Lemons and a Chainsaw

There are two hours remaining until I have to travel to Dapto Mall and set up for the book signing. Butterflies? What butterflies? My in-store appearance at Newings book shop has been publicised with a feature article in the Weekender magazine of our regional newspaper, The Illawarra Mercury. There are large posters in the Mall, and in Newings. Apparently they have been announcing my visit over the P.A. I've been interviewed on the radio. Naturally, I've been telling everyone all about it as well. But will it fly? Will it work? Will people turn up to see me and buy my books: my new one, Loathe Your Neighbor, and my debut novel, Devolution? I can't wait for it to begin and I can't wait for it to be over.

About a year ago, I was in Newings, doing a meet and greet for Devolution. It was pretty low key, but for an unknown author it was apparently a success. I sold some books and the ladies in the bookstore reckoned I did well. This time it feels bigger, or am I just imagining that it should be bigger? If I'm making progress, then there should be more people and I should sell more books, right? I've had more publicity so results should follow, right? I don't know! What are you asking me for? Butterflies? What butterflies?

Loathe Your Neighbor is a great book, even if I do say so myself. When people hear about it, interest sparks. I've seen it in their faces and heard it in their voices.I just need more people to hear about it, and I'll sell more books, right? I thought I told you not to ask me.

As part of the promotional hysteria, I am offering readers a chance to win a brand new, genuine as-seen-on-TV, The Renovator. I know it's not a chainsaw, but come on, who offers chainsaws as prizes in book promotions. Here's what you have to do to enter the draw to win The Renovator:


Purchase Loathe Your Neighbor. Read it and answer this question: What is the significance of lemons in Loathe Your Neighbor? E-mail your answer, together with your name and purchase details to me, the author, at devolution_dacairns@hotmail.com . If you buy Devolution I will give you an extra two entries in the draw. Purchase details means place of purchase, version, (e-book or hard copy) and a receipt number. It's as easy as that. The draw will take place on April 4, and the winner will be notified by e-mail and congratulated publicly, (unless they prefer anonymity - I sure don't!)