Ending my Sales Experiment
Since last November, I’ve been experimenting with 99c sales on select books in The Gift Legacy and The Dark Dreams series. That experiment is coming to a close this weekend with the final 99c sale on Blood Mark. Going forward, I’ll still have sales, but much less frequently. So, if you still haven’t treated yourself to the multi-award winning Blood Mark, or if you haven’t yet gifted it to a friend, now’s the time.
And speaking of the Dark Dreams novels . . .
There’s a New Review for Scorch Mark!
I’m over the moon that the Ottawa Review of Books has reviewed Scorch Mark! A pull quote is now proudly displayed on the cover.
Wickedly clever, original, suspenseful, and action-packed, McLean’s impeccable writing and razor-sharp plotting will draw you in and keep you rivetted.—Ottawa Review of Books Read the full review here.
What I’m Reading
It took me a while to get into Sarah A Parker’s To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, but she hooked me with a persistent question that I needed to know the answer to. She kept me hooked enough to read the follow up, To Snap a Silver Stem, and that’s where she lost me. I won’t spoil it for those who enjoy the series, except to say, I was disappointed with how the second book ended.
Next, I read W.L. Hawkin’s Writing With Your Muse (A Guide to Creative Inspiration), which I found informative and interesting. It’s a writer’s roadmap to finding inspiration, whether that be character, setting, story, or plot. Sprinkled throughout Hawkin’s Muse are historical and personal anecdotes, story structure tips, and writing advice. If you’ve hit a wall with your writing or are curious about alternative means to finding creative inspiration, Muse is a terrific resource.
Upcoming Events
📚On May 18th, I’ll be at Blue Heron Books in Comox for a book signing. (11:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m., 1775 Comox Ave, Comox, BC)
📚On July 25th, I’ll be in Qualicum Bay for the Christmas in July Market. (10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay, BC)
I’m adding new events all the time. You can check my current schedule here. And if you find yourself at one of these events, come over and say hi.
Until next time…
XO
Jo-Anne
You are an incredible writer with an even more astonishing imagination. All your books I have read drive my blood pressure up and down, and putting a book down for the night is hard. I am no good for anything – until I finish the reading, and then the story dances in my head for several days until I can concentrate on other things again, i.e. working on my tax return… I am unsurprised by all the awards you get, and you are one of the top sellers on Amazon! Thinking back to our first meeting years ago – here’s looking at you, kid: Hearty congratulations!
Thanks, Giselle. You’re swelling my head with all that lovely praise. Thanks so much.
I’ve found that $.99 sales are hit-and-miss for me. It’s interesting that in January I had more ebook sales for the full-price books than I did for the one book that was on sale for $.99. There’s no predictability, I find. I’m curious as to whether you use Amazon or FB ads for your books and, if so, do you find them helpful with sales?
I’ve used Amazon and Facebook in the past, with limited success. For this experiment, I used Bargain Booksy and Book Barbarian. I was testing the advice that advertising a sale every 90 days was the optimum interval. It wasn’t for me. My sweet spot seems to be annual or semi-annual sales.
Lovely review JP!
Thank you!
Congratulations, what a great review! The accolades just keep pouring in … you are on fire!!
Thanks, Sally!