Ruby Madden's Blog, page 7

Secret Lives: A Paranormal Erotic & Romance Anthology

Happy Halloween Week! This is one of my favorite times of year and this year has been especially festive. I've got multiple releases occurring and they each have something to do with the themes of Halloween & Spookiness!!

SECRET LIVES  is only $0.99 and it is KindleUnlimited (KU) eligible. Check out a brief synopsis of the stories included, below. Make sure to add it to your  GoodReads  list too.

A big thank you goes out to Jacqueline Sweet for compiling the anthology, pulling together a gorgeous cover and doing the behind-the-scenes admin work. Also, a very gracious thank-you to all the contributing authors for doing such a great job!




Seven Sexy Stories of Supernatural Secrets
Inside you'll find 70,000 words of erotic paranormal romance featuring shifters, ghosts, vampires, aliens and all sorts of sexy creatures that like to go bump in the night. 

Tempted by Blood by Jacqueline Sweet—When the boy you love won’t give you what you need, maybe his evil twin will. 

Knights in White Bondage by A. Regina Cantatis—An enchanted thrall and her Mistress visit a fetish resort, where they fascinate their fellow guests and attract the attention of a would-be knight in shining armor. 

Forking Around by Audrey Lusk—When you see the world differently from everyone else, it takes something unseen to make it a less lonely place. 

Mrs. Wong's by Troy King—Take one jaded fixer, one mysterious young woman, a dash of magick, add a seedy dive, and mix thoroughly. 

Spooked by Ruby Madden—When Clementine inherits an aging Victorian mansion from her late aunt, never did she suspect she'd uncover a mysterious secret about a lover from the past, brought to the present, in the form of a ghost. 

A Dangerous Seduction by Heather Cole—Soledad has everyone fooled that she's an ordinary librarian until a mysterious shapeshifter makes her want to reveal more than just her true identity. 

Vixen by Christin Lovell—Plus size Jessickah Banderkoff is a bartender by day, a guardian to the Underworld’s Kingdom by evening, and the vampire king’s lover by night, but every good thing must come to an end, right?

Spooked: Paranormal Romance Novella

Spooked!A Victorian Mansion inherits a new owner & resident......who soon discovers that she's not alone in the large house and her new home. This paranormal romance novella reveals a love that has come back from the dead to be rediscovered in the now. The ever-present.

AMZN Links: U.S. & U.K. (KU eligible) { Novella: 18,000 words, 65 eReader pages }
DESCRIPTION: Clementine, an in-demand sketch artist who needs an escape from her hectic, stressful and busy city life decides to take a much needed one-year sabbatical. She welcomes the chance to move to a small town in the South and inhabit the old, Victorian mansion, that upon her aunt’s recent passing, was willed to her. 

Upon arriving, Clementine meets Gabe, a kindly, considerate and sexy jack-of-all-trades who helped her aunt while she was alive, with the house, doing maintenance, repairs and property upkeep. 

Instantly drawn to one another, Clementine wonders if he likes curvy women such as herself while worrying what he might think if he knows she’s what’s known as a white-witch? A benevolent practitioner of the elements, magic and energy.  

Meanwhile, Gabe wonders if Clementine will figure out that he’s not exactly mortal or living. That he is in fact, a spook. A ghost. 

Ultimately, they will discover a hidden mystery about their unique connection, crossing time and space to reveal the truth. Their enduring love. 

To Serialize or Not To Serialize, That is THEE Question

In writing circles, there is a question and debate about whether it is worth it to serialize a story? The pro's and con's are debated and what might surprise readers is just how much heat a writer/author might have to take from the public. Readers either love or hate serials.

For those who like reading and/or writing serials is this...

First, I need to share some math. This math, at first, will seem a bit confusing. But bear with me...

You see, for those of us who are self-published through various outlets (primarily AMZN), there is a % that the distributor (online retailer) gets on every sale of our products (our books/stories).

For the sake of brevity, we'll just deal w/ the AMZN KDP model. There are two options to choose from currently. I can publish a story priced in the range of $0.99 all the way up to $200 at a percentage of 35%.

OR

I can publish a story priced in the range of $2.99 - $9.99 at a percentage of 70%.

See what happens there?

For anything I price under $2.99, I'm only going to earn 35% of the price. To really spell that out for you, take a look at this. Again, math (I apologize! But necessary for the sake of this blog...)

EARNINGS VIA KDP (In $) ·         0.99 = .346 (35%)·         1.49 = .521 (35%)·         1.99 = .696 (35%)·         2.49 = .871 (35%)
·         2.99 = 2.09 (70%)
I, for one, have no problem deeply discounting my stories as I work full-time in another profession and writing is a part-time hobby/job. But for those who are writing full-time to earn a living, you can quickly see the quandry.

Unless a story is priced at $2.99 or higher, we're making peanuts for our pages and wordcount. I'm sympathetic to the reader who complains that they don't want to pay more than $3-$5 for an eBook. The logic is pretty sound. I base a lot of how I do business based on my own buying and purchase behavior. Very few authors get my purchase on an eBook that sells for more than $5, no matter the page-count. I just can't justify it, there is far too big a market with so many more options. 

Of late, the success of serializing stories has taken a quick uptick in certain genres. Especially erotic fiction  and erotic romance.

One self-pubbed author (who shall remain unnamed) is doing exceptionally well with their serials. This is their current pricing for two series:

0 .99 2.99 2.99 = $6.97 (reader cost)                0 0.35 2.09 2.09 = $4.53 (author earnings).99 .99 2.99 2.99 = $7.96(reader cost)                0.35 0.35 2.09 2.09 = $4.88 (author earnings)
So, I'm asking you... Dear Readers. What do you think? I already know that there are those who just don't like serialized reads. That's fine. To each their own. But for those who, like myself, like serialized reading, what do you think about this?
Would you rather have the first one be FREE and then pay more for the subsequent parts? Many authors will increase page/wordcount for the 2nd, 3rd and final part so that the pricing is fair. 
OR
Would you prefer that the cost is more spread out with a gradual increase? Take a look at these examples and tell me what you think. Three things to think about. First, this is for a 4-part story with a total word-count of around 40K (approximately 150 eReader pages). Second, what is the most you feel comfortable paying for that? Third, what total amount do you believe is fair for the author to earn? 
0 .99 .99 2.99 = $4.97 (Reader/Customer Price)0 0.35 0.35 2.09= $2.79 (Author’s Earnings)
0 .99 1.49 2.99 = $5.47            0 0.35 0.52 2.09 = $2.96
0 .99 1.99 2.99 = $5.97 0 0.35 0.70 2.09 = $3.14
.99 .99 1.49 2.99 = $6.46 0.35 0.35 0.52 2.09 = $3.31
.99 .99 1.99 2.99 = $6.96                0.35 0.35 0.70 2.09 = $3.49
.99 1.99 1.99 2.99 = $7.96                0.35 0.70 0.70 2.09 = $3.84
.99 1.99 2.49 2.99 = $8.46                0.35 0.70 0.87 2.09 = $4.01
Feel free to comment or email me (rubymaddenerotica@gmail.com). Or swing by FB and comment. 
Ruby

Guest Blogging for an Erotic Fiction Award Winner: KD Grace / Grace Marshall

Hello Readers!

I hope Summer has been enjoyable for you. Hard to believe that in two weeks, we'll all be celebrating Labor Day weekend?! They always go by so quick. If you're like me though, you love late summer & the fall season.

I wanted to let you know that I was invited to 'guest blog' for KD Grace / Grace Marshall, a writer of erotic fiction that has had me curling my toes for more than a few weekends since I discovered her writing at the beginning of Summer. Here is my 5-star review of  The Pet Shop  on GoodReads, one of my favorite erotic fiction novels to date . The plot is especially unique, fun, scorchingly sexy and adventurous. Naturally, I'm reading another one of her fabulous stories (An Executive Decision)! Thankfully, there is plenty to select from, so go check her out, if you like that sort of thing.
AMZN Author Page: KD GraceAMZN Author Page: Grace MarshallI was delighted when she invited me to guest blog for her and am proud to say that starting this upcoming week, you can find it at this link:

Curiouser & Curiouser (Toy Box:Part 1)


Enjoy!

xoxox

Ruby 

the Queen's Pets & $1 SALE

ALL stories on SALE for $1 in August
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>^..^<<< the Queen's Pets >>TBR: August 

<< Novelette: 8,000 words, approx: 35 eReader pages, Part 1 of a series, Complimentary/Parallel to Master's Maids >>
DESCRIPTION: Celia Shay’s lifestyle is truly unique. She lives a life of plush comfort and full care as a kept human ‘pet’. A term of affection in the BDSM and kink community for when a Mistress or Master chooses to ‘own’, train and ‘collar’ a submissive person in exchange for their complete service, devotion and love.
Celia’s ‘owner’ is a Mistress, the Queen, as she is known in the kink community and world. A Mistress of royal descent who moved to the States over a decade ago to escape her country’s political turmoil.

Celia is one of three female ‘kitten’ human-pets and one male ‘puppy’ human-pet. Each week is a semi-adventure in Queen’s Castle, the sprawling mansion-like home that they all live in. 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ALL stories on SALE for $1 in August

The Capture of Grace: FREE for JULY

The Capture of Grace   is the story I've written that is closest to my heart. It's erotic romance based in Portland, Oregon. For the month of July, it is FREE via the PLAY store. Why?July 2012 was the first time I self-published an erotic story & JULY is my Bday month!Get your copy! Leave a review please! :)
TCOG: Portland

XOXOX
Ruby

FREE Policy for Ruby Madden eBooks

It's very simple. I will give you an eBook, any published eBook for FREE on a FEW conditions:

1) You promise to read within ONE month AND provide a REVIEW to one of the retailers from the following list:

Amazon (Kindle)Google PLAY storeBarnes & Noble (Nook)iBooks/iTunes/appleKoboGoodReads2) You will provide your real name / real email address so that I can email a mobi or epub version to you and you will email me links to your review(s), once you've read them. :O)
3) I reserve the right to DECLINE your request for *ANY* reason I see fit, and to revoke this FREE policy at ANY time I choose
More or less, you're paying me for the eBook 'in kind'. It's an honorable exchange. A type of legitimate barter. For business purposes, I need to track how many copies I 'gift'. 
All you need do is request! 
There are a few reasons I'm doing this. First, I'd rather a reader get a legal, legitimate copy from me and my publisher (ME, LLC) directly instead of reading a PIRATED/STOLEN version. Two, I am a generous person by nature, I love to share and in all sincerity, if it is a financial burden for you to purchase one of my stories, I'd still prefer knowing you read and enjoyed them. I was a college student once & I know what it is like to survive on $800 / month. Not fun!!

Third, I'm in a position to be generous. It's part of my philosophy on life. I always promised I'd give back when I could, however I could. 
Cheers,
Rubyrubymaddenerotica@gmail.com

Word Count & One Handed Writers

I was thinking a bit today about how I first became aware of word-count goals. In doing so, I have to share a bit about what got me self-publishing my erotica stories to begin with.
It was simple really. I was gifted a Kindle in 2009. It is 5 years old, but I still use it to read (along with other eReaders on my computer and Samsung smartphone). It is in great shape, I take very good care of it!
In 2011 (pre-fifty-shades publication), I started searching for erotic fiction via AMZN. Other than classics, I could barely find any. Especially that which included stories for plus-size woman like myself.
So, in Spring 2012, I started to write my own erotica! It was awkward at first - but I read, and I studied, and I watched and I waited.
This was when Aubrey Rose, Christa Wick, Jasinda Wilder, Christin Lovell, Julia Kent, Seraphina Donovan, Julianne Reyer, Adrianna Hunter, and many others were just getting warmed up. To my delight, I'm proud to say that I am probably one of their first 100-500 readers in all seriousness. Although they had their writing craft down to more of an art-form, whereas I didn't, I was eager to join in! I delighted in watching their initial and continued success. I’ve tweeted the hell out of them, pimping and promoting whenever and however I could. My kindle library is teeming with titles. It is a bit outta control actually…
There was just one BIG challenge. Like many writers, my writing was a hobby that I had to do on the outskirts of my always very time-consuming and full-time corporate jobs. Since 2008, I've typically worked a minimum of 45 hours and as much as 65 hours a week, on a regular basis. This makes for a tired and often less-than-inspired person. So, writing always took a backseat. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Until, that is, I read that if you can somehow manage to write 500 words on at least half the number of days in a year (365/2 = 182.5 x 500 = 91,250 words) , you'll have written a large novel or two average-sized novels in a year's time. I took that to heart and so I made mine a weekly or monthly goal, depending on my work schedule.
On good days, I can now write an average of 2-3K (2000-3000). On a bad one, 250-500 words. But all of those words matter. Each and every one!
Because, to date – I’ve written nearly 200K words (3/4thfor erotica, 1/4th for paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi) and have launched 3 series. All with titles and WIP (works in progress) while working full-time. For me, this has been a slow journey, but very rewarding.
Interestingly, the flame of inspiration just keeps burning. Some days brighter than others, but in all seriousness, I’m coming up with new ideas all the time. Like last night, I started a 4th series. It will be my first YA Romance series. I know, I know… I need to finish the ones I already have in motion!! Believe me, I have to temper and pace myself. But it’s getting done. One day at a time. One word at a time.
Recently, I started a word-count group called One Handed Writers  on FaceBook with Jacqueline Sweet . We both found that the accountability of having other’s know your current writing goal can help encourage and support you to achieve your goals. We’re all different and some of us are true writing pros that can hammer out several thousand words in a day, whereas others of us move and type at a slower pace. But hey, the tortoise (turtle) won the race the last time I checked! Whether you're a rabbit or a hare or a tortoise or a turtle, I don't care. Just that you love writing... and hope that others will enjoy reading it. 
Whoever you are, however you write – it makes no difference to me. Simply that your love for the written word can be challenged, tracked, acknowledged and respected. Writers need support as we often find ourselves in the proverbial ‘writing cave’. Many of us have very busy lives being employed, self-employed, parents and often a combination of all the above. I commend all of you, especially when you can own the ‘downtime’ when your muse has taken a vacation (usually unannounced and at an inconvenient time) or when life is unexpectedly gobbling up all of your time and all you want to do is WRITE.
We can’t all be Jasinda Wilder who puts out a book or two, nearly every month, while being a Mother to five, AND running, from as far as I can tell, an animal and wildlife zoo-farm! She’s got superhero genes, that one, I’m sure of it. AND one amazing man ( Jack Wilder ) whom she is happily married to.
Whatever your situation, I honor the writer and creative in you. So, who wants a word-count challenge?
Come on over and join us! Any member of the group can invite new members. We look forward to word count challenges with you. Right now, we've been doing challenges on Fridays & weekends. 
We’ll be writing, one blessed word at a time… 

Complimentary Series: the Queen's Pets & Master's Maids

 
Sir Sebastian Earl Cardiff & his Manor full of mischievous maids +Queen & her Castle complete with submissive human-pets=Lots of naughty, erotic fun...
I'm not just incredibly naughty with my wicked thoughts, I truly believe the axiom that more IS truly merrier. That is why I've been working on TWO (2) series that are complimentary of one another. Both are 4-part serial reads (series) and the maids of the Manor know the Castle's human-pets since Master & Queen were former class-mates at Harvard. 
TIP: Once Part 2 goes up for both, Part 1's will be made FREE via the PLAY store. 
XOXOX
Ruby Madden

Master's Maids: Part 2 ~ Cardiff Manor Series ~

Part 2 of Master's Maids will be available in a few weeks on May 30th. Pre-order is available via PLAY .

[Novelette, 10,000 words, approx: 40 eReader pages] 

DESCRIPTION: Twenty-something Celeste is just a simple person, trying to make ends meet working as a maid for the wealthy and powerful. Recently unemployed with rent coming due, she seeks employment through a maid-services agency and gratefully agrees to a unique and well-paying job that requires a signed contract arrangement.
Her life changes forever when welcomed into Cardiff Manor, the private estate and residence of Master Sebastian Earl Cardiff. Her work requirements are highly unique as well as very erotic. Firm boundaries established when and how interaction occurs between Master and maid, while room for erotic frolicking and exploration with the other maids under Master Cardiff’s employ are encouraged.
Celeste finds that satisfying the erotic proclivities of her Master are not only intriguing, and eventually sought after, but open her to an entirely different realm and way of living than she had ever dared imagined. Join her as she discovers her submissive nature and is introduced to her growing preference for kinky sex-play. 
{Please be advised: Profane language, adult, and sexual relations are included. If this type of material/content offends, please don't read/purchase, thank you.}
xoxo
RUBY MADDEN