The Seneca Scourge Is Out
Strap on your respiratory masks and whip out your tissues, The Seneca Scourge is here. My pandemic party is available as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com, a NOOK book at Barnes & Noble.com, and a PDF e-book on Whiskey Creek Press. The paperback’s release date remains anyone’s guess, but I’m bounding like a toddler in a bouncy house, nonetheless.
What The Seneca Scourge is:
- A medical thriller with a side of science fiction
- A quick read with hopefully a decent story
- A chance to learn medical lingo, thereby astounding your friends
- A few hours of imagination
- A safe way to get the flu
- My baby
What The Seneca Scourge is not:
- Funny
- An artistic literary oeuvre full of flowery prose and magical sentences
- A bodice-ripping romance
- A bondage, safe-word-requiring love story
- A vampire, zombie, and other worldly creature rompfest
- A movie with Kristen Stewart
Sorry, no vampires here. (Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art)
So, if you’re cool with the above, then I’d be honored if you gave it a try, and I’d be tickled as a pickle if you left a review on one of the sites. As a thank you for the latter, I will send a signed copy of the paperback version to the first seven blogging-buddy reviewers (just email me to let me know you left one). Yes, I realize that is after the fact—i.e., after you’ve read it—but at least the book cover is shiny and the woman on it pretty.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some tequila to drink…
In case you can’t function without a question, do you leave book reviews? Do reviews sway your reading choices? Do you think Stephen King cares that he got 98 one-star reviews on his latest book? Or do you think he cracks open a beer and counts his money?
216 Responses to “The Seneca Scourge Is Out”
Congratulations! This looks just like the kind of book my sweet husband and I like to read together. All the very best! xoM
Thank you! The last few months since the book’s release have been a great experience for sure.
[...] has your Seneca Scourge [...]
Carrie, beautiful Carrie! I finally pulled my head out of my arse and started to read all the back issues of blogs I’ve missed. By started, I mean of course I went to yours first and the earliest one I missed which (gasp, man!) turned out to be your book release?! So I just immediately went to amazon and bought it (duh) and will be devouring it between now and Sunday, at which point I can come read these other comments and add my notes telling you how fabulous you are (duh). See you soon!
You are so sweet! Not only for catching up on my blog (which you certainly don’t need to do–I’m sure you have plenty to catch up on), but for downloading my book. I appreciate that, and I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve been wondering how you’ve been. Hopefully you’re surviving your toils there in the Kingdom.
Surviving, yes. Tolerating it as manfully as I can. Haha. I hired a career coach to help me focus my scattered motivations, and we start tomorrow! (I just typed “I’ll” and iPhone changed it to “yolk”?!) I’ll post about it eventually. I’m glad to be catching up with you!
I wish you luck. Sounds like a good move.
Just finished reading your book! I loved it, great story. Just about to head over to Amazon to review! That scifi twist always sucks me in (trying really hard not to put spoilers). I did find 1 typo at the end during an insulin argument (“he doesn’t how to inject”) a couple paragraphs above “2009″. Maybe it’s just in the kindle edition, and you asked us to let you know if there were any issues. Anyway, I really enjoyed it… easy read and written for speed, which I like (James Patterson, anyone?). Perfect setup for a sequel as well. You mentioned that someone said it was unrealistic. Mostly I don’t think it was, I liked your medical/science twist on the disease, you’ll know more than I do…is it possible? scary! Love the gene angle. You know me, I’m not a flu vaccine fan, and our entire department mostly avoids it now. Its interesting to read another perspective. The only bits of cognitive dissonance I had were that nobody really addressed the g- paradox with regard to 2 bil people. Sydney certainly never considered the Prime Directive’s implications and Casper didn’t seem worried that he might be walking into a big mess. hahaha. Also the geographic fate of the antagonist compared to the protagonist(s) struck me as backward. I didn’t understand why they felt they had to do what they had to do, then again I should shut up because they reason you could write a sequel is because they did what they did! ha
Overall fun read and well written. Great job Carrie!
over-analytical much, A? sorry, didn’t mean to turn it into a book club discussion. can’t help it!
Oh, no, I love hearing your thoughts. And you were correct in your last statement. I did it that way in case I ever did a sequel. Which I’m not planning on, but just in case.
plan.. plaaaaan
Thank you for the great Amazon review. Just saw it. It’s much appreciated!!
Thanks so much! I appreciate hearing your thoughts! And I know about that typo. Drives. Me. Crazy. But there’s nothing I can do about it now. Frustrates me because I went through that manuscript a zillion times. And also my editor didn’t spot it. I guess the only defense is that it’s at the height of the climax, and the eyes were just skimming along so fast taking in the info. Oh well, what can I do? Live with it, I guess. I was pleased to find a typo in a best-seller I read recently. Guess if it can happen to a big NY publisher it can happen to my small publisher.
Thanks for not giving away the twist. So far it’s been kept under wraps which is hard to do. Would be thrilled with an Amazon review. Thank you!!
I hope I didn’t give it away… eek! Don’t worry about typo’s, I find one in every book I read. Gone with the Wind has 3 or 4. You’re in good company! You’re right, it’s definitely in a quick reading spot. I only mentioned it because I thought the ebook easier to update, but then I don’t really know if that’s true.
I loved it!
I asked my publisher if they could change the e-book typo, but they said no. They have too many authors to go back and make changes. If I had self-published I could, but since I didn’t, I live with it. Which is actually a good thing for a Type A like me to do. Good therapy!
…. and, no… I don’t lisp.
Always good to know.
OK… I’m not sure you connected this (non-lisp) comment to the “pithy humor remark”. I couldn’t find a way to add it below.
I’ll have to check into the free download, but I’m wondering if PC version mean it’s not available for a Mac? It gets complicated, so perhaps I’ll need to do the Kindle someday soon. In the meantime there’s lots here to catch up on.
Yes, I understood that was for the ‘pithy.’ Sometimes my sarcasm gets the best of me.
I’ll cheat with two words that immediately popped into my mind:
retired rebel
You have very nearly pushed me into taking the plunge into getting a Kindle… but first there’s so much to read right here! Love your pithy humor.
Well thank you! I appreciate that. And for those who don’t want to buy a Kindle, there is a free download available for a PC version of Kindle. Not sure why it took me so long to learn this, but another blogger told me about it. Always the last to know, I am…
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Congratulations Carrie! I will have to check that out. And thanks again for recommending Story Engineering. I’m over halfway through and have learned sooooo much. I feel so much more equipped to finish my novel. I am eternally grateful!!
You’re welcome! It really is a great book. I’m applying its principles now as I outline my current WIP–not that I’m getting much time to work on it though…
Thanks for your interest in my book and for stopping by!
great to see carrie. i’m going to prefer an actual book, so i’ll wait for that. can you give me an idea as to page count?
Thank you! The paperback will be out in a month or so. The e-book page count is about 313 pages–not sure how that translates to the paperback. Unfortunately, small press POD paperbacks can be costly, so I suspect the bulk of my sales will be e-books. Oh, if only I could have a big boy NY publisher that can print lots of books at a cheaper price…
Congrats Carrie. Your baby is now born and I hope it cries lustily
. Will definitely read it, although will probably wait for the paper version.
Thanks! The paper version will probably be out in a month or so. Unfortunately, POD paperbacks can be costly. Unlike big publishing houses that can afford to print a lot, small presses have higher costs given their smaller volume of books.
Oh wow! congratulations!
Thanks, Carol!
Congratulations Carrie! I’m happy for you and proud of you. Can a blogger/friend be proud? Yes, I think I can. You are an inspiration to me. =)
Thank you, Stacie. That’s lovely to hear. So much so, that I won’t even make my usual joke.
Just like to say well done. How fantastic to have your book published. I don’t read book reviews – I just buy the book from the blurb. But I am thinking of starting my own book review page on my blog – once the play is finished this week! So yours is on the list (yes, I have a list…) Of course, you could always write your own…
Thank you! But no, I don’t think I’ll be writing my own reviews–they’d track me down, I just know it!
Once your play is finished, I suspect you will need a very long nap and a whole lot of boredom. Well, at least until you get started on the next one…
Wow!!!! How exciting!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Thank you! It is pretty exciting. And a wee bit stressful…
I can only imagine! one day at a time – the universe is unfolding as it should. Congrats on making it over this significant hurdle! I think I will download it when I am finsihed with my current read!
Ah, what a happy day! Congrats and off to B & N!
Thanks, Joanna! That’s kind of you. Hope you enjoy it.
Started it yesterday and liking it much so far! Well written and doesn’t water down the medical lingo–love that! (Hate when med-speak is written for the lay person; a doc-by-trade wouldn’t do that in his/her POV, right?
And I had no idea you’re a physician; caught that at your website when I happened by the other day. Any particular specialty?
Thanks, Joanna! That’s so nice to hear. The most stressful part is waiting to see what people think of it–as I’m sure you know!
I’m a pediatrician. I’ve tried not to focus on that on my blog, because I want to be seen as a ‘writer who writes’ not a ‘physician who writes’ if that makes any sense. But I figured I needed to put it in my bio to make sure people know I’m credible with the medical stuff.
Thanks again for coming by to let me know what you think. It is SO much appreciated.
My pleasure, Carrie. You’re very welcome. MD or not, you could have researched the subject matter enough to sound very credible, but I get what you mean about being a writer-writer vs. an MD writer
As per not watering down the med-speak, that was one of the main reasons I loved ER on NBC from the get-go. Their writers did really well with that part of the dialogue and I loved that I knew what they were talking about!
Well, after seeing the complex techie talk some of these spy thrillers get away with, I figured I could throw in a little medical speak.
Love it. Well done so far.
Thank you!
You’re welcome. My pleasure
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hate electronic books, but I will download yours and try to read it on my husband’s Kindle. (Sorry, but I’m basically a 97-year-old in a 33-year-old body which means complaining about electronic books is mandatory.)
As for Stephen, I’m pretty sure he counts his money while drinking champagne that he doesn’t even like.
So you haven’t jumped on that e-book bandwagon yet, huh? Don’t worry–you’re not the only one. But thank you so much for your interest. That’s so nice to hear! And yeah, I bet Stevie doesn’t get too worked up about one-star reviews.
Thanks again!
Fanfreakingtastic! Congratulations! When when you say that I won’t require a safe word to read your book, I assume that means that I also won’t want to beat my head against my wall until I lose consciousness when I read it. I’ll just want to scour my house with Clorox wipes, which is okay because my house could use a deep cleaning anyway.
Yes to the Clorox; no to the head beating. Well, unless you get encephalitis from my flu virus, then all bets are off…
Thanks for stopping by and making me laugh. Nothing makes me happier.
Congratulations! I just downloaded the Kindle version, and now I have to restrain myself from reading it until tomorrow, when I’ll actually have time.
I *might* succeed… but my lack of reading willpower is legendary.
Enjoy that tequila.
Thanks, Diane! I appreciate your interest and hope I can entertain you. But unlike Aydan, my poor antagonist rarely gets time to eat. I was pretty hard on her in the nutrition department. But, you know, there’s that whole pesky pandemic thing going on…
Those darn pandemics. So inconvenient.
Yeah, they never seem to come at the right time…
Congrats, Carrie! I can’t wait to start reading The Seneca Scourge. I bet I’ll be your first (‘native’ & resident) African reader
Yay!
Thanks, Kat! I appreciate that. And actually, I have another blogger who follows me (and who I follow) from Africa. He’s an ER doctor there. So, that’s pretty cool.
By the way, I noticed that your blog was private for a while, but now I see it’s public again. I’ll have to go re-follow for updates!
Yeah, I did go MIA for a while. I was trying to address some privacy concerns. I didn’t succeed as well as I had hoped, decided to get back to enjoying this place.
thanks for coming over, and good luck with the Scourge. May you soon crack a beer and count your money too! 
Wouldn’t that be nice?
Holy Toledo! Good for you. I just bought it for my Kindle and can’t wait to read your words. I want a signed copy of the paperback version when it comes out. Okay?
Thanks, Robin! Nice to see your Gravatar doppelganger around! Of course I’ll send you a signed book, seeing as how your “Weak Word” series helped me with my final edits. And if you have a moment (which I know are few for you right now), an Amazon review when you’re done reading it would be sweet, too.
I most certainly will do an Amazon review. Can’t wait to fire up the Kindle. Also, can’t wait to be back in the blogging world.
Congratulations, Carrie! What a great accomplishment! I can’t wait to read your book! (and I think Mr.King cracks open his beer and counts his money – definitely) I wish you the best of luck with the Seneca Scourge.
Thank you, White Lady! (Okay, that feels really weird to call you that…) I appreciate your kind words and your interest in the book. I hope you enjoy it, and I promise it doesn’t come with any live viruses.
And yeah, where a one-star review would be a ginormous boulder for me, it’s probably a mere pebble for Stevie Boy.
I foresee a 4-star rating for you!! (and you are more than welcome to call me anything you feel comfortable with! yes, I’m laughing…)
Excellent!
Wait, no vampires? No bondage? Is there sex? …….. oh never mind, on the reading list it goes. Will I be able to pronounce the words or just sound stupid?
Ha ha! I have no doubt you’ll be able to pronounce the words. After what I’ve seen from your blog, you could also write the words, explain them, and pull out the research to back them.
But sorry to disappoint–there’s not even sex in my book. Sad, huh? Then again, having to battle a deadly pandemic probably makes one less amorous…
Thanks for stopping by and for your support!
This is so exciting. I am going over to Amazon right now.
Thank you, Kate! I am grateful for your support, and I hope you enjoy it. Hopefully you won’t catch anything. Achoo!!
I’m wearing my mask just in case.
Oh, good. Make sure it’s a good one.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! The Seneca Scourge is going straight to my read-list.
Now go have that tequila 
Thank you kindly! I appreciate your support. And my tequila still awaits. We’re actually going to have it this Saturday night, when things calm down a bit. But don’t worry–the bottles are tiny. I’m more of a beer drinker myself, and even then, not much of that. I’m quite boring, really.
lmao – it’s ok, I’m a one-pot-screamer as they say so I don’t drink much either
Wait, I thought I was reading a book by someone called Connie. That’s what the official release said. Who’s this Carrie person?
Congratulations! Felt like ages didn’t it? I think I will read it; WebMD just doesn’t spur my hypochondria like it used to.
Ha ha! Well, after reading The Seneca Scourge, you’ll be weary about your fellow plane passengers. That ought to help with the hypochondria. And yes, I’m pleased to say Connie has left the building. And not a minute too soon, I might add.
It has felt like ages, but it’s nice to finally have the moment here. Thanks so much for stopping by!
How exciting! This will be good reading for our upcoming trip. Congratulations on a huuuuge accomplishment!
Thanks, Sunny Girl! (I’m sorry–I know you’re not a girl, and I know that name is tacky, but I always think of sunshine when you stop by. Blame it on your Gravatar image; blame it on your blog name; or blame in on your lovely attitude–either way you represent sunshine in my mind. Which is a good thing!) I appreciate your interest, and I hope you enjoy the book.
I don’t mind bringing sunshine to mind
By the way, I nominated you for versatile blogger award here: http://drerhumu.blogspot.com/2012/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
Thank you so much! I think I may already have that one, but it’s always an honor to be recognized. I appreciate you thinking of me. I’ll have to go check it out.
No Bondage? Damn! Good luck with the launch, Carrie!
Thank you! Sorry to disappoint you about the bondage thing, but you will be happy to know that males and females have an equal chance of dying in my book, unlike in “I Am Cara.” I’ll leave the annihilation of the male species to you.
Congratulations, Carrie. The cover is fantastic. It’s on my list of fellow blogger books to read!
Thanks so much! Yes, I was really happy with the cover artist’s work. He did a great job.
I appreciate you stopping by and for your support. I enjoyed browsing your website. Good luck with your own writing!
Bravo!!!
Thank you! I’ll refrain from bowing to avoid looking like an idiot, but know that I’m doing so in my head.
Whahooo!!!!! Congratulations, Carrie! I will purchase this ASAP, and cannot wait to read it!
Thank you! That is lovely to hear–I appreciate your support! I hope you enjoy it. I promise the book itself will not spread germs.
Congrats! Have a few shots and some nachos. Mexican food is the best way to celebrate all your hard work! Just purchased a copy on Amazon.
I’m wickedly behind on my reading, but definitely adding it to my queue.
Thanks, Kourtney! I appreciate that. And now you’ve given away your New England roots by using the word “wickedly.” I have family in New Hampshire, and I always smile when they use that term, because it’s so native to the East.
Indeed, you should hear me say quarter and Britain. Total CT accent. ;P
You New-Englanders! My step-dad is from Maine. He ‘pawks’ his ‘caw’ and grabs a shopping ‘caut.’
Congrats! I’m sure this is the first of many best-selling works.
Ha! Well, that might be a bit lofty! I’ll settle for entertaining a few folks. But thanks so much. I appreciate the words of support.
Well congratulations to you, that is brilliant. I shall head over and check it out. When I get to read it though is anyone’s guess, at the moment. So with that in mind I doubt I shall be one of the initial seven.
However I do have a shiny new iPad which which to read it on, so double bonus.
Once again, well done.
Thank you! I appreciate your support. And I can also appreciate how busy you must be. I bet it’s fun to walk through the door after work and have your son come and greet you. They’re always so happy to see us at that age.
Enjoy your iPad. I love mine. Great for short trips when I don’t want to take my laptop.
Yes, it is nice to have a little smiley face there, at least until he gets a bit older and has better things to do.
The iPad is pretty great too. The screen on this thing is brilliant. The WordPress app is pretty decent also.
But hey, you have a book out…
Exciting news, Carrie. I don’t have an e-reader, so I will be waiting on pins and needles for the paperback version.
I generally don’t follow reviews. I have found that lately most of them are written by friends or family or other authors who have “swapped” books and are writing good reviews out of a courtesy and not because they genuinely like what they read.
I read a book based on word-of-mouth by a friend of mine, or someone whose reading tastes I trust/share. This includes a few blogging pals who I’ve known long enough that wouldn’t steer me in the wrong direction.
Congrats on a huge milestone!
Thanks so much, Kate!
Yeah, the whole review thing has become a bit crazy lately. Paying for reviews; writing one’s own reviews. Really?! I’d be scared they’d trace it back to my IP address, and I’d come off looking like a fool! As you point out, word of mouth really seems to be the best marketing tool.
Many congratulations ~ I’m on the case!
Thank you, Polly! You will find no poetry, but you will find death and disease.
I got it! I got it, now I have to work out how you can sign my phone!
Ha ha–thank you so much! Yeah, these e-books make book signings a bit tricky.
Congratulations! I love science fiction so I’ll have to go and grab it. I’m glad there aren’t any zombies or vampires in there – it’s hard to believe there have been so zombie/vampire stories when really they just keep going around doing the same old stuff.
Thank you! Yeah, I kind of did a no-no crossing genres, but what did I know back then? I know better now, but the sci-fi part is “light” and I wanted to make it stand out a little, because let’s face it, just like zombie and vampires, pandemics have been done before, too.
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Congratulations on your book! So happy for you.
~FringeGirl
Thank you very much! I appreciate that.
CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE!!!
Thank you, Ann! I hope you’re doing well.
Yes I am.
Thanks for asking and it looks like you’re doing very well! Sending oodles of best wishes your way … 
Thanks!
Congrats Carrie! This is awesome, and I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Rebecca! That’s so nice to hear!
By the way, do you have a different blog? I just clicked on your name, and it brought me to a blog called Friffle Thoughts. I thought you maintained Reading Today. Do you have two blogs? Yikes.
Haha – yep. Friffle Thoughts is my original blog attempt when I was using blogspot. Reading Today was my wordpress experiment. Now I enjoy them both too much to ax one so I make spastic efforts to keep them both alive
Sorry for the confusion – I can’t figure out how to get them both under my name so I try to randomly switch ‘em around every once in a while. Still me 
You are dedicated! I’ll have to go check Friffle out when I get a chance.
Purchased and waiting on my iPad. It’ll be a little while before I can start, however. I’m disappointed that it’s not a movie starting Kristen Stewart (I don’t actually know who she is, except that she cheated on her boyfriend). Not yet anyway.
Thank you! I appreciate your support and hope you can be entertained, even though I ain’t no Rushdie. I know you’re busy right now, and I’m glad to hear your endeavors are panning out.
Kristen Stewart starred in the Twilight movies–the end all, be all of vampire books and flicks. It’s funny, because I always thought I was expressionless on the outside, but she has me beat by a mile. And she’s an actress! But that poor girl has paid her dues, what with the way the media has eviscerated her. She cheated on her boyfriend. Big whoop. It’s not like she’s a married governor of a US state who left his post unattended while fleeing to his mistress in South America…
CONGRATULATIONS! I don’t usually write in all caps, but this seems a deserving moment. I am heading over to Amazon right now to snag my copy!
Thank you, Audrey! I’m sure you get the anxiety–but also the cautious excitement–that comes with knowing others will read your work. My book is not literary magic, but I hope it will entertain you.
I love to be entertained!
[...] one of my favourite fellow bloggers, Carrie Rubin, released her first ever book – The Seneca Scourge. I will let Carrie tell you about the book in that post I’ve linked to, but knowing Carrie I [...]
Loved your– A safe way to get the flu! Brilliant! Wishing you nothing but the best of luck and many more books to come!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
What, no vampires, no steamy romance, no laugh out loud jokes? Dang, what is this book about then? Oh wait, the end of the world, I get it now…
Well, congratulations on giving birth to your newest baby (that was a long gestation, huh?). I’ll have to get the PDF version later today because I don’t have a Kindle. Oh, I wish you gave away a free Kindle with your book on it.
Yes, giving away a free Kindle might make me pretty popular, wouldn’t it? But it would also make me feel tawdry somehow. I already feel shame at having to market the book, but i guess every author feels that way.
And sorry about the absence of all of those best-selling components–vampires, zombies, and sex. But I hope you’ll enjoy it anyway.
But seriously, thanks for you support. It means a lot.
You’re welcome. And honestly, it’s refreshing to see a new book without vampires or sleezy sex.
And I was kidding about the kindle. I started an ongoing joke with a group of friends. My friend Sarah kept praising her crockpot and recipe books, so I said she would be giving her crockpot away. Every time she asks for a favor, I answer the call and then ask, did I get the crockpot? I swear she’ll give in, eventually.
Oh, I love my crockpot. That would be a great prize. Maybe one day she’ll come through for you.
I’ve been tempted to get one but I’m not sure what I would cook in there the kids would like. They’re still at that stage where they don’t like much of their food mixed, except maybe for chinese food. And having to wait 8 hours for a meal doesn’t go well with my impulsive cook personality. I think I need to find some inspiring recipes to give it a try.
I have a slow-cooker ‘bible’ cookbook. I love it–mostly for the soups. Of course, I always add my own flare to the dishes, but it’s nice on busy days to get it going early and not have to rush around at supper. Some of the soups I make are loaded with veggies and so healthy, and my boys will eat it this way, where they wouldn’t if they were separate veggies on their plate. But yeah, younger kids like yours wouldn’t be into that yet.
See, I love soups and stews but my kids don’t like them, at least not yet. I definitely want to try it out someday.
I’ll order it with pleasure…just as soon as I can kick Mr. Fly off the PC where my downloading programme exists.
He is watching Korean soap operas….no, I don’t get it either…
Korean soap operas? Well, to each his own I guess.
And thank you, Helen. That is very kind of you. I hope you enjoy the book, and I really hope you don’t catch my flu…
Congratulations Carrie! I appreciate your comment above me spoken like a true writer about being famous and that all you want to do is write. For some reason that warms my heart. I hope you can write and write write ….. Now I’m going to look for my Kindle and order. :+) Again congratualtions!
Thank you, Starla! You are always so supportive. And once again, I was over on your site commenting while you were over here on mine. These telepathic brain waves are eerie.
By the way, I shared the elephant quote with my husband last night, because I have so much in front of me with marketing, I don’t even know where to begin. Every time I start to panic a little, I think of Navar’s words, and it helps. Really, it does! Can I put that elephant quote on my static quote page? I’ll credit Navar and link to your blog. If you don’t want me, too, that’s fine, but I really like it. So simple, but it resonates with me.
Of course He would be so Thrilled! We do use that quote a lot in this house because we also get very stressed and overwhelmed at times. It does help.Also Don’t forget to breath as well not that anyone really forgets but it’s that shallow breathing when we are stressed. I like to do the seven breaths in hold seven and blow out seven and do that several times. It’s funny when I’m really stressed I usually can do that about twice and my mind is off and running or sometimes only once. :+) That does really help when I’ve got a lot on my plate and the stress is intense. Ah Life is Grand!:+) Good for you for working so hard. May you have many fruits for your labor.
Thank you! Now every time I deep breathe today, I will think of you. And when I get a chance, that quote’s going up!
Good deal! :+)
No vampires?! Oh well, I’ll read it anyway. Cause I kinda like ya
Oh, man, how am I suppose to maintain my crusty exterior with nice comments like that?
Thank you for the kind words. And sorry about the vampires, but there’s no way I could do that topic justice, so it’s all good.
Got it. Now I will despise working for the next few hours because I’ll know I’m missing out on reading your book. Urgh! Congrats on your release. You are ‘official’ my friend.
Thanks, Char! I know you understand the nerves that go along with this as well as the ‘shame’ of self-marketing. I hope you enjoy it, and I so much appreciate your support!
I hear you on the shame. Any time I toot my own horn I feel so dumb. But I don’t think you seem dumb at all; in fact, I’m very excited and have been anxious for your book to get out. Maybe it’s like how most people are so hypersensitive about their own looks and pictures, but others think they ‘look fine’ and don’t even notice that pimple on the end of their nose. Hopefully only our introverted selves think we’re dumb and no one else. (Please, oh, please let no one else think I’m dumb)
I hope you’re right, because with as critical as I’m being with myself, there’s not much room for any more! And by the way, how did you know I have a big pimple on the end of my nose?…
Ha ha! I have 3 daughters…there is ALWAYS someone with a pimple that threatens to destroy their whole existence and ruin their social career (which is okay with me since social equates to boys and the less, the better. Bring on the pimples for my girls!)
Oh, that gave me a good laugh-out-loud!
I just bought my copy! I’ve been anticipating this moment. Carrie, keep writing and being a solid, kind presence.
Thank you, Sandee. I appreciate that. And I could say the same for you. You are a kind soul, even if you’re a hermit with an occasional bite (and I’m referring to when you told the lady off who ‘owns’ your street, but I know you’re just a big softy).
Hope you enjoy it. Wash your hands afterwards. You don’t want influenza. Especially this strain.
Congrats to you! I just jumped onto Amazon and bought it for my Kindle! Can’t wait to read it! Woo hoo!!!! Congrats again – how awesome!
Well, thank you! I appreciate that. This marketing thing is an ill-fit for me, so receiving all this support today is making me all soft and squishy. I better toughen up before my kids get home!
My “official” congratulations today.
The “old” Stephen King I’m sure celebrated with a keg-sized beer; the “new and sober” Mr. King probably just sips his Starbucks and giggles all the way to the bank.
Hey, go do something wild and crazy and big time this week! Like maybe go to Target on a Friday instead!
You said it! In fact, maybe I’ll get really crazy and shoot for Thursday–a school night and everything!
I didn’t realize Stephen King didn’t drink. But come to think of it, maybe I did read that in his book ‘On Writing.’ I can’t remember. Oh well, I suspect he isn’t much bothered either way.
Thanks for stopping by!
WOOOOOOOOOOOO! Go girl! I am so happy and excited for you—I for one shall be purchasing your e-book, but when the paper version comes out I’m going to want mine autographed.
Thank you Ms. Weebles! That is much appreciated. This introvert is positively feeling the love today. (Oh man, did I really just say that? Must have been a moment of weakness. That phrase will never cross my lips again. Promise.)
And I would love to sign a book for you. In fact, I will do it in chocolate. Or blood. Your choice…
I think he cracks open a beer and counts his money.
Cyber hug to you, Carrie. I’m so proud of you for taking this journey and accomplishing this dream. You will be famous! I bought it and it will be my next read. Congratulations and Great job!!!!
Thank you, Gina! And thank you for that lovely Twitter mention. Your support means everything. And you know you will get a paperback book regardless of where your review may fall. Just bear with me as I have no idea when the paper copy will be out.
Thanks again. I know you understand the swirl of emotions I’m feeling today, anxiety not the least among them.
haha. The Tequila should help the anxiety. Your numbers on Amazon are outstanding already so I think you’ll be just fine!
There are numbers? I don’t know what that means, but I’ll have to go check it out. I doubt it will be a lasting trend, however. Kind of like blog posts. Good stats one day; gone the next.
Congrats Carrie girl! I just bought my copy and I can’t wait to read it. Unfortunately, my kindle is at work and this is my weekend. I will definitely be putting up a review afterwards. I automatically do that for my friends or any good story I happen to stumble across.
Oh, thank you, Wendy. That’s music to my ears. I hope you enjoy it. As I imagine you know, it can be nerve-racking to think people are actually going to read the book now. I’m as stiff as a board. (And I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere…)
You’re very welcome Carrie and I’m sure it’s a great story. Try to relax and enjoy all the compliments and good reviews that will be plaguing you shortly.
Note to self: Must adopt Wendy’s positive attitude.
Congratulations Carrie! I will read it and review it and only say nice things about it!
And I will retweet you as you plug away!
If you were here right now, I’d shower you in chocolate. And that’s the highest praise I can give anyone.
Thanks, Rachael. Support like that means everything.
I really wish I was there!
Guess I’ll just have to eat it myself. And come to think of it, I don’t have much chocolate in the home. Just some M&Ms. Must rectify this promptly.
Hey! No taunting!
Enjoy those M&Ms and think of me in a corner pouting all alone and chocolateless. ( Is so a real word)
Don’t worry, I’ll eat some M&Ms for you. You may not experience the flavor, but you also won’t experience the calories, so you’ll still come out ahead.
Thanks that is mighty good of you!
Downloaded last night. Next in line to be read … although I should skip ahead to it so I can get the signed copy.
Which is a good idea for getting people to post reviews.
Thank you! But as soon as I saw your little Gravatared head in my notification window, I worried, “Oh no, he’s going to think I’m reading his book just cause I want him to read mine.” But in my defense, I did stop by your site quite some time ago and downloaded your book right when I saw it–the concept was so intriguing. I’m really not a schemer. Just a book lover.
I’m not reading your book because you’re reading my book … I’m reading it because, as I said elsewhere, us blogging writers or writing bloggers need to support each other. I’m not going to post anything that I don’t believe in … in other words, if I don’t like your book, I’ll remain silent. But, if it clicks and I have good things to say about it, I will.
That said …would you be interested in writing a short review of Bridgeport for Toasted Cheese (toasted-cheese.com). I’m about to send a request to them to review it (which is free) and one of their editors, based on your comments here has suggested you may be a good person to write the review.
I guess I’m not familiar with that site. I looked at it, but I don’t see where the reviews are. Would I write a review and then submit it to them? I tend not to do reviews on my own blog, because as you know, that could change the focus of one’s blog. If it’s as simple as writing a short review and submitting it to them, then I might be able to do that providing I have the right contact information. I plan to put a review on Amazon and Goodreads, anyway. Let me know how it works.
The review can be as short as 100 words. Maximum 500 words. They publish quarterly. You are already doing enough with Amazon and Goodreads, so don’t worry about it. One of the editors follows my blog and saw your comments about my book and though you’d be a good candidate for writing a review for them.
Thats sounds simple enough. Let me know if you change your mind, and I could send something off. It really is a great read. I’m about 35% through (don’t you just love the preciseness of Kindle?…)
I thought I wouldn’t like my Kindle and at first I didn’t like the lack of real page numbers. I’m getting used to the % thing.
SOOOO happy for you! I will be making my purchase today! Can’t wait to read it… and it’s a bit early here, but later I’m going to make myself a lovely vodka and cran and send a toast your way!
Ha ha! Yes, I guess I should have been more specific–I’m not actually opening the Tequila yet. I think my hubby and I will do so this Saturday when things settle down a bit. Can you imagine? Me, at 10 am, downing the tequila and responding to comments on my blog. Could prove quite interesting…
Thanks so much for your support, Sheila. It’s much appreciated.
I’m not here to judge LOL
Fabuloso! Phew, I’m glad I started following your blog just before this announcement, or it might have seemed like I was just doing it because you were getting famous ‘n all!
Ha ha–that made me laugh out loud. I don’t think there are any worries there. Fame isn’t exactly in my future. But hopefully I can entertain a few people just the same.
Thanks for stopping by!
Carrie! So great and congrats. I’m gonna go get the Pdf thing and hope I can review quickly enough. I’m so glad there’s no zombies or vampires in it — thank you for that. Are you drinking shots of tequila out of your husband’s navel or is this just an improptu tequila-sipping celebration with yourself?
.
“Out of your husband’s navel”—oh, my, that’s both intriguing and disturbing…
Thanks so much, Brigitte! And yes, we have some Tequila we brought home from Mexico to celebrate the book’s release. But I think we’ll save it for Saturday night–after I’ve had a week to let my nerves simmer.
Congratulations Carrie! I will toast your success with a shot of tequila too! I don’t have a kindle so I’ll try the pdf version and see if it’ll work on my ereader. I hope you are going to celebrate tonight with the family.
Thanks so much, Janet. We’re actually going to go the The Melting Pot next Saturday to celebrate. Don’t know if they have those in Canada, but it’s a yummy fondue restaurant. Costly though, so it’s only for special occasions.
Congratulations, I’m going to Amazon next! I will leave a review (for sure) and thanks so much for the review you left me on Amazon for Perigee Moon, which I noticed last night. You say The Seneca Scourge has been in the drawer for a few years, I suspect there is a next novel in your future, what with all your humorous blogging experience.
Thanks so much, Lynn! And you’re welcome for the review. My sentences and character development in no way match those of Perigee Moon, but it gives me something to work towards. And yes, I do have a new WIP. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much chance to work on it, but I’m itching to get back to it!
Downloaded – I haven’t read much yet (and really ought to be working, not Kindle-ing), but your plot is certainly pulling me in. Looking forward to reading the rest.
Thanks so much, Rachel! That’s very much appreciated. This marketing thing can be a bit ill-fitting, so it’s nice to receive so much support. Now get back to work, but thank you for coming!
Congratulations! Getting a book published is fantastic!!
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words.
What an epic milestone! I’ll be picking it up and will be happy to review, regardless of whether I make it among the first seven.
Congratulations and enjoy the well deserved tequila!
Thanks so much, Daniel. That is very nice of you. Just promise not to spoof me on your blog. I’d rather laugh at other people’s expense.
Hehehee well, if I do, I promise to sugar-coat it just a bit
By the way, I already just bought it on my new Kindle. I put my money where my mouth is…which is a disgusting habit, I should really stop doing that!
To quote my kids–”Sweet!” Kids can get away with saying that. Their mothers can’t…
Yay, Carrie! I will order it today! Congrats on getting your baby out in the world.
Thanks, Anne. That is much appreciated. This is new territory for me, and it’s very hard not to feel like it’s all “Hey, buy my book; buy my book!” Must take some deep cleansing breaths.
I think it’s OK to say, “Buy my book, buy my book!” Just do it. ; )
I could learn a thing or two from you extroverts.
Wish I’d said what Le Clown said. Didn’t. But I can say it again:
Congratulations!!!!!! Will be reading it (read 1st chapter) but doubt I’ll be one of the lst seven. I, too, can say “I knew you before you were famous!”
In my own words….Well done, Carrie!!!!
Thank you! So nice to hear. But as I mentioned to Le Clown, enjoy me now, because this is as famous as I’ll get. Not to mention I’ll probably self-combust in just a few moments. Talk about anxiety!
This is sooooo exciting for you especially, Carrie…but also and certainly for your family. And…let’s not forget your….friends…all of us..everyone.
Ah, you made me feel all warm and fuzzy, which helps temper that anxiety down a little.
WOO. MFing. HOO!!!!!!
Congratulations! And I’ll be off to check it out in a bit.
Thank you! I appreciate the Woo Hooing as I kind of need it right now. Am a little on the stressed side.
And thank you for the Twitter mention. You are so good about that, and it is always greatly appreciated!
Hope you can manage to sit back at some point and just enjoy the moment!
Thanks. We’re going to go out this Saturday to celebrate. Of course, for us, that’s a night at The Melting Pot, but I never claimed to be exciting.
Fun is where you find it. And Melting Pot is good at what they do.
Hey, first to like!
Congratulations again, and I’m already enjoying the story. I downloaded it yesterday from Amazon.
I’ve never done a book review. First, I truly don’t feel qualified. That’s the biggest stumbling block for me. Second, I could look at them as giving an opinion (that’s really what most of them are). But I tend to keep my opinions to myself.
So I’ve shied away from them. And then I worry that an author will think I didn’t leave one because I didn’t like the book. And that’s probably not the case at all!
Reviews can be helpful—if I believe they’re objective. Five stars with no comments other than “I love this book” don’t cut it for me. I automatically assume they came from family and friends.
But now with the opportunities to buy good reviews? Oh, boy. Talk about muddying the waters.
But while I haven’t left reviews, if I like a book, I do let family and friends know about it. And word of mouth recommendations are still the best advertising.
If Stephen King’s human, those one-star reviews have to cause some reaction. But sitting back with that beer and his latest financial statements probably has him soon smiling again.
Thanks, JM for your comment and for reading the book. I hope you enjoy it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t swimming in a pool of anxiety. This is all so new for me.
To think someone would buy reviews is really scary. And I know many reviews can be ‘fluff.’ But I still leave them. I don’t write anything detailed–just what I liked about the book; how interesting the characters were; the story, etc. I suppose the reason I always leave reviews is because now that I have a book out, if I’d like someone to do the same for me. It’s only natural I reciprocate. But one can usually get a taste of how legitimate the reviews are. Obviously, my book does not have a lot of ‘family’ reviewers, as you can see from the lack of reviews thus far. And some of them have already read it! But that’s just as well. I don’t want five “Oh, this is the best book ever!” reviews, because I know it isn’t.
The anxiety is totally understandable. I’m not sure I’ll have a stomach left when my novels eventually get published! But I truly have enjoyed what I’ve read so far (about 40 percent according to my Kindle).
The pace is great, your protag is believable, and I want to know what this outbreak is and what is up with Jones!
Well, if you’re 40% through, you’ll know soon enough. And thank you so much for your words on the novel. You have no idea how much I needed to hear them. (And yes, I know that sounds pathetic, but at least I’m honest…)
Carrie,
Congratulations, it’s a huge step. And I will be reading it. And reviewing it. I doubt I will be one of the first seven, though. Now I can say I knew you before you were famous.
Le Clown
Thank you, Le Clown. That is nice to hear. But enjoy me now, because this is as famous as I’ll get. Which is okay. I just want to write.
