Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Margaret Finnegan: Goddess of Inspiration

Today is release day! You can now buy a brand spankin' new copy of the brand spankin' new novel, The Goddess Lounge (paperback here), by South Pasadena's Margaret Finnegan. That is a beautiful thing, partly because I love Margaret and partly because I love The Goddess Lounge (ebook here). Also partly because Margaret inspires me.

Margaret's blog, Finnegan Begin Again, would be inspiration enough to read her novel because one always wants more of her unique writer's voice. But she's gone further by involving her readers in the processes of publication and promotion. We've been reading about goddesses, we voted on the book cover, and when it was time to make book trailers we contributed photos of ourselves being goddesses.

Margaret has created two (two!) book trailers. Here's one:


Here's the other:


I'm in the second one twice! The first photo you see is one John took of me. Plus, that's my voice, reading from Chapter Two. I'm honored to be included.

The publishing industry has changed so much in the past few years that publishing the book yourself has become the way to go, or it's certainly at least as viable as the traditional way.  I love what Margaret's doing. Her energy and innovative ideas inspire me, and I can't wait to get my copy of The Goddess Lounge.

20 comments:

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I agree~! A goddess is any one of us... the least unexpected...
btw, the author did well in asking u to do this voice over...always wondered what yours sounded like... I'd even buy a used car from ya...
:-)

Susan Campisi said...

Margaret inspires me too. It's so exciting to take part in her journey. Can't wait to read "The Goddess Lounge." (And your voiceover is fabulous.)

BaysideLife said...

I'll definitely be looking for Margaret's book. There have been a lot of goddesses in my life. You have a lovely voice. Margaret should have you do an audio book.

Was that Karen B I saw in the sunglasses in the second video?

Petrea Burchard said...

Kalei, I'll be happy to sell you a used car, but first, buy this book!

Susan, it's been fun to join Margaret, hasn't it? I've had tummy nerves.

Bayside, just click the links here and you can buy it, or go to Margaret's blog and click there. Yes, that was Karin. Margaret, too, is in I think the first video, and her daughters are in them.

Desiree said...

Fabulous!

dive said...

Hooray for Margaret! If the book is anything like as good as her blog it will be a great read.
So nice to hear your voice-over and to see some familiar faces in the video: Katie boating down what looks like the Mekong made me smile and that's a superb photo of you. Goddesses all.

Margaret said...

Thanks for this post, Petrea. The best part of the journey with the book has been connecting with readers and involving them in the process. I'm glad you posted the second trailer in particular so that everyone can hear your fabulous voice.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

Great post
Great book
Great author
Great voiceover
Great goddesses

Steven said...

I thought that was Katie in the second video. Great pipes Petrea. I think you could make a living doing this. I hope the book is a huge success.

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know everyone in the videos but Desiree is also there, and Kelly R, and Chieftess. Katie looks fab--I want to go on that trip! I also like the painting, and I love the photo of the woman gazing out over what must be the Mediterranean Sea. They're all great shots.

Bellis said...

Your voiceover is wonderful, P. How long will I have to wait for the audiobook? Love the way this has been a community effort. Can Margaret do a booksigning in a local cafe so we can all meet up?

By the way, is that a goddess or an angel in your photo. If she's an angel (the wings seem to be a giveaway), why is she squeezing her breast? Is that allowed in heaven?

Patrizzi Intergarlictica said...

Collaboration and inclusion is a beautiful thing. May you be recognized!

Katie said...

I'm very excited for Margaret and am so impressed and inspired by all the work she did to write and now market her book. And so cool that you did the voice-over for the book trailer. Can't wait to read The Goddess Lounge!

Petrea Burchard said...

Patrizzi, I love collaboration and inclusion and support. I woke up this morning an hour before my alarm, so excited I couldn't get back to sleep. I'm overdoing it.

I'm excited you're excited, Katie! You rock in that book trailer.

Ms M said...

Wonderful collaboration! The trailer is great! And the first time I've heard your voice.
I've started reading The Goddess Lounge; Margaret writes well, with a witty and wicked sense of humor.

Adele said...

I love the trailers! I spotted the Chieftess... It's like a Goddess Where's Waldo. ...and I agree with everyone else - your voice is just perfect for the topic. Congrats to Margaret - Can't wait to read the book!

Book Dragon said...

I didn't listen to the trailers (no headphones) but I did buy the book :)

Petrea Burchard said...

This is great! Buyers already. I think I mentioned I don't have an ereader, but I want a paper copy anyway because I want an autograph.

Margaret said...

Just stopping by to say thanks again for this generous post, and a bit thanks to all the very supportive comments. This is why bloggers are best.

Petrea Burchard said...

Smiley face.