Can 100 Engaged Readers Make a Difference?

Testing the power of the network effect on an unknown, independent novel

I’m conducting an experiment in the open and I’d love for you to be a part of it.

When I think about any book, album, movie, or show I’ve grown to love and I think about the point of origin for that love, there are really only three possibilities:

1. I discovered it all on my own.

2. It was recommended by someone I trust or admire.

3. I saw it promoted across so many media channels that I finally succumbed.

Sadly, the most rewarding way of finding things I love is also the hardest. It requires time and a sense of adventure that tends to diminish for most of us as we get older.

There’s something special about the things we discover on our own. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s why so many people for decades after the experience continue to tell everyone they meet about how they turned up at this house party in Athens, Georgia in 1980 and saw this unknown band with a singer who mumbled. That band was R.E.M.

The great thing about the Internet is we have an infinite field of things to discover. The shit thing about the Internet is we have an infinite field of things to discover. The world is bigger and noisier than it’s ever been which makes it almost impossible for unknown artists to find an audience and for audiences to make those personal discoveries that last a lifetime.

I’m Inviting You to Discover My Book

I have a theory that if just 100 thoughtful, passionate people read my novel, “The Memory of My Shadow,” it would be enough to launch it to a much wider audience. It’s a great book. It’s my third novel and I think I know what I’m doing now. I don’t want a literary agent. I don’t want a publisher. I don’t want a marketing or advertising firm. I want you. It’s the connection to you that matters most to me. It’s why I started writing to begin with.

My hunch is that after reading the novel, you will want to share that experience with the people in your circle and maybe those folks will decide to give it a try. I like this slow-growing, personal-recommendation-driven approach. It gives me a chance to get to know you as you’re getting to know me.

How it Works

NOTE: This promotion has ended, but you can become a paid subscriber and gain access to the novel with my audio narration as well as all the content I publish on Catch & Release.

Go to this form and sign-up to be a reader. It’s open to the first 100 people who respond. Within 24 hours, I will upgrade your Catch & Release subscription from free to paid for one year absolutely free. That’s a $60 value.

In return, I’d like you to commit to completing the novel by May 20, 2023, which coincides with the publishing of the last two chapters in the serial release. You can read or listen to my audio narration. After you’ve read each episode (two chapters) I’d like you to do at least one of the following:

• Like it (tap the heart button) - but only if you did actually like it

• Leave some feedback in the comments to start a conversation. What did you like? What aspect of the story is most engaging you? What scene/character/plot element are you enjoying most? Do you have a question you want to ask about the writing of the book?

• Share a link to the novel with some friends, co-workers, or family members you think might enjoy it

Later in May I will schedule an online meet-up for the 100 of you to get together with me and celebrate. Maybe we’ll make up t-shirts and plan an annual cruise! Okay, maybe not a cruise, I hate those but we’ll think of some cool way that I can thank you for helping me do the impossible.

Thank you in advance for joining me! Your support means everything.

Peace & Music,