B.A. Smith's Blog, page 2

50 Books in 2019!

Thanks to the Pikes Peak Library District through the Libby app, I read 50 books last year (starting April 1st) for FREE, saving me well over $700! And I probably read twice that amount of fics on Archive of Our Own.

I didn’t set goals or resolutions for myself, but once it finally clicked how much amazing information and stories I have access to 24/7 through my local library (for FREE, did I mention?) it was easy to spiral down a rabbit hole. Most of those books were audiobooks, so for those...

Book Marketing Tips

I’ll say this upfront: Don’t waste your time or money hiring a publicist!!!

There is absolutely nothing they can do for you that you can’t do yourself cheaper (or even free) with much better results.

No one knows your book as well as you do or will be as passionate about promoting it as you are (save for those few precious die-hard fans). We are in this day and age of free advertising with access to an audience of MILLIONS in a form called social media. Love it, hate it, but if you aren’t tak...

Thoughts on Death & Dying

I’ve talked to several friends and family members about the subject of death, and I’m pleasantly surprised how open and positive many of them were to the topic. Way too many people are hung up on dying and we’re taught that it’s this morbid, taboo subject. None of us are meant to live forever, but we fear death so much that we end up not living at all.

I was raised Catholic, so I get how the fire and brimstone might be a deterrent for some people, but I don’t let that stop me from trying t...

The Power – and Danger – of Labels

Back in January, I wrote an article for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group‘s newsletter on the dangers of placing labels on yourself, especially as a writer. The IWSG is a database resource site and support group for writers and authors that features weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links – all to benefit writers! #IWSG

Read the article here -> [Link]

-Brianne

A Break from Adulting

A couple weeks ago, after nearly suffering a mental breakdown from stress and being overworked in general, I decided to call off from all three of my jobs, shut off my phone, and escape to the mountains for a couple days with a friend who could also stand to get away for a little while. We ended up in Buena Vista, CO and stayed at the Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, where neither of us has ever been. It’s a charmingly rustic and holistic place that has neither wifi nor TV’s in the guest roo...

Black History Month

[image error] As a part of Black History Month, I wanted to share some of my own history. My great grandma, Susie Perkins, was born in 1902. She grew up on a farm in Mississipi and was only 14 when she got married and gave birth to my grandpa, Thomas Wright. When she was 35, she moved to Colorado Springs, bought a trash-hauling business and purchased several rental properties to rent to lower-income families. By the time she sold the company 12 years later, she had 7 trucks and 7 crews, and ended up own...

SLTF Award Nomination!

Spooning Leads to Forking is up for nomination in the Goodreads M/M Romance Best Coming of Age category! After it was banned on Amazon for being too gay/erotic, I made it available for free on Lulu and Audible for a limited time. Please vote and support our LGBTQ+ voices!

[image error]

PLACE YOUR VOTE!
(Must be a member of M/M Romance)

Free ebook
Free audiobook
(with 1-month Audible trial)

The Dark Side of Amazon Reviews

If you’ve ever published a book on Amazon, you might have experienced a nasty surprise when you woke up one morning and found some of your reviews missing. And if you haven’t gone through this yet – just wait! In order to prevent fraudulent reviews (those who create fake accounts or hire people to leave them glowing reviews), Amazon has cracked down on their review system, and unfortunately many legitimate reviewers are getting hit in the crossfire.

Amazon reviews are a tricky minefield to na...

Poetry as Healing

[image error]

Hey guys, I need your help! I’ll be submitting 2 of my poems to be published in the Speak Out: Poetry as Healing chapbook, but I can’t decide which ones. They’re all fairly short, so if you have time to read and place your vote either in the comments or on Wattpad, I would appreciate it! Plus, I’ll do a Facebook live reading of the winning poem(s) that end up in the chapbook. Deadline Dec. 5th.

Thank you for your help!

Read poems here

-Brianne

Author Takeover Dec. 2 @ 2pm MST!

I will be doing an author takeover at the M/M Banter Facebook group in a few hours to discuss my book, Spooning Leads to Forking! There will be giveaways, exclusive content, Q&A and more!    Not a member of the group? Answer 3 simple questions to join (for the safety of all guests) and get ready for the event. The takeover will take place on the group wall so don’t forget to change your group settings to “ALL POSTS” so you don’t miss a thing! JOIN NOW!