Why I’m Giving Books Away:  The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program

I have now published eight books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries) and each time I have chosen to give away a number of copies, absolutely free. Not only that, but I actively seek out strangers or near strangers on social media to give them away to. Now, I am not giving away all copies of my books. I am neither rich nor daft and I am not particularly altruistic, but I do believe in helping people to read my book.

And quite honestly not everyone can afford to buy a book, especially new books. Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but twenty bucks is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them lent from friends or from the second-hand bookstore. I support libraries, but why do some people have to wait?

I realize that I can’t give anybody a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but I can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. I believe in an idea called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why I am making 25 copies of Fire, Fog and Water available to people on a low or fixed income. I am advertising this offer on Facebook and Twitter and as the time of writing there are still a few copies left.

If you want one or know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me with the mailing address and I will send a copy in the mail. And yes, I will even sign them. No questions asked. You can send me a message thru Sgt. Windflower Mysteries or Facebook. The links are at the bottom of this post.

Of course, if you have the money, I hope you will consider buying a copy for yourself. Maybe even one for somebody you know doesn’t have the cash. Pay it forward. It works for me.

And if you want to help get this book into even more hands, ask your local library to order a copy. They’re looking for your suggestions. And if they don’t have the budget, tell them to contact me and we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.

Here’s where you can get Fire, Fog and Water

Fire, Fog and Water is available in many bookstores across Canada including Chapters/Indigo and many independent stores.

Where to Buy Fire, Fog and Water

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YWHZ675?pf_rd_p=2d1ab404-3b11-4c97-b3db-48081e145e35&pf_rd_r=TPEW9DC07PEDEBE6Y4JA

“Apart from being a great murder mystery this is a story of Newfoundland communities and relationships. Having spent a little time in Newfoundland, and loved it, this story really appealed to me. There’s a multitude of layers happening, contributing to my enjoyment.”

Amazon.ca

https://www.amazon.ca/Fire-Fog-Water-Windflower-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07YWHZ675/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DM1REAWZ4JAF&keywords=fire%2C+fog+and+water&qid=1571920760&sprefix=fire%2C+f%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1

“I have read all of the Sgt. Windflower series by Mike Martin. He just keep getting better! I enjoyed this book.”

Amazon.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Fog-Water-Windflower-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07YWHZ675/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fire%2C+fog+and+water&qid=1571920819&sr=8-1

“The Newfoundland setting was sublime and the writer conjured a detailed picture of a small community. I felt comfortable with this novel from the start. I felt I knew the people – main characters being deftly drawn with few strokes.”

Chapters/Indigo/Coles

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fire-fog-and-water/9781988437286-item.html?ikwid=fire%2c+fog+and+water%2c+mike+martin&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

In Store

Ottawa

Chapters Rideau, South Keys, Gloucester, Kanata

Indigo Barrhaven, Pinecrest, Innes, Orleans

Coles Billing Bridge, Carlingwood, Bayshore

More locations coming across Ontario and Atlantic Canada soon. Stay tuned and follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook

And these fine independent bookstores

Ottawa

Books on Beechwood

Toronto

Sleuth of Baker Street

Winnipeg

Whodunit Bookstore

St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador

Downhome Shoppe and Gallery

Follow Sgt. Windflower on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore/inbox/?mailbox_id=401832063230933&selected_item_id=100000399124047

Twitter

@mike54martin

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water