Since I have Spring Break coming up, I am planning a writing retreat of sorts in my hometown of Columbia, NC. To get myself motivated, I issued a little challenge to my Facebook friends:
I have Spring Break beginning April 21. That's one day shy of two weeks from now. The Dean Roughton - Author Page currently has 536 likes. Here's the challenge for you loyal readers who have been requesting a sequel. For every new like the page gets by the time I set foot in Columbia on April 21, I will commit to cranking out one page of manuscript that week. (on the board walk, at Elements, in the library, in Old Salt Oyster Bar, or anywhere else creativity might be lurking right now) So how bad do you want it?
As expected, I got a few shares and supporting comments: "Hey, go like this writer's page." or "Support my writer friend. He is pretty funny. Like and share!"
Subsequently, a few new likes starting trickling in. In about an hour, I had about 15 new likes. I thought, hey that's cool. Fifteen pages will be around a chapter, so that's a great start to the new book.
But THEN, one of my co-workers, who apparently is either my really good friend or who possibly really hates my guts, picked up on the campaign. Rather than the "Hey, guys, go like this page and support my friend" sort of comments, Laura took a different approach:OK Facebook Friends and Family. I need your help. You see, a co worker has SERIOUSLY underestimated me. I was challenged to get "likes" on his author page, and for each new "like" to the attached page, he will write a new page to his follow up book over Spring Break. What I need you to do is simply think back...think back to that annoying teacher who felt the need to ruin YOUR Spring Break/Christmas Break/Summer Vacation, YOUR free time, YOUR time to live a little when out break...by assigning you a paper or project due upon your return to school. Did you ever get revenge?? Well, here is your chance! Like his page, and share THIS post on YOUR page! Hey, it may not be revenge on your teacher, but a teacher is a teacher! Let's blow it up folks! Ready...Set...Go!!!! (like I said Dean Roughton, you shouldn't challenge me!!)
I totally did not expect this guerrilla marketing tactic, nor did I take into account the way the human psyche works. You see, the nice guy, supportive approach netted the page a few likes. Yay for all you nurturing types out there! :)
However, it would appear the nurturing side of the human heart cannot hold a candle to the side of us which finds revenge appealing. Judging by all the new likes after this tactic was used (up to 76 new ones now), I think we can safely say "Hell hath no fury like a student scorned."
If I could just figure out a way to convince people that by mowing my lawn, they would be getting revenge on a teacher, I would be set for the whole summer!
As it is, I will be spending my ENTIRE spring break doing "homework" cranking out like half a book. So as you all enjoy your Margaritas on the beach, think of me as I develop carpal tunnel syndrome and possibly melt the hard drive of my laptop.
It's going to be a longgggg week. Somebody please pass the coffee...
