Celebrating Milestones: Audiobook Launch and Upcoming Release of “The Least of These”

The journey of becoming a successful author involves far more than just writing stories. It's about embracing each small victory along the way, from book signings to reader reviews. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Neil Haley on a special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and the Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast to discuss some exciting new milestones in my author journey.

Audiobook Achievement: A Reward for Hard Work

When I initially signed my publishing contract for the Abbey Rhodes mystery series, an audiobook edition wasn't guaranteed. My publisher had explained it clearly: audiobooks are expensive ventures, typically reserved for proven sales. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I received word through my literary agent that my sales of Watergrave had justified producing an audiobook!

The audiobook edition is now available through three major platforms—Audible, Amazon, and Apple—expertly narrated by a talented voice actress who perfectly captures Abby Rhodes’ character. Hearing your characters come to life through audio is a uniquely gratifying experience that every author should aim for. It reminded me of an essential lesson: never underestimate the power of persistence and hard work.

Behind-the-Scenes: Promotion and Writing Balance

Something many aspiring authors don't fully grasp (and I certainly didn't when I started!) is the importance of self-promotion. It's easy to become consumed with the writing itself and overlook the necessity of actively marketing your books. Promotion requires stepping outside your comfort zone, engaging readers directly, and celebrating each small win along the way.

Thankfully, I've had incredible support from Neil Haley and my team, who've helped me amplify my reach. But at the end of the day, the author must be the biggest advocate for their stories. It's a challenging balance—juggling promotion while keeping up with deadlines—but it’s immensely rewarding to see the impact of this effort in reader engagement and sales.

Coming Soon: The Least of These (July 16th Release)

With the audiobook launch behind us, the next big milestone is fast approaching: the July 16th release of the second Abbey Rhodes mystery novel, The Least of These. In this installment, Abby investigates two starkly contrasting murders: one victim from Nashville's wealthy East Bank, and another from a nearby homeless camp.

This storyline emerged from observing real-life tensions and transformations happening in Nashville today. With large-scale urban developments like the East Bank Project reshaping communities, I found a powerful narrative thread exploring how society often prioritizes one life over another. This book examines tough social issues, questioning the imbalance in how resources and attention are distributed. Ultimately, the theme driving this novel—and the entire series—is clear: Every life has value.

Building a Stronger Connection with Abbey Rhodes

One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey has been watching readers connect deeply with Abby Rhodes. Readers frequently express appreciation for Abby’s duality—her strength and competence as a detective combined with genuine vulnerability and relatable struggles. It's gratifying to hear that readers see her as someone they can root for and grow alongside.

To learn more about Abbey Rhodes and the mystery series, or to join our growing community of readers, visit my website at mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

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