Going, going, gone!

Place: Black Sea, Kilyos, Turkey |

Drink: 2013 Kavaklidere Dry Rosé |

Big thanks to all of you who took part in the Goodreads Giveaway in hopes of winning a free, autographed copy of my first novel, A Simple Game.  And congratulations to the six of you who won!  Signed editions are headed your way

I was pleasantly surprised to see 1,039 people enter to win, which speaks volumes to the power of Goodreads.  If you’re not a member yet, jump on as soon as you can at www.goodreads.com.  It’s a great way to see what other people are reading, like walking virtually through their living rooms and perusing their bookshelves.  You also can stack your own “shelves,” rate and review books you’ve read, pose questions to your favorite authors, and much more.  Plus, it’s all free.

As useful as Goodreads is for readers, it may be even better for writers.  Through its Author Program, you get to build your own profile, replete with a pic and bio, to better sell yourself to prospective readers.  You also can link your Goodreads site to Facebook and other social media, field questions about your books and writing process, post events, write a blog, upload videos, and start featured author groups.

And, of course, you can list your book as a Giveaway, like I just did, to drum up even more interest.  So, what are you waiting for?  As for me, it’s back to my grilled sea bass and crisp rosé, perched at a beachside restaurant overlooking the Black Sea on a sparkling spring day.  Life is good!