So, today it was the turn of 'Kingston Upon Hull' to have its streets pounded as I went walkabout with books and postcards. 

Two things soon became clear...

1)  The high street 'chains' of coffee shops aren't interested in allowing struggling authors to leave promotional cards for their customers - whereas the smaller, independent coffee shops don't have a problem with it - especially if you buy a coffee or they've seen you before! 

AND

2)  Sometimes you come across members of staff who are exceptionally helpful and who make your day - by treating you like a human being!  This happened in Waterstones, Jameson Street, Hull when the young lady on the desk gave me the manager's number, as he wasn't in today, and then took a book and a card - all without making me feel like I was being a nuisance! (Even if they don't decide to stock my books... their staff are STILL extremely nice!) and also at Hull Central Library.  There, the librarian at the help desk went off to find someone who could help me and then sought me out in the adjoining coffee shop to give me the details of the Head Librarian and take a stack of postcards off me!   He really was 'a very nice man'!

So... tomorrow I have phone calls to make during my dinner hour and another week I'll be tackling York.  I have high hopes for York - There are lots of independent coffee shops, and believe me... I'm a customer of quite a few!  :)

Today I've walked the length and breadth of Beverley to hand out promotional postcards for 'Lifelights'.  So far, the Library, the Tourist Information Office, 'The Tea Cosy' cafe and various other coffee shops now have them displayed on their counters/bookshelves.  In fact, people were so kind when it came to agreeing to take them for me, I ran out!!  I'll need to go back to finish the job...

Next week I intend going into Hull and doing the same.  I can almost feel the blisters forming now!  :)  But an author's got to do what an author's got to do... especially a 'new' to the market author.

Libraries, bookshops, cafes and coffee shops, together with beauticians and hairdressers are top of my list of places to target - anywhere that people are either actively looking for books or tend to sit for a while and might just pick up a postcard to read whilst they wait.  I've also had friends offer to help spread the word AND the postcards (lovely people!).  So, anyone reading this who thinks they might know of somewhere that the Lifelights postcards would be welcomed/useful for getting the word spread wider (and it doesn't just have to be England) - just let me know through the contact page or message me through my Alina Voyce Facebook page and I'll send some out...

Now... time for a coffee me thinks!

Every time I get a sale of 'Lifelights' I want to jump up and down because someone out there is giving my writing a try...  Every time I get a sale of 'Light Evolution' I want to shout 'woo hoo' (and frequently do) at the top of my voice because someone has enjoyed the first book enough to read the second in the series...  Can't beat THAT feeling!  :)

Today I took delivery of some postcards for advertising purposes. The cover of Lifelights is on the front with info about the book and me on the back, together with a picture of the cover of Light Evolution.

Visibility is the key to success when it comes to encouraging readers to give a new book/author a chance.  'Word of mouth' and reviews from readers who have already enjoyed the story are, of course, the most powerful advertising any author could wish for... but every little helps!

My family and I have just returned from a holiday in Canada.  We visited family in Calgary and then drove across the Rockies via the Okanagan Valley to Vancouver.  The scenery was stunning, the wildlife captivating and the weather glorious!  As well as a truly unbelievable encounter with people who (as it turned out) we had a strong connection to, there were meetings with complete strangers that definitely pushed my imagination's 'on' button.  Needless to say, inspiration for The Lifelight Series came thick and fast (mainly for book 5).  I love it when things come together.... unexpectedly!   :)