Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 80
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
September 4, 2012
August 30, 2012
Why I wear makeup
When I was 11 I was diagnosed with Morphea Scleroderma. It caused extreme discoloration on my right temple and also caused my lashes to fall out in an area on that eye as well. As you know, kids can be cruel. They can be total and utter asshats. I was called cyclopes. They moved their seats far from mine because they didn’t want to “get it”. They said, you have AIDS (this was height of 80s). The list of stupid really just goes on and on. Not every kids was an asshat to me. The majority were. It certainly made my skin thick. If you would have told me when I was 12 that I’d be a “public figure” who has her picture on the back of books, on websites and does live appearances on shows and signings I would have thought you were from Mars and totally full of crap.
I thought I’d take a minute to walk you through not only why I wear makeup but what I wear. So, here is the before shot. I need an award for putting this up. Note the redness. It always looks like I have a sunburn. I should also say, I have combination skin. For the most part it tends to run dry. Often the winter it will start to peel if I don’t stay on top of moisturizing. Also, my skin while sensitive is not as sensitive as some.
Pre-Make Up. Note the Rocascea.
STEP ONE: Olay Complete moisturizer. A great moisturizer is key to your foundation having a good shelf life on your face for the day. Then, I start off with a concealer stick. The stick is important because it provides more coverage without feeling too heavy. I prefer Revlon’s PhotoReady one. I apply it all over the redness. Mind you, most people do not have to put this much on. I also put it on my temple that has discoloration on it. I do NOT blend it in yet.
Step One: Concealer stick
Step Two: Foundation. I like Loreal’s Visible Lift. It has good coverage, is light feeling, very creamy and has no smell. I hate makeup that smells. I dab this on my T-zone. I then use a dampened wedge and blend it in along with the concealer that is on my face.
Loreal Visible Lift
Step Three: Pressed powder. I use it to “set” the makeup around my eyes, my cheeks, chin and forehead. I like this one. Its cheap but works well for me.
Pressed Powder
Step Four: Bronzer. I like the Physicians Formula Healthy Glow Bronzer. I put it under my cheek bones to add depth, on my neck, to the left and right of my nose and my temples.
Bronzer
Step Five: Highlights Powder. I like Physicians Formula Translucent Glow. I put this right under my eyes but above blush line, down nose, forehead and chin.
High lights
Step Six: Loose powder brushed all over to set it all in.
loose powder
Step Seven: Eyes. I like browns and warm colors. Cool colors don’t work well with my skin tone. The newest love of mine is the “Knock on Wood” pallet by Wet n Wild. I love the browns and pink mix up. I apply as suggested. I use makeup brushes for nearly everything I do. They give me much more control and better blending capabilities.
Eyeshadow
Step Eight: Eyeliner. I am totally in love with Almay’s eyeliner. Has a great applicator for control and has really good staying power.
Almay
Step Nine: Mascara and liner pencil. I’m a fan of Revlon’s Photoready 3d Volume Mascara and Almay’s black pencil (called crayon contour). I use the pencil on my eyebrows lightly and under my eyes.
Mascara and liner
Step Ten: Eyelashes. I love them. They will take some getting used to as far as putting them on. Keep makeup removing wipes handy to remove glue from your fingertips. I love the Revlon Lash Glue. Don’t freak when you put it on, its turns blue and then dries clear. Also, a great tip is to put the glue on the lashes and then wait almost a minute before putting the lash on your eye. This way the glue is tacky and the lash isn’t sliding all over.
lashes and glue
All done [image error]
After picture
August 29, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Lynda Aicher
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Lynda Aicher
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Samhain Publishing.
A: It’s been great. They are a very good company to work for with experienced people and extensive knowledge of the book market. Being a new author, it’s been really nice having the support as I learn the inside ropes of publishing. I’ve also found the author network at Samhain to be incredibly friendly and helpful. Samhain has been a great fit for me.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Consistency. That’s the main thing for me. Having a standard look and feel to all of the materials I produce from my website to bookmarks to postcards, etc. It goes along with branding and giving readers one identity that fits your books.
I also network and make use of my friends and their networks. Building relationships, both within the industry and out of it, is connected to building your audience. You never know where the spark is going to hit that lifts your sales. Be open, be nice, and return the favors. Simple steps that are true for life in general.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Being an author is very different than being a writer. It’s an important distinction that most don’t make. There are a lot of writers, I was one for fifteen years before I became an author. And being a writer doesn’t guarantee success as an author.
Being an author means you understand how to craft and tell a story that makes people want to read it. You have to understand plot lines, character arcs, turning points, pacing, and then how to weave them all together with words that are unique to you. The lucky few can do this instinctually, while most authors have to study, learn, try, fail and try again. It’s hard work, but worth it when it all comes together.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: Book II in my Energen Series – Stone of Ascension, will come out in September from Samhain Publishing. The second book really digs into the Energen world and the ancient battle over the world’s most valuable, but unrecognized, resource – energy.
The series is based on the concept that the world is focused the 2012 Mayan prediction of the end of the world. But, 2012 is also the Chinese Year of Dragon – the most powerful and revered sign in the Chinese Zodiac. It’s a twist on the coming Apocalypse which is not the same as Armageddon. The true definition of apocalypse is: “lifting the veil on that which is hidden.”
The stories within the series are based on interpretation of facts. Connecting bits of information from multiple sources until they all come together to create the world and battle between the Energen and Shifters races. I’ve worked hard to ensure every story has a spark of believability that can leave the reader wondering if maybe that really could happen (or maybe it actually is).
The books do build on each other, but each is its own story. The battle intensifies and more is revealed as each couple comes together to protect the sacred city from the rise of the Dragon. If the city falls, so will the humans who have been blissfully unaware of the hidden battle for two thousand years.
Energen Book I – The Dragon Stirs, can be found at all of your major ebook outlets.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I’m currently working on two different books from two different series. Book III in The Energen series, and Book II in my erotic romance series which is coming out this fall from Carina Press. It’s been a bit crazy jumping back and forth from dragons and shape-shifters to bondage and nipple clamps, but deadlines and demands mean you make it work.
The dragon series is darker, deeper, and definitely more intense to write simply because there’s such big world building and I have to carry multiple story lines, a host of characters, good guys, bad guys—oh yeah, and a love story too. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I started this series. lol!
A: Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I have a BS in Scientific and Technical Communications and spent over fifteen years in the field of technical writing as a consultant creating end-user training materials for global companies. I’ve always loved to read and writing comes easy to me, but I never really thought I’d write a book even though I’d wanted to since I was twelve years old. Writing a novel is hard!
However, one day I stopped and suddenly realized I was going to be forty soon. How did that happen? I finally decided now was the time if I was going to do it. I spent the next year writing and learning everything I could about constructing a novel and the publishing industry. I sold The Dragon Stirs one year after I started on my road to publishing on a fluke, a whim, determination, and a little bit of luck.
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: Very carefully. I have the fortune of not having a full-time day job, so now that my two kids are both in elementary school, I get six hours of quite time five days a week to write. Actually, that’s not really true because I still volunteer in the school, and have to clean, cook, do laundry, run errands, etc. It’s very easy to put writing to the background, so I have to make it a priority. On the weekends, I get up at five AM and write before the day begins and generally sneak it in whenever there is time. Fortunately, my past job taught me how to work anywhere and around anything. Give me headphones and Pandora, and I can write anywhere.
LINKS:
August 28, 2012
Garden ate my counter
Mandy's counter top. copyright (c) Mandy M Roth
Not really but for the past 3 weeks that is what its felt like in my kitchen. My counter which normally only held wine bottles now is home to fresh veggies and fruits. My fridge if equally as full as ones that do better when refrigerated. Don’t get me wrong, its nice to have everything at my fingertips but I’m not loving the cluttered look so much.
The healthy living is going well. I’m a bit discouraged though. At last weight check in (end of last week) I was still at only 5 lbs off. That does make me want to throw in the towel on this. I will admit that. But I won’t give in.
