H.L. Nida's Blog, page 4
July 24, 2019
To publish, or Not to publish...that is the question
So, I sent my manuscript (book) to several publishers yesterday. This process is hard and frustrating and makes me feel like It’s just a huge waste of my time. Most of the time you never hear back, that’s it, you send them your hard work and they don’t have the decency to reply with a, “Thanks, but no thanks” or provide any constructive criticism. Then on top of the waiting and wondering and feeling like your pretty sure they think your book sucks…if they do take you on, they not only make more money than you do off of your creativity, you end up selling them your creative control!
I’m not sure which way I want to go, but I’d like to have the option to choose. Who knows, maybe I’ll stay self published. Maybe I’d go with a publisher if I think it’s a good deal for me, and would help me to grow as an author and to create a bigger audience.
So right now I’m getting ready to re-vamp my book. I’m going to have the cover re-done with a professional that I think will really make it standout, and I just revised the interior of it to look better as well. Wish me luck!
July 15, 2019
I'm on TWELVE GoodReads Lists!
I’m so excited! My book, which has only been out for less than two months is now on 12 of GoodReads Lists!
Check Out My Rankings on these lists!
No. 4 on Featured Contemporary Romance Novels
No. 149 on May 2019 Most Anticipated Romances
No 183 on Best Romance Books. The Best!
No. 256 on Hot N’Steamy – No Paranormal or Historical BS
No. 371 on Best Erotica Series Ever
No. 437 on Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2019
No. 454 on Indie Romance/Erotica
No. 689 on Hottest Erotic Romance Books!
No. 690 on Witty, Cute & Sexy M/F Adult Contemporary Romance
No. 715 on Top Self-Published Erotica
No. 1099 on Schmexy Books Worth Reading
No 1370 on Best Erotica
July 14, 2019
Domestic abuse is no joke
In my current book series (Arrested Series), I have a few underlying themes in each book. The first theme is that cops who have muscles and tattoos are hot and are really good guys. The second theme is that someone in the book has dealt with or is dealing with some kind of domestic abuse. Any kind of domestic abuse isn’t okay, in any form. The books that I’ve written (or am writing) all have real life scenario’s in them. I was married years ago to a guy I met in Kindergarten. When I married him, he changed completely. I never thought I’d be the victim of domestic abuse, but I endured a hell of a lot during a short period of time. So, as you read my books, know that the emotions and situations came from a very real place for me. They are a part of a past that I am so glad I no longer live. But the best part about my past is that I am a walking testimony for the “after” of your abuse. You don't have to live that way. You didn’t ask for someone to abuse you. It’s not your fault. You can move on and have a healthy and wonderful life after you get out of your situation. SO GET OUT OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION IF YOU’RE BIENG ABUSED!!!
There are people who can help you. Ask anyone you know and trust to help you move out, or to get away or see if they’ll let you stay with them until you can get yourself organized and prepared. Do what you’ve got to do to get away from your abuser.
You can find the courage, you can find a better place, you can life a full life. Never give up!
There’s also a National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
July 9, 2019
Is anyone out there?....
As a new writer, I had no idea how lonely it would be to become an author. I work from home, or anywhere I can get a connection on my laptop. I stay up late, I start early, I am always writing. When I’m writing, it feels like the world around me dies and the one I am creating is where I live. But when I’m done writing or I need to come back to my own reality….it’s a lonely place. I spend hours alone in the quiet with just the pitter patter of my dogs feet on the floors or the cat begging for my attention. I long to go back to the world I’m creating as it’s so much more fascinating than my own.
Who knew that in order to create alternative worlds through words, you have to be alone in your own?
June 27, 2019
My book...my baby
Does anyone remember the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry’s friends have a baby and all they talk about is how he’s “Gotta see the baby”?
Well that’s what writing a book is like. You work on it for so long and then when you send it out into the world you want everyone to read it. It’s an extension of you, and you are proud of it, and you feel it’s good and you’re practically bugging everyone you know to see if they want to read it. So basically if I’m bugging you about reading my book, it’s because my book is my baby. I want everyone to know…they Gotta see my baby!
June 17, 2019
Why men should read Romance Novels, but probably still won’t
Most men won’t consider reading a romance novel. I get it, they are written for women. They are also written by women which, is why men should read them. I understand that when you’re a guy, you don’t sit around and think, “Hey, I want to read that book with the half-naked man on the cover who’s obviously more fit than me”. But what you’re not thinking about is how romance novels can actually help you. Romance novels are a great way to find out what women are thinking, what turns them on, and what they really want in a man. If men read more Romance Novels they would probably have better first dates, they’d be more in tune with what their woman really wants from them, and they’d understand what kind of an alpha male roll your lady would like to see in private.
Women romance writers create men in their novels that are far superior to the men in they have encountered in real life. The men they create are their fantasy guy. Now there are still plenty of bad guys in romance books, but they aren’t the ones who get the girl. You need to learn to be like the lead male character. He’s hot – always – but more importantly he’s a good guy. When reading, pay attention to what the woman is thinking about him. Of course, she’s interested in him physically, but what she’s really attracted to is who he is and how he treats her. So even if you’re not walking around with six pack abs and 20” biceps, you’ve got a chance. Women like men who listen to them, who pay attention AND remember what they’ve said. Women enjoy men who make the plans for the date, who open their doors, who give personal attention in public without groping. Romance writers will write this in every book, so pay attention.
If the book has sex in it, pay close attention! These sex scenes are written by women, and basically we are telling you what women like! Granted, no two women enjoy exactly the same thing, but the themes will always be similar. Women want men who take charge in the bed, but ask for consent. They want a guy who can pick them up and turn them over, or lay them down, but more importantly, the guy must want her pleasure more than their own. Romance writers will give you so many scenarios and ideas, your woman will be excited to get you in bed again! They may even instigate sex!
Most importantly these books will help you become the guy any woman would be happy to date. Read the book all the way through, listen to what the protagonist is thinking about the male lead. Realize that she’s not just interested in hopping in bed with him. His biggest strength is that he’s making her love him, even sometimes against her fear of doing so. He is paying attention to every nuance of her personality, as well as her body, and he is willing to embrace and accept all of her!
So if you’re a single guy, or a guy with a girl who he really wants to keep, pick up a romance novel and learn what kind of man she really wants. Then all you’ve got to do is start being that guy! Also it never hurts to ask a girl what she wants, but make sure you chose the right time and place!
June 16, 2019
Another friend is reading my book....are you?
Thanks so much for sharing your picture of my book! If you’re reading or have received my book, send me your picture with my book too!
June 13, 2019
I'm featured on Fire & Ice Books Website!
Check it out! I’m spotlighted on Fire and Ice Book Tours.
There’s even an interview with me posted, so click the link!
June 11, 2019
I'm on GoodReads.com NOW!
Check it out! I’m on Good Reads now!
June 10, 2019
You can now start reading for free!
I’ve enabled the Preview for my book, so you can start to read it for free before buying it! :)
So happy to be able to give you a shot at reading it first.
Click on my Preview button on my main page of my website or on Amazon!
