Finding a Friend – or Willing Victims -IWSG

September 2, 2015August 28, 20155 Comments

It’s that time again. (Actually I am a little late) A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

Finding a friend or willing victims. It sounds morbid, and it’s not. I promise. Well not too morbid. Anyone else hear about these networks called street teams? They help promote a specific author and in return you get free books and prizes. Sometimes. Other street teams are more of a social circle. Some are closed to external jabber. Others are open to helping anyone who is willing to help the administrator. I think I am somewhere in between. I don’t want someone joining my group and getting nothing out of it. The issue is that when you only have a couple of people, the group can’t really be just about me anyway, and not seem very self serving. For the time being I am approaching a “street team” more like a way to meet other authors and book lovers. This is all in hopes of developing a network that will eventually love to promote me.

So now. How do I get members? Good question. Lots of authors gain users through giveaways. My issues is, do these pan out? I haven’t see it. I don’t want people entering who have no intention of being active. I mean commenting, laughing, and maybe sharing promotional information. I want people who want to be involved, even just once in a blue moon.

I am learning so much about networking from bigger name authors, but I don’t have the name or the networks to succeed as quickly. Yes. I said as quickly. I think we all eventually succeed. The glass is always half full.

Tips or pointers if you have a successful network? Otherwise, are you interested in joining my little group?

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Visit other bloggers in the Insecure Writers Support Group ! (A blog hop that posts the first Wednesday of every month, founded by Head Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.) Thanks to his co-hosts this month too!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time.

Peak My Interest – IWSG Post

July 1, 2015July 1, 20152 Comments

It’s that time again. A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

How do you peak the interest of a new reader? Word of mouth is awesome. Really, really awesome, but you can’t always reach everyone this way. In fact, when you are a new author, sometimes people want a sneak peek. So how do you feel about teasers? Do you like quote from the book, lines from the book, one line summaries? I’ve been experimenting with teasers and would love to know what works for you.

I feel like these small bits of advertisement are my only key way to keep sales generating after something has been released for awhile.

So as a reader what do you prefer?

As an author, what has worked for you?

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http://charitywrites.blogspot.com/ Charity Bradford

http://salarsenbooks.com/ S.A. Larsen

http://www.ajlauer.net/ AJ

http://tamaranarayan.com/ Tamara Narayan

http://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ Allison Gammons

http://tanyamiranda.com/ Tanya Miranda

What To Write Next -IWSG

June 3, 2015June 4, 2015Leave a comment

It’s that time again. (Actually I am a little late) A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

I had the best idea for a post – no I really did. I figured if I wrote the post asap I wouldn’t forget. That was the plan, anyway. Than life happened and I forgot. Now I can’t remember what I thought was the next awesome idea!

Isn’t that how writing goes? You make the commitment to write. You sit down and BAM! Nothing. Or what about the fact you have too many ideas. So which do you write next? Is there one that might get you an agent, or maybe one that will get picked up as the next best seller?

Do you find yourself second guessing what was the best next choice? Or maybe you know what is the right choice, but your heart is calling for something else. What then?

I don’t have any answers. I simply know that I want to write something else. A story that isn’t in my current genre published and I worry it won’t be publishable because of market trends. Or perhaps the current fans I might have wouldn’t like it. MY Halloween story, which was paranormal and not typical to my writing, didn’t get much notice. Maybe it was because the story was themed for Halloween? I can’t say.

What about you? Do you know what the market trends are and do you write to them? Do you write whatever you want and have multiple WIPs? Or do you find yourself frustrated?

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The Failure Bug -IWSG

April 1, 2015March 29, 20151 Comment

It’s that time again. A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

Getting past the fear and failure bug. That is my issue. I am not overly confident. I don’t assume anyone likes me. I defiantly take criticism to heart. I am my own worst enemy!

Lately I have had a whole lot of new. New jobs, new clients, new books, etc. I hate the idea that nothing is guaranteed. There is no promise that everyone, or well anyone, will like what I have said or do. It’s sad that I let the fear of failure get to me. The good news is that I push through it these days. I still have that awful gnawing in the pit of my stomach, but I’ve realized that what is the worst to happen? I fail and move on.

That being said, it is one of the hardest things I have to battle. I have to push and force myself to just do it without letting the fear make me fail before I even tried.

So everyone – PUSH ON! Don’t let yourself not try. I wouldn’t have 3 anthologies under my belt and the ability to obtain work from home if I’d quit.

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Accidental Valentine Anthology – Who’s a Romantic at Heart?

February 27, 2015February 12, 20159 Comments

I hope everyone had the Valentine’s Day they imagined. What… you didn’t? Sometimes we all have grand ideas that might just have looked better in our minds. How about the authors of the latest release from Roane Publishing?

Are you a romantic at heart or completely challenged? What is the best or worst valentine’s gift you’ve given?

Claire Gillian:

I am completely challenged, but that’s mostly because I adore the most unexpected but deeply symbolic of gestures. Best and worst Valentine was when hubby sent a barbershop quartet to serenade me at work. It was sweet but very embarrassing.

Katrina Sizemore:

I’m a romantic at heart, but when it comes to thinking up fancy gifts on Valentine’s Day, I’m a bit challenged. Instead, I focus on little things all year and anticipate what might make my husband’s days brighter. Usually for Valentine’s Day we will go out for a fancy dinner, or maybe share some chocolate in front of good TV at home.

S.L. Hughson:

I am a romantic at heart but my husband is NOT inclined to play along.
The first Valentine’s Day we dated, I got him a stuffed bear wearing a t-shirt that said, “I –heart- Jeff.” He still has it sitting on his dresser – nearly 30 years later. Now THAT’S true love! And what’s more romantic than that?

Jaylee Austin:

I am a romantic at heart, I love the idea of soul mates and the dream there is that perfect person for you in your life. The greatest valentine I’ve given is a free wish of your choice that only last twenty-four hours. And then life is back to normal, dishes, time tables, and work.

Wendy Sparrow:

A few months after we were married, Valentine’s Day rolled along. I gave my husband a silver ring that I’d found and asked him to marry me. I was absurdly nervous for someone who was already married to him. He’s generally the romantic one, despite me being a romance author, but sometimes I think I do okay.

Title: Accidental Valentine

Author: Various Authors

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: February 13, 2015

Keywords: Contemporary, Romance, Valentine’s Day, Short Stories, Anthology, Sweet

Blurbs:

Guiding Hearts by Claire Gillian

Description: Is a lonely woman’s GPS sentient or is her subconscious taking her by the hand to help heal a scarred heart? When Jemma Ernst’s GPS malfunctions and sends her to the home of handsome and engaging Gabriel Nash, she writes it off as a fluke. But she can’t seem to reprogram him out of her thoughts nor her GPS.

Better Latte Than Never by Katrina Sizemore

Description: Single and cold on Valentine’s Day, Hailey Merritt is not looking forward to working all day at the coffee shop while everyone around her is cheery with romance and she’s stuck trying to figure out her next step in life. But, when a special bouquet arrives for her from a secret admirer, she decides to reserve judgment on this holiday and find whomever sent the flowers. Maybe Cupid has a plan to make this her favorite Valentine’s Day ever.

Dream Architect by S.L. Hughson

Description: Taylor and Sons Custom Design keeps ASHLIN TAYLOR at arm’s length from her dream job. If only she were a son, she could follow her architectural dream. In the Taylor creed, girls get married and boys have careers. DYLAN CUTRIGHT focuses on finishing college and landing an architectural engineering job in a large firm. Minus emotional ties. After their accidental encounter, their attraction is amplified during their work interaction. Unlike her family, Dylan encourages Ashlin to pursue her dream by enrolling in college. He even argues her case with Uncle Mike. All of this support confuses Ashlin because when she moves closer to him, he rebuffs her for reasons she can only speculate about. Valentine’s Day might be the perfect opportunity for Ashlin to make him notice her. They are working together – alone – on the most romantic day of the year. Dylan builds her dream of career, but will he ever lower his walls and become more than just the man IN her dreams?

One Hot Angel by Jaylee Austin

Description: Oblivious to Tiffany Jenkins in three short weeks her life will end—unless she makes the perfect choice. Will she chose revenge and expose her ex-husband? Or chose love and surrender her heart to the only man who can save her?

Rock My Bones by Wendy Sparrow

Description: Jared has been eyeing the sexy mural painter from inside the museum’s paleontology lab, but she’s way out of his league. He can’t let her paint that obviously misplaced fern, though…even if it means initiating contact. You could call her a paleontology groupie, but Shay Meyers is interested in a more modern specimen. An adult male Homo Sapien to be exact—one who needs to be dragged out of his lab for a practical course in mating rituals. If she’s lucky, this will be the Valentine’s Day she rocks his bones.

Purchase Links

Roane Publishing

Createspace
Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Bookstrand
Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Accidental Valentine Anthology Book Birthday!

February 13, 2015February 12, 20151 Comment

Title: Accidental Valentine

Author: Various Authors

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: February 13, 2015

Keywords: Contemporary, Romance, Valentine’s Day, Short Stories, Anthology, Sweet

Blurbs:

Guiding Hearts by Claire Gillian Description: Is a lonely woman’s GPS sentient or is her subconscious taking her by the hand to help heal a scarred heart? When Jemma Ernst’s GPS malfunctions and sends her to the home of handsome and engaging Gabriel Nash, she writes it off as a fluke. But she can’t seem to reprogram him out of her thoughts nor her GPS. Better Latte Than Never by Katrina Sizemore Description: Single and cold on Valentine’s Day, Hailey Merritt is not looking forward to working all day at the coffee shop while everyone around her is cheery with romance and she’s stuck trying to figure out her next step in life. But, when a special bouquet arrives for her from a secret admirer, she decides to reserve judgment on this holiday and find whomever sent the flowers. Maybe Cupid has a plan to make this her favorite Valentine’s Day ever. Dream Architect by S.L. Hughson Description: Taylor and Sons Custom Design keeps ASHLIN TAYLOR at arm’s length from her dream job. If only she were a son, she could follow her architectural dream. In the Taylor creed, girls get married and boys have careers. DYLAN CUTRIGHT focuses on finishing college and landing an architectural engineering job in a large firm. Minus emotional ties. After their accidental encounter, their attraction is amplified during their work interaction. Unlike her family, Dylan encourages Ashlin to pursue her dream by enrolling in college. He even argues her case with Uncle Mike. All of this support confuses Ashlin because when she moves closer to him, he rebuffs her for reasons she can only speculate about. Valentine’s Day might be the perfect opportunity for Ashlin to make him notice her. They are working together – alone – on the most romantic day of the year. Dylan builds her dream of career, but will he ever lower his walls and become more than just the man IN her dreams? One Hot Angel by Jaylee Austin Description: Oblivious to Tiffany Jenkins in three short weeks her life will end—unless she makes the perfect choice. Will she chose revenge and expose her ex-husband? Or chose love and surrender her heart to the only man who can save her? Rock My Bones by Wendy Sparrow Description: Jared has been eyeing the sexy mural painter from inside the museum’s paleontology lab, but she’s way out of his league. He can’t let her paint that obviously misplaced fern, though…even if it means initiating contact. You could call her a paleontology groupie, but Shay Meyers is interested in a more modern specimen. An adult male Homo Sapien to be exact—one who needs to be dragged out of his lab for a practical course in mating rituals. If she’s lucky, this will be the Valentine’s Day she rocks his bones.

Purchase Links

Roane Publishing

Createspace
Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Bookstrand
Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

The Color Green -IWSG

February 4, 2015February 6, 20151 Comment

It’s that time again. (Actually I am a little late) A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

The color green as in “you are green with envy” isn’t a good color for most. Don’t get me wrong, green and red are great for Christmas. Green makes grass look healthy. But jealousy isn’t a good look on anyone.

I try as I might to fight off the green monster of envy. I try not to be jealous that someone is successfully selling their books, or has a lot of reviews. I try not to be angry because a friend of my promotes someone’s business or compliments someone’s hobby and never mine.

I think the problem for me is that the jealousy is laced with hurt. Why wasn’t I good enough? Are we not friends? Did I not do enough for you? So I step back. I work hard to make my friends and family know they are all important. I try to review all the authors out there and do so kindly. I try and promote authors and friends equally (well except during a release week-special treatment is deserved for that author.) I do what I can and in the end if I am not noticed or not important enough to someone, than I suppose I step back and remember that I am not helping or being kind for anything in return. I do so, because I don’t want anyone to feel like they aren’t awesome or aren’t special. It’s just that sometimes that is easier said than done.

So I am not posting this because I want something in return. I am posting this so that people know. If I do something for you it’s because I care. I want you to know one person out there thinks you were worth the time to review or worth the happy birthday shout out. If you have hundreds of followers, two thumbs up. If you have one follower? Well I am your biggest fan. Just don’t forget to share the love with others. I guess they call it pay it forward. Share the happy feeling I gave you with someone else who needs a happy feeling too. It doesn’t cost anything to make someone smile.

So how many of you fight jealousy? I hope I’m not alone. I think everyone envies someone, even the New York Times best seller sees something they have yet to be or achieve. Human nature is complex, don’t you think?

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Support Networks/Platform Building -IWSG

January 7, 20152 Comments

It’s that time again. A post for the Insecure Writers Support Group. How fitting that I am doing a post on support systems. I’ve sold a few books, mostly to key people in my family. The surprise to me is that I have heard a few of my college sorority sisters have bought at least one of my book too. I hope they liked it and are spreading the word.

To write books and become published though, you need a bigger support system them family. Anyone else not trust your nearest and dearest when they say you’re the next big thing? Most writers don’t have a high profile author or public figure in the family to make your name a household icon. So where do you go for support to get the knowledge of business, get your book info out past your tiny support circle, maybe even find an agent, and lastly build an audience, a platform?

The internet.

Today’s author has to master the internet, unless you are a lucky member of the big publishers. Even then though, they don’t always market you. So here is where I started.

1. Find blogs of indie authors. They are hungry to share knowledge as much as they are to sell a book or two. Obviously, if they aren’t that author, they might be fun to follow still. Interact with these authors. They might tell you about a writing group, or where they started out. Writing groups that could be awesome to shift through and fine a few writing pales like http://www.scribophile.com.

2. Blog. I don’t mean that you have to share the best knowledge of stuff you don’t know or even to blog every day. I mean start a blog about whatever you do know. Ask questions and expect no answers. This is a slow process. People will find you and you will form some new friendships with people who have similar interests.

3. FACEBOOK or now Tsu, even Twitter. Interact, like pages, and follow those authors that give advice. You can actually bond with other people this way.

4. Local writing groups, conferences, and library events. Not always in that order. I rarely think a conference is worth the money for my writing career. I do however think it can be wonderful to meet other authors. Other authors can get you a submission to their agents.

5. Well – I am not sure what 5 really is yet. Once you are published a few more avenues open up. That isn’t what this post is about though.

For everyone out there, published or not. Go fourth and network. Make friends. Join blog hops. Do you have suggestions to add to this list for the unknown writer or new author?

For those looking for my giveaway, click here.

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New Year and a New …

January 3, 2015January 3, 20151 Comment

I didn’t set any goals this past New Years eve. The main reason is that I normally set myself up for failure. Why do we do that to ourselves? So although I am not setting up goals for the entire year and expecting myself to meet them, I am going to set some monthly goals to keep me going. They will all be achievable goals though. So here it goes-

For January:

1. I will finish my editing and get to the third draft of my current WIP. I’ve posted a few snippets on facebook if you are interested.

2. I will wake up at the same time every morning and work until my short little dae-er, children wake up. This could mean handling the day on a few hours of sleep. I need consistency. If it isn’t the best time, I will adjust it next month.

3. I will find another freelance position. Web site design and resume writing is great, but I need one more source of income. Any ideas?

4. My house will remain a shade better then last year. I am going to set the goal of keeping the kitchen island cleaned off. Sad goal I know.

And those folks are the goals i am setting for this month to try and improve my life. Did you do a new years resolution or do set mini goals for yourself throughout the year?

Happy Holidays Blog Hop

December 22, 2014December 29, 201414 Comments

It’s my birthday! Oh and it’s the start of the Happy Holidays Blog Hop!! Jump up and down for joy because that means giveaway time.

I am giving away an ebook copy of For the Love of Murphy Anthology. Here’s to wishing good luck to everyone in the new year! You can enter several ways: Facebook or at Rafflecopter

AND NOW the surprise giveaway. I’ll also be giving away a cute Christmas book box (US residence only.)

For the Love of Murphy Anthology

For the Love of Murphy

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: March 17, 2014

Key Words: Adult, Romance, Sweet, Contemporary, Anthology

No Wrong Turns by Lisa A. Adams

Jessica Brannah is escaping from her last heartbreak with a loaded car and a new address. But, when Murphy’s Law finds her stranded in a back country town, she realizes there’s no outrunning love.

Falling For You by Michelle Ziegler

Darci’s ready to move on. Too bad the dating pool stinks. Until, a ghost from her past resurfaces—the man she missed out on in college.

Andrew was the one man she’d always loved, but neither of them ever made a move. But, old feelings aren’t the only thing resurfacing of late. Darci’s ex comes crawling back at the most inappropriate time, and with all the testosterone flying, she might not end up with either man.

Coffee and Cufflinks by Annabelle Blume

Fresh out of a failed relationship and exhausted by a constant barrage of fiascos at work, Olivia Johnson doesn’t see the man of her dreams standing right in front of her. She tells herself the morning coffee meet-ups with Daren are nothing but coincidence, but even she can’t deny his unequivocal attractiveness. When a night entertaining clients takes a turn for the worst, and Daren shows up where she least expects him, failure starts to look more like fate.

A Slippery Slope by Rebecca Hart

Anne Montgomery is psyched for her girl’s only weekend, despite her friends’ choice of vacation locale—the snowy slopes of Harris Peak Ski Resort—where someone as notoriously accident prone as she has no business being. When Murphy’s Law finally catches up with her, Anne is forced to consider there may be times when it pays to be unlucky.

The Shamrock Incident by London Saint James

Florist, Marissa Carmichael isn’t usually a klutz, but she’s in a hurry and having a bad day. In her haste, she loses her balance and tumbles from the back room of her shop, arms flailing. Her less than graceful entrance halted by a headfirst crash into a display case chock full of silk flowers.

Trey Cleary didn’t think his day could get any worse, until he finds. himself picking the side view mirror of his BMW up from the ground. On a mission to do something about it, he locates the flower shop matching the name on the back of the van that mangled his ‘baby’. But, his car is forgotten when a beautiful woman bursts into the room like an out of control whirling dervish, and takes one mother of a wipeout into the shop’s counter. Coming to her aid brings out the hero in him like no one he’s ever encountered, and leaves him with a need to know more.

For Marissa and Trey, this just might be the one time it pays to be unlucky.