Jennifer Shirk's Blog, page 8
April 11, 2016
Advantages & Disadvantages of Self-Publishing
Happy Monday!
I'm thrilled to have author Heather Blanton with me today with a special guest post.
also, Please don't forget to check out her book below: HEARTS IN DEFIANCE
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Publishing, (In My Humble Opinion) by Heather Blanton
Way back in February of 2012, I put my book, A Lady in Defiance , on Amazon to use as a fundraiser for an American Cancer Society event. I cleared this move with my lit agent first, as he was actively shopping the manuscript. We all thought that with nothing but word of mouth, I would struggle to meet my $200 goal.
By the end of 2012, A Lady had sold nearly 8000 copies! At first, I stood frozen like a deer in the headlights as the book climbed the charts. When a friend said to me, though, “Hey, you should save your money, quit your job, and write the sequel,” I knew immediately that was my path.
Since I was five years-old, I wanted nothing more than to be traditionally published. I thank God every day for the re-route. In the past few years, I have released two novels, two novellas, four audio books, and been included in two bestselling collections with other bestselling authors.
Naturally, I’ve weighed the pros and cons of indy vs. traditional publishing. Indy is working for me and here’s the way I see advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
1. My deadlines are mine.
2. I write what I want. I’m all about writing the story that’s haunting me.
3. There is no pressure to impress the editor or agents, only my readers.
4. The cover looks exactly like I want it to.
5. Obviously, I make more money per book than traditional authors.
6. There is no constant pressure to pitch a story to agents and editors
7. I forge my own alliances, working with other authors that I want to work with.
8. Success is all on me.
9. I have the freedom to try new marketing tactics.
10. I create and build the team I work with, from editors, to designers, to beta readers, etc.
11. Self-publishing does not have the stigma it once had, therefore I am able to market my books in places that, early on, were closed to the Indies. For example, blogs that once featured only traditionally published authors.
12. I don’t feel the need to enter contests. Being indy allows me to focus on my writing as a ministry, and I try not to “compete” with my fellow authors. I want this to be about God.
Disadvantages:1. Failure is a very real possibility and I can’t blame anyone else.
2. I create and build the team I work with, from editors, to designers, to beta readers, etc. I’d better choose wisely.
3. Marketing is hit and miss and, in the beginning, based on no experience.
4. You foot the bill for everything.
5. Being indy doesn’t do much for your ego, when compared to saying, “I’m published by X Publishing.”
6. Standing out is difficult. There is a lot of competition today. A book is uploaded to Amazon every 4 minutes. (I think nearly all of them are Western Romance.)
7. Networking with other authors is harder.
8. I personally feel the pressure to deliver a top-quality read, and obsess over edits and typos.
Of course, some of these plusses and minuses are subjective. Depends on your work style, your personality, your level of passion, etc. I’m very motivated, self-directed, and I’d rather write than eat pizza (that’s saying something). But ask yourself, what have you got to lose by going indy? If the price is too high, then pursue a traditional publisher with every ounce of your being. It’ll pay off. Passion always does.
Hearts in Defiance
Charles McIntyre sat down at his desk in his saloon and stared at his Bible.He almost laughed out loud but in the silence, the sound would have been deafening. He knew plenty of people who would laugh. A former pimp, saloon owner, and gunman reading the Bible. Do you really think you’re worthy to come before Him?
The subtle rebuke pricked his soul. But he was determined and reached for the book. Naomi had said several times during his convalescence that all the answers to his questions would be found there. Rolling mental dice, since he didn’t know exactly how to start, he opened the book and read the first words his eyes fell upon:
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe;
let her breasts satisfy thee at all times.
McIntyre’s eyebrows shot up. That wasn’t what he was expecting. Intrigued, he read on.
And be thou ravished always with her love.
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
He sat back and pondered the Scripture, chastised by it. He had spent a shameful number of nights embracing the bosoms of strangers, and it had never led to anything like what he felt for Naomi. Perhaps this was what God was trying to tell him. There would never be anything as passionate and pure in a man’s life as loving and honoring the one woman whom God chooses for him.
Available at Amazon You can contact Heather several different ways. She always responds and is happy to answer questions: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM
Thanks so much, Heather!
Your perspective is really interesting!
Jennifer
XOXO
I'm thrilled to have author Heather Blanton with me today with a special guest post.
also, Please don't forget to check out her book below: HEARTS IN DEFIANCE
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Publishing, (In My Humble Opinion) by Heather Blanton
Way back in February of 2012, I put my book, A Lady in Defiance , on Amazon to use as a fundraiser for an American Cancer Society event. I cleared this move with my lit agent first, as he was actively shopping the manuscript. We all thought that with nothing but word of mouth, I would struggle to meet my $200 goal.
By the end of 2012, A Lady had sold nearly 8000 copies! At first, I stood frozen like a deer in the headlights as the book climbed the charts. When a friend said to me, though, “Hey, you should save your money, quit your job, and write the sequel,” I knew immediately that was my path.
Since I was five years-old, I wanted nothing more than to be traditionally published. I thank God every day for the re-route. In the past few years, I have released two novels, two novellas, four audio books, and been included in two bestselling collections with other bestselling authors.
Naturally, I’ve weighed the pros and cons of indy vs. traditional publishing. Indy is working for me and here’s the way I see advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
1. My deadlines are mine.
2. I write what I want. I’m all about writing the story that’s haunting me.
3. There is no pressure to impress the editor or agents, only my readers.
4. The cover looks exactly like I want it to.
5. Obviously, I make more money per book than traditional authors.
6. There is no constant pressure to pitch a story to agents and editors
7. I forge my own alliances, working with other authors that I want to work with.
8. Success is all on me.
9. I have the freedom to try new marketing tactics.
10. I create and build the team I work with, from editors, to designers, to beta readers, etc.
11. Self-publishing does not have the stigma it once had, therefore I am able to market my books in places that, early on, were closed to the Indies. For example, blogs that once featured only traditionally published authors.
12. I don’t feel the need to enter contests. Being indy allows me to focus on my writing as a ministry, and I try not to “compete” with my fellow authors. I want this to be about God.
Disadvantages:1. Failure is a very real possibility and I can’t blame anyone else.
2. I create and build the team I work with, from editors, to designers, to beta readers, etc. I’d better choose wisely.
3. Marketing is hit and miss and, in the beginning, based on no experience.
4. You foot the bill for everything.
5. Being indy doesn’t do much for your ego, when compared to saying, “I’m published by X Publishing.”
6. Standing out is difficult. There is a lot of competition today. A book is uploaded to Amazon every 4 minutes. (I think nearly all of them are Western Romance.)
7. Networking with other authors is harder.
8. I personally feel the pressure to deliver a top-quality read, and obsess over edits and typos.
Of course, some of these plusses and minuses are subjective. Depends on your work style, your personality, your level of passion, etc. I’m very motivated, self-directed, and I’d rather write than eat pizza (that’s saying something). But ask yourself, what have you got to lose by going indy? If the price is too high, then pursue a traditional publisher with every ounce of your being. It’ll pay off. Passion always does.
Hearts in Defiance
Charles McIntyre sat down at his desk in his saloon and stared at his Bible.He almost laughed out loud but in the silence, the sound would have been deafening. He knew plenty of people who would laugh. A former pimp, saloon owner, and gunman reading the Bible. Do you really think you’re worthy to come before Him?
The subtle rebuke pricked his soul. But he was determined and reached for the book. Naomi had said several times during his convalescence that all the answers to his questions would be found there. Rolling mental dice, since he didn’t know exactly how to start, he opened the book and read the first words his eyes fell upon:
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe;
let her breasts satisfy thee at all times.
McIntyre’s eyebrows shot up. That wasn’t what he was expecting. Intrigued, he read on.
And be thou ravished always with her love.
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
He sat back and pondered the Scripture, chastised by it. He had spent a shameful number of nights embracing the bosoms of strangers, and it had never led to anything like what he felt for Naomi. Perhaps this was what God was trying to tell him. There would never be anything as passionate and pure in a man’s life as loving and honoring the one woman whom God chooses for him.
Available at Amazon You can contact Heather several different ways. She always responds and is happy to answer questions: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM
Thanks so much, Heather!
Your perspective is really interesting!
Jennifer
XOXO
March 2, 2016
Another change in publishing
Hi, all!
Funny how even though there was an extra day in February, I still didn't have enough time to blog!
Oh well. Happy March!
So by now you've probably heard the news that Samhain Publishing will be closing its doors.
This is especially sad for me to hear because Samhain sold my very first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME.
Although I never did submit another book to them--more because I didn't feel they had a strong enough "sweet romance" brand--they were always professional and easy to work with.
Ironically enough, my contract with them was fulfilled a few months ago and I had already asked to have my rights reverted back to me, which they have done.
Soon my book will be given a new look and some additional editing with new scenes added! I'm hoping for a June re-release!
****
In other news, Wednesday, March 2nd is READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY! (Today!) Volunteers from my community will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and will read to students in the Primary School. Supporting the Friends and Volunteers’ goal of literacy, each student will receive the gift of a book to read, to cherish, and to share.
I was asked by the Friends & Volunteers to read to a kindergarten class. I finally decided on "Green Eggs and Ham" my second choice. I actually wanted to read "The Giving tree" but every time I read it, I cry like a baby at the end. (Don't want to scar the children!)
That's all from for now, but I have some cool news coming that I can't wait to share soon.
Happy reading!
+-
Funny how even though there was an extra day in February, I still didn't have enough time to blog!
Oh well. Happy March!
So by now you've probably heard the news that Samhain Publishing will be closing its doors.
This is especially sad for me to hear because Samhain sold my very first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME.Although I never did submit another book to them--more because I didn't feel they had a strong enough "sweet romance" brand--they were always professional and easy to work with.
Ironically enough, my contract with them was fulfilled a few months ago and I had already asked to have my rights reverted back to me, which they have done.
Soon my book will be given a new look and some additional editing with new scenes added! I'm hoping for a June re-release!
****
In other news, Wednesday, March 2nd is READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY! (Today!) Volunteers from my community will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and will read to students in the Primary School. Supporting the Friends and Volunteers’ goal of literacy, each student will receive the gift of a book to read, to cherish, and to share.
I was asked by the Friends & Volunteers to read to a kindergarten class. I finally decided on "Green Eggs and Ham" my second choice. I actually wanted to read "The Giving tree" but every time I read it, I cry like a baby at the end. (Don't want to scar the children!)
That's all from for now, but I have some cool news coming that I can't wait to share soon.
Happy reading!
+-
January 18, 2016
Happy New Year! And a thought on Blogging
Hi, peeps!Wishing everyone a healthy HAPPY NEW YEAR--even if I am several weeks late. :)
But I'm sure I caught several of you through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Which brings me to my New Year's thoughts on my blog...
No, I have not abandoned by blog. Not entirely. I will continue to post a little update about myself or writing once a month. But that's all I'm afraid.
With so many other social media platforms out there, blogging (for me) doesn't hold the appeal as it once had several years ago. I've made great friends and met awesome writers through blogging, but now I follow them on other outlets so I don't always feel the draw to catch up with them by blog now.
Plus, it's a time thing, really. ROI. (Return on Investment) How much time I put into blogging vs outcome. And I can say, other social media venues take MUCH less time (for me) and I get back MUCH more in return.
What is "Return"? It can be engagement with readers/writers or just plain sales.
The web and the whole writing environment is constantly changing, so for me, I need to change too.
So why blog at all? you might ask.
Well, a few reasons:
1) I have my blog listed on my website. Some new readers who find me might be interested in something I'm saying or have said.
2) My blog is listed and seen on Goodreads, where readers can get information.
3) My blog still has a following on blog sites and new people are still discovering it through Google and the tags I've listed in my posts.
So that's all from me. Until next month...
Jennifer
December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas!
Hey, all
I actually am ahead of the game for the holidays (except I still need to shower) so I'm sipping a cup of tea and relaxing now.
I have been busy cooking since family is coming to my house for Christmas.
What's on the menu?
Prime Rib (my first time making!)
Horseradish cream sauce
Scalloped Potatoes
Spinach cheese squares
Cole Slaw
dinner rolls
Christmas cookies
White chocolate bread pudding
Chocolate Peppermint pie
WHEW!!!
I feel very blessed to be able to afford to have people over at my house and have such nice food on the table for them.
Hope all who celebrate this glorious holiday have a lovely and blessed Christmas as well.
God bless and Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
I actually am ahead of the game for the holidays (except I still need to shower) so I'm sipping a cup of tea and relaxing now.
I have been busy cooking since family is coming to my house for Christmas.
What's on the menu?
Prime Rib (my first time making!)
Horseradish cream sauce
Scalloped Potatoes
Spinach cheese squares
Cole Slaw
dinner rolls
Christmas cookies
White chocolate bread pudding
Chocolate Peppermint pie
WHEW!!!
I feel very blessed to be able to afford to have people over at my house and have such nice food on the table for them.
Hope all who celebrate this glorious holiday have a lovely and blessed Christmas as well.
God bless and Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi, all!
Hope all is well!
Wanted to wish all my fellow Americans a
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are going to a neighbor's house for a "hood" brunch and then I'll be spending Thanksgiving with my side of the family.
So much to be thankful for this year. I have a lot of things happening next year as well and if you are a newsletter subscriber, you already know. Ha!
So feel free to subscribe. There are free monthly giveaways just for being a subscriber!
And in case you wondered, here is a little bit about the origin of Thanksgiving (courtesy of the History channel ):
The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies. A famous Thanksgiving observance occurred in the autumn of 1621, when Plymouth governor William Bradford invited local Indians to join the Pilgrims in a three-day festival held in gratitude for the bounty of the season.
Thanksgiving became an annual custom throughout New England in the 17th century, and in 1777 the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the Patriot victory at Saratoga. In 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday, when, at the request of Congress, he proclaimed November 26, a Tuesday, as a day of national thanksgiving for the U.S. Constitution. However, it was not until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to fall on the last Thursday of November, that the modern holiday was celebrated nationally.
With a few deviations, Lincoln’s precedent was followed annually by every subsequent president–until 1939. In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt departed from tradition by declaring November 23, the next to last Thursday that year, as Thanksgiving Day. (He was just trying to boost the economy)Considerable controversy surrounded this deviation, and some Americans refused to honor Roosevelt’s declaration.
For the next two years, Roosevelt repeated the unpopular proclamation, but on November 26, 1941, he admitted his mistake (it was a real turkey) and signed a bill into law officially making the fourth Thursday in November the national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.
"Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have." Catherine Pulsifer
Hope all is well!
Wanted to wish all my fellow Americans a
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are going to a neighbor's house for a "hood" brunch and then I'll be spending Thanksgiving with my side of the family.
So much to be thankful for this year. I have a lot of things happening next year as well and if you are a newsletter subscriber, you already know. Ha!
So feel free to subscribe. There are free monthly giveaways just for being a subscriber!
And in case you wondered, here is a little bit about the origin of Thanksgiving (courtesy of the History channel ):
The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies. A famous Thanksgiving observance occurred in the autumn of 1621, when Plymouth governor William Bradford invited local Indians to join the Pilgrims in a three-day festival held in gratitude for the bounty of the season.
Thanksgiving became an annual custom throughout New England in the 17th century, and in 1777 the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the Patriot victory at Saratoga. In 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday, when, at the request of Congress, he proclaimed November 26, a Tuesday, as a day of national thanksgiving for the U.S. Constitution. However, it was not until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to fall on the last Thursday of November, that the modern holiday was celebrated nationally.
With a few deviations, Lincoln’s precedent was followed annually by every subsequent president–until 1939. In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt departed from tradition by declaring November 23, the next to last Thursday that year, as Thanksgiving Day. (He was just trying to boost the economy)Considerable controversy surrounded this deviation, and some Americans refused to honor Roosevelt’s declaration.
For the next two years, Roosevelt repeated the unpopular proclamation, but on November 26, 1941, he admitted his mistake (it was a real turkey) and signed a bill into law officially making the fourth Thursday in November the national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.
"Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have." Catherine Pulsifer
November 2, 2015
99 Cent Sale!
Happy Monday, all!
Today is a fun week because my publisher, Entangled Publishing, is having a BLISS BLITZ today thru Friday.
What does that mean?
Bliss has a new look and to celebrate they are having a huge sale plus an amazing week full of Blissful events. Join us and fill your e-reader with these fun and flirty romances for just $.99 each!
PLUS...
Chat with Bliss authors and other readers, kick back with an #EPMovieNight and more. See the list of events below here:
11/2 to 11/6 - Join us Bliss authors for tips on avoiding the Black Friday madness, holiday recipes and more over at Entangled in Romance.
11/2 to 11/6 - Bliss author Facebook page takeover. Each day a different Bliss author will be taking over the Bliss Books Fan page. Ask those questions you’ve been dying to ask an author, chat with the group and get peeks inside to find your next fun and flirty romantic read. I will be taking over Tuesday!
Tuesday, 11/3 at 8pm ET - Kick back, relax, and join Entangled for an #EPMovieNight. Follow @entangledpub and the #EPMovieNight hashtag and chat with us as we watch The Wedding Singer together. It’s available for streaming on Netflix. We will also be giving away several prizes throughout the movie to lucky chat participants!
Thursday, 11/5 from 8pm to 10pm ET - Fall into Bliss Facebook party. Join Bliss authors, readers and the Bliss team for a night of fun, treats and giveaways.
We hope you can join us for one or more of the events!
Check out all the Bliss books on sale here. Happy Reading and have a great week!
Today is a fun week because my publisher, Entangled Publishing, is having a BLISS BLITZ today thru Friday.
What does that mean?
Bliss has a new look and to celebrate they are having a huge sale plus an amazing week full of Blissful events. Join us and fill your e-reader with these fun and flirty romances for just $.99 each!
PLUS...
Chat with Bliss authors and other readers, kick back with an #EPMovieNight and more. See the list of events below here:
11/2 to 11/6 - Join us Bliss authors for tips on avoiding the Black Friday madness, holiday recipes and more over at Entangled in Romance.
11/2 to 11/6 - Bliss author Facebook page takeover. Each day a different Bliss author will be taking over the Bliss Books Fan page. Ask those questions you’ve been dying to ask an author, chat with the group and get peeks inside to find your next fun and flirty romantic read. I will be taking over Tuesday!
Tuesday, 11/3 at 8pm ET - Kick back, relax, and join Entangled for an #EPMovieNight. Follow @entangledpub and the #EPMovieNight hashtag and chat with us as we watch The Wedding Singer together. It’s available for streaming on Netflix. We will also be giving away several prizes throughout the movie to lucky chat participants!
Thursday, 11/5 from 8pm to 10pm ET - Fall into Bliss Facebook party. Join Bliss authors, readers and the Bliss team for a night of fun, treats and giveaways.
We hope you can join us for one or more of the events!
Check out all the Bliss books on sale here. Happy Reading and have a great week!
October 28, 2015
COVER REVEAL! Dragons Among Them
Hey, all!
Do you watch Game of Thrones?
Because my fellow author bud, Kyra Jacobs has a COVER for her upcoming series that TOTALLY reminds me of that show!!
Check it out!!!
Book Title: Dragons Among ThemSeries Name: Kingdoms of Fire and Ice
Series Number: 1
Author: Kyra Jacobs
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN13: 978-1-61923-440-6
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Two worlds. One unstoppable passion. A fiery secret that could destroy them all.
Kingdoms of Fire and Ice, Book 1
Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to Edana’s throne, is betrothed to the lone princess of rival kingdom Forath. While his heart is not in the arranged marriage, he will do his royal duty.
When he finds a beautiful stranger cornered by a pack of wolves, he doesn’t hesitate to shift into his golden dragon form to save her. She thanks him by taking one look at him and fainting dead away.
Photographer Adelaide Miller is in England for a career-making shoot when a bizarre jogging mishap lands her in a dangerous, medieval-like world of royals, wizards and dragon-shifting men. Her first instinct is to find her way back, but the fire-breathing prince intent on protecting her threatens to melt her heart.
Zayne’s burning passion for Adelaide not only jeopardizes the fragile peace between two kingdoms, it uncovers a ruthless plot to destroy his family. Remaining together may change Adelaide’s very definition of home—and expose one searing secret that could forever shift the balance of power in Zayne’s world.
Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she's likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan. Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com to learn more about her novels and ways connect with her on social media.
Facebook : T witter: Website: Blog: Goodreads:
Do you watch Game of Thrones?
Because my fellow author bud, Kyra Jacobs has a COVER for her upcoming series that TOTALLY reminds me of that show!!
Check it out!!!
Book Title: Dragons Among ThemSeries Name: Kingdoms of Fire and Ice
Series Number: 1
Author: Kyra Jacobs
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN13: 978-1-61923-440-6
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Two worlds. One unstoppable passion. A fiery secret that could destroy them all.
Kingdoms of Fire and Ice, Book 1
Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to Edana’s throne, is betrothed to the lone princess of rival kingdom Forath. While his heart is not in the arranged marriage, he will do his royal duty.
When he finds a beautiful stranger cornered by a pack of wolves, he doesn’t hesitate to shift into his golden dragon form to save her. She thanks him by taking one look at him and fainting dead away.
Photographer Adelaide Miller is in England for a career-making shoot when a bizarre jogging mishap lands her in a dangerous, medieval-like world of royals, wizards and dragon-shifting men. Her first instinct is to find her way back, but the fire-breathing prince intent on protecting her threatens to melt her heart.
Zayne’s burning passion for Adelaide not only jeopardizes the fragile peace between two kingdoms, it uncovers a ruthless plot to destroy his family. Remaining together may change Adelaide’s very definition of home—and expose one searing secret that could forever shift the balance of power in Zayne’s world.
Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she's likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan. Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com to learn more about her novels and ways connect with her on social media.
Facebook : T witter: Website: Blog: Goodreads:
October 12, 2015
Release Day for Wedding Date for Hire--yay!
Happy Monday, all!
I'm VERY happy today because it's release day for WEDDING DATE FOR HIRE!
Care to check out the first chapter? Go here .
I want to say thank you to everyone who left reviews already. OMG, I really do so much appreciate the support!!!
Also, a couple of things:
The Wedding Date for Hire Blurb Blitz is going on Oct 12th-Oct 23rd.
Stop by and leave a comment and be entered to win a $25GC to Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Here is the list of blog stops:
October 12: Louise Lyndon Romance Author Hear Me Roar
October 12: Unabridged Andra's
October 13: Crazy Four Books - review
October 14: Katie's Clean Book Collection - review
October 15: Read Your Writes Book Reviews - review
October 16: Where the Story Comes First
October 16: The Certifiable Wenches - review
October 19: The Reading Addict
October 19: Nana Prah
October 20: Long and Short Reviews
October 21: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess - review
October 22: Christine Young
October 22: LibriAmoriMiei - review
October 23: BooksChatter
Also,I just wanted to share that I FINALLY have a Facebook page. Yes, I know. But I figured it was about time to keep some things separate from my personal page. Feel free to like me! https://www.facebook.com/JenniferShirkBooks If you're so inclined to share the love--and I would totally love you more than I already do! LOL--here are some sample TWEETS for you to copy and post: Happy Book Birthday to Wedding Date for Hireby Jennifer Shirk http://ow.ly/RPJbl #sweetromance On Sale Now! http://ow.ly/RPJbl Wedding Date for Hire by Jennifer Shirk --Sweet and funny! #romance #mustread Thanks so much for your support! Happy reading!~Jennifer
I'm VERY happy today because it's release day for WEDDING DATE FOR HIRE!Care to check out the first chapter? Go here .
I want to say thank you to everyone who left reviews already. OMG, I really do so much appreciate the support!!!
Also, a couple of things:
The Wedding Date for Hire Blurb Blitz is going on Oct 12th-Oct 23rd.
Stop by and leave a comment and be entered to win a $25GC to Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Here is the list of blog stops:
October 12: Louise Lyndon Romance Author Hear Me Roar
October 12: Unabridged Andra's
October 13: Crazy Four Books - review
October 14: Katie's Clean Book Collection - review
October 15: Read Your Writes Book Reviews - review
October 16: Where the Story Comes First
October 16: The Certifiable Wenches - review
October 19: The Reading Addict
October 19: Nana Prah
October 20: Long and Short Reviews
October 21: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess - review
October 22: Christine Young
October 22: LibriAmoriMiei - review
October 23: BooksChatter
Also,I just wanted to share that I FINALLY have a Facebook page. Yes, I know. But I figured it was about time to keep some things separate from my personal page. Feel free to like me! https://www.facebook.com/JenniferShirkBooks If you're so inclined to share the love--and I would totally love you more than I already do! LOL--here are some sample TWEETS for you to copy and post: Happy Book Birthday to Wedding Date for Hireby Jennifer Shirk http://ow.ly/RPJbl #sweetromance On Sale Now! http://ow.ly/RPJbl Wedding Date for Hire by Jennifer Shirk --Sweet and funny! #romance #mustread Thanks so much for your support! Happy reading!~Jennifer
September 21, 2015
"Cleaning" September
Hi, all!
Living in a resort town can be challenging in the summer with all the crowds and tourists, but then the best part of living here happens next. And that is September.
September is THE best time to be at the beach.
No crowds because all the kids are back in school. Everything is still open. Sales!The humidity is gone and you're left with pure dry sunshine. The ocean temperature is still a balmy 75. Plenty of parking! Even the morning and evening skies are prettier to look at!
I've been especially loving getting back to a regular schedule. Me likes routine. :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So what have I been up to? I'm clean eating!
I ordered the 21 Day Fix Extreme Program by Beachbody and am loving it!!!
Why am I doing it? Well, I had a really great summer--eating and drinking. Put on a few pounds (nothing serious) but by the end of August I felt like crap. I played around with vitamins, sleep, etc...and still had low energy and was even sneaking a cup of coffee in the afternoon to get me through until bedtime. Bleh.
So I figured maybe what I was putting in my body was making a difference.
It was.
Now, I feel AWESOME. Energy is through the roof and it's only day 10, but I lost 4lbs too.
The program is basically controlled portions, no processed foods, no sugar, no alcohol, limited dairy, no butter, etc... Just healthy fats, proteins, veggies, and fruit. And LOTS of water. The exercise DVD is TOUGH but only 30min so it's a short torture. :)
It'll be interesting to see my final results.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news,
WEDDING DATE FOR HIRE will be released in THREE weeks! Three!
There are few dates left to sign up if you are a blogger.
Everything will be supplied to you by my touring company and there is a chance for the blog hosts to win a $25 GC as a thank you gift and any blog visitor will have a chance to win a $25GC too!
Sign ups are here: http://goo.gl/1mi9vZ
Have you added it to your Goodreads yet? Go ahead. It's free. :)
And that's all for me until next month!
Living in a resort town can be challenging in the summer with all the crowds and tourists, but then the best part of living here happens next. And that is September.
September is THE best time to be at the beach.
No crowds because all the kids are back in school. Everything is still open. Sales!The humidity is gone and you're left with pure dry sunshine. The ocean temperature is still a balmy 75. Plenty of parking! Even the morning and evening skies are prettier to look at!
I've been especially loving getting back to a regular schedule. Me likes routine. :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So what have I been up to? I'm clean eating!
I ordered the 21 Day Fix Extreme Program by Beachbody and am loving it!!!
Why am I doing it? Well, I had a really great summer--eating and drinking. Put on a few pounds (nothing serious) but by the end of August I felt like crap. I played around with vitamins, sleep, etc...and still had low energy and was even sneaking a cup of coffee in the afternoon to get me through until bedtime. Bleh.So I figured maybe what I was putting in my body was making a difference.
It was.
Now, I feel AWESOME. Energy is through the roof and it's only day 10, but I lost 4lbs too.
The program is basically controlled portions, no processed foods, no sugar, no alcohol, limited dairy, no butter, etc... Just healthy fats, proteins, veggies, and fruit. And LOTS of water. The exercise DVD is TOUGH but only 30min so it's a short torture. :)
It'll be interesting to see my final results.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news,
WEDDING DATE FOR HIRE will be released in THREE weeks! Three!
There are few dates left to sign up if you are a blogger.
Everything will be supplied to you by my touring company and there is a chance for the blog hosts to win a $25 GC as a thank you gift and any blog visitor will have a chance to win a $25GC too!
Sign ups are here: http://goo.gl/1mi9vZ
Have you added it to your Goodreads yet? Go ahead. It's free. :)And that's all for me until next month!
August 24, 2015
Cover Reveal for Wedding Date for Hire!
Hi, all!
I'm so thrilled to be able to share my cover for my upcoming book:
Wedding Date for Hire!
To celebrate my cover reveal, I'm having a little Twitter Contest to help spread the word.
If you'd like to join in, tweet (or RT) my book cover any way you'd like TODAY ONLY and you'll automatically be entered to win some fun prizes!
I'll be picking THREE lucky tweeters. Prizes are
1) $25 GC to Amazon or Barnes & Noble 2) $5 GC to Amazon or B&N 3) Any ebook from my backlist
Just be sure to include @jennifershirk in your tweet so I know to enter you!
Winners will be announced via Twitter tomorrow (8/25) morning.Good luck!In the meantime, here is my cover:
Maddie McCarthy is single, between jobs, and (oh, the shame) lives with her mother. To make matters worse, she's the maid of honor for her sister's wedding, and desperately needs a date. Then she sees her salvation—Match Made Easy, a service for women in Maddie’s exact position. If she can't find a boyfriend, she'll do the next best thing...
Hire one.
Trent Montgomery isn't actually part of Match Made Easy. He's just doing a favor for his cousin, but one look at the blonde who hired him, and he's totally hooked. Now Maddie thinks that the attraction sizzling between them is just “part of the package.” And Trent is running out of time to prove to her that her date-for-hire might just be her happily-ever-after...
What do you think of the cover? I think it's really cute!
I'm so thrilled to be able to share my cover for my upcoming book:
Wedding Date for Hire!
To celebrate my cover reveal, I'm having a little Twitter Contest to help spread the word.
If you'd like to join in, tweet (or RT) my book cover any way you'd like TODAY ONLY and you'll automatically be entered to win some fun prizes!
I'll be picking THREE lucky tweeters. Prizes are
1) $25 GC to Amazon or Barnes & Noble 2) $5 GC to Amazon or B&N 3) Any ebook from my backlist
Just be sure to include @jennifershirk in your tweet so I know to enter you!
Winners will be announced via Twitter tomorrow (8/25) morning.Good luck!In the meantime, here is my cover:
Maddie McCarthy is single, between jobs, and (oh, the shame) lives with her mother. To make matters worse, she's the maid of honor for her sister's wedding, and desperately needs a date. Then she sees her salvation—Match Made Easy, a service for women in Maddie’s exact position. If she can't find a boyfriend, she'll do the next best thing... Hire one.
Trent Montgomery isn't actually part of Match Made Easy. He's just doing a favor for his cousin, but one look at the blonde who hired him, and he's totally hooked. Now Maddie thinks that the attraction sizzling between them is just “part of the package.” And Trent is running out of time to prove to her that her date-for-hire might just be her happily-ever-after...
What do you think of the cover? I think it's really cute!
