A local newspaper recently wrote the following about my new novel, Trompe l’Oeil:
Suspense builds as the reader tries to decipher what is real and what is illusion. Ms. Miller’s knowledge of literature and poetry is cleverly interjected into the story giving the book traces of more classical literature. ( SE Examiner, 1/13)
I’m delighted by the comment but I also know praise doesn’t always translate into book sales. Nor is it unusual for critics to feel positive about a work while the public turns its back on it.
So how does a writer build an audience? There have been many books written on the subject. They make their authors rich because the audience for this information is growing. Unfortunately, by the time an idea reaches print, it’s already overused.
The latest mantra in book promotion is “branding.” I’m not sure what that is, aside from being another word for genre. Old wine in a new bottle. Frankly, I think writers should resist branding as vehemently as the cow resists the feel of hot iron on its flank. Innovation defies categories and a serious artist will attempt to innovate. If that weren’t true then Oedipus Rex would still be playing on Broadway and Waiting for Gadot would forever be waiting in the wings.
How does a writer build an audience? Keep writing.
(J. K. Rowling Courtesy of Yahoo.com)
