Friday, June 24, 2016

The Slightly Guilty Bargain Hunter

I love bargains, and I come by it honestly. My parents were both born during the Great Depression, worked at sometimes low-paying jobs, and instilled in their kids the value of a dollar.

So it isn't surprising when I'm tickled pink to get a good deal on a book I want for my collection. In the past few weeks, I've snagged the two books pictured here, among others, at discount prices. And during my publisher's recent sale on eBooks, I picked up six or seven titles I'd been eager to read. Good for me, careful with my money, right? Well, yes ...

But the authors who write books like this often don't make much profit from all their hard work. I know this from personal experience, and from some of the writers I've befriended over the years. That leaves me with just a tinge of guilt when I get a steal of a deal on a used copy, giving the author no additional royalties. On the other hand, there's probably someone out there who'd like to read one of my books, but is discouraged by the sticker price.

Fortunately, public libraries do a great job of making books available to share among multiple readers. And if you support your local used bookstore, you might just reel in some terrific deals -- if I don't see them first.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

She's Here!

My sixth book, Martha Raye: Film and Television Clown, has just been published by McFarland and Company. It's been a privilege to learn about this lady's fascinating life, talk to people who knew and worked with her, and have a good excuse to revisit her hilarious performances. To learn more about the book, or order your copy, please visit the publisher's website. You can also get it at Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. An eBook version isn't yet available, but it should be shortly.

If you read the book, I hope you'll drop me a line and let me know how you like it.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Whale of a Sale

Psst! Here's a little tip for loyal readers of this blog. The Kindle editions of Joan Davis and Lost Laughs are currently on sale for the absurdly low price of $3.99 each.

No telling how long this will last, but chances are you'll never get a better price. Pass it on!

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Oh, Boy!

Spread the word! My newest book, Martha Raye: Film and Television Clown, is only days away from publication. It's available for pre-order from AmazonBarnes & Noble, or directly from the publisher. I hope you'll enjoy exploring the life and career of this timelessly funny lady, as much as I did researching and writing it. And with the centennial of her birth only a few weeks away, what better time to pay her tribute?