Marketing with Mandy~ NCP Authors Part I

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with NCP.

A: NCP was the first publisher to pull me out of the slush pile and put me out there for readers. They have this incredible talent for being able to pick awesome writers to publish. Not only that, but they know how to pick the best artists. Their book covers are spectacular. Eliza Black has done all of my covers, and I’ve been thrilled every single time. Obsession is Eliza’s latest cover art for me, and it’s the most fantabulous cover EVER! I love great abs, but Eliza created a cover that screamed my heroine.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A:Sebastian Rockwood, Earl of Melton, is a man with a secret. He believes he’s responsible for his mother’s death. Since that terrible moment, years ago, he’s learned to control his emotions and avoid the risks that love brings. So when he finds himself impulsively bidding on a woman in a private brothel auction, his well-ordered existence is suddenly turned upside-down.

Tricked into entering a London brothel while fleeing an abusive home, Helen Rivenall finds herself drugged and auctioned off to the highest bidder. Her uncle has done his best to convince her she’s a woman teetering on the brink of sin, and trusting herself to believe otherwise is a difficult task.
Especially when the earl makes her believe that sin is a pleasure.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?

A: Well, a year ago, I would have said historicals hands down. BUT I’m in the process of doing some world building for a new series, and I’m having WAY too much fun! So I’m on the scale on this one. Historicals and paranormals balance out my favorite genres.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?

A: Well, as with all good things, one must wait. *grin* Actually, things are still in the developmental phase at this point, so I can’t tell you too much because I’m still trying to figure out what something is myself. Building a world takes time, but I can tell you that the heroes look hawt in black leather, they’re wiser beyond their years, and they love to fling Shurikens at their enemies. That’s those pointed stars like Ninja’s use. And they each have their own sword. My imagination is running amuck with this world building stuff, but it’s loads of fun.

Q: How did you get into writing?

A: I’ve been writing since I was nine years old. I had all these notebooks with short romance stories in them, and I always signed them Monica Burns (obviously not my real name). So when I decided five years ago to actually pursue publication, I tried a couple of different names, but nothing broke for me until I used the name I’d picked out as a kid. Freaky cool that was!

Q: What types of research do you do for your books?

A: I do tons of research. I love to read historical information and cruise the net, but I do other things too. For example, just this week I talked with a museum historian about espionage. The gentleman had written a huge academic book, but he was wonderful to talk to, and I learned a great deal.
That’s where some of my best research comes from; people in the know. It’s absolutely fascinating to listen to people who know so much talk to me. The knowledge is fantastic.

Q: How do you come up with your ideas?

A: It varies. For example, the current paranormal world I’m building had evolved out of a lot of different places. I’m big fan of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger series. It’s this phenom hit with readers, and while I read for pleasure, I read with an eye toward what it was readers love about the series. So I came away with that info and then I watched, read or remembered things from all the paranormal shows, books and topics I’ve always been fascinated with. I then started to build the world. One thing that I really want to do with this series is to keep the romance feel I have in my historicals in this new series. I think I’m going to be able to do just that as I’ve come up with several ideas on how to combine romantic with HAWT! LOL

Q: What authors inspired you growing up?

A: Lots of authors inspired me. I loved Baroness Ocrzy Scarlet Pimpernel novels, Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities was an assigned book in school. I put off reading the first chapter until the night before it was due for discussion. I read the whole damn thing that night. He reeled me in hook, line and sinker. Then there was Edgar Allan Poe, Barbara Cartland, Victoria Holt, Rogers, Woodiwiss and even Edgar Cayce. Whenever I was grounded, I never cared because I had a book to sweep me off to a whole other world.

Q: How do balance family and writing?

A: I don’t. I’ve got a terrific husband who is Mr. Mom, and we have two great kids. Essentially, we treat it as Mom is working two jobs, so everyone has to help out and do things, first and foremost being quiet because Mom is writing. *grin* Hopefully I’ll be able to quit the day job in the future.
Then I’ll be better able to balance things. The one thing we do though is camp. It’s a great way to spend time with the family, and I work in the car on the way to and fro. Plus while the kids are out riding bikes in the campground, I’m clicking away on my laptop out in the fresh air! LOVE IT!

Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?

A: Because there’s nothing more beautiful than two people sharing an intimate moment in the most intimate way possible. Sex is often viewed in our culture as something to be hidden and as something shameful. Sex can be a beautiful experienced when shared by two individuals who love each other.

Q: What would you do if you weren’t a writer?

A: I haven’t a clue. I’ve always been a writer. Maybe not in the sense of always been published, but when you’ve been writing as long as I have it’s not possible to imagine what your world would be like without it.

LINKS:

www.monicaburns.com
www.monicaburns.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/monicaburns

Monica’s Announcements ONLY Yahoo group – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonicaBurnsAnnouncements/

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s New Concepts Publishing Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy M. Roth’s New Concepts backlist and Michelle M. Pillow’s New Concepts backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy New Concepts Publishing Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy~ New Concepts Publishing–Spotlight Kick Off

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, NCP is home for me. They took a chance on the new kid on the block, never asking me to tone down my violence or even limit the number of heroes I have in a book. They took me for me and let me run with whatever I wanted to do. They’re a great group of people who love books. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my writing career.

www.mandyroth.com
Mandy M. Roth’s NCP Books

New Concepts Publishing gave me my start as an author when they published my first book in June 2004. Since then, I’ve released 35 novels, novellas and short stories with the company—the most popular being the Dragon Lords and Lords of the Var futuristic series. As an author, they’ve given me the freedom to write what I want, the way I want to write it. My books there have won awards including the CAPA for best new Contemporary Romance, Romantic Times Magazine Toppicks, Smooch Awards, ect.

www.michellepillow.com
Michelle M. Pillow’s NCP Books

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s New Concepts Publishing Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy M. Roth’s New Concepts backlist and Michelle M. Pillow’s New Concepts backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy New Concepts Publishing Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy ~ Winners for EC Spotlight Week!

Please email me your choices mandy@mandyroth.com

Thanks everyone for stopping by this week for our Marketing with Mandy EC Publisher Spotlight! The authors and Raelene were awesome for taking time out with us to share their tips/ tricks/ and experiences.

To all the readers/authors who commented throughout the week to be entered in the contest, don’t give up hope if you didn’t win this week… I’ll be running a comment on the blog contest EACH WEEK of the June. Be sure to join me next week for New Concepts Publishing’s Spotlight, followed by Virgin Publishing. I’ll also be spotlighting others pubs this summer, including Kensington!

Authors/Publishers, interested in having your publisher in the spotlight? Email mandy@mandyroth.com and sign up for a week!

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Marketing with Mandy ~ EC Authors Part III

Marketing with Mandy ~ Christine d’Abo

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Ellora’s Cave.

A: I’d discovered Ellora’s Cave as a reader a few years ago. One of the Toronto Romance Writers had sold her first book to them and I wanted to check it out. Wow! The stories were engaging, the sex was hot, and every hero I wanted to take home with me! It was then that I realized those were the types of stories I wanted to tell. I submitted my first book to Ellora’s Cave in November 2005 and a year later I had a contract. I was stunned and thrilled all at the same time. As a writer, my experience has been absolutely wonderful. My editor has taught me a lot in a very short time, and all of the EC authors are extremely friendly and helpful.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: My debut novel is called The Bond That Ties Us. It is a futuristic romance about a Haylie, the new security chief of the Eurus colony. She arrives only to become overwhelmed with sexual desire for no apparent reason. That is until Kamran, alien ambassador of the Briel people shows up. They instantly realize the connection that’s formed between them, but refuse to acknowledge the bond or else they will be forced to leave and return to Briel. When the colony is attacked by an alien force, they have to ignore their growing attraction and work together to save the colony.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?

A: I have had a love of science fiction and fantasy since I saw Star Wars as I was a kid. Ever since then I’ve had my head stuck in the clouds. When I discovered romance novels as a teenager I was floored by the characters that were being portrayed in these stories. At the time, I thought this was an either or situation for my reading. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I found that not only I can read these genre blended stories, that they were HOT too! Futuristic novels let me have the best of both worlds. I’m ecstatic that there are other people out there who enjoy them as well.

Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?

A: I think that one of the great aspects of romance is what happens to people when they are in an intimate situation. The bedroom (kitchen, closet, field, space ship, etc.) is the one place where we have to be honest with ourselves and with our partners if we want to make a relationship work. Writing erotic romance lets me push my characters to another level, showing them at their most vulnerable. It’s not just about the sex act, but what the impact of that act it.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?

A: Ah, where to start! I’ve just finished a joint writing project with fellow EC author Renee Field. It’s a Halloween novel that we’ve tentatively titled Sweet and Sexy Spells. I’ve also recently submitted a contemporary novel about a woman who stumbles upon a genie in a bottle while on vacation, called All Bottled Up. Currently, I’m putting the finishing touches on Perfect Match, another futuristic set on Mars four hundred years in the future.

LINKS:
www.christinedabo.com
www.christinedabo.com/blog
www.myspace.com/christinedabo
Email: christine@christinedabo.com

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave backlist and Michelle’s Ellora’s Cave backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy Ellora’s Cave Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy ~ EC ~Raelene Gorlinsky, Publisher

Marketing with Mandy ~ Raelene Gorlinsky, Publisher

Since Marketing with Mandy generally focuses on tips and tricks to help authors market themselves I thought it would be fun to get the publishers point of view on it all. I’d like to extend a great big thank you to Raelene Gorlinsky for joining us here today. For anyone who has been living under a rock and doesn’t know who Ellora’s Cave Publishing is and what they do, could you please tell them a little bit about the company and yourself?

Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc. actually encompasses three imprints:

Ellora’s Cave – erotic romances

Cerridwen Press – mainstream genre fiction: romance, mystery/suspense, futuristic/sci-fi, paranormal, women’s fiction, historical fiction

The Lotus Circle – metaphysical/psychic fiction and non-fiction

What is EC in the market for from authors? What would you like to see more of? Less of?

At EC, we run various special themed series, and are always looking for stories to fit in those. We have our Ellora’s Cavemen anthologies—four books a year, six stories in each. We had three special short stories this year (Valentine Vixens, Naughty Nuptials, Tricks and Treats); for 2008 we are doing a monthly set of short stories based on the birthstones. Our Torrid Tarot series runs into early 2008. A new continuity scifi/futuristic series has just started—Hunters for Hire. You can find info on all these in our Calls for Submissions, which you can download from our website.

At Cerridwen, we are looking for more historical fiction and especially for our Cerridwen Cotillion traditional Regency romances. We also want more mystery/suspense and science fiction (non-romance).

Less of? We get way too many category-style romances, and too many supposed erotic romances that are from writers who do not really understand what the genre is and what the readers want—they are sending what’s basically non-sensual, non-romantic raunchy sex.>>

What do you feel is the single most important thing an author can do to promote their work, after writing a “killer” book of course?

Have a great website that really interests readers and update it frequently to bring readers back again and again – and publicize that website.

What publicity can authors contracted through EC/Cerd expect from the publisher on their behalf?

We focus most of our marketing efforts and money on promoting the imprints and all books overall, so that all our authors benefit, not just a few books. We do advertise our special projects and new lines. We advertise heavily in RT magazine, Realms of Fantasy, and a bunch of others, and do banner ads on popular sites. We maintain a MySpace page, and are looking to set up a group blog for our authors. Our Art Department will create ad layouts for our authors when they buy ads in magazines. We also organize group book signings and other events to publicize the books and authors.

What online promoting do you feel is the most effective? Blogs? Chats? Virtual Booksignings? Blog Tours? Websites? Myspace? Ect?

I don’t really have any facts or statistics to support what venues are the most effective. I’m not a blog reader, but I know they are very popular now. Websites are critically important to provide information about available and upcoming books to your readers.

What types of advertising do you credit part of EC’s success to (strictly marketing speaking, we know that the people in the company also determine success)

For print books, advertising in the magazines appropriate to the genre is highly effective. For ebooks, our own websites are the most effective promotional venues.

What opportunities does EC offer their authors so they can promote/publicize along with the publisher? ie Joint paying of ads, ect

We provide ad creation support, print cover flats and sometimes posters, and supply free print books to certain book signings (BEA, RWA National literacy signing). We also help organize joint advertising opportunities, such as the book cover card decks and group magazine ads.

What conferences does EC attend? Do you feel author attendance at these conferences is beneficial to their career? Why?

We attend a number of RWA regional conferences, RWA National, a few other writer conferences, the annual RT convention, and Book Expo America. We’d like to get involved in more conferences in other genres, not just romance, for our CP and TLC imprints.

Does EC encourage authors to send in promo materials like cards and bookmarks for company use? ie in the tour bus for EC signings? to send out with print book orders? If yes, how many should authors send in?

We don’t actively ask for promo materials to be sent to us, it seems more effective for authors to use them at book signings and conferences and in their own correspondence with readers. But if authors do send us such material, we include it with books we ship out to fill individual orders.

What aspects of your job do you think it would surprise authors to hear?

Oh, gee, I don’t really know what authors understand about the details of my job, so I don’t know what would surprise them. A huge amount of my time is spent handling emails from everyone about everything.

Does EC offer catalogs/promotional items for author use when going to booksignings and for general promotional efforts? What is the procedure for attaining/requesting such items?

We have promo items and print book catalogs. Authors can contact the Sales & Promo Department to request.

Are there services offered to authors by EC that they generally don’t take advantage of and maybe don’t know about?

Cheerleading, encouragement, and help in analyzing their sales and looking at the marketability of their books. An author can always contact their editor or me for such discussions. Sometimes it does mean we have to tell the author things they may not want to here – for example, “your stories in genre X just don’t sell as well” or “sales are declining on this series, I think you’ve stretched it out too long”. Authors can and should, of course, be tracking the monthly sales figures on each of their titles and “learning” from that, but often discussing it with someone at the publisher helps clarify things.

Not all authors may be aware that they can submit articles for consideration to be included in our monthly e-newsletters. The article should not be promo about their book, but rather on a topic of interest to our readers. Just having your name out there in the newsletter is good promo.

Thank you for joining us, Raelene!

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave backlist and Michelle’s Ellora’s Cave backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy Ellora’s Cave Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy ~ EC Authors Part II

Marketing with Mandy ~ NJ Walters

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with EC.

A: I was at work at the bookstore when I got offered my first contract from EC. My husband phoned and told me I had an email from EC. I had him open it and read it to me. I was excited and scared to death—they wanted me to add another 15K to the piece. Of course, when asked, I said I could. Then I panicked. LOL But, with the help of my first editor, and a very patient husband, I did it.

Since then, I’ve published a lot more books with EC. I’m on my second editor now and I just adore her. She’s tough and thorough and has helped me become a better writer. I have to say that my experience with EC has been very positive and I’ll always be grateful to them for taking a chance on an unknown writer.

Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?

A: I’ll admit that it took me a while to get the hang of marketing. I’m not computer savvy by any means. My Space and book videos are way out of my league. At least for now. When I started publishing in October 2004, I couldn’t even imagine having a website. LOL

Any author definitely needs a website. The most important thing to remember about your website is to UPDATE it on a regular basis. There is nothing worse than to have a reader come to your website and see it hasn’t been updated in two months. I update all the time and I’ve learned to do it myself, which helps keep it up to date with news, reviews, covers, etc…

I also have a blog. Again, it takes time to keep it current. If you’re not going to blog at least three times a week, don’t have one. Maybe you should consider getting into a blog group with other authors. It makes it easier on everyone and pulls more readers to your blog.

It took me almost two years, but I finally started my own newsletter. That’s been a great experience as well. Beyond that, there are tons of opportunities to promote. Many publishers now have Readers’ Chat Groups. I highly recommend that a new author join them. It’s great to chat with readers who enjoy your books. Writing is a solitary profession and it’s wonderful to actually have contact with people. *g*

A lot of review sites and other groups have author chats as well. I enjoy doing them and again, they help promote your books. It was intimidating at first, but I got the hang of it after a bit. Marketing and promotion takes time, but if you do a bit every day, it’s not quite so overwhelming. I know that my boundaries have certainly widened since I started. Back then, just talking on a chat group was almost overwhelming. Now they’re part of my daily life.

Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?

A: Write what you love. I know it sounds trite, but you really can’t try and follow trends. By the time you get your book done, the publishing industry is on to something else.

It’s an amazing thing to be able to say you are a published author. It doesn’t happen for everyone. Enjoy every moment of it and know that, like any profession, there will be ups and downs. It’s all about the joy of writing. And if it isn’t, you probably won’t last.

Don’t take every rejection or bad review to heart. Every writer has a file load of them. Look at them objectively, take what you can from them, and then move on. This isn’t a profession for the weak of heart, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: My latest release is Three Swords, One Heart, and it’s part of the Ellora’s Cave Torrid Tarot series. Each book in this series is based on a card from the tarot deck, and in Three Swords, One Heart, it’s the Three of Swords, the card of severance and heartbreak.

This is the first time that I’ve attempted a fantasy novel on this scale and I had a blast building this world. It’s a fantasy/ménage a trois that focuses around a family curse that’s been passed down for generations, and a kick-ass heroine who is the key to breaking it.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?

A: I’m not sure that I have a favorite genre. I love to write contemporary romance as well as fantasy, paranormal, vampire and ménage a trois. That’s one of the great things about writing for EC—they’ve allowed me to stretch myself as a writer and try all of these genres.

Fantasy, paranormal and vampire fiction all open up endless possibilities. There are no rules and, as a writer, that’s a lot of fun. I’m only as limited as my imagination. With contemporary romance you have to base it strictly in reality. I find that being able to write in different genres helps keep me fresh and excited about writing.

Q: How do you balance family and writing?

A: You mean we’re supposed to balance family and writing? LOL

That’s one area where I’m still trying to figure things out. Writing takes so much time and energy. And it’s not just the writing itself, but the research and planning, editing, marketing, promoting, etc… The past two years of my life have all been about the writing and I’m working to bring it back on a more even keel. I’m in this for the long haul, so I have to find balance. Having a very supportive husband has made all the difference.

Q: What would you do if you weren’t a writer?

A: Probably what I was doing when I finally published—working in a bookstore. For over a decade that’s what I did. I loved the interaction with the people and, of course, the books! LOL

LINKS:
http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires
Publishers: http://www.ellorascave.com and http://www.samhainpublishing.com

Marketing with Mandy ~ Author Megan Kerans

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: Chasing The Dragon is a futuristic and part of Ellora’s Cave Season of Seduction Vol. II. It’s the story of a war prince and a starship captain who strike a deal for a much needed antidote and get a lot more in the bargain. The story combines futuristic, film noir, Oriental legends & culture along with Indian. It’s a very sexy tale that I hope is unique.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?

A: Historical Paranormal

I love paranormal for the freedom to create your own world, rules and blend “fact” and “fiction.” It’s really a license to be as creative as you want without anyone saying, “you can’t do that.” Raised in a family of history teachers I’ve always loved history and when I began reading romances I started with the really sexy, thick historicals of the late 80′s and early 90′s. It’s one more way to go into a totally different world. The rhythm of speech is more comfortable and most times is so much more natural to me. My favorite time periods to write about are mid to late seventeenth century and late nineteenth century.

Q: How did you get into writing?

A: I’ve always made up stories since I was in preschool and played around with writing on and off all my life. But it wasn’t until I had to give up running in 2002/2003 that I decided to pursue writing seriously. I joined my local RWA chapter and was lucky enough to join a critique group with at that time with Layla Chase, Delilah Devlin, and Myla Jackson among others.

Q: How do you come up with your ideas?

A: I’m pretty eclectic in my interests so my stories come from the most interesting pieces of everything from film to history to news to culture. I like to throw them all together and create something that’s new, but yet familiar. Turning a traditional story line 180 degree around and telling it from the total opposite side is a lot of fun too. Wherever the ideas come from they almost always adventurous and packed with action in and out of the sheets.

LINKS:
www.MeganKerans.com
www.myspace.com/megankerans

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave backlist and Michelle’s Ellora’s Cave backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy Ellora’s Cave Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy~EC Authors Part I

Marketing with Mandy ~ Author Ann Cory

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with EC.

A: So far I have to say that I’m enjoying myself and am very happy. All the authors are nice, supportive, and fun, and I adore my editor. The covers are gorgeous and I like the creative series.

Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?

A: I just had my very first title Next Floor Naughty come out, and I swear I must have promoted everywhere…and even made a fun trailer for it. Otherwise I’m usually found blogging, at a group, at MySpace, or stopping by an author party to share some excerpts.

Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?

A: You’ll be made to feel right at home.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: In Next Floor Naughty, Davian accepts an invitation to a BDSM party because she feels her sex life with fiancé Liam has fizzled. She doesn’t realize Liam finds out about the party and concocts a sneaky plan of seduction to prove he is all she needs. At the party she rides on a Domwaiter – a dumbwaiter with a kinky flair and goes down four floors of erotic pleasure. It truly is some naughty fun.

You can check out the trailer here

Q: How do you come up with your ideas?

A: Sometimes an idea forms because of a song, a phrase, or a word. I always start with a title and go from there. Without a title, I just stare at a blank screen. Sometimes an idea comes to me in the bath or shower, which can be frustrating when I try and later read what I wrote down. I can be in the car or out to eat with the family, though I find when I’m cooking or doing dishes I come up with some interesting subplots. Usually if my hands aren’t free, I think up something really exciting. It’s very cruel, actually.

Q: How do balance family and writing?

A: I’m still working on that one, though I’m closer to a balance now than before. In the past I haven’t always balanced family and writing, but after my mom passed away last year, I’ve made it a priority. Dinner is always together at the table, and we usually watch a movie or play a game together afterwards. Interaction and communication are important. It’s bad enough time flies as it is, and I don’t want to look up from the computer screen one day to see that I’ve somehow missed five years of my son’s life. The muse likes to think she is boss, but she isn’t. While writing is a passion, my family comes first.

Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?

A: I love to write in a variety of genres, and I love to write sexy scenes. In erotic romance you can visit any genre you want, and even mix them. It’s amazing the worlds you can create and the level of depth you can go with your characters. I’ve written in other genres before and haven’t found them to be as open, exciting, and well…steamy. I like things hot and spicy.

LINKS:
http://www.anncory.com
http://www.myspace.com/ann_cory
http://anncory.blogspot.com/
Groups:
Moonglade Elite Authors
Amorous Authors
Authors Who Dare

Marketing with Mandy ~ Author Wylie Kinson

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with EC.

A: The sale of Destiny by Design was my first to Ellora’s Cave. WOO HOO (Sorry — As you can see, the thrill hasn’t worn off!!) Once I’d sent in the query and sample chapters, I checked my email obsessively (I hear this is common) until finally, FINALLY, I received word from Kelli Kwiatkowski – and she was interested! Kelli is a terrific, nurturing editor with a delightful sense of humor. I feel tremendously lucky to be working with her and the entire EC family.

Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?

A: Keeping in mind that I’m new to this game, I went with the obvious: revamping my website with image/branding in mind, joining loops, self-promoting on my blog, networking with other authors, joining my local RWA chapter, getting promotional fridge magnets and postcards ready for distribution, and buying ‘cover’ space on a couple of romance chat/review sites.

Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?

A: Have faith in your ability, be open to critiques/comments from trusted sources and most importantly, listen in your editor. And despite what your non-writer friends may believe, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be buying a condo in the Cayman Islands with your first royalty check

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: I like to introduce Destiny by Design by saying “You won’t find this kind of action on HGTV!” It’s a story about a competition for interior designers. They each get assigned a room in an executive home and have to complete it within a very tight time frame and budget. The heroine, Ellis Strathmore, who has a unique methodology when it comes to decorating, stumbles upon a bit of shenanigans. She also falls madly in lust with the owner of the construction firm that built the Show House. Together, they solve the mystery and do some very creative things together.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?

A: I’ve had two shorts and one novella published and all three have been contemporary erotic/erotic romance. At this early stage in my career, I’d like to try different genres until I find one that suits my voice best. Who knows, I may find that contemporary is my forte, but I won’t know until I dabble a bit. (seamless segue into next question…)

Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?

A: I’ve got two on the go – one is a paranormal and the other is a pirate historical. I’ve not attempted either of those genres yet! When you’re starting out, people tell you “write what you know” so I naturally gravitated towards contemporary. What do I know about ocean sailing pirates in the 1700’s or paranormal creatures! But what I do know is how to research – and I’ve enjoyed that aspect immensely. In fact, much to my children’s delight, I’ve acquired an extensive pirate vocabulary for a 21st century suburban housewife.

Q: How did you get into writing?

A: I began writing both satire (think David Sedaris) and children’s picture books and was terribly distraught at the number of rejection letters I kept getting with a recurring theme, “Not what we’re looking for at this time.” I got hold of Writers Market to find out what publishers WERE looking for and three things kept coming up – gay/lesbian stories, fantasy/sci-fi and erotica. Going back to the ‘write what you know’ rule, I quickly ruled out the first two. I’d never read erotica before but figured with all the hot Brad Pitt dreams I’ve had over the years, it’s the one genre I’d be qualified to write! So, I sat down in my office (a little desk crammed between my washer and dryer) and in four hours produced a 3000 word short erotica piece. I sent it off to Virgin’s Black Lace and forgot all about it. Six months later I got a very surprising email from Black Lace editor, Kerry Sharpe. Cavern in the Green came out in 2001’s Wicked Words 7. Of course I was thrilled, but I wrote it on a lark and considered it a lucky fluke, so went back to my children’s stories. Years filled with rejection letters went by and I seriously started doubting my abilities as a writer so I thought, hey… let’s see if we can do this erotic thing one more time. It was much harder the second time because I was actually trying. Happily, Bella Fiore sold to Chippewa Publishing, the one and only house it was submitted to. Another year… more children’s story rejections… One more go at erotica, but this time I wanted to add romance and a fun story. I raised the bar and decided it would be Ellora’s Cave or nothing. That’s about the time inspiration for Destiny by Design came in the form of naked painting. In conclusion, I either suck as a children’s author, or I do good sex J

Q: How do you come up with your ideas?

A: Destiny by Design was inspired by an incident that happened in our own home. Mr. Wylie and I were attempting a little DIY on our powder room. I took it upon myself to put a coat of lovely pastel pink on the walls and realized rather late in the process that I was wearing white slacks and a white t-shirt. Rather than hunt out old clothes, I stripped to my undies (not the fancy ones, I assure you!) and continued the job. Of course, not to be outdone, Mr. Wylie surprised me by stripping to the bare, so not spoil his boxers! Hence the pivotal scene in Destiny by Design was born. And though hubby and I laughed for days about our naked painting, my characters, Ellis and Simon, had quite a different reaction!

LINKS:
www.wyliekinson.com
http://wyliekinson.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/wyliekinson

Marketing with Mandy ~ Author Red Garnier

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

A: Spin Devil is my first Ellora’s Cave release, from the Exotika imprint, which is Ellora’s Cave erotica line. This is the first book of a small series, and I have to say this one is very dear to me – since it’s the first fully erotic book I’ve written. It was very emotional since the characters had such passionate feelings for each other. The spin devil is actually a toy used instead of a bottle for an adult version of a “spin the bottle game”. Imagine what happens when two unlikely people are on the opposing ends of it! There’s a substantial clash of wills between the hero and heroine, and a need between them that’s so deep it’s almost primitive. The hero, Sebastian, is such a bad boy I swear he really could use a little spanking, while Cleo is his complete opposite. When they get together it gets really hot, both physically as well as emotionally.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?

A: Right now I’ve just turned in the final edits for Spin Some More, which is the third book on the Devilish Games series. Unlike Spin Devil, which is darker in tone, Spin Some More actually turned out not only to be extremely sexy but quite funny, too.

I’ve also been working on a funny paranormal which I’m having a blast with. It’s untitled yet but it’s pretty refreshing and I have a feeling readers will be very pleased. The hero is just to die for, and he has a talking critter pet who’s so adorable I swear I want him for my own.

Q: How do you come up with your ideas?

A: Ideas can have the best timing, or the worst. Sometimes they just pop inside my head all at the same time, where I need to sort them out. And sometimes I urgently need an idea and I can’t find it. When I need to search for ideas, or get stuck in a part of the book, I tend to either take a fifteen-minute “nap” (I don’t really sleep, I just relax and let myself think!) or take a walk or drive around with a little music, and right then, bam, it’s all there. Thank God.

Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?

A: I love the positive, uplifting message in all romances, be they inspirational or erotica. I love the emotion and the passion and everything that happens when the characters find that special someone who compliments them perfectly. I love the fights as these two different beings try to keep their own sense of self and yet cannot help but fall deeply, madly in love. I just love it all!! I really do think love conquers all… =)

LINKS:
You can find my books at www.ellorascave.com
And please feel free to drop by anytime at my website, www.redgarnier.com . I always love to hear from my readers!

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave backlist and Michelle’s Ellora’s Cave backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy Ellora’s Cave Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy~ Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight Kick Off!

Michelle M. Pillow’s experience with Ellora’s Cave to date:

Ellora’s Cave is an excellent place for an author to be with. I’m particularly impressed with their promotional efforts, both as a company and in conjunction with the individual author. Ellora’s Cave has their own tour bus and often drives to their author signings. They hold an annual party at the Romantic Times Convention, going all out with their themes and decoration. They have a strong marketing and advertising presence that for me, as a beginning author starting out, was invaluable. They’re now printing all their own books on their new printing press, which will hopefully equal more books being in print at a faster rate, as they’ll be able to do smaller print runs.

My historical romance with them, Maiden and the Monster, won the RT Reviewers Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance this year. The book was also the first one off their new printing press system. Currently, I have nine titles out with them, some joints I’ve done with Mandy. I hope to do many more.

www.michellepillow.com

Michelle’s Titles from Ellora’s Cave

Mandy M. Roth’s experience with Ellora’s Cave to date:

I’ve been with EC for about two years now. In that time I’ve been extremely impressed with the way they handle anything to do with marketing the company. I’ve attended signings where they bring the bus, supermodels, huge stand up signs, the works. They go above and beyond to help spread the word and market the company and the authors writing for them. They are industry leaders when it comes to erotic fiction and have shown remarkable growth since they first opened.

www.mandyroth.com
Mandy’s Titles at Ellora’s Cave

CONTEST: Monday-Friday of this week– anyone who comments on ANY of the posts for Marketing with Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight (going on all week long) will be entered to win a download of their choice from Mandy’s Ellora’s Cave backlist and Michelle’s Ellora’s Cave backlist. (There will be two winners, each selecting one download)

To enter: Comment on the blog in a Marketing with Mandy Ellora’s Cave Spotlight post this week! The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be selected on SUNDAY and announced on the blog.

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Marketing with Mandy ~ Samhain Pub Week Winners!

Please email me your choices mandy@mandyroth.com

Thanks everyone for stopping by this week for our Marketing with Mandy Samhain Publisher Spotlight! The authors and Angela rocked for taking time out with us to share their tips/ tricks/ and experiences.

To all the readers/authors who commented throughout the week to be entered in the contest, don’t give up hope if you didn’t win this week… I’ll be running a comment on the blog contest EACH WEEK of the June. Be sure to join me next week for Ellora’s Cave Publisher Spotlight, followed by New Concepts Publishing and Virgin Publishing.

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Marketing with Mandy~ Samhain Authors Part III

Marketing with Mandy ~ Author Patrice Michelle

Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Samhain.

A: I’ve had a great experience working with Samhain. From my manuscript’s acceptance to contracts to working with my editor, I’ve been pleased with the quick response time and professional working relationship.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

PATRICE: My latest release is a sexy, contemporary called SUSANNA’S SEDUCTION. The cover for this book is so perfect.

Here’s the ‘fun’ story behind this book:
Read more…

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