Jo Michaels's Blog, page 32
January 21, 2016
Blog Spotlight #2 - Lifestyle and Literature
Hello, everyone, and happy Thursday once again! Today, I have another awesome Indie-friendly blog to highlight. Ready? Grab your cup of Jo and let's get going!
Blog Spotlight
Lifestyle and Literature
Hi, I’m Sophia. I’m originally from the United Kingdom, but currently living in sunny Spain. I’m a (new) author, blogger, and newspaper columnist. Most of my time is spent writing, and reading. When I do manage to take time out, (which isn’t often) I like a nice glass of wine to shows such as: Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and Sex And The City.
I started my book blog, Lifestyle & Literature, three years ago. I was eager to help authors, both traditional and self-published, in all genre’s. My blog contains: author interviews, guest posts, book reviews, fashion/lifestyle and my personal journal, including my journey to becoming a published author.
On my blog you can expect to find authors such as Lindsey Kelk, Victoria Fox, Alice Raine, Jessica Brody, Kendall Ryan, Alessandra Torre, Vina Jackson and more!
I enjoy blogging and writing more than anything, so it’s great to connect with people that have the same interests. I’m excited to be starting my author journey, my erotic romance novel, HIS CONFESSION, book 1 of The Black Door Trilogy is released on the 16th February. I look forward to meeting more bloggers, readers, and authors.
P.S. I’m seeking blog tour hosts, if you fancy joining me in helping authors promote their novels. The sign-up form is here.
Visit on social media!
Wordpress Blog
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads
I do hope you all take a moment and check out Sophia's links.
Let me know what you think.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Blog Spotlight
Lifestyle and LiteratureHi, I’m Sophia. I’m originally from the United Kingdom, but currently living in sunny Spain. I’m a (new) author, blogger, and newspaper columnist. Most of my time is spent writing, and reading. When I do manage to take time out, (which isn’t often) I like a nice glass of wine to shows such as: Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and Sex And The City.
I started my book blog, Lifestyle & Literature, three years ago. I was eager to help authors, both traditional and self-published, in all genre’s. My blog contains: author interviews, guest posts, book reviews, fashion/lifestyle and my personal journal, including my journey to becoming a published author.
On my blog you can expect to find authors such as Lindsey Kelk, Victoria Fox, Alice Raine, Jessica Brody, Kendall Ryan, Alessandra Torre, Vina Jackson and more!
I enjoy blogging and writing more than anything, so it’s great to connect with people that have the same interests. I’m excited to be starting my author journey, my erotic romance novel, HIS CONFESSION, book 1 of The Black Door Trilogy is released on the 16th February. I look forward to meeting more bloggers, readers, and authors.
P.S. I’m seeking blog tour hosts, if you fancy joining me in helping authors promote their novels. The sign-up form is here.
Visit on social media!
Wordpress Blog
Website
Goodreads
I do hope you all take a moment and check out Sophia's links.
Let me know what you think.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 20, 2016
Whatever Jo Wants Wednesday - New Release - Heartless
Hello, everyone! Welcome to Whatever Jo Wants Wednesday! *throws confetti* Today, I want to talk about a new release by Kelly Martin. To get us started, Kelly has written a small FYI that I think you'll enjoy. Grab your cup of Jo and let's get going!
KELLY MARTIN
Let's just get this out of the way... I'm a big wimp
I love watching horror gamers. I love watching scary movies and tv shows. I love reading scary books. I love writing creepy books.
But when it all is said and done, I'm a wimp. I won't go in haunted houses (the Halloween ones, though I'd LOVE to go into an old abandoned house and take pictures someday). I also... am scared of probably the silliest things ever.
Now, I hope you can relate. If you can, hold my hand as we go deep in my personal terrors...
The Top 3 Things I'm Most Scared Of (not counting death, something happening to my family, or food poisoning):
1) MIRRORS
Don't laugh. I've been scared of mirrors since I watched a tv trailer for an episode of Twin Peaks where a hand reached through one. I kid you not. Do you ever look in a mirror and wonder which reality is real?
No...
Moving on.
This fear of mirrors bleeds over in Heartless. Gracen is tortured every night in her dreams by a man (or a demon or part of her mind... we don't know yet) named Hart. Above the table she's tied down on, is an antique mirror. Honestly, I'm getting shivers just thinking about it. IF Heartless ever became a movie, I can see that mirror being vintage, silver, and creepy as heck.
SHIVERS!
2) CLOWNS
In my Nerd Team group, I like to tease about clowns. I like to post scary ones because there are some that don't like them (I swear, I'm really nice. I post pictures of Jensen Ackles too. See... #immasaint )
But in reality, in my heart of hearts, I hate clowns. Hate is a strong word. If you are a clown I don't hate you—but they scare me. All that make up... painted on smile. I just... can't #beepbeeprichie
3) DEEP WATER
If I ever disappear and they find my body in deep water, know that I was murdered (REMEMBER THAT!) I don't like deep water, and by deep I mean anything over 20 feet. Now, I can handle being on the boat in 20 feet of water. That's fine. But when I go somewhere and there is a possibility of a HOUSE being under me, No... uh...uh. Nope. Can't do it... I can't.
I hope you know how much anxiety this post is giving me.
What about you? What are some things that scare you? Some fears that you don't really know why you have them (or maybe you do), but when you start to talk about it your hands get clammy and your heart feels like it is going to beat out of your chest... baboom baboom baboom!
Not that I know what that feels like right now...
Heartless is available now!
~*~*~*~
Wanna read about Gracen’s nightmares? Grab your blankie and hold on...
LINK TO EXCERPT
BUY LINKS
Amazon
US: http://goo.gl/8UJ9klUK: http://goo.gl/DcGuZsCA: http://goo.gl/VE7e9eDE: http://goo.gl/CmzcGAFR: http://goo.gl/QRCE3OES: http://goo.gl/fCjKC0IT: http://goo.gl/AEWH05NL: http://goo.gl/jJLYArJP: http://goo.gl/SAOJ8rBR: http://goo.gl/IS3WRCMX: http://goo.gl/LZlYytAU: http://goo.gl/JR8MV0IN: http://goo.gl/ggGziaKOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heartless-51iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1067603806BN: http://goo.gl/pycg31
About Kelly Martin:
Kelly Martin writes paranormal, contemporary, historical, and YA fiction. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When she's not writing, she loves taking picture of abandoned houses, watching horror gamers on YouTube-- even though she's a huge wimp-- and drinking decaf white chocolate mochas. She's a total fangirl, loves the 80s and 90s, and has a sad addiction to paranormal TV shows. {Basically, she likes creepy stuff.} Her favorite characters are the very flawed 'good guys'--and 'bad guys' who don't know they are evil. She loves giving her readers books with unexpected twists and turns, but (here's a hint) most of her books have the ending spelled out in the first chapter. See if you can figure it out.
If you ever have a question or comment, feel free to email her at kellymartin215 @ yahoo . com ♥ You can follow her writing adventure at www.kellymartinbooks.com
Links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/kellymartin215/Newsletter: http://kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com/p/subscribe-to-our-newsletter.html"Nerd" group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1451773008377850/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Martin/e/B009O5CZL4/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay Tumblr: martiekay.tumblr.com Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KMBooksGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552501.Kelly_MartinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSQGJ5gViQ-0ajHRvWUqaA
Intrigued? Get on over to the distributor of your choice and get your read on!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
KELLY MARTIN
Let's just get this out of the way... I'm a big wimp
I love watching horror gamers. I love watching scary movies and tv shows. I love reading scary books. I love writing creepy books.
But when it all is said and done, I'm a wimp. I won't go in haunted houses (the Halloween ones, though I'd LOVE to go into an old abandoned house and take pictures someday). I also... am scared of probably the silliest things ever.
Now, I hope you can relate. If you can, hold my hand as we go deep in my personal terrors...
The Top 3 Things I'm Most Scared Of (not counting death, something happening to my family, or food poisoning):
1) MIRRORS
Don't laugh. I've been scared of mirrors since I watched a tv trailer for an episode of Twin Peaks where a hand reached through one. I kid you not. Do you ever look in a mirror and wonder which reality is real?
No...
Moving on.
This fear of mirrors bleeds over in Heartless. Gracen is tortured every night in her dreams by a man (or a demon or part of her mind... we don't know yet) named Hart. Above the table she's tied down on, is an antique mirror. Honestly, I'm getting shivers just thinking about it. IF Heartless ever became a movie, I can see that mirror being vintage, silver, and creepy as heck.
SHIVERS!
2) CLOWNS
In my Nerd Team group, I like to tease about clowns. I like to post scary ones because there are some that don't like them (I swear, I'm really nice. I post pictures of Jensen Ackles too. See... #immasaint )
But in reality, in my heart of hearts, I hate clowns. Hate is a strong word. If you are a clown I don't hate you—but they scare me. All that make up... painted on smile. I just... can't #beepbeeprichie
3) DEEP WATER
If I ever disappear and they find my body in deep water, know that I was murdered (REMEMBER THAT!) I don't like deep water, and by deep I mean anything over 20 feet. Now, I can handle being on the boat in 20 feet of water. That's fine. But when I go somewhere and there is a possibility of a HOUSE being under me, No... uh...uh. Nope. Can't do it... I can't.
I hope you know how much anxiety this post is giving me.
What about you? What are some things that scare you? Some fears that you don't really know why you have them (or maybe you do), but when you start to talk about it your hands get clammy and your heart feels like it is going to beat out of your chest... baboom baboom baboom!
Not that I know what that feels like right now...
Heartless is available now!
~*~*~*~
Wanna read about Gracen’s nightmares? Grab your blankie and hold on...LINK TO EXCERPT
BUY LINKS
Amazon
US: http://goo.gl/8UJ9klUK: http://goo.gl/DcGuZsCA: http://goo.gl/VE7e9eDE: http://goo.gl/CmzcGAFR: http://goo.gl/QRCE3OES: http://goo.gl/fCjKC0IT: http://goo.gl/AEWH05NL: http://goo.gl/jJLYArJP: http://goo.gl/SAOJ8rBR: http://goo.gl/IS3WRCMX: http://goo.gl/LZlYytAU: http://goo.gl/JR8MV0IN: http://goo.gl/ggGziaKOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heartless-51iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1067603806BN: http://goo.gl/pycg31
About Kelly Martin:
Kelly Martin writes paranormal, contemporary, historical, and YA fiction. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When she's not writing, she loves taking picture of abandoned houses, watching horror gamers on YouTube-- even though she's a huge wimp-- and drinking decaf white chocolate mochas. She's a total fangirl, loves the 80s and 90s, and has a sad addiction to paranormal TV shows. {Basically, she likes creepy stuff.} Her favorite characters are the very flawed 'good guys'--and 'bad guys' who don't know they are evil. She loves giving her readers books with unexpected twists and turns, but (here's a hint) most of her books have the ending spelled out in the first chapter. See if you can figure it out.If you ever have a question or comment, feel free to email her at kellymartin215 @ yahoo . com ♥ You can follow her writing adventure at www.kellymartinbooks.com
Links:Instagram: https://instagram.com/kellymartin215/Newsletter: http://kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com/p/subscribe-to-our-newsletter.html"Nerd" group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1451773008377850/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Martin/e/B009O5CZL4/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay Tumblr: martiekay.tumblr.com Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KMBooksGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552501.Kelly_MartinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSQGJ5gViQ-0ajHRvWUqaA
Intrigued? Get on over to the distributor of your choice and get your read on!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 18, 2016
News Post #2 - 2016
Goooood morning, and happy Monday, everyone! Today, it's all about that news! Grab your cup of Jo and let's get rocking!
First up, you gotta see this awesome giveaway I'm running on my author page over on Facebook!
Clicky here to getee there.
It's a shot at $50 Amazon cash and a signed hardcover of EMANCIPATION before it hits the shelves for real.
On to other news!
There's a book sale happening!
Grab Dark Bishop, a psychological thriller with a main character to rival Tobias, for just $0.99 on Amazon through Sunday, and get chapter one of Emancipation free. That's right, even if you're not on Wattpad, you can still read the first chapter of this book (UNedited) so you're ready when it hits shelves in March.
Clicky here to getee there!
Over on the IBGW blog, we have a big giveaway running! You can snag two paperbacks. One is Flesh and Stone, the other is Heartless! Get on over there and enter!
Clicky here to getee there!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
First up, you gotta see this awesome giveaway I'm running on my author page over on Facebook!
Clicky here to getee there.
It's a shot at $50 Amazon cash and a signed hardcover of EMANCIPATION before it hits the shelves for real.
On to other news!
There's a book sale happening!
Grab Dark Bishop, a psychological thriller with a main character to rival Tobias, for just $0.99 on Amazon through Sunday, and get chapter one of Emancipation free. That's right, even if you're not on Wattpad, you can still read the first chapter of this book (UNedited) so you're ready when it hits shelves in March.
Clicky here to getee there!
Over on the IBGW blog, we have a big giveaway running! You can snag two paperbacks. One is Flesh and Stone, the other is Heartless! Get on over there and enter!
Clicky here to getee there!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 15, 2016
Overhaul and New Topics
Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Well, I did what I said I was going to. You now will find new topics on the Writing, Contract, Formatting and Other Tips part of my blog. There are two new sections to explore:
Blogging Tips and Blog Tours
Marketing Tips
I felt each needed their own page.
I also updated all the other pages with the links to various articles I've written over the last 12 months. There are a ton on the Writing Tips page. Woohoo! Viva la 2016!
Check them out and tell me what you think!
Are you looking forward to exploring all the new stuff happening around here?
Because I'm off writing, that's all you get here today. Be sure and check in Monday when I have my second news post of the year. Exciting times!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Blogging Tips and Blog Tours
Marketing Tips
I felt each needed their own page.
I also updated all the other pages with the links to various articles I've written over the last 12 months. There are a ton on the Writing Tips page. Woohoo! Viva la 2016!
Check them out and tell me what you think!
Are you looking forward to exploring all the new stuff happening around here?
Because I'm off writing, that's all you get here today. Be sure and check in Monday when I have my second news post of the year. Exciting times!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 14, 2016
Blog Spotlight #1 - BookSmacked
Happy Thursday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I have my first Indie-friendly book blog of 2016 to share with you. Read on and ENJOY!
BLOG SPOTLIGHT:
BookSmackedHi, I'm Melissa, but most people call me Mel. I am from Canada and with my husband whom I married a year ago but have been with for 8 years. A huge hockey and football fan, I have tons of useless sports statistics stored in my brain. I'm a speed reader, often reading a full book in a matter of hours. If I really enjoy a book I will read it 4, 5, or a dozen times. So my story of how BookSmacked became a reality. Pretty simple really. I love books, and when I read a book that I absolutely love, I wanted someone to talk to about it and share my excitement with. So, I joined an online book club. Through that book club I met some wonderful people, who I now call my friends, and some of those friends were bloggers. I discovered this online world of authors, readers, bloggers, and book pimpers and said I want to be a part of it. So, I joined a street team to help promote indie authors, and from there I took it one step further and started BookSmacked. A blog that can be used for Readers, Authors, Bloggers, Pimpers to share their love of books. 
I hope you come for a visit, interact and share your love of books with me.
Facebook Blog Twitter Instagram Pinterest GoodReadsI hope you all gave her blog a follow and checked out her links!
What do you think of this feature? Let me know in the comments.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
BLOG SPOTLIGHT:
BookSmackedHi, I'm Melissa, but most people call me Mel. I am from Canada and with my husband whom I married a year ago but have been with for 8 years. A huge hockey and football fan, I have tons of useless sports statistics stored in my brain. I'm a speed reader, often reading a full book in a matter of hours. If I really enjoy a book I will read it 4, 5, or a dozen times. So my story of how BookSmacked became a reality. Pretty simple really. I love books, and when I read a book that I absolutely love, I wanted someone to talk to about it and share my excitement with. So, I joined an online book club. Through that book club I met some wonderful people, who I now call my friends, and some of those friends were bloggers. I discovered this online world of authors, readers, bloggers, and book pimpers and said I want to be a part of it. So, I joined a street team to help promote indie authors, and from there I took it one step further and started BookSmacked. A blog that can be used for Readers, Authors, Bloggers, Pimpers to share their love of books. I hope you come for a visit, interact and share your love of books with me.Facebook Blog Twitter Instagram Pinterest GoodReadsI hope you all gave her blog a follow and checked out her links!What do you think of this feature? Let me know in the comments.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 13, 2016
Whatever Jo Wants Wednesday #1
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today is me posting about whatever the heck I want. I've decided to flip Wednesday and Friday for the obvious alliteration awesomeness. *grin* I'd like to talk about RAI today, so that's what I'm going to do.
First off, be sure you check out this interview with Liz Long over on A Daily Cup of Jo.
Jo and Liz have fun and discuss RAI!
Now for the details!
Roanoke Author Invasion is right around the corner! With this many authors, we are so excited to keep this a free event for readers as they meet their favorite writers and discover new ones!
Join sixty bestselling authors of contemporary and paranormal fiction and more at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood in Roanoke, Virginia on April 2, 2016 from 11pm-4pm. Signings will be split from 11-1 and 2-4p to allow a lunch break. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of books, giveaways, and more as they get the latest releases from their favorite authors and discover new voices!
Authors include several bestsellers like #1 New York Times and International Bestselling authors such as Casey Bond (writer of the award-winning Harvest Saga); Cambria Hebert (of the popular YA Hashtag Series); Rysa Walker (2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards winner for her CHRONOS Files series); and Heather Hildenbrand, whose book Imitation has been optioned for television by NBC to be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
This free event is in its second year. With over 100 guests for the first year, attendance is expected to double as they travel from all over the country to visit Roanoke, VA. They will be able to meet their favorite authors and be introduced to new writers, win prizes, and take home swag. Free RAI tote bags will be given as first come, first serve, while RAI t-shirts will be available for purchase.
In addition, all attendees are invited back to the Holiday Inn for an afterparty from 7-10PM. Hosted by Forget the Housework, I’m Reading, City and Book and Brains, Beauty, BOOKS!
Tickets will be $20 sent to bookclubafterdark@gmail.com via Paypal. Price includes light appetizers, goodie bag and dancing. Proceeds benefit United Through Reading.
For more information, including how to get your free ticket, a full list of exhibitors, and the chance to volunteer for the event, visit http://roanokeauthorinvasion.com.
I'll be there with copies of Emancipation and 7 (plus, three of the authors will be at this signing)! *grin* I do hope to see as many of you as humanly possible.
Are you coming?
If you are, and you want to pre-order any of my books, fill out this form on Google Drive.
I'm so excited I can barely breathe! Are you excited?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
First off, be sure you check out this interview with Liz Long over on A Daily Cup of Jo.
Jo and Liz have fun and discuss RAI!
Now for the details!
Roanoke Author Invasion is right around the corner! With this many authors, we are so excited to keep this a free event for readers as they meet their favorite writers and discover new ones!
Join sixty bestselling authors of contemporary and paranormal fiction and more at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood in Roanoke, Virginia on April 2, 2016 from 11pm-4pm. Signings will be split from 11-1 and 2-4p to allow a lunch break. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of books, giveaways, and more as they get the latest releases from their favorite authors and discover new voices!
Authors include several bestsellers like #1 New York Times and International Bestselling authors such as Casey Bond (writer of the award-winning Harvest Saga); Cambria Hebert (of the popular YA Hashtag Series); Rysa Walker (2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards winner for her CHRONOS Files series); and Heather Hildenbrand, whose book Imitation has been optioned for television by NBC to be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
This free event is in its second year. With over 100 guests for the first year, attendance is expected to double as they travel from all over the country to visit Roanoke, VA. They will be able to meet their favorite authors and be introduced to new writers, win prizes, and take home swag. Free RAI tote bags will be given as first come, first serve, while RAI t-shirts will be available for purchase.
In addition, all attendees are invited back to the Holiday Inn for an afterparty from 7-10PM. Hosted by Forget the Housework, I’m Reading, City and Book and Brains, Beauty, BOOKS!
Tickets will be $20 sent to bookclubafterdark@gmail.com via Paypal. Price includes light appetizers, goodie bag and dancing. Proceeds benefit United Through Reading.
For more information, including how to get your free ticket, a full list of exhibitors, and the chance to volunteer for the event, visit http://roanokeauthorinvasion.com.
I'll be there with copies of Emancipation and 7 (plus, three of the authors will be at this signing)! *grin* I do hope to see as many of you as humanly possible.
Are you coming?
If you are, and you want to pre-order any of my books, fill out this form on Google Drive.
I'm so excited I can barely breathe! Are you excited?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 12, 2016
Author Spotlight #1 and a Highly Ranked YA Dystopian Freebie
Howdy, everyone! Welcome to week one of my author spotlight posts. I do hope you enjoy these. If not, let me know in the comments, and I'll reconfigure. Today, I'm spotlighting the fabulous Casey L. Bond. Get your clicking fingers ready, grab your coffee, and let's get rocking and rolling.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
CASEY L. BOND
About Casey:
Award-winning author Casey Bond resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. They have two fur-babies, a cat named Nefertiti and an enormous puppy named Benson. Casey loves to read almost as much as she enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. Dystopian is her favorite, but all of her works include a romantic element.
Her titles:
Sin Series - winner of the 2015 Utopia Award for Best Serial Series
Temptation - Serial Series
Devil Creek
Shady Bay
Crazy Love
Dark Bishop - Serial Series (Rachael Brownell and Casey Bond)
Harvest Saga (Reap/ Best World Building award in 2014 from IABB), Resist, Reclaim, Catalyst
Prisoner of Prophecy (CHBB Publishing)
Liquid
Winter Shadows
Frenzy (TBR - Feb)
Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology
Prep For Doom
Light in the Darkness
7: The Seven Deadly Sins
Chasing Wishes (Juliet and Casey Bond)
FREE RIGHT NOW:
Title: Reap (Harvest Saga Book 1)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Length (print): 270 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 - 87 total reviews
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE
Blurb:
The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers.
In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon.
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow. But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?
Social Media Stuffs:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ IG ~ GR ~ G+ ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest
I do hope you give her a follow, and I hope you grab Reap! I gave it 4 stars, and it's been edited since my review went live.
Let me know what you think!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
CASEY L. BOND
About Casey:
Award-winning author Casey Bond resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. They have two fur-babies, a cat named Nefertiti and an enormous puppy named Benson. Casey loves to read almost as much as she enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. Dystopian is her favorite, but all of her works include a romantic element.
Her titles:
Sin Series - winner of the 2015 Utopia Award for Best Serial Series
Temptation - Serial Series
Devil Creek
Shady Bay
Crazy Love
Dark Bishop - Serial Series (Rachael Brownell and Casey Bond)
Harvest Saga (Reap/ Best World Building award in 2014 from IABB), Resist, Reclaim, Catalyst
Prisoner of Prophecy (CHBB Publishing)
Liquid
Winter Shadows
Frenzy (TBR - Feb)
Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology
Prep For Doom
Light in the Darkness
7: The Seven Deadly Sins
Chasing Wishes (Juliet and Casey Bond)
FREE RIGHT NOW:
Title: Reap (Harvest Saga Book 1)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Length (print): 270 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 - 87 total reviews
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE
Blurb:The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers.
In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon.
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow. But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?
Social Media Stuffs:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ IG ~ GR ~ G+ ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest
I do hope you give her a follow, and I hope you grab Reap! I gave it 4 stars, and it's been edited since my review went live.
Let me know what you think!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Author Spotlight #1 and a Highy Ranked YA Dystopian Freebie
Howdy, everyone! Welcome to week one of my author spotlight posts. I do hope you enjoy these. If not, let me know in the comments, and I'll reconfigure. Today, I'm spotlighting the fabulous Casey L. Bond. Get your clicking fingers ready, grab your coffee, and let's get rocking and rolling.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
CASEY L. BOND
About Casey:
Award-winning author Casey Bond resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. They have two fur-babies, a cat named Nefertiti and an enormous puppy named Benson. Casey loves to read almost as much as she enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. Dystopian is her favorite, but all of her works include a romantic element.
Her titles:
Sin Series - winner of the 2015 Utopia Award for Best Serial Series
Temptation - Serial Series
Devil Creek
Shady Bay
Crazy Love
Dark Bishop - Serial Series (Rachael Brownell and Casey Bond)
Harvest Saga (Reap/ Best World Building award in 2014 from IABB), Resist, Reclaim, Catalyst
Prisoner of Prophecy (CHBB Publishing)
Liquid
Winter Shadows
Frenzy (TBR - Feb)
Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology
Prep For Doom
Light in the Darkness
7: The Seven Deadly Sins
Chasing Wishes (Juliet and Casey Bond)
FREE RIGHT NOW:
Title: Reap (Harvest Saga Book 1)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Length (print): 270 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 - 87 total reviews
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE
Blurb:
The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers.
In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon.
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow. But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?
Social Media Stuffs:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ IG ~ GR ~ G+ ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest
I do hope you give her a follow, and I hope you grab Reap! I gave it 4 stars, and it's been edited since my review went live.
Let me know what you think!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
CASEY L. BOND
About Casey:
Award-winning author Casey Bond resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. They have two fur-babies, a cat named Nefertiti and an enormous puppy named Benson. Casey loves to read almost as much as she enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. Dystopian is her favorite, but all of her works include a romantic element.
Her titles:
Sin Series - winner of the 2015 Utopia Award for Best Serial Series
Temptation - Serial Series
Devil Creek
Shady Bay
Crazy Love
Dark Bishop - Serial Series (Rachael Brownell and Casey Bond)
Harvest Saga (Reap/ Best World Building award in 2014 from IABB), Resist, Reclaim, Catalyst
Prisoner of Prophecy (CHBB Publishing)
Liquid
Winter Shadows
Frenzy (TBR - Feb)
Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology
Prep For Doom
Light in the Darkness
7: The Seven Deadly Sins
Chasing Wishes (Juliet and Casey Bond)
FREE RIGHT NOW:
Title: Reap (Harvest Saga Book 1)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Length (print): 270 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 - 87 total reviews
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE
Blurb:The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers.
In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon.
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow. But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?
Social Media Stuffs:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ IG ~ GR ~ G+ ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest
I do hope you give her a follow, and I hope you grab Reap! I gave it 4 stars, and it's been edited since my review went live.
Let me know what you think!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 11, 2016
News Post #1 - 2016
Happy Monday, everyone! Well, here we are with my new schedule. Guess we'll see how it works out, eh? *grin* Let's get to it!
First up, there are some awesome events getting ready to happen on Facebook this week. Here they are in order of date scheduled (the ones in RED are the ones yours truly will be at with a takeover):
WHEN SORROWS COME - Hosted by Katie M. JohnWhen: Jan 14 & 15
Time: 2:30PM to 7:30PM
Go here to join up.
Lineup of authors:
THURSDAY 14th JANUARY
2:30-3:00pm est - Katie M. John
3:00-3:30pm est - Tricia Copeland
3:30-4:00pm est - J.N. Sheats
4:00-4:30pm est - Katie M. John
4:30-5:00pm est - Susan Burdorf
5:00-5:30pm est - Christina Benjamin
5:30-6:00pm est - Mary J. Williams
6:00-6:30pm est - Elle Henry
6:30-7:00pm est - Katie M. John
FRIDAY 15th JANUARY
2.30- 3.00pm est - Katie M John
3.00- 3.30pm est - Carlyle Labuschagne
3.30- 4.00pm est - Mercedes Prunty
4.30 -5.00pm est - Joanna Slingo Morris
5.00 - 5.30pm est -C.M. McCoy
5.30- 6.00pm est - Hazel Robinson
6.00 - 6.30pm est - KD Wood
6.30-7 .00pm est - Katie M John
FLESH AND STONE RELEASE DAY PARTY - Hosted by P. M. HernandezWhen: Jan 15
Time: NOON - Whenever
Go here and join the fun!
No author takeovers, but there are daily prizes and games.
RAVEN, PA 1 - YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Hosted by Raven PAWhen: Jan 16 - 17
Time: 6AM on the 16th to 9AM on the 17th
Join in here.
There's a Kindle Fire giveaway going that has 2 days left to enter. Up at the top of the event page.
BOOKSMACKED - 1000 LIKES CELEBRATION - Hosted by BookSmackedWhen: Jan 16
Time: 2-9PM
Join all the craziness here.
Author Lineup:
3:00 PM - Author Eleanor Lloyd-Jones
3:30 PM
4:00 PM - Sahara Foley
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM Author Jade Shaw
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
Interested in a slot? Fill out this form.
Here's some news with a Kindle giveaway attached:
If you aren't already familiar with Free Kindle Giveaway, they are a company that promotes books AND their authors! Readers join their list for great deals as well as opportunities to connect with amazing authors...while also having the chance to participate in monthly giveaways! There are a variety prizes, but most often the winner has a choice between $100 PayPal Cash or a Kindle Fire! But for this special giveaway, Free Kindle Giveaway is giving away 100 dollars (or a Kindle Fire) AND 100 ebooks while telling you about 100 special ebook deals. It's the 100/100/100 Giveaway! Learn More About the Prizes Below, or Go Here to Enter to win:Enter HereThe Prizes: 1 Kindle/$100 + 100 Books!
Check Out The Books You Can Win!
Check Out these Book Deals from Our Participating Authors!Click any image to learn more! Lots of free and bargain titles here!
I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know in the comments.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
First up, there are some awesome events getting ready to happen on Facebook this week. Here they are in order of date scheduled (the ones in RED are the ones yours truly will be at with a takeover):
WHEN SORROWS COME - Hosted by Katie M. JohnWhen: Jan 14 & 15
Time: 2:30PM to 7:30PM
Go here to join up.
Lineup of authors:
THURSDAY 14th JANUARY
2:30-3:00pm est - Katie M. John
3:00-3:30pm est - Tricia Copeland
3:30-4:00pm est - J.N. Sheats
4:00-4:30pm est - Katie M. John
4:30-5:00pm est - Susan Burdorf
5:00-5:30pm est - Christina Benjamin
5:30-6:00pm est - Mary J. Williams
6:00-6:30pm est - Elle Henry
6:30-7:00pm est - Katie M. John
FRIDAY 15th JANUARY
2.30- 3.00pm est - Katie M John
3.00- 3.30pm est - Carlyle Labuschagne
3.30- 4.00pm est - Mercedes Prunty
4.30 -5.00pm est - Joanna Slingo Morris
5.00 - 5.30pm est -C.M. McCoy
5.30- 6.00pm est - Hazel Robinson
6.00 - 6.30pm est - KD Wood
6.30-7 .00pm est - Katie M John
FLESH AND STONE RELEASE DAY PARTY - Hosted by P. M. HernandezWhen: Jan 15
Time: NOON - Whenever
Go here and join the fun!
No author takeovers, but there are daily prizes and games.
RAVEN, PA 1 - YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Hosted by Raven PAWhen: Jan 16 - 17
Time: 6AM on the 16th to 9AM on the 17th
Join in here.
There's a Kindle Fire giveaway going that has 2 days left to enter. Up at the top of the event page.
BOOKSMACKED - 1000 LIKES CELEBRATION - Hosted by BookSmackedWhen: Jan 16
Time: 2-9PM
Join all the craziness here.
Author Lineup:
3:00 PM - Author Eleanor Lloyd-Jones
3:30 PM
4:00 PM - Sahara Foley
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM Author Jade Shaw
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
Interested in a slot? Fill out this form.
Here's some news with a Kindle giveaway attached:
If you aren't already familiar with Free Kindle Giveaway, they are a company that promotes books AND their authors! Readers join their list for great deals as well as opportunities to connect with amazing authors...while also having the chance to participate in monthly giveaways! There are a variety prizes, but most often the winner has a choice between $100 PayPal Cash or a Kindle Fire! But for this special giveaway, Free Kindle Giveaway is giving away 100 dollars (or a Kindle Fire) AND 100 ebooks while telling you about 100 special ebook deals. It's the 100/100/100 Giveaway! Learn More About the Prizes Below, or Go Here to Enter to win:Enter HereThe Prizes: 1 Kindle/$100 + 100 Books!
Check Out The Books You Can Win!
Check Out these Book Deals from Our Participating Authors!Click any image to learn more! Lots of free and bargain titles here!
I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know in the comments.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
January 8, 2016
UTOPiAcon 2016 Sponsor Spotlight: Sweetlove and Hotness Britches, and General FAQs
Happy Friday, everyone! It's time for amazing details about one of the awesome Utopia sponsors! I'll tell you about the sponsor, give you links to the site, provide info on how you can join the party, and then post some Frequently Asked Questions the team gets about the conference.
Ready? Let's get to it!
Utopia has several amazing sponsors, and the bloggers will be highlighting them all month. For mine, I bring you our Awards sponsor!
Sweetlove and Hotness Britches
Tammie Zimmerman is the mastermind behind this blog. She covers everything from reviews to releases to cover reveals.
From her "about me" page:
Hi. My name is Tammie Zimmerman and I have a confession to make... I love to read but didn't start really getting into reading until I got my first Kindle. (Thanks Mom!!!) Now, I have this major addiction that I wouldn't trade for the world.
I love the fact that I am able to meet new up and coming authors and existing awesome authors whom I started blogging for in the first place. It’s so awesome and makes me feel good to know that I can actually help an author get their amazing work out and share with others to get their next read on!
I have been running my blog since October 2014 and am still loving every minute of it. Today I am a blogger, beta reader, reviewer, and it’s because of Indie Authors that I started my page. I wanna thank all Independent Authors for the help and support that they have given me and keep giving me. You all ROCK!!
Tammie does a lot for Utopia, and we're so proud to have her as a sponsor!
Give her a follow!
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Would you like to be a sponsor for Utopia 2016? Here are the details!
Want to Reach Every Attendee?
Sponsor UTOPiA and Prosper!With an audience, a delivery system and a hunger that’s growing, the contemporary and paranormal middle grade, young adult, and new adult mania is picking up incredible momentum these days, and UTOPiAcon is the fastest growing conference out there right now that attendees talk about year round!
Reach & grow your audience with intimate access and profile-raising opportunities that eager eyes will see, experience, and be talking about before, during and after the event on their blogs, in texts, through social media and much more!
Contact info [at] utopiacon.com for premium sponsor deck and information.
Promotional Opportunities at UTOPiAcon
HOST YOUR OWN PRIVATE PARTY!Thursday or Friday or Saturday, book an EXCLUSIVE party room in the heart of the conference area and host your own private event for up to 400 people!
Two hours
$1,000*Three hours
$1,500*Day or Nighttime hours available. Email for availability & to book now info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line: Private Party
Perfect for:
Book Release PartiesPublishing House appreciation eventsBusiness or Brand launchesEducational workshopsFan appreciation Giveaway lunches or dinnersand more!INCLUDED: tables/chairs set-up, trash bins, linens, water
* Catering and Audio/Visual needs not included, but we can work discount with hotel if you require it.
To find out available hours and book your party, email info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line: Private Party
OR, take over the whole room for ONE or TWO full days of the conference
One-Day Room Takeover
$3,000Includes:
six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Thursday, June 18 or Friday, June 19room tables, chairs, linens set-up by hotel staffwatertrash binsability to change the name of the room — complete branding authoritywi-fi, if neededbasic, one- mic/p.a. set-uprooms available for 25-400 peopleTwo-Day Takeover
$5,500six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Thursday, June 18six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Friday, June 19room tables, chairs, linens set-up by hotel staffwatertrash binsability to change the name of the room — complete branding authoritywi-fi, if neededbasic, one- mic/p.a. set-up for two daysrooms available for 25-400 people* catering, projector/screen, more complex a/v needs and other requests are additional cost.
Email for availability & to book now info [at] utopiacon.com with subject line: Room Takeover
WELCOME BAG insertion
$500Want to ensure you reach every single attendee, exhibitor and panelist at the 2016 utopia convention at 2015 prices?
With over 650 people in attendance at #utopia2016, Welcome Bag insertion is pennies on the dollar per bag no matter how many items you want to give away. You only pay $500 to reach every single person at the convention!
Email info@utopiacon.com with subject line: Welcome Bags to get your swag to everyone at utopiacon!
** We do not accept food or flammable items. While we allow paper, we discourage it due to environmental reasons. If you’re going to use paper, make it useful — a download code or discount offer of some kind. Don’t just create a flier or postcard.
WELCOME BAG SPONSOR:
$1,000(Only 5 available)Imagine every attendee carrying your logo, web site or book cover design – from the moment they check in at registration, and months after the show! Upon registration check-in, each attendee will receive a beautiful bag to carry important materials throughout the conference. Your logo will appear along with the utopYA 2015 logo. Sponsorship includes placing an item in the bag (see above) – what exposure! You will be branded as one of the Welcome Bag sponsors in all pre-conference marketing materials!
LANYARD SPONSOR:
$1,500(Only 1 available)Every attendee is required to wear a name badge throughout the conference, and lanyards are a great way to enhance your brand and increase your visibility! This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that your name/your book/your web site will literally be in front of every attendee. Sponsorship includes branded lanyards. Your company will be branded as the Lanyard sponsor in all pre-conference marketing materials! Sponsorship includes reduced rate for Summit attendees.
Email info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line Promo Opps to get in front of and in the hands of everyone at utopYAcon!
FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE, CUSTOMIZED AND PREMIUM SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE EMAIL Kelly @ utopiacon.comNow for a few FAQs!
You’ve Got Questions? We’ve got answers!I would like to be a guest author/ How can I be a part of UTOPiAcon/ How can I get on a panel?UTOPiAcon is a WRITERS CONFERENCE, so the entire conference is for you in some way. Attendance would benefit your career as a whole.
Because we are absolutely overwhelmed with requests to be on panels, we have developed a process that seems to be working better for all. First we decide the panel topics provided often by your own suggestions. Then we invite the moderators — who have experience, professionalism, and a strong knowledge of the topic — to preside over the panel. Those moderators are then tasked with choosing TWO panelists for that panel whom they feel are best qualified to serve the topic and audience.
The UTOPiAcon team, then fill in any remaining slots with people we feel are qualified to represent the topics and the con well, who the fans have asked for, and/or who round out a diverse and knowledgeable panel.
You can request to be on a panel, but please know that there are no guarantees that you will get chosen. If you feel qualified to be on a panel, please submit the following information to be added to a list:
your namelinks to your books or to your vendor web site if you are a vendor or service provider, not an author.description of your books or service or product.any milestones: including, but not limited to Amazon rank, sales etc., awards you’ve won, high traffic to your blog, number of subscribers/followers, or mentions in the media.topics about which you feel qualified to speak.links to a website or social media profile so we can get to know you betterPLEASE SUBMIT TO: info @ utopyacon.com
If you are not chosen it should NOT be considered a reflection of your work. We are simply buried in requests. In fact, we encourage those who have never attended UTOPiAcon before to do so first and get a feel for our community. You do NOT have to be on a panel to participate or massively impact your career at UTOPiAcon. The environment of the panels/sessions is one of engagement and is highly inclusive of audience questions, comments AND expertise. Just because you’re on one side of the session table, doesn’t mean your influence and impact won’t be felt and heard by all. And there are many opportunities outside the panel rooms to network, meet fans, and grow your business.
Does my ticket get me into UTOPiA Awards?Yes. This may not be the case in the future, so definitely cool beans to be able to attend both for one price right now. We also have Awards-only tickets for those who only wish to attend the Awards.
What is the REFUND POLICY?FOR TICKET HOLDERS:
Full refund for 60 Days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Amount minus processing fee after 60 days or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.
FOR EXHIBITOR SPACE:
Full refund for 60 days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Fifty percent (50%) refund after 60 days or until March 31st, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.
How do the Awards work — how are nominees chosen, how do people win, how can I get my books considered?The UTOPiA Awards Academy was created in 2012. The academy is made up of invited convention guest panelists and moderators. These outstanding members — consisting of authors, editors, designers, models, publishers, producers, agents, book formatters, photographers, and more who are active in the publishing and entertainment industries — are the ones who nominate their peers for award consideration.
Those with the most nominations make it to the final nominee list. Then the public, the fans, vote for the winners.
UTOPiAcon founder and full-time staff are not eligible for nomination, nor can they vote in the awards.
What should I wear to the conference?Nashville is hotter than Hades in June, but the meeting rooms have been known to be cold at times. We recommend bringing a hoodie or sweater/wrap with you to the indoor meeting spaces. Dress comfortably or as your author brand demands for the con.
What should I wear to the UTOPiA Awards?Something you want to have in pictures! Doesn’t have to be super formal, but definitely think hot night out on the town, MTV Awards or prom/first date/TV appearance.
Is dinner included at the UTOPiA Awards?Dinner will not be provided at the utopYA Awards.
We will be serving hor d’oeuvres at the pre-awards happy hour event, though.
Can my kid get in free?Kids under the age of 12 can enjoy UTOPiAcon free of charge, but must be accompanied by a ticketed/badge-holding adult. They are not allowed into the UTOPiA Awards, however, without the purchase of a ticket due to space limitations. If child who has received complimentary admission is found to be older than 12-years-old, badge/admission of child and adult guardian may be revoked, and the guilty parties may be banned from future UTOPiAcon events. This policy is subject to change at any time. PLEASE BE AWARE that some panels focus on mature content not suitable for children.
Is there daycare?At this time, daycare is not provided by utopYA, LLC or the venue.
Please be courteous and mindful of other attendees if you do decide to bring your young child with you to panels or UTOPiAcon-sanctioned activites. If your child cries or gets fussy in a panel or keynote, please exit the room with your child until he, she or they are quiet again.
We LOVE kids, but want the UTOPiAcon experience to be one everyone can understand, hear and enjoy together without distraction.
Can men attend (and participate in) UTOPiAcon?UTOPiAcon is heavily weighted toward women, who, we felt at the time utopYAcon was created in 2012, were propelling the publishing world forward in new and undiscovered directions. We also feel that UTOPiAcon has the incredible loyalty and vibe it has because the women writers and service providers in the publishing industry right now have made it their place to share, grow, learn and swoon in safety and with confidence while navigating the sometimes daunting business side of the industry. We don’t want them to feel trivialized or embarrassed by asking questions or having crushes on fictional characters. This is a safe haven where the only thing shunned is snobbery and closed mindedness.
We feel that many other cons out there cover a very male-dominated entertainment world. That being said, we DO still invite several men to be on panels – authors, agents, editors, podcasters, husbands, lawyers, managers and many others — because we know there are many amazing men out there contributing to and supporting the industry. It will probably always be weighted in favor of the estrogen; however, men are more than welcome to attend the event in general and we encourage spouses and partners to come so that they can see the wonderful world their loved one has gotten themselves into!!!
And finally, we will always pick male authors who champion strong female characters!
Please be sure and visit the other official bloggers this month! They have information on some of our other great sponsors.
Week 1: Jo Michaels and Maria Pease
Week 2: Shana Benedict and Delphina Miyares
Week 3: Toni Lesatz and Ren Reidy
Week 4: Ashley Bodette and Kathryn Grimes
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Ready? Let's get to it!
Utopia has several amazing sponsors, and the bloggers will be highlighting them all month. For mine, I bring you our Awards sponsor!
Sweetlove and Hotness Britches
Tammie Zimmerman is the mastermind behind this blog. She covers everything from reviews to releases to cover reveals.
From her "about me" page:
Hi. My name is Tammie Zimmerman and I have a confession to make... I love to read but didn't start really getting into reading until I got my first Kindle. (Thanks Mom!!!) Now, I have this major addiction that I wouldn't trade for the world.I love the fact that I am able to meet new up and coming authors and existing awesome authors whom I started blogging for in the first place. It’s so awesome and makes me feel good to know that I can actually help an author get their amazing work out and share with others to get their next read on!
I have been running my blog since October 2014 and am still loving every minute of it. Today I am a blogger, beta reader, reviewer, and it’s because of Indie Authors that I started my page. I wanna thank all Independent Authors for the help and support that they have given me and keep giving me. You all ROCK!!
Tammie does a lot for Utopia, and we're so proud to have her as a sponsor!
Give her a follow!
Blog
Would you like to be a sponsor for Utopia 2016? Here are the details!
Want to Reach Every Attendee?
Sponsor UTOPiA and Prosper!With an audience, a delivery system and a hunger that’s growing, the contemporary and paranormal middle grade, young adult, and new adult mania is picking up incredible momentum these days, and UTOPiAcon is the fastest growing conference out there right now that attendees talk about year round!
Reach & grow your audience with intimate access and profile-raising opportunities that eager eyes will see, experience, and be talking about before, during and after the event on their blogs, in texts, through social media and much more!
Contact info [at] utopiacon.com for premium sponsor deck and information.
Promotional Opportunities at UTOPiAcon
HOST YOUR OWN PRIVATE PARTY!Thursday or Friday or Saturday, book an EXCLUSIVE party room in the heart of the conference area and host your own private event for up to 400 people!Two hours
$1,000*Three hours
$1,500*Day or Nighttime hours available. Email for availability & to book now info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line: Private Party
Perfect for:
Book Release PartiesPublishing House appreciation eventsBusiness or Brand launchesEducational workshopsFan appreciation Giveaway lunches or dinnersand more!INCLUDED: tables/chairs set-up, trash bins, linens, water
* Catering and Audio/Visual needs not included, but we can work discount with hotel if you require it.
To find out available hours and book your party, email info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line: Private Party
OR, take over the whole room for ONE or TWO full days of the conference
One-Day Room Takeover
$3,000Includes:
six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Thursday, June 18 or Friday, June 19room tables, chairs, linens set-up by hotel staffwatertrash binsability to change the name of the room — complete branding authoritywi-fi, if neededbasic, one- mic/p.a. set-uprooms available for 25-400 peopleTwo-Day Takeover
$5,500six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Thursday, June 18six-hour room takeover 10 AM – 4 PM Friday, June 19room tables, chairs, linens set-up by hotel staffwatertrash binsability to change the name of the room — complete branding authoritywi-fi, if neededbasic, one- mic/p.a. set-up for two daysrooms available for 25-400 people* catering, projector/screen, more complex a/v needs and other requests are additional cost.
Email for availability & to book now info [at] utopiacon.com with subject line: Room Takeover
WELCOME BAG insertion
$500Want to ensure you reach every single attendee, exhibitor and panelist at the 2016 utopia convention at 2015 prices?
With over 650 people in attendance at #utopia2016, Welcome Bag insertion is pennies on the dollar per bag no matter how many items you want to give away. You only pay $500 to reach every single person at the convention!
Email info@utopiacon.com with subject line: Welcome Bags to get your swag to everyone at utopiacon!
** We do not accept food or flammable items. While we allow paper, we discourage it due to environmental reasons. If you’re going to use paper, make it useful — a download code or discount offer of some kind. Don’t just create a flier or postcard.
WELCOME BAG SPONSOR:
$1,000(Only 5 available)Imagine every attendee carrying your logo, web site or book cover design – from the moment they check in at registration, and months after the show! Upon registration check-in, each attendee will receive a beautiful bag to carry important materials throughout the conference. Your logo will appear along with the utopYA 2015 logo. Sponsorship includes placing an item in the bag (see above) – what exposure! You will be branded as one of the Welcome Bag sponsors in all pre-conference marketing materials!
LANYARD SPONSOR:
$1,500(Only 1 available)Every attendee is required to wear a name badge throughout the conference, and lanyards are a great way to enhance your brand and increase your visibility! This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that your name/your book/your web site will literally be in front of every attendee. Sponsorship includes branded lanyards. Your company will be branded as the Lanyard sponsor in all pre-conference marketing materials! Sponsorship includes reduced rate for Summit attendees.
Email info [at] utopYAcon.com with subject line Promo Opps to get in front of and in the hands of everyone at utopYAcon!
FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE, CUSTOMIZED AND PREMIUM SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE EMAIL Kelly @ utopiacon.comNow for a few FAQs!
You’ve Got Questions? We’ve got answers!I would like to be a guest author/ How can I be a part of UTOPiAcon/ How can I get on a panel?UTOPiAcon is a WRITERS CONFERENCE, so the entire conference is for you in some way. Attendance would benefit your career as a whole.
Because we are absolutely overwhelmed with requests to be on panels, we have developed a process that seems to be working better for all. First we decide the panel topics provided often by your own suggestions. Then we invite the moderators — who have experience, professionalism, and a strong knowledge of the topic — to preside over the panel. Those moderators are then tasked with choosing TWO panelists for that panel whom they feel are best qualified to serve the topic and audience.
The UTOPiAcon team, then fill in any remaining slots with people we feel are qualified to represent the topics and the con well, who the fans have asked for, and/or who round out a diverse and knowledgeable panel.
You can request to be on a panel, but please know that there are no guarantees that you will get chosen. If you feel qualified to be on a panel, please submit the following information to be added to a list:
your namelinks to your books or to your vendor web site if you are a vendor or service provider, not an author.description of your books or service or product.any milestones: including, but not limited to Amazon rank, sales etc., awards you’ve won, high traffic to your blog, number of subscribers/followers, or mentions in the media.topics about which you feel qualified to speak.links to a website or social media profile so we can get to know you betterPLEASE SUBMIT TO: info @ utopyacon.com
If you are not chosen it should NOT be considered a reflection of your work. We are simply buried in requests. In fact, we encourage those who have never attended UTOPiAcon before to do so first and get a feel for our community. You do NOT have to be on a panel to participate or massively impact your career at UTOPiAcon. The environment of the panels/sessions is one of engagement and is highly inclusive of audience questions, comments AND expertise. Just because you’re on one side of the session table, doesn’t mean your influence and impact won’t be felt and heard by all. And there are many opportunities outside the panel rooms to network, meet fans, and grow your business.
Does my ticket get me into UTOPiA Awards?Yes. This may not be the case in the future, so definitely cool beans to be able to attend both for one price right now. We also have Awards-only tickets for those who only wish to attend the Awards.
What is the REFUND POLICY?FOR TICKET HOLDERS:
Full refund for 60 Days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Amount minus processing fee after 60 days or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.
FOR EXHIBITOR SPACE:
Full refund for 60 days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Fifty percent (50%) refund after 60 days or until March 31st, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.
How do the Awards work — how are nominees chosen, how do people win, how can I get my books considered?The UTOPiA Awards Academy was created in 2012. The academy is made up of invited convention guest panelists and moderators. These outstanding members — consisting of authors, editors, designers, models, publishers, producers, agents, book formatters, photographers, and more who are active in the publishing and entertainment industries — are the ones who nominate their peers for award consideration.
Those with the most nominations make it to the final nominee list. Then the public, the fans, vote for the winners.
UTOPiAcon founder and full-time staff are not eligible for nomination, nor can they vote in the awards.
What should I wear to the conference?Nashville is hotter than Hades in June, but the meeting rooms have been known to be cold at times. We recommend bringing a hoodie or sweater/wrap with you to the indoor meeting spaces. Dress comfortably or as your author brand demands for the con.
What should I wear to the UTOPiA Awards?Something you want to have in pictures! Doesn’t have to be super formal, but definitely think hot night out on the town, MTV Awards or prom/first date/TV appearance.
Is dinner included at the UTOPiA Awards?Dinner will not be provided at the utopYA Awards.
We will be serving hor d’oeuvres at the pre-awards happy hour event, though.
Can my kid get in free?Kids under the age of 12 can enjoy UTOPiAcon free of charge, but must be accompanied by a ticketed/badge-holding adult. They are not allowed into the UTOPiA Awards, however, without the purchase of a ticket due to space limitations. If child who has received complimentary admission is found to be older than 12-years-old, badge/admission of child and adult guardian may be revoked, and the guilty parties may be banned from future UTOPiAcon events. This policy is subject to change at any time. PLEASE BE AWARE that some panels focus on mature content not suitable for children.
Is there daycare?At this time, daycare is not provided by utopYA, LLC or the venue.
Please be courteous and mindful of other attendees if you do decide to bring your young child with you to panels or UTOPiAcon-sanctioned activites. If your child cries or gets fussy in a panel or keynote, please exit the room with your child until he, she or they are quiet again.
We LOVE kids, but want the UTOPiAcon experience to be one everyone can understand, hear and enjoy together without distraction.
Can men attend (and participate in) UTOPiAcon?UTOPiAcon is heavily weighted toward women, who, we felt at the time utopYAcon was created in 2012, were propelling the publishing world forward in new and undiscovered directions. We also feel that UTOPiAcon has the incredible loyalty and vibe it has because the women writers and service providers in the publishing industry right now have made it their place to share, grow, learn and swoon in safety and with confidence while navigating the sometimes daunting business side of the industry. We don’t want them to feel trivialized or embarrassed by asking questions or having crushes on fictional characters. This is a safe haven where the only thing shunned is snobbery and closed mindedness.
We feel that many other cons out there cover a very male-dominated entertainment world. That being said, we DO still invite several men to be on panels – authors, agents, editors, podcasters, husbands, lawyers, managers and many others — because we know there are many amazing men out there contributing to and supporting the industry. It will probably always be weighted in favor of the estrogen; however, men are more than welcome to attend the event in general and we encourage spouses and partners to come so that they can see the wonderful world their loved one has gotten themselves into!!!
And finally, we will always pick male authors who champion strong female characters!
Please be sure and visit the other official bloggers this month! They have information on some of our other great sponsors.
Week 1: Jo Michaels and Maria Pease
Week 2: Shana Benedict and Delphina Miyares
Week 3: Toni Lesatz and Ren Reidy
Week 4: Ashley Bodette and Kathryn Grimes
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
