Well, People, it’s here! Or it’s there.
The paperback book took a while to arrive, but you can see why. It was deliver by “Gator Express.”
Anyway, How Was I Supposed To Know? (my memoir, all 402 pages of it) is now available in paperback on Amazon. com.*
You can now go:
- buy it
- fondle it
- flip through it
- read it
- bench press it
- carry it around and brag that you know the author and that she’s quite a character
- tell others to get this book or they are missing out on something Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious or, for those in the southern hemisphere, dociousaliexpiciousfragicalierpus
See how happy one book can make people and penguins? I’m telling you, People, this is not your run-of-the-mill book that makes you wonder if you need a safe room.
I know you may not get to purchasing it right away or reading it at wiz-bang speed, but when you do finish it, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take a few moments to go back to Amazon or Goodreads and write even a brief review. Maybe even post a review on your blog. These things are important in the self-publishing biz. And now that I’m in that biz, I know both the lingo and about that stuff (aren’t you impressed?).
Yes, I’m beating the bushes to market this book. I just wonder when I’ll have a chance to start on my next project…
*For Amazon customers in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, or Italy, go to my Memoir Page and scroll to the bottom. I have provided separate links that Amazon gave me for those countries.
Lorna's Voice 
Feb 14, 2013 @ 14:25:41
Oh, Peter, thanks so much. I hope so. I believe in this book and it’s ability to make people laugh and think differently about life. That’s all I want–to touch people in a positive way with my words…
Feb 14, 2013 @ 10:42:24
You deserve so much success with this. Your effort has been truly astounding. I’m sure you will be celebrating shortly
Feb 04, 2013 @ 14:17:38
Thanks, Izzy. I hope the book gets wings and flies. I don’t feel like I have enough steam in me to keep pushing it–at least no right now…
Feb 02, 2013 @ 13:16:28
Gee – gosh – darn … I missed the wonderful celebration for your new hard-hold-in hands book. MMmmmm … that doesn’t sound right. Anywho – love the fact that it is ready to buy and keep on a table for all to view. CONGRATULATIONS … many, many good wished for a tremendous success with it.
Izzy xoxo
Jan 31, 2013 @ 11:40:39
Many people wondered about my choice to share so much about my life in this book. Was it wise? Would I somehow ruin my reputation? I never had any of those fears because I knew, deep down, that my experiences were not unique. Did I feel alone in experiencing them? You bet! Would I have felt better if someone who had been through something similar had shared honestly about their journey (the foibles and the triumphs)? I hope so.
When I was teaching, I sometimes saw that proverbial light go on inside a student and I knew my work that day was meaningful in the most rewarding of ways. What you just told me reminded me of that feeling. What you just told me is the reason I never gave up writing this book and telling my wacky life story as it unfolded. I believed with all my heart that if I had the guts to be honest about the things that happen to most of us, then most of us would have the guts to live with their chins lifted higher.
And I, too, read for the love of words and how they are put together. We have so much in common. 🙂
Jan 30, 2013 @ 16:26:34
I do understand what you mean about your family, having to “like” your book. I get it.
that is not the case with me. I had a notion in the back of my mind that you had firstly accomplished the feat of knowing when the finish is.. well the finish. My issue with story, when?
Secondly you are a SPub.-er which in my eyes makes you my hero!
Not only Lorna is this a feel good read, I laugh I cry it is a cathartic read (between you & I.) You have no way of knowing this but my youngest daughter was 35 when she had what has been diagnosed a s mini-stroke and under went emergency brain surgery at 5am on April Fools day in 2010.I have been able to laugh about things pertaining to those days for the first time. It has been since reading your book. I won’t suggest anything more related to your story about this but suffice it to say I am literally bowled over to find this kind of connection with your book, and you. Some things happen in the most mysterious ways. It is a wonderful little gem of a surprise. This is not something i would put in your review but want to share.
You really do give me to much credit here my friend, I am nothing more than a word hungry lady who adores and absorbs words like someone who worship & absorb the sun. ( I read cereal boxes just for the words first thing in the morning even before the newspaper )
I appreciate your kind words, please know that if I did not believe in my heart this which i share I’d probably not share much of anything.
As you no doubt know from Gerry’s blogs I am a prolific & chatty commenter when enthused, and I am enthused. You are very inspiring. I think anyone thinking about documenting their life for whatever reason should read your book too. Thanks again~
Jan 30, 2013 @ 13:44:41
If this is your pre-review, I can’t wait for your real review!
My family really loved the book, but I thought they were just being nice. They are the ones who told me I looked great with my head shaved after my brain surgery (you probably haven’t gotten to that part yet). So I took their enthusiasm with a grain of salt.
Your enthusiasm about my book, however, is an entirely different animal. You don’t have to say these wonderful things.
I believe in this book and I’m beginning to think that maybe once it has some wings, it will fly. You’ve made my day, week, month, year,… 🙂
Jan 30, 2013 @ 12:11:37
So glad you could make sense of what I meant by my last comment. a factor of wearing your heart you so know where. For meI tend to speak from an emotional basis as well. Sometimes its great other tomes.. well not so great if the person receiving does not “get you”
I have found myself laughing and crying with you Lorna through your sharing through your book. I have changed my mind; a women’s prerogative don’t you know?
In addition to writing a review at amazon which I am honored to be doing I cannot wait to say that some things I can tell. It is going to rough sailing for this Baroness if she has to sit on her tongue I would never be revealing about your book, the others are going to want to know you like I am learning from their own copy of your memoir.
I love how you grab our attention right away Beautiful execution!!
I am not a very patient person so these bits of comments are my attempts to keep my review to myself still while sharing some thoughts until I finish your book. (which is going to be a bummer )
The great thing Lorna about your read is that it is so down to earth, and your sense of humor shines so bright. I smile just thinking of anecdotes you shared.
It is like reading about an old friend you have known all your life but lost contact with. Once you start reading what she has shared the memorizes come flooding back. It is like picking up right where you left off.
I believe you have a clear winner here in your book Lorna.
Bravo you!
Jan 29, 2013 @ 15:26:26
Oh my. There was nothing cheesy about that, Toni. I put my heart and soul into this book and that’s what you’re reading. I’m so happy to know that you are connecting with it in the way that I had hoped readers would. I laid myself open and took a leap of faith. You’re telling me that I did the right thing. That is music to my ears.
Thanks so much for telling me. I’m working like a crazy person to set up social media networks and to market this book. Your comment has me taking a much-needed breather. You are an angel! 🙂
Jan 28, 2013 @ 17:56:50
Please know Lorna I am nothing if not sincere, maybe cheesy but it is a sincere cheesiness. (is that a word?)
Just want to say to you & your readers here at your Lorna’s Voice to know right from the first couple chapters of your new book have me hooked. I’ll reserve my happy review for the culmination of all the story but a peek into my mind will reveal a very happy bibliophile.
I adore a good story and when I know right from the beginning I am are going to be so bummed- out when it comes around to the final chapter. A bittersweet feeling in that I want to know the finale, but I also do not want to give up a good read. I am grateful then when the book happens to be one in my own personal library.
Take care Lorna and enjoy this spot light a bit. You so deserve it girl!
Jan 28, 2013 @ 14:47:29
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to know what you think of it. It’s like spending days on a complicated recipe and waiting for your guests to take a bite and get their reaction… 😉
Jan 28, 2013 @ 14:44:42
I love my Kindle–instant download of books, very portable, lots of neat features besides reading books. But the feel of a real book is great, too!
Thanks for the well-wishes. Whenever you read my book, I’d love to hear what you think of it. 🙂
Jan 28, 2013 @ 13:56:04
Yay for you! I’ll have to first decide in what format I would like this book. I know nothing of e-books, Kindle, etc. Maybe now’s my chance to learn! Congratulations, and I hope you get lots of wonderful reviews!
Jan 28, 2013 @ 12:30:14
Congratulations! How exciting to have it out. I will certainly put a review up once I’ve read those 402 pages!
Jan 28, 2013 @ 10:55:43
Oh, Phil! Cue emotionally-charged dramatic music a-la all great love stories at the end–but not the ones where someone dies.
It’s so wonderful to see your cute tiger-face gravatar again. I thought I had lost you to some other jazz-loving, wine-swilling, witty, dizzy blonde. Either that. or you’ve been very busy with your actual family and job. Either way. Thank you for popping in. You were one of my biggest fans way back when–when this adventure in my story-telling first began. It would not have been the same without you at least peeking in now that this particular journey in the telling has ended.
Are you going to be around for the next set of stories? I promise they will peak that curiosity of yours… 😉
Jan 28, 2013 @ 09:17:46
I can’t say how much your words from your heart touch mine. And I’ll be with you as you travel your path in completing your book and getting it out there. Yes I will! 🙂
Jan 28, 2013 @ 09:17:00
I realize I’m very, very, very, very, (very) late to the party, but I do want to say CONGRATULATIONS! It is so encouraging to see you reach out and achieve your goals. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer, kinder person.
Jan 28, 2013 @ 09:11:58
Well, thanks so much and welcome back! 🙂
Jan 28, 2013 @ 09:11:20
Thanks, Gayle. It was a long journey and still is… 😉
Jan 27, 2013 @ 22:48:25
Happy for you, Lorna! 🙂
Jan 27, 2013 @ 12:31:50
Um, cool. I haven’t been around in awhile but this is lovely news to return to.
Jan 27, 2013 @ 06:39:30
My deepest pleasure Lorna is knowing that I am reading a work of art that someone put their heart and soul into. And if t does not hurt that she is a WP sister after my own heart. There is something authentic about someone who SP that I adore and feel a kinship with, though I have not yet done so.
Go figure .. [shrugging shoulders ]
My hope is to do just this one day with my own book, but I have a distance to finish yet.
You can count on me for a review Lorna .Love to do it for you. I applaud you for your tenacity in staying with this I understand it is quite stressful l at times ,
I’ll stay in touch during my read as well thanks again .
Take care. ~ BB
Jan 27, 2013 @ 05:38:17
🙂 🙂
Jan 27, 2013 @ 05:35:10
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it–one author to another! 🙂
Jan 27, 2013 @ 05:34:29
Thanks for your support, Patrick! It means so much to me. 🙂
Jan 27, 2013 @ 05:33:46
I wanted the book in both versions (print and e-format) to make it as widely accessible as possible to different kinds of audiences. For example, my mom won’t read an e-book! I’m sure lots of other out there prefer physical books plus when I try to market it in my area, I’ll need something to show people.
Thanks for being willing to go back to Amazon and make your opinions known. I really need to get some reviews up there! You’re a gem!
Jan 26, 2013 @ 22:15:13
Well Lorna , Congrats on such a major accomplishment,
So the story of my life that I am always a day late and and dollar short. I wish that I had found your book before it was out of print. Which by the way,( not being privy to self-publishing i will admit,) sounds like a perfectly positive thing for you the author and publisher. True?
I had planned on asking you if you now have more reprinted? If you have other sales? I’ll commit to my copy right now and it occurred to me I don’t need a printed copy. I am so old fashioned i forget technology is at my disposal.. ahem.. make that at my fingertips.
My Kindle!
Bless you Lorna for making it available in eBook format as well My new weekend read..
Will follow through at amazon when finished by the by. ~ BB
Jan 26, 2013 @ 20:45:24
Congratulations Lorna. After reading some of the work on your blog, I’m sure it will be a huge success. Once I’m done reading it, I will be sure to write a review.
Jan 26, 2013 @ 11:54:03
I just ordered and can’t wait to get my copy – yay : )!!!!
Jan 26, 2013 @ 09:11:25
Sure thing!
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:55:47
It worked! Thanks and I already responded. I’ll have to think about this for a bit…
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:50:34
Thanks, Paige! And that fantasy circle sounds interesting… 🙂
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:49:24
Great! Can’t wait to know what you think of it! I really appreciate your support, Elyse. 🙂
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:40:11
Thanks Casey. Now I have to get some reviews up. I know it takes time, especially with such a long book. Patience. Patience… 😉
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:38:50
Thanks! This was a long time coming…I mean, look at how it was delivered. A little girl, antiquated wagon and a reptile on land. Sheesh! 😉
Jan 26, 2013 @ 08:37:29
Thanks, Amy. I think marketing and self-promotion is natural for some people and an anathema for others (like me). It feels so, well, self-promoting! I just have to remember that I believe in this book and that readers might get inspired to think about their lives in a more positive way or find the courage to face their challenges, whether by writing about them or doing more honest self-exploration. If that happens, my goals for writing the book have been accomplished. And the only way for that to happen is to get the word out about the book… I just have to remember that and maybe all this promoting won’t feel so difficult! 🙂
Jan 26, 2013 @ 02:15:40
Way to go, Lorna. Hope you get a great response. Marketing self is no easy chore. I wonder if this transition to self-publishing will make marketing easier.
Jan 26, 2013 @ 02:14:25
Congratulations! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 21:24:59
Liked your new author page today. Well done. I was your first for that. Tell people about it also.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 20:56:01
I will be ordering it this weekend, Lorna!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 19:34:10
Lol – oopsie. For some reason my post mysteriously disappeared and I had to re-publish it. Try this link instead. 🙂
http://paigeaddams.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/my-fantasy-circle-of-five/
Jan 25, 2013 @ 19:05:48
Yay! Congratz Lorna! 🙂 I can’t wait to read it.
And – I tagged you for the Fantasy Circle Of Five challenge. 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:45:07
Wonderful! Hopefully the Gator Express is a little zippier Down Under than it is Up Over! 😉
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:44:13
Sounds delightful! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:19:47
I know I will!! I’m going to get my favorite chocolate when it arrives…snuggle up and have a blast!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:03:47
Just ordered it! With the Gator Express that Amazon or the US Postal Service run out of the US to Down Under, you can expect my review around … oh, May, I reckon 😉 Congratulations, Lorna!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 16:56:44
hahaha!! That I could! 😀
Jan 25, 2013 @ 16:03:09
otay lol
Jan 25, 2013 @ 16:02:19
I would be honored to help in any way that I can. I love to feel useful! Don’t hesitate, okay? 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:57:15
Reblogged this on Legends Undying and commented:
Just thought you might want to know that my memoir is out in print as of today. DJ said to go ahead and reblog my post here…and I always do as I’m told!
Happy Friday! And thanks for your support!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:47:40
Mr. Drysdale? Are you kidding me? He wouldn’t give his wife and interest-free loan! Al, what have you been smokin’? 😉
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:46:36
I sure do hope so. That Little Lorna on the cover is just begging people to pick her up and read all about her! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:45:32
Yes I am. And it feels wonderful! Thanks for all of your support, Vanessa. 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:44:35
Just read your other comment so I know you figured this out! 😉
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:43:59
Thanks, Hope! It’s exciting to have it out to the world in both versions…finally! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:43:26
Aw, thanks, Tina. You are my rock, Big Sis! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:42:42
Well, you could send it to me after you’re finished reading it…
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:41:57
Thanks, Bulldog. After all that traveling, I’m sure you’ll need to save up your sheckles. But don’t worry. It will be there for when you’re ready. 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:40:16
Sure does! Thanks DJ!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:39:54
I can’t wait to hear what you think of it! Thanks for your support! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 15:39:20
Yeah! Thanks and I hope you really enjoy it! 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 14:27:14
Ta-Da! Just ordered it !!! I’m so excited !!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 14:17:50
Hey I am so happy for you and can’t wait to read it.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 13:01:24
Gratz Lorna
Feel Free to let Legend’s Readers know about it
Via Post, or Reblog, whichever you prefer
Feels Amazing, huh
DJ-
Jan 25, 2013 @ 12:21:31
I went and had a preview of the book.. when my budget allows I’m going to buy it… cause I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it…
Jan 25, 2013 @ 12:20:08
So … I figured it out … I think your dark background messes with my eyes … and mine is on the way. The only sad part is I can’t have you sign it. 😦
Jan 25, 2013 @ 12:16:07
So very proud of you. 🙂
Jan 25, 2013 @ 11:42:10
This is fabulous, congratulations…
Jan 25, 2013 @ 11:11:49
So … if I go buy this book … what do I search for?? hahah… I think I missed something.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 11:09:03
Hazzah! You’re like a PROPER author now! 😉
Jan 25, 2013 @ 11:03:17
Yahoo! You’re official! It’s gonna do great!
Jan 25, 2013 @ 11:03:04
You know I will. By the way, would you ask Mr. Drysdale if I might have a interest free loan?
Jan 25, 2013 @ 10:54:52
Reblogged this on DeborahBidwell's Blog.
Jan 25, 2013 @ 10:41:55
congrats, now if I could get my A$$ in gear we could say we knew each other when we werent published, yes I am writing a book but not moving too fast on it, kind of stuck actually so I will maybe bounce something off you in the future 🙂