Friday Fun Facts: Progress

So I have started revising my novella Tequila Sunrise and am through the first 2 chapters, about 10 pages in. I'm happy with the way it's going; I'm trying to do a little more character development (but I really don't want to turn this into a novel!!) and figure out what sub-plots to emphasize and which to drop.

I'm considering submitting this to either Carina Press or Entangled Publishing when it's ready. Entangled is pretty new, which would normally scare me off a little, but it's run by the follks at Savvy Author, and I like and respect their site, and I like the look of their book covers. Anyone heard anything about them or had any first-hand experience with them?

I've also been looking at Blush, Ellora's Cave sensual imprint that's PG-13/R-rated as opposed to their normally erotic focus. I didn't even know they had this imprint until just recently, but again, I might do a little more asking around before I submit to them.

So many e-publishers these days...as always writers, do your homework before signing a contract with anyone!

Ok, I'm off to tackle some more of Tequila Sunrise. My word count goals await!

Writers' Wednesday: Where I Am

Update: what's new with me? Well, I've sent out Beacon of Love to a couple of places (mum's the word right now, but I'll keep you posted with any news). I've just started a revision on Tequila Sunrise, which is currently at 25K words but will probably end up closer to 30K when I finish. Have my eye on a couple of places to submit it - my goal is by the first of March.

Let's see...networking-wise I joined Sweet Romantic Notions, a place for those of us who DON'T write erotic romance to hang out and chat about who's buying PG-rated romance these days. Am also making my way into the shallow waters of Goodreads, as I mentioned the other day, and I ended up having a lovely conversation with a woman who'd read and reviewed my books in part because she lives in my hometown. Her comment "We're very proud of our Allie" was so sweet :)

I'm also in the process of creating a Facebook fan page (I'm wayyyyy behind on this one, I know - in my personal life, I'm on FB daily. Have to catch up my author self). But when I do, I'll let you know in case you want to "Like" me there.

And, as in past years, I will most likely be donating an item (maybe 2) to Brenda Novak's Online Auction to raise money for juvenile diabetes research, which launches later in the spring. Always some GREAT and unique items to bid on, so I'll keep you posted about that too!

Whew! Now I'm off to school and that darn day job...

Monday Mentionables: Demystifying Goodreads

"Demystifying Goodreads" - this was a feature article in the most recent Romance Writers Report, and it was perfectly timed since one of my 2012 goals is to be more active promoting my work and using social media.

Sigh.

I do believe in both of those goals, whole-heartedly....it's just that sometimes keeping up with everything you can possibly do online gets overwhelming. Anyone else feel this way?

Anyway, Goodreads is actually a pretty user-friendly site. If you're not familiar with it, it's another online community - this one is for readers (mostly) and writers. When you join, you post the books you've read/are reading/want to read and then give them reviews and ratings. You can also talk to other members about their opinions and recommendations. I get the feeling it could be a pretty chatty place, if you wanted it to be.

The plus for authors is that you can interact with readers. They do seem to have some effective marketing tools as well, including Free Book Giveaways for new releases, your own profile page where you can share your books/trailers/blog/other links. Like any social media site, I'm guessing, the time you put in is what you'll get out of it.

So I'm interested....how many of you belong? Log in regularly? If you're an author, have you found it useful for promo and marketing? And finally, if you're a member, please add me as a Goodreads friend!