Rooted Reads to Encourage New Subscribers

Meet Peggy Arthur, writer of the forthcoming novel, The Pretender's Game. Peggy is working a strategy to encourage readers who would enjoy reading her book to find her. Peggy has begun a regular feature on her website called "Rooted Reads."

Peggy's book, The Pretender's Game, is a sweeping tale of a Black family in the southern United States. Peggy, through this book, is creating a new mythology that is based, or rooted, in southern Black culture. Did you know you could create your own myths? I confess I thought just dead Greeks could do that! But as soon as I began to read Peggy's excellent and, frankly, thrilling book, I knew I was wrong. 

And so, where do we find our readers, when our book releases?

Well, one good thing to do would be to line them up ahead of time, so that they're waiting for your book.

Peggy is doing this by giving something away free to people who might want to read her book. She is giving them a recommendation for another book, like her book. "If you like this book, you might like mine, and vice versa."

On her website Peggy is posting in-depth and fascinating reviews of other Black-American authored books that are mythologies. To date she has done The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez,  Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler,  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, James by Percival Everett, and the queen appears as well:  Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Now no one is going to compare his/her writing to Toni Morrison; we all know better, and Peggy does too. But, there are no new Toni Morrison books, and if you enjoyed her books, chances are good you'll enjoy Peggy's book too. Also, if you're not sure how you feel about books that weave myth in them, you can check out one of Peggy's suggestions, and see what you think. Peggy is offering you a reading list to help you become her ideal reader. So, while most authors might be afraid of invoking the queen, Peggy is not, because someone who liked Morrison's books may like Peggy's books too. Don't be afraid to put yourself in the company of established authors. Be bold, and invite people in to your writing by connecting it to other books they may know and love.

Peggy's pretty clever. I've only known her a short time, but I continue to be impressed with her writing, and her grit, honestly. 

Have you considered reviewing a book that's similar to your book in theme or genre? Why not try it, and see if it helps your book find its audience?

Are you familiar with books authored by Black American authors? If not, why not read Peggy's reviews and pick on to try? 

Visit Peggy here, and check out the teaser for her book, The Pretender's Game, publishing in 2026! I think you'll love it. And do Peggy a solid, and subscribe, so you never miss a new Rooted Reads!