Blog

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As a curious observer of life, I blog on writing, marketing, my prairie - anything that interests me in the moment. I like to have conversations with readers, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I'll respond.

Readers make novel launch possible

By Carol / 07 July 2015 /

It’s launch day for the new edition of my novel GO AWAY HOME. If you haven’t read it yet, this is an excellent time to snag a copy. GO AWAY HOME is available on Amazon…

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Reviews matter – Here's how to get them

By Carol / 16 June 2015 /

Have you watched the big five trade book publishers launch a book? They always have an impressive list of reviews on Amazon the day a book launches. When I launched Go Away Home, I tried…

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Seven questions about publishing with Amazon

By Carol / 11 June 2015 /

Ever since Lake Union Publishing acquired my novel Go Away Home (re-launch on July 7), I get questions. Lots of them. About how it works, the advantages, the disadvantages. Jane Friedman invited me to answer the…

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Dressed up in a new cover – Go Away Home

By Carol / 02 June 2015 /

A drum roll, please … When my novel Go Away Home re-launches on July 7, it will sport this brand new cover. As an indie author responsible for all aspects of publishing, I have to…

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It’s "I Grew Up Country Day" – How will you celebrate?

By Carol / 18 March 2015 /

We expect you celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Hopefully with enough restraint to leave room to celebrate a far newer day. Since Iowa Governor Branstad signed a Proclamation declaring March 18, 2015, “I Grew Up Country Day,” 50+…

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I Grew Up Country – New initiative encourages storytelling

By Carol / 10 March 2015 /

On Monday, March 9, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a Proclamation declaring March 18, 2015, “I Grew Up Country Day” – in Iowa and wherever food is produced. Haven’t heard of “I Grew Up Country”? Let…

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From indie author to Amazon Publishing

By Carol / 03 February 2015 /

My life as an indie publisher went in a dramatic new direction when a senior editor from Amazon Publishing contacted me last November about acquiring Go Away Home. I share how it happened and what…

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Marketing a book with a "Use By" date

By Carol / 29 January 2015 /

This  cartoon circulated on Facebook, and I laughed because it hit me where I was. When I indie published Go Away Home this past July, I geared up for intensive marketing over the long term.…

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Growing Up Country now an audiobook

By Carol / 27 January 2015 /

Changes in the publishing industry have made life easier for indie authors with every evolution helping us reach more readers. As I launch the audiobook version of my memoir this month, it’s been fun to…

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Amazon Publishing acquires Go Away Home – I'm giddy!

By Carol / 30 December 2014 /

Have you ever thought you were as happy as you could be and then something happens to make you realize you could reach a whole new level of happy? It happened to me this month.…

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