Stephanie Masters, entertainment journalist at Albert & Logan News recently interviewed me for a newspaper report, wanting to get the low-down on my controversial memoir, ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness about my insanity and how I recovered.
How did I Score a Newspaper story?
• Research! First I secured the reporters email address and the paper’s telephone number.
• I wrote a Press Release with an attention-grabbing title line. I detailed how my book will be beneficial to the community.
• Next I emailed a Press Release to Stephanie directly to get her interested.
• I followed up with a personal telephone call to finalize the newspaper story.
• We made solid arrangements for a photo shoot and discussed publication date.
Stephanie interviews WHY and HOW I wrote my confronting memoir.
1) How did you start writing ME & HER?
I started writing ME & HER, interviewing doctors, nurses and patients to make sense of what was happening to me. I joined a writing group and enlisted in a writing course to learn the craft after the psychiatric hospital released me.
2) How hard was it for you to begin to put down your feelings and experiences in a book? Was it therapeutic for you?
The more I wrote, the easier it became to express myself on the page. Writing had a cathartic effect on my recovery.
3) What does it mean to you to have the support of the Mayor and other Logan writers at the launch?
I’m thankful for the support of Mayor Pam Parker and to other Logan writers who encouraged me.
4) What do you want people to get out of reading your memoir?
ME & HER sends out a positive message about the resilience of the human spirit and delivers hope from mental illness.
Check out this scan of my Page 38 story from Friday’s edition of Albert & Logan News and my announcement of my book launch on the 1st May at Logan North library at 6pm.
Here’s the link. Go to page 37 and click on story. Please return here to share your feedback! http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
What do you think of my newspaper story … and the headline?
Do you have any tips on securing a newspaper interview?
Fabulous! Massive congratulations, Karen. 🙂
Thanks Angela, so much is happening atm. I can barely catch my breath!
I’m impressed with how the journalist reported my interview so accurately 🙂
Thank you Karen. I am looking forward to reading your book.♥
Great work Karen; as I was reading about how you went about procuring this publicity; I couldn’t help but think “Yep, that’s the way I would do it.” I spent half of my working life as a sales person; so right away I understood what you were doing. It worked; they got a scoop and you got free publicity.Job, well done.
Smile & Shine. 🙂
Garry.
Thanks Xs for your wonderful support. I’m certainly looking forward to the event & meeting You 🙂
That’s right, Garry. I’ve found the best way to reach out to strangers is by face-to-face contact, followed by the telephone, then social media.
Garry I’m so glad we’ve got to know each other over time via the internet.
Congratulations Karen on scoring a newspaper interview and how you went about procuring it’s publicity, very professional indeed, and I agree with Garry – that’s exactly what I would have done had I been in your shoes! You are the envy of everyone who would dearly like to have their own book published… eventually! You have been and are an absolute inspiration to all unpublished authors… well done!! 🙂
Thanks Heather, for saying that. You’re very kind. I’m working hard to get my story “out there”. I know the sweat & tears will be worth it! 🙂
Great media coverage and excellent publicity Karen. Well Done! I am really happy for you and how things have progressed 🙂 Can’t wait to share your book with folks here on the Central Coast of N.S.W. I love the hope and encouragement your story offers others in dealing with their own recovery. Thank you kindly for sharing it with us.
Hi
Congratulations! Where can I find the actual newspaper article.
Thanks Kuukua for your support,
Here’s the link. Go to Albert& Logan News . EVENTS page 37.
http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
Cheers,
Karen 🙂
Thanks so much Art, really appreciate your kind words of support. Thanks so with your promise to share my story of Hope with your friends and neighbours. Really appreciate that 🙂
Congratulations, Karen,
You have worked so hard and deserve your achievements:)
Life is hectic at the moment with all the media interviews but in a very positive way. Thanks Dee. Your support and encouragement means so much to me! 🙂
Great to see how well you are doing and the positive way you are managing your publicity. Hope everything goes well.
cheers, cat
Thanks so much Cat,
LIfe is rather hectic atm. But this is what I wanted, right? Taking in a HUGE Breath for my launch day!