Farewell February
Have you noticed the days getting longer? I sure have. It’s almost 6:00 in the evening and still sunny outside. The logjam of short winter days is breaking up! And now that the snowdrops and crocuses are up and showing off, it feels like spring isn’t far away.
A change of season is just what I need to get the cobwebs out of my head. It’s been a long, wet winter and I haven’t kept up with newsletters or this blog.
Learning the Advertising Ropes
Instead, I’ve been spending my time figuring out Amazon advertising. It’s been a tough slog. I started tinkering with it last June, but didn’t really dig in until November. In December, the ads started getting traction. In January, sales were up. But February is the only month to date where my spend on ads hasn’t exceeded my earnings.
And the month’s not over. I could still end up in the red for February.
On the writing front, the new book is back from the first batch of beta readers. Their input, as always, helps improve the story. I’m continually surprised at what their fresh eyes pick up that I’ve missed. I’m still months away from a final draft, but it’s coming along nicely.
Whistler Getaway
Two weeks ago, we made a trip to Whistler. The last time I was there was when Secret Sky won honourable mention at the Whistler Independent Book Awards.
This time we were dog-sitting. Our sweet rent-a-dog was Babe, a nine-month-old poodle. She’s a bundle of energy and still has the puppy clumsiness that I find adorable. She also kept us active, walking at least six kilometres each day. Babe did a stellar job of tiring us out so we’d sleep through the night.
How about you? Any plans for getting a vacation in before summer is here?
If you’re looking for a $2.99 mini-vacation, download Secret Sky and enjoy an escape to Emelynn’s beach. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.
It sounds lovely, Jo-Anne. I hope it all worked out for February. I must confess I don’t have the patience for trying and learning about ads and I’ll but given up on marketing (they keep changing everything around and I’m more interested in other things at the moment), but it sounds as if you’re getting the hang of it, and love your rent-a-dog. She’s gorgeous. Have a fabulous March!
Thanks, Olga. I ended February in the black, so yay! But you’re right – the ads takes a lot of time. Hopefully less when I get the hang of it. Cheers!
I am very happy, too, February is almost over. It wasn’t too bad this year.
I paint only by daylight, it would be impossible not to notice days getting longer.
That dog looks funny, I like not that big dogs very much since they are more fun, less troubles. Although, I had the dog some 30 years ago, art and art classes require no pets.
It’s good you’re on Amazon, but obviously to get many sales is tricky, with the vast numbers of anything out there.
I personally do not read on the internet or on any devices for that matter. I love real books. I buy them at a second-hand store. Lots of choices. I used to buy at Indigo, well, 2 tiny paperbacks came to some $30, so, I had to do something because I read a book a day or a book in 2 days, nights would be actually more accurate. I don’t watch TV, any TV practically, therefore, reading is very relaxing, the best.
I haven’t seen your real books here at the store, not even the Indigo, maybe I just didn’t notice.
I would think that most people like KIndle.
Well, I am paying off credit card, so, no online purchases for me unless they accept Paypal which many online sites do not. That’s what it comes to: not using credit card and finding a good price.
You are saying you might be in red.
Maybe it will make you feel better that I have been in red for the last 2 years, working 16 hours a day. It might improve now with the stock markets crashing. My account was noticeably up, I am positioned like that: gold goes up when everything else crashes and it also goes up when Canadian dollar picks up.
Good luck Jo-Anne! I think any creative needs a lot of luck!
There are a lot of people who prefer print books. I understand they’re more popular than ever for teenagers and young adults. It’s great to see. My books are available in print, but check with your local library. Many libraries carry the whole series. And a book-a-day habit is an expensive one if you don’t have a library card! Keep painting…love your work.
Ah, Whistler! What a lovely place to get energized. I see a dog helped. 🙂
Yes, we must market. You’ve written an incredible series with a fiery protagonist who gets an unexpected but amazing gift. Oh, to be her for just one day. On second thought, I don’t think my heart could stand it. That’s why it’s delicious to read. I don’t have to risk my life.
A “fiery protagonist” – “delicious to read” I love those! You made my day. Thanks.
You are amazing! I think it helps to be – well, let’s say, so much younger… and still have that ‘energy’ that I seem to have lost. – I’d also be interested to learn about Beta readers… and any other tips you could give me.
Love your crocuses… In containers on my balcony, spring bulbs are testing the air, even the ‘Bleeding Heart.’
Thanks, Giselle. I’ll be in touch soon.
Congratulations on your February Amazon earning stats, that’s an exciting breakthrough with all the time and energy you’ve put into that! As for vacation plans?? Not for me, I’m already starting flower and some vegetable seeds for gardening season. With the light and weather changes gardeners will be outside soon!
Thanks. I sense another blog post on Gourmet by Sally Rae!
Sounds like things have been eventful but also productive. Interesting about the Amazon ads. It’s something I haven’t investigated yet, but I do recommended BookBub. I’m still doing record keeping from the event on Dec. 31, but it’s been profitable. Email me if you’d like more details. Also, can you recommend a site(s) where I can approach potential beta readers? I think I’ll be ready sometime in the summer.
Happy to hear about BookBub. I’ll email you shortly about Beta readers.