L.M. Preston's Blog, page 18

My new Blog Schedule

Now with the holidays and me slipping way behind on my writing due to the twist and turns of life, I'm going to only be posting to my blog 1 time a week.

Mondays are the days.

If I have an author I'm supporting in the blog hopping or tours that will be done later in the week.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Indiestructible by Jessica Bell Fundraiser

PLEASE Welcome my Guess Poster, author Jessica Bell!!!

ONLY 99c TO HELP SUPPORT THE INDIE AUTHOR & AN AMAZING CHARITY!
by Jessica Bell
 
The day I realized I’d been obsessing over my sales figures way too much was the day I closed my eyes and tried to think about the real reason I am an indie author.
 
Is my primary goal to make money? No. So why do I keep obsessing over my sales stats? I realized it’s because more sales means more people reading my work. What I really really want is to be read. I want to share the one thing in this world I would cut my fingers off for. I know. If I didn’t have any fingers, I wouldn’t be able to physically write, but you know what I mean.
 
My passion for writing comes with a perpetual replacement button, attached to my side seam, just in case it becomes unraveled, and falls off, after a day gallivanting through the publishing jungle. It can be tough in there, but in the end, being an indie author is OH SO WORTH IT.
 
This made me wonder …  what’s everybody else’s story?
Then Indiestructible was born.
 
Need motivation and inspiration to self-publish, or sign that contract with an interested small press? Have you done all the research you can, but still feel ambivalent about the idea? Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle brings you the experiences of 29 indie authors—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help you make the leap into indie publishing.

This is not a how-to guide. This is the best of the indie tradition of experienced authors paying forward what they’ve learned, giving you information to help you on your journey. The personal essays in this book will leave you itching to get your work into the hands of readers and experience, first-hand, all the rewards indie publishing has to offer.
 
Not only is this anthology packed full of interesting, unique, and genuinely helpful information, and totally worth the 99c (only 99c!!!), 100% of proceeds will be donated to BUILDON.org , a movement which breaks the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education.
 
Pretty amazing, huh?
What are you waiting for?
Buy Indiestructible—support the indie author and an amazing charity—TODAY!
 
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE INDIESTRUCTIBLE
 
eBook: $0.99 USD
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
ISBN 10: 0987593102
ISBN 13: 9780987593108
Language: English
Edited & Compiled: by Jessica Bell
 
Contributing authors:
Alex J. Cavanaugh <> Angela Brown <> Anne R. Allen <> Briane Pagel <> C.S. Lakin <> Ciara Knight <> Cindy M. Hogan <> D. Robert Pease <> Dawn Ius <> Emily White <> Greg Metcalf <> Jadie Jones <> Jessica Bell <> Karen Bass <> Karen Walker <> Kristie Cook <> Laura Diamond <> Laura Pauling <> Laurel Garver <> Leigh Talbert Moore <> Lori Robinson <> Melissa Foster <> Michael Offutt <> Michelle Davidson Argyle <> Rick Daley <> Roz Morris <> S.R. Johannes <> Stephen Tremp <> Susan Kaye Quinn
 
About Jessica Bell:
The Australian-native contemporary fiction author, poet, and singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jessica Bell,also makes a living as an editor and writer for global ELT publishers (English Language Teaching), such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, Macmillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning.
 
She is the co-publishing editor of  Vine Leaves Literary Journal , and the director of the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca.
 
Connect with Jessica online:
Website |Blog |Facebook | Twitter
 LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Gasterland by Ansha Kotyk

Gasterland by Ansha Kotyk

GANGSTERLAND
When Jonathan Brooks moves in with his dad, he’s sure his life has hit bottom. Until the local bully causes him to discover an unusual skill: Jonathan can disappear into a book. The book requires him to solve a crime, rescue the girl and save himself…all before the final page.
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
READ the Chapter 1 and learn how the adventure starts…
Just a few of the things people are saying about GANGSTERLANDMaddie -Gangsterland is a story that everyone (regardless of age) will enjoy and relate to. Ansha Kotyk seamlessly blends her vintage fantasy world with modern and poignant issues. The story is adventurous and fanciful – realizing nearly every *bookworm’s* dream to enter the world of fiction – as it tackles the real-world topics of bullying and divorce. It is a great read – for the middle grade reader (and grown-ups too).
RikiTikiTavy – I picked this book up for my 13 year old and we totally enjoyed reading this story. The author has conceived a charming story, including many elements that makes it an interesting read for kids 10 years of age and above. The story develops quickly and before you realize, you are at the end of the book and the plot is left open for the sequel. I look forward to reading more books from this author.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Knowing When To Take A Break

This business of writing, trying to get published and marketing takes up a lot of thankless time. Time when you don't see the fruits of your labor for many many days.

GOALS

Setting goals is a great way to map out what you want to accomplish. Dream big, it's okay, this is where you get to.

Then break up your goal list. Like, what's attainable now, soon, and later.

TIMING

This is where you realize that squeezing too much into a day, month, or year can burn you. Space things out to be realistic.

PLAN TIME FOR BREAKS

Give yourself vacations from meeting goals, writing, and everything. It's nice to have mini-breaks where you get to sleep in, goof off, and relax.

DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO TAK A BREAK?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Writer Burnout!

Oh yeah, this is me. About a few months ago I just got tired. Not of writing, but of the business side of the game. The marketing, selling, touring, signing, social media, pimping and fitting writing in there somewhere.

So.....

I'd hit BURNOUT

Straight out fatigue and loss of desire to even get on the internet. It was in perfect time for my long vacation where internet access would be limited.

BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO COME BACK

Even after I'd taken virtually a month off. I still wasn't quite ready to come back to it all. So I decided to rework in my head a new plan. Something that was doable.

My problem is, I'm OBSESSIVE. Most writers are - it's why they actually finish what they sit down to write.

THE SLIM DOWN Formula

Now, I only allow myself 30 minutes a day online. I have to pick a place. Either Twitter of Facebook. Also, I'm taking a small hiatus from touring. It's a lot of work and I got to be honest, the crazy trip I took to BEA this year just about did me in.

LESS BOOK RELEASES

This year I did 4 book releases. Yeah, crazy. Not only does that cost a lot of money, but it cost A LOT of time.

Next year, I'll be happy to release just ONE book. I know, I know, for those of you that know me, you don't think I can do it. You think I will spit out 2 to 3 ... well I might. But only if my writing picks up. Currently I have one book written that needs some serious editing. Another book I'm only 20K words into that I need to come up with at least another 60K to finish. Lastly, a short story that's taunting me I'd hoped to release next summer.

LESS MARKETING

I have to admit, I've been a marketing hound these last few year. And you know what, some things worked, some didn't. I recently took some stock into what was working and decided to stick with just those few things.

Oh, and I'm not doing those things as often. I just am planning on taking the rest of this year easy.

So...HAVE YOU FOUND A WAY TO HANDLE BURNOUT?



LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Spotlight Replay with Dehumanized!

Amazon | GoodReads | Barnes & NobleRyan Zachery lived his life the way all high school teenagers should -carefree.Until he was attacked by an unknown assailer and awoke in the hospital with lycanthropy. Taken by armed guards and dragged away from everything he held dear, Ryan was thrown into a US camp made for those 'suffering' from lycanthropy.
They caged the beast, but now he will show them that he will never be dehumanized.Check out this Dehumanized preview!
Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReadsMichael Loring was born in Bristol, Connecticut, but has lived in a variety of places such as Florida and Tennessee. He likes to think of himself as an amateur Lycanthropologist, studying werewolves ever since he was eight years old when he first saw An American Werewolf In London. He spent most of his life switching between home school and public school, always focusing on his passion of writing no matter what. His interest in writing was sparked in the second grade when his teacher encouraged him to write short stories for the class, earning him more than one award at school assemblies for Creative Writing. He currently resides back in his birthplace of Connecticut with a house full of women who like to drive him up the wall until he finishes his chores. Though they seem to avoid him during the night of the full moon for some unexplainable reason... As a present for stopping by here is a Dehumanized screen saver: We hope you have enjoyed this stop on the Dehumanized tour!
Stop by www.MichaelLoring.com to check out the other tour stops;
New guest posts, interviews, excerpts and more!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Tips To Do IT ALL!

How do I do it all? Well to start, I am a mom of four kids. I work a full-time job as an Engineer, and I teach part-time at a University. Lastly, I am an author. I learned a long time ago to manage my time. I’ll provide tips below, however, you must make time management work for you. I make it fun, by managing to do something I enjoy, which is writing every day. If I am not writing, I am usually imagining aspects of a story, because I am an proverbial daydreamer. Most of my friends or family would never think that I am working on stories while I am cooking dinner, taking a shower, driving or eating my lunch. Steps to do more in a day than you ever thought possible; 1) KNOW YOURSELF Take time to evaluate what stimulates you to accomplish your goals. I knew that in order for me to get anything done, I needed to have many things going on at one time. I know it sounds weird, but I write best when I am surrounded by my kids. I also need lots, and lots of breaks. Therefore, most times I write in 10 to 30 minute sprints. 2) CREATE A CALENDAR THAT YOU CARRY EVERYWHERE Carry a calendar, pda, ipod or cellphone. I use all of these items to keep me on track. You must have the tools of the trade. I use my cellphone and my pocket calendar to store all of my task, appointments, and goals for the week. That way if I am riding in the car, I know what I can do to pass the time, yet be efficient.

3) SYNC YOUR LIFE Update your pocket calendar or ipod, and set reminders for task or goals that you send yourself with your phone, email calendar, or notes in your pocket calendar. I drive my family crazy with this. I set reminders for my writing time on my cellphone, and my calendars. 4) MAKE YOUR DREAM LIST I prefer to say dream list. I believe that most people are more apt to complete goals that are in line with their dreams. Therefore, don’t create a DREAM LIST of stuff you have to do like, homework, pick up kids, cook dinner. Create a dream list (or bucket list) of things you want to accomplish before you leave earth. Then list the things you can do or have to do in order to check off your DREAM LIST. My DREAM LIST included, write a book, snowboard, ride in a hot air balloon, scuba drive, hang glide, and travel. Of those items on my list I have completed over half by my personal deadline dates. 5) WASTE NOT WANT NOT Use those boring, do nothing moments effectively. I spend a lot of time at my kid’s sports practice just waiting for them to get finished. Therefore, I usually carry my manuscripts with me, and while I am sitting there for two hours waiting for them, I edit my books. If I don’t have books to edit, I give out bookmarks or other promotional gifts. I also, take a notebook for writing notes, or snippets for any Work In Progress I have. I also use the time to check student’s assignments from my teaching job at the university. Also, when I am riding in the car on long trips, I bring my laptop and write while my husband drives. 6) SET A DEADLINE – and CHECK YOURSELF Set realistic deadlines for your DREAM LIST. Then squeeze in time to reach those dreams in your everyday life. I have accomplished and experienced so many things in my life. Some things I have attempted, and yet failed. Others, I have attempted and changed course, and some I have conquered and am satisfied. Imagine your time here on Earth is a gift, an adventure of which you want to taste and do all the things your can before you leave. You will be surprised and amazed at all you have experienced if you know yourself, love yourself, dream big dreams, map a path to reach them, and enjoy every minute along the way.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Science Fiction becomes Real Life

Okay, I admit it. I am an undercover geek. I love science, and it’s one of the reasons I love writing science fiction. Here are the nerdy facts about myself: I am in the IT field, heck I even teach IT courses occasionally, I write young adult science fiction novels for fun, and I read science journals for fun. Ooops! I’ve been exposed.

It amazes me when I read scientific journals of the leaps and bounds made in technology. One of the teasers I torment my students with is that most techie types that go into the IT field do so with dreams of grandeur. They want to build the next cutting edge technology or other. I personally wanted to go into Artificial Intelligence. However, I never seemed lucky enough to land a job where I actually was involved in a great science challenge like that. In most cases, newbie engineers realize that creating technology of any kind is actually rather boring. It consists of a lot of research, writing, planning, writing, research (oh, am I repeating – well that’s what it requires) before you ever start to create anything useful. So, what did I do? I started to write books about the gadgets and widgets that I had hoped one day to create.

SCIENTIFIC FACT THAT WAS ONCE FICTION

Prosthetics: Did you know that sciencetist have created prototype prosthetics that can actually FEEL?! They can also pick up something as small as a grape? Well, let’s kick it up a notch, and say that the user can control the prosthetic by brain waves. There are current technological advances that prove that this is possible.

Human thoughts can control technology: Did you know that technology exist, that allow human subjects to speak mentally (using brain waves) to computers? Amazing!

Animated Holograms: Did you know that an interactive ecosystem has been made, that allows children to create trees or other objects with their body. Also this technology was utilized to create a giant sea monster in the Tokyo Bay to promote the film, “The Water Horse.” These are forms of Heliodisplay technology that projects video onto the thin air.

Cloning: Let’s not forget this! Currently scientist are working on perfecting the cloning of human embryos for study of stem cells which could lead to curing infertility problems of hosts, and curing other known diseases.

The list goes on and on. Soon as a science fiction writer I will have to push myself further and further to come up with new ideas that can shape the minds of young scientist of the future.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Dehumanized by Michael Loring is hot~

Amazon | GoodReads | Barnes & NobleRyan Zachery lived his life the way all high school teenagers should -carefree.Until he was attacked by an unknown assailer and awoke in the hospital with lycanthropy. Taken by armed guards and dragged away from everything he held dear, Ryan was thrown into a US camp made for those 'suffering' from lycanthropy.
They caged the beast, but now he will show them that he will never be dehumanized.Check out this Dehumanized preview!
Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReadsMichael Loring was born in Bristol, Connecticut, but has lived in a variety of places such as Florida and Tennessee. He likes to think of himself as an amateur Lycanthropologist, studying werewolves ever since he was eight years old when he first saw An American Werewolf In London. He spent most of his life switching between home school and public school, always focusing on his passion of writing no matter what. His interest in writing was sparked in the second grade when his teacher encouraged him to write short stories for the class, earning him more than one award at school assemblies for Creative Writing. He currently resides back in his birthplace of Connecticut with a house full of women who like to drive him up the wall until he finishes his chores. Though they seem to avoid him during the night of the full moon for some unexplainable reason... As a present for stopping by here is a Dehumanized screen saver: We hope you have enjoyed this stop on the Dehumanized tour!
Stop by www.MichaelLoring.com to check out the other tour stops;
New guest posts, interviews, excerpts and more!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Have Your own TWITTER PARTY!

I know consider myself a Twitter Party Addict. I have managed three of my own and hopped on the bandwagon of over twenty of them.

It's a great way to spread the word about your book and to play as an 'appetizer' to a larger launch party.

THE LAUNCH

Who says you can only have one book launch party? Well I say, have many. This is the main event for your book. You've been building up to this for months. Doing it on multiple platforms will afford your book a lot of visibility. But even though Twitter is always hopping, you need to promo it a bit.

THE BUILDUP
I usually start my book launches that include a Twitter Party, Blog Party and Facebook Party with a mini-blog tour which includes all the authors who will be part of my Facebook Virtual Launch Party. We do this to build up the buzz.

About 6 weeks before the party all of the authors involved in the big Facebook Party event tweet about the Twitter Party coming (using a hashtag for the book title & a link to our Party Map Page).

The mini blog party kicks off 1 week before the Twitter Party. It's used to build awareness of all of the book release events coming. The Twitter Appetizer Party (which runs the Friday before the Facebook Party) is used to drive even more traffic to the book sales pages for participating authors.

The Giveaway announcement. We run a giveaway announcement on twitter (a daily tweet from each participating author) with link to Party Map Page which has the schedule of the mini-blog tour, the Twitter Party, Facebook Party, links to all books, and rafflecopter.

THE TWITTER APPETIZER PARTY
We call it an appetizer because it's the night before the big Facebook Party event (which usually last for 8 hours on a Saturday and is run by a number of authors not limited to the launch guest of honor).

These usually last 3 hours. Three hours is enough time to run 3 trivia games, intro the book, shout out for prize winners and share links to big party coming the following day on Facebook. The trick though is to have about 3 other people who you KNOW will be there to help you keep the party going, promo the party, and invite others.

A neat way to make sure you know who's coming is to use the mini-blog tour to build an invite list and later tweet a reminder to participants.

PARTY MUST DO LIST
For a twitter party to work, you need to have the Trivia Questions, links, etc preset (you can use hootsuite or socialoomph to do this in advance). This makes things much easier and allows facilitator to just do promo, invite tweets, and personal interaction with crowd.

Announcing the party should be done 60 to 30 minutes before by the 3 party facilitators. Invites to fans who are on twitter at the time & share a party favor if they show up is a great kickoff. Have a main prize of about $25 gift card that you will give out at end of night.

Kick off party with party jargon, a swag giveaway like bookmarks, introduction of participating authors, book, book trailer. Then start the games. Try to stick with games that are themes of the book. In between shout out a reminder about follow-on Facebook party, shout out winners and 'thank you' to participants before running next game. Sticking to 10 questions for each trivia works.

Trivia ideas. Movie lines, guess that tune, caption picture contest and many more depending how creative you are.

WOULD YOU GO TO A TWITTER RELEASE PARTY?

LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS