. I think that the narrators would do well to embrace AI and use it to offer their service at different price points. The lowest price would be plain AI narration of a book. The next price point would be AI trained to the narrator's voice. The third price point could be AI using licensed celebrity voices. The final price point, the highest, would be the actual narrator's voice. Some people will pay a premium price for an actual human-narrated audiobook.

I think a lot of people will try their hand at AI-assisted graphics design. I think they will find it is not so easy. A graphic artist could have multiple price points also. AI can rough-in a design quickly, even in a particular style. I think a human will always be needed to finetune and correct any minor deficiencies in a design.

Amazon requires an author to disclose if AI was used in creating or writing their book. Honest people will disclose that, dishonest people will not disclose. Knowing Amazon, they won't police this very carefully as long as they are making money.

New questions.

Have you encountered a troll reviewing your book or one of your graphic designs?

How did you handle it?

V.A. Dawn link

9/27/2024 05:59:07 pm

LOVE your ideas on ways to use AI but also have your expertise in a field utilized.

So far I have not had any troll reviews. I don't really have that many reviews, so I'm guessing I have to get a little more popular than I currently am to get some "creepy negative feedback for no other purpose than to be a curmudgeon" type comments. And, by a little more popular, I mean, having most of the people who have actually read my book and left a review be people other than my family and friends. LOL!

Mark

9/27/2024 07:08:53 pm

Thanks, that is kind of you to say.

Many authors get quite stressed when a troll leaves a negative review. Most of the time it's obvious they didn't read the book. Some authors sweat blood trying to get Amazon to take down the bad review. Amazon can't be bothered most of the time. I tell authors that the negative review validates the good reviews, it proves that it's not just the author's family and friends leaving the good reviews. The best advice is to ignore the troll, do not engage or interact with the troll. They live to stir up a hornets' nest in an author's life.

New question.

What was the first paying job you worked as a kid and how old were you?

V.A. Dawn link

9/28/2024 01:31:21 pm

Good advice if it ever happens to me. Thank you.

My first paying job was picking strawberries in Oregon and I was 11. I didn't get paid well, as I think half of them went into my stomach. :). Later, when I was 14 and actually wanted to buy things, I picked raspberries and blackberries. This time I controlled myself… it was hard because Oregon grows the most amazing berries. But, thanks to self controls, I was paid much better!

Mark

9/28/2024 03:24:00 pm

Picking strawberries in southwest Washington was my first regular paying job also. Like you, I ate more than I turned in the first day or two. After that I started to earn some money. After the strawberry season was done, I picked beans for several weeks, later in the summer. I ate a few beans but not nearly as many as the number of strawberries I ate.

New questions.

Have you done any public speaking?

If so, will you be doing more in the future?

V.A. Dawn link

9/29/2024 05:31:52 pm

Yes! I have done public speaking. I actually enjoy it immensely. I was asked to speak to students at a college about the graphic design. Not sure if I will ever do it again in the future… it will depend on if I am asked to or not.

Mark

9/29/2024 07:31:09 pm

Congratulations. It's pretty easy to talk in public about something you know well. That is the big secret for success in public speaking. Only tackle a subject that you love or are an expert in. So many authors are afraid to talk in front of others when there are lots of opportunities for an author to share about their books or writing craft.

One of my favorite blogs is about pursuing the local author angle. How to be a marketing star right where you live. Another copy-and-paste link or search the title in the box below: https://annerallen.com/2019/08/hometown-book-marketing/ I would add a few tips, seek out literature teachers at the high school and college level to share in their class and there might be a club in the school. Local newspapers are a good resource for an interview as well as local cable access. There might also be a broadcast arts curriculum and/or a club at the high school and college level. Have some questions ready to hand the interviewer if they seem uncertain.

Senior centers are another good possibility and they usually welcome any sort of activity like that. Contact the events director.

If there are tourist destinations try and place your books with the local author angle. Museums, gift stores, motels, hotels, tourist attractions are all possibilities. Keep a box of books in your trunk. Get a counter-top holder for a few books, paste a picture of the cover on the holder behind the books and put re-ordering information on the back of the holder.

Consider renting a table at a comic convention, county fair, farmer's market or a flea market. Have free swag to hand out such as a bookmark and sell mugs or posters. There are so many ways to be the 'local author' I doubt I have exhausted the list of possibilities.

New questions.

Have you entered any writing contests?

Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

V.A. Dawn link

9/29/2024 07:45:41 pm

Those are great suggestions. I did rent a table at a convention once, and sold about 30 books. I also did a signing at a Barnes and Noble with another group of authors. The problem is keeping up that momentum. I'm going to look at these other recommendations you gave, and see if there are some of them I can implement. Thanks again!

I have never entered any writing contest, or won any rewards for my writing. I did recently enter the audio version of my book into a contest, so we will see if anything happens with that.

Mark

9/30/2024 08:03:44 am

Congratulations on those face-to-face events. I love meeting authors and talking about books. People who love books think of authors as stars.

It is difficult to keep the momentum going. I tell authors to devote an hour or two every week or two for marketing and promoting their books. It would be easy to miss a lot of writing time by trying to pursue every avenue for book marketing. Balance is important.

New questions.

Is there anyone you know who might claim you as their inspiration for writing?

I noticed that your book is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?

Why did you choose that exclusive venue?

V.A. Dawn link

9/30/2024 12:42:10 pm

Albert T. Franklin told me that writing my book gave him the courage to write his. I may not become anyone famous, but having inspired someone else is a huge success in itself. I really hope his books take off… he deserves any success that may come his way. He is a very generous, kind and warm person… and one of my very best friends.

I am on Kindle Unlimited, and it's working so-so. The only reason why I am exclusively on that venue is because of the advertising. I wanted to place my book in other countries and Amazon will not give you full access to many of the advertising features unless you are exclusively with them. Not completely happy with that fact, but not sure what other options there are. I'm always open to suggestions! :)

Mark

9/30/2024 02:46:57 pm

How cool that there is someone you inspired! I enjoyed his book, "Searching For Zen". I reviewed it elsewhere on my website.

Amazon does require a certain length of time for exclusive sales of your book. I think there is an end date for exclusive period of time. It might be worth looking into.

It would be good for you to get your book on as many websites as possible, including your own. Can people buy your book on your website?

Here is a copy-and-paste link or use the search box below. Aggregators just might be an author's best friend! https://www.kotobee.com/blog/everything-need-know-aggregators/ This is information about getting your book spread far and wide. It is possible to do yourself, but every platform has different requirements and that can take a lot of time in the beginning. I hope this helps.

Last questions.

Have you ever gone through the query process?

Were you seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers and why did you choose that path?

V.A. Dawn link

9/30/2024 04:28:25 pm

My book is on my website… in fact you can read the first 7 chapters for free. The only way to purchase it is to click on the link which then sends you over to my Amazon page. I will check out this information you gave me as well.

I did try the query process when I first wrote the book, however there were no takers. All the publishers said I needed an agent before I could even be considered. At the time, you needed to be "somebody" for an agent to want to look at you (2016)… which I am, of course, "a nobody" in the literary field. That is why I did self publishing. Now, in 2024, things have changed A LOT in the publishing and agent field, so it is something I will need to reconsider. The issue is, I know most publishers may not want to publish a series that was first self published… but, I may try. Or, I might do that Fairy Tale and see if I can submit something new… that might give me a better chance of getting my series published by someone other than myself.

Mark

9/30/2024 05:40:09 pm

At some point, it might be better if you can actually sell the books on your website. A fulfillment service can handle the shipping. With print-on-demand you don't have to buy a lot of books. But when your books start to sell well it might be worthwhile to order a large print run of a pallet load of books. ATM most large book orders are printed and shipped from China. So there is considerable lag time. Lots of moving pieces to consider.

Traditional publishers and agents are a dying breed. That industry has been contracting for over 20 years. Amazon knocked over that applecart and smashed it to bits. The number of large publishers has dropped to 5 in America. Now, the traditional publishers are struggling to keep the lights on. Many of them won't talk to an author only an agent. The publishers are short on help. They cannot afford to take a chance on a book not selling well. They also don't handout advances like they used to.

Agents don't get paid until a contract is signed. They get a piece of every book sold, just like the publisher does.

Many authors dream about a contract thinking that all of their worries will be over. The publisher will handle everything. That is true but it will always be to the publisher's advantage, not the author. The publisher will change everything to maximize their profit. They might even delay publication for a year or more.

I think it is to the author's advantage to self-publish. The author pays for everything, and the author keeps all of the profit.

I hope this truncated information helps you to make a wise choice.

I want to thank you for being a fabulous guest. I have really enjoyed our chat this last week. I have another promotion starting tomorrow so I must bring this interview to a close.

Until next time, keep on writing.

V.A. Dawn link

9/30/2024 07:45:14 pm

Thank you so much for all your advice, your knowledge and your help. This has been a most enlightening and wonderful week for me, and I appreciate everything… and I promise to "keep on writing"!

The Inn on the Isle: A Dover and Popplin Mystery

Illustrated and written by V. A. Dawn

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