The Journey Continues: Book Launch, Events, and Lessons Learned

It's been an incredible few weeks as my latest Abbey Rhodes mystery novel, The Least of These, officially hit the shelves. Seeing readers engage with the series is genuinely rewarding—particularly as sales of my first Abbey Rhodes novel, Watergrave, have climbed alongside this new release. Momentum is growing, and it's thrilling to see readers connecting deeply with Abbey's continuing story.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Haley on a simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and my own Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast. During our conversation, we dove into upcoming events, promotion strategies, lessons learned from my author journey, and what perseverance truly means in the world of writing.

Upcoming Events: Meeting Readers Face-to-Face

The coming weeks are packed with several exciting events across Tennessee:

• Barnes & Noble in Johnson City:At my last event here, I experienced how impactful a simple conversation can be. By engaging with bookstore visitors directly, we sold 25 books to readers I’d never met before. I look forward to recreating that magic, deepening connections, and building the community around Abbey Rhodes.

• Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, Tennessee:Franklin has always been special to me. Living in neighboring Brentwood, this community is like home. Our previous launch event here was fantastic, and I'm excited to revisit and reconnect with readers, hosting a lively Q&A session and signing books.

• Killer Nashville Conference:This premier writers' conference offers a unique opportunity to meet readers and network with fellow authors and industry professionals. I’ll have a dedicated table on Saturday morning, so please stop by if you attend!

• Rarity Bay Women’s Club in Knoxville:This large community event promises to be memorable, offering extensive interaction through Q&A sessions. Engaging directly with readers, hearing your thoughts and feedback, is one of the best parts of being an author.

Lessons Learned from Previous Signings

One of my biggest takeaways from past events is the incredible value of interactive sessions. At an earlier signing, an audience question—“When will there be a movie?”—unexpectedly sparked a conversation with my publisher, leading to current discussions about turning Abbey’s adventures into a film or streaming series. It taught me to never underestimate the power of reader interaction.

Moving forward, I’m increasing the emphasis on capturing high-quality visuals and video at events. Documenting these events helps capture authentic moments, letting readers who couldn’t attend still experience the excitement.

The Importance of Persistence

During my author journey, I've discovered an essential truth: Persistence matters more than anything. When I first released the audiobook version of Watergrave, we promoted a giveaway multiple times. Initially, the response was quiet—but after consistent efforts, we saw a significant and enthusiastic response. This reinforced the necessity of persistence in marketing. Success doesn't happen overnight, but persistent, thoughtful efforts ultimately pay off.

Tips for Authors Preparing for Their First Events

If you're a new author preparing for your first signing or event, here’s some practical advice:

• Set Realistic Expectations:Not every event will sell hundreds of books. Celebrate the small victories, such as engaging conversations, meaningful connections, and genuine reader interactions.

• Proactive Promotion:Contact your personal network and leverage social media. Use engaging content like book trailers and visuals to draw interest and create buzz.

• Logistics Matter:Understand how book sales will be handled at each event. Will you bring books? Will the venue provide them? Be clear about payment methods and have a system in place.

• Document the Experience:Designate someone on your team (for me, it’s my grown children!) to capture photos and videos. These visuals make powerful promotional content for future marketing.

Why Overnight Success is a Myth

People often assume successful authors become overnight sensations. The truth is far different. I started writing professionally in 1996, nearly three decades ago. Each book and experience provided valuable lessons, slowly shaping me into the author I am today. Success in writing—or any creative pursuit—is about dedication, consistent improvement, and the willingness to stay the course through challenges.

I've learned to appreciate every stage: writing, editing, and even marketing (though I confess I'm still learning to embrace promotion!). All these parts contribute to the ultimate goal of reaching readers, sharing meaningful stories, and making an impact.

Looking Forward

As The Least of These continues to reach new readers, I’m already excited about the next steps—book signings, reader conversations, and the promising possibility of adapting Abbey Rhodes into film or streaming platforms. With each event, new opportunity, and reader interaction, I grow more grateful for this journey and everyone who walks it alongside me.

If you haven't yet picked up The Least of These or the original Watergrave, please consider doing so—and share your thoughts. Your feedback and connection mean the world to me.

Stay updated on events, new releases, and special announcements by visiting my website: mitchellskarnesauthor.com.

Together, let’s continue this exciting journey.

— Mitchell S. Karnes