I’m Not Promoting Enough

Moments that make me realize I should make a bigger deal of the books I’ve published.

Incident Number One

In the staff room at school, two colleagues—part of our school’s mental health initiative for youth and staff—were chatting about which books to choose for a staff book club. I was filling my water bottle at the water station when I interjected.

“You could read my books,” I offered. I had nothing to lose.

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, I’m an author—multi-nominated and international award-winning,” I said with a grin. It’s always cool to say that out loud.

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope. Not kidding.”

“What are your books about?”

“Well, I co-wrote a YA mystery series about two boys who chase serial killers across Canada—starting in Saskatchewan. It’s called the Shepherd and Wolfe Mystery Series.” (tap on the title if you’re curious).

“Really?”

“Yep—four books so far. The fifth and last one in the series is being worked on now. Something like sixteen awards and nominations. I also wrote a memoir—a solo project—about the year I did 101 things and all the funny and challenging lessons I learned. It’s laced with heart and the f-word.” I grinned. “It’s literally shelved in the funny section at Chapters/Indigo. It was a finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Awards. It’s called My List, My Rules: The Year a Checklist Changed My Life.” I grinned again.

I am more than a teacher.

We are all multifaceted.

We chatted more about my books, and they asked a ton of great questions. The conversation evolved into a discussion about genre writing and what truly hooks readers. I walked back to my classroom feeling uplifted.

That moment made something very clear: not everyone in my day-to-day knows about my writing. I forget that just because writing gobbles up every free moment in my life, not everyone knows about it.

Incident Number Two

At a school social, I found myself seated between two colleagues. One of them began to share some of the tough personal challenges she’d faced. I listened and sympathized. Then I gently said, “You should really read my book. It may help.”

I thought a book about searching for joy and finding meaning in the day to day could be useful. I wasn’t trying to push it—I truly believe that the gentle lessons I share through humorous storytelling have heart and can help.

To that, the Commercial Cooking teacher said, “Wait—you write books? I had no idea!”

Another conversation unfolded about my writing and author life.

And again, I was struck by the same realization: how can something that takes up such a huge part of my daily thoughts be such a surprise to people I see every day? Clearly I am not talking about this part of my life enough.

Teaching is teaching. Writing is writing.

These are my worlds. And although I think about bridging them, I realize that they are very different. So, teaching is teaching and writing is writing. I’m always quick to brag up a student who works hard and finds success. I must unapologetically do the same for the books I have written. I need to do more to promote my books. I wonder how much louder I can speak up—in everyday conversations, in small moments—to shine a light on the works I’m so proud of.

I do not, and will not, apologize for sharing, promoting, or encouraging people to read what I’ve written. Whether it’s the Shepherd and Wolfe mystery series (written with David Gane) or my memoir My List, My Rules, I’m proud of the stories I’ve told. I believe these books will entertain and teach lessons.

So, with that—if you haven’t read the Shepherd and Wolfe series by Counios and Gane, or My List, My Rules: The Year a Checklist Changed My Life by me—consider this your prompt.

As always, thank you for reading, Lovelies.