Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For April, the question is: “Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are PK Hrezo, Pat Garcia, SE White, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diane Burton! Click on their names to see what they are up to this month..
My answer to the question – Do I take risks when writing?
People who have followed this blog for a while know that I am not averse to risk taking. Although I call my swift decisions, adventurous lifestyle, and “going with the flow” attitude “calculated risks.” 😊 You only live once, so you better do the things you’re passionate about, and enjoy your precious time on earth. That sometimes involves expanding horizons, nudging comfort levels, taking risks.
I don’t feel like I’m taking big risks with my writing as it reflects my personality and doesn’t push my personal boundaries. That being said, I am aware that my travel memoir Plunge is different and a tad controversial. For starters, the story is set in the present tense, taking the reader along for the ride – physically and emotionally. I don’t cover things up, have no taboos, and touch on the good as well as the bad and the ugly when it comes to my alternative lifestyle and 24/7 relationship with my husband. This makes some readers uncomfortable; they are not used to “brutal honesty” and don’t care for an exposed soul (another aspect that makes my memoir unique).
Based on that – and the fact that this approach led to a one-star review and some criticism – I guess I am a bit of a risk-taker in my writing, too!
Sunrise at the beach
My book news
Mark, Maya, and I spent February and March enjoying our lives in Baja California, Mexico. This was a reward for all the hard work finishing and publishing Plunge last year. I knew that once we arrived on the peninsula, internet would be sparse and unreliable and that my time would be better spent charging my batteries (other than usual work commitments). Therefore, I laid a lot of groundwork spreading the word about my book before we crossed the southern border of the US.
Relaxing and reading
My focus in December and January paid off with published pieces about Plunge in two more major US boating magazines. You can find the Cruising World review in their March 2021 issue and the one in Good Old Boat online here.
“Plunge” review in Cruising World
Beginning of review in Good Old Boat
A one-hour phone interview with the local paper of our “home base” Newburyport, Massachusetts, earlier this year turned into a beautiful, glossy feature in the spring edition of Newburyport Magazine. I just love this one!
A fellow travel memoir writer, artist, and Algarve expert, Alyson Sheldrake, published her review of Plunge in her April newsletter. If you are looking for a professional, free online magazine that covers photography, art, and news about the Algarve in Portugal, as well as book reviews of (travel) literature Alyson enjoys, I highly recommend her shiny newsletter. You can read it here, and subscribe at her website for upcoming news. I will be collaborating with Alyson on an upcoming writing project as well; an anthology called Itchy Feet – Tales of Travel and Adventure..
“Plunge” is one of the three travel memoirs Alyson reviewed in her current newsletter.
More people have been reading Plunge and leaving reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads (please, consider doing this as it truly helps a newbie, indie author like me), which always makes my day! Some of them, like my friend Margie, posted a photo on Facebook holding my book. We met her when sailing in the Dominican Republic (where she has a house in Luperon) in 2008 and visited her not too long ago on her house boat in Portland, Oregon. I’m happy to feature anyone who sends me a photo of them reading Plunge!
Margie and “Plunge” in the DR
Speaking of new readers, friends, and taking photos… When we arrived in Baja, I had about five paperbacks of my memoir left in Zesty. At our campground in Mulegé, I displayed one of them – with a note – in the common (outdoor) area to draw attention to my work. And, as we met other travelers who turned into friends, I’d mention the book at some point. This led to sales and exchanges.
Liesbet and Maya pose with Germans Sandie and Karsten from Ewald
In the first weeks of our Mexico visit, we became acquainted – and later friends – with the Spanish vanlifer Ivan, who bought an eBook of Plunge and read it while we were camped next to each other. It was an interesting experience… Each time we met up, he knew a little more about our life and relationship; personal stuff that we usually share verbally but didn’t do (have to do) in this scenario.
Well done, both of us!!
At the beach of La Perla, Bahia Concepcion, we met another author who had also just published her memoir/coffee table book. We exchanged our “babies” and started reading immediately. I enjoyed Mystic Travelers by Gail Cain, which is well written, beautifully put together, and exhibits photos by her artist husband, Jon Crane.
My fifth – and last – copy was gifted to friends of Jon and Gail who generously hosted us on their driveway in Yuma, Arizona, the evening we crossed the border back into the US.
What’s next?
Mark, Maya, and I are currently traversing the United States again, from west to east. We are only stopping for fuel, lunch, and sleep. We expect to drive 2,600 miles in six days and reach our “home base” of Newburyport, Massachusetts, by Friday evening. Then, I will promote Plunge in earnest again. More magazines have received a review copy of my book, so I hope these will get written and published soon, too. Back to work!
Sunrise in Bahia Concepcion – nice memories!
You can check out my previous writing updates here.
I submitted this post to the Weekend Coffee Share link-up party at Natalie’s blog.
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April 7, 2021 at 15:35
I am gobsmacked with how well you’ve spread the word, and about a first book! You rock!
April 7, 2021 at 18:21
Hi Jacqui! If I do something, I need to do it well. 🙂 A lot of effort has gone into creating this one book of mine, so I have to go “all the way” with it. My goal with Plunge has long not been reached. Plus, I am a traveler who likes to write and share experiences, not a career author. Who knows whether I’ll ever write another book? I’d have to sit still somewhere for a decent amount of time, somehow. 🙂
April 7, 2021 at 17:21
Heck with that one star review! Those placements are awesome, and I’m sure many readers appreciate your honesty.
April 7, 2021 at 18:23
Most readers find my honesty “refreshing,” Alex. I’m very happy about that! 🙂
April 7, 2021 at 17:46
I loved your book and currently my sister is also reading Plunge. It must have been great to see so many positive reviews and be featured on magazine articles. Very deserving indeed. Stunning sunrise photo of Bahia Concepcion.
April 7, 2021 at 18:29
Hi Gilda! I hope your sister loves Plunge as much as you. Thanks for recommending my book to her. It’s always interesting to see the final result of an interview or the (usually) condensed book review and different approaches of journalists. Have a wonderful weekend!
April 7, 2021 at 17:50
It’s not surprising that we all have individual likes and dislikes. I found it interesting about your comment that some readers didn’t like your “brutal honesty.” For me, that is a major selling point. I think the majority of readers like the honesty factor because anyone can identify with the challenges of life.
April 7, 2021 at 18:37
You are totally right about the honesty factor, Pete. Most people find it refreshing and a highlight of the book, based on the reviews for Plunge. That being said, because of those individual likes and dislikes, there are always people who don’t agree with an author’s approach, expect a different book, or can’t handle learning about certain aspects in a relationship or lifestyle.
The main reason I made that comment is because someone I talked to in Baja told me that she was uncomfortable reading about our relationship, because she had met us. Along the road, I gave my book to potential customers and let them keep it for a while before they decided if they’d wanted to purchase it (from me or online) or not, a bit like Amazon’s “look inside” feature but then with the real book. I wanted people to figure out if it was their thing first. 🙂
I had an “example copy” for that purpose, after Maya bent a corner of the front cover. This was the copy I gifted at the end of our journey.
April 7, 2021 at 18:28
Congratulations, your hard work is paying off! I think it’s hard to avoid criticism for any creative endeavor. One has to take them for what they are and determine whether they were meant as harm, is simply someone else’s feelings about a subjective matter, or can be used to become a better writer. Wishing you safe travels as you return to the east coast. Stay safe!
April 7, 2021 at 18:43
Thank you! Like you said, you can’t make everyone happy – or fall in love – with a creative pursuit, whether it is artwork or a book. And, it’s good that we are all different.
In my opinion, that’s why purchase pages provide a blurb, reviews, and “look inside” feature on Amazon, so potential readers can figure out whether the book fits in their genre/taste. In my case, the negative reviews and opinions seem to be subjective and part of the readers’ feelings. Of course, I’m not that clear about them when people just leave a bad rating and don’t explain why… That might be to cause harm.
April 7, 2021 at 19:45
You are doing SWELL! It took me at least a year to achieve the coveted 50 Amazon reviews, and here you are at 55 and only a few months out.
I see you are practicing reciprocity, a wonderful thing. I too believe book reviewing is a two-way street. Cheers from me, once again, Liesbet!
April 9, 2021 at 07:16
Our books are very different, Marian. I think you did great reaching your goal of 50 reviews on Amazon in about a year. You have well surpassed that by now with an amazingly high score of 4.8. That’s incredible! Not even one one-star review. Or two-stars. Something to be immensely proud of. I only beat the 50, because Amazon USA is finally merging my international reviews on their sites.
I wish I had more time to reciprocate. And to read other memoirist’s books. Hopefully soon! One of my “issues” is that my Roaming About blog is about my lifestyle and travels and adding book reviews or author features doesn’t fit in that theme, except during my monthly writing update.
April 7, 2021 at 20:43
That sunrise is a bit surreal. Congrats on all the good press. A friend mentioned to me in an email that he had seem your review in Cruising World. Cruising World is huge! And what a good write up.
Looking forward to hearing more about your Baja adventures and your rapid trip across the country.
April 9, 2021 at 07:20
That is so cool that a friend of yours recognized my book and its review in Cruising World, Duwan. All because you featured me on your blog, probably. 🙂 I’ve written pieces for Cruising World, so its editor knows who I am. And my book came recommended to her by the editor of Caribbean Compass. All that might have helped my cause. But, they do review books. Mine is just one of them.
It was a rapid trip. As rapid as yours. And as exhausting. Crazy, really. 2,800 miles in five days. All we did was drive. Fuel up. Adjust new bike rack. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. And figure out where to get fuel and sleep.
April 7, 2021 at 21:28
Well, your one-star book reader clearly didn’t read the jacket cover. The upside is, she read it for her “book club” so someone else obviously thought it was worth the read. 🙂
I love the book exchange with Gail Cain! So delightful!
April 9, 2021 at 07:23
What was the chance of meeting another recently published author on this Baja trip, right? Delightful is a good description, Lee. 🙂
You want to know the funny (or ironic) part of this one-star review? That woman, Lisa, was actually the one who picked and suggested Plunge for her book club… Right. And I had to face her when I was involved with a Zoom Q&A after their book discussion…
April 7, 2021 at 22:09
Your unflinching honesty made Plunge totally awesome and unique! It was definitely a 5-star read to me (and I am usually quit stingy when it comes to 5-star reviews).
Congratulations on all of your hard work.
April 9, 2021 at 21:07
Thank you so much for the continued support and kind words, Donna. I’m touched by your elusive five stars! 🙂
April 8, 2021 at 13:45
Magazine features are huge, congratulations!
April 9, 2021 at 21:09
Thanks, S.E. For the congrats and for your visit!
April 8, 2021 at 14:00
Hi Liesbet, thanks for the update and congratulations on all the good press. You just keep making it happen!
April 9, 2021 at 21:10
Hi Suzanne! I’ll try to get on top of my promotion work again soon and hopefully make more things happen. 🙂
April 8, 2021 at 17:02
Impressive! You are doing an amazing promotional job.
April 9, 2021 at 21:11
Thanks, Anabel. Let me know if and when you’d like to be involved. 🙂
April 9, 2021 at 13:13
I agree that your honesty in your memoir sets it apart from others. As you know I loved the book and felt right there with you. So happy that the promotion is going well and that you were able to have the month in Baja. Safe travels to Mass.
April 9, 2021 at 21:15
Thanks, Sue. It has been a grueling five days (on top of the exhausting three days changing gears in 90+ degree weather before that) but we have safely and soundly arrived in Massachusetts for the summer. I’ll get back into the promotional swing of things while we await new adventures. 🙂
April 9, 2021 at 16:18
Wow, across the country again! I’m glad you love what you do – it makes me tired just thinking of it. 🙂
April 9, 2021 at 21:24
Hi Diane! Not sure we love this grueling part of “quickly” driving 3,000 miles (we had to make a couple of detours), but we made it safe and sound. Yesterday, as we beat a personal record of covering almost 1,000 km over ten hours, Mark said: ”I’m never driving all the way back to Massachusetts again from the west coast. Next time, we’ll fly.” The cost, exhaustion, and time consumption for this particular trip has been insane. So, yes, you are right to get tired just thinking about it. 🙂
April 11, 2021 at 12:03
You truly amaze me, Liesbet! Bravo, my dear! Seriously, I hope I can be as brave as you and promote my college memoir as well.
My husband and I have crossed the U.S. with five kids in tow, camping from New Jersey to the California coast. Yes, it is labor intensive. We tried to break it up by stopping along the way to visit some national parks. All the best to you with Plunge!
April 12, 2021 at 10:11
Hi Vic!
I actually enjoy the promotion aspect of this major project, because – for once – there is no (self-imposed) deadline and I can work on it whenever it fits in my life’s schedule. This means I can keep embracing the lifestyle I desire while focusing on the book whenever I have time, internet, and desire. 🙂 Of course, the best way to actually sell books is by promoting Plunge!
Most of our cross country trips have been on a tight schedule, so last week we drove, drove, and drove, only interrupted by walking the dog, eating, and sleeping. Maybe next time, we managed to take it a bit slower again. We LOVE the National Parks but this year is the first one in a long time that we haven’t bought the annual pass (yet).
April 11, 2021 at 12:15
This may sound weird, but here I go anyway. Getting a one-star review proves your reviewers are authentic. I won’t go deeper but know this: some product sellers pay for reviews, and it is reflected in all their raves
🙂
April 12, 2021 at 10:15
Anna, I have actually come to appreciate that one-star review for the reason you mention. It’s because of your earlier comment about this – and a few other people’s – that I started seeing the value of that honest, negative opinion. It puts everything in perspective and balance. And, I’m an advocate of being honest and transparent, so a review like that fits perfectly in that mindset. 🙂 I never thought that when someone only has four- and five-star reviews they might have bought (some of) them! Yikes.
April 11, 2021 at 19:14
Congratulations on all the good press, Liesbet. Do you have specific goals in mind for your book promotion as in when would you see it as a success in your mind? The sunrise photo is amazing. Tomorrow is a new day. I hope you get some rest in MA. Thank you for linking with #WeekendCoffeeShare.
April 12, 2021 at 10:23
Hi Natalie!
My rest won’t last long. I’d like to say I took the weekend off, but I actually had to do an editing job with a Saturday evening deadline. Oh well. I’ll try to take it easy this week. 🙂
Do I have specific goals in mind for my book promotion? That is a fantastic question. I have a few, but I also have a competitive slant to my personality as well as being a high achiever who is not satisfied easily. I know… dark sides.
That being said, my first goal is to sell enough copies to get my investment back. Apparently, this is very difficult to do for a first-time, indie author who only publishes one book. Well, screw that. I will make it happen, ideally this year. 🙂 The problem? I would need to sell close to 1,000 copies of Plunge to get there.
My second goal is to get my book in the hands of as many readers as possible (and this has more to do with my desire to share my life and adventures and to inspire than with money). Touching people’s lives is my definition of “success.”
What I really hope to achieve on a logistic level is for people to talk about, love, and share my book widely. And, to reach that goal, I need to affect a very influential person who feels the desire to share my book with their followers, friends, family, acquaintances. So, my promotion efforts will be focused on this crazy goal. Eventually. After I get back in the game on a smaller scale. 🙂
April 12, 2021 at 01:58
I haven’t read it yet, Liesbet. I don’t download books, or order them to arrive by post, so I’ll have to wait till a copy chances my way, but I’m sure it will eventually. I admire your energy and you’ve certainly done a great job of publicising. 🙂 🙂
April 12, 2021 at 10:24
Thanks, Jo. I’m gearing up to get back in the game. You say you download books. Does that mean you don’t read eBooks at all or just that you don’t download them?
April 12, 2021 at 14:34
I just don’t read ebooks, Liesbet. I spend enough time looking at a screen and much prefer the feel, weight and inconvenience of a book. 🙂 🙂
April 13, 2021 at 16:41
I hear you! Good choice. Maybe one day you’ll find Plunge in your local library, in the English section. 🙂 By the way, I will be collaborating with Alyson Sheldrake on an anthology called “Itchy Feet” later this year. That one might be easier accessible in the Algarve.
April 13, 2021 at 16:50
Not probable in the library, but almost certainly in one of the charity shops when they reopen 🙂 🙂 Alyson is prolific, isn’t she? I have a chapter in A New Life in the Algarve, out later this month.
April 13, 2021 at 16:59
Oh that’s great. Congratulations. I had no idea you were one of the authors/contributors in that anthology. I’ll see your name pop up in one of her newsletters, probably, and look forward to reading the book one day. I don’t know how she manages to be involved in soooo many things and still has time to sleep!
April 12, 2021 at 10:22
How exciting! Congrats. I am not a risk taker at all…lol…well, maybe a little but it takes some convincing. I live about 30 minutes north of Portland Oregon and the views from those houseboats must be beautiful as Mt. Hood is dead center view in the middle of the river. Gorgeous on a clear day.
April 12, 2021 at 10:27
Hi Kirstin!
So nice you live in Washington State. We love the Pacific Northwest for the scenery and the people. Not so much for the climate, though. 🙂 I don’t remember seeing Mt. Hood from the house boat of our friends. It must have been a cloudy day…
Thank you so much for swinging by and leaving a comment!
April 14, 2021 at 07:33
How lovely to read the news about all the publications Plunge is appearing in, Liesbet. I hope they are leading to more sales and reviews for you? It looks to me as if you’re doing a pretty good job with marketing the book. You’ve done way more marketing than I did with my two books.
With regards the question about taking risks when writing, I think it’s something most writers do, although most probably not aware they are doing it. I always think about not having any regrets when I go onto my next journey and leave this life I’m currently experiencing. It’s often resulted in not allowing anything to stop me when it comes to what I write.
So you’re back in the USA. I hope you’ve had a great journey back to Newburyport. That’s a lot of mileage in six days.
April 15, 2021 at 12:06
Hi Hugh!
I’m only starting with my marketing efforts, haha. I hope to finally be able to commit a decent amount of time on that now that we are back in a guest room with internet, electricity, and time. Once I’ve recovered a bit from the grueling road trip. My sales have slowed down a lot this last week. Not that they were ever exploding!
I guess from the moment you put your writing out there, you are a risk taker. Good for you for writing about what you’d like to write and following your muse. I’m with you about having no regrets by the time we die. That’s my main motto. 🙂
April 16, 2021 at 07:04
Well, you’ve done a sterling job with it all so far, Liesbet. If you’re about to put more time into it, then I can only see booming sales for Plunge. Great job.
April 16, 2021 at 14:09
Thanks, Hugh! I appreciate your confidence and your belief that hard work pays off. 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 12:40
Liesbet, I am so happy to hear about all of the publicity your book is receiving. You set it all in motion through tough your promotional activities before your well-deserved break in Baja. We’ll done!
Jude
June 26, 2021 at 07:20
Thanks, Jude. That’s a good and a bad thing about promotion – the results can be quite delayed, but sometimes that leads to nice surprises. Especially when I have to take a break from it, like now in Belgium, and still notice some sales and buzz. 🙂