Hello – and welcome to my blog, Marcie Brock, Book Marketing Maven.
Who is Marcie Brock?
Marcie is my alter-ego. She’s a savvy communications expert who will share with you everything she knows about marketing your self-published books.
OK, then – who are you?
Oh, me? I’m Laura Orsini, an editorial, marketing, and design consultant based in Phoenix, Arizona. I work primarily with socially conscious speakers, coaches, and authors interested in self-publishing their books. After years of working as an editor to help my clients get their books written and published, I started to notice that most of them had very little skill when it came to marketing these books they’d worked so hard to create. It was a natural fit to expand my services to include the marketing aspect. I now specialize in teaching my writers to think like marketers. I also incorporate enthusiastic expertise in the areas of communication, creativity, brainstorming, visualization, inspiration, networking, social media, and handwriting analysis into my work.
Recent clients include Steve Weitzenkorn and Robin Damsky, coauthors of Find Fulfill Flourish: Discover Your Purpose with Lifepath GPS and Pam Gaber, founder and author of Gabriel’s Angels: The Story of the Dog Who Inspired a Revolution.
I grew up in Phoenix and attended Xavier High School. After that, I lived in Tucson for seven years, earning my BA in non-fiction writing from the University of Arizona while working at the Arizona Daily Star as a researcher and P/T writer. I spent the next eight years living and working in the New York City area. My teaching experience spans every level, from 2-year-old Montessori toddlers to Wall Street Managing Directors.
I drove across the country twice — once it was just Moondanz, my Jack Russell terrier, and I. Also went to Ireland on my own — and put 700 miles on the tiniest car you’ve ever seen in just 5 days. I recently launched my own book, 1,001 Real-Life Questions for Women: A Self-Exploration Workbook to Make You Laugh, Cry, Ponder, Ruminate, and Consider, which is available at www.1001rlqfw.com.
I’ve made two forays into fiction, twice participating in the 3-Day Novel Contest, the goal of which is to write an entire novel over the Labor Day weekend, starting midnight Friday and finishing by midnight Monday. Neither of them placed for an award, but the first one received a really cool rejection letter that said: “Stan (my main character) made it pretty far into the process. Good dialogue. Good flow. Good job!” There was just so much I could do in three days, but the first novel is just about complete now! The working title is Stan Finds Himself on the Other Side of the World. I plan to publish it via another blog sometime later in 2011. If you ask nicely, though, I’ll be happy to send you a preview chapter!
I got married for the first time on St. Patrick’s Day 2011 to an utterly amazing man named John Kelemen. We have three dogs and two very playful kittens. Prior to meeting John, I was a birthmother in an open adoption; the wedding weekend was doubly special, as it was the first time I got to see my son since placing him with his adoptive family at birth. He’s now 16 and the most fantastic kid.
My widely diverse interests include reading fiction and non-fiction; playing racquetball; watching baseball; exploring swapmeets and yardsales; sewing, crafting, and creating; watching and critiquing almost any kind of movie; working out with my sister; driving on the freeway at midnight with U2 at full volume; drinking in the moon.
Why the comic format?
As proficient as I am at blogging and writing, doing it regularly has always proven a bit challenging for me. Additionally, the idea of a cartoon series always appealed to me. The last week of April 2011, I StumbledUpon a post that listed 10 sites for creating your own cartoons. After just a few minutes of dabbling, the idea for Marcie Brock took shape … and here we are today.
Does the name Marcie Brock have any special meaning?
Not particularly. I just wanted to name my character something short and sassy … and loved the alliterative sound.
How often do you post?
I am committed to posting a Marcie cartoon twice a week – on MONDAYS and THURSDAYS. You read it here first. However, I also post general (book) marketing ideas or commentary two or three other random days during the week.
How do we reach you/Marcie, if we have a question?
Feel free to e-mail us at MarcieBrock@WriteMarketDesign.com
It is so nice to meet you Marcie! One day I hope to find my life purpose and also publish my ebooks…
Let me know when you’re ready to get started on your books!
Laura (aka Marcie)
Wow, you have worked with some great clients! Great job.
I’m so glad to find your blog today! Following now too. 🙂
Thanks for the delightful feedback, Geraldine. I’ll be in touch via email shortly.
Laura (aka Marcie Brock)
PS: I’m also sending an email right now re: book marketing services you offer.
I like your spunky professionalism. Do you work exclusively with non-fiction or do you accept fiction writers as well?
Hi, Sharon –
I have both fiction and nonfiction clients. Would you like to schedule a time to chat by phone or Skype?
Thank you for your feedback and interest!
Laura (AKA Marcie Brock)