N.J. Walters's Blog, page 223
August 13, 2012
Promote or Perish
The cry from the publishing world used to be publish or perish. But with the recent advent of self-publishing that cry has changed to promote or perish. There are so many wonderful books and authors available for readers the question is: How do you stand out from the pack and get readers' attention? It's not easy, especially for those of us not technologically inclined. I've heard some authors say they spend more time promoting than they do writing.
What got me thinking about this subject? Dita Parker's Blog and her post "This ain't a scene, it's an arms race." Be sure to stop by and check out her blog.
In the meantime, what do you think of this subject? What attracts you to a particular book or author?
August 11, 2012
Down and Dirty at Brenna Zinn's Blog
I'm getting "Down and Dirty" over at Brenna Zinn's Blog today. Stop by and check out the Q & A and the excerpt!
August 10, 2012
New Submission!
The research, rewrites and more rewrites are finally done and I just hit the "send" button on an email to send my latest book off to my editor. Now I wait.
In case you're wondering, it's the next book in the Awakening Desires series. You didn't think I'd forget Sapphire and Jake, did you? I'm hoping my editor likes it enough to contract it.
On Monday, I'm starting my final rewrites on another book (the third book in a new paranormal quartet for Samhain Publishing) and hope to have that one ready to submit to another editor by next Friday. I got a little backed up waiting for my reader (aka my hubby) to get the manuscripts back to me. Then I'll cross my fingers and hope my editor will contract it. I'm hopeful since she's already contracted the first two in the series.
Once that book is submitted, I'm back to my WIP, which is impatiently waiting for me.
Have a fabulous weekend!
August 9, 2012
National Book Lover's Day!
Today is National Book Lover's Day! Take the time to read a book. You'll be happy you did!
August 7, 2012
Treasure Hunting
Those of you who have followed my blog, know that I absolutely love thrift stores and yard sales. I love digging through other people's discarded and unwanted things and finding all sorts of interesting pieces. After all...one man's trash is another man's treasure, or in this case, woman's treasure.
Here are todays finds!
The first find is a fabulous Christmas piece. It says "Charming Tails" on the bottom, and I checked it out when I got home and found out they make all sorts of these statues. Now, I'm not one for knick-knacks, but this was just too cute. More Winter Solstice than Christmas. Can't wait to put it out in December. And only $4.99.
Then I hit the jewelry section. I freely admit that 95% of the time I find nothing I like, but that 5% when I do makes it all worthwhile. I found the necklace first. It's incredibly intricate and a chunky piece. Not sure what the green chips are, maybe adventurine.
I was trying to decide if I would buy it or not when I found the matching bracelet. And they were only $1.99 each. That decided it and I bought them.
All in all a very successful trip!
Over the years, I've found some really special things that I've given as presents. And, yes, I come from the kind of family that loves these kinds of gifts. Found my SIL who collects teapots a Kermit the Frog teapot, which turned out to be rare piece. I've found a sterling silver/moonstone pendant for my sister, as well as collectible tins for my mother. I love recycling things and giving them a new home with someone who appreciates them.
Do you yard sale or thrift store shop? If so, what is your best find?
Happy Treasure Hunting!
Here are todays finds!
The first find is a fabulous Christmas piece. It says "Charming Tails" on the bottom, and I checked it out when I got home and found out they make all sorts of these statues. Now, I'm not one for knick-knacks, but this was just too cute. More Winter Solstice than Christmas. Can't wait to put it out in December. And only $4.99.
Then I hit the jewelry section. I freely admit that 95% of the time I find nothing I like, but that 5% when I do makes it all worthwhile. I found the necklace first. It's incredibly intricate and a chunky piece. Not sure what the green chips are, maybe adventurine.
I was trying to decide if I would buy it or not when I found the matching bracelet. And they were only $1.99 each. That decided it and I bought them.
All in all a very successful trip!
Over the years, I've found some really special things that I've given as presents. And, yes, I come from the kind of family that loves these kinds of gifts. Found my SIL who collects teapots a Kermit the Frog teapot, which turned out to be rare piece. I've found a sterling silver/moonstone pendant for my sister, as well as collectible tins for my mother. I love recycling things and giving them a new home with someone who appreciates them.
Do you yard sale or thrift store shop? If so, what is your best find?
Happy Treasure Hunting!
August 6, 2012
The Writer's Life
I think that a lot of folks think writers sit around all day eating and watching television and putting in an hour or two at their computers. Some days that might be true, but the majority of them are spent sitting on our butts while we write, edit and promote our writing.
Honestly, I find that the promoting part takes up a great part of my time these days. There are blog posts, social media (primarily Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo Groups), advertising, promotional items, contests and the list goes on. Not that I'm complaining. I love talking to readers and other writers, but some days it does feel a little overwhelming.
I've often said I can put in the equivalent of a days work in a two hour period in the morning. How? Once I sit at my computer (the one without internet access) and start writing, I don't move, I don't look away and I don't stop. I'm a very focused person once I begin writing, but the downside is that I can usually only get one writing session in a day because I've got nothing creatively left to give after one of these sessions. But that's okay. It works for me.
And when I'm not writing or promoting...I'm thinking about writing and promoting. I work from home so I never leave work. My desk is in the corner of my living room, a constant reminder that I should be working. So, many evenings you'll find me with my head buried in a book. It's relaxing, but it's also market research...at least that's what I tell myself. *g*
Now I'm off to work!
Some great links to check out:
Adele Dubois' Blog on her experience at Bob Mayer's Writer's Workshop.
Redlines and Deadlines blog lets you know what authors are celebrating 10 years with Ellora's Cave. Check out the Orginal Bad Girls of Romance
August 3, 2012
Helping Kate Hill Celebrate 10 years as an Ellora's Cave Author!
Kate Hill is celebrating her 10th Anniversary as an Ellora's Cave author and I'm helping her celebrate. All month long, Kate is interviewing other Ellora's Cave authors. Be sure to check out my interview up today at Kate Hill's Blog.
Also, be sure to check out Kate Hill's Websitefor a complete listing of events. While you're there, be sure to enter the latest 10th Anniversary Contest. Kate is giving away a ton of fabulous prizes all month long!
August 1, 2012
August Full Moon & Newsletter Reminder
Welcome to August! There is a full moon tonight, the first of two for this month. Some folks say the crazies come out on the full moon, werewolves too. There is little doubt that the moon does have an affect on us, so this should be an interesting month.
NEWSLETTER REMINDER:
If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires Newsletter—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more!
You’re also missing out on a chance to win! Every newsletter, some lucky newsletter subscriber will win a download from my available backlist.
To join and to read back issues, just go to Awakening Desires Newsletter. The July/August issue is now available!
July 31, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke
This week's Tuesday Teaser is from The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, which is part of the Jamesville series. Shamus is one of my favorite heroes I've ever written!
TEASER:
Shamus crowded in next to her and she was forced to widen her legs to give him room. He edged closer so that her legs were on either side of his. He was huge as he loomed over her. His large hands cupped the sides of her face as he leaned down. “You are an amazing woman, Cyndi.”
The sincerity in his voice brought tears to her eyes. This man saw only the good in her. “I wasn’t always a very nice person.” She felt the need to be honest with him.
“All that’s behind you now.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “Someday you’ll tell me why you did the things that you did.” She made a sound of protest, which he hushed by placing one finger across her lips. “When you’re ready,” he murmured, dropping soft kisses on her temple and down the line of her jaw.
She tipped her head to one side to give him better access. He made a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and she knew her action had pleased him. She wanted him to kiss her, but felt the need to protest at the same time. “Shamus, you’re so much younger than me.” That had been bothering her somewhat. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
He nipped the sensitive skin at the base of her neck, making her jump. “Of course we should do this.”
TEASER:
Shamus crowded in next to her and she was forced to widen her legs to give him room. He edged closer so that her legs were on either side of his. He was huge as he loomed over her. His large hands cupped the sides of her face as he leaned down. “You are an amazing woman, Cyndi.”
The sincerity in his voice brought tears to her eyes. This man saw only the good in her. “I wasn’t always a very nice person.” She felt the need to be honest with him.
“All that’s behind you now.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “Someday you’ll tell me why you did the things that you did.” She made a sound of protest, which he hushed by placing one finger across her lips. “When you’re ready,” he murmured, dropping soft kisses on her temple and down the line of her jaw.
She tipped her head to one side to give him better access. He made a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and she knew her action had pleased him. She wanted him to kiss her, but felt the need to protest at the same time. “Shamus, you’re so much younger than me.” That had been bothering her somewhat. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
He nipped the sensitive skin at the base of her neck, making her jump. “Of course we should do this.”
July 28, 2012
Summer Heat...
I'm chatting about the summer heat and the memories it brings back from childhood over on the Samhain Blog today. Be sure to stop by and check it out.
