Skye Callahan's Blog, page 32
February 12, 2014
Post ARC slump #ROW80
Hello world!
I’m late again with my Wednesday update. I spent all day yesterday doing training for Jamberry so I’d be ready to jump in when my kit gets here. That will likely be tomorrow, and then I have to think about setting up my first party. Who said that becoming an independent consultant two weeks before releasing a book was a good idea?
At least it gives me something to think about rather than curling up in a ball and freaking out that ARCs have been sent out.
Oh, geez, ARCs are out!!! And all I can think about are the things I’d still like to change, the things I could have done better, etc, etc, etc… It doesn’t end.
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 73k(ish) words
February Goals
Writing
Finish the final polish on Bound and Unbroken
Final editing fixes by Feb 3
Send it off for a fresh critique
Proofreading by Feb 8 – in progress at the moment
Finish eARC formatting by Feb 10 & send ARCs out by Feb 11 to prepare for Book Blitz & Tours
Incorporate final Proofread & prepare to click publish on February 24!
Maybe I’ll touch Beyond the Divide at some point–I may be too wrapped up in in the final stretch to do anything else. Maybe is the key word… And now the problem is, I really want to go back and work on a paranormal romance manuscript that I started last year. It’s already about 40k and I’ve been working on it on and off for about 2 years to figure out the mythology. That would push Beyond the Divide back until the last half of the year, when I also intend on releasing the sequel to Bound and Unbroken. Lots of projects to keep me busy, and hopefully the Jamberry business will eventually replace my office work (target date for this is end of May) and I’ll be fully work-at-home with no more 9-5 to impede my creativity!!
Non-Writing Goals
Live Healthier
Fresh Juice at least once per day (hit or miss)
30 minutes of exercise each day (I’m stuck with shoveling snow)
And yes, I know this one probably sounds crazy but–Drink 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water twice a day. (Doing good until yesterday)
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Visit & comment on at least 3 blogs per day (All networking goals have been a little off since I locked myself in the formatting cave on Saturday)
Reply to blog comments & make more return visits. (Ditto^ I still need to make return visits to all of my Sunday commenters and ROW80 posters)
At least 1 meaningful interaction on Google+/Twitter/Facebook per day √ I think
Connect with someone new on Google+/Twitter/Facebook each day (hit or miss)
Do at least 1 marketing task each day–review request (hit or miss)
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
February 11, 2014
Effective Promotion for Indie Authors A.G. Porter
For today’s Tuesday Takeover, I have a great post for you on effectively promoting yourself as an independent author from A.G. Porter . I think this is a great topic, and she has some wonderful tips that I think all authors should hear, so I’ll turn it over to Amanda.
Effectively Promoting Your Work as an Indie
As an Indie Author, you’re more than just an artist. You’re a brand; you’re actually a small business. What does that mean for Indie (Independent) Authors? Well, a number of things. You may have to step outside of your comfort zone. Artists are unique individuals and very temperamental. If you’re like me then you’re also very shy and it has taken you great effort to even show one person your work. Yet, you know that if you want your “baby” to see the light of day you have to be willing to let others read it. Even if that means that not everyone is going to like it.
Many of you may know some of the little nuggets of information I’m sharing. For those of you who are just starting out, I will be more than glad to give you a helping hand. I’ll also be honored to know if by reading this you’ll take that final step to become an Indie Author. It’s a lot of work, but man is it worth it!
What is YOUR Brand?
So you have written a book and have decided to become an Indie Author. That’s great! You have let all of your friends and family know. Then you get that dreaded question, “What is it about?” We all hate that question, but it is a good idea to know the answer. What is your book about? What is the genre? What is the sub genre? Meaning, is it a Young Adult Paranormal Romance or an Adult Thriller? It is a good idea to know who exactly you are trying to reach. That way you can market your book to that demographic.
Isn’t is expensive to self-publish?
There many different ways to self-publish and it’s easier than you think! Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and many others have made it simple and cost effective for Indie Authors to offer their books in an ebook format. Also, Createspace is a great and money saving tool to get your book in the hands of readers with their print on demand services. Vistaprint, Uprinting, and Printrunner are great companies to work with for goodie items such as, bookmarks, posters, totes, and much more. Lastly, check with your local print shops. They can usually offer great deals and you’ll be able to build a business relationship for future orders
What about an honest to goodness real book?
Guess what? You don’t have this huge marketing team behind you pumping out ads, contacting bookstores, and scheduling press releases. As an Indie Author, you have to reach your audience through many different formats and usually all on your own. Most of those formats will be online. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to offer something tangible. It’s a great idea to do giveaways that consist of signed copies of your book, bookmarks, gift cards and much more. Look into local books shops to do a release party/book signing. Utilize social media (create a Facebook page, Twitter account, etc.) to reach readers locally and virtually.
How do you get reviews?
If your friends and family want to leave a review of your book then that is a great start. Facebook and other social media outlets help as well. However, what does it take to reach a broader audience? It’s simple, Book Bloggers! Book Bloggers are those saintly people that will review your book (in exchange for a free book) and promote the heck out you if they believe in your work! These lovely guys and gals will leave a review on their blog, Amazon, B&N, Goodreads and any other place you ask them too.
In addition, Book Bloggers go a step further. Do you have a cover reveal? Do you have a book release date announcement? What about an awesome giveaway? Book Bloggers will help you out! For example, I have a new release coming out. It is the second book in The Darkness Trilogy, The Forsaken, and Skye (the owner of the awesome blog you’re visiting) has allowed me to post here about it.
Reach out to as many Book Bloggers as you can. Their schedules are full, people contact them regularly, so be prepared for waiting periods. Also, keep in mind that Book Bloggers are honest in their reviews. If they don’t care for your book then they will let you know. One last thing, all Book Bloggers are not created equal. They have genres they prefer more than others. Do your research. If your book is a non-fiction novel about the life of your favorite American President then you probably don’t want to contact a Book Blogger who reviews Paranormal Romances.
Good luck and Keep Reading!
A.G. Porter
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Thanks to A.G. for taking time out of her busy editing schedule to stop by! If you enjoyed her post, I encourage you to check out her blog and social media links:
Twitter: @agporter1 | Facebook | Blog
Bruised by Stacy-Deanne
Title: Bruised by Stacy-Deanne (Sugar and Spice Press)
Synopsis:
(Book 1 in the Bruised Series)
When Baltimore Homicide Detective Lisa Swanson and her partner Dee Quarter are called to investigate the murder of Ernest Juarez, Lisa meets wheelchair bound Jake Jenson, a man determined to find his best friend’s killer at all costs. Jake is instantly attracted to the standoffish Lisa yet can’t understand why Lisa keeps him at arm’s length.
What Jake feels is resistance toward him, is really Lisa’s distrust of men caused by a previous relationship centered on domestic violence. Lisa desperately searches for Ernest’s killer while fighting her feelings for Jake and trying to mend the pain from her past.
Jake just might be the man of Lisa’s dreams, but will she let shame and fear stand in the way of a new love?
Genres: Romantic suspense/mystery/crime fiction
Stacy-Deanne Bio:
Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is a published novelist of interracial romantic suspense and mystery novels. She started writing professionally in 1997 when she was nineteen years old. Stacy grew up loving the suspense genre. Her idols are Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. Her love for Psycho and many of his movies fueled her fire for suspense. She was born, raised, and resides in Houston, Texas.
Website
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Captivated (coming March 1 from Sugar and Spice Press)
February 9, 2014
Express Yourself: Favorite Book Couples
I saw this on a blog last week and decided to jump in this week because it looks like fun. I’m a little late to the party this month, but if you want to check it out or visit the other participants just head to the Express Yourself page.
Tell us about some book couples you adore.
I fear most of these are going to involve vampires.
Diana and Matthew (All Souls Trilogy)
*swoon* Do I have to explain further?
Okay, it took a while for Diana to grow on me, in the beginning of Discovery of Witches I found her a little irritating, but as she grows and accepts who she is, I think she becomes the perfect counterpart to Matthew. Matthew is powerful, possessive, and also a slightly at odds with himself, bearing a lot of regret for the things he’s done over the years. I love how they compliment each other and make each other stronger through everything–and how they push each other’s buttons 
Merit and Ethan (Chicagoland Vampires)
I love the tension between these two. There’s always something going on to push them apart and it drives me insane! Yet, I love seeing them work through it, each with their stubborn ways. And when Ethan swoons over a car–oh my!! I have Wild Things on Audible and I’ll probably start listening to it at work–I can’t wait to see where everything goes next.
Sally, Vance, and Galen (Masters of the Shadowlands)
I simply can’t resist these three. I wasn’t sure I wanted to jump into this book because I suspected a different kind of love triangle where Sally would have to choose by the end, but wow! The chemistry in this book was fantastic, and I loved how each of them brought something different to the relationship and kept it balanced without butting heads–especially for 2 Masters and a sub.
Cover Reveal: Weak Without Him by Lyra Parish
Title: Weak Without Him (Weakness #2)
Author: Lyra Parish
Expected Release Date: April 2, 2014
Genre: New Adult Romance
Cover Designer: Cover It! Designs
Synopsis
“Love is an emotion that will destroy you if you let it. It can ruin your life or create a new one. Jealousy isn’t much different.”
Jennifer Downs treads in dangerous waters.
Finnley Felton is unaware.
With the help of Lady Luck, they will make it through.
Or will they?
Texas is nothing compared to Vegas but among the bright lights and busy streets, Jennifer discovers who she is. Her life has changed, and for better or worse, she continues to live like tomorrow will never come.
Sabotage. Hatred. Betrayal.
Although love is beautiful and kind, it comes with consequences.
Jennifer finds herself fighting. Fighting for her rights, for love, for Finnley, and for her life.
Hearts may be broken.
Lives will change.
But the ultimate question remains: can love win all?
Excerpt
I walked inside and placed my keys on the bar top, and a few minutes later, Finnley entered.
I leaned against the kitchen counter and smiled.
“You shouldn’t f*ck me with your eyes. I’ve already warned you about that.”
“I’m pretty sure I can do whatever I want.” I walked towards him, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and loosened his tie. “You’re not the boss of me anymore.”
He wrapped my hair around his fingers and tugged my head back to look into his eyes. “I will always be the boss of you, Ms. Downs.”
I loved it when he called me that. I loved it when he was rough. Lust and love mixed and created a crazy potion of emotions.
Finn’s lips collided with mine, and the intensity of him forced me to unbutton his pants and scoot them off his hips; then he yanked my hair just a little harder.
“I’m not your dildo, Ms. Downs. I’ve got an appointment at the office in the next thirty minutes. Shouldn’t take long. Meet me there in an hour?”
“I cannot believe you’re denying me.”
“You’ll learn that I do whoever and whatever I want, whenever I want.”
I crossed my arms and gave him my best ‘go to hell’ look. What a tease. He buttoned and zipped his pants and then looked at me with a raised eyebrow and pulled me into him.
He nibbled on my earlobe, and then whispered, “will you ever stop driving me crazy?”
I pulled away from him, looked at his mouth, and then into his green eyes.
“Not happening, ever.”
**Disclaimer: excerpt currently unedited. Copyright Lyra Parish.
Make sure to pick up Weak For Him if you haven’t!
About the Author
Words make the world go round. I love to write, travel, and sing really loud at the top of my lungs in the shower. Sweet love stories (along with the dirty ones) make me gush. I am firm believer that a person can never have too many cats or cups of coffee, and that the F word is necessary.
Forget the beach! Give me a gel pen, a stack of blank paper, and beautiful mountains!
Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Website/Blog
Giveaway
Hosted by Between the Sheets Promotions
February 8, 2014
Someone you’re not #ROW80/#8Sunday
It is Sunday once again–and it seemed like the last week went particularly fast. Well, first up I have a snippet from Bound and Unbroken, for Snippet Sunday and WeWriWa. If you’d like to skip the snippet and find my ROW 80 update, just scroll down a bit. 
And, if you’ve missed any of my previous snippets, you can find them by clicking the Weekly Snippets in the top menu.
This week, I bring you Eric and Lena–they’ve “resolved” the stalker issue, but they’re still waiting for the Beethoven concert to begin….
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“I’m sure. Because if you’re just distracting me, you don’t feel like you really have to open up, right?”
And then he went and turned the tables on light-heartedness.
“Which is harder,” he whispered, “being the fun, slightly shy, and open girl when you claim you’re playing or wrapping yourself up so tight you start to shake?”
Lena tucked her hands around her sides, as if that would keep him from seeing that his observations were true. It was easier when she couldn’t get hurt, and that meant either pulling away or not taking it seriously.
Eric tucked her hair away from her face, and out of the corner of her eye, she could see the brown strands trembling from her effort to keep it together.
“You don’t have to give me an answer, but it’s never easier to be someone you’re not.”
Check out the other participants at Snippet Sunday or WeWriWa.
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ROW 80
You’d think that since the snow/ice got me out of work 2 extra days last week that I’d get extra stuff done, but no. However I have improved upon my social media and blog visiting/commenting balance, so I’m proud of that. I’ve managed to do a bit of networking and chatting with other authors nearly every day. And then I signed up to be a Jamberry Independent Consultant–I do need some money to support this writing addiction of mine. So I’ve been spending the rest of my free time learning about all of those details and secrets.
My kit should be here next week and I’m really excited to see some of the wraps I ordered, like this little newspaper wrap (which sadly is being discontinued soon :’( )–think I can do a cute little book-themed manicure for my release? For someone who has never had a professional manicure, (and I hate nail polish, it never lasts more than a few hours on me) I’m far too excited to try out all of these possibilities.
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 70,313 words
February Goals
Writing
Finish the final polish on Bound and Unbroken
Final editing fixes by Feb 3
Send it off for a fresh critique
Proofreading by Feb 8 – in progress at the moment
Finish eARC formatting by Feb 10 & send ARCs out by Feb 11 to prepare for Book Blitz & Tours
Incorporate final Proofread & prepare to click publish on February 24!
Maybe I’ll touch Beyond the Divide at some point–I may be too wrapped up in in the final stretch to do anything else.
Non-Writing Goals
Live Healthier
Fresh Juice at least once per day (hit or miss)
30 minutes of exercise each day (shoveling snow counts, right?)
And yes, I know this one probably sounds crazy but–Drink 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water twice a day. (up to 1/day)
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Visit & comment on at least 3 blogs per day √
Reply to blog comments & make more return visits. (I think I have at least replied to everything this week)
At least 1 meaningful interaction on Google+/Twitter/Facebook per day √
Connect with someone new on Google+/Twitter/Facebook each day √
Do at least 1 marketing task each day–review request √
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
February 4, 2014
February 5: Tick Tock #ROW80 #IWSG
I feel like I should have something profound to say today, but it’s 2 am (so we’ll see if I can coherently put together a post) and I just finished the latest round of Bound and Unbroken polishing.
Phew!!
It has now been in the hands of 6 betas/CPs and an Editor and has gained about 10,000 words. This weekend I’ll probably do another speedy run through depending on the information I get back from the final 2 readers.
And then it’s on to doomsday. The countdown clock just doesn’t quit ticking. And every time I send it to a new reader, I flip out with all of the strange concoctions my brain can possibly come up with. But at the end of the day, I can say that I wrote a story that I’m proud of. It resonates with me, and the readers so far, so I hope it will have the same effect on others when I release it at the end of the month.
*fingers crossed*
ROW 80
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 70,022 words
February Goals
Writing
Finish the final polish on Bound and Unbroken
Final editing fixes by Feb 3
Send it off for a fresh critique
Proofreading by Feb 8
Finish eARC formatting by Feb 10 & send ARCs out by Feb 11 to prepare for Book Blitz & Tours
Incorporate final Proofread & prepare to click publish on February 24!
Maybe I’ll touch Beyond the Divide at some point–I may be too wrapped up in in the final stretch to do anything else.
Non-Writing Goals
Fresh juice at least once per day!
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
I’ve been keeping up with most of the items my daily social media checklist–I probably missed a few yesterday, but on work days it’s all much harder to keep up with.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time.
#IWSG Participants
February 3, 2014
February 2, 2014
February–Chaos in full swing #ROW80
Happy Sunday (well not so much since it’s Monday Eve 
but such is life)!
I assume a lot of people’s plans today involve the Superbowl, of which I know nothing, so I’m having an ordinary Sunday. 
I usually do a Snippet Sunday or WeWriWa post as well on Sundays, but I’m skipping it this week. I have too much on my plate to try and visit and comment fairly.
ROW 80
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1 round of beta critiques implemented
February Goals
Writing
Last month, I intended to add 20k to Beyond the Divide (which I didn’t even touch), add another 10k to Bound and Unbroken (managed 7.5k), and finish Beta suggestions & editing (mostly done). We’ll call that a 75% completion rate…
Finish the final polish on Bound and Unbroken
Final editing fixes by Feb 3
Send it off for a fresh critique
Proofreading by Feb 8
Finish eARC formatting by Feb 10 & send ARCs out by Feb 11 to prepare for Book Blitz & Tours
Incorporate final Proofread & prepare to click publish on February 24!
Maybe I’ll touch Beyond the Divide at some point–I may be too wrapped up in in the final stretch to do anything else.
Non-Writing Goals
Fresh juice at least once per day!
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs–I’m also becoming more focused in this goal with certain tasks to complete each day. If you’re curious, here’s a little snip of what it looks like….
It seems like a lot, but with HootSuite, I should be able to accomplish each task in a few minutes then move onto the next. I’m hoping it will help me balance my efforts, since I have direct tasks to accomplish on each social media site I’m a part of–Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest–rather than logging on and lollygagging around and not actually making any progress.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
February 1, 2014
How to do a Blog Takeover that’ll keep everyone talking!
“Blog Takeovers” are currently the big thing for book bloggers and authors on Facebook. I see them going on nearly every day and they’re a great way for bloggers to get more interaction and materials on their page and for authors to interact with a new audience.
But, just because the audience is there, doesn’t mean it’s free game to dump information and links in every post–just like every social media exchange, you have to make it about interaction. I’ve done several takeovers over the last couple months, and I’ve watched many of my author friends during their takeovers, so I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned from these experiences.
Promotion vs Interaction
Yes a blog takeover is a form of promotion, but it won’t work if you’re just shouting out links and information about your books. Remember you’re not just promoting your books, you’re promoting your self and part of that includes showing that you want to interact with readers.
I’ve never really considered the ratio of promotion vs interaction when I’m doing a takeover, but you could probably strive to do about 25% promotional posts and do fairly well.
Prepare your media ahead of time
What do I bring with me to a Blog takeover?
A cover image–recently I made a cover image just for blog takeovers and I simply add the blog’s name to the banner. It’s a great way to show readers of that page what’s going on, while still getting your name out there, and paying homage to the blog that’s allowing you to takeover. Note: I’ve never had a blogger tell me that I can’t change the cover image during a takeover, but I always ask just in case.
A profile image–bring something that shows something about who you are as an author.
A short introduction with a call to action. “Good evening everyone! I’m Skye Callahan and I’m taking over this blog for the next two hours. For those of you who don’t know anything about me … (I typically do 1-2 sentences about my writing and 1-2 sentences about my life). Who is joining me this evening? Introduce yourself and tell me a couple of random facts about yourself in the comments.”
A giveaway–I introduce the Takeover Giveaway at the beginning of my takeover and pin it to the top of the page. Typically it contains a short challenge and a prize for one random participant. Don’t forget to use a disclaimer saying that your giveaway is not endorsed or affiliated with Facebook!
A couple of teaser images or excerpts. You can insert a link in the comments after you post the teaser for anyone who might be interested in more information via Goodreads, your blog, mailing list, etc.
A couple of games. Even if you want to grab a couple of those weird “Find your _______ name” it’s a great way to get people interacting and having fun. I even started a Pinterest board to collect some of these games so I have them around in an emergency.. Just try to tie it in with your author platform/genre.
Some random questions that relate to your genre–”Back of a limo or hood of a Mustang?” “What paranormal entity would you be most afraid to face?” You can also ask what people are reading, or the last book they read that they’d recommend to a friend. Not only is this a chance to interact, it’s a chance to do market research.
Keep in mind that you’re on Facebook
Facebook analytics control what people see:
When your post on a Facebook page includes a link, fewer people see it. This is why many pages put links in the comments rather than the body of the post.
Posts with pictures often get less views (although in my experience they’re not nearly as bad as posts with links).
Long posts get fewer views.
So, consider how you’re trying to get your message across to reach the audience.
Facebook has guidelines, lots and lots of guidelines and it’s easy to get reported:
If you want to post questionable pictures and phrases on your own page/wall, I can’t argue with you, but remember during a takeover, you’re on someone else’s page and if the picture gets reported the page owner gets in trouble, too. Play it extra safe. I have done a takeover on a page after another author posted questionable material during her takeover, and Facebook sent the page owner, me, and the other author warnings–even though the page owner and I didn’t make the post.
I’m reiterating a point above–any time you do a giveaway post the disclaimer.
Do not ask people to share anything on their wall for a contest. I know people love doing this, but it is against Facebook policy and, you could get yourself and the page owner in trouble–you could even cause the page to get shut down.
Please, don’t ask people to tag other people to get entries. It’s becoming a circus and it ends up pissing some people off who already get enough notifications. Even if it only pisses off a couple of people–those are people you may never get back, so you have to ask yourself whether it’s worth it.
And finally the most important rule…
Have fun!
Do you have any advice for authors doing takeovers? What has worked for you?
