Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 25

Cover Reveal: Never Fall For A Warlock

It’s here! Never Fall For A Warlock is up and ready to preorder. Today is the celebration of the new cover and the release of the second novelette scheduled for next week, June 23. To get the jump on your copy, preorders are available at Smashwords.com.

       

 

                                     Link HERE to preorder your copy.

 

 

Celebrating the Release-Stories Behind Never Fall For A Warlock

As a celebration of the release, I’ll be sharing stories about the writing of Never Fall For A Warlock this week. Since the story is set in Las Vegas, I did some traveling to capture the energy of the city. Three trips to Vegas gave me the ability to make the city into its own character. Taking photos down the Strip, going to shows, and getting drinks at the Chandlier Bar helped give the right balance of right vs. wrong.

 

Below is a video I took as research driving along the Strip. Catherine drives with Liam down the Strip midway through the novelette. I wanted to make it as real as possible.

 

Later through the week, I’ll include other stories on the blog. Be sure to follow to stay updated. Again, thank you all for your support over the last few months. It has really helped to read comments and reviews to get an idea of what everyone was hoping for the next novelette. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to keep going. Thank you! -Marilyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preorder Never Fall For A Warlock: Release Date 6/23/14

I’m all a gush with pride. The second novelette is done and up for preorder on Smashwords. Here’s the blurb to get you in the mood. Catherine has taken a chance on love. Another warlock has turned up in her life. Can she handle her new Aussie warlock, Jeff? Or is there something better around the corner? Confused between her husband cheating and a new flavor of warlock, Catherine runs out to find other options in the town famous for luck, Las Vegas. She runs straight into an exotic dancer named Liam. Irish, gorgeous, and James Bond flavored, he might be the answer to her no warlock plan. But Liam might be the forbidden fruit that could lead Catherine down a dangerous path. Will she run back to Jeff before it’s too late? Or will she lose something more than just her heart? Link to Smashwords for Preorder: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/448306 More links will be coming in regards to other retailers like Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Kobo.com. I wanted the first crack of preordering to be out and ready for all of you.     Plus, exciting release party plans are underway. A special release party is being planned through Book Monster Promotions for June 23. A new release event for NA Romance is going to be held on Facebook June23-24. I’m scheduled for 12pm-1pm on June 24th. I’ll be giving away free ebook copies of Never Fall For A Warlock for the best Las Vegas stories during my hour for the new release event. The link to the New Adult Romance Release Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/535050819938141/ Lots of fun activities will be underway in the next two weeks. Look for discount coupons and more information for the Never Fall For A Warlock Release Party later in the week. -Marilyn

What Is Fabulous? Club Kids and Vegas, Baby

View of the new part of the Strip in Las Vegas.

Over the last few weeks, things have been coming together. I’ve been working on the second novelette in the Beware of Warlock series. I made the deadline in sending it to my editor. I went to a writer’s conference in Las Vegas. Agents listened to a flash fiction piece and didn’t give it the thumbs down. In fact, there was applause.

Cut to a friend facebooking an article about a Club Kid called Michael Alig. It talked about how he is getting out of jail on May 5, 2014. Naturally being the curious writer, I started doing research, and a whole new world opened to me. But it seemed incredibly familiar, because I recognized one of the Club Kids, Richie Rich.

Richie grew up in California. I knew him from the club scene here, and later in San Francisco. I recognized the high energy from the clubbing days carried on to New York, and I started looking up interviews, and finding out about the whole New York Club Kid scene movement. Seriously, I don’t know how I missed it, except that I was obsessed with finishing college, clubbing on the West Coast, and later went to live in Paris. By 1995, I was trying to find myself a career, and discovered the pub scene. My obsession with the UK and Europe took me away from the hip club scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Plus, you burn out. You change direction. But, I digress.

There was a spark while researching this new area of interest. There was something I related within the Club Kid movement. There is a need to have people’s attention, that hunger for fabulous style and being noticed. And in 2014, this might be making a come back, or maybe I realized, it’s always been there but keeps changing. Really, what does make someone so fabulous?

Flashback to my trip to Vegas. I am obsessed with the town right now due to my Beware of Warlock series. The second novelette is set there, and so will be the third. Without too many spoilers, I’m creating an underground club world that welcomes witches. I mean, really, Vegas wouldn’t miss out on having VIP rooms for vampires, werewolves and witches if they could make money. Everyone is welcomed in the town. So, in my research, I had to experience some Vegas action. I saw Chris Angel’s show Believe, played Blackjack, and saw Cirque du Soleil’s show Zumanity.

Sitting in one of the red couches, I enjoyed Zumanity’s theme of sensuality. I was splashed by the acrobats in the fishbowl, and enjoyed the 18 and over provocative scenes. Then, one of the cirque performers grabbed my hand, and pulled me from my couch as a volunteer. As I walked to the front of the stage, I tried to remain calm. Anything can happen in a Cirque du Soleil show. As I stepped up the stairs to the stage, the Diva Ringmaster grabbed my hand and said in the mic, “Don’t worry, you look fabulous.” Those words were like a rock in the sea of nerves. What happened next is for 18 and over, like in my books. But I was asked at the end, what I was thinking and I responded, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. It had to be said.

Did I found out what fabulous is? Will any of us find it? Vegas, my Club Kid research, writing new adult and spicy romance; it’s all a quest towards that fabulous inner self trying to emerge within me. Tonight, I watched a video that was the opening for a fashion show for the Heatherette label, Richie’s line of fashion with co-founder Trevor Rains. Amanda Lapore looks at herself in the mirror and covers herself with pink lipstick while wearing fabulous aqua stilettos. It was the symbol of trying to look your best. It represented that desperate need to shower yourself with jewels and be seen.

At that moment, I got it. You are fabulous. Whether you are a frumpy housewife that goes cougar at a Zumanity show, or a beautiful grown up Club Kid still making others fabulous, you are it. You are fabulous if you believe in yourself. And if you have a moment if you doubt, try to find your nearest sturdy support. It could be your cat, husband, wife, kids, or the fabulous divas that populate the Strip in Las Vegas, remember you are who you can be. It’s never too late to be you.

 

Finding Your Hill

Riding the biking trail on the new Oakland Bay Bridge span.

Biking is a huge source of exercise. In fact, I find that just going out for a walk or bike ride clears my head for future writing. But today I discovered a new source of joy. I found a new hill to roll down.

Remember, that time you would find the steepest driveway on the block. You’d walk your bike, skateboard or roller skates and roll down again and again. It was a rush. That few seconds of absolute danger and thrill made you want to walk up again and again. And again.

Today I found the ultimate hill. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and have been exploring the new bike trails available all around the bay. Enter the new Oakland Bay Bridge span bike trail. It has a very light climb, and is better than any stairmaster or work out at the gym. There is an amazing view as you pedal up a steady uphill 5% grade. You ride a brand new 21st century bridge while looking at the old 20th century bridge under destruction. Piece by piece of a symbol of the last century is being torn down beside you. Not to mention the constant breeze, every biker’s dream.

Dismantling of the old span of the Bay Bridge.

But why does a person ride up a hill? The bridge is perfect with it’s view, but it is still difficult. I had to stop at a few view points for a break, drink of water, and take in the fresh air from the bay drifting beneath me. I knew going down the bridge would be amazing. What I didn’t count on would be the speed.

I got to the top, took my picture moment, and turned around to head down. Using my breaks, I started to roll. There is a speed limit of 15 mph. So, I would use my breaks and keep a safe pace. But there were breaks between pedestrians, and traffic had fallen down quite a bit since it was later in the day. I started to remember why I use to climb up hills. It was for the thrill of rolling down. How fast could I go?

I started to lean down, building a little speed. A little less breaking and I could feel the rush of speed beneath my wheels. I flashed back to that moment I’d roll effortlessly down my neighbors drive; the smile easing across my face. At this moment, two men passed me on the left, pedaling to race and gain speed. I could see the boys surfacing within the men as they rode ahead. Then, another man, with a similar grin spread across his face, raced past me. I knew what they were feeling, because my face had the same frozen grin of triumph. I felt that rush as you wheel down a hill, with no effort. This ease turning from a few seconds into a few minutes on the ultimate hill.

The old and new spans of the Oakland Bay Bridge with the bike trail on the right.

I knew at that instant why I rode uphill. It was to go down, fast. But I still use the breaks. We all go down the hill cautiously. It makes good sense. But when you’re doing something wicked or dangerous, it puts the thrill back into living. I don’t want to hurt anyone with the fun, just enjoy it, with a big smile on my face. And if others are enjoying it with me, let’s enjoy it together. You only live once. Whether it’s cautiously or a moment of reckless abandonment, just get out and climb up a hill. The rush coming down will get you to try it again. Or maybe climb up another hill.

 

 

 

Never Marry A Warlock 2014 Spring Blog Tour

Book Blitz starts March 31 and runs until April 11. A new blog featured each day.

I'm proud to announce my Spring Book Blitz for
Never Marry A Warlock.

Each day, my novelette will be featured on a new blog.
Look for the new book trailer and a
giveaway featuring a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

It's all to celebrate the soon to
follow second novelette, Never Fall For A Warlock,
coming out in May 2014.
I'll be by to say hi each day and take any questions.
Looking forward to chatting with everyone.

*Never Marry A Warlock is available
on Kobo for a special promo: $0.99.

There is a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway to celebrate the
tour.
March 31: The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T.Kat
March 31 *SECOND STOP*:Carpe_Diem
April 1: Booklover Sue
April 2: Books to Light Your Fire
April 3: The Crafty Cauldron
April 4: Erzabet's Enchantments
April 7: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
April 7 *SECOND STOP* Christine Young author
April 8: Rose and Beps Blog
April 9: Tower of Babel
April 10: Long and Short Reviews
April 11: My Odd Little World

Interview About Marilyn Vix on Apex Reviews

Marilyn Vix has just completed an interview with Apex Reviews. If you want to find out about all of skeletons in her closet, new projects in the words, and the general obstacles that lead to any Indie author click on over. Also available is her book’s new trailor Never Marry A Warlock available on Youtube.  

I love to share the little things that get me excited and making up in the morning.  Please enjoy all my inner most secrets in the interview. Let me know how hot Jeff the Aussi, is in the book trailer.  For more information of upcoming stories, join my mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/MWT2Lm. Join in on all the phone by signing up on the mailing list. Soon to come: Book Blast Giveaway for Never Marry A Warlock end of March. Never Fall For A Warlock to be released in May.  Thanks for stopping by. I am grateful for all my readers. Feel free to leave a comment.

Celebrate Ebook Week March 2- March 9 Free Promo Through Smashwords

Never Marry A Warlock for free during the special promo for Read An Ebook Week on Smashwords.

Read An Ebook Week-Special Coupon Code

Special message for Marilyn Vix’s Official Fan Group:This upcoming week is Read An Ebook week. Smashwords.com is setting up a special promo which helps readers join in the fun filling their ereaders with great books.For this week only, I will have my first novelette, Never Marry A Warlock, as a free promotional special. It will only be available from March 2 – March 8. To get your copy, use the coupon code below and link to connect with the Smashwords website.Here is the coupon code:

REW75

Smashwords Never Marry A Warlock Link:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/364416

This is also just in time to celebrate Read Across America. Bring that Kindle or Nook to work to show off the newest ebooks. Many books are to be found to fill your Kindle to keep you busy for months.

Thanks for joining the Marilyn Vix Website: marilynvix.com. For the inside info on the next novelette, Never Fall For A Warlock (Beware of Warlocks #2), stayed tuned. More information will be available in the next few weeks. Happy Ebook Week!

-Marilyn

Never Marry A Warlock Book Blog Tour

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m proud to announce the Never Marry A Warlock Book Blast Tour. Here is a way to enjoy Valentine’s Day, reading! Each day, a new blogger will be featuring my novelette ebook, Never Marry A Warlock. My ebook novelette will be on sale for $0.99 all of February on Amazon.com. Here is the official list of blogs to visit for the next two weeks.

2/10 – For the Love of Bookends (spotlight/review)
http://loveofbookends.blogspot.com

2/10 – Rose & Beps Blog
http://rosebeps.blogspot.it

2/11 – C&F
http://contests-freebies.blogspot.co.uk

2/11 – I Smell Sheep (spotlight/review)
http://www.ismellsheep.com

2/11 – Wicked Readings by Tawania (spotlight/review)
http://wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com

2/12  – Book Monster Reviews
http://bookmonsterreviews.com

2/13 – Tome Tender (spotlight/review)
http://tometender.blogspot.com

2/13 – My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews (spotlight/review)
http://mytangledskeinsbookreviews.blogspot.com

2/13 – A_TiffyFit’s Reading Corner (spotlight/review)
http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com

2/14 – Sassy Book Lovers (spotlight/review)
http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com

2/17 – Coffee Talk (spotlight/review)
http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com

2/18 – For Whom The Books Toll
http://forwhomthebookstoll.blogspot.com

2/ 18 – Books are Love (spotlight/review)
http://hello-booklover.tumblr.com/

2/18 – Crazy Four Books (spotlight/review)
http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

2/19 – Charlene Wilson
http://charleneawilsonblog.blogspot.com/

2/20 – Elle James
http://ellejames.blogspot.com/

2/21 – Penny For Them… (spotlight/review)
http://pennyforthemuk.com/search/label/tour

2/21 – ParaYourNormal (spotlight/review)
http://parayournormal.wordpress.com

2/21 – The Book List Reviews  (spotlight/review)
http://www.thebooklistreviews.wordpress.com

Plus, you can enter to win an Amazon Gift Card. It’s my way of showing my love for those special people out there that make all this possible; readers like you.

Never Marry A Warlock Giveaway

Grand Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card

Two Runner Up Prizes: $10 Amazon Gift Card

Link to Never Marry A Warlock Book Blast Giveaway

Note: Giveaway link will start working on Feb. 10 and close on Feb. 21, 2014

Again, as I raise my chocolate raspberry port, I wish everyone a truly, loved filled Valentine’s Day. Here’s to the warlocks! To those we left and to those we found.

Reader Newsletter Sign-Up

As I prepare for two blog tours, I’ve been setting and getting things ready. I’ll tell you. There is a lot to learn just on the technology side. I’ve been struggling in using Mailchimp, a newsletter/email list management site. I’m still working on some of the fancy embedded forms for WordPress. Otherwords, I’m still viewing the help videos to figure out how it all works. I’d call it the author learning curve.

For now, here is the sign up form that links you directly to sales promos, new release information, and the blog tours that will be set up in the next few months in anticipation of Never Fall For A Warlock.

Link for Marilyn Vix Reader Newsletter:

http://eepurl.com/MWT2L

Thanks for all of the support over the last few months. There is still more exciting news on the horizon. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted.

A Brave New World is Dawning In 2014 For Self-Publishing

A brave new world is dawning in 2014 for the self-published author.

I’ve always liked being a rebel. I’m a bit of a control freak. I’ve been self-publishing since 2007 with another genre. I’ve sat at the back table of writing conferences working on craft, and networking ideas with other authors. Most of the time, I hear lectures of the old traditional process of the publishing industry. The old school of making a book is preached again and again.

The thing that kept me going is the fact I don’t give up, and a fabulous community of self-published authors at the Writer’s Cafe message board on Kboards.com. I run to my self-publishing brethren that punches each others arms, post writing threads to beat out 1K a day, and marketing tips and algorithm discussions about the Big A (Amazon).

But something is happening this year. The winds of change are starting to surface. I think the world of publishing is starting to take notice of the little bohemian group of writers that are making self-publishing work.

Thankfully, I’ve been taking notes, and trying out some of the ideas. This last year, I started writing in a new genre. Write more, write more, start a new pen name and build the love of your readers. OK, pushed the button on that. Now what?

I would suggest starting with a book called Write. Publish. Repeat by Sean Platt and John B. Truant. The ideas I recognize from discussions on Kboards.com and at the back tables of conferences. It was developed from Sean’s and John’s Podcast show on self-publishing. The information is amazingly fresh and forward. Ideas like keep writing, funnel your readers, and be in it for the long term give me hope. I made a right choice over 5 years ago. The more I write, the more I’ll make over the long term.

But wait, there’s more. Today, the overlord and general hero of the community bohemia of The Writer’s Cafe on Kboards.com published a blog post about what he’d do if he was the CEO of HarperCollins. His name is Hugh Howey. Hugh has impressed me before, because he champions self-publishing. There’s been a year of screaming from the mount that this way of publishing works. But this time, it’s coming from someone that has proven it.

Hugh wrote Wool as a serial that took off. Of course, it is a good book. Add a traditional publishing deal, movie in the making with an European book tour and you get an idea of what I’m talking about. He’s making self-publishing work for him, and this is just in the last year.

Thankfully, he’s still coming back and visiting on the board. He’s a bit of a celebrity regular now, but he is still modest. No really. Plus, a couple of things have stuck with me for what’s he’s mentioned in posts on the board. The fabulous thing is that he’s still giving advice and even started a project in which a lot of regulars on the board are creating an anthology for charity. But the good ideas haven’t stopped there.

Hugh created a list of ideas that might shake the foundations of publishing. If you’d like to see his original post, here is the link to: Don’t Anyone Put Me In Charge. I’ve listed some of the highlights that I think are going to blow the traditional publishing community out of the water.

He starts with several suggestions to help give a foundation of artist community to authors. “1. The first thing I would do would be the most important, and that would be to form a community among my stable of HarperCollins authors.” So true. I agree, I have watched the magic of creativity form on the Writer’s Cafe board for several years now. I’ve been affected and benefited by the artistic community it creates. Plus, show monthly sales and pay royalties monthly is suggested. Most self-publishers love this freedom. I know how many books I sell and take home 35% or 70% depending on the price point of my book through Amazon. Not to mention being addicted to checking sales daily. There is nothing like seeing your book selling in Japan.

“Like the editors. We’re going to save the editors (and hire more) and get rid of the sales reps.” Really, I agree with Hugh here. Get rid of the huge overhead so publishing houses can keep up with the speed of change that the 21st century can allow for innovative ideas. The brave new world of self-publishing will create a bigger bookstore on-line not to distributors for books. Yes, in 10 years, books will mostly be in the hands of the older generation. I see the eagerness of young ready for ebooks. It will happen.

Hugh suggests moving the publishing house to Houston out of New York. “Business will be conducted much as it already is: by email.” Really, who wants to live in New York right now? Florida? California? No snow? Houston? Lower costs will help everyone.

These are just a few ideas I gleaned in the dawn of this new age of publishing. I am excited to be on the ground floor to witness the innovation at hand. Hopefully, with effort, hard work, and a little luck, I might be able to eventually retire. But until then, I’m ok with waiting 10 years and writing those good books to earn royalties after decades of the day job. After all, the biggest thing I’ve learned as a self-published author is to be patient and keep writing. There is hope in the distance, and it’s called the digital age with self-publishing the key to a writer’s success.