First guest review on Fight for Your Write today. See what Robby Coles had to say about KC Beaumont’s novella, The More Things Change.
Category: Authors
Real Authors, Real Questions: How to Market Your Books Like a Boss
Guest post from Jasmine Henry of Inbound Marketing Agents on Fight for Your Write today.
Something like 3 million English books are released each year, despite the fact book sales have been on a steady decline since 2007. All factors equal, your book has less than a 1% chance of ever making it into a bookstore.
Real Authors, Real Questions: How to Market Your Books Like a Boss.
Guest Post: Paranormal Romance Author Melissa Fox
Welcome One of My Favorite People in the World: Melissa Fox
It’s no secret; I adore her. With her paranormal romance debut set to release RIGHTNOW, Melissa agreed to stop by and tell a quick story. She cracks me up daily. I know she’ll make you laugh, too. Without further babbling, here’s Melissa.
Oh, Behave!
Melissa Fox
The people in my head don’t listen to me. Yeah, that sounds alarming, and believe me, it is. I’m a pantser, not a plotter, but I do usually sit down in front of my computer with some sort of plan in mind, whether a scene popped into my head in the shower, while walking the dogs, or I actually map out what I want to write and how events will unfold. I grab a drink, settle the dogs, flex the old fingers, and…start arguing.
Me: No, no, no. You’re supposed to be doing this. Remember, we talked about it? Decided this was what you’re supposed to be doing today?
Character: Pfft.
And off we go.
My naughty, really bad boy hero who is supposed to get redeemed in the end is embarrassed by the actions I have all planned out and insists he’d never do that. Uh-uh, no way. Digs his heels in, shakes his head, sets his mouth in that pretty but stubborn line, and there’s nothing I can do about it.
C’mon, I wheedle. I promise I’ll make it all better in the end.
You’re out of your mind, he responds. This will go much better if I’m nice. Then it makes what that nasty villain is planning all the more awful—what did you eat last night, by the way, to come up with that?
Sometimes I wonder.
Or my clever, sweet hero, who is supposed to be charming and amusing the heroine with witty dialog and silly antics, says: You know, I’m really in the mood to get laid. Let’s write me some sexy times.
Me: Oh, noooooo.
Him (with a wicked and completely irresistible grin): Oh, yes.
Occasionally, it’s not just scenes or events, but an entire personality and plot—and on one memorable occasion, an entire genre—they cheerfully kick to the curb. What do you mean, you want to be a demon slayer and not an investigator? Are you kidding me? A Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, not an FBI agent? What do I know about Mounties, for crying out loud?
Sometimes, there’s just no reasoning with them.
More from Melissa
An author’s greatest resource is their support system. Without Jen, Conor and Merry’s story might have seen the light of publication eventually, but the road would not have been anywhere near as much fun. When it came to doing a blog on release day, there’s no where else I’d rather be than with my dear friend, critique partner, cheerleader, reality checker, and talker-downer from more ledges than I care to count. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me, and thank you Jen for all the good times. Here’s to many more! Sláinte!
About Melissa Fox
After being rationed books by my parents like most kids get rationed candy, I turned to writing to tide me over between fixes. Having lived in the suburbs of the Mid-West, desert of the Southwest, foothills of the Rocky Mountains, I’m now on an island in the Puget Sound with my husband and dogs.
My debut paranormal romance, WRAITH REDEEMED, is now available in print and all e-formats from The Wild Rose Press.
Wraith Redeemed Excerpt
(This is a new one that no one else has, because I’m special.)
“God, Conor. Yes. I’ll go to dinner with you on Saturday.” He knew how his lilting brogue affected her, the bastard. “Where are we going?”
“Well, now.” He kicked back, crossing his legs at the ankles and his hands over his stomach as he regarded her with satisfaction. She fought a scowl. Somehow, he’d wrestled back control of the situation. How did he do that? “That’s a decision needing some thought now, isn’t it? Seeing as how I haven’t had time to do that as yet.”
He lifted a brow, reminding her she’d surprised him by telling him to ask her out on a date.
“I need to know what to wear.” Striving to imitate his casual insouciance, she leaned back in her chair and forced herself to leave the bottle cap on the table. He grinned, and her heart leapt into a heavy, rapid rhythm.
“As soon as I figure it out, I’ll let you know. I promise,” he added when she opened her mouth to protest. “I’ll give you plenty of time to plan your campaign, darlin’.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered, not looking at him, because of course she did.
“You’re planning on making me crawl.” His smile faded and turned wry. Her gaze shot to his as an automatic protest formed on her lips, but he shook his head and sat forward. “Yes, you are, and you deserve it. I deserve it, Merry. I owe you that at least. And I’ll dance to your tune, my girl, until enough is enough, until you’ve had your due and then some, but then we’ll have our reckoning.”
“I don’t want…” Good manners and a desire to keep her plan a secret prompted the half-hearted beginning of the protest, but her innate honesty and inability to fool him won out. She chuckled. “Yes, you’re right. Seeing you crawl will do my wounded feelings some good, O’Shea.”
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Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Back David Kirk!
Blogger Book Fair Features Something a Little Different with David Kirk
Dave is one of my favorite people in the world. In addition to being a fantastic author, he’s also been incredibly supportive and helpful – not to mention encouraging. His novel Particular Stones is one of the best books I read last year. Since he’s already answered my usual questions, I asked Dave to give us some insider information on his forthcoming novel Cornerstones. Because he’s a good guy, he said yes. First, let’s have a refresher on Dave and Particular Stones.
About David J. Kirk
David, an honorable discharged veteran of the United States Navy, earned his master’s degree in personality psychology from Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1980. He worked as a counselor and a Human Resources Manager. David then became an instructor at Rasmussen College where he taught psychology and sociology for four years.
An avid writer since 16 years old, he enjoyed elective college courses in creative writing, poetry, and drama. He has written over a dozen poems and the short stories “Stranger on the Beach” and “Blue Men.” After completing Particular Stones, he is currently finishing up his most recent novel, In the Big Flood. He also enjoys vegetable gardening, fishing, book discussion, geography, science, and philosophy. He lives with his wife in Indiana; they have two children.
About Particular Stones
Bothered by nightmares regarding his beginnings and trapped in an unacceptable situation, Dan joins the Eagles, a group of similar misfits whose only connection is their assignment to the same wing of their orphanage hall. Together, the boys at first use brute force to defend themselves against a group of bullies harassing them and fellow orphans. After a brief period of popularity for their bravery, opposing interests in the community plot to turn public opinion against them. The Eagles soon realize their strategy is beginning to fail. Facing incarceration and expulsion from school, they pull a strategic retreat into the wilderness where thing are seen more clearly. Realizing a more rational plan, redemption begins to unfold.
Amazon | Martin Sisters Publishing | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble
And Now for the (Other) Good Stuff
Dave is currently putting the finishing touches on his next novel, Cornerstones. I asked him for a sneak peek, and he said “Sure!” Instead of an excerpt, because the man does like his secrets, he sent a special message full of insight, just like the Dave himself. In his words:
I am the author of Particular Stones (Martin Sisters Publishing, 2011) and its sequel Cornerstones. While the books have different plots, they are about the same things. The stories take place in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, but readers may not be familiar with the type of apocalypse. There are no flying cars, radiation diseased zombies, or death ray machines about. The dystopia here is an exaggeration of what I feel is wrong with civilization today.
I can almost summarize reviews with “This is a story about some orphan boys who band together to fight the bad guys.” While this is basically true, they about so much more. The Stones stories are about:
- Family. And what better way to explore the functions and rolls than with a group of young people without biological parents to show how these are formed.
- Spirituality. We appear to be in two camps today: faith and science. Also, purists on each side claim that belief in one excludes belief in the other. I attempt to show that both not only can work together but must.
- Personal responsibility. Can we blame our shortcomings solely on genetics?
- Champions. In regard to the latest Nobel Prize winner, Miss America, and Super Bowl champs, one of my characters put it best with “why do we celebrate a status that ninety nine percent of the population will never reach?”
- Progress. I’m all for it, but what were we doing right before that for some reason we stopped doing?
I invite all types of readers to enjoy the Stones stories, but particularly those close readers. I hope you will sit back and consider my different way of looking at things.
(Photo by Nicole Ruby, used by permission, all rights reserved)
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Win Particular Stones
Dave is giving away Particular Stones on Goodreads. All you have to do is go sign up and keep your fingers crossed!
Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Dan O’Brien
Blogger Book Fair Marches On with Dan O’Brien
The next brave, brave man to be featured here on my super-pink site is Dan O’Brien, author of The Path of the Fallen. This super-good sport (and apparently sport-lover, if his blog is evidence) has gamely answered my usual questions and provided an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Take a look and then make use of all the social media links to keep an eye on his future projects. It’s my turn to shut up and Dan’s turn to talk.
About Dan O’Brien
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
Interview
As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”
It is about a young man who learns what it takes to be a hero.
Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?
I wrote a play for my cousin when I was 6 or 7. I don’t recall what it was about, but I do remember creating little characters on Popsicle sticks.
Do you prefer plaid or stripes?
Plaid.
Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?
I started out in traditional publishing and transitioned to independent publishing because of the flexibility.
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
Always. Sequels, new novels, you name it.
Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?
Music. Tea. Chocolate.
Have you ever based a character on someone you know?
I have an entire novella based on people I know….
What color is your umbrella?
Black.
Who is your favorite author and why?
Hemmingway because, well, he was Hemmingway.
What was the last book you read?
Dance of Dragons by George. R. R. Martin
Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?
A little of both. The Lauren Westlake mysteries are set in places I have lived, but I love to do some research as well for the details.
After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?
I generally have some beta readers, a laundry list of marketing points, and the broad strokes of a publishing plan.
What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?
“Numb” by Linkin Park
Where can people find your book?
Wherever books are sold. It is available as an e-book and in print.
Can we read a little excerpt?
You absolutely can.
Leane rose from her seat with a startling quickness. She was upon the inebriated Fredrick with three long steps, her hand slapping him before he could utter another word. The sting drew a rueful look from the childish Fredrick.
“You will never speak of Ry––Fe’rein like that,” snarled Leane; her true words almost revealed. She recovered and drew back. Her hands disappeared into the folds of her layered dress once more. The darkened shawl around her shoulders made it so only her face and hair were visible.
“But you hate him.”
The slap came again, this time with renewed force. Fredrick’s eyes were glassy as a flush faded over his cheeks. He looked at Leane with wide eyes.
Leane watched him with a hawk-like gaze. Her sharp eyes dared him to speak again. “You will do well to remember your words here, Fredrick. Your opinions would be best kept to yourself.” Her breathing slowed as she fought to regain her calm.
Fredrick looked from E’Malkai to the others, and then bowed awkwardly. His arms were plastered along his sides, his voice wavering as he spoke. “Pardon my drunkenness, Leane ilsen. I knew not what I spoke. Please allow me to retire to my personal residence.”
Leane nodded as Fredrick passed. He flashed a beleaguered grimace to each individual who he passed and disappeared out the door.
About The Path of the Fallen
The world is broken. The coming of the Intelligence pushed the remnants of humanity deep into the tundra. What remained was a vast sea of ice and the machine city, Culouth. E’Malkai Armen, descendent of the Fallen, has been a citizen of Culouth his entire life. A bitter betrayal, and the inception of a war that will destroy millions of lives, forces E’Malkai to confront the past and undertake a pilgrimage that is his by birthright. As he travels to the cold tundra of the north, the realm prepares for war. The Path of the Fallen is a lonely and arduous path, but it must be walked for the sake of all mankind.
jennifermbarry.com 