Tuesday, June 28, 2016

You.I.Us.



With us today is our very own Annalisa Crawford.  I was allowed to ask her one question and this was it: What have you found to be your most successful means of marketing?
Ah, now… this is where I fall down, Sandra. Sorry to disappoint you, if you were expecting some good ideas. Marketing is hard, and I still don’t know how to do it properly.

My most successful marketing so far has been coming third in the Costa Short Story Award at the beginning of the year. Because of that, I was featured on my local TV news programme, a couple of local radio stations, my town’s magazine, and I was contacted by a book fair organizer and have two fairs lined up.

Now, I’m not claiming that had anything to do with me—all competition wins are a matter of luck—but if I hadn’t entered, I wouldn’t have even had the chance.

I’m trying my best to build on that level of notice in my local area, and I hope it’ll give me the confidence to go further afield.

My advice to people is just get out there, and talk about yourself. Most of the people I know have only just realised I’m a writer, and I’m on my fourth book! In retrospect, that’s not good. My other tip is to say ‘yes’ to offers, and be open to people who want to help you.
~*~

You. I. Us. is a collection of vignettes, small scenes which hint at the story beneath.

Annalisa has taken that idea to another level, because she asked 15 bloggers to ask her one question each, creating small insights into her life and writing.

You. I. Us.
Publication date: June 10, 2016
Genre: Short Stories (Single Author)


In You. I. Us., Annalisa Crawford captures everyday people during  poignant defining moments in their lives: An artist puts his heart into his latest sketch, an elderly couple endures scrutiny by a fellow diner, an ex-student attempts to make amends with a girl she bullied at school, a teenager holds vigil at his friend’s hospital bedside, long distance lovers promise complete devotion, a broken-hearted widow stares into the sea from the edge of a cliff where her husband died, a grieving son contacts the only person he can rely on in a moment of crisis, a group of middle-aged friends inspire each other to live remarkable lives.

Day after day, we make the same choices. But after reading You. I. Us., you’ll ask yourself, “What if we didn’t?”

About the author
Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall UK, with a good supply of moorland and beaches to keep her inspired. She lives with her husband, two sons, a dog and a cat. Annalisa writes dark contemporary, character-driven stories. She has been winning competitions and publishing short stories in small press journals for many years, and is the author of Cat & The Dreamer and Our Beautiful Child.

 
Annalisa's TV interview




39 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Winning that contest was a big deal. Now, keep up the momentum.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks for having me over today, Sandra :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Yes, it was, Alex. I'm trying to find that balance of using it to my advantage and not boring everyone about it :-)

Valerie-Jael said...

Keep going! Congrats on winning that contest! Hugs, Valerie

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you :-)

donna baker said...

The marketing was the hardest part for me. Who has the time to write when you are submitting in all different forms etc and on and on...

Sandra Cox said...

Entirely my pleasure, Annalisa.

Pat Hatt said...

Saying yes sure can get you out there more. I despise marketing though.

Ann Bennett said...

The book sounds like a super good read. Best wishes on the win.

Sandra Cox said...

Amen to that.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Exactly. Or you get so into writing you forget to market!

Annalisa Crawford said...

I say yes, then panic for a while :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks Ann :-)

Tamara Narayan said...

I agree with Sandra. Try contests. Try anything. Don't be afraid to say you are a writer. I told a former teacher of my kids and right off the bat she was enthusiastic and wanted to read what I had written.

Out on the prairie said...

A good topic to work with. Hard to get out there sometimes.

Joanne said...

nice visit and I think Alex is correct. Your momentum from the award is awesome, not to mention other contests. It's difficult to push yourself out there, but I think you are seeing the results and the general kindness of folks. People at book fairs and bookstores are there because they want to be! Continued good luck

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats to the author of what appears to be a great book.
Wonderful post Sandra.
Yvonne.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Conga rats to you Annalisa; your book sounds awesome and we wish it much success; here's to; as da tabbies say; a bazillion $$$$ in sales ! ♥

Suzanne Furness said...

Marketing is hard but you seem to be embracing it Annalisa. Getting out there and getting yourself seen in the local area, the Costa win was great and one you should be proud of.

Nick Wilford said...

That's the best kind of marketing because it's a ripple effect that's led on to a lot of great things. Now you can describe yourself as an award-winning author!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Yvonne:)
We always love having Annalisa visit don't we?

Annalisa Crawford said...

Isn't it a great feeling when someone takes you seriously? I think it makes you take yourself more seriously.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Yes, it is. It takes a lot of effort to start with, and hopefully becomes easier over time.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks Joanne. I've got another signing tomorrow too - fingers crossed for a turn-out, of any size :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you Yvonne :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks tabbies :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm trying my best Suzanne. I'm bribing myself with chocolate - do a scary thing, get a packet of Revels :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Those ripples are so important, they'll add up to a big wave eventually!

Linda King said...

All that local interest and exposure is fantastic - and so is the new collection! Review to follow!

Elephant's Child said...

Huge congratulations to Annalisa.
Sigh. And drat you both. My unread tower is already humungous.

Sandra Cox said...

Ha!

DMS said...

So exciting to see Annalisa here. It sounds like entering the short story contest really opened things up for her. That is awesome! Wishing her all the best. :)
~Jess

Birgit said...

Congrats on winning the contest. This must have been a great shot in the arm. Interesting that some of your friends didn't know you were a writer...I wonder if shyness and fear was part of that and how many writers are inherently shy. One really has to promote oneself I think. From what I have read from other writers it takes a lot to promote oneself. Your books sounds very interesting.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Lol, make a fort not a tower - much more stable ;-) Thank you.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

I think also, in real life, you don't want to be that person who only has one topic - I'm a writer, don't you know? That's a good way to lose friends. It's a fine balance.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you Linda. I'm glad you like it :-)

Magic Love Crow said...

I agree, you have to get yourself out there! It's hard, when you are shy! I am too! It's hard saying, I'm an artist! But, I'm finally doing it! LOL! Congrats on winning the contest! Wishing you all the best!

Annalisa Crawford said...

That's the first step, the more you say it the easier it becomes, I promise! Thank you :-)