Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 78
November 27, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Aliyah Burke
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Aliyah Burke
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Total E-Bound Publishing.
A: TEB is a publisher located over in England. I received my first acceptance letter from them in 2007, when I sent in a submission to be part of an anthology which would benefit Forces Benevolent Funds to support and help families who have lost members in the recent conflicts. As a Navy wife this was extremely important for me to attempt to be a part of. I really enjoy working with them as a company and have found them to be extremely professional and easy to work with. Both with my solo written books and the series I have there which is co-authored. I look forward to continuing to publish with them for years to come.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Oh, I am really bad at promotion. I’m trying to do better. I blog, have contests, and try to keep my yahoo group, facebook, etc up with everything I’m doing/working on as well.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Develop a thick skin. This is a harsh business. You’ll never please everyone and there will be those who don’t like what you write. Don’t let them get you down and to a place where you never want to write again, or believe you can’t write.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: My latest release is titled, Casanova In Training, is published by Total E-Bound, and is a contemporary romance. The story is about a hot shot pilot who’s an ace and a test pilot who’s brought down by a woman who is more than he ever imagined one would be. She’s extremely smart, attractive, and can fly as well as—if not better than—he can. Giovanni Cassano and Jaydee Amos have a lot to overcome before they can be together.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I’m working on 4 stories right now. Two historicals, one which ties into my Rakes & Rogues series at Passion in Print and the other one for their Cowboy Style theme line. I have a contemporary I’m working on which ties into my Megalodon Team series and the final one is time travel. Lot’s to keep me busy. J
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: It was in college when the voices in my head demanded to be put down on paper. I fought them for a while until I realized it would just be so much easier for me if I gave in. They’ve been running my life ever since. J
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: I’m very lucky to have an understanding husband who supports me 100%. Some days are harder than others but we find ways to make it work. We make time to take trips together where I don’t bring writing at all, so that helps as well. It’s important for writers to get out and do things non-writing related so I do stuff with my dogs and am working on running longer so I can participate in charity runs. Things like that tend to clear my head.
LINKS:
November 16, 2012
End of an Ebook Giant–Fictionwise closing its doors
Such sad news in the ebook world today. Fictionwise is closing its doors. I started in this industry at a small press/e-first publisher nearly 9 years ago. I’m not ashamed of that fact. Hell, I’m damn proud that myself and other authors like me were part of something that is now huge. Fictionwise was a LARGE part of that success. They helped me reach more readers and helped me be able to write full time. I know when we launched The Raven Books they were the first place we contacted just over two and a half years ago about getting distribution with. However, that never came to pass.
Goodbye Fictionwise. I know that I’ll miss you as will many others. I’m going to go fire up my old Ebookwise reader for the sake of nostalgia and because yes, it actually does still work–they were built tough.
To read more about Fictionwise closing its door visit this link.
November 13, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: MJ Fredrick
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: MJ Fredrick
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Carina and Samhain
A: I’ve been very fortunate with my publishers. Carina has helped me learn how to market–they have classes every month online. They’ve also helped me work with a deadline. Samhain has helped me improve my writing–the motivations, the organization, the word choice.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I love blogging so my favorite technique is blog tours. I try to come up with different topics for different blogs, relating in some way to my book. For example, when I did one for Road Signs, I did blogs about beta heroes, road trips, and friends to lovers stories. I’m also pretty lucky because I’ve been in the romance community for a long time and I know a LOT of people, so I can approach people about guesting on their blog without feeling like it’s too much of an imposition. I also love Twitter. I am a great re-tweeter and people appreciate that and return the favor.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Write every day. Don’t make excuses. Write 100 words a day. Keep your head in the story. Also, finish what you start! Okay, that’s two things. I have lots more, but I’ll stop now [image error]
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: I just released the last book in my first series! It’s set in Minnesota, what my dad calls “Up North.” It’s about a town called Bluestone that’s really suffering because of the recession. People who used to come for sports fishing and vacations have stopped coming, and the people of the town are trying to lure visitors back. That’s the overarching storyline. The first book has a hero, a war correspondent, who returns to Bluestone, intending to be there temporarily as he helps his son settle in with the boy’s grandparents, who falls in love with the counselor at his son’s school. The second book is about a country singer, who the town has asked to do a concert, who returns and falls in love again with the girl he’d spent his summers with as a boy. The last book is about the bartender, who is trying to sell his bar and move on, but he is in love with the fishing launch owner, who loves the town so much she would never leave. He has to decide if he can leave her behind. (Hint: he can’t!)
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
Right now I’m writing my first pregnant heroine story. It’s about a woman who’s a surrogate for her gay brother. She runs a bar and her new bartender is hella sexy. But here she’s pregnant and barfing, and he helps her get through her pregnancy. I think it’s going to be really romantic!
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I’ve always written. People who’ve known me since elementary school remind me of how I’d pass around my stories. I remember writing serials in high school with my friend Kirsten, always starring rock stars. I was Ramona Ramone in the serials, sister to The Ramones (I know, they’re not really brothers, but it was fun to write.) I wish I could find those! In college I had no time, but once I was out, I started again, on the typewriter (OMG what a pain!). It wasn’t until my son was in kindergarten and I went to one of those community ed classes that I learned about RWA. I joined my local chapter and just kept going.
Q: How do you balance family and writing?
A: I get up REALLY early in the morning and write before work. Then I teach, then I come home and do promo and stuff, and I write more while watching TV with the husband. My son is 20 now, so that makes it easier. The real issue is balancing writing and my addiction to my Wii [image error]
LINKS:
November 8, 2012
Men & Women of the Military Giveaway (Contest closes 15th)
Welcome! I’m so excited to be part of the Men & Women of the Military Giveaway Blog Tour! Comment on my blog post today and you’ll be entered for a chance to win ebooks I and II in my Bestselling/Award Winning Series Immortal Ops Series (Immortal Ops and Critical Intelligence)! (UPDATE: Contest closes Nov 15 and winners will be (one has already) announced in comment section. See comment section below. I announce the winner there. It is your responsibility to check back to see if you’ve won–Prizes MUST be claimed within 30 days of winning announcement–Mandy Roth)
Here is a tiny taste of book IV in the Immortal Ops Series:Strategic Vulnerability
Blurb: Held prisoner in remote testing facility in the middle of the Brazilian rainforest, subjected to torture and abuse, Wilson Rousseau has long since given up hope of being rescued. Days blend together until he can’t help but long for death. Saved from his isolated hell by a female’s distress call, he feels an instant connection to her.
Kimberly thought she was taking a trip to South America to study indigenous plant life. She had no idea she was playing into the hands of a mad man whose goal is to create a genetically altered army of super soldiers. When she finds herself locked in a cell with Wilson, a man who would give his life to save hers, there is an instant attraction. But the dark secrets surrounding their imprisonment may change their lives forever. Can they find a way to beat the odds and be together or will the mad man win?
Rating: Contains a sexy as sin wererat–yeah, I said wererat, get over it, a gal with sass and heart, graphic violence, explicit sex and strong language.
Excerpt:
Wilson Rousseau lifted his head and pain radiated throughout his body. His vision blurred and for a moment, he could have sworn he heard the cry of a female. One who needed help—one who needed him.
A distant, yet constant, low-grade sound emitted from something his captors liked to refer to as the “scrambler”. He knew enough about the shit Krauss and his band of insane followers were into that Wilson surmised the device was built to prevent other supernaturals from sensing the presence of a cluster of them. If his hunch was right, it was some sort of modified L.R.A.D.—long-range acoustical device.
In short, it blocked his ability to mentally or electronically call out to the I-Ops and the rest of the I-Op’s ability to call in. If they even were still looking for him, which he was fast beginning to doubt. But, if they were, static would be all that greeted them.
Again, he sensed the call of a woman in need of him even when he shouldn’t have been able to receive any form of mental links. He struggled against the silver-coated chains digging into his wrists and ankles. They would cut through his limbs if he dared to continue to push. Understanding that fact, Wilson still tugged, needing to get to her, get free, anything beyond spending the rest of his days locked in a cell.
Dead or alive, he would be free.
Whatever his captors had injected him with dulled his senses, making things blur and his body weak. At random times, he could feel the Fae power his friend’s wife, Melanie, had passed onto him trying to surface but the magik either wasn’t sure what to do or knew he was clueless so it didn’t bother lending a hand. It probably figured he’d kill himself attempting to wield it. At this rate, he’d rather be dead than living like he was, so he was open to the idea.
Groaning, he moved his head around, trying to work the kinks from his upper shoulders and neck. It didn’t work. Beyond that, his throat was dry and his body was weak. The food wasn’t fit for human consumption. Maggots infested the majority of it and the rest was in a state of decomposition. After a certain point, Wilson had forced some of the food down only to find it coming back up quickly. Still, any nourishment he could get was needed if he planned on regaining his strength and escaping.
In shifted form, Wilson wasn’t too particular about what he ate or drank—that being said, his rat form wouldn’t even eat the food his captors continued to try to pawn off on him. Considering his rat form tended to eat just about anything that was saying a lot as to how dire his situation was.
He tipped his head back, giving in to the need to sleep. He was almost completely out when a scent like he’d never smelled before came to him, causing his cock to harden and his body to light with need. He looked up to find Krauss’ men dragging an unconscious woman past his cell.
The fierce need to protect her overtook him. Wilson surged forth, yanking with all his might against his restraints, reaching for her. He knew then it had been her call for help that he’d tried to answer.
“Get away from her!” Wilson roared, his body protesting his every movements, pain lancing through his limbs.
The men stalled and stared at him before sharing a curious look.
“He’ll want to hear about this,” one said.
The other nodded. “Definitely.”
They continued down the hall, dragging the unconscious woman behind them. Wilson struggled against his chains, trying to get to her, until the pain was so unbearable that he passed out cold.
*Remember to be entered for a chance to win my ebook contest please comment below. Must be 18yrs or older to enter to win. Can live in any country.
Also, please check out the next stops on the blog tour:
Want to see everyone involved? Go here.
Men & Women of the Military Giveaway
Welcome! I’m so excited to be part of the Men & Women of the Military Giveaway Blog Tour! Comment on my blog post today and you’ll be entered for a chance to win ebooks I and II in my Bestselling/Award Winning Series Immortal Ops Series (Immortal Ops and Critical Intelligence)!
Here is a tiny taste of book IV in the Immortal Ops Series:Strategic Vulnerability
Blurb: Held prisoner in remote testing facility in the middle of the Brazilian rainforest, subjected to torture and abuse, Wilson Rousseau has long since given up hope of being rescued. Days blend together until he can’t help but long for death. Saved from his isolated hell by a female’s distress call, he feels an instant connection to her.
Kimberly thought she was taking a trip to South America to study indigenous plant life. She had no idea she was playing into the hands of a mad man whose goal is to create a genetically altered army of super soldiers. When she finds herself locked in a cell with Wilson, a man who would give his life to save hers, there is an instant attraction. But the dark secrets surrounding their imprisonment may change their lives forever. Can they find a way to beat the odds and be together or will the mad man win?
Rating: Contains a sexy as sin wererat–yeah, I said wererat, get over it, a gal with sass and heart, graphic violence, explicit sex and strong language.
Excerpt:
Wilson Rousseau lifted his head and pain radiated throughout his body. His vision blurred and for a moment, he could have sworn he heard the cry of a female. One who needed help—one who needed him.
A distant, yet constant, low-grade sound emitted from something his captors liked to refer to as the “scrambler”. He knew enough about the shit Krauss and his band of insane followers were into that Wilson surmised the device was built to prevent other supernaturals from sensing the presence of a cluster of them. If his hunch was right, it was some sort of modified L.R.A.D.—long-range acoustical device.
In short, it blocked his ability to mentally or electronically call out to the I-Ops and the rest of the I-Op’s ability to call in. If they even were still looking for him, which he was fast beginning to doubt. But, if they were, static would be all that greeted them.
Again, he sensed the call of a woman in need of him even when he shouldn’t have been able to receive any form of mental links. He struggled against the silver-coated chains digging into his wrists and ankles. They would cut through his limbs if he dared to continue to push. Understanding that fact, Wilson still tugged, needing to get to her, get free, anything beyond spending the rest of his days locked in a cell.
Dead or alive, he would be free.
Whatever his captors had injected him with dulled his senses, making things blur and his body weak. At random times, he could feel the Fae power his friend’s wife, Melanie, had passed onto him trying to surface but the magik either wasn’t sure what to do or knew he was clueless so it didn’t bother lending a hand. It probably figured he’d kill himself attempting to wield it. At this rate, he’d rather be dead than living like he was, so he was open to the idea.
Groaning, he moved his head around, trying to work the kinks from his upper shoulders and neck. It didn’t work. Beyond that, his throat was dry and his body was weak. The food wasn’t fit for human consumption. Maggots infested the majority of it and the rest was in a state of decomposition. After a certain point, Wilson had forced some of the food down only to find it coming back up quickly. Still, any nourishment he could get was needed if he planned on regaining his strength and escaping.
In shifted form, Wilson wasn’t too particular about what he ate or drank—that being said, his rat form wouldn’t even eat the food his captors continued to try to pawn off on him. Considering his rat form tended to eat just about anything that was saying a lot as to how dire his situation was.
He tipped his head back, giving in to the need to sleep. He was almost completely out when a scent like he’d never smelled before came to him, causing his cock to harden and his body to light with need. He looked up to find Krauss’ men dragging an unconscious woman past his cell.
The fierce need to protect her overtook him. Wilson surged forth, yanking with all his might against his restraints, reaching for her. He knew then it had been her call for help that he’d tried to answer.
“Get away from her!” Wilson roared, his body protesting his every movements, pain lancing through his limbs.
The men stalled and stared at him before sharing a curious look.
“He’ll want to hear about this,” one said.
The other nodded. “Definitely.”
They continued down the hall, dragging the unconscious woman behind them. Wilson struggled against his chains, trying to get to her, until the pain was so unbearable that he passed out cold.
*Remember to be entered for a chance to win my ebook contest please comment below. Must be 18yrs or older to enter to win. Can live in any country.
Also, please check out the next stops on the blog tour:
Want to see everyone involved? Go here.
November 6, 2012
My Craft is Not Your Gimmick by Abigail
My Craft is Not Your Gimmick by Abigail
With the increased acknowledgement of knitting popularity in the past few years, it comes as little surprise that there have been a number of authors who have sold mysteries where knitting is promoted as the craft of choice. While I occasionally enjoy themed mysteries that provide the opportunity to learn a little bit here and there about antiques, coffee, embroidery, etc, I have no patience with writers who seem to be applying a liberal glaze of craft to their story in an attempt to have a ready made market.
The most blatant offenders I’ve read have the knitter taking up the craft about three pages before the book starts. Certainly, people take up crafting at a variety of points in their lives, but this adoption when written comes across as needing a hook for the story so that it would sell. I recognize that this was probably not the author’s intent, but that’s the end result to the reader. At least one mystery that I started had the main character repeatedly announcing her knitting ignorance over the course of the first several chapters. It was such a turn off that while I can’t tell you the title or the author, I can remember the perky ignorance and that I struggled to care about the character. Whether or not she developed into a more interesting knitter after the first book, I refused to find out.
Similarly, anything that forces knitting into the very forefront of a mystery also turns me off. In the majority of the themed mysteries I’ve come across, it’s acknowledged that knitting is someone’s hobby, as opposed to their vocation (cooking, coffee, and antiques lend themselves better to vocation). But the knitting becomes a turn off when pushed so frantically to the fore that one feels assaulted by it or glopped on after the rest of the story has been written, as though the first manuscript got the edits *put knitting HERE*. Yes, knitting is a major part of my life. I knit constantly on public transportation, in meetings, at parties, pretty much anywhere that I can. I am subscribed to podcasts about knitting and the wool stash has it’s own budget line. However, while knitting is something very present in my life, that also makes it less of a big deal. I knit. Everyone knows it. We all move on. If I want something where knitting is at the forefront, there are any number of excellently written knitting memoirs. I refer you to Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair or anything by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.
There are exceptions, certainly. The best knitting related mystery that I’ve read was Barbara Bretton’s Casting Spells. I knew immediately that Bretton knew the craft, knew the major dyers, had a handle on advanced techniques. She used the knitting store owner as character, giving vocation as well as hobby to knitting. But she also assumed intelligence on the part of her reader. We heard about bits of knitting like blocking, explained in enough detail for someone who isn’t fully familiar with the practice, but written to provoke humorous empathy by those who know what she’s talking about. Knitting is a casual part of everything the main character does, not just convenient moments when the character stops at a knitting store to tell what’s happened/will happen next.
Knitting themed mysteries are by no means the only guilty ones when it comes to mystery with a dollop of craft gimmick, but certainly for me they are the most annoying. Please know, authors, that if you are going to include my craft, then I hold you to a higher standard and a better understanding of my craft than what I would get from a how-to-knit kit on the bargain bin. Oh, and if you’re going to include a pattern, could you make it something at least slightly challenging? I know how to make a scarf.
Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair
October 30, 2012
The Roger? King King Goose
Emails have been coming in about my VERY short FREE promotional story King, King, Goose?. Many of you have wondered about The Roger nickname for the goose. Funny story… this short story was born out of something that happened with my youngest son when he was maybe four or so. We were at a pond, feeding ducks and geese and a younger goose took a shine to my youngest son. Lil R Boy also took a shine to said goose. I turn my back and the next thing I know my youngest son is trying to lure the goose into my SUV. He’s saying “Come on Roger. Come on.”
I explained the goose could not come home with us. Lil R Boy explained he could because “he’s my friend, mommy, and Roger wants to come home”. So sure enough “Roger” goes straight to my car, under the tire and attempt to get into the open back door. I have video of it on my phone and pictures (putting one in this post of Roger refusing to budge from under my car), all with me laughing very hard while my youngest is yelling “that’s it, Roger! You can do it, Roger!”.
So, when I was asked to be part of the 12 Days of Christmas free short stories and told I had the Geese part I knew I had to make light of the “Roger” somehow. 
I’m so glad you’ve all enjoyed it. And yes, I am considering expanding the world out and doing some longer stories in the world.
Want to read my FREE (VERY short promotional story)? You can find it here along with two other FREE Raven Books titles.
October 26, 2012
HELP: Slow Cooker Recipes: Super Fast and Easy?
I’m a big fan of using my slow cookers this time of year. Problem is, most of the recipes I have require many ingredients and prep time just to slow cook all day. I’m looking for something easy and fast with very few things I need to do besides throw it all in the cooker and walk away. I will say, my youngest is allergic to dairy so I can’t make cheese/milk like things. Also, husband hates mushrooms. I think that is it. I’m up for any help anyone can offer. Thank you!
October 24, 2012
Reminder: Backup your ebooks!
I don’t know about the rest of you but I want to know what I spent money on it going to be there when I want to read it. Also, I want to know its protected in the event of a computer problem or reader problem. Dear Author has had some GREAT posts about how to backup your books. I’m going to link to them here.
Create Your Own Cloud of Ebooks with Calibre + Calibre OPDS + Dropbox
Using Belvedere to auto add purchases to Calibre
Getting eBooks from Calibre to Your Device Using Send to Device and the Connect/Share Functions.
Calibre: The eBook Reader’s Best Friend, Part 1 of 2
Using Calibre to Interface with IPhone, Sony Reader or Cybook, Part 2 of 2
October 23, 2012
Dark Sun Rising by BL Bonita
(A fellow Samhain Author is not able to promote her new release right now so I’m helping out.)
Dark Sun Rising by BL Bonita
His sin is the color of his skin. Her love is his salvation…and the greatest danger.
Life in a mountain town is hard for gently raised Charlotte Phillips, who has come to Hatchet Creek to help run her cousin’s emporium. When her cousin suddenly dies, she learns just how rough-and-tumble is the life of a business owner—especially when she steps in to stop the brutal whipping of a local colored man.
Avery Samms made the mistake of rejecting the advances of a married white woman, and he pays with the flesh on this back. With no doctor in town, he’s sure a slow agonizing death is his fate. Until a beautiful angel shocks everyone—especially Avery—by taking him home. Her heart may be in the right place, but now her business, even her very life, is in danger.
As Avery recovers, their connection grows stronger every day. There’s passion in her eyes, and purity in her heart that heals soul-deep wounds no one can see. One moment of irresistible desire bonds them in forbidden love.
Even as they plan to escape to a far-off haven, jealousy and revenge threaten to rip their world apart. Under a savage western sun, they must fight for their love…and their very lives.
Historical/Western, Interracial novella
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61921-163-6
$3.50
Release date Oct 2012
“This read is for those who like their love stories both explicit and explosive, with a mix of strong women and sexy men!” Library Journal
“Readers who thrive on stories of empowered women and sexy, brooding men will savor this historical tale of interracial love.” Publishers Weekly
Warning: This book contains a gorgeous hero and a spirited heroine, pistol slinging, knife wielding, bigotry, bad guys, bad language, and smokin’ hot love scenes.
This is the story of a forbidden romance between Charlotte, the unmarried emporium owner, and Avery, the Buffalo Soldier whom she rescues from a savage beating. Even though Charlotte knows that she should not be drawn to the former slave, their hearts are connected from the start. Surrounded by the racism and bigotry of Hatchet Creek, CA, Avery plans to head to Idaho and escape to a mountain in the woods. When Charlotte’s betrothed suddenly arrives in town, Avery leaves, thinking that it would be the best for all concerned.
Verdict Set in California at a time when cowboys and outlaws run the streets, the novel is a tale of protagonists trying to resist their growing attraction to each other while lust pulls them into forbidden temptations. They endure racial struggles and fight to stay together in their paradise in the mountains. This read is for those who like their love stories both explicit and explosive, with a mix of strong women and sexy men!—Judy Taylor Garner, ECPI Univ. Lib., Glen Allen, VA
Please help spread the word of her release. Thank you.
