On the Couch

Over fourteen years ago, I began writing a skit for my playwriting class at Grossmont College. It was called, "On the Couch." It was showcased in the Grossmont College Theatre and then printed in the literary magazine, THE ACORN REVIEW. Everyone who read the script said they liked it. So in 2003, I began to turn it into a book. Now, it is my first published novel and my proudest achievement to date.

I just returned from Cleburne, TX, where students at the Cleburne Community Christian High School are actually studying my book. I had the wonderful opportunity to answer questions about some of the symbolism and the creative decisions made when writing this psychological thriller.

I've discovered however, that writing and publishing a novel is not enough. One must also sell it. I mean, what's the point if no one reads it. Right? There is this a perception that once a book is published it will be on all the bookstore shelves. I wish that were true.

So, how does one get the word out about their book? Well, for starters, you have a mom like mine who can sell anything she's proud of, and then word of mouth is always welcome. But without skywriting it in the sky or getting on Oprah, I'm not sure ON THE COUCH will ever be a best seller. So, I write this blog in hopes that some soul will see it and say, "Hey, I'd love a novel that Paul McShane from Good News called,

"a wonderful and most worthwhile, uplifting book."

He also urges you to "run, not walk to your computer and type in www.writesftk.com to purchase this book."

Marketing is a burden an author must bear... but a necessity just the same.

In the meantime, if you know someone out there who likes movies like Sixth Sense or Beautiful Mind or reads Ted Dekker or Dean Koontz books... hey, why not tell them about a new author... Kimberlee R. Mendoza.

You, the reader of this blog, are my "Obi-Won."

To find out more about my writing: www.writesftk.com