Showing posts with label indie authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indie authors. Show all posts

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Social Media Marketing and eBook Publishing

This is a guest post by Coral Russell, author, marketer and pretty cool all around gal!


I know I should consider myself a self-publisher because Indie is usually associated with Small Presses, but I think the new wave of authors taking the reins and publishing their own books via the Internet and specifically eBooks are Independents in the true sense of the word.

As a life-long reader, I was a die-hard paperback fan and thought I'd never switch to reading eBooks. All that changed last year and I haven't looked back. I love my Kindle and a survey revealed that once readers switch to using eReaders, they don't go back to pBooks. I fall in that category.

So when the fiction-writing bug bit after winning a contest (I've been writing non-fiction for a long time), it was natural for me to look into publishing eBooks instead of pBooks. That look lasted seven months and is still ongoing. Here's what I've learned so far:





Write a darn good story or at least a story that you would want to read or at least a story that you are extremely happy with.

Write a short story that compliments the genre you're writing your novel in, then give it away – feedbooks, wattpad, BookRix, and others sites are great for this. Include it in an anthology-you have writing friends don't you? Collaborate. Include it in an anthology for charity-everyone likes contributing to a good cause and there are a ton out there (i.e. No Trees Harmed for First Book).

It's good to be a control freak. If you enjoy every aspect of the process of creating an eBook, then the only thing you may have to pay for is a book cover and for sure, editing. Editing is a must. Editing separates the writer from the hobbyist. Also if you enjoy the process, then you will be happy no matter what the outcome.

Adopt the motto – I don't know any strangers. That is fairly easy and painless with the Internet and social media. Don't know the first thing about building a blog, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Technorati, Blogcritics, etc.? The Indie Book Collective has great seminars to get you on your feet. My daughter announced one day she wanted to build a homework robot. I told her, that's called the Internet, honey. If you have any problem or are unsure of how to do something, Google it. Someone, somewhere in the world has had the same problem and probably offered a solution for free.

Get to know your reviewers. You need good, honest, objective reviews and you can get them on shelfari, goodreads (eBook Giveaways group), LibraryThing (Member Giveaways), and more. Cozy up with blog tours – Novel Publicity, Nurture Your Books, Author Blog Tours, Indie Book Collective, BLB Book Tours – some are higher priced than others, so pick what you can afford. OR, you can go it alone. I add book review sites to my blog roll all the time and these three sites make it easy to find blogs that may be interested in reviewing your masterpiece – BookConnector, Step-by-Step Self Publishing, The Indie Book Blog Database.

Want to pay for reviews? If it's good enough for the first self-published million eBook seller, John Locke, it's good enough for you. He used 15 Dollar Reviews and BookRooster (I already went undercover at these two sites and blogged about it).

Support your fellow Indie authors. Tons of ways to do this through networking, collaboration, book reviews, exchanging forewords, linking to your books, sharing, retweeting, guest posts, etc.

And this is just the tip of the ice burg.

Sound like a full-time job? It is. I have a calendar set up with the times to do the different activities I need to do so I won't spend too much time on any one activity. But it is working, I sell every month and those sales are increasing every month. Good luck and feel free to connect with me, I'm always interested in meeting new Indie authors!

Coral Russell reads/reviews Indie authors on alchemyofscrawl.wordpress.com Check out her Stalker Package to connect. She has written The DIY Guide to Social Media Marketing and eBook Publishing, Playing with Fire , Twelve Worlds, Peace on the Peninsula, and Amador Lockdown.





Sunday, February 05, 2012

Winners be here . . .

Two Contests came to a close and so we have a whole lot of winners!

For the January Cover Art Poll, the winning author/cover combination is :

Guy Harrison and Agents of Change


The winning commenter is
Jessica Klassen

The winning commenter will receive all 15 e-books from the authors as well as her choice of Sundered or Dark Waters.

There is still room in the February Indie Cover Art poll, so get your entries into motionsrider@yahoo.ca pronto to be a part of the fun!!

Now, on to MORE prizes!
I have the 5 runners up in the review drive for Dark Waters. Each one will receive a $10 gift Card for Amazon.com

1. Amber Spedding
2. Sandy Hunter
3. Matt Sloderbeck
4. Verity Linden
5. Sandy Wolters

And the grand prize of $150 Amazon Gift card goes to . . . .
Kriss Morton!!

I will be sending out the Gift Cards asap, thank you so much for participating in these contests, without you, the readers, my blog would be empty!





Friday, February 03, 2012

40 F * R * E * E Books; All genres!

Yes, two posts in two days isn't my usual fare, but this is IMPORTANT!


These authors (yours truly included) are trying to reach as many new readers as possible by giving their books away for FREE! Many of them are Kindle Bestselling Authors. . . .there really is no losing in this situation.


Go HERE to check them out, Heck, download them all! That way you're set for the next few months, free of charge!


Did you miss that? Okay, once more click HERE to go the home page and check out all the fabulous books!


Or, here are a few right off the top of my head-


"Dark Waters" A sensual mix of monsters, magic and deception by Shannon Mayer.


"Blood Awakening" by Wenona Hulsey, Hidden powers, ancient grudges. Evil starts the clock ticking.


"Gifts of the Blood" She can only hope the vision won't come true, by Vicki Keire.


" Toonopolis Short, Anchihiiroo" A young man ' s desire to make his own path by Jeremy Rodden


"Love Lust" by Amber Scott This succubus physically craves...and dreads love. A fiercely addictive HOT! novella.


"Dance of the Winnebagos" by Ann Charles, a Jack Rabbit mystery with plenty of comedy and suspense.


"Catch Me If You Can," Caught between duty and desire by Nina Bruins.


"Honk, Honk My Darling, A Rex Koko Private Clown Mystery" by James Finn Garner. Revenge, corruption and murder. Will "circus justice" prevail?


"Sundered," a Zombie-ish Apocalypse; a novella with true bite by Shannon Mayer.


* "The Story Shell" Can Pibbin solve the mystery of the missing shell . . . alone? by Gloria Repp.


* "Enchantment" Magic, treachery, humor and thrills by Charlotte Abel.


* "Exiled" An alien princess exiled to earth. Can she survive? by RaShelle Workman.


* "In Dreams" by J Sterling Unconditional love, unimaginable heartbreak.


"The Ghost in Me" Ghost Adventures meet Freaky Friday by SK Wenger.


"Quick Kill" A sassy sleuth in a fast paced mystery by Patricia McCallum.

And that's not all of them, so take a chance, really they're FREE so what kind of a risk is that I ask you? And then you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside that you've helped an indie author out.


There is a time limit on this so hop to it, will be all over by tomorrow, Feb 3rd!


Sunday, January 29, 2012

January 2012 Indie Cover Art Poll

Vote for your favourite from the fabulous list below and be put in a draw where you can win 16 e-books! One book from each of the authors who participate and one from me, the host of the poll. From me you can choose either Sundered or my new release, Dark Waters (Neither of which are a part of the actual voting).

You can only choose 1 cover as your favourite and you can only get a single entry, no matter how many times you comment.

The winner will be announced on February 5th and entries will be taken until midnight PST January 31st.

The winning cover art will then be displayed on all the other author’s blogs who have participated this month for a minimum of 1 blog post.

If you’d like to have your cover art involved in the January Indie Cover Art Poll, send the cover, a short blurb and one link to motionsrider@yahoo.ca

Don't forget to leave your email address when you vote. Now, let the voting begin!

**If you are going to leave an Anonymous comment you MUST put in your email for the vote to count**


Blood And Guitars #1

When Aurora meets Trey, a famous singer and musician, she’s only hoping to get her fill of human blood for the week. The last thing Aurora expects is for Trey to make her feel alive for the first time since she was, well, alive. It begins with a casual painting lesson at her art studio, The Waking Moon, and quickly turns into a forbidden romance. Aurora is forced to hide her true identity from Trey, while keeping her relationship with the human a secret from other vampires in her Brood.

Aurora can’t deny the unexpected connection she has with Trey, which is fueled by glimpses into his emotions every time they share a kiss. Caught between two worlds, Aurora must attend celebrity award shows and vampire rituals, find time to feed, and protect Trey from the dangers of the night, all while preserving her secrets.


Flame of Surrender #2

A boy who follows death

A girl who could cause the apocalypse

A love that never should have happened

A mistake that changes everything . . .

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?


The Choice #3

Marcie Hollis meets the "man of her dreams" Dan McKenzie. He lures Marcie into his dark world of lies, greed and drugs. But fate intervenes during Marcie’s illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she’s robbed and accosted in the crowded airport, and loses her memory.

Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, DEA Agent Sam Carrehe stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. In an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her.

When her memory returns, this complex case pushes them to explain the unexplainable, brings them face to face with a generations-old evil and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was Marcie set up or is this a game she’s playing? Sam is forced to make a choice: walk away from the attraction connecting them or risk losing everything.


Blind Veil # 4

How can an unreported crime that occurred forty years in the past,and across the country, affect a New York City Cop today? Can a seemingly innocent boat ride forever change the life of a former Marine? Find out when a Police Officer meets an eccentric scientist who claims to hold secret knowledge that has been hidden from the rest of society.

Is this all truly happening, or is he slowly losing his grip on reality? Unfortunately, neither conclusion between the two worlds is better than the other as the clarifying line between reality and impossibility slowly disintegrates, turning his world upside down. He must dig thirty years into his past; deep beneath the veil and the mesh of murder, lies and deceit to find answers. Follow the trail of events that will forever shape his future… and maybe yours.


Danse Macabre # 5

Spencer Mason has discovered a secret spell that will raise the dead, and as a funeral home director, there is no short supply of bodies. As Spencer builds a legion of undead soldiers, he plans to get revenge for the torment he endured during his childhood years - until Raven Anderson moves into town.

Blind since birth, Raven struggles to adapt with her new surroundings after the death of her mother. She finds a sympathetic shoulder to lean on when she meets Spencer, and the two find out that they have a lot in common.

Raven senses that Spencer is troubled by something that he isn’t sharing, but the thing that tortures Spencer the most is something Raven cannot see


Rook: Allie's War, Book One #6

Twenty-eight-year-old San Francisco native, Allie Taylor, knew she had ssues…but she at least thought she was human.

In her version of modern day Earth, a second race of human-like beings called seers live side-by-side with humans, only as second class citizens. So when Allie meets her first, real, flesh-and-blood seer, she's not exactly thrilled when he tells her that she's a seer like him. Not only that, but according to him, all the other seers believe she's going to end the world.

Worse, no matter what she does, everything that happens after that only seems to prove him right.


At Road's End # 7

He was a warrior from the distant Mexican lands, escorting a group of traders.

He did not want to follow the ancient road into the Southwestern desert; but he had no choice.

When he rescues a girl from the ransacked village, he thinks nothing of it. He just wishes the traders would sell their goods in a hurry, so he can return to his homeland.

But the fate had planned differently, for the warrior and for the girl alike."


The Forgotten Spell #8

When Matt's brother and two other children from town disappear, Matt finds himself involved in a primeval struggle to defeat an ageless Warlock. An ancient spell, which could cause the destruction of Earth, is about to be unleashed. Following a dragon and fairy through a hidden portal to another world, Matt and his friends seek to rescue the children who were taken. Told their coming was prophesied over three thousand years ago, they begin their quest to locate a magic sword, which is the only weapon able to conquer the Warlock. Given an encrypted map, the group embarks on a dangerous journey, hoping to reach the Warlock's lair before they are too late to help the others.


Agents of Change # 9

Business manager by day and a matchmaker whenever he can get around to it, Calvin’s dream job falls into his lap when he’s recruited by a secret worldwide organization whose agents use uncanny abilities to empower and influence everyday downtrodden individuals. Disaster strikes, however, when an elaborate scheme leaves Calvin as a prime murder suspect…and his new employer is presumably to blame.

With the authorities on his heels and his life left in ruin, Calvin uses his new powers to blend in until a journey for freedom becomes a quest for peace. As the agency’s rival organization threatens the security of all of earth’s inhabitants, Calvin teams up with unlikely allies and battles startling enemies hellbent on unleashing their power in a twisted version of justice, innocent lives be damned.


Doing Max Vinyl #10

Max Vinyl has risen from nothing to become the businessman he is today. He has even found happiness in the arms of his receptionist, Tris. But when Tris finds out his dirty secret, all hell breaks loose at work and at home. Max refuses to believe his lover could leave him over a thing as insignificant as a little environmental issue. Things go from bad to worse as he discovers her violent side.

Annie Ogden is back home after four years in Iraq. When Max Vinyl threatens her sister, she can't let that slide. Army training is in Annie's DNA. And she finds out how kicking some corporate ass can be an excellent remedy for depression.

Will Max Vinyl hold up under the coordinated attacks of two angry women? Will Annie find her way back to the inner peace she's been looking for?


Secret Magic in Small Places #11

“You had to be there.”

Inside every ordinary life hides a few instances of secret magic. The intuition you can’t explain. The coincidence that can’t possibly be true. Ten stories that capture that incredible moment before the mundane world explains it away as coincidence, technology, or the ever-convenient “gas leak.”


Two moons of Sera # 12

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

All the Fun of YA written for Adults

Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in a serial format. As each new part is added you will be able to update your ebook file for free to enjoy the next instalment! With each section that is published the purchase price will increase.


Larkstorm # 13

In the years following the destructive Long Winter, when half the world’s population perished, the State remains locked in battle against the Sensitives: humans born with extra abilities.

As one of the last descendants of the State’s Founders, seventeen-year-old Lark Greene knows her place: study hard and be a model citizen so she can follow in her family’s footsteps. Her life’s been set since birth, and she’s looking forward to graduating and settling down with Beck, the boy she’s loved longer than she can remember.

However, after Beck is accused of being Sensitive and organizing an attack against Lark, he disappears. Heartbroken and convinced the State made a mistake, Lark sets out to find him and clear his name.

But what she discovers is more dangerous and frightening than Sensitives: She must kill the boy she loves, unless he kills her first.

Lovers and Beloveds # 14

When eighteen-year-old Prince Temmin comes of age and joins his father's court, he's unprepared for its politics, assassins and sexual intrigues--and even more so, the King's immortal advisor Teacher, the holder of the royal family's hidden magic. Teacher becomes Temmin's tutor, his lessons contained in a magic book. Through it, Temmin experiences everything each story's characters do, and he's forced to confront serious mistakes in the kingdom's--and his own--past.
His present is no easier. He's falling for beautiful twins--brother and sister--who are the human hosts of the gods of love and desire called the Lovers. Being with them is more than sex; it's a religious calling. But an ancient prophecy says if Temmin heeds Their call it may spell the end of the monarchy, and the King fights him every step of the way. Temmin must choose: Serve the Lovers and lose his father--and possibly the kingdom--or obey the King and risk the wrath of the Gods.


River in the Sea # 15

At fifteen, Leen De Graaf likes everything she shouldn't: smoking cigarettes, wearing red lipstick, driving illegally, and working in the fields. It seems the only thing she shares with her fellow Dutchmen is a fear of the German soldiers stationed nearby and a frantic wish for the war to end. When a soldier's dog runs in front of Leen's truck, her split-second reaction sets off a storm of events that pitches her family against the German forces when they are most desperate - and fierce. Leen tries to hold her family together, but despite her efforts, bit by bit everything falls apart, and just when Leen experiences a horrific loss, she must make a decision that could forever brand her a traitor, yet finally allow her to live as her heart desires. Inspired by the life of the author's mother, River in the Sea is a powerful and moving account of one girl reaching adulthood when everything she believes about family, friendship, and loyalty is questioned by war.









































Friday, January 20, 2012

Some love and ENDORSEMENT for Indie Authors


October Winner

I am looking for a few good Indie authors who want to participate in a FREE promo event.

Maybe that's you eh?


If you haven't noticed, the last few months I've been doing Indie Cover Art Polls. It's very simple. You say you want to be in on the poll, I'll let you know what month you are going to be in.
November Winner

Then I put up your cover art, a blurb and a link along with a bunch of other authors. Then you get your friends, tweeps and complete strangers to vote for your book and its beautiful/interesting/crazy/wild cover.


The winning author gets to be hosted on the other authors blogs for a single post. And 1 winning commenter gets to win a copy of EACH of the authors books. Pretty cool huh?


December Winner

Each Poll has so far gotten over 1000 hits each, plus a TON of comments. Out last poll had over 200 comments, many of which were where the commenters were excited to go and purchase a bunch of the books. Yay!

So, if you're interested in getting you book and its cover in one of the next Cover Art Polls (Indie Authors Only Please) contact me at motionsrider@yahoo.ca.










 

Monday, January 16, 2012

Grandma Mary Can't Market your Book

*This post was originally put on the #Amwriting blog.*

If all you want is for Grandma Mary to read your book, don’t bother continuing with this article. You’ve accomplished your goal and you don’t need me to tell you how to market your book.

But, if you one of the growing number of authors who has realized that the sole person responsible for marketing their book is . . .gulp . . themselves, then perhaps you should read on.

While I’m far from an expert, I can share with you what I’ve learned.

Let’s say you’re lucky enough to snag yourself a contract with a publishing house (and this could be a small publishing house or a large one, it doesn’t seem to matter) they really aren’t interested in doing much marketing for you- the author- anymore.

And if you’re like a growing number of writers and are considering (or already have) self published, then you know that the marketing for every book you write falls squarely on your shoulders.

Depressing, ain’t it?

No, no, no! This is an opportunity for you to get creative, to reach out to your readership and draw them into your world of writing and books.

I’ve broken this down into 7ish steps and added a chart for clarification.

1. Acknowledge what problems you might run in to while promoting. For me they’re always one of two things. Not enough time and not enough money. For you they might be that you’re shy, don’t like to network or think that promotional stuff is silly and a waste of time. Whatever it is, write it down. By identifying the problem, you can find ways to work around it within your promotional efforts.

2. Write down your goals; give yourself something to shoot for. Don’t write things like “Sell as many books as John Locke.” Be kind to yourself; give yourself goals that can be reached within reason. It’s good to have long term, high shooting goals, but if you aim for Locke or Hocking status right out of the gate, you may just derail not only your promotional track, but with your writing track too.

3. Next, fill out a budget. This budget should include how much you are willing to spend a month on your marketing and PR plan. Your budget will dictate to a certain extent what venues you’ll be using to get your book out to the masses. Along with a financial budget, also write up how much TIME you’re willing to spend per day on your marketing. This is very important as it is easy to get caught up in marketing and you may find yourself promoting at all hours of the day and night.

4. Make a list of all the things you could possibly do to promote your book. Brainstorm, look up ideas on the internet, see what other authors are doing, ask your friends, ask your network. Include anything and everything, don’t censure, you never know what might spark the fire for you. (See the Actions section of my Chart for a few ideas.)

5. Now you want to make a list of all the people you think might be able to help you promote. This can be friends and family, acquaintances, clients, or other writers you have helped out in the past. This is an important step in order to make your marketing move forward. Don’t try to do it all on your own. Where ever possible, outsource. Your network is a HUGE part of getting the word out to new readers, so take advantage of them, they want to help you!

6. Go through the list of possible Actions; decide what will work for you within your budget and your time frame. Remember that if it’s free, it will likely cost you more time so be ready to put in the hours needed.

7. An important step that I touched on earlier was that you don’t want to sacrifice your writing time for promotional time. Eventually you would end up with nothing to promote. Look at your day, decide when you want to write, when you want to promote and STICK TO IT!

After you fill out your own chart, you’re ready to make a plan for marketing your book. My suggestion would be to have a calendar where you write down your goals. You can check off what you’ve accomplished and can easily see what is next on the list.

As writers our focus should ALWAYS be on writing the next story; improving our craft. But if we want more than Grandma Mary to read our books, we need to take the initiative and start our own marketing plan, even if that means taking a little time away from our writing. In the end, when your books are being read by strangers around the world, you won’t have to promote so much. You can sit back with Grandma Mary and work on your next big novel.




Thursday, January 05, 2012

December Indie Cover Art Poll- Wrap up

Wow, this last Indie Cover Art Poll was HUGE! With over 1300 hits on that post and over 200 comments, those authors and their books got a TON of new exposure! Well done to all involved.

The author and book cover with the MOST comments, is Lani Wendt Young with her book, Telesa. Lani has "won" the right to have her book and author info put on each of the other author's blogs. Very exciting!


Our winning commenter was Nicola, commenter #27! Congrats Nicola, you will receive all 15 books from the cover art poll, along with your choice of one of my books!

This is also a reminder that if you would like your Indie Cover Art in the next poll (Late January) I DO still have room. Email me at motionsrider@yahoo.ca your cover art, and a short blurb and I'll take care of the rest.





Thursday, December 29, 2011

December Indie Cover Art Poll- Vote and W * I * N 16 E-Books


Vote for your favourite from the fabulous list below and be put in a draw where you can win 16 e-books! One book from each of the authors who participate and one from me, the host of the poll. From me you can choose either Sundered or my new release, Dark Waters (Neither of which are a part of the actual voting).

You can only choose 1 cover as your favourite and you can only get a single entry, no matter how many times you comment.

The winner will be announced on January 5th and entries will be taken until midnight December 31st.

The winning cover art will then be displayed on all the other author’s blogs who have participated this month for a minimum of 1 blog post.

If you’d like to have your cover art involved in the January Indie Cover Art Poll, send the cover, a short blurb and one link to motionsrider@yahoo.ca

Don't forget to leave your email address when you vote. Now, let the voting begin!

**If you are going to leave an Anonymous comment you MUST put in your email for the vote to count**


Lennie Cook’s father disappeared when she was a child, leaving her alone to survive her mother’s descent into alcoholism. After her mother’s death, a letter surfaces among her mother’s things, giving Lennie her first clue to her father’s fate. He has taken the “iron road” to protect Lennie from a mysterious legacy that has haunted the Cook family for more than a century. Torn between anger and longing for her missing father, Lennie resolves to find him and learn the truth.

But when Lennie follows her father into a world of trains, hobos, prophecy, gangbangers, mythical beings, railroad detectives, and a living, breathing Fate, she finds that the truth is more horrific than she ever imagined. To save her father – and save the world – she must defeat Fenrir and right the wrongs of her ancestor.

To learn more click on --> # 1




When shy and retiring Llandry Sanfaer discovers a mesmerising new gemstone, she suddenly becomes the most famous jeweller across the Seven Realms. Demand for the coveted stone escalates fast; when people begin dying for it, Llandry finds that she herself has become a target.

Lady Evastany Glostrum has her life in pristine order. Prestigious, powerful and wealthy, she is on the verge of crowning her successes with the perfect marriage. But when her closest friend is murdered for the jewellery she wears, Eva is drawn into the mystery surrounding the curious "istore" gem.


To learn more click on --> # 2






A dark power described in Genesis revisits a small mountain town.

A journalist who witnessed an evil presence searches for answers.

He finds a town succumbing to supernatural forces.

Now, an evil prophesy may be fulfilled by the Nephilim.

To learn more click on --> # 3








Marcila doesn't fit in on her home island of Slinaria. When she finds out her father abandoned her as a toddler, she goes to the mainland to search for him.

She discovers magic is more than myth and learns wonders beyond comprehension. But when a young caden, a magical creature with unlimited power and a simple mind comes into her life, she cannot ignore the urge to help him.

But there are those who want to kill the peace-loving cadens and bring about their demise. With the help of mages and civilians she meets, she makes plans to stop the caden killings.

To learn more click on --> # 4





Mandy Hardy lost more than a breast to cancer; she lost her fiancé when he dumped her a week before her mastectomy. Her ego bruised and her self-esteem battered, Mandy’s sure she’ll never fall in love again.

Justin Seward is a headstrong Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer with a heart of gold and the supernatural ability to command the seas. He had to hide his feelings while Mandy was engaged to his best friend. Now that she’s free, he’s vowed to make her his.

Together, they may hold the key to each other’s salvation. But when Justin’s past catches up with him, and Mandy’s ex-fiancé wants vengeance, they realize they might not live long enough for happily ever after.

To learn more click on --> # 5




Zoë Merrick wakes up after she is murdered, and is surprised to find she is not only alive - but transformed. Even more unexplainable are the new abilities she has no control over.

It's not until a handsome and arrogant man named Justus walks into her life that Zoë discovers she is no longer human, but like him - a Mage. Forced to trust him, she must come to terms with accepting her new life and identity.

When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom...and the value of loyalty.


To learn more click on --> # 6






How far would a villain go to help a friend? Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle thinks doing three heroic deeds is a bit too far.

Not only it’s plain detestable, it can ruin his reputation and get him in trouble with the Villains League. On the other hand, it’s not like he’s got friends to spare. And losing the League’s membership isn’t the end of the world, one can always work independently.


To learn more click on --> # 7








The Aetelia – now known as angels – are returning. Following a fateful night of violence, Matty DiCamillo finds herself drawn into this world by a mysterious savior, who becomes a driving force in Matty’s new life.

Both driven by and fighting the prophecy that lay out her destiny, Matty, her lover Kristy, and her best friend Daniel accompany this mysterious woman on a journey that crosses time and space. Matty soon discovers that her savior may not be what she seems, and that even the denizens of this twilight world have no idea what lurks behind the stage dressing of reality. Matty finds herself racing to rescue the woman she loves and learning that she herself could cause the Universe’s day of reckoning.


To learn more click on --> # 8




Today electricity is delivered wirelessly, a technological revolution that saved the world from a drastic energy shortage. One company has the monopoly to deliver this power through the air, but this stranglehold thrusts thousands of cities and millions of people into an eternal blackout.

Luke Kincaid’s hometown wasn’t the first to be forced off the grid, but when the blackout leads directly to his parent’s deaths, Luke has just one company and one man to blame. It’s time to fight back.

To learn more click on --> # 9






In the west the ancient empire of Prast crumbles, an old man too sick to climb out of his deathbed. In the east an upstart nation of sun worshipers spread their heathen ways, swallowing up city-states and small kingdoms as they tread ever closer to Prast’s borders. War is inevitable. A war greater and more bloodthirsty than any seen since the old gods left the world.
And yet, war is as nothing compared to the greatest danger.

The Shadowland.

Only one man carries the key to stopping the Shadowland’s progress. A man battered and scarred from his years alone in its deadly grasp. To stop it he must first make a friend of his greatest enemy…

To learn more click on --> # 10



Annie Hynes is a tomboy. Naïve and love-starved, she’ll soon to be celebrating her big 3-0. Something needs to be done! Celi, her guardian angel appears to help kick-start Annie’s big change. Annie becomes embroiled with new associates and hooked on the power of big business. Unfortunately, overwork forces her to ignore old friends, and her lapse places someone she cares about in terrible danger.

Social Worker, Tyler Jones, signals disinterest in women, and only wants Annie in his life as a good buddy, and to help with his mixed-up street kids. Perversely, once her life alters, he misses her like hell. In one sweet night of loving everything changes. But, due to an overabundance of nightcaps, she doesn’t remember the night he can’t forget.

To learn more click on --> #11


J.J. Graves has seen a lot of dead bodies in her line of work...

She's not only in the mortuary business, but she's also the coroner for King George County, Virginia. When a grisly murder is discovered in the small town of Bloody Mary, it's up to J.J. and her best friend, Detective Jack Lawson, to bring the victim justice.

When a popular mystery writer shows up on J.J.'s doorstep with plans of writing his new book about the Bloody Mary Serial Killer, J.J. has to decide if he might be going above and beyond the call of duty to create the spine tingle’s he's so well known for.

J.J and Jack discover each victim had a shocking secret—secrets that make her a perfect target in a deadly game.

To learn more click on --> # 12




When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of earth's elemental guardians - what will Leila choose? Her fiery birthright as a telesa? Or will she choose the boy who offers her his heart? Daniel - stamped with the distinctive tattoo markings of a noble Pacific warrior and willing to risk everything for the chance to be with her. Can their love stand against the Covenant Keeper?


To learn more click on --> # 13






Callie is shocked when she is ripped from her home in the middle of the night. She is taken to a city that she never knew existed only to find that she is actually a fairy. Not just any fairy, but one destined to become queen of the fairies.

The only problem is the current queen is a cruel tyrant and Callie will have to fight for the title that she was meant for. She would love nothing more than to go back to being the normal human girl that she always thought that she was. When tragedy strikes, Callie finds that she no longer knows who she can trust. She must learn to survive on her own, dealing with the struggles of life and love for the first time. Will it be more than she can bear?

To learn more click on --> # 14






Cursed with endless drowsiness, Enchantress Hiresha sleeps more than she lives. Since she never has had a chance to raise a family, she sometimes feels like every woman is pregnant except for her. This time, she is right.
From virgin to grandmother, all the women in her city have conceived. One unexpected pregnancy is a drama; fifty thousand is citywide hysteria.
A lurking sorcerer drains power from the unnatural pregnancies, and Hiresha must track him by his magic. Unfortunately, her cultured education in enchantment ill equips her to understand his spellcraft, which is decidedly less than proper. The only person uncivilized enough to help is the Lord of the Feast, a dangerous yet charming illusionist. Associating with him may imperil Hiresha’s city, yet refusing his help will allow the sorcerer to leech godlike power from the mass births

To learn more click on --> # 15




Monday, December 12, 2011

Indie Book Blowout- Books, Kindles and Cash

This is pretty straight forward. A whole bunch of .99 Indie Authors got together for a couple of promotions and YOU, our readers can double dip on the prizes!


The first site is the 12 Days of Christmas Indie Book Blowout where you have the largest selection of all genres. Lots, and lots of books! And yes, Sundered is there with its NEW COVER. You can win a BRAND NEW KINDLE through this giveaway, just for joining the newsletter!


The Second site is the 12 Days of Christmas Extra, Secret, Special Giveaway where you can enter to win a Kindle Fire OR a $200 Amazon Gift Card! Sundered is here too with the new cover. :)

So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself some prizes!

Friday, December 09, 2011

Saying "Goodbye" to my Agent

Wow, never thought I'd title a post with that.

I know that some of you are grabbing your head in your hands, screaming at the computer. "Why?" I would have been that person not so long ago.


Here's the long and the short of it.

 Advances in traditional market are low right now. Really, really low. Why would I tie up a novel in a one to two year process for $2500 (on a good day) when I could put it out myself; in that two year period make that same money, and then some, on my own? That route doesn't make as much sense as it once did, nor is it as potentially profitable.


 Would you rather chase after a publishing house or have them come to you? I choose to HOPE that by publishing on my own, they will come to me. And if they don't? I'll survive. I'll just need each of you to buy 10 books. ;p


The traditional world of publishing is 1, maybe 2 books a year. With the way things are now, readers don't have the patience they once did to wait for a year. We should be putting out (this is from a kindle bestseller) 3-4 books a year if you want to keep your readers from forgetting about you and moving on to the next authors work.

You'll never get that with a traditional publisher.



Finally, and most importantly, my agent just didn't have time for me, as much as she made a last ditch effort to connect with me. I've been with her for over a year, the last 7 months she's been MIA due to personal issues, but even before that, I was having to dodge her heels to make things happen. That is not my job. My job is to write. I'm grateful she thought well enough of me to take me on, but that isn't enough, not in this market.


So that's it, those are my reasons without getting into the nitty, gritty detailas as to why I left my agent, and am striking out completely on my own. Maybe you have reasons, different than mine, to go indie too?