Teagan Oliver's Blog, page 6

Coming in November to eBook! OBSIDIAN

OBSIDIAN

"OBSIDIAN is a terrific combination of romance and suspense. Teagan Oliver knows how to keep her readers turning the pages!" -- Tess Gerritsen, author of THE MEPHISTO CLUB.

"Tangled mystery and touching romance--it doesn't get any better than OBSIDIAN. I couldn't put it down." -- Susan Vaughan, author of DEADLY MEMORIES.

When a boat explosion kills his best friend, U.S.Coast Guard Officer Jamie Rivard is lured into investigating the connection between his death and an undercover smuggling operation off the coast Maine. But going back to Maine means coming to terms with his brother's death while guarding his heart from a beautiful widow with troubles of her own.

Shelby Teague knows the risks of making a living from the ocean. When her brother disappears while diving, Shelby must overcome her fears and trust in a stranger with a few secrets of his own in order to get her brother back.

Together, Shelby and Jamie must race against a coming storm as they begin to realize that no matter how far or fast you run from your past, you can never outrun your heart.

If It's November, I Must Be Crazy...

I really had no intention of jumping on board this ship. The NaNoWriMo is a month long challenge that involves 30 days of writing, a goal of 50,000 words and over 300,000 writers from all over who are crazy enough to join in.

The idea is really very simple. Get the words on the page. No matter how you do it, get them down. No editing. No revising. Just put your butt in the chair and write. Sounds scary, but if you break it down it's only about 7 pages a day. There is also the idea that in order for form a commitment to making something a habit you need to practice it continually for 20(or something) days. I remember that from a lecture I went to once, but the idea rang true. Want to make something stick. Do it every day. Of course, that would be why the diet and the exercise have been spotty at best. But the writing? That's the one thing I always come back to. In fact, without writing it can feel akin to not being able to breathe. I need it.

So, for a month you will be seeing me making periodic updates on my progress. I'm working on a totally new project (something they encourage). This is a gaslight steampunk set in an alternate history New York City and contains some interesting characters that have been bugging me to write their stories. There are also a few more notable or recognizable names that just might show up for the ride. I love me some good history and the more strange the better. Definitely plan on adding some of that into the mix. The working title is Unwilling Allegiance and I'll post below the short blurb I wrote for the project. Let me know what you think.

When a iron clad warrior washes up on the shores of the Independent New York, Trevor McFane knows that even the iron fortress walls separating the city can't hold back the war going on in the fallen colonies beyond the waters. Not even the unsteady allegiance with a overbearing, manipulative Russian bear of a man named Stroiigard can assure that he will be safe. Already the members of the Tinker Society are disappearing and the only link he can find is to an elusive psychic holding court at Barnum's Museum. But he isn't the only one looking for Madam Petrov. India James, with her shock of white hair and widows garb is as unusual as the other participants, but her wealth of knowledge and astute accuracy with weaponry make her an unlikely partner. India is in search of a legend, the fable key to the Crystal City and she isn't about to let some overbearing, suit, no matter how intelligent he is, get in the way of finding the artifact that will release her parent's souls.

Joining the masses who will be taking the NaNoWriMo Challenge? Post me a message and let me know how you are faring and what your project will be. I'd love to buddy up and help cheer us all on to victory.

In case you hadn't noticed, there's a new page on my blog...

In case you hadn't noticed, there's a new page on my blog called Olive U. Actually, if you go to any of my sites or blogs you will find the same information and the same story. The page is all about Information , Compassion , Understanding and Caring . All the things that were important to the namesake of this page. After all, we all need something to stand for... this is what I stand for and I hope you will too!

Of Ghosts and Other Things

It's October, and as such, most find that they are inundated with ghosties, goulies and all kinds of paranormal wanderings as we lead up to Halloween. It always amazes me how many people suddenly find the idea of the paranormal and spirits to be more accepting when we come to this time of year, as if the holiday itself gives them permission to look into a lesser viewed side of our existence.

When I set out to write Three Truths I didn't set out with the idea of including the spirit of Simon's wife. But she became and integral part of the story, another match maker of sorts, for the beleaguered couple. I didn't realize until the story was done how much my own belief system had somehow transplanted into the storyline. They do tell us to write what we know. And, in this case, I know a thing or two about spirits.

I can't even begin to tell you when this fascination with spirits began. From the beginning I was picking out books from the library involving ghosts and otherworldly beings. Stories of hauntings never scared me, only served to imbibe with compassion of those who may be trapped by circumstances or beliefs and, even, a strong sense of history with a respect for the past. But still, this doesn't explain how the shy little girl from a small Maine fishing community ended up wandering through darkened buildings in the dead of night looking for something that would terrify most people. It also gave little warning of the personal journey that the experiences took me on and how it would change my life and my own belief system.

At first, I thought it was the history that got me. I hate vague inaccuracies and the more I researched the paranormal locations in Maine, the more irritated I became by the copy and paste mentality that I found on multiple sites. The same information was dredged up time and again with respect for the legend, location or the accuracy involved. I was just this that I lamented on a local Ghost Hunter message boards and it was this drive that had me attending one of their meet ups. After talking with them I joined their group and spent a very interesting year travelling the state and investigating a number of locations. It was one of the busiest and also the most interesting experiences I ever had. As a child who loved to look through the windows of houses and imagine the activity within, being a ghost hunter took me inside the walls. I found myself exposed to all sorts of emotions, actions and, even, inactions (as some places did not live up to the expectations), but throughout it all I began to realize that this was something I was supposed to be involved in because it continued my journey into discovering that I had another side to me as a spirit intuitive.

Bah, a spirit intuitive... a bunch of mumbo jumbo most would say. My husband was one of those that had no belief in the paranormal... at the beginning. To this day he poo-poos those that claim abilities, even when I point out that his wife is among those with the ability to communicate with spirits. I'm not a medium. I can't do this at will, only be receptive when they come to me. I can't carry on a conversation with them, but I can hear some of them, and I can see some and only sense others. It's randomness and that randomness only leads to doubts among the skeptical. I can only appreciate their skepticism, I'm a card carrying member myself, and tell them what I've experienced. They have to experience it for themselves in order to truly believe.

When I started writing Stealing Darkness I only knew that Minn Sterling was a woman with a psychic ability that she could not control, nor deny. She had watched her mother struggle with her own abilities and it had driven her to her end. Minn lived with the fear of losing her mind and that was what keeps her from getting close to anyone, including the one man who loves her the most.
The idea that this is not a gift, but a calling is not new. As many people as there are that tout their "gifts" to the world, there are just as many who go about quietly and try to help as they can. Most aren't stopping people in the grocery store line and many will never offer up tales of being chased up a stairway by an unseen entity. But that doesn't mean they aren't out there. Because we are. On the rare occasion I talk about my interactions with spirits I'm quick to point out that manyof them come to me for help. I try to do my best to help them, but often it's just a need to be heard. The obvious deterant to this would be to hear them while they are alive so they don't have to carry it with them after. Compassion in life as in death is the key. We'd all do a little better with compassion.

The Reality of Being an Author

When you tell people that you've published a book they automatically seem to think that you are success and have enough money to make the Megabucks seems like a piddly amount. The reality is much different for authors. I've been both traditionally and Independently published and I can tell you that neither one of them is a cakewalk. The upside is that we are doing something we love (or hate. It's a two-sided coin.).

Author Jessica Jewett has posted a great article talking about the reality of being a Bestselling Author. She gleaned much of the information from another blog post, but it's well worth the read. Check it out.

Jessica Jewett; The Reality of Being an Author

New to the Toolbox

I've added something new to my Author Toolbox and to my Associations. I've joined Sisters in Crime . What is that? It's a national writer organization that focuses on women crime writers. This is big. This is VERY big. The way I look at is that the more you align yourself with people who have similar goals, the more likely you are to succeed. That's why I've been a member of RWA for so many years. I've always been adamant about gathering resources and this is yet another great resource.

In Stephen King's book, On Writing, he talks about gathering your toolbox of items that you'll need to succeed. Into that box you put all the things that will aid in the road to publication. I've been published, but that doesn't mean that I stop now. In fact, the need to keep expanding your toolbox grows along with your career. Makes sense doesn't it. It also makes sense that as your career path changes, so does the need for the things in your toolbox. If something doesn't work now, that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't work at a later date. It's like those scenes that don't work for your current work-in-progress, but you go on to cannibalize it for another book. Most of us have done this at one point or another.

So, this is my latest step in my career. I'm actually very excited about it. It's a positive step and I hope to learn from the masters that populate such a fantastic organization. I'll keep you all apprised.

Rejection, Rinse, Repeat...

Odd title, I know, but frankly I'm in the kind of mood. Quirkey, resigned, somewhat off balance, none of these are new reactions for me. But then, I'm no stranger to rejection. This week I recieved a rejection from a well known house that allows submissions of previously published work. I'd submitte it back in August and had no hopes of hearing anything on it until October. So imagine my surprise when I opened my email on one of my truly yucky days this week and found an "R" email.

After comisserating with my friends I feel a bit better. The book is good. I can publish it myself. But I was hoping to find an expanded audience for it that I'm not sure I can get through Indie Pubbing. My friend Diane made the comment that "Instead of hurting less, it seems rejections wound us more", as we progress through the years. It's tough. No one wants their baby to be turned down, especially when it's already found a good home once. It's kind of like an animal being that been returned to the shelter and has to start looking for a good home and someone to love them all over again.

So, after a few days it doesn't smart as well. They didn't take the time to tell me it was horrible and to never send anything to darken their door again. In fact, the email suggests that something else may suit their needs later. But it's still rejection and now I am facing the difficult decision over which direction to turn. The way I see it I've got two options.

1. Try to submit to a house that is more mystery oriented and less romance oriented. But most of the big houses require an agent.
2. Indie pub it myself... and there is another option...
3. Indie pub it and make it a series. I've had a mind to do this for quite some time. There is another book that could easily become the next in the series. But do I really want to go there?

We shall see. I'll keep you all posted. I'm sure you're all on the edges of your seat to see what I'm going to do. But I think I'll chose to look at this as just another opportunity. After all, I'm an optimist at best.

Indie Pubbing: So... Let's Talk Pricing... Again

I can't tell you how many discussions I've been involved in that have to do with pricing your own work for sale. Think about it... you've labored for hours over this baby. You've sweat blood and tears over this work. Now,  you've got to put it at a price that will not only be fair to you, but won't turn readers away. How hard is that?

There are tons of writers out there all trying to gauge pricing and how to maneuver for the best sales. But none of us truly can say what will work and what won't. I've done the KDP select route and I've done the free days and frankly, all it did for me was kill of potential sales. I may have gained a reader, but they've already bought my book. Now what?

Okay, so a lot of this has to do with the fact that without additional inventory to give to readers you really have very little play room with setting prices. But that doesn't mean that you should in any way undercut the value of your work. You spent the hours writing and editing. You've either purchased, or spent the time to create a catchy cover to attract the readers. You've done promotion. You've done it all. Are you undervaluing your work.

I get it. Without readers it really doesn't mean anything. You could put it at hundreds of dollars or nothing and it would have the same effect. (I'd like to try the $100 option, just for the kick of it). But now that some of the bright, shiny newness of indie pubbing is wearing off we have to take a serious look at what is going to work long term.

Let's use Three Truths as an example. This work is a roughly 50,000 words. It's the size of a contemporary category fiction from one of the large pubbing houses. If it went out from them they'd charge about $4.99 ($3.99 if you buy off their site) for an ebook version. I had my book, which was originally intended for the same market, at a price point of $1.99. Sounds like a good deal, huh? But is a potential reader going to look at the price and think that the book can't be good because it isn't priced higher? I've got a friend who consumes ebooks voraciously. She tells me that paying $3.99 for a book or higher doesn't bother her because she knows that she's getting something good for her money. She looks at the price as a value indication. So why don't we as writers and indie pubbers look at it the same way?

My dear, dear friend Nina Pierce, who has graciously guided me and talked me off more than one ledge at a time or two, goes by the Taco Pricing when looking at pricing her work. (By the way, her work is amazing!)

 $0.99 (1 Taco) ? Books less 10,000 words
$1.99 (2 Tacos) ? Books 10,001 to 20,000 words
$2.99 (3 Tacos) ? Books 20,001 to 50,000 words
$3.99 (4 Tacos) ? Books 50,001 to 75,000 words
$4.99 (5 Tacos) ? Books 75,001 to 100,000 words
$5.99 (6 Tacos) ? Books 100,001 words to ???
I'm 99% sure she got this from someone else, but the idea is the same. It's a comparison of tacos to books. How many tacos are you getting for your dollars?

Guess what? I adjusted my prices. I may not be selling much, but I don't want to undervalue my work. That doesn't mean that I won't occasionally be doing deals (hint... hint), but it does mean that I pride myself on my work and I know that it can stand on it's own.

What's your take on pricing?

When Did it Become Fall?

I've been busy. Daughter is now back at college and son is back at school and things should be settling down around here, but they aren't. I love my kids, but I've have also always loved the time when they went back to school (my apologies to the teachers who also have to go back). Somehow, when the dust settles it easier to get my thoughts back in line and think about all the things that need to be done before the upcoming holidays. But this year I'm distracted.

Not only am I getting lots of new things up in my Etsy Shop (shameless self promotion inserted here), but I'm editing a book that I wrote some time ago and that has my mind going in a thousand different directions. Last week, one of my most favorite cities was again in danger. I was in New Orleans in the pre-Katrina era, certainly not long before. I'd love to say that the city won't be forever divided in history as pre and post Katrina, but it would seem that the impact is monumental. For me, the story I wrote was based on the city I saw pre-Katrina. Now, I'm charged with going back and rewriting the history I wrote to include a much changed city. One I can only imagine.

In my book, I wrote about the sounds and smells and the feel of a city where the air was heavy with history and rich with opulence, decadence and especially, elegance. I centered a key twist around a scene in the fabricated Hotel Casteleone. There was no such hotel in New Orleans, not to my knowledge, but the essence of it is a compilation of all the wonderful things I witnessed in the French Quarter. Before going to New Orleans my ideas of grand hotels were based on the legendary Waldorf Astoria in New York and the Sir Francis Drake on Union Square in San Francisco. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the Grande Dames of the Veiux Carre. The architecture of the city is enough to make anyone swoon with glee, but the history behind that architecture lingers like a viable essence that exudes from every pore of every brick, every chip of stone and every gilded iron balustrade. Ultimately, the Hotel Castelone had the formidable and inspiring entrance of the Ponchartrain Hotel, the formality of the Hotel Monteleone (and a slight nod to the name) and the courtyard somewhat along the lines of the one at the Hotel Dupuy. The Hotel Monteleon and the Hotel Dupuy are still going strong, despite the trials of weather and economy. The Ponchartrain is now a senior living center, an ironic twist for a hotel that once hosted celebrities and travellers who escaped to the city for an often extended stay.

So, I'm off once again to work on my book, hoping to do justice to such a wonderful city and knowing that I could never truly do it justice. Until then, Bonne Chance!

No matter what you take from this article, it's food for ...

No matter what you take from this article, it's food for thought. From Kindle Review, New Accurate E- Book Best Seller List ~ Or Big 6 Manipulation & Trickery?
Check it out and let me know what you think. Can there be fair reporting of ebook bestseller status? Or is this something that is still somewhere down the road?