A Mailing List? Really?

When I first embarked on this adventure of writing a book, I thought I had to come up with a good story. Interesting characters. Compelling places. Maybe a few plot twists.

Turns out… that was only the beginning. Apparently, if you want to turn your little story into an actual book — and, ideally, have people discover it and read it — you need a whole other set of strings to your bow.

Promotion. Publishing. Marketing. Social media. Book launches. Cover design. And, apparently, mailing lists.

A mailing list? Really?

I have to admit, this one made me laugh.

You see, I spend a considerable amount of my time unsubscribing from mailing lists. Emails about products I didn't ask for. Tools I apparently can't live without. “Amazing” offers. “Last chance!” promotions. “You might also like…” messages.

Enough already!

And yet, during my research into the world of publishing, I discovered something that genuinely surprised me: email newsletters are still one of the most effective ways for authors to connect with readers and, ultimately, sell books.

Who knew?

Social media is wonderful for helping people discover you and your work. But when it comes to actually building a relationship with readers — and encouraging them to buy your books — email remains incredibly powerful.

So here I am, creating a mailing list.

Me.

The woman who unsubscribes from mailing lists for sport.

But the more I thought about it, the more it actually started to make sense.

My first book, The Stranger I Let In, is the beginning of a series. And if I want readers to discover the story, fall in love with the characters, and eventually come back for the next book, I need a way to stay connected with them.

Not by bombarding them with endless promotions.

But by creating an actual connection.

And, as it happens, connecting with strangers is one of my favourite things in life.

Just ask my son.

After a trip to the grocery store, he has been known to look at me and ask:

“Mom… did you really need to talk to everyone?”

Apparently, yes.

The cashier? Absolutely.

The person standing next to me in the produce aisle? Hell yeah!

The stranger who made eye contact for half a second? Well… now we're having a conversation.

So perhaps a mailing list isn't such a strange idea for me after all.

My hope is that this little corner of the internet and my newsletter will become a way for me to share more than just announcements about my books.

I want to share pieces of the journey: the writing, the characters, the strange discoveries, the challenges, the victories, and probably a few moments when I wonder what on earth I have gotten myself into.

And, of course, I'd love to introduce you to The Stranger I Let In, the first book in my series, and hopefully give you a reason to want to continue the journey with me.

So, yes.

I created a mailing list.

I never thought I'd say those words.

And if you've decided to join it, thank you.

I hope this is the beginning of a lovely little virtual relationship — one that doesn't involve me trying to sell you something every five minutes.

Unless, of course, it's my next book.

Then I reserve the right to be a little enthusiastic. 😉