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Friday, March 29, 2013
Pre-order button - wishful thinking!
*** Coming Soon!!!
I have a new book being released on April 3rd
and just for the heck of it, I went to see whether there’s a way to set up a
pre-order button for my readers so they can be notified when the book has finally
been released. It would act as a reminder to anyone reading my series that the
newest segment is ready for purchase.
Right???
Makes sense to me.
Of course, I went on Google to find my answer and
was rather disappointed. What I found on Amazon was that if you were hooked
with a big-name publisher, then yes, pre-orders were available. But sadly, for
the independent authors – not so much.
I guess there is a convoluted way around this dilemma
explained by a fellow author on the Kindle Direct Publishing page https://kdp.amazon.com/community/message.jspa?messageID=331672
who set up a cover, a welcome note, and instructions for getting the full ebook
when it became available. But this didn’t sound like the best solution for me.
Unless readers were aware of this being done, I can’t imagine most folks going
along with paying for a book and having to wait for it to be released.
Besides, I wasn’t really thinking that money should be
paid up front, more along the lines of our fans being able to fill in some type
of notification form. For instance, as soon as the book written by Mimi Barbour
is released with the specific title of High
Stakes Gamble then the people who filled in the request would be
automatically sent a notice with a nice BIG link or buy button.
Doesn’t that make sense?? Wished Amazon thought so.
Oh well! I guess if an author is really well
organized, he/she could put up a pre-order list where fans can sign up on their
website or blog to be notified when the book is released. Maybe they could
offer the reader a discount on the first few days before setting the proper price
to be charged.
Wouldn’t work too well for me since I charge 99cents
for all my books…..grumble!! But the notification list for them to sign might not be a bad idea.
Have any of you tried different methods to get
around this problem?
Please share JWednesday, March 27, 2013
I've just sent my book to the editor!!
High Stakes Gamble is at the editor's getting a nice polish and
will be released on April 3rd only 7 more days!!!
One of an author’s favorite sentences is, “I’ve just
sent my book to the editor.”
At least it certainly is for me. It means my book is
all but finished. I’ve done my part and now it’s up to the professional to do
theirs. Luckily, I’ve formed a great rapport with my editor for the Vegas
series, Bob Reed, and I trust him with my precious manuscript. It’s hugely
important to have a relationship like that with the person who gets to make
changes to your work. He’s quick, keeps me in the loop and the revisions he
makes are necessary but minimal.
I found out about this man from a colleague whose
books are always full of conflict and so well written. Because of that, I love
to read her work. Figured I should have me a fellow just like him. Then decided–
hell, why not just have him. Lucky for me he was available.
Previously, I’ve worked with others who didn’t quite
get my voice the way he does and it was a painful experience. Not only painful, but it put me back weeks in
repairing the damages.
(Just so you know- he doesn’t edit my blogs – maybe he
should…..gulp!)
Luckily, I’ve been blessed in my Vicarage Bench
series also to have worked with a wonderful editor through Wild Rose Press
called Nan Swanson. Because these books are spirit-travel romances set in Bury,
England, she keeps me on the straight and narrow when it comes to researching
my facts. Plus, she gets the “romance”
that’s so deeply engrained with these stories. The very first novella I wrote for
this series, I sent to her and she gave me a contract – now I feel as if I need
her special touch with each new book.
Unfortunately, as you know, I haven’t put out a new
Vicarage Bench book for over 2 years. That’s because I’m riding out my contracts
with an e-publisher in order to get the rights to those books back in my
control and then self-pub them. (but
that’s a whole new blog J)
****Speaking about the Vicarage Bench series, the
anthology is being advertised on the Free Kindle Book site today and my ranking
dropped like fat lady perched on a thin branch.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Cover Reveal - "OPAL'S SONG" by multi-published author, SJ Byrne
Opal's Song
Coming 2013 - Release date to be announced
A horrific accident on a rain
slicked mountainside and permanent paralysis from the waist down.
25 year old Lily Wade has to relearn simple, everyday activities just to live a seemingly normal life.
Opal—a precocious child in her rehabilitation group—teaches Lily about living joyfully after
surviving an immense tragedy and how
to find peace within the pain.
To keep a promise made, Lily must dust off her once beloved cello and connect with the music she’s kept locked inside a velvet lined case for nearly a decade.
A Teaser
The headlights of Darren’s extended
cab Chevy swung from left to right as he took the switch back curves much
faster than normal. Lines of tension formed beside his mouth, and his usually
relaxed hands clutched the black leather steering wheel in a white knuckle
death grip. Something about the way he pumped the brakes wasn’t quite right,
and the momentum of the truck was picking up instead of slowing down.
Lily wanted to ask if everything was
okay, but didn’t dare distract him from what was quickly becoming a dangerous
situation. Deep ingrained reflex made her tug on the strap of her seat belt to
ensure it would hold if the worst case scenario played itself out.
She’d ventured East with her
boyfriend to explore and get away from the stifling rules of her parents. They
had come into Western North Carolina via the Blue Ridge Mountains and
immediately fallen in love with the place. Eclectic Asheville stole her heart
with its combination of forward movement and backwards thinking. Only in that
particular valley, surrounded by some of the oldest mountains in the world,
could one community find the wherewithal to support so many varied lifestyle
modalities. From the redneck–hillbilly descendants of the original Scottish
settlers, to the new agers, dirty hippies, and flamboyant gays—Asheville
catered to them all.
Lily wanted to share the exuberance
of the area with her family, but suddenly feared the chance to do so would come
at the cost of a glossy wooden box. Tears filled her eyes as she swallowed past
a lump forming in her throat. She didn’t want to die.
“Aww, FUCK!”
Darren’s barely whispered expletive
caught Lily’s attention as the tail end of the truck swung around. Suddenly
they were facing the way they’d come. On any other day Darren would’ve calmly
turned the wheel until the truck righted itself. For some reason the beast
didn’t respond to his handling. The vehicle continued to spin until something
in the front end snapped, and Lily stared in horror. One of the tires flew away
from the truck, and in that instant she realized what people said was true—in
the moments before death time slows down as the brain processes everything in
minute detail.
Bright headlamps illuminated the
surrounding forest as the front end of the truck crashed down onto the road.
Heavy metal screeching on asphalt filled Lily’s ears only to be replaced with
the sound of trees snapping beneath the force of a full sized pick-up rolling
down the side of a mountain.
Up became down, and Lily’s insides
threatened to come out as she was jerked about behind the increasingly tighter
band of her protective belt. If she’d been sitting next to Darren her head
would’ve been spared the repetitive abuse of being tossed against the passenger
window. Lily didn’t want to scream out her fear, but found she had no control
over her vocal cords—her screeches of distress echoed in the confined space
until the imploding windshield drowned her out. Shards from the window flew
towards them, cutting her neck and face as they tumbled around inside the cab.
Everything stopped all at once. The
crashing roll of the truck, the cutting of the glass shards, even Lily’s
screams. The Chevy landed on its side with her hanging by her seat belt,
staring down at the unconscious form of her boyfriend. The smell of gasoline
filled the air and Lily felt the spike of adrenaline wash through her nervous
system.
“Darren! Darren, wake up!” She
yelled as loud as her constricted lungs would allow behind the crushing force
of the nylon strap. “Darren, we have to get out of this truck!”
Darren remained unconscious, and
Lily refused to give into the blind panic threatening to take over. Breathing
deep she quickly surveyed her position and the quickest escape route. The
windshield had completely shattered, making that the only way out of the
wreckage as the door above her wouldn’t budge when she tried pushing it open.
Grabbing hold of the oh-shit handle, she pulled the weight of her body off the
belt and pushed the release button. Blinding heat zipped through her body as
she crashed face first against Darren's side and was knocked out cold by the
force of their skulls connecting.
****
Something wet trickled down the side
of her face just before an excruciating pain exploded behind her eyes, and Lily
knew she was about to have the mother of all migraines. She thought to press
the heels of both hands against her throbbing eye sockets, but found her body
remained motionless against the command. A soft moan beneath her was worrying,
though she couldn’t think why. The muscle of her shoulder flexed involuntarily
and a jolt of pain flashed down her spine, stopping abruptly in her hips. A
deep breath meant to calm her frantic thoughts brought more pain and then the
blessed blackness.
****
“Hang in there little lady. We’ve
almost got you out.”
Lily whimpered as a sudden shock of
agony rippled through her arms and torso, but the sound of someone talking
eased her anxiety. She wasn’t alone—thank god. The voice became a life line she
clung to with her mind until sweet oblivion pulled her back into its warm
embrace.
****
“They rolled down the side of Mount
Pisgah. From what I can gather she was pinned in place by her seat belt, until
she managed to undo it and then fell against his side.”
The conversation felt a million
miles away. Surely they weren’t talking about her. Before she could give it
another thought, the air was filled with excited chatter and frantic movements.
She wanted to open her eyes and see what was going on, but her lids were too
heavy to lift. Moving the muscles of her body required a strength she didn’t
possess and fear flooded her thoughts as she cried out in frustration. The air
she pulled through her nose tasted strange on the back of her tongue. Oblivion
stretched out its arms and Lily went into them without a fight.
Find out more about Opal's Song and it's release
by visiting SJ Byrne or Opal's Song on Facebook
A portion
of all proceeds from Opal's
Song will be donated
to help
children with disabilities...more information forthcoming.
About the Author
Living in the mountains of Western North
Carolina SJ Byrne is just trying to make her way through the insanity that
comes with creativity. Writing is her passion - life is her muse. Keep an eye
out for new books due later this year.
Connect with SJ via:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Finishing a book!
***
I haven’t put out any new blogs lately and I’m
sorry.
Do you get those times when life just gets in the
way?
Well it’s been happening to me. Coming home from
holidays, I decided to go straight to my folk’s place for a long-overdue visit
and they’ve decided to make the time more exciting. They’ve accepted a place in
a retirement home and the move is ON!!! In seconds, my life took a one-eighty.
Of course I have to stay and help the oldies through
this period, and of course I don’t mind….well I don’t. But… gulp… I have a book
to finish.
Trying to work during the day is futile to say the
least. Every time I sneak off to my room, either one or the other comes to have
a little chat, and I certainly don’t mind.
Mealtime has now become my responsibility. Since hubby
cooks at home, I’ve always enjoyed my time here because I can try my hand at
cooking and I don’t mind at all, I like it… usually. But I have a book to
finish.
I’d lay money on the table that I have two of only
folks who like to stay up late. Bedtime doesn’t even begin to happen until
eleven and then it can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour, depending on
how much has gone on during their day and what has to be discussed over the
last cup of tea. I’ve always loved these times with them,
so of course I don’t mind sharing these impromptu get-togethers but…you got it!
I have a book to finish.
So… it’s been two and three o’clock in the mornings
for me these last tiring days and you know what? The book has flowed
beautifully – go figure!
Did I mention, my dad is an early riser and loves
company? With my mom sleeping in till late in the mornings, we’ve always taken
this time to spend together doing our own “thing” and absolutely, trust me - I
don’t mind at all…. “yawn”
It’s just that I’ve now got a book to edit!
Coming soon!!!
Book #4 for the Vegas Series
Release Date - April 3rd
Monday, March 11, 2013
Are reviews here to stay?? Do we want them to??
***
***
Below is part of my reply in response to others' remarks about my last blog called "Future of Indie Authors".
One thing mentioned in your comments that I found surprising
is the differences some have in the importance of reviews. We all know that
many are requested. We also know that some of the five stars can be
questionable. If a book only has five or even ten reviews, the readers might
not believe their credibility, but once there are more than say – fifteen, I
have no doubt that many are honorably earned from readers who like to have a
say about a book they took the time to read.
Personally, like every other author, I have reviews from
people whose names I recognize. Some are from close friends and a few from
family. As I release more books, these ‘special’ reviews are showing up less.
Since most had only gone to the effort on my behalf as a way to show support
when I first started out, that doesn’t surprise me and I appreciate that they
did so in the first place.
Another phenomenon I’ve
recognized is that I have fans – (thank you Lord!) – ones who have followed me
from book to book. Their reviews are my favorite because I don’t know any of
the people and yet they have continued to support me by buying my novels,
reading them and letting me know they like what I write.
I’ve also recognized that almost
invariably after each FreePartay I’ve participated in, where I’ve given away hundreds,
sometimes thousands of books, within a few days, reviews begin to appear.
Hopefully, my back matter appeal has worked or else some of these folks respect
our endeavours and just leave comments.
I have no doubt that other readers are buying because of
these comments and that’s the way it should be. As I said above, if there are
only a few five-star reviews, it can be a bit suspect to whether the book is as
good as being stated. But then the cautious buyer does have the ability to read
a sample before putting out any money. As far as Amazon is concerned (I’m not
familiar with any others) if a buyer is still unhappy, they can return the book
and get their money back.
Because I know how important they are to an author, I do
write reviews for almost every book I read. If it’s a three-star or less - I rarely
finish it and I pass on leaving any comment. I’d rather not trash work that I
knew took so long to create. (Just my own preference.)
I accept that not everyone likes my work and that they have
the right to tell me so. But I must say it does grate me when the poor reviews
are mean-hearted and tasteless. Some people even go as far as admitting they’ve
never read the book, but since they had trouble downloading it, or because it
had a swear word or some such foolishness, they decide to dock the author
stars.
If people leave me a one or two star, I prefer that they
tell me why they. If it’s something constructive, I will work on it. If it’s
on my earlier work, I hope they check the dates and give me another chance. A
principle that’s well known comes into play here and not just for authors.
Practice makes perfect! Okay we’ll modify that a bit and say better.
One of my books (Lovable Christmas Angel) has 90 reviews. It
blows my mind every time I check to see if there’s more. I’ve read every one
and have left them a thank you. This thrills my narcissistic side and is a partial
payoff for all the hard work.
In summation, I guess you’ve gathered that I’m hopeful that
Amazon won’t take away our reviews. To me, it would be like taking away ones
right to an opinion.
What do you think?
Friday, March 8, 2013
The future of Indie authors…
***
Just recently, I listened to someone I really trust explain
her thoughts about the future of Indie authors on Amazon.
She said that today we’re still able to create magic through
social media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs and by paid advertising spots
like E-Reader News and Pixel of Ink. People like Amanda Hocking and John Locke
showed us that it could be done and we’ve all been led to believe it can happen
for us also. That just maybe our work can be brought to the attention of the
readers by group efforts and building a strong fan base. And our sales will reflect
the efforts we make.
The bad news is the bourgeoning amount of competition.
Amazon no longer needs to give special treatment to anyone in order to fill
their bookcases. The algorithms are spinning with so many choices that the cutthroat
era will be soon upon us if it hasn’t already started. Example – I remember not
too long ago when for every few books given away free, Amazon credited us with
one book sold and increased the book’s ranking to reflect that sale. Today that
number has changed and the difference is more like fifty free books equal
one sold.
And those free days we all wanted so badly that we joined
their select program, will they continue? Does it make sense when you think
about it? Most of us are willing to pay for our reading material, especially
when the cost is so low that a book for a buck is common. Will this promotional
tactic go the same way as tags and likes?
No too long ago, we had a lot of sites where we were able to
list those same free books. Recently, Amazon has shown their dissent with this
routine and things have now changed. Those more popular places will not be
promoting free books and so we won’t have the same ability to let readers know
about our giveaways.
I know that progress is inevitable. We all understand things
don’t remain constant. What worries me is how will Indie authors continue to find
consumers? I know a large back list has always been important and will continue
to be even more so in the future. I also suspect that we’ll have to spend a lot
more money on promotion and that marketing experts will become as crucial as
good editors.
As an Indie author, what keeps me hopeful is that I feel victory will happen for those who
can write wonderful books—ones that the
readers love so much that their reviews and support will ensure that author’s continuing
success.
Today is your last chance to get wonderful books
marked down
for the sale price of
99cents.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Is a lot of conflict TOO MUCH???
Nah!
I don’t think so. And I sure as heck hope you feel the same
way.
I’ve been working diligently on the new edition Book #4 of
my Vegas series “High Stakes Gamble”
which is slotted in the Romantic Suspense genre. And I’ve purposely
incorporated a lot of…
You got it—Suspense!
The Thesaurus’ description of suspense includes words like
uncertainly and anticipation. In my mind, uncertainty and anticipation is linked
together with some sort of conflict… right? And looking up conflict on
Thesaurus shows terms like battle, disagreement, and fight. Okay! So when you
have controversy, tension and opposition there has to be a certain amount of
suspense accumulating over the outcome.
And I have no doubt that the readers expect, prefer and
relish a good chance to feel trepidation and fear of the outcome when reading
these types of stories. At least I know that I do. I love it when the author
makes the book so exciting that I lose sleep because I can’t stop reading.
I have another secret to share with you. I like suspense and
conflict no matter what genre I read. Contemporary Romance, Historical, Urban
Fantasy, Paranormal, YA you name it. To me, a book without some sort of
controversy is a flat story that doesn’t get finished.
(And this is just my opinion, but two characters who don’t
get along in a love tale does not
constitute a proper conflict.)
As authors, we all know that we can’t have our hero and
heroine falling into each other’s arms on page one if we want the readers to
stay engaged with the story. But we also know there has to be viable reasons
for our two lovebirds to be kept apart in order to take up enough words so we
can call our work a short story, novella or a novel. That’s where the conflict
comes in. It’s the basis for their discord. And if a bit of suspense can be
woven into this discord, then for me all the better.
Back to my original question – is a lot too much? I guess if
it takes the place of long boring descriptions and narrative that forces one to
skip to the next page, it isn’t. Therefore, if you feel the same as I do, High Stakes Gamble will be just your
kind of read. It’s a blockbuster, full of conflict and fast-paced thrills.
There’s sorrow and joy, laughter and tears, with romance (of course) intertwined
into the tale. **To be released by the first week in April.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Immune Cover Reveal, Release Date & Giveaways Blog Information
Information for Immune
Release date:
March 6, 2013
Age Group:
Adult
Genre:
Urban Fantasy
Tour organizer:
Book Description:
Blurb: *Warning* I’m so sorry Mom, this one will be no good for you to read either. There is a full on sex scene (nipples and everything), violence and well, lots of bad words. You know— the ones you used to
wash my mouth out with soap for? Consider yourself warned.
Underestimating demons is a bad idea, and it’s a mistake Rylee may pay for with not only her life, but the life of a child who has gone missing.
That is, unless she allows O’Shea to help her; trusting the man who once sought for a way to bring her down.
If only life were that simple. And in Rylee’s world, it rarely is.
Two Giveaways:
Giveaway #1: See Raflecopter at this blog!
“Reader and Fan Appreciation Giveaway” Feb 28th – Mar 13th
��
Three winners wil receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card AND a SIGNED copy of Priceless.
Open to United States and International.
Open to United States and International.
Giveaway #2: See Rafflecopter at this blog!
“Reviewer
Appreciation Giveaway” Feb 28th – Mar 27th
�� One Grand Prize Winner receives and iPAD
Mini or $250 Amazon Gift Card, a SIGNED
copy of Priceless AND their name will appear in the
THIRD book.
�� TWO winners will receive a SIGNED copy of
Priceless AND their name will appear in the THIRD book.
�� TWO SIGNED copies of Priceless.
�� ONE SKYPE chat with Shannon Mayer.
Open to United States and International.
Information for Priceless
Release date:
November 2012
Age Group:
Adult
Genre:
Urban Fantasy
Special:
Priceless will be on sale for ONLY $0.99 through March 6th!
Blurb:
*Warning* If you are my mother, do not read this book. There are things like "F" bombs, sexual tension,
and naughty, sexy supernatural creatures. Please don't say I didn't warn you.
Overview:
When children go missing without a trace, there is only one person who can find them.
Welcome to the world of Rylee Adamson, a woman with unique abilities, some wild friends and a unstoppable drive to save those who can't save themselves.
But when the details of a missing child duplicate that of her worst case, things start to get freaky. And not in a good way.
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About the Author
Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows.
When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.
Social
Media links:
Blog http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com/
FB https://www.facebook.com/ShannonMayerAuthor
GR http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5172000.Shannon_Mayer
Twitter https://twitter.com/TheShannonMayer
:
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