What’s next?

My books on sale at Beach Town Books in San ClementeAmiga has been released. Now the real work begins. The challenge is to convince readers to buy and read it. (It also helps to find supportive fans who can convince others to buy and read it as well.)

I realize that people aren’t lining up to buy a Matthew Arnold Stern novel because hardly anyone knows who Matthew Arnold Stern is. I also realize that Amiga is only one of over 1,000,000 books published in the United States each year. So, how do I make Amiga stand out and find an audience? And how do I continue to establish myself as an author?

Here’s what next for me.

Personal appearances

As I’ve written earlier, people want to know the person behind the book. Picking an author is like picking a landscaper or an electrician from Yelp. You want to know that the person can do the job, and that person is someone you want to do business with.

My goal is to do at least one appearance per month. These include book signings, seminars, and interviews. Here’s what has already been scheduled:

  • December 14, 1:00–3:00 pm: Book signing at Beach Town Books, San Clemente, CA.
  • January 29, 6:00–7:30 pm: Seminar, “Improving Impromptu Speaking,” Anaheim Central Library, Anaheim, CA.
  • April 27, 2:00–4:00 pm: Seminar, “Public Speaking for Writers,” Anaheim Central Library, Anaheim, CA.

I’m also looking at doing another reading at Fun A Day Reseda in March and going to AmiExpo in Sacramento in October.

To learn about upcoming events, visit my website often and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

My next novel

Front cover for The RemaindersIf you’ve been following my website, you know about my novel The Remainders. I’m now revising it for submission using the feedback I received and what I learned from publishing Amiga. Editing The Remainders will be my Fun A Day Reseda project for January. Look for information about beta readings and submission later in 2020.

I’m also looking at doing a second edition of Offline, and I want to do a reboot of Doria. I’m also looking at ideas for other novels and books on public speaking.

Health

I have plenty to do with writing (and other more important things), so I want to be around to do them. Since I started working on my health, I’ve dropped 25 pounds (11.34 kilograms). I have more to do in my health journey, and that will be a focus in the coming year.

What’s next for you in the coming year? Tell us about your goals in the comments.

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