Shami Stovall grew up in California’s
central valley with a single mother and little brother. Despite no one in her
family earning a degree higher than a GED, she put herself through college
(earning a BA in History), and then continued on to law school where she
obtained her Juris Doctorate.
As a child, Stovall’s favorite
novel was Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell. The adventure on a deserted island opened her mind to ideas
and realities she had never given thought before—and it was at that moment
Stovall realized story telling (specifically fiction) became her passion.
Anything that told a story, be it a movie, book, video game or comic, she had
to experience. Now, as a professor and author, Stovall wants to add her voice
to the myriad of stories in the world and she hopes you enjoy.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
★Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
★Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation
★Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
While protecting the newborn griffins on the Isle of Landin, Volke Savan and his adopted sister, Illia, run afoul of the Dread Pirate Calisto, the same cutthroat who carved out Illia’s right eye. As a master manticore arcanist, Calisto’s strength and brutality are unrivaled. When Illia suggests they bring him to justice, Volke wonders if they’ll have what it takes to fight the corsairs on the high seas.
A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
Praise for the Frith Chronicles!
“Perfect for those who enjoy the Codex Alera series, the Homas Wildus series, and the Harry Potter series. Stovall is quickly becoming a name I look for.”– Seattle Book Review
“An addictive series. Shami Stovall has produced a mesmerizing story of magic, intrigue, and true adventure.”– ManyBooks
“Absolutely brilliant.”- Archaeolibrarian
★Amazon ----> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WK2H37L
After your book was
finished, what was the first thing you did when getting ready for your book
launch?
I like to get reviews lined up for the novel. Then I like to
reach out to blog tour people—even if the blogs are small, having more
“exposure” on the internet helps the SEO score of my novel’s name, so every
little bit helps!
Did you do anything
different to spice up your website in lieu of your upcoming book release?
I update my website regularly with reviews, upcoming
releases, and blog posts. For Dread Pirate Arcanist, I made it was at the top
of the books page, and that I talked about it a few times on my blog.
Did you ever consider
using a PR agency to help you promote your book or did you prefer the DIY
route?
I’ve used a few PR agencies in the past. I actually used one
to land this interview! They’re very helpful—most agencies will contact blogs
on your behavior and schedule everything. Very convenient.
Were finding reviews
a top priority for you and, if yes, how did you approach that?
I have some pre-release reviewers I like to go to personally
(people who do Youtube or Instagram stuff) and there are some websites I’ve
used in the past (like NetGalley) but once you have an established series, it’s
a little less important.
What are your views
on social media for marketing your book?
It depends. Twitter is great place to meet other authors,
but a horrible place to market your book. Sure, some of your author buddies
will buy your book because you chat with them every other day, but it won’t
generate huge sales.
Facebook, on the other hand, is where you interact with all
your fans. Plus, it’s a lot easier to set up marketing on Facebook, and thus,
easier to get sales.
What social media has
worked best for you?
For selling my book? Facebook.
For meeting fellow authors? Twitter.
Did you have other
books you offered for free in order to help sell your present book?
No. I don’t offer free books, but I do give away short
stories (and audio short stories!) for free in my newsletter and my website. I
love those stories to pieces, and I’m always happy to hear other people like
them as well.
You can check out my best short story here: https://sastovallauthor.com/2019/06/15/audio-short-story-weakness/
Did you set up
booksignings and, if so, how did that work for you?
I’ve done booksignings before – actually, I not only sign
the book, but I also draw a free caricature as well (those cartoon drawings of
a person you see at festivals and fairs). I took a lot of art classes, so I
have to put that skill to work. It entices people to wander over to the booth
and check out what’s going on.
Did you time your
book launch around a certain holiday?
No. I just finish the book and then plan for a certain
release. I guess I would try to avoid most holidays, if I could.
What was the best
money you ever spent on your book launch?
Bookbub.
Any tips for those
authors wanting to set up a successful book launch?
Give yourself a few months to line everything up. Remember
to get the reviews, and keep in mind the search-ability of your novel on-line!
Get exposure through blogs and interviews just like this!
Thank you again for having me, and please remember to check
out Dread
Pirate Arcanist!
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