Okay, this letter was hard for me to come up with something, so I'm grasping. This is true though. I have felt at times that I am going up to everyone in America, one person at a time, and asking them if they have heard of my book and if they would be interested in reading it. Writing is hard. Marketing is harder. I would rather sit in my office with writer's block for a solid week, day after day, than to have to market for even an hour. I'm just not a natural born sales person. So what do I do?
Well, for one thing, I carry business cards with me. You never know when the subject of reading is going to come up. I don't hand the cards out to everyone I meet, and I'm not usually the one who brings up the subject of reading. But once it is out there I will mention that I am a writer. If I see any interest at all in their eyes, I will delve a little further, telling them what sort of books I write. Then I might ask if they read YA or know someone who does. If the answer is yes, I will give them a card.
The above only works on people you meet in person, of course.
You have to use a different approach with people you meet online. I can't very well give them a business card. And you have to be careful not to 'spam' online. I hate that word. There have been a few times that I've mentioned my books in the wrong place. Answers at yahoo is a good place to find readers, but you aren't allowed to tell them about your books. You have to have a friend do it for you. Fortunately, I have an awesome friend who goes in there from time to time and mentions my books to people asking for a paranormal read.
Stay tuned for the letter I.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
YA Indie Carnival: Chemistry Contest
Visit the carnies and vote on which characters have the most chemistry. To vote for the winner, go here: http://yaauthorclub.blogspot.com
You will be entered to win a book by the author you voted for.
Here is my entry. This scene joins Dylan after he's been knocked out. Starr and Lily rush to his side to see if he's okay:
Dylan reopened his eyes. They weren't glazed over this time, but shining with the light of pure reason. Fully awake now, a hand went to his head as he struggled to sit up. Starr grabbed onto his arm to help him. She gestured for Lily to leave them alone.
For the first time since Starr had known her, Lily instantly obeyed. She mumbled something about getting him a wet rag for his head. Then she was gone, running donw the hallway, still apologizing for what she'd done to Dylan in a loud voice that echoed back to them.
After struggling into a sitting position, Dylan scooted closer to the wall and leaned back against it. He looked dazed and didn't even try to speak. Starr plunked down next to him and asked if he was okay. She studied his features, watching for signs that he might need a doctor. Her hand reached for his. Their fingers entangled while resting on his lap.
"Dylan?"
He turned his head to smile at her, and his eyes flooded with emotion. "I've missed you so much." He touched her hair, smoothing it as if it was made of something fragile and priceless. "I can't believe you're here. Part of me is afraid this is just a dream."
"What do you mean you missed me? I didn't go anywhere."
"Yes you did. We both did."
"Maybe we should take you to the hospital."
His smile widened. "I don't need a doctor. I'm fine. I remember now."
"Remember what?"
"Everything." He spoke like a man at peace with himself and the world around him. If Starr didn't know better, she would think he'd been drinking. There was something different about him. Starr blinked a few times, stunned by the change. Was it her imagination or was there a dangerous aura enveloping him like a dark cloak?
The air crackled with a new awareness.
Starr tried to form a word several times before any sound emerged. "W-what?" She cleared her throat and tried again. What was wrong with her? Why were her hands shaking? "Uh... what do you mean?"
"I remember being in the It-Squad, and I remember everything about you." His tongue slid across his lower lip, drawing her attention to his very kissable mouth. He added, "You and I have a history that neither one of us knew about."
"History?"
"Yeah. You and I had somthing going before this whole game mess started."
"We did?" She swallowed.
"We did."
Starr moved closer, desperately wanting him to kiss her. There was something forbidden about it. Her stomach clenched. As her mouth lightly brushed his she felt like she was cheating on Dylan with someone new. How ridiculous. This was Dylan, the boy she'd wanted half her life.
When she hesitated in deepening the kiss, Dylan went for it. He cupped her face between both hands and kissed her breathless. Every nerve ending she owned began to sizzle. She felt the kiss all the way down to her toes. Even the way he kissed had changed. Llike mixing gasoline with fire, passion exploded between them.
There it is, my scene. If you want to vote for it, go to the above link and leave a comment. That will enter you into the contest. Also, view the other carnis by clicking the different links on this site to see what they have to offer. Thanks in advance!
You will be entered to win a book by the author you voted for.
Here is my entry. This scene joins Dylan after he's been knocked out. Starr and Lily rush to his side to see if he's okay:
Dylan reopened his eyes. They weren't glazed over this time, but shining with the light of pure reason. Fully awake now, a hand went to his head as he struggled to sit up. Starr grabbed onto his arm to help him. She gestured for Lily to leave them alone.
For the first time since Starr had known her, Lily instantly obeyed. She mumbled something about getting him a wet rag for his head. Then she was gone, running donw the hallway, still apologizing for what she'd done to Dylan in a loud voice that echoed back to them.
After struggling into a sitting position, Dylan scooted closer to the wall and leaned back against it. He looked dazed and didn't even try to speak. Starr plunked down next to him and asked if he was okay. She studied his features, watching for signs that he might need a doctor. Her hand reached for his. Their fingers entangled while resting on his lap.
"Dylan?"
He turned his head to smile at her, and his eyes flooded with emotion. "I've missed you so much." He touched her hair, smoothing it as if it was made of something fragile and priceless. "I can't believe you're here. Part of me is afraid this is just a dream."
"What do you mean you missed me? I didn't go anywhere."
"Yes you did. We both did."
"Maybe we should take you to the hospital."
His smile widened. "I don't need a doctor. I'm fine. I remember now."
"Remember what?"
"Everything." He spoke like a man at peace with himself and the world around him. If Starr didn't know better, she would think he'd been drinking. There was something different about him. Starr blinked a few times, stunned by the change. Was it her imagination or was there a dangerous aura enveloping him like a dark cloak?
The air crackled with a new awareness.
Starr tried to form a word several times before any sound emerged. "W-what?" She cleared her throat and tried again. What was wrong with her? Why were her hands shaking? "Uh... what do you mean?"
"I remember being in the It-Squad, and I remember everything about you." His tongue slid across his lower lip, drawing her attention to his very kissable mouth. He added, "You and I have a history that neither one of us knew about."
"History?"
"Yeah. You and I had somthing going before this whole game mess started."
"We did?" She swallowed.
"We did."
Starr moved closer, desperately wanting him to kiss her. There was something forbidden about it. Her stomach clenched. As her mouth lightly brushed his she felt like she was cheating on Dylan with someone new. How ridiculous. This was Dylan, the boy she'd wanted half her life.
When she hesitated in deepening the kiss, Dylan went for it. He cupped her face between both hands and kissed her breathless. Every nerve ending she owned began to sizzle. She felt the kiss all the way down to her toes. Even the way he kissed had changed. Llike mixing gasoline with fire, passion exploded between them.
There it is, my scene. If you want to vote for it, go to the above link and leave a comment. That will enter you into the contest. Also, view the other carnis by clicking the different links on this site to see what they have to offer. Thanks in advance!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Inspiration
This word comes up a lot. I've been hearing it at least once a month since I first started writing. My writer friends search for it. People on message boards question it. Books tell you how to find it. What is inspiration?
I remember someone asking this question in a college creative writing class once. To my knowledge it was never truly answered. Inspiration is whatever you make of it. It is that 'little something' that helps you finish your novel or to even create a new one. It sets you on the right path. How do you find it?
That's a hard one. I think the answer is different for everyone. A friend and I were discussing this over the phone last week because we were both having trouble getting our Works in Progress finished. I found my inspiration and things are going well now. She's still searching for hers. What helped me is not helping her. So I think 'inspiration' is a very personal thing.
I was having trouble because I lost my joy of writing. It's become a chore. How many of you know that you can't force yourself to write without coming up with slop? That's how it is for me anyhow. Maybe you're different. I fell out of love with writing. It happens. If writing is your chosen profession, you are not guaranteed to love it one-hundred percent of the time. Like marriage, you have to work at it. So what did I do to fall in love with it again?
I sought inspiration.
Where can you find inspiration?
1. Music
2. Books written by others
3. Movies
4. Dreams
5. Daydreaming
I have found all of these helpful from time to time. Oddly enough I find it this time in my own writing. I had to reread Vampires Rule and Werewolves Rule so that I can keep Shifters Rule straight. The characters and story sucked me in. Even though I wrote it myself I didn't remember very much of it. It was like reading it for the first time.
Also, when I was in church the other day praying for help with my writing, scenes popped into my head and the story has been fixed. My love has returned. Hopefully it will stay with me for a long time. Happy writing! :)
I remember someone asking this question in a college creative writing class once. To my knowledge it was never truly answered. Inspiration is whatever you make of it. It is that 'little something' that helps you finish your novel or to even create a new one. It sets you on the right path. How do you find it?
That's a hard one. I think the answer is different for everyone. A friend and I were discussing this over the phone last week because we were both having trouble getting our Works in Progress finished. I found my inspiration and things are going well now. She's still searching for hers. What helped me is not helping her. So I think 'inspiration' is a very personal thing.
I was having trouble because I lost my joy of writing. It's become a chore. How many of you know that you can't force yourself to write without coming up with slop? That's how it is for me anyhow. Maybe you're different. I fell out of love with writing. It happens. If writing is your chosen profession, you are not guaranteed to love it one-hundred percent of the time. Like marriage, you have to work at it. So what did I do to fall in love with it again?
I sought inspiration.
Where can you find inspiration?
1. Music
2. Books written by others
3. Movies
4. Dreams
5. Daydreaming
I have found all of these helpful from time to time. Oddly enough I find it this time in my own writing. I had to reread Vampires Rule and Werewolves Rule so that I can keep Shifters Rule straight. The characters and story sucked me in. Even though I wrote it myself I didn't remember very much of it. It was like reading it for the first time.
Also, when I was in church the other day praying for help with my writing, scenes popped into my head and the story has been fixed. My love has returned. Hopefully it will stay with me for a long time. Happy writing! :)
Friday, July 20, 2012
YA Indie Carnival Giveaway and Other News
This week certain members of the Carnival are giving away books, today only. Be sure to click on their sites below and enter to win. I am sitting this one out.
In other news, Harlequin has re-released one of my Romantic Suspense novels Borrowed Identity as an ebook. If you like your romance mixed with danger, go to eHarlequin.com and look up Borrowed Identity. It's an Intrigue. What is it about?
Kelly wakes up in bed alone the day after marrying Michael Taggert. She is still wearing her wedding gown. When she gets up to put the gown in the closet, she finds her new husband DEAD. Someone murdered him... maybe they're still inside of Moore House (the place she's called home her whole life). She runs down the hallway. There is a flash of lightning. It reveals the face of her new husband. He's standing in front of her as if nothing happened. She faints. When she wakes up the second time, she is in her nightgown and Michael is trying to convince her that it was all a dream. So why doesn't she believe him?
Maybe because this is not the Michael she married.
Moore House is rumored to have hidden diamonds somewhere in the multitude of connecting rooms. Someone wants those diamonds. The question is how badly do they want them? Bad enough to convince Kelly that she's lost her mind? Bad enough to murder?
If you are interested in the giveaway, check with the Carnis in my last YA Indie Carnival post below. For some reason this thing won't let me recopy them.
In other news, Harlequin has re-released one of my Romantic Suspense novels Borrowed Identity as an ebook. If you like your romance mixed with danger, go to eHarlequin.com and look up Borrowed Identity. It's an Intrigue. What is it about?
Kelly wakes up in bed alone the day after marrying Michael Taggert. She is still wearing her wedding gown. When she gets up to put the gown in the closet, she finds her new husband DEAD. Someone murdered him... maybe they're still inside of Moore House (the place she's called home her whole life). She runs down the hallway. There is a flash of lightning. It reveals the face of her new husband. He's standing in front of her as if nothing happened. She faints. When she wakes up the second time, she is in her nightgown and Michael is trying to convince her that it was all a dream. So why doesn't she believe him?
Maybe because this is not the Michael she married.
Moore House is rumored to have hidden diamonds somewhere in the multitude of connecting rooms. Someone wants those diamonds. The question is how badly do they want them? Bad enough to convince Kelly that she's lost her mind? Bad enough to murder?
If you are interested in the giveaway, check with the Carnis in my last YA Indie Carnival post below. For some reason this thing won't let me recopy them.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
YA Indie Carnival: Summer Reads
This week at the Carnival we are talking about our favorite Summer Reads. What have you been reading this summer? If you are stuck for ideas, see what the Carnis have to say on the subject. And please list what you've been reading below. Maybe you'll give us some ideas of what to read next.
1. City of Bones: I have been re-reading this one.
2. The Outsiders: I love all of S.E. Hinton's books. If you haven't read them, now is a great time to do so.
3. The Demon's Lexicon trilogy: I actually don't remember the name of this series, but the first book is The Demon's Lexicon. It's a fun series to read. I read each book in one day. I'll be doing a review on them soon, so check back if you're interested in knowing more.
4. City of Fallen Angels/City of Lost Souls: These two are the latest in the Mortal Instrument series. I have copies of them now and can't wait to dig in.
1. City of Bones: I have been re-reading this one.
2. The Outsiders: I love all of S.E. Hinton's books. If you haven't read them, now is a great time to do so.
3. The Demon's Lexicon trilogy: I actually don't remember the name of this series, but the first book is The Demon's Lexicon. It's a fun series to read. I read each book in one day. I'll be doing a review on them soon, so check back if you're interested in knowing more.
4. City of Fallen Angels/City of Lost Souls: These two are the latest in the Mortal Instrument series. I have copies of them now and can't wait to dig in.
Review: Witch Hunt (another)
Here are some more reviews for Witch Hunt (my most popular book to date). The first review is from Smashwords and the second came from Goodreads.
So, I’ve been thinking for a few days about this book and why I liked it. First of all, the game itself was an interesting concept. It was kind of a cat and mouse kind of game but in this instance it was “Fox” and “Hound”. It was a different game than the one in Crushed. It was a little more detailed and if you weren’t paying attention to the rules you might miss something. There were twists, turns, and a little bit of mystery in the plot. I really liked it because one of the characters had a touch of Nancy Drew flair to her. Starr was a nosy, pushy, get the story at all costs kind of girl. She didn’t care if there was danger involved. She just wanted the facts that led to the story. The characters were well written. They were exactly what the story needed in order for the plot to unfurl the way it did. There was a bit of a romance but it didn’t over power the story. I rather liked that the mystery and intrigue was driving this story.
I read Crushed which made me decide to give this book a read. I do like the writing style of KC Blake. She tells a good story and knows how to keep a captive audience. She gives just enough detail to hold the interest of the reader but doesn’t give it all the way so that the reader wants to keep reading. I also like that in this series we are not following up on characters but the story focuses on a new game with new characters for the reader to know. So even though this is a series it is also stand alone. Brilliant!!
What it comes down to is if I would recommend this book. My answer is yes. It has great characters, a little bit of romance, some mystery, and an interesting game. It’s a total package. So add it to the summer reading list and go on a Witch Hunt.
And another:
This book was pretty awesome. The idea of the game and the It-Squad was very interesting. It actually took me a couple of pages till I finally understood how the game actually worked. All the memory losing and what not had me confused xD But once I had that figured out, it went well on it's way.
I really liked Starr, she was spiffy and nosy, but that's what she does, aren't all reporters all on your face? xD But, even though she was upfront about her investigating, she was still pretty smart about the whole thing and very down to earth. It wasn't like other books were it was so damn obvious with all the clues and they still couldn't put 2 and 2 together to even make a reasonable or even close guess. Starr may have not figured out who it was till the very end but she at least had a damn good guess. Really like Dylan too, he was a mix between tough guy and sweet and vulnerable. The one character who got on my nerves was Lily. She was like a damn 5 year-old could not for the life of her get a clue, and she would get pissed about it too!
Great book, it had a good pace, action, romance and mystery.
So, I’ve been thinking for a few days about this book and why I liked it. First of all, the game itself was an interesting concept. It was kind of a cat and mouse kind of game but in this instance it was “Fox” and “Hound”. It was a different game than the one in Crushed. It was a little more detailed and if you weren’t paying attention to the rules you might miss something. There were twists, turns, and a little bit of mystery in the plot. I really liked it because one of the characters had a touch of Nancy Drew flair to her. Starr was a nosy, pushy, get the story at all costs kind of girl. She didn’t care if there was danger involved. She just wanted the facts that led to the story. The characters were well written. They were exactly what the story needed in order for the plot to unfurl the way it did. There was a bit of a romance but it didn’t over power the story. I rather liked that the mystery and intrigue was driving this story.
I read Crushed which made me decide to give this book a read. I do like the writing style of KC Blake. She tells a good story and knows how to keep a captive audience. She gives just enough detail to hold the interest of the reader but doesn’t give it all the way so that the reader wants to keep reading. I also like that in this series we are not following up on characters but the story focuses on a new game with new characters for the reader to know. So even though this is a series it is also stand alone. Brilliant!!
What it comes down to is if I would recommend this book. My answer is yes. It has great characters, a little bit of romance, some mystery, and an interesting game. It’s a total package. So add it to the summer reading list and go on a Witch Hunt.
And another:
This book was pretty awesome. The idea of the game and the It-Squad was very interesting. It actually took me a couple of pages till I finally understood how the game actually worked. All the memory losing and what not had me confused xD But once I had that figured out, it went well on it's way.
I really liked Starr, she was spiffy and nosy, but that's what she does, aren't all reporters all on your face? xD But, even though she was upfront about her investigating, she was still pretty smart about the whole thing and very down to earth. It wasn't like other books were it was so damn obvious with all the clues and they still couldn't put 2 and 2 together to even make a reasonable or even close guess. Starr may have not figured out who it was till the very end but she at least had a damn good guess. Really like Dylan too, he was a mix between tough guy and sweet and vulnerable. The one character who got on my nerves was Lily. She was like a damn 5 year-old could not for the life of her get a clue, and she would get pissed about it too!
Great book, it had a good pace, action, romance and mystery.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Review: City of Bones
I have decided to start reviewing books from time to time. They will be books that I buy and that I want to read. Please don't ask me to review your book. Even if it's awesome I am just starting out with reviewing and want to do it at a slow pace. I may not even continue to do this. We'll see. First, I want to start with my favorite book, City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
Back cover: When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. (I love this part, grabs your attention). Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Darkhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons--and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within 24 hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. Buth why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Darkhunters want to know...
Awesome!
My review: Clare pulls you in from the first paragraph and doesn't let go. The tension runs high throughout the novel. I love her characters, especially wise-cracking Jace. He is my kind of guy. Clare's writing style is brimming with detail, so visual that you can picture it clearly in your mind. When Clary first meets Jace, they don't appear to like each other, but a sweet romance blossoms as they are forced to spend time together. She seems to be a fragile girl at first (at least to me), but she never backs down from a fight. I love it how she stands up to anyone and everyone from Jace to the demon that attacks her. This book is 485 pages long. Needless to say, I didn't finish it in one sitting although I wanted to. Recently I reread this book for the second time, getting ready for the latest in the series: City of Lost Souls.
If you love action, romance, and the paranormal, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of City of Bones. You will not regret it.
I give it A++, my highest rating for a book, because I have read it four times and it never gets old. Love it!
Cover: You can't tell here, but this cover glows. Love it. I do wish they'd gotten a model that actually looks like Jace.
Back cover: When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. (I love this part, grabs your attention). Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Darkhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons--and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within 24 hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. Buth why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Darkhunters want to know...
Awesome!
My review: Clare pulls you in from the first paragraph and doesn't let go. The tension runs high throughout the novel. I love her characters, especially wise-cracking Jace. He is my kind of guy. Clare's writing style is brimming with detail, so visual that you can picture it clearly in your mind. When Clary first meets Jace, they don't appear to like each other, but a sweet romance blossoms as they are forced to spend time together. She seems to be a fragile girl at first (at least to me), but she never backs down from a fight. I love it how she stands up to anyone and everyone from Jace to the demon that attacks her. This book is 485 pages long. Needless to say, I didn't finish it in one sitting although I wanted to. Recently I reread this book for the second time, getting ready for the latest in the series: City of Lost Souls.
If you love action, romance, and the paranormal, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of City of Bones. You will not regret it.
I give it A++, my highest rating for a book, because I have read it four times and it never gets old. Love it!
Cover: You can't tell here, but this cover glows. Love it. I do wish they'd gotten a model that actually looks like Jace.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Review: Witch Hunt
Because I wrote Witch Hunt I will not be reviewing it, but I will copy over a few reviews of it for you so that you can see what people are saying about it. This is the first in a long line of reviews I've set up for Witch Hunt. Here is a small section of what the blogger had to say about the book:
Witch Hunt is the sequel to Crushed in K.C. Blake’s The Witch-Game series. I always love reading Blake’s novels. She’s a fantastic writer. Blake writes her teen characters with great personalities and the storylines are full of humor, drama, and romance that quickly pulls me in. I can’t flip the pages fast enough. In this second book we have all new characters playing a different witch game that takes this group of teen witches and warlocks on a mystery detective style to try to get their true identity and lives back. Blake has created an amazing world of suspense and magic with a heroine who’s head-strong and ready to take on the bad guy while trying to hold on to her guy Dylan who's the love of life.
Starr is the Baycott Academy school reporter, and no amount of snooping is too much for her when it comes to getting her story. And the one story she wants more than any other is: what secrets are the It-Squad hiding? Starr also has her own personal reason for wanting to get close to the untouchable, popular Squad, and his name is Dylan Winchester. Starr has been crushing on Dylan forever and this is her last year in school to make her dreams with Dylan come true. Starr is snooping on the Squad to find out what their secret game is all about, but she had no idea it would involve the death of Jade and be the cause of why she’s dead. Starr realizes this is no game, its real, but now Starr is in the game for her life and if she loses, what life will she have and will it include Dylan?
If you want to read the entire review, you can find it here on I Heart YA Books:
http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/witch-hunt-witch-game-2-by-kc-blake.html?spref=tw
Witch Hunt is the sequel to Crushed in K.C. Blake’s The Witch-Game series. I always love reading Blake’s novels. She’s a fantastic writer. Blake writes her teen characters with great personalities and the storylines are full of humor, drama, and romance that quickly pulls me in. I can’t flip the pages fast enough. In this second book we have all new characters playing a different witch game that takes this group of teen witches and warlocks on a mystery detective style to try to get their true identity and lives back. Blake has created an amazing world of suspense and magic with a heroine who’s head-strong and ready to take on the bad guy while trying to hold on to her guy Dylan who's the love of life.
Starr is the Baycott Academy school reporter, and no amount of snooping is too much for her when it comes to getting her story. And the one story she wants more than any other is: what secrets are the It-Squad hiding? Starr also has her own personal reason for wanting to get close to the untouchable, popular Squad, and his name is Dylan Winchester. Starr has been crushing on Dylan forever and this is her last year in school to make her dreams with Dylan come true. Starr is snooping on the Squad to find out what their secret game is all about, but she had no idea it would involve the death of Jade and be the cause of why she’s dead. Starr realizes this is no game, its real, but now Starr is in the game for her life and if she loses, what life will she have and will it include Dylan?
If you want to read the entire review, you can find it here on I Heart YA Books:
http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/witch-hunt-witch-game-2-by-kc-blake.html?spref=tw
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Marketing 101: G is for Goodreads
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to return to these posts on Marketing. I've been busy. Today we are going to talk about one of my favorite sites. If I had to give up all but one or two sites on the Internet, Goodreads is one I would fight to hold onto. Why?
1. Connect with readers: This is a great place to hear what readers think about your books and others. You can communicate with them (as long as you watch what you say). More than any other site, Goodreads has helped me find readers that will love my books.
2. Giveaways: They have a great giveaway program on Goodreads. It's too bad you aren't allowed to give away ebooks yet, but they say we will be able to at some point. For now you can give away print copies to as many people as you want. I signed up Crushed for the program and over a thousand people signed up to win it. This helped to get the word out. Some people only want it if it's free and will sign up for anything, but quite a few bought my book after they didn't win it.
3. Reviews: This is a great place to get reviews, although reading them might not be a good idea. They have discussed this subject at length in groups on Goodreads. Some people feel superior when they rip apart your work. If they don't like the book, they should be allowed to express that, but some people enjoy the process of crushing books too much. Still, some comments are helpful. They don't like the book and they tell you why so that maybe you can learn from your mistakes.
4. Blog: You can connect Goodreads to your blog. Any time you can connect your blog to another place it's a good thing. More people will see it. Awesome.
5. Ads: You can pay for an ad and make sure your target audience sees it. I haven't done this yet, but I suspect I will try it someday.
6. Events: You can start an event for a book launch, blog tour, etc. This is a great way to spread the word.
There are tons of things you can do on Goodreads. It's an awesome site. If you haven't tried it, you should.
1. Connect with readers: This is a great place to hear what readers think about your books and others. You can communicate with them (as long as you watch what you say). More than any other site, Goodreads has helped me find readers that will love my books.
2. Giveaways: They have a great giveaway program on Goodreads. It's too bad you aren't allowed to give away ebooks yet, but they say we will be able to at some point. For now you can give away print copies to as many people as you want. I signed up Crushed for the program and over a thousand people signed up to win it. This helped to get the word out. Some people only want it if it's free and will sign up for anything, but quite a few bought my book after they didn't win it.
3. Reviews: This is a great place to get reviews, although reading them might not be a good idea. They have discussed this subject at length in groups on Goodreads. Some people feel superior when they rip apart your work. If they don't like the book, they should be allowed to express that, but some people enjoy the process of crushing books too much. Still, some comments are helpful. They don't like the book and they tell you why so that maybe you can learn from your mistakes.
4. Blog: You can connect Goodreads to your blog. Any time you can connect your blog to another place it's a good thing. More people will see it. Awesome.
5. Ads: You can pay for an ad and make sure your target audience sees it. I haven't done this yet, but I suspect I will try it someday.
6. Events: You can start an event for a book launch, blog tour, etc. This is a great way to spread the word.
There are tons of things you can do on Goodreads. It's an awesome site. If you haven't tried it, you should.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Scenes With Spark
Because this week we are celebrating the 4th of July, we here at the YA Indie Carnival are putting up scenes with spark. I am going to share a partial scene from Witch Hunt with you. If you hate spoilers, you might not want to read it. This scene takes place a little more than halfway through the book. Dylan just got hit by a ball of magical light that knocked some sense into him. We join this scene already in progress.
Dylan reopened his eyes. They weren't glazed over this time, but shining with the light of pure reason. Fully awake now, a hand went to his head as he struggled to sit up. Starr grabbed onto his arm to help him. She gestured for Lily to leave them alone.
For the first time since Starr had known her, Lily instantly obeyed. She mumbled something about getting him a wet rag for his head. Then she was gone, running donw the hallway, still apologizing for what she'd done to Dylan in a loud voice that echoed back to them.
After struggling into a sitting position, Dylan scooted closer to the wall and leaned back against it. He looked dazed and didn't even try to speak. Starr plunked down next to him and asked if he was okay. She studied his features, watching for signs that he might need a doctor. Her hand reached for his. Their fingers entangled while resting on his lap.
"Dylan?"
He turned his head to smile at her, and his eyes flooded with emotion. "I've missed you so much." He touched her hair, smoothing it as if it was made of something fragile and priceless. "I can't believe you're here. Part of me is afraid this is just a dream."
"What do you mean you missed me? I didn't go anywhere."
"Yes you did. We both did."
"Maybe we should take you to the hospital."
His smile widened. "I don't need a doctor. I'm fine. I remember now."
"Remember what?"
"Everything." He spoke like a man at peace with himself and the world around him. If Starr didn't know better, she would think he'd been drinking. There was something different about him. Starr blinked a few times, stunned by the change. Was it her imagination or was there a dangerous aura enveloping him like a dark cloak?
The air crackled with a new awareness.
Starr tried to form a word several times before any sound emerged. "W-what?" She cleared her throat and tried again. What was wrong with her? Why were her hands shaking? "Uh... what do you mean?"
"I remember being in the It-Squad, and I remember everything about you." His tongue slid across his lower lip, drawing her attention to his very kissable mouth. He added, "You and I have a history that neither one of us knew about."
"History?"
"Yeah. You and I had somthing going before this whole game mess started."
"We did?" She swallowed.
"We did."
Starr moved closer, desperately wanting him to kiss her. There was something forbidden about it. Her stomach clenched. As her mouth lightly brushed his she felt like she was cheating on Dylan with someone new. How ridiculous. This was Dylan, the boy she'd wanted half her life.
When she hesitated in deepening the kiss, Dylan went for it. He cupped her face between both hands and kissed her breathless. Every nerve ending she owned began to sizzle. She felt the kiss all the way down to her toes. Even the way he kissed had changed. Llike mixing gasoline with fire, passion exploded between them.
If you want more... buy the book. lol
Dylan reopened his eyes. They weren't glazed over this time, but shining with the light of pure reason. Fully awake now, a hand went to his head as he struggled to sit up. Starr grabbed onto his arm to help him. She gestured for Lily to leave them alone.
For the first time since Starr had known her, Lily instantly obeyed. She mumbled something about getting him a wet rag for his head. Then she was gone, running donw the hallway, still apologizing for what she'd done to Dylan in a loud voice that echoed back to them.
After struggling into a sitting position, Dylan scooted closer to the wall and leaned back against it. He looked dazed and didn't even try to speak. Starr plunked down next to him and asked if he was okay. She studied his features, watching for signs that he might need a doctor. Her hand reached for his. Their fingers entangled while resting on his lap.
"Dylan?"
He turned his head to smile at her, and his eyes flooded with emotion. "I've missed you so much." He touched her hair, smoothing it as if it was made of something fragile and priceless. "I can't believe you're here. Part of me is afraid this is just a dream."
"What do you mean you missed me? I didn't go anywhere."
"Yes you did. We both did."
"Maybe we should take you to the hospital."
His smile widened. "I don't need a doctor. I'm fine. I remember now."
"Remember what?"
"Everything." He spoke like a man at peace with himself and the world around him. If Starr didn't know better, she would think he'd been drinking. There was something different about him. Starr blinked a few times, stunned by the change. Was it her imagination or was there a dangerous aura enveloping him like a dark cloak?
The air crackled with a new awareness.
Starr tried to form a word several times before any sound emerged. "W-what?" She cleared her throat and tried again. What was wrong with her? Why were her hands shaking? "Uh... what do you mean?"
"I remember being in the It-Squad, and I remember everything about you." His tongue slid across his lower lip, drawing her attention to his very kissable mouth. He added, "You and I have a history that neither one of us knew about."
"History?"
"Yeah. You and I had somthing going before this whole game mess started."
"We did?" She swallowed.
"We did."
Starr moved closer, desperately wanting him to kiss her. There was something forbidden about it. Her stomach clenched. As her mouth lightly brushed his she felt like she was cheating on Dylan with someone new. How ridiculous. This was Dylan, the boy she'd wanted half her life.
When she hesitated in deepening the kiss, Dylan went for it. He cupped her face between both hands and kissed her breathless. Every nerve ending she owned began to sizzle. She felt the kiss all the way down to her toes. Even the way he kissed had changed. Llike mixing gasoline with fire, passion exploded between them.
If you want more... buy the book. lol
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