Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 22
April 4, 2015
Never Cross A Warlock Blog Tour Starts April 6
The Never Cross A Warlock Blog Tour runs from April 6-13.
It’s here! The Never Cross A Warlock Blog Tour starts on April 6 and runs through April 13. There are all kind of secrets to be revealed over the next several days. All the blogs participating will have different, exciting things for you to savor. Personal interviews, a character interview, a giveaway, and secrets revealed in two guest blogs. It plans to be a very exciting week. Here is the schedule:
April 6 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/
April 6 Spotlight
Deal Sharing Aunt
http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com
April 7 Interview
Eclipse Reviews
http://eclipsereviews.weebly.com/
April 7 Spotlight
Eskimo Princess Book Reviews
http://eskimoprincess.blogspot.com/
April 8 Character Interview
Author Karen Swart
http://www.authorkarenswart.blogspot.com
April 8 Spotlight
IndieWritersreview
https://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/
April 9 Spotlight
Smokin’ Hot Books
http://luv2read4me.blogspot.com
April 10 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net
April 13 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
http://www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 13 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm
I’ll be stopping by each day to answer questions and comment. I’m looking forward to a fabulous week!
April 3, 2015
Starting Your On-Line Presence
Get started on your on-line presence with these tips.
So you want to be a romance novelist? You’ve started that novel and you’re working to getting it done. You’ve found a freelance editor, and got beta readers lined up. Good. You’re on your way. It’s time to commit even further. It’s time to make your presence known, on the WEB. Oh god! How? You can’t even begin to figure what to do next. Social Media is so overwhelming. Well, here are some tips to get started.
Step 1: Build A Website
This is easier than you may think. There are several web hosting sites that make it as easy as writing on Wattpad. Plus, many combine the ideas of a website with a blog. The site I chose to host my site is WordPress.com. It’s an easy format, with ways to build your blog into an active website. I have different pages with these categories: Books, Current Projects, Reviews and Interviews, Review Copy Request, Affiliates. I came up with these categories by looking at other author websites.
WordPress makes it easy by giving you options to choose for backgrounds/themes to design your website. The best thing to do is to have something up before you release your first book, and then you’ll have some people already interested for your first book launch. If you’d like to see what I’ve done, check it out here. http://marilynvix.com.
Step 2: Social Media
You need this if you’re going to be a successful romance novelist. The important thing to remember is that you don’t always want to flood your file with tons of comments only about your books. So, pick social media that you will enjoy commenting and interacting on. You may already have one you prefer such as Facebook or Twitter. You can create an account for your pen name with another email account. Besides, sometimes it’s helpful to set up a separate account for your pen name to keep your personal social media separate from your author presence.
I have accounts on Facebook and Twitter. I found two is about what I can handle. I’ve never really been into Instagram. I try to send out comments on what I’m doing in real life to make a connection with people.
For example, I love Grumpy Cat, and cats in general. I was watching the Grumpy Cat Christmas Movie and was really bored just watching the movie alone. So, I got on-line and chatted with other people watching the movie on Twitter. It turned out I found out the movie was being repeated all day, and there were some people watching it for hours. I started commenting and came up with some funny, truth filled posts.
Later, I found People Magazine had used one of my tweets in reporting the reaction to the movie on-line. Here’s what I said: “#WorstChristmasEver Truth: Cat people really do talk to their cats. Yes, they usually don’t talk back, but we wish they did. #catpeople“.
Not only was it picked up by People Magazine’s On-Line Mag, other press picked it up reporting on what People Magazine had found. So, you just never know what will happen. Just tweet or post on Facebook on things you are interested in, and people will want to hear more of what you have to say. Here’s the link if you want to check out the article on-line: http://www.people.com/article/grumpy-....
Here’s my social media links to see what I’ve done:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.vix
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarilynVix
Step 3: Post for Advice on Writing Boards
The last step will get you into a position to get more info as needed on your writing journey. Sometimes as writers, you feel alone in your endeavor. But there are tons of us out there. We all meet on writing boards, hashing out ideas and resolving problems that others find them in. My favorite writing hangout on-line is a writing board called Writer’s Cafe on Kboards.com.
I’ve been on this board for several years. I’ve found my cover designer, editor, beta readers and tons of advice on advertising and marketing through posts with questions and threads of advice. It’s the best place to find info that I’ve found on the internet. There are a lot of other places to go, but I know this one is safe for newbies. Lots of people are helpful with advice, and love to welcome newbies. Here is the link: http://www.kboards.com/. Then, click on Writer’s Cafe. Look for me there as MarilynVix.
That’s about it! These tips should help you get started in creating an internet presence that will build a following for your future books. Later, I’ll talk a little bit more about how to market and get the word out about your new book. Meanwhile, get back to writing. You won’t be able to promote a book unless it’s done. Any more questions, post in the comments below. I’ll be happy to answer.
March 23, 2015
Never Cross A Warlock Release Party On Wed. March 25th
Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00pm – 9:00pm CDT
It’s almost here! The official release date for Never Cross A Warlock is March 25, and you’re invited to the party.
it will be hosted on Facebook on Wed. March 25 running from 6-9 pm CDT. There will be giveaways for ebooks, $25 and $10 Amazon Gift Card, $10 Starbucks Gift cards, and Beware of Warlocks series swag. I’ll be there the whole time chatting, leading games, and ready to visit with you. So, please stop by. I’d love to meet you.
Woot! Woot! HERE IS THE LINK TO RSVP ON FACEBOOK TO THE PARTY!
***If you’d like to pre-order Never Cross A Warlock, here are the links:
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-SMASHWORDS
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-BARNESANDNOBLE
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-KOBO.COM
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-AMAZON
March 20, 2015
Pre-Purchase Amazon Link for Never Cross A Warlock
Never Cross A Warlock official release date is March 25, 2015. Available for pre-purchase on Amazon.com.
Yesterday, the cover reveal showed you what the cover for Never Cross A Warlock would look like. Today, I’ve got the pre-purchase link for Amazon. It’s out a little early to give all my diehard readers a chance to purchase and review before the surge on other retailer sites. It’s one of the secrets I promised during this release excitement. Here it is:
Amazon Purchase Link for Never Cross A Warlock
I hope you enjoy the last installment of the Beware of Warlocks series. To tell me what you think, here is the link to my FACEBOOK PAGE. More information for activities is posted there. Have a fabulous weekend!
March 19, 2015
Cover Release/Giveaway for Never Cross A Warlock
Never Cross A Warlock will be featured on several blogs with a big cover reveal March 20. Official release date is March 25.
The cover reveal is here! Never Cross A Warlock is the fabulous ending to Catherine Banks’s long journey to find the right warlock. I assure you. I’ve taken into consideration all the readers feedback. It will deliver.
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-SMASHWORDS
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-BARNESANDNOBLE
PREORDER NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK-KOBO.COM
***Amazon preorder will be available closer to release date.
The following websites below will feature the preorder info, special excerpts from Never Cross A Warlock, and preorder info. Special thanks to Sage Blog Tours and Read Between the Lines Blog Tours for setting up the cover reveal.
Read Between The Lines
AJ Wiliams, Adding Spice to Life
Tome Tender
My World
Author Ellie Potts
The Many Muses of MaryLynn
House Millar
Schadoh’s Ramblings & Other Chaotic Mess
Dante Eternal’s Virtual Bookshelf
Reading Within the Lines
Words,Words,Words
The Book Quarry
Between The Page
my name is Sage
Hyper Ashley
Hogwash
The Book Adventures of Emily
Bambi Unbridled
Marebare’s Book Shelf
Literary Lunes
Bound 2 Escape
Reese’s Reviews
Books are love
Indy Book Fairy
The Mistress Novelette
Plus, to make this extra special, I’m giving away 5 preview copies of Never Cross A Warlock. Below is the link to a rafflecopter giveaway. To enter, Tweet and Facebook about the giveaway. Plus, leaving a comment on this blog will give you +5 entries. Spread the word about Never Cross A Warlock to enter.
Link To Rafflecopter Giveaway for a Preview Copy of NEVER CROSS A WARLOCK!
Thanks for sticking by me everyone. It’s been a bumpy road with this book, but well worth it. I’ll be starting a new series with Catherine’s friend, Cassandra. It will be called “Beware of Vampires”. You can guess what could happen there. Happy Friday!
March 5, 2015
Pre-Release Orders for Never Cross A Warlock on Smashwords
Never Cross A Warlock official release date is March 25, 2015. Available for preorder on Smashwords.com.
I am proud to announce that Never Cross A Warlock is available for preorders on Smashwords. This is the final ebook novelette in the Beware of Warlocks series. It will be officially released on March 25, 2015. Here is the blurb, drum roll please:
Can two warlocks be too many?
Yes, if one happens to be your ex-husband trying to kill you for a witch divorce.
The other, a sexy Aussie that makes you forget all the rest.
That’s Catherine Bank’s warlock problem. She will have to choose between the two of them. Will she marry either, or end it all in a spell battle that will bring Las Vegas to its knees. Only time will tell. No one knows the mind of a witch better than herself. Unless of course, she falls in love.
I am so happy to see the completion of the series. Why? The series was almost not finished. In December 2014, I got acute pneumonia, and I went Code Blue in the hospital. I then went into septic shock. I was sedated for a week while my body fought off the infection. Yup. Needles into the lungs to drain them too. Like I said, it was bad. I’m happy to still be alive.
The road has been long coming back from this. They discovered a large blood clot in my heart too. So, I’ve been on medical leave from the day job all this time on meds. to shrink the blood clot. I’m wearing a life vest, or wearable defibrillator, in case my heart decides to react to the blood clot. It’s going to take 3-5 months for it to hopefully break down. I’ve gone through 2 months so far.
So, one of the things in the hospital I promised myself to do when I got out was to finish Never Cross A Warlock. So, happily, it is done and up for pre-orders on Smashwords right now.
It feels good to reach this goal. It’s the biggest sense of accomplishment since starting this romance writing journey. I woke up in the hospital feeling I had to come back to keep writing. I still have more to do, like get my strength back, walk without the walker, and drive again. But for now, this will do as a mile stone to keep me going. So, thank you to all of the followers on the blog. Your advice is always invaluable, and keeps me going. I’m glad to be here writing, self-publishing, totally still alive and kicking.
Never Cross A Warlock Pre-Order HERE!
March 2, 2015
Read An Ebook Week: Free ebook and discount coupons
Read An Ebook Week on Smashwords all week!
Happy Read An Ebook Week! To celebrate the joy of reading, I’ve included the Beware of Warlocks in the celebration on Smashwords. Never Marry A Warlock is free for this week only! Never Fall For A Warlock is 50% off for this week only. You can get yourself set up with the series in time for the third novelette release of Never Cross A Warlock in a few weeks. If you’ve already got copies, please feel free to share this deal with friends. Here are the coupons:
Free coupon: RW100
50% off discount coupon: RAE50
The date is soon to be set for the release of Never Cross A Warlock. Cover Reveals, a Release Party, and Blog Tours are being planned. All the info will be posted on the blog in the next few weeks. Have a fabulous week everyone! Enjoy it with an ebook.
Link for Never Marry A Warlock: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/364416
Link for Never Fall For A Warlock:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/448306
February 9, 2015
My Stab At Fan Fiction: My Valentine’s Day Gift
Never Say Never: A Forever Knight Rewrite of the Last Episode Ending on Wattpad.
I’ve sworn I’d never do it. I like to come up with my own original worlds and stories. But there are times that TV shows or movies just don’t go the way I think they should. That’s where the alternative story begins. That is so true for the Forever Knight series. It was a vampire series back in the early 90s. It basically involved an 800 year old vampire that was trying to redeem himself as a cop. It worked. No, really it did. And well.
I got hooked on it, and as usual, I would go off on story tangents. One of them is the way the series ended.
Here’s the introduction:
“Forever Knight was a vampire cop series that was aired in the early to mid 90s. It has an underground following that keeps it alive today. Nick Knight is the main character. He’s an 800 year old vampire that wants to be redeemed for his crimes against humanity. So, he becomes a cop. He fights crime, catches the bad guys, and drinks blood from the fridge at night.
Natalie Lambert is the city medical examiner that discovers his true identity. Through the series, she tries to help him return to his human state through scientific procedures. They both become closer over the years forming a romantic attraction that most fans hungered to see finally resolved. In the last scene of the series, Nick’s master, LaCroix is ready to help Nick with his final wish to die by the stake after he has sucked Natalie dry of blood. He raises the stake, and the series ends. There is no true answer. Many fans have their own idea of what follows. This is mine.”
So for those of you that know that the show ended differently, I dedicate this short story to. If you’ve never heard of the show, feel free to check it out on Wattpad. After all, it’s a Valentine’s Day gift for you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Link to Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/myworks/32534017-never-say-never-forever-knight-fan-fiction
February 3, 2015
Shout Out For: Lynda Bell, a new adult erotica author
Lynda Bell is an new inspiring new adult erotica writer. Check her out at:
wordpress.lyndabellblog.com
I’m always trying to be supportive, especially when I see a new bird starting to soar to new heights. Let me introduce you to Lynda Bell, a just starting out new adult erotica writer. She’s going to have her new story out soon, and needs support from anyone interested in new adult erotica. Really, here’s your chance to see how it’s done or join in on the fun. What ever happens, you can say you first heard about her here.
Here’s a link to her first post on her Naughty Blog. Her first erotica short story is due out within the week. Check it out, with all the information on her new blog. Enjoy!
January 23, 2015
New Writing Tips Book Available on Wattpad
Writing Romance: A Novelist’s Tips On Writing Romantic Fiction is available for free on Wattpad.
So, I think I’m starting to get the hang of Wattpad. It’s a great organizing your writing tool, and really helps motivate for writing projects. So much so, I’ve decided to go back through my blog posts and start putting them together into a helpful writing tips book. I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile. So, I’ve posted my first two parts to this book. It’s called, Writing Romance: A Novelist’s Tips On Writing Romantic Fiction. I’ve got several posts that are just sitting in the archive. I want to share what I’ve learned, and there seems to be a need for that in the self-publishing community. So, here is the link:
Writing Romance: A Novelist’s Tips On Writing Romantic Fiction
By the way, I made my own cover just to see if I can do it. I found a link that is an on-line photo maker with all kinds of fun affects and text fonts. It’s super easy.
Here is the link:
Please feel free to post comments and vote. Voting and commenting is a big thing on Wattpad. It really does help.
I’ll be posting updates on how this goes. If anything, I’ll get another book out of the whole project. Wish me luck!
