Midnight Sisters Shops Local!

I know you've heard it. Print books are dying out.

It's not encouraging to those of us who want to sell books to hear that buyers aren't buying. Or if they are buying, they're buying eBooks for under $1.

My crazy family. I can't take them anywhere...

Well, my dears, here's the truth. My author events in bookstores have always been successful. I don't make enough to move out of my two-bedroom condo or quit my day job, but I do make enough to keep writing. 

And occasionally pay for a pedicure. Or a green polka dot dress.

When your book launch is at a retro dress shop...

I've had a blast promoting my books in local shops this year. Friends, family, and perfect strangers strolled in and snatched up copies of my newest release, Midnight Sisters. And many of them snagged Becoming Beauty as well.

Crazy friends. Oh how I love them.

How does that happen if print books are a dying breed? Here's what I've seen:

• Local shops run by individuals who understand local culture and stock their shelves accordingly will be successful.
• Authors who carefully plan public events, put in the leg work (i.e. traditional and online promotion), and genuinely connect with potential readers will also be successful.

Trust me, simply showing up with a smile and 900 copies of your newest novel will not be enough. There needs to be a solid plan in place. Chat with shop owners and librarians, build good rapport, borrow tips and techniques from other writers, and get busy promoting on your end.

And yes, please take your smile and pile of books. You're going to need those.

Like any author, I've had several nominally successful author events too. Instead of becoming discouraged, I choose to learn from those experiences.

• Did I fail to promoted the event sufficiently? 
• Did I fail to include effective strategies that have worked before?
• Is my sales pitch (i.e. book blurb) enough to hook potential readers?
• Did I make some valuable connections that I can use later on?
• Did I leave a good impression with my host?

As a second-time author, I've been much better at playing to my strengths this time around. For me, that includes playing to the local crowd and being warm, friendly, and visible. Let me tell you, it's exhausting, but so much fun!

That's what we do, isn't it? Take the awesome, learn from the not-so-awesome, and keep on improving. So writerly and non-writerly friends, go forth and conquer!

Then come back and tell me how it went.

Three-Six-Five

There are times in life when you say, What? It's been how long? Being an author is like that.
I can't believe my book has been out for a three-hundred-sixty-five days. And yet, I can't believe it's only been a year. It's perfect that Becoming Beauty was published in November, the month of gratitude, because I'm overwhelmingly grateful.

I'm grateful that I took a chance on myself and the story that rattled around in my soul for years. It desperately wanted to be told.

I'm grateful that Cedar Fort Publishing took a chance on me. Becoming Beauty may not be wildly successful, but it continues to move. I appreciate that the publishing house took me in hand and made so much more of Becoming Beauty than I could have done alone. Much of the good press has originated with Cedar Fort, their team of professionals, and their connections. A huge thank you to them!

I'm grateful to friends, new and old, online and in my community who have supported me. Countless individuals have created blog posts, bought books, recommended Becoming Beauty to friends, invited me to visit their school, book clubs, libraries, and coffee shops. I love that. And I love all of you who have taken time out of your life to help a girl out. I love you all. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to publish a book.

I'm grateful to my family for being so proud, so impressed, and so supportive. It's true that they are my biggest fans. And yes, they keep thinking this is soooo cool and asking when my next book will be published. How awesome is that?

I'm grateful that stories keep whispering to my heart. It is not the end of the road and I refuse to be another one hit wonder. Even on my hardest teaching days, I know that there is another life waiting in the wings, an impatient muse tapping her toe until her chance to breathe life into another story arrives.

One year later, here's what I know: Don't abandon your dreams. Don't abandon that bit of more that is struggling to take center stage. It is more marvelous than you can ever guess.

Also, want in on a secret? Since Becoming Beauty can't have cupcakes for her birthday, she's shelling out the gifts! 99 cents all week! Just in time to gift it to a friend or secure your own holiday read!
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
books&things ebook
iTunes ebook

Full-Time, Part-Time, Indie, or Traditional

We all have issues, like problems with our health, self-image, employment, and relationships. But writers have their own special set of  issues. Two subjects that fascinate and infuriate writers everywhere are Traditional vs Indie Publishing and Full-time vs Part-time writing. As I've made my way in the writing world, I've seen some pretty heated discussions about each of the issues. Recently I interviewed author Jo Ann Schneider, who just released her third book Fractured Memories, and I grilled her on both subjects. Plus we had really good pizza.

Me: I've only gone down the traditional publishing path, but while I waited for that acceptance letter to come, I wondered what my next step would be if it didn't come. I thought about my indie author friends and considered the difference in income from self-publishing and receiving royalties from a publishing house, managing marketing campaigns, taking care of editing, and the amount of control writers have over the publishing process. 

In the end, I was grateful Cedar Fort gave me a chance and helped me through the editing and publishing process. That choice worked for me at the time. But Jo, you’ve gone down both avenues. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Self-publishing vs. Traditional publishing? Are the any drawbacks or major annoyances you want to share?

Jo: I’ve now gone through one small press, one serial into a book press online, and one that I published myself.

I do have to say that having someone send me all of the files with the book cover, and the different e-formats of the book, and the bookmark designs, and all that jazz is awesome. 4 weeks before I released Fractured Memories (my indie book) my cover designer copped out on me, so I had to scramble to find a new cover artist. In the end I think I found a group I can work with for almost everything, but it was a huge pain. At one point I was literally waiting for a cover—everything else was finished and ready to go. So not having to worry about that is nice. Plus formatting e-books is a pain. Luckily I have a computer savvy hubby who did most of it for me.

I like being able to control my price point on my indie book. And I make more money per book than on my more traditionally published books.They’re just on-line, not in the book stores, so that’s a conundrum.  However, if you look at the stats, Amazon sells a lot more books that a brick and mortar bookstore.

The part I really loved about Indie publishing is that when my book was ready, I got to release it. I didn’t have to wait for a year and a half before the publisher actually got it out. That delay is really annoying. The release date for New Sight got pushed back twice before it finally got published. That’s not a unique problem, it happens all the time in the publishing world. It’s frustrating.

I always tell people to do what feels right for them. I went traditional first, while a good friend of mine went indie. We’ve had different experiences and we’ve each learned from what the other has been through. There are pros and cons to both paths. If you’re wondering what to do as an author, go find others who have done it to talk to. They’ll tell you all about it.

Me: So interesting! In my experience, Cedar Fort handled cover art and publishing almost completely, editing was a collaborating process, and I had a larger role over marketing than I might have had with a larger publisher. I'm really grateful to have had such wonderful mentors to help me launch my my first novel. But maybe in the future when I'm a little more established as an author, I might take the self-publishing route.

The other thing we've discussed before is full-time vs part-time writing. As a single woman and a fledgling author, if I don't work full-time, I can't afford my condo. Or Netflix. Because of that, I consider my teaching career to be necessary to my writing career. There are perks to working 9 months out of the year and dedicating summer and school breaks to writing. It may not be ideal, but it works for me. Your position is completely different, Jo. If you had the choice, would you be a full-time writer or continue as a part-time writer? Give me the goods!

Jo: Ooh, good question. Not sure. Sometimes I think I get more accomplished as a writer if I don’t have unlimited time. I make it a priority and don’t mess around on the interweb or run errands all day. If time is short, I often get more accomplished.

That being said, if I could find the discipline to really buckle down and write, then I’d love to go full-time as an author. My dream is to be releasing two books a year, minimum. My books are longer (65k – 90k) so I can’t keep up with the authors that put a 40k book out every three months. I’m okay with that. I pretty much can’t write shorter novels. They just explode everywhere and end up as trilogies. Which means I could for sure use more writing time. I just need someone to crack the whip behind me and say, “Write, slave!” whenever I click on Facebook or YouTube.

Me: If I didn't have a day job (and I wasn't easily distracted by shiny objects and pretty handbags) I'd be all all over that whip, Jo! We could have side by side work areas and both get more writing done than we do now. However, I'm pretty sure that I could never be full-time writer. I like people too much to spend all of my free time in solitary confinement.

* * *

Such good food for thought, don't you think? I love powwowing with other authors and picking their brains about writer issues we all face. In the end, I don't think there's a right or wrong way answer about publishing or full-time writing. You have to develop a publishing plan and a writing schedule that work for you and meet your goals.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Traditional vs Self-Publishing and Full-time vs Part-time writing! Leave me a comment below!

If you'd like to learn more about Jo Ann Schneider, her books, and the other projects she has in the works, follow the link to her website, or click on the links below. Happy hunting!

Babes In Spyland 

(YA Fiction/Humor)

New Sight 

(YA SciFi/Fantasy)

Fractures Memories 

(YA Fiction/Distopian)

Happy Birthday Giveaway!

It's July, so it's almost my birthday. I shouldn't mention that this year my big day is going to be overshadowed by a massive American holiday. But I'm bitter.

See? Rude.

Anyway, the happy day is next Sunday, July 5th. I won't bore you with the details of how old I am. (Do you want to know my weight and dress size while we're at  it? Gosh.) I will say that I'm NOT 40 yet, and I'm grateful.

It's been a whirlwind year with changes in everything from my profession life to my mental and physical health. Above all, I am happy to have survived. And it is a pleasure to celebrate my birthday week with all of you.

Since I have almost everything I want (unless you have a hot fireman handy), I'm pleased to give a gift to all of you. So... We're doing another giveaway!

This time prizes include:
Signed Copies of Becoming Beauty (2)
$10 Amazon Gift Cards (2)

I am limiting the Grand Prize(s) to US residents only, but anyone with a valid email address is eligible to win one of the Gift Cards as they will be delivered via email. (I'm sorry overseas friends, I will not mail a copy of my book to you if it costs more in postage than the book itself. But I still love you.)

Also, for those of you who would love your own signed copy of Becoming Beauty, I am also running a sale on the stock I have on hand. Books will be $10 for pick-up or $13 shipped within the US. (If my dears overseas friends would like a signed copy, shipping charges will vary according to your location.) Please leave me a comment or email me (click the handy-dandy buttons on the side bar or under the Contact tab) if you are interested.

Thanks and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Hangover

Book Hangover 
book hang-o-ver noun
a severe headache or other after effects caused by reading an excessively good book into the wee hours of the morning.

“I have the worst book hangover! But it was so worth it!”

This summer has been a bit of a challenge, but it has given me the opportunity to read more. (We call that research in the writing world. And it's my favorite kind!) There have been some decent books, and then there have been some of those that resulted in a book hangover like none other. Do I regret it? Nope. It's all the name of art, my friends!

They're all clean reads and they feature at least a spark of romance. In case you're looking for something fabulous to read, here's what I'd had my nose in lately:

Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson (YA Romance)
Lia Carswell is good at what she does. The popular waitress works hard and with her witty personality and good looks, she's something of an enigma to the male customers who vie for her attention. Lia keeps her distance, with one exception. Aidan's clever teasing draws Lia's attention, though Lia would never let their relationship get serious, especially since he's not the only one trying to catch her eye. Then her old New York artist life comes knocking. It would ensure financial security for her family, but Lia doesn't know if she wants that life anymore. When she undertakes one final project, she reawakens her heart and soul. And as she finds herself falling in love and needing an outlet more and more, she realizes her paintings might be her saving grace.

My review: 5 stars! This is my top summer read! Melanie is gifted at creating strong yet fragile heroines. The romance that blossoms throughout the story is complex and beautiful and keeps a girl reading far into the night. I adored it! Possibly my favorite aspect of Painting Kisses was seeing the world through Lia's artist's eyes. It was beautiful and amazing.

Forbidden, Kimberley Griffiths Little (YA Fiction)
In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden's tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden's turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe's leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family's position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden's heart. Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden's heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb's increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden's every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.
My review: 5 stars! A truly wonderful read. It's clear that Kimberley has done some amazing research and weaves it together with an enchanting story of her own making. Intrigue, romance, and tradition draw the reader in and yes, keep you reading well into the night!

Ignite, Sara B. Larson (YA Fiction)
Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

My review: 5 stars! I absolutely loved Defy, the first book in the series as well as Ignite. Action/adventure and romance surrounding a truly fantastic main character makes for a great story. For more, read my posts Ignite and Tragically Flawed Or Not.

Victoria's Promise, Julie Wright (Christian Fiction)

A luxurious mansion. Thirty stunning bachelorettes. One very eligible bachelor. All of the ingredients are in place for a successful reality dating show, and behind the scenes, Tori Winters is set to pull the strings as assistant director of Vows. Despite her distaste for public exhibitions of love, Tori intends to give the public exactly what they want: scintillating footage of a bevvy of beauties vying for the attention of Christopher Caine. But Chris, a consummate Southern gentleman and the star of Vows, seems almost too good to be true—and soon, even Tori finds herself falling under his spell. With the support of her friends in the Newport Ladies Book Club, Tori must decide if she is willing to jeopardize all she’s worked for in order to embrace her own fairy-tale ending.

My review: 4 stars. I appreciated Julie's skill as a writer. And a behind-the-scenes story of reality TV? Well, that's bound to be interesting. Definitely a quick, breezy, romantic read. However, I didn't jive as well with this story as I did with the others. But it is part of a series of books all about the Newport Ladies Book Club, which I'd enjoy reading.

Sophia, Paula Kremser (Historical Fiction)

Small-town Sophia Spencer can't believe her luck when an unexpected inheritance sweeps her up into the glittering London social scene. With more invitations to balls, parties, and country drives than she can keep up with, Sophia is soon lost in the swirl of dresses and dances, friendships and flirtations. But her happiness comes to an abrupt halt the moment she's caught napping in a gentleman's bedroom—and forced into an engagement to protect her reputation! 

My review: 3.5 stars. Honestly, I had a bit of a hard time getting into this one. It had a lovely cover and the storyline was compelling (seriously, hand me anything Regency Romance/Clean Read and I'm all over it!) but the beginning didn't grab me. Fifty pages in and I was hooked! Sophia is a fun character with a mind of her own in a time when reputation meant the difference between life and death. According to society anyway.

Anything sound interesting? I've linked all the titles to Amazon, so you can easily check them out or purchase them if you're interested. Any hey, Becoming Beauty is also a sassy summer romance that has been known to result in the occasional book hangover. I really am enjoying my summer of reading and if I get my act together, there may even be another collection of amazing books coming your way!

In case none of these float your boat, here are some other books that I've reviewed: Miranda Hart, Letters To My Future Husband, Where Life Takes You, Persuaded, The Rent Collector, and Not My Type.

Six-Month-Iversary

As the Fresh Prince once said, my life was flip-turned upside down about six months ago.

I never planned to publish a book. I didn't believed my writing was good enough for the public eye, sometimes I still don't, but that has never stopped me from writing. I am extremely grateful for the friends who despite my many protests encouraged me to submit Becoming Beauty to publishers and the editor at Cedar Fort who had faith in it. Without them, Bella would still be mouldering away in my hard drive. (And she doesn't appreciate being ignored.)

Monday, May 11th marks the six-month-iversary of Becoming Beauty's release. Six months of Will people like it? Will people read it? and Will I ever write anything else? Hello, author panic attacks! Happily, both Becoming Beauty and I are still here and people really do like us! To celebrate the fact that we've made it this far, Cedar Fort and I are hosting a 99¢ sale for a limited time. From May 6-19 you can nab an ecopy of Becoming Beauty for less than a dollar! Wahoo! For those who haven't read it yet, (shame on you!) here's a snippet:

Claws.  Long, filthy, and dangerously sharp. 

They’re the first thing Bella sees after what's been the worst day of her life.  Careful not to alert her captor to her conscious state, she glances past the matted fur-covered arms and expanse of chest to the face. If something surrounded by tangled black rattails can be called a face. 

Perhaps if Bella were the quintessential Beauty—gorgeous, kindhearted, and self-sacrificing—she might have a fighting chance in transforming this monster into a man.   But she’s never been the toad-kissing kind.  Obsessed with landing a wealthy nobleman and escaping her humdrum life, she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.  Which is precisely what landed her here, at the mercy of the Beast.

Find Becoming Beauty at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Books & Things

If you'd like to learn more about Becoming Beauty, visit Goodreads or click here. Happy reading! 

Calling All Romantics

Valentine's Day. The holiday we singletons refer to as Single Awareness Day. And the one most marrieds consider just another Hallmark holiday. It's wonderful. It's fabulous. It's oh-so-much pink, red, plumpy hearts, and fat baby angels. If you're like me, it hasn't been fun since elementary school when you got a boatload of valentines and goodies from kids who barely liked you.

In an effort to make it AWESOME for everyone involved, the good folks at Cedar Fort and I are hosting another 99¢ sale on Becoming Beauty in ebook for Valentine's Day (February 7-14).

Why? Because Becoming Beauty is all about the romance:

“Bella,” he half-groaned against my lips, his nose still brushing mine, “how many times are you going to make me ask you to marry me before you give me a proper answer?” 

I chuckled, pulling away to take in the look of half-torture, half-pleasure painted across his features. “At least one more time. I couldn’t have you thinking I’m an easy sell.” 

He had the decency not to roll his eyes, instead allowing only a sigh of frustration to escape. He composed his face into seriousness again. “Bella, will you be my wife?” I closed the distance between us until only a breath separated us. I brushed his mouth with mine before I whispered, “Yes,” and once again pressed my lips to his.

For those with a special someone who loves romance, fairytales, or stories with heart and humor, it's the perfect gift. Becoming Beauty on is available on:

Amazon Kindle

Amazon UK Kindle

Barnes & Noble

iTunes ebook

books&things ebook

And for the bargain basement price of 99¢, it's the perfect price! (If it's for you, I won't tell!) Happy shopping!

Merry Christmas!

Do you have someone one in your life you loves romance?

Okay, be honest. It's you, right?

I won't judge. I'm pretty picky about books. If there isn't any smooching, I'm out. Because of that, my fairytale twist Becoming Beauty delivers on the smooching while staying clean enough for teens and mature preteens. And hey, who doesn't love that? (Okay, maybe the erotica crowd. But hey, hopefully the humor, sarcasm, and clean romance will be enough to keep them entertained too. Why knows?)

Here's my point, if you have someone in your life who adores romance, humor, and clever fairytale retellings, jump on the Becoming Beauty train! And let me tell you, it's the perfect time to do so, because Becoming Beauty is going on sale for a limited time. From December 5th-12th, Becoming Beauty on Kindle will be 99¢!

So, happy holidays, my dears! Now you can give the gift of love to someone you adore! And what do you have to lose? Well, a dollar, I guess.  But seriously, why are you still here? 

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble

books&things