WHAT'S CONFUSING?

The internet, that’s what. Not that we can simply ignore it. Imagine pushing a button and the whole world comes to your doorstep. If that isn’t magic, it’s damn close to it.

Having my eighth book, HARM’S WAY released, the editor wanted me to jump on the internet and start getting your name out there on social media. I publish a blog weekly – like this one - writing what interests me. I need more exposure.

More important is what interests you as you scan the internet. I keep it short. You’re not there to spend the next 20, 30 minutes reading a blog that goes on forever.

Getting your name out there is what it’s all about, my editor at US Beacon Publishing Group tells me. LinkedIn is a good start. I have been on it for a while. I get a message, ‘Hi Clarke, I’d like to join your LinkedIn network.’ Then another. ACCEPT or REJECT.

I punch in ACCEPT, though I’m not sure what’s next. The odd person asks if I can put them on my subscription list? Why not?

‘Goodreads’ comes along. It behooves me to join up. I saw no immediate results…until earlier this week when I brought it up on my laptop.

There I am. HARM’S WAY, a handful of readers adding their comments. Goodreads has listed others of mine including HARVEST, EMPIRE INC.

Author’s comment: HARM’S WAY had been out for several months before the COVID-19 epidemic broke across the world. This threw the publishing industry into a frenzy. Among many other businesses. But I’d be happy connecting with readers by phone, by ZOOM. Or drop by. And anywhere in between.