The next eight weeks, I'm going to discuss writing as a business.
I think it still amazes me on how many people don't think writing is a business. I just want to shout "get with it people."
Of the past few months I've run into writers who are totally professional who think of writing as a business, then there is those who are at a mid-point, they think of writing as a business, but one they can do when they want, and lastly there are those who don't even think about it as a business.
If you want your writing to be taken seriously, then you have to take your writing seriously.
That means, being professional, listening and constantly learning about the business.
Writing is hard, many people think its easy, but it's not. Writing romance is not easy, but the genre is the most put down poplar genre fiction. I think it is because mainly women write romance (there are a few men), and other don't view writing romance as "legitimate" as writing other genre fiction.
It comes down to, writing is a business, you need to know how to run your business.
Next blog: Professional Writing Goals
Have a great week.
Marie
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Conference Weekend
This last weekend I attended the Emerald City Writers Conferece. It was fun and great to see old friends and make new ones.
I always forget how exhausing conferences can be mainly because you want to squeeze everything you can into the hours you have at the conference. Sometimes it means giving up sleep and other times it means giving up a workshop or two.
I enjoyed workshops by Sabrina York, Bob Mayer and Jen Talty along with key note speeches by Maya Banks and Robyn Carr.
Writing conferences usually give me the boost I need to get my butt in chair and write again, and this one is no different. I've learned new techniques from Sabrina York, Bob Mayer and Jen Talty. I've been inspired by Maya Banks and Robyn Carr.
It was a great weekend, but now it's back to my desk, to my writing, because I have books to write. And next year it will be fun to catch up with everyone again and see what we've all accomplished.
I always forget how exhausing conferences can be mainly because you want to squeeze everything you can into the hours you have at the conference. Sometimes it means giving up sleep and other times it means giving up a workshop or two.
I enjoyed workshops by Sabrina York, Bob Mayer and Jen Talty along with key note speeches by Maya Banks and Robyn Carr.
Writing conferences usually give me the boost I need to get my butt in chair and write again, and this one is no different. I've learned new techniques from Sabrina York, Bob Mayer and Jen Talty. I've been inspired by Maya Banks and Robyn Carr.
It was a great weekend, but now it's back to my desk, to my writing, because I have books to write. And next year it will be fun to catch up with everyone again and see what we've all accomplished.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Guest: MacKenzie Crowne
Today I have a guest, MacKenzie Crowne
Tell us a little about yourself:
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a wife, mother and really young grandmother. Together with
my high school sweet heart husband, a neurotic Pomeranian and a blind cat, I
call Arizona home because the southwest feeds my soul. My love of books,
specifically the romance genre, has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and
a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories
shared with others. Today, I’m a five-year survivor, living the dream. Raised
on the concept that a stranger is just one conversation away from being a
friend, I love meeting new people.
My friends call me Mac. I hope you
will too.
Okay, Mac. What do like the most and the least about
writing?
As a pantser, when I sit down to write a
story, I have a general concept in mind, beginning – middle – end. The details,
however, are a little murky. I love how both major elements and minor details unfold
before my eyes. Like some kind of romance stenographer, I’m thrilled and
excited when my characters slip me new insights into their psyches or deliver a
bombshell I wasn’t expecting. On the flip side of being a pantser, however, is
the danger of writer’s block. Since I’m not the one driving the story, I’m
occasionally left sitting at my computer with nothing but crickets to keep me
company. Hate that!
Oh how I understand the character silence. Give us a peek into your latest published work?
A SONG FOR SOPHIE is a lighthearted contemporary romance and part
of The Honky Tonk Hearts series from The Wild Rose Press. It’s currently
available exclusively at Amazon and
will be FREE to download 10/15 through 10/19.
Blurb: Jobless, practically homeless,
and tired of being manless, Sophie Taylor jumps at the chance to be Beaumont
Walker's personal assistant. Six weeks on the road with country music's bad
boy--and, more importantly, his all-male crew--is the perfect opportunity to
change her life.
Beau Walker doesn't need any more distractions. Sophie, with her butt-ugly suits and balls-to-the-wall attitude, shouldn't be one, but she proves to be distracting and more--even, surprisingly, a friend. So when he discovers her plan to snag a man from his worldly wise crew, he's determined to protect her from herself.
When Sophie realizes Beau is behind her failure to attract even one member of his crew, the last place she expects to find herself is in his bed. But will one night of passion convince her she's woman enough for him? Or will it destroy their friendship and his budding belief in true love?
Beau Walker doesn't need any more distractions. Sophie, with her butt-ugly suits and balls-to-the-wall attitude, shouldn't be one, but she proves to be distracting and more--even, surprisingly, a friend. So when he discovers her plan to snag a man from his worldly wise crew, he's determined to protect her from herself.
When Sophie realizes Beau is behind her failure to attract even one member of his crew, the last place she expects to find herself is in his bed. But will one night of passion convince her she's woman enough for him? Or will it destroy their friendship and his budding belief in true love?
That sounds like a good, fun book. What's next on the writing horizon for you?
Though it’s not my usual genre, I’m hoping to
announce some very exciting news about my new romantic suspense, IRRESISTIBLE
DECEPTIONS, sometime later this week. Details to come… In the meantime, several
of my lighthearted contemporaries are hitting the digital shelves. THAT DATING THING is available now and CARA O’SHEA’S RETURN, a
prequel to THE BILLIONAIRE’S CON will be released
on 10/28.
Here's an excerpt of A Song for Sophie:
“Don’t you have
something you’re supposed to be doing? I assume we’re paying you. Go earn your
paycheck.”
“Oh, you’re
paying me.” She allowed the secret smile to curl her lips in an actual one.
“And I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“What’s that?
Boring me to death?”
She dropped her
oversized purse to the floor and took the chair next to him. It was a very
comfortable recliner, and large enough that her arm didn’t reach the handle to
lift the footrest. Feeling around blindly, she sat forward, and hanging half
way over the arm, grasped the control. A quick tug and the footrest snapped up,
and the back of the chair fell into the recline position, making her squeak.
Beau shook his
head.
She tugged at
the hem of her skirt to make sure it didn’t ride up, squirming until she’d
settled herself. With her ankles crossed, she plopped her hands and forearms on
the cushioned arms of the chair and looked at him.
“I’m keeping you
busy.”
“Huh?”
“I’m keeping you
busy. You asked what I was supposed to be doing. That’s what I’m supposed to be
doing.”
“Well, quit it.
You’re pissing me off.”
“Oh, yeah,” she
drawled, “like that’s hard to do.”
“Have I fired
you yet today?”
“No.”
“You’re fired.”
He really was funny
when he was trying to look menacing. She laughed and held his glare. “Geez,
you’re cranky.”
Thanks for being here today, Mac
Monday, September 9, 2013
Guest: Barbara Edwards
Today, my guest is fellow Wild Rose Press Author Barbara Edwards.
Welcome Barbara.
Welcome Barbara.
What can I tell you to snag your
interest?
I’m Barbara Edwards and I’m an author. Not a world
shattering surprise since I have a new release, Journey of the Magi, available
on kindle http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ
The big difference is that it’s a
sweet holiday romance and very different from my edgy, paranormal romances or
historical romances.
The thing I like least about
writing is the amount of patience it takes to get a book published. Writing the
basic book, editing, rewriting and then submitting can take up to a year. Then
you wait for acceptance or rejection, or suggestions for changes to make it
acceptable. The more edits from the editor. Sometimes this process takes
another year. Then comes the big day! Boom! It’s over, someone likes it.
Where’s the next book?
What do I like most about writing?
When someone likes my work.
Here’s a bit about my Christmas
story.
Blurb for Journey of the Magi:
Widow Noel Martin never
breaks promises, and she promised her kids they’d have Christmas at her
childhood home in Connecticut. But driving across country takes money. Noel is
broke when a snowstorm blows them into a tiny Minnesota café owned by a man who
can change her mind. She accepts his offer of a job. Despite her attraction to
him, she makes it clear she is only temporary help.
Dan Longstreet isn’t adopting
any more strays, but he needs a waitress. Dan works so hard to make his café a success, he doesn't have
time for love. Though Noel’s slender blonde
beauty stuns him and her two adorable children tug at his heart, he denies how
they threaten to change his life.
When tragedy strikes, their
new-found love is the first victim. Noel can't stay and Dan can't
leave. Will their journey be the gift that reunites them?
What’s next? I’d like to write
another holiday romance, but already have the next book in my paranormal
series, Ancient Dark, well underway. It’s about a man who’s bloodlines are
werewolf but he never changed.
I set my series in New England
since that’s where I was raised. The atmosphere can be spooky or full of eerie
history, a nice bucket to dip ideas from.
Here’s
an excerpt from Journey of the Magi
“Is
that job still open?”
“I
need a waitress.” His rich voice woke tingles of awareness
that she’d forgotten, or maybe never knew.
“Is
that a yes or a no?” she asked impatiently. These unfamiliar
feelings were scary and unwelcome. She was
too
tired to be diplomatic and this job was too important.
“What
are you going to do with them?” He jutted his
chin toward her children.
“I, I
d-d-don’t know,” Noel stammered before sheslumped
onto the nearest stool. Leaning forward onto
her
elbows, she looked at her clasped hands. “I didn’t plan
that far.”
“Humph!”
Noel
watched his long, strong fingers dexterously polish
another glass. His wide palms held the heavy
restaurant-ware
like fine china. He had nice hands, a gentle
touch. Instinct murmured he’d be as careful with
a
woman.
“I
guess I should move on. I…”
“Could
keep the kids next to the kitchen, there’s a place
there. Then if they needed you, you’d be right
close.” His deep
voice was like an angel’s song.
Please
follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
Facebook
like page
It was great having you here today, Barbara.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Guest: Rachel Leigh
Today I welcome Rachel Leigh to my blog. Rachel is published with The Wild Rose Press and bring her own unique voice to her books.
Tell us a
little about yourself.
I've been
writing for about eight years now under Rachel Leigh and a pseudonym, as well
as being wife to my wonderful husband and mum to our two daughters. I live in
England but write for the US market which is kind of strange seeing as I've
never even been to the US! I endeavored to get published here, but it seems
I'm more American than British, lol :D
What do
like the most and the least about writing?
Most: Each
time I write chapter 1 - I just love starting a new story! I plan a short
outline and character sketches and then dive in. I love letting my characters
take me where they want to go, with lots of surprises of who they are as individuals
as well as the naughtiness they get up to along the way…
Least: The
middle! I suffer from terrible 'sagging middle' syndrome and when I reach the
15,000 mark (my novellas range from 25,000 to 40,000 words), I hit a brick
wall. The only way to get through it is to keep writing. I write, and then
worry about cleaning it up in the following drafts.
Give us a peek into
your latest published work?
Caroline James wants to be the best investigative journalist
London has ever seen. But until she has the money to leave the small town of
Fayre Mead, she's stuck and her resentment is building. So when she’s assigned
to cover the Lakeland Horse Trials and meets sexy, dark-haired, and
astoundingly fit horse trainer, Michael Canton, she is happy to vent some
sexual and emotional frustration…and write the story of her career. But after
getting personal with Michael, can she remain impersonal with the article?
Michael Canton will do anything in his power to silence his
tyrannical father once and for all. Under extreme pressure to compete in the
countries show jumper trials and prove his worth, Michael’s fiery emotions are
running high. Caroline’s beauty and sexual confidence stokes an inner strength
and determination he never knew he had. But can he trust her to know the
difference between fact and fiction? Together, they are a formidable team…but
will their burning ambitions ultimately blow them apart?
What’s next
on the writing horizon for you?
I'm
extremely busy with other writing commitments right now, but as soon as I'm
done, I'm planning my first venture into erotic historical romance. I want to
write a trilogy based around three orphaned sisters running their own clothes
store in the early 1900s. I'm so excited to get started!
Is there
anything you want to tell readers?
Yes! Please
join me on my blog where I have regular guest authors who more often than not
offer so great giveaways.
Also, follow me on my FB page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Leigh/266044849655?fref=ts)
Here's an excerpt from Rachel's Current release:
Still
sitting in his lap, she reached behind her and lowered the zipper of her dress.
It fell down over her shoulders, revealing naked breasts. His erection ached at
the sight of her creamy white, perfect tits with nipples big and dark. He
licked his lips and moved forward to suck one hard tip into his mouth. Her gasp
sounded above him.
Her skin
smelled of something sweet and sexy, innocence mixed with danger. He inhaled
deeply as he grazed her pebbled nipple with his teeth before reclaiming her
mouth. Her tongue was rigid and demanding against his as they fought for
supremacy.
Rolling her
over, he shimmied the dress down her body and tossed it to the floor. Naked,
but for tiny satin panties, darkened by juices at her clit, Michael didn’t
think he had ever seen a woman look more beautiful. He drank in every inch of
her, knowing deep inside that this might be the only moment he’d ever see her
like this. The only chance to take her, to watch her enjoy unadulterated
pleasure. God, he wanted to give her pleasure.
“Michael…”
He snapped his
gaze to hers. She watched him. Her eyes were heavy lidded, screaming for him,
wanting him. Male pride surged like a fireball behind his ribcage. He crawled
up beside her and kissed her, his fingers trailing over her breasts, lower over
her torso before diving into her panties.
She was
wet. Soaking wet.
His hand
glided over her narrow strip of pubic hair to her rigid clit. He circled,
stretched, and teased, then moved lower until his fingers found her slit, his
blood roaring in his ears. He felt alive, masculine and powerful. Her legs
opened and he thrust two fingers deep inside.
Wow, hot excerpt.
You can view Teach To Ride on http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Me-To-Ride-ebook/dp/B00EPQPNMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377966674&sr=8-1&keywords=teach+me+to+ride
And for an extra, here's the cover of Rachel's previous release.
I think Rachel has heated up our Labor Day (here in the US) quite well.
Thanks for being here today Rachel.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Long and Short Reviews Anniversary Bash
Come visit me and other authors at the Long and Short Reviews Bash
Win an Amazon gift card and more.
Click here to be taken to the site
Win an Amazon gift card and more.
Click here to be taken to the site
KDP Select through my publisher
My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, has started putting their
authors books in the KDP Select program (Amazon). This means for 90 days the book is only
available through Amazon only and as an author, I get 5 free days.
When I first heard about this, I will admit to be a bit
unsure about it when I received the notification about my release, it showed
when it was going into KDP Select and when it would go on World-Wide sale.
Thanks to, Lisa, our wonderful marketing director, a few
days before my free days, she gave us all at The Wild Rose Press a crash course
in KDP Select and how to use the free days to our advantage.
Since I only had 3 days until my free days started, I
reached out to other authors I know asking for quick blog spots, notified a few
websites that will list your free book, and started making a list of what I
needed to do during those 5 free days.
A few things I want to point out:
1. I write Erotic Romance and it is a hot sub-genre right
now
2. This is my 5th book with The Wild Rose Press so it did
make a difference
3. I did very little promotion for the free days because I
didn't realize I need to
4. What promo I did do was a couple of blog spots, I did
Facebook and Twitter for the first 3 days.
These are how my numbers looked I don't expect anyone else's
to look like mine we all write different books.
Monday before my book went free I was ranked in the 495K
area
Tuesday, first day free: I was out most of the day, but
checked first thing in the morning and I was ranked at 5,000. Thanks to my wonderful critique partner, she
watched my rankings through the day for me, by the end of Tuesday night, my
overall ranking was #74 with being #2 in Erotica.
Wednesday, second day free: Ranking started at #37 with #1
in Erotica, by the end of the day my ranking was #24 and still #1 in Erotica
Thursday, third day free: Ranking started at #34 and #2 in
Erotica. By the end of the day my
ranking was #52 and still #2 in Erotica
Friday, fourth day free: Ranking started at #61 and #2 in
Erotica. By the end of the day my
ranking was #91 and still #2 in Erotica
Saturday, my fifth and last day free: Ranking started at #90
and #2 in Erotica. By the end of the day
my ranking was #92 and still #2 in Erotica.
During that same time period, the rankings on my other books
began to get better. Which meant those
books were now selling.
After my book went off free, my ranking of course jumped
back up into the 500K range, but then went back down under 100K range and then
stayed below that range even now more than a week since I went free.
I also think what really helped is when I went free I had 2
reviews, a week after I went free I had 15 reviews. Not all of them good, but the majority were
very nice.
So that is my free experience with KDP Select through my
publisher. I'm glad The Wild Rose Press
gave me the opportunity to be part of this new program.
So tell me what you think about free books on Amazon? Do you download them and never read
them? Will it get you to try a new
author?
Have a great week.
Marie
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