Being a self-published writer and learning as I go, I was a little slow getting my book: The Year of the Cicadas sent to the “right” reviewers. I held my breath when the top number 30 and the top number 250 Amazon reviewers read my book. When they both gave me a five star rating, I was elated and felt so blessed. I knew there was no way that they were the friend, of a friend, of a friend. Friends can be so kind when it comes to rating a book, but it’s always nerve wracking to hear the opinion of someone who doesn’t know me.
I have sent The Year of the Cicadas off to be rated by some of the top raters in the field and the first one is back; you can view it here.
Foreword Review gave our book four out of five stars! They also said, “it should be mandatory reading for all nursing students.” I especially loved the fact that the Foreword Review said my choice to write it in first person was a wise one. I was adamant about this decision even though it was a challenge on many fronts.
Since publishing The Year of the Cicadas I have found that everyone who reads our book reads a different story because of their own personal perspective. This review was excellent, especially because the reviewer came at it from a different angle than anyone else. This is the strange thing about our book, it is so multi-layered that whoever reads, The Year of the Cicadas reads it completely different than the person before them. Depending on where a certain individual is in their life, they will relate to different aspects of the book. It may be an eating addiction, a traumatic brain injury, the struggle to overcome insurmountable odds, a troubled marriage, taking on the role of a caregiver, a working mother deciding to make a change in her life, God and miracles, or someone simply trying to find their own voice.
So, our journey continues as I wait for the other “reviewers” to get back with me. In the meantime I will continue to travel around on my book tour meeting new people and sharing my story. If The Year of the Cicadas has touched you in some way I would love to hear from you!
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Our marketing plan is driven by one person at a time, and you play an integral role in helping this book find it’s way into the hearts and the minds of the people it was written for.
Want to help? Here are some of the things you can do:
Write a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or our website www.theyearofthecicadas.com
Tell a friend about our book or purchase a copy for them as a gift.
Take our book to your or your friends book club, church group, or start a small group to read the book together. We have study guide questions on our website to help guide you through conversations about the book. You can get a discount through our website for multiple books purchased.
Write your local newspaper book reviewer and tell them how much you like our book.
Send a copy of our book or write to one of your favorite shows, like the Ellen Show, Oprah, The View or Kathie & Hoda, tell them what you think about it. It only does so much if I say my book is good, you the reader carry a lot more weight than I do with the outside world.
Pray for our message, that our story will reach the hearts and minds of the people who can help us to open the doors. Pray that our story will help to inspire people who are in need and that our story finds a way into their lives.
Without you, the readers of The Year of the Cicadas, this story would be in a shoebox in the top of my closet waiting for my grandchildren to discover it after my passing. Thank you for letting me see it find the light while I am still here. You rock.
The Year of The Cicadas 
I am not one of the top reviewers on Amazon, but I am excited that I just submitted my FIRST review! I truly enjoyed your book in a very real and personal way. Thank you for writing your story to share not only with your children and grandchildren, but the rest of the world.
Valerie, Thank you so much. I did not share such a personal story for the “right” reviewers. I shared our story for you, a first time reviewer to post a review. I am thrilled beyond words. Thank you so much. Catie
You are so right, Catie. I found myself caught up in your assessments of your marriage, your relationship with your kids, the ongoing prognosis as your son lived yet another day. You especially touched me with your honest conversation with God, and your scrutiny of your spiritual growth. I kept rooting for YOU all the way through the book, because I was fairly sure of Bryant’s recovery, but not always certain of yours.
You kept me on the edge of my seat, reading, reading, crying, shouting and reading some more. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book so voraciously. I can’t wait to share it with my writing mentor. Thanks so much for such a good read!
Jude, Thank you so much for taking the time to write us. I loved, loved, loved that you were on the edge of your seat, reading, crying and shouting. I can tell that you are a great writer, I want to read your book. Catie