Rhoda Baxter's Blog, page 32
August 31, 2017
How to: Run an Instafreebie giveaway
A few months ago, I set up an Instafreebie giveaway to send out samples of books which were shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year (RoNA) awards. I wrote it up for Romance Matters magazine as a case study. In order to keep this blog post short, I’ve picked out the ‘how to’ part of it. If you want to see the full article, including the download figures etc, just download the document at the end (it’s free).
When I heard about being shortlisted of a RoNA award, I was over the moon. My...
August 30, 2017
Book Review: Badredhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge by Rachel Thompson
BadRedhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge: How to energize your book sales in a month by Rachel Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me some time to read this book as I tried implementing some of the suggestions as I went along (haven’t done them all yet!). It was extremely informative and made me think about little details, especially regarding social media, which I hadn’t even considered before.
Very useful. It’s useful for beginners and intermediate level markers of books, I sho...
August 29, 2017
Cover Reveal: Girl In Trouble
I’ve got a new book coming out! For those of you who have read Girl Having A Ball, this is the next book in the series and follows Tom’s best friend Og.
Here’s the cover:
Isn’t it fabulous? I think the woman encapsulates Olivia’s attitude perfectly.
Blurb:
What do you do when the things that define you disappear?
Grown up tomboy Olivia doesn’t need a man to complete her. Judging by her absent father, men aren’t that reliable anyway. She’s got a successful career, good friends and can evict s...
August 23, 2017
Book review: The Arrangement by Sonya Lalli
The Arrangement by Sonya Lalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this book up because, as you know, stories about modern Asian women/ second generation expats is totally my catnip. Also, I really like the cover.
Raina is nearly 30 and unmarried. Her grandmother (Nani) is trying desperately to find her a husband. But Raina doesn’t want to meet a nice Indian boy because she’s still in love with her ex… who is still stringing her along. There’s a lot going on in Raina’s life – apart from things w...
August 16, 2017
Book review: Claiming his Pregnant Princess by Annie O’Neil
Claiming His Pregnant Princess: Italian Royals by Annie O’Neil
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t often read Mills and Boon books, because I’m not a fan of alpha males. I got a copy of this book in my RNAConf17 goody bag and Annie O’Neil is such a fun person, that I thought I’d have a go.
Bea is hiding from the paparazzi after her high profile society wedding was cancelled at the last minute in a blaze of scandal (Tempted by The Bridesmaid is the prequel to this book). She’s hiding out working a...
August 11, 2017
Inheritance Books: Sonya Lalli
This week’s Inheritance Books are from Sonya Lalli, whose debut novel is out this week! Welcome to the Inheritance Books sofa Sonya. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself. I’ll go make us some tea.
[image error]I’m a 28 year-old Canadian writer, journalist and former lawyer. I’ve been writing all my life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to write a novel. I put my legal career on hold and moved to London to do a masters in creative writing, during which I wrote The Arrangement. Wh...
August 9, 2017
Book review: How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis
How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis: A Step-by-Step System for Enticing New Readers, Selling More Fiction, and Making Your Books Sound Good by Bryan Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I should point out that this is a book about writing blurbs to go on the back of the book, not the synopsis that you send to a publisher/ agent.
I’d heard of Bryan Cohen and his ninja copywriting skills, so I thought I’d buy his book and see what I could learn. This book is clearly and concisely written (as you’d expect...
August 1, 2017
I’m delighted to tell you…
After five years of being a published writer, I’ve written four books, been published by two publishers andI now have an agent! I’ve signed to be represented by the fabulous Federica Leonardis. The book I sent to Federica is a slight change of direction from my usual rom coms and she’s already helped me tweak it to make it better.
I’m looking forward to achieving great things together.
In the meantime, there’s cake to be had! Cheers all!
[image error]
Filed under: Writing
Book Review: Just For The Holidays by Sue Moorcroft
Just for the Holidays by Sue Moorcroft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m a fan of Sue Moorcroft’s books in general, but I think this one is my favourite.
Leah agrees to help her sister and estranged husband out by tagging along on their family holiday and being the ‘Cool Auntie’ to their two teenagers. Poor Leah. I felt so sorry for her as things started off bad and got worse… and worse.
Ronan is recovering from a shoulder/collarbone injury after a helicopter crash and spending some quality time wi...
July 29, 2017
Romantic Novelists Association Conference 2017 – a talk on writing about disability
A couple of weekends ago, I went to RNAConf17 in Telford. This was my 6th conference and, as always, it was fantastic. I was in a flat with the rest of the Naughty Kitchen and sat up until waaaay past my usual bed time, eating chocolate and drinking (tea in my case, because I’m sad like that) and chatting about all manner of things. My favourite moment was when a first time conference attendee suddenly said “It’s so nice to be in the company of so many women who UNDERSTAND what it’s like to h...
