Hope Welsh's Blog, page 5
February 26, 2013
Great YA Author
Hey All
I normally promote my stuff--contests and what-not. This time, I want to promote a great YA author, Lanie Jordan. She has several awesome books out right now--as I beta-read for her, I can't review them....but man, can I ever recommend them!
First she has her Breed Chronicles series. She just released the second book last week. An awesome reviewer, The Book Tart did an interview with a character skit..and it is just great. A reading from the book and a review. I'd kill for a review by her! Here they are in this order: skit, review and reading.
The Breed Chronicles books one and two detail the new life of Jade Hall--a teen that has lost too much at the hands of demons. In Breed Of Innocence, book one, she is recruited to the CGE--a group that trains those selected to be demon hunters. Book two, Breed of Envy, focuses on her second year as a member of the GGE
You can find these awesome books at your favorite e-book retailer, but here are the Amazon Links:
I normally promote my stuff--contests and what-not. This time, I want to promote a great YA author, Lanie Jordan. She has several awesome books out right now--as I beta-read for her, I can't review them....but man, can I ever recommend them!
First she has her Breed Chronicles series. She just released the second book last week. An awesome reviewer, The Book Tart did an interview with a character skit..and it is just great. A reading from the book and a review. I'd kill for a review by her! Here they are in this order: skit, review and reading.
The Breed Chronicles books one and two detail the new life of Jade Hall--a teen that has lost too much at the hands of demons. In Breed Of Innocence, book one, she is recruited to the CGE--a group that trains those selected to be demon hunters. Book two, Breed of Envy, focuses on her second year as a member of the GGE
You can find these awesome books at your favorite e-book retailer, but here are the Amazon Links:
February 24, 2013
Tag, You're It! Let's Play the 7/7/7 Game...
Hey
I was tagged by Catherine Green to play. It's pretty simple to do. You go to page 7, 77 or page 177 in your book or manuscript and post 7 lines from one of those pages...then you tag 7 other authors.
Kind of a neat idea. Thought I'd give it a go!
This is from my upcoming "DREAM LOVER" that I plan to have out by mid-March.
Her skin was electrified. Every touch of his hot mouth on her made her shudder. The not-quite-gentle nips of his teeth on her neck made her arch her neck. She had time to wonder how he could know exactly how and where to touch, to kiss, to give her the most pleasure. She moved her hands from his head to his strong shoulders, feeling the muscles move as his he caressed her. “Oh God, please,” she whimpered. David lifted his head, a knowing smile on his lips. “Tell me,” he ordered huskily.
Now, I'm off to tag 7 authors...
I was tagged by Catherine Green to play. It's pretty simple to do. You go to page 7, 77 or page 177 in your book or manuscript and post 7 lines from one of those pages...then you tag 7 other authors.
Kind of a neat idea. Thought I'd give it a go!
This is from my upcoming "DREAM LOVER" that I plan to have out by mid-March.
Her skin was electrified. Every touch of his hot mouth on her made her shudder. The not-quite-gentle nips of his teeth on her neck made her arch her neck. She had time to wonder how he could know exactly how and where to touch, to kiss, to give her the most pleasure. She moved her hands from his head to his strong shoulders, feeling the muscles move as his he caressed her. “Oh God, please,” she whimpered. David lifted his head, a knowing smile on his lips. “Tell me,” he ordered huskily.
Now, I'm off to tag 7 authors...
February 19, 2013
New Website and More New Stuff
Hey All
Have been sick, so haven't been around much at all for a month or so.
Like a silly girl, I forgot renew my website domain--and now they want almost 3k for it. Um...not happening, so my new website is http://hopewelsh.net
It's not 100% yet, but at least I have my site back. Mel at ninjaMel Designs did an awesome job on it. She's an excellent website designer. Of course she does all my book covers, too. You can find her at ninjaMelDesigns.com
Let's see...other news...I'm participating in The Romance Reviews Anniversary Party all of March. There will be hundreds of authors and hundreds of chances to win books--mine and those of other authors.
A little tip...there might be a question about one of my books, Once Forbidden. Here's the blurb and the hint...
ONCE FORBIDDEN
When Sarah is disfigured by a fire saving the life of a child,
Devlin knows she has valor.
When he goes to her through shared dreams,
he knows he has to have her.
When she's stalked by Vampire Hunters,
he knows he'll do anything to save her...
Even if it is ForbiddenThat'll answer the game questions :) It should be fun.
This is book one in THE HUNTED Series. Book two, ONCE BITTEN will be released later in July. ONCE FORBIDDEN contains spanking
Have been sick, so haven't been around much at all for a month or so.
Like a silly girl, I forgot renew my website domain--and now they want almost 3k for it. Um...not happening, so my new website is http://hopewelsh.net
It's not 100% yet, but at least I have my site back. Mel at ninjaMel Designs did an awesome job on it. She's an excellent website designer. Of course she does all my book covers, too. You can find her at ninjaMelDesigns.com
Let's see...other news...I'm participating in The Romance Reviews Anniversary Party all of March. There will be hundreds of authors and hundreds of chances to win books--mine and those of other authors.
A little tip...there might be a question about one of my books, Once Forbidden. Here's the blurb and the hint...
ONCE FORBIDDEN
When Sarah is disfigured by a fire saving the life of a child,
Devlin knows she has valor.
When he goes to her through shared dreams,
he knows he has to have her.
When she's stalked by Vampire Hunters,
he knows he'll do anything to save her...
Even if it is ForbiddenThat'll answer the game questions :) It should be fun.
This is book one in THE HUNTED Series. Book two, ONCE BITTEN will be released later in July. ONCE FORBIDDEN contains spanking
January 10, 2013
New Year Blog Hop
Happy New Year Everyone!This year, we're starting off with a bang! Many of your favorite authors, and a few you may not know about, have put together a huge blog hop with a ton of prizes for you to enjoy.
Each author has a contest on their blog with a give-away of some sort, and be sure to go to the main page, at New Year Blog Hop to enter to win the grand prizes!
I'll be giving away several book prizes during the next few days. It's really simple to enter to win. All you need to do is post below and be sure to check back at the end to see who the winners are!
I'll be giving away 5 copies of my books--each day--to five lucky winners.
You can win:
Linked (Prophecy Book One)
The Storm Within
Once Forbidden (The Hunted Book One)
Once Bitten (The Hunted Book Two)
More to come! Again, be sure to enter to win. Just comment below, and don't forget to check out the other authors participating in the blog hop!
December 31, 2012
7 Reasons to Spoil Yourself With the Sullivans: Awesome Reads and Awesome Prizes
Did you get a new eReader for Christmas, and are now looking for something awesome to read? Or, maybe you didn’t get anything good and want to spoil yourself a little with the chance to win that coveted eReader, some major gift cards, or other awesome prizes. Maybe you just need to relax after hurry-scurrying around all season. Well…
Wouldn’t it be nice to take a long hot bath or snuggle under your favorite blanket with a great read? Sounds like the perfect day, right? Hey, we can offer you something even better than that.
In fact, we can offer you something seven times better!
For starters, we can offer you up to seven review copies of Bella Andre’s New York Times and USA Today best-selling contemporary romance series The Sullivans.
We’ll introduce you to—not just one, but—each and every member of the Sullivan family on their quests to find happiness. Even though most of them aren’t even really looking for love, it has a way of finding them anyway. These sexy, emotional and funny novels will nurse all your literary and metaphorical desires. You’ll laugh and cry right along with the characters, and get hooked into these great stories right from the very first page. They even take place in lovely California, giving you the opportunity to travel by proxy and escape the windy winter doldrums.
What’s that you say? The books sound awesome, but you’re not sure why you have to join the tour to enjoy their awesomeness? There are so many reasons to sign-up. Since there are seven books (so far) in The Sullivans series and seven that will be taking part in this extraordinarily large tour, let’s stay right on theme and discuss seven reasons why you need to join the fun, pronto.
CLICK ME > What are you waiting for? Go Sign up now! <CLICK ME
Not only will you get to read a great novel—or two, or three, or seven—but you’ll also get…
1. The opportunity to network with other bloggers and avid readers.
2. The option to host a guest post, excerpt or interview with best-selling author Bella Andre. This will bring new readers to your blog AND give you content for your blog—what’s better, a post you didn’t even have to write yourself. If your New Year looks as hectic as mine, having a guest post is almost as good as reading an awesome book… because it means I’ll have TIME to READ that great book.
3. The chance to interact directly with the author through a number of social media activities, discussions, and awesome giveaways .
4. Literally, there are more books. If you love The Sullivans, you can find half a dozen more books just waiting for your eager hands and mind. AND REVIEW COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SEVEN! WOWZA!
5. Kick start your New Year’s resolution to read more! Plus you get hours of entertainment absolutely free—you may even win something (which makes the deal even sweeter).
6. The Sullivans will make you fall in love. You’ll love the writing, the humor, the characters, and the stories. You might even find hope for true love within these pages.
7. If you’ve ever wished for your own happy ending—heck, even if you’ve already found it—there’s something in each of these novels you’ll be able to identify with. We all know life isn’t perfect, and the Sullivans know that too. They’re so real, reading the book is almost like watching a movie or watching somebody’s real life unfold right in front of your eyes.
The prizes are ridonkulous. We’ve got romantic swag baskets, hundreds of dollars gift cards, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, AND a Sony eReader to name a few.
Well I guess there’s just one more reason to join us on the biggest tour Novel Publicity has ever put together. More books, more bloggers, more buzz and, of course, more prizes!
CLICK ME > What are you waiting for? Go Sign Up Now!<CLICK ME
Learn what all the buzz is about when you receive review copies of the first 7 books in this on-going series. Read one, or read them all. Or, you could host an excerpt, interview, or guest post instead–and we’ll even put that together for you.
Tour Dates: January 7 to 20, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: approx 300 pages each
CAUTION: Explicit language, very steamy love scenes…and lots of emotion!
The Prizes:
* iPad Mini
* Kindle Fire
* Nook Color
* Kobo eReader
* $100 Amazon gift cards (7 prizes)
* $50 Amazon gift cards (2 prizes)
* $25 Amazon gift cards (8 prizes)
* $20 iTunes gift cards (10 prizes)
* Custom prize baskets for EACH of the 7 books–including items such as wine gift set, silver bracelets, romantic photo books and photo frames, eReader and smart phone skins, and MUCH, MUCH more!
…and we’ve got special prizes just for participating bloggers
Read summaries and excerpts on the sign-up page.
CLICK ME >What are you waiting for again? LOL Sign-Up Now! <CLICK ME
December 2, 2012
Hot Winter Nights Giveaway Tour
Enter for a HUGE give-away after you're done reading here at: Hot Steamy Nights So, when you read a romance, do you think of hot winter nights? Hot steamy nights of escape from all that is wrong with the world? Very often people wonder what it really takes to write a steamy love scene. It's harder than you might think! While we all remember our own hot steamy winter nights, it's a bit different to write about them! When I write love scenes, I have a million things going through my mind! But, let me tell you, it's not hot steamy nights--or hot winter nights. The thoughts going through my head are things like the following: 1. Is that physically possible? 2. What does that position do to his ability to do....(whatever) 3. How long can she stay with her body in that position? 4. Do I do this scene from his POV or from HERS (of course it's usually hers! I'm not a man, I don't KNOW hos POV. But, hey, I can imagine. Now that I've gone and ruined the mystery of Hot Winter Nights in romannce novels...tell me what YOU think of when you think of Hot Winter Nights! Tell us what the first thing you thought of when you read the title of this post. I'll pick three winners via random.org to receive their choice of ebooks from my backlist: Linked The Storm Within & Table for Two Once Forbidden Once Bitten I love writing erotic and steamy romance! I just thought I'd give a bit of a look at what goes into the writing of love scenes--at least when I write them. Be sure to visit the other hosts on the giveaway tour via the link above beneath the images. Also leave your email address so I have a way to contact you should you win the contest! I'll be picking 3 winners. 
November 8, 2012
Let's Have a CONTEST!!! Tweet to WIN, too!
Hello Readers!
October was a great month for my books, and to celebrate that, I thought I'd do a little contest this week. From now til the 18th of November. So, about ten days. Ends at 11:59 PM EST on the 18th.
Each person that comments in this post will be entered to win a copy of any of my titles. ONE winner will receive their choice of two books, and ONE will win all of them, and ONE will win the book of their choosing. So, THREE WINNERS and one GRAND PRIZE winner who will receive a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. You MUST reply with your email so I can contact you, or be sure to check back on the 19th to see if you won.
And, for a final way to win? Tweet this post (I'll see it in my timeline) and let me know you tweeted it, for ONE of these books to each person that replies and lets me know their twitter ID and leaves an email for me to send their chosen book. Please let me know which book you'd like, and whether you'd like mobi or e-pub versions. Keep in mind, mine are pretty steamy. LINKED and THE STORM WITHIN are less erotic. I'd class them as 'steamy' only. ONCE FORBIDDEN & ONCE BITTEN are erotic romance, without a doubt. Keep that in mind when you choose your title.
LINKED, Prophecy Book One was the bestseller for me in October. It's a paranormal romance, and the least erotic of my series right now.
Lana Summers doesn't want anything to do with paranormal abilities. She's seen what it did to her mother before her death. Cole Thomas has his own talents, but can Lana accept his when she can't accept her own? Can Cole convince her to embrace her talents--and accept his--in time?
When Lana's house is invaded in the middle of the night by an intruder, Lana awakes to a warning in her dream to Run! The warning came from her dead mother.
As she flees to the streets via a window, she finds Cole Thomas. He offers to check her house, and decides she needs protection when his shapeshifter talents tell him that Lana's invader wasn't human.
The prophecy must be deciphered--but the one being that knows isn't talking.. Now, it's up to them to figure it out. The clock is running, and time is running out.
The Ancient Prophecy
When Two Become One
And One Becomes Two
This is Book One in the Prophecy series--however this is a stand-alone title. Book Two is due out in December.
ONCE FORBIDDEN is a vampire steamy romance. Very steamy, so not for the faint of heart!
When Sarah is disfigured by a fire saving the life of a child,
Devlin knows she has valor.
When he goes to her through shared dreams,
he knows he has to have her.
When she's stalked by Vampire Hunters,
he knows he'll do anything to save her...
Even if it is Forbidden(The Hunted Book One - Book Two is below, and Book Three is due out mid-December)
ONCE BITTEN
Hailey has just broken up with "The Jerk" and is finding her way again as a newly single woman. While out with a friend in a bar, she wants to just go home and curl up with an episode of Stargate SG-1.
While waiting for a cab, she's offered a ride from an old classmate, Bennett Wilmont. He’s even a cop now. What could be safer?
Their chance at happiness is endangered when she realizes that Bennett is on the radar of Vampire Hunters—and they will do anything get to him.
Bennett has wanted her for years--since they were high school together. Now, ONCE BITTEN, he knows he wants her forever—but will the Vampire Hunters allow them their happiness, or will the danger drive them apart?
Hailey is done with men.
Bennett has other ideas.
Once Bitten is Book 2 of the HUNTED Series. Again, very steamy and not for the faint of heart when it comes to their romance. Book 3 is due out mid-December.
Hailey thinks he’s perfectly safe.
He’s not.
Bennett has wanted her for years.
Will she stay when the danger unfolds?
Finally, we have for those that like things less steamy, The Storm Within & Table For Two Anthology. This contains two stories. It's romantic suspense, not paranormal.
THE STORM WITHIN
Kari Davis is on the run. Witness to a murder she's been framed for, she's got nowhere to go and no one to run to. When she is stranded in an Oklahoma blizzard, she discovers her guardian angel rescuer is more than she's bargained for. Is he her salvation or will Cade Williams lead the killer right to her?
Danger is coming...
TABLE for TWO
Dylan decides to flirt with the pretty lady in the wine store. When he sees her reach for a bottle of wine, he reaches for it, too. A harmless flirt--maybe a dinner date. Neither knew what was waiting in the parking lot...
October was a great month for my books, and to celebrate that, I thought I'd do a little contest this week. From now til the 18th of November. So, about ten days. Ends at 11:59 PM EST on the 18th.
Each person that comments in this post will be entered to win a copy of any of my titles. ONE winner will receive their choice of two books, and ONE will win all of them, and ONE will win the book of their choosing. So, THREE WINNERS and one GRAND PRIZE winner who will receive a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. You MUST reply with your email so I can contact you, or be sure to check back on the 19th to see if you won.
And, for a final way to win? Tweet this post (I'll see it in my timeline) and let me know you tweeted it, for ONE of these books to each person that replies and lets me know their twitter ID and leaves an email for me to send their chosen book. Please let me know which book you'd like, and whether you'd like mobi or e-pub versions. Keep in mind, mine are pretty steamy. LINKED and THE STORM WITHIN are less erotic. I'd class them as 'steamy' only. ONCE FORBIDDEN & ONCE BITTEN are erotic romance, without a doubt. Keep that in mind when you choose your title.
LINKED, Prophecy Book One was the bestseller for me in October. It's a paranormal romance, and the least erotic of my series right now.
Lana Summers doesn't want anything to do with paranormal abilities. She's seen what it did to her mother before her death. Cole Thomas has his own talents, but can Lana accept his when she can't accept her own? Can Cole convince her to embrace her talents--and accept his--in time?
When Lana's house is invaded in the middle of the night by an intruder, Lana awakes to a warning in her dream to Run! The warning came from her dead mother.
As she flees to the streets via a window, she finds Cole Thomas. He offers to check her house, and decides she needs protection when his shapeshifter talents tell him that Lana's invader wasn't human.
The prophecy must be deciphered--but the one being that knows isn't talking.. Now, it's up to them to figure it out. The clock is running, and time is running out.
The Ancient Prophecy
When Two Become One
And One Becomes Two
This is Book One in the Prophecy series--however this is a stand-alone title. Book Two is due out in December.
ONCE FORBIDDEN is a vampire steamy romance. Very steamy, so not for the faint of heart!
When Sarah is disfigured by a fire saving the life of a child,
Devlin knows she has valor.
When he goes to her through shared dreams,
he knows he has to have her.
When she's stalked by Vampire Hunters,
he knows he'll do anything to save her...
Even if it is Forbidden(The Hunted Book One - Book Two is below, and Book Three is due out mid-December)
ONCE BITTEN
Hailey has just broken up with "The Jerk" and is finding her way again as a newly single woman. While out with a friend in a bar, she wants to just go home and curl up with an episode of Stargate SG-1.
While waiting for a cab, she's offered a ride from an old classmate, Bennett Wilmont. He’s even a cop now. What could be safer?
Their chance at happiness is endangered when she realizes that Bennett is on the radar of Vampire Hunters—and they will do anything get to him.
Bennett has wanted her for years--since they were high school together. Now, ONCE BITTEN, he knows he wants her forever—but will the Vampire Hunters allow them their happiness, or will the danger drive them apart?
Hailey is done with men.
Bennett has other ideas.
Once Bitten is Book 2 of the HUNTED Series. Again, very steamy and not for the faint of heart when it comes to their romance. Book 3 is due out mid-December.
Hailey thinks he’s perfectly safe.
He’s not.
Bennett has wanted her for years.
Will she stay when the danger unfolds?
Finally, we have for those that like things less steamy, The Storm Within & Table For Two Anthology. This contains two stories. It's romantic suspense, not paranormal.
THE STORM WITHIN
Kari Davis is on the run. Witness to a murder she's been framed for, she's got nowhere to go and no one to run to. When she is stranded in an Oklahoma blizzard, she discovers her guardian angel rescuer is more than she's bargained for. Is he her salvation or will Cade Williams lead the killer right to her?
Danger is coming...
TABLE for TWO
Dylan decides to flirt with the pretty lady in the wine store. When he sees her reach for a bottle of wine, he reaches for it, too. A harmless flirt--maybe a dinner date. Neither knew what was waiting in the parking lot...
September 12, 2012
Review of Something Witchy This Way Comes by HP Mallory
Fans of HP Mallory will not be disappointed with this last installment to the Jolie Wilkins Series.
Mallory, an up and coming new author, and one to watch. The Wilkins series will be sure to be on the keeper shelf of any reader that loves romance with paranormal/urban fantasy twists.
Jolie had always known she had paranormal abilities; after all, she's run her own business using those talents. Her life changes drastically when she discovers her talents are far more than what she'd thought. Not only does she have powers, but she's a witch. Her love interest, Rand, is the one that takes her under his wing to introduce her to the life in the Underworld.
Now, at last, many of the burning questions will be answered. Will she pick the hot and sexy vampire Sinjin or the equally sexy warlock, Rand Balfour? will she finally accept her role as queen of the underworld or will she find a way to rid herself of a position she never wanted?
I won't spoil the book by answering those questions, but what I can tell you unequivocally is that Mallory has created a world so rich in detail that you can quite literally feel yourself in it. her characters are rich, three-dimensional and full of life.
One of my favorite things about the series overall has been the growth of Jolie Wilkins under the tutelage of Rand Balfour and Sinjin Sinclair.
Few surpass the talent Mallory shows in creating a world so rich. She's able to portray feelings and desires of her characters that truly make the reader become immersed in her world. I'm quite sure I'm not the only one sad to know this is the last in the series--though I hear there is a spin-off series I'll be anxiously awaiting.
There are few authors that are an auto-buy on my list. Mallory is one of them. From the first book I read of hers, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I was hooked.
There are several criteria necessary for me to rate a book with 5 stars. A believable and well-written plot, characters that are three dimensional, the ability not to info-dump while telling a truly compelling story. And, lastly, of course, characters I care about. Mallory hit my 5 in all areas.
I'm an avid romance reader, and love paranormal romance, but this book is even more. The level of detail she shows in her writing literally bring the words off the pages. I found myself unable to stop once I began the book.
Even though this is the last of the series, we learn so much more about Jolie than we have in the other books. She's left an ending that will make a spin-off series a pleasure to read. I can barely wait.
While I did receive this copy via Net Galley to review, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat.
Be sure to read the other books in the series as well.
5/5 Stars. A MUST READ. This title can be pre-ordered here: Amazon Link
Mallory, an up and coming new author, and one to watch. The Wilkins series will be sure to be on the keeper shelf of any reader that loves romance with paranormal/urban fantasy twists.
Jolie had always known she had paranormal abilities; after all, she's run her own business using those talents. Her life changes drastically when she discovers her talents are far more than what she'd thought. Not only does she have powers, but she's a witch. Her love interest, Rand, is the one that takes her under his wing to introduce her to the life in the Underworld.
Now, at last, many of the burning questions will be answered. Will she pick the hot and sexy vampire Sinjin or the equally sexy warlock, Rand Balfour? will she finally accept her role as queen of the underworld or will she find a way to rid herself of a position she never wanted?
I won't spoil the book by answering those questions, but what I can tell you unequivocally is that Mallory has created a world so rich in detail that you can quite literally feel yourself in it. her characters are rich, three-dimensional and full of life.
One of my favorite things about the series overall has been the growth of Jolie Wilkins under the tutelage of Rand Balfour and Sinjin Sinclair.
Few surpass the talent Mallory shows in creating a world so rich. She's able to portray feelings and desires of her characters that truly make the reader become immersed in her world. I'm quite sure I'm not the only one sad to know this is the last in the series--though I hear there is a spin-off series I'll be anxiously awaiting.
There are few authors that are an auto-buy on my list. Mallory is one of them. From the first book I read of hers, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I was hooked.
There are several criteria necessary for me to rate a book with 5 stars. A believable and well-written plot, characters that are three dimensional, the ability not to info-dump while telling a truly compelling story. And, lastly, of course, characters I care about. Mallory hit my 5 in all areas.
I'm an avid romance reader, and love paranormal romance, but this book is even more. The level of detail she shows in her writing literally bring the words off the pages. I found myself unable to stop once I began the book.
Even though this is the last of the series, we learn so much more about Jolie than we have in the other books. She's left an ending that will make a spin-off series a pleasure to read. I can barely wait.
While I did receive this copy via Net Galley to review, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat.
Be sure to read the other books in the series as well.
5/5 Stars. A MUST READ. This title can be pre-ordered here: Amazon Link
July 29, 2012
Book Trailer for THE HUNTED SERIES
My Book Trailer
My new Trailer for THE HUNTED series. Let me know what you think. I know, it's kind of basic, but I like it. What do you think of the music?
My new Trailer for THE HUNTED series. Let me know what you think. I know, it's kind of basic, but I like it. What do you think of the music?
July 19, 2012
The Writing Life
Hey All
Haven't posted in a couple of weeks. Seem to have a case of pneumonia that just won't get better. For all those that entered the two contests below this post--please let me know what version of the book you'd like--epub or mobi.(Kindle) and I'll get them sent out.
So, the topic today is the writing life. What is the writing life?
Hmm, let me see. There are perks! Lots of perks!
1. My 'work clothes" are a pair of shorts and a tee (or PJs)
2. My work breaks are ....whenever I want them!
3. Internet access is not only allowed, it's REQUIRED
4. Lunch when I want it! (assuming I remember to eat)
5. Making money with my imagination!
6. Flexible Schedule
Hmmm...the cons now.
1. Non-stop chattering in my head (No, I don't have schizophrenia)
2. Writers Block
3. No guaranteed income
4. Those strange looks you get when you say "I'm a writer"
Seriously, I love being a writer. I work when I want. But, there are some serious things to consider if you decide to take the plunge and become a full-time writer.
First, of course, there are the financial considerations. Can you afford to give up the day job? Is there a job perhaps that you can get where you work hours you want to work?
Are you committed enough to actually spend the time sitting at the computer to make the writing profitable? Do you have enough confidence in your own writing to take the reviews you may receive as not being personal attacks?
That's an important question. When you write, it's just simple fact that not everyone is going to love what you have written. Some will enjoy it, but others may give it a 1* review based on their own reading preferences. As writers, we simply can't take it personally. It goes with the job.
With the popularity of the Amazon and B&N self-publishing opportunities, many more are taking the plunge. They are putting up their work for the world to see. Their baby. They just know the checks are going to start coming in. Big bucks!
The reality? It takes time to have your books become popular. Not every book will make the Top 100 on Amazon. Not every book will be picked up by New York.
While I made a little fun of the perks and cons, they are, in part, huge considerations. If you want to succeed as a writer, you simply have to write. Becoming a good writer takes time. You can't spend an hour a week writing and expect to improve. And writers do improve. Each book will likely be a little better than the last.
So, what happens when you hit "Publish" on Amazon or B&N? That's not as important a question as what should happen BEFORE you hit submit.
Before you publish your baby, there are things to consider.
1. Has it been proofread?
2. Has it been edited?
3. Does the cover look apealing and does it fit the genre?
4. Is the description enough to entice the reader to take a chance on your work?
5. Is the book formatted properly?
6. Did you use critique partners and beta readers?
7. Did you send it off for reviews?
All of those things should have been done before you publish. Some publish before the reviews, but the other steps simply shouldn't be ignored. If your book, no matter how good the story, isn't formatted well, it will be subject to bad reviews.
Typos are not your friend. While it's true that very few books are published without a mistake or two, a self-published book will be graded harsher based on those typos. Readers might take a chance on your book if it's affordable, but you can be sure they will notice each typo or grammar mistake. An editor isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
Your book cover should entice the reader to look inside the cover. A bad cover won't sell. While some will say they don't judge a book by it's cover, it is the first thing they see. It's what makes them 'pick up' your book to view. So, they may not buy based on the cover, but they will look at it based on that cover, believe me.
I did an experiment with a book. I priced it at 99 cents and put up a cover that simply wasn't great. It wasn't horrid, but it certainly wasn't wonderful, either. Sales were deplorable. I changed the cover and the sales tripled. The story didn't change, but what readers saw first DID.
So, as with most things, there are many things to consider before you decide to become a writer. Once you hit publish, your job really just begins. The next post will discuss marketing your book.
Happy Writing!
Haven't posted in a couple of weeks. Seem to have a case of pneumonia that just won't get better. For all those that entered the two contests below this post--please let me know what version of the book you'd like--epub or mobi.(Kindle) and I'll get them sent out.
So, the topic today is the writing life. What is the writing life?
Hmm, let me see. There are perks! Lots of perks!
1. My 'work clothes" are a pair of shorts and a tee (or PJs)
2. My work breaks are ....whenever I want them!
3. Internet access is not only allowed, it's REQUIRED
4. Lunch when I want it! (assuming I remember to eat)
5. Making money with my imagination!
6. Flexible Schedule
Hmmm...the cons now.
1. Non-stop chattering in my head (No, I don't have schizophrenia)
2. Writers Block
3. No guaranteed income
4. Those strange looks you get when you say "I'm a writer"
Seriously, I love being a writer. I work when I want. But, there are some serious things to consider if you decide to take the plunge and become a full-time writer.
First, of course, there are the financial considerations. Can you afford to give up the day job? Is there a job perhaps that you can get where you work hours you want to work?
Are you committed enough to actually spend the time sitting at the computer to make the writing profitable? Do you have enough confidence in your own writing to take the reviews you may receive as not being personal attacks?
That's an important question. When you write, it's just simple fact that not everyone is going to love what you have written. Some will enjoy it, but others may give it a 1* review based on their own reading preferences. As writers, we simply can't take it personally. It goes with the job.
With the popularity of the Amazon and B&N self-publishing opportunities, many more are taking the plunge. They are putting up their work for the world to see. Their baby. They just know the checks are going to start coming in. Big bucks!
The reality? It takes time to have your books become popular. Not every book will make the Top 100 on Amazon. Not every book will be picked up by New York.
While I made a little fun of the perks and cons, they are, in part, huge considerations. If you want to succeed as a writer, you simply have to write. Becoming a good writer takes time. You can't spend an hour a week writing and expect to improve. And writers do improve. Each book will likely be a little better than the last.
So, what happens when you hit "Publish" on Amazon or B&N? That's not as important a question as what should happen BEFORE you hit submit.
Before you publish your baby, there are things to consider.
1. Has it been proofread?
2. Has it been edited?
3. Does the cover look apealing and does it fit the genre?
4. Is the description enough to entice the reader to take a chance on your work?
5. Is the book formatted properly?
6. Did you use critique partners and beta readers?
7. Did you send it off for reviews?
All of those things should have been done before you publish. Some publish before the reviews, but the other steps simply shouldn't be ignored. If your book, no matter how good the story, isn't formatted well, it will be subject to bad reviews.
Typos are not your friend. While it's true that very few books are published without a mistake or two, a self-published book will be graded harsher based on those typos. Readers might take a chance on your book if it's affordable, but you can be sure they will notice each typo or grammar mistake. An editor isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
Your book cover should entice the reader to look inside the cover. A bad cover won't sell. While some will say they don't judge a book by it's cover, it is the first thing they see. It's what makes them 'pick up' your book to view. So, they may not buy based on the cover, but they will look at it based on that cover, believe me.
I did an experiment with a book. I priced it at 99 cents and put up a cover that simply wasn't great. It wasn't horrid, but it certainly wasn't wonderful, either. Sales were deplorable. I changed the cover and the sales tripled. The story didn't change, but what readers saw first DID.
So, as with most things, there are many things to consider before you decide to become a writer. Once you hit publish, your job really just begins. The next post will discuss marketing your book.
Happy Writing!
