THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A NEWLY-PUBLISHED AUTHOR

So, I've written a book and had it published. How exciting! It seems as if new doors are opening and that I have embarked upon a new career. That is true, but the challenges have only just begun. Now, the task is to get the word out. Major TV networks aren't exactly knocking at my door. Where do I begin?

These are the questions I had to ask myself after I published the highly-rated Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude which I soon followed up with the first sequel, Babes in Bucksnort. I knew that I had good books that my readers have joyously embraced. The frustrating part has been that I need exposure and that is not an easy thing to get. Nothing in life is free and promotion can be very expensive. While I have been blessed to have some resources, I am not currently in a position to spend megabucks in promoting my books.

I have had to pay to get some reviews, to create a video trailer, to broadcast podcasts, to hire a publicist who has done a wonderful job setting up blogs for me. I have paid to appear on some radio shows and now other publicists are encouraging me with promises of what they can do to help. It's just that it means more money. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees.

I've had to be practical, but I have also had to cling to the faith that I have been inspired to write these books for a reason. The interest in my work is there and I have a message of hope to deliver. It is only a matter of remaining strong and believing in myself. My mantra is don't quit. Dreams do come true.

Friends have been helpful in spreading the word about my books, but it takes a domino effect to continue to spread the word. The continuing question remains, what more can I do?

I have been a student of Abraham who is channeled by Esther Hicks, a marvelous spiritual teacher who talks about the art of allowing. The premise is to become open to the abundance of the universe by focusing on the experience of emotions that feel good. She maintains that, when one does that, all desires will manifest.

That takes me back to some of the same spiritual principles that my main character, “naughty” Sister Mary Olga Fortitude, would embrace. It all has to do with eliminating doubt and replacing that with faith. It is only ourselves and our insecure egos which can block the way.

With that in mind, I am going to practice what I preach through my title character. I am embarking on a spiritual journey that embraces what I have been espousing in my books. Each day, I begin by meditating upon one of Esther's CDs about getting into the vortex. I breathe and relax. I let go of tension and open myself to the notion that it's not about work or luck. It's about letting go of resistance and allowing goodness to flow to me and through me.

I am practicing this diligently and will let my readers know how the manifestation of my desires will unfold. I am hoping to inspire others by my example; that is, that the power of our spirit which comes from our Source (God) will always provide. There is more than enough for all.

I practice affirmations and claim that which I wish to possess as if I already had it. But I keep my focus on being grateful for what I already have in my life. The blessings of love have nurtured me and my passions. I am a successful author which is something I never would have imagined. My dreams are unfolding and have already become a reality. Yours can become that too!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Both "The Misadvetures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" and "Babes in Bucksnort" are available in Paperback or Kindle. The Kindle version is at a special rate of $3.99 each

Guest Blog Post - Author Davis Aujourd’hui and His Books and Other Things

Novels
“The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude”
“Babes in Bucksnort”
Both are available in Paperback and Kindle Format - kindles are on Sale for $2.99

Today we a learn a little bit more about Author Davis Aujourd'hui

1. Davis why did you become a Writer/Author?
I've always loved to write. Following the development of some hilarious characters in outrageously funny situations, I decided I could create a book. That book not only delivers a spiritual message, but does it in a way that is highly entertaining. My mission is to enlighten people while making them laugh their pants off from the beginning to the end of my books.

2) Is there a message you are trying to bring to people?
The message is many fold. Primarily, I am hoping to get people to lighten themselves up and to not take life so seriously. I do this by creating zany characters that are oddly typical of the imperfect humans we all are. In so doing, it will provide my readers with food for thought in order to improve themselves if they are willing to do the work. My main character, Sister Mary Olga Fortitude, provides many suggestions for how to do this in a practical way. The main message is to follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

3. What are other types of jobs have you had in the past?
I've been a professional salesman, an avocational actor, and a social worker for many years. The first and last jobs gave me a broad perspective on the human condition which I have been able to incorporate into my books.

4. Besides writing, what else do you like to do?
Are you trying to uncover my secrets? Guess what. All you have to do is to read my author blog. My life is an open book that contains articles pertaining to my very human life challenges.

As for hobbies, I am a classically trained pianist and a singer. I am a student of spirituality and embrace the sacred truth of all paths to illumination. I love to read. I love nature. I am heavily involved in twelve-step programs which have helped me to clean up my act and to become the person I was meant to be.

5. If you can live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I would love to live on the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine. I used to live nearby there. I love the open attitude of people there that embraces the diversity of all. As a gay man that is very important to me.

As for the ocean, it provides a tranquil setting that is soothing to my soul. I love to walk on the beach and a walkway there called The Marginal Way. It climbs the hillside high above the craggy rocks of the Atlantic, providing beautiful vistas of the creation of God.

6. Do you have any pets?
I do. I have a Labrador retriever and a chihuahua in addition to four cats. They are all wonderfully loving pets and I adore them.

7. Where did you go on your last vacation?
My most recent vacations were to Ogunquit – of course. I also traveled to Albuquerque in May of 2010. Hope to do a cruise to the Caribbean this year.

8. Do you have a favorite color?
Blue, followed by green.

9. Favorite movies
You're testing my somewhat faulty memory. I have so many favorites. I especially enjoy classic films like Dr. Zhivago, Gone With the Wind in addition to many others.

10. Favorite books
Mine of course! I used to love supernatural thrillers such as the books by Anne Rice. I now tend to read books of a spiritual nature. My favorite authors are Anthony DeMello, Eckhardt Tolle, and Deepak Chopra.

11. What type of music do you like to listen to?
I used to love rock and popular music including the music of my parents' generation. Now I tend to listen primarily to classical and New Age music.

12. Steak or Seafood?
Both, of course. Give me a good piece of steak and a lobster and I'll be in heaven!

13. Do you have a favorite meal you like to have as often as you can? Anything Italian. Give me a nice four layer lasagne loaded with cheese.

14. Davis is there anything else you would like to add anything else about yourself?
I am a prolific writer and have received excellent reviews on my books. I have developed a series that my readers like to gobble up like a box of chocolates. I have currently written nine more books in the Sister Mary Olga series and I haven't run out of ideas yet. I am also interested in writing a reincarnational novel.

I could tell you so many other things about myself, but most of that is already written. My readers can visit my blogs at: www.authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/ and http://bestsatireseriesofthedecade.blogspot.com/

Peace and joy to all. That is what God intends for all of us. Dream your dreams and they will happen. Remember the song, Row, row your boat. Life is but a dream.

HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY BOOKS

Believe it or not, I have actually written my memoirs. After I finished that project, I wondered to myself, “What can I do next?” That's when I came up with an idea. I remembered the character of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude which I had developed in order to entertain a colleague of mine while I had been working as a social worker.

That's when I developed the character of Sister Mary Olga. I soon began to develop the other zany characters until I had created an entire cast. I would call up my friend and I would leave her voice-mails during which I would create spontaneous outlandish and hilarious scenarios. She loved it and that gave me a lot of joy!

At the point when I had finished my memoirs, I thought to myself, I bet I could write a book about these crazy characters! So I sat down and I wrote a “The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude” in a little over a month. The thing was, I still had more ideas...so, I wrote another. Guess what? I hadn't run out of ideas yet! Over the course of the next two years I wrote nine novels in the series and I still haven't run out of ideas!

Around the time that I was getting ready to have the first book published, I asked my mother-in-law if she would pose in a nun's habit as Sister Mary Olga on the cover of my book. You see, to me, she embodied my mental concept of what Sister Mary Olga should look like. She said, “Sure, Davis! I'll do it for you!”

Unfortunately she passed away before that could happen. As she lay on her deathbed, I said to her, “Jan, I'm going to get you on that cover one way or another!” Thanks to the marvelous illustrator for my cover, that person was able to create a nun's habit over her picture. Once that was done, I dedicated my first book to her.

Only in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would become an author! Yet suddenly I began to write as if it was my full-time job. If you wonder what I'm doing now, I'll tell you. I'm polishing the other books in the series so that they will be fine and outrageously funny gems like the jewel of this first book that I've created. You can now read the newly-published first sequel. It's called Babes in Bucksnort..

After the second sequel, I travel back in time to trace Mary Olga's journey from the time she was dunked into the baptismal tank at the Bucksnort Baptist church up until she became a Catholic and later became a nun. I continue to move forward in time which has given me the opportunity to create many more delightfully zany characters as well as to trace the history of the endearing characters you'll be enjoying in this first book.

I must admit that I'm going to be leaving you hanging after the second sequel, but don't worry, I'll pick up the current story line later. I don't think I'm about to run out of ideas for a very long time! Sister Mary Olga and her friends have taken on lives of their own. That's given me a joyful sense of purpose in my own life.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Books:

"The Misadventures Of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

"Babes in Bucksnort"

You can obtain either of Davis's Novels in Paperback or Kindle Format.

Guest Review Post on Carolyn Howard Johnson's New Book Review of "Babes in Bucksnort"

Unforgettable Fun & Laughter in Bucksnort!
"Babes in Bucksnort"

Author: Davis Aujourd'hui
Author Blogs: www.bestsatireseriesofthedecade.blogspot.com

and http://www.authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/
Facebook Page

Genre: fiction-satire
ISBN: 978-1432745004

Reviewed by: Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

You won't be disappointed with "Babes in Bucksnort" because all of the outrageous, fun-loving characters are back in book #2 at the steady direction of lovable, chain-smoking, bourbon drinking Sister Mary Olga. She has taught readers, along with her town of parishioners of course, that sometimes it's important to take a good look at ourselves in order to make a positive change.

There seems to be conflict brewing in Bucksnort due to the range of truly unforgettable characters and their diverse activities. This time, Priscilla Bunhead along with her group of town nosy busybodies with the help from Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead are determined to run out of town who they feel are perverts and undesirables. Following, is outrageous behavior and fun filled chapters that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Aujourd'hui has managed to create a satire series that will definitely give you mountains of smiles and giggles, but he has also masterfully woven important teachings of kindness, forgiveness, and true acceptance. The characters are vivid and it's highly unlikely you'll forget their names any time soon. There's a delicate balance of satire and reality that I feel that Babes in Bucksnort has accomplished perfectly.

If you want a fast weekend or afternoon read that's guaranteed to make you laugh, I recommend "Babes in Bucksnort". I look forward to the next installment to see what Sister Mary Olga has in store for her and the town of Bucksnort.

Both "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" and "Babes in Bucksnort" are available in both Paperback and Kindle Format.

MORE MISADVENTURES THAT WILL TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE!

"Who Does not need some laughter in their life?" That is what I am trying to do with the Sister Mary Olga Book Series!

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

Is now available in Kindle Format for $3.99 (purchase here)

Here is where it all begins with the highly praised "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude". Once again the unconventional bourbon-swilling, chain-smoking nun will spin outrageously funny new tales about the residents of Bucksnort, Wisconsin while she tests the will of a reformed prostitute who just happens to be her Reverend Mother.

Unfortunately there's trouble brewing in the Snortlands. The nasty and notorious town busybody, Priscilla Bunhead, goes on a crusade to stamp out what she calls the gay menace. That's when she convinces her millionaire friend, Mildred Mayflower, to give away her fortune in order to bring the Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus to town to do the job. It will be an uphill climb for them when the closet doors of many gay people in the Snortlands burst open. Billy-Bob and his wife, Pinky Poo, will have another battle on their hands when Dimples Dufus, the heiress to the Mayflower fortune, arrives on the scene to reclaim her fortune.

You'll also meet the hilariously bumbling, pothead psychiatrist, Doctor Wally Wacky-Wacko, who creates havoc for one of Sister Mary Olga's favorite fellow nuns. Along with Mildred Mayflower, they become victims of his multi-colored pills that only turn them into zombies. The handsome and virile gay cowboy chef, Randy Cowboy, makes an important self-discovery about his never-ending sexual pursuits when he joins a twelve-step program called Sex Maniacs Notorious.

The irascible Martha Mayhem settles down into comfortable domesticity with her new life partner who happens to be her sister-in law. Martha still manages to stir up trouble on Dinkledorf Drive with her fellow enemies and neighbors, the prudish Priscilla Bunhead and the voluptuous Lula Mae Bunsaplenty. The question that remains is whether Lula Mae's paramour, Jules Jesslike Pappas will put up with her continuing manipulative feminine wiles.

In between the laughs, Sister Mary Olga continues to dispense nuggets of spiritual wisdom during her classes in Beginner's and Advanced Holiness. Just don't take seats near the flatulent child named Fartley Dinkledorf or his lecherous one-hundred five year-old grandfather, Poopsy. The bottom line is that everyone is welcome in Sister Mary Olga's classes. Join the diverse cast of zany characters for a joy ride that will tickle your funny bone until it aches.

Meet My Dastardly and Bumbling Trio

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" (Now in Kindle) $3.99 (Purchase Here)
"Babes In Bucksnort" (Now in Kindle) $3.99 (Purchase Here)





Take a hilarious trip in my book, Babes in Bucksnort, and you'll meet a dastardly trio who are out to stamp out what they call perversion among people who are different from themselves. Aren't all of us, after all! Life would be boring if we were all the same. Tell that to Priscilla Bunhead, Lilliliver Lipstick, and the Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus.

Priscilla Bunhead is a shrewish prude who is always digging up dirt on her fellow residents on Dinkledorf Drive in the fictional town of Bucksnort, Wisconsin. She's an old maid who wears her stringy hair in a tight little bun at the back of her head. It's so tight that she has no room whatsoever to open her closed little mind.

She convinces her timid neighbor, Lilliliver Lipstick, to follow in her self-righteous ways. Lilliliver is a prime candidate. She is someone who likes to have somebody else do her thinking for her. Lilliliver is a pale-faced, dishwater blond who adopts the same unbecoming hair fashion as Priscilla. Lillilver paints her pasty cheeks with circles of rouge and she wears bright red lipstick. Not only does she look like a clown, she acts like one too.

As soon as Priscilla discovers that several of her neighbors are gay, she calls upon the arch conservative Billy-Bob to begin a crusade to drive out gay people from the Snortlands. Fortunately, and with great humor, their campaign turns into a big farce.

Billy-Bob and his wife, Pinky Poo, are masters of grand theater. With her blazing fuschia hair, Pinky Poo stands on the sidelines and wails a stream of tears as Billy-Bob seeks to instill the fear of God in his faithful followers. They are other lost lambs, looking for someone to help them sort out right from wrong. Unfortunately for them, they are sheep following a wolf in sheep's clothing.

My bourbon-swilling nun, Sister Mary Olga Fortitude, rallies support for her gay friends. Going against her Reverend Mother's instructions, she takes a stand for the righteous. It will be an uphill battle, but good triumphs over the bumbling and dastardly trio in the end.

Along the way, you'll meet a host of colorful characters and outrageously zany situations that will tickle your funny bone. This book is a satirical farce for people who love to laugh. Climb on the joy wagon and get ready for the fun.

Both of the novels are also available in paperback also at Amazon.com.
You can now even send Kindles as gifts to anyone that has an email!

Hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think about my books.

Author Davis Aujourd

Enjoy The Journey To Joyland

Need an enjoyable escape? You need look no further. Take a journey to Joyland when you travel to the fantastic and fictional town of Bucksnort, Wisconsin. Check out The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude on Amazon.com and you'll want to continue the journey in Babes in Bucksnort.

With a good snort of bourbon and a puff on her Marlboro, Sister Mary Olga dishes up the delightful dirt on the zany characters in the Snortlands of Wisconsin. You'll meet the despicable Priscilla Bunhead who eventually champions the arch conservative Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus. The two of them embark on a campaign to eliminate what they call perversion in the Snortlands.

The gay people of Bucksnort don't take it lying down. Their hero is the convent's gay cowboy chef, Randy, who enlists the aid of anyone who is brave enough to take a stand against prejudice. It's all done with outrageous humor that eventually backfires on the small-minded folks like Priscilla, Lilliliver Lipstick, Billy-Bob and his wife, Pinky Poo Blunthead.

The reformed prostitute who happens to be the Reverend Mother doesn't agree with Sister Mary Olga going out on the limb for a cause that the pope wouldn't embrace. Sister Mary Olga couldn't give a hoot. She's an unorthodox liberal with a mission to enlighten lost souls. She has her work cut out for her.

While I like to wake people up to their own shortcomings, I do it with hilarious humor. You'll meet the bumbling Father Cowberries and the celebrity radio chef, Amanda Ann Adult, who also love their liquor. Sister Mary Olga spends plenty of time in the confessional with the parish priest where they swap tales in between nips of bourbon.

You'll meet the elderly suave half African-American, Jules Jesslike Pappas. His simple-minded mother named him. When the nurse held up the baby with a substantial endowment and asked her what she wanted to name the child, Mae I. Doomutch declared, “Jewels just like papa's!”

Jules has his own challenges with the haughty Lula Mae Bunsaplenty. She's an African-American queen with an attitude who Jules soon discovers is just out for his money. When she dishes out a dose of attitude to her neighbors, she gets on the bad side of Priscilla Bunhead and Martha Mayhem. That's when the adults on Dinkledorf Drive begin to behave more like babes.

Both of my books are page turners that will keep you laughing from the beginning to end. My mission is to engender joy within my readers. Take a joyride and come back for more. You won't want to miss the next of the continuing books in the series!


Do not forget that both books are now in Kindle Format Buy HERE (The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude) $3.99

Babes in Bucksnort in Kindle Format Buy HERE $3.99