To read part 1, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: How do you promote your book and how have Canadian audiences reacted to your message?
Joseph Breunig: Since I’m literally a one-man operation, most of my book promotion is done via the Internet. I’ve joined many poetry and social networking websites, where I create personal blogs that contain my poetry and background stories of the poems themselves. In addition, a few Christian businesses have taken books on consignment. People from Canada (and around the world), have reacted positively to my poetry. They are surprised at what they find - besides the diversity of topics, they see poems of inspiration and encouragement for their own development of faith. My compositions primarily deal with biblical principles, not church denominational differences.
CM: Since the publication of "Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory," has your writing routine changed?
JB: My writing routine is essentially unchanged; I have a writing methodology that works for me. presently I have nine manuscripts of unpublished poetry (in various stages of completion – including a sequel to my one title). If anything, I need to increase my rate of work. That is difficult to accomplish since I’ve been unemployed for roughly three years. My highest priorities are getting full-time employment and avoiding homelessness.
CM: As a self-published author, what are some of the main challenges that you encounter?
JB: Generating book sales is quite challenging – more so than I initially realized. Since I lack name recognition and celebrity status, I believe that my technical abilities and use of the Internet can (over time) overcome those two deficiencies. Given the poor economy, people also try to convince me that no one will purchase books of poetry these days. My response is that people can find money for alcohol, tobacco products and Harry Potter books. Therefore, people will always purchase products that they perceive as a necessity. One of my goals as a marketer, is to show poetry lovers that people have found value in my book; if people can see the spiritual benefits contained within the text, then they are more likely to buy my book – for either themselves or for loved ones. Some customers have kindly posted reviews online. Another unexpected challenge is the mindset some people have regarding ‘poetry about God and His principles’. The best analogy, in describing this concept, falls along the idea of ‘Separation of Church and State’. Perhaps I should blog on this topic in the near future.
CM: Where do you see yourself in five years?
JB: In five years, I’d like to see myself as independently self-sufficient. In other words, be able to officially launch my writing career and publish all of my poetry manuscripts. I’d also love the opportunity to develop my own software package.
CM: Where can people purchase their copy of "Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory"?
JB: Copies can be obtained at Amazon, some poetry sites and many other book resellers located on the web. In addition, autographed copies can be purchased from me directly. I can be found regularly on Gather.com.
CM: Any last words?
JB: Thank you, Cendrine - for this interview and opportunity. Living in this ‘Age of Information’ is an amazing time; for me, it’s truly a blessing from God. Not only does nearly every citizen of this planet have at least one meaningful story to tell, but that the tools and technology are now available to them - for sharing his/her message with the World.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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