I’ve been making hay, so to speak. With roughly seven weeks before Give the Lady a Ride debuts, I’ve been kicking my marketing plan into gear. Problem is, most of last week was spent just trying to get organized. Promoting my book was not on my mind while I was with Mom; now it’s all-consuming, but I still had things needing my attention that first week home.

Those things are now finally limited to just daily chores and house cleaning, which means it’s marketing time!

First on the list, of course, is the book cover. My designer, Anna O’Brian, is amazingly patient. She sent me one mock-up, and I really loved it, except it didn’t match the story at all. We went through a week of tweak this, put that in, take the other out, try this, will that work? before finally coming up with a composition that’s nigh unto perfect! I can’t wait until it’s finished so I can show it off.

Also on the list last week was talking to the lady who’s doing my video trailer. I met Linda Walker through Monte Alkire who’d had a western-themed trailer also. Linda decided to retire from the business because it was stressing her out too much, but–bless her!–she’s willing to do mine.

I say “bless her” because this process is amazingly time consuming! I spent a bit of time yesterday trying to find sample pictures for her to use for the copy I wrote (a feat in itself. It’s hard to explain a novel in five lines!). The only pics I found that I truly liked were by professional photographer David R. Stoecklein, which means, not only were they perfect, they were all copyrighted and therefore off-limits.

I was amazed how much time it took just to find the photos I couldn’t use. Thank the Lord Linda is willing to take me on!

Next up is arranging the private party I’m having here in town, followed by a public book signing, followed by several other book signings in other towns. Not only am I working on personal appearances, but I have internet promotions I’m working on too. An interview here, a review or two there. I need to get a blog tour set up. All this sounded so much easier when I had several months to do it in. But, hey–I’m not complaining!

Be sure and come back Wednesday to enter the drawing! If your dreams come scented with fresh air and tooled leather, lightly accented with horsehide and hay, you’ll love the giveaways!