May 2012 Archives - Indie Book Promo

Guest Post – Rebecca Tsaros Dickson, author of I Could Tell You Stories

Posted on May 29, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 21 Comments

Indie Book Promo is welcoming to the blog Rebecca Tsaros Dickson, author of I could Tell You Stories. She’s here to share a guest post and also some information about her book. Enjoy!

“Tell the truth”

The year I turned 12, I was thrust into the kind of emptiness that makes your bones shake. Held, suspended, in the middle of a big, wide nothing. It was the same year I met John. We lived seven miles apart. (I didn’t learn this until later, when I clocked it in my mother’s Toyota.) It started on a random autumn weekday.

He was 13 when he rolled his four-wheeler into my driveway. I was sitting on the couch with my math book open in my lap. I had a small stack of scrap paper – the thin, brown kind that rips every time you try to erase something. I remember the TV was on in the background. Then I heard the whining of an ATV engine, followed by a knock… That day changed everything. I didn’t know it at the time, but the first feeling of comfort came when his fingers entwined with my own.

But why wouldn’t it? My parents divorce was uneventful, except that it took them almost five years to get it done, and they used me as the tug-o-war rope. My father moved out. My mother worked her ass off bartending to pay the bills. And my little world blew up.

• • •

You know what especially rocks about saying what you need to say? It feels so fucking good to get it out. That’s also my measure for good writing these days. It’s not about shock value. It’s not about bizarre tales that often lose the reader. It’s about saying the stuff that I initially think I simply can’t say. Those things that scare me a little to talk about.

If my instinct is, “Gosh, I better not say that,” you can bet it will be the next sentence I type. Possibly in italics, or with exclamati0n points.

Readers identify with what’s real. Words with feeling, impact. A story that describes what every human has been through – but in a compelling way. I am told I have a God-given talent for messing with people’s heads. Not because my writing is confusing or arbitrary, but because it is plain language laid bare. The big secret to writing raw? Tell the truth.

That’s really all there is to it.

When Rachel asked me to guest post about writing raw, I thought it might be tough. I thought, “Damn. There’s really no trick.” So I hope you’re not disappointed. I hope you understand that telling the truth in writing essentially means stripping off your clothes and parading your flesh on national television. Yeah, it sounds simple. But it usually isn’t. You have to take every teensy ounce of fear inside you and turn it into magic.

Sometimes, I use journaling. It’s cool because I can express thoughts and feelings I may not want to use in a story. But once I examine those words, hold them up to the light, it’s much easier to see they aren’t so scary. That the majority of the world has probably been through the same thing. Bonus: Every time I tell the truth, my personal growth and insight sky-rocket. No joke.

Want to change your life as a writer? Want to write fearlessly? The only person stopping you is … you.

• • •

I was plucked from the only school I had ever attended – all-girls, Catholic and expensive – and dropped into the town’s public middle school up the street. When I got up in the morning, my mother was asleep. When I got home, she was gone to work. When I went to bed, she was still working.

By all accounts, I lived alone, in a brown, split-level house that smelled like too much Pledge. I watched my mother’s prize-winning rosebushes rot, and my father’s perfect lawn fade to yellow. It was just enough stress that I nearly drowned in my own stomach acid.

Yet here was this boy, showing up out of nowhere, often several times a week. Seven miles on a four-wheeler for me? How easy it is to put weight on other people in our lives. How simple to expect them to make up for everything we never had as children. I was pretty sure John liked me more than my parents. For the better part of 10 years, he was my one constant.

Which is probably why, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been one of those girls who makes bold, sweeping changes on a whim. I don’t think. I do. Especially when it comes to love.

Over the years, I have thought long and hard about his strong, calloused hands and well-muscled thighs. About his uncanny way of making me smile, especially when I didn’t want to. About how I could have saved myself a few decades’ worth of heartache and wretchedness if I hadn’t run away. Which probably isn’t true, but maybe …

I saw him in the hush of the snow-covered trees this morning. He sneaks up on me like that sometimes. Today, it reminded me that uncertainty is always in my favor – as long as I don’t hold on too tightly. A flexible agenda allows destiny to kiss me at will. The memories will surface when they wish.

Becky Tsaros Dickson writes. Because it’s what she knows.

Stints as a reporter for two daily newspapers, which included two Presidential Primary races, taught her the value of a well-chosen word. She left journalism in 2006 to play Momma, but instead found herself filling blank pages while the kids napped. Her first book was released in November 2010. The collection of short stories, aptly titled I Could Tell You Stories, comes with its own play list and a boatload of art. (So cool.)

Her new project, a novella called “Say my name,” is being released on her blog, one chapter per week. Her third book, temporarily dubbed “Don’t Ruin my Life: Crap my kids say” is in the works.

Becky lives with her husband and two sons – and too many dogs – in the middle of nowhere, New Hampshire. It’s where she belongs.

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Buy the Book

About I Could Tell You Stories: Love. Lust. Faith. Truth. Intuition. Hot! I Could Tell You Stories is one woman’s story of love and loss. Warning: This book will make you feel like never before

Filed Under: Guest Post, Short Story

PLEASE, DO NOT SPAM ANOTHER LINK UNTIL YOU READ THIS!

Posted on May 28, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 1 Comment

Indie Book Promo is welcoming Rachel Thompson to the blog! We’re re-posting one of her pearls of wisdom from Bad Redhead Media to further our goal of educating authors to be the best they can be! Feel free to ask questions, Rachel will be dropping by to say hi!

PLEASE, DO NOT SPAM ANOTHER LINK UNTIL YOU READ THIS!

In our current economy, the urgency to sell our product or service can overtake our ability to do most anything else. Financial obligations don’t just disappear the way many of our jobs, or prospects for business, have. Bills and taxes wait for no one.

Fear of loss is a big motivator, isn’t it?

So those of us who have something to sell have turned, by the millions, to social media, a (for the most part) free form of selling. Awesome, right?

Not so fast.

Technology: Think back to when you were a kid. What annoyed you most about watching your favorite TV show? Those darn commercials! Waiting through what seemed like hours to get to the good part surely tested the small amount of patience we’d only recently learned to have.

Fast forward: we’re all grownup and many of us see the Internet as a great way to find cool stuff without ever leaving our homes. For those of us who watched this tech boom, it’s been a revelation. Think about this: I graduated from high school in 1982. College in 1986. My Uni library had microfiche and catalogue cards – now extinct. In fact, my tween doesn’t even know what those words mean.

Coming a long way, baby – particularly with Apple products in our back pocket – has allowed us to become more entrepreneurial. Everyone has something to sell. And perhaps, someone is willing to buy.

Finding them isn’t as tricky as it used to be, what with social media, blogging, new advertising options using social media, and the millions of daily online sites available. And don’t forget Skynet Amazon.

So, what’s missing? Why are some succeeding while others are failing miserably?

My theory: The urgency to sell is what prevents you from successfully selling.

(Who am I to say this? You may know me as a bestselling author and social media consultant, but in my previous corporate life I spent fifteen years as an award-winning salesperson, sales trainer, and advertising account rep. On top of what I do now, I’m also a certified communications trainer.)

So…now what? We need to make money. We can’t just sit around and talk about chocolate on Twitter all day. (Okay, maybe Nutella but…)

Engagement. Pure and simple. I don’t mean in a unicorns and rainbows kind of way. I mean in establishing yourself as the real, authentic person you are who does not sell sell sell by constant self-promotion or spamming links* about your own products or service. *According to Twitter Spamming Rules, ‘If your updates consist mainly of links, and not personal updates, you are spamming.’

Tell me. How’s that working out for ya?

Success Factors: Promoting others, providing interesting rich content, networking, connecting…all these activities are what we call ‘building your author platform,’ in publishing — but engagement goes beyond that. You’re creating a base or tribe of people who will go to the ends of the earth for you – and you for them.

Personalized recommendations are crucial. That’s why I make no blanket statements here. But a basic platform is necessary. Twitter, Facebook, a blog. Find what works for you and make it your Earth. The rest are just satellites.

I talk daily with people I’ve met on Twitter. It has become my main source of networking and friendship for my author account @RachelintheOC, my business account @BadRedheadMedia, and my latest venture, affordable advertising for indie authors, @IndieBookPromos (I hope you follow at least one, if only to observe what I’m discussing here today.)

Are my successes because I constantly spammed my links in every tweet? No. Am I the greatest marketer who ever lived? Far from it. But, I have learned to curate, nurture and grow my core group. (For specific info on how to sell your book without constantly spamming links, see my previous article about just that.)

I just read a report today stating that

half of all self-publishers earned less than $500 in the last year, says the Taleist Self-Publishing Survey, released today. That’s because the top 10 per cent of self-publishers are making 75% of total royalties.

(The Taleist Survey, May 2012).

Based on what I see coming through on Twitter every day, this does not shock me.

Selling is all about relationships. When I worked as a sales rep, I won awards and stuff through methods that mostly displeased my managers. Many times, I just went in to visit with my docs, learning about their background, families, and hobbies. I avoided the marketing strategies my company’s talking heads had spent millions on.

Why? Doctors hated the company line. How many times a day do you think a rep asked them, “Will you write my drug?” vs. ‘How’s your wife’s back feeling since her surgery?’ while I handed him my favorite summer read to give her.

They were bombarded. I had to stand out.

Sure, I felt more like a caterer more days than not, but establishing myself as ‘Rachel The Person With A Name,’ as opposed to ‘just another drug rep,’ was important to me. Did some of my docs write my drugs because they liked me? Maybe. But I also provided interesting, rich content to them. I related to them on a personal level. They then decided to ‘buy’ on their own.

People make decisions to buy based on their own decision motivators. How will spamming ever uncover their motivators to buy your books, product or service?

There are clear parallels between what I did as a sales rep and trainer, and what I do now as an author selling books. As a consultant helping authors, my goal is to help authors (and other businesspeople) learn to engage, not simply focus on their own selling goals.

Back to engagement. If you take nothing else away from this article, take this:

Learn your demographic – who will buy your product/service? What are their buying motivations? How do you find out?
Build relationships — otherwise you’re wasting your time and money — and quite frankly, ours.
Time: Dedicate a certain amount of time each day to only fostering engagement, promoting others, asking questions, and providing rich content. The efforts will come back to you in spades.

Final thought: Field of Dreams. Great flick. ‘If you build it, they will come,’ is an oft-repeated phrase from that movie, to the point of becoming a cliché. On the surface, it can be. But as you know, ‘building it’ created life-altering changes.

Do me a favor: I want you to write that phrase out. Go ahead. Grab some paper and a pen. Fold it up in your hand, consider your ‘building,’ and put it in your back pocket for me. Anytime you start to feel that sense of urgency engulf you, take it out and look at it.

Remember…you have to build it first.

Filed Under: Guest Post, Social Media

Planning a Kickstarter Campaign – Author Dr Heather Manley

Posted on May 27, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 15 Comments

Indie Book Promo is excited to welcome Dr. Heather Manley to the blog. Not only is she a naturopathic doctor, but she is also the author of a set of kid’s books. We’ll get to those in a bit, Dr Heather has also recently been successful at a Kickstarter Campaign. This is a huge deal! She ran a Kickstarter Campaign to fund converting her kid’s books to ebook – look for these on Amazon soon!

Planning a Kickstarter Campaign? Read this and make it successful.

Do you have a creative project that you would love to show to the world?

Kickstarter is a site for entrepreneurs who are looking for funding to launch their creative ideas. It is a perfect launching ground as it gives your project some amazing PR visibility plus the funds to make it happen.

This is how it works:

An entrepreneur pitches their product/project with a video and content telling people who they are, what they are doing and how much money they need to make their vision happen.
When someone pledges towards that specific monetary amount, they receive a reward from the entrepreneur (this is the best part: win-win for all) and they officially become a backer.
If the entrepreneur reaches their set amount, then he/she is funded. If they don’t, they are not funded. However, if they go over their set amount, they receive all the money (which they can put towards other projects).

A little side note: Give yourself a budget, and cruise around Kickstarter looking for campaigns that you like. Pledge on them. With this, you will get a feel of how you want to present your project and also set yourself up with some good karma.

Now, find the courage and bravery and do it. Here are a few tips to make it successful.

Create an authentic video

I knew what I wanted to ask for but pitching with a video was a challenge for me. Choose 3 friends to help you with the script and to help you edit both the video and content. KEEP THE VIDEO SHORT – 3 minutes top.
Remember: show your passion and drive.

Create good rewards

I suggest offering 5 to 10 rewards. Be creative with the title and generous with the offerings. People generally like to be acknowledged; so handwritten thank you cards are a really nice touch to the lower rewards.
Pricing: Offer a $5 reward, $10 and $25. The average pledger will be about $20.

Before you launch

Email friends and family about your project and how Kickstarter works. Send them to the projects you have backed and express how excited you are. Next, give them the date you will be launching and ask them to pledge $5 on that date. The first day will set the tone for the rest of the campaign so start with a bang!
Once you launch, remind them to pledge and ask for help sharing on Facebook (most of my pledges came from Facebook). And remember they will want to help!

After you launch

Everyday, I would personally send messages and emails to my friends on facebook and in my address book. Everyone has happy to help spread the word and pledge.

Updates: Updates are important to keep the momentum going, however, they need to be relevant and kept short.

Think about important milestones – 25% funded, 50% funded – and write updates about that and add to the home page. Get people excited.
With my Kickstarter campaign, I offered jokes in updates. People enjoyed them and would write comments.

Remember to breath! It can be a long 30 days but the exposure and rewards are HUGE. Some days, I just couldn’t do it, so I would take a break. Other days it was all so exciting that I had to make myself take a break!

Have fun!

Be well,

Heather

My kids’ book series on Amazon!

The Lucky Escape

Merrin and Pearl’s little brother Robbie has swallowed a penny! Through magic and imagination they find themselves on an adventure through his digestive system where they must grab the penny, save Robbie and narrowly escape his poopy diaper. Through their journey down the esophagus, into the stomach, and through the intestines, the girls experience some close calls – almost being squirted with hydrochloric acid and being bumped by gas bubbles. Their encounters force them to learn first hand all about the digestive system and why it is so important to eat healthy foods. Ideal for ages 4 to 10.

Battle with the Bugs

Merrin and Pearl’s little cousin Max is sick, threatening everyone’s Mexican holiday. This time the girls find themselves in Max’s body, witnessing firsthand the immune system in action. They befriend a white blood cell warrior who leads them into battle against the offending bacteria, and listeners learn why it’s important not to eat candy and sugar when you have an illness – it can fuel bacteria and viruses and make you feel sicker. Ideal for ages 4 to 10.

A Heart Pumping Adventure

While eating a breakfast with her dad, Merrin wonders about her father’s eating habits and the condition of his heart. Suddenly, Merrin and Pearl find themselves riding on a red, pillowy, donut-shaped boat, floating on a red colored sea, and surrounded by hundreds of grape-like things! Where are the girls and where are they headed? Through their adventures we learn about the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats – and why the girls’ dad needs to eat more nuts and salads. Ideal for ages 4 to 10.

Follow me on twitter and join in the lively health chats on Facebook!

A little bit about Dr. Heather:

Dr. Heather Manley, who in 2001 received her medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, is a practicing physician whose primary interest is preventative healthcare for families. She is the author of Human Body Detectives, her educational series of story-telling books and curriculum. She also promotes wellness and naturopathic healthcare on her website drheathernd.com.

Indie Book Promo would like to thank Dr Heather for dropping by today. On a personal note, my daughter has read these books and loves them. If you have kids, these books are cute and will do a great job of teaching some science to them! Pick up your copies today!

Filed Under: Children's books, Guest Post

Interview with Linda Rae Blair, author of The Preston Andrews Mysteries series

Posted on May 26, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 8 Comments

Today we are welcoming Linda Rae Blair to the blog. She is the author of The Preston Andrews Mystery series and is here to answer some questions about herself and her books.

IPB – If someone else wrote a blurb about your series what would it say?

Linda Rae – The Preston Andrews Mysteries series is about a wealthy man with every benefit available to him, but who goes against family traditions and becomes a homicide cop. He sets up shop in his Virginia Beach mansion along with two of those in his inner circle. We meet his family, friends, an ex-girlfriend, a new love, and the 200 lb. dog that is the bane of existence (don’t let him fool you—he loves that darned untrainable dog). Press wears Armani and hunts killers, many of the serial variety. He assists the FBI only when he can’t avoid it.

IBP – How long have you been writing?

Linda Rae – I began writing 4 years ago just prior to my retirement and have published 15 books, so far.

IBP – Who are your cheerleaders?

Linda Rae – Oh, my. I have so many. Family, of course! People I used to work with have been so supportive. Two of them became my editors for the 2^nd book and stuck with me until they recently relocated to Florida. Nobody asked me to hide away in their suitcases, so here I am—without them!

I also have found a wonderful support group in the FaceBook site “Book Junkies” and a writer’s website, Indies Unlimited. These folks are like family. While I don’t expect any of them will attend my funeral (that’s an old social media joke), I do know that I have their support while I’m here. After all, this is when I really need them! I try my best to do a good turn for them whenever I can.

IBP – What started you on your journey to be a writer?

Linda Rae – Actually, I’m an artist and always thought that would be my retirement avocation, along with lots of gardening. A bad knee pretty much ruined the gardening. While preparing for retirement, I shared a story with a co-worker and got that, “You really should write a book!” response. I know I’m not alone there. Many folks catch the bug that way. Once I started writing, I simply could not stop. I just have too many of those “voices” in my head that want their stories told.

IBP – Do you read reviews written about your book?

Linda Rae – Oh, heavens, yes! As a matter of fact, I wrote a blog about reviews. It’s on my website. Reviews are a writer’s guide to perfecting their craft. Although you should not give them too much power, since you cannot please every reader. However, finding out how they respond to my characters and plots is always an experience—sometimes a good one; sometimes not! For instance, I get reviews that don’t appreciate romance being included in my mysteries. Then I receive just as many saying how much they enjoy a little romance as long as it doesn’t override the mystery.

Since I love a “little” romance—after all, my characters are human and “stuff” happens—guess which readers win most of the time. Then there is my little, teensy mystery “The Board Game Murders” which is a mini-Poirot-type story has so little romance it doesn’t even count.

IBP – What part of the writing process do you love? What part do you hate?

Linda Rae – You’ll laugh. I just love designing the covers. That’s the artist in me. Of course, there is creating something that can be shared with and by others. That applies to both my art and my writing.

On the other side of the coin is racking my brain and straining my eyes on editing. Some nights you can find me quietly banging my head on my desk. If you listen very carefully, you can hear a wee voice crying, “Why? Why? Why?”

IBP – Who is your favorite character in your new release?

Linda Rae – #9 in the series, “Trace Evidence” is the newest book in the series (by the way, this is a novella series—short, entertaining, murderous, solved all in around 100-130 pages except for the 1^st one which introduced all the main characters).

My fav in the series is the lead character, of course. He’s such a hunk and so wealthy, yet he’s down to earth, not overly ostentatious but still enjoys the good things money can do for him and others. He wears Armani, but he’s just as comfy in his ratty old gray t-shirt and running shorts. 6’4” tall, black hair, icy blue eyes…what’s not to like? Of course, there is Jones—who is the comic relief in the series. I’m pretty hot for Jones, too. He’s half mastodon and half dog, weighs upwards of 200 lbs. and has driven 4 obedience trainers to drink. Again—what is not to like?

IBP – How did you come up with your premise for your books?

Linda Rae – The series has, until #9, always included a play on Preston Andrews’ name. “Hard Press’d”, “Press’d Into Action”, “Press’d to the Wall”, “Pressing Engagement”, etc. Trace, of “Trace Evidence” is Press’s fellow detective and a member of his team. So, for the series, I usually come up with a choice of titles, mull over them for awhile (this can be 5 minutes or 5 days), decide which I’m going with and then write the murder. All that’s left is letting the characters tell me why the murder was committed, whodunit and how Press and his team figured it all out. Easy, heh?

IBP – Are there any particular books and/or authors that inspired you and continue to do so?

Linda Rae – Oh, this is so easy. My world has a goddess (Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb) and her court (Sandra Brown, Patricia Cornwell, Lisa Jackson, Janet Evanovich, and several others.

Roberts’ “Sanctuary” was my first mystery/romance. It scared my pants off—figuratively—and I was hooked on the genre! I read them as often as I can and drink them up like fine wine. They are masters at their craft. I even dedicated one of my books in the series to them.

However, it isn’t just books that inspire me. There are also movies—such as the Poirot and other Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle varieties. Talk about masters! I love “seeing” the story. I guess that’s the artist in me. I love the visual as well as the written art.

IBP – Where can readers find your books?

Linda – My books are available on Amazon US, UK, DE, FR, IT, SP, JP; Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple, iTunes, Kobo, and a site in Ireland, PublishMyBook.

Print versions are available on CreateSpace.

Pressing Engagement
Press ‘n SEAL

Pressing The Message Home

A Pressing Issue of Murder

Trace Evidence

Intersections: Love, Betrayal, Murder

Where is Harry?

Claire: A Woman’s Journey ~ NY Heiress – Chicago Madam

Richard: It’s In The Blood

100 Years of Brotherly Love

The Board Game Murders

Elusive

IBP – Where can people find you on internet?

Linda – My website is located at:

http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/

There are blogs, excerpts from all of my novels, and other items of interest, so please check it out!

IBP – Have you ever Googled yourself?

Linda – That is THE most frightening “first time” thing ever. Yes, and it pulled up 5 pages of “me”. I nearly fainted. You suddenly realize you are really out there in the nethersphere where everyone/anyone can find you and what you do. Scary, scary thing until you adjust to it! I try not to do it very often. Sometimes when I’m in a funk over a story, I’ll take a peek to remind myself what I have done. If I’ve done all that, surely I can finish this—kind of therapy!

IBP – How many more books can we expect in this series?

Linda – I have absolutely no idea! I guess if I run out of names that might be a clue that it’s time to move on. Since I’ve written several books outside of the series, I don’t worry about it. One of those darned voices will shout out—wanting his or her story told. For now, #10 is in progress and I expect it to be released this summer; and there’s a book outside of the series, as well. It’s been in the works for quite some time, so I really don’t know when I’ll get it ready for release.

Raleigh artist, Linda Rae Blair was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. As Mt. St. Helens was erupting, she and her family were in the process of moving to Seattle, Washington. When her children were grown, she traveled the country, relocating to Ohio, North Carolina, and Monterey Bay, California. She eventually moved back to North Carolina, where she now feeds her wanderlust with frequent trips to the beaches of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.

She has extensively travelled the United States since her early childhood. She visited pre-Castro Cuba, pre-statehood Alaska, and pre-statehood Hawaii, Canada, and the Bahamas.

Her love of history is well-earned. She is a direct descendant of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of Mayflower fame. She is also descended from a strong line of Scots-Irish immigrants to America in the 1700s. She even had a great uncle who was robbed by the infamous outlaw Belle Starr.

An avid reader who inhales novels by Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Lisa Jackson, Patricia Cornwell, and others in the romance/mystery genre, her imagination may take you to a variety of places and times—all in the same story. Or, it could take you on a quest to find a killer.

One thing is for certain, she combines her passions into stories interesting to history buffs, travelers, and lovers of romance and mystery.

Hard Press’d
Welcome to the beach—Virginia Beach to be precise.

The latest murder of a young woman in Virginia Beach has shaken both of his worlds. The FBI is in on the case for reasons they will not fully explain to Press. Determined to find the killer and cooperate with the beautiful FBI agent assigned to the case.

Press juggles the two sides of his life, but may find it is more than he can handle this time. Detective Preston Andrews (Press to his friends) comes from wealthy Virginia Society with a capital “S”. He is a man admired by women for his handsome face and well-toned physique. Men respect his opinion and skill on the job. Crooks cringe at his tough attitude and tenacity.

Despite his refusal to accept the FBI’s efforts to recruit him, he remains with the Virginia Beach Police Department as their senior detective.

His career is a great success—much to his father’s dismay. U.S. Senator Andrews would prefer his son go into Foreign Service or politics.

A year ago, Press helped the FBI solve the East coast’s worse series of murders since The Boston Strangler. He carries the bullet wound to prove it.

His personal life is a mess. His younger sister won’t speak to him (his own fault), his live-in girl friend moved out, his parents are disappointed in his career choice, and the 180 lb. dog, Jones, who shares his beachfront mansion, has failed multiple attempts at obedience training—and he’s still growing.

A young girl’s murder brings these aspects of his life all crashing together.

Filed Under: Guest Post, Mystery

How do I get my book noticed?

Posted on May 25, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 7 Comments

Good Morning!

My name is Barb and I’m one of the founding members of Indiebookpromo.com and I’m also a book blogger. One of the things that all of the founding members want to do with our sites is help authors. We all have our specialties, and mine is WordPress – I teach it and I design themes. Today I’m wearing my book blogger hat – one that I have worn with pride for almost 2 years now – a voracious reader from the time I could read.

A question that I frequently get is: “How do I get my book noticed“? The easy answer is, approach some book bloggers. Book bloggers like myself work for free, reviewing books and talking about books on our blogs.

Approaching book bloggers is something that is done with apprehension by authors. Authors seem to be wary of asking book bloggers for some of their time. From my point of view, I don’t understand why, but this is something that I have heard from many authors.

I’ve just finished a 2 month long survey of book bloggers and almost 100% describe themselves as avid or voracious readers. We LOVE authors. You produce the thing that occupies so much of our time – BOOKS!

I think, however, that there are more authors than there are book bloggers. Generally speaking book bloggers are overwhelmed with review requests. Some of us get upwards of 200 requests each month. It takes about 8 hours to read and review a book, so if we tried to read everything we were asked to, we would need roughly 1600 hours…..hhhhmmmm. Obviously not possible.

So we are back to the original question, how do I get my book noticed? Although every author wants reviews, there are other ways to promote your book. You can ask a book blogger to post a guest post or an interview, or you can simply post some cover art, the blurb and an excerpt. Many book bloggers are open to any of these things. Although it varies, many book bloggers will tell you that the hits are higher on book features than they are for reviews. What that means is that you get more attention for a feature than you do for a review.

So, where do you find these book bloggers? No….you can’t all email me to appear on my blog – we’re back to the “only 7 days in the week” problem. There are literally thousands of book bloggers and most of us are really, really nice! In fact, we are going to introduce you to a new book blogger each week – every Friday – and you can make some friends.

Drop back by next week to meet our first ~~victim~~….aaahh book blogger.

Make some bookish friends!

Barb Drozdowich has been a blogger for four (4) years and has been a book blogger since mid-2010. Her book blog is Sugarbeat’s Books. Barb has 15 years of teaching and technical training experience and she closely follows where technology is going with respect to books. She’s spent hours training authors on the use of WordPress and more via her consulting business, Bakerview Consulting.

Filed Under: Guest Post

John Malik – Guest post on Intimidation

Posted on May 24, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 10 Comments

We are welcoming John Malik to the blog today! He’s here to talk about his book, Doughnuts for Amy. He’s also offered to write a guest post on Intimdation. Enjoy!

“Goliath”

“Who the hell’s talking to you , ya goh-dang moron!?”

The words thundered out of his mouth carrying a vitriolic spray of spit, his bloodshot eyes burning into mine. My heart rate exploded and the bile immediately rose into my throat. This Goliath of a man had 100 pounds on me and towered over my six foot one frame by six inches or more, his hands were so big that if I fell into his grip…I literally feared for my life and the only thing separating the two of us was a shopping cart of local, organic produce. I could hear the woman behind me scrambling to back up as my shaking right hand tightened around the gallon of Happy Cow milk. I swallowed hard and kept my eyes on his.

I used to go to the farmer’s market twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday morning. That was one of the advantages of having a 40-seat restaurant; I could buy exactly what I needed, when I needed it. On this particular Thursday in July I had excitedly picked out dozens of peaches, fragrant cantaloupes, spicy purple garlic, a few gallons of milk and buttermilk, sourwood honey, petit zucchini and straight-neck squash plus several gallons of blueberries so my Amy could make blueberry-lemon-vanilla bean jam. My weekday haunt was G & G produce, a six day a week, open air retailer at the state farmer’s market and the two elderly ladies that typically worked the counter were always happy to see me and usually gave me good recommendations. The July peaches were just coming into their own and as I made my way to the counter, visions of cobblers, tarts and muffins filled my thoughts. As I waited for the lady in front of me to finish her chat with Anne; an enormous, sweaty, boisterous man parked in front of this woman’s cart and demanded of Anne the price of a 50-pound sack of green peanuts. I looked to my left and saw his peanut truck, an older Ford pick-up with a peanut boiler in the back. He was one of the many roadside vendors that dot Highways 11 or 276 during summer and fall when tourists make their way over these scenic routes. Anne’s response created an exclamation of highway robbery and he demanded to know where in the hell does she get off charging so much for her peanuts. The woman in front of me collected her change and made a hasty exit, the air around us suddenly tense and foul. Anne quickly snapped back that the price was the price, take it or leave it.

“I guess I ain’t got no dang choice, go get me them goh-damn peanuts woman, and hurry the hell up. I gotta go.”

Anne retorted that others were here first then asked him to wait his turn in line.

“And I’m next” I smiled then politely asked him to apologize to Anne.

He turned to me and fired off that aforementioned declaration, hitting me like hot exhaust from a revving tractor-trailer, jolting me out of my peach daydreams. My heart was about to pound through my chest and I’m this close to throwing up but I recognize the look and attitude of a bully. This is a man that has gotten his way through intimidation and because of his size few have bothered to challenge him. It’s safer to let him go first.

“I’m talking to YOU goh-dammit!”

Deep breath.

“Anne, will you call this man an ambulance please, because that’s how he’s leaving if he doesn’t apologize to you then turn around and walk away.”

Sorry pal, not today. I can’t let this guy yell at Anne then try to intimidate me. My world doesn’t work like that. My hand tightened around the milk, if he so much as leans towards me I’m going to smash that gallon of milk right into his pudgy nose then push him into the wall with my cart full of peaches. He’s staring at me, hard. I’m almost positive he’s never had anyone challenge him, especially someone in a pink polo shirt. Anne reaches for the phone, intent on dialing 911.

His facial muscles relax, he belches his apology to Anne then storms back to his truck and screeches out of the parking lot.

My hand relaxes but my heart is pounding as I attempt to casually place my produce on the counter. Anne hangs up the phone, puts her shaking right hand on her chest and admonishes me for trying to “git yourself killed”. I turn to my right and offer an apology to the two ladies in line behind me. One of them has her manicured hands over her mouth, her head moving slightly left to right as if she just witnessed an extra-terrestrial landing. Yet as my adrenaline rush subsides I’m greeted with a flood of nausea that is threatening to explode right here, right now. I cannot remember being so afraid. I finished paying for my groceries then made a pit stop in the bathroom, splashed my ashen face with cold water. Another slow, deep breath as my nausea subsides and now I could relax. I bought a ginger-ale on the way out to my car.

Have you been afraid to face your demons, your challenges, your own Goliath’s? Rise to the challenge and understand that fear is normal, it’s there to keep us healthy and alive. Yet there are times when we need to embrace our fear, otherwise how will we ever know what success we’re capable of, or what we’re willing to do? Be afraid, just don’t let fear win.

ebooks, ebook advertising, promotion, Amazon, KDP Select, indie authors, indie writers, social media, book, book promotion, indie book promo author resources Originally from New Orleans, author John Malik along with his wife Amy owned and operated 33 Liberty Restaurant in Greenville, SC from 2001 until 2008 and following that John was Executive Chef at two retirement communities in the Greenville area. John received a James Beard semi-finalist nomination for Best Chef in the Southeast in 2008. He was named to Who’s Who in American Barbecue by Bon Appetit Magazine and holds the whimsical title of Certified Kingsford Flame Master. While 33 Liberty was open John’s online essays on BBQ, peaches, kids, airplanes, dogs, root canals, dining with Sara Moulton and trading shots with Tony Bourdain were a highlight of the Southern food scene. John has made numerous Guest Chef appearances and has been featured in Bon Appetit, Chile Pepper, Southern Living, the Food Network and numerous newspapers and online media. John began writing stories for his Mom when he was in 5^th grade. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Southeastern Louisiana University. Doughnuts for Amy is his first novel.

Doughnuts for Amy

Nick St. Germaine, Executive Chef at Woodmont retirement community, is struggling emotionally as the second anniversary of his wife’s death looms on the horizon. Plagued by nightmares and challenged by his son to move forward one day at a time, Nick is doing that, but just barely. He takes solace in early morning workouts at his gym, long runs and long hours in Woodmont’s kitchen. An unexpected change in management brings a new Director, Amy Sommers, a beautiful, divorced nurse with little knowledge of the Food and Beverage business. Nick is quick to show his disdain for Amy, so much so that she comes close to showing him the door her first day on the job. Yet Amy is convinced to give him a chance and she soon understands he’s a great cook and effective manager with a tightly-knit yet overly protective staff. As Amy takes charge of the many facets of Woodmont, she soon realizes her greatest challenge lies in the broken heart of Nick St. Germaine.

With a supporting cast of quirky cooks, cranky widows, WW2 vets and endearing octogenarians, Doughnuts for Amy is a six-course tasting menu of fork-tender romance that will have you asking “what’s for dessert?”

John Malik

EMail * Twitter * Blog * Facebook

Purchase a copy on Amazon

Filed Under: Guest Post, Literary, Romance

Nadia Scrieva, author of Drowning Mermaids – Blurb/Excerpt Feature

Posted on May 22, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 9 Comments

Indie Book Promo is welcoming Nadia Scrieva to the blog today! She is the author of Drowning Mermaids, a book in the Sacred Breath Series. She’s here to share some information about Drowning Mermaids. Enjoy!

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Book Blurb: Deep under Arctic waters lies an ice kingdom carved into a glacier. Those who dwell within it possess magnificent biological secrets. Due to the dangers of impending war, the Princess of Adlivun is forced to flee her undersea utopia and regroup with her sisters in Alaska.

Captain Trevain Murphy is a successful king crab fisherman who has spent his life building his empire above the sea, and knows nothing of the empire beneath it. When he meets a mysterious dancer whose father has recently died, he extends kindness towards her, unaware of her unique genetics and royal lineage.

Trevain’s attraction to the enigmatic Aazuria Vellamo will involve him in dangerous designs that will forever change his life, and his perspective on himself and his world. He embarks on perilous journeys in which he will need to release all of his insecurities and inhibitions in order to survive.

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Excerpt: “Why are we here, Brynne?” Trevain asked, leaning against the wall angrily.

“I wanted a snack,” she said, rummaging through the cupboards.

“I didn’t.”

“Well, you need to eat dinner,” she said with her mouth full. “We’ve been fishing all day.”

“I’m not hungry. Look Brynne, is there a reason you haven’t left my side this whole trip? Do you think that I’m emotionally vulnerable because Aazuria left me and I’m going to fall into your arms or something?”

“Here, just relax and let me cook something good for you.”

“I appreciate your concern for my health, but I already told you that I’m not hungry…”

“Why is there sound coming from this bag of rice?” Brynne asked, putting her ear to the bag. “That’s weird. It sounds like a clock.”

Trevain frowned and moved over to the bag of rice to listen to it.

“Reminds me of that story about the captain and the crocodile—he could always tell the crocodile was near because it had swallowed a clock, and he could hear the ticking…”

“Shut up, Brynne.” Trevain said, pulling a knife out of a drawer and slitting the bag open, causing rice to spill out all over the floor.

“Hey, you’re making a mess!” Brynne scolded.

“Where the hell did you get this?” Trevain yelled, staring at the strange homemade bomb which was nestled in the rice.

“A blond woman on the docks gave it to me…”

“Dammit!” he cursed. “There’s no time.”

“No time?” Brynne asked in confusion. Trevain grabbed her hand and was pulling her into the next room. “What are you doing?”

“Get in the bathtub, Brynne!”

“What? Why? I’m not into kinky…”

“Down, now!” Trevain grabbed Brynne and dived with her into the bathtub, covering her body with his and waiting for the sound.

The next second, all that they heard was—nothing. The sound of the explosion was so deafening that there was a moment of intense pain in their ears before they lost the ability to hear. They felt, however. They felt the pressure of the bomb exploding. They felt the heat of the explosion burning their skin and singeing their hair. They felt the bathtub being ripped from the ship, and pieces of debris colliding with their bodies. Trevain felt large objects colliding with his head and back, before he was aware that they were surrounded by water.

It was several seconds before the heat subsided to the cooling water, and he was able to open his eyes. He could barely make out the scared expression on Brynne’s face in the darkness. There was debris everywhere; pieces of the broken ship. Trevain was completely disoriented. It was difficult to figure out where they needed to swim. He could tell that pieces of the ship near the surface were burning. He looked around for the other members of his crew, trying to get his bearings.

The flames were growing stronger. The ship’s diesel was leaking from the ruptured gas tank. They could not swim to the surface, or they would be burned. Brynne’s face was lit by the flickering firelight as she panicked and tried to communicate with him, but they could not understand each other. He appreciated the need for sign language more than ever at that moment. Brynne was freaking out and she began swimming off in one direction. He was sure that was not where they needed to go. He tried to reach for her, but he was feeling dizzy from the lack of oxygen flowing to his brain. He looked around, trying to figure out where to go and what to do. He was panicking too.

Trevain tried to swim away from the flames, but he could not get very far. He needed air badly. He realized he was going to drown. He could not breathe underwater; he did not have the ability. He did not know how. What Aazuria and his mother were talking about—he wished it was all true, but it was not. Not for him.

He knew that he was about to die. His lungs painfully begged him to take a breath, but he knew that the moment he did, he would drown. Although he had almost wanted something exactly like this to happen to him when he had set sail earlier, he now realized that he had been fooling himself. As demented as he had been feeling, as self-destructive as his intentions, it had all been just a farce. He did not really want to die.

He tried as hard as he could to hold onto his last few moments of life.

A flash of white caught his eye, and he saw that an exquisite creature was suddenly before him. Long white hair fanned out around her face, and the purest sapphire blue eyes stared at him. The lovely phantasm was smiling, and reaching out to take his hands; he knew it was an angel.

It was his angel. He knew her, although she looked nothing like before. She was his Aazuria, his mythical heroine. In the dancing glow of the oil blaze, she was simply too dazzling to be real and he knew that he must be dying. As she hovered in suspension before him, her skin and hair were almost luminous in the dark water, almost phosphorescent. Perhaps she never had been real. It did not matter—she was firmly grasping his hands, and it sent a feeling of comfort and tranquility through him. He knew that she loved him.

He could see forgiveness and acceptance in her expression. None of the turmoil between them mattered any longer in this pacific moment. In her benevolent gaze, he could finally forgive himself. He smiled at her, although his vision was fading, and the world was disappearing. He tightly gripped her hands to thank her for coming back for him. He could not bear the thought of letting go; he did not want to be robbed of her touch. He tried to keep his eyes open for as long as possible, to keep looking into her unfamiliar ultramarine orbs. So this was what she really looked like, in her element. He wished he could have known her true form. It was mystical.

Trevain could imagine no better way to die. No better sight to see the last time he closed his eyes. A peaceful smile descended on his face, and the captain’s tired eyes closed for what he knew to be the last time ever.

Author Bio: Nadia Scrieva was born in 1988 in Toronto, Canada. She studied English and Anthropology, graduating with an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto in 2011. She was employed as a model for several years. Due to a deficient social life, Nadia spent her childhood reading and her preteen years writing fanfiction. After briefly experimenting with being a normal, productive member of society, she decided it wasn’t for her, and chose to return to literature. Nadia Scrieva firmly believes that if she were the owner of a punching bag, or if she could afford relatively frequent deep-tissue massages, the volume of her writing would sharply decrease. She writes best when she is tense, furious, or restless, and perhaps with slight inebriation.

Drowning Mermaids can be purchased at: Amazon

Nadia can be found on: Facebook * Twitter * Website

Filed Under: bio/blurb feature, Fantasy

Interview with author Maureen Driscoll

Posted on May 20, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo 20 Comments

We would like to welcome Indie author, Maureen Driscoll to the blog today! Maureen is here to talk about her three Regency Romances that she has published – Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid, Never Miss a Chance, and Never Wager Against Love – and share a bit about herself. Enjoy!

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IBP – How would you describe your books in 20 words or less without using the blurb?

Maureen -

NEVER A MISTRESS, NO LONGER A MAID

Lord Edward Kellington finds the woman he loves just as he’s expected to marry someone else.

NEVER MISS A CHANCE

Lady Elizabeth Kellington realizes the love she wants to find in her life has been by her side all along.

NEVER WAGER AGAINST LOVE

Lord Arthur Kellington goes on a quest for redemption, finding love along the way.

IBP – Tell me a little about yourself

Maureen – I grew up in Montana, went to school in Oregon, then moved to Washington, D.C. after college to work as a congressional aide. After ten years on the Hill, and a very tough divorce, I moved to Hollywood. As I was growing up I loved old movies and a career in Hollywood had always been at the back of my mind. I figured if I had to start over, I might as well go for my dream. I’ve written for TV and the Internet pretty much ever since. I fell in love with romance novels five years ago and wanted to see if I could write them. Now, it’s what I look forward to most.

IBP – Do you keep track or write reviews for books you read?

Maureen – I don’t write a lot of reviews unless I feel particularly motivated – although I love reading other peoples’ reviews. But for the past four years, I’ve kept track of every book I’ve read. It’s interesting to see when I’ve had months where I’ve read a lot (and consequently written very little).

IBP – Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

Maureen – Have faith in yourself and don’t be discouraged. Find a story you really, really love. It’ll be easier to write, especially if you’re writing a series of books. You’ll spend a lot of time with these characters – maybe even years. If you’re not committed to the characters or the story, you’ll not only be frustrated, but it’ll show in the work.

As you’re waiting for the first book to sell, work on the second one. A lot of times, a publisher will wish to see if you can write something in addition to what you’ve already done. Having a work in progress shows them you’re dedicated and have more than one story in you. If you’re doing a series of books, it’s important to release the books fairly close together, so you’ll want to start the next book as the first one is being edited. Or, at the very least, after only a short break.

Don’t let criticism get you down. The anonymity of the Internet can be brutal. But when you’re starting out, it can be tough to take even well-meaning criticism. Often you can learn from what people are saying, even if you don’t agree with their suggestion. If someone tells you to put a spaceship at the end of chapter three and you’re almost certain there weren’t any spaceships in Regency England, don’t take that note. But there may be something lacking at the end of chapter three. Find something else that works.

IBP – What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Maureen – The hardest part is when I doubt myself too much. I’ll have a problem with the plot that I can’t resolve and wonder if I’ll ever get around it. Someone once told me Stephen King looks at writing as being an archaeologist. The story is there; you just have to uncover it. That’s comforting to me.

I also have a problem with setting page count goals that are too ambitious. On the last book, I wrote out my projected page count on my calendar in big letters in ink over three months. I didn’t even come close to that schedule. And every day was a big depressing reminder that I’d failed.

Don’t do that.

IBP – Did you do any research before start or during of the writing of the books?

Maureen – I did quite a bit of research for the third book. The members of the Kellington family are named for four Kings and one Queen of England. I figured Arthur’s story would be a breeze to write because I could just base it on King Arthur. If I’d known at the beginning how difficult that would be, I would have named him Victoria.

I eventually learned a lot about the legend of King Arthur and realized basing a story on someone who was cuckolded wasn’t going to give me quite the romance I wanted. So my Arthur just ended up on a quest, with some imagery thrown in there.

I also didn’t know much about British geography in the Regency period, so I spent a lot of time on the Internet. It was all pretty fascinating and actually helped with my plot. The one thing I wish I could’ve included more of was the life of real Duke of Newcastle. In the book, he’s just a jerk. In real life, he was a pretty bad guy. But spending more time with him wouldn’t have advanced the plot.

I’m currently reading a lot about London brothels. You never know what you’ll learn with this job!

IBP – What is your all-time favorite book?

Maureen – My all-time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen was brilliant.

Sabrina Jeffries is my favorite current-day author. She’s never had a bad book. I’m also a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas, Nicole Jordan and Karen Hawkins. I’ve been re-reading Candace Camp’s Willowmere series. If you haven’t read the three books, buy them all today.

Other than that, I have two spy series I like: the Gabriel Allon books by Daniel Silva and the Mitch Rapp books by Vince Flynn. And I love non-fiction, especially history and biographies. I couldn’t stop talking about Jean Hermann Smith’s FDR.

IBP – Where can your fans find you?

Maureen – I’m on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, my page is “Maureen Driscoll Author” because there are a ton of Maureen Driscolls on FB – I believe it’s the Irish Jane Doe. If you search without the “author,” you probably won’t find it. I love reading reviews on Goodreads, so it’s great to connect with people there. I rarely Tweet (@MaureenDriscoll), and that’s mostly my TV comedy stuff. I sort of have a blog on WordPress, and have vowed to start posting regularly. But, I also vowed to stop eating popcorn every other day and that hasn’t worked, either.

I love hearing from readers because I learn so much and they’re fun.

IBP – If you could write outside your genre what would that be?

Maureen – I would write a dramatic series on TV. Some of my favorite shows have been “Mad Men,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Justified,” and “The Wire.” I believe “Band of Brothers” was the best show to ever be on TV. Dramas really move me and I wish I had the ability to write them.

I know you probably mean books, so I’ll go with spy novels. But I’d be terrible at them because I’d be an awful spy. I’m not much for physical pain and every thought that’s running through my mind is usually coming out my mouth. So we should all be glad I have nothing to do with national security.

Also? I always read the last chapter of a book about a quarter of the way through. I used to stand in line for Harry Potter at midnight, then immediately read the last chapter. I don’t like surprises.

IBP – How many more books can we expect in this series?

Maureen – There are five Kellington siblings: Liam (Book 5), Edward (Book 1), Arthur (Book 3), Hal (Book 4) and Lizzie (Book 2). There will also be a sixth novel about Inspector Joseph Stapleton, who’s been in all the books.

Right now I’m writing Hal’s book. The first chapter opens in a brothel. If Arthur’s book was the most classically romantic of the series, Hal’s will be the most sensual. But the book I’m really looking forward to is Liam’s. I introduced his love interest in the first book and it’s been fun to get snippets of them through the series. Every time I return to them, I want that romantic relationship in my own life.

I guess that’s a good sign.

Maureen can be found on: Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

Her books can be bought at: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Filed Under: Interview, Romance

Guest Post – Dana Michelle Burnett, author of Haunted, Spiritus Series Book Two

Posted on May 19, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo Leave a Comment

Indie Book Promo is welcoming Dana Michelle Burnett to the blog today! She is the author of several books, but most recently, Haunted, Spiritus Series Book Two. She’s here today to share her thoughts on Inspiration with us!

The Theme Song

Dana Michelle Burnett

As a writer, I get asked all the time where I find my inspiration for my stories. While I take inspiration from many things, music plays a key role. It not only inspires my books, but it also inspires my life.

I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that my life has a soundtrack and key moments are always marked with a particular song. I remember the song that played when I was kissed for the first time, the first time I got my heart broke, and the first time I—Well, you get the idea.

A few years ago, my world was turned upside down and I was able to get back to writing. After wasting a decade with normal day to day life, had I lost my edge? I was in the car, shuffling through my cd’s when I came across P!nk. I popped it in and next thing I knew I was singing at the top of my lungs to So What. I had found my new theme song!

From that day forward, anytime I doubted myself, I played that song and my mood would instantly change. While that song played, I could take on the world!

Now just because that was my theme song, doesn’t mean it’s shared by my characters. While I was writing my novel Spiritus, I listened to a variety of songs, but the one that really just caught the feeling of the story was the Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford classic If I Close My Eyes Forever. Now that’s a far cry from P!nk, but it captured the entire feeling of the story.

So, now I’m on the third book of that series and I still have my moments when I doubt my talent and creativity. When I do, I just turn on my theme song and remind myself that I’m still a rock star.

Do you have a theme song, and if so, what is it?

Blurb:

Alastor came at me then, forcing me back against the wall. He was so solid that I could feel his weight against me. I could feel his frozen breath on my face….He ran his hand up my arm, over my shoulder, and rested at the base of my throat. His blue eyes glittered dangerously.

Becca has accepted the horrors of her past life, and emerged with her ghostly love Alastor at her side. But her happiness is short lived when she realizes that balancing her past and present won’t be easy…

Becca has already decided that it’s Alastor that she loves, but now, as their uncommon relationship limits Becca’s future, Alastor must decide if he’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Becca’s happiness….And will Becca’s sanity survive?

Author Bio:

Dana Michelle Burnett spent most of her life writing short stories and sharing them with family and friends. Over the years, her work was published in numerous commercial and literary magazines including Just Labs, Mindprints: A Literary Journal, Foliate Oak, and many more. Her short story John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust was included in The Best of Foliate Oak in 2006.

In 2010, Burnett’s first novel, Ghost Country, was released. Based on her own Cherokee heritage, the novel marked her return to the literary world after a four year hiatus. She followed that with the release of her romance novel, Two Out of Three in the summer of 2011.

Spiritus is the first novel in her new paranormal romance series by the same name. The second book, Haunted, was released in the spring of 2012.

Dana Michelle Burnett can be found at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Her book can be purchased at Amazon

Filed Under: Guest Post, Paranormal

Donna Cummings, author of Lord Midnight

Posted on May 15, 2012 Written by Indiebookpromo Leave a Comment

We are welcoming Donna Cummings to the blog today! She is the author of Lord Midnight, a romantic historical that has a yummy highwayman….and we certainly don’t have enough of these in Romance Novels these days! I hope you enjoy what Donna is sharing with us today.

The Magic of Historical Romance

by Donna Cummings

I’ve been enchanted with historical romance since the first time I heard a story that began with “once upon a time”. Those magical words started my love of romantic adventures set in faraway lands, filled with dashing heroes and clever heroines, and most importantly, happily-ever-afters.

From there I read books set in many historical time periods, but my favorite has always been the Regency era. It is filled with many fairy-tale aspects, from the elegant clothing to the magnificent carriages to the glamorous social events, and I’ve often wondered what it might be like to live during those fascinating times.

Now I will be the first to admit I am not willing, or able, to give up any of my modern conveniences, including coffee, indoor plumbing, or my laptop. Nor am I planning to relinquish my ability to vote, speaking my mind, or any of the other inalienable rights I have as a 21st century woman.

Still, I am torn between two centuries.

I love the instantaneous communication we have available today, from texting to Twitter to email. But I also love the clever language and sophisticated conversation of days gone by, as well as the hours that were devoted to face-to-face discourse. When it comes to people falling in love, the leisurely progression that starts with a glance, and continues with witty banter and wordplay — well, it is so much more appealing than a simple “I <3 U”.

Fortunately, historical romance makes it possible to blend the best of both eras.

We can power up our e-readers and fall instantly into a romantic story from long ago. Within seconds we can absorb the excitement of entering an ornate carriage, delicately arranging our muslin skirts so they aren’t crushed while riding to the ball at Lord Rakington’s townhouse. With a tap of the screen, we can vicariously experience the heroine’s scandalous waltz with the dashing rogue hero, imagining ourselves in that heart-fluttering moment, wondering what else might happen on such an exquisite evening.

It’s likely the historical world did not exist precisely the way it is portrayed in fiction, in much the same way that our modern-day existence is radically different than historians’ predictions of the future. But reading these stories serves as a wonderful reminder that love and romance are a vital part of everyday life, no matter what that era’s struggles might be. It also reminds us that each generation’s hopes and dreams are focused on many of the same things that we cherish too.

For a few delightful hours at a time, we can be transported to another century, immerse ourselves in chivalry and romance and fairy-tale adventures, and then return to our daily lives with renewed optimism and faith in the future.

That is what I consider truly magical.

Bio: I have worked as an attorney, winery tasting room manager, and retail business owner, but nothing beats the thrill of writing humorously-ever-after romances.

Currently I reside in Massachusetts, although I fantasize about spending the rest of my days in a tropical locale, consuming mojitos for breakfast and wearing flip flops year-round.

I can be found at www.AllAboutTheWriting.com, dispensing writing inspiration, or on Twitter (@BookEmDonna), talking about writing, and coffee. I’m also on Goodreads and Facebook.

LORD MIDNIGHT

Gabriel DeVault, a dashing highwayman, lives to avenge himself against the uncle who stole his title and tried to kill him as a child. One night’s robbery yields unexpected riches when his uncle’s spirited bride-to-be falls into Gabriel’s arms. Now his plans for vengeance include seduction of the innocent miss, in the home that once was his own.

Marisa Dunsmore is blackmailed into wedding the cold and calculating Edmund DeVault, Lord Westbrook, to protect her beloved aunt. When her attempts to escape the upcoming marriage fail, she turns to the man she knows as Lord Midnight, entrusting him with her love, and her future.

Soon Gabriel must choose: saving the woman who stole his heart, or destroying the man who stole his life.

Available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords