Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for People of the Sun by Ben Gartner. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a great guest post from the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!
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Title: People of the SunSeries: The Eye of Ra #3
Author: Ben Gartner
Publisher: Crescent Vista Press
Publication Date: February 1st 2022
Print Length: 262 pages
Genre: Middle Grade Time Travel Historical Adventure
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The explosive reveal about who John and Sarah really are and why they’re traveling through time, with their most gut-wrenching challenge yet.
In the time of the Aztec, a scoundrel named Cortés arrives and the kids are forced to make an extremely difficult decision: If you could change history, should you? For more twists, more danger, and more fun, read the third book in The Eye of Ra series, People of the Sun!
Goodreads * Amazon * Apple Books *
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EXCERPT:
When they came out of a pine forest and could see the lake below, with Tenochtitlan as a dazzling island city, John couldn’t help but mutter, “Wow.”
He heard his sister mumble the same thing.
The city sparkled and spread out with a much bigger footprint than John had imagined. He’d heard of the famed city of the Aztec, but he’d always pictured something . . . smaller. This was a regular metropolis, with suburbs and floating islands and multiple huge temples. Canoes drifted on canals like the pictures he’d seen of Venice in Italy, though these canoes were loaded with goods headed to market. Farther out into the lake, men cast nets and brought up flopping silver fish, their scales sparkling in the sun.
John’s mouth watered when he saw a floating garden bursting with leafy greens. The rectangular plot of land had poles sticking out of each side, securing boards that held the dirt like a raised garden bed back home. But this was in the middle of the lake. John squinted at the marvel of it all.
The sound of sloshing water pulled his stare toward a stone trough that started in the hills and was then suspended on man-made islands right across the lake and into the city. “An aqueduct?”
“For our drinking water,” Ome said.
“But you’re on a lake,” John said, implying that there was fresh water all around.
“Lake Texcoco is too salty to drink. Great for the fish, bad for the people,” Huitzi said.
“There are dikes that keep some fresh water close to the island, but that is used for farming,” Ome added.
Wow. John never knew that either. They lived on a lake and yet had to build a system of aqueducts to bring in safe drinking water. Amazing.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ben Gartner is the award-winning author of The Eye of Ra time travel adventure series for middle graders. His books take readers for a thrilling ride, maybe even teaching them something in the meantime. Ben can be found living and writing near the mountains with his wife and two boys.
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GUEST POST:
Success Begets Success
by Ben Gartner
by Ben Gartner
This will be a hard article to write because it requires some vulnerability. But I hope it’s useful to others, so I’ll give it a shot.
First of all, let me declare that I am no expert, nor do I claim to be special. I am simply sharing my experience in hopes that some portion of it may be useful to others.
Other writers have asked me about how I’ve been successful with my series for middle grade readers, The Eye of Ra (which includes The Eye of Ra, Sol Invictus, and People of the Sun). I am not a fan of “marketing,” so this isn’t necessarily a marketing-focused blog post. Though, of course, it is. There are many tendrils to this question, and they all assume that the content is at least “good enough” to warrant some attention. In terms of the marketing snowball effect, it all boils down to one maxim: Success begets success.
Find someone who likes your book and trumpet their approval. I know this feels like back-patting, and often we writers are loathe to do that. I am no different. So, I try to approach it as a business, which it is. I put on my “marketer” hat and think, “What would a third-party marketing person say about this review from author X about my client’s book?” And then push that out into the world. Leverage that validation from one to approach another. People want to read good books, and word of mouth referrals are the best source of recommendations. Seeing a critical review from Kirkus or Publishers Weekly or Foreword Reviews or any of the others that has a positive soundbite you can use will only help persuade someone else to think, “Hm, maybe I’ll give it a shot.” That’s all you can ask for.
And if that person then leaves a review or a rating, that’s terrific. If they tell their friends, even better.
Remember that this is a waterwheel (or hamster wheel, depending on how you look at it!) that requires constant investment of time and energy, and sometimes money. And remember that it is the quantity of exposure that cumulatively has a positive effect. One snowflake may be beautiful, but a bunch of them together has more of an impact.
Importantly, and hopefully this goes without saying, always be true to yourself. Be kind. Be helpful to others. I believe there is plenty of room for all sorts of books, and authors, and readers. A rising tide raises all boats, so focus on the positive of what you can reasonably do for yourself, and for your community, and lift others up too. Because you might just be that first review someone else is looking for to build their own snowball.
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GIVEAWAY:
Ben Gartner will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions assumes all responsibility with this giveaway.)
Great cover!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeletelove the cover, this sounds really interesting
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
I love your cover. Did you get a lot of choice in it?
ReplyDeleteThanks for including me on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is right up my daughters alley. Good work.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book for teens.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt and the guest post and People of the Sun sounds like a great time travel adventure for the kids! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteNice book cover and the book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
The covers of your books are colorful and eye catching. Do you have a favorite color? My favorite color is cobalt blue.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
The cover art is very well done! Looks like a fun read for my upcoming road-trip!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the description of the book. Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good. I'm definitely adding it my young one's reading list.
ReplyDeleteI really like the cover!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun book to read for young teens. I like the cover art. Very eye catching!
ReplyDeleteDo you ever get to build a snowman with your family? We have had one snowy day this season.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
This book looks very interesting. Great cover!
ReplyDeleteHow di8d you come up with this book?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your all time favorite book that you have read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really good read.
ReplyDeleteDoes your family like to eat oatmeal when the weather is cold? I like oatmeal with butter and brown sugar!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
This read is quite unique - title genre and cover!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it with us.
I would so love to read this one this winter season.
ReplyDeleteheather
hgtempaddy
I hope you had a good day
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHow did you become an author?
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
ReplyDeletekeep up the great work
ReplyDeleteHow was day today?
ReplyDeleteWhere is your favorite place to write?
ReplyDeleteyou are awesome
ReplyDeleteIf you had a choice between grits or oatmeal for breakfast, which one would you pick? I alternate between them.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
ReplyDeleteWhat your next's book going to be about?
ReplyDeleteHow do you like your bacon cooked - extra crispy or regular? I like nice crispy bacon!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Where do you get your ideas for writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have characters living in your head?
ReplyDeleteDo you do anything special to treat yourself after finishing a book?
ReplyDeleteWould you rather have a home made biscuit or toast with breakfast?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
thank you for a chance to win
ReplyDeleteJust saying hi.
ReplyDeleteWhat advice do you have for writers?
ReplyDeleteyour book is amazing
ReplyDeleteI think your book will do amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the book was the most fun to write?
ReplyDeleteyou rock!
ReplyDeleteThe design of the cover is good.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed reading the excerpt- well done!
ReplyDeleteWhere you live, do you get lots of snow? We had a big snow today.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you like it when it snows?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been sledding on a chilly and snowy day?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I am adding this book to my to be read soon list!
ReplyDeleteWhat inspires your book plots?
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed that the days are getting longer?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the first book that made you cry?
ReplyDeleteHope your Tuesday is going well.
ReplyDeleteCurrently is there snow and ice in your hometown? We have snowy conditions here.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What’s the best way to market your books?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite cuisine?
ReplyDeleteyour book looks fantastic
ReplyDeleteI love this books details sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteDo you take a daily walk to clear your head?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book to read. I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteWhen you were a young kid, did you ever build a snowman?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite holiday?
ReplyDeletesounds like a super neat book!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any advice for new writers?
ReplyDeleteThis so sounds like my kind of read and I love the cover too.
ReplyDeleteheather
hgtempaddy
How are dealing the weather?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your New Year's Resolution?
ReplyDeleteHow are you keeping warm?
ReplyDeleteThe front cover of People of the Sun (The Eye of Ra #3) by Ben Gartner is both colorful and highly detailed.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you ever write long hand?
ReplyDeleteIt is icy and snowy here. Have you ever gone ice skating?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How many hours a day do you write?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best piece of advice you have received?
ReplyDeleteEver been to the casino?
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of solar panels?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide that type of book you wanted to write?
ReplyDeleteEver won a giveaway?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite travel destination?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite style of music that you usually play?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
ReplyDeleteDo you think about your next book while writing the current one?
ReplyDeleteWhen you were a child or youth, who were some of your favorite authors?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How do you select the names of your characters?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite movie?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book
ReplyDeleteDo you ice cream?
ReplyDeleteMany people have a favorite color - do you? I like cobalt blue.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What kind of books do you read?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read that I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIf you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite type of music?
ReplyDeleteDo you like to take long walks?
ReplyDeleteHow long on average does it take you to write a book?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite to do your writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite place to your writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do when you're stuck?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had smores?
ReplyDeleteHow do you handle writing slumps?
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you prefer cats or dogs?
ReplyDeleteWhere you live, is it a snowy weekend?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Hope you're keeping warm during these snowy days.
ReplyDeleteAre you looking forward to Spring? I know I am.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have a hard time putting this book down after starting to read it.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite place in the U.S. that is a great spot to travel to and visit?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you have a favorite movie?
ReplyDeleteDo you ever read the books you've written?
ReplyDeleteHow many books have you written and which is your favorite?
ReplyDeleteHere's to a marvelous Monday!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite outdoor sport that you enjoy watching?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Have you ever read one of your own books?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your drink of choice when you're writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a morning routine?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite hoilday?
ReplyDeleteIf you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you go for inspiration?
ReplyDeleteDid you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite space to do your writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
ReplyDeleteJust saying hi.
ReplyDeleteDo you like the snow?
ReplyDeleteDoes writing energize or exhaust you?
ReplyDeleteI like the cover.
ReplyDeleteHow long did it take you write the book?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever met a Karen?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite way to relax?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever come across your books in bookstores?
ReplyDeleteMy question from yesterday doesn't seem to have posted - what's the furthest you've been from home?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your bedtime routine?
ReplyDeleteDo you listen to music when you write?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite color?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get your ideas for writing?
ReplyDeleteAs you were growing up, who were some of the people that you considered as your role models?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you smoke?
ReplyDeletejust saying hello.
ReplyDeleteDo you do anything special to treat yourself after finishing a book?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your personal scary story?
ReplyDeleteDo you take time off from writing on the weekends?
ReplyDeleteDoes your family like to watch the assorted events of the Winter Olympics?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Happy, happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteWhat was your favourite subject in school?
ReplyDeleteOoh! I love time travel books!
ReplyDeleteIf you could go back in time, where would you go?
ReplyDeleteDo you prefer colder or warmer climates?
ReplyDeleteWho are your favourite authors?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever made your own Valentine's Day cards?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's your favorite form of therapy?
ReplyDeleteWhat advice do you have for writers?
ReplyDeleteDo you enjoy road trips?
ReplyDeleteDo you watch Turner Classic Movies?
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too.
ReplyDeleteDid you always want to write children's books?
ReplyDeleteWill you be watching the Super Bowl? I'll be reading a book.
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the book was the most fun to write?
ReplyDeleteHow has your year been so far?
ReplyDeleteFab cover
ReplyDeleteDid you watch the Superbowl?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe in miracles?
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day!
ReplyDeleteDo you believe in love at first sight?
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteDo you celebrate Valentines Day?
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed reading the excerpt- well done!
ReplyDeleteWill you buy any discounted Valentine's Day goodies today?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's something you're looking forward to?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite genre of book?
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the first book that made you cry?
ReplyDeleteHow have you been these days?
ReplyDeleteToday's best quote: “Find joy in snow,” he said. “because if you don’t find joy in snow, you’ll be less happy and still have the same amount of snow.”
ReplyDeleteWho's your favorite filmmaker?
ReplyDeleteWhat’s the best way to market your books?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite book genre?
ReplyDeleteTerrific cover
ReplyDeleteDo you like to travel?
ReplyDeleteHow many books have you written and which is your favorite?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever met someone from the internet?
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome. I would love to read thid
ReplyDeleteWhat's your dream home?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide on the cover for this book?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you want to be while growing up?
ReplyDeleteI hope you are somewhere warm. Current wind chill here is -10.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the best day of your life?
ReplyDeleteHow many hours a day do you write?
ReplyDeleteDo you write an outline before you start your book?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your next book going to be about?
ReplyDeleteHow do you select the names of your characters?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your local urban legend?
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too. How long did it take to write it?
ReplyDeleteWho or what inspires your writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat's the best thing about being a writer?
ReplyDelete