Thanks to reviewer Marilyn Zimmerman for her thorough and complimentary review of Sparrow Migrations on the Books in Northport blog. Her conclusion is exactly what I’d hoped readers would feel upon finishing the book:

“…through their struggles and insights, each character becomes significant to the reader.”

Read her full review here »

I had a wonderful evening last night as the guest of the Neighborhood Book Club. They read Sparrow Migrations as their May book selection. Here we are at the home of host Laura Jacobson (on right, holding book.)

Book clubs rock.

How did this happen — that a first-time novelist’s book was chosen by a group whose last pick was mega-best seller J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy?

I asked.

I’m a regular patron at the store where Jacobson works. Last month I overheard her mentioning her book club to another employee. I came out of the dressing room with my promotional postcard blazing, and asked her to consider Sparrow Migrations. As luck would have it, she was the next one up to select a book, and they went for it.

Over and over in this self-publishing journey I’ve found that if you just ask, it’s amazing what can happen:

• When I was searching for a cover artist, I really wanted someone who understood autism. I asked a publishing contact if she knew anyone, and wound up with Anie Knipping, who is autistic herself, and created the amazing cover.
• When Miracle on the Hudson co-pilot Jeff Skiles came to Traverse City in March, I just asked to be put in touch with him. Now he’s got a copy.
• After I was chosen as the National Writers Series Author Next Door in April, I asked if I could introduce Dr. Temple Grandin at her appearance in June. Now a copy is en route to the best-known person with autism in the world.

Asking is sometimes hard, even for me as a former newspaper reporter. But it gets a lot easier with practice. So thanks for a lovely evening, ladies. Any other book clubs game for a guest?