Heidi Angell's Blog, page 23
December 6, 2016
Teaser Tuesday: Maximize Your Virtual Book Tour Masterclass
Hello Lovelies!Wow, my December is going to be tons of fun! I was talking with a group of awesome authors in Support for Indie Authors group on Goodreads, and they were asking for advice on hiring tour companies. Many lamented the lack of results from the tours they had paid for in the past. I can sympathize. I told them that I plan all my own tours, and that it is more than just getting your book on blogs, there is a lot that goes into creating a professional tour that tour companies just do not provide you.Well, my Goodreads inbox got FLOODED by authors wanting to know more. I was so overwhelmed by the response and realized that I could give all of these authors some generic tips, but there was a very real need to offer in-depth training. Blog tours can be very great tools, but only if they are done right.So I put out the idea of doing a Masterclass, and the positive response was great! I then took it to a couple of my Facebook groups, and again, got an overwhelming response of interest! So much so, that a publishing group that I am friends with asked me if I would be interested in doing a course for their author university that they are planning to launch in the Spring. Heck, yes!Many of the people interested said that they had to wait until after the holidays to do the course, but there were several who specifically asked me to do this tour before the holidays because they were planning a new launch the first of the New Year.
So I am doing the first Masterclass the week of December 12th. I am taking on ten authors for the Masterclass. The class will consist of five emails covering the different steps in creating your own virtual book tour and will cover everything from the most beginner level (What's a Virtual book tour?), all the way to the pros who have been planning their own tours for awhile, but don't really know how to market their tours effectively. ( including the "I don't bother with Virtual book tours, because they don't result in sales" crowd.)I will also offer two live training sessions where we will review in broad-strokes the materials covered, and authors will get a Q & A. session. Last, but by no means least, the participating authors will get access to my list of over 1,000 book bloggers, book vloggers, and sites to promote discounted books.This Masterclass will only cost $60. Considering that the average tour ranges anywhere from $30 for a 10 stop tour to well in the hundreds of $$ for a six week tour (what I usually run for my new releases!) that is not a bad deal.If you are interested in taking this course, pleaseemail me, and let me know if you would like to do the December 12th Masterclass ( I will reserve your spot and send you the bill through Paypal.) or if you would like to be on the list for another Masterclass, and when you would be interested in doing that class. I have a feeling we will be doing a lot more in the future!If you have any questions about the class, feel free to ask in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!
So I am doing the first Masterclass the week of December 12th. I am taking on ten authors for the Masterclass. The class will consist of five emails covering the different steps in creating your own virtual book tour and will cover everything from the most beginner level (What's a Virtual book tour?), all the way to the pros who have been planning their own tours for awhile, but don't really know how to market their tours effectively. ( including the "I don't bother with Virtual book tours, because they don't result in sales" crowd.)I will also offer two live training sessions where we will review in broad-strokes the materials covered, and authors will get a Q & A. session. Last, but by no means least, the participating authors will get access to my list of over 1,000 book bloggers, book vloggers, and sites to promote discounted books.This Masterclass will only cost $60. Considering that the average tour ranges anywhere from $30 for a 10 stop tour to well in the hundreds of $$ for a six week tour (what I usually run for my new releases!) that is not a bad deal.If you are interested in taking this course, pleaseemail me, and let me know if you would like to do the December 12th Masterclass ( I will reserve your spot and send you the bill through Paypal.) or if you would like to be on the list for another Masterclass, and when you would be interested in doing that class. I have a feeling we will be doing a lot more in the future!If you have any questions about the class, feel free to ask in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!
December 5, 2016
Meet The Good Girls Behind A Raven's Touch!
For those who may (or may not) remember, I did a review forRaven's Touchwhen it launched last year. This is a really fun book, and the author is hard at work on the sequel. She was kind enough to drop by and do a fun Character spotlight with us, so you can get to know Justice and Moira a bit better!Who are the two main characters behind A Raven's Touch? Best friends since childhood, Justice St. Michaels and Moira O'Fhey are the kind of girls who can look at each other and just know what the other is thinking. Not only do they have each other's backs in life, but even more so through their adventures facing bullying in high school and facing demons.What makes these girls tick? Let's find out!Question:Ladies, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, but people want to know who are these heroes?Justice:I wouldn't say we're heroes, we're just doing what's right.Moira:Heck yeah we're heroes, come on Justice, we've kicked some demon butt. Yes, we're totally heroes, thank you for noticing.Question:Justice, we've seen your heat and cold powers at work on your family's barn, what kind of powers do both of you have?Both look at each other and smile.Moira:If we tell you all our powers don't you think that would be counter productive to our safety?Justice:I will say this, yes I can summon fire and ice. In my True Form I can fly with angel wings and that's about all I'm going to admit to without endangering myself. There are still those who want to see me dead.Question:Alright, I can respect that. What about your love lives? Both of you are in an inter-paranormal relationship. Will we hear wedding bells at some point?Both break out into laughter.Justice:Um...maybe other girls, but we're not thinking anything like that just yet. Also, being in a relationship with a vampire is kinda tricky.Moira:I love a happy ending like anyone else, but we're only teenagers, a wedding is the furthest thing from my mind.Question:What's next for you two?Justice:I'm pretty sure surviving demon attacks and saving the world from the creatures of Hell keep us busy enough.Moira high fives Justice.Moira:We need to get Demon Kick Butt Crew t-shirts.This delightfully fun crew are getting a new cover and I am thrilled to reveal it to you here!
Isn't that cover just gorgeous?!I am definitely looking forward to the release of the second book in the series. Justice and Moira are tons of fun!Want to keep up with Linda Bloodworth and the release of A Raven's Revenge? Follow her onGoodreadsor onFacebook!Until next time,Keep Reading!
Isn't that cover just gorgeous?!I am definitely looking forward to the release of the second book in the series. Justice and Moira are tons of fun!Want to keep up with Linda Bloodworth and the release of A Raven's Revenge? Follow her onGoodreadsor onFacebook!Until next time,Keep Reading!
December 2, 2016
Changing Things Up, Getting an Early Start on 2017 Goal Setting!
Hello Lovelies!Sorry I haven't posted much, NaNo Wrimo really put a dent in my November, not only because I was busy writing 56 thousand words (Yay! I more than won the 50K event!) but also because other authors were so busy that I struggled to find people to fill the themed slots I created.[image error]And that created A LOT of anxiety for me. One of my main goals for next year is to be more spontaneous. The structures I have created are kind of killing me. So one of the ways I am going to be more spontaneous is to let go of the themes thing on the blog. All content will still be reader-focused, with book reviews, book unboxings, author interviews, character spotlights, guest posts from authors, and other awesomely fun bookish goodies. However, the themed structure has got to go. Not only does it make it hard for me to focus on my primary goal (writing books!) it has become a full-time job getting authors to participate along the post's "schedule" and the point of this blog is to be fun, not frustrating!I will continue with the Monday through Friday posting, because I like having more time and more posts on the blog. And for those of you who don't want to have to hunt me down daily, subscribe and you will get a weekly digest version letting you know all the posts for the week and you can choose which ones to read based on their interest to you!I am also moving the weekly email from Monday to Fridays, because we are all too busy on Mondays, right? Plus, I think it will be a fun start to everyone's weekend!What do you think of the new plans for the blog? Because at the end of the day, I do this for you, the readers! Let me know in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!
November 1, 2016
Teaser Tuesday: Welcome to NaNo WriMo
Hello Lovelies,It is November first, and Nano WriMo is upon us! For those of you who don't know, that is National Novel Writing Month. It is a great community that offers support and interaction as we work on our craft. The goal is to write 50,000 words over the month of November.
I didn't do NaNo last year, and wasn't sure I was going to do it this year because I was pretty busy with getting The Hunters and The Hunted ready, but here I am committing to NaNo!Ack! So exciting! I will be working on the Infection story, tentatively entitled The Survivalist Bible, because that has been getting the most votes for my next project. For those who don't know, it is a Dystopian project about an infection outbreak and surviving the apocalyptic world that we are thrust into. I think it will be a one-shot story. Not sure yet.Wish me luck on my knocking out 1,666 words a day and look forward to the exciting action to come! What do you think of the title Survivalist Bible? Let me know in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!
I didn't do NaNo last year, and wasn't sure I was going to do it this year because I was pretty busy with getting The Hunters and The Hunted ready, but here I am committing to NaNo!Ack! So exciting! I will be working on the Infection story, tentatively entitled The Survivalist Bible, because that has been getting the most votes for my next project. For those who don't know, it is a Dystopian project about an infection outbreak and surviving the apocalyptic world that we are thrust into. I think it will be a one-shot story. Not sure yet.Wish me luck on my knocking out 1,666 words a day and look forward to the exciting action to come! What do you think of the title Survivalist Bible? Let me know in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!
October 31, 2016
Meet the Author Monday with Mary R. Woldering
Hello Lovelies,I am excited to introduce you to Mary R. Woldering, writer of the Mystical History series Children of Stone. Costumer, art historian, artisan, student of wisdom, never a master, companion, old soul, Wise MaMa, Crone (not your sweet lil' old granny) - Mary is brash, volatile, vital & out of control. She's wise in life but the lifelong search for peace has not cooled her jets.
Mary's a spiritualist and spirit hunter but not “out there” …down to earth and often salty. She thirsts for more life and new adventures. 100 years ago she probably would have been in a madhouse. In sane moments she is the devoted wife of Dr. Jackie Woldering, mother of two grown children, grandmother of three, and servant of three cats.Let's get to the interview! Welcome to An Angell's Life Mary! Where do you come up with the ideas for your stories?The answer isn’t easy. Since age 3 I was aware of extrasensory things; spirits, dreams, soul journeys. Some of my ideas and characters DO go back to my childhood such as: Storm Gods, luminous wraith-like creatures who might be like angels, places and people I saw and later met or visited. By the time I was in college I had begun to not only write about them but to catalogue them as possible “past lives and connections” I still have all the notes and many of the drawings. I never said I was so-and-so in a past life because I’ve aways known the subconscious is a much bigger place. I met a group of people who had the same sorts of dreams and thus the series I call Children of Stone (which covered many, many eras and places) was created. I teach what I have seen in my dreams...What is the current book you are promoting? Children of Stone 1 – Voices In Crystal. Here is the blurb."We are children made of stoneTiny voices are as grains of sandCome to Us MaraiMan of AiMan of the sand"
When Marai, a shepherd living at the foot of Mt. Sinai in the third millennium BC, sings to his goddess one night, he sees a falling star. Tracking it he discovers a strange vessel containing crystalline entities resembling earthly stones and gems: The Children of Stone. The Children delight in this simple shepherd and his songs of love. They ask him to host their intelligence; to bring them to the sages and priests who have spent their lives seeking the wisdom of the stars. When he agrees, he is transformed into a godlike being. Still a passionate shepherd at heart, Marai gathers others, like lambs to his fold. His journey to the wise men of ancient Kemet won't be easy. Things hidden that wait in darkness, are always there.Who is your favorite character in your book and why?Marai bin Ahu because of his personal tragedy and the beginning of his heroic journey. I love his caring and nurturing nature and his uncomplicated thoughts. They reveal a surprising inner strength where slow-wittedness is expected.If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?Hands down, Jason Momoa. Originally I had cast Clockwork Orange Strong man David Prowse but time passes and mortals age. I was not a Jason Momoa fangirl, but saw his face and form and was shocked at his similarity to some of my early drawings. His size & stature is about right too.I am a total Momoa Fangirl, lol! What is one place you would like to visit and why?All the places in my series, The Middle east and Egypt; the SudanWhat one person from history would you like to meet and why?Prince Hordjedtef. I want to see if he is anything like I made him in the novels.Are you intrigued? I know I am. Want to learn more about Mary's World? Visit her website atMaryWoldering.comWant to keep up with the series? You can follow onFacebookorTwitter.Grab the first book,Voices in Crystal,from Amazon for $2.99 or free through Kindle Unlimited today.Until next time,Keep Reading!
Mary's a spiritualist and spirit hunter but not “out there” …down to earth and often salty. She thirsts for more life and new adventures. 100 years ago she probably would have been in a madhouse. In sane moments she is the devoted wife of Dr. Jackie Woldering, mother of two grown children, grandmother of three, and servant of three cats.Let's get to the interview! Welcome to An Angell's Life Mary! Where do you come up with the ideas for your stories?The answer isn’t easy. Since age 3 I was aware of extrasensory things; spirits, dreams, soul journeys. Some of my ideas and characters DO go back to my childhood such as: Storm Gods, luminous wraith-like creatures who might be like angels, places and people I saw and later met or visited. By the time I was in college I had begun to not only write about them but to catalogue them as possible “past lives and connections” I still have all the notes and many of the drawings. I never said I was so-and-so in a past life because I’ve aways known the subconscious is a much bigger place. I met a group of people who had the same sorts of dreams and thus the series I call Children of Stone (which covered many, many eras and places) was created. I teach what I have seen in my dreams...What is the current book you are promoting? Children of Stone 1 – Voices In Crystal. Here is the blurb."We are children made of stoneTiny voices are as grains of sandCome to Us MaraiMan of AiMan of the sand"When Marai, a shepherd living at the foot of Mt. Sinai in the third millennium BC, sings to his goddess one night, he sees a falling star. Tracking it he discovers a strange vessel containing crystalline entities resembling earthly stones and gems: The Children of Stone. The Children delight in this simple shepherd and his songs of love. They ask him to host their intelligence; to bring them to the sages and priests who have spent their lives seeking the wisdom of the stars. When he agrees, he is transformed into a godlike being. Still a passionate shepherd at heart, Marai gathers others, like lambs to his fold. His journey to the wise men of ancient Kemet won't be easy. Things hidden that wait in darkness, are always there.Who is your favorite character in your book and why?Marai bin Ahu because of his personal tragedy and the beginning of his heroic journey. I love his caring and nurturing nature and his uncomplicated thoughts. They reveal a surprising inner strength where slow-wittedness is expected.If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?Hands down, Jason Momoa. Originally I had cast Clockwork Orange Strong man David Prowse but time passes and mortals age. I was not a Jason Momoa fangirl, but saw his face and form and was shocked at his similarity to some of my early drawings. His size & stature is about right too.I am a total Momoa Fangirl, lol! What is one place you would like to visit and why?All the places in my series, The Middle east and Egypt; the SudanWhat one person from history would you like to meet and why?Prince Hordjedtef. I want to see if he is anything like I made him in the novels.Are you intrigued? I know I am. Want to learn more about Mary's World? Visit her website atMaryWoldering.comWant to keep up with the series? You can follow onFacebookorTwitter.Grab the first book,Voices in Crystal,from Amazon for $2.99 or free through Kindle Unlimited today.Until next time,Keep Reading!
October 29, 2016
Poetry Corner: Love Me
Do you love me and think me fair?[image error]Do you hate me, or just not care?Do you think me sweet and kind?Or a toy to play with, then leave behind?I'm a womanA daughter of God.I'm not some carpeton which to trod.Treat me kind and with ease.Someone love me, please!I'm begging on my knees.Love me true,that's all I ask of you.Until next time,Keep Reading!
October 27, 2016
Thoughtful Thursday Character Spotlight Jacqui Spadros of Patricia Loofborrow's Jacq of Spades
Hello Lovelies,As you may recall, we had the privilege of meetingPatricia Loofborrowthe end of September, and then I posted the review ofJacq of Spadesthe first part of October (If you missed it, check it out. Totally loving this Series!) Well, today Patricia has been so wonderful as to provide us a bit more insight into her leading lady with a Character spotlight:
Name:Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros (nee: Kaplan)Nicknames:Jacq, JacquiBorn and raised in the Spadros Pot, a notorious slum, which is without basic services such as sanitation, power, or trash pickup. The main industry is the sex trade.Mother:Fanny Kaplan, brothel owner in the Spadros PotFather:Peedro Sluff, Party Time addict and liquor store ownerHusband:Mr. Anthony Spadros, heir to the Spadros Family crime syndicateSiblings: noneAge at start of the story: 22Eyes: "peacock blue"Hair: "curly, reddish-brown"Skin: "light brown"Average height and buildEducation:Initially trained in the sex trade by her mother - along with the other children in the Pot - but wasn't allowed to work, because her mother told her their mysterious benefactor, The Masked Man, wouldn't like it. Learned to pickpocket, open locks, and to do other useful things as she got older. Trained in knife fighting by her friend Josephine Kerr, who also grew up in the Pot.No formal education until the age of 12, when she was sold to the Spadros Family by Peedro Sluff. Groomed to assist her future husband in the running of the Business. Also trained in shooting and other means of killing by her father in law Roy Spadros.Motivations:Jacqui loves puzzles, and won't let one rest until she solves it. She also has a need to help others, even if it puts her at risk. But her greatest need is for autonomy. When she's stressed, she feels trapped and wants to run.Traumas: When she was 12, saw her best friend killedinPhoto credits:front of her as he tried to save her from being sold.Card -public domain via WikipediaBlackmailed into marrying, and told if her husband everGirlin the ruins - public domain via Pixabayfinds out their marriage isn't consensual she'll be killed.Femme fatale - Martin de Witte photo ofElsemieke Arodn (CC by 2.0)Strengths:Excellent shot with a pistol. Fast runner. Analytical and can think fast when she needs to.Weaknesses:Heavy drinker and smoker. Has PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome. Tends to act without thinking when emotionally engaged. Is loyal beyond when she should be. Sometimes doesn't know how to act in her new world.What do you think about Jacqui? What else do you want to know about her? Share in the comments below, and maybe we will be lucky enough to have Patricia Loofborrow answer for us!Ready to grab this thrilling steampunk victorian detective fantasy?Jacq of Spadesis available on Amazon for 99¢ in e-book and $9.99 for paperback!Until next time,Keep reading!
Name:Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros (nee: Kaplan)Nicknames:Jacq, JacquiBorn and raised in the Spadros Pot, a notorious slum, which is without basic services such as sanitation, power, or trash pickup. The main industry is the sex trade.Mother:Fanny Kaplan, brothel owner in the Spadros PotFather:Peedro Sluff, Party Time addict and liquor store ownerHusband:Mr. Anthony Spadros, heir to the Spadros Family crime syndicateSiblings: noneAge at start of the story: 22Eyes: "peacock blue"Hair: "curly, reddish-brown"Skin: "light brown"Average height and buildEducation:Initially trained in the sex trade by her mother - along with the other children in the Pot - but wasn't allowed to work, because her mother told her their mysterious benefactor, The Masked Man, wouldn't like it. Learned to pickpocket, open locks, and to do other useful things as she got older. Trained in knife fighting by her friend Josephine Kerr, who also grew up in the Pot.No formal education until the age of 12, when she was sold to the Spadros Family by Peedro Sluff. Groomed to assist her future husband in the running of the Business. Also trained in shooting and other means of killing by her father in law Roy Spadros.Motivations:Jacqui loves puzzles, and won't let one rest until she solves it. She also has a need to help others, even if it puts her at risk. But her greatest need is for autonomy. When she's stressed, she feels trapped and wants to run.Traumas: When she was 12, saw her best friend killedinPhoto credits:front of her as he tried to save her from being sold.Card -public domain via WikipediaBlackmailed into marrying, and told if her husband everGirlin the ruins - public domain via Pixabayfinds out their marriage isn't consensual she'll be killed.Femme fatale - Martin de Witte photo ofElsemieke Arodn (CC by 2.0)Strengths:Excellent shot with a pistol. Fast runner. Analytical and can think fast when she needs to.Weaknesses:Heavy drinker and smoker. Has PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome. Tends to act without thinking when emotionally engaged. Is loyal beyond when she should be. Sometimes doesn't know how to act in her new world.What do you think about Jacqui? What else do you want to know about her? Share in the comments below, and maybe we will be lucky enough to have Patricia Loofborrow answer for us!Ready to grab this thrilling steampunk victorian detective fantasy?Jacq of Spadesis available on Amazon for 99¢ in e-book and $9.99 for paperback!Until next time,Keep reading!
October 26, 2016
Book Unboxing: Warzone: Nemesis by Morris E. Graham
Hello Lovelies,You heard that right! We are doing a new feature for authors who send me paperbacks! Unboxing videos!! I really enjoyed this first one, and am excited about the videos to come!Want to grab a copy of Warzone: Nemesis by Morris E. Graham? Here is a link toAmazon You can get the paperback for $11.73, or read the Kindle version for free through Kindle Unlimited.Until next time,Keep Reading!
Book Unboxing: Waraone: Nemesis by Morris E. Graham
Hello Lovelies,You heard that right! We are doing a new feature for authors who send me paperbacks! Unboxing videos!! I really enjoyed this first one, and am excited about the videos to come!Want to grab a copy of Warzone: Nemesis by Morris E. Graham? Here is a link toAmazon You can get the paperback for $11.73, or read the Kindle version for free through Kindle Unlimited.Until next time,Keep Reading!
October 25, 2016
Teaser Tuesday: Spooktacular Halloween Hop with Tons of Bookish Goodies!
Hello Lovelies,Halloween is almost upon us, and I am excited! I think Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. The cool, crisp weather and the decorating just get me excited! I love dressing up, and this gives me a great chance to do that too. But this year I am a bit sad. My boys have decided they're too old for trick or treat. Growing up is so hard!We are thinking of going to a haunted house, or maybe a pumpkin patch this year, but it just isn't quite the same as trick or treating.... which is why I was so excited to findColleen Myers Spooktacular Halloween Blog Hop.
The perfect way for adults to get back some of the joy of Trick or treat without the sore feet! This is a really fun event, with over 80 authors participating and giving away great book goodies. There is even an overall prize of a Kindle Fire for any of you tough trick or treaters who make it through the whole hop and hit every stop, you will be entered into a drawing. Talk about some sweet treats!I am participating too, and will be giving away copies of theHuntersre-release which should be ready by Halloween. Just waiting on that cover art! (Squee!!)
So what are you waiting for? Get your Trick or Treat on,start hereand follow through to the end. Each stop has their own requirements for you to get the treat, so be sure to follow the directions. Have fun, and here's to your Halloween Haul!Until next time,Keep Reading!
The perfect way for adults to get back some of the joy of Trick or treat without the sore feet! This is a really fun event, with over 80 authors participating and giving away great book goodies. There is even an overall prize of a Kindle Fire for any of you tough trick or treaters who make it through the whole hop and hit every stop, you will be entered into a drawing. Talk about some sweet treats!I am participating too, and will be giving away copies of theHuntersre-release which should be ready by Halloween. Just waiting on that cover art! (Squee!!)So what are you waiting for? Get your Trick or Treat on,start hereand follow through to the end. Each stop has their own requirements for you to get the treat, so be sure to follow the directions. Have fun, and here's to your Halloween Haul!Until next time,Keep Reading!
