"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance." ~Bern Williams
So a few odds and ends to round out the week:
1. Amy asked when we start school here in NY ~ the day after Labor Day, always.
2. Dru asked how I decide where to set my One Night... stories. Well, One Night in Memphis was the first one I wrote, and it was based in part on a real-life single night in Memphis, on Beale Street, that a girlfriend and I spent after college. One Night in Boston - well, I just love the city. I do feel like I should write about cities I've actually been to. But I deliberately set One Night in Napa on the West Coast for marketing reasons, thinking I shouldn't isolate readers out there. (I've been to SF and Napa Valley, though). I have plans for Cleveland and Philadelphia, too.
3. I found out that my short story "Blue Circle Books" is about 95% guaranteed to make the cut for publication in Adams Media's My Mom is My Hero anthology, coming out next Mothers' Day.
4. I received my copy of Romance Sells in the mail yesterday. This is a catalog of new and upcoming releases in romance, that's sent to about 8000 librarians around the country. It's hefty $$$ to place an ad in it, but I figured I'd give it a try for my first 2 books and see what happens.
5. And speaking of selling, I got my May royalties from Samhain, and unbelievably, I'm still selling ebooks of One Night in Boston. Cool!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
It's the Personal Touch that Counts
"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure not this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing." ~William Butler Yeats
Here's my latest discovery, and it's certainly not rocket science: a personal touch will get you further in promoting your book than a big fancy book signing at a big fancy chain store in an overcrowded mall off a major highway.
If you read my blog every day, you already know I contacted my local library/resource center and they were delighted to host a book launch party for me later this month. And you already know that I'm planning on attending a book discussion group this summer headed by my fifth grade teacher, who discovered that One Night in Boston was dedicated to her.
More evidence? I sent a handwritten letter and some bookmarks to the library in my childhood hometown and said I'd love to join their writers' group one evening and talk about my experiences. The librarian emailed me tonight asking what date this summer worked for me.
And finally, all those handwritten notes I sent to independent bookstores in NY/CT/MA/RI/NH? I mailed them Monday. Today at noon I got a phone call from a store manager up in Portsmouth, NH, saying they'd like to carry Lost in Paradise, since it's set in New Hampshire. How cool is that?
I'll keep you posted on what kind of response I get from the other 79 letters I mailed.
***
Went to see the "Sex and the City" movie the other day. I was never a big fan when it was on TV, but some girlfriends wanted to go. It was cute. Long, but cute. But wow, definitely a lot of sex. I guess that's sort of their whole theme, though, right?
***
Devon asked me the other day if I was done with school yet. {{Insert huge sigh and shaking of head here.}} I think New York goes longer than any other state in the country. My last day of school is actually JUNE 27 can you believe it??!! I am so ready for it to be here...
Here's my latest discovery, and it's certainly not rocket science: a personal touch will get you further in promoting your book than a big fancy book signing at a big fancy chain store in an overcrowded mall off a major highway.
If you read my blog every day, you already know I contacted my local library/resource center and they were delighted to host a book launch party for me later this month. And you already know that I'm planning on attending a book discussion group this summer headed by my fifth grade teacher, who discovered that One Night in Boston was dedicated to her.
More evidence? I sent a handwritten letter and some bookmarks to the library in my childhood hometown and said I'd love to join their writers' group one evening and talk about my experiences. The librarian emailed me tonight asking what date this summer worked for me.
And finally, all those handwritten notes I sent to independent bookstores in NY/CT/MA/RI/NH? I mailed them Monday. Today at noon I got a phone call from a store manager up in Portsmouth, NH, saying they'd like to carry Lost in Paradise, since it's set in New Hampshire. How cool is that?
I'll keep you posted on what kind of response I get from the other 79 letters I mailed.
***
Went to see the "Sex and the City" movie the other day. I was never a big fan when it was on TV, but some girlfriends wanted to go. It was cute. Long, but cute. But wow, definitely a lot of sex. I guess that's sort of their whole theme, though, right?
***
Devon asked me the other day if I was done with school yet. {{Insert huge sigh and shaking of head here.}} I think New York goes longer than any other state in the country. My last day of school is actually JUNE 27 can you believe it??!! I am so ready for it to be here...
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Janet Lane Walters
Welcome to another Writers' Wednesday! Today I have the great pleasure of featuring prolific romance author (she's published books in just about every sub-genre!) Janet Lane Walters. I'm a little partial because, well, Janet is also in my critique group, so I'm one lucky author to be able to benefit from her experiences in the business!
Hi, Janet, and welcome to my online home! Can you tell readers a little about your background?
I have a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. Married for a long time to a psychiatrist who refuses to treat my obsession for writing. I have four children, the youngest is a biracial adopted daughter. I have five grandchildren, four black and one Chinese. We're awaiting the second Chinese granddaughter. I have been around for a very long time.
When did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I've always tried to write, but it wasn't until we lived in a small Oklahoma town with a small limited library. After reading three volumes of the encyclopedia, I decided to write and so I did.
Three volumes - wow! So tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
My latest published is a YA to adult fantasy, The Henge Betrayed -- Flight. This is a story about two sets of male/female twins who must leave home and their parents to seek teachers. On the way, they meet up with the son of the prince who is partly responsible for their tragedy. They also encounter an evil dom who wishes to use them. The story tells of their learning to use their affinities for Water, Earth, Air and Fire. I have two books coming soon, as well. One is a spicy romance -- A Silken Seduction and the other is a third of a fantasy trilogy -- The Secret of the Jewels.
How do you go about developing your characters?
I often use Astrology to develop my characters. Using the Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign to give them their motivations, actions and reactions to various situations. Then I flavor them with bits and pieces of myself and those people I know.
What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
The advice that was given to me. Finish the book and then revise.
Good one, absolutely! OK, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I'm an eclectic reader just as I am a writer. I don't like horror and the artsy kind of book are the only ones I don't read. Favorite authors are too many to be counted since I read a book about every two days.
Every 2 days?! I'm impressed. Now, what do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Writing the rough draft is the hardest for me. I love rewriting and revision though sometimes I have trouble letting a story go.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
At this point in my life, there's little to get in the way of writing. Years ago when I had children living at home, finding writing time was harder. I also worked part-time as a nurse and for a few years full-time. I didn't write much during those years.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block?
I don't think I suffer from writer's block but from writer's procrastination. That means diddling around and finding other things to do instead of write.
Describe your writing space for us...
I have a study off the living room of the house that was once a sun porch. There are shelves on one wall for my reference books and another bookshelf. A recliner, and two tables for works in progress as well as the computer desk. On a shelf above my computer is my dragon collection. At this count 16.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
My first choice is visiting in person or on the phone with my grandchildren. Then comes reading. Cooking is third. Cleaning the house is my hobby, the thing I do when I have nothing else to do.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?
I'm a planner, so little surprises me while I'm writing. Perhaps making the characters come alive sometimes surprises me. They can be so stubborn at times.
When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I handwrite everything and them type into the computer, making notes and revisions as I type. I then write the next draft by hand. Around the third or fourth draft, I make notes and corrections on the printed pages and only re-write segments.
What is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
Now here's a funny thing. I seldom go to movies. Even when I write, I don't see pictures, I see words on the printed page.
Janet, thanks so much for being here today! Readers, take a peek at Janet's blog if you want to know the latest!
Hi, Janet, and welcome to my online home! Can you tell readers a little about your background?
I have a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. Married for a long time to a psychiatrist who refuses to treat my obsession for writing. I have four children, the youngest is a biracial adopted daughter. I have five grandchildren, four black and one Chinese. We're awaiting the second Chinese granddaughter. I have been around for a very long time.
When did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I've always tried to write, but it wasn't until we lived in a small Oklahoma town with a small limited library. After reading three volumes of the encyclopedia, I decided to write and so I did.
Three volumes - wow! So tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
My latest published is a YA to adult fantasy, The Henge Betrayed -- Flight. This is a story about two sets of male/female twins who must leave home and their parents to seek teachers. On the way, they meet up with the son of the prince who is partly responsible for their tragedy. They also encounter an evil dom who wishes to use them. The story tells of their learning to use their affinities for Water, Earth, Air and Fire. I have two books coming soon, as well. One is a spicy romance -- A Silken Seduction and the other is a third of a fantasy trilogy -- The Secret of the Jewels.
How do you go about developing your characters?
I often use Astrology to develop my characters. Using the Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign to give them their motivations, actions and reactions to various situations. Then I flavor them with bits and pieces of myself and those people I know.
What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
The advice that was given to me. Finish the book and then revise.
Good one, absolutely! OK, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I'm an eclectic reader just as I am a writer. I don't like horror and the artsy kind of book are the only ones I don't read. Favorite authors are too many to be counted since I read a book about every two days.
Every 2 days?! I'm impressed. Now, what do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Writing the rough draft is the hardest for me. I love rewriting and revision though sometimes I have trouble letting a story go.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
At this point in my life, there's little to get in the way of writing. Years ago when I had children living at home, finding writing time was harder. I also worked part-time as a nurse and for a few years full-time. I didn't write much during those years.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block?
I don't think I suffer from writer's block but from writer's procrastination. That means diddling around and finding other things to do instead of write.
Describe your writing space for us...
I have a study off the living room of the house that was once a sun porch. There are shelves on one wall for my reference books and another bookshelf. A recliner, and two tables for works in progress as well as the computer desk. On a shelf above my computer is my dragon collection. At this count 16.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
My first choice is visiting in person or on the phone with my grandchildren. Then comes reading. Cooking is third. Cleaning the house is my hobby, the thing I do when I have nothing else to do.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?
I'm a planner, so little surprises me while I'm writing. Perhaps making the characters come alive sometimes surprises me. They can be so stubborn at times.
When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I handwrite everything and them type into the computer, making notes and revisions as I type. I then write the next draft by hand. Around the third or fourth draft, I make notes and corrections on the printed pages and only re-write segments.
What is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
Now here's a funny thing. I seldom go to movies. Even when I write, I don't see pictures, I see words on the printed page.
Janet, thanks so much for being here today! Readers, take a peek at Janet's blog if you want to know the latest!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Another Promo Opportunity
"I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works." ~Oscar Wilde
A picture from the book signing last Friday - don't we look good??
And a new review for Lost in Paradise, from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. It says, in part, "This was a very sweet love story I'm glad I had the chance to read. I wouldn't hesitate to read anything by Allie Boniface."
Finally, I'm excited because last night I met with a lovely group of women at our local resource center/library (very small but cute and cozy), and they've agreed to host a book launch party for me later this month! We agreed it will be good publicity for both of us, since they're trying to raise funds and I'm, well, you know, trying to sell my book :)
P.S. Don't forget you can enter my contest every day this week, over at Long and Short Reviews!
A picture from the book signing last Friday - don't we look good??
And a new review for Lost in Paradise, from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. It says, in part, "This was a very sweet love story I'm glad I had the chance to read. I wouldn't hesitate to read anything by Allie Boniface."
Finally, I'm excited because last night I met with a lovely group of women at our local resource center/library (very small but cute and cozy), and they've agreed to host a book launch party for me later this month! We agreed it will be good publicity for both of us, since they're trying to raise funds and I'm, well, you know, trying to sell my book :)
P.S. Don't forget you can enter my contest every day this week, over at Long and Short Reviews!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Contest Time!
Just a quick Monday post today, to let you know that this week I have author features on two websites, to celebrate my releases of One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise, and on both you can enter to win either a book or a gift certificate! Plus, I have to say, the women at both sites did a lovely job with presenting all the information:
I'm the Featured Author over at Road to Romance, and
I'm in the Author Spotlight over at Long and Short Reviews.
Stop by and enter to win - it's easy!
I'm the Featured Author over at Road to Romance, and
I'm in the Author Spotlight over at Long and Short Reviews.
Stop by and enter to win - it's easy!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
More on Promotion
"Upon the creatures we have made, we are, ourselves, at last, dependent." ~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe(1749-1832) German poet, novelist and dramatist.
Yesterday, the June issue of Romance Writers' Report arrived, with an article titled "Self-Promotion for the Introvert." Perfect timing! Though I'm not really an introvert, I'm always interested in what other authors/publishers have to say about marketing and promotion.
Most of it was the typical advice: develop on online presence, send out press releases, have bookmarks made and carry them everywhere you go.
But two pieces of information did stand out for me, both in the section on Book Signings. First, the author of article recommends having 2 but no more than 3 authors at a book signing. More than 1 is good so you're not sitting there alone, but more than 3 becomes intimidating for readers walking by. I've already blogged about how I agree with this. Second, choose other authors whose books are similar in genre to your own. This, I think, is part of the struggle I have with the group of authors in this area that I've been doing appearances with. They're all lovely, interesting women, but 4 of the 5 of them write erotic romance. (The 5th writes historical romance and I, of course, write contemporary mainstream that's sweet/bordering on sensual). It's tough to promote your book about a love story set in present day that has no explicit sex in it, when your title is sandwiched between covers with naked men and multiple arms and legs twined together and stories about demons and vampires and futuristic societies where everyone is having lots and lots of graphic sex, often with multiple partners.
Don't get me wrong, I know that the market is hot for paranormal and erotic romance right now. And I'm learning a lot in spending time with authors who've been published longer than I have. It's just that it's difficult to sell such completely different kinds of books to a single reader standing there looking at the covers.
So how does this affect me? Well, in the future I may not go to every signing and appearance that the group sets up, though I'll still attend some, especially in my local area. But as I said a couple of days ago, I need to think carefully about where I spend my promotional time and money, and this article shed some light for me.
Along those lines, I'm looking into setting up an author launch party at my local library (which is not really a library, but a "resource center" - long story for another time), which would be just me and my books. We'll see...I have to do some more research and talk to some people this week.
And that ends today's chapter on Allie's Promotional Efforts - I hope those of you out there who are pre-published or newly published are taking notes! (just kidding...sort of...)
Yesterday, the June issue of Romance Writers' Report arrived, with an article titled "Self-Promotion for the Introvert." Perfect timing! Though I'm not really an introvert, I'm always interested in what other authors/publishers have to say about marketing and promotion.
Most of it was the typical advice: develop on online presence, send out press releases, have bookmarks made and carry them everywhere you go.
But two pieces of information did stand out for me, both in the section on Book Signings. First, the author of article recommends having 2 but no more than 3 authors at a book signing. More than 1 is good so you're not sitting there alone, but more than 3 becomes intimidating for readers walking by. I've already blogged about how I agree with this. Second, choose other authors whose books are similar in genre to your own. This, I think, is part of the struggle I have with the group of authors in this area that I've been doing appearances with. They're all lovely, interesting women, but 4 of the 5 of them write erotic romance. (The 5th writes historical romance and I, of course, write contemporary mainstream that's sweet/bordering on sensual). It's tough to promote your book about a love story set in present day that has no explicit sex in it, when your title is sandwiched between covers with naked men and multiple arms and legs twined together and stories about demons and vampires and futuristic societies where everyone is having lots and lots of graphic sex, often with multiple partners.
Don't get me wrong, I know that the market is hot for paranormal and erotic romance right now. And I'm learning a lot in spending time with authors who've been published longer than I have. It's just that it's difficult to sell such completely different kinds of books to a single reader standing there looking at the covers.
So how does this affect me? Well, in the future I may not go to every signing and appearance that the group sets up, though I'll still attend some, especially in my local area. But as I said a couple of days ago, I need to think carefully about where I spend my promotional time and money, and this article shed some light for me.
Along those lines, I'm looking into setting up an author launch party at my local library (which is not really a library, but a "resource center" - long story for another time), which would be just me and my books. We'll see...I have to do some more research and talk to some people this week.
And that ends today's chapter on Allie's Promotional Efforts - I hope those of you out there who are pre-published or newly published are taking notes! (just kidding...sort of...)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Book Promotions
"Without promotion something terrible happens...Nothing!" ~P.T. Barnum
Report on last night's Borders book signing:
OK, book signings are fun, if only because you get to see other authors (provided you're doing a multi-author one), hang out in a bookstore, enjoy complimentary beverages, and talk to readers. But I'll affirm what other people have said: I'm not so sure they're the best use of time and money. After 2 hours, 2 of the 5 of us had sold 1 book each. Now, I only drove an hour to get there, and enjoyed dinner with hubby and my mom as well. But gas prices being what they are, I would not be the person who drove 2+ hours one way to sit there for 2 hours and sell nothing. I think other forms of promo are better. But of course, I'm still learning~
Also, we discovered that, as romance authors, we did NOT pick the best Friday night for our signing, since the "Sex and the City" movie opened last night. Guess where all the 18-40 year old women were? Not in the romance section of Borders, but standing in line waiting to buy tickets for a movie that began about 15 minutes before our signing. Oh, well.
Today, a crack at a different kind of promo: I'm mailing 80 envelopes to various independent bookstores in NY/CT/MA/RI/NH with a general tip sheet about my book(s), a handwritten note introducing myself and asking if they'd like more info or bookmarks or a visit from Yours Truly, and a self-addressed, stamped postcard that they can return if so. The cost of this honestly isn't that high; it's more the labor of researching the stores and putting the mailing together, but it will be interesting to see what kind of return I get. That, of course, will let me know if I should do it again.
So I'm off to stuff and seal envelopes!
Report on last night's Borders book signing:
OK, book signings are fun, if only because you get to see other authors (provided you're doing a multi-author one), hang out in a bookstore, enjoy complimentary beverages, and talk to readers. But I'll affirm what other people have said: I'm not so sure they're the best use of time and money. After 2 hours, 2 of the 5 of us had sold 1 book each. Now, I only drove an hour to get there, and enjoyed dinner with hubby and my mom as well. But gas prices being what they are, I would not be the person who drove 2+ hours one way to sit there for 2 hours and sell nothing. I think other forms of promo are better. But of course, I'm still learning~
Also, we discovered that, as romance authors, we did NOT pick the best Friday night for our signing, since the "Sex and the City" movie opened last night. Guess where all the 18-40 year old women were? Not in the romance section of Borders, but standing in line waiting to buy tickets for a movie that began about 15 minutes before our signing. Oh, well.
Today, a crack at a different kind of promo: I'm mailing 80 envelopes to various independent bookstores in NY/CT/MA/RI/NH with a general tip sheet about my book(s), a handwritten note introducing myself and asking if they'd like more info or bookmarks or a visit from Yours Truly, and a self-addressed, stamped postcard that they can return if so. The cost of this honestly isn't that high; it's more the labor of researching the stores and putting the mailing together, but it will be interesting to see what kind of return I get. That, of course, will let me know if I should do it again.
So I'm off to stuff and seal envelopes!
Friday, May 30, 2008
It's Pouring
"The more we do, the more we can do; the more busy we are, the more leisure we have." ~Dag Hammarskjold
OK, it's official: the whole never-rains-but-always-pours cliche applies to my writing life. Honestly, it's a funny, funny thing: I can be in limbo for months, working on a WIP but that's it, and then suddenly BAM! Everything that must be done before a certain deadline rushes into my email inbox hanging over me.
Honestly, May has been the craziest month:
1. I got my edits for One Night in Memphis, which have a one-week turn-around.
2. Both One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise released in print.
3. I ran around like an insane person trying to set up promo for late May and June, which has worked out well except that I have 3 author spotlights in 3 different places which means making sure I'm sending the right info and the right links by the right time, to each one. You should see the lists and the scratch-outs on my calendar!
4. One Night in Memphis releases in less than 2 months, which means I should really start thinking about the promo for that (I haven't).
5. Oh, and that darn day job always comes to a non-stop climax in this month as well, between final grades coming due and final projects needing to be graded and awards ceremonies and frantic seniors trying to get everything in order so they can actually graduate.
Tonight I am going to my first official (since my books have been released in print, anyway) book sigining, at a Borders in Paramus, New Jersey. Very cool, since the store was even able to order my books, and I don't have to carry them in myself. I feel like a real author! (I know, I know, I did before too, but this is a cool affirmation as well).
And now I'm going to stop complaining, because as busy as I am, it still is better than achieving the dream of writing and publishing books at all!
OK, it's official: the whole never-rains-but-always-pours cliche applies to my writing life. Honestly, it's a funny, funny thing: I can be in limbo for months, working on a WIP but that's it, and then suddenly BAM! Everything that must be done before a certain deadline rushes into my email inbox hanging over me.
Honestly, May has been the craziest month:
1. I got my edits for One Night in Memphis, which have a one-week turn-around.
2. Both One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise released in print.
3. I ran around like an insane person trying to set up promo for late May and June, which has worked out well except that I have 3 author spotlights in 3 different places which means making sure I'm sending the right info and the right links by the right time, to each one. You should see the lists and the scratch-outs on my calendar!
4. One Night in Memphis releases in less than 2 months, which means I should really start thinking about the promo for that (I haven't).
5. Oh, and that darn day job always comes to a non-stop climax in this month as well, between final grades coming due and final projects needing to be graded and awards ceremonies and frantic seniors trying to get everything in order so they can actually graduate.
Tonight I am going to my first official (since my books have been released in print, anyway) book sigining, at a Borders in Paramus, New Jersey. Very cool, since the store was even able to order my books, and I don't have to carry them in myself. I feel like a real author! (I know, I know, I did before too, but this is a cool affirmation as well).
And now I'm going to stop complaining, because as busy as I am, it still is better than achieving the dream of writing and publishing books at all!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Two Good Things on the Writing Front
"It is perfectly okay to write garbage--as long as you edit brilliantly." ~C.J. Cherryh
Writing is good here. Why?
1. I'm working through my edits for One Night in Memphis and have been hugely relieved to see that my editor is right, it was a pretty clean manuscript and she's only asking for a few small changes. Besides cutting out my over-use of commas, she wants me to address a couple of scenes set in POV other than the hero and heroine (I knew that was coming, and it's the toughest), add a couple more hints of the bad guy's evil character early on, and change some of the H/H's introspection to active dialogue. That last one's a little tough too, when the characters are alone, but I'm working on it.
2. And reading through that story again inspired me to FINALLY finish the first draft of One Night in Napa! (it was a good way to take a break from my edits) It's 55K words, which means I'll need to add about 10-12K when I revise, but it's complete from start to finish, with an actual plotline I can work with. I'm thrilled!
OK, I'm off - busy day ahead (which ones aren't??)
Writing is good here. Why?
1. I'm working through my edits for One Night in Memphis and have been hugely relieved to see that my editor is right, it was a pretty clean manuscript and she's only asking for a few small changes. Besides cutting out my over-use of commas, she wants me to address a couple of scenes set in POV other than the hero and heroine (I knew that was coming, and it's the toughest), add a couple more hints of the bad guy's evil character early on, and change some of the H/H's introspection to active dialogue. That last one's a little tough too, when the characters are alone, but I'm working on it.
2. And reading through that story again inspired me to FINALLY finish the first draft of One Night in Napa! (it was a good way to take a break from my edits) It's 55K words, which means I'll need to add about 10-12K when I revise, but it's complete from start to finish, with an actual plotline I can work with. I'm thrilled!
OK, I'm off - busy day ahead (which ones aren't??)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Skylar Sinclair
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday, and today's featured interview with erotic romance author Skylar Sinclair!
Hi, Skylar ~ thanks for being here today! Can you tell us a little about your background?
I am an award-winning and bestselling author of paranormal, fantasy, futuristic, and contemporary erotic romance. I started writing in my early forties and have been writing ever since. I am also a cover artist and graphic designer.
Wow, you wear a few different hats in the publishing business! Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
I seem to be fixated on futuristic stories for the moment. I have two books I am writing (by the time this interview comes to pass, they might already be done!) They will both center around far out worlds and men we all dream about, with women who know just how to handle them, but maybe not at first *grin*. I hope to see these stories out by the end of 2008.
You've obviously learned a lot in your success as a writer. What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Write what you know and love what you write. Never give up if writing is all you think about, dream about. Take online classes, read books and, first and foremost, believe that you can do it.
Terrific advice! Now, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I really love all types of romance books. I read a lot of historical and paranormal books of late. Just a few authors I favor are: Robin Schone, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Elizabeth Amber, Laura Baumbach and Christine Feehan (and many, many more).
What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
I have no problem with the beginning and ending of my books, it is the darn middle that always gives me fits. What I find the greatest part of writing would be the readers who buy my books and email me how much they enjoyed them. That makes all the difficult times so very well worth it.
Ah yes, that dreaded middle! So what was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?
Heck that’s easy: That I can even string a few sentences together and slowly I create a story. That process still amazes me to this day!
Thanks for sharing your writing world with us today, Skylar. Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
To find out my latest releases and what new things I having going, you can visit my site: http://www.skylarsinclair.com/ or join my newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skylar_sinclair_newsletter/
Thank you Allie for this wonderful interview!
Hi, Skylar ~ thanks for being here today! Can you tell us a little about your background?
I am an award-winning and bestselling author of paranormal, fantasy, futuristic, and contemporary erotic romance. I started writing in my early forties and have been writing ever since. I am also a cover artist and graphic designer.
Wow, you wear a few different hats in the publishing business! Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
I seem to be fixated on futuristic stories for the moment. I have two books I am writing (by the time this interview comes to pass, they might already be done!) They will both center around far out worlds and men we all dream about, with women who know just how to handle them, but maybe not at first *grin*. I hope to see these stories out by the end of 2008.
You've obviously learned a lot in your success as a writer. What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Write what you know and love what you write. Never give up if writing is all you think about, dream about. Take online classes, read books and, first and foremost, believe that you can do it.
Terrific advice! Now, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I really love all types of romance books. I read a lot of historical and paranormal books of late. Just a few authors I favor are: Robin Schone, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Elizabeth Amber, Laura Baumbach and Christine Feehan (and many, many more).
What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
I have no problem with the beginning and ending of my books, it is the darn middle that always gives me fits. What I find the greatest part of writing would be the readers who buy my books and email me how much they enjoyed them. That makes all the difficult times so very well worth it.
Ah yes, that dreaded middle! So what was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?
Heck that’s easy: That I can even string a few sentences together and slowly I create a story. That process still amazes me to this day!
Thanks for sharing your writing world with us today, Skylar. Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
To find out my latest releases and what new things I having going, you can visit my site: http://www.skylarsinclair.com/ or join my newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skylar_sinclair_newsletter/
Thank you Allie for this wonderful interview!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Print Release Day!
"How amazing, Jack thought, to peel back the layers and realize you still loved someone beyond all comprehension. How amazing to admit you still ached down deep..." (from One Night in Boston by Allie Boniface)
Today is the print release of One Night in Boston!! My very first book ever contracted ~ what a thrill to know it's out there in the world! (That also means it should ship from Amazon today, for everyone who pre-ordered). It should be up on Samhain's main page later today, too.
Here's the trailer...
And the winner of the giveaway contest to celebrate is...WindyCindy! Cindy, email me your address at allieb@allieboniface.com and I'll get those goodies in the mail to you!
***
Dru asked the other day "What's container gardening?" Well, it's the lazy woman's approach to full-fledged gardening, and basically it means that you grow flowers/vegetables in pots, or containers, rather than in the ground.
Actually, it isn't just for lazy people; it's also good if you don't have a lot of ground in which to plant things, or to keep things contained from the critters that like to nibble on them (as long as you can put your pots somewhere protected). We're attempting to grow a few veggies this summer in containers, sort of as an experiment. Here's what our side deck of containers looks like now:
That includes cucumbers, beans, peas, lettuce, broccoli, and basil. We're also going to plant some tomatoes, in those upside-down hanging thingys that supposedly work well. I'll give you a report as the summer goes on...
***
And finally, I need some help! Yesterday I opened another email from my Samhain editor who needs the blurb for One Night in Memphis tweaked. Specifically now, the publisher is asking for authors to write down a couple of novels that are similar to their own. I guess this is so readers and booksellers can make comparisons and know what they're picking up, which makes sense, but honestly? I have no idea what to put down.
Um...anyone who's read my novels have any suggestions? I mean, the writing style and nature of the romance are pretty much the same in everything I write. So if you have any ideas, don't be shy!
Today is the print release of One Night in Boston!! My very first book ever contracted ~ what a thrill to know it's out there in the world! (That also means it should ship from Amazon today, for everyone who pre-ordered). It should be up on Samhain's main page later today, too.
Here's the trailer...
And the winner of the giveaway contest to celebrate is...WindyCindy! Cindy, email me your address at allieb@allieboniface.com and I'll get those goodies in the mail to you!
***
Dru asked the other day "What's container gardening?" Well, it's the lazy woman's approach to full-fledged gardening, and basically it means that you grow flowers/vegetables in pots, or containers, rather than in the ground.
Actually, it isn't just for lazy people; it's also good if you don't have a lot of ground in which to plant things, or to keep things contained from the critters that like to nibble on them (as long as you can put your pots somewhere protected). We're attempting to grow a few veggies this summer in containers, sort of as an experiment. Here's what our side deck of containers looks like now:
That includes cucumbers, beans, peas, lettuce, broccoli, and basil. We're also going to plant some tomatoes, in those upside-down hanging thingys that supposedly work well. I'll give you a report as the summer goes on...
***
And finally, I need some help! Yesterday I opened another email from my Samhain editor who needs the blurb for One Night in Memphis tweaked. Specifically now, the publisher is asking for authors to write down a couple of novels that are similar to their own. I guess this is so readers and booksellers can make comparisons and know what they're picking up, which makes sense, but honestly? I have no idea what to put down.
Um...anyone who's read my novels have any suggestions? I mean, the writing style and nature of the romance are pretty much the same in everything I write. So if you have any ideas, don't be shy!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Happy Memorial Day
Personal politics aside (or as aside as they can be), today is certainly a day for remembering those men and women who gave their lives to protect freedoms we take for granted in this country. Let's hope soon we can bring home most of the soldiers who still serve abroad.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Planting Time!
"Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity." Charles Mingus
It's shaping up to be a glorious weekend...the goal for today is to finish planting some annuals around the house and then tackle the vegetables - we're trying container gardening this year for the first time. Should be an interesting experiment!
***
Diane posted the link to a great article on deep POV (point of view), which I'm going to link to here as well, for any writers out there.
[Loved this line: "The heroes I take to bed with me, usually after they have fallen off a horse or been shot. That’s when they introspect on their past the best..."]
Hmm. Maybe I need to insert a horse or two in my novels.
I've never really had a problem with POV; I'm usually pretty clear on whose head I'm in, and I don't hop around often. But the recent comment from my editor, about the couple of scenes in minor characters' POV in One Night in Memphis, has me worried. I mean, she's right: I do have a couple. Three, if I remember right. Do they add to the plot? Well, they move the action along. And they happen in places where the hero and heroine aren't present. Again, I haven't opened the file my editor sent me yet (I'm putting it off until after the weekend), but I hope she doesn't want me to cut them altogether.
Sigh.
I'm off to play in the dirt!
It's shaping up to be a glorious weekend...the goal for today is to finish planting some annuals around the house and then tackle the vegetables - we're trying container gardening this year for the first time. Should be an interesting experiment!
***
Diane posted the link to a great article on deep POV (point of view), which I'm going to link to here as well, for any writers out there.
[Loved this line: "The heroes I take to bed with me, usually after they have fallen off a horse or been shot. That’s when they introspect on their past the best..."]
Hmm. Maybe I need to insert a horse or two in my novels.
I've never really had a problem with POV; I'm usually pretty clear on whose head I'm in, and I don't hop around often. But the recent comment from my editor, about the couple of scenes in minor characters' POV in One Night in Memphis, has me worried. I mean, she's right: I do have a couple. Three, if I remember right. Do they add to the plot? Well, they move the action along. And they happen in places where the hero and heroine aren't present. Again, I haven't opened the file my editor sent me yet (I'm putting it off until after the weekend), but I hope she doesn't want me to cut them altogether.
Sigh.
I'm off to play in the dirt!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Happy Weekend!
"One should never criticize his own work except in a fresh and hopeful mood. The self-criticism of a tired mind is suicide." ~Charles Horton Cooley
So I finally got my first-round edits for One Night in Memphis back, from my Samhain editor. This is some of what she had to say:
This is really a pretty clean manuscript, so hopefully these won't make you want to tear your hair out or anything like that.
Still like the story, still love your writing, so yay!
A couple of things.
One: There's a *lot* of introspection going on in the manuscript. [Ah, yes. How I love my "deep POV." Gotta work on that. ] Particularly with Ethan and Dakota doing a lot of thinking. Take a look at the italicized stuff and see how much, if any of that, could possibly be turned into active dialogue, if you would.
Two: I'm not sure how well the scenes written from Gunnar and Mike's POVs work in this manuscript. [But - but - how else am I going to show the reader what's going on while Ethan and Dakota are, you know, otherwise occupied?] I understand that you want to use them to connect pieces of the puzzle or let the reader know what's going on outside the main story, but given that they're not primary characters, I found myself wondering what the true reason for being in their heads was...
So it looks like those are the two big issues. I have one week to work out the kinks (I haven't even opened the file yet...am probably going to put that off for a day or two, since we have out-of-town company this weekened). We'll see. I have this dreadful fear that she's going to want me to axe entire scenes, and, well...there may be some tears over the keyboard in that case...
***
On a different note, I've blogged today over at The Wild Rose Press, about the print release of Lost in Paradise and include "5 Fun Facts" about the story you might not know. If you have a chance, pop on over and leave a comment, so I'm not too lonely there!
Enjoy your weekend ~ it's supposed to be gorgeous here. Hooray!
So I finally got my first-round edits for One Night in Memphis back, from my Samhain editor. This is some of what she had to say:
This is really a pretty clean manuscript, so hopefully these won't make you want to tear your hair out or anything like that.
Still like the story, still love your writing, so yay!
A couple of things.
One: There's a *lot* of introspection going on in the manuscript. [Ah, yes. How I love my "deep POV." Gotta work on that. ] Particularly with Ethan and Dakota doing a lot of thinking. Take a look at the italicized stuff and see how much, if any of that, could possibly be turned into active dialogue, if you would.
Two: I'm not sure how well the scenes written from Gunnar and Mike's POVs work in this manuscript. [But - but - how else am I going to show the reader what's going on while Ethan and Dakota are, you know, otherwise occupied?] I understand that you want to use them to connect pieces of the puzzle or let the reader know what's going on outside the main story, but given that they're not primary characters, I found myself wondering what the true reason for being in their heads was...
So it looks like those are the two big issues. I have one week to work out the kinks (I haven't even opened the file yet...am probably going to put that off for a day or two, since we have out-of-town company this weekened). We'll see. I have this dreadful fear that she's going to want me to axe entire scenes, and, well...there may be some tears over the keyboard in that case...
***
On a different note, I've blogged today over at The Wild Rose Press, about the print release of Lost in Paradise and include "5 Fun Facts" about the story you might not know. If you have a chance, pop on over and leave a comment, so I'm not too lonely there!
Enjoy your weekend ~ it's supposed to be gorgeous here. Hooray!
Friday, May 23, 2008
It's Finally Here!
"It's funny, I think, how far we'll go to flee our ghosts and how much we'll do to protect our secrets..." (from Lost in Paradise by Allie Boniface)
I'm thrilled today, because it's the day for my very first ever book to be released in print:
I'm thrilled today, because it's the day for my very first ever book to be released in print:
When high-society, Harvard grad Ashton Kirk moves to the sleepy town of Paradise to escape a family scandal, Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, takes notice. In one steamy summer, two people from different worlds discover that, sometimes, you can find your soul mate in the place you least expect.
Readers say:
Lost in Paradise is one of the best reads I've had for ages. With well-drawn characters and an interesting storyline I found it hard to put down. Allie kept the momentum going right until the end. (Rosalie)
What a great love story. All Ashton ever wanted to do was live her life like she wants. All Eddie wanted to do was forget the past. The future is theirs to have, if they let it happen. (Dru)
So if you haven't already ordered your copy from Amazon, hurry over to The Wild Rose Press today and treat yourself!** (And maybe get it onto the best-selling lists again, over there) I'll even send you an autographed bookplate for inside...just email me and ask :)
**Note: Since I post pretty early in the morning, as of right now the cover is linked to the ebook page...keep checking back for the print version - it should be there soon!!
I'm posting the trailer for this book here again, 'cause I do love it, the music especially, and it's been a while since I've looked at it.
Finally, I'm happy to announce the winner of today's Lost in Paradise giveaway: Amy Addison! She'll receive a signed copy of the book, along with some other goodies. Amy, just email me at allieb@allieboniface.com with your address, and your prize will be on its way. And thanks for commenting!
Now I'm off to celebrate!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Colds and Quilts and Edits and Things
"I think the hardest part of writing is revising. And by that I mean the following: A novelist has to create the piece of marble and then chip away to find the figure in it." ~Chaim Potok
Well, thanks to lots of tea, chicken soup, and zinc, I think my cold is on its way out (thanks everyone for your well wishes and home remedies). I hope so...I have no time to be sick.
Hey, if you haven't popped over there already, go and visit Dru's blog, and check out her latest quilt project! Actually, it's a wall hanging ~ an experiment with using actual book covers on the quilt itself (and there's more cool stuff to come besides the covers. Just wait). She's one talented lady, right??
Finally, Marianne mentioned her Samhain editor's process the other day, and I thought I'd share my experiences here, with my own (whom I love, by the way). With One Night in Boston, my editor sent me the first round of edits 2 months before my scheduled release date and asked for a week's turn-around. Those edits focused mostly on content/plot tweaking/sentence restructuring. The next round came about 1 month before my release date and focused mainly on any sentence/wording problems we'd missed the first time through. Then it went to a FLE (Final Line Editor) who proofed just for grammar and mechanical errors we both missed.
My scheduled release date for One Night in Memphis (according to my "Coming Soon" page over at Samhain) is July 8. I've yet to receive my first round of edits, though, which makes me a little nervous, since that's only 6 weeks away or so. Maybe the manuscript is SO brilliant that my editor figures it needs little revising. Right? ;) Or maybe she's swamped and knows we've worked together before and the quick turn-around won't be a problem. Either way, I'm hoping I'll see it in my email inbox before too long!
Well, thanks to lots of tea, chicken soup, and zinc, I think my cold is on its way out (thanks everyone for your well wishes and home remedies). I hope so...I have no time to be sick.
Hey, if you haven't popped over there already, go and visit Dru's blog, and check out her latest quilt project! Actually, it's a wall hanging ~ an experiment with using actual book covers on the quilt itself (and there's more cool stuff to come besides the covers. Just wait). She's one talented lady, right??
Finally, Marianne mentioned her Samhain editor's process the other day, and I thought I'd share my experiences here, with my own (whom I love, by the way). With One Night in Boston, my editor sent me the first round of edits 2 months before my scheduled release date and asked for a week's turn-around. Those edits focused mostly on content/plot tweaking/sentence restructuring. The next round came about 1 month before my release date and focused mainly on any sentence/wording problems we'd missed the first time through. Then it went to a FLE (Final Line Editor) who proofed just for grammar and mechanical errors we both missed.
My scheduled release date for One Night in Memphis (according to my "Coming Soon" page over at Samhain) is July 8. I've yet to receive my first round of edits, though, which makes me a little nervous, since that's only 6 weeks away or so. Maybe the manuscript is SO brilliant that my editor figures it needs little revising. Right? ;) Or maybe she's swamped and knows we've worked together before and the quick turn-around won't be a problem. Either way, I'm hoping I'll see it in my email inbox before too long!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Writers Wednesday: An Interview with Beth Wylde
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm featuring erotica/erotic romance author Beth Wylde (yes, that means she writes the steamy stuff, so some of her links are R-rated...be forewarned). Enjoy!
Hi, Beth, and thanks for being here today! Can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
I've got several things going on. My first release from Torquere Press, Switching Sides, came out in April. It's f/f erotica. In May I just had another release, from Phaze, that was supposed to be for an anthology, but they asked me to lengthen it so it could be published as a stand alone title. It's called The Big Four-0h! and it is m/f/f/m erotic romance. I also just signed a contract with Phaze for an adult fairytale rewrite titled A Little Taste of Red. It's based on the Little Red Riding Hood story but it is definitely not for the kiddies or the faint at heart. Very steamy!
Congrats on your writing success - that's a busy spring! So what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Write, write, write. Then don't be afraid to submit. We all get rejections and that's okay but you'll never get anywhere if you don't try. Also(and I'm speaking from experience here) do your homework and check out the publisher before you submit. I've been caught in one that was closing and one very poor publishing house. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Check with other authors and people who have worked there. See if they are happy. If you get a lot of bad reports then steer clear. A bad publisher is much worse than having no publisher at all.
Very true! OK, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
Love paranormal and erotica and if they are combined then that's even better. I'm a big fan of the werewolves and the vampires. I also love the f/f stuff. I just started reading some m/m but what I've read I've enjoyed. I'd love to see more of the big publishers take on the f/f stuff. Not sure I have just one favorite. I love Kim Harrison and J.R Ward for the paranormal. I've also really enjoyed Cassandra Gold's m/m and Jolie du Pre and Megan Rose for the f/f writing. Cass is in my critique group and she rocks.
What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Most difficult is definitely finding the time to actually sit down and type things out. My three kids and part time job keep me busy, not to mention keeping things together when I'm at home. I often write things out longhanded, the kids don't seem to mind me sitting down with a notebook but they hate to see me at the computer. Then at night I try to type things out or use my dictation software to save my wrist a little wear and tear.
The most exciting is finding out what my characters are going to do next. I often get the ideas for a story, the basic intro and stuff but from there on out I kind of wing it and the characters tell me their next moves. A lot of times the story goes somewhere I didn't plan to go but I have to give my characters free range or the story stops dead.
The most rewarding has to be getting a good review, especially when a reader emails me and tells me they loved my book. It makes it all worthwhile.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Not sure I ever do balance it but I do the best I can. The writing is something I love to do and something that I have to do too. It keeps me sane. I have all these ideas running around in my head and I have to get them out.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
I think all writers suffer from block at least once in their lives. My problem usually comes from trying to force the story. If I relax and let it flow where it wants to I'm usually okay but when I try to bend the storyline in a certain direction I almost always get stuck or end up hating what I wrote. I also have an amazing critique group that helps me out. Brainstorming is wonderful when you do it with people that understand you. If all else fails I walk away or switch to a differnet project until inspiration strikes again.
Fun question, now: what is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
My favorite movie of all time is The Lost Boys. I watched it over and over again and I think that is what got me into the vamps and other paranormal characters so much. One of my favorite genres to read is paranormal romance or erotica.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Beth. Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
I can be found online in a lot of places. For info about my writing, great chat events or sneak peeks at my stories check out my website:
http://beth-wylde.tripod.com/ or my yahoo group where I host monthly events and often offer up free goodies http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/
I have yahoo IM at b.wylde and email at b.wylde@yahoo.com
Links to my guestbook and other things such as my Myspace page can be found on my website.
My current publishers are Torquere Press: http://www.torquerepress.com/
and Phaze at: http://www.phaze.com/
Hi, Beth, and thanks for being here today! Can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
I've got several things going on. My first release from Torquere Press, Switching Sides, came out in April. It's f/f erotica. In May I just had another release, from Phaze, that was supposed to be for an anthology, but they asked me to lengthen it so it could be published as a stand alone title. It's called The Big Four-0h! and it is m/f/f/m erotic romance. I also just signed a contract with Phaze for an adult fairytale rewrite titled A Little Taste of Red. It's based on the Little Red Riding Hood story but it is definitely not for the kiddies or the faint at heart. Very steamy!
Congrats on your writing success - that's a busy spring! So what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Write, write, write. Then don't be afraid to submit. We all get rejections and that's okay but you'll never get anywhere if you don't try. Also(and I'm speaking from experience here) do your homework and check out the publisher before you submit. I've been caught in one that was closing and one very poor publishing house. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Check with other authors and people who have worked there. See if they are happy. If you get a lot of bad reports then steer clear. A bad publisher is much worse than having no publisher at all.
Very true! OK, what kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
Love paranormal and erotica and if they are combined then that's even better. I'm a big fan of the werewolves and the vampires. I also love the f/f stuff. I just started reading some m/m but what I've read I've enjoyed. I'd love to see more of the big publishers take on the f/f stuff. Not sure I have just one favorite. I love Kim Harrison and J.R Ward for the paranormal. I've also really enjoyed Cassandra Gold's m/m and Jolie du Pre and Megan Rose for the f/f writing. Cass is in my critique group and she rocks.
What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Most difficult is definitely finding the time to actually sit down and type things out. My three kids and part time job keep me busy, not to mention keeping things together when I'm at home. I often write things out longhanded, the kids don't seem to mind me sitting down with a notebook but they hate to see me at the computer. Then at night I try to type things out or use my dictation software to save my wrist a little wear and tear.
The most exciting is finding out what my characters are going to do next. I often get the ideas for a story, the basic intro and stuff but from there on out I kind of wing it and the characters tell me their next moves. A lot of times the story goes somewhere I didn't plan to go but I have to give my characters free range or the story stops dead.
The most rewarding has to be getting a good review, especially when a reader emails me and tells me they loved my book. It makes it all worthwhile.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Not sure I ever do balance it but I do the best I can. The writing is something I love to do and something that I have to do too. It keeps me sane. I have all these ideas running around in my head and I have to get them out.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
I think all writers suffer from block at least once in their lives. My problem usually comes from trying to force the story. If I relax and let it flow where it wants to I'm usually okay but when I try to bend the storyline in a certain direction I almost always get stuck or end up hating what I wrote. I also have an amazing critique group that helps me out. Brainstorming is wonderful when you do it with people that understand you. If all else fails I walk away or switch to a differnet project until inspiration strikes again.
Fun question, now: what is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
My favorite movie of all time is The Lost Boys. I watched it over and over again and I think that is what got me into the vamps and other paranormal characters so much. One of my favorite genres to read is paranormal romance or erotica.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Beth. Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
I can be found online in a lot of places. For info about my writing, great chat events or sneak peeks at my stories check out my website:
http://beth-wylde.tripod.com/ or my yahoo group where I host monthly events and often offer up free goodies http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/
I have yahoo IM at b.wylde and email at b.wylde@yahoo.com
Links to my guestbook and other things such as my Myspace page can be found on my website.
My current publishers are Torquere Press: http://www.torquerepress.com/
and Phaze at: http://www.phaze.com/
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Check Out My Banners!
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~Walt Disney
Another short post, but today's is a fun one:
Check out the animated banners that the lovely Judy from LASR made for me! {The "is" is cut off in the first one, but that's only because I don't know how to adjust the borders on Blogger :)They're perfect for posting on websites with click-through links to my purchase page, right? Here's hoping, anyway. I have featured author spots booked for 3 different websites, for next month...we'll see how that translates into sales :)
Another short post, but today's is a fun one:
Check out the animated banners that the lovely Judy from LASR made for me! {The "is" is cut off in the first one, but that's only because I don't know how to adjust the borders on Blogger :)They're perfect for posting on websites with click-through links to my purchase page, right? Here's hoping, anyway. I have featured author spots booked for 3 different websites, for next month...we'll see how that translates into sales :)
Monday, May 19, 2008
It's Monday Again? Really?
"I'd like mornings better if they started later." ~Author Unknown
OK, you've been warned: it's a crazy time at school, I'm feeling under the weather, both my books are releasing in the next 10 days and so I'm doing a ton of promo...and thus my blog posts may not be any kind of wonderful.
Sorry.
However, I wanted to remind everyone about my giveaway contests, one of which will happen this Friday, May 23, to celebrate the print release of Lost in Paradise, and the other which will happen next Tuesday, May 27 to celebrate the print release of One Night in Boston. Make sure to stop in and see if you're the winner!!
OK, you've been warned: it's a crazy time at school, I'm feeling under the weather, both my books are releasing in the next 10 days and so I'm doing a ton of promo...and thus my blog posts may not be any kind of wonderful.
Sorry.
However, I wanted to remind everyone about my giveaway contests, one of which will happen this Friday, May 23, to celebrate the print release of Lost in Paradise, and the other which will happen next Tuesday, May 27 to celebrate the print release of One Night in Boston. Make sure to stop in and see if you're the winner!!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Remedies, Anyone?
"My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass." ~Leslie Grimutter
I teach.
I have lots of students running around with germs all year long.
Yet I don't get sick from September through May, ever. I go through multiple bottles of hand sanitizer. I work out. I eat well. I get my sleep.
But inevitably, sometime around the end of school (last year it was late June), I get hit with a nasty cold. I think it's the build-up of months of stress, perhaps. This one set in yesterday.
I hate them. I have too much to do, and no time to deal with feeling lousy. Yet here I sit, tired, stuffy-headed, achy.
So my question today is, what's your best remedy for the common cold? I take zinc and vitamin C, I drink lots of water, I try to get a decent amount of sleep. But does anyone have any other good ways to get rid of this thing??
I teach.
I have lots of students running around with germs all year long.
Yet I don't get sick from September through May, ever. I go through multiple bottles of hand sanitizer. I work out. I eat well. I get my sleep.
But inevitably, sometime around the end of school (last year it was late June), I get hit with a nasty cold. I think it's the build-up of months of stress, perhaps. This one set in yesterday.
I hate them. I have too much to do, and no time to deal with feeling lousy. Yet here I sit, tired, stuffy-headed, achy.
So my question today is, what's your best remedy for the common cold? I take zinc and vitamin C, I drink lots of water, I try to get a decent amount of sleep. But does anyone have any other good ways to get rid of this thing??
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Black Moment
"Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite." ~C.S. Lewis
Well, I've just started the final stretch of One Night in Napa (current WIP), which means tackling The Black Moment. This, of course, is the point in the story where Everything Goes Terribly Wrong and the readers thinks there is No Way The Hero And Heroine Will Ever End Up Together. Black Moments are usually challenging for me to write, though this time I feel a little more secure in the way the story's going up to this point, so that helps.
One thing I have to remember, which a well-published author once told me, is that my sentences and paragraphs at this point should be short. Lots of tension, lots of movement. No dilly-dallying around with lengthy sentences of description. So that's what I'm keeping an eye on. It's only a first draft, though, and I really want to just push through it. My goal is to finish by the end of this month (and really, I'm only 12K words or so from my projected word count), and since I began it totally from scratch on March 1, that will mean 3 months to completely write a 60K word first draft. I'm pleased. After that, I'll let it sit for a month or so, and then do a first revision. My end goal, I think, will be 65K - 70K words. That seems to be a solid length for Samhain novels, which is where I'll pitch it.
***
And speaking of new works, Marianne's Yellow Rose novella "A Change of Heart" released this week, over at The Wild Rose Press. I had the pleasure of reading this gem when it was in its first stages, and as usual, she's written a charming story with great characters. She's gotten some terrific reviews on it, too, so take a look!
Well, I've just started the final stretch of One Night in Napa (current WIP), which means tackling The Black Moment. This, of course, is the point in the story where Everything Goes Terribly Wrong and the readers thinks there is No Way The Hero And Heroine Will Ever End Up Together. Black Moments are usually challenging for me to write, though this time I feel a little more secure in the way the story's going up to this point, so that helps.
One thing I have to remember, which a well-published author once told me, is that my sentences and paragraphs at this point should be short. Lots of tension, lots of movement. No dilly-dallying around with lengthy sentences of description. So that's what I'm keeping an eye on. It's only a first draft, though, and I really want to just push through it. My goal is to finish by the end of this month (and really, I'm only 12K words or so from my projected word count), and since I began it totally from scratch on March 1, that will mean 3 months to completely write a 60K word first draft. I'm pleased. After that, I'll let it sit for a month or so, and then do a first revision. My end goal, I think, will be 65K - 70K words. That seems to be a solid length for Samhain novels, which is where I'll pitch it.
***
And speaking of new works, Marianne's Yellow Rose novella "A Change of Heart" released this week, over at The Wild Rose Press. I had the pleasure of reading this gem when it was in its first stages, and as usual, she's written a charming story with great characters. She's gotten some terrific reviews on it, too, so take a look!
Friday, May 16, 2008
TGIF!
Welcome to the Friday Feast (so glad my tired brain doesn't have to come up with a scintillating post this morning...)~
Appetizer: What is the nearest big city to your home?
Only the biggest, baby - NYC itself (about 65 miles southeast). This in itself can be both a curse and a blessing, however...
Soup: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
Hmm. I think I'm pretty good, though it REALLY depends on the situation, the people involved, and the secret itself. Maybe an 8?
Salad: Describe your hair
Too funny, since I just visited the salon yesterday. It's short (I've always had short hair, can't stand long), straight, on the fine side, and as of 24 hours ago, it's brown with blonde highlights and bangs. I haven't had bangs in a while, but I was bored (I get bored with my hair really easily), so I told her to cut some in. But now they're too short. How long does it take bangs to grow, anyway?
Main Course: What kind of driver are you?
Decent. Sometimes I speed on the highway, but I'm pretty good at not letting myself get distracted. I have an impatient streak with other, incompetent drivers, that rises up now and again, though...
Dessert: When was the last time you had a really bad week?
Oh, I couldn't say. My life is pretty good ~ I'm healthy, like my job, have great friends and a loving family, and am seeing my dream of publishing books come true. Anything "bad" is minor (knocking on wood as I type this...)
Have a terrific day!!
Appetizer: What is the nearest big city to your home?
Only the biggest, baby - NYC itself (about 65 miles southeast). This in itself can be both a curse and a blessing, however...
Soup: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
Hmm. I think I'm pretty good, though it REALLY depends on the situation, the people involved, and the secret itself. Maybe an 8?
Salad: Describe your hair
Too funny, since I just visited the salon yesterday. It's short (I've always had short hair, can't stand long), straight, on the fine side, and as of 24 hours ago, it's brown with blonde highlights and bangs. I haven't had bangs in a while, but I was bored (I get bored with my hair really easily), so I told her to cut some in. But now they're too short. How long does it take bangs to grow, anyway?
Main Course: What kind of driver are you?
Decent. Sometimes I speed on the highway, but I'm pretty good at not letting myself get distracted. I have an impatient streak with other, incompetent drivers, that rises up now and again, though...
Dessert: When was the last time you had a really bad week?
Oh, I couldn't say. My life is pretty good ~ I'm healthy, like my job, have great friends and a loving family, and am seeing my dream of publishing books come true. Anything "bad" is minor (knocking on wood as I type this...)
Have a terrific day!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
It's Here!
"Memphis ain't a bad town, for them that like city life." ~William Faulkner
Here's my new cover!!
Here's my new cover!!
One Night in Memphis releases this July, and I'm so excited for this one...it was actually the first "24 hour" novel I wrote, before One Night in Boston. I love the characters, and I amped up the action/suspense in this one too, in the form of a vengeful ex-boyfriend. Here's the (unedited) blurb:
What if a woman, tired of broken hearts and bad choices, traveled a thousand miles to the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, and spent a night forgetting her past in the blues clubs of Beale Street? What if a man who lost his wife to cancer ventured to Beale Street's social scene for the first time in over a year? And what if they met and realized love was still possible for them both?
Dakota James and Ethan Meriweather have both given up on finding happiness in a relationship. When they meet in downtown Memphis, at a crowded nightclub, neither has romance on the brain. But as the evening unfolds, and small talk turns to the stuff of hopes, dreams, and shared loss, a kinship grows that surprises them.
Before the night is over, though, Dakota's past will catch up with her in the form of a violent ex-boyfriend. As dawn approaches, and tragedy threatens to tear Dakota and Ethan apart, both will have to make a decision that could change their lives forever. Is new love worth putting your life on the line for someone you've just met?
What do you think??
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with MJ Fredrick
Welcome to another Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm pleased to feature romance author MJ Fredrick, whose first two novels just released within the past two months. Enjoy!
Hi, MJ, and thanks for joining us today! Can you tell us a little about your background?
Thirteen years ago I finished my first novel. It’s taken all this time to sell, with lots of highs and lows in between. I’ve had tons of rejection letters, I’ve finalled in a number of contests, including the Golden Heart. I’ve had an agent, been orphaned by an editor who had been enthusiastic about my work. I’ve had revision letters and I’ve learned a lot that is translating to stronger first draft writing these days. In real life, I’m an elementary teacher, a wife and mother to a 16 year old. I’m lucky to have a lot of support here or this twisty road or I never would have made it to this point!
Wow, what a journey! So tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
Hot Shot was a two time Golden Heart finalist. It was the book that got me my agent and the enthusiastic editor and the bulk of revision letters. It’s the story of a wildland firefighter, Gabe Cooper, who’s recovering from the betrayal of his wife and distrustful of women, and reporter Peyton Michaels, who’s trying to discover what makes a hero.
Hi, MJ, and thanks for joining us today! Can you tell us a little about your background?
Thirteen years ago I finished my first novel. It’s taken all this time to sell, with lots of highs and lows in between. I’ve had tons of rejection letters, I’ve finalled in a number of contests, including the Golden Heart. I’ve had an agent, been orphaned by an editor who had been enthusiastic about my work. I’ve had revision letters and I’ve learned a lot that is translating to stronger first draft writing these days. In real life, I’m an elementary teacher, a wife and mother to a 16 year old. I’m lucky to have a lot of support here or this twisty road or I never would have made it to this point!
Wow, what a journey! So tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
Hot Shot was a two time Golden Heart finalist. It was the book that got me my agent and the enthusiastic editor and the bulk of revision letters. It’s the story of a wildland firefighter, Gabe Cooper, who’s recovering from the betrayal of his wife and distrustful of women, and reporter Peyton Michaels, who’s trying to discover what makes a hero.
When Peyton Michaels signed on to write about everyday heroes like her deceased husband, she never expected she’d be running up a mountain with a wildfire nipping at her heels. She never expected to put her life in the hands of hunky Hot Shot Gabe Cooper. And she sure never expected to fall in love with another man who put his life at risk every day.
Gabe Cooper has had enough of women who want to make him into someone he’s not. Peyton may see him as a hero, but he’s just a man doing a job. So he saved some Girl Scouts and pulled his crew out of the fire. It’s no more than any other man would do. But the pesky reporter won’t leave him alone, and the more time he spends with her, the deeper she gets under his skin.
Because Peyton’s husband was killed in the line of duty on the SWAT team, the last person she wants is a man who risks his life every time he goes to work. But when she and Gabe are trapped in a blow-up on the mountain, she not only sees what a hero Gabe is, she finds the charge that makes him go back year after year. She has to overcome her fear of losing him and he has to dig deep to find what it takes to become her hero before they can find their happily ever after.
Sounds terrific! Now that you've weathered so many ups and downs in the business, what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Work hard, work smart, and never give up! Story comes first, but craft is important, too.
Ah, good advice. What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I like all kinds of books – I recently rearranged my TBR by genre. Romantic suspense outnumbers the rest right now. I love Nora Roberts, Virginia Kantra and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Right now, promotion is the most difficult. I’m in the middle of a new book which I love and I just want to work on that, but I’m also trying to participate on promotional listserves. Some days I come home to 700 emails!
I can definitely appreciate that challenge! How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
This is my eternal struggle. The thing that suffers most is the housekeeping, naturally. I get up early to write, go to work, come home and do email, take my new (used) laptop out in the backyard to write till dinner, then recharge it and take it back to the couch after dinner to watch TV or movies and write more. I do not sacrifice TV ;) I wonder if Tivo can be considered a writing expense?
Oh, I think you should look into that! What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like playing in the dirt with flowers, and I bought some fabric to make a new skirt and pair of pants, but the fabric remains untouched after over a month!
Thanks for a great interview, MJ! Readers, make sure to check out her website and her blog ~ you might just find a new favorite author!
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Other Side of Promoting: Fear
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
"Do one thing every day that scares you." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
First off, thanks to everyone who commented yesterday, and especially those who offered suggestions of possible places I might sneak in an author visit.
Marianne, if I end up swinging through the Boston and southern NH areas this summer, I may just take you up on that offer for your local library.
Bunnygirl, I would love the contact info for your aunt who heads up the public library in CT (I'll find a way to contact you offline)!
And here's another possibility: when I got home last night and opened my email, I found a message from my fifth grade teacher...the very same one that One Night in Boston is dedicated to! (My mom called her up and told her about the book and dedication). This is what her email said, in part:
You can't imagine how excited I was to hear you have published your first book. Congratulations! And I am so honored and pleased to learn that it is dedicated to your mom and to me!! What a surprise. Your mom tells me that you will be in town for a signing in July; what is the date for that because I certainly want to see you there and buy your book!
Also I'm wondering if you would be interested in reviewing/leading the discussion of your book for our local book club....Please let me know if you are interested, and I will fill you in on details.
Isn't that cool?
A couple of people commented yesterday about how much work I put into marketing, and it's true, I suppose, I do. It is also quite daunting, however, so I don't want anyone to think I just breeze through these experiences without any qualms. Despite the fact that I stand up in front of high school students each day, I still get uneasy when I'm not in my element. I'm not the person who can walk into a party and strike up a jovial conversation with the first person I see.
But I have always tried to live by Eleanor Roosevelt's words on fears and facing them, which I featured today (up above). I have found that you will amaze yourself if you honestly try to do the thing you think you can't.
***
Last thing to share for today: the trailer I made for Devon Gray's upcoming novella, Addicted. She picked out the music and wrote the script; I just compiled it. But I think it's terrific, and now I can't wait to read the book! Thoughts?
"Do one thing every day that scares you." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
First off, thanks to everyone who commented yesterday, and especially those who offered suggestions of possible places I might sneak in an author visit.
Marianne, if I end up swinging through the Boston and southern NH areas this summer, I may just take you up on that offer for your local library.
Bunnygirl, I would love the contact info for your aunt who heads up the public library in CT (I'll find a way to contact you offline)!
And here's another possibility: when I got home last night and opened my email, I found a message from my fifth grade teacher...the very same one that One Night in Boston is dedicated to! (My mom called her up and told her about the book and dedication). This is what her email said, in part:
You can't imagine how excited I was to hear you have published your first book. Congratulations! And I am so honored and pleased to learn that it is dedicated to your mom and to me!! What a surprise. Your mom tells me that you will be in town for a signing in July; what is the date for that because I certainly want to see you there and buy your book!
Also I'm wondering if you would be interested in reviewing/leading the discussion of your book for our local book club....Please let me know if you are interested, and I will fill you in on details.
Isn't that cool?
A couple of people commented yesterday about how much work I put into marketing, and it's true, I suppose, I do. It is also quite daunting, however, so I don't want anyone to think I just breeze through these experiences without any qualms. Despite the fact that I stand up in front of high school students each day, I still get uneasy when I'm not in my element. I'm not the person who can walk into a party and strike up a jovial conversation with the first person I see.
But I have always tried to live by Eleanor Roosevelt's words on fears and facing them, which I featured today (up above). I have found that you will amaze yourself if you honestly try to do the thing you think you can't.
***
Last thing to share for today: the trailer I made for Devon Gray's upcoming novella, Addicted. She picked out the music and wrote the script; I just compiled it. But I think it's terrific, and now I can't wait to read the book! Thoughts?
Promotions, Promotions...
"The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose. "~E.M. Gray
So it's about 2 weeks until my official print release dates for One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise. What am I doing this week for promo? Here's the unofficial list...
1. Sending handwritten notes with book info and a SAS postcard (in the hopes they want more info) to independent bookstores in and around Boston, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire (this was a suggestion from a couple of different authors I've spoken to in the last 6 months). Of course I didn't get around to buying my Forever stamps last week, so I'm paying the extra penny per envelope starting today...
2. Contacting libraries & book clubs listed on www.booktour.com about possible author visits this summer.
3. Going through www.meetup.com and making a list of any relevant groups that might be interested in a visit from moi.
4. Following up with the woman who's making me some banners to post on a couple of different websites. (I'm excited about this one ~ I don't have any banners right now and am clueless about how to make them myself!)
5. Drafting the next two chapters of One Night in Napa so that I can actually continue to have manuscripts to query (and yes, Summer's Song is still in the wings, waiting patiently for me to revise her once and for all and then send out agent/editor letters. That's on the calendar for June...).
Oh, and don't forget about my contest...every time you post a comment here during the month of May, you're entered into the drawing to win an autographed copy of one of my books!
So it's about 2 weeks until my official print release dates for One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise. What am I doing this week for promo? Here's the unofficial list...
1. Sending handwritten notes with book info and a SAS postcard (in the hopes they want more info) to independent bookstores in and around Boston, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire (this was a suggestion from a couple of different authors I've spoken to in the last 6 months). Of course I didn't get around to buying my Forever stamps last week, so I'm paying the extra penny per envelope starting today...
2. Contacting libraries & book clubs listed on www.booktour.com about possible author visits this summer.
3. Going through www.meetup.com and making a list of any relevant groups that might be interested in a visit from moi.
4. Following up with the woman who's making me some banners to post on a couple of different websites. (I'm excited about this one ~ I don't have any banners right now and am clueless about how to make them myself!)
5. Drafting the next two chapters of One Night in Napa so that I can actually continue to have manuscripts to query (and yes, Summer's Song is still in the wings, waiting patiently for me to revise her once and for all and then send out agent/editor letters. That's on the calendar for June...).
Oh, and don't forget about my contest...every time you post a comment here during the month of May, you're entered into the drawing to win an autographed copy of one of my books!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." ~Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895
Update on yesterday's signing:
The Spotty Dog is a charming little bookstore with a bar inside. They have some great local beers on tap (which they gave us for free...I felt a little like a celebrity!). It's located inside a historic, refurbished firehouse and owned by this very cool 30-something woman who left corporate America to follow her real dream. Here she is with her 2 bartenders:
They set up a great location for us at the front of the store:
And they had a nice little crowd for their Mother's Day Girls' Night Out. I did actually sell 2 copies of One Night in Boston - and got to sign them ~ what a thrill!! Here's a picture of some of us who were there:
I also met another [hugely successful] Samhain author (who doesn't do pictures, so she isn't in the photo), and it was really nice to talk to her about marketing, promoting, etc. Her #1 piece of advice? Be a prolific writer. Every time you publish a book, new readers find it, which means new readers are also then finding your backlist (all the books you've published previously). Do promotions, do signings, do networking, but WRITE above all. Good reminder...
***
Finally, to all mothers out there (most especially my own!), here are wishes for a very happy Mother's Day. Thanks for all that you do!
Update on yesterday's signing:
The Spotty Dog is a charming little bookstore with a bar inside. They have some great local beers on tap (which they gave us for free...I felt a little like a celebrity!). It's located inside a historic, refurbished firehouse and owned by this very cool 30-something woman who left corporate America to follow her real dream. Here she is with her 2 bartenders:
They set up a great location for us at the front of the store:
And they had a nice little crowd for their Mother's Day Girls' Night Out. I did actually sell 2 copies of One Night in Boston - and got to sign them ~ what a thrill!! Here's a picture of some of us who were there:
I also met another [hugely successful] Samhain author (who doesn't do pictures, so she isn't in the photo), and it was really nice to talk to her about marketing, promoting, etc. Her #1 piece of advice? Be a prolific writer. Every time you publish a book, new readers find it, which means new readers are also then finding your backlist (all the books you've published previously). Do promotions, do signings, do networking, but WRITE above all. Good reminder...
***
Finally, to all mothers out there (most especially my own!), here are wishes for a very happy Mother's Day. Thanks for all that you do!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
My First "Real" Book Signing!
"Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book." ~Author Unknown
Just a quick post this morning, since I have a million little errands to do before I head off to The Spotty Dog for a book signing later this afternoon. And I actually have both my books in print, in hand, for this one!
It's a "Girl's Night Out" at a pub/bookstore, and I'll be there with Stella Price, Tilly Greene, Cat Johnson, Tara Nina, CH Admirand, and Bianca D'Arc.
Should be interesting ~ I'll give you the full report tomorrow!
Just a quick post this morning, since I have a million little errands to do before I head off to The Spotty Dog for a book signing later this afternoon. And I actually have both my books in print, in hand, for this one!
It's a "Girl's Night Out" at a pub/bookstore, and I'll be there with Stella Price, Tilly Greene, Cat Johnson, Tara Nina, CH Admirand, and Bianca D'Arc.
Should be interesting ~ I'll give you the full report tomorrow!
Friday, May 09, 2008
TGIF!!
"My big stand is this: Every child deserves a home and love. Period." ~Dave Thomas, found of Wendy's
Thanks for all the warm wishes yesterday , everyone!
And this is weird, but if you go to Amazon now and search for Lost in Paradise, only the Kindle edition comes up. You can still get there by clicking a specific link I already established (like this one), so it's in their system somewhere, but...guess I'll have to email them today to find out what's up!
***
And here's my Friday Feast...
Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Always.
Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
A mix of carpet (in the bedrooms), hardwood (in the foyer, kitchen, dining room) and tile (in the great room). It works.
Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
Apples always attract amorous ants.
Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
Of people? Yep: one of my closest friends at school is an aunt to a boy and girl from Kazhakstan; my principal is mom to 2 girls from China; 2 co-workers have grown sons who are adopted; and I once dated a guy who was adopted (his sister too).
Of furry people? Yep again: we have 2 cats, one adopted from a shelter, one from our front porch. Then there's my parents, some friends at school, a writing friend out in CA, my childhood friend in Detroit...
[I would be surprised if anyone *couldn't* answer this question with a "yes."]
Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
1. The ocean off the Gulf coast of Florida.
2. My cover for One Night in Boston :)
Have a great day!
Thanks for all the warm wishes yesterday , everyone!
And this is weird, but if you go to Amazon now and search for Lost in Paradise, only the Kindle edition comes up. You can still get there by clicking a specific link I already established (like this one), so it's in their system somewhere, but...guess I'll have to email them today to find out what's up!
***
And here's my Friday Feast...
Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Always.
Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
A mix of carpet (in the bedrooms), hardwood (in the foyer, kitchen, dining room) and tile (in the great room). It works.
Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
Apples always attract amorous ants.
Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
Of people? Yep: one of my closest friends at school is an aunt to a boy and girl from Kazhakstan; my principal is mom to 2 girls from China; 2 co-workers have grown sons who are adopted; and I once dated a guy who was adopted (his sister too).
Of furry people? Yep again: we have 2 cats, one adopted from a shelter, one from our front porch. Then there's my parents, some friends at school, a writing friend out in CA, my childhood friend in Detroit...
[I would be surprised if anyone *couldn't* answer this question with a "yes."]
Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
1. The ocean off the Gulf coast of Florida.
2. My cover for One Night in Boston :)
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Allie's Christmas in May - Presents Everywhere!
OK, first off, a hearty Thank You! to Blonde Duck, who nominated me for the "Blogging with Purpose" award. I think that's very cool...I'm not sure I always have a purpose here, but it's nice to know some reader out there thinks I do, anyway!
***
And now for my very exciting news:
Yesterday I received my author copies of BOTH books that are coming out this month! I'm still a little overwhelmed that both Lost in Paradise and One Night in Boston are releasing within a week of each other, but I'm sure not complaining :)
So I thought I'd share with you a little montage of my "Christmas in May" that occurred last night when I got home and found two boxes on my front porch...
***
And now for my very exciting news:
Yesterday I received my author copies of BOTH books that are coming out this month! I'm still a little overwhelmed that both Lost in Paradise and One Night in Boston are releasing within a week of each other, but I'm sure not complaining :)
So I thought I'd share with you a little montage of my "Christmas in May" that occurred last night when I got home and found two boxes on my front porch...
Trying in vain to open the first box, without damaging the valuable contents inside...
Ooh, look what it is! The very sexy cover of Lost in Paradise - Eddie West looks even better in my hands! (OK, pun not intended)
2nd box is a little bigger (The Wild Rose Press sends authors 1 complimentary copy, and I ordered 10 additional. Samhain sends authors 10 complimentary copies, and I ordered 10 additional.)
Here it is! The first book I ever contracted, ever edited, ever marketed, ever published...pause for some happy tears, please...
Beautiful back cover, right? Samhain also puts review clips in the front - and speaking of the front, let's just look at the title page:
Sigh. A dream come true...
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Samantha Sommersby
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today I have a fabulous interview with romance author Samantha Sommersby. Sit back and enjoy!
Hi Samantha, and welcome to my blog! Can you tell readers a little about your background?
Sure! I was first published in 2005 and in January of 2007 I left what I used to call my “real life” day job in the psychiatric field to pursue writing and working in the publishing industry full-time. I think that my background as a psychotherapist is apparent in my work and it allows me to bring a unique perspective to my characters and stories. I’m thoroughly enjoying having the opportunity to spend my days writing and strive to create a hero that will literally sweep you off your feet.
I live with my husband of eighteen years, my fourteen year old son, and my cocker spaniel, Buck. My husband is a social worker who works with abused children. He’s an avid sailor who loves to surf, and you’ll find bits of him in every hero that I’ve ever written. My son is wonderfully sensitive, with a sarcastic sense of humor. He plays the piano, composes his own music, is a competitive fencer, and worships video games.
On the rare occasion when I manage to set aside some "play" time for myself, you’ll most likely find me reading a book, at the movies, or out wine tasting (we have an 800 bottle cellar and collect mostly California cabernets).
800 bottles?! Wow! (Fans self and wonders if it's 5:00 yet) So, how do you go about developing your characters?
I don’t outline with regards to plot, but I do extensive work before starting a story on characterization. I usually begin with the hero, then I move on to the heroine, and finally I address the important secondary characters. I’m pretty meticulous about it, creating a full background, giving them history, figuring out what motivates them, what it is that they’re afraid of, what they desire most, what they need. I like to get to know my characters inside and out then once I do, I set them loose. What happens after that? Well, they take on a life of their own.
Important question, now: how do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
That’s a constant struggle. I have the advantage of being able to focus on this full-time now, so I keep reminding myself that I can stop and pick things up the following day. I maintain a schedule and although it can be a challenge to stick with it, I do manage to most days. I always stop whatever I’m working on by 2:45 so that I can pick my son up from school, help him with his homework, make dinner, and enjoy the evening with my family. Once upon a time I’d write early in the morning, late at night, and on weekends because that’s the only time I had to write. Now I view writing as my job and I try really hard to balance that out with family, friends…and taking care of myself.
I think that's a terrific attitude to have. But do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
Sometimes I find that I’ve taken my character down a path that wouldn’t be true to them and I get stuck. Normally if I go back a few pages I’ll see where I went wrong. Once that’s fixed things flow smoothly again.
Can you describe your writing space for us?
I have a small office on the northeast corner of the house. We live in an old two-story craftsman bungalow in southern California. It was built in the early 1900’s and the office has built-in bookcases and oak wainscoting. The office was my husband’s domain, but now it’s all mine. I redecorated it last spring. I painted over the dark green walls with a light buttery yellow, moved my favorite reading chair and ottoman from my bedroom down there, made new curtains, and completely reorganized the closet. It’s a cozy space, but it has everything that I need. And, there’s a huge window that overlooks the front yard.
Oh, it sounds wonderful! Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
The third book in my Forbidden series, Forbidden: The Revolution, was released in mid-March and I’m working on promoting it now. I’m also in the early stages of writing book four, Forbidden: The Temptation.
The Revolution is set twenty-five years after the second in the series, Forbidden: The Awakening and introduces Byron and Violet’s son, Dell Renfield. Sorcerer. Sexy vampire. Special Agent. Secret weapon. In Forbidden: The Revolution, Dell is sent on a mission to Las Vegas where he encounters an old enemy of Byron’s and finds the two women that had been abducted along with Dell’s mother during Forbidden: The Awakening. The first woman is Rita, Byron’s former consort. The second is Alex Sanchez, who was an infant at the time of the kidnapping. Alex becomes Dell’s love interest. You’ll still see Byron and Violet, Luna will be back. But I’m also introducing some new characters, Byron’s daughter Lily, his assistant Chase, and a young werewolf names Jake who will be featured in book four. Oh – and there’s also a real badass mercenary mage named Basta in the book.
Sounds great! What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
My favorite genres are urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Laurell K. Hamilton, especially the early Anita Blake stuff. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan. I discovered Jeanne Stein’s Anna Strong Series last year and I’m about to start on the third. I’ve got more Kim Harrison in my TBR pile, Charlaine Harris, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Kelley Armstrong. There’s this fabulous bookstore here in San Diego called Mysterious Galaxy. Every time I walk in there I walk out with an arm full of books!
Samantha, thanks so much for being here. Readers, make sure to visit Samantha's website, and check out her books! You might just find yourself a new favorite author today...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Follow-up to Yesterday...
"Strategy and timing are the Himalayas of marketing. Everything else is the Catskills." - Al Ries
Thanks for all your comments on yesterday's "birth of a cover" blog post. In fact, Marianne did one of her own today, with all the covers she went through for One Love for Liv. Go check it out - you'll see that mine was pretty painless compared to hers!
Dru asked me the most daunting part of the whole publishing process, and I have to say, it's the marketing. The editing, the revising, the cover design - all that is still related to the writing aspect, which I'm fairly good at (I think!). But the learning curve as far as marketing and promoting a book has been huge, for me. Learning what kinds of promo to use and when, how much to spend, what audience to target for what promo...it's interesting but also overwhelming. After about a year of doing it, I feel marginally more comfortable...but only marginally.
Devon is in the process of having her very first novella published by The Wild Rose Press, and she's outlining her whole journey on her blog, from submission to contract signing to blurb writing to pre-marketing thoughts. I'll be interested to see her cover for Addicted ~ especially since I'm making the trailer for it!
Finally, while we're talking about covers, I should mention that for Lost in Paradise, I only got one version. I loved it, so the artist didn't change anything at all. Let's take a moment and look at that yummy picture of Eddie West again, hmm?...
And guess what I discovered yesterday? It's up on Amazon! Funny thing, though: I think you can buy it (I haven't tried yet) - it says it's in stock. But my "official" release date isn't until May 23. I wonder what's up with that? Hey, if you want it now, give a try and see if you can buy it. Why wait?? :)
Thanks for all your comments on yesterday's "birth of a cover" blog post. In fact, Marianne did one of her own today, with all the covers she went through for One Love for Liv. Go check it out - you'll see that mine was pretty painless compared to hers!
Dru asked me the most daunting part of the whole publishing process, and I have to say, it's the marketing. The editing, the revising, the cover design - all that is still related to the writing aspect, which I'm fairly good at (I think!). But the learning curve as far as marketing and promoting a book has been huge, for me. Learning what kinds of promo to use and when, how much to spend, what audience to target for what promo...it's interesting but also overwhelming. After about a year of doing it, I feel marginally more comfortable...but only marginally.
Devon is in the process of having her very first novella published by The Wild Rose Press, and she's outlining her whole journey on her blog, from submission to contract signing to blurb writing to pre-marketing thoughts. I'll be interested to see her cover for Addicted ~ especially since I'm making the trailer for it!
Finally, while we're talking about covers, I should mention that for Lost in Paradise, I only got one version. I loved it, so the artist didn't change anything at all. Let's take a moment and look at that yummy picture of Eddie West again, hmm?...
And guess what I discovered yesterday? It's up on Amazon! Funny thing, though: I think you can buy it (I haven't tried yet) - it says it's in stock. But my "official" release date isn't until May 23. I wonder what's up with that? Hey, if you want it now, give a try and see if you can buy it. Why wait?? :)
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Story of a Book Cover
"Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?" ~Pablo Picasso
I got my cover for One Night in Memphis, from my editor yesterday, and I LOVE IT!! It's so perfect. I can't share it with you yet, though, until it gets the official OK from the head honcho at Samhain.
In the meantime, I thought it might be interesting for my non-writer friends to know what's behind the process of getting a book cover, once you sign that golden publishing contract. I didn't know much about it, before I published my first book (and I have to warn you that, from what I've heard, authors have much less input and control when they publish with the big NY houses. Small presses can work more closely with their authors, I think.)
Anyway...
1. Soon after you sign your contract, your editor and/or the art department sends you a book cover info sheet. This is what Samhain's asks:
Title of Book
Series name (do you want this on the cover?)
Author (name to be on cover)
Author Email
Editor name and email
Genre & Time Period
Where is story set
Hero Description (Whatever details will help the art department)
Heroine Description
Short Summary of Story
Author ideas/what would the author like to see (Please include specific examples and/or links, attach drawings or pictures if available, to help give art department as clear an idea of what you’re looking for as possible)
Is there anything you don’t want on the cover or any comments
2. You fill it out, making sure you're as detailed as you possibly can be. You send it back and hear nothing for weeks or months. Then one day, surprise! You open an email from either your editor or your cover artist with your proposed cover.
Note: It may or may not resemble what you wrote on your info sheet.
3. You, your editor, your cover artist, and the publisher make a final decision. This, of course, is how One Night in Boston ended up, after I agonized whether I wanted the heroine on the front:
When I filled out my book info sheet for One Night in Memphis, I emphasized that I loved the clock-face overlay and hoped it could look similar to the Boston cover. And let me just say again: I LOVE IT.
Fingers crossed that the publisher will too, and I can post it here soon!
I got my cover for One Night in Memphis, from my editor yesterday, and I LOVE IT!! It's so perfect. I can't share it with you yet, though, until it gets the official OK from the head honcho at Samhain.
In the meantime, I thought it might be interesting for my non-writer friends to know what's behind the process of getting a book cover, once you sign that golden publishing contract. I didn't know much about it, before I published my first book (and I have to warn you that, from what I've heard, authors have much less input and control when they publish with the big NY houses. Small presses can work more closely with their authors, I think.)
Anyway...
1. Soon after you sign your contract, your editor and/or the art department sends you a book cover info sheet. This is what Samhain's asks:
Title of Book
Series name (do you want this on the cover?)
Author (name to be on cover)
Author Email
Editor name and email
Genre & Time Period
Where is story set
Hero Description (Whatever details will help the art department)
Heroine Description
Short Summary of Story
Author ideas/what would the author like to see (Please include specific examples and/or links, attach drawings or pictures if available, to help give art department as clear an idea of what you’re looking for as possible)
Is there anything you don’t want on the cover or any comments
2. You fill it out, making sure you're as detailed as you possibly can be. You send it back and hear nothing for weeks or months. Then one day, surprise! You open an email from either your editor or your cover artist with your proposed cover.
Note: It may or may not resemble what you wrote on your info sheet.
3. You, your editor, your cover artist, and the publisher make a final decision. This, of course, is how One Night in Boston ended up, after I agonized whether I wanted the heroine on the front:
When I filled out my book info sheet for One Night in Memphis, I emphasized that I loved the clock-face overlay and hoped it could look similar to the Boston cover. And let me just say again: I LOVE IT.
Fingers crossed that the publisher will too, and I can post it here soon!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Surrounded by Inspiration
"I don't know a lot about politics, but I can recognize a good party when I see one." ~Mae West
Had such a lovely time yesterday at Jenna Kernan's Authors' Tea:
Jen is a member of my local RWA chapter (I gave away 2 of her books on my blog a couple months back), and she is absolutely the funniest and nicest person I've met in a long time. She writes historical romance for Harlequin and belongs to 3 - yes 3 - local RWA groups. And every year she has a tea in her home to bring fellow writers together and raise money for Heifer International (she won't let anyone bring anything, so a few years back instead of hostess gifts she suggested a small $$ to a charity).
It was a small group, just 8 of us, but they included a screenwriter, 2 published paranormal authors, 3 published historical authors, and 2 published contemporary authors. I sat between Jen, who just found out she's a RITA finalist this year (big honor in RWA) and a woman who is an RWA board member and also a professor of Victorian literature at a community college in CT.
The meal was scrumptious - scones and finger sandwiches and fresh fruit and lots and lots of tea - and the conversation never stopped for 3+ hours. It was so nice to be in a group of fellow authors, to talk about the writing and marketing and editing concerns common to us all. We told all kinds of crazy stories and laughed until the tears ran, literally. It was terrific.
Plus, it was just the kick of inspiration I needed, and when I came home I sat down at my laptop and got through another 1000 words or so on One Night in Napa. I'm struggling - it's the darned sagging middle - but at least I got something on the page.
And no, I don't have pictures from yesterday, unfortunately, but Jen took some, so if I get my hands on one, I'll post it. Now I'm off to write some more!
Had such a lovely time yesterday at Jenna Kernan's Authors' Tea:
Jen is a member of my local RWA chapter (I gave away 2 of her books on my blog a couple months back), and she is absolutely the funniest and nicest person I've met in a long time. She writes historical romance for Harlequin and belongs to 3 - yes 3 - local RWA groups. And every year she has a tea in her home to bring fellow writers together and raise money for Heifer International (she won't let anyone bring anything, so a few years back instead of hostess gifts she suggested a small $$ to a charity).
It was a small group, just 8 of us, but they included a screenwriter, 2 published paranormal authors, 3 published historical authors, and 2 published contemporary authors. I sat between Jen, who just found out she's a RITA finalist this year (big honor in RWA) and a woman who is an RWA board member and also a professor of Victorian literature at a community college in CT.
The meal was scrumptious - scones and finger sandwiches and fresh fruit and lots and lots of tea - and the conversation never stopped for 3+ hours. It was so nice to be in a group of fellow authors, to talk about the writing and marketing and editing concerns common to us all. We told all kinds of crazy stories and laughed until the tears ran, literally. It was terrific.
Plus, it was just the kick of inspiration I needed, and when I came home I sat down at my laptop and got through another 1000 words or so on One Night in Napa. I'm struggling - it's the darned sagging middle - but at least I got something on the page.
And no, I don't have pictures from yesterday, unfortunately, but Jen took some, so if I get my hands on one, I'll post it. Now I'm off to write some more!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
It's My Release Month!
"Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is." ~Zig Ziglar
It's finally here!! May 2008...the month in which not one but two of my novels release in print! And of course, that means contests. So here you go: I'm running two giveaways this month, and all you have to do to enter is comment on my blog. The more times you comment this month, the more times you'll be entered. Easy, right?
It's finally here!! May 2008...the month in which not one but two of my novels release in print! And of course, that means contests. So here you go: I'm running two giveaways this month, and all you have to do to enter is comment on my blog. The more times you comment this month, the more times you'll be entered. Easy, right?
Prize #1: Signed print copy of One Night in Boston (OR an autographed bookplate for your own print copy, if you're one of my faithful fans who already pre-ordered one, + $10 Amazon gift certificate)
AND
Boston Red Sox goodies (OK, you might not be a fan, but Jack, our hero is) : baseball cap, coasters, bottle jersey.
Prize #2: Signed print copy of Lost in Paradise
AND
Goodies to help you create and enjoy your own slice of paradise: a wine preserver and yummy-smelling sugar plum candles. Oh, and I'll throw in some chocolate too...what's paradise without the sweet stuff?
Two lucky winners this month...I hope you'll play!
Friday, May 02, 2008
TGIF!
Welcome to Friday's Feast!
Appetizer
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
How much am I dating myself when I answer this question? OK, Bugs Bunny (is there anyone who didn't love him?) and the Smurfs. Although in college a friend told me the Smurfs were a communist society, so hmm...I don't know...
Soup
Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
Easy, a cat. They have tons of personality and don't need a human around 24/7 to tell them how wonderful they are (they already know). And I would never deign to give a cat its name. They name themselves ~ you just have to pay close attention to figure out what it is!
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
Probably an 8 - it's fun, though not the way I'd spend every weekend.
Main Course
What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
Anything I can sing along to - seriously, I cannot listen to anything BUT music when I drive. If the DJ starts to talk, I change the station.
Dessert
When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
Tough one...I think it was actually our cuckoo clock from Rothenberg, Germany, that hangs in our great room. It took us 2 hours to pick out, in a room full of gorgeous ones. I love it :)
Appetizer
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
How much am I dating myself when I answer this question? OK, Bugs Bunny (is there anyone who didn't love him?) and the Smurfs. Although in college a friend told me the Smurfs were a communist society, so hmm...I don't know...
Soup
Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
Easy, a cat. They have tons of personality and don't need a human around 24/7 to tell them how wonderful they are (they already know). And I would never deign to give a cat its name. They name themselves ~ you just have to pay close attention to figure out what it is!
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
Probably an 8 - it's fun, though not the way I'd spend every weekend.
Main Course
What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
Anything I can sing along to - seriously, I cannot listen to anything BUT music when I drive. If the DJ starts to talk, I change the station.
Dessert
When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
Tough one...I think it was actually our cuckoo clock from Rothenberg, Germany, that hangs in our great room. It took us 2 hours to pick out, in a room full of gorgeous ones. I love it :)
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Exciting News Today!
"But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?" ~Albert Camus
Hey all, I have lots to share today - all good - so hold onto your seats!
First, I just found out I can order my author copies of Lost in Paradise, which I promptly did about 6.7 seconds after I opened the email from my publisher last night. This would be exciting in itself, but it also means I'll have print copies to bring to (and sell at??) my next public appearance, at an eclectic little place called The Spotty Dog, which is both a pub and bookstore. And seriously, whoever came up with that combination should win a gold medal, right? Anyway, I CANNOT wait to hold my book (my baby) in my hands...
Second, the latest issue of Romance Writers Report has good things to say about Samhain, my other publisher. A very interesting article about authors who have made the switch from e-pubs to NY houses had this to say:
"Not all e-publishers are created equal. There are many small presses and e-publishers in operation right now. Who are the leaders? Kensington Editorial Assistant Megan Records cites "Samhain, Ellora's Cave, and Red Sage." Literary agent Laura Bradford (of the Bradford Literary Agency) agrees. She notes, "Ellora's Cave and Samhain are two of the industry leaders for the e-pubs."
I count my lucky stars every day that I'm contracted with Samhain!
And this third announcement has nothing to do with me, but with a terrific cause that you should definitely take a look at, and that's romance author Brenda Novak's annual Diabetes Auction. Proceeds go to diabetes research (her son has diabetes), and let me tell you, there are some awesome items on the auction this year. There's something for just about everyone. Take some time and check it out, OK?
Hey all, I have lots to share today - all good - so hold onto your seats!
First, I just found out I can order my author copies of Lost in Paradise, which I promptly did about 6.7 seconds after I opened the email from my publisher last night. This would be exciting in itself, but it also means I'll have print copies to bring to (and sell at??) my next public appearance, at an eclectic little place called The Spotty Dog, which is both a pub and bookstore. And seriously, whoever came up with that combination should win a gold medal, right? Anyway, I CANNOT wait to hold my book (my baby) in my hands...
Second, the latest issue of Romance Writers Report has good things to say about Samhain, my other publisher. A very interesting article about authors who have made the switch from e-pubs to NY houses had this to say:
"Not all e-publishers are created equal. There are many small presses and e-publishers in operation right now. Who are the leaders? Kensington Editorial Assistant Megan Records cites "Samhain, Ellora's Cave, and Red Sage." Literary agent Laura Bradford (of the Bradford Literary Agency) agrees. She notes, "Ellora's Cave and Samhain are two of the industry leaders for the e-pubs."
I count my lucky stars every day that I'm contracted with Samhain!
And this third announcement has nothing to do with me, but with a terrific cause that you should definitely take a look at, and that's romance author Brenda Novak's annual Diabetes Auction. Proceeds go to diabetes research (her son has diabetes), and let me tell you, there are some awesome items on the auction this year. There's something for just about everyone. Take some time and check it out, OK?
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