An Epic Launch

by | Jul 22, 2019 | Articles | 0 comments

Today, the SEO overlords may punish me for posting something overly short. But that’s okay. Because I had an epic launch this weekend.

“Epic launch” is a phrase I’ve had in my head for a few weeks now. You see, as the publication date for Whizzers drew closer and closer, I found myself running around like a madmangetting details for the big book launch party, emailing VIP Launch Team members, messaging friends and acquaintances alike.

In short, I ran low on energy and patience. I actually felt a little discouraged.

Then I did something uncharacteristic: I replied to someone on Twitter who was asking if any fellow writers had questions or needed help.

His name is Gareth L. Powell, and he’s a bestselling British author. Gareth and I follow each other, and I like him. He’s a genuinely good guy. Also, he’s from Bristol, England, and I’m from Bristol, Connecticut. Not sure I’ve ever connected with anyone from the town MY town was named after.

So I posted something about my upcoming launch up, and Gareth replied, “Mike, it’s going to be epic.”

That was it. Six words. Words that mattered. When I was in the midst of it all on Saturday at the launch event, and Sunday, when the book went live, I remembered Gareth’s words.

And he was right: it was an epic launch. Over twenty people showed up during that event’s two-hour run. Whizzers went all the way to #9 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases in Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction.” As I write this, it’s still hanging tough at #11—right up there with heavy hitters like Paulo Coelho and Karen Russell.

Thank you all.

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