Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 23

Learning The Secrets Of Wattpad

I have to admit to my new writing obsession, Wattpad. I tried it first as an experiment. Combine this with starting a new adult romance project, and I’ve discovered a new sandbox to play in. Between reading “How to” guides on Wattpad and advice from my writing board (Kboards.com), I’ve been able to gather some beginners tips. I’m going to try to put it all together in a summary in case you’re thinking of getting your feet wet in this new fast empire of on-line writing communities.

I’m not getting into the featured area or what’s hot yet. But at least I’m getting some reads, got a cover, and starting to figure the best times to post. Most of all, I’m being forced to write and try out some new POV structure. Plus, I’m learning a lot about the new adult romance audience. So this is what I’ve gathered over the first few weeks of this grand experiment.

1) Post often, at least every 5 days. Best days to post are Wednesday and Friday. 

This keeps you on top of your writing and cranking out your story. Plus, Wattpad’s algorithms will give your story higher ranking if it updates within a 5 day period. Wednesday and Friday are good because of the way traffic hits the website. The best day is Friday due to the reranking that goes on and the wave of traffic that hits on the weekend. The worst day and time to post is Saturday morning.

2) Meet and Socialize in Clubs and Forms

Wattpad is VERY social. My favorite club to hang out in has been “The Cafe”. People post word games and aspects of what they need for their books. Sometimes they just post whatever just to chat. If you like Facebook or Twitter, it can get that social, but just imagine Goodreads thrown in for good measure. The best thing to do is join a club( like a group) relating to the genre you write. You’ll meet readers and writers that share the same interest.

3) Get A Cover Done

This is a must when starting out. The title should also be something that really catches people’s attention. Once you’ve got a post or two up, most of the graphic design threads will except you. They can be found in the Forums Graphic Designers club. They often have rules posted, and work like “I’ll scratch my back if you scratch mine.” Mostly they ask for a payment of a comment, mention or dedication in your book.

4) Post An Introduction or Greeting At the Beginning Of Your Story

Wattpad is very personable. A lot of the stories start out with the normal copyright info, but some get creative. Many posts almost have the feeling of a social media post in the beginning. Your readers on Wattpad are like your friends. If you think of it that way, it will get you off in the right direction. Go through some stories in your genre, and see what the person has posted at the beginning. It will help you to see how to spruce your intro up.

 

***And that’s it so far. Below are some links that should be helpful. They are great resources for getting started. Feel free to comment or visit at Kboards.com and leave a message on the board there. Hope it helps you get a good start on Wattpad.

If you’d like to read my story, Saving My Heart, here is the link.

Saving My Heart is available on Wattpad. New Adult Romance by Marilyn Vix

http://www.wattpad.com/story/27844277-saving-my-heart

**Feel free to leave a comment or vote for my story. Better yet, follow me, and we can message. Like I said, Wattpad is a community of readers and writers. Love to hear from you.

 

Links:

Blog Post on Helping Wattpad Work for You

http://www.lindsayburoker.com/guest-posts/how-to-win-followers-and-influence-readers-on-wattpad/

Cracking the Wattpad Code

http://www.wattpad.com/story/12484419-cracking-the-wattpad-code-insider-secrets-the-pros

Wattpad Links to Get A Cover For Your Story:

http://www.wattpad.com/forums/discussion/947520/tweet-your-heart-out-::-a-8-graphic-offering-thread/#Item_263

 

New Adult Romance Story Posted On Wattpad

Saving My Heart by Marilyn Vix. A new adult romance serial available on Wattpad.

I’m trying an adventure for the new year. I’ve got a new adult romance story building into a serial. It came from a dream and a trip to Malibu. I’m sure Taylor Swift’s new video Blank Space influenced my dream. I was wondering in a mansion slowly being torn down, admiring the different decorations and amazing decor of the mansion. I wondered all around watching the back of the building being torn down. I woke up and wrote the story down. Later, I found a mansion down the street in Malibu built in 1928. I took it as a sign. So, my imagination just took off.

Posted on Wattpad is the new adult romance novel, Save My Heart. It is forming from this early inspiration.  It’s terribly freeing to just write knowing others will be able to share in the process. It’s like a whole website of beta readers, leaving comments, and enjoying free novels as they develop. It is also the website where Fifty Shades of Grey was discovered as fan fiction.

So, you are invited to witness the progress of a new novel, read through, and leave comments. Vote and tell me what you think. Missing something? Tell me what to add. I’ll love to hear from everyone. Some of the best feedback I get during the writing process. Join in the fun! I’d appreciate it. Thank you.

It is to note, the title is subject to change along with the cover. I just have come up with a working cover and title to get it all started. Later, I’ll go back and see if it all still works, and get a better cover done. So, again, this is part of the process.

See a novel in process. Link to SAVE MY HEART.

Beware of Warlocks 50% Discount For New Year on AllRomanceEbooks

Never Marry A Warlock is 50% discount Jan. 1, 2015 only at Allromanceebooks.com.

For New Year’s Day only, here is the chance to get both ebooks, Never Marry A Warlock and Never Fall For A Warlock, at 50% discount. I am working hard on the last of the series, Never Cross A Warlock. It’s scheduled for release on Feb. 14, 2015. Get caught up before the third ebook releases. Plus, start off the New Year with some discounts. This is only happening on Jan. 1, 2015. So, hurry and get your copies.

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS LINK: Never Marry A Warlock

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS LINK: Never Fall For A Warlock

Never Fall For A Warlock is 50% discount Jan. 1, 2015 only at Allromanceebooks.com.

Flash Fiction Anthology Released: Stories On The Go!

Kboards Indie authors released a flash fiction anthology. IT’s FREE!

About a year ago, there was a thread started on my writing board about creating a flash fiction anthology. It eventually became the anthology just released called: Stories on the Go! 101 Very Short Stories by 101 Authors.

It went through some roller coaster ups and downs, from being a charity non-profit to maybe free. As it turned out, it finally turned out to be a free book so we could share our stories and let people know about us. Some pretty big Indie authors are involved such as: Hugh Howey (Author), Geraldine Evans (Author), Rachel Aukes (Author), Jamie Campbell (Author), Lisa Grace(Author), Daniel R. Marvello (Author), Andrew Ashling (Author, Editor), Raquel Lyon (Author), Jean Louise(Author). Andrew Ashling became the editor, and we were off and running.

The story I included is a prequel to my Beware of Warlocks series. It’s entitled “Payback’s A Witch”. It’s listed under Marilyn Vix in the author register, and under paranormal in the genre register. It will give you an insight to some things that Cat did in college, and the second character Vivienne, appears in the second novelette “Never Fall For A Warlock”.

This is a great quick read of over 101 Indie Authors for FREE! If you just got a kindle, or want a quick read for the New Year, this is a great way to find out about new authors and have a collection of fast reads for those boring stops in life where you need a quick story. I’m enjoying reading what all the other authors wrote. It has a wide genre range, and you can’t beat the price.

To check out the link where this project all started, here is it on Kboards.com.

Link to Stories On The Go! Any reviews left will be appreciated.

Barnes and Noble Link: Stories on the Go!

Let The NaNo Race Begin

Marilyn Vix writing dangerously at the annual 2014 NaNo Fundraiser in San Francisco, CA.

 

So, it’s the last week of November. I’ve been participating in NaNo 2014 for 3 weeks. In between, I’ve been working the day job, and writing as much as I can squeeze in. I managed to raise money for “The Night of Writing Dangerously” and wrote about 2K dressed up to the nines in film noir best. It was way too much fun to be dressed up, in the writing zone, and having a great time talking with other authors. Over 66,000 dollars was raised to help NaNo’s non-profit website and Young Writers program that helps support kids and classrooms to write around the world. 

Let’s say many cat pictures were shared, candy consumed, and writing accomplished. I may not be close to ringing the 50K bell, but at least I’m getting writing done. I’ve got my butt in the chair, and Never Cross A Warlock is nearing its end. I’m wrapping up the series with this final episode, and participating in NaNo has really got myself into gear. Plus, it’s been a lot of fun.

The Night of Writing Dangerously 2014 NaNo Fundraising Write-A-Thon in San Francisco, CA

Will I make it? I’m really not sure. When I’m done with Never Cross A Warlock, I’ll be working on the Time Travel Romance Novel. It moves a bit slower since it involves more research. But it has been sitting for a year. I need to attend to getting it done as well. We’ll see how far I get. If you want to check in and support, here is the NaNo website. If you’re participating, message me as a writing buddy. I wouldn’t mind a shoulder to cry on when I get stuck. And for me, the prize is in sight. I’m nearing the end of Never Cross A Warlock. It’s been so exciting just to be part of NaNo this month. That alone has been worth it. Anything to get that butt in a chair for an hour and write. Let’s say, this month has been one huge write-a-thon. Even if I don’t reach the 50k, I’m already a winner. I’ve been writing.

Supporting NaNo: The Night Of Writing Dangerously

 

This year, I’ve decided to participate in Nano, or National Writing Month, a non-profit website that helps kick authors’ butts to write during the month of November. The goal is to write 50k words in a month. Can I do it? I really don’t know. I’ve always wanted to try it, and kept making excuses. Too much going on in the day job. My projects are usually shorter. Besides, I don’t write that fast. Well, the excuses are over. I signed up, and I’m going for it. Here goes everything.

Why? Why not? I’ve decided to stop being scared of trying things. It started with the romance writing. Now I’ve got two novelettes, and I’m working on a third to wrap up this series. I have 10k of another Time Travel Novel just waiting to be finished. So, what else to better motivate than signing up to do NaNo.

 

But I’ve decided to go Full Monty. I signed up to help raise donations to participate in The Night of Writing Dangerously, and I’ve raised the amount needed to go. Of course, if you wish to still donate to Nano, you can at this LINK. It is for a worthy cause. The NaNo project helps support young writers as well as adults, and donations help writing packages to support Project Based Learning and other programs.

So, as of now, I’ve written 6,328 words so far. I’m not worrying about word count just yet. I’m concentrating on sitting and writing while I can. I have a week’s vacation end of November, and Sunday will be the Night of Writing Dangerously. I think I can catch up. Besides, it means all my readers and followers, you get more writing. My editor will be happy I’m finishing the projects too. Nothing like a happy editor.

If you’d like to check on my progress and cheer me on, please do. I usually write maybe 50K in a year. So, I’m feeling challenged. But I figure that is what it’s all about.

Thanks for all of the support. If it wasn’t for readers and fellow authors, I wouldn’t be at this point.

Marilyn Vix’s NaNo Update Page

Marilyn Vix’s Night of Writing Dangerously Fundraising Page

 

 

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour: Announcement of Winners for Giveaway

This was a fabulous event. I really enjoyed planning the tour and meeting all of the authors. But nothing would be better than finally giving away the prizes from the giveaway. The winners have been officially contacted by email. Ebook prizes will be emailed. The gift cards will be mailed to the winners. Here they are:

1) Mary P.  won the Never Marry A Warlock ebook

2) Betal E . won the Never Fall For A Warlock ebook

3) Stacey S. won the $10 Starbucks Gift Card

4) Theresa F. won the $25 Amazon Gift Card

 

Congratulations to all of the winners. And please stop by next year. Everyone had such a great time, I might do this all again next year. So stay tuned!

Plus, I’ll post more on this in the next few days, but I’ve been fundraising for National Novel Writing Month, a non-profit website that helps promote writing in young people, and helps kick the butts of adult writers to get your novel started, written, and finished.

I’m participating in “The Night Of Writing Dangerously”. All funds raised go towards helping kids learn to write, and to support the NaNo website.

Please stop by and check out the page. If I meet my goal, all funds will still go to the website.

HELP MARILYN TO WRITE DANGEROUSLY: Sponsor her to go to the “Night of Writing Dangerously” on Sunday, Nov. 16th in San Francisco.

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour #5: Sneak Peek Never Cross A Warlock

Today is the last day of the blog tour, I’m giving everyone a treat for Halloween. I know I’ve had fans asking about the third novelette. So, here is a sneak peek at Never Cross A Warlock, Beware of Warlocks #3. I also want to thank all of the participating authors for a week of fabulous fun and frolic. Maybe we should all do this again on Valentine’s Day? Be sure to take advantage of the giveaways and free ebooks below. Many of them will end by Nov. 1, 2014. Happy Halloween!

The Beware of Warlocks series will conclude with the ebook novelette: Never Cross A Warlock. Catherine Banks has discovered her best friend in bed with her husband. She does what any confused witch would do, run away as fast as you can from your pissed off soon-to-be ex-husband, find a good looking boy toy, and vent out the frustration before the spell battle that would end your marriage.

 

But Jeff, her newfound Aussie hitchhiker, is turning out to be more than Catherine bargained. Her feelings are starting to grow more than just a mere fling. She is starting to realize that she doesn’t want to just play with Jeff. Her feelings are becoming more than a one night stand. Good thing he turned out to be a warlock and Rich’s friend from long ago. He could be the key to winning the spell battle that most witches call a divorce.

 

“Below is an excerpt from the opening of Never Cross A Warlock. This is part of the first draft, and may be subject to some final editing. It is an exclusive look into the final episode of Catherine’s journey. I hope you enjoy it.” –Marilyn Vix

 

I emerged into the Las Vegas sunshine, sunglasses affixed, a reborn woman. Spas make all your problems seem faceable. Jeff waited for me just outside in the lobby, right on time. I was noticing he was considerate in that way. It was something that was making him grow on me. What had started as a break-up play moment was turning into something more. I was still not sure where it was leading, but the direction was turning me on.

 

Seeing him now made me wonder why I’d doubted we had any direction for us the night before. But then, that was before the succubus had tried to kill me. Now, I wanted to pull off his t-shirt that defined his chest in places I wanted to reclaim from this morning. His black sunglasses set off his blonde hair, but hid those amazing blue eyes. All this in the tight jeans made my mouth start to water, or somewhere else particular.

 

“How was your afternoon?” I went up and gave him a big kiss.

 

“It must have been good,” he said after we came up for some air.

 

“I’ve been sorting myself out. A lot has happened over the last few days.”

 

He nuzzled up next to my neck in response. Oh yes. He was a keeper.

 

“I’m guessing you’ve been thinking about the big divorce proceedings. When is your one year anniversary?”

 

His Australian accent vibrated parts of my libido. I had to concentrate to answer. “Tomorrow, I’m afraid.”

 

“It does mean we’ll need to make sure we’re out of town by today. If he traps you here, I’m sure he’ll try finish you off.”

 

He hailed a cab as I thought about that. Did I want to run all of my life? Or was I going to finally stand up to Rich. I just had to be stronger. Rich did have an upper hand in clever spells, but if I had an ally sending me power, I could beat him. But we could both die? Was I willing to ask Jeff to stand with me?

 

Confusion left my face in a mess of a state. Jeff couldn’t help but notice as he opened the door to the cab. “Did I say something wrong?”

 

“No Jeff. You’re the only thing that is right in my life right now.” The surprising thing is that I meant that. And it scared me as much as the impending spell battle.

 

He ran behind the cab and joined me on the other side. “What should we do Cat?”

 

“Make a plan. Where’s a good place to gather resources?”

 

“Somewhere neutral I’d imagine. Where’s the best undead club?”

 

“The VIP lounge at Haze.”

 

“That’s the place we’ll figure our next move, then.” He looked up at the driver. “The Aria.”

 

-Excerpt from Never Cross A Warlock by Marilyn Vix. ©2014

The Paranormal Romance Blog Tour ends today. Be sure to stop by following websites for the last posts:

S.N. Graves       Blog: http://disturbedgraves.blogspot.com

Aimee Easterling Blog Site: www.wetknee.com/news

Sara C. Roethle    Website/Blog: http://saracroethle.com/

Ariana Hawkes   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArianaHawkes

GIVEAWAYS(End on Nov. 1, 2014):

Marilyn’s Paranormal Blog Tour Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e5

Aimee Easterling’s Rafflecopter giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDViNjkwNjRhNDRjZTRmZjA0OTM5MzE0MWQzMjg2OjMz/

S.N. Graves Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a55679c81/

Book Discounts and Freebies:

1) Marilyn Vix’s Never Marry A Warlock Free Copy through Smashwords

Coupon good through Oct. 26-Oct. 31, 2014:  UB92D

2) Bloodling Wolf (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKPJBNE/)

By Aimee Easterling (Free days have ended. But still a good read folks!)

 

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour #4: Author Interview

Today is author interview day. I’ve paired up with S.N. Graves, author of the Look Back In Anger serial. We’ve each interviewed the other for the day. Below, S.N. Graves gives insight to her story ideas, whether romance is dead, and what is going on her in head now. For my interview, check out her blog at: http://disturbedgraves.blogspot.com/.

 

Interview with S. N. Graves:

1) How did you get the idea for your current book?

My latest book is Episode Four of my Look Back in Anger serial. The serial was inspired by a number of things, but I think mostly it came about as I was trying to sort through personal baggage. I’d managed to come to terms with some serious childhood traumas, and I was still trying to make sense of it all as a mother of two children. I do that best through fiction–a little distance provided by imaginary people does wonders for giving an author perspective.

2) What inspirational advice would you give a new paranormal romance writer?

If you can imagine yourself being happy doing anything other than writing, do THAT. If however, you can’t see yourself ever doing anything but writing, stick with it. People try to make it seem impossible, especially if they don’t have the courage or talent to actually go for it themselves.Never believe your mother’s opinion of your work–she is invariably wrong. This goes for spouses and most friends as well. However, cherish every bit of their advice and encouragement you get–you’re going to need it once you start getting real feedback.

3) Who inspired you the most to become a writer?

I think it started with my mother. She was in college when I was really young and always had her nose in a book. I saw having an interest in books as a way to get her attention, and then later in life, when she was reading my work, as a way to make her like me. We didn’t really become close until after I had my children, and she decided she wanted to be an author too. She was my biggest fan, and I wrote almost exclusively for her until a few years back when she had her stroke.4) Do you think romance is alive and well or becoming lost in the technology age?Aww, man… I am clueless on romance in the digital age. I married my high school sweetheart back in the stone age (1994) and haven’t dated since. I got really lucky and found my one guy almost right off the bat. Honestly the whole idea of dating today scares me to death. If the husband ever dies–knock wood–my plan is to become the crazy cat and pitbull lady. No more men for me.

5) What current projects are you working on?

The Look Back in Anger serial is just the beginning of a very large series. I have been writing these books for about 20 years now, so at least for the next 10 or so I’ll be releasing new ones in a steady stream.

Look Back In Anger Episode One and Two are available on Amazon.com.

The Look Back In Anger series is available at Amazon.com.

Link to review of Look Back In Anger #1.

 

 

 

The Paranormal Romance Blog Tour continues today with the following websites:

S.N. Graves       Blog: http://disturbedgraves.blogspot.com

Aimee Easterling Blog Site: www.wetknee.com/news

Sara C. Roethle    Website/Blog: http://saracroethle.com/

Ariana Hawkes   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArianaHawkes

GIVEAWAYS:

Marilyn’s Paranormal Blog Tour Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e5

Aimee Easterling’s Rafflecopter giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDViNjkwNjRhNDRjZTRmZjA0OTM5MzE0MWQzMjg2OjMz/

S.N. Graves Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a55679c81/

Book Discounts and Freebies:

1) Marilyn Vix’s Never Marry A Warlock Free Copy through Smashwords

Coupon good through Oct. 26-Oct. 31, 2014:  UB92D

2) Bloodling Wolf (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKPJBNE/)

By Aimee Easterling

 

ONE MORE DAY LEFT!

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2014 Post #3: Book Review

Look Back In Anger Episode One and Two are available on Amazon.com.

For the paranormal romance blog tour day 3, we’ve done a book review swap. The authors were paired up to read another participating authors book. I was excited, because it gave me a chance to read what other authors were working on, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Look Back In Anger by S. N. Graves is a serial paranormal romance. This is the first episode of six. It definitely pulled me into the story arc and got my attention. Sam wants to be left alone to nothing more than fixing synth pets and taking care of her own dog. But her father and stepbrother have other plans. When Arles shows back up in her life, she’s left with no options but to go with Arles into a world that most of us don’t know exist. It’s a good thing she likes dogs. Arles might be the worst of them.

This was a step down a clear cut rabbit hole. S. N. Graves directs me into the world of Sam and Arles, and a no good father that seems to be in no way trying to redeem himself by saving Sam from a fate no one should promise to be a part of. It is a good set up into a 6 part serial that should end with an awesome paranormal romance novel. It is always fun to keep up with the progress, and then when all 6 episodes are done, tell your friends. I’ve already started episode two, just because it’s such a good lead in and there is a definite feeling of direction. I am wondering about the tormented girl in the opening scene. I’m sure it will somehow tie back, most likely to the main character. It was a nice tidbit for me to ponder as I carry through with the main story. In all, Look Back In Anger #1 made me CURIOUS for more. I want to see how Sam gets out of her box. Already started the second episode. Glad there will be more.

**** Four Stars Rating

Available on Amazon.com.

The Paranormal Romance Blog Tour continues today with the following websites:

S.N. Graves       Blog: http://disturbedgraves.blogspot.com

Aimee Easterling Blog Site: www.wetknee.com/news

Sara C. Roethle    Website/Blog: http://saracroethle.com/

Ariana Hawkes   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArianaHawkes

GIVEAWAYS:

Marilyn’s Paranormal Blog Tour Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e5

Aimee Easterling’s Rafflecopter giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDViNjkwNjRhNDRjZTRmZjA0OTM5MzE0MWQzMjg2OjMz/

S.N. Graves Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a55679c81/

Book Discounts and Freebies:

1) Marilyn Vix’s Never Marry A Warlock Free Copy through Smashwords

Coupon good through Oct. 26-Oct. 31, 2014:  UB92D

2) Bloodling Wolf (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKPJBNE/)

By Aimee Easterling