Once I
decided to make my book free it was easy to tell people about it because it was
a gift.
Actually,
let me back up. It was easy not to ask for money, but it still felt like I was
asking for their time. Also, some people would be so impressed, but really, no
one is checking for quality when you self-publish so anyone can do it. I will
admit there is some accomplishment in completing it, but it doesn't feel that
impressive.
Anyway, I
did the general tweet and general Facebook post, then - knowing those are easy
to overlook - started sending direct communications. First it was to the people
whom I thought would recognize some of Sarah's problems as their own. That part
was easy. Then it expanded to people who have encouraged me at various times,
and friends, and fans of the All American Rejects. (I did not write to anyone
in the Rejects, girlfriends, former girlfriends, or family members. That may
have been a mistake, but it seemed presumptuous.)
I started
thinking about other musicians, because while it could be easily seen as a
vampire book, musicians should recognize many of the aspects of being in a
band, and might enjoy it on that level. Mark's storyline in the sequel will
relate to that even more.
I also
started thinking about comic book people, because there are so many I like,
some of whom have been really nice to me. Also, their work has given me
pleasure. If I could return the favor, I want to do that.
It became a
big concern that I was missing someone important, so I finally just expanded
the full followers screen to look for names, and that took me back to last
year.
A little
over a year ago I started thinking of things I could do for people. I wanted to
give everyone a Christmas present. It started because there were some things
that I wanted to do for people and I realized I could. That was the real reason
that I participated in Darkstar Day, because it was important to Steve Morris
that people participated, and I could be one more participant. I bought Colleen's
book. I took pictures of me with my bass and my dog for Bass Dogs. And I
worried about missing people, so I created a spreadsheet.
There were
three tabs: everyone I follow on Twitter, everyone I am friends with on
Facebook, and then the people my family was praying for, because it's
periodically good to check and see if there is something we should be doing
besides praying.
Obviously I
could not get everyone by Christmas, but I thought I could work from it over
the year. I started on New Year's Day on Facebook by asking "What can I do
for you?" They did not know why I was asking, but I did get three
responses. I told Kim a story, and I became Chantelle's walking partner. I also
kept blogging, though I would have done that even if Rebecca had not asked me
to. I know social networking can be sterile and narcissistic, but it has been a
good experience for me, and I thought it could be even better.
I did not
keep the spreadsheet up. I did make more entries, but I found that except for
the music reviews and songs of they day I was always in response mode. I would
see that someone was having a rough time, and so I would send them 30 reasons
to live, or send them something inspirational until they reached their 1-year
clean mark, or whatever seemed appropriate.
This time
around I wrote down several names to check on where I did not offer them the
book, but I have messaged them, or seen an account change and followed the new
account. I will be checking on those people for a while. It was just too many
to get them all now, and for a lot of them it's probably not the book that they
need.
This method
is not bad. I do see people, and help them. Sometimes I know I make a
difference, and sometimes I am not sure, but I try.
I do feel
like there is this higher level, where I could be proactive instead of
reactive. I do not seem to be capable of that yet. I am still so human.
So, this is
my promise to you: I care about you. If I see a chance to brighten your day, or
support you, I will. I am also really fallible, so if you think I can help you,
ask. It makes life easier for both of us.
And if you
missed Family Blood when it was free, you know, it's only $2.99. I would
still love some reviews. They don't have to be long or fancy, just what you
liked, or why you didn't like it, or something to let other people who know
nothing about me whether or not this book is for them.
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