It's been a long time—nearly 30 years—since I've published a book. Girls Girls Girls (release date September 2026) is my first memoir as well as the first book I've written for an adult audience (I formerly wrote young adult novels). So I'm nervous, but excited. Although I've published short pieces in the interim, I haven't promoted myself as an author, well, ever. Back when I was publishing in the 1990s, I left all the promotion and publicity up to my publisher. But this time, I'm excited to participate actively in the promotion of my book. I've developed a new website (www.shelleystoehrauthor.com) and opened an Instagram account (@stoehrshelley) in anticipation of a social media campaign down the road, closer to publication of my book. I've begun seeking venues for readings. All of this is new to me (social media didn't even exist back when I published my first four books) and very exciting! I welcome any suggestions for marketing and especially social media advice from my fellow authors! One of my favorite things about Legacy Books Press is the community of its authors, whom I hope to get to know better.
The search for blurbs for the back cover of my book has been especially fun. On a whim, I wrote to the feminist icon, Chris Kraus (I Love Dick), who, like me, was once a stripper. To my surprise, she read my book and wrote me a fantastic blurb! The author/reporter Lily Burana (Strip City) has also agreed to write me a blurb. I reached out to an academic who studies sex work about a blurb, but discovered (to my surprise) that being a subject of study by someone who's never worked in the business felt icky and insulting.”
Shelley Stoehr recently read her poem, "Go-Go Girl," at a live reading for the launch of the most recent issue of Lips Poetry Magazine. The reading included about fifteen poets from the issue and was well attended. The atmosphere was supportive and celebratory