Kristie Cook's Blog, page 51

Tailgating for the Virtual Release Party

The official Virtual Release Party for Promise doesn't start until Saturday... What?!? This Saturday?! I can't freakin' believe it's already here! Holy crap! I have nothing to wear. I haven't even started packing for the tour.
*deep breaths*
Oh, yeah, it's virtual. I don't have to wear or pack anything. And neither do you. We can all sit at our computers naked if we'd like. Of course, if you're at home. Not recommended anywhere else. And no web cams please. Because when you win a prize, I...

Teaser Tuesday

A very special tease, just in time for the party to start this weekend. Let me know what you think!
*Of all the pics in the whole video, why YouTube put this one as the cover is beyond me. I mean, I love the photo, but not sure it's best as cover. It's being changed. So enjoy it for now. :)

Monday Marketing - Part 2: The Mix

The Mix...no, we're not talking about drinks. Or even cupcake or brownie batter. Sorry. But if you hang in there, I'll serve brownies at the end. As for the drinks...geez, peeps, it's only Monday! And not even noon! Well, maybe by the time you're reading this, in which case I hope you are enjoying your drink, whether mixed or not.
Today's mix is The Marketing Mix. Yes, with caps. Because it's that important. The Marketing Mix is the foundation of marketing. And what we'll be primarily focused ...

Virtual Release Party & Blog Tour

You may see that the top of the page looks a little more crowded than it did last time you were here. That's because I've added a couple of extra pages for Promise's release. So check those out - lots of prizes and fun all week long.
I'll let you get back to the Blogfest of Death now. No, I didn't play this time. Too much going on and I would have to write something special for it. My death scenes are crucial parts of my WIPs and I wouldn't want to give anything away!
Enjoy the rest of your...

Five for Friday

What a moron! Flake, idiot, dork, dumbass. That's me. Somehow, I totally missed Tuesday this week. Where did it go? *searches around* Huh, there it is. Right where it should be. On the calendar three days ago. And I didn't post a Teaser Tuesday. Oops.
I shall make up for it now and combine it with Five for Friday...because I'm about to miss Friday, too. Gasp! No. Skipping. Friday! Second best day of the week (I get to sleep in on Saturdays, so it's like Friday but better).
I don't know that...

How to Prepare for a Writing Marathon

Last week, I challenged you to a writing marathon. Thanks to everyone who participated! Not only was it a great and much needed kick-in-the-ass to get some words weaved, but it also got me back into the WIP. I've been excited to write every night this week.
For future challenges, or if you just want to have your own writing weekend, here are some tips to keep you strong and focused:
Stay hydrated! Water is good, but coffee's even better. Or tea. Or wine or beer. Whatever your fancy. Just drink ...

Monday Marketing - Part 1: But I Just Want to Write!

Many moons ago, I wrote about the many steps and tasks it takes to publish a book (read it here, if you care to). These were all the boring technical parts, like obtaining ISBNs, registering with Books in Print and the Library of Congress, copyrighting, selecting a printer, blah blah blah. Most (if not all) of which a publisher does for the author. When you publish yourself, then you have to do it.
I had also promised another post about the many steps and tasks it takes to market a book. And n...

And...Time Is Up!

Whew! The writing challenge is over! And I'm WIPped! But I'm quite proud of myself for focusing so intently. I nearly hit my goal and I finally feel a sense of accomplishment when it comes to the WIP.
I have to say, knowing you were all out there was a big motivator. Especially all you first-drafters. To me, the brain dump of the first draft is like driving on an open highway, enjoying wherever the story takes you, the words flying out of the fingers at 90 miles per hour. But trying to fill...

Five for Friday (With a Challenge!)

First, a word from our sponsor: Today is the last day to pre-order Promise. If you want a signed copy delivered by the release date of July 30, we must have your order by today. Order here.
Ok, now back to regularly scheduled programming: Five for Friday
Book release + dayjob + herd of teens + everyday crap = Very little writing done on Purpose 
For my new friends, Purpose is a little over 2/3 written and has been revised, rewritten, edited, proofed, etc.,...until I broke it away into a...

Can't Stop Grinning

*I started writing this on Thursday. Took me all day. Now it's technically Friday. Oh, well. Sorry I'm a little late. (Serves chocolate and cupcakes to bribe your forgiveness.) The reviews are coming in and I can't help the huge grin, even if I look a little psychotic. But there's nothing like feeling this kind of love. Just after I posted review snippets over on the Promise website, another reviewer left a comment full of awesomesauce. See it all here. As these have been coming in over the...