Marty Martin aka Warren Martin's Blog, page 4

Book Trailer for Forgotten Soldiers - Jeff Senour Music

Check out the updated version of the Book Trailer for “ForgottenSoldiers: What Happened to Jacob Walden. 
 

The wonderful and appropriate music theme for the trailer was generously provided by Jeff Senour/CTS. Their great music and Freedom Rock Experience program is worth checking out.   

The CTS Freedom Rock Experience combines’ professional and aspiring student musicians for an unforgettable school fundraising concert performance.

Jeff Senour / CTS are also participants and supporters of the SNOWBALL EXPRESS: An annual event Serving the Children of our fallen military heroes.
"Snowball Express" - CTS - Consider The Source, written by Jeff Senour from Jeff Senour on Vimeo.


 

Free Kindle Download for Christmas

Free Kindle Download for Christmas - 24th & 25th. Thank you to all who've already got it, and if you have not downloaded it yet here it is - share with your friends as a gift to them and please share with anyone you think would enjoy this book - thank you and Merry Christmas


Available on Amazon for Download
 Forgotten Soldiers: What Happened to Jacob Walden
 Cold War Mystery about Air Force Captain Jacob Walden shot down over Vietnam in 1970 and the untold story of why he never returned home. Forty years later Journalist Ted Pratt investigates what may be the sudden reappearance of Jacob Walden and follows the trail to find Jacob. Ted encounters Charlie Smith, a secretive and seasoned Operative who may have answers to the question about “What Happened to Jacob Walden,” and why Jake never returned home.

Polish Your Pitch: The One-Minute Book Marketing Challenge

Join the St. Louis Publishers Association on December 14 for Polish Your Pitch, a unique opportunity for authors to practice their book-pitching skills and get invaluable feedback. Learn how to hone your "elevator speech" at this special SLPA book-marketing session, hosted by SLPA past president and book marketing master Bob Baker .
Make no mistake: Your ability to clearly communicate who you are and what your book is about will lead to more publicity, more readers, and more sales. As a self-promoting author, you need to learn this skill.
At the December meeting, one by one, authors will take the hot seat and have one minute to describe their book. A panel of experts will critique each pitch and make suggestions on how to make it more concise and enticing. Audience members will also be encouraged to offer feedback, as time allows.
Current SLPA members will be given preference for the author hot seat spots, then we'll take volunteers from the audience in the remaining time.
It's a great opportunity to polish your book pitch, whether you get direct feedback on your pitch or you simply observe the advice that other authors get. So bring your best pitch to the next meeting!
**********************************

 


Our regular Monthly Meeting location
(the second Wednesday of every month)
THE HEIGHTS: Richmond Heights Community Center
Argus Room
8001 Dale Ave.
Richmond Heights, MO 63117

Here's a link to Google Maps for location and directions.

Doors open at 6:30 PM for networking. Business meeting begins at 7:00 PM and continues till 8:30 PM or so with networking continuing afterward till about 9.

Monthly Meeting Admission

Members – FREENon-member Guests – $10 per person, cash or check at the door(Guest fee will be applied to Membership if you decide to join at that meeting)

St. Louis Local Author Extravaganza Dec. 10 at Chesterfield Mall

Peter Green
If you’re looking for a perfect gift to thrill the readers on your list this holiday season, check out the St. Louis Local Author Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 10, at Chesterfield Mall.  

“Dozens of authors who live and work in the St. Louis area will be here, ready to sign their books to make each one personalized for the recipient,” said Karen Hoffman, founder of Gateway to Dreams (G2D), a nonprofit organization. G2D will host the event in its first-floor store, The Business Lodge, located in the Sears wing. The event is co-sponsored by the St. Louis Writers Guild and St. Louis Publisher’s Association.
 “Our fiction authors represent a cross-section of genres--from mystery and thriller, to romance, to historicals and steampunk, to science fiction and fantasy,” said David Lucas, St. Louis Writers Guild president. “Our nonfiction authors write memoirs, motivational and inspirational books, to name a few.”
Brad Cook Pat Dorsey
Cole Gibsen and T, w. Fendley

“Expect to find books suitable for everyone on your list, from young children, to teens and adults,” said Warren Martin, St. Louis Publishers Association president. “We will also have information about our organizations for the writers on your list who may be looking for a supportive community as 2017 nears.”



Among the authors slated to attend are Debbie Manber Kupfer, Steven M. Thomas, Brad R Cook, Jennifer Stolzer, Pat Dorsey, Warren Martin, Karen Hoffman, Bobbi Linkemer, Suzanne Topping, Melissa Rae, Darlene Reeves, Scott Shepherd, Donna Gamache, Robert Lucas, Wendy Everts, Paul Thiel, Marie Elliott, Arthur Hartz, Rebecca Povich, Izora D. Summers, and Derelene Hirtz.


 

How to Publish Your Own Book: What You Need to Know

St. Louis Publishers Association How to Publish Your Own Book
Have you been thinking about writing a book (or perhaps you have written one) and are curious about how to publish it yourself? In this four-hour workshop, we’ll cover the realities of independent publishing, how editing and design can make your book look great, options for getting your book into print, sales channels, eBook production and tips for book marketing.
(These classes fill up fast so don’t delay)
 Presented by the St. Louis Publishers Association. 
Register through STL Community College for the class: 
WRIT:704 • 681 (<—important number) 
• Sat 8am-12pm Nov. 5 MC - SO, 109 
www.stlcc.edu/ce 314-984-7777
STLCC fee is $39 and for those over 60 its $24.50 

The Transtirion: Apocalyptic Dystopian Series Has Arrived

 Attention readers of High Epic Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian type genres. 
You'll love the new series by Martin Junior @IamIanLennon “The Transtirion:Division One.” The Wizard will be out in print early 2017.   In the meantime chapter installments are available on Amazon Kindle. Please share with your friends and social media connections.  

The world of Sahar is harsh, but its ancient magic and gods are far worse. A place where magic has become a drug and gods have become religious myth. Set against the backdrop of the first galaxy ever created SPECKTRA, our tale takes place on the eve of the-second-age-of-time and follows two naïve youths known as seekers. The unnamed hero and his half-brother White-Paw run out of the herb known as the green leaf. In a state of paranoid frenzy, they go to Angela’s shop of magic to try and make a deal. What transpires next is a grand adventure into the new and unknown on a soil that is nothing what it appears to be. In the end it all leads to The Transtirion, the twelve planets of SPECKTRA, and finally the Wizard himself.

The Wizard: The Fur and Quarter Pound - Chapter 1
The Wizard: A Chance Occurrence with an Untouched Albino Bride - Chapter 2
The Wizard: An Essence at Fleetwood's Smokey ERB - Chapter 3
The Wizard: The Poet & The riot at the-lost-temple-of-Diana – Chapter 4
The Wizard: The Slayer: Where is Spektra? – Chapter 5 

St. Louis Publishers Association (SLPA) Presents - FULLY FUNDED: A Panel Discussion with Successful Crowdfunding Authors

Crowdfunding helps entrepreneurs raise billions of dollars for their enterprises, sometimes before a single item is manufactured or any employees are hired. Authors can reap the same benefits of
advance fundraising for the sometimes expensive publication process, or even find the money to subsidize their writing, but it takes careful planning, strategic management, and trustworthy tactics.
On Wednesday, September 14, the St. Louis Publishers Association (SLPA) will host a panel discussion with three successful crowdfunding authors (Jamey Stegmaier, Susan Hacker Stang, and Bill Perry) to discuss their insights and observations about the unique challenges authors face in the crowdfunding arena and share advice from their own successes and failures.

Jamey Stegmaier is the CEO and co-founder of Stonemaier Games and has run eight Kickstarter campaigns, raising over $3 million. He is the author of A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide: Build a Better Business by Building Community.

Susan Hacker Stang is an American photographer and was a professor of communications at Webster University for forty-one years. Her work has been collected by more than twenty-five major museums and libraries around the world and appears in numerous books and magazines. Her publications include Encountering Florence/Firenze un incontro; Kodachrome – End of the Run: Photographs from the Final Batches; Kodachrome Notes; and her recently published book, reAPPEARANCES, was funded by a Kickstarter campaign.


Bill Perry is an artist whose drawings, paintings, and sculptures can be seen at galleries, playgrounds, bike trails, and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. He teaches drawing and painting at Central Visual & Performing Arts High School. His book, Road Trip: A Fold-Out Adventure, was successfully launched through a Kickstarter campaign

Join the SLPA on September 14 for a robust and lively conversation about crowdfunding, from the basics to insider knowledge, and bring your best questions for Q&A!**********************************Our regular Monthly Meeting location
(the second Wednesday of every month)THE HEIGHTS: Richmond Heights Community Center
Argus Room
8001 Dale Ave.
Richmond Heights, MO 63117Here's a link to Google Maps for location and directions.Doors open at 6:30 PM for networking. Business meeting begins at 7:00 PM and continues till 8:30 PM or so with networking continuing afterward till about 9.

Another ★★★★★ Star Review for Forgotten Soldiers

 *(I’ve been on Hiatus from blogging but am getting back to it – appreciate your following and sharing – thank you)*

A fascinating book that tells the story of an airman captured by an enemy who shows no humanity to his fellow man and is willing to pass the prisoner on to the Soviet Union without a qualm. Despite his ordeal, the airman shows remarkable fortitude, strength of character and loyalty to his Service and his Country. Despite having his dreams of returning to his original family shattered by his own government, he makes another life for himself on his return showing once more his resilience. A very enjoyable read.

 https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Soldiers-Happened-Walde…/…/

10 Media Relations Tips for Authors and Publishers

Take a few minutes to read Kim Wolterman Blog Post about our workshop this past Saturday and her top ten tips for Authors and publishers.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015The Publicity HoundWriters and publishers in the St. Louis area are blessed to have the active and resourceful St. Louis Publishers Association right in their backyard. In addition to monthly meetings and an annual class on getting your book published, occasionally a national speaker is brought in. Such was the case last Saturday when Joan Stewart, aka The Publicity Hound, came to St. Louis for a jam-packed three hour workshop on tips for profitable self-promotion. Joan is a publicity expert, speaker and trainer who works with businesses, authors, marketers and many others who need assistance with their publicity endeavors.

Saturday's workshop covered working with the media, creating video and audio, blogging (and repurposing your own content), press releases and pitching to journalists. Here are my top ten takeaways from Joan's presentation:

10. Pinterest is one of the fastest growing forms of social media. This visual platform is predominantly used by females.

9. Join LinkedIn groups that contain influencers who can help you with your promotions, not just author and/or publisher groups.

8. The Freelance Directory of the Society of Professional Journalists can help you locate journalists who write about your topic.

7. Once you have identified the journalists who represent what you write about, then read their blogs. Research them before you pitch to them.

6. Authors need to blog. Ideally, a blog post should be around 700 words so Google can find it.

5. Repurpose your content. Turn blog posts into podcasts, create YouTube videos, put tips on Pinterest.

4. Review existing podcast topics. Small, niche topics do well here because not too many people are doing it.

3. Complete a Google profile, and make sure that you have linked all of your websites to it.

2. Creating videos and audio content is imperative if you want to be found on Google, and to be recognized as an expert in your field.

And the top tip learned from Joan...

1. Promote yourself as an expert, do not promote your book. If the media sees you as an expert, they will call upon you for stories. The publicity for your book will follow.

Joan's presentation was professional, entertaining and enlightening. The fifty some attendees were attentive and engaged. What a productive way to spend a Saturday morning.

If you are not currently following Joan, I would highly encourage you to do so. Her publicity tips are priceless, though many of them are offered for free. To receive her free DIY publicity tips, you can subscribe here.

The Reason Why Readers Hate Indie Books: Poor Editing

I wanted to share this article with all the Indie writers out there.  Great points about editing.


  The #1 Reason Why Readers Hate Indie Books: Poor Editing We all need an editor from time to time. It’s not something we outgrow. One very intelligent and literate adult I know had to be convinced that it was “together” not “togather”. I married him anyway.
Another acquaintance, also a writer, regularly puts out blog posts that say she’s “suppose to” or “use to”. Where did those d’s disappear to? Gah.

We split our infinitives and misplace our modifiers. We can’t get it through our heads that we only use the superlative “my oldest son” when there are more than two sons in the picture.  Writers often tell ourselves, hey, we’re artists. We can’t be bothered with the mundane when we’re crafting an exciting story. But it matters.

That’s why we all need an editor from time to time.  As the founding member of the GES, I embrace my own grammarly shortcomings and put my trust in my editor.  Susan is awesome. She makes me correct my mistakes. She’s like a human thesaurus when I just can’t come up with the right word. She reels me in when I fall in love with the sound of my own voice and a scene starts to drag.  I consider her an objective critic and I take her opinion seriously.

This morning, she referred a prospective client to me for an endorsement.
Gladly!
My editor has made me a better writer.
End of story.

Check her out! Susan Hughes at www.myindependenteditor.com
Tracy Lawson has wanted to be a writer ever since she learned to read. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Ohio University, and though she embarked on a career in the performing arts as a dance instructor and choreographer, never lost her desire to write, and thus far has to her credit a coming-of-age dystopian thriller and an historical nonfiction. Her interest in writing for teens is sparked by all the wonderful young people in her life, including her daughter, Keri, a college sophomore.

You can find out more about her on her website www.counteractbook.com and on Twitter