Toi Thomas's Blog, page 95

Happy Birthday to Me!

This October 21, 2013 I’m celebrating my birthday by independently publishing two new works of fiction and baking myself cupcakes. I’m so excited about all the wonderful things happening with my Eternal Curse Series and the pending release of Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel, but these two works are something completely different from me. I hope you will consider taking a look at what I’ve put together and also check out my companion guide if you have chance.

Thank you all…and here’s to another wonderfully blessed year!

If you happen to feel it your heart to share this, please do so.

My ebooks are currently available for purchase on Amazon for $2.99 each.

Unexplained: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G16EWA6

Legend of the Boy: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G15X7KI

40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E79CP5I

You can follow along with all my birthday, cupcake, and general sharing fun at Facebook this week, using this link.

This is an unofficial Author Insights post.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: About Me, Author Insights Tagged: author, birthday, books, fiction, novella, paranormal, promotion, publishing, reading, romance, sci-fi, short story, thriller

Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013: A Review By Paula Hrbacek

Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013, by Kathryn Jones

Pages: 46

Reading level:  General

Genre: Non-iction

Content Rating: General

Publisher: Idea Creations Press; 2013 edition (March 15, 2013)

ASIN: B0094XV6MA

Format: ebook (also available in paperback)

A quick guide for indie authors, Four Stars, 5-29-13

I received a copy of “Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013” as a free Kindle download when I responded to a discussion posted on Linked In.  The author, Kathryn Jones, is a published author who shares some of the avenues she has found for marketing a fiction book.

It is a good start for someone who doesn’t have a clue about what to do about marketing a book.  Many self-published authors jump into the fire not realizing just how much promotion they will have to do in order to make their book successful.  This booklet is a quick overview of some of the things they need to consider and do, such as set up a web site, engage in social media, and have promotional materials available.

Each chapter lists a few of the resources the author has found for promoting her book.  It lists a few blogs and web sites that will run promotional copy.  But it is not an exhaustive list, nor does it include every avenue possible.  It talks about requesting reviews and how to write a cover letter, but it didn’t mention press releases and how to write one.  It mentioned post cards, but not business cards, bookmarks or magnets.  It didn’t say what companies will print these items inexpensively, or how to make your own on a computer.  It listed web sites that promote fiction, but not nonfiction.

The book ends with information about a publishing company and the services they offer.  That means that this book is a promotional item, just like the free pens and coffee cups you get at the bank.  So, if you have the chance to get a copy for free, take it.

I was given a Kindle version, but would have liked a paper copy better.  If it had blank pages where I could add my own resources, then it might become a useful tool that I could turn to every time I publish a book.  I turned to taking notes, and wrote down a full page of web sites to check out.  But, format is in the eyes of the beholder, and ease of use depends on how many computer skills you have.  It is available in paperback, so that choice needs to be made at the time it is ordered. Amazon, Kindle.

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Paula Hrbacek is the author of five books including: Stars Shine After Dark, a sweet Christian romance, available in paperback, Kindle and Nook, and Day Camp in Hawaii, a complete program guide for summer camp or summer school, available in paperback, Nook and Kindle.  For more information see http://paulahrbacek.weebly.com or her author page at https://www.amazon.com/author/paulahrbacek. She also writes two columns for The Examiner, a free online newspaper; Children’s Arts and Crafts, and Book Reviews.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Guest Posts Tagged: author, guest post, marketing, reviews, writing

Sample Sunday 17

Here is approximately 100 – 150 words from a randomly selected original piece for your enjoyment. These samples can include excerpts from my all my WIPs and my Eternal Curse Series, but only as works in progress (not the final products). These samples of published and unpublished works are protected under the U.S. Copyright agreement.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 4.1 (wip)

Mira continued to stare at Giovanni for the moment, but with each passing second, her gaze became more and more gentle and compassionate. Abraham and Giovanni were now setting the table with another place set for their guest to join them for lunch. Mira watched the two friends work together, almost like father and son or big and little brothers. Mira struggled from time to time during this observation not to picture the two friends as a knight in shining armor and his small elf-like comrade. Her imagination was on overload and she didn’t know why. She hadn’t yet decided what exactly the dynamic of their relationship was, but she had an idea that the old man was the one with all the lavish provisions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

 

 

Filed under: EC: Giovanni's Angel, Samples Tagged: angels, demons, family, fiction, romance, shape-shifting, spec-fic, war, wip

ToiBox Blog Weekly Recap 10/19/13

Check out my Recent Posts links to see what I was up to this week.

I started out the week with Sample Sunday 16- It’s Like the Full Moon chapter 2.3

On Monday I observed Columbus Day, then…

I posted my Top 5 Action Heroes, and then…

Darlene Jones stopped by again to share her “Passion in Writing.”

On Tuesday, I added to my character files the results of Abraham’s Rorschach Test.

On Wednesday, I shared the Overall Message of Eternal Curse with a Post from the Past.

My 1st Author Spotlight guest, Brita Skinner, shared her Teen Writing Challenge.

Then I went outside my norm and posted an Author Insights that was all about me.

On Thursday, I discussed Giovanni over Tea and Conversation.

And just so you know, on November 1st I’ll be posting my first ever, full-length, ToiBox interview with industry professional, Rob Bignell, a writer and editor. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself this week and enjoy a very pleasant weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, biography, blessings, blogging, books, character, culture, discussion, entertainment, fashion, geek, interviews, journal, life, likes, lists, reading, reviews, sample, wip

Tea and Conversation 04: Giovanni

Today I’m sharing a picture of my tea box uploaded onto Pinterest.

Please do not copy this image. Click image to share on Pinterest.

Today in my meditation on the Eternal Curse, I’m writing about: Why Giovanni?

There are so many reasons why Giovanni is the main character of my Eternal Curse Series. First off, there’s the dream. I had a dream about a gray man and for some reason, I felt like his name began with the letter ‘G’. I tried out several different names, but when I came across Giovanni, it just felt right.

Secondly, the meaning of his name means God is gracious. Now, I had no idea of this when I started using the name and completed my first draft. I figured this out much later. Once you’ve read the story, it’s quite clear that Giovanni must be walking in some kind of grace, whether it be God’s or not. His character, as strange and dark as he is, doesn’t make it through life in one piece without some kind of luck or grace on his side.

Lastly, he’s somewhat of a mutt, in the best possible way. There are other characters in the series that are just as interesting as Giovanni, but only he really has all the qualities that bring the rest characters together either through companionship, association, competition, or opposition.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: EC: Giovanni's Angel, Tea & Conversation Tagged: conversation, dreams, fantasy, fiction, pictures, stories, tea, writing

Author Insights 09: I have so much to say.

This is very unexpected, but here I go…Usually when I post an Author Insights, I have a specific topic I want to discuss or an issue I want to address. Today’s post is a bit rare. You see, I’m actually going to talk about myself for just a little while. I don’t like talking about myself, my work for sure, but not me. It just so happens that I have a few things I want to share.

1. Today the kind folks at WordPress were nice enough to inform me that I’ve received 500 likes on my blog. This may seem like small potatoes to some of you, but to me it’s a big deal. For so long I’ve wanted to interact with the blogging community, but couldn’t quite seem to find my place. Then I did a complete overhaul on my blog. I stopped trying to do all the popular things everyone else was doing, because it worked for them, and started doing what works for me. I’m so glad I did. I’ve made so many new fans and friends. Thank you all.

2. I recently received my first consumer review for my ebook, 40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse. Again, that may seem small to some of you, but to know that at least one person has read it and appreciates it, means so much to me. It really is a cool, fun, little read.

3. It’s getting closer and closer the end of voting for The Author Show’s “50 Great Writers You Should be Reading” contest and I’m a little nervous. My world will not be shattered if I’m not one of the finalists who makes it into the publication, but how cool would it be I if did make it. I’m doing everything I can to keep from thinking about it constantly.

4. I’m really excited about trying to independently release my short story collection and novella in time for the holiday season. I just hope I can work it out. I’m really excited to give everyone a chance to see some of the other ideas I have rolling around in my head. Unexplained and The Legend of the Boy, should be nice little reads for those who are interested.

5. I’m excited about the possibilities for self-promotion that keep presenting themselves. I spend so much time promoting others that I sometimes forget to promote myself.  I guess it’s just easier for me to shine the light on others, but I feel as though I’ve made some good connections that I won’t be too shy to open up to, sometime in the near future.

6. I’m still trying to get a grip on social media. I have twitter and use it, but I just don’t feel comfortable there. I love spending time on my blogs and I’m trying to engage better on Facebook, though I know most people have had it with FB. I’m not giving up on it just yet. I’m trying to start up some conversations and interaction on my page, but we’ll see how it goes. I’d love to really have some involvement with my Fab 5 Share Fest. I think it could be a lot of fun.

7. Lastly, I have a birthday coming up very soon. I’m actually excited this year to not be doing a whole lot for my birthday, other than baking cup cakes for my friends. I know it sounds weird, but I like to bake and like seeing people smile after eating one of my cup cakes…I’m pretty content right now. I’m excited about things that are happening with my book, Eternal Curse, and life could be so much worse than it is now, so I’m grateful and blessed to be where I am.

If you found this post to be a bit boring, don’t worry it’s not likely to appear again for at least six to twelve months. If you enjoyed this, check out my FB page. I’ll be making an effort to post more updates there to keep anyone who wants to know, in the loop.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Author Insights Tagged: birthday, contest, life, likes, marketing, novel, novella, promotion, publishing, reviews, short story, writing

Teen Writing Challenge by Brita Skinner

My 1st ever Author Spotlight author, Brita Skinner, is back for more. Here’s what she’s sharing.

While awaiting the release and the influx of positive reviews (hint, hint, wink, wink ) for Daybreaker, I am currently holding a writing contest for high school students. I believe in giving encouragement and opportunities early on.

Story Submission Criteria

1. Based on or have Christian values

2. Must be a high school student in grades 9 – 12

3. It must be a non-published, in any form, story.

4. Must be a minimum of 10 pages long

5. Maximum length is 50 pages

6. Submitted stories must be original.

7. Submission may be in any genre.  No erotica or offensive content.

8. Please don’t put your name on your manuscript. Please put all information the body of your email.

9. Each submission must be typed, single spaced, using Times New Roman 12 pt font, in an 8 ½ x 11 document.

Winner will receive:

1. a day with me to work on anything you are currently writing.

2. an opportunity to speak with my agent about the publishing industry.

3. a Free Signed Copy of My 1st Novel “Daybreaker”, pending its release.

Deadline for Submission is: January 15, 2014.

Winner will be announced on: February 15, 2014.

To submit your entries, please email them to this address: authorbritaskinner@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Guest Posts Tagged: Christian, contest, guest post, submission, teens, writing

Posts from the Past: EC:GA Overall Message of the Book

These are previous posts that have been dusted off, updated, and freshly presented to an audience that’s never seen them. These limited posts originate from the companion blogs I’ve written for the first two installments of the Eternal Curse Series (40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse & EC: Battleground a Survival Guide).

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This book is all about finding one’s true purpose. It’s seems simple enough, but it’s not.

Think for a moment about everything in your life that seems to be in the way of you being truly happy. Are the things that seem to hold you back impossible to overcome or just difficult. I think that it’s possible for a person to be successful in a career, happy in a relationship, and content with living a life absent of petty or trivial drama, but still be missing something. There’s always something that bothers them in the middle of the night, causing them to wake up for no apparent reason. Just image what it’s like for everyone else whose life isn’t so “together” as I just described.

I think so many people wake up the middle of the night, not knowing why, because their minds know something that they haven’t yet figured out. I believe most people live their entire lives with no real purpose.  Maybe they are even perusing the wrong purpose. Finding one’s purpose in life isn’t an instant ticket to lifelong happiness…so why bother with it. I think finding one’s purpose is about experiencing peace, peace in a way that can’t be described and that most people just can’t imagine.

Finding one’s true purpose is about living your life in such a way that happiness is a possibility, but mostly it’s the reassurance that everything will be alright. It’s about being able to feel like, no matter what happens, you’re still in control of your life and you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. Once again, I know this sounds simple, but it isn’t. A person may be able to stare in the mirror every morning and chant their positive mantra that everything will be all right and not to sweat the small stuff, but does that truly take away the natural feeling of insecurity we have as human beings…I don’t think so.

Don’t get me wrong, mantras are great. If you have one keep using it, until you don’t need it anymore, however long that takes. In the meantime, maybe you could do some soul searching and figure out if you’re doing what you were truly meant to do. Figure out if you’re living the life that you were really meant to live. Take it from Mira and Giovanni (the heroes of my book), that once you start heading down that path of discovery, your life will never be the same, and it will ultimately be for the best. Once Giovanni and Mira discover what their true purposes in life are, their world doesn’t become perfect, but they do experience an unmatched sensation of true peace.

Please visit the Eternal Curse Series blog to see previous Posts of the Past you may missed.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: EC: Giovanni's Angel, Post of Past Tagged: angels, author, blogging, book, break down, character, demons, dreams, ebook, fantasy, fiction, good vs evil, journal, life, process, profile, purpose, stories, try this, writing

Character Files from the ToiBox 31: Abraham-Psych Test

Rorschach Test

This is not a real Rorschach test , but simply a fun little additive to the whole character profile motif.

Subject EC:GA 1-Abraham describe test image #1 as:

A fair maiden with long flowing hair dancing under the moonlight waiting for her lover to join her.

Subject does not display a mental imbalance, but does tend to romanticize situations. He does however make an effort to play devil’s advocate to keep himself grounded. He could be very influential and thus could pose a danger. For now, he seems harmless.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Character Files, EC: Giovanni's Angel Tagged: angels, character, cultural study, demons, fiction, profile, spec-fic

It’s Columbus Day U.S.A.

Don’t get all huffy- we all know Columbus didn’t discover the Americas and that he had some personal and political issues that haunted his life. Whether you like the guy or not, I think his contribution to the awareness of the Americas is important.

So the guy was a little off in his trajectory to India. If he hadn’t been wrong, who knows how long it would have taken for the rest of western civilization to cross the pond and settle. Not that everything and everyone who came after Columbus was wanted, welcomed, kind, or courteous, but I do acknowledge that history happens for a reason, and I’m glad there’s a North and South America (Thank you Amerigo Vespucci).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: holiday, life