Andrea Laurence's Blog, page 10

Can I Get a Review Up in Here?

Reviews are important. Good or bad. A bad review may not break a book and a great review might not make a book, but they still make a difference. I know I never buy anything online with looking at the reviews. The same goes with books. The more reviews, the more people will be willing to take a chance on a new author or a new genre they’ve never read before. Word of mouth is a great way to find out about a book.

I’ve got a few months before my next book comes out September 1st. Over the summer, I’ve got a couple personal projects going. This, of course, is aside form writing and writing and writing! I want to make a bigger social media imprint - connect with new fans, find followers and newsletter subscribers, etc. I also want to build up my reviews on sites like Amazon.

My goal is to have a minimum of 20 reviews for each of my books. A few of them are already there. A couple still need more. I know reviews are out there – Goodreads has hundreds of reviews for my books, but not everyone posts them to Amazon as well. You may not know that you can post a review without buying the book there. The only difference is whether or not it has a “Verified Amazon Purchase” tag.

If you have ready any of my books and have not yet posted a review for them on Amazon, please do! Let other readers know what you think and help out an author. Here’s a few links for books in need of reviews.

His Lover’s Little Secret

Undeniable Demands

More Than He Expected

Back in Her Husband’s Bed A

Very Exclusive Engagement

The More Than Men Sexy Trilogy

And…if you’d like to earn prizes for reviewing books and helping me promote releases, check out my street team!

Thanks!

Andrea

Cover Reveal!

Friday, the official cover reveal for FACING THE MUSIC will hit the blogosphere! Below are a list of romance blogs (check back for more as they’re added) that are featuring the reveal, along with the blurb of the book and an exclusive excerpt of the book. Check it out and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card. FACING THE MUSIC is available at most e-retailers for the amazing introductory price of $1.99. Pre-order it now before the price goes back up to $3.99!

Pre-order Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/RSWFCR
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1thSDBN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1lDKwcN
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1jpY0vv

Featured Blogs

A Bookish Escape – http://www.abookishescape.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-facing-music-by-andrea.html
Kitty Kats Crazy About Books - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=244951712363619&set=a.175763005949157.1073741828.175744712617653&type=1
LeAnn’s Book Reviews – http://wp.me/p2b60P-2iH
Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – http://wp.me/p3Bgg1-H2
Tome Tender – http://tometender.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-facing-music-by-andrea.html
Dawn’s Reading Nook – http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-and-giveaway-for-andrea.html
Clue Review – http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – http://shortandsassybookblurbs.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music-author-andrea-laurence.html
Love A Book – http://loveabook07.wordpress.com
TBQ’s Book Palace – http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-facing-music-giveaway.html
Caitlin Allyce’s Mum – sjparkes30.wordpress.com
Love, Bites and Silk – http://www.lovebitesandsilk.co.uk/2014/05/coverreveal-facing-music-by.html
Book Reviews and More by Kathy – http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2014/05/22/3994/
Gone Pecan – http://gonepecanla.wordpress.com
The Voices Within Unleashed – http://upinthecosmos.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music-cover-reveal.html
Caribbean Accent Book Reviews – http://caribbeanaccentbookreviews.com/2014/05/23/cover-reveal-and-25-gc-giveaway-facing-the-music-by-andrea-laurence/
Read Me – http://lisatjung.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music.html?zx=c33f11f8a71b22cf
What I’m Reading – http://sillymelody.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-giveaway-facing-music-by.html
Worlds of Words (WOW) – http://worldsofwords.wix.com/bookblog#!facing-the-music-reveal/c1mbs
Reviews By Cat – http://www.reviewsbycat.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music-andrea-laurence-cover.html
Diana’s Book Blog – http://dianes-book.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music-by-andrea-laurence-cover.html
It’s A Reading Thing – http://itsareadingthing.com/blog/2014/05/23/cover-reveal-facing-the-music-by-andrea-laurence-with-giveaway/
Red Hot + Blue Reviews – http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-and-giveaway-facing-music.html
Ms C’s Diversions – http://mschris1161.com/
Blondie and Ginger – http://www.blondieandginger.com/cover-reveal-facing-music-andrea-laurence/
Crystal Blogs Books – http://crystalblogsbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/facing-music-by-andrea-laurence-cover.html
Mysterious Hodgepodge – http://mysterioushodgepodge.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/cover-reveal-excerpt-giveaway-facing-the-music-by-andrea-laurence/
Wendy Dawn’s Wicked World – http://wendydawnswickedworld.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-giveaway-music.html
Book Divaness – http://www.bookdivaness.com/post/86611830384/cover-reveal-facing-the-music-by-andrea-laurence-25

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway on any of these blogs or on my Facebook Fan Page!

This Army Wants You!

No, not THAT army - Andrea’s Army of Awesomeness! We’ve got some purple camouflage with your name on it.

AAoA is my street team. The idea is for my fans to help me spread the word about my books and in return, I reward you with sneak peeks, exclusives, prizes, swag and books. To encourage participation and give you the opportunity to get as many goodies as you’re willing to earn, I use a point and rank system that sort of combines the concept of the military hierarchy with prize tickets from Chuck E. Cheese.

As soldiers earn points, they move up in rank and earn prizes. Everyone starts out as a Private. Once you reach the rank of Private First Class, you’ll earn your official AAoA pin. From there, it’s up to you how high you climb – win books, gift cards, pizza parties…even a Kindle Fire!

Activity
Points Value


Post a review on Amazon
10


Blog about a book
10


Host me as a guest blogger
15


Retweet or share a post relating to my books or appearance
5


Post about me or my books on your FB or Twitter account
5


Take trading cards/bookmarks to your library
10


Pre-order a book
10


Complete a requested task on the loop (click a link, etc.)
10


Recruit a new (active) member
20


Post the Army Logo to your blog or website and link to my   webpage
10

But, prizes and points aside, this is first and foremost about the love of books and romance. Unlike the real army, you can leave at any time, but I hope you enjoy being a part of the group.

Are you interested in enlisting? Email me on the contact page or send me a friend request on Facebook.

10 Low or No Cost Ways to Let Your Valentine Know You Care

Only Desire heroes can afford gifts like these!

In the books I write for Harlequin Desire, every hero is a billionaire that can sweep the heroine off to a private island or shower her with priceless gemstones. In reality, some of us have a budget to consider when we choose gifts for our loved ones to show how we feel. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be special. Check out these great ideas for romantic, thoughtful and tasty gifts for those important people in your life.

1. Write It Down! – Write a letter telling each loved one in your family what they mean to you. Put it on nice paper and frame it in an inexpensive frame with a photo of the recipient.

2. Be a Coupon Clipper – Create a coupon or a book of coupons for your loved one. You can offer your kids the chance to stay up 30 minutes past their bedtime, a one-on-one activity of their choice or a free pass on their chores for a day. Offer your honey one of their favorite treats whenever they want it – be it cookies, a night out without the kids or a little dance in that red nightie they like. What is better than planned time with people that are important to you?

3. Give the Gift of Quality Time – Do something together. It doesn’t have to cost a dime. Go hike on your favorite trail, picnic in the park or go for a drive. Take the opportunity to block out the daily distractions, silence the cell phone and focus on conversation and one-on-one time.

4. Sweets for the Sweet – Instead of shelling out the big bucks for a box of candy at the store, make your own chocolate-covered strawberries or chocolate chip cookies at home. Make up their favorite treat and put it in a cute container.

5. Love Notes – Remember back in school when you’d get that note from your crush and your heart would just go pitter-pat? Channel that and write love notes for your honey. Slip them into their briefcase, lunch container or wallet. You can leave them randomly or use them like a scavenger hunt that leads them to their final prize… you!

6. Listen & Act - Do something for your loved one that you know they wanted to do or they have been meaning to get to. It can be anything from getting their car washed to buying that new book they mentioned by their favorite author.  Everyone wants to know that someone is listening to them and it can be both a happy surprise and a load off their mind.

 

7. Breakfast in Bed – It’s a classic for a reason. What is more decadent than lying in bed and having your favorite breakfast treats brought to you? It’s not hard to whip out some heart-shaped pancakes or cinnamon rolls and win over your honey. Even better if you lie in bed together afterward and be lazy.

8. Bring the 80s Back – Make your loved one the modern equivalent of the mixed tape. Download some relationship favorites from iTunes or burn a few perfect songs from your collection to a CD. Think of the songs that remind you of them, your wedding dance song, one you sang together in the car on a road trip… anything that is special to the two of you. (Note: Be sure not to pirate songs. The only sexy pirate on Valentine’s Day is Jack Sparrow.)

9. Rub A Dub-Dub! – We are all hard working, stressed out people. What better treat than a relaxing massage? Whether it’s a ten minute foot massage or a full-body rub down with a luxurious scented oil, they’re sure to appreciate it and maybe…reciprocate!

10. Movie Night – The theater is nice, but it can be expensive with ten dollar popcorn and five dollar sodas. Plan a night in with your loved one, instead. Get some of your favorite candies and drinks at the store, pop some popcorn and pile up on the couch with their favorite flick. Even if it’s nothing but guns and space aliens, you’ll appreciate the time together and he’ll appreciate getting to pick for once!

So there you go! Ten easy ways anyone on any budget can show the people they love how much they care on Valentine’s Day, and all year round! Do you have any other fun suggestions?

Fall 2014 Release News

I’ve finally got some details finalized about my fall releases! I have a very busy few months coming up. The first is the announcement of the release of my first Rosewood Novel with Pocket Star – FACING THE MUSIC! It’s already up on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for pre-order at $3.99, released on August 25th.

Second, is news for the fans of my Secrets of Eden Series with Harlequin Desire. The third book in the series has been titled HEIR TO SCANDAL and will be released on September 2nd. This will be Xander’s book, picking up where A BEAUTY UNCOVERED left off.

The fourth and final book has also been titled. HER SECRET HUSBAND will be out on October 7th.

I’ll post the covers and blurbs as soon as they’re approved. In the meantime, watch for more information on my new series set in fictional Rosewood, Alabama!

The Devil’s In the Details

I’m not a huge fan of research. I could never, ever write one of those big, juicy historicals that required hours of study to get every detail accurate. I either write contemporary, which is easy enough to look up, or paranormals, where I can make up whatever I like.

I do, however, research important plot points. I’m a stickler for realistic plots. There must be a legal, viable way for the aunt to blackmail the hero. I hate it when stories are so off base. Which is why, when reviews for my most recent book – BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED – started coming out with some less than stellar feedback due to poor research, I felt like I had to say something.

According to Senior Research Analyst Michael Lawton with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, it is not illegal for the wife of a casino owner to gamble in his casino or any other. “As long as the player she is not licensed, that would be okay.” Nate, as the holder of the license to operate a gaming establishment, could not gamble anywhere in the state of Nevada. Annie is free to do as she likes.

So, as improbable as it might seem, it is perfectly legal for Annie to gamble in the Desert Sapphire. And now you know.

February Release

For those of you in the Harlequin Desire reader service, you’ve already got my February release – BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED – in your hot hands. The rest of us have to wait a little while longer

The digital version will be available on February 1st. The print version is released on February 4th. Remember that some stores don’t stock the new books right away. I know it usually takes until Thursday or Friday (or later at Walmart) for the new Harlequins to hit the shelf. Impatient? You can always pre-order the book and have it arrive on your eReader or porch on release day!

This book is special to me and was a long time coming! It was actually the first book I submitted to by editor back in 2009. We worked on it for a while, then they decided it wasn’t right for the line. They asked me to send something else and that led to the sale of my first book – WHAT LIES BENEATH. Later, my editor asked if I was up for giving this book a second try and this time, it worked!

Nate and Annie have been with me for a very long time and I’m very happy they have finally made it off my hard drive and into your hands. I hope you enjoy it!

Andrea

The Secrets of Eden Series

Since Brody’s book (A Beauty Uncovered) was released, I’ve gotten a lot of fan mail and questions on facebook and Twitter about the series. Namely, when is the next one and will we find out what’s going on with that dead body??

Here is the short answer. Good news – Yes, you will find out what’s going on with the body. Bad news – You’re going to have to wait a while.

Due to scheduling and situations outside of my control, the series has been spaced out a little farther than you (and I) would like. Both books have been written and turned in. As the schedule currently stands, Xander’s book will be out in September and Heath’s book will be out in October 2014. That means you’ve got a couple months to kill before you find out what happens, but when the time does arrive, you’ll get both books back to back!

I know! It feels like forever, but it will be here before you know it. In the meantime, I have two other releases to help you fill the hours. My February book BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED is set amongst the glitz of Vegas and just received a 4 1/2 star review from Romantic Times Magazine! They said “With great dialogue & an intriguing storyline, Laurence’s latest is a well-written hit from start to finish!” Not bad, huh?

For those of you that read my second book MORE THAN HE EXPECTED, a familiar character is returning in my April release HIS LOVER’S LITTLE SECRET. Sabine, the purple haired yoga instructor with the young son is returning and so is her son’s father! This book is part of the popular Billionaires and Babies series.

I hope you’ll enjoy both those titles and if nothing else, you can re-read Wade and Brody’s stories so they’re fresh in your mind when the series continues!

Andrea

Free Novella

The first More Than Men Novella – SEXY AS HELL – is now free in several outlets. I’m working on getting it free at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can help by reporting the lower prices to Amazon. Click on “Tell us about a lower price” under product details on Amazon. If it gets enough reports, they will match the free price.

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sexy-as-hell-more-than-men/id596678523?mt=11

Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/sexy-as-hell-a-more-than-men-novella

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/274506

RWA Packing List

On my previous blog, The Writing Playground, I posted my annual “Comprehensive, Must-Have, Magical, Mystical, Packing List” for RWA. This year, I thought I would share it here in the hopes that maybe I picked up a comment from someone other than a spammer! I use this every year and revise as needed. A great starting off point for someone who has never been to Nationals before or someone who always waits to the last minute to pack and forgets something critical.

My list is broken into sections, starting with what I’m wearing on the plane/car drive over. These are usually items that are too bulky to pack and comfortable for travel. Jeans, a sweater and sneakers are must haves in my book and I’ve racked up my share of airline miles in them. Planes get cold and I’ve been so happy to have my sweater instead of wearing shorts and flip flops like all the other tourists.

Wear on Plane

• Shirt

• Jeans

• Sweater

• Sneakers

• Socks

Then I have the list of what goes in my backpack. I like backpacks because my hands are free, but this could be your carry on, your toiletry bag…whatever. Just make sure these items are in a bag you physically have custody of at all times. You’ll notice mine includes several things for the game we’re doing at the Literacy Signing, although some years it includes workshop materials, etc. Must have that stuff. You don’t want it to end up in Seattle while you’re waiting in Atlanta.

Backpack

• Plane Itinerary

• Camera & Battery Charger

• Cell Phone & Charger

• Lit Signing Stuff – Kindle, Game Cards, Stamps, Basket to Collect Entries

• 1 extra pair of panties & socks (just in case I lose my luggage)

• Book/Nook/Kindle to read on the plane

• ID and/or Passport (I keep this and some cash in an easily accessible pocket – one that zips for security – for the 20 times I have to get it out to travel. This is mainly because of the next item.)

• Purse (I transition to a smaller purse and stuff it inside my backpack so I have less to carry. This makes it harder to get to, so I take a few essentials out for the day. Even though you won’t need your keys, be sure to carry them with you as well so you have them when you get home.)

• Snacks (They don’t feed you on planes anymore, so this is a MUST. Its also good to have once you get to Nationals so you have something to eat aside from the overpriced hotel food.)

• Prescription Medication (Never, ever check your pills with your luggage.)

• Travel Alarm Clock (If you can’t set your cell phone, and you can, I’m pretty sure)

• Mini flashlight

• Business Cards

• Goody Room promo

Next is what goes in my toiletry bag. Mine is actually a small bag that fits inside my luggage, which is good considering all the charges for extra pieces these days. If you’re carrying this on, remember all liquids, gels and aerosols must be smaller than 3 ounces and must all fit within a one quart ziplock bag. You have to pull this out and run it through the security x-ray separately. If you do check the bag, I still recommend putting liquids inside a ziploc bag in case a bottle comes open and leaks all over your clothes.

Toiletry Bag

• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss & Mouthwash

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush

• Clips/Bands/Barettes

• Shampoo & Conditioner (if you can use the hotel provided ones, ok, but my hair is too picky)

• Lotion and Soap (I will use the hotel provided stuff, but if you can’t, pack your own)

• Hair Products – Gel, Hairspray, Mousse, Detangler

• Hair Electronics – blow dryers, curling iron, flat iron, etc.

• Makeup, brushes, cotton applicators

• Moisturizer w/ SPF (you might also take outright sunblock if you’ll be outside a lot)

• Razor & Shaving gel

• Feminine Hygiene (I always take an emergency stash just in case.)

• OTC Meds – Pain Reliever, Antacids, Stomach Pills

• Clear and colored nail polish & file for manicure fixes and hosiery runs

• First Aid Kit & Extra bandaids (if you have to ask, you don’t know me very well)

• Mini Sewing Kit

• Mini bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release Spray (another must on the Playground!)

• Mini bottle of Febreeze

• Turbie Twist (I’m adding this new this year. I got one for Christmas and its very handy when you’re in a hotel room with multiple people and towels are at a premium.)

Luggage

• Another copy of your flight itinerary in case your bag loses its ID tag

• Panties x # of days, plus one

• Sport or Trouser Socks x # of days needed

• 2 pair pantyhose (I hate them, but its good to carry one pair JIC and an extra if it runs)

• 1 regular bra & 1 strapless bra (as needed for formals, etc)

• Spanx (the ever-so important foundation garment) & slips as needed

• Casual tops x # of siteseeing/travel days

• 1 pair jeans (if you aren’t doing a lot of tourist stuff, this might not be necessary)

• Neutral colored cardigan for cold meeting rooms (layers are good)

• Pajamas (I don’t know how many times I stress over every outfit, then forget PJs)

• Robe (For wearing while getting ready)

• Daytime Outfit Components (see breakdown below)

• Party Outfits as needed for Ritas, etc.

• Badge Lanyard with conference and chapter pins (RWA did a nice one in Reno for their Anniversary that had a pocket and a pen holder that I like to bring and use instead of the normal ones they usually have.)

• Shoes – At a minimum, 2 pairs of comfortable casual shoes or sandals, 1 or 2 dress pairs for formals, maybe some slippers or flip flops if you’re inclined to swim or visit the spa. If you coordinate your outfit to a color scheme, you can cut down to less. You could wear the same shoes every day if it matches, but I find even the most comfortable pair will start to rub and make your feet sore if you wear them over and over.

• Jewelry – Make sure you know what you’re wearing with each piece and put them all together in a bag with tissue if you don’t have a jewelry travel case.

Finally, to determine my outfits, I use a daily breakdown. I try to bring some neutral pieces like black capris or a skirt that I can use a couple times. Microfiber is awesome – it doesn’t wrinkle and it takes up almost no space in your bag. I also advocate the inclusion of one extra outfit that lies somewhere between your workshop attire and your formal in case you get an impromptu invite to a dinner or a party someplace nice. Here’s a sample breakdown based on my typical activities…

• Wednesday – lavender dress, black jacket, lavender shoes, lavender jewelry, black fascinator

• Thursday – black and white dress, black sweater, red heels, red belt, b&w jewelry

• Thursday Night – eHQN PJ party attire, flip flops/slippers

• Friday – paisley dress, turquoise sweater, lavender shoes, lavender jewelry

• Friday Night – silver cocktail dress, sale shoes, silver jewelry

• Saturday – black and peach dress, black jacket, black heels, peach jewelry

• Saturday Night – black formal, black dress flats, silver/black jewelry

• Sunday – t-shirt, jeans, etc. for flight home

(add days as needed if you’re coming early or staying late to sitesee)

• Pitch Outfit – if you are pitching, bring the outfit that makes you feel your best if its not already one of the ensembles you’re wearing

• Extra Outfit – a fabu just in case outfit that you can wear with the shoes and jewelry you’re already planning to bring

Hope The Comprehensive, Must-Have, Magical, Mystical, Packing List helps make planning for the big trip a little easier for you. Have I missed anything? What’s on your must pack list?