On this rarest of calendar dates, February 29, a day that only exists every four years, I have two significant and rare events to announce.
#1 – Fallen slid quietly onto the shelves in December, but tomorrow the official six-week launch period begins. It’s a rare gift to be able to launch a second novel and one that was backed and supported by many of you on Kickstarter. Thank you for making possible this gospel-intensive tale of God’s love!
Starting tomorrow I leap into the unknown to generate noise about the launch of our book. Will my energy to work hold out? Only God knows! I’ll do everything I can from my typical reclining work position (I’m actually drafting this article in the photo). Will you come alongside to help spread the word? This leads to my second announcement.
#2 – This rare day is also world Rare Disease Day. In the U.S.A. a rare disease means only one of every 200,000 people have it. In Europe it means one in 2,000. Classifications also differ in periodicals from various institutions.
Only one of every 50,000 people has Systemic Sclerosis, also known as Scleroderma. Though not the rarest of the rare, this disease has laid me low, changed my life, isolated me, and is teaching me to rely on Jesus. For that reason I count it a rare blessing. Autoimmune disorders like this are growing common at an alarming rate. This umbrella category under which so many rare diseases fit is not rare.
“Approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases. Women are more likely than men to be affected; some estimates say that 75 percent of those affected–some 30 million people–are women. Still, with these statistics, autoimmunity is rarely discussed as a women’s health issue” (Source).
You’ve heard my story about how difficult it was to find good care and a doctor who could diagnosis my illness because it is rare (type “autoimmune” in the sidebar search). This is the norm. The Rare Disease Day 2016 slogan is “Join us in making the voice of rare diseases heard.” Today I write in solidarity with others. We are the voices and faces of rare diseases.
So here’s what’s coming over the next six weeks as this average woman, flat on her back with this rare disease, tackles this rare book launch. Each day is a struggle for people with rare diseases. I’m no exception.
The short book trailer for Fallen will be unveiled tomorrow, and there will be three separate opportunities for you and your friends to win free copies. You’ll be able to capture these opportunities on Goodreads, Amazon, and here on this website.
- March 1-17, Goodreads Giveaway, ending on St. Patrick’s Day. Starts tomorrow!
- March 18-April 1, My Giveaway, ending on April Fools Day.
- April 2-April 15, Amazon Giveaway, ending on Tax Day.
Here’s how you can help me spread the word.
If you’ve read Fallen, but haven’t posted a review, now is the time.
The more reviews the better. This informs people who have never heard of Fallen. Based on your words, they’ll decide whether to enter to win. Or they may purchase a copy. Click for the link to the review page.
Over the next 6 weeks, share my social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn.
When you click the share button and bring my post into your online universe, hundreds of people who aren’t connected with me are able to find out about Fallen. That helps immensely.
So, if you want to help with this launch, stay tuned, review, share, and bring your enthusiasm to the process. Your involvement and your energy gives me strength, encouragement, and help! Thank you! I’m so grateful!
Here we go!
