Amber Polo's Blog, page 28
October 11, 2009
Mark David Gerson - Guided Meditations for Writers

This week my guest is Mark David Gerson, author of The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write and the CD Voice of the Muse Guided Meditations for Writers and The MoonQuest: A True Fantasy.
Welcome Mark David.
As a yoga teacher who specializes in teaching people to relax, I recorded a CD that relaxes the body with the side effect of freeing the mind for creativity. I would love to hear about your guided meditations for writers.
How can writers enhance their creativity?
1. Recognize that...
Published on October 11, 2009 21:04
October 4, 2009
Clover Autrey Writing a Little Bit of Everything!

Welcome Clover Autrey, ParaNormal Romance reviewer, Fort Worth Examiner columnist, article ghostwriter, and adventurous fantasy (with lots of romance) author.
I guessing other writers want to know how you got the gig with the Fort Worth Examiner.
How did you approach the Examiner?
I was interviewed by another writer working for the Examiner for my own books, so I knew a little bit about it, and then when one of my RWA chapter mates mentioned they were looking for writers in our area I...
Published on October 04, 2009 20:41
September 28, 2009
How to Host a Booksigning in an Airplane Hangar


Instructions:
1. Send invitations to neighbors and friends
2. Order great bookmarks
3. Order fabulous cake with book cover on top
4. Move airplane out of hangar
5. Clean Hangar
6. Borrow Tables and chairs
7. Suggest that neighbors "might" be characters in the fictional book
8. Find friend to handle the money
9. Make a lot of coffee or delegate this job to a character in your book
10. Welcome guests, circulate, drink coffee, and from time to time sign books
11. Have people ...
Published on September 28, 2009 10:38
September 16, 2009
Looking for a Professional Critique or Freelance Editor?


This week my guest is Selena Robins, Freelance Critique Specialist, Editor, Writing Coach, and Teacher. Selena also writes paranormal romantic comedy and romantic suspense.Welcome Selena.
Thank you for the invitation and for the opportunity to introduce my services to your readers.
There are so many kinds of editors; can you briefly describe the difference between an editor that works for a publisher and the services you offer?
My services provide constructive feedback of how I think an editor ...
Published on September 16, 2009 19:07
August 30, 2009
Fugal Promotion Tips

Welcome Carolyn, first I have to tell you how much I love your subtitle HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T and using the word "Frugal" for your series was brilliant. (I also love your unforgettable last name.)
Ahhh, subtitles. That alone is a subject I love. Many have noticed that they are getting lo
Published on August 30, 2009 16:38
August 23, 2009
Promote Your Book with Social Media

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My guest this week is Dana Lynn Smith,
author of The Savvy Book Marketer Guides. Welcome Back Dana!
Dana is here to talk about social media marketing and her book, "The Savvy Book Marketer's Guide to Successful Social Marketing." Social marketing is a very effective way to meet and develop relationships with potential readers as well as other authors and experts. Everyone tells authors they need to take advantage of social marketing opportunities, but it can be confusing and overwhelming. Fic
Published on August 23, 2009 16:24
August 16, 2009
Do I Write as an Excuse to Research?

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What a great excuse to display the beautiful new cover for my romance Flying Free coming out next month from Treble Heart Books.
So Amber, as a novelist and recovering librarian, how do you do your research for your books?
Thanks, Amber, I'm glad you asked that question.
Once upon a time, when I was a young librarian, I believed everything could be found in books. Now it's tempting to believe everything is available online.
When I started writing Romancing R
Published on August 16, 2009 14:42
August 9, 2009
Authors Behaving Badly - A Bookseller Tells All Part 2

Kris Neri, award-winning author, writing instructor, and bookseller offers more advice to authors from her multi-pronged perspective.
Welcome Back Kris! How about sharing some more tips that will help an author work with a bookseller.
First, don't tell people where they can buy your books cheaper online.
Don't treat a bookstore like it's a free swap meet.
A surprising number of authors have discovered that they can make more money selling their own copies of their books direct to the store's custome
Published on August 09, 2009 16:42
July 31, 2009
Authors Behaving Badly: A Bookseller Tells All Part 1

My guest this week is Kris Neri, award-winning author, writing instructor, and bookseller. Kris offers advice to authors from her multi-pronged perspective. And I'm proud to say Kris is my local bookseller.
Welcome Kris! What's it really like being both an author and a bookseller? Now, don't be shy.
As Charles Manson once said, "Are people strange, or am I just crazy?" Call me naïve, but as a published author myself, I assumed other authors must interact with booksellers as courteously as I do. I'
Published on July 31, 2009 16:04
Authors Behaving Badly: A Bookseller Tells All Part 1

My guest this week is Kris Neri, award-winning author, writing instructor, and bookseller. Kris offers advice to authors from her multi-pronged perspective. And I'm proud to say Kris is my local bookseller.
Welcome Kris! What's it really like being both an author and a bookseller? Now, don't be shy.
As Charles Manson once said, "Are people strange, or am I just crazy?" Call me naïve, but as a published author myself, I assumed other authors must interact with booksellers as courteously as I do. I'
Published on July 31, 2009 16:04