Nicki Elson's Blog, page 46
September 7, 2011
In which we meet insecure writers and a cute boy
>>>If you're here for the Blog Blitz, stop #2 is at Jennifer Lane Books Blog<<<>>>Meet David and choose his 1980s doppelganger.<<<
Welcome Insecure Writers! What a brilliant idea Alex had, eh? You'd think insecurity would end the moment a writer's manuscript gets accepted for publication, wouldn't you? But no, as it turns out, it merely opens up the gate for a whole new slew of them.
The highest post-publication insecurity for me has been self-promotion. Everything about it is just so diametrically opposed to my natural grain. What I've found is that I can't do it...or at least I can't tell myself I'm doing it. Rather than thinking of it as as "Buy my book, buy my book, buy my book" I have to think of it as "Hey, you might enjoy this." I mean, I wrote the thing because I wanted to read it, so maybe someone else will like it too, right? And if I don't tell them about it, who else will?
But the thing is, writers can't do it all by themselves, which brings me to insecurity #2---Asking for help. I've got a couple cool things happening with my book this month and wanted to make my best effort to spread the word, so I had to scrunch up that part of me that just haaates to impose on anyone else and shove it into a corner. I put on my big girl pants and asked other bloggers for guest spots at their places.
And do you know what? The reception was warm and wonderful and enthusiastic! The Blog Blitz list on my sidebar is evidence of that (any names look familiar? ;)). So that's my advice---when you need help, set your insecurities aside and just ask. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and I think you'll be surprised by how infrequently that happens.
And now, to prove to you how comfortable I've become with the not self-promotion, I think you might enjoy looking at some pics of cute 80s boys...go on, go on...
I'm linking this post up with this week's, Author! Author! Blog Bounce hosted by Omnific Publishing.
Authors, click on "Get the Code Here" to get the link. Copy and paste that link in your blog post. Then hop right on and add your blog url to get added to the list. Readers, bounce from blog to blog and meet some great new authors and maybe find some new books to read.
Welcome Insecure Writers! What a brilliant idea Alex had, eh? You'd think insecurity would end the moment a writer's manuscript gets accepted for publication, wouldn't you? But no, as it turns out, it merely opens up the gate for a whole new slew of them. The highest post-publication insecurity for me has been self-promotion. Everything about it is just so diametrically opposed to my natural grain. What I've found is that I can't do it...or at least I can't tell myself I'm doing it. Rather than thinking of it as as "Buy my book, buy my book, buy my book" I have to think of it as "Hey, you might enjoy this." I mean, I wrote the thing because I wanted to read it, so maybe someone else will like it too, right? And if I don't tell them about it, who else will?
But the thing is, writers can't do it all by themselves, which brings me to insecurity #2---Asking for help. I've got a couple cool things happening with my book this month and wanted to make my best effort to spread the word, so I had to scrunch up that part of me that just haaates to impose on anyone else and shove it into a corner. I put on my big girl pants and asked other bloggers for guest spots at their places.
And do you know what? The reception was warm and wonderful and enthusiastic! The Blog Blitz list on my sidebar is evidence of that (any names look familiar? ;)). So that's my advice---when you need help, set your insecurities aside and just ask. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and I think you'll be surprised by how infrequently that happens.
And now, to prove to you how comfortable I've become with the not self-promotion, I think you might enjoy looking at some pics of cute 80s boys...go on, go on...
I'm linking this post up with this week's, Author! Author! Blog Bounce hosted by Omnific Publishing. Authors, click on "Get the Code Here" to get the link. Copy and paste that link in your blog post. Then hop right on and add your blog url to get added to the list. Readers, bounce from blog to blog and meet some great new authors and maybe find some new books to read.
Insecure Writers and a Cute Boy
>>>If you're here for the Blog Blitz, stop #2 is at Jennifer Lane Books Blog<<<>>>Meet David and choose his 1980s doppelganger.<<<
Welcome Insecure Writers! What a brilliant idea Alex had, eh? You'd think insecurity would end the moment a writer's manuscript gets accepted for publication, wouldn't you? But no, as it turns out, it merely opens up the gate for a whole new slew of them.
The highest post-publication insecurity for me has been self-promotion. Everything about it is just so diametrically opposed to my natural grain. What I've found is that I can't do it...or at least I can't tell myself I'm doing it. Rather than thinking of it as as "Buy my book, buy my book, buy my book" I have to think of it as "Hey, you might enjoy this." I mean, I wrote the thing because I wanted to read it, so maybe someone else will like it too, right? And if I don't tell them about it, who else will?
But the thing is, writers can't do it all by themselves, which brings me to insecurity #2---Asking for help. I've got a couple cool things happening with my book this month and wanted to make my best effort to spread the word, so I had to scrunch up that part of me that just haaates to impose on anyone else and shove it into a corner. I put on my big girl pants and asked other bloggers for guest spots at their places.
And do you know what? The reception was warm and wonderful and enthusiastic! The Blog Blitz list on my sidebar is evidence of that (any names look familiar? ;)). So that's my advice---when you need help, set your insecurities aside and just ask. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and I think you'll be surprised by how infrequently that happens.
And now, to prove to you how comfortable I've become with the not self-promotion, I think you might enjoy looking at some pics of cute 80s boys...go on, go on...
Welcome Insecure Writers! What a brilliant idea Alex had, eh? You'd think insecurity would end the moment a writer's manuscript gets accepted for publication, wouldn't you? But no, as it turns out, it merely opens up the gate for a whole new slew of them. The highest post-publication insecurity for me has been self-promotion. Everything about it is just so diametrically opposed to my natural grain. What I've found is that I can't do it...or at least I can't tell myself I'm doing it. Rather than thinking of it as as "Buy my book, buy my book, buy my book" I have to think of it as "Hey, you might enjoy this." I mean, I wrote the thing because I wanted to read it, so maybe someone else will like it too, right? And if I don't tell them about it, who else will?
But the thing is, writers can't do it all by themselves, which brings me to insecurity #2---Asking for help. I've got a couple cool things happening with my book this month and wanted to make my best effort to spread the word, so I had to scrunch up that part of me that just haaates to impose on anyone else and shove it into a corner. I put on my big girl pants and asked other bloggers for guest spots at their places.
And do you know what? The reception was warm and wonderful and enthusiastic! The Blog Blitz list on my sidebar is evidence of that (any names look familiar? ;)). So that's my advice---when you need help, set your insecurities aside and just ask. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and I think you'll be surprised by how infrequently that happens.
And now, to prove to you how comfortable I've become with the not self-promotion, I think you might enjoy looking at some pics of cute 80s boys...go on, go on...
September 6, 2011
In which we learn the story behind the story
Hey, today is stop #1 of my Blog Blitz over at A Tale of Many Reviews: A bit of insight into the inspiration behind Three Daves.
A Tale of Many Reviews is hosting a paper book tour. Reviewers can sign up here.
A Tale of Many Reviews is hosting a paper book tour. Reviewers can sign up here.
September 4, 2011
Hehe, Look What a Little Whining Gets You...
So, I'm sure it's purely coincidence that Amazon finally got the new cover up today---the very day I went on a rant to and about them---but would anyone mind terribly if I did that thing where I blow on my knuckles and rub them on my sweatshirt? Thank you all so very much for your supportive comments and Devo song singing. :) Anywho, new cover's up on Kindle, but it looks like I get to Grrrr a bit longer about the paperback...
Amazon's a Jerk!
And I have no patience.
For anyone who's interested in getting the new Three Daves cover on Kindle...stay tuned. It appears big, giant, "cutting edge" Amazon has trouble with the simple things, like changing a book cover. Grrrrr. I'll report here once it's up.
Be warned authors, for all it's market dominance, Amazon's not the speediest rabbit in the hutch. Here's the miffed message I just sent them (with zero expectation of getting any sort of response at all from the behemoth):
I don't personally have a seller account with you, but my publisher does. I'm contacting you regarding an issue with my book for sale on Amazon - Three Daves by Nicki Elson. The book got a new cover as of September 1, and my publisher submitted the new cover art to Amazon first thing Thursday morning, yet the old cover is STILL showing. I could understand it taking 24 hours to get your act together (no, actually I can't---you're a HUGE on-line company & should be able to handle a simple cover change in a matter of minutes) but we're getting into the ridiculous stage now.
Barnes and Noble was perfectly accommodating with my Nook sale/cover reveal so what's your deal, Amazon? Is it wrong for a customer to expect a little responsiveness and support in exchange for your cut?
For anyone who's interested in getting the new Three Daves cover on Kindle...stay tuned. It appears big, giant, "cutting edge" Amazon has trouble with the simple things, like changing a book cover. Grrrrr. I'll report here once it's up. Be warned authors, for all it's market dominance, Amazon's not the speediest rabbit in the hutch. Here's the miffed message I just sent them (with zero expectation of getting any sort of response at all from the behemoth):
I don't personally have a seller account with you, but my publisher does. I'm contacting you regarding an issue with my book for sale on Amazon - Three Daves by Nicki Elson. The book got a new cover as of September 1, and my publisher submitted the new cover art to Amazon first thing Thursday morning, yet the old cover is STILL showing. I could understand it taking 24 hours to get your act together (no, actually I can't---you're a HUGE on-line company & should be able to handle a simple cover change in a matter of minutes) but we're getting into the ridiculous stage now.
Barnes and Noble was perfectly accommodating with my Nook sale/cover reveal so what's your deal, Amazon? Is it wrong for a customer to expect a little responsiveness and support in exchange for your cut?
September 3, 2011
Write a Post Help a Dog - Ends today!
Thanks to Anne Gallagher and the Golden Eagle for info on this great program for pups. It ends at midnight EST today!
Pedigree is resurrecting its insanely successful Write a Post, Help a Dog program. In 2010, 391 bloggers wrote about the program; with each post, Pedigree donated 20 lbs of its Healthy Longevity dog food to shelter animals. In all, 7,820 lbs of food was donated to two shelters renowned for their care of senior dogs: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco and Castaway Critters in Harrisburg, Pa.
How you can help in 2011
Simply spread the word about Write a Post, Help a Dog 2011 and once again Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of food for each blogger's post.
Please include the following information in your post (feel free to copy and paste from here):
The Write a Post, Help a Dog program is aimed at raising awareness and food for the more than four million dogs that wind up in shelters and breed rescues each year.
For each blog post mentioning the Pedigree Foundation from now until midnight ET on September 3, Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of its new dry Pedigree recipe food for dogs -- its best recipe ever -- to a shelter, because every dog deserves leading nutrition.
The Pedigree Foundation -- a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to helping dogs by providing grants to shelters and rescues and encouraging dog adoption. This year the Foundation has already raised more than $376,570 against its goal of $1.5 million to carry out its work to fund grants that not only help shelters operate, but to further shelter innovations.
The Pedigree Foundation depends on charitable contributions from individuals to carry out its mission to help dogs find loving homes. In addition to writing a blog post, here's how you can help:
Donate online at http://pedigreefoundation.org/donate.aspx
Apply for a shelter grant from the Pedigree Foundation by completing a form at www.pedigreefoundation.org
Purchase Dogs Rule Gear at www.dogsrulegear.com where the proceeds go to the Pedigree Foundation to help loving dogs find a home. SPECIAL OFFER: Get 10 percent off Dogs Rule Gear by using the promo code BlogPaws10 from August 22 - September 30.
Pedigree is resurrecting its insanely successful Write a Post, Help a Dog program. In 2010, 391 bloggers wrote about the program; with each post, Pedigree donated 20 lbs of its Healthy Longevity dog food to shelter animals. In all, 7,820 lbs of food was donated to two shelters renowned for their care of senior dogs: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco and Castaway Critters in Harrisburg, Pa.How you can help in 2011
Simply spread the word about Write a Post, Help a Dog 2011 and once again Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of food for each blogger's post.
Please include the following information in your post (feel free to copy and paste from here):
The Write a Post, Help a Dog program is aimed at raising awareness and food for the more than four million dogs that wind up in shelters and breed rescues each year.
For each blog post mentioning the Pedigree Foundation from now until midnight ET on September 3, Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of its new dry Pedigree recipe food for dogs -- its best recipe ever -- to a shelter, because every dog deserves leading nutrition.
The Pedigree Foundation -- a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to helping dogs by providing grants to shelters and rescues and encouraging dog adoption. This year the Foundation has already raised more than $376,570 against its goal of $1.5 million to carry out its work to fund grants that not only help shelters operate, but to further shelter innovations.
The Pedigree Foundation depends on charitable contributions from individuals to carry out its mission to help dogs find loving homes. In addition to writing a blog post, here's how you can help:
Donate online at http://pedigreefoundation.org/donate.aspx
Apply for a shelter grant from the Pedigree Foundation by completing a form at www.pedigreefoundation.org
Purchase Dogs Rule Gear at www.dogsrulegear.com where the proceeds go to the Pedigree Foundation to help loving dogs find a home. SPECIAL OFFER: Get 10 percent off Dogs Rule Gear by using the promo code BlogPaws10 from August 22 - September 30.
September 1, 2011
Let the Festival of Excitement Begin!
Well, it's September 1st, and I can finally tell you my exciting announcements!
First...Three Daves has a brand a new cover!!!
The truth is, I was never completely in love with the last one. I thought I was, but it turns out I was just lying to myself. It did a fine job of conveying the three guys and giving an 80s feel, but it was missing femininity and didn't quite capture the fun atmosphere of the story. Months and months after the book came out, I was hit with cover-remorse, and this is one of the reasons I'm so happy to be with a small publisher---they listened, they understood, and they designed an awesome new cover! Ah, but don't worry about the boys---they're very happy in their new position on the back:
Second...the Three Daves
Kindle, Nook, eBook, and ePack are only 99 cents all month!
(as of post time looks like Kindle hasn't implemented the sale price yet, but I promise it will!)
Check out other school-themed titles on sale this month at Omnific Publishing
Third...to celebrate I'm throwing a Blog Blitz!
All month long, I'll be skipping around the blogosphere to do guest posts and have some fun with gracious hosts, including three Jens to each host a Dave! Along the way you'll be subjected to an 80s Hair Band quiz, one-liners, and me coming clean on a few matters. As soon as I get my act together, I'll post the schedule and links on my sidebar. In the meantime, check out this brand new weekly blog hop for authors! You can get more details at the Omnific Publishing blog.
Okay, can I take a breath now?
First...Three Daves has a brand a new cover!!!
The truth is, I was never completely in love with the last one. I thought I was, but it turns out I was just lying to myself. It did a fine job of conveying the three guys and giving an 80s feel, but it was missing femininity and didn't quite capture the fun atmosphere of the story. Months and months after the book came out, I was hit with cover-remorse, and this is one of the reasons I'm so happy to be with a small publisher---they listened, they understood, and they designed an awesome new cover! Ah, but don't worry about the boys---they're very happy in their new position on the back:
Second...the Three Daves
Kindle, Nook, eBook, and ePack are only 99 cents all month!
(as of post time looks like Kindle hasn't implemented the sale price yet, but I promise it will!)
Check out other school-themed titles on sale this month at Omnific PublishingThird...to celebrate I'm throwing a Blog Blitz!
All month long, I'll be skipping around the blogosphere to do guest posts and have some fun with gracious hosts, including three Jens to each host a Dave! Along the way you'll be subjected to an 80s Hair Band quiz, one-liners, and me coming clean on a few matters. As soon as I get my act together, I'll post the schedule and links on my sidebar. In the meantime, check out this brand new weekly blog hop for authors! You can get more details at the Omnific Publishing blog.
Okay, can I take a breath now?
August 30, 2011
Happy Blogaversary, Tara
Before we break out the dip...yesterday I asked what scary things you had planned for the week, but I don't think anyone can top what fellow Omnific Author, Debra Anastasia, just went through. She lost her house to Hurricane Irene (you can read about her harrowing adventure here). The tale ends with much to celebrate - her family is safe and she has an amazingly wonderful attitude. So let the party begin!
Today is Tara Tyler's Blogoversary! To celebrate she's throwing a blog party whereby we each share a favorite party recipe. There's still time to join, if you like. Click on the icon to see who else has yummy stuff posted. Here's my contribution to the partay:
(If you're counting calories, I suggest you read no further.) Ingredients:
8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
2 cans artichoke hearts (in water, not oil) drained and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheeseFresh ground pepper
Serve w/ crackers or bread Directions:
2. Add artichoke hearts, mixing gently. Add cheeses and pepper.
Today is Tara Tyler's Blogoversary! To celebrate she's throwing a blog party whereby we each share a favorite party recipe. There's still time to join, if you like. Click on the icon to see who else has yummy stuff posted. Here's my contribution to the partay:(If you're counting calories, I suggest you read no further.) Ingredients:
8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
2 cans artichoke hearts (in water, not oil) drained and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheeseFresh ground pepper
Serve w/ crackers or bread Directions:
2. Add artichoke hearts, mixing gently. Add cheeses and pepper.
August 29, 2011
The Pits of Hell
Last week I accomplished a life-long goal. It's something I've been intrigued by for a while now, but I was always held back by fear. Yet the desire to do it never faded. And so, on Monday, August 22 in the year 2011, I decided the time had come. I cast aside trepidation and finally went for it. That's right folks---I got my armpits waxed.
And Steve Carell wasn't kidding. It hurt like a Kelly Clarkson.
Seriously though, it wasn't that bad. I was able to keep all screaming on the inside, and each consecutive swipe (FOUR under each arm!) got gradually less painful. At least that's what I'm telling myself now. I'll make no excuses for the demon tweezers that swooped in for clean up though. Still a bit miffed at them.
But the girl promised me the first time's always the worst, and I choose to believe her because it's been SO awesome not having to shave, and I plan to go back for more. Other than some stinging that first night, it's been smooooth sailing. :)
So, what scary things have you got planned for this week?
Is Monday, and time to get hoppin' a the weekly Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop hosted this week by Killian McRae.
And Steve Carell wasn't kidding. It hurt like a Kelly Clarkson.
Seriously though, it wasn't that bad. I was able to keep all screaming on the inside, and each consecutive swipe (FOUR under each arm!) got gradually less painful. At least that's what I'm telling myself now. I'll make no excuses for the demon tweezers that swooped in for clean up though. Still a bit miffed at them.
But the girl promised me the first time's always the worst, and I choose to believe her because it's been SO awesome not having to shave, and I plan to go back for more. Other than some stinging that first night, it's been smooooth sailing. :)
So, what scary things have you got planned for this week?
Is Monday, and time to get hoppin' a the weekly Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop hosted this week by Killian McRae.
August 22, 2011
What I Love About Indie Publishers
Authors have so many ways to go about getting published these days, each way having its own special factors to consider. I honestly hadn't done a whole lot of research on publishing before I signed a contract for my book. Everything seemed to fall into place nicely with my indie publisher, and so I took that leap of faith.
I've learned more about the publishing industry since getting my book out there and networking with other writers, but I'm still no expert on comparing and contrasting all the options. I can, however, share with you some of the aspects I like about being with a smaller, independent publishing house.
I'll have to wait until September 1 to tell you about two things that currently have me head over heels for my particular publisher *eyebrows*eyebrows*eyebrows* but one factor I can tell you about right now:
At my indie publisher, I've lucked into an automatic support system of "sister" and "brother" authors. With a smaller stable of authors, there seems to be a we're-all-in-this-together attitude rather than an atmosphere of competition. We applaud each others' successes and openly share what's worked and what hasn't. When an author reaches out a hand for help, a dozen grasp back to pull her or him up. Actually, that doesn't stop at the authors---the editors and marketing staff are right in there too.
It's a lot like what I've found in the blogging community, and it was the patient guidance of my Omnific Publishing comrades that gave me the boost I needed to navigate the intimidating on-line social networking scene---like Lisa Sanchez providing me with much needed structure for my blogging habits with the Meet an Author Monday weekly blog hop, and getting showered with #FF love from Omni-family on Twitter Fridays (even though I've been a horrible slouch in that department---I'll do better!).
Here's another example of the kind of support I'm talking about. In the midst of all she's got going on, Carol Oates, fellow Omnific Publishing author of Young Adult, has recently read and reviewed my book! And what a lovely review it is. :) Jennifer Lane and Jessica McQuinn have done the same in the past, and I get a HUGE grin on my face every time.
Now, how about a little support from me to a sister? Carol recently uploaded her short story Unfinished, to Smashwords so you can sample her beautiful work for free!
And now,
Happy Hopping!
I've learned more about the publishing industry since getting my book out there and networking with other writers, but I'm still no expert on comparing and contrasting all the options. I can, however, share with you some of the aspects I like about being with a smaller, independent publishing house.
I'll have to wait until September 1 to tell you about two things that currently have me head over heels for my particular publisher *eyebrows*eyebrows*eyebrows* but one factor I can tell you about right now:
At my indie publisher, I've lucked into an automatic support system of "sister" and "brother" authors. With a smaller stable of authors, there seems to be a we're-all-in-this-together attitude rather than an atmosphere of competition. We applaud each others' successes and openly share what's worked and what hasn't. When an author reaches out a hand for help, a dozen grasp back to pull her or him up. Actually, that doesn't stop at the authors---the editors and marketing staff are right in there too.
It's a lot like what I've found in the blogging community, and it was the patient guidance of my Omnific Publishing comrades that gave me the boost I needed to navigate the intimidating on-line social networking scene---like Lisa Sanchez providing me with much needed structure for my blogging habits with the Meet an Author Monday weekly blog hop, and getting showered with #FF love from Omni-family on Twitter Fridays (even though I've been a horrible slouch in that department---I'll do better!).
Here's another example of the kind of support I'm talking about. In the midst of all she's got going on, Carol Oates, fellow Omnific Publishing author of Young Adult, has recently read and reviewed my book! And what a lovely review it is. :) Jennifer Lane and Jessica McQuinn have done the same in the past, and I get a HUGE grin on my face every time.
Now, how about a little support from me to a sister? Carol recently uploaded her short story Unfinished, to Smashwords so you can sample her beautiful work for free!
And now, Happy Hopping!
