I’m happy to report that the recent blog tour for the audiobook version of my novel Creature Feature: A Horrid Comedy and special promotion for the ebook edition was a success. Books were sold, good reviews were gathered (see samples below), some wonderful bloggers hosted us on their sites, and the word was spread. As a digital indie author and publisher marketing is never easy, but with the help of Echo Shea of Pssst...Promotions the job gets done.
My biggest satisfaction in this particular effort came when Creature Feature made it to #1 on the Amazon Political Humor Bestseller List.
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This was because although the reaction to the novel, and the beautifully produced audiobook with Seamus Dever and Juliana Dever—produced, directed, and edited by Seamus, I should add—has been gratifyingly positive. But most people have reacted to the humor, the spoofing of old monster and horror movies, even the 1960’s nostalgia. All of which I appreciate because I worked hard to achieve all of that. But the book also travels along the political satire road, and that was important to my vision of the story. Some reviewers hinted at this, but not in specific terms. So to have the designation above was delightful.
And then—an absolutely fabulous review on the important SFCrowsnest internet magazine came in and included this:
“It’s all good stuff, cleverly presented. While set in the past, there’s a satire on modern politics thrown in (listen out for the ‘No puppet, no puppet!’ moment) and Seamus Dever does a great job of giving the narration the dry, arch tone required. He pitches the asides just right, charming the listener while allowing the funny situations and wordplay to work their magic. While this is a comedy, albeit a rather dark one, the story is a thriller as well. About halfway through, Kathy’s cluelessness is finally broken and the situation becomes far more dangerous. To be fair, the body count is low, apparently just the one poor soul, but the threat is rather more existential. Indeed, the ‘big bad’ of the piece makes it clear that their plans have merely changed in a direction that makes the Reagan presidency seem a lot less, well, human.”—Neale Monks, SFCrowsnest
I would bear Mr. Monk’s children if it was physically possible!
In any case here is a sample of other kinds words about the audiobook.
"This is the most horrible thing I've ever heard -- and that's a good thing! It's screamingly funny and probably one of the best performed and produced audiobooks I've ever heard...and I have tinnitus." --Phil Proctor of the Firesign Theatre
Seamus Dever "hits the tone just right--he's close to going over-the-top without ever slipping into parody. It's clearly funny material, but he plays it straight. Still, he sounds like he's having fun--and it's hard not to join in. And Juliana Dever nails the character of Kathy (and her alter ego)...Give this one a shot folks, I think you'll be glad you did." -- H.C. Newton, The Irresponsible Reader Blog
FIVE-STARS! "Creature Feature is a fun fast-paced old-timey horror flick with plenty of humor. I enjoyed it for the one-line jokes, the crazy situations, and the odd characters all tossed together in a completely unexpected situation. Kathy, who at times does come off as a vain self-involved woman, has her moments to shine as a woman of action. Meanwhile, Gerald's years as a science fiction lover and tech nerd have finally paid off - in the form of a supped-up Vespa! Haha! I love the imagery." -- Dab of Darkness Book Reviews
“On a warm June night, I sat on my patio with my Kindle, which will play audiobooks, let my dogs frolic in the yard, tipped back my head, and listened to Creature Feature. MARVELOUS. TRULY MARVELOUS.” -- Jean Rabe, USA Today Bestselling Author
“If you are an audiobook lover, snap this one up! You’ll be so pleased….The narrators are stellar...The whole thing is absurd, hilarious, and just a ton of fun to experience.”— The Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile Blog
“I loved it! I’m actually thinking of going back and listening to it again because it is so good, it’s so much fun.” — Jason A. Meuschke, Host of the Sample Chapter Podcast
“Overall, a very entertaining listen, with some splendid music and a few special effects thrown in. The way the book is read elevates it from a straightforward audiobook towards something that feels a lot more like a full cast drama, the range of voices Seamus Dever brings to the piece being so diverse. Juliana Dever is no less talented and, even if she plays just the one part, she does it so well that working together ‘Creature Feature’ whips the listener along towards its thrilling, if worrying, conclusion. Highly recommended.” —Neale Monks, SFCrowsnest
And now we look forward next week to the blog tour and promotion for my latest novel, Bully 4 Love: A Rather Odd Love Story.
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