H.M. Ward's Blog, page 26
March 4, 2013
Attn Nookies – B&N Is Having Site Issues
ATTN NOOK USERS:
B&N is still having site issues. I contacted support. Apparently they had some major problems with Nook Books this weekend.
THE ARRANGEMENT VOL 4 was uploaded at the same time as Amazon, but the purchase page never appeared on B&N website.
I know there are tons of you waiting for this book. B&N said they should have everything fixed by today, so hopefully it’ll be there soon. I’ll post the link as soon as I have it. I didn’t forget about you guys!
In the meantime, if you have a nook color, you can grab it from kindle and read it if you nook is rooted. Google it. It’s the best of both worlds, especially with the changes going on at B&N.
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March 3, 2013
Dude Is This Serial Thing 1 Book Broken Into Pieces or What? (aka whats the difference b/t novels and serials post)
A lot of people have been asking me about my serials. They want to know why they’re so addicting. Is there a reason for it? Totally! It’s the way the story is written. Serials pack a punch.
Don’t know what a serial is? Or how it’s different from a novel? Then, you’re in the right place. A serial is a story that is being told in successive parts. They are chronological installments of an overarching story line with smaller stories happening in each part.
There’s an assumption that my serials are chopped up novels, which is not true. Some writers do divide single novels into pieces and release them separately until the whole book is out, but that’s not what I’m doing with my serials at all.
I’m gonna tell you what I do. Get ready! There are pictures!
My serials actually have a very different structure than my novels. You can feel it when you’re reading. Some people haven’t been able to put their finger on exactly what it is, but they have figured out that the serials aren’t the same as novels and that the differences go beyond the length of the books. My serials are unique because they are a different format all together.
Here is a pic of the plot line for my novels (above). A visual helps. When you think back to the novels I’ve written, you’ll be able to see it. The structure of the story line is a bell curve. The story starts off and builds. You get to meet the characters and discover the primary conflict. As the story continues, you learn about the characters and their relationships over hundreds of pages until you reach the climax of the book. The climax is when the main conflict hits the fan and everything explodes. As that conflict resolves, there is an unfolding of events that wraps the whole story and ties it with a bow. There’s closure. The story is complete. You read about 300-500 pages about Ivy, Abby, or Kahli and immersed yourself in their world for hours and hours.
My serials are different than my novels. They are NOT one book chopped into multiple parts. They are actually written differently. The way the serials are constructed gives the reader a different experience than if the book was a novel. Look at the pic below. This is the structure of my serials.
All of my serials are written this way. They start off with a quick introduction of the primary characters and the main conflict. Then, they build tension quickly with the story unraveling swiftly towards the ending. The primary conflict comes to a head, the situation explodes, and then the story stops. Cliffhanger. The next serial begins and does the same thing, slowly building tension until the primary conflict in that episode is confronted.
Serials have a dual personality. They each have their own story line, but they are progressing in an overarching story line, as well. Each volume has an independent conflict, but it also addresses the primary conflict in the series.
THE ARRANGEMENT is so addicting because it follows the serial structure. If I took SCANDALOUS and broke it up into five parts, your book would read weird. Novels have different pacing and a different structure. Novels are like watching a long movie (Titanic). Serials are like TV shows where each volume is the season finale. They have a different feel because they are different. Serials tease and have an addicting quality about them. Novels have that snuggle up with a blanket, bust out the popcorn, and settle in thing going on.
There are several reasons why I might chose to write a novel as a novel, or a serial as a serial. For starters I love that serials are fast paced stories that are packed full of emotion. I love getting inside a character’s head fast. I love that they aren’t time consuming. And, I LOVE cliffhangers. I love to write them; I love to read them. There’s just something about them that makes me so excited.
So, if you read the serials and then flip to my novels or vice versa, that’s what gives. They read different because they are different.
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March 2, 2013
THE ARRANGEMENT VOL 4 Was Released Today!
THE ARRANGEMENT VOL 4 was released today! Eeeeeeep!
Description:
“Volume 4 in the Arrangement Serials by New York Times Bestselling Author H.M. Ward
Avery finds out too late that her heart isn’t cut out to be a call girl. She’s too attracted to Sean. Avery doesn’t just want Sean’s body, she wants his heart. When he sent her away, Avery was devastated. Trying to pick up the pieces is hard, especially since she can’t get another job.
Caught in an impossible position with her employer, everything hinges on making this next client happy, but things don’t go as they should. To make matters worse, Sean shows up at the worst time. Avery dreams of a chance to start over, to erase Sean from her life forever and leave her old life behind. But, it’s beginning to look more and more like just a dream.”
Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes approx. 20,000 words each.
~The Arrangement Vol 1, 2, & 3 are on sale now.~
GET THE ARRANGEMENT VOL 4 NOW!
B&N, iTunes, Smashwords, and Kobo links will appear soon.
What fans are saying:
“By far the best installment yet. I truly felt Avery’s pain when she felt rejected by Sean. Although emotional there were parts where I was laughing out loud. You will not be disappointed. So glad there is another installment coming. Can’t wait to see what happens next! Awesome emotional roller coaster! ” -Auna
“This story has had me hooked from the very start! I love how independent Avery is. I love a strong female that you can root for, someone who has some fire to her. Avery is definitely that girl! Sean shows us a little more this book and we see what happens in the darker side of Ms.Black’s company. She’s definitely not an enemy I’d want! All in all, once again, I have to give this hot, action packed steam fest five stars!” -Littleboysmom
*****GET READY FOR MORE!*****
Thank you so much to all the awesome fans who love THE ARRANGEMENT series! As requested, volume 4 is NOT the final book in this series. Hooray! Volume 5 will be out in a few weeks and you’ll get more Sean and Avery, and have the chance to delve deeper into their lives.
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February 25, 2013
SECRETS VOL 1 is 99 Cents Today Only!
SECRETS VOL 1 is only 99¢ today on Kindle!
SECRETS is a sexy, fast paced story about college student Anna Lamore and famed photographer Cole Stevens.
Description: Volume 1 in the Secrets Serials by NY Times Bestselling Author 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, sexy as hell, and her boss. When Anna’s internship plans derail, she ends up interning 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.
99¢ TODAY ONLY AT KINDLE:
Genre: New Adult Romance
The entire Secrets series (Volume 1-5) is on sale now.
Dudes, I’m going to do an entire post on serials, but in case you don’t know the diff b/t a novel and a serial, here’s the drive-by version: A novel is a long story that you can settle into, typically over 50K words or 250 pages. The story has a single climax and usually unfolds like a bell curve. A serial is a story that unfolds over multiple volumes, by design. Its’ shorter (this book is about 32K words or 125 pages), each one has it’s own climax, it’s cram-packed with emotion, and it ends with a cliffhanger.
The entire SECRETS series is out, so you don’t have to wait for the next volume. Score! Pick it up and see why this series is so popular.
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February 22, 2013
Release Dates, Novels, and What’s Next (It Is Awesome! Look!)
Okay, I’m working on so many things right now that I need to adjust my timeline to accommodate everything.
*That means that release dates get shifted around.*
Instead of driving you guys nuts and changing the release dates, I’m going to do something else. Here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to make a list of things I’m working on right now.
I’ll have a general idea of when it’ll be out and post as soon as it’s up. That means that when you ask about a specific release date (especially on serials) I won’t have one. I will have release dates on novels about 2-3 weeks prior to release. I’m going to wait until I have them back from my editor before giving exact dates from now on.
If you want to make sure you know as soon as a book is listed, stalk me on FB or Twitter. You can also have a reminder email sent straight to your little ole inbox by texting AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 (if you are out of the country or are anti-texting, use this link).
So here are the things that are in the works, in order that I expect them to be released.
The Arrangement Vol. 4
Trystan Scott Vol. 4
Giveaways for Scandalous, Demon Kissed, and Bane
Paperbacks of the Arrangement series
Audiobook of The Arrangement Vol 1 – narrated by…. me!
I’m working on something cool with the 1st chapter of the audio from the Arrangement for the fans to see and hear.
Damaged (a new adult novel)
The Arrangement Vol. 5
Paperbacks of Trystan Scott
Trystan Scott #5
Paperbacks of Secrets (5×8 format – they aren’t as cute, but they are CHEAPER!)
Divergent Vampire Apocalypse #3 – final book in this series
Audiobook for Cursed
Demon Kissed #7 The final book of Eric’s story
That’s an insane amount of work that I expect to take me half way through the year. It doesn’t include guest posts, blogging, answering facebook posts or fan mail, which I try to do promptly. Add in a baby and things get crazy! Anyway, those are the things that are going on. It gives you an idea of how much work is on my plate. I do write more than one book at a time, which is normal, but I don’t usually that info.
Notice the pic at the top – the first volume of The Arrangement has been made in paperback. It’s the same size as Christmas Kisses and will retail for about the same price. I’ve been trying to get the paperback prices cheaper. The larger format allows that. The little books like COLLIDE are cute, but costly. The rest of The Arrangement series will be formatted for paperbacks shortly. Now you all know why my release dates shift.
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February 18, 2013
Update on THE ARRANGEMENT Series
About a week ago, I asked the fans if they thought I should make THE ARRANGEMENT series wrap up in the next volume, or if they wanted more Sean and Avery. The answer was MORE Sean and Avery. You guys asked for it, and got it! THE ARRANGEMENT serials will not end at volume 4. They will keep going. Hooray!
Here are the new covers for Vol 4 & 5. Oooh! Aaaaah!
Volume 4 will be released in a week or so. To get an email reminder on release day, you can click here to make sure you don’t miss it. Thank you to all the fans who love this series!
When I first starting writing THE ARRANGEMENT, I had no idea what people would think. I got a couple of weird looks when I mentioned it to people, but what do they know? The books took off quickly. Volume 3 has been sitting in the top 100 on Amazon and I’m getting tons of email asking when the next book will be out. It’s so awesome to know that many people love this story. I can’t wait to share the rest of Sean and Avery’s sexy story with you.
So, Volume 4 will be out in about a week. Thanks for reading!
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February 16, 2013
Giveaway! Win SCANDALOUS 2 Sequel to the NY Times Bestseller!
Who wants to win something? You know you do! Winning is fun! Dude, that’s why I do giveaways. It’s always awesome when a fan wins something and sends me a pic. Check out this one!
You guys are totally awesome fans and there are really easy ways to win. You can tweet, facebook, or a bunch of other stuff to enter. 
You can enter every day or only once. It’s totally up to you. The winner will be chosen and posted below at the end of the giveaway.
Just enter using the Rafflecopter thingie below! That’s it!
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February 14, 2013
SCANDALOUS 2 Was Released Today!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Need something hot to read? Check out SCANDALOUS 2.
Description: Sequel to the New York Times & USA Today Bestseller SCANDALOUS
Abby never thought she’d find her soul mate, but she has and it’s changed her life forever. Jack is everything she needs and more. There’s a connection between the two of them that transcends logic and rational thought. It’s like they were made for each other. Nothing can keep them apart.
After the honeymoon ends, Jack has the most important show of his career. The centerpiece is the scandal painting of Abby. It’s Jack’s defining piece, the start of a new era. But when Jack and Abby return home, something isn’t right. Jack becomes distant as his deepest fears manifest before his eyes.
Jack has been verbally attacked for his art in the past. It’s no secret; but what Abby doesn’t realize is that a hate group has also targeted him. They hold Jack personally responsible for the moral decay in society. Not only is this corruption seen in Jack’s art, but also in his life and love. Seducing Abby made Jack a prime target.
It isn’t enough to ruin Jack’s career—these activists want to end his life.
Everything hinges on Abby and she’ll do anything to protect the man she loves.
Note: Please read the first novel SCANDALOUS 1 before reading this book. The story unfolds in order and you will be lost as to what’s going on in this book if you start with this one. So go grab the 1st one if you haven’t read it yet.
Grab SCANDALOUS 2 Now At These Retailers!
Genre: Adult Romance
Type: Novel – 348 pages
Due to the nature of this title, it is not recommended for younger readers. It’s a kissing book. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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February 12, 2013
Only 2 Days Until SCANDALOUS 2 is Released!
Only TWO more days until SCANDALOUS 2 comes out on Feb. 14th! Eeep! Make sure you finish book 1 first. It’s the sequel to the New York Times & USA Today Bestseller!
Now, I’m gonna tease you. Here are what reviewers are saying about the SCANDALOUS 2:
“The story is absolutely gorgeous. The way H.M. Ward writes – you feel like you can literally see the paintings. You feel all of the emotions the characters feel. I loved the alternating POV chapters. I loved Jack & Abby in the first book – I adored them even more in this book! Scandalous 2 is full of love, passion and yes hot and steamy sex!” -Lisa
“Now about the ending, let me just tell you it is a phenomenal ending! I reread it like twenty times squealing with excitement!! One of the best endings I’ve ever read and I know fans will love it just as much as I did!! Plus as always there’s action packed towards the ending as well as an epiphany! Not telling who has it but it’s such a perfect ending for the characters that anything less wouldn’t have been the same.” -Reese
“One of the best books I have ever read! Jack and Abby’s story left me breathless. Their bond is so strong, and I love how they always put the other first. As you read this book you will be pulled into their world quickly. Your jaw will drop when the scandal and the person behind it is revealed. Your heart will race, and you won’t be able to stop reading.” -Patty
Thank you so much to all the reviewers! You guys rock. I’ve been getting gushing emails all week. I can’t wait to share the next part of Jack and Abby’s story with you on Valentine’s Day!
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February 10, 2013
THE SECRET LIFE OF TRYSTAN SCOTT Gets Sexy New Covers!
THE SECRET LIFE OF TRYSTAN SCOTT ebooks got pretty new covers. What do you think? He’s a good Trystan. Dark hair, brooding blue eyes…holy hotness!
The 4th book in this series will come out on the 25th of this month. Keep your eyes peeled. In the mean time, if you haven’t picked this up give it a try. These are serials like SECRETS and THE ARRANGEMENT. They start off in high school and move into New Adult in the final volumes.
Get Started With Book #1 COLLIDE, Now: Thanks to everyone who loves Trystan Scott! You guy rock!
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