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I'm sure many of you, like me, have a Twitter account. I am able to check it a couple of times during the day and I try to post a couple of tweets. However, I feel that I am missing a large portion of my followers by not being able to have a greater presence. So, I joined (for free) www.SocialOomph.com. There are other sites out there, and I do not endorse or promote Social Oomph, it is just the first one I have tried out.
It's this simple:
1) Join and add your Twiiter account
2) Select "Schedule New Update"
3) Compose your tweet and schedule it, save it as a draft
4) Repeat if you want (limit of 12 tweets per hour)
Mind you, no one likes a spammer, so don't schedule a "buy my book" tweet every five minutes. : )
You can also create an extended profile, including pictures, videos, links, etc.
You can set up a direct welcome message for new followers ($3.97 bi-weekly fee for this) and set up auto follow for new followers of you.
Their site has many, many other capabilities, but you need to upgrade to the professional version. They do offer a free 168 hour trial of it, but bear in mind after the free trial it costs around $18 every two weeks.
Please share with us any app or site you use to help manage your Twitter account. I am looking for a version that has more free features than Social Oomph. Thanks!!!
Hey everyone! Today's post is on where to find quality ebooks for $1.99 and under! Keep in mind: If you are looking for novel length books, be sure to check the file size or page count - there are other book formats available - novellas, short stories, etc. Or, it could be a preview... Just wanted to warn everyone...
(This post is not meant to endorse or promote any particular site.)
One more thing! I have a few questions at the end of the post - your comments and advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
Okay! So, here we go! Check these out...
First, Amazon has a page for ebooks available for $3.99 or less - you have to scroll through for the deals, but it's worth it!!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000706171
99 centers at KindleFinds: http://kindlefinds.com/archives/category/99-ebooks
At the Barnes & Noble site, select the tab "Nook Books" (note: do not hightlight it and choose something from the pop up box, just click on the Nook Book button.) Then, click on the genre in the left column you are wanting, then sub-genre, then sort the list from price - low to high. This will bring up the freebies first, and up in price from there. (Example: I searched Kids > Fairy Tales & Fables > Age Group = Teen > sort price: low to high).
Free books at Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/free_ebooks (Note: Many are classics)
Top Free books at Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/lists/FreeeBooks/O58rIZjda0i9SuKaZ49-8g-1.html
Also at Kobo: Indie Authors for $0.99: http://www.kobobooks.com/lists/IndieAuthors/9a-XEaf8vkGvAj6WBfpDuw-1.html
For iPads, in the iBook app (download the app if needed), go to the store (tap the top left of the page and it should show up), then click on the "top charts" link at the bottom of the next page. On the right side will be a list of "Top Free Books".
On the Sony site: FREE books: http://ebookstore.sony.com/category/free-ebooks
They also have a Bargain Priced section where you can find some deals as well: http://ebookstore.sony.com/category/bargain-priced
(Note, you need their reader app, but it is free and you can download it easily from their site. You can also download books from your local library too!)
What other great sites have you found that have deals or a blog or site that consistantly promotes great ebook deals? Please share with us!!!
Question for other Authors and Readers: My book (eformat) is currently $5.95 (full length YA novel). I was thinking of doing a promo in May for summer teen reading (blog tour) and lowering it to $1.99. Thoughts?? Would $0.99 be better??
Hey everyone! Today's post is on where to find quality ebooks for $1.99 and under! Keep in mind: If you are looking for novel length books, be sure to check the file size or page count - there are other book formats available - novellas, short stories, etc. Or, it could be a preview... Just wanted to warn everyone...
(This post is not meant to endorse or promote any particular site.)
One more thing! I have a few questions at the end of the post - your comments and advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
Okay! So, here we go! Check these out...
First, Amazon has a page for ebooks available for $3.99 or less - you have to scroll through for the deals, but it's worth it!!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000706171
99 centers at KindleFinds: http://kindlefinds.com/archives/category/99-ebooks
At the Barnes & Noble site, select the tab "Nook Books" (note: do not hightlight it and choose something from the pop up box, just click on the Nook Book button.) Then, click on the genre in the left column you are wanting, then sub-genre, then sort the list from price - low to high. This will bring up the freebies first, and up in price from there. (Example: I searched Kids > Fairy Tales & Fables > Age Group = Teen > sort price: low to high).
Free books at Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/free_ebooks (Note: Many are classics)
Top Free books at Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/lists/FreeeBooks/O58rIZjda0i9SuKaZ49-8g-1.html
Also at Kobo: Indie Authors for $0.99: http://www.kobobooks.com/lists/IndieAuthors/9a-XEaf8vkGvAj6WBfpDuw-1.html
For iPads, in the iBook app (download the app if needed), go to the store (tap the top left of the page and it should show up), then click on the "top charts" link at the bottom of the next page. On the right side will be a list of "Top Free Books".
On the Sony site: FREE books: http://ebookstore.sony.com/category/free-ebooks
They also have a Bargain Priced section where you can find some deals as well: http://ebookstore.sony.com/category/bargain-priced
(Note, you need their reader app, but it is free and you can download it easily from their site. You can also download books from your local library too!)
What other great sites have you found that have deals or a blog or site that consistantly promotes great ebook deals? Please share with us!!!
Question for other Authors and Readers: My book (eformat) is currently $5.95 (full length YA novel). I was thinking of doing a promo in May for summer teen reading (blog tour) and lowering it to $1.99. Thoughts?? Would $0.99 be better??
Newly Released:
VEILED VIRTUES
Available from Amazon and www.museituppublishing.com in various ebook formats.
When Paige Stewart left America to house-sit in England, her only thoughts were to get away from her controlling mother and to have fun. Little did she know that her working holiday would turn into a battle between good and evil, or that she would be the epicenter of that battle. She certainly didn’t expect to be swept off her feet by a modern-day English knight. But when she discovered her childhood scars bleeding, her holiday took a turn for the eerie and dangerous, and when she ventured into the metaphysical shop run by Nathaniel Brightmore, she found much more than tarot cards and crystals.
COMPREHENSIVE BOOK MARKETING PLAN
I have updated a post I did awhile back. I hope everyone finds it useful! Jan
Start 6-12 months ahead of publishing!!!
1) Join Social Networks, then start a presence (ie: post useful stuff!) and add connections through:
(and yes, start a spreadsheet with all of your usernames and passwords!)
2) Join Social Communities about books and writing (or your area of expertise if your book is non-fiction):
- BookBlogs.ning
- SheWrites
- TheBookMarketingNetwork
- Writers Digest Community
- WritersCafe.org
- Goodreads
- KindleBoards
- Shelfari
- JacketFlap
3) Start a blog and post, post, post!
4) Get a website devoted only to your book and you as an author
5) Start an online newspaper (free at paper.li and posts updates to Twitter)
6) Obtain or create a digital book cover and banner
7) Create a book trailer if possible and post to YouTube and elsewhere
See: http://kidlitbooktrailers.ning.com/
SAMPLE: My Trailer for VEILED VIRTUES
8) Set up a blog tour (Start finding sites about 3 months prior to your release)
9) Find Reviewers: Request a review and let them know that you would also like to do an interview, giveaway or guest post. Email each potential reviewer the following:
- Title, Author, Genre, Length, Release Date, print or ebook (or both), ISBN number (if available)
- Synopsis of book
- Short excerpt
- Cover art in jpg format
- Author photo in jpg format and Author bio written in 3rd person
- Links to author's website and/or blog
- Link to video trailer if available
Here are some of the most popular, well-followed YA blog sites I found for book reviews:
www.yafantasyguide.com
www.thestorysiren.com
www.bookalicio.us
www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com
www.readergirlz.blogspot.com
www.yabookshelf.com
www.yzocaet.blogspot.com
www.novelnovice.com
www.pageturnersblog.com
www.mundiemoms.blogspot.com
www.pureimaginationblog.com
www.readingteen.net
www.lafemmereaders.blogspot.com
www.thebookishtype.blogspot.com
10) Help host blog tours / interview other authors on your site / post positive reviews for others
11) Order swag / bling (postcards, business cards, etc.) from Vistaprint. Get on their mailing list, they send out free promotions all the time!
12) Send out ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) to sites that you have set up to do reviews. In conjunction with a published review, provide excerpts, giveaways, and of course a banner with a link to where your book can be purchased. If you get postive reviews, make sure to ask the reviewer
COMPREHENSIVE BOOK MARKETING PLAN
I have updated a post I did awhile back. I hope everyone finds it useful! Jan
Start 6-12 months ahead of publishing!!!
1) Join Social Networks, then start a presence (ie: post useful stuff!) and add connections through:
(and yes, start a spreadsheet with all of your usernames and passwords!)
2) Join Social Communities about books and writing (or your area of expertise if your book is non-fiction):
- BookBlogs.ning
- SheWrites
- TheBookMarketingNetwork
- Writers Digest Community
- WritersCafe.org
- Goodreads
- KindleBoards
- Shelfari
- JacketFlap
3) Start a blog and post, post, post!
4) Get a website devoted only to your book and you as an author
5) Start an online newspaper (free at paper.li and posts updates to Twitter)
6) Obtain or create a digital book cover and banner
7) Create a book trailer if possible and post to YouTube and elsewhere
See: http://kidlitbooktrailers.ning.com/
SAMPLE: My Trailer for VEILED VIRTUES
8) Set up a blog tour (Start finding sites about 3 months prior to your release)
9) Find Reviewers: Request a review and let them know that you would also like to do an interview, giveaway or guest post. Email each potential reviewer the following:
- Title, Author, Genre, Length, Release Date, print or ebook (or both), ISBN number (if available)
- Synopsis of book
- Short excerpt
- Cover art in jpg format
- Author photo in jpg format and Author bio written in 3rd person
- Links to author's website and/or blog
- Link to video trailer if available
Here are some of the most popular, well-followed YA blog sites I found for book reviews:
www.yafantasyguide.com
www.thestorysiren.com
www.bookalicio.us
www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com
www.readergirlz.blogspot.com
www.yabookshelf.com
www.yzocaet.blogspot.com
www.novelnovice.com
www.pageturnersblog.com
www.mundiemoms.blogspot.com
www.pureimaginationblog.com
www.readingteen.net
www.lafemmereaders.blogspot.com
www.thebookishtype.blogspot.com
10) Help host blog tours / interview other authors on your site / post positive reviews for others
11) Order swag / bling (postcards, business cards, etc.) from Vistaprint. Get on their mailing list, they send out free promotions all the time!
12) Send out ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) to sites that you have set up to do reviews. In conjunction with a published review, provide excerpts, giveaways, and of course a banner with a link to where your book can be purchased. If you get postive reviews, make sure to ask the reviewer to post it on Amazon and wherever else your book is for sale.
AT RELEASE TIME:
13) Issue a press release - most below are free!
http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/Instant-Press-Release.htm
http://www.free-press-release.com
http://www.i-newswire.com
http://www.marketwire.com
www.parajunkee.com
http://www.prleap.com
http://www.pr.com
http://www.pressmethod.com
http://www.speedypr.com
14) Trade site and book links with other authors
15) Hit your local media! Radio stations, newspapers, magazines and even television!
16) Go on your blog tour!! Share posts with others
17) Check out BlogAds.com - you might find some cheap advertising spots!
18) Get on release lists: (the below are YA ones)
www.thebookbreeze.com/For_Authors.html
www.mundiemoms.blogspot.com
www.yabookscentral.com
www.yalit.com
www.teanreads.com
www.novelnovice.com
www.yareads.com
www.mightyape.com.au/Books/Childrens-Books/Fiction/young-adult-roma...
19) Throw a launch party at your favorite hang out
20) Check into local book festivals or events to see if you can get a table or be a speaker
21) Be a speaker at schools
22) Advertise on websites: (below are geared toward YA or fantasy). Prices range from $6 to $150 per month.
www.thestorysiren.com
www.yabookscentral.com
www.pageturnersblog.com
www.parajunkee.com
www.bookshelvesofdoom.blogs.com
www.emilysreadingroom.blogspot.com
www.teenreadstoo.com
www.words-that-sparkle.com
www.thebookbreeze.com/For_Authors.html
www.YAreads.com
www.yafantasyguide.com
So, print and keep this!!! Also, see my previous posts on expanded information on many of these topics.
Does anyone have any other points to add? GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RELEASE!!! Jan
@veiledvirtues
So, we all know about Amazon and Barnes & Noble online for buying E-books, but what other sites are out there? And can they be trusted? I am with MuseItUp Publishing, ad they offer their books not only on their own website, Amazon and B&N, but also the following list of sites. It might be worth it to browse around these sites and see if they have any good free downloads, giveaways, or the always popular 99 cent and $1.99 downloads:
So, we all know about Amazon and Barnes & Noble online for buying E-books, but what other sites are out there? And can they be trusted? I am with MuseItUp Publishing, ad they offer their books not only on their own website, Amazon and B&N, but also the following list of sites. It might be worth it to browse around these sites and see if they have any good free downloads, giveaways, or the always popular 99 cent and $1.99 downloads:
Another popular site is www.ebooks.com
What is your favorite site? Any you would stay away from? Any good deals to share? Tips or tricks?
Have a great week! Cheers! Jan
Shameless self promo:
Just released Friday! YA romantic fantasy VEILED VIRTUES.
Yes, modern day English knights indeed exist...
When Paige Stewart left America to house-sit in England, her only thoughts were to get away from her controlling mother and to have fun. Little did she know that her working holiday would turn into a battle between good and evil, or that she would be the epicenter of that battle. She certainly didn’t expect to be swept off her feet by a modern-day English knight. But when blood appeared on her keyboard and she discovered her childhood scars bleeding, her holiday took a turn for the eerie and dangerous, and when she ventured into the metaphysical shop run by Nathaniel Brightmore, she found much more than tarot cards and crystals.
(click on cover to go to amazon, or click HERE for an excerpt.)
How to Make Your Own Video Trailer!
The following post is by Joanna Penn and is located on page 26 of Savvy Book Marketing Secrets, a FREE ebook available when you sign up for the Book Marketing Maven's newsletter - I highly recommend it! http://bookmarketingmaven.typepad.com/ezine/welcome.html
Fyi, here's my video trailer for Veiled Virtues, coming out in Feburary...
Book Video Trailers: 11 Steps to Make Your Own
by Joanna Penn
Book video trailers are videos posted online and distributed via video networking sites like YouTube. These can be big budget blockbuster movie clips, or budget MovieMaker slides to musicYou can make it an advert or a social media fun clip that people want to watch. It can be a human interest story made more like a documentary. It can be a cartoon. Essentially, it is anything you want it to be. Anything that catches people‘s attention.
You can get a professional to make you one or you can make your own for little or no moneyI made my book video trailer at http://bit.ly/bookvideotrailer with Windows Movie Maker (which is on most PCs). It took me several hours but was essentially free, and you don‘t have to be too techy to make one too.
1. Research other book video trailers that are similar to what you would like to do. Just search for book trailers on YouTube. Decide what you like and don‘t like (and what is within your capacity and budget).
2. Write a brief script for the trailer so you can get it straight in your head and understand what images and text you will need (I just did this on Microsoft Word).
3. Find and download images to match your words. You can use your own or get free ones online by googling ―royalty free photo. I use iStockPhoto which I find easy to use with a variety of pictures and I did pay a small amount for some photos. You can also use movie clips (which I am still learning about!)
4. Import the pictures into Windows MovieMaker. (File -> Import Media)
5. Order the pictures. Drag them into the movie bar at the bottom of the screen in the order you want. Right click and Cut to remove again. Basic drag and drop functionality. Remember to save regularly!
6. Add script by clicking on the picture in the movie bar and then clicking Edit -> Titles and Credits. You can add text in various styles, colours and transition effects here. You can add text before, on top of or after your pictures.
7. Edit. Once you have got the basic pictures and text setup, see how long your movie is. Most book trailers are no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds. Edit as necessary by clicking and dragging the size of the boxes to shorten the time frame they show on the screen.
8. Find music to match the length of your movie (or cut to fit). I used SoundSnap.com but you can google ―royalty free music to find other sites. I searched on audio length within classical music and listened to a few before choosing.
9. Check you are happy with everything and then Publish your movie to your computer.
10. Find tags. Now you have a file you can publish it to the internet movie sites to get some viewers. You need to know what tags you want to add to your video when you upload it, so I suggest you also research what people are searching on in your genre. I use Google Keyword Search which has a number of tools and recommended related words
11. Upload your video to appropriate sites. I have loaded mine to YouTube and Google Video so far. It takes some time per site, unless you use a video submission site like TubeMogul.com or TrafficGeyser, which is expensive and really only for companies with lots of video
You can submit manually to sites like Revver, MySpaceTV, Metacafe, Yahoo Video, Book Trailers, AuthorsDen. No doubt there are many more! Remember to also use the embed links to post to your own website, blog and social networking sites
Have you had any promotional success with book video trailers? Where do you post them online?
About the Author
Joanna Penn is an author and blogger at The Creative Penn: Writing, self-publishing, print-on-demand, internet sales and promotion . . .for your book at http://www.thecreativepenn.com/. For more information on how to use Web 2.0 to write, publish, sell and promote your books, get your FREE Author 2.0 Blueprint at http://bit.ly/i7L823
VEILED VIRTUES comes out February 10th!!! Here's my cover! It is by Kaytalin Platt at MuseItUp PublishingI love it!!!
VEILED VIRTUES comes out February 10th!!! Here's my cover! It is by Kaytalin Platt at MuseItUp PublishingI love it!!!
Found this great list of hashtags for Twitter here: http://twainwannabe.blogspot.com/p/resources-for-writers.html
This is a 'print and keep' post! Also info on deciphering twitter speak below, as well as how to find followers!
Hashtags:
Self-Publishing:
#selfpub
#pubtips
#indie
#indiauthors
#pubwrite
#tradpub
#mywana
#epub
#smashwords
#bookmarket
#bookmarketing
Writing:
#writers
#amwriting
#writetip
#NaNoWriMo
#amediting
#authors
Genre Specific:
#fantasy
#paranormalromance
#paranormal
#scifi
#YA
#urbanfantasy
"Groups":
#shewrites
#bookblogs
#yalitchat
#writersdigest
#WD
#goodreads
#savvyauthors
#kindle
#tumblr
#stumble
Finding Followers:
Tweepz.com lets you limit searches to specific parts of Twitter’s user information (like name, bio, and location), filter results by follower/following numbers, location, and other extracted terms, and greatly improves on the layout of the search results.
TweepSearch.com lets you search by Twitter name or location, or search a specific username to get a list of all friends and followers.
WeFollow.com is a Twitter user directory that organizes people by hashtags. WeFollow is user-generated and anyone can add themselves by tweeting @wefollow with three #hashtags that describe them.
Twubble recommends people to follow by spidering the people you’re already following and recommending users that they’re following. The idea is that the people you’re following are interesting to you, so if more than one of them are also following another person, that person might also be interesting.
Deciphering TwitterSpeak:
http://mashable.com/2008/11/15/twitterspeak/
www.twittonary.com
www.twictionary.com
Here is a list I've compiled of some of the best paranormal / fantasy / romance combo YA books of 2011!! Most are geared toward a female audience. Please share your suggestions in the comments section! We always love to hear what you think! (of course, I am hoping my YA book coming out in February, VEILED VIRTUES, gets on the 2012 list!!!) : )
(In no particular order)
Stand-alone books / first books of a series:
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Divergent by Veronica Roth (#1 in this new series)
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (#1 in this new series)
The Goddess Test by Aimee Larter
Delerium by Lauren Oliver
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater 
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson 
The Iron KIng by Julie Kagawa
Wither by Lauren DeStefano 
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 
Firelight by Sophie Jordan 
Chime by Frannie Billingsley 
Series Books:
Crossed by Ally Condie (#2 in the Matched series)
Torment by Lauren Kate (#2 in the Fallen series) 
Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (#2 in the Nightshade series)
If I Die by Rachel Vincent (#5 in the Soul Screamers series) 
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (#2 in the Infernal Devices series)
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (#3 in the Hush Hush series)
Illusions by Aprilynne Pike (#3 in the Wings series) 
Please note: I do not endorse or recommend any particular book listed here. Books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and various other sites, as well as your local bookseller! Images courtesey of Amazon.com.
I am excited to share with everyone a guest interview with author and lyricist Bridget Straub! She is one awesome, busy lady! Bridget has co-written the musical “Room to Grow” with Laura Hall. She has her own blog at bridgetstraub.com and has written guest posts for several other bloggers while also blogging for the Studio City Patch. She has completed four novels. The first, “Searching for My Wand” will be published in December 2011. Congratulations Bridget!!!
“Searching for My Wand” is an adult novel about Glenda, who was named (incorrectly) after Glinda the Good Witch and therefore, subconsciously, has spent her entire life trying to live up to the reputation of a fictional character. To the outside world, she’s succeeding. She appears to have it all, the perfect husband, two beautiful little girls, a nice house, good friends and a dog name Bono! To Glenda, it’s not all that it’s all cracked up to be. Life throws her some unexpected curves and her world begins to unravel.
Through laughter and tears, Glenda tells the story of how this good witch is searching for her wand and is coming out stronger than ever.
Bridget has shared a short except at the end of her interview!!! PLUS, the book trailer is down at the end of my post. Check it out!!
~Interview With Bridget Straub~
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I clearly remember writing antiwar poems when I was eight. (Jan: “Peace is the power, girl!”) I knew I was a writer when my mom became concerned and asked if I was depressed. That let me know that my words had power, and had relayed the emotion I was trying to convey. She was worried, but I was elated.
What inspired you to write your book?
Funnily enough I was depressed. We had lost our house due to the recession (as well as a corrupt landlord) and we were living in a dark apartment with some less than desirable neighbors. I was listening to some music, trying to drowned out the neighbors. The song I was listening to is called The Moment and was written by my friend, Laura Hall (Jan: “The pianist from Whose Line is it Anyway”). It starts out, “This is a moment, like any other moment, most ordinary and every day.” It goes on to question whether or not that moment could be a defining moment, such as the moment when you decide to change your life. I find it fascinating that in a way that was a defining moment for me. I began thinking about such moments and somehow the character of Glenda, a woman named after Glinda the Good Witch popped into my head. Why, I don’t know, but that lead me to wonder what it would be like to try to live up to a fictional character. From there the book took off.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I can honestly say there was nothing hard about this book. I wrote it in three days. It just flew out of me and I was as stunned as anyone about some of the things that happen in it. (Jan: “Holy Cowabunga Batman! Three days?”
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned to follow my instincts and allow the book to write itself. You can always go back and change things when it’s all said and done but if a character wants to go in a direction you hadn’t intended, let them play it out. (Jan: “I totally agree. One of my characters recently told me to chop off his arm, so I did!�
I am excited to share with everyone a guest interview with author and lyricist Bridget Straub! She is one awesome, busy lady! Bridget has co-written the musical “Room to Grow” with Laura Hall. She has her own blog at bridgetstraub.com and has written guest posts for several other bloggers while also blogging for the Studio City Patch. She has completed four novels. The first, “Searching for My Wand” will be published in December 2011. Congratulations Bridget!!!
“Searching for My Wand” is an adult novel about Glenda, who was named (incorrectly) after Glinda the Good Witch and therefore, subconsciously, has spent her entire life trying to live up to the reputation of a fictional character. To the outside world, she’s succeeding. She appears to have it all, the perfect husband, two beautiful little girls, a nice house, good friends and a dog name Bono! To Glenda, it’s not all that it’s all cracked up to be. Life throws her some unexpected curves and her world begins to unravel.
Through laughter and tears, Glenda tells the story of how this good witch is searching for her wand and is coming out stronger than ever.
Bridget has shared a short except at the end of her interview!!! PLUS, the book trailer is down at the end of my post. Check it out!!
~Interview With Bridget Straub~
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I clearly remember writing antiwar poems when I was eight. (Jan: “Peace is the power, girl!”) I knew I was a writer when my mom became concerned and asked if I was depressed. That let me know that my words had power, and had relayed the emotion I was trying to convey. She was worried, but I was elated.
What inspired you to write your book?
Funnily enough I was depressed. We had lost our house due to the recession (as well as a corrupt landlord) and we were living in a dark apartment with some less than desirable neighbors. I was listening to some music, trying to drowned out the neighbors. The song I was listening to is called The Moment and was written by my friend, Laura Hall (Jan: “The pianist from Whose Line is it Anyway”). It starts out, “This is a moment, like any other moment, most ordinary and every day.” It goes on to question whether or not that moment could be a defining moment, such as the moment when you decide to change your life. I find it fascinating that in a way that was a defining moment for me. I began thinking about such moments and somehow the character of Glenda, a woman named after Glinda the Good Witch popped into my head. Why, I don’t know, but that lead me to wonder what it would be like to try to live up to a fictional character. From there the book took off.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I can honestly say there was nothing hard about this book. I wrote it in three days. It just flew out of me and I was as stunned as anyone about some of the things that happen in it. (Jan: “Holy Cowabunga Batman! Three days?”
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned to follow my instincts and allow the book to write itself. You can always go back and change things when it’s all said and done but if a character wants to go in a direction you hadn’t intended, let them play it out. (Jan: “I totally agree. One of my characters recently told me to chop off his arm, so I did!”)
Do you have any advice for other writers?
If you enjoy writing, do it. Don’t waste your time worrying about what others will think of it. Your first audience is yourself and chances are that if you really love your characters then someone else will too. That said; this is not an easy profession and you have to know how much you can put up with. I chose self-publishing because I don’t have the patience to write dozens of query letters just to get an agent to agree to read my book, and then still have to wait a year or more to see it get published. The more I read about traditional publishing and how much of the promotion you have to do yourself anyway, the more I concluded I would rather have total control.
Thank you for sharing some great insights with us Bridget!! And now, a sneak peak at “Searching for My Wand”! Sounds like a really, really great read!!!
CHAPTER ONE
My name is Glenda, and all of my life I have been teased because of it. No one can resist bringing up Glenda the Good Witch. The thing is, the good witch is named Glinda, not Glenda. I could say that I don’t know what my mother was thinking when she named me, but unfortunately I do. She was thinking of Glinda the Good Witch, and just like everyone else, missed the proper pronunciation. She had always been intrigued by the idea that there could be a good witch and she found Glenda to be more level headed than Samantha Stevens of “Bewitched”, so there you go. My father readily admits that they neglected to mention my mother’s insanity when filling out the adoption forms.
The point is, that I am neither good, nor a witch. I am 33 years old and married to Adam, but I am sleeping with Paul again. I have two little girls that I love. I have a big house that a year ago, or more likely two, would have been worth well over a million dollars. I have been published and am a member of the PTA. At the moment I am also suicidal, but I know it will pass. It always does. I’ve told Paul (again) that I won’t be seeing him anymore. He’s told me that I don’t mean it. I’ve told him that I love Adam and my girls. He’s told me he does too. I’ve told him that I can’t live like this. He’s told me that he can’t live any other way. We are seriously screwed up.
And now, the trailer!!!!
Hi CK! Today, I want to welcome one awesome lady - C.K. Volnek!! Her new tween horse story, A Horse Called Trouble debuts this Friday, December 16, 2011.
Thanks for joining us today! Can you tell us a little bit about your new book?
Hi Jan, thanks so much for having me. First, I want to tell your readers I’m hosting a free give-away. Leave me a comment and I’ll select one reader to win a FREE e-copy of A Horse Called Trouble.
Now, you asked me to tell you a bit about my book, A Horse Called Trouble. It’s a tween horse story about a girl who must overcome her abusive past to save the defiant horse who taught her to love and trust again.
A Horse Called Trouble
Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Tara Cummings has been passed from foster home to foster home; not wanted anywhere by anyone. At thirteen she’s skeptic and suspicious, with no family, and no friends.
Horse therapy “will teach trust, perseverance, respect, and the value of teamwork,” or so says the program’s instructor. Tara is unconvinced. Trust only broke her heart, perseverance meant more failures, and no one respects or wants to team up with the misfit foster kid.
At the farm, Tara meets Trouble, an angry and defiant horse, bent on destroying everything and everyone around him. Tara is frightened of the enraged horse, until she realizes Trouble is as misunderstood and untrusting as she is. Pushing aside her fear, a special bond is formed, much to the surprise of everyone at the farm. Trouble trusts Tara, and Tara in turn finds hope and acceptance as well as the will to love and trust again herself.
But, Tara’s confidence is shaken as an even greater challenge looms ahead. Trouble’s mean and manipulative owner is the one and only Alissa, Tara’s nemesis. Can Tara overcome her own limitations and fight to save the horse who freed her heart and gave her life value and meaning? Or will Alissa destroy them both?
Where did you get the idea for your book?
I have always loved horses. Such marvelous creatures they are. Proud, elegant, powerful yet gentle and compassionate. I was fortunate enough to be able to call several of these magnificent animals my friend and confidant as I grew up.
I knew I wanted to immortalize some of my treasured equine friends but I never expected to write the story of Trouble in such a fashion as I did. It was after visiting a horse farm that also entertained a horse therapy program for troubled youth that the story sky-rocketed. Tara came to life and shared her entire sad story with me and I couldn’t help but oblige and put it down on paper. And Trouble? He’s a mix of several of the horses I knew. Full of spunk, spirit, trust and devotion. It’s a horse story, full of conflict, with antagonists you’ll love seeing get what they deserve.
You mention horse therapy in this story. How did you research this?
Researching this type of Horse Therapy program was really interesting. I was fortunate to be able to spend time at Take Flight Farm and witness their Horse Therapy progra
Hi CK! Today, I want to welcome one awesome lady - C.K. Volnek!! Her new tween horse story, A Horse Called Trouble debuts this Friday, December 16, 2011.
Thanks for joining us today! Can you tell us a little bit about your new book?
Hi Jan, thanks so much for having me. First, I want to tell your readers I’m hosting a free give-away. Leave me a comment and I’ll select one reader to win a FREE e-copy of A Horse Called Trouble.
Now, you asked me to tell you a bit about my book, A Horse Called Trouble. It’s a tween horse story about a girl who must overcome her abusive past to save the defiant horse who taught her to love and trust again.
A Horse Called Trouble
Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Tara Cummings has been passed from foster home to foster home; not wanted anywhere by anyone. At thirteen she’s skeptic and suspicious, with no family, and no friends.
Horse therapy “will teach trust, perseverance, respect, and the value of teamwork,” or so says the program’s instructor. Tara is unconvinced. Trust only broke her heart, perseverance meant more failures, and no one respects or wants to team up with the misfit foster kid.
At the farm, Tara meets Trouble, an angry and defiant horse, bent on destroying everything and everyone around him. Tara is frightened of the enraged horse, until she realizes Trouble is as misunderstood and untrusting as she is. Pushing aside her fear, a special bond is formed, much to the surprise of everyone at the farm. Trouble trusts Tara, and Tara in turn finds hope and acceptance as well as the will to love and trust again herself.
But, Tara’s confidence is shaken as an even greater challenge looms ahead. Trouble’s mean and manipulative owner is the one and only Alissa, Tara’s nemesis. Can Tara overcome her own limitations and fight to save the horse who freed her heart and gave her life value and meaning? Or will Alissa destroy them both?
Where did you get the idea for your book?
I have always loved horses. Such marvelous creatures they are. Proud, elegant, powerful yet gentle and compassionate. I was fortunate enough to be able to call several of these magnificent animals my friend and confidant as I grew up.
I knew I wanted to immortalize some of my treasured equine friends but I never expected to write the story of Trouble in such a fashion as I did. It was after visiting a horse farm that also entertained a horse therapy program for troubled youth that the story sky-rocketed. Tara came to life and shared her entire sad story with me and I couldn’t help but oblige and put it down on paper. And Trouble? He’s a mix of several of the horses I knew. Full of spunk, spirit, trust and devotion. It’s a horse story, full of conflict, with antagonists you’ll love seeing get what they deserve.
You mention horse therapy in this story. How did you research this?
Researching this type of Horse Therapy program was really interesting. I was fortunate to be able to spend time at Take Flight Farm and witness their Horse Therapy program for troubled youths first hand. It’s incredible what they do, utilizing the magnificent horses to teach kids the value of respect, teamwork and trust. I know from personal experience how a horse can turn an irritable, scowling teenager into a calm, caring softie. Horses can also build a person’s confidence…and who can’t use a good dose of self-confidence?
What message do you hope readers will take away from A Horse Called Trouble?
After reading my story, I hope my readers will understand the importance of believing in and standing up for oneself as well as following your dreams. Don’t let the traps of society rule you. You may only be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.
I also hope my readers learn to not judge others before they really get to know them. Too many times, society seems to judge a person for what they have or have not and not for who they are. I hope my readers will understand this and give everyone a chance before hastily judging them.
You also had another book come out last September called Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island. Can you tell us a little bit about this book?
Thanks for asking. Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island is a tween ghost story with a twist of Native American folklore and based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island.
Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island
In 1587, 117 colonists disappeared from Roanoke Island without a trace, leaving behind not only unanswered questions, but a terrifying evil.
Now it’s up to twelve year-old Jack Dahlgren to unravel the age-old mystery and save his family from the hateful beast that haunts the island.
With the help of newfound friend, Manny, a Native American shaman, and an elusive Giant Mastiff, Jack must piece together the clues of the Lost Colony to discover what really happened. Shrouded in ancient Native American folklore, it's up to Jack to uncover what the evil is and why it haunts his island. But can he destroy it...before it destroys him?
Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island is now available in both e-book and print on Amazon.
What advice would you like to give to young people who want to write?
There are two important elements I would like to stress to young writers…
One - Believe in yourself. We are our own worst enemy. I still find times where I will doubt myself. I’ll read a really great book, one so good I can’t imagine my stories ever comparing. But that’s when my characters jump in and give me a good kick in the behind and remind me of one of my favorite quotes … To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. Your story might be the saving grace to one person out there. YOU have a story to tell and no one else can tell it for you. If you don’t write it, it won’t get written.
Two – Never give up! No matter what. Write, write, write and write some more. Put one story to bed and move onto another. Don’t let your muse shrivel up. She can cause you great distress if you don’t let her out to play and she will starve if you don’t feed her.
Where can readers find you?
Thanks so much for having me today. I’d love to have your readers contact me at ckvolnek (at) yahoo (dot) com.
They can join me on my web page: www.ckvolnek.com, or visit me at my blog: www.ckvolnek.com/blog.html.
They can also find me on Facebook (C.K. Volnek) or Twitter (CKVolnek), Good Reads and Jacket Flap.
My book trailers are on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyJ1J9wESEY
My books are available at the MuseItUp Book Store:
http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=159&category_id=10&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
as well as Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Called-Trouble-C-Volnek/dp/0615572170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323408316&sr=8-1
and many other fine book locations on-line.
Thank you for joining us C.K. and sharing so much with us!
Thanks so much for having me here today, Jan. I look forward to awarding one FREE e-book to one of your lucky readers who leave me a comment!
C.K. Volnek
So, you have a facebook and twitter account, but where else should you be online to increase your name recognition and promote youself and your book?? Here are some great sites I have found: (Remember, the more places you are in cyberworld, the greater your marketability! (Note: These are all FREE!!)
General Sites - not geared specifically towards writing or books:
LinkedIn - make professional connections and network
Youtube - share videos
MySpace - connect with friends
Tumblr - information sharing site
StumbleUpon - information sharing site
Chime In- similar to tumblr and StumbleUpon
Connect.me- you 'vouch' for people - in beta phase, but looks promising.
Sites geared towards writers and books:
Of course, we are here at BookBlogs which has over 14,500 members!! Make sure to join groups that interest you or coincide with your purpose. You can find almost any resource you need, so before resorting to google, check around here first, where you can find a broad range of extremely useful information!
SheWrites has over 17,500 members as of today and many great groups as well. It's format is very similar to BookBlogs so you don't need to learn a whole new format. They are also a wonderful resource for information on numerous topics for writers, readers, and people in the biz.
Shelfari (by Amazon) is another social community, but it is set up differently than the sites above. It seems more geared towards readers, but there are also groups for writers and others. You will need to spend some time setting up your profile. I couldn't find a member count, but they have a ton of members. Once you are published, you can get a special 'author' tag. Similar sites are Goodreads, LibraryThing and WeRead.
WriteSocial.com is a site geared more towards craft. According to their site: "WriteSocial.com is a community where writers of all types can submit and review written material. Learn more about your craft with daily feeds consisting of news and advice on various styles of writing. Get feedback from fellow WriteSocial members consisting of established and amateur writers. Create and/or join writing groups to discuss and further your development as a writer." I do not have experience with them, does anyone out there know more? Is this site helpful?
I just recently joined the community at Writer's Digest. It is very similar to BookBlogs and SheWrites as well. I believe it has over 10,000 members and the groups are good too.
WritersCafe has a large following (one poetry group alone had over 12,000 members). I just joined them and haven't done anything yet, but it looks very similar to BookBlogs, but with an added "my writing" component where you can post stuff you write and can search others' writings too. It has other features too, like free co
So, you have a facebook and twitter account, but where else should you be online to increase your name recognition and promote youself and your book?? Here are some great sites I have found: (Remember, the more places you are in cyberworld, the greater your marketability! (Note: These are all FREE!!)
General Sites - not geared specifically towards writing or books:
LinkedIn - make professional connections and network
Youtube - share videos
MySpace - connect with friends
Tumblr - information sharing site
StumbleUpon - information sharing site
Chime In- similar to tumblr and StumbleUpon
Connect.me- you 'vouch' for people - in beta phase, but looks promising.
Sites geared towards writers and books:
Of course, we are here at BookBlogs which has over 14,500 members!! Make sure to join groups that interest you or coincide with your purpose. You can find almost any resource you need, so before resorting to google, check around here first, where you can find a broad range of extremely useful information!
SheWrites has over 17,500 members as of today and many great groups as well. It's format is very similar to BookBlogs so you don't need to learn a whole new format. They are also a wonderful resource for information on numerous topics for writers, readers, and people in the biz.
Shelfari (by Amazon) is another social community, but it is set up differently than the sites above. It seems more geared towards readers, but there are also groups for writers and others. You will need to spend some time setting up your profile. I couldn't find a member count, but they have a ton of members. Once you are published, you can get a special 'author' tag. Similar sites are Goodreads, LibraryThing and WeRead.
WriteSocial.com is a site geared more towards craft. According to their site: "WriteSocial.com is a community where writers of all types can submit and review written material. Learn more about your craft with daily feeds consisting of news and advice on various styles of writing. Get feedback from fellow WriteSocial members consisting of established and amateur writers. Create and/or join writing groups to discuss and further your development as a writer." I do not have experience with them, does anyone out there know more? Is this site helpful?
I just recently joined the community at Writer's Digest. It is very similar to BookBlogs and SheWrites as well. I believe it has over 10,000 members and the groups are good too.
WritersCafe has a large following (one poetry group alone had over 12,000 members). I just joined them and haven't done anything yet, but it looks very similar to BookBlogs, but with an added "my writing" component where you can post stuff you write and can search others' writings too. It has other features too, like free courses - and you can post your own courses!
I am also a member of JacketFlap. It is geared towards YA and children's lit. I like this site because it can link to your blog and automatically updates it! It is easy to maneuver around and you can add lots of stuff in your page. According to their site, "JacketFlap is a comprehensive resource for information on the children's book industry. Thousands of published authors, illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, and publishers visit JacketFlap every day." They also claim to have the world's largest database of information on publishers of children's books. This is a place worth checking out!
YALITCHAT is also very similar to BookBlogs in how it is set up. If you are in the YA market, this site would be good for you.
Wordpress
SavvyAuthors
Kindle Boards
Wattpad
Other Sites:
Cafe Press: Start your own store!
Paper.li - Start your own newspaper!
Google+
SMPK - Social Marketing Press Kit (NOT free - it is I believe $10.95)
Flickr
Foursquare
Gaia Online
Google Buzz
LiveJournal
Meetup.com
What other sites do you recommend?? Any that you would avoid?
How to Make Your Own Video Trailer!
The following post is by Joanna Penn and is located on page 26 of Savvy Book Marketing Secrets, a FREE ebook available when you sign up for the Book Marketing Maven's newsletter - I highly recommend it! http://bookmarketingmaven.typepad.com/ezine/welcome.html
Fyi, here's my video trailer for Veiled Virtues, coming out in Feburary...
Book Video Trailers: 11 Steps to Make Your Own
by Joanna Penn
Book video trailers are videos posted online and distributed via video networking sites like YouTube. These can be big budget blockbuster movie clips, or budget MovieMaker slides to musicYou can make it an advert or a social media fun clip that people want to watch. It can be a human interest story made more like a documentary. It can be a cartoon. Essentially, it is anything you want it to be. Anything that catches people‘s attention.
You can get a professional to make you one or you can make your own for little or no moneyI made my book video trailer at http://bit.ly/bookvideotrailer with Windows Movie Maker (which is on most PCs). It took me several hours but was essentially free, and you don‘t have to be too techy to make one too.
1. Research other book video trailers that are similar to what you would like to do. Just search for book trailers on YouTube. Decide what you like and don‘t like (and what is within your capacity and budget).
2. Write a brief script for the trailer so you can get it straight in your head and understand what images and text you will need (I just did this on Microsoft Word).
3. Find and download images to match your words. You can use your own or get free ones online by googling ―royalty free photo. I use iStockPhoto which I find easy to use with a variety of pictures and I did pay a small amount for some photos. You can also use movie clips (which I am still learning about!)
4. Import the pictures into Windows MovieMaker. (File -> Import Media)
5. Order the pictures. Drag them into the movie bar at the bottom of the screen in the order you want. Right click and Cut to remove again. Basic drag and drop functionality. Remember to save regularly!
6. Add script by clicking on the picture in the movie bar and then clicking Edit -> Titles and Credits. You can add text in various styles, colours and transition effects here. You can add text before, on top of or after your pictures.
7. Edit. Once you have got the basic pictures and tex
Hello! Today I have YA author Jo Ramsey joining us with a post! She is contracted with Jupiter Gardens Press and Featherweight Press! Cluing In was released November 9. She also has a series called Reality Shift, and book 5, From the Ashes, just released on November 17. If you haven't started the Reality Shift series, you can get books 1 and 2, Connection and Filtration System, as a set at a reduced price for the holidays HERE!!!!
Take it away, Jo!!
Anyone Can Be a Hero
I’ve known a lot of teenagers who think they aren’t anything special. They live their lives, maybe play sports, maybe fight with their parents or siblings. They do their schoolwork—or not—and think about the future—or not. And they figure that they’re just average and boring. They definitely don’t think they’re heroes.
Maybe my definition of hero is a little broader than other people’s, but I know a lot of heroes. Teens and adults.
I know a teenage boy who is gay and has to hide it from his family because he’s afraid they won’t accept him. He’s bullied at school for “looking gay.” But he’s one of the most cheerful kids I know generally, an A student, and cares a lot about his friends. I consider him a hero.
A teenage girl I know is involved with her school’s Day of Silence and Spread the Word to End the Word campaigns. (Day of Silence is in support of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, etc.; Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign to stop people from using the word “retard.”) She and her friends just started a new group at their school dedicated to stopping bullying. She has anxiety disorder and has been through some difficult times in her life, but her first thought is usually about how to help others. I consider her a hero.
Another girl I know has high-functioning autism (Asperger’s Syndrome). She isn’t always sure how to interact with other people, and the “rules” of social behavior are a little beyond her. But she’s a good listener to her friends, has a wonderful sense of humor, and is always offering to
What is a SMPK? It is a button you can add to your signature (or anywhere) that takes the user to a page the contains all the places you are on the web via one-click! Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Your Blog, YouTube, etc. Plus, you can imbed a video and info about you and your work, a profile pic, and some one-click links to other places too (like a buy link for your book, your publisher, etc.) It also has a twitter feed of your tweets The site is http://whywebpr.com/
It is NOT free - I believe it is $10.95 for your button and page, but I thought that was pretty cheap to create a page dedicated to where people can find me on the web. It looks professional and is totally customizable. Here is mine, check it out and see if you would like to create yours! http://whywebpr.com/veiledvirtues/
I created my 'logo' on vistaprint.com as a business card (I didn't buy it), but put it in my cart, previewed it, and saved the image to my computer to use as my 'logo'.
Let me know your thoughts! Question? Just ask!!! Cheers!!! Jan
PS: Here's my SMPK button, click on it to take you to my page to see what it is like:
Hey everyone! I just joined Tumblr today and made a home page and a blog. If you are on Tumblr, please share you link so I and others can find you. I'd be happy to trade follows on there, since I have none so far! : ) Also, I am wondering what to put on it??? What have you guys done with your Tumblr pages? Please share!!! Cheers! Jan
Moi (ny book, Veiled Virtues): http://veiledvirtues.tumblr.com/
Blog: http://knightowlblog.tumblr.com/
Please share your twitter handle with everyone, so we know who you are and that we should follow you!!! We did this on SheWrites and it was a huge success!!! @veiledvirtues (Jan Fischer Wade) http://twitter.com/#!/VeiledVirtues
Today I am interviewing Rochelle Weber, author of the newly released ROCK CRAZY! 
She is opening up about her background, suffering from bi-polar disease that leads to rage attacks, her new book AND some fabulous writing tips!
Thanks for being with us today! I am just going to jump right in and start asking questions!
JF-W: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
RIW: Although I wrote my first story in second grade and then wrote more when I was in high school, I never thought of myself as a writer until I started working at a radio station in Charleston, South Carolina. I was the receptionist/secretary and I started just before they held the first Spoleto Festival there. It was amazing! I had a Press Pass and I got to attend concerts, the opening of Gian Carlo Menotti’s newest opera, and the day-long grand finale that was held at one of the antebellum plantations, a wing of which survived the Civil War because a Union General commandeered it for his headquarters. That week, I was writing home about the festival and I let one of our producers see the letter. She said, “Rochelle! You can write! I feel like I’m there!” She became my mentor and encouraged me to go back to college. I started writing all of the press releases for the station, scripts for radio programs, and I even took over our church’s column in a local weekly newspaper.
JF-W: That’s wonderful someone was there to encourage you. What happened after that?
RIW: When my husband got out of the Navy, however, we went on the road. I became extremely depressed. He worked outages at various nuclear power plants and we weren’t in any one place long enough for me to work or go back to school, and after six years of him being at sea, I didn’t want to stay home alone in Charleston. It was a terrible time and I didn’t write at all.
JF-W: Tell us about Rock Crazy.
RIW: Katie McGowan is bi-polar, and she’s run the gamut of medications, but nothing works anymore. Everyone says her she should have a microchip implanted in her brain that can regulate her mood swings. But Katie doesn’t want to be a robot. In a tough love move, her husband, Scott takes her to the Moon—and dumps her. Katie’s stuck on that God-forsaken “rock,” and thinks she’s space sick. But she’s wrong; she’s pregnant. Now the surgery’s too dangerous and she has to go off her meds until the baby’s born. Scott’s elated that he’s going to be a father and assumes Katie will take him back. He has no clue how badly he’s hurt her, how thoroughly he’s broken her trust—or that he may not get her back at all.
JF-W: Are experiences in your book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
RIW: This book is very autobiographical. As I said, my ex worked outages at various nuclear power plants around the country. In Rock Crazy, Katie stays home and goes to school. Because of the rage disorder and ADHD associated with her
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