Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 75
February 25, 2013
How did you first find the romance? (Guest Blogger)
How did you first find the romance?
Guest Blogger Michelle M. Pillow (www.michellepillow.com)
Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice by Michelle M. Pillow
The first romances I ever read were straight historicals. I admit, I got into my mom’s stash…though considering the more frank and racy nature of today’s romances that statement would have different meaning today. Since it’s what I first started reading (coupled with the fact that I ended up with a BGS in History), it was only natural that the first romances I wrote were historically set.
My newest release, Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice (Jan 2013) is set in Northumbria, 871 A.D. in period commonly known as The Dark Ages. Late in the 8th century, Vikings raided the English coasts. By the end of the 9th century, they were a powerful force that reigned over the Anglo-Saxons, settling and ruling much of England—including Northumbria. The Norse king, Guthrum, wanted Wessex—the only territory left to conquer. Though they fought, no side claimed victory and Wessex’s borders remained secure.
When the book starts, Alfred the Great had just taken his throne. Even with a new Anglo-Saxon king, the Viking army was vast and none could predict how young Alfred would fair against them. For those Anglo-Saxons living under Viking authority, it was a hard time. In a land torn by war, ruled over by fierce warriors, it wasn’t wise to change allegiances.
Ice: These politics greatly shape Lady Della’s fate. As Saxons under Viking rule, it’s in her family’s best interest for her to marry the neighboring Viking lord—a warrior who’s legendary prowess isn’t reserved for the battlefield. Only, Della hates everything to do with the Viking people and blames them for a horrific childhood incident. She’s reserved, some even call her cold-hearted, but that is her way of protecting herself from getting hurt.
Fire: The hero, Lord Blackwell, is passionate and bold where Della is reserved and cool. He soon discovers that his bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she’s kissing him back, the next she’s swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuade him from their marriage.
I wrote this book in the style of my award winning, Maiden and the Monster. Though the stories are not technically connected, there is a cameo appearance by Maiden and the Monster’s hero before his story took place.
Maiden and the Monster by Michelle M. Pillow
To learn more about me: www.michellepillow.com
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Michelle_M_Pillow_Books.html
Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice: http://www.michellepillow.com/lordoffireladyofice.htm
Maiden and the Monster: http://ravenhappyhour.com/Maiden_and_the_Monster.html
The Many Faces of Mandy… Pen Names
Why do you have so many pen names? I get this question more than you’d think. The answer is simple, while working in my lab, late one night, I invented what I was sure would be the next best energy drink. People would buy it in numbers unheard of. It would allow them to forgo sleep for like…ever, erm, yes ever. It was perfect, although green, but in my defense they say a popular soda is actually green without extra coloring so don’t judge me. If they can do it, so can I. Anyway, back to my master evil plan, my money making stay up forever formula. Seeing as how I was in my mad scientist stage and mad scientists aren’t known for playing well with others, I was alone.
No test dummy.
No sacrificial lamb.
So I drank the formula myself.
When I came to the next morning, I had no memory of where I’d been or what I’d been doing. I’d taken the formula wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt but awoke in a slave girl outfit. This of course, freaked me out since I’d not shaved my legs in preparation for anything this revealing. The following night I blacked out again, this time coming to wearing skin tight jeans, cowboy boots and a Shady Brady. Imagine my dismay when I’d realized I had in fact shaved my legs for that.
This continued, each time with me waking in some new attire. Twice I’d developed accents that faded as the day went on. In the interest of science, I decided I would journal as much as I could about my experience. Apparently, the blacked out version of me agreed. During these “episodes” I would write about people getting tied up, spanked, having orgasms withheld and participating in threesomes with smokin’ hot cowboys or aliens from another planet.
Okay, none of that is true except the sex talk stuff. *smile* And I didn’t journal it, I wrote it in books.
With many, many genres under my hat, it was important to separate them clearly for my readers. The best way to do so was to use a pen name for them. For me and for my readers it has worked wonders creating clear separations between the types of books I write. Readers don’t auto buy a book under my (main) name and open it up to find it’s a genre they dislike greatly, or a sex level they’re uncomfortable with. I’m pretty open and honest about my pen names, giving readers all the knowledge they need to make an informed choice.
So, as cool as having my own mad scientist lab is, I pretty much just have a kitchen that after a hard day of cooking can look a little like someone off their rocker is running the show. Thanks for letting me share!
February 22, 2013
FREE TODAY ONLY (Feb 22, 2013): The following Raven Book Titles on Amazon
FREE TODAY ONLY (Feb 22, 2013): The following Raven Book Titles on Amazon
Seduced by Him (Billionaire Sex Club) by Elle Spencer
Let the Wild Out by Madelyn Porter
Securing Sara (The Beast Masters) by Reagan Hawk
Don’t have a kindle? Reading a Kindle book on iphone, android, ipad, pc or mac is easy Get them HERE
Spread the word. Let’s make this books hit the top 25 in Erotica today!
February 21, 2013
Time Capsule ebooks from 2004
Check out what I found…. this is how our books looked when they first released 9 years ago.
February 20, 2013
Raven Author: Rite of Passion by Madelyn Porter
Futuristic Romance
Shana of Themis is proud to be of the female dominated race of the Amazon. But, when the time comes for her to become a mother, she’s less than thrilled. Following tradition, she must take the males they have captured into her bed.
Captain James Alexander was caught answering a distress call, when the Amazon’s overtook him and two of his men. Now, to escape, he plans on seducing his beautiful captor.
Warning: This short story contains graphic language and sexual content.
BUY NOW
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Rite_of_Pas...[image error]
February 19, 2013
Show your RAVEN!
Image larger than actual Temp Tattoo
We’re having a contest and 25 lucky winners will be sent Raven temporary tattoos! Do you want a chance to show off your RAVEN? If so, comment below. We’ll select winners at random and then mail you your temp tattoo so you can take a pic wearing it somewhere on your body (be sure to keep it FB and twitter friendly) LOL.
Let the Raven pride contest begin!
Intereview up at Romance Reviews Today (Reagan Hawk)
My pen name Reagan Hawk has been interviewed at Romance Reviews Today. Please stop by and say hi. CLICK HERE
February 18, 2013
The Untold by Rory Michaels
Contemporary Western Threesome Romance
A Macon Valley Ménage 2
Cody and Everett have the kind of relationship that others raise a brow at. It’s not easy keeping it secret in a small town like Macon Valley. People talk and Nicole, Cody’s new bride, hears their whispers. She knows there is something between the men—something more than mere friendship. When they confess their desire to have a threesome, she’s stunned. She doesn’t want to be like the women they’ve used and discarded in the past. However, it’s clear this is what her husband needs. She can’t deny him and knows the men will give her a night of passion the likes of which she’s never imagined. What she doesn’t realize is the men aren’t aiming for a one shot deal. They’ve got their sights set on sharing her for good, regardless what the people of Macon Valley think.
Warning: This short story contains ménages a trios, explicit sex, strong language and cowboys who will melt your socks off. This short story also has explicit, graphic sexual content and is not for the faint of heart.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/The_Untold....
February 14, 2013
Guest Blogging and Author Interviews Tips and Tricks
Guest Blogging and Author Interviews Tips and Tricks
When invited to guest blog on another’s blog it’s important you make the experience as painless as possible for the person hosting you that day. I know what you’re thinking “but I’m the author, it should be me, me all about me”. Odds are, the person you’re going to be visiting that day is also an author, if you’re lucky one with a very large following or steady fanbase—or they’re probably in the industry somehow. Regardless, they are doing you a favor. They are helping you reach more people, even if it’s just a handful, they are helping.
Here are some pointers to help you make your blog post as “user friendly” as possible. While it may take you a few extra minutes it will make you appealing as a return guest blogger. And you never want to lose marketing avenues.
Tips and Tricks:
Due Date: Be timely and don’t email a bunch of times with various questions. If you have questions, put them all in one email.
Forms and files: Fill out any forms you are given properly. Example: If they have a spot for name and you leave it blank do not be surprised if they accidentally use your real name (on your email if you sent from non-author name account), or if they leave your name blank. I’ve seen this happen before. Not effective marketing in the least.
If no form was sent to you and you’re winging a blog post be sure it’s more than just a shameless “buy my book” self-promo plug. That will turn off readers and do the opposite of what you’re wanting. There is nothing wrong with including a buy link to your book or even mentioning your book but do so in a way that “fits” with a post.
Example: In my upcoming release (name of title) I tackle the age old question of blah blah blah and find that in today’s society blah blah blah. Go on with some related relevant info or discussion starters.
Linkage: Provide proper URLs. This does not mean you type in www.yourweb.com and expect it to link perfectly later. You must type in http://www.yourweb.com (or whatever the exact url to your site is).
Be sure you provide your website addy and that your website is up to date. There is a chance people who are reading the post will in fact click through the link. Nothing worse than having them show up on your page to find it’s totally outdated. Stay current and make it easy for them to navigate around. Once you have them there, the goal is to keep them there a bit not frustrate them into leaving. And ALWAYS make your buy links on your website easy to spot, understand and access.
Cover/Photos: Some bloggers ask that you send the cover to them and they in turn handle sizing and what not. More often than not, they will ask you to provide a URL link to your cover. It is important you send the url to a cover that is sized properly for a blog post. Another words, do NOT send them to your full high res on the web or your jumbo-sized low res. You will often find your cover left off the post if this is the case because they deal with many guest bloggers and time is a factor.
Don’t know how to find the URL of your cover? It’s easy. Simply find your cover on your website or your publisher’s site. Right click on it. Click on view image. The image should then become the only thing you see in the window. If so, go to top of the navigation page and copy the URL in the title bar. Paste this into your form or email. That’s all there is to it. I make sure I have three sizes on my website of each cover. A thumbnail size often shown while browsing online bookstores, the web res, the slightly larger (and most used on the web for blogs) size and then my larger low res. This is rarely used but I still have a “ghost” page on my web that hosts only my covers in various sizes so I can go to it and get the urls for the size I might need.
Does the blogger want you to send them a separate file of the cover at a smaller/different size than what you have and you don’t know how to resize your cover? That’s easy. I made a step by step video on the matter. You can watch it here.
Only provide one cover/url link to cover unless specifically asked to send more. Don’t assume the blogger wants to have endless photos of your covers on their blog. Don’t send a bunch and say use what one you like and if it’s not sized properly, don’t expect a cover on your post. And please, please, please send professional looking covers and photos. Glamour shots are a thing of the past. Pics of your cleavage—not really the “face” you want to put forward to be taken seriously in this industry.
What if I don’t have all the info for my post yet, like I don’t have cover art yet or a book title?
Honestly, pick another book to feature. If you can’t, politely ask the blogger if they would mind you sending this info at a later date. Do not assume they will be fine with this. Many pre-load the posts, meaning they spend several days going through and loading their blog for several months out and do not want to stop again and again to enter or tweak posts. If you really want to feature a book that doesn’t have all its info be SURE you keep YOUR website up to date. So if anyone clicks from the post when it comes up they will then see the cover and the buy links and the title and…. Well, all that good stuff.
This info is all well and good but I’m having trouble finding blogs that will let me do a guest post or interview me. How should I go about this?
You should have a network of peers. It’s very important you be out there, be it facebook, twitter, etc getting to know other authors in your genre. I’ve said this too many times to count but we, as authors, need to support one another. Writing does not have to be the solo career they make it out to be. That means, get talking with other authors, pay attention when they post they’re guest blogging somewhere or if they’re looking for people to guest blog on their site. Read their posts. Read their info and bios and learn from them—buy their books. I know this sounds stupid to type out but really, authors are readers too and what better way to know the industry than to study it from the inside out. Plus, I’ve gotten more readers by recommending fellow authors than I can count. Readers like knowing you’re not all about you—that you’re a team player. If you can’t play well with others, I suggest you get out of the business because at some point you will need the help of the fellow authors you’ve snubbed and then what?
Another way to find places to guest blog/be interviewed is to troll the net. Find blogs that deal with what you do and see if they have guest bloggers or do interviews. Read them to be sure you “fit” with what they do. No point if you write inspirational fiction and you’re on an erotic fiction blog. Not really your target market. Next step: contact them and politely ask to guest blog or be interviewed. Be sure to provide a brief bio, your website, author name, all that good stuff so they can peek and see if you fit what they’re looking for. Don’t be upset if you don’t. Move on to the next one. There are plenty more out there.
What should I do when my interview posts?
You should tell your readers that you’re guest blogging and give the link. Put it in your newsletter, mention on your website, your blog, your author board. And for heaven’s sake, even if NO ONE comments (which is actually quite common bc many people get a blog feed and do not go directly to the blog site) you still need to comment–even if just to thank the host for having you. And if people are there commenting, comment back.
Pay it forward or back or sideways: If you have a blog, open it to the people you’ve guest blogged or interviewed at. The worst they can say is thank you but no. Many will welcome the exposure even if your blog doesn’t generate much in the way of views or hits just yet. Make it easy for them to guest blog or be interviewed by you—have a ready-made form to send them. Keep it light, simple and to the point. Give them a clear date of when it will post.
If I missed anything be sure to tell me and I’ll try to answer it. I’ve been blogging for over 8 years and a published author for 8 years. My background is art and marketing and when you put it all together I’d like to think I know enough to “get buy”.
Mandy M. Roth grew up fascinated by creatures that go bump in the night. From the very beginning, she showed signs of creativity—writing, painting, telling scary stories that left her little brother afraid to come out from under his bed. Combining her creativity with her passion for the paranormal has left her banging on the keyboard into the wee hours of the night. Her books have won numerous awards, including an RT nomination for Best Paranormal Erotic.
Mandy lives on the shores of Lake Erie with her husband, their three boys and a boxer pup named Hercules. When Mandy is not writing, she’s doing cover art for various places with a super double secret brush name. She also co-hosts a live talk radio show, Raven Radio, which was recently mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine and has given several marketing workshops for authors. She has a Bachelor of Science and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Marketing.
February 13, 2013
Excerpt from Denial of Service (Cyber Sex) coming soon from Reagan Hawk
Planet Fengaria, in the Bagune Galaxy
Admiral Jonas Myers kept a close eye on the brothel owner as he swiped the credits token. On more than one occasion the shady men had tried overcharging him for droid sex. This price seemed in line with the others and he’d paid for enough to know.
The brothel owner, middle-aged, balding and with a gut that didn’t quite fit into the shirt he’d tried to stuff it in, handed the token back to Jonas. “Last room on the right at the end of the hall. It’s the XT model you wanted.”
“Thanks.”
“You planning to invite buddies or something?”
Jonas stared at the man. “Why do you ask?”
“Because the XT model is for multiple partners. If you’re gonna have your friends fucking my droid too, you need to pay extra. And don’t go double-stuffing any holes. It’s a bitch if they get stretched out. Only one dick per hole at a time, got it? I don’t care if you tag team it but don’t double-stuff the same hole.”
Jonas eyed the man, wondering if he’d always been a sleaze or if this was relatively new. As he raked his gaze over him, he suspected he was born that way. “Got it.”
“You know the rules?” the man asked. “When you’re done, put the droid in the decontamination chamber to disinfect her for the next guy. No burning ’em, no beatin’ ’em and no takin’ apart to see their insides. You break it, scratch it or dent it, you buy it.”
Rolling his eyes, Jonas nodded. He knew the rules. They were the same at brothels universally. Hell, brothel owners had less rules when you asked to fuck an actual girl rather than their droids. Guess it really did come down to the bottom line and droids cost more than human women to replace. A sad truth on most planets, present one included. “Yeah, yeah, I know the spiel.”
The owner pulled a vial of serum out and popped it into a standard issue medical injection gun. “Arm.”
Jonas put his arm on the counter, allowing the brothel owner to inject him with serum specially made to help a man achieve multiple erections over the period of several days. There was an instant rush as the chemicals were absorbed into Jonas’s bloodstream. Warmth spread through his body, centering in his groin. His cock pulsed with need and he knew his walk to his rented room would be stiff and slower than he’d like.
He nodded his thanks and headed down the dark, dank hall in the direction of his rented room. The door to the room was wood and the paint was peeling from it. Spending almost all his time on space vessels and space stations, Jonas often forgot what wooden doors were like and wasn’t sure why anyone bothered with them anymore. He twisted the knob and entered the room. A woman spun around, her expression guarded at first.
Coming April 2013!
