Congrats Ali (#19), you’ve won a print copy of Surviving Demon Island. Please email jaci@jaciburton.com
Big thanks to Jaci Burton for joining us and for everyone who stopped by!
Exotic Lingerie by Robert Stanley
The word exotic refers to something exclusive, strange and extremely beautiful. Hence, when it comes to lingerie, the term exotic lingerie refers to the most unique choice, under the category of lingerie.
Most women, usually look out for the best and something chic when it comes to purchasing lingerie. The desire to purchase exotic lingerie is common, in almost all women, across the globe from an early period. As per some of the famous psychologists, the desire for exotic lingerie indicates that you are adventurous and would definitely love to indulge in the act of fantasy.
There are different types of exotic lingerie available in the marketplace for you, these days. It depends on the style you prefer and the kind of stuff you would feel comfortable, adorning. In case, you are looking for something chic, or to wear when you ride your bike, you can go for leather exotic lingerie. However, if you are looking for something feminine and that would flaunt your curves, you must consider lacy and satin ones.
For the sexy women who love experimenting with their style, sensual thongs are the best to shop. Shopping online would be the best option for you. Try visiting some of the best websites based on exotic lingerie and you would definitely find something that compliments your style and figure.
You would be amazed to find the variety and styles available, under the category of exotic lingerie, online.
The best part is that you can shop for your favorite exotic lingerie, within the privacy of your home.
Additionally, you can avail amazing discounts on your favorite exotic lingerie when shopping online. You must also take special care of the exotic lingerie, you purchase. This would offer long life to your exotic lingerie.
Purchase exotic lingerie, today and you would definitely be able to lure your man. All you have to do is to look out for your favorite lacy stuff online and flaunt it. This would make your love, fall in love with you, all over, again.
Never, settle for something that would make you feel uncomfortable because nothing can be worse for your body than wearing uncomfortable lingerie. Wearing an uncomfortable lingerie would make you lose your self confidence and also rob you off your original style. There are several comfortable styles and varieties available under the category of exotic lingerie that you can consider purchasing for yourself.
Article Source: http://www.articleset.com
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About the Author
Robert Stanley is an aspiring author and entrepreneur whose interests include communication, human relationships, love, dating, philosophy, lingerie and thongs. For more info on sexy thongs, lingerie and romantic dating ideas, visit http://lingerie.ciaobuybuy.co.uk/
You can find out more about sexy thongs, exotic lingerie and romantic dating ideas at http://lingerie.ciaobuybuy.co.uk/.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=167
Some like it hot and some like it spooky!
Come join us at the Raven blog with guest blogger Kelley St John.
UPDATE: Kelley had generously offered three of her autographed print books to winners!
Three commenter will get one autographed copy of the books in The Sexth Sense series, KISS AND DWELL, SHIVER AND SPICE, or GHOSTS AND ROSES.
Congrats Ing, you’ve won a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate (email version). Please email me mandy@mandyroth.com
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Mira Books.
A: Mira is simply outstanding. I’ve worked with a number of publishers and have had some excellent experiences with Little, Brown and St. Martin’s Press to name a couple. I’ve been with Mira since ‘98 for the last eleven books, and have had excellent editing and publishing support. The covers have been awesome — especially this latest Virgin River Series. They’re just delicious. And they work seamlessly in support of my current publicist, helping to get the word out about new releases. I’d be happy to stay there forever, and hope they want me forever.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I finally hired a private publicist — The Nancy Berland PR Agency. The time was right — I had a 3-book series coming out in 3 months and could really use the help. Her agency has done everything from run ads, to lots of Internet exposure in the form of reviews and contests, booking appearances and speeches and helping me to make connections with booksellers and reviewers. We did a 500 book ‘pillow drop’ at the Romantic Times Convention — not an inexpensive project — but the feedback from readers who received the first book in the series (and went on to buy the next two) was immediate and very positive. Making sure ARC’s get to the right readers in the business — booksellers and reviewers — is very important. And giving away books to build that fan base is optimal. Since the main character in the Virgin River series is a nurse midwife, I signed and gave away (free) 100 copies of the first book in the series at a seminar attended by 300 nurse practitioners and midwives — and again, the response was positive and immediate.
The two most important things I’ve learned came from Debbie Macomber. She said promotion is not just about selling books — it’s about developing relationships. And — always listen to what your readers have to say. Sound advice from a master.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Concentrate on the writing, making it better and better all the time. There’s so much in the business you can’t control — but that’s one thing you can. Write smart, from the heart. And then, when the pub date is near, spend a little of that book money on promotion, in the best scenario, with some professional help. Some writers have a natural ability to market and know what to do — but I don’t. I am not likely to think of the most effective things to do — and it never hurts to invest in your own business when possible.
AND — find a genre or sub-genre you can become known for; something you can write happily for 100 years. Think out of the box. Propose 5 books, not one. Build yourself, not just your stories. Think of the writers who have struck gold, concentrating on a type of book their readers can expect from them over and over, certain types of characters, plotlines, etc.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: The current hot item is the Virgin River Series — Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, Whispering Rock. The series takes place in the town of Virgin River, located in the Humboldt County mountains, amid the Redwoods and rivers and marijuana growers. The main character is Mel Monroe, the nurse practitioner/midwife in the town of 600 and Jack Sheridan who owns the only bar and grill in town. Jack’s still tight with his old Marine squad; they’ve all served in combat together more than once and 5 of them are as yet unmarried (in the beginning) but shouldn’t get over-confident of staying that way while I’m in charge.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: I like my personal brand of women’s fiction, which is a juxtaposition between romance and serious women’s issues that span a wide range from puberty to old age, caring for spouses, children, elderly parents, dating and divorce, abuse and assault — you name it. In my stories sometimes we don’t have a villain so much as an ‘issue.’
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I’m currently working on the next 3 Virgin River novels, which the publisher has recently contracted. Anticipating this, I kept on writing when the first three were done — so I’m way ahead. The way it’s going, there are so many stories in Virgin River, I can go on forever. But I also like writing what I think we call ‘girlfriend books’ — relationships between friends, colleagues, family members, etc. There are those ‘issues’ again. And I like using plenty of humor, the one thing that gets most of us through the rough patches –but the stories still have teeth.
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I was a young mother, reading everything in sight, and between the diapers and spit up on the rug, gave it a try and LOVED it. It was the feeling I got while writing that hooked me long before I knew if I had the least talent.
Q: What types of research do you do for your books?
A: I do everything I can think to do — and it goes without saying, sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. A reader recently wrote and asked why I referred to a ‘fleet of whales’ as opposed to a pod. Simple — I had no idea I didn’t know what I didn’t know. But — I knew I was not a midwife, so I had a consultant who is, as well as a nurse practitioner, expert in teenage sexual assault, who pored over every ms. making sure the clinical detail was correct. I went to the setting — Humboldt County — and got help from a local police chief who turned out to be an avid hunter, fisherman and firearms instructor. I interviewed the man in charge of illegal marijuana growing for the Sheriff’s Dept. and the Fire Chief. You HAVE to do the leg work. You’ll make enough mistakes even when you’re completely diligent.
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: When I was a young writer with small children, it was nothing if not rocky. I learned to clean and cook fast and easy; I didn’t sleep as much as I should have. But I took care of my job — I treated it as a job and used child care. I said no to a lot of PTA and classroom activity and sometimes teachers sneered at me — but if I’m honest, I’m not cut out for that stuff. I’m lousy at it. But I was good at taking care of my family and I was a bulldog — I insisted on help and raised independent kids. I delegated when I could and didn’t screw around with overly domestic attempts. I didn’t dust underneath, opted for quick easy dinners, never baked, canned or sewed. The first time I could afford cleaning help — I got a hint. I watched them in action. They charged a fortune and were done, leaving a sparkling house behind with clean sheets on the bed, IN 2 HOURS!!! Well — there are a lot of hours that kids are still in school after 2 hours of quick housework — I took a lesson. I kept control, for the most part. The payoff is now — they’re grown and on their own and it’s my time. I don’t regret a day of raising a family, and neither do I regret a day of my hard work as a writer.
Q: What would you do if you weren’t a writer?
A: I’d be a famous singer — if I could carry a tune in a bucket. But alas — I am destined to be a writer.
LINKS:
http://www.robyncarr.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RobynCarr_Chatgroup/
To Buy her Virgin River Books Click Here
To enter to win a $10.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com comment here, on Robyn Carr’s Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight!
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Bantam Dell.
A: My agent sent out the proposal to Surviving Demon Island, the first in my Demon Hunter series, and Bantam Dell was one of three houses who bid for the book at auction. Bantam Dell is an incredible publishing house that publishes some amazing authors like Karen Marie Moning, Tara Janzen, Shana Abe and others, so I was thrilled at the prospect of writing for them. Bantam Dell ended up the high bidder and I was so excited that my Demon Hunter series found a home there.
I have a fantastic editor, Shauna Summers. She’s very tough, extremely thorough and really understands the concept of worldbuilding, characterization and building a series in paranormals. I really enjoy working with her. She’s been an incredible help to me in guiding me along the way as I write the Demon Hunter series.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Get your name out there. Advertising, blogging, contests, whatever it takes. You have to talk about your book… a lot. Do guest spots, interviews, send out bookmarks, run contests. I think a lot of what marketing is just getting name recognition and word of mouth, so when readers see your book on the shelf, they remember your name. I really love talking to readers, so that part is pretty easy for me. I like the exposure of the internet, so I enjoy blogging and talking about my writing life, and just life in general. I’m also a reader of romance, of course, so I like to engage readers about what everyone is reading.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Don’t expect readers to find you and your book. It’s not enough just to write the book and have the book published. You have to go out and find your readers, let them know who you are. Be social. Get your name out there, over and over and over again.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: Hunting the Demon is the second book in my Demon Hunter series. It’s set in Australia, and the demon hunters are on the trail of Nic Diavolo, Derek’s brother. Derke was the hero in Surviving Demon Island, the first book. Now they have to locate and grab, Nic, and determine whether Nic is on the side of the Realm of Light—those who fight the demons, or on the side of the Sons of Darkness, the dark demon Lords. Helping Derek is Shay, a relatively new demon hunter who is charged with watching over Nic. And Shay has a secret of her own, one she uses to learn more about Nic and who he is. Nic and Shay are a very hot couple who share some supercharged scenes together. I love them, and hope the readers fall in love with them too.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: I write in two genres, actually. I write paranormal romance for Bantam Dell, and I write contemporary erotic romance for both Berkley and Samhain. I have to say I love both, because by the time I finish writing a paranormal romance, I’m ready for a genre change, and it’s easy to slip into writing a contemporary erotic romance, because it’s a complete turnaround for me. By the same token, when I finish a contemporary, I’m ready to dive into the complex world of the demon hunters again. So I have the best of both worlds this way. *grin*
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I’m currently working on the third Demon Hunters book. Titled The Demon’s Touch, this one will be Ryder and Angelique’s story. You’ll meet Ryder and Angelique in Hunting the Demon. It’s set in Italy, and once again, it’s a complex story with a ton of twists and turns and surprises. I’m having a blast writing it.
Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?
A: Probably because I love reading it so much. Romance to me is my fantasy. I live for the happily ever after. I started reading romance when I was a teenager, and was swept away with the larger than life couples who met, fought, fell in love, and through every conflict, managed to find their way to each other and make it work. Life is so hard, and finding that one person to love is sometimes even harder. I love making it work in my books. And I’ve always written hot love scenes, so branching out into erotic romance seemed natural to me. Sex is a natural human emotion, and I love showing it on the page—it’s another way for my characters to communicate their desire and their love for each other.
LINKS:
Website
Blog
Chat Group
MySpace
Jaci Burton will be giving one lucky person a copy of Surviving Demon Island! To be entered to win, comment here!
Cathie you have won a free signed copy of Secrets of the Dead From Shiela Stewart, please contact her at shielas@shaw.ca
Cathie is the winner of an ebook of “The Secrets of Harden Long” from Peter A. Brandt, please contact him at pbrandt@rogers.com
Nicole Bishop -Cat Johnson’s signed T102: Opposites Attract, please contact her with your snail mail mailing address at cat@catjohnson.net
Joyce Miller - Jane Beckenham’s Download of Hiring Cupid, please contact her at neiljane@ihug.co.nz
**please note that not all authors had selected a winner by the time this post went LIVE, I’m sure they’ll be stopping past and announcing their winners as well. Please look for them in the comments section.
Thanks everyone for stopping by this week for our Marketing with Mandy Linden Bay Romance Publisher Spotlight
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… Jaci Burton (Surviving Demon Island) and Robyn Carr (MIRA author of the Virgin River Trilogy) will be joining us on Marketing with Mandy this coming week and then authors from Dorchester Publishing will be stopping by in the weeks following.
Authors/Publishers, interested in having your publisher in the spotlight? Email mandy@mandyroth.com and sign up for a week!
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know who Linden Bay Romance is and what they do, could you please tell them a little bit about the company and yourself?
A: Sure! Linden Bay Romance is a publishing company offering romance books in electronic and print formats. Our catalogue contains short stories, novellas, and novels in all the usual romance sub-genres. We are a royalty paying publisher, with no fees paid by authors.
Our novels focus on the developing relationship between the central adult characters as they discover their attraction to each other. Passion is paramount, and you’ll almost always find a deliciously high level of unresolved sexual tension. Sex scenes range from mildly erotic to very erotic, and can be as graphic as the story and the author’s style deem appropriate. And, we love happy endings.
These are mostly fast-paced, escapist stories. So whether it’s a light comedy or a serious drama, all stories end on a positive note. Linden Bay offers memorable characters that you can relate to and heroes that you’ll fall in love with.
A little bit about Lori James? I run the operation along with my business partner, Barbara Perfetti. Barbara is the Chief Publisher and manages the acquisitions, editorial, and finance departments. I do the rest. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Baylor University in 1984 and my Masters in Social Work from San Diego State in 1988. After working for fifteen years as a psychotherapist in the healthcare industry, I left what I used to call my “real life” day job in early 2007 to pursue writing and working in the publishing industry full-time.
In addition to being the COO for Linden Bay Romance, I am a member of the Board of Directors of Worldview Press, a non-profit publishing house that specializing in children’s books. I’m also the co-owner of All Romance eBooks, an eBook distribution company that represents ninety different romance publishers.
When not hard at work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my friends and family, reading, watching movies, and wine tasting. Or, you might find me sequestered in my office with my laptop or out at a convention or book-signing. Writing as Samantha Sommersby, I’ve had eight novels published thus far, including the critically acclaimed cross-genre paranormal romance series Forbidden.
Q: What is Linden Bay Romance in the market for from authors? What would you like to see more of? Less of?
A: At this time we’re mostly looking at manuscripts that are referred by current authors, submitted by agents, or that we’ve solicited as a result of convention editor appointments or other contacts. Can a current author refer a manuscript to us on your behalf? Yes. We have a very talented group of authors. If they recommend that we take a look at something, we’ll do it. We don’t make any promises, but we will get it to an editor for review.
Q: 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?
A: Develop a presence. Doing one simple task isn’t going to do it. In order to get your name out there and get people reading your book you have to actively promote. That means doing signings, interviews, banner and print ads, blogging, social networking, maintaining a web-site, submitting work for review, distributing video trailers or Bookpeeks, participating in chats and even holding contests.
Q: What publicity can authors contracted through Linden Bay Romance expect from the publisher on their behalf?
A: Like most publishers, our marketing budget varies depending on the book itself. We find that the more an author works to market his/her book, the more we feel inclined to do so as well. At the bare minimum we will place banner ads if given a banner based on the coverart, we have a publicity company on retainer that does new release publicity, and we’ll supply print ready graphics for bookflats, postcards, and signing posters. We also host new release chats and coordinate group print ad opportunities. And there have been instances when we’ve partnered to help subsidize contest prizes, print ads, and other special promotions.
Q: What online promoting do you feel is the most effective? Blogs? Chats? Virtual Booksignings? Blog Tours? Websites? Myspace? Ect?
A: I think that MySpace is a wonderful tool and I don’t think that it’s something we’ve taken full advantage of at Linden Bay. We’re actually in the process of evaluating our current MySpace strategy and we anticipate a major change come fall.
Q: What types of advertising do you credit part of Linden Bay Romance’s success to (strictly marketing speaking, we know that the people in the company also determine success)
A: When we started out we were very small and relied mostly on banner ads. We placed them on reader sites and started to get the word out that way. Now, we also participate in a fair number of interviews, chats, place print ads, circulate announcements on blogs and via Yahoo Groups, and we submit all of our books for reviews.
Q: What conferences does Linden Bay Romance attend? Do you feel author attendance at these conferences is beneficial to their career? Why?
A: This past year we attended EPICON and the Romantic Times BookClub convention. We plan to attend those two conventions again next year and are also budgeting for COMIC-CON in San Diego and Book Expo America in Los Angeles. We do encourage author attendance at conventions. The networking opportunities alone make it worthwhile.
Q: What aspects of your job do you think it would surprise authors to hear?
A: One of the things that I do is oversee the art department. Sometimes I have to spend hours and hours searching through hundreds of photos to find just the right guy. It’s a terrible job…but someone has to do it.
Q: Does Linden Bay Romance offer catalogs / promotional items for author use when going to book-signings and for general promotional efforts? What is the procedure for attaining / requesting such items?
A: We supply print-ready new release postcard graphics on request. The authors usually then have them printed locally for distribution. The same is true for signage. When we do group signings we tend to print and provide the signage for the sake of continuity.
Q: Are there services offered to authors by Linden Bay Romance that they generally don’t take advantage of and maybe don’t know about?
A: No, we have a very active Authors’ Loop where our group actively exchange ideas and support, so the word goes out very quickly about any new opportunity that becomes available.
To be eligible to win one of the many prizes Linden Bay Romance Authors are offering, comment THIS WEEK on their Marketing with Mandy blog spots. Winners will be announced on Sunday!
Here are some of the prizes they’ll be giving away:
Samantha Sommersby will give away a signed print copy of Forbidden: The Awakening .
Nancy Henderson will give away a note/stationary set.
Shiela Stewart will give away a signed print of her book ‘Secrets of the Dead’
Cat Johnson will give away a signed print copy of Trilogy No. 102: Opposites Attract
Peter Brandt is giving away an ebook download of his romantic comedy novel “The Secret Life of Harden Long”
Jane Beckenham is giving away an Ebook download of her book “Hiring Cupid”
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Linden Bay Romance, LLC.
A: I’m actually one of the owners of Linden Bay Romance so my perspective might be a bit different from that of an author that isn’t involved in the business side of things. As an author, there are three things that stand out for me though.
First, publishing a high quality novel is very important to Linden Bay and so they invest time and resources in the editorial process. The editing that I’ve received there has consistently been first rate.
Second, the cover art is spectacular. As an author, my ideas are solicited and most often incorporated to some degree into the final look. Often the cover artist is able to improve on a germ of an idea that I have. Sometimes they come back with something totally different. But I can honestly say that I’ve never been disappointed with the outcome.
Third is that it’s obvious to me that Linden Bay Romance is a well-run professional business. If I send my editor a question, it’s responded to quickly. My royalty checks are delivered on-time without fail. And, commitments are kept.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Stay open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Networking has been very important for me. It’s not the easiest thing for me to do, but it’s very effective and so I push myself to do it That means going to meetings and conventions, spending time writing blogs and conducting interviews, creating a presence on MySpace, conducting signings, and speaking in public. I don’t really think that there’s a trick to it. You just need to set aside the time and realize that promotion is part of being an author.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Promotion is part of being an author, a big part. When I started writing I thought that I’d be able to sit at home in my wood-paneled office, write fabulous prose, and occasionally deposit a royalty check. Now I think of finishing the book and getting that release date as the beginning of the process.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: That would be Forbidden: The Awakening, the second novel in my Forbidden vampire series. The premise for the series came to be about a year and a half ago when I was taking a long flight back from London. In most vampire stories the vamp is the seducer. I wanted to turn the table, so to speak.
So this is a non-traditional vampire series. The hero, Byron Renfield, spent years climbing the social ladder, and is successful, handsome, independently wealthy and a vampire. But in order to ensure his redemption, Byron isolated himself on a small private island, away from all temptation. He’s basically trying to be a good little vamp and it was working until Violet Deeds became stranded on his island and turned his life upside down.
Violet is beautiful, sexy, outspoken, and a human, which makes her completely off limits and completely irresistible. Byron’s societys canon may forbid relationships between vampires and humans, but will that stop them? No way! It’s a romance after all!
Forbidden: The Claim is the beginning of Byron and Violet’s story. Forbidden: The Awakening is the continuation of their story. It’s very steamy…with a kidnapping, an underground world of rebel vampires, an elaborate network of elite clansman led by an ageless prophet, and a rescue mission that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Am I tempting you? Good. To quote Byron, “Sometimes giving in to temptation can be a good thing.”
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I’m currently working on the third novel in my Forbidden series. Its title is Forbidden: The Revolution. The story is shaping up quite nicely. I’ve introduced some new characters and have brought back some of the characters from the previous books in the series. For those of you wondering what happened to the baby, Sophie, who was kidnapped and Rita, Byron’s former consort…you’ll find out!
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: It’s not always easy. I can get lost in my work. When I’m writing the rest of the world disappears, so I need to be careful. Sometimes it’s hard to turn it off. But I have people in my life that I enjoy being with and that I want to be there for. That means turning the computer off, saying goodbye to the characters that are living in my head, and spending time with real folks. My favorite time of the day is right before dinner. I love to cook and my husband is the best sous chef in the world. When he comes home from work we pour ourselves a glass of wine and just hang out in the kitchen while dinner is cooking.
Q: Why do you like writing romance/erotica?
A: I tell people that I write steamy romance. It’s not erotica but it is erotic. The sex is definitely written for an adult audience and the language used to describe the sex is explicit and direct. I remember reading romance novels as a young adult where in the end the hero would take the heroine in his arms and “make her a woman”. I always wanted to know exactly how he did that.
Sex is such an important part of adult relationships—I can’t imagine writing a romance between two adults and not sharing with the reader that part of the relationship fully and honestly. That actually brings me to a funny story.
The Forbidden series is written in first person point of view from the perspective of the main character, Byron Renfield. After I wrote the first sex scene I sent it to friend and fellow author S.L. Carpenter. Scott’s a great guy. He was working on something of his own at the time, but he set it aside to read vampire sex. I received an instant message from him a couple hours after I sent him the manuscript:
Scott: You have to call it her pussy. Byrons a guy. He’s thinking pussy.
Sam: Just because he’s a guy I HAVE to say pussy? My husband’s a guy. I’ve never heard him say pussy.
Scott: He’s thinking pussy even if he’s not saying it. Ask him.
I did. Then I changed it to pussy.
LINKS:
Samantha Sommersby’s Website:
MySpace:
Blog:
Yahoo Group:
Publisher:
Browse Samantha Sommersby eBooks:
Browse Samantha Sommersby Books in Print:
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Linden Bay Romance
A: I can’t say enough about Linden Bay Romance and the gals that run it. I definitely found a great group when I stumbled upon them. They are so helpful and understanding and I’m sure I’ve tried their patience on more than one occasion. The support I receive from the editors and publishers are phenomenal.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I’m still learning the tips and tricks of promoting. I do find that having promotional material as giveaways are helpful to bring in the readers. Everyone loves free stuff. Having a Newsletter is also great and having your book covers and banners on other sites is also helpful.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Know your market and learn learn learn how to promote yourself. There is so much more to being an author than just putting a story to paper. And be prepared to dish out some money to promote yourself. You will not get rich overnight
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: Secrets of the Dead is a Paranormal Romance centered in a haunted house with a man who can communicate with the dead, and a woman determined to prove them a hoax.
Jessica Coltrane is a die-hard skeptic who believes that ghosts and paranormal activity are nothing more than a figment of some poor fool’s over active imagination—until she finds herself locked inside a house with the enigmatic paranormal investigator C.J. Dowling, that is.
C.J., born with the ability to see and speak to the dead, thought this would be a job like many others. Calm and self-assured, he knows his business. After all, he’s been listening to the Secrets of the Dead since he was three. He’s prepared for anything—except the smart and sexy Jessica.
Working together in close quarters, C.J. and Jessica find it’s all too easy to get under one another’s skin during the day. As darkness falls and the tension between them mounts, a spark is ignited. Fueled by passion they give into their desires…only C.J. and Jessica aren’t alone.
As the light dawns the couple discovers they’re trapped. Trapped with the ghost of a child long forgotten, an amorous entity that is threatening Jessica, and a powder keg of a spine-tingling mystery that might just be better left buried.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I am currently working on the third installment of the Passion Series due to be released possibly this fall. Discovery in Passion is a Paranormal Romance. Thomas and Cassie find love amongst a haunting and a deep dark secret that could take their lives.
Escape in Passion is a Suspense Romance. Lust and Love run rampant when Vic and Julia come together. But a secret from the past might just put an end to it all.
Mercy in Passion is a Contemporary Romance. Begging for mercy might be Justin’s only recourse when setting his sights on Beth. But will the town be as forgiving?
Nothing is ordinary in small town Passion, especially the love
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I was born into it. There isn’t a time in my life that I can remember not writing, or telling stories. Even as a child I had a vivid imagination and loved regaling my friend and family with tales I would make up on the fly. Writing, to me, is as much a part of me as my arms or legs.
Q: How do you come up with your ideas?
A: Mostly they just pop into my head, and those that don’t have come from my dreams. There is always a pad and pen at my bedside for those times when I’m awoken with a story begging to be put to paper. There is the rare occasion I use a part of my life in my stories, which I did in both, Secrets of the Dead and Discovery in Passion. I lived in a haunted house as a child which was the catalyst to my love of all things Paranormal.
LINKS:
Website:
Newsletter: shielasbooks@shaw.ca
Publisher:
To be eligible to win one of the many prizes Linden Bay Romance Authors are offering, comment THIS WEEK on their Marketing with Mandy blog spots. Winners will be announced on Sunday!
Here are some of the prizes they’ll be giving away:
Samantha Sommersby will give away a signed print copy of Forbidden: The Awakening .
Nancy Henderson will give away a note/stationary set.
Shiela Stewart will give away a signed print of her book ‘Secrets of the Dead’
Cat Johnson will give away a signed print copy of Trilogy No. 102: Opposites Attract
Peter Brandt is giving away an ebook download of his romantic comedy novel “The Secret Life of Harden Long”
Jane Beckenham is giving away an Ebook download of her book “Hiring Cupid”
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Linden Bay Romance.
A: Linden Bay has been just wonderful. I can’t think of a better word. Barb Perfetti, acquisitions editor, is tough, but she truly cares about the quality of the work, and any suggestions she makes is only going to make your book better. Lori James is so helpful with marketing. She was a huge help with my booksigning this month. Couldn’t have done it without her!
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Definitely my website, first and foremost. It’s your internet home, a place you can send everyone to give them information about your books and your characters and your author presence. A blog is also helpful. Personally speaking, I have a great many authors on my favorites shelf that I’ve found through blogs.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Never give up! I know that sounds clichéd, but it’s so true. And start an internet presence as soon as you can, even before you’re published. It’s never too early to start gaining a readership.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: GHOST OF A CHANCE is my latest release. Here’s a blurb: GHOST OF A CHANCE:
What happens when ghost and mortal fall in love? Nothing short of upsetting the balance between heaven and hell…
Nathan McGraw thought death was bad. It’s nothing to landing back on Earth or ticking off a demon. He intends to find out why Sarah Price is the only mortal who can see him, even if he has to break the laws of the hereafter.
Sarah Price isn’t going to take it anymore. Not from her ex who is trying to financially destroy her. Not from her family who is making her business a circus. And certainly not from a ghost who claims she is the key to sending him back to heaven.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: I love both historical and paranormal. GHOST OF A CHANCE gave me that opportunity to work with both since hero Nathan McGraw is a ghost from the year 1757. Oh, and I should probably mention that I just completed book two, the sequel to GHOST OF A CHANCE. Currently untitled, it is in consideration stage at Linden Bay Romance. (fingers crossed…)
Q: How do you come up with your ideas?
A: I’ve often heard this is the toughest question for a writer. I honestly have no idea. I can tell you, though, that I came up with the idea for GHOST OF A CHANCE while I was planting spring bulbs in a cemetery. Creepy, I know. LOL!
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: Writing is a balancing act for me. I work full time so I don’t have a set amount of hours I can spend at a time. I write in little spurts throughout the week. I do get some writing done while driving. Not to fear, I dictate on a small tape recorder then type it up later. Hmmm…that would explain a lot about my driving, though… But seriously, I would be lost without my Alphasmart. If anyone has ever thought about buying one, they’re a huge timesaver.
LINKS:
Website
Blog
Newsletter
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Linden Bay Romance
A: It has been excellent. Being this is my first published book, they were very helpful. Lori and Barb really know the market and were helpful in instructing me in what I can do to become successful. The editing staff was great too. It is a different experience after writing a novel to get it professionally edited.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I wrote down all the things I wanted to do. It’s like a synopsis. Once I have it written down, then I can start acting on it. I have my book info on my email. That is just basis. I bought 100 books myself and began selling and using them to promote myself around Toronto.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Be very careful with your title. If there was anything I did that maybe I shouldn’t have would be to go with the title “The Secrets of Harden Long”. Not the kind of title that allows the book to be placed in a bookstore window.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: The Secrets of Harden Long is a story about stereotypes. A slobby bachelor writes a romance novel about an orphaned prince and it becomes so successful it is turned into a “Made for TV” movie. A tall, skinny hick living in a trailer park in Texas sees so many similarities in the movie to his own life that he is sure he is the Crown Prince of Canada and sets off to Canada to claim his birthright.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: Comedy. Yet, all of my writing has a romantic angle to them, so Romantic Comedy. I have a rather unique sense of humor. I see things in everyday life that are funny and I like to capitalize on that. Like, have you ever seen
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I actually wrote my first book around the age of 10. The Myers Briggs test told me I should be a writer but I spent the next 40 years doing everything but. I decided to start writing again after meeting Lois Gresh, a very successful science fiction author who I used to work with. I began taking writing classes and in 2004 I entered the Muskoka Novel Marathon. I came in 6th, beating out some seasoned authors and the following year I came in 3rd. Shortly after that I sold The Secrets of Harden Long, which by the way was written at a writer’s marathon. Of course a lot of work was spent after massaging it into a professional manuscript, but most of it was written at the event.
A writer’s marathon is an event, usually to raise money for charity, where writers gather and spend 72 hours together in the same room writing a complete novel. The camaraderie is totally amazing. Writing is such a lonely job but sitting cheek to cheek with other writers is a ton of fun .
Q: How do you come up with your ideas?
A: Usually when I am alone in thought, out walking or driving home from work.
I wrote a novel called TN’T, about the CN tower crashing into Toronto’s downtown core and wiping out the banking district. The story is about a homeless man who has powers that prey on his negative thoughts. They are powers he can’t harness and doesn’t want. I came up with this idea one day when I was out for my daily lunchtime walk. I was working at the time at one of the large banks in Canada and I hated the job. I was out walking on Bay Street, the richest street in Canada, and there lay a homeless man sleeping on a subway grate across from the one of the wealthiest banks in the world. Talk about irony. My stories usually gel within an hour after they come to me. By the time I got back to the office my story was born.
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: I schedule time to write. Being a recent newlywed (4 years), I have a tenancy to want to spend all of my spare time with my wife Carly. She makes sure that doesn’t happen. She believes in me and my writing, probably more than I do myself, and she pushes me to get writing and I listen. Any writing function I attend she comes with me. She is as involved outside of the writing as I am in it. I can say with all honesty, if your family is not behind you, it is very hard. I had no support from my first wife and I didn’t write.
LINKS:
Webpage
To be eligible to win one of the many prizes Linden Bay Romance Authors are offering, comment THIS WEEK on their Marketing with Mandy blog spots. Winners will be announced on Sunday!
Here are some of the prizes they’ll be giving away:
Samantha Sommersby will give away a signed print copy of Forbidden: The Awakening .
Nancy Henderson will give away a note/stationary set.
Shiela Stewart will give away a signed print of her book ‘Secrets of the Dead’
Cat Johnson will give away a signed print copy of Trilogy No. 102: Opposites Attract
Peter Brandt is giving away an ebook download of his romantic comedy novel “The Secret Life of Harden Long”
Jane Beckenham is giving away an Ebook download of her book “Hiring Cupid”
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