Oh Where, Oh Where has my launch gone? by Debra H. Goldstein

Oh Where, Oh Where has my launch gone? by Debra H. Goldstein

June 28 is the release date from Kensington of my fifth Sarah Blair novel, Five Belles Too Many. As I write this blog, three days before it will appear on the Stiletto Gang blog, I have yet to confirm a physical launch location (which would be in mid-July). That’s unusual for me.

 

When One Taste Too Many, the first book in the series, was published, there was a table at Barnes & Noble at the Summit in Birmingham and not only did I have the initial signing there, but two nights later, I had an indie signing at Little Professor. Both were successes and the events were repeated when Two Bites Too Many was released. And then, a few weeks later, after I had additional live signings in Alabama, as well as in California, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado, the world shut down because of Covid.

 

We weren’t sophisticated with virtual panels and signings during the height of Two Bites Too Many’s

release, but we definitely were by the time Three Treats Too Many and Four Cuts Too Many were published. I crisscrossed the country doing zoom presentations. It wasn’t the same as being able to sign books live for readers, but it did give me an opportunity to partner with writers I adore from other parts of the country for the same presentation. I was sure by the time, Five Belles was published, I’d be able to have a launch similar to my first ones, but that isn’t the case.

 

B&N in my area of the world has not returned to live signings. Our indies are beginning to do events, but with certain health protocols still being followed. I am in limbo. I’m ready to meet fans in person again, but I’m not jumping through hoops to make the live signing happen. Instead, I’m taking a step back and watching and waiting, figuring the official live launch may be replaced by smaller bookstore gatherings in July and August.

 

In one way, it is a shame. Five Belles Too Many is my second favorite book in the series. In it, Sarah is forced to chaperone her mother when Maybelle is a finalist to win the perfect Southern wedding. When the reality TV show’s producer is found dead with Sarah’s greatest nemesis kneeling by the body, Sarah must find the true killer before any more of the contestants or crew are permanently eliminated. 

Because of the humor and nature of the book it would be fun to interact with a live audience, but that’s not to be. In the meantime, I’m going ahead with virtual plans, including a takeover of Joanna Slan’s Readers on June 20 and an incredibly special Summer Blast/New Release Party with three other cozy authors, Terry Ambrose, Maggie Toussaint/Volana Jones, and Nancy J. Cohen, on June 28 from 7-8 EST. I’ll also be participating in a Great Escapes Tour (June 17-30) and visiting other blogs including The Wickeds, Jungle Red Writers, Chicks on the Case, Dru’s Book Musings, and Mystery Lovers Kitchen. The fun part of the parties and blogs for readers is that there will be plenty of prizes to be won. I’ll also be offering additional prizes if you are a newsletter subscriber (you can sign up on my website – https://www.DebraHGoldstein.com ).

 

For more chances to read reviews, win prizes, and find out how Five Belles is taking off, don’t forget to visit me on:

Twitter: @DebraHGoldstein,

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DebraHGoldsteinAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrahgoldstein/ , or

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debra-h-goldstein .

 

Or, make my day by pre-ordering a copy of Five Belles Too Many from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite indie bookstore. We’ll call it being part of the silent launch.

 

How do you feel about not having as many live signings? 

Come Read-A-Long with Me

Come Read-A-Long with Me by Debra H. Goldstein

I’m excited! Five Belles Too Many, which will be released on June 28, 2022. In anticipation, I’m throwing a multi-month celebration virtual Read-A-Long to give readers an opportunity to discuss each of the books in the Sarah Blair series and to ask this author anything you ever wanted to know.

 

In March, we discussed One Taste Too Many. The session was a huge success. Not everyone who was on the Zoom call had read the book, but it didn’t matter. We talked about concepts, themes, and why I did certain things without giving away any of the plot spoilers.

 

The next Read-A-Long, on April 19, features the second book in the series, Two Bites Too Many. Subsequent months will cover the next books until we pop the cork and celebrate the birth of Five Belles Too Many in July 2022. To join in the fun email me at DHG@DebraHGoldstein.com to get the study guide and the zoom link. Put on your calendar:

 

When: April 19 – Two Bites Too Many

May 17 – Three Treats Too Many

June 21 – Four Cuts Too Many

July 19 – Five Belles Too Many

Time: 7 PM CST/ 8 PM EST (and you can figure out the rest)      

 

The remainder of the series, Three Treats Too Many, Four Cuts Too Many, and of course, Five Belles Too Many, will be our topics for the May, June, and July sessions. The goal is to have fun and gain a better understanding of these books culminating in the month when Five Belles is published.

I mentioned above that I am celebrating the journey of the Sarah Blair series, and I am. I have had a blast writing Sarah, the woman who is more afraid of the kitchen than murder, but more importantly, it has been a joy getting to know you, the readers.

 

Want to catch up on Sarah Blair so you’re ready for the big finish in July? You can pre-order Five Belles. start at the beginning of the series (Amazon has the e-version of One Taste Too Many on sale for $1.99) or come in any week you want as the books, while a series, each standalone. Sarah, RahRah, and Fluffy hope to see you on April 19^th to talk about Two Bites Too Many!

Recognition, Writing and the Ladies Room

 Recognition, Writing and the Ladies Room by Debra H. Goldstein

Do we write for recognition? Or, is it something in our blood that makes it impossible to do anything else?  I’ve heard many people say, “I write because I have to” or “Even if I never become a New York Times bestseller, I have stories that need to be told.” These remarks may be true, but let’s face it, even the shyest among us loves to be recognized.  Of course, there are preferred time and places to be singled out.

When I was doing my first Sarah Blair book tour for One Taste Too Many, I flew from Alabama to Michigan for two speaking engagements.  In the waiting area, I noticed a compact curly white haired woman. Her multi-colored plaid shirt made her standout from the grey crowd waiting for the plane to load. When we got on the plane, our eyes met for a moment, but we both looked away.

After we landed, I did the age old action of jumping up, grabbing my stuff, deplaning and heading for the restroom. As I was coming out of my stall, she exited the one across from me and said, “Debra?”

“Yes/”

“I’m Becky.” How nice.  I had no idea who Becky was, but I could tell she believed herself to be a long lost friend. “I loved that mystery conference in Birmingham.”

Clue number one – she attended Murder in the Magic City in February. She must have remembered I was a panelist this year. 

“I was sorry to miss that conference with Reed Coleman conference.  I just love that Reed Coleman.”

I hastened to agree with her. While she gushed on about Reed and his books, I racked my brain trying to remember how we knew each other while sticking my hands under three different sink soap nozzles before one finally worked.   Distracted wondering about some of the people wandering the airport who had been in this bathroom, I glanced up to see she was already drying her hands.

“You spoke to our book group years ago, before we disbanded. I liked your Maze in Blue book and your talk was funny.”

 Eureka, now I knew where we’d met. “If you enjoyed that book, you might like my new one, One Taste Too Many.  It was released a few weeks ago. In fact, that’s why I’m here in Michigan.  I’m doing two book talks and signings”

“Can I get it on my kindle? 

After I replied in the affirmative and pointed out it was only $3.99 for the e-book, she smiled. “I’ll have to get it. I’m on my way to my vacation house for three weeks. What did you say the name of the book is?”

“One Taste Too Many.” Thinking like the marketer I have had to become, I asked: “would you like a bookmark?”

“Oh yes,” was the answer.  Only problem, she was ready to walk out of the bathroom and my hands were still under the running water.

“Um, here, let me dry my hands.”

Another woman and I grabbed for the small piece of exposed paper towel.  I won, but it wasn’t enough to do the job.  In the meantime, the other woman got the next two sheets. I finishing the drying process on my jeans, searched inside my purse for a bookmark, and proudly presented it to her.  She smiled and slipped it into her pocket.

We walked out of the bathroom together – a fan and an author whose only thought was “Now, I know why they say never approach an agent in the bathroom.”

----Since then, Two Bites Too Many and Three Treats Too Many have been published. Four Cuts Too Many comes out May 25, 2021, but is already available for pre-sale.  And here's a secret, Kensington is running One Taste Too Many on various promotions for $1.99 for the e-book ---a better price than Becky paid.