Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 21

Liebster Blog Award

Rules:
1. You must post eleven facts about yourself.
2. You must also answer the eleven questions the awarder has given you and make up eleven questions for your awardees to answer in turn.
3. Tag eleven fellow bloggers
4. Notify them that you've awarded them
5. No tagging back
6. And the eleven blogs you tag must have less than 200 followers.

Facts:
1. I am an eldest child.
2. My husband reads and critiques my (romance) writing.
3. I am a mother of twins.
4. Hubby and I have been married fourteen years.
5. Green is my favorite color.
6. I have been a pastor's kid my whole life.
7. I am a homeschool graduate.
8. I love writing.
9. I talk to and about my characters as though they are real people.
10. The longest I have lived in one residence is eleven years.
11. My family didn't own a television until I was twelve.

Little Lady's Questions:
1. Rain or Shine?
Shine as long as I have shade
2. What was your favorite cartoon / movie growing up?
Looney Tunes and Disney movies
3. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be?
Wren Romany (one of my characters) because she is wise, strong (physically and emotionally), and bold when appropriate.
4. What is your favorite dessert?
Depends on my mood, but it is usually chocolate.
5. Favorite specialty drink (Starbucks/Biggby/Etc.)
Panera's Mango Smoothie...Yum!
6. Favorite screen/literary couple?
Oh, this is a tough one...*closes eyes and jabs* Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, maybe. I can't pick! There are so many good ones.
7. What is your favorite restaurant?
Panera (at the moment) :)
8. What is your favorite color and why?
Green, because it makes me think of life and growth.
9. If you had to eat one food forever, what would it be?
Potatoes
10. Mascara or blush?
Neither :)
11. Is your hair color natural?
Yup, never dyed.

My Questions:
1. How many books do you read a year (guess-ta-mate)?
2. Where is your favorite hangout?
3. What are your top three favorite books at the moment?
4. What are your favorite genres?
5. What is the last book you read?
6. Do you play a musical instrument?
7. What is your job?
8. What is your chief hobby?
9. Do you write reviews of the books you read?
10. What are your favorite foods?
11. What is your favorite music style?

Tagged:
1. Joyce DiPastena - http://jdp-news.blogspot.com
2. Jessica Greyson - http://safirewriter.blogspot.com/
3. Charissa Taylor Lees - http://dreammountain.blogspot.com/
4. Micah Widdis - http://insunshineandshadowsmew.blogspot.com/
5. Alyssa O'Keefe - http://atimetoeveryseason.blogspot.com/
6. Book Review Mama - http://libraryendofuniverse.blogspot.com/
7.Lindsey's Romantics - http://lindsaysromantics.blogspot.com/
8. Aubrey Hansen - http://www.aubreyhansen.com/
9. Anne Girl - http://scribblingskeyboard.blogspot.com
10. Rachel - http://inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com/
11. The Authoress - http://theswirlofwords.blogspot.com/

Sweet Saturday Sample

Welcome back to a new Sweet Saturday Sample. 
In the abyss between projects, I have started a short story, "The Sword of Korma Monroe." Loosely connected to my recently completed Duty, it depicts events many years before. It is written in the first person from Lord Dentin's perspective. I hope you enjoy it.
~~~~~
Lord Dentin
“Cursed rain!” Blair’s normally blotchy face deepened to almost purple as he screamed his anger at the sky. A bolt of lightning washed the sky blinding white. Thunder answered, drowning out Blair’s tirade. Water poured upon our heads in great waves, miring the heavy wagon all the deeper in mud. At least the axle was still intact.
I turned my mount, prepared to redirect the men’s focus to wrestling the back wheels free, but their superior officer spoke first.
“Cease your bawling, soldier,” Major Dyrease’s cool tone cut through Blair’s bluster. “Save your breath and put that anger to the task.”
“You would curse too if you dealt with mud in your boots, sir.” The challenge in Blair’s words silenced the other men’s murmurings. Their attention shifted between soldier and officer and back.The major dismounted. The mud swallowed his legs to the knee with a squelch. He tested the resistance and then waded through the muck to the back of the wagon. Setting his shoulder to the waterlogged wood, he readied himself to push. “Ready back here.”  Dyrease called. The men resumed their places around him. Blair sullenly returned to his place.
“On three.” Dyrease’s voice carried despite the rain.
“One.” The men tensed as one.
“Two.” They breathed deep.
“Three.” The air filled with chorus of guttural protests. Hardly music by the loosest definition, but the groan and creak of protest from the wagon’s axels as the heavy vehicle lumbered forward elicited a cheer.
“Keep those oxen moving.” The major’s voice cut through the celebration. “It isn’t free yet, men. See the task through.”
A few less strenuous heaves and the wagon found purchase on the ever worsening road and resumed its tortoise’s pace. The men scattered to reclaim their discarded gear.
“Finally on the move again, I see.” Simon Tarend’s smooth voice teased my ear.
Suppressing the inclination to shoo the man away like he was a gnat, I reminded myself he was a respected craftsman. He claimed he had an artist’s temperament, but I called it something else, whining. Ignoring the man, I kept my gaze on the men. 
~~~~~
Did it hook you?
For more sweet samples, go tohttp://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
Thank you for stopping by.

Sweet Saturday Sample

Today's sample is from a short story. Word and Deed a historical romance is available now for 99 cents on Amazon and Smashwords. It will be available later this year in print as part of my upcoming release of Duty.

~~~~~

Morning brought the faded light of a cloudy sky. I stood at the lattice watching the wind blow the clouds across the expanse. Ealdine, coming early to prepare me, fluttered about brushing my hair a seventh time, fixing the fall of my clothing, or chiding me to behave properly toward my husband to be. All of her ministrations faded like distant noise. Numb with exhaustion from a sleepless night, my head resembled the gray skies above.
Lord Silvaticus arrived promptly. Wearing his mail beneath his scarlet tunic and the figure of a gray wolf’s head blazoned across his chest, he filled my small chamber with the masculine scents of fresh air and leather.
“We have no need of you,” he informed Ealdine.
His voice, deep and modulated for the open air of the practice yard, assaulted my ears and drove me back a step. I attempted to hide the movement by turning toward the window again, but he tensed nonetheless.Ealdine retreated with fluttering hands and a wobbly curtsey, leaving us very alone.
He cleared his throat. “Might I have the benefit of seeing your face?” Tone and volume more acclimated for the small confines of the room; he made an obvious effort to speak courteously.
I complied, stepping back from the window to allow the light to fall on my face.
“You are comely.”
I didn’t blush at the words.
“Thank you, my lord.” I lifted my gaze to his face, but encountered only eyes. Chain mail obscured all else. 
“Why do you hide your features, my lord?”
His regard intensified. “You are the first to ask.”
“A test in bravery then? Only the bravest ask?”
“Nay, but it is telling just the same. You may consider it an affectation with a purpose.”
“You wish to hide in plain view. Maintain respect and fear with mystery.”
“Ah, you have discovered my purpose. And you? Why do you retreat behind these stone walls? Do you conceal some defect? I discern nothing wrong with your face beyond lack of sleep.”
My cheeks warmed, but it was not fueled by modesty. Anger kindled with my belly.
“My lord, I am not here of my own choice. I angered my brother with my words and he wished to silence me. I disturb his delusions.”
“What delusion do you threaten?”
~~~~~
Do you prefer print or ebook?
Thank you for stopping by. For more sweet samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.

An Update, Finally!

I apologize for my long silence. The past months have been full on both the personal and writing fronts.

In my writing life (which, of course, is your main interest), Duty is finished and almost polished. Responses from beta readers have been overwhelmingly positive. The polishing of the manuscript is almost complete. I still have some small stuff and some scenes to tweak before sending it off to my chief editor (my husband) an working on preliminary formatting.

The cover is finished and awaiting the final approval of my chief editor.

The book trailer is polished and ready for final approval. Then it will only need the links to Amazon and Smashwords to be complete.

Bookmarks are designed. Still on my design list are tote bags, posters, and a mug. Would anyone be interested in T-shirts?

Meanwhile, I am brainstorming a short story to offer as a supplement to Duty. There were some references in Duty to incidents in the character's history. I am curious about those events and the only way I am going to find out the story is to write it. So, The Sword of Korma Monroe (tentative title) will not be a romance, but a straight adventure.

In other projects, the forward momentum is slow.

White Bear, as much as I would love to just finish it, has not come easily.

I am plotting for Diaspora. I really want to explore Ruhan's home world, Domestica, and see its culture through Myah's eyes.

Any questions or comments are welcome. Keep your eyes open for Duty's cover reveal. It should be coming soon. :)

- Rachel Rossano

What is your favorite kind of book-themed keepsake?I am a big bookmark girl. :)

Sweet Saturday Sample

Welcome back to a Sweet Saturday Sample. I know I haven't posted one of these in a while. Mostly because I haven't been writing much lately. School starting, house needs, kids' schedule changes, and all those other necessities of life have been detracting from my writing time and energy. However, have no fear, I will be back with new and old projects soon.

Today's excerpt is from Duty, my newly finished, currently in editing, novel. This excerpt is from near the beginning of Brielle's adventures as the wife of Lord Irvaine. She is on the trail with her new husband and roughly a third of his armed company, a band of men who have recently fought a war.

From the free section of Dreamstime.com

“’Tis bitter cold, my lady. You should be wearing gloves.” Antano’s voice startled me out of a half-slumber. My horse snorted at my abrupt movement.
“I have none.” My eyes watered. The wind bit at my fingers, the parts I could still feel. I glanced to check they still held the reins. I feared I would never be able to straighten my fingers again. Should I try, they might not clasp the leather leads again.
Antano grunted. “Fine way to treat his wife.”
“Pardon?” I glanced around, encountering the setting sun in all of its blinding golden glory through a break of trees. It took me a few moments of careful blinking before I could see again. By then Antano moved away.I shifted slightly in the saddle in an attempt to ease the sharp ache in my lower back. I gasped at a flare of pain and dared not move again. Thankfully, my mount docilely plodded on, following the soldiers’ horses before it.
My respect for the men around me grew as the morning waned. Until their appearance in our village, travel filled most of their days. Hour upon hour with a horse between their knees, backs aching, armor chaffing, they rode in all weather. Only a bit over a day on the trail and I ached for home. I craved the luxury of sitting on something that didn’t move. 
~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed it.
For more sweet samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.

Sweet Saturday Sample

I considered not posting a sample this Saturday, but then Literature Lady made a request. So, here is the next three hundred (or so) words of White Bear (a Christian contemporary fairy tale) in its raw form. I hope you continue to enjoy it. :)

From Dreamstime.com
~~~~~

                I assessed the casino entrance with a grimace. It was the only option. Well, not quite, but there was no way I was asking the security guard to check the men’s room for me. He would give Dad a heart attack. I straightened my shoulders and entered.
                Voices and harsh sounds washed over me. I flinched when a slot machine shrieked to life and announced the gambler’s winnings as it spewed coins into a bucket.
                Friday evening crowds filtered through the expansive room in clusters. Their attention focused on the felt and wood tables lying like fertile islands in the sea of ebony carpeting. They promised riches if blessed by a whimsical lady named Luck.
                Narrowing my eyes against the glittering mirrors and crystal, I searched for a familiar face. I spotted him over at the blackjack tables, a head of pure white hair between a dyed brunette and a pepper. Keeping my eyes on him, I worked my way through the crowd. I tried to recall if he had any money on him to lose.
                He had promised to never do this again.
                “Hi, Dad.”
                He looked up at me and smiled absently. His rheumy blue eyes lit like a child’s. “Ah, Willow, you finished already?” His fingers clutched and released the chips rhythmically.
                “How far are you down?” I scanned the empty table.
                “Only $300.”
                I took a breath. If we were careful, we could recover from that. I could work extra hours at the bank.
                “Dad, we need to go.”
                “Just one more time, sweet.” He smiled. “I can make it back in one …”
                I shook my head. “No, Dad, we need to leave.” My eyes fell on the security guard from the lobby. He was watching us.  We needed to leave the casino area before someone recognized Dad. 

~~~~~
Still hooked?
Thank you for visiting. For more sweet samples, be sure to visit http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.See you next week.

Sweet Saturday Sample

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. Today's sample is from my new project, White Bear, a Christian contemporary fairy tale retelling. Yes, that is a mouthful. Yes, this is an experiment. We shall see how it goes. :)

~~~~~

Willow
                I scanned the lobby of the Diamond Mine Hotel Casino in Atlantic City with growing disquiet. Dad promised to wait. If only we could get this whole trip behind us.
                Laughter wafted from the casino. Lights and lush carpeting beckoned to those lingering in the cavernous, tiled expanse of the foyer. There should have been a sign over the archway: “Beware, those who enter here, the house always wins.”
                I pulled my thoughts from the dire circumstances of my father’s financial future and returned to seek my father instead.
                Cubic zirconia draped candelabras guarded the walls of the lobby. Uncomfortable silver gilt benches and frail tables huddled between them, overwhelmed by their glitter. The only other human in the room was the receptionist behind the front desk. She glowered at me as though I would palm one of the ostentatious baubles overflowing from the jeweled fruit bowls.
                “Lose something, miss?”
                “Yes, my father. He promised to wait for me here.”
                “Perhaps he wandered into the casino to pass the time.”
                Please, Lord, not that. The debt from his last excursion still smothered our lives.
                The elevator chimed its arrival. I turned to watch the door with inane hope.
                I glanced at the receptionist again. “Did you see him go toward the bathrooms?”
                “I just came on duty, miss, and there was no one here when I arrived.”
                The elevator doors opened and a massive security guard stepped out. Black suit, strapping shoulders, and a grim face, he looked the part more than the man who escorted me out of the manager’s office moments ago.
~~~~~
Did it grab you?
Thank you for stopping by. :)
For more sweet samples go here:  http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.

Steps to Indie Publishing - Step Six: Maintenance

Maintain your product and your royalties.

- Keep track of how your book appears on various websites. 

- Add a link and information about your book on all of your social media outlets. 

- Watch reviews and use the best ones to promote your book. 

- Hand out free copies to reviewers. 

- Talk about your book when you have a chance. 

- Promote when you are comfortable. 

- Keep an eye on sales. I recommend keeping an Excel spreadsheet going to keep records to compare month to month and year to year.

- Be sure to check out what you need to do on the business side (because you are a business now). You will need to file forms on the state and the federal level (in the USA). Keeping everything above board is always wise when it comes to business.

Here are some of the websites I use to keep track of my sales.

http://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile - It gives you access to how your book appears on Amazon and the ability to set up your author page.

http://kdp.amazon.com - You can track your Amazon sales numbers and royalties, even download monthly spreadsheets for your records.

http://www.smashwords.com/dashboard - Access to your Smashwords and distribution numbers.

http://www.lulu.com/ - Maintaining print distribution and sales.

If you used other platforms to publish, they should have ways for you to maintain and track information. Be sure to check them periodically.

I hope this series has been helpful to you. Any questions you might have are welcome. I can't promise I can answer them, but I can try to help you.

- Rachel Rossano

Salutations from the Wasteland of Editing

I really don't like editing.

There, I admitted it. Not that it has been a secret. As much as I believe editing is a necessary and useful aspect of the publication/writing journey, I dread this stage the most. To make matters worse, I am editing more than one manuscript. *Sigh!*

So, the reason you haven't been seeing any Sweet Saturday Samples or other posts around here is because Duty and The King of Anavrea are sitting on my editing table and I am trying to avoid them and edit them at the same time. Oh, and don't forget the writing withdrawal.

I miss writing.

Okay. *prods self to sit up straight* Enough with the whining, Rachel. *clears throat*

Duty is out with my first batch of beta readers.

The King of Anavrea  is on my editing table.

Simultaneously, I am trying to select my next writing project because I miss writing. Hmm ... what shall I choose. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Steps to Indie Publishing - Step Five: Spread the News!

Tell everyone about your book. Your family, friends, and anyone else who you are comfortable telling about your published work.

Armed with your promotional tools and URLs from step three, go out and use your social networks and spread the news.

- Ask for reviews (share the good ones).

- Show off your book trailer.

- Schedule guest posts/interviews on blogs.

- Seek out venues to show off your new baby.

- Be social.

Some general pointers I would like to offer:

- Be humble because we all have more to learn.

- Be cautious because there are those who seek to take advantage. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

- Be generous to others, especially want-to-be authors because you were once like them.

- Be respectful, especially if you are seeking respect in return.

- Be realistic about your expectations.

- Be kind so that others will be kind to you.

- Be yourself because no one is like you.

A few comments about bad reviews

- We all get them (even authors of the classics).

- You can't please everyone, and that is okay.

- Just because one person thinks that, doesn't mean the rest of the readers do.

- Try to glean from the honest points and ignore the rest.

- Cry and then leave it behind you. There are much better things ahead.

Come back next week for the final installment, Step Six: Maintenance.

- Rachel Rossano

~~~~~
(An example of an email signature)
Blog ~ http://rachel-rossano.blogspot.com/
Website ~ http://anavrea.webs.com/
Twitter ~ http://twitter.com/#!/RachelRossano
Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/RachelRossanosRambles
YouTube ~ http://www.youtube.com/anavrea