Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 6
August 25, 2020
Marilyn Vix Virtual Appearance For National Romance Month
Greetings everyone,
I hope you all are safe and healthy. During this pandemic, a lot of authors, including myself, have switched to virtual appearances. This is a great way to be able to still talk romance with everyone, especially during National Romance Month.
[image error]I wanted to let you know that I have a virtual appearance through the San Mateo Public Library. It just went live on Aug. 24, 2020. I read from one of my most popular titles, “Never Marry A Warlock Omnibus Edition.” This was a three part paranormal romance novella series I’ve put together into one print edition. I tend to write in serial novellas, and have even started the sequel series to this book with “Never Date A Vampire“. Eventually, I’d love to end with the last series having to do with shifters.
Here is the link for my virtual appearance:
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4293/Adult-Teen-Virtual-Programs
[image error]Meanwhile, I’ve been going through some changes. I’ll be moving soon, and that will be strange and a challenge in these times. It is a step in the new direction I’m be heading which will be putting more of a focus on writing full time. I’ve even started my next novella, “Never Trust A Vampire”.
It’s been a bit difficult writing fiction through all the turmoil of 2020. So, I switched to nonfiction for awhile. I was able to finish a project I’ve been working on over the last year. It’s a beginner’s guide to self-publishing called: “Get Ready to Push the Button: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing“. I hope it inspires other writers to believe in their work and take that next step to self-publish.
I truly hope good health and safety to your family, friends and neighbors. Live well, and we’ll get through this pandemic together.
Stay safe!
Happy Romance Month!
-Marilyn
July 17, 2020
Interested in Self-Publishing Romance? I Just Wrote the Book On It!
[image error]It is now available. All of my self-publishing knowledge over the last thirteen years. I’ve been at this self-publishing thing for awhile now. And I’ve learned a lot. It’s been called a gold rush by some, from about 2009 to 2011, and beyond. I would say that was mostly due to KDP, Kindle Digital Publishing, Amazon’s digital platform. It is now a whole new frontier that I can help you navigate.
From watching and talking to other self published authors on Kindleboards (later Kboards.com) like Hugh Howey, to getting the idea and encouragement to start writing romance after my children’s books, I’ve had quite a journey. I wrote “Get Ready to Push the Button: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing” to make it easy for anyone to get started. All you need is that finished manuscript, and you can be on your way.
All of my hard earned experience has been written down into my beginner’s guide to self-publishing. So, if you’ve been thinking about it, or even wrote a manuscript during lockdown and don’t know what to do now, I’ve got an answer for you. Self-publish!
I’ve been talking to people about how to self-publish on panels at various local conferences including Fanime, San Francisco Comic Con and the Silicon Valley Comic Con over the last few years. Now, you can get all my expertise in one helpful guide, with links for support in an online FB private group. Plus, I’ve worked with a lot of emerging authors through my Fiverr.com gigs. I’ve gotten experience in so many areas from diving into the self-publishing world, and I keep growing with it. Find out how you can make your writing dreams come true, and become a working writer.
Note: This book is published under my other pen name, Tiffany Turner. I’ve used this pen name for thirteen years to publish my children’s books. -Marilyn
Have a manuscript and don’t know what to do?
Have you considered self-publishing?
Join Tiffany Turner as she explains how to get your manuscript ready to finally push that self-publishing button. This beginner’s guide to self-publishing has been put together with Mrs. Turner’s thirteen years of self-publishing experience in romance and children’s book self-publishing. With easy step by step explanations of how to prepare your manuscript, she’ll walk you through in her humorous banter how to:
-Discovering if this self-publishing path is for you.
-Terms & tips you’ll need to navigate the self-publishing world.
-Preparing your manuscript with an easy to follow list of steps.
-How to find the people to help you self-publish such as beta readers, editors, cover designers, formatters and self-publishing platforms.
-What to set up before you self-publish.
-Launching your book.
-Maintaining your self-publishing empire after your first book.
Discover how to get yourself started onto the self-publishing path.
“Get Ready to Push the Button: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing” is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Apple/iBooks, and Rakuten/Kobo.
May 17, 2020
Interview with Helen Baskerville Dukes
In the mood for some romantic escapism, I’ve got a fabulous romance to help you. Helen Baskerville Dukes has written a new doctor romance. Therapy Fix is great way to start off your summer reading. Juanita Winfield finds herself attracted to her charismatic psychologist. Does he feel the same? Feelings always get entangled in ways that will cause danger along the way. Find out in Helen’s new book.
Helen Baskerville Ducks started out writing scripts for plays and film. She is an experienced producer with fifteen plays produced in the Provence area. She had her film “Ladies Night” premiere at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival last year. I had the chance to talk to Helen about her love for writing, romance, and what fabulous projects she has in store for us.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Helen Baskerville Dukes: My writing routine changes when I have project goals and timelines. Those routines consist of taking multiple breaks throughout the day. I feel moving around allows my brain to relax and form logical creativity. Once I’m up in the morning, I make myself a cup of tea, pray and then begin writing. I try not to write late at night because I get very little done when fatigue sets in.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Helen Baskerville Dukes: For future projects, I would like to write about social issues, relationship conflicts, family drama and American culture. I like mystery, drama and romance and plan to frame stories around these genres.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Helen Baskerville Dukes: Writing to me is the ability to freely express my thoughts and experiences in a way that my readers can make connections with the characters and themes to leave an everlasting impact.
Book Blurb for Therapy Fix:
[image error]“Juanita Winfield, President and CEO of Winfield Consultant Firm, has reached a crossroads. She’s built a highly successful technology company and to all outward appearances is a polished and professional career woman. However, appearances can be deceiving. Inside, Juanita is wrestling with demons from her abusive childhood that she just can’t seem to overcome as evidenced by her penchant for dating abusive men. Unable to escape the anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks of her past, Juanita makes the brave decision to seek professional help.
Enter Dr. Kingston Brice, a very attractive and charismatic psychologist who comes highly recommended. As Dr. Brice delves deeper and deeper into Juanita’s past it becomes clear that she’s a very troubled woman with a lot of issues to overcome. But he’s up to the task. After all, this is what he does best; counsel people and solve their problems. Dr. Brice has built quite an impeccable reputation and is highly respected in his field. That’s why it’s so troubling to him when he finds himself attracted to Juanita. In his entire career he’s never violated the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct by becoming involved with a patient and he doesn’t intend to do so now… But the feelings just won’t go away. To complicate matters further, it appears Juanita has developed feelings for Dr. Brice making it difficult for them to maintain a professional relationship.
As the pair set out to help Juanita overcome her troubled and tumultuous past, a series of events is set into motion that escalates into a very dangerous and explosive situation!”
Therapy Fix is available at on Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.
March 22, 2020
Survive the Corona Virus Lockdown Giveaway: Ends April 7
Survive this Corona Virus Lockdown with FREE titles by Best Selling Authors
Many of my author friends were wondering what we could do to help people locked down at home for the next few weeks So, my fellow author friend, Lynda Belle asked around, and gathered some awesome titles to load up your ereader.
Stock up on some awesome reads to help you get through the Corona Virus Lockdown. Novellas, novels and shorts from some of the best erotica and romance authors around. Paranormal, Fantasy, Contemporary and many other genres in romance and erotica. There is something for everyone. It is our gift to you. All the authors and myself hope it helps you pass the time until we’re able to get back to normal.
**These deals will go on during the 3 week lockdown period that is being implemented in many areas throughout the country. Pass the word. Let your friends know.
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/XVtl5Oy3gY38DNAr8ndg
We’ll get through this together! From all the authors, Lynda, and myself, stay safe, wash your hands, and help your neighbors. We will survive this.
-Marilyn
March 12, 2020
Giveaway for Never Date A Vampire Update: The Affects of the Corona Virus Addressed
[image error]Greetings all. The deadline for the giveaway was going to end today, but I’ve decided to extend it because of the concern for the corona virus. Some of the prizes were ebooks, but the signed copies are printed and the swag witch necklaces I made myself. I would have to package them up and mail them to the winners.
I am actually at high risk for the virus since I’m over 50 and have a heart condition. Four years ago, I had pneumonia and a heart attack, and was clinically dead for 60 seconds. I almost didn’t survive, especially since my body went septic and I was put into an induced coma. In fact, hearing about what some of the patients are going through with the extreme cases of the virus is making me remember some of the issues I went through. Breathing treatments, physical therapy, and months of recovery are flashing back to me. I don’t wish that on myself again or anyone else if I happen to get it.
[image error]So, I’ve self isolated to protect me and possibly others if I should contract it. So, that is why I’ve extended the deadline for the Never Date A Vampire giveaway. Entries will be excepted now until April 30.
Never Date A Vampire Giveaway Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e20/
If the pandemic proves to be worse than believed, I may need to extend it too. It’s just safer for everyone to give more time for entries and make it safer to mail the prizes. I’m sure you can understand why I’m avoiding shipping things as a high risk person.
But I’m looking forward to the writing I’ll be able to get done, and am turning to mostly online interactions. I’ll still be here, just more virtually. Thank you to everyone that participated in the blog tour, bloggers, readers, supporters, and Bewitching Virtual Tours. The best part of all this is people are likely to have more time to read. And having more time to read is totally awesome in my opinion. Feel free to recommend my books to friends and relatives. I’d like to hear from people making the most of this pandemic and hopefully reading some of my books.
-Marilyn Vix
March 8, 2020
Final Day: Marilyn Vix’s Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour
[image error]Welcome to the last day of the Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour. I’m happy to be featuring a post of my own today. Plus, the last day to visit for exclusive interviews with myself, reviews and the last chance to enter the Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour Giveaway.
The Basic Equipment for Paranormal Investigating
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Basic Equipment used in Paranormal Investigating: Mel Meter, Digital Recorder, Spirit Box, EMF Meter and extra batteries.
Since I’ve gotten into paranormal investigations since the death of my father, I have been discovering answers to questions I’ve always had about the other side. I’m also having loads of fun visiting historical places and meeting fantastic people.
In a way, this has become a new hobby where I’ve built up a basic paranormal investigation kit, and I’ve been participating in investigations with a local group, Avalon Visions Paranormal Investigations. I’ve also been to different open investigations through out the country such as with Nick Groff’s Tours, formerly of Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Lockdown. I’m currently signed up to investigate locations and participate at Virginia City Para Con in Nevada this May. I’m also presenting at Mystical Minds Conference on how to build your own paranormal investigating kit.
So, I will share how you can gather your own equipment to start investigating either your own home or locations locally. Remember, always ask permission of the owner. Never trespass. Investigate at least with another person and always be respectful of being invited into a home.
If you’d like to read more about some of the basics of getting started in paranormal investigating, Zak Bagans has a great new book out called: “Ghost Hunting For Dummies”. I’d also recommend going to visit Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum
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Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum at night
too. It’s the real deal folks. He’s set it up like a paranormal nuclear power plant for those that are sensitive. If you think you have abilities, they will get tested there. Someday I might write up about some of my adventures and experiences there, but for now, if your in Las Vegas, take my recommendation to visit. It’s definitely worth it.
The first thing you need for your kit is a digital recorder. It is used to capture imprints of ghosts voices or electronic voice phenomena (EVP). After researching on several paranormal investigating websites, I found that this type of recorder, an Olympus Voice Recorder WS-852, Silver, was used a lot. It was the one I bought, but Nick Groff, used an older Olympic recorder on the Queen Mary during the investigation in the boiler room there on his tour. I think the earlier models work better since they are made of all metal. My current model is plastic at the top and only partial metal, and I’ve not caught much with it. So, I’m currently looking for another Olympus model, maybe of an earlier type.
Second thing you’ll need is some kind of voice communication such as a spirit box. Some people like this equipment because it sweeps the FM or AM frequencies very fast. Spirit voices will come through over the sweeps. You can also use different speakers with the device, but you need some kind of way to record the voices that come through. I have captured some voices through my spirit box and could review it since we recorded with a night vision camera. So, I highly recommend buying one. I have the main one used with investigators, the SB-7 Spirit Box. They run about $60, but often will need an external speaker. The speaker in the box is like your basic transistor radio. So, it’s not loud and harder to hear the voices that come through.
Next, you’ll need some kind of camera. I had an experienced 20 year paranormal investigating veteran tell me that your phone has a better camera than what you can buy these days as a camcorder. I have used my phone for live séances and general investigating at locations. So, to start with, your camera on your phone is a great choice.
But what my phone doesn’t have is a good night vision function. There aren’t any good night vision apps either. So, the next level of camera purchase should be a night vision camera. Another member on my team currently is the owner of our night vision camera, and we use a tripod as well. I’ve got one on order now, and we’ll have two cameras for our team soon. We’ve gotten a lot of orbs on it, and recorded the voices through the spirit box so we could review them later. A night vision camera comes in VERY handy when investigating.
Another basic equipment that helps is the EMF meter. This will let you know where there are electromagnetic fields, which often accompany paranormal activity. You can do spot base readings around your area of investigating, especially around areas that should have them like electrical outlets, electrical stoves, or light fixtures. Once you establish that and start investigating, all spikes with your EMF meter should be checked out and debunked.
Lastly, I’ve added a Mel Meter, which measures air temperature and EMF at the same time. This comes in handy if you seem to be experiencing phenomena and you want to verify other changes like temperature or electromagnetic fields. It adds to the evidence of any experience that might happen in your investigation.
That is what I’ve found to make up my basic paranormal investigating kit. Prices on the items range from about $50 for the EMF meter, $100 for the Mel Meter, to anywhere to $150-$200 for a night vision camera. Start with the budget you have, and add pieces of equipment as you can afford them. Often, you can form a team of two – three other people, and combine equipment until you become better outfitted.
The friends I’ve made and the people I’ve met have made this new hobby interesting and more than just research for a supernatural novel. It’s becoming my new family and I’m so glad I’ve chosen to enter into this interesting field of discovery.
-Written by Marilyn Vix
Participating Blogs For Today:
March 9 I Smell Sheep (Review)
http://www.ismellsheep.com/
March 9 Roxanne’s Realm (My Guest Post: Top Ten Paranormal Spots in Las Vegas)
http://www.roxannerhoads.com/
March 9 Simply Kelina
http://simplykelina.blogspot.com
**Today is the last day of the blog tour. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please feel free to comment below on what you enjoyed about the blog tour all week. Plus, don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY! There’s just a few more days to enter.
Thanks again for your support!
Until next time,
-Marilyn
March 5, 2020
Day 5: Marilyn Vix’s Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour
We’ve already arrived at Day Five of the fabulous Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour. Today, there’s interviews and blog posts. Find out more of my hidden secrets and people’s opinions about my new novella. I’m so proud to be sharing this with you all this week. And stay tuned for Monday, the last day of the tour. I’ll be featuring a special post about my new passion, ghost hunting.
Today’s Participating Blogs on the Tour:
[image error]March 6 Jazzy Book Reviews
http://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/
March 6 Sapphyria’s Books
https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/
March 6 Says: To Read or Not to Read
http://mommasaystoreadornottoread.blogspot.com/
Plus, just a few days left to enter the Blog Tour Giveaway.
Get a chance to win swag, ebooks, and signed copies of my books.
Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour GIVEAWAY-ENTER HERE!
There will be a break over the weekend for the tour. It will return on Monday, March 9 for its last day.
So, come back on Monday for the final day of the tour with a special post on paranormal investigating.
-Marilyn
March 4, 2020
Day 4: Marilyn Vix’s Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour
[image error]Welcome to Day 4 of the Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour. Today features an interview, more opportunities to enter the giveaway, and reviews. So, please check out the links below and leave comments on how you’re enjoying this week of fabulous interviews, guest posts and reviews. I’d love to hear what you think. Plus, stay tuned at the end of the tour for a special blog post on my blog in regards to all the special research I’ve been doing for an upcoming project.
Participating Blogs for Today:
[image error]March 5 The Book Junkie Reads (Interview)
https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/
March 5 JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
https://jbbookworms.blogspot.com
March 5 Supernatural Central
http://supernaturalcentral.blogspot.com
March 5 Lisa’s World of Books
http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/
Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fabulous blog posts, info and fun.
-Marilyn
March 3, 2020
Day 3: Marilyn Vix’s Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour
[image error]Welcome to Day 3 of the Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour. More great posts and gems today in the places to visit today. Check out reviews, more info about moi, and don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway to win swag, ebooks and signed copies of the Never Marry A Warlock Omnibus.
List of Participating Blogs for Today:
March 4 Paranormalists
https://paranormalists.blogspot.com/
March 4 Ravenous eReader
https://ravenousereader.blogspot.com/
March 4 Books Dream Life
https://booksdreamslife0623.blogspot.com
March 4 Books 4 Book Nerds
https://booknerdbooks.wordpress.com
[image error]Don’t forget to enter the Blog Tour Giveaway hosted on Rafflecopter.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e20/
Please come back tomorrow for more fabulous blog tour highlights!
-Marilyn
March 2, 2020
Day 2: Marilyn Vix’s Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour
[image error]Welcome to Day TWO of my fabulous Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour. Each day of fun and frolic happens on several listed blogs. Find interviews where I reveal secrets and projects to come, enter the giveaway and win ebooks and swag, and check out all about my new novella, Never Date A Vampire. It’s the sequel to my most popular series, Beware of Warlocks.
Here is the list of blogs participating in the tour today:
March 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!
http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
March 3 T’s Stuff (Interview)
http://www.tsstuff.net
March 3 Author Secrets (Interview)
https://www.tenastetler.com/category/authors-secrets-blog/
March 3 Fang-tastic Books
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
[image error]Plus, enter the Never Date A Vampire Blog Tour Giveaway. Win swag, ebooks and signed copies of my books!
Plus, it is Read An EBOOK week! Here’s a chance to join in the fun, and load up that ereader! I’ve increased my amount of reading by switching to rebooks over ten years ago. I’ve enjoyed them so much, I’ve started writing them myself. 
