Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 243

How Much is Your Dream Worth to You?

I’m a published author. I’ve been traditionally published in fantasy years ago in anthologies. I’ve been published by two small publishers in romance, and I’ve republished books when I have received the rights back.

Quite a while back, I was at a talk where the  author said that Book 2 of her trilogy was unavailable because her current publisher was not reprinting it. Her fans would only have the first and last book available. That was before the ebook gained prominence. I know other authors who have received rights back from their traditional big publishers to their older books and they have self-published the reprint. They didn’t want to disappoint their readers.

I understand that completely. When I’m not working on a new novel, which I currently am feverishly every single second I can get, I’m looking over two books that I want to put back out again. One needs more editing and some expansion. The other one needs editing, some expansion and a new cover.

A lot of people think that an author writes the book and they send it in to a publisher who buys it and that’s it. Their part is finished. No. You are assigned an editor to work with you and there are edits and proofs. Then when you get your date, you begin your advertising. Most authors now do a large amount of advertising and promotion on their own. And at the same time you are writing the next novel. It’s a never ending cycle.

I’ve looked at promotion packages and since in my day job, I do social media promotion and have a huge background in advertising, I am hesitant to hire someone to do what I can do myself. When my books grow in popularity, that would have to change. Being an author and promoter, I have to manage a balance.

Believe or not, in that balance is the family. Authors are real people who have family and friends that expect to see them. They walk their dogs and play with their cats. They go to the movies. Being stuffed in a home writing book after book can make you overtired if not a little crazy. Recently a friend reminded to celebrate when I reach a milestone, such as; when I finish a book and turn it into my publisher. I should go out and celebrate. I’ve actually been rewarding myself with my to read list or going out to a movie. It’s important to take that time to regroup and have fun, so you’re fresh when you write again.

I’m living my dream as a writer. How much is the dream worth to me? I’ve invested everything in it, and I’m living the writer’s life. It’s amazing. I love it when readers visit with me at conferences and take photos and ask for signing. I love being on panels at conferences and giving workshops. I’ve been developing a new workshop. I love meeting new people, and I smiled when I found out that I have a lot of gentlemen who are my readers and couples too.

I love my characters. Even when I’m not with them, I’m usually thinking of them.  I’ve talked to writers that became discouraged just after their careers took off.  They feel the pressure of writing all the time and some have told me they lost the fun.  I hope never to lose the fun.  Every moment I write is fun.

How much is your dream worth to you?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Characters, dreams, paranormal romance, Social Media, Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, 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, What inspires you?, Where do you find inspiration?, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, Writers Conferences

Author Anxiety, Part II – By Stacy Hoff

my debut novel, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES, is hard. As a mother, I can personally vouch releasing actual babies into the world is much less traumatizing. After all, what Facebook friend would post under my baby’s picture: “Your newest delivery is horrible”? None too many, I’d hope. But in my author persona, can I be so sure of positive responses when my fictionalized “baby” is released?

I won’t be waiting too long to find out because my September 17th release date has just passed. Gulp. I’ll find out real soon what emotional “tough stuff” I’m made of.

My writer friends have helped me. They’ve told me all reviews are good. That’s because even bad reviews have a positive benefit—they give helpful feedback, which makes us better writers. It also exposes us to healthy literary debates. And if nothing else, they thicken our fragile skin.

Of all the benefits I’ve gained from joining writers’ group, the support system has been one of the best. Knowing I’m not “going it alone” has given me the strength I need to keep going past release day. My best advice to any newbie, “Get thee to a writers’ group, go!”

Who do you lean on when you’re anxious?

Find me on social media:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff   Web: www.stacyhoff.com

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES IS ON AMAZON.COM. http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Emotions, fear, romance novels, Stacy Hoff, Writer's Life

Change and Other Ramblings by Gerri Brousseau

This past week the temperatures outside have dropped significantly. There is a crispness in the air, and this morning when I was walking my little pug, Mimi, I noticed I could see my breath. The leaves are starting to change and a hint of fall is in the air. This makes me want to make chili, go apple picking and bake pies. I love wearing big bulky sweaters and boots and I’m really looking forward to the autumn. I know there are those of you who love, love, love those crazy, lazy, hazy days of summer, but I love the cooler weather. What does all this have to do with writing? Nothing. HA! But for me, cooler weather and shorter daylight hours mean I’m in the house more. It usually warrants more time to write. But what I was really thinking about today was change. In life, as in nature, we go through seasons. What was important to me as a teen or young adult, certainly has changed in the late summer and early autumn of my years. “Change is good,” they say, and I agree. You’re never too old to learn something new or to change an old habit and create a new one. I think in the autumn of my life, which I point out is the most colorful time, I have embraced writing, whereas when I was younger, other things took precedent. Now I make time to do the things I enjoy doing, whereas when I was younger my time was full of other responsibilities. I have noticed a question you may have also seen from time-to-time on Facebook asking what you would tell your younger self if you could. I think I would have told my younger self to give serious consideration to writing as a career choice rather than putting it on the back burner.

As we approach the change of seasons and think about what we would have told our younger self if we could have, what would that be for you? And what is it about autumn that you enjoy most?

Filed under: romance

The Bare Complexities

The world of books is vastly complex – perhaps more complex than it need be. As I read The New York Times’ article In Latest Volley Against Amazon, Hachette’s Writers Target Its Board, I can’t help but shake my head at this complexity. It’s definitely not something a writer expects as we embark on telling a story to our readers. In that case, it could be said that we writers may be a bit naïve about the world out there—especially as the complexity is nothing new.

For as long as there has been literature, there has been some sort of censorship or control (as censorship can be a strong word at times) over who and where and what can sell or read it. It truly gives meaning to the saying that “words are power”. As kids we are taught that sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us. In fact, I believe that sometimes words can do more damage than anything physical.

This latest debacle seems to be about Amazon discouraging readers from purchasing Hachette’s print books and while it seems to have raised the hackles of quite a few authors, this is neither the first nor the last battle when it comes to book sales. With all the publishers and platforms out there, an author will find it near impossible to work without following some sort of rules (rape, incest and bestiality is a common one) if you want to publish or sell with any of these publishers/platforms. This is not necessarily a bad thing depending on your preferences and what your end goal is, but it does give one some sort of pause as to what you aim to accomplish.

So what is the moral of today’s blog? Read, read and read. Do your homework before you write or even as you write, keep abreast of what is going on. If you want to play a part in this literary world, it behooves you to be informed about the complexities of the industry.

Happy Writing this week!

Filed under: Business, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Captured is Released by Mandy Rosko

Well, today is finally the day, and I’m so excited it hurts. I really can’t believe it’s finally here, which is insane because this happened so fast in the first place. The Captured box set is finally being let loose on the Amazonian people, and they can purchase it for less than a dollar.

I feel like doing something to celebrate, like buy some swag and make a contest on my facebook page or something, which would have extreme odds of winning since there’s hardly anyone on my face book right now. Ha ha!

Anyway, I got in the amazing cover for Burns Like Fire, which is my story that’s being released inside of the box set. I’ve decided to make it exclusive to the box set for as long as it’s being sold. Here’s the quick blurb for anyone who cares :3

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BURNS LIKE FIRE by Mandy Rosko

Jack Marilla is out for revenge for the deaths of his family, and the burn scars that cover his body. To get it, he has to hunt down the woman he used to love, the paranormal fire starter who set his house ablaze with him, and his family, locked inside of it. When he catches her, however, he faces his biggest challenge yet. To not believe her when she claims to be innocent, or fall for her seduction.

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God, I love this so much. I’m going to post the link to Amazon below, but here’s the cover for my book which is only on Captured for now :)

Man, that looks so amazing. I can’t wait to stick that sucker into print.

Anyway, please check out this box set, even just to browse all the sweet, sweet content inside. Authors include a lot of New York Times authors like Eve Langlais, Opal Carew, Sharon Page, Pepper Winters, T.J Michaels, S.E. Smith, and then Teresa Morgan,

Check it out on Amazon

Cheers ;)

Mandy Rosko

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Captured Box Set is now Available!

The Princess’ Dragon Lord is Now Available at Amazon and B&N

Connect with me online:

Facebook

www.goodreads.com/Mandyrosko

Twitter: @rizzorosko

Mandyrosko.com

Newsletter (because sometimes I actually post some neat stuff): http://rizzorosko.com/contact.html
Filed under: romance

My Computer was Sick! :( Weekly Paranormal-Scope

My computer had a virus, but it’s all better now and I’m back!  YAY!  I missed everyone!

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:

Leprechauns are hanging around you.  They think you’re lucky.

Taurus:

Dragons roar!  Baby dragons purr!  It’s time to make your home cozy and relaxing.

Gemini:

Keres are death spirits.  They are walking past your street.  Don’t talk to strangers.

Cancer:

Pegasus soars and whips up a storm.  Be cautious of change coming your way.

Leo:

Shapeshifters are cuddly and love sweaters.  Get a new sweater to show off your shape and attract someone cuddly.

Virgo:

Werewolves are called by the moon.  Running wildly through the woods is exhilarating.  Hiking is pretty good too.

Libra:

Elves love preparing for festivities.  Decorate your home and get in the swing of the holidays early.

Scorpio:

Faeries can be change their minds quickly.  Expect the unexpected.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids sing of dreams revealing themselves.  What have you been dreaming about?

Capricorn:

A vampire is following you.  Run faster and take up the dark side.

Aquarius:

Pixies are messy with fairy dust.  You need to clean your place.  You’ve been pixied!

Pisces:

Werewolves love to party.  Get together with friends and enjoy the pleasures of autumn.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

New release: Vampire King of New York now in print at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also in ebooks.

New release: Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room now in Amazon Kindle.

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, 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, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Chesapeak Romance Writer’s “Finish the Damn Book” Contest

I just realized I hadn’t told the Nights of Passion family about my local RWA chapter’s annual writing contest.  With the deadline fast approaching, I thought I’d give you all the info so hopefully you will “finish your damn book” and enter. :)

To honor the memory of our former member Judi McCoy, author of 14 romances and the popular “Dogwalker” romantic mystery series, and Rudy, her beloved Bichon frise, Chesapeake Romance Writers is once again holding our “Finish the Damn Book!” Contest. That was one of Judi’s favorite pieces of advice to all of us writers and we thought it an apropos title for this contest.

If you’ve finished a book, at least 40K in length, please consider submitting it to our contest.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue organization in memory of Judi and Rudy.

Complete details on the contest are now available on our Chesapeake Romance Writers website or you can email me crwc@rocketmail.com with any questions, but I’ll give you the highlights here.

The contest is open to both published and unpublished authors, although the work submitted must be unpublished AND remain unpublished or uncontracted until after the contest.  Should an entered work become contracted or published before the contest ends, the work will be withdrawn from consideration and the entry fee will not be refunded.

To enter you need to submit the first and last chapters of your unpublished 40K+ manuscript (no prologues or epilogues), plus a two-page synopsis of the entire work that will not be judged.  Total submission must not exceed 40 pages.

Electronic entries only.  You should submit two things: 1) the Contest Entry Form, available on the CRW website, and 2) the first and last chapters plus a two-page synopsis of the book in one single (1) Rich Text file.

Entrants will receive the First Round Judges’ Score Sheets with comments.  No comments will be made on the manuscripts themselves.  The three top scoring works in each category will advance to the Finals Round and will be ranked by the Category Finals Judge.

Deadline for Entry Fee and Submission:  Midnight, September 30, 2014

Finalist Judges are:

CONTEMPORARY:  Nicole Resciniti, agent with The Seymour Agency

PARANORMAL:  Amanda Barnett, editor with The Wild Rose Press

HISTORICAL:  Jordy Albert, agent with Booker Albert Literary Agency

MAINSTREAM:  Susan Brower, agent with Natasha Kern Agency

YA/NA:  Terrie Wolfe, agent with AKA Literary Agency

EROTIC:  Penny Barber, editor with Kensington publishing/Lyrical Imprint

Winners will be announced at our chapter  meeting on January 10, 2015.

Entry Fee:  $15.00 for RWA members, $25.00 for non-RWA members.  Payments can be made by clicking here.

First place Winners in each category will receive a Rudy Statuette and a check for $50.00.

I hope you will consider entering our 3rd annual “Finish the Damn Book!” Contest.

 

COME ON!  FINISH THAT DAMNED BOOK! :)

Filed under: romance

When Love Survives and Remembering by Susan Hanniford Crowley

When Love Survives is the first book in my original series Vampires in Manhattan.  It’s interesting in that the principal vampire in it plays an important but secondary role.

My main characters are a young woman named Regina who is studying finance at a college and has just landed an internship in financial advising with a company in the World Trade Center.  Regina received an odd letter from her mom that tells her of her supernatural lineage, which is a complete surprise. She can’t call to find out what this means as she  is late for her internship.

Gregor is a financial advisor for a firm in the World Trade Center. He hates the office coffee and volunteers to make a coffee run and pick up some donuts as well.  He has a supernatural secret from the humans he works with.  He’s a shapeshifter.  It is part of their nature that they can spot their lifemate at first glance.  All he does is look out the window of the coffee shop.  He sees Regina and knows that’s her, his one love.  He also feels that if he doesn’t pull her into the shop, he will never see her again.

It’s September 11th.  Two unusual rescue workers fall in love while saving lives.

A lot of people love this story.  When I dreamt it, I didn’t want to write it.  Because, honestly, just thinking about it hurts.  Two of my family members had close calls.  One was there the week before.  The other one called in sick on Sept. 11th.  Other people were not that lucky.

Why did I write it?  The story called to me.  New York City has a very diverse community and in my story, the diversity extends into the supernatural.  People came together in ways that called to them to help any way they could.  It is a love story between two people who rescued others.  It’s also the love story between a city and its people and country.

The book is available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

This week I thought a lot about what happened on September 11th.  A lot of Americans did.  And because we always move forward, I worked on my new novel which is the next book in my second series, Arnhem Knights of New York.  I made surprising progress.  I believe I was inspired.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Characters, dreams, Emotions, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, vampires, What inspires you?, When Love Survives, Writer's Life

September Blues & All That Comes With It by Stacy Hoff

A few weeks ago my butt was in a beach chair. Sadly, that beach chair has been packed away. Saying goodbye to August was hard. For me, the eighth month brings more than summer, it brings freedom. Freedom from helping my kids with homework. Freedom from my “day job.” And yes, freedom to lounge in the sand, proudly unproductive.

Facing September is hard. I’m stuck contemplating whether I’m going to rake up the leaves around the house myself, or cough up the money to have someone else do it. Right now, hiring out is looking pretty good, if I’m to listen to the already screaming muscles in my legs and lower back. I’ve got closets to clean out. Roaring reader assignments to help with. Anxious kids to calm down. Long hours at work. Dark skies to greet me when I leave the office.

I need a new mindset. A seasonal attitude adjustment. This time, I’m going to make a pact with myself to enjoy the heck out of Fall. Focus on the beauty of colorful leaves and autumn skies. Crisp nights and fireplaces. Warm apple pies and hot cider. Most importantly, my kids learning new things, meeting new friends, taking on new challenges.

I think one of the reasons I like writing romance novels so much is that I can choose the season I vicariously need to be in. If cold weather has got me down, then no problem, I’m back in June, enjoying the sun through my characters. Let’s see if I can actually write a scene in the same season I’m actually in. Bring it on, September!

What season resonates strongly with you, and why?

Find me on social media: www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff      Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: www.stacyhoff.com

Pre-order for Desire in the Everglades available now. http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

Filed under: problem-solving, stress, writing, journal, diary, resolve, worked, relax., romance, romance novels, Seasonal changes, Stacy Hoff

Remembering by Gerri Brousseau

Today is the anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attack on the United States. At the time, I was living in California, 3000 miles from friends and family. Because PST is 3 hours later than EST, by the time I woke up at 6:30 a.m. the towers had both already fallen. When I flipped on my computer that morning I found pictures of the jets crashing into the towers. As usual, I was in a hurry and didn’t read the news article. I simply thought the pictures were some sensational promotion for a new movie and I paid no attention. I hurriedly checked my email and turning off my computer, went to get ready to go to work. On my way to work, I flipped on the radio station and the announcer was talking about the attack, but did not say where. The images of the Twin Towers long slipped from my mind. Yet, I started to get a little nervous at the frantic, sensationalistic voice of the announcer. Was this some broadcasting trick, like War of the Worlds had been?

At that time, I worked in a law office which was on the second floor in the Federal Court House so when I arrived at work I found the offices were closed and we were sent home. That was when I discovered what had happened and I was so devastated I was trembling.

I don’t remember driving home, but when I got there I rushed into my apartment and flipped on my TV. I stood there in the middle of my living room in total disbelief as I watched the twin towers fall one and then the next. I could not believe my eyes. I was originally from Connecticut. I had been to the towers, been in the buildings. No. No way were they gone. No way could they be destroyed. No way were all those innocent people killed. I refused to believe it could be true. It is difficult to tell you how this act of terror 3000 miles away made me feel. Shocked? Helpless? Insecure? And in deep need to talk to my son. Crying, I picked up the phone I called him. He was 19 at the time and he was in Connecticut. I was frantic to speak to him, to tell him that I loved him. To make sure he knew. To make sure he was alright. I desperately wanted to hug him, but he was 3000 miles away. All I wanted to do was feel closeness to my loved ones and to let them all know how I felt about them.

I could not believe anyone would have the nerve to attack the United States of America. Who was this lunatic Osama bin Laden? Then, finally the anger struck. I wanted to see bin Laden’s head on a platter. The grief struck next. I grieved for those who lost their lives in the towers that day, for those brave souls who tried to rescue others and failed. I cheered for those brave men and women who were able to rescue others … and for those who survived.

Then finally, the pride of being an American came home to roost in my heart. Yes, I am proud of our country, proud of the fortitude and courage of our people. I can’t help but remember that day and will never forget the impact it had on me and the mixed emotions it stirred in my soul. Where were you on that day? As the Alan Jackson song asks, where were you when the world stopped turning?

Filed under: romance