After two years of writing two blogs, an online column and a book (that no one appears to want to buy!), it appears I have to accept my limitations.
I hate to admit it, but The Hook is only human.
And so this is the last post I’ll be filing on this particular page, folks. You’ve Been Hooked! will remain open for business, but between my failed attempts at marketing The Bellman Chronicles and trying to be a decent husband and father – and a full-time bellman to thousands of ungrateful travelers – I’m burnt out.
I started my blogs as a way to build an audience for my book, but the sad truth is this: I have over one thousand subscribers but I’ve barely sold thirty books online.
Even my giveaway – 6,059 downloads in total – hasn’t resulted in any sales.
Am I giving up? Not really, but I’m only human and as such, I’m fed up and so its time to take step back and rethink my strategy. Thank you to everyone who has supported this blog. I’ll see you over at You’ve Been Hooked!
Take care, folks.
MOVING ON…
I have the best readers in the world.
- When I asked you to read my blog, you answered: I have over 1,000 readers between both blogs!
- When I asked you to download my book, you did so: 6,059 downloads in total!
- You even sent your good wishes my way when I was stricken down with the flu.
Now I need your help again. I know, I know, I’m needy…
Steven and Chris is a Canadian talk show that covers all the bases, from cooking, home decor (both hosts are design gurus), fashion, health to the usual celebrity appearances. Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman never acknowledge it on-screen, but they’re a couple – and it shows! Their chemistry sets the show apart from the pack (it seems like there is a million talk shows out there these days, right?) and millions of Canadians – of both genders – love them. 
Naturally, an appearance on their show would breathe life into my barely-breathing writing career. And so I turn to you.
I need your help to convince the powers-that-be at Steven and Chris that The Hook would make a worthwhile guest. I may not seem like an ideal fit for their genre, but I guarantee every single member of their audience has stayed in a hotel at least once in the past. My work appeals to EVERYONE. I just need to convince Steven and Chris of that!
stevenandchris@cbc.ca is their e-mail address and I’ve taken the liberty of preparing a short statement that you can “cut and paste”. I can be very thoughtful sometimes, right?
I am a fan of the Canadian bellman/author Robert Hookey, also known as “The Hook”. I think his particular brand of humor would appeal to your audience. His first book, The Bellman Chronicles, contains subject matter that everyone can relate to. Not only that, he’s housebroken, which is always a plus…
Appearing on this show would launch me to a whole other level – and hopefully allow me to sell more than 100 books! Perhaps I could even eat at a restaurant that doesn’t have a drive-thru window… Maybe.
I’d also like to extend an offer to anyone who decides to give me a few minutes of their time; if you can spare some time to help me out, I’d be open to hosting a guest post. If anyone has a tale of a vacation gone awry, or anything funny, let me know!
Thank you in advance, folks. You rock.
TIME FOR OTHER BUSINESS..
A shout-out to my newest blog buddy, Kristen Lamb and her best-selling tome, We Are Not Alone: The Writer’s Guide to Social Media. Give it a try, folks. You won’t be disappointed…
CHECK IT OUT!!
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I’m really sad reading this, but as you said, we all have our limitations. I also can’t believe that out of all those subscribers, so little sales.
I shall head over to your darters page, coz if she’s anything like her old man, it’s going to be good. I shall still be Hooked. Virtual hugs and condolences on the end of your blog.
I will miss this blog but you have to do what is best for you. Will see you on you’ve been hooked. Once Upon a Time is a great show and Tom Welling will make a great addition..so fitting! I hope your daughter racks tons of likes. Best of everything. L.
I for one will miss The Book of Terrible but I totally understand where you’re coming from. You can only spread yourself so thin. I’m still working on my book (writer’s block on a new chapter and a revised one) and know it’s an uphill battle to sell any books. Such is the world of indie publishing. But you’ll be missed over here. See you at The Hook.
Hey, if it were easy to write and publish a book all the kids would be doing it…
All the best and I hope you success in any of your future endeavors!
For the record I purchased a Kindle copy back in July and I thoroughly enjoyed it… See you over at You’ve been Hooked!
Oh my, so sorry to see you go, but I understand. And just for the record, I bought your book
I will miss your hilarious anecdotes of the world we live in, but I understand about having to do other things in life. I wish you much success and more book sales!
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Wishing you well, seems I’ve been missing your posts. I’ll miss your hilarious out-takes on hotel travelers! All the best.
Hey, there’s just so much time….and blogging can’t hog it all. (wondered how you ever managed) See ya’ on the other side of the mirror.
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I have returned from a ‘leave of absence’ and am so disappointed to find that you have disappeared. Really, Hook, I am going to miss you and hope you will be back again in the ‘not too distant future’. I loved your blog,