Micalea Smeltzer's Blog, page 11

Unraveling & Undeniable Bundle .99 cents!

SURPRISE! 

In honor of Black Friday/Cyber Monday I have a major surprise for you. Unraveling and Undeniable is bundled together and on sale for a limited time! It’s .99 cents everywhere. Please share and spread the word. I wanted to get this out to you yesterday but it didn’t go live in time and it probably won’t be live on other retailers until Tuesday or Wednesday since they’re slow. But you can get it on Amazon.

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/tsbb6p

Other links coming soon.

Cover Design by Emily Wittig Designs and Photography

The post Unraveling & Undeniable Bundle .99 cents! appeared first on Author Micalea Smeltzer.

I wrote a book–What do I do next?

I said I was going to start blogging more and one of the topics I’m asked about most is what do after you’ve finished writing a book so I figured I’d start here.

 

(P.S. I’m not reading through this so if there’s misspellings…well, I’m human.)

 

I am by no means an expert on publishing and every experience is different—this has just been my personal experience.

 

My number one piece of advice would be—don’t publish the first book you write.

 

But it’s my baby!

 

I know. Believe me, I know, because I felt the exact same way. But now, having written nearly 30 books, I look back on my first books and I cringe at how awful they are. At the time I was blinded by my love for the story, characters, and writing in general and I couldn’t separate myself and look at it with an unbiased eye. Don’t get me wrong, I still love those books and characters…I just wish no one would ever read them. I can write a lot better now.

That being said, even though I wish those books weren’t out there, I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t published those I don’t think I would’ve had the guts to publish anything.

 

Moving on, once you’ve completed your book I suggest converting it to a .mobi file and putting it on a kindle (if you have a kindle) and reading it as a book. You could always print it out the old fashioned way, but I prefer the kindle because I can make the words bigger and it’s easier for me to read (my eyes suck) and then as I’m reading I have the word document up on my computer and I can change things as I go. I’ve formed a very critical eye of my own work over the years and I find that reading it on a kindle as an actual book makes me even more critical vs. reading it straight from the computer. No book is perfect, and you have to be willing to make changes and cuts.

 

After you’ve read it and made any changes you want you can read it again—but I never do that. By that point my eyes are crossing and my brain has turned to mush and I’m useless and not going to be able to further the story.

 

This means it’s time for beta readers. I have my betas read it as I write, but that’s only because I now don’t ever have any major plot changes. But when you’re just starting I suggest using betas once you’re done and have read it yourself. When picking a beta reader DO NOT (I repeat DO NOT) use family or your best friend or that person I know that was an English Major. Seriously, DON’T DO IT. I mean it. Betas are there to help guide your story and you want them to be critical but also point out things you do well. Family and friends will tell you it’s great when it’s not and that person I know that was an English Major will think they know everything and screw up your story. So who do I use as a beta reader then? If you’ve already built an online audience (maybe online friends that are also readers) reach out to one or two of them. Your end goal is getting your books out to readers so why not have beta readers that are actually readers? Also, beta readers are supposed to be critical. You don’t want them to say, “I love this!” When it really sucks. Once your book is published readers aren’t going to lie and tell you they love it, they’re going to be brutally honest, so it’s better to hear it sooner rather than later. Oh, and quick note—try not to have too many beta readers limit yourself to no more than three.

 

Once you’ve gone through the beta reading process it’s time to start looking for an editor. Most editors will offer a sample edit so you can see if you like their style of editing and it also helps to have an editor that you mesh well with. I was lucky enough to accidently end up with my editor because she started out as my formatter and we click very well. We have similar personalities so it works, which is great since I release a book approximately every other month.

 

One of the biggest questions I’m asked is how?

How do I find an editor?

How do I find a formatter? A cover designer?

 

It’s easier than you think. Facebook is your best ally. Stalk your favorite authors and see if they mention who their editor or formatter is. See a cover you love? Find out who the designer is. Chances are if you don’t easily find that information then the author will be happy to answer you in a comment or message. I know it can be scary reaching out to your favorite authors but we’re people and most of us are pretty kind. (I’ll post links down below for people I use that you can check out)

 

Finding a good editor, cover designer, and formatter can be difficult and cost a lot of money. But remember this is your baby and you don’t want to skimp on it. INVEST IN YOUR DREAM. If you don’t believe enough in your book to do it right, then no one is going to believe in you enough to buy it. That sounds harsh, but it’s true. Chances are you’re going to have to save up for months when you’re first starting out in order to get a good cover designer and editor. (Formatting isn’t as expensive) But trust, me it’s worth every penny. A cover is your first impression—it’s the first thing that tells a reader hmm this is something I might like and you want to make them stop and look long enough to read the blurb. Then, you want to make sure you have a good editor because the last thing you want is a jaw-droppingly amazing cover and the inside sucks. Readers will remember if your book is poorly edited. TRUST ME. And readers talk. Word of mouth is your best ally but it can also be your foe. Formatting is one thing I see a lot of people leave off but it’s just as important as editing and having a good cover. If the book isn’t formatted right it can totally be screwed up on someone’s reading device and they might think it’s defective. You want to make sure your book is completely professional all the way around. Every aspect is important.

 

Once your book is edited, formatted, and has a cover, what do you do?

It’s time to publish! For self-publishing to kindle you will use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. For everything else I personally use Smashwords—they then publish to Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and more. There are other websites you can use like Draft 2 Digital, but I personally have no experience with that one. Createspace is the big one for paperbacks. I have used Ingram Spark (Lightning Source) and I don’t recommend them. It’s very easy to set up an account and you give them your bank account information so they can deposit your money.

 

After all that is set up it’s time to pick a publishing date if you haven’t already and start marketing. (I will do another blog post on marketing)

 

When it’s time to publish you log into your accounts and follow the steps. Most websites now offer preorders too, if that’s something you want to do.

 

Then you simply press PUBLISH and watch your baby grow up and go out into the world.

 

Don’t forget to breathe, because while you might be scared, it’s going to be okay.

 

If you have any questions because I’m sure I’ve forgotten to touch on something, feel free to comment below and I’ll answer. If your comment doesn’t show up immediately it’s because I have to approve it. I get a lot of spam comments so I have to approve most of them.

 

 

Cover Designers I recommend: 

My go-to is Regina Wamba with Mae I Design. She also does custom photography. She’s amazingly talented and awesome to work with. She has some of the most recognizable covers in the indie world. http://www.maeidesign.com/

Hang Le is also an amazing cover designer. She did my re-do’s for Unraveling and Undeniable. But you probably know my Bring Me Back cover over those and she did that one as well. Hang is incredibly sweet with a distinct style. http://www.byhangle.com/

Emily Wittig is an up and coming young designer. I’m blown away by her talent at such a young age and I know she’s just going to get better and better. She did the new covers for my Fallen Series as well as something else I haven’t revealed yet.

Welcome to my new website!

LOOKIE! I have a new website! Isn’t it gorgeous?! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m so happy to have finally done it. Julie with Priceless Design Studio was AWESOME to work with and I highly recommend them if you’re an author or blogger looking to make your blog or website look better.

I hope this website will be much easier for you guys. Everything is so much clearer and better organized. If you’re looking to buy signed books, swag, or posters there’s even a store now (and it’s probably my favorite feature). On the Books page you’ll find all of my…well books, as well as a section with upcoming releases. I wanted you guys to be able to find everything you need in one place and that’s what this website is for. There’s a page with Extras (bonus scenes I’ve written for various books), the blog (where you are now), my Events page so you can keep up with what signings I’ll be at. Take a look around and let me know what you think!

On another note, I’m planning to blog more, so if there are any topics you want to hear about let me know. Like if you have any questions about writing, publishing, etc, leave them below.

SURPRISE!

*jumps up and down* SURPRISE! Not only do I have the cover to share with you but I released A Love Like Ours so you can download it RIGHT NOW. It’s .99 cents for a limited time so snatch it up!❤ I hope you guys love Ollie and Talia!

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/dueocp

Ollie and Talia have always lived by two rules.

1.Live life to the fullest

2.Love each other with everything they have.

When the unthinkable happens Talia is left heartbroken and Ollie doesn’t know how to fix it. Suddenly this fun-loving couple finds themselves struggling to find the good in life that used to come so readily to the both of them.

A gift from a friend presents them with the chance to travel the world. Something they were both once eager to do.

Hopping on a plane.

Unknown destinations.

Anything can happen…but can they find their way back to themselves?

A Love Like Ours Prologue

Ollie and Talia have always lived by two rules.

Live life to the fullest
Love each other with everything they have.

When the unthinkable happens Talia is left heartbroken and Ollie doesn’t know how to fix it. Suddenly this fun-loving couple finds themselves struggling to find the good in life that used to come so readily to the both of them.

A gift from a friend presents them with the chance to travel the world. Something they were both once eager to do.

Hopping on a plane.

Unknown destinations.

Anything can happen…but can they find their way back to themselves?

Prologue

Ollie

 

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The sound of Talia’s heart hooked up to a million fucking monitors. The drab gray and white walls of the hospital room seem to grow closer with each beep. I know eventually she’s going to wake up and I’m going to have to tell her what happened.

Getting that call…

Fuck.

I never expected anything like this when I answered the phone.

Shot.

The love of my life was shot. Not just her, but my best friend Liam too, all because some psycho dude was after his girl. Somehow my girl got caught in the crossfire.

I hold her chilled hand in mine, willing some of my warmth to seep into her. Tears dampen my cheeks. I don’t think I’ve ever cried, at least not since I was a kid, but I can’t seem to stop now.

Talia, the love of my life, was nearly taken from this world.

I’ve loved her since I was just a little kid, before I really even knew what love was. She’s been mine forever, we’re inseparable, and to think of living in a world where she doesn’t exist, where I don’t wake up to her smile every day, breaks my fucking heart.

I’d been so excited to embark on the next part of our journey together.

Parenthood.

But the trauma from her gunshot caused her to lose the baby. At least she’s here, but I know when she wakes up she won’t see it that way.

We both had a shitty childhood, raised in foster homes, and we eventually escaped together and started our own life. Things were finally good for us.

But I guess maybe they were too fucking good and now we’re being punished.

A tear escapes my eye and I reach up to swipe it away.

This girl…this girl. She’s more than the love of my life, she’s the other half of my soul, my entire world. There is no me without her.

I lower my head to the bed and close my eyes. I can’t sleep, but looking at her lying broken and beaten in the hospital bed is too much for me to bear. I’ve always tried to fix everything for her and this is one thing I can’t fucking fix.

Sometime later a small voice speaks my name. “Ol…Ollie?”

My head whips up and I find Talia’s blue eyes staring back at me. She knows. She fucking knows.

“Hey, baby.” I lean over and kiss her forehead. “How are you feeling?”

She ignores the question. “T-The baby?” She asks, her voice hoarse and scratchy. “Is it…?” She lets the question hang in the air, but the truth already swims in her eyes.

I shake my head. “It’s gone.”

I watch as her face crumples, and that last shred of hope she’d been clinging to is severed—and I had to be the one to do it. I’m still holding her hand and she tightens her grip around me as she wails like she’s lost a part of her heart and soul. I guess in a way she has. We both have.

She leans halfway out of the bed, trying to get to me, and I wrap my body around hers like I can shield her from the whole world and the hurt that lives here.

But I can’t protect her.

I didn’t protect her.

And now our lives are forever altered and it’s no one else’s fault but my own.

 

Add on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31141621-a-love-like-ours

Release Date: To Be Announced

A LOVE LIKE OURS BLURB & EXCERPT

Photo (c) Regina Wamba / Mae I Design

Ollie and Talia have always lived by two rules.

Live life to the fullest
Love each other with everything they have.

 

When the unthinkable happens Talia is left heartbroken and Ollie doesn’t know how to fix it. Suddenly this fun-loving couple finds themselves struggling to find the good in life that used to come so readily to the both of them.

A gift from a friend presents them with the chance to travel the world. Something they were both once eager to do.

Hopping on a plane.

Unknown destinations.

Anything can happen…but can they find their way back to themselves?

EXCERPT

“Come here.”

I look at him questioningly, and he parts his legs, motioning me to sit in-between them. I climb over his leg and position myself with my back against his chest so he can rest his chin on top of my head. The sun sinks some more—it’s almost completely gone at this point.

“The only thing sure in this world is that the sun is going to set every evening and rise every morning. That’s it. Nothing else in this world is guaranteed.” He wraps his arms around my body, and I scoot forward a little bit so I can recline against him more.

“There’s one other thing,” I say, tilting my head back to look at him.

“What’s that?”

“That I love you.”

He chuckles and taps his finger against my nose. “How could I forget?” He lowers his head and his curls tickle my neck. “God, Tal,” he murmurs. “I could’ve lost you.”

My heart pangs. He doesn’t talk much about that day—I think it’s easier for the both of us to brush it under the rug and pretend it didn’t happen. But it did and it left a scar on both of our hearts. I reach my arm up, curling it around his neck as my fingers thread into his hair.

“You didn’t,” I whisper. “I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Ollie bites his lip, and it’s then that I see the tears pooling in his eyes. “I’ve never been more scared than that day I got the call you were in the hospital—and we’ve been through some pretty shitty stuff.” He tucks his head against my neck and I feel his body begin to shake. I untangle myself from his hold and turn around, sitting in his lap with my legs wrapped around his waist. I take his face between my hands and brush his shaggy hair from his eyes. My beautiful, funny, weird, and quirky boyfriend never cries.

Not when we lived on the streets.

Not when we went to bed with empty stomachs.

Never.

“Oliver,” I whisper, and his lips quirk at my use of his full name. “I’m not going anywhere.” My voice grows even softer. My eyes flick down to his lips and back. “The whole time I was lying on that floor in the restaurant, all I kept thinking was, ‘You can’t leave Ollie and the baby’. I fought to live for you. For both of you.” I brush my fingers over his cheek. He swallows thickly and a tear escapes from his eye, sliding down his cheek and onto my hand. I’ve never spoken to him about that time I spent in the restaurant playing dead from my gunshot wound. I think he’d like to pretend that I wasn’t aware of what was happening, but I knew. I knew. “I’m too stubborn to ever leave you, so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for the long haul.”

He laughs then. “I like the sound of that.”

Pressing my forehead against his, I kiss him. I’ve kissed Ollie a thousand times since we’ve been together—more I’m sure—but every single time still feels new and different. I still get excited butterflies in my stomach, and that right there tells me I’m with the right person.

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31141621-a-love-like-ours

.99 cents NEW RELEASE

We were like two stars orbiting each other—dancing around the possibility that one day we might collide. When we finally did, we opened up a black hole, obliterating everything around us. No one would be the same.

Least of all, us.

Waking up in Vegas married to the guy of your dreams sounds like a good thing, right? Not when you’re Thea Montgomery and said guy is your brother’s best friend.

Thea and Xander have always avoided the connection between them because her brother would never approve. Now, they’re married— the strongest bond you can have as a couple—and they’re not even a real couple…unless they want to be.

Thea wants an annulment immediately, but Xander’s waited too long to see her become his and he won’t let her go easily.

If she wants a divorce, fine, but he wants the summer to convince her that he’s the one. If at the end of the summer she still wants to end their marriage he’ll sign the papers, but until then…

All is not fair in love and war.

Book two in the Light in the Dark series but can be read as a standalone.

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/6sn5gt

iBooks: http://hyperurl.co/8enys8

Nook: http://hyperurl.co/i3m2kh

Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/7p706c

Until September 5th fill out this form to get a FREE short story about Xander and Thea’s night in Vegas.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiuJQzkGA1qeseXR0cPKHBEwKlp2NlYHRTRQq4mMirNFJmWg/viewform

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30130144-when-stars-collide

Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fibY1vYf4jc

And then I’ll be happy…

This is a post that’s been weighing heavily on my mind the last few months. I’ve actually started this a few times and I usually talk myself out of posting it after only a few sentences. But this is me, taking my own advice to just do it.

 

And then I’ll be happy…

 

This is a sentence I’ve said or thought so many times in the last few years.

“If my book makes it into the top 1,000 then I’ll be happy.”

“If my book makes it into the top 500 then I’ll be happy.”

“If my book makes it into the top 100 then I’ll be happy.”

“If my book does then I’ll be happy.”

 

But then I’m never happy and my accomplishments are never good enough for me. I’ve always been a highly competitive person, but never with other people, only within myself. I always want to do something better than I have before. Therefore, I’ve forgotten how to enjoy it when I do accomplish something. It simply becomes, “oh cool, how can I do it better next time.” So my then I’ll be happy doesn’t actually exist, because I don’t take the time to appreciate it. I’ve forgotten how to be happy with my successes. I don’t want that to make it sound like I’m ungrateful, because that’s the furthest thing from the truth. I’m not the most emotional person, but I do get a little teary-eyed when I think about the fact that I get to live my dream. MY DREAM. So many other people don’t get that chance and I have it, and that is amazing.

 

I’m making this post for one reason only.

 

I don’t think I’m the only author out there saying and then I’ll be happy.

 

It’s not healthy and it’s downright draining the obsessiveness we can develop with our sales numbers, our ranking, reviews, ratings…the list goes on and on.

 

Stop. Just stop. Because what I’ve finally realized is: it doesn’t matter. We’re driving ourselves into the ground and it’s not okay. We have to let the other stuff go and remember why we write to begin with—because we love it. Because we can’t breathe or live without it. Writing beats inside our chests just as much, if not more, than our hearts do. When we obsess over the numbers, and goals, and bestsellers lists we dull that beat. We’re suffocating our own creativity.

 

I’m not going to sit here and lie to you—do I want to make a bestseller list? Of course, more than anything. I think we all want that. It feels like the stamp of approval that we’re doing something right. But here’s the thing, we’re the only ones that care about that. Readers? They don’t care. They don’t care if you hit #1 on New York Times one hundred times in a row. It makes no difference to them. Surprisingly enough, it took my thirteen-year-old cousin to make me realize that. She was staying with me and picked up a book that said New York Times bestselling author and she asked me why that was printed on so many books. I explained and do you want to know her response? “Oh, huh, that’s funny. I don’t care. That’s not going to make me want to read a book so I don’t know why they bother putting that on the covers.” A light-bulb went off in my head and it suddenly occurred to me how I’ve been beating myself up for never making a list and coming so, so, so close on more than one occasion and readers don’t care about that.

 

This is me letting it all go. None of my obsessing and figuring and trying so hard is going to make anything happen. Instead, I’m going to write the best books I can. I’m going to write from my heart and write what I love.

 

I’m going to stop saying then I’ll be happy.

 

Now, when good things do happen, I won’t be obsessing over it and what comes next. It’ll be unexpected and it’ll feel so good and I really will be happy.

When Stars Collide .99 cents Preorder & Book Trailer

We were like two stars orbiting each other—dancing around the possibility that one day we might collide. When we finally did, we opened up a black hole, obliterating everything around us. No one would be the same.

Least of all, us.

Waking up in Vegas married to the guy of your dreams sounds like a good thing, right? Not when you’re Thea Montgomery and said guy is your brother’s best friend.

Thea and Xander have always avoided the connection between them because her brother would never approve. Now, they’re married— the strongest bond you can have as a couple—and they’re not even a real couple…unless they want to be.

Thea wants an annulment immediately, but Xander’s waited too long to see her become his and he won’t let her go easily.

If she wants a divorce, fine, but he wants the summer to convince her that he’s the one. If at the end of the summer she still wants to end their marriage he’ll sign the papers, but until then…

All is not fair in love and war.

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/6sn5gt

iBooks: http://hyperurl.co/8enys8

Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/7p706c

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/fibY1vYf4jc

When you preorder fill out this form to receive an exclusive short story:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiuJQzkGA1qeseXR0cPKHBEwKlp2NlYHRTRQq4mMirNFJmWg/viewform

When Stars Collide Cover Reveal

We were like two stars orbiting each other—dancing around the possibility that one day we might collide. When we finally did, we opened up a black hole, obliterating everything around us. No one would be the same.

Least of all, us.

Waking up in Vegas married to the guy of your dreams sounds like a good thing, right? Not when you’re Thea Montgomery and said guy is your brother’s best friend.

Thea and Xander have always avoided the connection between them because her brother would never approve. Now, they’re married— the strongest bond you can have as a couple—and they’re not even a real couple…unless they want to be.

Thea wants an annulment immediately, but Xander’s waited too long to see her become his and he won’t let her go easily.

If she wants a divorce, fine, but he wants the summer to convince her that he’s the one. If at the end of the summer she still wants to end their marriage he’ll sign the papers, but until then…

All is not fair in love and war.

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30130144-when-stars-collide

Preorder Links Coming August 17th

Release August 30th

Excerpt 

Thea

Holy mother of all hangovers.

I’d succumbed to the lure of Vegas and gotten completely wasted. Granted, that’s what everyone did in Las Vegas but I like to think I usually have more sense than the social norm.

I rub my eyes and blink them open. The hotel room comes into formation around me. The walls are a warm golden color and the flat screen on the wall plays some home improvement show. I can see the bathroom from the bed, the tiled walls and large soaking tub.

I roll over onto my side, hoping I can sleep off the hangover, and reel back.

“Oh my God,” I cry, flailing in bed.

My legs kick the sleeping guy beside me.

Not just any sleeping guy.

Oh no.

Xander Kincaid, my brother’s best friend, lays in the bed beside me.

His dark hair tumbles over his forehead and his cheeks are covered with several days worth of scruff. His chest is bare and…holy shit. He’s naked.

I look down.

Oh God, I’m naked too.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, reaching his left hand out to pull me closer to him. That’s when I see it.

“Is that a wedding band?” I scream shrilly.

His eyes narrow. “You don’t fucking remember?”

I shake my head and look at my own hand. A thin silver band rests on my finger. “What did we do?”

He sits up in bed and I try to ignore how adorably rumpled he looks with his hair sticking up.

Everything begins flooding back to me in quick bursts.

Drinks.

Kissing.

Laughter.

Confessions of love and desire.

A wedding chapel.

Vows.

Rings.

A contract.

“We’re married,” I whisper. “Holy shit.” It’s all I’ve ever wanted—to be with Xander, but not like this. Never like this. “My brother is going to kill us.”

The first three chapters will be added to my wattpad account on August 17th. Follow me here: https://www.wattpad.com/user/micaleasmeltzer

Read Rae and Cade’s story right now for FREE

LINKS

Amazon: hyperurl.co/kdoelu

Nook: hyperurl.co/3hodcu

Kobo: hyperurl.co/9kdnjz

iBooks: hyperurl.co/2fxqs0

What I remember the most about that day was that it was completely ordinary. Then with one stupid decision everything fell apart and nothing was ever the same.

Rae Wilder wants nothing but a do over—but life doesn’t work that way. She’s stuck living out the consequences of her actions. At times the burden feels unbearable.

College is supposed to be her second chance.

New place.

New people.

New life.

No one to know what she did.

Despite that, she has still vowed to avoid everyone and everything at all costs.

Unfortunately for her, an accidental run-in with the campus heartthrob, Cade Montgomery, derails that plan.

He’s determined to thaw the ice around her heart and expose the girl she used to be. He wants to show her that life is worth living for and that she really is a Rae of Sunshine.