Angela Kay Austin's Blog, page 9
August 30, 2014
Red Rose Publishing Down and Out
It really saddens me to have to post this, but I’m posting it for many reasons, the main one being that of a cautionary tale.
Currently, I have books published with three Digital First Print publishers: Red Rose Publishing, MuseItUP Publishing, and Vanilla Heart Publishing.
Red Rose Publishing was my first publisher. That was the publisher who sent me my first contract, and my very first royalty check. That was the publisher that taught me what line edits, content edits, and the cover art process were all about.
But, unfortunately, it’s also the publisher that has taught me a sad lesson of misplaced trust. I trusted RRP to announce business troubles, and to announce changes, collect monies, and distribute royalties fairly.
However, as bounced back emails, dead websites, inactive yahoo groups have proven, sometimes, you cannot offer your trust based on years of work and partnership.
As I sit staring at my very first contract, I’m wondering what should I do…
There’s really nothing to do, but to continue to send letters to book distributors notifying them of copyright infringement until every last ebook and print book I had under contract with RRP has been removed.
Sometimes, it’s really sad to take a look behind the curtain and learn that what’s there is a big red eyed monster waiting to steal everything you love from you.
Red Rose Publishing
It really saddens me to have to post this, but I’m posting it for many reasons, the main one being that of a cautionary tale.
Currently, I have books published with three Digital First Print publishers: Red Rose Publishing, MuseItUP Publishing, and Vanilla Heart Publishing.
Red Rose Publishing was my first publisher. That was the publisher who sent me my first contract, and my very first royalty check. That was the publisher that taught me what line edits, content edits, and the cover art process were all about.
But, unfortunately, it’s also the publisher that has taught me a sad lesson of misplaced trust. I trusted RRP to announce business troubles, and to announce changes, collect monies, and distribute royalties fairly.
However, as bounced back emails, dead websites, inactive yahoo groups have proven, sometimes, you cannot offer your trust based on years of work and partnership.
As I sit staring at my very first contract, I’m wondering what should I do…
There’s really nothing to do, but to continue to send letters to book distributors notifying them of copyright infringement until every last ebook and print book I had under contract with RRP has been removed.
Sometimes, it’s really sad to take a look behind the curtain and learn that what’s there is a big red eyed monster waiting to steal everything you love from you.
August 23, 2014
How to use emotion in your story with Guest Author — S.S. Hampton, SR.
My guest this week is S. S. Hampton, SR., discusses his new book with me. But, he also shares why authors should tap into their own emotion, and how they can use it in their writing.
BLURB: An engineer dedicated to saving Venice from the rising seas, fails in his task. As a severe storm and high tides threaten to burst through the flood walls, he resolves to remain in Venice with a ghostly lover who claimed his heart years before. A woman from his staff who loves him, does not evacuate, but remains to battle his ghostly lover before he dies in a sinking Venice…
Guest Author — S.S. Hampton, SR.
My guest this week is S. S. Hampton, SR., discusses his new book with me. But, he also shares why authors should tap into their own emotion, and how they can use it in their writing.
BLURB: An engineer dedicated to saving Venice from the rising seas, fails in his task. As a severe storm and high tides threaten to burst through the flood walls, he resolves to remain in Venice with a ghostly lover who claimed his heart years before. A woman from his staff who loves him, does not evacuate, but remains to battle his ghostly lover before he dies in a sinking Venice…
June 24, 2014
Is there a benefit to a writing group?
Writing groups? What do you think of them?
I’ve been pretty skeptical of them for a very long time. They have been pretty hit or miss for me. Probably much the same as critique groups. At the moment, the majority of the groups I’m a part of are online. But, like critique groups and contests, I’ve been considering changing my stance on them, too.
I’ve met some great local authors, and I’m the idea of creating a local author network which meets to discuss writing, promotion, and generally keeping your momentum going in a positive verses negative direction would be great. Whether you’re trying to get over a rejection letter or want to brainstorm about a story idea having group to discuss it with over a cup of coffee would be sensational.
What do you think of writing groups? Yes or no?
June 21, 2014
Guest Author — Rosemary Morris
This week Rosemary Morris joins me to discuss her incredibly interesting life, and her work. Now that I’ve met her, I want to know so so much more about her. Also, I have to say…research sparks my imagination, too! I am currently working on a historical novel, and it is amazing how much I’ve enjoyed the research, and twisting it all to fit the world that I’ve created for my characters.
Rosemary’s books sound intriguing, and I am interested in learning more about her and her writing. I hope that you’ll join us at Romancing the Pen.
June 15, 2014
Guest author — Suzanne de Montigny
My guest this week will be Suzanne de Montigny. She drops by to discuss with us to discuss her latest release from MuseItUp Publishing.
Here’s the blurb:
How did the Legacy of Azaria transform into the world fear it has, the unicorns barely existing hidden in the depths of the forest? Why is Icharus, the Great Stallion, so cruel and ruthless? And who is Jaresh, the invisible being who takes away their powers? Angry, the young colt Ulysees and his friend Téo rebel, following an abandoned trail where they’re discovered by humans. Now the entire herd must make an exodus. But Ulysees finds out there’s more danger then just humans when he meets a giant creature who warns them of impending doom…
Join us at Romancing the Pen for more.
May 24, 2014
Guest author — Chuck Bowie
As I tackle my first series, some of the pointers Chuck Bowie shares with my readers seem so obvious, but obvious or not, they are so easily overlooked when writing. As a writer, you have things you want to happen, and you simply make them happen. But, as a reader when things happen without explanation, you tend to lose faith in the writer, and look for an author who will tell you stories you will believe.
Join us this week at Romancing the Pen, and tell us what you think about your favorite series.
May 17, 2014
Guest Author — Margaret Fieland
This week, Margaret joins me to discuss how her father’s influence on her as a child affected her writing as an adult.
I love reading stories like this one. Because I know my parents and my family influenced my writing. It’s been fun getting to know Margaret.
Join us over at Romancing the Pen!
May 6, 2014
#BrendaNovak Auction for Diabetes Research
If you’ve been following my writing career, you know that a huge part of my writing, my books is about family. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a Southern born woman, or maybe it’s just that I love my family. And many of them have Diabetes. Some are required to take insulin and others pills, but they are all living with Diabetes every day.
I didn’t really think much about Diabetes because my loved ones all manage it well. They have all been living otherwise healthy lives. But, then someone I knew passed away, after being diagnosed diabetic. That shock woke me from my warm little cocoon. Diabetes is still a disease that dramatically impacts lives of people I know and love.
I hope you will join me in supporting Brenda Novak’s auction to support Diabetes research.
I have donated a copy of my book, Rumer + a gift card from Edible Delights, as well as, joined with other authors from From the Heart Romance Writers and donated a copy of my book, Sweet Victory. Maybe one of the giveaways will appeal to you.
Bid on a big bundle of books from authors of From the Heart Romance Writers
If we don’t have something you like, take a look at the other wonderful items that are a part of the auction. I’m sure you’ll find something that you’ll like!
