2.11.2014

How I Got the Local Paper to Run a Story on Me

My local newspaper interviewed me and ran a story on me this past weekend. Here's the link: http://www.bendbulletin.com/home/1762504-151/bend-author-makes-sci-fi-waves

The reporter didn't pick me at random. We met at a meeting of Central Oregon Writers Guild, my local writing group. He was the guest speaker at the meeting, and we ended up having a very intense discussion on publishing. Eight months later, he contacted me about an article.

As any self-respecting author, I jumped at the chance for exposure and publicity.

Was it luck we ended up having that conversation? No. He asked a question and I asserted myself. I love talking about writing and publishing and anything related to it. I don't regret that I did. If we don't become advocates for ourselves, well, no one else is going to do it.

Once I had the interview, I shared the limelight with two of my lovely fans and my local critique group. I won't ever forget that I won't make it anywhere alone. I'm ever so grateful for the wonderful folks I've met along the way - fellow writers and fans.

So get out there and network. Talk to people. Talk to your fans. You never know when opportunity will come along...

What steps have you taken to get out there?


Coming March 2014


Worlds on Edge



War is coming. A horde of merciless aliens poise just beyond the Edge. In a matter of weeks they will devour the worlds.
Racing ahead of the apocalypse, Craze returns to the Backworlds to warn them and plan a defense. Only he can’t go home. Banned from Pardeep Station, he must wage a more urgent battle. His moon is under siege, and his friends are dying.
Bad things come in threes, and the galaxy is no exception. An old enemy returns, attacking moons and defenseless globes, leaving a wake of destruction. Worse than that, they threaten to join forces with the alien horde.
Defeat seems inevitable. Craze may not be able to stop it. Yet home is worth the fight.

 Support a Great Cause - Beyond the Binding

All proceeds of the Composers for Relief album and Beyond the Binding companion ebook will go to Gawad Kalinga (“give care”) and GVSP (Gualandi Volunteer Service Program), to support the relief efforts for victims of the deadliest natural disaster in Philippines’ history, Super Typhoon Yolanda.


 Embark on an exciting journey “Beyond the Binding” of the imagination with 29 authors from across the globe, in a groundbreaking collaboration where music meets fiction. Surrender to soaring compositions as they surge through the veins of every story, capturing the triumphant pulse of the notes in heart pounding sci fi, enchanting fantasy and gripping slices of realism.

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations. And I am certain that the journalist was thankful to come across an articulate person with something to say. Neither of which are givens in a journalist's world.

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  2. It seems not. Still the lesson is, we're the ones who make things happen for ourselves... with a little help.

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  3. You did us proud, Mary! Awesome representation for yourself and other indies.

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  4. Congrats, Mary! It's a fabulous article!

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  5. I had fun doing it, Gwen & Cherie.

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  6. Networking is definitely a way to open windows of opportunity!

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  7. Congrats on the article and the awesome cover! You never know when you might get the chance for something like that, and it's good to take the chances when you have them. I'm much shier in real life, but even then, I push myself to introduce myself at least.

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  8. Congrats! I got my local paper to run a story on me... I cold called them, and it worked!

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  9. Congrats! I got my local paper to run a story on me... I cold called them, and it worked!

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  10. Most definitely, Sherry.

    I'm shy, too, Christine,except when it comes to writing and astronomy. I can talk to you until next year and never let you get a word in edge wise. lol

    That's a great way to get yourself out there, Hilary. Awesome work!

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  11. I just read the article -- it was so great. You are a woman with a plan and a whole lot of talent. Plus, you're adorable.

    You're so right that we have to be our own advocates. If we don't show that we're passionate enough about our work to speak up, who else will?

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  12. Yes, it's more about putting our passion front and center, Nicki. You're right.

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  13. Talk to people?? That's what I have to do? Just reading it makes me want to crawl in a hole and hide. :D But you are a great inspiration, Mary! Well done.

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  14. Way to go Mary!!!

    I'm reaching out to some pretty big steampunk advocates and writers. Hoping they will support the little guy (i.e. ME).

    And your cover is AMAZING! I love it. My favorite one yet.

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  15. Kudos to you, Mary.

    And thanks for featuring Beyond the Binding. :)

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