South Shore Author Laurel Mayer Releases Debut Novel

Online, June 17, 2011 (Newswire.com) - South Shore author, Laurel Mayer, announces the publication of her first novel, PUSHOVER. The novel, published on May 27, 2011 via Kindle Direct Publishing, is being sold for $4.99 per download through Amazon.com.

"It is very exciting to share PUSHOVER with readers," says Mayer. "The story and characters have been a part of my life for a long time, so it is thrilling to introduce them to a larger audience."

The novel centers around Dani Wilder, a chef in Hollywood whose world turns upside down when the space she leases for a new launch turns out to have significant ties to her boyfriend. The swanky locale is the site of a suspicious death possibly at the hands of her boyfriend's fiancee, the one he never mentioned or got over. Life goes from bad to worse when Rebecca, the former fiancee resurfaces in Los Angeles.

"There's suspense and mystery, but it is very much a character-driven story," explains Mayer. "It touches upon the fundamental themes of relationships, loss, deception, and self-discovery, but I've couched these elements in the fanfare of Hollywood. PUSHOVER sweeps the reader away to this larger-than-life world that cannot escape the truthful, fragile questions about human nature."

Mayer, who wrote the novel over the last decade, was inspired by local authors such as Claire Cook of Scituate and Amy MacKinnon of Marshfield, and frequented author readings and signings to help immerse herself in the publishing mindset.

"I attended every reading and signing I could," says Mayer. "It was helpful to hear the authors' journeys of writing and publication. It ultimately gave me the courage to say, 'yes, the novel is complete and now I have to focus on publishing, and writing the next one.'"

Mayer published through Kindle Direct Publishing, which offers the author creative control from book editing to cover art to promotion, and provides distribution to electronic reading devices. Free reading applications allow readers to simply download from Amazon to their preferred electronic reader such as iPad, PC, Kindle, and smartphones. In addition, Mayer is releasing the e-book through Barnes and Noble at the end of June.

"I can control my own destiny," explains Mayer. "And in the modern age of social media platforms there is ample opportunity to connect and communicate with my audience."

Mayer is starting a string of book club appearances, which will bring her even closer to readers, and encourages those interested to schedule a book club visit.

"I love meeting with people and talking about the book," says Mayer. "Everyone's time is precious so to be a reading selection is really an honor. I relish book club discussions about the characters, themes, and reactions to the plot. And it's a unique opportunity for readers to sit and converse with the author."

About Laurel Mayer
Laurel Mayer is the author of the debut novel Pushover. A graduate of Boston University, Laurel lives outside of Boston with her husband and three sons. For more about Laurel Mayer and her writing please visit www.laurelmayer.com, her author page on Facebook or follow @Laurel_Mayer on Twitter.