I’m sick so I’m doing nothing productive at the moment. I began scrolling through the net and found this. It had me rolling so I thought I’d share. Keep in mind that I ADORE James Blunt. I just thought this was brilliant.
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A: I love working with Virgin Books. The company has been great to me as an author. I originally started working with the UK office and everyone there has been wonderful. Adam Nevill, my editor, is a gem. He does the work of twenty and still manages to answer all my emails. And, with Random House acquiring 90% of the company, there is now a USA office. In the US, I worked with Ken Siman–another gem. Both have put so much support behind me and my books.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I do everything I can think of–interviews, guest blogs, my own blog, the Pillow Scavenger Hunt contest (with over 60 participating authors), The Raven with esteemed MwM Hostess Ms. Mandy Roth *waving at Mandy*, podcasting, free stories, contests, link exchanges, book videos, myspace and other social networks, a constantly updated website, conventions, promo mailings… I’m always willing to try new things when it comes to promotion and love it when people email me with opportunities.
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Q: Tell us a little about your experience with PublishAmerica.
A: So many people say negative things about PublishAmerica. I have had a few run-ins; however, they have done most of what they promised to do. They printed the books, made them available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and through Ingram, Baker & Taylor. They created pretty good cover art for each book. They have provided some review copies, though not as many as I would have liked. They didn’t ask me for any money and they usually answer my questions. Although I have been unhappy with a couple of things, it’s not anything that would have deterred me from going with PA for my first couple of books.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I try everything. I spend hours online each night looking for different ways to promote. If I see something on another website that catches my eye, I think about how I could adapt it for use with my books. Some things work, some things don’t. It doesn’t hurt to try them on for size.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Don’t get discouraged by other people’s negativity. You have your own to contend with. There will always be people out there who make it their mission in life to keep you from following your dream. We’ll never know why, but we should keep in mind that those people simply don’t matter. Let them have their own misery and don’t get tangled up in their attitudes.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: My latest book, Under Lock and Key: The Rona Shively Stories is the second book in the Rona Shively series. In this book, Rona tries to maintain her sanity while facing some serious conflicts. Her new boyfriend is acting squirrelly, her old boyfriend is out of jail and has his sights set on her, her sister and nieces are visiting from out of town and as usual, her client is a little on the strange side. Between the old memories and old flames, Rona is just plain frazzled. By the time this one is over, she’s got some big decisions to make.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: I really enjoy writing in the mystery genre. I am an avid mystery reader, so this is a place where I feel comfortable on either side of the book. Mystery allows you to do wonderful things with your character. She can fall in and out of love, she can kill people, she can do nice things (heaven forbid), she can find the bad guys or she can just pick up and leave. There’s always something screwy going on somewhere and you can embellish on real-life cases or make up your own craziness. I have a lot of fun with my characters and I like seeing just how far I can go with something. I was always a fan of the Choose Your Own Adventure books, writing a mystery is ten thousand times better.
Q: What types of research do you do for your books?
A: I do a lot of internet research, library research, etc. As I said earlier, I read a lot so between my own experiences and the books I’ve read over the years I can put some interesting things together. If there’s something I don’t know a lot about, for instance, I’m not extremely well-versed in firearms, I can ask my husband. He’s very knowledgeable about guns. He tells me when my character should have released a safety or some little thing that I wouldn’t have known. I’m not afraid to call people and ask questions about things I don’t fully understand. The fact that I do a lot of investigating is kind of funny since I write about a sarcastic, little woman who investigates for a living. Vicarious living at its finest.
Q: What authors inspired you growing up?
A: Growing up, I read Laura Ingalls Wilder and VC Andrews. I loved reading their stories over and over. If I can get lost in a story and visualize the characters as I read, then I know I’m reading an author who truly cares about their writing. I have the same respect and admiration for Lisa Scottoline, Janet Evanovich, and James Patterson. These writers pour themselves into their stories and you can really get into their books. They continue to inspire me to make my characters and storylines as believable and true-to-life as possible.
LINKS:
http://www.rebeccabenstonwrites.com
http://www.theronashivelystories.com
http://www.wordsiview.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/rebeccabenston
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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!
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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
Bookmark and share this article: diggDigg This! del.icio.usAdd to Del.icio.us
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/.
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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.
00Congrats Ing, you’ve won a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate (email version). Please email me mandy@mandyroth.com
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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!
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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!
00Cathie 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!
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