Allie Boniface's Blog, page 46

Writers' Wednesday: The Subjectivity of Publishing

OK, for all you aspiring and already published authors out there, here's a stark reminder of how subjective the publishing world can be. We already know that one person can love a book while another can hate it. That happens with editors and agents too, all the time. And I've had my share of rejections that eventually led to publications elsewhere. But this just happened in the last 24 hours, so I had to share:

I had sent a work, a novella, out to 2 different editors at 2 different small presses. They each responded within a day of one another.

Editor A: "I am actively looking to build my contemporary list, I really like your voice, and...so I approached this submission with high hopes. Unfortunately, the first chapters feel very generic. It's become almost a cliché for a contemporary romance to open with a friend encouraging the heartbroken friend to get laid. We're looking for something fresher.

I'm sure you must be disappointed, but it's important to have an editor who really loves your story and can be its champion. As you know, the publishing business is very subjective, and I have no doubt that [your story] is exactly what another editor is looking for..."


Editor B: "I shared the pitch with other actively acquiring [editors in our house]. Specially, [Editor C] requested your partial, read it and she emailed me to let you know she'd love to receive the full. In fact, she stated she's keen to read it. I've copied her on my email to you so that you two may start to dialogue. I'm thrilled to give you this news and I wish you much success..."

So there you have it. What one doesn't care for, another craves. Bottom line? Try your best not to be discouraged when one person tells you "no" or "I don't like it" (and actually, this pretty much goes for life in general, not just writing and publishing).

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Mentionables: A New Novella and A Catchy Tune

Well, I've managed to get almost 9K words into a new project: a novella titled Sex on the Beach (it's a companion piece to Tequila Sunrise and features two of that story's characters). I'm liking it so far, although now that I'm a third of the way through, I'm fearing the sagging middle a bit. Still, two members of my writers' group have joined me in a goal to finish a writing project by the end of this month, and Sex on the Beach it is! 30K here we come...

Excerpt from the opening chapter:

At that, Bryce kissed her. He took the heart-shaped mouth that had been teasing him for the last half-hour and cut her words off in mid-sentence. His hands moved down that exquisite body, curves from head to toe, and finally wound their way to the small of her back. He didn't let go. He didn't stop. Her head fell back, and she laughed under his lips as they tasted her throat, the soft spot at the ...base of her neck, the line of her jaw.

After a moment Cass stopped laughing, and when her breath caught in her throat and he felt goose flesh on her bare arms, he pulled her in closer. Whispered, word by delicious word, exactly what he wanted to do to and with and for her, and when she lost her balance in his embrace he was certain, absolutely certain, she'd come back to his cabin.

Then the fire alarm sounded.

And I heard this song for the first time over the weekend and really liked it. Isn't it a catchy way to start your week? Happy Monday!

Friday Fun Facts: Giveaways!

Exciting news today! Beyond Her Blog at Publisher's Weekly is sponsoring a week-long celebration, and both today and tomorrow Yours Truly is participating as one of the giveaway authors. Check it out - lots of fun and so many prizes you can win, just by commenting!

I'm heading to my local RWA meeting tomorrow - always an inspirational way to spend a morning, talking to other authors and sharing ideas and potential publishing and promotional leads. Next week I'll also be sharing the item(s) both I and my RWA chapter will be donating to the Brenda Novak Online Auction. Hint: This year mine will be a "Summer Fun" basket...I know you can't wait to see what's inside ;)

Writers' Wednesday: A Local Appearance on March 29th

Just a quick announcement: I'll be one of 6 "local authors" featured at a showcase at the Pine Bush Library (Pine Bush, NY) on Thursday, March 29, from 6-8 pm.

The cool thing about this appearance is that the Special Events Coordinator contacted me (usually it's the other way around when I'm trying to set up an author appearance)...via my Facebook Fan Page! So I guess maybe FB is a good promotional tool after all (OK, I knew it was, but this was a nice confirmation of that fact).

I will be the only romance author, kind of neat, as the other 5 represent a variety of genres from poetry to mystery. Though I'm not positive on the format, I think we will each discuss/read and then have time for chatting and signing/selling after the panel.

I'm looking forward to it...and if you're anywhere in the area, I hope you'll stop by! Click here for library location and details.

Monday Mentionables: Seeing "The Artist"

I finally saw the movie "The Artist" over the weekend (you know, the silent film that won 5 Oscars this year, including Best Picture and Best Actor). So what did I think?

Well, it's very cute and charming. Very sweet and entertaining. And hey, it has Uggie (super-cute dog) in almost every scene, hamming it up for the camera. Overall, the storyline is pretty straight-forward: it's about a silent movie star who becomes washed up while the pretty young girl he helped "discover" goes on to become a star of talking movies while his life falls apart. No spoilers here, but don't fear - it does have a happy ending.

While I enjoyed it, I didn't think it merited Best Picture honors. I felt very much as if I was in the 1920s, watching a nice silent film. I think it probably won because it was a novelty for 2012. However, I will say that Jean Dujardin deserved the Best Actor award for his really moving performance - all achieved without words. And the musical score, which also won an Oscar, really added to the nuances of the plot. Loved the score.

Here's the trailer:

Writers' Wednesday: Something for Writers and Readers Alike Today

So I've been listening to some narrator demos that Audio Lark has sent me, in preparation for 3 upcoming audio book releases in summer 2012. I have to admit, even though I've been through this process before, it's really cool to hear your own words read out loud by someone else :)

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Attention all authors : Savvy Authors is currently seeking bloggers. Details:

Once again I am scheduling blogs for the Savvy Authors Learning Center page. If you're a published author willing to write an original blog on a subject related to writing - craft, promotion, publishing, etc. - I'm scheduling for March 1st and forward (dates are first come first serve).

We ask for a blog of between 750 and 1500 words - negotiable. Our blogs include, as requested, book blurb and cover. The Learning Center Page gets hundreds of unique hits per day, the blogs are promoted in our newsletter, which is sent to over 4000 people weekly and will soon also be included in our weekly events mailing.

Contact: savvyauthors@gmail.com


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Attention all readers : Coffeetime Romance is sponsoring a HUGE ebook sale! Check this out:


Check out the new books! Check out this great sale! Stock up your eReader and save a TON of money!

Untreed Reads Publishing - 30% off
Wild Horse Press - 50% off
New Line Press - 25% off
Chances Press - 25% off
Melange Books - All books are $3.99
MuseItUp Publishing - 30% off
Decadent Publishing - 50% off
Eirelander Publishing - 30% off
Write Words Inc - 30% off these selected books:
Nazca Star: Book Two of the Bride of the Condor Series
Last Priestess: Book One of the Bride of the Condor Series
Spirit of Fire: Book Two of the Spirt Series
Spirit of Wind: Book 3 of the Spirit Series
Spirit of Earth: Book One of the Spirt Series
Inspired Romance - 50% off
Chances Press - 25% off until February 10th & a Free Book: Two Spirit Ranch
Champagne Books - Save 25%
Carnal Passions - Save 25%
Eternal Press - Save 25%
Damnation Books - Save 25%
Torquere Press - 25% off

We're expecting snow over the next 48 hours, so it looks like I better find some good reading material for myself as well. Happy reading, and stay warm!

Happy Leap Day!

Monday Mentionables: The Oscars

Ah, the Oscars...always a night to make you rejoice in wonderful stories, in the underdog triumphing, and in really great fashion :0

I admit, I didn't see most of the movies nominated for Best Picture this year. Most years I'm better and see at least half, but this year...I don't know, I think time got away from me. The only one I saw (and loved) was The Help. But going to my favorite local indie theater and seeing The Artist is on my To-Do list this week!

Anyone else see and recommend any of the nominees or winners?

Writers' Wednesday: Contest Winners and a Pitch Opportunity!

Congratulations to CHRISTY & MARILYN, the 2 winners in my Facebook "Hero Worship" Contest last week! They'll each receive their choice of any of my ebooks, along with a $10 Amazon gift certificate. Don't worry...I'll be having more contests coming up this spring :)

And attention authors! Abby Rose, an editor from Lyrical Press, is taking 3-sentence pitches over at Savvy Authors this Friday. Here's the info:

Abby is looking for stories packed with action/adventure and romance across the various genres:

* urban fantasy
* paranormal romance (all kinds)
* science fiction romance
* fantasy romance
* contemporary romance
* historical romance
* upper YA (but only paranormal romance in this genre)

WHEN: Feb 24, 2012 9:00 AM EST - Feb 24, 2012 11:00 PM EST


COST: FREE for ALL PREMIUM Members!
$0 for Basic Members


REGISTRATION: This event does not require registration.


This pitch session is open to anyone, so check it out if you have a manuscript that might fit Lyrical Press. And if anyone's had experience with this small press and wants to share, please so. I know they're relatively new, but the comments I've heard have been positive. As always, authors should do their own research when submitting anywhere. Good luck if you decide to pitch on Friday!

Monday Mentionables: Last Day for Hero Workshipping!

Last day to enter my Hero Worship Contest! All last week, I posted excerpt over at my Facebook Fan Page, highlighting my romance heroes. Now all you have to do is email me which one was your favorite - and I'll randomly choose 2 winners to receive their choice of any ebook from my backlist AS WELL AS a $10 Amazon gift certificate~

Can't go wrong, can you? So hurry on over, take a peek at those hero excerpts, and then email me at tboniface@frontiernet.net with your fave. The winners will be announced right here on Wednesday!

Writers; Wednesday: Scenes from a Book Signing

Our official sign at the Barnes & Noble last weekend:



And my friend Liz Matis and I enjoying a moment together at the signing!


While I can't say whether or not it translated into actual sales (we only had promo items to sign and give away, not print books - the store was trying something new to promote ebooks), it was nice to spend some time with fellow authors and also chat a bit with shoppers. The best strategy seemed to be to give chocolate along with signed promo items as a means of "introducing" ourselves as local writers. It's interesting: some people are totally open and excited about the idea, and others want to shuffle the other way as soon as you approach them.

Anyway, it was a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Looks like we'll be back there again in time for Mother's Day!