Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 180
June 8, 2016
I Only Have Eyes For You by Heather Novak
Readers,
I’m having trouble this week.I’m at the awkward stage where I’m waiting for feedback from my beta readers (side note, did you know they make WINE ICE CREAM?! I digress) and I have a book hangover from my own book!
As my week is full of all the things I neglected to do while obsessing over edits (laundry pile of DOOM), I tried to pick up an audiobook or two to keep me company. Only, there was a problem…
The books I wanted desperately to read were not on audiobook yet. On deck, for when I can enjoy every morsel of their goodness, are:
Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid
USA TODAY Bestselling romantic comedy series
Sienna Diaz is everyone’s favorite “fat” funny lady. The movie studio executives can’t explain it, but her films are out-grossing all the fit and trim headliners and Hollywood’s most beautiful elite. The simple truth is, everyone loves plus-sized Sienna.
But she has a problem, she can’t read maps and her sense of direction is almost as bad as her comedic timing is stellar. Therefore, when Sienna’s latest starring role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park she finds herself continually lost while trying to navigate the back roads of Green Valley, Tennessee. Much to her consternation, Sienna’s most frequent savior is a ridiculously handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston.
Sienna is accustomed to high levels of man-handsome, so it’s not Jethro’s chiseled features or his perfect physique that make Sienna stutter. It’s his southern charm. And gentlemanly manners. And habit of looking at her too long and too often.
Sienna has successfully navigated the labyrinth of Hollywood heart-throbs. But can she traverse the tenuous trails of Tennessee without losing her head? Or worse, her heart?
Don’t Wake the Dead by C.C. Wood
My name is Zoe Thorne and I’m just an ordinary woman. There’s nothing special about me…except that I can see ghosts.
I always felt like an outsider, until I meet Malachi Flemming and his merry band of goofballs. When I begin working with them as a paranormal investigator, we stumbled across a spirit on a deserted, country road. Hank Murphy was murdered decades ago and he desperately wants justice.
As we search for the culprit, it becomes clear that the killer is determined to protect their identity, even if it means picking us off one by one.
Desperate people will go to any lengths to keep their secrets buried.
Sometimes it’s best not to wake the dead unless you plan to join them.
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
Swallow, daughter, pull them in, those words that sit upon your lips. Lock them deep inside your soul, hide them ‘til they’ve time to grow. Close your mouth upon the power, curse not, cure not, ‘til the hour. You won’t speak and you won’t tell, you won’t call on heaven or hell. You will learn and you will thrive. Silence, daughter. Stay alive.
The day my mother was killed, she told my father I wouldn’t speak again, and she told him if I died, he would die too. Then she predicted the king would sell his soul and lose his son to the sky.
My father has a claim to the throne, and he is waiting in the shadows for all of my mother’s words to come to pass. He wants desperately to be king, and I just want to be free.
But freedom will require escape, and I’m a prisoner of my mother’s curse and my father’s greed. I can’t speak or make a sound, and I can’t wield a sword or beguile a king. In a land purged of enchantment, love might be the only magic left, and who could ever love . . . a bird?
Priscilla Winslow has a mouth that spits fiery sarcasm faster than I can throw a touchdown. But I’ve wanted her ever since I saw her in that Bo Peep outfit on Halloween. Yep, I’m a sheep who will follow that little hottie anywhere. There’s one problem…she hates me. Just because we ended up in jail and quite possibly ruined both our futures…
They’re changing the rules…
College Quarterback Preston Rush is living the dream. He’s leading his team to the National Championship and days away from earning a ‘first round draft pick’ label. When he meets Little Bo Peep at a Halloween party, he thinks he’s scored big. Instead, he wakes up in a jail cell with the corseted beauty. Because of him, she’s in trouble and when he discovers her true identity, he realizes, his nightmare is just beginning.
The always shooting-for-perfection Priscilla Winslow can’t believe her good deed has cost her a soccer career. Even though she knows it isn’t Preston’s fault, she can’t forgive him for the disaster that is her life. She just wishes her damn body would get the message. Every time she sees him, it’s all she can do not to kiss him.
When everything crashes down around him, Preston will have to decide if doing the right thing is worth losing it all.
They sound amazing, right?!
So, while I was waiting for prime-reading-time, I tried to pick out books I wouldn’t obsess over, but would enjoy nonetheless.
World, I failed.
I even picked up books from authors I’ve loved in the past, and I still was just not connecting with any of the stories. They were too big or too sad or too violent for me. I love big, sad, and violent, but not on a “break” week. I want more puppies and kitties and less plane crashes and car wrecks.
Then the question appeared — do I not like these books because I’m desperate to read the other books? Or do I not like these books because I actually don’t like them?
Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer, although it may definitely be my desperation to sink my teeth into a book-meal I really want, as opposed to a small book-snack, if you will.
So how did I solve this problem, you ask?
I revisited books that I’ve listened to before. Books that I know I enjoy and can put on in the background. This is my secret. I love re-listening to books.
What’s the book you’re dying to sink your teeth into?
On This Day in 1860 – The Ms. Ann Stevens book “Malaeska, the Indian Wife of the White Hunter” was offered for sale for a dime. It was the first published “dime novel.”
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available
Threat of Raine: Summer 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Late Summer 2016
Filed under: romance
June 7, 2016
What Makes a Writer Great?
That’s a pretty big question. We could even expand this to ask what makes each of us great at anything? I’ve been listening to tons of podcasts about grit and mastering skills and deliberate practice which I agree really will make a difference (what wouldn’t with such time and dedication put into it?). Still, I also believe there are a few other items that tip the scales. Granted this is simply my belief and experience but that being said, I’d encourage you to read these over and give them some thought.
Passion and/or value – what do you care most about in life (this may include several things/people)? If it is writing are you spending time diving into your craft. I get we all can’t afford to be full time writers but are you spending some time doing what you value?
Growth and challenges – ever get on the treadmill and set it at a nice comfortable pace? I have. Why?! Sure it is some exercise which helps, but if you are going to put the time in, really make it count. Speed walk, set an incline, do sprint intervals, sweat! You will only improve to be great through growth, development and truly challenging yourself.
Take risks – this is true for writers and many others. Sure you risk some losses but it is all a process of learning. You can’t make meaningful gains without putting yourself out there and pushing the envelope. My husband always says everything in life has a solution except death–so rue even if the solution is different than we would have imagined.
Be open to life – we spend so much trying to control everything or fighting the current. Ever hear a writer say, “my character wanted…” Yes, characters talk in our minds and yes they can be quite bossy. Think of it as a stong gut feeling– do you listen to yours?
That’s all for this week. Go be great and happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance
June 6, 2016
Finishing That Book by Mandy Rosko
Sometimes I forget about the joys in the little things. I’m not reminded of them until I do it.
I handed a book in to the editor a couple of days ago for a rush edit since the book is supposed to be released on the 15th of this month. She got back to me last night, and I looked everything over before sending the book back for a final edit. I should have enough time to send it to my street team and get a beta read on it, too.
The book was longer than I thought it was going to be. I meant it to be a 30k word novella, but it tapped out at about 48.5K
This is just under the 50K word threshold. I’m a bit worried the ending seems rushed because of this, but I read it over again before sending the edits back, and though I could have put more in, an epilogue, a longer exit scene, I’m happy with the way it turned out.
Just wish I could stick it up for preorder, lol >.< I don’t think I can do that yet on Amazon without having the final copy of the book, but once again, I’m still happy with it. Once I get the spine and back ready, that sucker is going to look even more beautiful than it already is
June 5, 2016
A Stormy Paranormal-Scope
The week is young but beware of storms.
While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.
The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.
The week for:
Aries:
Aslan roars and commands attention. It’s the stance and the confidence. Stand straight and be confident. Others will notice.
Taurus:
A were squid crawls out of the sea with only one thing on his mind: dancing. Time to let the music move you.
Gemini:
Pixies make great disappearing bridge makers. It’s a lost art. Take up a new hobby. Make new friends.
Cancer:
That vampire in the shadows has your number. One light in your window means yes. Two means no. Three means I have a stake. Ah, the choices you’ll make.
Leo:
Mermaids are rocking your boat. Learn to swim. You will have to learn something new to adapt to upcoming changes.
Virgo:
Giant spiders walk down your street. Be conscious of obstacles. Figure out different ways to get where you’re going and what you need.
Libra:
Were bunnies love salad. Indulge in the green stuff and cut out the sweets.
Scorpio:
A faery has given you a gift. The trick is you’ll have to find it.
Sagittarius:
Zombies can be stopped by giving them flowers. Okay, if you believe that, you’re too easy. Be suspicious this week of anything easy.
Capricorn:
One elf is waiting to see you. Don’t be so reclusive. Get out and make a new friend.
Aquarius:
Temple cats think you’re purrfect. Smile more and show off this week. You are a star.
Pisces:
Shapeshifters are shopping for new clothes. Tis the season to dress your best and impress.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and Nook and Print
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
June 4, 2016
New Regency Romance ~ Heart of Desire by Jenna Jaxon
My current WIP is my latest sweet Regency, Heart of Desire, which should release at the end of June. It’s Book 2 of my Handful of Hearts series.
Follow your heart to find your desire
Miss Katherine Locke is irked to start her 3rd season dancing with the disagreeable Lord Haversham, her brother’s friend and her own arch enemy. After three years out, however, she’s finally interested in the dashing Lord Finley—only to find out her cousin has set her cap for him too. To make the man jealous, Kate feigns interest in Lord Haversham, only to be shocked to find herself falling for the handsome lord against her will.
Marcus, Lord Haversham, is in a tight pinch. His estates are failing and worse, he’s just lost 5,000 pounds to his best friend, Lord Ainsley. Ainsley’s solution: have Marcus marry his shrewish sister and he’ll cancel his gambling debt plus give him 10, 000 more for her dowry. With nowhere to turn, Marcus agrees, praying he can keep word of the wager from Kate until he can woo her and charm her into marrying him.
EXCERPT:
London, May 5, 1820
Packed to the gills, Lady Hamilton’s ballroom glittered with candlelight, fine silks and satins, and type of precious jewel known to the world. The music had a lively air, the first dance being a waltz, and Miss Katherine Locke would have thought herself fortunate to be out again in Society after a long, cold, dull winter in Somerset save that her partner, Lord Haversham, was the rudest man in London. Well, his lordship was about to discover that Kate Locke was not one to suffer fools lightly.
“So you refuse to allow your sister to waltz, yet you are quite willing to stand up with me and dance this, according to you, most scandalous of dances, my lord.” Kate smiled into the odious wretch’s face. “I should say that smacks of hypocrisy.”
“Indeed.” Lord Haversham turned them skillfully at the end of the floor. “I would say it shows a want of character in your brother for allowing you to dance it with me. The waltz should be danced by married couples and no one else.” He pulled her close against him, so their bodies almost touched.
She gasped at her close proximity to the rogue. How dare he make a spectacle of them on this crowded dance floor?
“You see?” he whispered, peering into her face, his gaze intent upon her mouth.
All she could see were his crystal blue eyes, as the crisp scent of his sandalwood cologne filled her nose.
“Ainsley should be horsewhipped for allowing it.”
“I’ll see to it he horsewhips you if you don’t let me go.” Kate gave a hopping step and smashed her foot down on top of his.
Lord Haversham lurched forward, actually falling onto her.
For the briefest moment they stood pressed together in a warm embrace that made Kate tingle all over. Then outrage swept through her and she pushed him away. “How dare you,” she hissed, trying to pull away from him.
“That was your fault and you know it. And if you make a scene that results in me having to marry you, I swear I will lock you in the tower at my grandfather’s castle and throw away the key.” Lord Haversham righted himself and smiled at her with clenched teeth.
“Of all the students at Oxford, my brother had to befriend you?”
“He had you for a sister, his luck was due for a change.”
“Well, I wish mine would change, Haversham. If I have to endure you for five more minutes I will fall down in a dead faint just to get away from you.” Kate wanted to scream in frustration at her brother’s best friend, but the man was right. Any scandalous behavior could end with her compromised and married to Haversham before the month was out. The Season had just begun. She refused to let it end in a single night with the man who had been the bane of her life for years.
Look for Heart of Desire in late June.
And if you’d like to start with Book #1, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe (the prequel), it’s available at Amazon for .99.
Filed under: Handful of Hearts, Heart of Desire, Historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Promotion
June 3, 2016
Interview with a Romance Reader about Her Favorite Things!
Rose comes from Georgia and loves reading romance! I decided to interview her to get her insights on her favorite things in the books she’s read.
Rose: I love your books. They are my fav.
The Soul of the Rose
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Susan: Thank you, Rose. Let’s start with what you look for when you’re looking at romance books. Do the covers matter to you?
Rose: Yes, I do pick out a book by its cover and title to begin with. Then I read about the book and continue or put it down according to what the book is about.
Susan: What kinds of things might make you put that book down?
Rose: If the book seems too violent. If the main characters are not in love and just having an fling. I don’t like violent books or books without love in them.
Susan: What special qualities will make you take a book home?
Rose: If the book has a interesting love story to it. If it has a strong beginning that gets your attention and keeps it. I like vampires, werewolves, faery, and elven stories.
Susan: What kind of heroes attract you the most? The big strong guys or the silent smart ones or something I haven’t thought of yet. (Laughs.)
Rose: The big, strong, protective, rich, smart ones. (Laughs.) The ones who know what they want and how to get it.
Susan: So you don’t mind the protective guy. Some women don’t want heroines to appear weak. Do you have any advice for the best type of heroine?
Rose: She needs to be smart, attractive, and know what she wants in life and willing to do what it takes to get it.
Susan: So they almost have to be equally matched. Would you say that?
Rose: Absolutely!
Susan: What is your favorite part of a romance novel?
Rose: When they finally realize they are in love.
Susan: I love it. That’s the most amazing moment in the book. What would you like to see more of in romance novels?
Rose: I’d like to see the couple working together more at jobs that work for both of them. Or how their lives include their careers and how it works for both of them.
Susan: That is a concept that I haven’t seen a lot of yet. Is there anything you would like to say about romance novels to the writers and readers out there in our blog audience?
Rose: I think that romance novels teach people what love is supposed to be and acts out the hopes that people have about love. They need to be a good influence on their readers especially young readers that are forming their concepts about love and life.
Susan: Thank you, Rose. Listen up, authors to what a romance reader wants. Readers, do you have anything to add? Please, share in our comment box.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and Nook and Print
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Characters, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Plot, romance, romance novels, romance reader, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
June 2, 2016
Author Belle Ami Wants Characters To Live On by Stacy Hoff
Hello Passionate Readers! Today I’m having author Belle Ami talk about a subject near and dear to my writer’s heart—the pain of having to letting go of the characters we create. It’s tougher than you might think! Don’t believe me? Here’s Belle in her own words:
Let it be known, I do not like saying farewell to the characters in my novels. After all, I’ve slept with them, dreamt with them, fought with them, empathized with them, hated them, and, of course, loved them. They are like my children, oft times difficult, doing things I don’t approve of and a real pain in the ass, but when all is said and done, they are mine, and just like my children, I will defend them with my last breath. However, there does come a time when, as Kahlil Gibran wrote in The Prophet, you have to let them fly on their own. I quote, “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth,” which can easily be applied to your characters. Even though you’ve created them and breathed life into them, there comes a time when you have to let them go. Mr. Gibran also wisely wrote: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.” If that’s not true of your characters, I don’t know what is.
My new book soon to be published by Soul Mate Publishing is actually the third book in my The Only One series. It is a stand-alone romance/suspense novel that is the last in this three book series. I love my characters for their optimism, their cynicism, their idiosyncrasies, and their flaws. I like to think that they are fully developed people who reflect not only what life has dealt them in the past, but people who wish to change and improve who they are in the present. That’s what brings them to life and that’s what places them with their feet firmly on the ground as living, breathing beings.
Miles Bremen is a billionaire who has fought his way to the top. Everything he has gained in this life he has earned. Perhaps that accounts for his possessive nature, his inability to trust, and his desire to keep what he considers his. His flaws are many, but he attacks life with an unbridled passion. His failed marriage to Adelia Lindstrom is a stain on his otherwise perfect world, a world in which he is usually in control. Adelia is the one woman he ever loved and he lost her. He is determined to do whatever it takes to win her back.
Adelia Lindstrom seemingly has everything, wealth, beauty, perfect twin children, and a career she loves. But, beneath the veneer of success and prosperity lies disappointment, tragedy, and unending lies. Her parents were murdered, her marriage ended in a custody battle, and she is confused by the feelings she has for the two men in her life. Her ex-husband who betrayed her in an unforgivable manner is back on the scene determined to win her back. Her best friend and lover, FBI agent David Weiss, has always been there for her, but his new career with the bureau has made him unavailable and removed. What’s a girl to do? In the beginning of the series, she was a young, trusting, vulnerable woman, but her trials and tribulations have matured and wizened her. She is no longer a girl, but a woman who knows who she is, and isn’t afraid to risk everything for what she wants. But, what does she want?
Throw in an added obstacle for good measure, she’s about to become the target of a serial killer. Can David protect her? Can Miles win her back? Can she have her cake and eat it too? Is there a happily-ever-after for these three. You bet there is, but not without pain, discovery, and overcoming obstacles. There is a Zen saying that I like to apply to my characters: Leap and the net will appear.
I digress, getting back to letting go of your characters. It turns out I’m not very good at it. In my new series that I am writing, in the second book, I’ve decided to bring back FBI Agent David Weiss. He with his firecracker partner, Cassandra Saladino, is investigating a terrorist attack on the United States. I’m very excited about bringing back one of my favorite guys.
Oh, the joy of not having to say goodbye to a character, to allow them to live and love again.
EXCERPT: One More Time is Not Enough – Release date June/July 2016
Northern California
Route One
The sports car hugged the road as David down-shifted into a hairpin curve on Route One. Adelia brushed the wind-blown wisps of hair that had escaped her braid from her eyes. She leaned her head against the headrest and absorbed the late Summer sunshine. The radio station The Highway blared over the radio, competing with the engine’s roar. At the academy, David had fallen in love with country music thanks to Preston. A song came on the radio next, and he turned up the volume.
“Listen to the words, I believe this is our song.”
She turned to look at him but his dark aviator sunglasses hid his eyes. With her curiosity piqued, she listened. A sexy baritone voice filled the air.
When you walked through the door
I knew…you were the one
My heart said hello, but my head said run
Before I knew it I’d asked you to dance
Time stands still in the arms of romance
Pulled you close, kissed your lips, felt your fingers
in my hair;
Turning slowly, falling fast, trying hard not to care;
You’re like whiskey and music
With your hands all over me
Turnin’ me on, like a sexy song
Making it hard for me to breathe
I should have seen the writing on the wall
One more time is not enough
When there’s nowhere left to fall
Adelia switched off the radio and turned away from him as she fought back her tears. “Are you trying to hurt me? I don’t remember you ever being cruel.”
“No, I’m trying to be honest with you. We both know this magical escape is an illusion. A week from now I’ll go to Washington and you’ll go back to your kids, and Miles will convince you to remarry him. Just like the song says, One more time is not enough, when there’s nowhere left to fall. We were never meant to be.”
“You don’t know a thing, David Weiss.” Frustration simmered inside of her. “Can’t you for once just live in the moment?”
“One of us has to try and keep the moment real.”
“I still don’t understand why you had to joined the FBI? You’ve made it impossible for us to be together. It’s as if you’re doing everything in your power to put obstacles in our way. All your professed love for me, was it all a lie?”
He reached over and took her hand, raising it to his lips, then kissed her knuckles. “I’d take a bullet for you, and you know it.”
“Then show me what you feel, show me you love me.”
“I’m here, aren’t I? Isn’t that enough.”
She turned away from him. “No, it’s not. Like the song says, it will never be enough.”
Tema Merback
Writing as Belle Ami
http://bookshow.me/TheOneAndMore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belle.ami.96?fref=ts
Twitter: @BelleAmi5
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/belleami96/
Website: http://belleami.us
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: A writer's life, Author Interviews, Characters, meet the author, romance, romance novels, Romance suspense, Stacy Hoff
June 1, 2016
Pitch Perfect by Heather Novak
What is it like to pitch to an agent? Terrifying, exciting, heartbreaking, reviving.
I’ve had agents read my pitches silently, others read them out loud, and still others where I verbally pitched to them. Every time is terrifying, but the more you do it, the more confident you get. So pitch and pitch often.
How do you not throw up all over your shoes?
Glad you asked. Here are some tips from me to you:
1) Agents are looking for the next amazing book. They want you to succeed! Do not look at them as the enemy.
2) They’re probably just as nervous as you. Chances are, they’ve been traveling, they’re in this new space waiting for all these authors to pile in and talk about books they love like children. Being the person who can make-or-break a dream is not easy.
3) They may be sick/exhausted, go in courteous but courageous. During busy conference months, I’ve met agents who had been to three conferences in a little more than a week with no rest in sight. Can you imagine? They’re tired, they may be fighting jet lag or a cold. Be kind, be courteous, be courageous. Whether they accept or decline a manuscript, thank them for their time and wish them well. They’re human, too.
4) Make them as excited about your project as you are. How do you do this? Not only with a great pitch but know why you love your story. Be prepared to explain why you are writing it. For instance, you’re writing a book about a chef because you love to cook. You’re writing about a cancer survivor because you are one/are close to one. You’re writing about a boy and his dog because you had a dog growing up and know that’s a very special friendship.
5) Practice your pitch. Practice it out loud. Many, many, many times. Sure the UPS delivery person, the Costco cashier, and the Wendy’s drive-thru attendant might be a little weirded out when you ask them to listen to your pitch, but desperate times! It’s often harder to talk to people we know than people we don’t. If you can pitch in front of your best friend/significant other, then you can pitch in front of the agent. Do it again and again and again.
6) Dress appropriately. A pitch is kind of like a job interview. Unless otherwise instructed, aim for business casual. You don’t need a suit, but don’t do jeans either. If you can, dress to represent you. For instance, at my last pitch, I wore black pants, a black silk tank, a killer candy apple-red Rock ‘n Roll blazer, awesome black riveted flats, and a statement necklace. I was still me, but looked awesome. My necklace actually become a conversation piece about another book I was writing. Make your outfit work for you.
BUT HEATHER?! HOW DO WE WRITE A PITCH?!
There are a ton of awesome classes out there to help you, as well as your local RWA chapter. Really, a pitch highlights the conflict between the main character and the love interest (if a romance). Know how long your pitch should be (Elevator? Short? Long?). Don’t be vague, don’t write something that could be a blurb on the back of a book. You WANT the agent to know what’s going on.
We’ll go more into depth in a different blog post. For now, keep the faith, friends. You’ll get there.
On this day in 1966 – Surveyor 1, the U.S. space probe, landed on the moon and started sending photographs back to Earth of the Moon’s surface. It was the first soft landing on the Moon.
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available
Threat of Raine: Summer 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Late Summer 2016
Filed under: romance
May 31, 2016
A Pit Stop
I’ve never heard of water withdrawal but if such a thing exists, I had it recently and this weekend’s trip to San Diego was my fix. I mentioned last week that I’ve been burnt out. I’ve had so much on my plate that in a way, it has all fueled me. Even this trip to the coast felt less like a finish line and more like a pit stop before I place the gear back into fifth.
So where is this boost of energy coming from and how long is it going to last? Beats me and I’d be naive to think it would last forever. For now, my mind is on a mission and even I know it’s best to stay out of its way. That being said, we all know a pit stop every now and then is essential for our wellbeing. My mind may be on a mission but my body, my heart and my family aren’t always in agreement. And yet, we can sometimes be very strong willed. Sometimes we need convincing…
Not enough time? Think about all the time you’ll spend recuperating when you literally wear yourself out.
Don’t know what to do? The beach was what I needed but everyone is different. Yoga and meditation might do the trick or perhaps your looking for a bit of Vegas to wake you up.
Don’t know where to go? Even a staycation can provide much needed rest and reinvigoration. Beyond that, the internet is full of sites offering great deals for travel near and far.
The point is a break–big or small–can do a lot of good. Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly
May 30, 2016
A Night of Passion It Is! by Mandy Rosko
So, bad news, I totally forgot to order more books for Pros in the Park, a literary event that’s happening this Saturday where I’m going to be signing. I know, I’m an idiot. Luckily, I do have about 26 books left over from Romancing The Capital.
This includes a bunch of Proof copied of Arrangement with a Billionaire, the leftover copies of Alpha and As Cold as Ice, and the one copy of Vampire’s curse that I have left. However, this doesn’t include books on my shelf. I might yank them all off and bring them to the signing, too.
I also ordered 7 more books and got primary shipping through Amazon to get them in on the 2nd, but that’s expensive as all hell, hence, why I only ordered 7. Even with the $40 gift card I had, it was a steep price to pay.
I also ordered 40 books quickly through Createspace and got priority shipping, but according to Createspace, the package might not come in until the 8th, which will miss the date I need them by.
Now, I might get a Christmas miracle and those books could possibly make it in by Friday. Don’t laugh, it’s happened before, so while I’ll hope for the best, I won’t be too disappointed if they don’t come in. I’ll still have 34 or so books to give away, and I’ll just make more buttons and give away more nail polish and business cards.
When/if I run out of books, I can also encourage people to sign up for my newsletter through their phones and get the free starter library I’m giving away.
At least I won’t show up with a giant pile of nothing, and I also don’t know what the romance crowd there will be like, so yeah, not a total disaster.
Though I do need to learn how to better keep track of these things…
Now onto the better news!
Alpha Bear is released today! Woot! Or should I say Rawr?
God, that’s one sexy bear
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