Laura McNeill's Blog, page 23
November 1, 2012
LCB Author Feature: Rebekah Campbell
Living in the Dark
Today, I’m featuring my friend and fellow author, Rebekah Campbell, and her soon-to-be-released debut novel, Living In the Dark.
Friday, November 9th is her anticipated release date, and if you like your books dark and suspenseful, please add the book on GoodReads (right here)!
And now, here’s Rebekah with more……
It’s today, it is actually today. How is that possible? How has today come around so quickly?! I know that time flies when you’re having fun but SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. That’s unbelievable.
You’re probably wondering what the heck I’m chuntering on about. Well, I’ll tell you. Today I reveal the cover of my debut book, Living in the Dark!
*thud*
That was the sound of me throwing myself on the ground at how bizarre it sounds. I can never thank Claudia and Ashley enough for their superhuman powers when it comes to book covers. It’s like they knew exactly what I pictured, sprinkled a bit of pixie dust and shazzam:
Look at my precious….I’d like to hug it…… Anyway, back on track, here is the blurb:
“Experiences can make us or break us and it’s no different for sixteen-year-old, Emily.
Living under the roof of her abusive Uncle, Emily is brutally attacked by a gang and wakes up from a coma with no recollection of the accident.
As the amnesia starts to clear, Emily realises that her memory is not the only thing coming back to her from the accident. There’s also a wild, angry power that she has to control before it destroys her and everyone else.
So the question remains: Will Experience make her or break her?”
Music is also a major part of my life and it was only inevitable that I created a soundtrack for this book. A couple of tracks describe the characters, and the rest describe what happens with the plot. It’s a definite mish-mash of musical genres but it makes my heart happy.
Living in the Dark will be published Friday 9th November (eeeeek!) for kindle, nook etc. The paperback version should hopefully be ready the week after. For now you can find it on Goodreads, right here. Anyone fancy jumping about like a complete loon?
A note from LCB: Check out Rebekah’s awesome blog here: http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/
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October 26, 2012
YouTube Review of ‘Dixie’
The Kindle Book Review:
Watch the Brand New “Book Jacket” Video Here!
A huge thank you to Ashley and Heather at the Kindle Book Review for this awesome YouTube video review of “Dancing Naked in Dixie.”
Check it out here:
Hope you enjoy it!
xx, Lauren
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October 24, 2012
Disney, Dreams, and the Impossible
Two weeks ago, I returned from a magical vacation that I enjoyed with the most important people in my life … my children and family!
We were very fortunate to visit Disney World and experience the magic, joy, and wonder that comes with being in a place designed for pure family fun and entertainment.
But what struck me most about this visit were a few signs posted in places that were “under construction.” The signs all displayed quotes from the creator of Disney Land and Disney World, the late Walt Disney. Among them:
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
I really thought about those words as we toured Epcot, Downtown Disney, and Animal Kingdom. My parents told me about a ‘behind the scenes’ tour they’d taken the day before. They explained that everyone had expected Walt Disney’s theme park to fail, that he’d mortgaged everything to build the California park, and many people laughed at his ideas.
My Two Boys!
My niece & my son
As authors, dreams are a BIG part of our jobs. Without dreams, vision, and goals, many stories wouldn’t be written. Some books would never been read. Here are a few more examples of those quotes:
“We did it (Disneyland), in the knowledge that most of the people I talked to thought it would be a financial disaster – closed and forgotten within the first year.”
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.”
Wow. Talk about inspiration. And the success that comes from not giving up. For me, this trip was a fabulous lesson. And I hope it rings true for everyone reading this post, whether you aspire to write novels, be the best parent, or join the 2016 Olympic team!
It’s never too late to dream a little dream, right? What are your big dreams?
xx, Lauren
Smart, Sassy Fiction with a Southern Twist
Dancing Naked in Dixie for Kindle
Dancing Naked in Dixie **NEW** Audible Audio Book
Dancing Naked for iTunes, iPad, iPhone
My fancy Minnie ears at home in my office!
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October 16, 2012
When The Pie Lab Gives You Lemons …
Change Your Plans
Okay. I had EVERYTHING all planned out for my next book, The Pie Lab.
My outline, my characters, a little promotion. February 14, 2013 (Valentine’s Day) for the target release date. The best designer I know working on the cover art.
And just to make sure I was doing everything I could to gain support for The Pie Lab novel, I decided to contact the executive director who oversees the restaurant, as well as the manager.
Here’s my letter:
August 12, 2012
Dear (Lovely Person # 1 and Person # 2),
I’m a novelist who lives in Mobile, Alabama. Last year, I enjoyed visiting The Pie Lab, and am interested in using the location as a setting for my next book. I’ve published two novels, the latest of which (Dancing Naked in Dixie) was set in Eufaula, Alabama. (FYI: The content is rated “G”) Dixie follows the story of a NYC travel writer who visits the Deep South.
My novels are humorous and heart-felt, with memorable characters and happy endings. I’d love to write a similar story involving The Pie Lab and Greensboro, reflecting the historic city and your restaurant in a positive light.
Would it be possible to get a release/permission to use The Pie Lab logo and a few of the photos on your website or Facebook page? The images would be used to design the cover of the novel and could be used to promote the book. It is my hope that the novel would generate additional tourism interest in The Pie Lab and Greensboro.
If you’d like to check out my books, please click on any link below or visit my website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
All the best, Lauren Clark
Here’s the Response:
August 17, 2012
Hi Lauren
Thanks for your message. I went to Amazon and bought your most recent book. I will email you when I finish it.
Thanks for thinking of PieLab. I don’t think we would be interested lending our name/location to your next project but thank you for considering us! I appreciate your writing and will be following your work!
Person # 1
Ouch. Ugh. Nooooooo. But. All sorts of thoughts went through my head. I could convince them. I could make them love it. After a few days of good old fashioned Deep South “wallering” to my publicist, Laura Pepper Wu, and some other author girlfriends, I told myself to get over it!
Here were my choices: (1) Go ahead and write the book anyway and keep the title? (2) Write a different book? (3) Change the title and location and go for the February 2013 release anyway.
I picked # 3. Pie Girls will be out in February 2013, Deep South location yet to be disclosed…………
xx, Lauren
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October 10, 2012
Looking for Promotion Tips?
for Your Self Published Book
Publicist Laura Pepper Wu, author of the new book “77 Ways to Find New Readers for Your Self Published Book” says that the biggest challenge for any writer is to let people know their book exists. In this concise guide co-founder of the 30 Day Books studio Laura Pepper Wu shares actionable tips and secrets that you can use to skyrocket the sales of your book and find new readers in places far outside of your current network.
This short but sweet eBook was inspired by an author desperate for help.
Marianne asked: “The self-published author community is really supportive of each other, but how do we break beyond it and promote to NEW readers?”. She wasn’t alone in wanting to find new readers. It seems that authors are thirsty for new and unique marketing ideas, and having them curated all in one place enables authors to cut through the noise and take advice for a tried and trusted source.
Laura poured onto paper the strategies and ideas she uses to coach self-published authors for over three years, along with actionable tips on how to use them. 77 Ways is designed to inform, inspire and entertain.
She says try one new idea each day for 2-3 months, and you have a creative marketing plan that is both manageable and effective. You’ll break beyond your current network and find ways of connecting with new readers that feels comfortable and enjoyable.
PRAISE FOR LAURA PEPPER WU
“Laura is one of the most effective and professional people I’ve ever worked with. Her marketing plan and eBook strategy for our book was beyond my wildest dreams.” – Sophia Viklund, Project Manager for The Dog Who Turned into a Lion
“…concise, proven tips that save time. Her enthusiasm and genuine concern for self-publishers are evident on every page. Laura shares links, suggests other great books and inspires with her own challenges and triumphs.” – Author Stephen Black, Furikake.
“You will be glad you purchased this book!” – Melissa Wenzel, writer and founder of Melissa Wenzel Communications.
Buy Links:
Laura Pepper Wu
Bio:
Laura Pepper Wu is the co-founder of 30 Day Books: a book studio. She has worked with a variety of authors to successfully promote their books, including many Amazon best-sellers. Laura is the author of wedding non-fiction guides as well as ’77 Ways to Find New Readers for Your Self-Published Book’.
Laura also runs Ladies Who Critique, a critique-partner finding site. When she’s not working at the studio, you can find her walking her dog, “yoga-ing” or at a coffee shop in Seattle.
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October 8, 2012
LCB Today: Tonya Kappes & A Charming Cure
Tonya Kappes
Bubble. . .Bubble. . .Psychic June Heal’s homeopathic cure shop, A Charming Cure, is the most popular shop in the unusual little town of Whispering Falls, Kentucky.Cures and Trouble. . .June is about to learn she has more than psychic abilities when she attends Hidden Hall A Spiritualist University, leaving her shop in the hands of handsome sheriff Oscar Park.Hidden Hall has an internal war between the Good-Siders and the Dark-Siders, putting June in the middle.
Magic Stirs. . .
Hidden Hall is riddled with every type of spiritualist. Magic is lurking around every corner, even black-magic.
Unfortunately, the Ultimate Spell gets into the wrong hands. But it is only discovered after a few spiritualist go missing or end up poisoned to death.
And Trouble Doubles. . .
Madam Torres, June’s crystal ball, reveals that A Charming Cure is in shambles along with the rest of Whistpering Falls.
Will June figure out who has the Ultimate Spell and stop them before they destroy the entire spiritualist community?
Get your copy of A CHARMING CURE:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
BioTonya is an Amazon Movers and Shakers and self-published International bestselling author. She writes humorous cozy mystery and women’s fiction that involves quirky characters in quirky situations.
Splitsville.com, the first novel in the Olivia Davis Mystery Series, is a double finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Mystery and Humorous Categories.
Carpe Bead ‘em is the winner in Amazon’s eFestival of Words in the Women’s Fiction/Chick-lit Category. She travels to various writer’s groups giving workshops on marketing and promoting, no matter where you are in your career or self publishing.
Become a member of Tonya’s STREET TEAM! It’s a gathering place of readers who love Tonya Kappes novels and Tonya gives away monthly prizes! To sign up for Tonya’s STREET TEAM, newsletter, view book trailers, and upcoming news, check out Tonya’s website, Tonyakappes.blogspot.com.
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October 3, 2012
Author Thomas Perez Book Signing
Katrina Lashes Arabia
Please welcome my friend and fellow author, Thomas Perez, to Lauren Clark Books today!
If you’re traveling along the Alabama or Florida Gulf Coast this weekend, take the lovely drive up to Fairhope, Alabama for Grand Festival of Art and Books.
Thomas will be signing his new book, Katrina Lashes Arabia, along with Love, Hickory.
THE FESTIVAL:
October 5, Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
October 6, Saturday, 10:00 – 6:00 p.m.
THE BOOK:
KATRINA LASHES ARABIA is not about the hurricane, even though Katrina Owens, R.N., M.S.N., hails from New Orleans. When that infamous storm strikes the Gulf Coast, she’s safe in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia . . . Well, safe until she runs afoul of a Morals Police harassing her to cover her hair and she goes ballistic. A first cousin to Ignatius J. Reilly from CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES, this Katrina is a dangerous as any typhoon ravaging the Arabian coastline. Imagine Queen Latifah let loose in Saudi to outwit the Religious Police who are tyring to arrest her. Katrina kicks butt.
GET KATRINA:
Page and Palette Bookstore, Fairhope, AL
Barnes and Noble (print copy and Nook)
Love, Hickory
THOMAS JOSEPH PEREZ lived fifteen years in Saudi Arabia where he taught English at Prince Sultan University and trained Royal Saudi Air Force officers in English Language skills. He is a native of Mobile on the Gulf Coast of Alabama in the southern United States. A satirical playwright, he has produced his works with “The South of the Saltline Theatre . . . of Comedy, Satire, and Deeper Meaning”. His original satire, Don’t Frack with Society Shell!!, will premiere in January at the Mobile Theatre Guild.
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October 2, 2012
The Girly Blog Hop Winners
The Girly Blog Hop
The Girly Blog Hop wrapped up October 1st and I let Random.org pick my winner(s) for the $10 gift certificate to Amazon from LaurenClarkBooks!
The participation in this great blog hop was fabulous and I am thrilled at ALL of the great comments on my blog about the characters in Dancing Naked in Dixie! Thank you for everyone who followed my blog via email or my very ‘infrequent’ newsletter and left comments.
Because the first person Random.org chose was a fellow author, I decided to allow the system to choose a second name!
Here are the two lucky winners:
Rachel and Jen, please contact me at laurenclarkbooks@gmail.com to claim your prizes!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered the contest! I’ll be running more in the near future, so “Stay Tuned!”
xx, Lauren
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LCB Prize Winner
& Winner Announcement
Hey Everyone! Happy Tuesday … I just wrapped up a two-week long Dancing Naked in Dixie tour with Colette of ABG Reads Book Tours! This tour, I decided to give away a $25.00 iTunes gift card …. (scroll down for the lucky winner!)
Meanwhile, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all of the bloggers and readers who supported Dixie with a review or a post. Here’s the list of great blogs if you’d like to check them out!
Sept 10 Forget The Housework, I’m Reading Guest Post/Excerpt
Sept 11 Chick Lit Reviews And News- Review/Author Interview
Sept 12 Nette’s Bookshelf Excerpt/Guest Post
Sept 13 Reflective Bookworm Review
Sept 14 Reflective BookWorm Author Interview
Sept 15 Chick Lit & WIne Review
Sept 16 The Thoughts Of A Girl, Review/Excerpt
Sept 17 Library Mosaic Excerpt
Sept 18 Desperado Penguin Review
Sept 19 Captivated Reading Excerpt
Sept 20 WV Stitcher Review
Sept 21 Kritters Ramblings Review/Author Interview
Sept 22 Steph The Book Worm Review
Sept 23 Aria’s Dark Muse Review
Sept 24 Amy’s Booket List Review
And, now, for the winner of the $25.00 iTunes gift card…Jason Burris!
If you’d like to get in touch with Colette to be a host one of her blog tours, here’s her information: ABG Reads Book Tours and Twitter. I hope that everyone has a wonderful day & ‘stay tuned’ for a few very special guests over the next week while I take a few days off with my boys for the long weekend!
xx, Lauren
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September 27, 2012
The Girly Blog Hop Sept 27 – Oct 1
The Girly Blog Hop Sept 27 – Oct 1
Today’s feature: The Smart, Sassy, and very Southern PD Jordan, Eufaula, Alabama
Dancing Naked in Dixie
Signing Dixie inside Shorter Mansion
For the story line of Dancing Naked in Dixie, I wanted to feature the historic city of Eufaula, Alabama and include the lovely Pilgrimage event as a setting for one of my novels. I created the character of Julia Sullivan, a travel writer with attention-deficit disorder. I wanted to see what this big-city girl would do when sent to small-town Alabama.
When I decided a developer was going to try and ruin Eufaula’s historic district by building condominiums, I had considered Julia discovering some locally made new cookie or dessert so delicious it would make people want to “Dance Naked.” She could bring it back to New York City, share it with friends, and there would be a nationwide cookie craze or rush to buy the sweets. This would create an influx of money through tourism and job development and give the city enough revenue to fight off the developer.
However, as the story progressed, the baking creation turned out to be a better fit for PD, Shug’s sister, who needed some softening around her sharp edges. By pursuing her dream of owning a bakery, we see more facets of her personality and how much she cares about her family and the Eufaula community. PD’s Pillow Puffs become her signature treat and a significant way in which she contributes to the Pilgrimage.
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Here’s the blurb for Dancing Naked in Dixie:
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.
With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she’s offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.
Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia’s story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
There’s a lot more to read about and win on the Girly Blog today through October 1st. (The LINKY LIST is below) But for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Amazon from LaurenClarkBooks, I need you to do these two things 1) follow my blog via email OR my very infrequent newsletter and 2) leave a comment below. Happy Blog Hopping, y’all!
xx, Lauren
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