Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 80
October 8, 2012
Halloween Celebration Contest and Prizes
I think you all know by know that I love Halloween. It truly is my favorite holiday of the year. I’ve been sharing various Halloween looks on my facebook personal page (you can find it here) and I’ve been doing a ton of Youtube videos dressed in costume (you can find them here). So many of you have commented on how much you’re enjoying the looks and how they’ve inspired you. I thought it would be fun to do some prizes that are inspired by the looks. (This contest is separate from any other contests I’m having this month.)
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package
Eye Candy Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of Immortal Ops Collection I by Mandy M Roth
Revlon Photoready Eye Primer
Revlon Photoready 3D Mascara
Wet N Wild “Don’t Steal My Thunder” eyeshadow palette
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (Set of false eyelashes with comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner (Black)
E.L.F. makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package
Vamp Mandy Prize Package Includes:
Singed PRINT book of The Valkyrie by Mandy M Roth
Wet N Wild (Fantasy Makers) Cosmetic Kit-Vixen Femme Fatale (kit includes 1nail polish-unsure about mailing regulations on this, might NOT be included if mail says no–, 1 lipstick, 1 eyeshadow duo, 1 pair eye lashes)
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup Brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package
Wicked the Witch Prize Package Includes:
Signed PRINT book of The Guardians by Mandy M Roth
Spirit Green Grease Makeup
White Cream Makeup
E.L.F. Pigment Eyeshadow Tropical Teal
E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit (1 pair of black lashes and comfort adhesive gel)
E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)
E.L.F. Makeup brush (as shown in picture)
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
EBOOK PRIZE PACKAGE
Three lucky winners will win 2 ebooks of their choice from Mandy M Roth.
How to be entered for a chance to win one of the above three prize packages:
(There is more than one way to be entered for a chance to win. You may do one of the following or two of the following, three of the following or all four of the following. Its up to you.)
YOUTUBE
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment on one or more of my videos. (Commenter MUST be subscribed to my channel. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.)
my videos in order and listed by skit
Follow my personal and LIKE my author FB page. Comment there on one or more of my posts. Yes, the more you comment the more times you’re entered for a chance to win.
Personal FB (don’t worry, my personal FB is for readers too. Its my chit-chat page)
Author FB (pretty much announcements only)
Follow me on twitter and @mandymroth me so I see you there
MY BLOG
Comment on my blog during the month of October. The more you comment, the more you’re entered for a chance to win.
I use RANDOM.org to select my winners. Yes, contest open to all (I will ship overseas) but you MUST be 18yrs or older to enter.
WARNING and understanding: Contest open to people 18yrs and older only. I will ship anywhere (winner acknowledges I am not responsible for any issues with shipping–ie, probs with their country allowing items in, US mail blocking certain items from being mailed and etc). Prize package contains products which may cause an allergic reaction in some, anyone entering the contest and winner assumes all responsibility and acknowledges Mandy M Roth is not responsible. Damage can occur to products during shipping. Winner acknowledges this. Prizes MUST be claimed within 14 days of wining or prize package will be awarded to another.
October 7, 2012
Inexpensive Halloween Wood Fairy
I was asked to come up with an inexpensive look for Halloween. This one cost me nothing. I owned everything. If you don’t own a white makeup eyeliner pencil you can get one for 99 cents at your local drug store. As for eyeshadows, use only what you have. Keep the colors narrowed down to what you own to save money. If you own no shadows or want some pop of color look at Wet N Wild eyeshadows. They retail for between 2-6 dollars (for a palette).
First step, gather some goodies from outdoors. I used willow branches/leaves and some flower heads from around my yard. Anything will work. Yes, you can use branches that are missing leaves. Anything at all. Be creative. I taped them in a circle that fit around my head and then taped on the flowers. You could hot glue them if you wanted.
Here I am taping it all into a wreath for my head.
Here is what it looked like done.
Next I grabbed some eyeshadow colors I already owned. You can use ANY colors you want or have.
I “painted” them onto my forehead, temples and contoured my cheeks with them.
Next up, I just used my everyday makeup look and decided to draw on some swirls with a white eyeliner pencil. (These retail for $.99 at drug stores.)
Here is the finished look. You could add body glitter (be SURE its made for face and body or it can do damage to your eyes, etc), more colors, stick on gems. Whatever you want.
I let my hair down, put on wreath and here is the look. If you wanted to be extra creative you could cut out fairy wings from cardboard and wear them.
October 2, 2012
Authors Behaving Like Total Dorks
Authors Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth (look… I’m third person now) put together a bunch of FUN and DORKY youtube vid skits for readers to enjoy. We figured life is often too serious so why not let our inner dork out. We’ve put together a great video index page listing each skit and the rec viewing order. Also we have them arranged in playlists on youtube.
This is our thanks to all of you for being so awesome. We hope you enjoy them! Psst… we’ll be having contests ALL month long too. Be sure to subscribe to our youtube channels and follow us on FB for more details.
Video Index Page
http://mandyroth.com/vlog.htm
Youtube direct link to Playlists for each skit
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropclQPzqSUrNDfVjfgUilm_b&feature=plcp
Evil Queen Mandy and Princess Michelle
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropcPdAu_7zXisNhjtrLBjefR&feature=plcp
Evil “Michelle” and Good “Mandy”
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropezJ–Df6XhwMff0jwK1i6S&feature=plcp
Witches: Wicked and Good
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropfFS3ltj1ScBmt1l7VMe2G6&feature=plcp
Somehow Mandy Ends up the Goblin King and Michelle gets a form rejection
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropc38bSMAYoTDuJbBwEQJLfC&feature=plcp
Medusa Mandy
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvvoIywkropdRqv9dP9fJRgYRlyqdBSdJ&feature=plcp
We hope you laugh! We hope you don’t run away in shock when you realize we’re big kids.
Michelle M Pillow
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/michellepillow
Mandy M Roth
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/mandyroth?feature=mhee
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/mandymroth
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp
Check out the funny skits we put together for our readers on Youtube!
Vamp Mandy and the Newbie Vamp (with the help of Author Michelle M Pillow)
Vids in rec viewing order
Vamp Mandy Dating Werewolves
LINK
Newb: get off air crazy vamp lady
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Sunlight
LINK
Newb: Not feeling well
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Mandy Roth Vamp books
LINKS
Newb:Hey vamp BFF
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Fashion
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Online Dating
LINK
Newb: Mesmerize
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Hydrating
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Crucifixes
LINK
Newb: hurts when I do this
LINK
Vamp Mandy: Bring on the Tribes
LINK
Want to watch more of our silly? Visit my vid viewing order page.
September 26, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Serenity Woods
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Serenity Woods
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with (insert publisher name here or if self published put self-publishing here).
A: My experience with Samhain Publishing has been great all the way. My editor, Imogen Howson, is professional, polite and lovely, plus she’s a great writer herself, so she knows her stuff! She’s taught me so much along the way—I really owe her a lot.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I’m relatively new to this game, so at the moment I’m trying to keep an up-to-date website, plus a presence on both Twitter and Facebook. I usually do a small blog tour around each release. I’d like to spend more time checking out blogs and sites, but my time is limited while I work full time, and the moments I do have to spare I must spend writing!
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Firstly, never give up! It can be a long, hard road, but it’s worth it when you see your name on a cover. Getting a professional editor to read your work really helps – I did it the hard way and had to wait for a publisher to be kind enough to take me on before I learned all the places I was going wrong. It would be much easier if I’d found out beforehand!
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: An Uncommon Sense was released with Samhain Publishing on April 3rd. Grace Fox is a secondary school science teacher with a talent for saying the first thing that comes into her head. Ash Rutherford is a doctor-turned-medium who falls hard for Grace and her silky underwear. But Grace doesn’t believe in the supernatural, and Ash has other ghosts to deal with before he can let Grace fully into his heart… It’s the first in the Sensual Healing series. The second, Making Sense, is due out at the end of the year.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: Seven Sexy Sins comes out with Samhain in August. It’s a fun, sexy, friends-to-lovers story. I also write under my own name, Faye Robertson, for Entangled Publishing, and I write for the Lori Wilde’s Indulgence line. My first book, Kiss and Make Up, came out on Valentine’s Day.
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I’ve written since I was 15 (I’m now in my forties) and wrote seven (unpublished) books before I turned to writing romance. Best thing I ever did! I’ve learned so much since then, and had lots of stories published.
Q: How do you balance family and writing?
A: This is a difficult one! I write after tea before we sit down to watch TV for the evening, and whenever else I can find the time. But my family has to come first, or what’s the point? I’d like to do more social networking, but I only have a short amount of time to fit that in between the writing and real life!
LINKS:
September 19, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Emleigh Walsh
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Emleigh Walsh
Q: Please take a minute to tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’m a full-time paper pusher; part-time fantasy weaver. Being an obsessive reader, I’ve always wanted to tell stories too but I never thought I had the time. It occurred to me that after being married for over 20 years, having two teenagers, and finishing college that I could probably find the time to throw a few words together. Turns out I opened up a whole Pandora’s Box in my brain with plenty of words just oozing out begging to be put on paper. I finished my very first book in December, and I still have plenty of other books just begging to be written.
Q: What prompted you to self-publish your book(s)?
A: Having a full-time job means I don’t have a lot of time to play with that’s just mine. One of the big reasons I decided to self-publish was to be on my own deadlines. I set up a schedule and stick to it pretty closely, but my life dictates my timelines; not a publisher. Another reason I decided to self-publish stemmed directly from my fear of rejection by a publisher. With the number of authors, budding and established, out there its low odds that a book gets picked up right away by a publishing house. I didn’t want to wait 10 years for my book to be published; I’m too old for that! Self-publishing allows me the chance to get my work to readers without the wait.
Q: How has the experience been to date?
A: Very scary but very exhilarating! Not knowing the ins and outs of publishing has been the scariest. But with every new thing I learn I feel a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that I’m a step closer to being a published author. It’s also given me a greater understanding that there is more to writing a book than just putting words on paper.
Q: What do you know now that you wished you knew when you started?
A: One of the most important things a writer can do is marketing themselves. I wish I would have started that much sooner. The sooner you get your name out there as a writer, and start building excitement for your work, the better off you are.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Since I’m just starting my marketing, there isn’t a lot yet. But I am on all the social media sites, and I have a website with a blog that I will update weekly. I’m also using word of mouth to everyone at work, my friends, and my family. Finally I’m going to partner up with some of my other writing friends. We’ll share info about each other on our individual blogs and web sites.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Get a mentor or join a writing group. You can read all you want on the internet, but unless you have someone to talk with and ask questions of that has been there-done that, you’re not really getting the best advice. There are several different types of groups out there: face-to-face groups; internet groups; social media groups. I have several friends that are writers, but the most valuable information for me has come from my Facebook groups. Find a person or a group that works best for you. ASK a lot of questions, and LISTEN to what they are telling you.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: My first book is coming out in March. It’s a paranormal romance about werewolves. Stephanie knew supernatural beings lived among the humans. But she’d never met anyone quite like the sexy-as-sin Guardian for the Dominion Creek Pack that she’s literally fallen for. Too bad he’s insane. He tells her they are mates which is impossible since she’s a human. She’s not supposed to be a werewolf’s mate. Besides, she doesn’t want a mate. She’s not ready to give up control of her life, even if the crazy wolf says it’s fated.
Chance dreaded the upcoming Mating Ceremony. He would be an unwilling participant unless he found his True Mate before it took place. Luckily for him she’s fallen into his life. The problem – she’s a human. The pack council doesn’t look too favorably on mating with a human. Chance doesn’t care. She’s his woman. He’ll do whatever it takes to have her – WHATEVER IT TAKES. His little human mate doesn’t know what she’s in for.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s (works in progress)?
A: My next book out will be the 2nd in the Dominion Creek Pack series. It’s the story of a newly turned wolf, his mate and his mentor. I’m also going to be working on a standalone romance still coming together in my head! It’s one I’ve been thinking about for a while so it’s time to start putting together.
LINKS:
September 12, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: JM Cartwright
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: JM Cartwright
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Torquere Press.
A: I was a Torquere fan for a few years before I submitted to them. I had submitted to my three favorite publishing houses, and Torquere snapped me up. *grin* I was matched with an amazing editor, Kate, who has taught me an immeasurable amount about the writing process. I think any future success I may have would in no small amount be due to her.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Hmm. It’s tough to be all the places we authors need to be to make our names/books known, especially with a full-time day job. I have a blog, a website, Twitter and Facebook accounts, and now of course, I’m visiting blogs. 8-) I created my website first, and continue to update it with new info as it’s available. It’s important for readers to have a referencer source on an author, and enough information to make a decision about buying a book. The social sites are important, I think, for readers to get a sense about me, about whether I’m the kind of person they might like to have a cup of coffee with, perhaps chat about everyday things.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Show, don’t tell. Dialogue should carry a scene, not narrative. Narrative is important, of course, but oftentimes we can let it take the lead without being aware of it. Thank god for editors!
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: As I write this, Winning In A Landslide has just been released. It’s a short sequel to A Change of Tune, and it picks up the story a year later, when Sheriff Grissom has just been re-elected. But the election was messy, and Johnny and Grissom’s personal life has come under fire. The boys are just as fun and snotty as ever, but the story comes with very interesting twists and turns, as Johnny learns that getting what he always wanted doesn’t mean that life won’t be messy.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: Love to! I’m writing Brainy and the Beast, which is the story of Nick Shelton, a garage-owning outdoorsman, who meets cerebral scientist, Henry, who develops robotics technology. One would think they have nothing in common. Add into the mix Nick’s 14yo nephew, who now lives with him, plus Nick’s dad, who also lives with him. Nick just wants to get laid. Henry wants something on his own terms. Grant wants the two dudes to keep it PG. Who’s going to win?
A: Q: How did you get into writing?
A: After years of being a reader, I wanted to try to write a book with a story line the way I thought it should be presented. I was a big fan of Louis L’Amour westerns, Harlequin romances, and Don Pendleton’s The Executioner series. So, combining all of those would make for interesting reading, I was sure. Huh. Not so fast.
My first full-length story was perfect. At least, I thought so. A couple of friends didn’t necessarily agree, but were too kind to say so. A third mocked it with her friends, so needless to say, SHE’s not a friend any longer. It took twenty more years of reading what I enjoy to get the urge again. I’m lucky because I can indulge my passion for writing in my career. However, fiction is my first love, so I’m back in the game.
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: My home time is pretty free, compared to some other writers that I know. However, demands on my time are still there, and I have to squeeze in my writing. Sometimes, though, I just pause other things and dedicate myself to it. I function best when I have a deadline, so edits are a breeze for me. Getting the storyline to completion takes me longer, since I’ll get distracted by a television show I want to watch, or a dinner event, or a movie I have to go see. I do write on my commute to/from the day job, which is a great time for me to indulge my creative juices. So, as long as I can steadily keep at it, I think I’m okay.
LINKS:
September 11, 2012
Mandy Reader Q&A Vids
I answer reader questions on video. Please chest out the playlist here on YouTube. Click on the HERE link to be taken to ALL the vids for Q&A.
September 6, 2012
If we weren’t authors…we’d be moviestars.
Okay, probably not but Michelle M Pillow and I are having a blast Vlogging back and forth. We thought this would be a fun way to connect with more readers. We know its not always easy for everyone to get to our signings or the conferences we attend so we wanted to bring a bit of our dorkiness to you. You’ve been warned. You can follow along with the video back and forth to date here.
It all started when Michelle got bored.
Direct link HERE
And then Mandy got bored.
Direct link HERE
And then Michelle hatches a plan to SWF Mandy
Direct link HERE
And then “Mandy” issues a public apology to “Michelle”
Direct link HERE
Michelle does her “legal disclaimer” Here website HERE
Direct link HERE
“Michelle” then tells “Mandy” how awesome she is and how much she wants to gift her the Italian Men’s Soccer Team
Direct link HERE
Mandy de-wigs on camera and her boobs strike back
Direct link HERE
And Mandy is now going to use her blonde fairy princess photo as her FB avi
