Sandra Madera's Blog, page 3
April 3, 2015
Updated Shattered Short Story Trailer
Hey, guys.
As you know, I have been updating my short story trailers for my website, Smashwords, and YouTube. Here is a comparison between the old and new.
OLD
NEW
SPECIAL CREDITS:
Music entitled "Dopplerette" (http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...)
Special Thanks to iNCOMPETECH for royalty free music.
Special thanks to artists from Deviant Art for free png images used in this trailer.
- DOLORES MINETTE for winding road - http://doloresminette.deviantart.com/...
- THE ARTIST 100 for road - http://theartist100.deviantart.com/ar...
- Paw-Prints-Designs for shattered glass - http://paw-prints-designs.deviantart....
- THY DARKEST HOUR for red rose - http://thy-darkest-hour.deviantart.co...
- ISOSTOCK for hand - http://isostock.deviantart.com/art/Ha...
- Augustiina Editions for polaroids - http://aguustiinaeditions.deviantart....
- YEREVERLUVINUCLEBER for magnifying glass - http://yereverluvinuncleber.deviantar...#
- PIXASSO79 for black rose - http://pixasso79-stock.deviantart.com...
As you know, I have been updating my short story trailers for my website, Smashwords, and YouTube. Here is a comparison between the old and new.
OLD
NEW
SPECIAL CREDITS:
Music entitled "Dopplerette" (http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...)
Special Thanks to iNCOMPETECH for royalty free music.
Special thanks to artists from Deviant Art for free png images used in this trailer.
- DOLORES MINETTE for winding road - http://doloresminette.deviantart.com/...
- THE ARTIST 100 for road - http://theartist100.deviantart.com/ar...
- Paw-Prints-Designs for shattered glass - http://paw-prints-designs.deviantart....
- THY DARKEST HOUR for red rose - http://thy-darkest-hour.deviantart.co...
- ISOSTOCK for hand - http://isostock.deviantart.com/art/Ha...
- Augustiina Editions for polaroids - http://aguustiinaeditions.deviantart....
- YEREVERLUVINUCLEBER for magnifying glass - http://yereverluvinuncleber.deviantar...#
- PIXASSO79 for black rose - http://pixasso79-stock.deviantart.com...
March 28, 2015
Updated Collector Short Story Trailer
Hello, everyone.
I just updated The Collector's trailer. Compared to the old... it is a vast improvement. Check it out.
OLD
NEW
Special thanks to the artists at DeviantArt.com who have great .png images for public use. It saved me a bunch of time in creating these images.
CREDITS:
- ROYS-ART for pointing statue - http://roys-art.deviantart.com/art/St...
- OILUSIONISTA for stairs - http://oilusionista-stock.deviantart....
- MOMOTTE2STOCKS for all of the crows - http://momotte2stocks.deviantart.com/...
- ALz-STOCK for gravestone - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.c...
- EVELIVESEY for stone arch - http://evelivesey.deviantart.com/art/...
- ABSURDWORDPREFERRED for window - http://absurdwordpreferred.deviantart...
- TIGERS-STOCK for hand - http://tigers-stock.deviantart.com/ar...
- ENHANCERS for key - http://enhancers.deviantart.com/art/J...
I just updated The Collector's trailer. Compared to the old... it is a vast improvement. Check it out.
OLD
NEW
Special thanks to the artists at DeviantArt.com who have great .png images for public use. It saved me a bunch of time in creating these images.
CREDITS:
- ROYS-ART for pointing statue - http://roys-art.deviantart.com/art/St...
- OILUSIONISTA for stairs - http://oilusionista-stock.deviantart....
- MOMOTTE2STOCKS for all of the crows - http://momotte2stocks.deviantart.com/...
- ALz-STOCK for gravestone - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.c...
- EVELIVESEY for stone arch - http://evelivesey.deviantart.com/art/...
- ABSURDWORDPREFERRED for window - http://absurdwordpreferred.deviantart...
- TIGERS-STOCK for hand - http://tigers-stock.deviantart.com/ar...
- ENHANCERS for key - http://enhancers.deviantart.com/art/J...
March 26, 2015
Updated Overboard Short Story Trailer
Hello, everyone.
As you know, I have been updating trailers and decided that the Overboard trailer would be next. I have been working on it all day. I wasn't happy with the original trailer, but at the time, didn't know what images to use or if I should create custom artwork for a short story. In the beginning, I didn't put as much effort in the artwork for my shorts as I did my novels. But now is the time to make something interesting. Check it out.
OLD
NEW
I will keep the old trailers posted online, but for my website and Smashwords, I inserted the new trailer. Also, the trailer says that the books is available on Amazon, but it is not yet. Smashwords was working on a deal to post work on Amazon, but they have taken years. I just might post them up myself, but I am not sure how to make them free on that site. We'll see...
As you know, I have been updating trailers and decided that the Overboard trailer would be next. I have been working on it all day. I wasn't happy with the original trailer, but at the time, didn't know what images to use or if I should create custom artwork for a short story. In the beginning, I didn't put as much effort in the artwork for my shorts as I did my novels. But now is the time to make something interesting. Check it out.
OLD
NEW
I will keep the old trailers posted online, but for my website and Smashwords, I inserted the new trailer. Also, the trailer says that the books is available on Amazon, but it is not yet. Smashwords was working on a deal to post work on Amazon, but they have taken years. I just might post them up myself, but I am not sure how to make them free on that site. We'll see...
March 25, 2015
Updated Weeping Willow Short Story Trailers
Hello, everyone.
I just updated my Weeping Willow Part 1 and 2 trailers. I was happy with the originals, but I wanted more original artwork that told a bit about the story. So, while the old trailers will still be posted on YouTube. My new trailers will be posted on my website and Smashwords. I am posting the old and new ones on her for comparison.
As my skills have improved, I am trying to make my trailers better representations of my work. I will try to create and upload new versions of some of my trailers. Also, don't be shy. Tell me what you think by posting a comment on YouTube.
WWSS1 - OLD
WWSS1 - NEW
WWSS2 - OLD
WWSS2 - NEW
I just updated my Weeping Willow Part 1 and 2 trailers. I was happy with the originals, but I wanted more original artwork that told a bit about the story. So, while the old trailers will still be posted on YouTube. My new trailers will be posted on my website and Smashwords. I am posting the old and new ones on her for comparison.
As my skills have improved, I am trying to make my trailers better representations of my work. I will try to create and upload new versions of some of my trailers. Also, don't be shy. Tell me what you think by posting a comment on YouTube.
WWSS1 - OLD
WWSS1 - NEW
WWSS2 - OLD
WWSS2 - NEW
March 3, 2015
Over Half of YA Readers are Adults!
According to surveys conducted in 2012, 55% of readers of YA fiction are adults! It is no real surprise. Who hasn't written a bus or a train lately and seen an adult immersed in reading Divergent or Hunger Games or Harry Potter? Adults are increasingly reading Young Adult fiction as the rise of book-to-movie adaptions increasing, giving these titles a wider reach. The article claims that adults read YA fiction for a bit of nostalgia. Every adult can identify with awkward teen experiences, but in my opinion, there are more reasons which adults see YA as a better option.
For one, more and more adult novels are leaning towards graphic violence and intimate situations. Erotica has taken over the indie and traditional markets. Adults who want cleaner reads are shifting towards books for young readers which are seen as safer.
Another reason is story. While in the adult realm, crime and suspense fiction seem to be king. YA fiction seems to be more expansive in genres and much more imaginative, especially with the influx of self-published and indie authors who generally have unique plots.
Either way, YA fiction is just fun. To read the whole article click on the link below!
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-...
For one, more and more adult novels are leaning towards graphic violence and intimate situations. Erotica has taken over the indie and traditional markets. Adults who want cleaner reads are shifting towards books for young readers which are seen as safer.
Another reason is story. While in the adult realm, crime and suspense fiction seem to be king. YA fiction seems to be more expansive in genres and much more imaginative, especially with the influx of self-published and indie authors who generally have unique plots.
Either way, YA fiction is just fun. To read the whole article click on the link below!
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-...
February 4, 2015
Literary Trends and Genres for 2015
Now that Wicked Love has been released, I have a bit of time between writing and emailing bloggers to talk about the literary trends in genres. In 2015, the trend of new releases in the traditional realm of publishing will be paranormal and dystopian novels. Namely, themes of vampires and zombie apocalyptic novels, but there will be more dramatic books regarding the death of loved ones. So, what should the indie writer go along with? What should they plan to write this year?
Well, my view has always been to write what you feel like writing. Some writers tend to spot the trend and to write accordingly, but I prefer to be different and just write a great book that could stand out. If the supermarket is only selling Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream, be Rocky Road. I guarantee that when taste buds get tired of bland flavors, buyers will be in the mood for some Rocky Road.
Trends are great predictions of cultural trends in movies and television programming which books tend to mirror, but they can be limiting as far as the creative process. Have you ever tried to write a book your heart wasn't into because it is a popular genre? It is torture!
I know that, as a writer, especially in the indie world, it is important to establish a voice and a brand. People want to trust that if you wrote their favorite horror novel, your next book will be their next favorite horror novel. My problem with that is that it pigeon-holes a writer into only writing one genre. Most authors work around that by having several pen names, one for each genre. I choose just to write. My preferred genres has always been paranormal and suspense, but if I just stuck to those, I would have never written Weeping Willow which is a Fantasy series.
So, what is my point? My point is write what you feel. Write a story that you would want to read, regardless of the limitations of genre. Fantasy is out of my comfort zone. I never thought I was creative enough to dream up other worlds or the creatures which dwelt in them, but the books of the Weeping Willow Series has been some of my best received works. So, keep writing, writers! But, first and foremost, be original and write what you love, not what the trend dictates.
Well, my view has always been to write what you feel like writing. Some writers tend to spot the trend and to write accordingly, but I prefer to be different and just write a great book that could stand out. If the supermarket is only selling Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream, be Rocky Road. I guarantee that when taste buds get tired of bland flavors, buyers will be in the mood for some Rocky Road.
Trends are great predictions of cultural trends in movies and television programming which books tend to mirror, but they can be limiting as far as the creative process. Have you ever tried to write a book your heart wasn't into because it is a popular genre? It is torture!
I know that, as a writer, especially in the indie world, it is important to establish a voice and a brand. People want to trust that if you wrote their favorite horror novel, your next book will be their next favorite horror novel. My problem with that is that it pigeon-holes a writer into only writing one genre. Most authors work around that by having several pen names, one for each genre. I choose just to write. My preferred genres has always been paranormal and suspense, but if I just stuck to those, I would have never written Weeping Willow which is a Fantasy series.
So, what is my point? My point is write what you feel. Write a story that you would want to read, regardless of the limitations of genre. Fantasy is out of my comfort zone. I never thought I was creative enough to dream up other worlds or the creatures which dwelt in them, but the books of the Weeping Willow Series has been some of my best received works. So, keep writing, writers! But, first and foremost, be original and write what you love, not what the trend dictates.
January 31, 2015
Wicked Love Released!
Hello, everyone!
It is just over half past midnight where I am from and that can mean only one thing... Wicked Love has been officially released.
I have published on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords. While Amazon and Smashwords have already uploaded the book, Barnes and Noble takes a bit longer. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up in your Nook Store, so please keep your eyes open for it.
For those signed up to my newsletter, this month's newsletter has been sent out. Please follow the instructions to receive your free copy of Wicked Love.
This book has been a long time in the making. I carried a bit of anxiety around, not wanting to disappoint my readers, but when I released that energy and wrote the book I wanted, I created a unique, emotional ride which holds its own next to Wicked Magic. I wanted the follow up to Wicked Magic to be just as good, if not, better. I think I achieved that with Wicked Love.
Smashwords
Amazon
It is just over half past midnight where I am from and that can mean only one thing... Wicked Love has been officially released.
I have published on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords. While Amazon and Smashwords have already uploaded the book, Barnes and Noble takes a bit longer. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up in your Nook Store, so please keep your eyes open for it.
For those signed up to my newsletter, this month's newsletter has been sent out. Please follow the instructions to receive your free copy of Wicked Love.
This book has been a long time in the making. I carried a bit of anxiety around, not wanting to disappoint my readers, but when I released that energy and wrote the book I wanted, I created a unique, emotional ride which holds its own next to Wicked Magic. I wanted the follow up to Wicked Magic to be just as good, if not, better. I think I achieved that with Wicked Love.
Smashwords
Amazon
Wicked Love: Josie's Haven Review
Hello, readers!
Josie from Josie's Haven Book Blog has read Wicked Love. She loved it and rated it 5 stars! She will be posting her review of the book tomorrow and it should be up on her blog and Wicked Love's Goodreads page. I will leave the links below for you.
Special thanks to Josie for reading and reviewing Wicked Love!
Josie's Haven: http://josies-haven.blogspot.com/
Wicked Love Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Josie from Josie's Haven Book Blog has read Wicked Love. She loved it and rated it 5 stars! She will be posting her review of the book tomorrow and it should be up on her blog and Wicked Love's Goodreads page. I will leave the links below for you.
Special thanks to Josie for reading and reviewing Wicked Love!
Josie's Haven: http://josies-haven.blogspot.com/
Wicked Love Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
January 23, 2015
Amazon Preorder
Hi, everyone.
I just put through the Amazon Preorder information for Wicked Love. It should load in the next few hours and be available for purchase by tonight or tomorrow. For those that have mindless, this is great news.
Now for those who read on Nooks, Barnes and Noble does not have a preorder function on nookpress. But I will submit everything at midnight on the first, so it will be ready by the morning of February 1st. Smashwords readers should know that Smashwords does have a preorder option but it must be done two weeks before release, and I am a day short. I will load Wicked Love around midnight so that the early birds will have the ability to buy it.
Thank all of you for being so patient during this process. This journey into writing Wicked Love has taken about 6 months but it was really a two and a half year wait. Wow! Your reviews of Wicked Magic really inspired me to write the best book possible because it pushed me to be also a better writer and storyteller.
Wicked Love is being read by Josie's Haven and will be reviewed on her site soon. Look out for that. I will be posting a link for that as soon as I get that.
Thanks!
I just put through the Amazon Preorder information for Wicked Love. It should load in the next few hours and be available for purchase by tonight or tomorrow. For those that have mindless, this is great news.
Now for those who read on Nooks, Barnes and Noble does not have a preorder function on nookpress. But I will submit everything at midnight on the first, so it will be ready by the morning of February 1st. Smashwords readers should know that Smashwords does have a preorder option but it must be done two weeks before release, and I am a day short. I will load Wicked Love around midnight so that the early birds will have the ability to buy it.
Thank all of you for being so patient during this process. This journey into writing Wicked Love has taken about 6 months but it was really a two and a half year wait. Wow! Your reviews of Wicked Magic really inspired me to write the best book possible because it pushed me to be also a better writer and storyteller.
Wicked Love is being read by Josie's Haven and will be reviewed on her site soon. Look out for that. I will be posting a link for that as soon as I get that.
Thanks!
January 4, 2015
Wicked Love Release Date
Hello, everyone!
Today I will be finishing up the last chapter of Wicked Love. Writing this extension of the Weeping Willow Series was truly an adventure. From being sick with the flu and a subsequent cold to family occasions and distractions, there were many obstacles in the six months since I started writing Wicked Love.
Although I plan with a loose outline the plot of the novel, much of the writing is organic and free flowing. This way of writing is less rigid and more enjoyable. Even with the small amount of plotting that was done, I have to say that the outcome was beyond my expectations. I really love the way this book evolved and the worlds I get to dream up as an author. I hope that no one will be disappointed with this installment and that everyone will see it as an awesome continuation of Wicked Magic.
Although I am basically done with the novel, I still have to edit. So, the official release date is Sunday, February 1st, 2015. This will give me time so that I am not rushing the editing process. The final book ended up being over 88,000 words, so it is my longest book to date. It is sure to be filled with many errors that need attention.
All of those who have joined my newsletter will receive a free copy. For all of those signed up, you will receive a code to download your copy from Smashwords. Please be sure to leave a review upon reading it.
Thank you, everyone, for being patient and awaiting this book with anticipation. God bless!
Today I will be finishing up the last chapter of Wicked Love. Writing this extension of the Weeping Willow Series was truly an adventure. From being sick with the flu and a subsequent cold to family occasions and distractions, there were many obstacles in the six months since I started writing Wicked Love.
Although I plan with a loose outline the plot of the novel, much of the writing is organic and free flowing. This way of writing is less rigid and more enjoyable. Even with the small amount of plotting that was done, I have to say that the outcome was beyond my expectations. I really love the way this book evolved and the worlds I get to dream up as an author. I hope that no one will be disappointed with this installment and that everyone will see it as an awesome continuation of Wicked Magic.
Although I am basically done with the novel, I still have to edit. So, the official release date is Sunday, February 1st, 2015. This will give me time so that I am not rushing the editing process. The final book ended up being over 88,000 words, so it is my longest book to date. It is sure to be filled with many errors that need attention.
All of those who have joined my newsletter will receive a free copy. For all of those signed up, you will receive a code to download your copy from Smashwords. Please be sure to leave a review upon reading it.
Thank you, everyone, for being patient and awaiting this book with anticipation. God bless!
