I hate self promotion
I am not one of the "cup half full" people. It is true. I am afraid that my negativity is the same part of my nature that enables me to mingle with drug dealers, pimps and other types that are at the fringe of society, and quite frankly, I am there with them as it is. To self-promote for me is right along with going to the dentist for teeth extraction.
Yet this is what must be done in order for books to be put into the hands of potential readers. No one is going to have pity on me and begin promoting THE PLAZA. Cormac McCarthy isn't going to "put in a good word" for me with agents or traditional publishing companies (No Frills Buffalo is a small publisher and is considered an Indie publisher). I will have to promote myself to others in any form that I can and will have to swallow the bitter pill of rejection that inevitably comes with that. Books and other forms of art are subjective to the opinion and personal tastes of the person that is "appreciating" them. THE PLAZA, while it has an important message, is not for everyone. It is gruesome, horrific, and portrays the reality of a failed drug war and government in Juarez, Mexico. It is not a "feel good" book nor was it intended to be so. It does not offer a message of hope or provide a solution. It is my portrayal of a gritty and harsh life in Juarez during some of the most difficult years of Calderon's supposed drug war. The scenes of killings are all from factual events, most of which I investigated thoroughly despite the risks involved.
During my investigations I met awful people that were as amoral as some of my characters. I also met heroes. Selfless people who love their country and their people and were willing to die for their beliefs. They inspired me to write THE PLAZA and try to bring to light the reality of the consequences of continuing the harsh, rigid stance that we have with drug policies instead of really looking at ways to be effective and battle the root of the problem instead of the effects.
If you read THE PLAZA and genuinely enjoy it, or find it to be of some value, please do let your friends know about it. I cannot hope to repay anyone for doing that, except a sincere thank you.
Yet this is what must be done in order for books to be put into the hands of potential readers. No one is going to have pity on me and begin promoting THE PLAZA. Cormac McCarthy isn't going to "put in a good word" for me with agents or traditional publishing companies (No Frills Buffalo is a small publisher and is considered an Indie publisher). I will have to promote myself to others in any form that I can and will have to swallow the bitter pill of rejection that inevitably comes with that. Books and other forms of art are subjective to the opinion and personal tastes of the person that is "appreciating" them. THE PLAZA, while it has an important message, is not for everyone. It is gruesome, horrific, and portrays the reality of a failed drug war and government in Juarez, Mexico. It is not a "feel good" book nor was it intended to be so. It does not offer a message of hope or provide a solution. It is my portrayal of a gritty and harsh life in Juarez during some of the most difficult years of Calderon's supposed drug war. The scenes of killings are all from factual events, most of which I investigated thoroughly despite the risks involved.
During my investigations I met awful people that were as amoral as some of my characters. I also met heroes. Selfless people who love their country and their people and were willing to die for their beliefs. They inspired me to write THE PLAZA and try to bring to light the reality of the consequences of continuing the harsh, rigid stance that we have with drug policies instead of really looking at ways to be effective and battle the root of the problem instead of the effects.
If you read THE PLAZA and genuinely enjoy it, or find it to be of some value, please do let your friends know about it. I cannot hope to repay anyone for doing that, except a sincere thank you.
No comments have been added yet.
