Street Team

I had a lovely conversation with my street team over my spring break. I asked them for ideas on how to market My Mother Road better.

Not only is it the anniversary of the spring break road trip which became the incubator for the rough draft. It’s the 100th anniversary of Route 66 herself.

My street team, which is a diverse group, gave me advice that landed broadly across the board.

I asked MC (Monster Cat) how can I get more interaction with readers? She bit me and pushed a plant in the floor. Elmindreda (Min - also a cat) refused to be interviewed without her attorney.

We have 4 rescue dogs. I interviewed 3 of them on TikTok videos. Walter, the beagle, suggested awkward eye contact. Finnegan, the yellow one, suggested growling and licking people. Tanner, the chihuana (half chihuahua/ half piranha,) suggested biting first and asking questions later. I didn’t bother asking Toby, because he doesn’t like being bothered for content.

On Friday I attended an Easter party, and interviewed the remaining members of the street team. The grandsons, Tag and Jude, suggested an expensive road trip to all of the Route 66 locations in the book. I love this idea, but I’m too poor to commit.

My kids, Parker and Jessica, suggested ordering copies of the book, and going to book stores and Route 66 festivals to sell them. This is a great idea.

When I contacted my publisher, they requested $10,000 up front to order the books. I counted my organs and realized that since I’m already one kidney down, and too old to turn tricks I need another plan.

That’s where I’m at. I need money to make money. I’m looking for ideas. I’m good at creating art, but not great at monetizing it. If you have ideas or a genie lamp, please reach out.