Sunday, March 8, 2009

Chain: Black-winged Angel

This chain's topic was brought to us by H.L. Dyer.


Heather asked us: What plans do YOU have to market your novel? How will you make sure the public finds your work?

Well, funny you should ask.

I have two true loves in my life (aside from my husband): writing and music. So, imagine my euphoria when a guitar-playing friend of mine read the rough draft of my manuscript and said: "Hey, since your book is about a musician, you should do a soundtrack to go along with your book."

Hearing this, I tented my fingers and muttered: "Reee-heh-heh-heally?"

Unfortunately, the more I considered the logistics of such a feat, the scarier it became. I pushed the thought aside until one afternoon as I was listening to my husband play guitar.

Lyrics just popped into my head and flowed from my mouth: "Momma, I'm goin' away. God forgot to send his angels my way, and I can't stay. . . Brother, won't you help me run? I don't want to be here in the mornin' sun. I'll be gone. Help me hide this crime. I'm alone and I've been hurt for the last time."

Dana looked at me. I looked at him. It fit.

Words for the next song -- a dark and violent tune -- emerged in the same (almost shocking) way.

About two weeks later, I approached Dana about the idea for a full-length soundtrack. Even though he's not really a fan of my MC (they're too much alike, he admits it), he jumped at the opportunity.

Lyrics to some of the songs have even found a way into the book.

So far, we have seven songs written: Gone (watch the video), Run (Break these Chains) (read the scene/hear the song), Building Me, Hard to Move, Black-winged Angel, Other gods and Long Road Home. The first two songs are complete. (Although, I'd like Dana to remaster Run because the digital distortion sounds terrible.) The rest are near completion or in some way, shape or form in the process of being recorded.

This video we put together last week helps explain it better. (Plus, there are clips of currently unavailable songs!) :-)




So, how will this work to promote my novel? Well, there are several radio stations in the area of the country where I live that regularly feature "homegrown" music, and myspace and music sharing sites on the internet have done a lot to level the playing field for musicians that want to be heard.

Hey, what can I say? I'm a child of the real MTV generation. I couldn't escape the heavy influence of rock 'n' roll, and I want my book to be a VH-1 "Novel That Rocks."

Read what Sandra posted about her marketing plans before me, and then head on over to Christine's place to see what she's thinking about marketing.

15 comments:

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

So, in essence, you're going to have two projects to promote at once. Hopefully that will bring you twice the rewards! Do you think you'll be able to package the book and the music together?

I see several urban fantasy authors are starting to list soundtracks for their novels in the book,so I think this idea is starting to gain momentum. I also think it's really cool the way the lyrics came to you. Sometimes the muse works in mysterious ways.

Anonymous said...

love it, love it, love it!!!You are a girl after my own heart.

Elana Johnson said...

Wow, how cool is this? Thanks for sharing! Even though now I feel like faking sick for my turn...can you fake sick in a blog chain? Yes, I think you can. *nods*

Jennifer Taylor said...

That is so cool! I love music, but I've never been tempted to write songs. My husband comes up with stuff all the time that I think he should send somewhere. I hope it works great for publicizing your book.

Rosslyn Elliott said...

Wow, Kat! That is impressive. And if that's you singing, you have a really cool voice!

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is so cool, Kat. Some day, I'm gonna be able to say, hey, I knew her. Although, yes, I'd have to say I "knew" you over the internet...but someday, I hope to meet you in person at a conference or something! **smile**

Press on, sister.

Common Sense? said...

Yes Kathy has the most amazing voice you will ever hear. It comes from deep inside her, not just the neck up. She can sing anything you throw at her and make it her own. Always have loved hearing her sing.

Kathy I loved the book and I love to hear you sing. Some day someone will get smart and publish that book. Keep up everything you do so well!

Common Sense? said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathryn Hupp-Harris said...

Boofy? I'm pretty sure I know who you are.

I think your license plates are hanging on my garage wall. :-)

*grins* *blushes*

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Wow, what an awesome idea! I would love to buy a book that had a CD to go along with it!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! Isn't it amazing when things click together like that? Great video. :)

Michelle McLean said...

I am incredibly impressed - and what an awesome marketing technique!! I think you will definitely have a "novel that rocks" out there for public enjoyment in the near future :)

TerriRainer said...

Holy crap...is there anything you CAN'T do?

:) Terri

Carolyn Kaufman | @CMKaufman said...

Way cool!

H. L. Dyer said...

Wow! How amazingly cool! You go, girl!