C. Kevin Thompson
So, summer is officially over for me. I’m a school administrator by day. When I peel back my shirt and run to the nearest phone booth after work (who has those anymore?), that’s when the big “W” on my chest appears. Super Writer! (There’s got to be a superhero story there somewhere…)
As the kiddos languish over the dwindling days of summer and “look forward” to hitting the books again, in whatever form that may take – public, private, or at home – there’s a writer to whom you may wish to introduce them. Particularly if you have girls in your midst.
Welcome to the big, Florida front porch, Rebecca Ondov!
Rebecca, you were last featured on the CAN blog in 2010. That was years ago. Just think of how much has happened in the world since then. How many books do you have published now?
Rebecca Ondov
Six.
What are a few of your latest titles?
Great Horse Stories: Wisdom and Humor from Our Majestic Friends
Great Horse Stories for Girls: Inspiring Tales of Friendship and Fun
Since your last visit to the CAN blog, what are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?
Great Horse Stories for Girls by Rebecca Ondov
That the friendships I’ve made with my readers are some of the most precious ones I have. I love being a part of their lives through letters and social media platforms like Facebook.
What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since then?
I make an effort to personally connect with my readers as much as possible and to share, as a friend, God’s love and encouragement with them.
What are the most effective means of book promotion you’ve tried?
I love doing radio interviews, but I feel my most effective is reaching out through social media.
What are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?
Book signings
What’s your favorite way to connect with your readers?
Facebook and Email
What’s the craziest promotional gimmick you tried?
For a couple of my books, my publisher has paired up with me to target specific audiences where I’d send an email offering a free book and the first 50 to respond would win. It worked well.
Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?
Yes, a crazy thing happened, one that only God could have done. I took a day off from work and a friend and I drove a couple hours to a Montana hot springs for lunch and to soak in the mineral pool. The location is in the middle of nowhere Montana.
On the way we stopped by a tiny mom and pop grocery store to grab some snacks. While chatting with the owner, she mentioned that she was a Christian. I shared that I was a Christian author. We exchanged some testimonies of how awesome God is. Then she asked, “Have you ever been interviewed on the radio show, ‘A Woman’s Special Touch’? It airs throughout California and into 26 different countries.”
I shook my head and told her I’d never heard of it.
She leaned sideways, looked into the back room, and yelled, “Hey, Norma, there’s a Christian author out here you need to meet!”
The host of the show was a friend of hers and “just happened” to be visiting her in podunk Montana.
Since then Norma and I have become good friends, and she’s interviewed me on her show several times.
What are your top tips for new authors promoting their first book?
Pray for wisdom, do what God suggests even if it seems silly, and don’t get discouraged.
Thank you, Rebecca, for taking time out of your busy day to visit with us. And if you’re willing to share the address of that mineral bath place with our readers, I’m sure if they’re up that way, they may decide to stop by and take a dip.
You can visit Rebecca online @ http://rebeccaondov.com/
