Behind the Book with Lisa Ramelow
I’m delighted today to take you behind the scenes with my client Lisa Ramelow.
Lisa’s second book, Misadventures in My High Heels, came out a little while ago, and I had the chance to catch up with her about her publishing journey. We also talked about how she’s using her website to connect with readers and promote her work.
From my perspective, Lisa’s book marketing game plan is especially strong at a local level, benefiting from her long-standing relationships in her nearby community. She has attended multiple in-person events, both before and since the new book came out.
If you enjoy face-to-face opportunities to meet readers and collaborate with others in your local community, Lisa’s approach might appeal to you too.
When I browsed through Lisa’s Instagram feed recently, I was also struck by her generous and enthusiastic participation in local events. She’s not simply showing up twice a year saying buy my book - she supports others consistently and wholeheartedly. I suspect these warm, authentic relationships are creating many wonderful opportunities for her and her work.
About the book
Misadventures in my High Heels is a heartfelt collection of true stories that are meant to inspire others to find ways to move on from disappointment and tragedy. These are stories you'll devour - funny, raw, deeply human, and strikingly relatable. From being a young widowed single parent, to the chaos of running a restaurant, to the tenderness of caring for her aging parents, and the lasting echo of teenage heartbreak - Lisa's writing is filled with humor and gives the reader much to ponder and reflect upon.
With wit, grit, and fearless honesty, she shares the moments that shaped her, challenged her, and keep her looking at life as an adventure.
Purchase your copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or indie bookstores.
Let’s dive in to my conversation with Lisa:
This is an exciting time for you! What inspired you to write Misadventures in My High Heels?
I wanted to create a collection of real-life stories from the almost 2,000 stories I had written over the last 15 years. My first book, A Kindness I will Never Forget was rather sad. So I wanted to create a book that showed one can have a fulfilling life after tragedy.
My son, Ryan, said to me, ”Mom, you need to have a book of stories about how your life has been going the last 30 years. Your first book doesn’t really illustrate what your life has been like, and that you are just fine. You are more than fine. The first book doesn’t really get that across.”
I knew he was right. And I had already had that exact thought, of writing another book – I was proud of the many stories I had written over the years. I had received many comments and messages over the years, telling me that a story had inspired them, or had helped them to see problems in a different light.
The reactions from the readers were what always kept me going – it was so fulfilling to feel like I was making a difference.
Which types of book marketing are working best for you? What are you enjoying?
I’ve always been very active in my local community of Belmont Shore, CA, so that was a natural place for me to start. People have been so friendly and supportive, and the Long Beach Press Telegram did this interview. They called it the story of how I went ”from being a quiet, shy young person to one of Long Beach’s most outgoing and engaging personalities” ;)
And I was honored to receive an amazing book endorsement from Jack Canfield, speaker and author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He said my book contained “some of the best writing I’ve read in my entire life,” so that was a great boost to my confidence.
My book launch celebration was phenomenal. The best part was seeing all the people from so many different parts of my life come together. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was 100!
Can you offer any advice to other authors about building an online presence?
The best advice I have is to try everything - book events, libraries, speaking engagements. And, of course, social media. And my advice in all of these is to "be your authentic self!"
To be honest, I don't exactly enjoy marketing, but I am committed to getting the word out about my book.
What has surprised you in your journey to publish your books and reach readers?
I know my book looks pretty “girly” with all the pink, and the red high heels. But the reactions from men have been incredibly heartwarming. Recently, a man stopped me at a fundraiser event and said, “I read about your book in the Grunion Gazette. I was curious so I ordered it. I listened to your book in the early morning while exercising on my rowing machine. Misadventures gave me the reason to wake up early and exercise! I so enjoyed your stories, so much that I ordered your first book and read that one too.” He made me cry.
What's next for you? Any upcoming projects, events, or goals?
My main goal now is to become a speaker. I have joined a "speaker's bureau" where they will pitch you to different organizations and I have a Media Kit page on my website to help too.
I have already completed five speaking engagements - they are nerve-wracking, but very fulfilling at the same time!
How can readers find out more about you and connect?
My website, LisaRamelow.com
I post frequently on Instagram — often accompanied by my dog, Gracie — and you can find me on Facebook too.
Author website spotlight
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa on her website last year, and it's been wonderful seeing her book move from manuscript to published success.
When the website first launched, the book cover for Misadventures in My High Heels was not ready, but thanks to Lisa’s strong sense of the vibe she wanted to convey, only minor updates were needed to accommodate the final cover.
And of course we added photos of Lisa with the new book, and that wonderful praise from Jack Canfield, to showcase the quality of her work.
Are you ready to sell more books?
If you want an author website that engages your readers and sets you up for business results, let’s design, build, and launch your online home. Learn more about how to work with me, and then feel free to schedule a chat.
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