Today, I have to do something way out of my comfort zone: promote my new release, The Twins’ Family Christmas, on Facebook Live. Oh, hooray.
Writers get into the business because they like words… but not necessarily words spoken aloud. No, we generally prefer the written word. For me, writing a blog post to talk about my book is perfectly fine. I love the book, I believe in its message, and…. Christmas? Twins? Secrets? Dogs? Wounded heroes? Snowed in on a ranch? What’s not to like?
But my publisher asked me to do a Facebook Live to talk about the book, and I agreed (with fear and trembling) and it’s happening TODAY. At 2 p.m. ET. A video. Focused on me, talking. That has to be at least fifteen minutes long. I am so nervous!
I’m going to be talking about what’s great about Christmas books and Christmas… and what can be challenging about them. About what inspired this new book and who it’s written for. And about the series it’s part of, Redemption Ranch.
What else should I talk about? What would you as a reader like to know about the book, the writing life, or Christian romance generally? Should I let my dog be in the video? Pose a potential question in the comments before 2:00 ET today and you’ll be entered in a drawing for the first book in the series, The Soldier’s Redemption.
I hope you’ll come by my author page at 2:00 ET today… I could use the emotional support of my Inspy friends! And there’s another giveaway there. If you can’t come right at 2:00, that’s okay–the comments will be live for the rest of the day, so you’ll still have the chance to comment over there and be entered in the giveaway.
Meanwhile, here’s a teaser to whet your appetite for The Twins’ Family Christmas.
Pastor Carson Blair plans a quiet Christmas vacation for his twin girls—until veteran Lily Watkins gets snowed in with them. Lily is drawn to the warmth of this family, but she’s hiding a secret about Carson’s late wife that threatens more than their holiday. And the twins have their own plan—one that includes a gift-wrapped mommy to complete their family.
The Twins’ Family Christmas is available on shelves wherever Love Inspired books are sold, or at your favorite online retailer.
Lee Tobin McClain read Gone With The Wind in the third grade and has been an incurable romantic ever since. Lee is the author of the Sacred Bond series of contemporary inspirational romances and also writes the Rescue River books (angsty, but full of fun kids and dogs) for Harlequin Love Inspired. When she not writing emotional Christian romances, she's probably driving around a carload of snarky teen girls, playing with her rescue dog and cat, or teaching aspiring writers in Seton Hill University's MFA program. She is probably not cleaning her house.
Hi Lee, I hope and pray that your Facebook promo video goes well. I think it would be interesting to know about where your inspiration comes from, why you write Christian fiction vs. general market fiction and what you love about Christmas.
Blessings:)
Ps, I think it would be cute to have your dog in the video:)
Lee, sending special ? that you find a place and calmness during you FB live! Wish I could be there for support, but I will be at work…..I know you will be awesome!!
Place= peace, sorry
Thank you for starting off with some great questions. My dog will be in the video… I just have to walk him for about five miles first, so he’s tired and well-behaved rather than bouncing off the walls!
Thank you–your prayers are very much appreciated. You can always watch the video later and comment if you want to be entered in that drawing as well as this one.
Hi Lee! Best wishes on your FaceBook live event. Hoping I can see it live. Depends whether my 21 month old granddaughter is napping. Your dog is adorable, so precious to be in a video. I understand the hesitation, dog and kids one never knows if they will cooperate on cue. Even after years of experience talking in front of a crowd as a teacher and pastor’s wife, I still am nervous. Take a deep breath and speak with feeling from the heart. Best wishes.
Questions: Why is the setting (place and time) special to you as a writer? Will you ever have other pets in your stories besides dogs? Are you a dog lover vs cat lover? Any special rituals as a writer? Favorite beverage, place to write, writing utensils.
9Do you have any writing auirks??
Do you have any writing quirks?
Thank you, Renate… very doubtful the dog will cooperate on cue, but at least I hope he won’t actively disrupt proceedings!
Ooh, good question! I will give that some thought before 2:00.
Hmm.. Speaking in front of people is something I dread. I still haven’t joined the church I’ve attended for 2 years because of that walk down the aisle and being in front of all those people. And you’re talking on video, bless your sweet heart. I don’t think I’m being helpful so far. Lol.
Things to talk about. Your Christmas memories, Christmas traditions of your family and area where you live or have lived, the Christmas books you’ve written or enjoyed. I’ll try to “attend”. I’m looking forward to seeing you and your dog. He will be great for a few comments. What kind he is and how he joined your family.
When writing for Harlequin do you have free rein to choose what to write or do they provide you with either a theme or plot points they would like you to use?
Congratulations Lee and I pray that all goes well with your FB promo. I love Christmas themed stories and this new book sounds especially appealing. Since this is the second in the series, do you plan many more?
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
This is exciting news, Lee….will be praying for your FB event and will try to chime in. I would LOVE to read your book.
Question Does your dog sit by you as you write?
I think it’s fun to see where writers write, and we all like to know if any of the characters are based on actual people you know. We do tend to fan over our favorite characters and love all the crumbs we can gather. Have fun with it! I’ll try to be there, it sounds fun.
Sherri, it DOES help to know that others are in the same boat I am with public speaking. Thanks for the question ideas, too.
That’s a good one. Thank you!
Connie, great idea to talk about the other books in the series… especially since I just turned in Book 3 yesterday!
Ha, that’s a good question and there may be a visual aid to answer it!
Thank you Dalyn, I’ll look forward to seeing you virtually this afternoon.
Now I’m scared, Lee. I have the same publisher. EEEEEEK!!!! You’ll do fine. But I won’t if I ever have to do one.
Hi Shannon! I can only recommend that you practice with a friend first… I did that with Dana R. Lynn and Rachel Dylan, and we had a blast! Today… we’ll see. EEEEEK is right!
I pray all goes well and definitely the dog should be in the video.
Congratulations Lee! Happy Book Birthday! Beautiful cover <3