The great things about having my own radio program -- a program for writers and those who dream of writing -- is that I can invite any author whose books I admire.
One of the problems in this business is that authors have such a small window of opportunity to promote their books. Even major authors who are published by one of the big publishing houses have only a few weeks at most to make an impact. They have their release date and, if they are lucky, the publisher will sponsor a book tour, set up some signing opportunities in New York City, and arrange for reviews and interviews on radio. Only the famous get to appear on a television program.
Rarely does a book get a second run an publicity. A second chance to get noticed. A second opportunity for readers to hear about a worthwhile book. One of the books that has been sadly overlooked is The Hope Factory by Lavanya Sankaran. It is beautifully written and the subject is relevant. Yet is has not gained the popularity that it deserves.
Another book that was almost was 'lost' is Nancy Peacock's brilliant The Life and Times of Persimmon Wilson.
The opening line of this book is unforgettable: “I have been to hangings before, but never my own.”
In 2013 Nancy Peacock self-published this historical novel that follows the journey of Persimmon Wilson (Persy) from his enslavement on a sugar plantation to his assimilation with a band of Comanche Indians in Texas.
Fortunately for all of us, this beautifully crafted story got a second life when the book won the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Award for Best Self Published Books in 2015. It was picked up by Atria Press, which released a beautifully produced hardback version in January 2017.
I look forward to talking to Nancy Peacock on Tuesday, March 6th at 11:00 a.m. EST.
