Chrys Fey's Blog, page 53

Easy Ways to Promote Your Book (on Social Media + More)

We all want easy ways to promote our books, don’t we?
I’ve tried many techniques to promote my books in unique ways, especially on social media. So sit back and take some notes. :)

Social Media:
1. When you’re editing your book, create a list of fun facts to share.
2. Post short dialogue as statuses or tweets
3. Find some of your best descriptive paragraphs, share them.
4. Create picture quotes that are thrilling, engaging, or inspirational.

TIP #1: Use your own photos or get permission to use another's.

Blogging:
5. Create a recipe based off something your characters cook in your story.
6. Beth Kennedy in Hurricane Crimes wrote poetry, so I penned a few poems in her name and posted them on my blog HERE.
7. Did you delete any scenes that you loved? Make a post out of it. I have.
Deleted Scene from Hurricane CrimesDeleted Scene from 30 Seconds
8. Did you have to rewrite the ending? Share the alternate ending.
Alternate Ending to Hurricane Crimes

TIP #2: Make sure to include spoiler messages for the deleted scenes and alternate ending posts. 

 TIP #3: You can try all of these ideas for your website and newsletter as well. 

 TIP #4: Include the Amazon link after all of these promo statuses and tweets.

Now that you have some ideas to promote creatively on social media, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of promotion. When your book first comes out you may be so stressed and excited that you may not do enough promoting. 
First things first, you’ll want to make the announcement EVERYWHERE.
When one of my books comes out I make announcements on:
1. My author Facebook page2. Facebook groups3. My blog4. Twitter 5. Yahoo Loops 6. Goodreads Groups for Writers/Readers7. Google + (And I tag the extended circles.)8. Google + Groups for Writers/Readers9. She Writes
Then I:
10. Update my website with my new book.
11. Fix my email signature by putting “OUT NOW” next to my new title under my signature. Sometimes I include a link.
12. Create a headline on The Romance Reviews. (You have to be a member to do this and it has to be approved.)
And I always:
13. Create a Goodreads event and invite everyone.
14. Set up a blog tour. (I can't say enough how much this helps. It really does. If you doubt it, give it a try anyway.)

So what can you do? All of these things! Look at the social media you’re part of and every single group you’ve joined and make a list of them. On release day, use that list to spread the word.
Now that you’ve made the necessary announcements and have some unique promo posts scheduled to go up on your Facebook and blog over the next couple of months, it’s time to check out sites that you can add your book to. These sites are places where readers may come across your book.
Promo Sites I Add My Books to:
Manic ReadersBookBuzzr.comhttp://www.bookpinning.comAwesome GangBook GoodiesThe Romance Reviews (For romance only.)Story FindsAddicted to eBooksWanton Reads (No Children’s books or YA.)
Bargain Sites I’ve Submitted My Book to for a Sale:
Books on the KnobDaily Free eBooksIndies UnlimitedThe eReader CaféDaily Cheap ReadsChoosy Bookworm
**There are a lot more sites. A ton, in fact. Some cost money, many only accept novel-length books, or only promote free books.
For more tips on promoting your book see:
How to do a Cover RevealPreparing for Release DayHow to Set up a Blog TourBook Release Party

Blogger Interview with Crystal Collier / Happy Birthday!

I’m co-hosting Unicorn Bell today with: Dear Goal Writer
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Today is Crystal Collier day on Write with Fey! Pull out some cheese from your fridge, throw a bit of confetti, and hope that tonight the sky isn't moonless. ;) Are you ready to get into Crystal's head? 'Cuz I am!
Welcome, Crystal!

1. Your birthday was on Monday...What would you like us to give you for a present? :)
Well if you could fly through cyberspace and dump a boatload of cheese in my lap, I’d be the happiest person on the face of the earth. The next best thing? Buy, read, gift, or review one of my books.
Image from Pixabay
Does this count, Crystal? ;)
2. Can you tell us about your blog?
Blogging was a silly trend people started to electronically journal, and I was NEVER going to follow the crowd. But in 2009 I needed a forum to share a story with family and friends on the other side of the country. Those posts have LONG since disappeared, and the books is PUBLISHED. (Say hello, Moonless!)
Since 2013 my blog has become home to WRITERLY WEDNESDAYS with the TRUTH OR LIE game for book giveaways + bouts of inspiration or cheese (funnies).

3. You host a lot of authors for their books and one of the features is Truth or Lie, a game where the author provides 2 truths and 1 lie. Then readers have to guess which one is the lie. How did you come up with that game?
I was that girl—the one who arranged all the parties and group dates in high school. The BEST part of any event was introducing different people to the ones I’d come to know and appreciate. Hence the get-to-know-you party game, but now I get to include another great love, BOOKS!!!
4. What was your very first blog post? 
The then first chapter of Moonless, which is officially off the interwebs forever. (Sorry.)
5. I know you mentioned it before on your blog, but can you tell us the story behind your obsession with cheese?
My special needs brother adored cheese. Cheese is my way of viewing the world as he did—as an eternal optimist who instantly loves everyone.

6. I love that! What are the top 5 most-viewed posts on your blog? (Include links.)

1. The MOONLESS print book release announcement: Excitement and Cheese 

2. A post so random it’s still generating regular search engine action: Sharks, Souls, Shampoo and Haagen-Daz 

3. In which I reveal my master plan to take over the universe…er, I mean, publish a slew of books: The Long Game 

4. The day I announced that Moonless was going into the querying trenches: Mystery Guest 

5. A cheesy confidence-boosting post: Gratitude as Bid as 80’s Hair

7. You’re a writer, you home school your kids, and have a baby...how do you do it all?
I don’t most days. ;)
8. Share your number one tip to bloggers just starting out.
Be personal. Get out and say hello to other bloggers. We’re an amazing and mind-blowingly supportive community.

Hyper Round:
1. Favorite time to post blogs? 8:00 AM EDT2. Blogger or Wordpress? Blogger3. Where are you when you’re blogging? 2nd story of the house, overlooking nature.


BIO:
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

Thank you for spending some time with us, Crystal! I’d love to have you back.
Please leave Crystal some cheese. :)

Wobbling Between Insecurity and Security / IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a safe place for insecure writers of all kinds.Sign up here: Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group

I'm co-hosting Unicorn Bell today with: Dear PMSing Writer Sorry guys but this one is for the ladies. 
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Last month I wobbled back and forth between insecure and secure.
I sent the first three chapters of my book to several beta readers *insert insecurity* and received excellent feedback. What made my day was that everyone liked Avrianna, Rainer, and their relationship. *insert security* I did have some things to work on with the setting/world building and Avrianna’s background, but with all of their help, plus the help of Yolanda Renee who has been sweet enough to read more chapters, I believe I have it down. There will still be things (such as scenes) that need fixing as the story progresses and my two betas read more chapters, but I’m ready for it! Well, I will be after my initial bout of insecurity. Then after I fix it up, I'll feel secure again. 
See? I’ve been wobbling.
GOOD NEWS: In case you didn’t see my announcement...I signed a new contract with The Wild Rose Press for Seismic Crimes, book 2 in the Disaster Crimes series. This will be my first novel-length book available in print! I’m so excited. *Insert a mountain of security*
On top of working on Avrianna’s book with my betas, I will be starting edits on Seismic Crimes with my editor. *insert a heap of insecurity* Getting feedback from an editor, even if you have a contract, is extremely nerve-racking. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle editing both stories at the same time. Yup, you’ve got it...*insert another dose of insecurity*
But I always persevere so I think I’ll be able to do it. *insert security*

QUESTION: What about you? Have you been wobbling?

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 HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY!!!!
Enter to win 2 of my eBooks: Ghost of Death and Witch of Death.

 
AND...
A silver necklace with a cute ghost charm.

Ghost charm. Isn't he a cutie?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Self-Defense Tips + October Question of the Month

I'm co-hosting Unicorn Bell today with: Dear Distracted Writer
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Beth Kennedy in Hurricane Crimes is a self-defense instructor. She’s strong and smart. I wish I was more like her! While researching self-defense techniques that I could describe her teaching her students, I came across easy tips everyone can do to protect themselves. Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month that I’d share some self-defense tips with you:
Image from Pixabay
1. When you’re walking by yourself in a dark garage, parking lot, or neighborhood and you don’t have something that can be used as a weapon (umbrella, cane, etc.), make a fist and hold a key or pencil/pen between your fingers. If someone tries to grab you, punch him with that fist, aiming at the shoulder or other limb.
2. Carry mace or pepper spray while walking by yourself, put your hand in your purse and hold it, so if someone attacks you, your hand is already on your best defense.
TIP: No mace or pepper spray? Carry perfume or hairspray.
3. Carry a taser or stun gun. And know how to use it!
4. Talk on the phone. Let someone know you’re by yourself and where you are in case something happens.
5. If you manage to get away from your attacker, run in a slight zigzag pattern so it’ll be harder for the bastard to aim at you if he has a gun.
6. Scream! Don’t let an attack silence you. Scream and yell for help. Get someone’s attention.
7. Bite, pinch, and scratch. All of these things can hurt.
8. Grab anything you can get your hands on and use it against your attacker.
Image from Pixabay
9. Kick your attacker’s shins. If you’ve played a sport, you know this can hurt.
10. Hit your attacker’s ears with your fist or elbow. A good hit can rupture an eardrum.
11. Kick the front or back of your attacker’s knees. Doing so will cause him to fall.
12. Lift your arm with your hand rigid as if it is a butcher’s knife and chop (karate chop) your attacker’s neck.
13. Hit the nose. Noses are sensitive and can easily break. Give the nose a good punch or even hit it with your elbow. If you don’t know how to punch, try creating a fist and pretending it is a hammer. You can also drive his nose up with the heel of your hand.
14. Go for the throat. No, not with your teeth but with your fist. Doing so could collapse your attacker’s windpipe. I was hit in the throat with a football...it’s not pleasant. Your gasping for breath, your eyes are tearing up, and pain is radiating.
Image from Wikimedia
CHOKE HOLDS:
15. If you’re attacker is in front of you (choking you), take your thumbs and gauge his eyes by applying as much pressure as you can. Once he backs up and releases you, run.
16. Also if you’re attacker is in front of you, grab his shoulder and lift your knee with as much force as you can to strike him between his legs. Even if you’re aim is higher, you’ll hit him in the gut. This is my favorite one to do. ;)
17. Another technique if you’re in a choke hold is to bring your arm between your attacker’s arms and flatten your hand in the middle of his chest by his collar bones. Push hard while turning your body away from him. He should release his hold.
18. Yet another move is to swing your arm across your attacker’s arms almost like a windmill to break his hold. You can do the same thing if he’s behind you but you’ll just swing your arm back.
Domestic Violence Awareness Ribbon
BEAR HOLD/WRIST HOLDS:
19. If you’re ever in a hold with your back to your attacker, lift your arms and swing your elbows back, striking him repeatedly until the hold loosens and you can free yourself.
20. If someone grabs your wrist, bend your knees so you’re in a squat, lean forward slightly while you bend your elbow, bringing your fist toward your body and your elbow to your attacker’s elbow. Doing this will force him to let go.

SHARE:Your self-defense techniques.
QUESTION:Have you ever had to defend yourself like this?

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To join this monthly blog hop visit Michael G D'Agostino's blog.

QUESTION: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
That’s easy. Emma Watson. Our birthdays are three days apart and there have been times in my life where we looked alike. Take Hermione Granger from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for instance. Our faces looked very similar. Besides that, she’s my favorite actress, we have a bit in common, and I think she could portray me very well.




See you on IWSG Day!!!

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 HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY!!!!
Enter to win 2 of my eBooks: Ghost of Death and Witch of Death.

 
AND...
A silver necklace with a cute ghost charm.

Ghost charm. Isn't he a cutie?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Interview with April Holgate / Eargasms AudioBook Reviews

If you like audio books than I have a treat for you today! I interviewed April Holgate from Eargasms Audiobook Reviews and she’s talking about the benefit of audio books, the good and bad on narrators, and sharing her interests with us.
Welcome, April!

1. Tell us about Eargasms Audiobook Reviews.Eargasms Audiobook Reviews is my own little haven for promoting one of my favorite reading formats. I am a voracious reader and love sharing my thoughts on books and the narration. You can find all sorts of great book reviews, narrator spotlights and audiobook promotions on the blog. I have been off for a bit, busy moving and doing some local theater, but I am gearing up for a ton of great reviews to post as well as new spotlights.
2. I've never listened to audio books before. Why do you prefer them?I love that I can listen while I do other things. It is fabulous being able to read while I drive my long commute, when I am editing photos or working on emails at work. It keeps my brain active, saving me from mind numbing boredom! It goes back to the days when I was a kid and loved being read to as well as reading to my siblings.I am also an artist, so when I am working on photo editing or creating props/sets for theatre, I like to listen to a book and zone out. Usually I only use half my mind for any of those tasks anyway. I do have to pause if I find I need my whole brain, but that is rare!3. Sounds nice! What book can you listen to over and over again?I am not that person, the one who will read a book over and over again. I have a killer To Be Read list that would never get done if I did that. Also, I feel guilty spending time with stories I already know when there are so many new ones out there to be discovered.4. A) Does the narrator’s voice impact the story and your enjoyment of it? With audiobooks you have to take into account both the author and the narrator. It is a partnership of sorts. If either one drops the ball, the story is sunk. A great narrator can also take a so-so story and make me want to keep listening. If they are into the read they can make that energy translate to the listener. I have several favorite narrators who I seek out, kind of like favorite authors. I am more likely to try something they read, than something by a newbie.B) Has a bad narrator ever made you stop listening to an audio book?Sadly, yes. I have had a few bad narrator experiences that had me switching to the eBook, stat! One was such a slow robotic pace, I had to check that I had not accidentally activated the read out loud on my Kindle. There was another time where the narrator had a great read, but he was Latin with a thick accent and the characters he was reading were Russian. It really threw me off.
5. A Latin accent for a Russian character? Yikes! What are your top 5 favorite audio books? This is like asking someone their favorite children! How about I give you my favorite genres, that is so much easier.

-        Romance, pretty much every sub-genre, I read anything from the sappy sweet to YA to naughty erotic to romantic suspense. I am a sucker for a good love story; smexy steam is always a bonus. 

-        Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, especially if it involves shifters! I love me some yummy shifter crack! My favorite thing about the genre is the way it can rebuild the world you thing you know. It is fantasy but modern as well. 

-        Dystopian, there are just so many imaginative worlds out there. They show the best and worst of mankind. Usually these books break the rules too., They will break your heart over and over again!   

-        Mystery, love them all, especially a cheesy Cozy Mystery. I love playing detective and trying to solve the crime before all the clues are revealed. There have been a few that gave my inner Sherlock Holmes a real work out!

6. I guess I should stop asking readers that question. LOL! What would you like to know about the authors you enjoy reading the most?I am all about the reading, so I am always eager to now what is coming next. Especially with series reads! Give me teasers of tell me what books are in the works for supporting characters. I am also always doing the happy dance when I hear an author is going to sprout out into audio, it is thrilling to see an author I have been reading go to audio, cause then I get to bump them up my TBR list!
Hyper Round:1. Movie Adaptations: Yay or Nay? NAY2. Favorite reading snack? Wine, preferably fruity and sweet3. Ear buds or headphones? earphones, soft in-ear tips4. Favorite audio book seller? Tantor Media


BIO: I am just the average everyday gal who loves reading. I started when I was 3 years old and have had a healthy diet of stories ever since!! My Gram started me reading the romances in my tweens with her old Harlequin Presents, I returned the favor later hooking her on Erotic Romances and a Kindle! I have taken her to several conventions to meet her fav authors, she is a trip!I have my audiobook review blog and recently started a new adventure in lifestyle blogging with www.WhyDontYouBlogAboutIt.com It is slow going, but I will soon have it filled with my crazy life!! In addition to being a reader, I am also a photographer, do local theatre, inherited a fixer-upper house and am an Amazon Top reviewer. All these things are what end up on my blog, my Instagram and Facebook. I welcome new friends, especially other readers!! I am always ready to dish on a shared book experience. Currently I am dedicated to living life to the fullest, which usually means doing a ton of theatre and drinking wine with friends.
Links:Eargasms Audio Book Reviews / Facebook / InstagramAmazon / Goodreads / Audible
Thank you for discussing audio books with me, April! I hope to see you back soon.
Please leave a comment for April! :)

11 Books that Changed My Life + Halloween Giveaway!!!

The winner of the $10 Amazon eGift is....

CHRISTINE RAINS!

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Banned Books Week began on September 27th and will end on October 3rd. In honor of literature, books, and authors I am sharing the 11 books that have changed my life. (Although they may not be banned books.) 

1. Souls Perfection by Sylvia Browne
I read this book last year during a difficult time and it really opened my eyes to see that I am capable of getting through any hardships. Sylvia Browne answers the questions: What’s the meaning of life? And reveals how you can make your life meaningful. I know many people don’t like her beliefs and disagree with her on many topics, but this book was very enlightening for me.
Quotes:
“Without any negative rub in this life or phobias or worries, you wouldn’t gain any knowledge or insight.”
“So when you’re going through your trial and tribulations, you must say to yourself, “Chalk another one up for me. I have not succumbed to grief, futility, or despair.”
2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
This book haunted me when I read it at seventeen. I actually wrote an essay about what it would be like if our world was like the one Aldous Huxley created, if people had no emotions. I don’t have that essay anymore (wish I did because it was good!) but I remember saying that I hope the world never becomes A Brave New World.
Image from Flickr.3. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
This book is controversial because of the discussions about religion, creation, God, and science. I personally found it intelligent, reasonable, and to make perfect sense. Again, I wrote an essay inspire by what I read and my thoughts on creation and evolution. I probably won’t ever share it here though because I don’t like to broach these topics in social media platforms. Anyway, if you’re open-minded, check this book out as well as the one I listed as #1.
4. Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman
This children’s book has inspired me work more than any other children’s book. I reference it a few times in my unpublished series featuring Avrianna Heavenborn from Ghost of Death.
5. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I know that he got blasted for lying, but that doesn’t make this book any less good in my eyes. The thing that I liked the most was his style. There’s no quotation marks (which normal bugs me but worked well with this story) and every page has lines with just a few words. This is a raw and deep story about drug addiction complete with friendship, love, and emotion.
Quote:
Mom.She stares at me.I’m sorry.She had been broken.Truly, truly sorry.Broken by me.
6. Tao Te Ching (Translation by Stephen Mitchell)

If you’re open to other religions and concepts, this work is the most wise and insightful writings you’ll ever find.
Quotes:
“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”
“If you over esteem great menPeople become powerless.If you overvalue possessions,People begin to steal.”
7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
I first read this book in elementary school. When we finished it in class, I bought my own copy to read it again. I love it so much that I’ve read it several times. I’ve always been fascinated by World War II and stories about Jews (such as A Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank). This is a powerful book about the impact of war and Nazis for kids and adults.
Image from Flickr.
8. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
This book is a heartfelt and honest story about the mother-daughter relationship. Reading this book felt like a journey. I really felt as though I was being told deep, dark secrets. I laughed until I couldn’t breathe and cried until I fell asleep. It made me look at life, love, and my mom in a new light.
9. Dragonfly Secret by Carolyn J. Gold
I read this book at a young age and it is 100% the reason why I love dragonflies today (I have a dragonfly tattoo) and believe in fairies. It’s a story about family, magic, imagination and belief.
10. Book of God: The Bible as a Novel by Walter Wangerin Jr.
The author took the Bible and created stories that read like fiction. This would be a great option for those who struggle to read the Bible and really want to get to the meat of the stories and enjoy them.
11. Footprints (Scripture with reflections inspire by the best-loved poem by Margaret Fishback Powers)
Footprints has always been one of my favorite poems and when paired with scripture, it becomes even more powerful.
Quotes:
“But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life, there is only one set of footprints.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the river, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” [says the Lord.] Isaiah 43:2

QUESTION: What books have changed you or your life?


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 HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY!!!!
Enter to win 2 of my eBooks: Ghost of Death and Witch of Death.

 
AND...
A silver necklace with a cute ghost charm.

Ghost charm. Isn't he a cutie?
The giveaway will close October 23rd so enter now! :D
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting Reviews

My giveaway for the $10 Amazon gift card is CLOSED. I will be announcing the winner in my newsletter tomorrow!
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One thing all authors want? Reviews. But getting them can be hard, especially if you’re new and relatively unknown.
I don’t have hundred of reviews for my books. Fact is, many of the authors who are regular visitors here have far more reviews than I do. I know this, but I still know a few methods to get reviews.
1.Use Google Docs to create a form for people to sign up to help you with your blog tour and make one of the options a review of your new release. Offer them a PDF or MOBI copy. This is an easy way to get exposure, a review, and a blog feature all in one.
2.Ask authors you’re acquainted with if they know good reviewers. Chances are they do, and the reviewers they know are probably awesome.
3.Search blogs and other sites for reviewers. Fact is, there are COUNTLESS book review blogs out there, which means you can find an infinite amount of bloggers/reviewers to ask for a review.

TIP #1:Check their guidelines to make sure they are accepting books for review, what genres they accept, what formats they like, whether or not they’ll post the review on Amazon and Goodreads, and how they treat reviews. Every reviewer and review site is different. 

TIP #2:Send an email with a blurb, all information they ask for, and the file if they need it. Then wait to hear back. It could take 2-3 months before you get a review. 

TIP #3:Check out Manic Readers. Sign up for free, add your book(s) to your profile, and request a review. You’ll be able to select from a long list of reviewers in the depot.

TIP #4: You can also try The Indie View's reviewer list. (Thanks, Lidy!)

Image from Wikimedia.

If I can get someone to read one of my books on the toilet, I think I've succeeded as an author. :P

4.Check out Goodreads. There are many groups for authors and readers in every genre. Many of these groups have a forum for authors to request reviews. Submit your info to these in the form of a comment or a new topic.

TIP #4:You may not get anyone interested or you may get many. Make sure, before you send a copy of your book, that you reiterate the genre and length to make sure they are fine with it. 

TIP #5:Don’t send your book to just anyone who wants to review it. I got a request from someone in a Goodreads group who said he wanted a swap for his book that is about...get this...bad reviews he's given authors. Um, really? No thanks!

5.Submit to Amazon Top Reviewers. Go HERE and check out reviewer profiles for ones that sound like the right fit for your book. Check under their contact info and send a polite email. Make sure to give them the blurb and all the relevant information about your book (length, genre, etc.), tell them you’ll give them a free copy, ask them to let you know if they are interested and thank them for their time.

TIP #6:Read some of their reviews to see if you like them.
 

QUESTION: How do you get reviews?

Blogger Interview with Lisa Thomson / The Great Escape

I am so happy to have Lisa Thomson on my blog today. She is a wonderful friend who I met through our blogs and a great writer. On The Great Escape, she blogs about divorce and relationships. Even though I’m not going through a divorce, I always enjoy reading her posts because of their truth. They help me to deal with other hard spots in my life and especially my past. 
Welcome, Lisa!

Lisa: Thanks for having me as a guest on your blog, Chrys. Yours is one of my favorite blogs to read!
Chrys: That's very sweet of you to say. Let's  begin, shall we? :)

1. Can you tell us about your blog The Great Escape?
Lisa: The Great Escape blog began as an extension of my self-help book of the same name; the goal being to help women starting their divorce process. I started the blog in October, 2011. It was (is) a way to communicate with my potential book readers. I was told that I had to have a blog if I was an author and you know what? I didn’t know what a blog was earlier that year. I share tips for divorce navigation, health and recovery as well as inspirational stories. My goal is to educate, entertain and show women they can come out of this experience a strong and healthy woman.
From Lisa's recent blog post. Click Image.

2. On your blog and in your book (A Girl’s Guide to Leaving a Marriage), you openly talk about your divorce. What made you decide to be so candid about this private and emotional time in your life?
Lisa: Sometimes I ask myself that same question, LOL. Seriously though, I was going through so much crazy stuff at the time and my divorce was turning out to be a complete nightmare. I had hoped to remain friends with my ex and get through the divorce without high conflict. What I was learning early on is, divorce is an extremely difficult process and we feel very alone in it.
I started journaling so I could channel my frustration. After a year of journaling, I had an ‘aha’ moment. I thought, why not write a book to help women who have decided to end their marriage but don’t know where to begin? That’s who I was initially and I remember I couldn’t find any helpful books. Most of the books talked about recovering your broken marriage etc. Plus, women who decide to end their marriage don’t get as much support from family and friends. There’s this underlying attitude that says “That’s what you chose, so too bad…” For example, I experienced many questions about ‘why’ I left, and quite frankly, it’s no one’s business but your own. People still have this inherent belief that unless he beats you, why would you leave. You must be selfish. I say we stop waiting for a catastrophe, let’s value ourselves more than that.
On that same theme, we still expect men to leave and women to be the victim. Look no further than pop culture.
So, as woman if we decide to leave, we throw that stereotype on its head. My book aims to bridge that gap of support.
A Girl's Guide to Leaving a Marriage by Lisa Thomson

BOOK LINKS:
Amazon / Goodreads
3. What was your very first blog post? 
Lisa: My very first blog post was titled simply, “Welcome” Haha. It was a way for me to introduce myself and explain why I wrote my book. 
4. Many of your readers are all going through divorce or a hard time in their relationships, what advice do you give them most often?
Lisa: Most often I encourage my readers to take the chance to improve their life. I remind them to listen to their instincts. I also listen carefully to what people tell me in their messages. Some women are still in love with their husband but are very frustrated with where their marriage is at. I always recommend counseling for these couples because divorce isn’t always the clear cut answer. I also hear from women who are in mentally abusive marriages and they want out but don’t know where to begin. So, my advice is very personal to each woman’s situation.
5. What are the top 5 most-viewed posts on your blog?
Narcissist or A**hole, What’s the Difference?
Sexual Neglect
Scapegoating in Families-What we need to know
Stop Being Too Nice
5 Tips For Handling The Divorce Bully
6. You also write for Huffington Post, can you tell us your experience with that?
Lisa: Writing for HuffPost Divorce is really great exposure. However, that said they don’t always feature your posts, so you have to work the social media connections pretty hard to get the exposure you’re hoping for. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of amazing bloggers. On the other hand, when you’re featured you must be prepared for Trolls.
7. Share your number one tip to bloggers just starting out.
Lisa: Definitely visit lots of blogs in your niche. Those blogs are likely to have your target audience. That said, don’t be spammy. Be considerate, like you would at any social event.
Oh, and don’t take it personally when someone rejects your submission or doesn’t reciprocate your interactions. Just hold your head high and move on. You will find your tribe.
Escapee Badge
Hyper Round:
1. Favorite time to post blogs? Mornings
2. Blogger or Wordpress? Wordpress
3. Do you host guests? Not enough
4. Where are you when you’re blogging? At my desk that faces a bank of windows. It’s in the same room as the television which can be problematic.


BIO:
When Lisa separated from her husband in 2005, she found very few books that told her what divorce was really like.  In 2007, Lisa set out to write a self help guide for women ending their marriages and was sure to include her own personal stories and experiences, so women could get a realistic impression of what divorce is all about. Throughout the book, Lisa encourages you to “choose joy” and be a “hero in your own life”.  A must read for the economically dependent spouse thinking about ending their marriage.
Currently, Lisa resides happily in Vancouver, B.C. with her common law husband of six years. Her 3 children are in their 20’s and are wonderful humans, proof positive that children can thrive in spite of divorce. When Lisa isn’t writing you can find her at the beach, in yoga class, or at her painting easel with a glass of wine in hand. 

LINKS:Website / Twitter / Facebook / Google + / YouTube

Lisa: Thank you so much for hosting an interview with me, Chrys. 

Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, Lisa! I'd love to have you back.
Please leave Lisa a comment. :)

QUESTION: Do you have a divorce-related question for Lisa?

Writing About: Self Defense Instructors

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about Monster Truck Driving, the profession of Donovan Goldwyn from my Disaster Crimes series. Well, now it’s Beth Kennedy’s turn! She is a self-defense instructor and in Seismic Crimes we get to see her in action for the first time.
Here are a few things to remember if you ever want to write about a self-defense instructor or class:
1. Studio/Gym
Where does your character go to take self-defense classes? Or if your character is the instructor, where does he/she hold classes? Describe the building and the room. It should be spacious enough for a blue mat to cover most of the ground and several pairs of individuals to go one-on-one. In Seismic Crimes, I got to create a visual of Beth’s studio. I mentioned the front desk and what was on the walls to inspire the students.

TIP: Give the studio a unique name that highlights the purpose of the class. Beth Kennedy is all about teaching women who experience domestic violence at home and want to be able to defend themselves a fighting chance. That’s why her studio is called The Fighting Chance.

2. Equipment
A blue mat is not the only thing that needs to be in a studio, but also safety gear for the students to wear such as helmets, mitts, and even body gear to protect their torso and legs.
Aside from safety equipment, there will also be teaching equipment: dummies students can punch and kick, punching bags, striking pads that fit along the arms, over hands, and are large enough to hold in front of the body.
Image from Flickr.3. Techniques
There are many self-defense techniques out there that your character can learn in a class or teach students. Everyone should first learn the proper stance to get into to minimize getting hit and to prepare the body to strike. How to throw a good punch is the next biggest obstacle followed by how to strike with your feet. After that, a self-defense instructor can teach how to get out of holds such as wrist holds, choke holds, and even bear hugs. Scenarios are the best thing for instructors to teach. For example: what to do if someone grabs you from behind or how to incapacitate an attacker who is in front of you.

TIP: Watch videos (you can find a bunch on YouTube) and even go to a real class for research. Firsthand experience is always the best.

Stay tuned for easy self-defense techniques everyone should know. 

P.S. I won't be posting this Wednesday either. I'll be back Friday with a blogger interview!

QUESTIONS: Have you participated in a self-defense class? Would you? What do you think of The Fighting Chance as a studio name?

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National Teddy Bear Day

Today is National Teddy Bear Day!
I have a teddy bear and no, I am not ashamed to admit it.
Here is an excerpt from a memoir piece I wrote about the spine surgery I had when I was fifteen. It is called Woman of Steel and reveals how we meet.

The day after my fifteenth birthday, I woke up hours before the sun had opened its eyes. Wishing I could dive into bed and pretend it was not the day of my surgery, I groggily climbed into my mother’s car. On the way to the hospital, I watched the dove-gray sky lighten degree by degree. Slowly, as if its muscles ached, the sun stood up in the sky. 

I followed my parents into the hospital as my heart pounded in my chest and my knobby knees quaked. With each step, I silently hoped we would get lost. Unfortunately, we found the right area and sat down in uncomfortable chairs to wait for the inevitable. 

I hugged my backpack to my chest and tried to calm my racing heart. The woman sitting behind the receptionists’ desk saw me and called me over. I watched her heft a giant garbage bag off the floor and dig inside it, oddly resembling Santa. She pulled out a brown teddy bear with silky hair and a blue ribbon tied around its furry neck. 

“You look like you need to hug something,” she said as she handed the bear to me. Normally I would have turned my nose up at such a childish gift, but at that moment that teddy bear looked like a life preserver to me. I took the bear and embraced it with all my might.

I don’t have a picture of him when I first got him, when his fur was silky and smooth, but this is a picture I took a long time ago.



He looks pretty much the same these days and now my youngest nephew cuddles with him whenever he’s here. :)

QUESTION: Did you have a favorite teddy bear from your childhood? Do you still have a teddy bear? If so, give him/her a hug. :P
And while we’re on this topic, you should check out The Bear Who Woudn’t Leave by J.H. Moncrieff. You might need to hug your bear while reading this short story. Or it might make you look at it sideways….
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