Stylo Fantome's Blog, page 4

Sanders Got Nominated! Rock the Vote!

[image error]



So, normally Monday is blog day, but I got all excited cause Degradation got nominated for Best Secondary Characters - i.e. SANDERS!!! Who deserves all the awards there are, ever!!

There are tons of books in lots of categories, check 'em out, and give Degradation a vote if you get a chance!

http://novelgrounds.com/voting-2014/

Stalker Alert

Seriously.

Do you guys have ANY IDEA how easy it to stalk on Goodreads?

For instance, I can see EVERY shelf that my books are EVER placed on. All I can say is - you guys are interesting! Some of my personal favorite shelves that Degradation has been placed on:

"that-shit-cray"

"alpha-fucking-male"

HAHAHAHA

And of course, there are some not so funny ones o_O name calling isn't nice

I actually spend more time on Goodreads than I do on Facebook.

Goodreads can take up to TWO DAYS to post a review. TWO DAYS!! It'll show that there's a new posting, but the review won't load.

WHY!?!?

I need to see it YESTERDAY!! AHHHHH!!

So then two hours gets spent trying to hunt down who was last reading it and if they were one of the ones who reviewed, cause it'll already be on their wall ... ahhhhh. Very obsessive over here.

Other things I'm obsessed with - other authors. I like to see where I'm at in comparison, how my author-friends are doing, see if new books are out yet or if they're coming out.

I am also obsessed with GIFS. I frickin' LOVE ME SOME GIFs. I have no clue where to get them or how to post them on here, but man, do I get a kick out of them! They make me laaaaaaaaaaaaugh, I love it when I see a review with them.

Well, a good review. Bad reviews with mocking GIFs, not so much, hahaha.

FB gets its fair share of stalking from me - comes in handy from time to time. My stalking skills found me 200+ blogs, and then my above-and-beyond stalking skills located all their review policies, what they required, and if they had an e-mail address as opposed to a form.

I also stalk down EVERYONE who takes part in my events. 125 blogs signed up for my cover reveal, and I spent several hours tracking all of them down, and then another hour today double-checking those that hadn't posted yesterday.

My OCD is tireless and relentless.

I should put it to something useful ... like writing ...

p/s - DID YOU SEE MY SHINY NEW COVER FOR SEPARATION!?!?!

Nothing is Pure Anymore (was it ever?)

I'll keep it real.

Sometimes it's all a bit overwhelming. I've heard stories of people offering money for 5-star reviews. Offering pictures of certain body parts. Offering giveaways.

And here all I thought I had to do was bust my ass and write an okay book ...

I've also seen people give 1-star ratings to books that AREN'T EVEN OUT YET. Books that there is no possible way they could have read them, because they HAVEN'T BEEN WRITTEN YET.

What possesses a person to do that? I get it, we all have our favorite authors and we all have books we don't like - but I can't imagine it going to such a level that I would try to SABOTAGE that author or book. HOW INSANE! If I ever learned that a fan of Jameson was doing that to another book, I would be pissed!

I don't know why people think love for an author and/or book has to be singular. When it comes to reading, your love doesn't divide, it multiplies. You get to have LOTS of favorite books and LOTS of favorite authors! And it's not a money thing either - author A's book is gonna sell a certain way regardless of author B's book cause guess what? People can buy multiple books!

It's not like Walmart vs. Target, where if you're shopping at one it means the other is losing out. You can buy Pepper Winters AND buy CJ Roberts. There's no rule that says you can only get one at a time. It's like Oprah up on amazon!

YOU get a book, and YOU get a book, EVERYBODY GETS A BOOK!

So I encourage you to not "pick favorites" - have LOTS of favorites! I'm a writer, yes, but I looooove to read! I love Lucy Morgan and Mary Balogh and CJ Roberts and Christopher Pike and Leah Raeder. And you know what? I buy AND rate their books.

I also like to help other authors, and I like authors to help me. The literary world is a vain, elitist world - from readers to writers to librarians (ooohhh, the librarians, bane of my existence).

I have actually seen posts encouraging new authors NOT TO post on amazon's new author forum, because other author's will rip them a new one. This is very popular.

I have also seen other authors be rude and condescending, be unforthcoming and unhelpful on purpose. Snide blog posts and lofty statements. Why? What does someone who is bigger and better than the rest of us get out of trying to hold us down? I don't understand it, at all.

I knew virtually NOTHING going into this. All I knew was that I had a story I had written that I wanted to share, and I had a lot of awesome book blogs I followed. THAT'S IT. I had to google and look up everything else. No one offered help or information. A Smashwords book on formatting taught me how to do that, but that's it. Finding actually helpful books or articles on self-publishing are very difficult.

Finding authors talking about how awesome they are and how amazing their books are, very easy.

Some of the most helpful people I've found - brand-spanking new authors like myself. We trade information back and forth as we learn it, cause A) I like to think I'm a good person who would help anyone who needed it, and B) me helping them may mean they'll help me if I need it. And it's worked out that way so far.

The other helpful people, the ones who have made it possible for me to continue doing this - blogs. Blogs. Are. INVALUABLE. Yes, you can do this alone - but it will be a much, much harder road.

Bloggers have answered all sorts of questions for me, taught me how to do things, steered me right as best they can. Befriended me, beta-read for me, offered to read for author friends of mine. This doesn't necessarily benefit them - they have never once asked for anything in return, not even ARCs or anything like that. They simply, truly, love to read, and so they support authors. ALL authors. New, old, famous, not-famous.

Treat them right, and they will treat you right.

It's bizarre to me that a writer wouldn't want to be helpful to another writer. I mean, I would assume if you're a writer, you're also a reader, and as a reader, you would want to encourage someone to put more books out there. Silly me.

For a while, I actually stopped accepting friend requests from authors on my Facebook page because of attitude I had gotten and because of the selfishness I saw being displayed. I don't understand it. I don't like it. I won't encourage that.

I will help just about anyone. I know very little about very little. But anything I know, I am more than willing to share. And I would encourage all authors to do the same.

Any books that I've read that I've liked, I am a fan of the author. If I read something I didn't like, I simply choose not to pay attention to anything else the author puts out. Not hate, just not interested. I would encourage all readers to do the same.

Why so much hate? Why so much disdain? Why so much animosity and snarkiness and petty jealousy? I just don't get it. Maybe it's because I'm halfway to being a sociopath, but I don't experience jealousy very often, so I don't understand. And I certainly can't imagine driving me to damage someone's book and/or reputation.

People can be so strange. No wonder I like dogs and fictional character so much.

SIDENOTE: COVER REVEAL IN A WEEK! SQUEEE!!!!

To Pull, or Not To Pull ... That is the Question

Since I decided to hit publish, I have seen this pop up a couple times - so basically, since June.

Authors saying they are going to pull their books from Amazon and other respective buying sites, for lots of different reasons.

They're upset because of spoilers, upset because the work is being pirated, or upset about bad reviews, stuff like that.

I'm not quite sure how to feel about this - or if I'm "allowed" to feel a certain way. I only have one book out, maybe it'll feel different after I have more, maybe the next story won't do as well as Jameson's. Who knows?

I know bad reviews suck. And I mean, they SUCK. Like, my heart starts pounding and my lips go numb, SUCK. Stabbing pain in my chest, SUCK. My story Degradation has 192 5-star ratings. It also has 4 1-star ratings.

Guess which ratings stick with me the most? Hint: it ain't the bigger number.

I actually dreamed last night that I woke up to multiple 1-star written reviews (maybe nightmare would be a better word than dream). It's a horrible, horrible feeling that I don't think can be fully explained to someone who doesn't do this. It's like someone telling you that you're not good enough, that you're less than, that everything you worked so hard for and believe in so much is all just garbage.

And words hurt. I've read 1-star reviews for books that made me laugh and that I thought were funny, and ones that were insightful and helpful to the author, but most of the time they're just mean and hurtful. So you didn't like a book. That sucks - you wasted your time and money on something that sucks, I get that, makes me angry when it happens to me, too. I have left "negative" reviews.

But to take even more time to leave a nasty, hateful review that says mean things about the book, characters, and author seems a bit much to me, personally. Not only does it hurt our feelings, but it makes a lot of us wonder how the reviewer would fair if they were put behind a computer and told to bang out 100,000 words - and they had better make sure it's something EVERYONE will like! Luckily, I have yet to receive a review quite like that, but I know it is coming. Just look at some of CJ Roberts' lower reviews, or M. Night's. Mean, mean, mean. If those authors went to those reviewers and said similar things back about their own life goals, I can guarantee there would be tears.

Still, even with all that - the fear, the pain, the sadness - I would never pull a book over mixed and/or bad reviews. Going in to hitting publish, I knew that there was a good chance the book would flop. That everyone would hate it. But really, what's the worst that could happen? I'm exactly where I started. And for bigger authors, they still have other successful books out there, and I'm sure more books within them - plus that one "dud" is no doubt SOMEONE'S favorite, so why deny them that? Don't be a spoil-sport.

And as for pulling a book over spoilers or pirating, well really, I'm sorry, but I think that's stupid. People will always spoil anything/everything. If I don't want to know anything about a book, you know what? I don't look it up on Goodreads, I just buy it. I think it's ridiculous to pull a book in order to control your reviewers.

And as for pirating - if something exists, people will figure out how to steal it. This is fact. Doesn't matter what you do, the book will get out there illegally some how. It's not fair, but if it upsets an author that much, they can track down the websites and use their copyright claim to have the site removed. Problem solved. Pulling your book over pirates is also pulling it from fans that would actually buy it - which is money in the pocket. And the illegal copy is still already out there, people who already bought the book could rip the file and pirate it. I think if you want to publish a book, prepare to have it pirated. Just a fact of life.

All I know is that what has been e-published, cannot be un-e-published. We are in the technology age. If it exists online, it exists forever. And Goodreads doesn't allow books to be deleted, so the page for the book will always remain - so none of those above mentioned problems would be solved by pulling.

Books are ..., it's weird, but they're almost sacrosanct to me. I am okay with a lot of other questionable things in life, but I draw the line at books. I am firmly against plagiarism *shudder* or ANY kind of censorship, even from the author, to a certain extent. Please don't censor me from your work - it will make me just not want to read you anymore. Someone could steal my car and I would be very upset and would think they were a jerk. But damage some of my books or try to get a book banned, and I'll think you're the fucking devil.

So basically, how I feel, if I publish a book, it will never be pulled.

However, that doesn't mean I can't stop acknowledging its existence if it does so badly it embarrasses me ;D

Paranormal Activity ...

So, maybe I should address something.

This book IS NOT paranormal. Jameson Kane is not REALLY Satan, he just acts like the devil most of the time, so that's what Tate calls him in her head. It's what Ang calls him all the time, period.

When we were first designing my cover, I really wanted his hands around her neck, and we thought of making them red, but I was worried it would come off too BDSM-y and too paranormal-y, so we scrapped that idea.

Well, it's still coming off as paranormal, I guess, HAHA. But I just can't help it, that's his nickname in my head. And strangely, not because of his dirty talk or sexual proclivities - but because of his spoiled brat attitude and selfishness.

But there is no real devil in this book, no angels or demons, or battle of good vs. evil. At least, not in a literal sense.

At least the paranormal vibe around the book will be less with Book 2, which is going to be published in a little over a month, YAY!

Degradation part 2: Separation, was actually a lot harder for me to write, and a lot scarier in ways. Degradation sat at as a fully formed novel in my head. Separation was a struggle.

How do you make the "devil" likable? Is that even possible? Jameson Kane was barely tolerable in the first book - now he has to not only be likable, but forgivable ...

How many -ables can I fit in to this post ...

We'll see if I can do it. Book 2 ARCs are off with a handful of reviewers, so as the reviews start trickling in, we'll see what they think!

I hope you like it, and I hope you enjoy the evolution of Jameson Kane. I know I did.

What Happens on Tour, Stays on Tour ...

So, I am having my FIRST EVER Blog Tour!!! ...

I'm still not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds fun, doesn't it!? I imagine like a huge tour bus, all hot pink and black, filled with Cheetos and vodkas and stripper poles and David Gandys ... erm ... am I talking out loud?

Sometimes I still second guess myself. Should I be talking more about my book in my blog posts? Just posting links? Same thing with Facebook - I rarely promote the book itself, haven't shared the link in a day or two. Is that wrong? Lots of other author pages seem to only share their links and teasers and promos and all that jazz ... should I be doing that? Am I "too involved" in my street team? I'm very vocal in the group, love to post stuff and have fun - I've never been in a street team, should the author not be involved?

WHERE ARE THE RULES!?!?

But then I think ... everything I've been doing, has been working for me. I mean, yeah, I'm not a #1 Bestselling author *yet! ;)*, but my book is still moving, still selling. I'm still getting reviews. And I see a lot of interaction and engagement on my Facebook page, whereas I see a lot other pages just sit there, with no likes, no comments. So something is working!

I second guessed myself a lot while writing Degradation, at first. "Is this too much? Should he not say this? Is that too bad? Too taboo?" But eventually, I would almost always say to myself "screw it, do it how you want, do it how it feels most natural for you." And I did. And it seemed to work, at least for the 74 people who have given it 5-stars and the 23 4-stars on this website.

So I'm gonna keep doin' how I do, just being me, and see where this crazy train leads all of us! Thanks for riding along!

You might want to think about following along on my Facebook page, cause I'm having a HUGE giveaway! Paperbacks, t-shirts, and swag, OH MY! Also, at the end of the week, I am going to be accepting new members into my street team! We laugh a lot, we drink a lot, we look at a lot of naughty pictures of hot guys. It is vair fun.
http://facebook.com/stylofantomeauthor

Also, though Degradation 2: Separation is due out 09/22, I will release Sanders' back story when I hit 50 amazon.com reviews, OR 1,500 Facebook likes, whichever comes first! Sanders is my favorite character, and he tends to be everyone else's, too.

Liking my author page on amazon.com helps get Degradation recommended on the website, which equals more exposure, which equals me being able to keep writing, so if you get a sec or think of it, here is that link:
http://www.amazon.com/author/stylofan...

And stay tuned for more fun, cause on Saturday, I will be uploading Separation's page to Goodreads, so you can add it to your TBR! And next week I will post the links to sign up for the tour and events for Separation!

EEEKK!!

Aaaand ... what now?

The last couple weeks, I have had blogs prepared and ready to go, come Monday morning!

Uh ... not this week, apparently!

I have been busy editing (read: trying to edit) part 2 to Degradation!

If you're reading this, I'm going to assume you've looked at my book and looked at it's reviews, so it should be no surprise that there is a sequel to this novel.

But what you may not know is that it's written and is due to be published on 09/22! So I gotta get cracking!

I am scared of this book - part 1 was ready to go, waiting in my head. Part 2 did not come so easily, there were a lot of starts and stops, a lot of pages in the garbage.

I've talked about this before - I didn't find Degradation dark. A lot of people have, which is fine. But it makes me a little nervous because part 2 most definitely isn't dark. It'll be interesting to see peoples reactions to it, and to Jameson and his evolution.

If you have read Degradation, and are interested in reading and reviewing Part 2: Separation, I have a sign-up form for ARCs!

You must have read part 1, which is only $1.99 on Amazon and Nook. Preference is given to people who have written reviews for the first book, obviously, and signing up doesn't necessarily guarantee a copy - I would love all the reviews I can get, but can't afford to give away 200 copies, or anything like that ;D

Signing up early does increase your chances of getting one, though!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wjpL...

Who Wants to Meet Sanders!? Cause I Have Him Right Here ...

Okay, so I only post blogs on Monday - but I have this ..., contest? Competition? THINGY going on my Facebook page, and I realized some of you who follow me and/or read this might be interested to!


Who wants an excerpt!? At 50 Amazon.com reviews, I will post an excerpt with Sanders' back story! Sanders tends to be EVERYONE'S favorite character - as he should be; he's my favorite character that I've ever written - and I know a lot of people are very curious about him. Rest assured, there is a lot more of him in the next book.

Goodreads reviews are AWESOME, I never want to discourage someone from leaving a review on Goodreads - I am shocked and proud and weepy and girly and stupid over the reviews and ratings I have received on Goodreads, thank you all!

Amazon ratings and reviews are very important, too, however. The way I buy books is usually I see one recommended on a blog, I look it up on Amazon, and then I read the reviews posted there, and after I buy it, I add it to Goodreads. So without those Amazon reviews, I wouldn't buy that book.

SO! I am at 23 reviews on Amazon, currently, and 54 ratings on Goodreads! Let's see if we can get those numbers to match a little more closely! If you have read the book and liked it, if it isn't too much trouble, please take a moment to leave a couple lines on Amazon.com! Thanks!

And when we hit that magic number, I will post Sanders' story here in this blog

;D

S&M - "Now the pain is my pleasure, Cause nothing could measure"

I am writing this blog as an "instruction" manual of sorts for my book, ha ha, as I have seen people show confusion over it. Is it dark? Is it erotica? Is it abuse? Why does Jameson say such mean things? And why does Tate tolerate it? Shock that he says those kinds of things period, and shock that a woman would like it.

The dictionary defines sadomasochism as:

Noun.
1. interaction, especially sexual activity, in which one person enjoys inflicting physical or mental suffering on another person, who derives pleasure from experiencing pain.

I'm sorry, Rihanna, but whips and chains aren't the only way to play at S&M. Jameson Kane prefers to use his mouth - specifically his words. Tatum happens to like it.

My book showcases a consensual sadomasochistic relationship. Not BDSM. Sadomasochism. There is a difference, and people seem to be confused by this - they see sadomasochism, their brain thinks S&M, and then immediately bondage and riding crops pop in to their heads. But S&M - even BDSM - covers a HUGE group and genre. It can be lots of different things! That's why I love authors like SD Hildreth and CJ Roberts and Olivia Cunning, who are willing to explore any and ALL avenues of sexual wants and desires.

My book is kinky. I think it is fetish. I think it is unusual. I think it is crazy. I think it is dirty-talk on a whole new level. And I think it is DEFINITELY taboo.

Jameson is not a hero, nor does he want to be one.

Tate is not a heroine, she is just a girl living life her way.

And if there is any lingering confusion as to what this story is about, the title of the book is not on accident.

Degradation: noun
1. The act of degrading

Degrading: verb
1. to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt
2. to lower in character or quality; debase.

IT'S LIVE!!

It is LIVE on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Degradation-Sty...


Well, months and months of typing, doubting myself, doubting the words, doubting Jameson ..., months of editing, eye strain, and carpal tunnel ..., months of learning how the indie world works, the blog world, and the publishing world ..., all down to this day.

I kinda feel like I just got done with a big homework project and now it's time to veg out and like have a slumber party, root beer floats, nachos, all that good stuff.

Thank you to EVERYONE who read it - I will most likely be harassing you for days to come to review on the websites it's posted to.

Thank you for you kind words and awesome reviews, thank you for pushing me and helping me as an author, thank you for making me feel like I'm not so alone.

Cause strangely, sometimes writing erotica, it does feel that way.

So, THANK YOU.