Page 144 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘Well, I’m flattered that you’ve taken it upon yourself to promote me, but I do actually have a publicist.’

‘Not that I can see,’ said Frances.

‘That’s because you’re so obsessed with social networking.’

‘True. As far as I’m concerned, everything else is a side show.’

‘Maybe so, but I really don’t need your help.’

‘You do if you want to create a platform for the next generation of readers. Look, I know you have a huge number of devotees. The video I uploaded of your academy talk on Facebook had 8,000 views, which I cross-linked with my blog, Twitter and Instagram account, which, combined, had another 20,000 views. And that was only till yesterday! Pretty impressive, I’d say. But I guess your fans are post-thirty. So, let’s widen your audience to a younger demographic.’

‘Really, Frances, you’re obsessive.’

‘Okay, but let me show you how it works.’

She sat close to Damien. Her hair smelt of roses.

‘I reviewed your book this morning. So now we take a selfie.’ She moved closer.

‘I wish you wouldn’t. The lighting’s terrible here,’ he said.

Frances ignored him. ‘Here we go.’

‘No, really, stop! I’m not some mindless idiot. I’m leaving. This is so undignified. I think you should play with someone your own age.’ He called the waiter.

‘Okay, okay…’ Frances had lost her happy face. ‘I’m sorry. I’ll just post the text.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Please, it will only take a second.’

Lucky me chatting to Damien Spur,she typed rapidly.Hisnew thriller,Writing in the Sand,is a mind twister. Visit my blog Spreadtheword.com to read my review.

She clicked submit. ‘Now we wait for the hits.’

Damien pushed his plate away.

‘Look, I know you have the best intentions, but calm down. Why don’t we go to my place and you can try to convert me over a cuppa and a sandwich.’

***

Back at Cheyne Walk, Frances sat in the kitchen and continued her mission.

Damien wasn’t sure what he’d let himself in for.

What’s the problem?said the Voice.Let her talk. She might say something useful.

***

Frances couldn’t stop. She was animated like a wind-up toy.

‘Social networking is a digital shout that can go viral, shared by people like me. It’s key to have endorsements from celebrities and some juicy gossip to boost your profile. That’s how to create a trend.’

‘Trends go out of fashion,’ Damien said. ‘Best to be a classic. Writers find their audiences through the merits of their books, not their personalities. I’m not an actor.’

‘Please, Damien, this is my field. Let me show you how it works. Next time you do a talk, why don’t I film it and upload it on my YouTube channel?’

Damien took a coconut biscuit and popped it in his mouth. ‘Mmm, these are good. Very crunchy and naturally sweet. I made them last night. Try one?’

‘No thanks – I’m on a diet.’

He broke one in half and teased her lips open.

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