Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 36

Redeeming Vows Trailer

I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to put this trailer together, but here it is. I hope you like it.
Thank you Angel for helping me with the script. A copy editor I am not.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

No, I don't fish! I do however, write queries on each and every book I write.


I read over and over agents telling authors to keep their query brief. One paragraph, maybe two, but that's it. Why is this so hard for an author? Well, they've written a whole book and condensing it to two paragraphs is like choosing a favorite between your kids.

So, fellow authors... this is how I see a query.

Hook: If the agent or publisher doesn't see a hook, or conflict, or reason for the story to be told, they are going to pass.

Line: A great line is a terrible thing to waste. One good line can hook your reader and make them want to read more.

Sinker: You can sink a prospective agent or publisher with bad writing, so sink all the extra words in your query and stick to ones that count. Use active verbs and allow your voice to sing on the page.

Best of luck!

RT Swag

And here you thought Swag was reserved for those lucky bastards at the Oscars... nope, swag is alive and well in the world of Romantic Fiction.

I guess on some level I knew there would be mounds of swag littering the desks of the Romantic Times Convention. Although I didn't buy space on the desks lining the halls of the Westin, I did know it was available to me.

I did buy a few bucks worth of post cards with my latest releases, a nifty difty bookmark with a hunky Highlander on it to showcase my Amazon Bestselling (plug, plug, plug) Time Travel Trilogy... but in all reality, I didn't spend all that much. I figured being the RT virgin that I was, it was best not to go crazy with what I didn't know squat about.

So lets talk swag.

Paper... much like the paperback books (tears sliding down face) are soooo yesterday. Lets face it, unless I knew and loved the author, what the H.E double L am I going to do with all that stuff? I liked the look of the trading cards and how they showcased characters instead of overall plots of books (blurbs) So, I'll hang on to those for a bit of time.
One exception - Note pads. These are useful and already next to the phone.

Plastic - As in buttons - Cherry Adair made some truly funny buttons. Ones that said things like 'I Need Chocolate! Need I say More?' and 'Hi! I don't remember your name, either.' - I've never read Cherry before, but I tell ya what... I'm gonna. First, she was so damn funny in the panel I sat in on that I thought.. 'If her voice is any way like she talks, I'm so there.' - The buttons were funny, ones I'm going to keep and yes, they have a little tiny bit of promo on the bottom with her website addy on it. (Good show, Cherry.) Silly, simple and it worked for me. Buttons with book covers on them are great if you know and love the author... but with all the books out there unless you read them, chances are you didn't pick it up. (Anyone having a different opinion, please chime in here)

Pens - Yeah, I have a ton from RT. These are keepers. I say KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid. I think this is worth the money out. I'm a geek and will look at every website the pens show me. That's one more time the authors name is in front of me and one more chance they have to show me what they write.

Candy - Duah... Need chocolate and the candy swag was gobbled up. But again, I didn't keep all the paper attached to it. Colleen Gleason, (lovely website BTW) wrapped up a book for the readers with a little red pouch attached with kisses in it. The tiny card attached to the candy is on my computer right now while posting this blog. So, it worked. I'm linking to this writers website and I've not yet read her book. I'm gonna though!

Et All - What the heck is this... Goodness, lets see, Elloras Cave put out condoms on a stick (so funny) grabbed a couple of those - Lube in tiny packages - Key chain with 'emergency' condom inside - All of these are laugh-worthy and perfect for the erotic author.

The earplugs were a funny bit of swag. Bianca D'Arc put thses out. But hey, I grabbed one and know of at least one attendee whose roommate kept her up at night watching TV who used the earplugs and went back for more. How about a partner who snores? Time to tune them out and read a good book. Funny swag!

Book Thongs / Non paper bookmarks - Shannon K. Butcher, who I sat next to at the book signing, hand made beautiful bookmarks. These slim metal bookmakers have dangly pieces of sculptured glass hanging on them. This was made personally by her, and sure, I'm keeping it, but I'd be shocked if anyone tossed theirs in the trash. They'd use this over and over again.

So, authors who spend money on swag... what do you think worked? What didn't and why? What swag do you keep and what are you going to purchase for your next convention.

Let's talk swag!

Snippit of RT 2011

Two days post RT and I'm still so bone-tired I can't think!

What a ride! I met so many people that I've spoke with online over the years that my head is still swimming.

Caridad Pinero and I met in person for the first time after talking to each other online for over three years. I'm happy to say we clicked off line just as easily as online. It's a shame we live a whole 50 states away from each other. But the world is small in romance and I'm sure we'll hook up again.

Helen Hardt and I have blogged for absolutely ever. I wasn't even expecting her there and made a comment at random as she walked in the hall and we realized who each other were. *waving* Helen is only a couple of states away and I'm sure we'll run into each other again.

Oliva Gates, Nina Bruhns and Candice Havens were as much fun in person as in their books an online. Candice, what a hoot you are, woman.

I sat next to Shannon K. Butcher during the book fair on Saturday and we chatted for a few hours. I admit to a little author crush here. Her series, The Sentinal Wars, is one on my auto buy list. Truly amazing paranormal here folks! We laughed and talked shop and had a great time.

Then there is Eliza March, who has another ego she goes by, but we'll stick with Eliza here... Darlin', you are exactly as I pictured and it a crying shame you're in Florida and I'm in California. But alas... we'll chat often and see each other annually at this rate. And Sharon and her daughter were a joy to meet and get to know.

My roommate Tammy and I were RT virgins but made the most out of RT. We dressed up a couple of times and met more authors then I can count. Jimmy Thomas who graces the covers of several of my books was a joy to meet and just as yummy in person as he is in print. Yes, his arms are THAT thick ladies!

I'll add pictures as I talk about my travels this week... so stay tuned for more.

Countdown to RT 2011

So yeah... I'm excited! Can you tell? I'm gearing up for my very first Romantic Times Convention. RT Virgin, yep, that's me. I'm lucky to have it in my back yard. Well, in LA anyway. Even better... I'm going with my #1 fan, 'her self-proclaimed title.' *waving at Tammy*

I really don't know exactly what to expect. I've seen some videos of years past, talked to plenty of authors who have been there before me, but I'm still excited like a five year old on Christmas Eve. I have my fairy costume. *snort* - As for the Vampire Ball... I'm ready, but every vampire needs a slayer... just sayin'. I'm shocked at the amount of shoes I'm going to need for this hoopla. And I'm not even a shoe person... you know, the kind that buys up one of every color and stuff like that!

I'm rambling... but those who love me, those who get me understand.

I'm looking forward to meeting authors I've yakked with for years. Like Angel Martinez, who was here just the other day all the way from the east coast. What a joy it was to meet the woman who writes amazing M/M erotic romance, or as I like to put it, gay romance. These are love stories that have to be placed in the catagory of erotic even though I think they're best labled love stories. My opinion... anyway... Angel was here on vacation with her family and we met for the first time. After I proved I can get lost in my own state, we met up and spent the day walking around the zoo. She's just as wonderful in person as she is online. And her family was a joy to spend the day with. She's so much more than a critique partner! *Big Hugs*

Now I'm going to go on to meet even more of my online friends. Fair warning folks... I talk just as much in person. If you're a fan of Gilmore Girls then you know that fast talking is alive and well. LOL ~

I'll be posting stuff online via facebook during the convention. Might even have to bring in a computer to update the blogging world.

Okay... off to store to pick up some much needed libations for our room. (party at Catherine's)

Brand New Website!

OMG!! I'm so jazzed about my brand new sparkly website.

Check it out: http://www.catherinebybee.com/

Oh, yeah.. Thank you Crystal for all your hard work to make this come together! Big hugs and kisses!

I'm giving away a...

I'm giving away a signed print copy of my Amazon Bestseller, Silent Vows. However, you must - must - must go on over to Goodreads, be a member, and sign up via them to enter a chance to win. So click on the link below. The winner is picked by the good people at Goodreads and will take place in July. Which means you'll have a chance to read Binding Vows first! Hint, hint! And of course you'll want to follow up Silent Vows with Redeeming Vows so you might as well order your copy now! *insert big smile with wiggly eyebrows here*





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Goodreads Book Giveaway

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Silent'>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7816298">Silent Vows

by Catherine Bybee

Giveaway ends July 01, 2011.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

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First Review and...

I had my first review for Possessive. Sizzling Hot Book Reviews give Possessive 4 Hearts - Here is the LINK .

And for all you guys who like to download right to your Kindle I noticed that Amazon is ready for you... So here is your KINDLE LINK for Possessive.

What? You don't use Kindle... you're an All Romance e-book kinda reader... No problem! Here is your ARe LINK -

I'm looking forward to some reader reviews on this one... hint... hint..... *smack* that means you!

Release Day for Possessive

Whoo... Today is the day folks. My release of Possessive, my first ever ghost story.

In celebration I'm blogging over at Kaye's today so go on over and wave... read an excerpt... and tell me if you believe in ghosts.

Pick up Possessive by clicking HERE
Visit Kaye's blog by clicking HERE

One more week....

Gosh... seems life is just jumping forward lately - Next week is my release of Possessive and I'm a bit nervous about it. It's my first ghost story. No fangs or time traveling highlanders. So it's a bit outside of the box for me and my readers.

So, dear reader... what are your expectations when you read a book outside of the authors box? Or do you try and stick with only one of an authors genre? I know some of my readers read only my time travel books or only my werewolf books. It's like the two can't mesh or something... LOL - Hey, whatever works! But what's the reason behind it?

Help my pre-release jitters and give my your humble opinion.