Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 92
May 30, 2015
What's In A Cover, Pt 6
The parts of a book that go into marketing a work can be the most difficult for an author. Our hearts and souls, blood, sweat and tears went into the novel’s creation. Now we not only have to change gears, but read someone else’s mind… capture and interpret the thoughts of someone we’ve probably never met in person—our reader.




Different writers have different preferences for where to get their design ideas. Some like to scan the top-selling books on sites such as Amazon. Another research venue are cover contests such as Preditors and Editors. Some contests group by genre, others take a snapshot of books submitted that week or month. Another place to see what covers are popular are review and reader sites. Or follow blogs that showcase covers or have cover reveals on a regular basis.
Hint – As an author you should already be a member of or at least familiar with several of the sites in your genre.
When you plan the book release events, be sure to incorporate places to show-off the cover. Imprisoned in Stone appeared in the Uncover Monday feature at Calissa Rhose’s Ranch. (Info on submitting your own cover can be found here.)
AuthorShout holds weekly cover wars. See and analyze five different covers of past wars to see who won the head-to-head vote to become the Book of the Week. If so inclined, stop by and see this week’s competition. Hatchlings Curse, Book 2 of the Dragshi Chronicles is one of those warring to be Book of the Week. Although I can’t guarantee a date with Lord Branin Llewlyn who is featured on the cover , any and all votes would be appreciated. The competition runs through until the end of the week.
Click here to go to AuthorShout Cover Wars. Be sure to vote for your favorite. I hope it's Hatchlings Curse but even if it isn’t thanks for stopping by.
~Till next time. Helen
Published on May 30, 2015 21:00
Out and About at the Spirit of the Jerseys
I thought I'd take a moment to share some thoughts on the day spent at the Spirit of the Jerseys. Although I was there to promote a museum and to put out some advance publicity for a historical program taking place next fall, that does not mean the only relevance was to use the event for research for a non-fiction work, or what I like to call the dark side of my writing.
To illustrate I'll be comparing two events, a few weeks apart, one geared towards a specific niche, those interested in history, and the other an exposition more for the general public.
The first item is location. At the Made in Monmouth Expo, I was on the outer ring, not far from the main entry point. Good spot. It was next to a very popular jewelry maker. Deduct a point. Their customers often blocked my table.
At the Spirit of the Jerseys, the Matawan Historical Society was set up next to BRAVO (which stands for Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological Volunteer Organization.) One point earned by the spot. Knowing several of their members meant help to set up and take down the canopy. (Thanks guys.)
Next is signage. For outside, a large sign stuck into the ground caught the eyes of people as they walked down the path.
Inside a banner on the table fit the more intimate setting.
Anyone who had sold or is in the process of selling a house has heard the phrase 'curb appeal.' Things must look neat and tidy. Hide food and drink under the table to behind signs. A cloth that reaches the floor hides empty boxes or other paraphernalia. Easels change the table appearance. Instead of books lying flat, standing them up not only catches the eye, but allows some to be placed closer to the front of the table. (Buy me, it whispers. Buy me.)
And don't forget some initial reason to bring the people to the table to talk to you. There are pros and cons to candy. At the Spirit of the Jerseys, a hanging panel picturing the various projects of the Matawan Historical Society brought people to the table. Some liked the image of the old cemetery stone, while the gateman’s shanty triggered reminiscences for others.
One final tip. Have a tablemate or wingman. They can keep an eye on stock, allow for a bathroom break, and makes a table or booth look busy. (People tend to come to busier booths than empty ones.)
Don't forget snacks and drinks to help keep your energy level up. Appropriate clothing and shelter. Especially important for outside venues as you can see from the blankets used to ward off the chilly rain that haunted the morning during the Spirit of the Jerseys.
~Till next time. Happy Sales. Helen
To illustrate I'll be comparing two events, a few weeks apart, one geared towards a specific niche, those interested in history, and the other an exposition more for the general public.
The first item is location. At the Made in Monmouth Expo, I was on the outer ring, not far from the main entry point. Good spot. It was next to a very popular jewelry maker. Deduct a point. Their customers often blocked my table.
At the Spirit of the Jerseys, the Matawan Historical Society was set up next to BRAVO (which stands for Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological Volunteer Organization.) One point earned by the spot. Knowing several of their members meant help to set up and take down the canopy. (Thanks guys.)

Inside a banner on the table fit the more intimate setting.

Anyone who had sold or is in the process of selling a house has heard the phrase 'curb appeal.' Things must look neat and tidy. Hide food and drink under the table to behind signs. A cloth that reaches the floor hides empty boxes or other paraphernalia. Easels change the table appearance. Instead of books lying flat, standing them up not only catches the eye, but allows some to be placed closer to the front of the table. (Buy me, it whispers. Buy me.)


And don't forget some initial reason to bring the people to the table to talk to you. There are pros and cons to candy. At the Spirit of the Jerseys, a hanging panel picturing the various projects of the Matawan Historical Society brought people to the table. Some liked the image of the old cemetery stone, while the gateman’s shanty triggered reminiscences for others.

One final tip. Have a tablemate or wingman. They can keep an eye on stock, allow for a bathroom break, and makes a table or booth look busy. (People tend to come to busier booths than empty ones.)
Don't forget snacks and drinks to help keep your energy level up. Appropriate clothing and shelter. Especially important for outside venues as you can see from the blankets used to ward off the chilly rain that haunted the morning during the Spirit of the Jerseys.
~Till next time. Happy Sales. Helen
Published on May 30, 2015 18:41
May 24, 2015
Memorial Day Tribute
A tribute to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for home and hearth.
The Statue

Until one day my grandmotherTook me to the park.She stopped before the statueAnd stood quietly in the deepening dark.
Her head was bowed as if in prayerYet no words did she speak.Then she whispered quietly,Father, meet my granddaughter, Marie.
Your great-grandfather was a soldierShe said quietly to me.This statue honors all like himWho fell in battles far across the sea.
Although the light was fading fastFrom the plaques she read these words,"Remember the Fallen Heroes"In a voice that was barely heard.
I pointed to the other plaques --Where World War II, Korea, and Vietnam appeared.Grandmother answered simply,"The dead of other battles are also honored here."
For the first time I really saw him,The statue in the park.His youthful face was grim.As he stood amidst barbed wire.
Now I'm explaining to my daughter.And I hope she understands.About the sacrifices of the soldiers.And why, in the park is a statue of a man.
Till next time, thank you for your service. Helen
Published on May 24, 2015 21:06
May 9, 2015
Out and About - At Worlds of Fantasy
Ever wonder what the author of that book you’re reading sounds like? Or the hidden secrets behind the story? Stop by the Other Worlds of Romance on May 11th. You can call in at (646) 727-2932 or stop by the site and lurk.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance/2015/05/12/helen-henderson-returns-as-my-guest-author-on-may-11th.
I'll be talking about and reading an excerpt from the second volume in the Dragshi Chronicles, Hatchlings Curse. Click on the cover at the top of the blog for more info on this tale of Anastasia and Lord Branin Llewlyn.
If you're not a night owl, the program is at 11:00 EST, it will be recorded and you can listen to it at a later date by selecting the on-demand episode. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_wo...
Till the next time ~ Helen
Published on May 09, 2015 22:00
Out and about with Barbara Donlon Bradley
I had a fun interview with Barbara. Stop by and see what I dished about Hatchlings Curse--among other things.
http://barbaradonlonbradley.blogspot.com/2015/05/meet-my-latest-guesthelen-henderson.html
~Till next time. Helen
http://barbaradonlonbradley.blogspot.com/2015/05/meet-my-latest-guesthelen-henderson.html
~Till next time. Helen
Published on May 09, 2015 16:59
Out and about with Barbarra Donlon Bradley
I had a fun interview with Barbara. Stop by and see what I dished about Hatchlings Curse--among other things.
http://barbaradonlonbradley.blogspot.com/2015/05/meet-my-latest-guesthelen-henderson.html
~Till next time. Helen
http://barbaradonlonbradley.blogspot.com/2015/05/meet-my-latest-guesthelen-henderson.html
~Till next time. Helen
Published on May 09, 2015 16:59
May 7, 2015
Come Visit The Darkside -- Non-Fiction
Need to do a little historical research? Want to find out more about New Jersey's storied past? Come out to the Spirit of the Jerseys, on Saturday May 9th. Over 280 exhibitors. More info at http://www.njhistoryfair.org/.
And if you come be sure to visit the museum. Hope to see you there.
~Till next time. Helen

Published on May 07, 2015 16:28
May 3, 2015
Star Wars Day 2015
In honor of Star Wars Day, a free download of Pirates Reprise at Smashwords.com.
The Star Wars Day is observed by all Star Wars fans worldwide on May 04, 2015. It is a day to celebrate the Star Wars culture and honor the films. The day takes place annually and also known as Luke Skywalker Day.
What is your favorite Star Wars movie?
Go to the Smashwords.com (Pirates Reprise) and use the coupon code EF69J for a free download of the short story, Pirates Reprise.
~Till next time, Helen
Published on May 03, 2015 21:30
April 22, 2015
Secretary or Executive? Which Are You?
As authors, no matter whether we are independently published, small press or large, we perform many functions, and one of the largest is administration. In celebration of that fact, a few notes about National Administrative Professional Day.
Administrative Professionals' Day (also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day) began with Mary Barrett, president of the National Secretaries Association, now called IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals), and C. King Woodbridge, president of Dictaphone Corporation. They served on a council addressing a national shortage of skilled office workers. The account executives at Young & Rubicam originated the idea for a National Secretaries Week.
From the first observation in North America in 1952, the practice of rewarding those who keep an office running, has spread across the globe. In Australia, it is celebrated on the first Friday in May, and in North America, on the Wednesday of the last full week of April.
While authors are executives, in many ways, they are their own administrative assistants. The International Association of Administrative Professionals defines administrative professionals as “individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession. We create a story, then instead of handing it off to an assistant to type in, scribe the stories. In executive mode we go to appointments or follow schedules that were made by us in administration mode. So in celebration of the holiday that recognizes support staff, for the roles that you fulfill in your own business, treat yourself to a dinner or buy that trinket that caught your eye. Or for a longer lasting gift, sign up for a conference or attend a professional development seminar.
Holidays, whether mainstream or obscure, can also serve as a basis for a storyline. While more common ones may be Valentine's Day, Christmas and New Year, even less well-known ones such as Administrative Professional Day can be incorporated into a story. If writing contemporary romances, a twist would be for the executive to be a woman and the gifts given to her male assistant. Or set a scene in a future time when such traditions were outlawed only to be resurrected or the acknowledgment was to an artificial intelligence rather than a person.
More information on Administrative Professionals' Week can be found on the IAAP website.
Till next time ~ Helen
Published on April 22, 2015 12:45
April 11, 2015
Tuesday's Titles - Knight of Rapture by Ruth A. Casie
She was his witch, his warrior, and his wife. He was her greatest love. Four hundred years couldn't keep them apart.

Genre: Historical fantasy, time travel, romancePublisher: Timeless Scribes PublishingBuy Links: Amazon Amazon Print B&N Kobo iBook
Blurb:
He crossed the centuries to find her…
For months Lord Arik has been trying to find the right combination of runes to create the precise spell to rescue his wife, Rebeka, but the druid knight will soon discover that reaching her four hundred years in the future is only the beginning of his quest. He arrives in the 21st century to find her memory of him erased, his legacy on the brink of destruction, and traces of dark magick at every turn.
A threat has followed…
Bran, the dark druid, is more determined than ever to get his revenge. His evil has spread across the centuries. Arik will lose all. Time is his weapon, and he’s made sure his plan leaves no one dear to Arik, in past or present, safe from the destruction.
But their enemy has overlooked the strongest magick of all…
Professor Rebeka Tyler is dealing with more than just a faulty memory. Ownership of Fayne Manor, her home, has been called into question. Convenient accidents begin happening putting those she cares for in the line of fire. And then there’s the unexpected arrival of a strange man dressed like he belonged in a medieval fair—a man who somehow is always around when needed, and always on her mind. She doesn’t know who to trust. But one thing is certain. Her family line and manor have survived for over eleven centuries. She won’t let them fall, not on her watch… in any century.
Author Bio:
Casie describes herself as a Storyteller - Blogger - Dreamer - Creative Thinker - Good Sport - Teammate.
She writes contemporary and historical fantasy romance. Formerly from Brooklyn, New York, she lives in New Jersey with her very supportive husband Paul. When not writing you can find Ruth reading, cooking, doing Sudoku, or counted cross stitch. She loves to hear from readers, so drop her a line at www.RuthACasie.com OR visit her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuthACasieor on Twitter: @RuthACasie.
Published on April 11, 2015 12:41