BB: Hello Roberta. We recently saw that your book – ‘All My Love, Detrick’ broke into a top 10 list on Amazon. Congratulations!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your taking the time to interview me.
The screenshot below was taken on March 26th, 2013.
BB: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Since I was a kid I loved to read. It was my escape whenever things got rough. I learned that books can take you anywhere, to another country, to another time period, or even to a fantasy world. When I began writing I wanted to give that same gift to others. I wanted my readers to feel the same magic when they read my books as I felt when I read the works of so many wonderful authors. And if I have been so fortunate as to have touched one person with my writing than I will have been blessed.
BB: How did you create your book trailer?
I have to laugh at this question. I hired someone. I am not computer savvy at all. But she is and she did a beautiful job.
BB: How have the Amazon free day promotions helped you?
The Amazon free days are wonderful. They have given me the opportunity to reach out and build a fan base. It is not as important to me to make money, although of course it is nice, as it is to know that my books are being read. Through my work with Amazon I’ve met so many wonderful readers and I am so grateful that they have given me the opportunity to be a small part of their lives.
BB: You’ve got quite a few reviews on Amazon including some from Vine Voice reviewers such as Paul Lappen. Can you share your learning in this regard? How can an author reach out to reviewers on Amazon?
I’ve gotten wonderful reviews and every time I get one I want to thank that person a million times. I want to reach out and send them a million blessings. It is the most awesome feeling in the world. They don’t even know it, but their words have made my day. All day long I am on a high. But, I’ve also gotten hurtful reviews. As an author, I realize it is to be expected. And, I am grateful for every person who takes the time to read and review my work. Of course I prefer the good ones. But I take the bad ones in stride. The only way I have found to reach out to reviewers is to offer the book free and wait.
BB: How do you divide your time between marketing and writing?
Ahhh, now this is a bit tricky!!!! I prefer to write, but I realize that marketing is an important part of being an author in today’s market. So, I try to write for an hour every day, and to market for an hour. Of course that is in the best of all possible situations. It doesn’t always work out that way. But I try.
BB: How do you handle negative reviews?
As I said earlier. I take them in stride. I realize that some people will love my work and I am so blessed to have found each and every one of them. Others, will not love my work and there is nothing I can do about that. I hate to disappoint anyone, but it is to be expected. Some people like chocolate ice cream, others like vanilla, and still others like strawberry. Can’t change it. I just hope that the readers who enjoy my books find meaning and joy in reading them.
BB: Which do you find to be a better platform to reach readers?
Facebook or Twitter? Why?
I like Facebook, only because I am not sure how to use Twitter properly.
BB: Which is your favourite BookBuzzr technology?
I love the games! I think that the idea of offering games is such a clever and unique concept. It helps the reader to have fun while discovering new and interesting titles. Kudos to Bookbuzzr!
