It seems that many radical fundamentalist Christians are disappointed when they read Divine Betrayal.  I guess it is because of the way I have questioned my father’s interpretation of the Bible, and the fact that I no longer share that fundamentalist point of view. If I should be so inclined to write a sequel to this book, it will certainly include how I came to believe in Jesus and my personal experiences as a Christian. Of course at the conclusion of Divine Betrayal, I am only eighteen years old—the fact is: I was full of doubt and I questioned my God; I questioned every part of my fundamentalist upbringing.

I was raised to believe that to question an elder’s interpretation of the Bible, the Word of God, is a sin!  But, I am proud to say that my faith in God is even stronger and more beautiful because I found my own way. My faith was not taught and learned, it is my gift, it was born from my childlike curiosity to ask questions.  Every child of God has doubt, but how many actually talk about it and are open to share what that means.

Have you ever doubted your faith?  Did it bring you to a closer relationship with God?  I am curious to see what other people think.  I invite you to comment and share your own experiences!!

This is a rather emotional subject for me, then again my entire memoir is emotional.  I’ve laid myself out there for all the world to see, and in so doing my family is less than thrilled.  Most people don’t willing air their dirty laundry.  I think that is one of the most difficult aspects of writing a memoir.  I have spoken with many people who have a story to tell but would never write it as memoir because it might embarrass or hurt someone they love.  Truthfully, my story doesn’t hurt or slander anyone, it simply reminds—it brings up sensitive subjects that some people would have rather buried—like the subject of child molestation for instance.

My book is getting some back-lash, it’s true.

About the only negative comments about Divine Betrayal have been from my relatives, on my father’s side, and also from very strict fundamentalist born-again Christians. This has surprised me. I thought that my relatives would accept my story, and would be interested to hear what it was like growing up in a strange land as the daughter of a missionary preacher. But the only explanation I have for their rejection is that they had a preconceived notion of what it was like for my sister Dorothy and I growing up as daughters of a wonderful man, my father, John Peter Kolenda. I also believe they disapprove of the fact that we both rejected my father’s religion, which is their religion.

Interestingly enough, no one wants to outright talk about this or my memoir, they give me hints of disapproval, aside from one cousin who e-mailed me the comment: “I think what you are doing is sick.”

I have been told that writing my memoir was brave.  I guess I never understood that, for me, I was just writing my story—what’s so brave about that? The truth is, my story is mine and mine alone—my memories, me perception of a time long ago, my memories.  These are different than those of my family, and for that reason, I think it’s tough for people (my father’s family) to read this story and accept that my life was in fact not perfect: I experienced and witnessed death, molestation, poverty, and hardship.  These experiences made my life richer and fuller, I would not change them for anything.

Do you have a story?  Please send me your comments. I would appreciated any comments you may have.

Graceann Deters, Author of Divine Betrayal, An Inspirational Story of Love, Rebellion, and Redemption

What is really frustrating to me in the marketing of Divine Betrayal is that almost everyone who has read my story has commented that it is a “page turner, captivating, well written, entertaining, adventurous, shocking, and a good read.” Some have gone as far as saying it is one of the best memoir’s they have ever read.

Divine Betrayal has also won three awards from significant competitions. It received two Honorable Mention Awards, one from the San Francisco Book Festival Awards and the other from the Beach Book Festival Awards. It also received a Finalist Award from the Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Everyone tells me that they have passed the book on to family member, friends, and some have bought several copies of the book to give to others. How can I get this very positive information to the public and get them to read my book?

The problem with (among the many joys of) writing a book, is that once the manuscript is complete, the hard part begins—how do we get people to buy our books?  I know I am not alone in this dilemma.  Of course I am trying my hand at social networking and I try to blog regularly, is this working? W shall see.  Stay tuned—I’ll keep you posted!!

Graceann Deters, author of Divine Betrayal , An Inspirational Story of Love, Rebellion, and Redemption

My book Divine Betrayal has been published for five months now. I am feeling very frustrated because sales started out at a brisk pace, but have slowed down considerably. I guess the marketing of books is the same as any product, one has to be out selling. Unless you are a famous person, books do not sell themselves. I guess I should know better, but this is very disappointing to me.

For instance I have found that mailing information does not sell many books. I sent about 1,200 announcements and descriptions of my book to friends, relatives and associates on two occasions, and of these my guess is that I sold only to 10 percent. The most effective way I have found to sell books is through local book stores, with author book signing events, and also telling my friends how and where to buy the book. The question is, how can I reach more strangers, people who do not know me?

I’m trying out some social networking efforts since I know readers are always looking for new books online and new content.  I would love to hear what other authors are doing organically and what readers are looking for.  If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to leave them here.  Until then, I’ll be chronicling my experiences—my failures and successes alike, so check back soon.

Yours Truly,

Graceann K. Deters
Author of Divine Betrayal, An Inspirational Story of Love, Rebellion, and Redemption