Tina O'Hailey's Blog, page 5
August 20, 2020
Stretching that Marketing $ & Time
Shocking truth: I do not have a lot of money nor time to spare.
You too? Small world. So, when I find something that actually makes my life easier—I’m going to shout that to the roof tops. Hope this helps.
I have limited internet hotspot – to boot. Once a month, when I have extra data left over (today), I troll through Pixabay or other royalty free image website to download a stockpile of images for the next marketing push on my books.
It takes time. I happen to know photoshop and all of the tools. Even with that—I’m slow on the graphic design and let us return to the topic of time. If there’s a faster way to do something—by all means—do it.
I’ve looked into those websites that allow you to upload your book cover and they’ll give you a template to download. There’s a lot of scrolling, and picking, and then let us return to the topic of $. Those websites are generally subscription based @ $20 or so a month. Not too bad for a 6 month marketing window—but is there anything better?
I received an email from MockUp Shots and gave them a whirl. OK. Wow! Firstly, there is one lifetime fee (for as long as the fellow stays in business) and not a monthly subscription. Secondly, no scrolling and digging and picking. All you do is upload your cover once. The website scripts creates ALL of the mock ups in one go. Download the ones you like. That’s it. Saving time and money. There’s even gifs and video trailers!
[image error]Gif from MockUp Shots
Though I haven’t been able to get the video portion to work – just yet. To that – I did have a bug and couldn’t use the site at first. I sent in a tech support ticket and CJ fixed it in seconds. A bug having to do with the ” ‘ ” in my name. Happens more than you think, but that was the quickest fix I’ve ever seen.
[image error]Book Series by MockUp Shots
My problem now is I have so many images to choose from. A good problem to have.
The hour I had dedicated to finding images I spent joining their affiliated program and writing this post! And I have 45 minutes to spare.
Use this link to get a discount on the lifetime access to this site. https://www.mockupshots.com/special-deal
Enjoy your extra time!!
…tina
UPDATE: the video feature is only a week old, so the abstract videos have a bug that should be sorted out by next week. The other—more developed—videos work fine.
June 19, 2020
When Darkness Begins – Now on AUDIBLE!!
It’s an amazing feeling to open up your email and find that your book just launched on Audible! I didn’t even know it was in production. I can’t wait to hear it. Now if only I could need to drive somewhere. Guess I’ll have to listen in the hammock.
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You can get it here:https://www.amazon.com/When-Darkness-Begins-Universe/dp/B08B171Y9Y
Super big thanks to my publisher Black Rose Writing.
What are reviewers saying about
When Darkness Begins?
Epic. Unique. In-depth. Mesmerizing.
Brilliant. Beautiful. Awesome.
Fast-paced. Captivating. Magnificent. Engrossing.
Read more great reviews here: https://coffeediem.wordpress.com/interviews-excerpts/
June 16, 2020
Book giveaway!
Heads up Paranormal Romance readers – My publisher is giving away copies of Absolute Darkness and some other great reads:
Want to win a book?
How about 2?
Kindle copies of Absolute Darkness are being given way
+ a #paperback copy of Teri Polen’s book “Sarah”
1 person wins ALL THE BOOKS!
Enter to win: https://authorsxp.com/win-ebooks
#freebooks #freebies #paranormalromance #givemethebooks #amreading @brwpublisher
May 29, 2020
The party is over – but you can still win a free book!
The party is over – but you can still win a free book!
Shout out to all that came to When Darkness Begins launch party.
Did you miss it?
You can still register for the book give-a-way. Ends @ 12 EST. https://tinyurl.com/ybu3xboh
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#YA #BookBoost #BookLovers #Fantasy #indieauthor #FreeBooks #bookGiveaway #kindle #timetravel #yabooks
When Darkness Begins Book Launch Party @ 5pm EST on FB!!
Book Launch Party (No mask required)
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Come on over to my book launch party!
Starts @ 5pm EST. May 29, 2020
Free book give-a-way!
How creepy: Get in the van—I have books.
https://buff.ly/2ACMRZH
We just wrapped a 7 day blog tour and now we’re celebrating the launch of my latest book: When Darkness Begins. A YA fantasy, part of the Darkness Universe novels. Prequel, yet a stand-alone read, to Absolute Darkness.
Here are some of the blog tour reviews:
“A writer of whom young adults could become real fans.
I really enjoyed the originality of the tale, and would like to go on to read the novel which spawned this prequel. Or sequel. Whatever!” #timetravel
@andrew_deane https://tinyurl.com/y7ndtuj7 #YA @brwpublisher
“It’s in depth, packed to the brim, and will have your brain ticking for a long while”
“An intriguing novel, that kicks one hell of an interesting universe off.” “ I love when an author thinks of something wildly unusual, and if you do too, I’d recommend this.”
@vaainradical https://tinyurl.com/yc5syw4e @brwpublisher
“If you are looking for a unique fantasy story that is mesmerizing and poignant, you will want to pick up this book.”
“A unique fantasy story that will have you looking in the shadows for beings who can leap through time with a mere thought.”
@TPulyer https://tinyurl.com/ydhg2c7t
“The fascinating world Tina O’Hailey has invented is vividly described and though obviously fantasy, it is somehow believable. I’m really looking forward to discovering what else lies in store for Alexander but really enjoyed this invaluable look at his past, and the history of his people. Ingenious, offbeat and engaging – I’m definitely a fan of this series.”
@karlou https://tinyurl.com/ycjcs5jy
“This was such a brilliant read. I really enjoyed it and I am going to be reading the next one. The ending was just beautiful. “There is no nothingness… There is only oneness of everything.” It was so unexpected but made so much sense. If you love books on time travel or time travel theories, then you absolutely must read this!”
@lecari https://tinyurl.com/y9n74cx9
“STOP. GO BUY WHEN DARKNESS BEGINS. AND ENJOY THE HECK OUT OF IT LIKE I DID!!!!
Okay, okay, that isnt really a review but what more can I say? This was an awesome, unique novel where time becomes the MC and it had such a creative take on vampires. Everything about this story was refreshing. I couldn’t put it down.”
” This was an awesome, unique novel where time becomes the MC and it had such a creative take on vampires. “
@jessicaxbelmont https://tinyurl.com/yd7vexhe
“I enjoyed my travels through time while reading this. An enormous world. The ending was amazing. …fabulous descriptions “
@books_and_geek https://tinyurl.com/yawu6q5j
Amazon Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/When-Darkness-Begins-Universe/dp/1684334950
Amazon Kindle (US): https://www.amazon.com/When-Darkness-Begins-Universe-Book-ebook/dp/B085F35V4G
Audible: (COMING SOON)
Amazon Paperback (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Darkness-Begins-Universe/dp/1684334950
Amazon Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Darkness-Begins-Universe-Book-ebook/dp/B085F35V4G
Paperback from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-darkness-begins-tina-ohailey/1136397254
May 26, 2020
When Darkness Begins Blog tour wrap-up
Wow – that blog tour was a wild ride. Below is a list of the whole tour filled with extracts, interviews, and AMAZING reviews! I’m just beaming with happiness.
The book launches on Thursday, May 28th and I’ll have an online FB launch party on Friday, May 29th, (5pm EST). (https://www.facebook.com/events/2699658873596795/)
Grab yourself a copy of When Darkness Begins and let me know what you think via a review (themz hugz for authors).
US: https://tinyurl.com/ych2kb7r
UK: https://tinyurl.com/y8824kbb
Click to view slideshow.
ayjaypagefarerbookblog – Review
Splashes Into Books – Interview
Radzy Writes – Review
Whispering Stories – Interview
Novel Kicks – Extract
Tessa Talks Books – Review
Hair Past A Freckle – Review
The Magic Of Wor(l)ds – Interview
Lecari’s Livejournal 2.0 – Review
Jessica Belmont – Review
BetweenTheLines – Extract
donnasbookblog – Interview
Books and Geekiness – Review
Joseph Carrabis – Video interview
B for bookreview – Interview
Jazzy Book Reviews – Review
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Extract
Entertainingly nerdy – Extract
On The Shelf Reviews – Interview
May 23, 2020
Recap of Book Tour | Day 5 of 7 | (No Mask Required) | When Darkness Begins
[image error]We’re five days into the book tour and I am ever so thankful for the glowing reviews, the insightful interview questions, and the overwhelming support. If you’re just tuning in – here’s a recap of what these amazing bloggers had to say, plus where to find the interviews and book extracts.
“STOP. GO BUY WHEN DARKNESS BEGINS.
AND ENJOY THE HECK OUT OF IT LIKE I DID!!!!
Okay, okay, that isn’t really a review but what more can I say?
” This was an awesome, unique novel where time becomes the MC and
it had such a creative take on vampires. “
@jessicaxbelmont https://tinyurl.com/yd7vexhe
“A writer of whom young adults could become real fans.
I really enjoyed the originality of the tale, and would like to go on to read the novel which spawned this prequel. Or sequel. Whatever!” #timetravel
@andrew_deane https://tinyurl.com/y7ndtuj7
“It’s in depth, packed to the brim, and will have your brain ticking for a long while”
“An intriguing novel, that kicks one hell of an interesting universe off.”
“ I love when an author thinks of something wildly unusual,
and if you do too, I’d recommend this.”
@vaainradical https://tinyurl.com/yc5syw4e @brwpublisher
“If you are looking for a unique fantasy story that is mesmerizing and poignant,
you will want to pick up this book.”
“A unique fantasy story that will have you looking in the shadows for beings who can leap through time with a mere thought.”
@TPulyer https://tinyurl.com/ydhg2c7t
“The fascinating world Tina O’Hailey has invented is vividly described and though obviously fantasy, it is somehow believable.
I’m really looking forward to discovering what else lies in store for Alexander but really enjoyed this invaluable look at his past, and the history of his people.
Ingenious, offbeat and engaging – I’m definitely a fan of this series.”
@karlou https://tinyurl.com/ycjcs5jy
“This was such a brilliant read. I really enjoyed it
and I am going to be reading the next one. The ending was just beautiful.
If you love books on time travel or time travel theories,
then you absolutely must read this!”
@lecari https://tinyurl.com/y9n74cx9
“I enjoyed my travels through time while reading this. An enormous world.
The ending was amazing. …fabulous descriptions “
@books_and_geek https://tinyurl.com/yawu6q5j
Extracts from the book:
https://www.novelkicks.co.uk/book-extract-when-darkness-begins-by-tina-ohailey/
https://betweenthelinesbookblog.com/2020/05/22/extract-from-when-darkness-begins-by-tina-ohailey-fantasy-tohailey-blogtour-rararesources-fridayreads/
Author interviews:
https://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/ai-tina-ohailey/
https://whisperingstories.com/invisible-friends-tina-ohailey-guest-post
https://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/blogtour-rachelsrandomresources-rararesources-qandas-when-darkness-begins-tina-ohailey-tohailey/
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/23/blogtour-authorinterview-for-when-darkness-begins-by-tina-ohailey-rararesources/
https://josephcarrabis.com/2020/05/23/17-or-so-minutes-with-author-tina-ohailey/
(A video interview)
None of this would be possible without Rachel from https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/ She puts together these blog tours and keeps me organized. I just collect the tweets, cry, laugh, drink coffee, and want to hug this woman who is on the other side of the big blue pond from me. Shout out to Rachel.
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May 11, 2020
My book tour starts next week & you don’t have to wear a mask! (When Darkness Begins)
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Once again, Rachel, the amazing, has pulled together a wonderful virtual blog tour that begins next week (May19 – 25): https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/when-darkness-begins
Every day there will be excerpts, interviews, even a video interview that lead up to the book launch on May 28th. (US: https://tinyurl.com/skcnw8j UK: https://tinyurl.com/y8824kbb)
I’m going to celebrate with an online FB launch party (BYOB) (book, bottle, or both) May 29th, 5pm EST. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2699658873596795/
How does a FB party work? Simply go to the main FB page ( https://www.facebook.com/DarknessUniverseBooks) during the party (5pm – 7pm). I’ll do live-streaming, there will be Q&A posts, give-a-ways, and just general having fun.
We can call this the introvert’s book launch! You don’t even have to wear a mask! I don’t have to leave the mountain. I have to say after all of this—I’ve become even more reclusive and introverted than before. How is that even possible? I’ll get more writing done. 
April 14, 2020
Launching a book during a quarantine
[image error]My last book, Absolute Darkness—after months of planning a launch—happened to come out during that fateful time that 15 boys and their coach were trapped in a water-filled cave. Absolute Darkness features cave-diving and the hook was who would die in a water filled cave. Needless to say, I cringed and did not push too hard on the marketing at the time—I was too busy losing sleep over the boys and the extremely talented and brave rescuers who successfully retrieved the 16 souls, and in some cases, gave up their own lives to do so.
Here we are all sheltered in place in our homes, watching the world battle a nearly invisible foe that is changing the way we live daily. And in the midst of that, I have a book coming out. When Darkness Begins releasing on May 28th.
My hope is that by the end of May perhaps we will not hit a second wave, we will be returned to a way of life that is something like normal. Though, I suspect it will involve blood tests, fever checks, face masks, and suspicion of people. I hope not. I read too much sci-fi. …and imagine it.
Due to everything that is going on I just haven’t been able to get revved up about the book launch, marketing, tweeting, etc. But today, I received a really nice hug from an author friend. A review. Nothing feels better and more lovely to know that someone read and enjoyed your work. Makes me almost cry.
Hug an author friend today—leave them a review. Hugs to all – but a 6 ft social distanced safe and virtual hug.
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3280348792
“When Darkness Begins is a captivating journey where time itself becomes a central character. The Vechey – who share more than a few traits with vampires – are charged with the eternal task of preserving time from those who wish to destroy it. But despite this all-important task, the Vechey still feel human emotions and at least one will risk all for love. When Darkness Begins works on multiple levels, extending beyond the bounds of fantasy with a gentle heart at its center.”—Joe Swope Author of Disturbed
(https://www.amazon.com/Disturbed-Joseph-J-Swope-ebook/dp/B07D8HW7R7)
…tina
February 8, 2020
Where to get YOUR copy of When Darkness Begins?
Book two in the Darkness Universe.
Prequel to Absolute Darkness.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy. (Can be read as a stand alone novel.)
Available May 28, 2020
PREORDER Paperback from publisher:
Use the promo code PREORDER2020 for a 15% discount.https://tinyurl.com/s9jmk84
Amazon Kindle: (COMING SOON)
Audible: (COMING SOON)
Paperback from Barnes & Noble: (COMING SOON)
Available in many other online bookstores around the world listed here (COMING SOON)
If you could change time to save your first love—even if it meant turning your back on the universe—would you?
It is time for the Vechey youth to earn their place as time-guardians. The near-immortal Vechey protect the universe from the devastating Manipulators—devourers of souls, mindless seekers of chaos. First, the youth must survive a mysterious and deadly ritual created by the all-powerful clan leader Eterili. Having regenerated thousands of times with the birth of each universe, Eterili is taking this one as hers and bending all in it to her grand designs.
Catha’s time-slipping skills are underdeveloped. She is time-blind—unable to see through time, unable to protect herself from the ritual. The Vechey shun her for being different. Her parents ignore her as if she were already dead.
Aithagg loves Catha unconditionally and will do anything to save her. He tries desperately to unlock the ritual’s mysteries and find a way to help Catha survive with him. Or will saving Catha enable the Manipulators to destroy the universe?
Reviews from blog tour & advance readers:
(https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/absolute-darkness)
“When Darkness Begins is a fascinating story that is gorgeously told through the lens of eerie and ethereal characters, with a weaving and shifting of time and place that feels epic and biblical.” —Hannah R. Goodman, author of Till It Stops Beating
“If you loved ABSOLUTE DARKNESS by Tina O’Hailey, then its predecessor WHEN DARKNESS BEGINS is a must-read! This intricately detailed tale goes to the root of the story of Alexander and explains the beginnings of his vampire-like people, the Vechey, and the complexities of their way of life. I was enthralled with learning of Alexander’s background, including the stories of his creator, the fate of his sibling, the dark presence of the ever-present Manipulator, and especially his fiercely loyal spirit as he experienced his first love Catha despite the rejection and despair of her family and the tribe because she was ‘different’. Alexander doesn’t ask her to conform but accepts and loves her because of her uniqueness, something we should all learn to do. WHEN DARKNESS BEGINS is a quick read with an underlying theme of hope, love, and acceptance intermixed with a compelling dark passion of paranormal fantasy that captures you from the start. This is one to put on your to-read list!”—Kristen L. Jackson, Author of the KEEPER OF THE WATCH Series
Remember – Please leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads and/or BookBub!! Tell your friends. Help spread the word about this unique series.
