H.M. Ward's Blog, page 11
August 8, 2015
Is THE ARRANGEMENT by HM Ward a Series? Tell me! I needz to know!
*Recently updated – this post originally appeared in 2013. I updated it with current pics.*
To all the people out there who told me that you aren’t readers, I want to tell you that NOW YOU ARE! You’ve read over 2,600 pages in THE ARRANGEMENT series alone. If you read the other Ferro books, you passed that!
Whoop! Whoop! Reading is fun when you enjoy what you’re reading. I’m so glad so many people love the Ferro family! To date we’ve sold over 10 MILLION copies worldwide. That is a lotta readers. Keep on reading!
IS THE ARRANGEMENT A SERIES?
I’ve been getting emails from awesome fans who are curious about THE ARRANGEMENT series. It has a huge fan base – hundreds of thousands of people – and lots of new readers. Many of you already noticed, but some haven’t so I wanted to make it clear.
Yes, THE ARRANGEMENT is a series.
There’s some confusion over what that means. My serials are not one book slashed into pieces. I know some writers do that, but I don’t. I’ve actually been asked to speak about the construction of my serials at several writer’s conferences next year, because the way they’re written is unique. Quite frankly, if I took CURSED and slashed it into pieces, it would suck. But, that’s another topic, so I won’t go into that right now.
IS THE ARRANGEMENT ONE BOOK BROKEN INTO PARTS?
NO. Pictures help make it more obvious that THE ARRANGEMENT is not one book broken into volumes. For one, it’s too big. eBooks are amazing, but the tactile sense of reading is lost. If a book holds my attention and I love the story, the time taken to read it flies by and I have no idea how many pages I read. That doesn’t happen with paper. It’s easy to see how much I read and where the end is, so I took a few pics for the ereader fans.
The stack of books on the left is the Arrangement series 1-20. The series is over 2,600 PAGES LONG (as of Aug 2015).
Cursed is on the right, and is one of my full length novels. It’s the 2nd book in the Demon Kissed series and is about the same size as Damaged and Stripped (both are novels). Some of my novels are a bit longer, some are shorter, but it’s average novel length for me (and most romances.)
So, if THE ARRANGEMENT series were presented in novel format, they’d be onto their 9th novel at this point in time. Every 2-2.5 volumes is about novel length. The Arrangement is a series the same way DEMON KISSED is a series. Multiple books tell the story, but these come out way faster.
WHY WAS THIS STORY WRITTEN AS A SERIES OF NOVELLAS?
(Uh, *raises hand* What’s a novella?) A novella is a short novel. It’s longer than a short story (think magazine), and mine are usually 100-130 pages in length.
This story was told as a series of novellas because there are readers who like this format, a lot. Plus, this format has perks that novels don’t have.
Here are the main serial novella perks:
They come out faster and the reader only has to wait 4-6 weeks instead of 8 months. Waiting 8 months for the next title from my favorite author sucks. Most of my fav authors put out 1 novel a year. I hate that. I want more. Now. Series like THE ARRANGEMENT offer that desire for new titles quickly.
Serials are less risky for the reader. If I like it, I keep reading and one book didn’t eat up a ton of time.
They give the reader the option to read something new between novel releases.
Serials are less daunting. If someone hands you a huge ass book, it can be intimidating. Novella length books don’t typically present that apprehension.
They’re fast and fun. This kind of book is supposed to be fun, and not take a lot of effort, which is why lots of people love them.
THE ARRANGEMENT series was originally written for fans to have something to read between novels. Then it became a fan-driven series where the fans’ comments are actually affecting the story line. It’s become an organic story, and is way cooler than anything I dreamed up when I started.
A note about it from a fan:
“It costs approximately the same price PER PAGE for an Arrangement serial (in e-format) as is does for a 50 shades novel (in e-format). Considering that you can fit about 4 Arrangement serials into one 50 Shades novel (page count and total $) and that 50 Shades was a trilogy, we can EASILY make it to 12 books and reach the same total price and page volume as 50 Shades!
If you think of books like the Crossfire series, which will probably go onto 5 books (and is more expensive per page), we could make it to 21 Arrangement serials and not go over the Crossfire budget!!! (At the time Crossfire was a trilogy, it has since been added to due to the popularity of the series).” -MelanieAnne
WILL IT BE BUNDLED INTO ONE BOOK?
Right now there are no plans to bundle, but there are plans for the series to go on sale like the rest of my titles. At one point the entire series was in KU. The entire series was on sale for 99 cents each one Christmas.
All the titles go on sale at some point, so keep your eyes glued to the facebook page to make sure you don’t miss it. Massive sale alerts also go out via email, so make sure you’re on that list. (Text AWESOMEBOOKS – 1 word – to 22828 or click here to get on the list).
And, I know you’re all going to ask, so here it is: THE ARRANGEMENT Vol. 20 will be out on Monday! Yippie! No, it’s not the final book in the series. I’ll make a huge post when the final volume comes out.
DO I HAVE TO READ EVERY SINGLE FERRO SERIES TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?
NO, you don’t. Each series is stand alone. That means you can read DAMAGED and skip STRIPPED and you won’t be lost if you pick up THE PROPOSITION (Bryan Ferro’s story) which is complete as of 2015.
It’s totally okay to know one brother better than the rest.
If you hate cliffhangers, stay away from novella series in progress like THE ARRANGEMENT.
Series (novels & novellas) that are already completed include:
DAMAGED
THE PROPOSITION
SECRETS
THE SECRET LIFE OF TRYSTAN SCOTT
DEMON KISSED
THE WEDDING CONTRACT
SCANDALOUS
SECOND CHANCES
SHADOWS OF THE PAST
Series about to conclude:
LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED (Peter Ferro’s back story)
DID YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE OVER 20 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES WHEN YOU STARTED IT?
No, not all. I’d planned a 4 book series originally. After book 3 came out, I offered the fans the opportunity to become involved in the flow of the storyline. Since there was still so much story to tell and you guys wanted more, I agreed.
One thing that I want to make clear is that at some point authors want to move onto other things. THE ARRANGEMENT was an experiment with messed up characters, an entire cast of them, and dealt with a topic that most people wouldn’t touch. Add in the fan driven element and it’s been a wild ride and completely amazing. But if I’m still writing this series in 4 years, I’ll poke my eyes out. True story. I’m not writing Sean and Avery into the ground where I can’t stand them anymore. Many authors are so sick of their characters by the time the end of a series comes around. I don’t want that to happen here.
As of ARRANGEMENT 20, it should be very clear we’re heading into the homestretch. There will be a vote coming up soon, so make sure you’re on the email list. You’ll want to be in it!
Disclaimer: Mr. Turkey and his likeness may not be reproduced cuz even if u try, u can’t pull off coolness like this! Fo’ shizzle!
Mr. Turkey’s Disclaimer: Just because you see me with my face in Sean’s book does not imply that I advocate the actions of said person in any shape or form. I was just really into the book. I may have swallowed a page, I’m not sure. In short, I still hate Sean Ferro.
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July 21, 2015
HM WARD signing at RWA in NYC TODAY! Get your face signed!
Meet NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD at RWA in NEW YORK CITY TODAY!
This event is FREE to attend and all proceeds from book sales go to literacy charities. Win-win! All books must be purchased on site (i.e. no books from home are permitted).
The first person to find me, gets a FREE sparkle Ferro t-shirt.
Books are in limited quantities and sold on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
A couple collectors’ edition DAMAGED 1&2 hardcovers will be available for $10 each, for this event only (reg. price $199). 1 per person.
Come meet me! Get your new book signed! Get your face signed! I REALLY want to sign someone’s face. Will you let me?
BE THERE EARLY: Although the event starts at 5:30pm, line ups will start as of 1pm. Make sure you show up early!
DEETS: The signing will take place at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on Wednesday, July 22nd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm but line ups start as of 1pm.
WHERE TO FIND ME (a.k.a. the Ferro treasure map):
July 19, 2015
New Release! LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED 7 by HM Ward is out TODAY!
LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED 7 (The Ferro Family) was released today!
Description:
BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.W. WARD
Money. Power. Sex.
Even Pete Ferro, with that sinful body & beautiful blue gaze, can’t drag me from here. My life is finally mine. Things are finally going my way.
But as my life grows content, Pete’s eyes grow troubled. There’s something there, something beneath the pointed words and charm–someone real–and it scares him. The real Peter Ferro frightens me, too, but I won’t give up on him–even if everyone else has.
Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes
Length: Approx. 130 pgs
~Life Before Damaged Vol 1-7 are on sale now.~
GRAB IT TODAY FROM THESE RETAILERS:
What readers are saying about LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED 7:
“Outstanding! Holly has definitely set the stage. She’s turned down the lights and created the mood. There’s a limit, a very specific time frame, and the clock is ticking. A must read!” – Deborah
“I love this series because Pete and Gina have more sexual tension than Hershey’s has chocolate kisses.” – Cheryl
“I’d like to say that of the 7 books I think this one is the best.” – Anna
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July 17, 2015
Pete in your bed for a buck? LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED vol 1 is 99¢ TODAY!
Volume 1 of the prequel to the #1 best selling series DAMAGED
Money. Power. Sex.
The trifecta every man strives for and very few attain. I had these things and walked away from the endless stream of women, from the family fortune, from everything. It was all mine in a life long forgotten. The past can’t stay buried forever, and hiding mine from Sidney is getting harder. I’m not the guy she thinks I am. If she knows the truth, I risk losing her.
The thing is, I feel those old ways pulling me back, and if Sidney is part of my life now she has to know. Not knowing could destroy us both.
The truth won’t set me free. No matter what my name is, I’ll always be a Ferro. But Sidney has a choice and I won’t steal it from her.
Genre: New Adult Romance
Print Edition: 156 pages
This story unfolds over multiple volumes: Volumes 1 – 6 now available.
Grab LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED, vol. 1 for 99¢ NOW at these retailers:
What readers are saying about LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED:
“Don’t miss this one, especially if you love those Ferro men.” - Sandi
“Funny, sexy and mysterious…Life Before Damaged is seriously OUTSTANDING! This is a must read. You won’t be disappointed!” - Debi
“OMG was this story amazing! Literally leaves you breathless wanting more of Pete.” - Rose
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July 7, 2015
LIMITED TIME OFFER: SECRETS by HM Ward: The complete series on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
The SECRETS Omnibus (the complete collection) is available for $9.99 on Amazon, and you can get it via Kindle Unlimited too. This offer can end at any time. GRAB IT NOW!
USA TODAY bestselling series by H.M. Ward
Sex is supposed to be sexy, tantalizing, and completely erotic, but Anna never seems to find the right guy. This one seems to be a germ-a-phobe, and the previous boyfriend wasn’t much better. Anna just wants to be wanted. Is that too much to ask?
As Anna tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it’s forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, and sexy as hell. To make matters worse, he’s her boss and her teacher.
When Anna’s internship plans derail, she ends up working at Cole’s elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole’s run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He’s nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
Genre: New Adult
Type: Omnibus Edition/ Complete Collection
Paper Edition is 700 pages
GRAB IT NOW, BEFORE THE OFFER ENDS! ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH:
What readers are saying about SECRETS:
“Strong willed & smart female characters, sexual tension, forbidden attraction, smart & quirky humor! ” -Melanie
“A girl who falls for her teacher.. Go get your copy today.” -B. Warnick
“Loved the chemistry of Cole and Anna! You will too!” -Amy
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July 4, 2015
Pre-order LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED 7 (The Ferro Family) by HM Ward! Grab it now!
BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD
Volume 7 in the prequel series to the multiple bestselling original series, DAMAGED
Description: TBA
Release date: July 20th, 2015
Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes
Length: Approx. 130 pages
Volumes 1 – 6 are on sale now!
PRE-ORDER AT THESE RETAILERS NOW!
Let sexy, swing dancing Pete rock step his way onto your e-reader on release day. Pre-order your copy now!
What readers are saying about the LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED series:
“I love that this series brings more depth to the original DAMAGED series (which is my favorite book, hands down). LBD is a beautiful do-not-miss journey of two people meeting for a season and a reason and I’m loving every word of it. I love Gina’s character so much! Character evolution buffs, this series is for you!” – Melanie
“I thought Sean was the best Ferro, but I have to say I am falling harder and harder for Pete with every volume!” – Erin Amelio
“What a story!! Gina and Pete’s chemistry is so hot!! They have a passion that is so amazing.” – Rose
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June 28, 2015
LIVE Q&A SESSION WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR HM WARD – June 30th, 2015
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Q&A WITH NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
WHEN: June 30th @ 8pm EST/ 7pm CST
WHERE: Online/ Facebook!
HOW: RSVP (go HERE and click GOING)
WHAT: Come with questions about your fav character, series, writing process, etc.
FUN & FREEBIES! There will be giveaways during the event! Know your trivia and be ready to type your answer!
PLUS! Find out some secrets about the FERRO FAMILY!
Authors are invited to attend and ask questions about writing process. It’s going to be fun, so don’t miss out on this FREE event! Click now and get ready! See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1674814882749052/
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June 17, 2015
New! Pre-order for THE ARRANGEMENT 20 (The Ferro Family) by HM Ward is Live! Go Grab It!
THE SERIES WITH OVER 10 MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 20 in the New York Times Bestselling Arrangement Serials
Description: TBA
Release date: August 10, 2015
Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes approx. 125 pages each.
~The Arrangement Vol 1-20 are on sale now.~
PRE-ORDER AT THESE RETAILERS NOW!
More Sean Ferro coming your way super soon! Eeep!
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June 15, 2015
NEW! THE ARRANGEMENT 19 by HM WARD IS OUT TODAY!
THE ARRANGEMENT 19 (The Ferro Family) was released today!
Description:
THE SERIES WITH OVER 10 MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 20 in the New York Times Bestselling Arrangement Serials
Some things come easy in life, but this is the hardest situation I could have imagined. The man I love, the broken billionaire Sean Ferro, has finally dropped his guard and opened his heart. He’s let me in. He’s shared his life and his love. Then the unimaginable happens. One event cascades into another until I’m standing at the shore with blood on my hands, betraying the man I swore to love forever.
Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes approx. 125 pages each.
~The Arrangement Vol 1-20 are on sale now.~
GRAB IT TODAY FROM THESE RETAILERS:
What readers are saying about THE ARRANGEMENT series:
“Devastatingly Beautiful! OMG! This is the most heart wrenching and painfully amazing installment yet! My head is spinning from every word!” –Portia
“More insight into Sean’s past, with funny, lovable moments between him and Avery that left me laughing and falling in love with these characters all over again.” –SMB
“Best series ever!!! A most read installment full of awesomeness.” –Ana
“I fell even more in love with Sean in this book and we can see who the real Sean is.” –Stacy
“An emotional hurricane... This has to be one of the best installments in this series. A MASTERPIECE!” –Shannon
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May 22, 2015
Holy Hot For Teacher! DAMAGED is 99¢ TODAY!
ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS TODAY ONLY!
#1 AMAZON Bestseller, New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, #1 DBW Bestseller
Description:
Life sucks. And, as soon as Sidney picks up the pieces something always knocks her back onto her butt. It’s never pretty, but this time is different. This time pretty isn’t even the right word.
Peter is the personification of perfection. It’s like he fell off his angel perch in purgatory, because let’s face it–any guy that hot has got to be naughty. He was probably sent here to ruin her life.
Peter is beyond beautiful with his sexy blue eyes, dark hair, and toned body. Add in his charming wit and Peter is everything Sidney ever wanted in a man, but when things get hot and heavy Peter shows her the door. Sidney takes the walk of shame and leaves. It’s the end of the worst blind date ever. Her life couldn’t possibly reach higher levels of suckage, but it does.
The next morning everything comes crashing down. The insanely hot guy from last night, the one that saw her half naked, is teaching at the front of the class room.
Genre: New Adult Romance Novel
Print Edition: 348 pages
Part 1 of 2
Get DAMAGED for 99¢ now at these retailers:
“Holy hot for teacher! I loved this book” - Stay Blu Reads
“Ward has such a brilliant way with words creating such a realist world that we can get lost in, and creating characters that could easily be your best friends.” -Nicole
“I loved that. Serious sexual tension!” -Spare Time Book Blog
“STUNNING! PERFECTLY STUNNING! This book was a perfect ride of emotions from page one. Can not wait for book 2. You will Love this book. READ IT! I Command YOU to read this BOOK!!” -Vicci’s Crazy Book Addiction
Happy Reading!
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