Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Are You Ready to Fall for THE ART OF FALLING?



Hey, sweet readers.

By this point in my writing career, I've been fortunate enough to see a handful of books from first draft all the way through publication. I'm so happy that my friend Jenny Kaczorowski's debut, THE ART OF FALLING, is one of them. It was picked up by Bloomsbury Spark for its debut line, and they couldn't have made a more perfect choice to introduce us to the awesome books they have to offer.

I love this book so much that I couldn't help but convince Jenny that she really needed to give this book the star treatment in terms of promotion. Our amazing network of book bloggers jumped at the chance to help Jenny get the word out, and I'm so grateful, because I want you to meet these incredible, selfless bloggers, and I want them, and you, to hear about this awesome book!

But before we get to the blogging schedule, there's MORE to The #12DaysofFalling!

Jenny's doing a giveaway of 10 (TEN!) Awesome swag packs, including Skittles. You'll see why. (Ben = SWOON!) She's also offering up 5 copies of THE ART OF FALLING, and that's international to boot! I'll put the entry form at the end of this post - throw your hat in the ring!

In addition, every tweet OR Instagram anything about THE ART OF FALLING using the hashtag #12DaysofFALLING will get their name put in a drawing for MORE copies of the e-book (you could even give it as a late Christmas present to someone who just got an e-reader!)

If you want to Instagram about THE ART OF FALLING, here are a couple of conveniently square-sized images we worked up just for you to grab and re-post:


Finally, here's the mini-tour schedule of bloggers, who will be posting EXCLUSIVE excerpts from the book over the next couple weeks:

12/17 - Sam at The Book Corner
12/23 - Hafsah at Icey Books (with a review roundup!)
12/24 - Michelle at Much Loved Books
12/24 - Ava at The (brand-spankin' new!) Bibliobelles
12/26 - Laura at Literature and Laura 

And, of course, be sure to follow the #12DaysofFalling for more awesomeness over the next couple weeks. 

Here's the giveaway entry! Go crazy!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

I'm in the #NILtribe!

 Listen. Being part of a tribe is pretty cool. (Take it from someone who's a member of the Tribe. It's awesome.)

I'm super excited to report that I'm a new member in the #NILtribe. What does this tribe do? Well, it spreads the word about Lynne Matson's awesome 2014 debut, NIL... There's a weird island and murder and intrigue and it's pure awesomeness! 

Here's how to join the #NILtribe, from Lynne's blog: 

 
If you love books, especially thrillers, packed with mysteries, islands, secrets and ALL THE FEELS, then #NILtribe may be for you! All you have to do is tweet . . . or post to Facebook . . . or post on your blog . . . or comment on my blog: “I joined the tribe!” and add the #NILtribe hashtag. And that’s it! You’re in.:)

Over the three months, follow the #NILtribe hashtag on Twitter and Facebook for chances to win galleys of NIL, copies of other YA books I love and sweet NIL swag . . . and to discover NIL sekrits. Each day I’ll tweet using the #NILtribe hashtag. I’ll share cool facts about the characters, island sekrits, author interviews, giveaway links, etc. Each week I'll share new goodies that will be up for grabs by members of the #NILtribe in upcoming giveaways (spoiler: creepy bone cuff bracelet anyone?!) Each month will bring more opportunities to win NIL galleys, NIL swag, and after NIL’s release, signed hardbacks.:) And in the last month before release, all #NILtribe members will get swag-to-be-revealed… just by joining the #NILtribe.:)

And to all those readers-who-love-thrillers-and-islands-and-sekrits-and swoon? Feel free to use the #NILtribe hashtag as often as you like! Post anytime using the hashtag! You can countdown to Nil’s release, repost any of my posts, or post about why you're excited for NIL, Waiting on Wednesday style. Just remember to use the #NILtribe hashtag, and you’re golden. :) Welcome to the tribe.:)

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Where I've Been

It's been a whirlwind of a year, this debut year of mine. I've learned so much, decided so much, and I'll write about all of that once the waters of my life, and of the self-publishing boom, have calmed a bit more.

Right now, I want to tell you all where I've been. It's nothing earth-shattering, but there have been changes which affect my writing.

For most of the last two years, I had been working at my day job (which I love) 30 hours a week while my kids went to full-time preschool - 45-ish hours a week. I wrote in the margins - after I dropped them off, for 45 minutes in a coffee shop near campus; for half an hour after my last meeting of the day, before the 5:00 dash struck; half the day I took off once a week for cleaning the house and self-care. Yes, writing is my self-care. Was my self-care, I should say.

Everything changed when Kindergarten started. My oldest is now in school for just 28 hours a week. I can't stomach paying for before-and-after care for him, and he wouldn't deal with it well anyway. I'm still working 30 hours a week at my day job (which I LOVE!!!) To give me enough hours to work, a Hebrew tutor/sitter helps us one night a week and David takes care of all four kids on another.  These Herculean efforts of juggling and time-apportioning leave just enough time for my day job and for me to take care of my family, but not much time for me to take care of myself. Not any time, actually.

To compensate for this, I started to wake at 3:30 so I could exercise (crucial to help keep my clinical depression to a manageable level) and write a bit.

3:30 is early. Very early, even with my 9:00 bedtime. But my kids wake by 5:00. What else can I do?

Most of the time, when I manage to drag myself out of bed at this time, I don't actually want to write. I sit at my desk clutching a mug of coffee. I want to curl up with a book, or mindlessly click through internet videos, or just...go back to sleep. But I do want to have written. I always feel better when I do.

So I force myself through the words, coaching my fingers at each keystroke. Since the beginning of November, I've managed almost 15,000 words. It's an okay number, but I'm so far behind on my goals I want to cry and, besides, I don't know if the words are any good.

I know that nothing will change unless I change something first. I know adjustments must be  made - big ones. But the process is full of trial and error and worry and doubt and tears. And it takes time.

I've thought about giving up writing altogether, at least for a time. It became quite clear to me, though, that I'm addicted to it. My heart twists and hurts and my eyes well up with tears when I think that I might have to give up making stories. It may be addiction, or it may be infatuation. All I know is that it's a legal thing that makes me happy, and produces something beautiful. Things like that are hard to come by.

So, that's where I've been. I'm not leaving writing, but honestly, I'm not doing so well with it either. I can't make promises (except that Solving for Ex will be out on time - it's been finished and ready to go for months!) but I can tell you that I'm not giving up - not even close - just sort of floundering for the moment.

As always, thanks for your love, cheerleading, and support. It means the world to me.

Monday, October 7, 2013

TWO's release day!

Hi, sweet readers.

Well, it's been nearly a year since I decided to self publish my books.

A year ago, I wouldn't have even said "self-publish," because the phrase was so loaded with nasty stigma. I would have said "make available to readers myself" or "indie publish." Things have changed so much in just a year, and my life as a writer has changed right along with them.

As of today, I have two YA novels out in the world. It's TWO's release day today, and for some reason, I'm even more emotional - in all ways - than I was for ONE's book birthday.




I think a lot of it has to do with TWO's narrator - Elias. As opposed to Merrin, who is headstrong, tough, and, often, inconsiderate, Elias is quiet, patient, and absolutely wrapped up in the health and happiness of the people he loves. He's easily wounded, and desperate for everything to be normal and for life to be calm. When things get tough, even though he feels desperate, he steps up to the plate, but his natural place is not the center of drama and excitement.

I know what that feels like.  I knew, while writing, that Elias was the only character I've ever cried for. I've realized, in the post-production of TWO that Elias is a lot like me.

The rest of the unexpected emotion is the fact that this is my second book out in the world, and it feels GOOD. To me, it means I feel comfortable calling myself "author," delighted and proud to share my stories with you. 

In short, this was my goal since I wrote the first word of my first novel ever. 

So, that's what it feels like to share this book with you:
 Deep connection. Pride. Peace. 

Thank you so, so much for reading. I hope you like it.

Buy TWO


Amazon Kindle ($3.99)
Barnes and Noble Nook ($3.99)
Amazon Paperback ($12.81*) 
Barnes and Noble Paperback ($12.08*)






Buy the One Universe Box Set (including those awesome comics

Amazon Kindle ($6.99)
Barnes and Noble Nook ($6.99)










*Amazon and B&N paperback pricing can change on a dime, but will never be more than $13.99.

Monday, July 29, 2013

REAPER'S RHYTHM blog tour - Interview with Author Clare Davidson!

Hello, sweet readers! I'm so so so excited today because it's finally my turn for a stop on Clare Davidson's Reaper's Rhythm blog tour!!! *confetti*






When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.


Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.



Hi Leigh Ann! I’m really excited to be gatecrashing visiting your blog again. I love it here AND I brought cookies.

And since they're virtual, they're calorie free! Wonderful! So let's start with a writer's question. Tell me your favorite part about writing a book.  Really, ANY part. 

Those moments when you’re completely in the flow of writing and the words come easily. So easily, that when you read back your completed draft, it’s like you’re reading an unknown book. Do you ever get that feeling? It’s great.

YES, I do! I like it especially when I thought it would be horrible and then it wasn't. :) So, I'm a bit obsessed with your cover art. Can you tell me a little bit about your illustrator? What drew you to him? 

He was recommended to me by a Ruth Parlour. I checked out his work on Deviant Art and fell in love with his style. I knew I wanted him to do the cover for Trinity and he did such a great job, that I enlisted him to do the cover for Reaper’s Rhythm, too.

That's so awesome that you have that continuity between books one and two! How was publishing a non-debut novel different from your first time? 

I’ve learnt A LOT since I published Trinity. I kind of rushed Trinity out, because I could and because it was too exciting not to. I’ve taken a lot more time with Reaper’s Rhythm, in a bid to do the launch “just right” (you’ll all have to tell me if I’ve succeeded!). I think it also helps that I have another book out, as I’ve met a lot of readers because of Trinity.

Okay, now let's switch to talking about the book's subject matter. Do you have a sister, or siblings? If so, did that inform your writing of REAPER'S RHYTHM in any way, since it deals with sibling death?

I have an older brother (who the book is partly dedicated to). I wouldn’t say he informed my writing of Reaper’s Rhythm, because he’s very much alive and well. However I know how much it would hurt if I lost him.

Losing someone so close to me is the stuff of my nightmares. It’s one of the things I’m most afraid of, which is why I explored it in Reaper’s Rhythm. I think I would probably have a similar reaction to Kim: DENIAL.

Now for some rapid-fire questions:

Coffee or Tea? Neither. Give me a hot chocolate and I’m happy. 

(^oooh, very nice!)

Star Wars or Star Trek? Trek.
TV or Movies? Movies.
Marvel or DC comics? Marvel. 

(^That is correct.)

Sweet or Savory? Sweet.
Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Fantasy.



********************

About Clare:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson
New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Reaper's Rhythm teaser!!!


You guys! Remember just a couple days ago when I helped reveal the cover for Clare Davidson's Reaper's Rhythm? Well today I'm sharing a snippet with you, and even better, it has accompanying artwork! Amazing!

Here it is.....

Two phones in hand—mine and Charley’s—I lay on my bed. I switch Charley’s phone on. It chimes and the telecom company’s logo pops onto the screen. It fades to black and a photograph of me and Charley materialises. It was taken on a rare sunny day on the promenade. We have our backs to the calm sea. Our heads, which fill the entire photo, are knocked together. I’m smiling and Charley is pursing her lips, like she’s about to give someone a huge kiss.

I frown as I check her messages. I can’t find the text she received the night she died. I heard it come through. Charley’s message tone was the riff from her favourite song. Whatever the text said, it’s gone. I doubt the police would have deleted it. Charley must have. But why?

********************

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.







About Clare:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson
New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

Friday, July 19, 2013

Cover Reveal - Clare Davidson's REAPER'S RHYTHM!!!!

Hi sweethearts! I'm so excited that I get to be part of the cover reveal for my friend Clare Davidson's REAPER'S RHYTHM!!!!

Here's the blurb:

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.


The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.

I've read a bit of it already, and,  yeah - it's as spooky as it sounds. I know I'm excited for it to come out....
and ALMOST as excited to show you the cover! Are you ready? 



Awesome, right? So run over and add it to your Goodreads here!


Author Bio:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson
New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New Book Deal - YA Romance SOLVING FOR EX!

Hey, sweet readers! 

Whew! Can't believe it was six months ago that I was announcing my first book deal. It looked a little something like this (in my head:)

Leigh Ann Kopans's ONE, about a girl with only half a superpower and her struggle to make herself whole, to Her Own Bad Self, in a freaking sweet deal, in a two-book deal, for publication beginning June 2013. This deal was brokered by wine, ice cream, and the best friends on the planet.

So, you know, that deal did, indeed, end up being "freaking sweet," true to promise. ONE has been out for one month and five days, and just yesterday earned back all the money I invested in it. I'm really excited for TWO to be out in October (and you can see its cover revealed over at Hafsah's site today!)

Today, I'm really excited to announce a NEW book deal! Here's the (in-my-head) announcement:

Leigh Ann Kopans's SOLVING FOR EX, a Young Adult romance that remixes Jane Austen's classic Mansfield Park as Clueless meets Mean Girls in a crazy mix of high school society, mathletic competition, and teenage romance, to Her Own Bad Self, in an incredibly awesome deal, for publication in February 2014, the 200th anniversary of Mansfield Park's publication. This deal was brokered by supportive friends, more wine, and a genuine love for self-publishing.

And here's the full blurb: 

Ashley Price doesn't have much in life after being bullied so hard she had to leave her old school to live with her aunt and uncle in Pittsburgh. But the camera she borrowed from her best friend and secret crush Brendan, and her off the charts math abilities, make things a lot more bearable. Plus, since Brendan is the captain, making the school Mathletes team should be easy. 


But when gorgeous new girl Sofia rolls in and steals Brendan, Ashley's place on the team, and her fragile foothold on the Mansfield Park Prep social totem pole, it’s on. Sofia is everything Ashley left her old school to escape. The only thing Ashley didn't count on is Sophia’s sexy twin brother Vincent.

Vincent is not only the hottest boy in school, he’s charming, sweet, and he’s got his eye on Ashley. He’s also not taking no for an answer. There's no real reason Ashley shouldn't like Vincent, but with the
battle lines being drawn between her and Sofia, Ashley’s not sure which side he’s on. Or which side she wants him to be on.

She does know Sophia is trouble with a capital T, and she’s determined to make Brendan see it.

Go ahead and add it on Goodreads right here! 

Now, since I know you're wondering, traditional publication was not an option for SOLVING FOR EX for a couple reasons:

1. I'm pretty set on the book publishing in 2014, since it marks the 200-year anniversary of publication for MANSFIELD PARK, the Jane Austen classic on which it's based. I love the original, and this book is like my love letter to one of my greatest literary heroes, thanking her for all she's done. 

Even if my agent were able to sell it tomorrow, it most likely would not publish until 2015 - and I'm sentimental. 

2. Another, completely adorable-looking Mansfield Park redux came out this past Spring, and since there's already one on the market, we wouldn't have high hopes for this one being acquired by a big house.

But, hey. It really doesn't matter to me HOW this book is published, especially since I feel even more confident about the whole self-publishing gig now. 

Most importantly, I'm SO excited for SOLVING FOR EX to come out and for you all to (hopefully) read it! Thanks for reading, my loves! 

Monday, June 10, 2013

ONE's release day!!!

ONE is now live and available for purchase!

Amazon Kindle
Paperback (from Amazon)
Special Edition Paperback with comics (from Amazon)
Barnes and Noble Nook
iBookstore
Signed (from my site)
Createspace


Nearly five months ago, I told you all about ONE - a book that I'd written, that I loved, and that I thought deserved to be published. I told you that I'd be self-publishing it.

You all proved me wrong.




I didn't publish ONE by myself. I published this book with every ounce of energy, love, and hope I had in me, yes. But just as importantly, more importantly, I published it with the help of each and every one of you who had a hand in, supporting it, planning for it, and crafting it into the final product it is today.

So, to all of you who ever tweeted, commented, and cheered - to all of you who took the time to read this book once, twice, or eight times already - to all of you who poured your creative energy into promoting it through blog posts, music, video and art - and to all of you who held my hand tight and my head high, in so many different ways - thank you, thank you, thank you.

This is just as much your book as it is mine. I think we did a really good job. 



Two Weeks 'Til ONE - Part 10

It's the last day before I'm publishing my debut novel with the help of 100 or so of my closest friends!

I feel lucky that I got the chance to work with the ever-amazing Chessie Zappia on these comic teasers - mostly, lucky that she agreed to play along with my crazy, unorthodox idea.

Chessie and I have teamed up to carry these comics into the future of the book. Anyone will be able to purchase a special edition of ONE with the comics in the back. It's priced at $1 extra, and that dollar will go directly from my bank account to benefit Melanoma Research - a cause close to the artist's heart. I'll post the "buy" link for that along with all the others tomorrow - please consider supporting the cause along with us.
Just look for the "Special Edition" stamp!

Now, without further ado, the final installment of ONE's comic teasers.....



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Monday, May 27, 2013

Two Weeks Til ONE

Hi, sweet readers. 

It's a funny thing, when you publish a book. Friends that you never really realized were so dear to you come out of the woodwork, wanting to help however they can. A bunch of them even join a Street Team whose express purpose is spreading the word about your book.

In the two weeks before ONE's release, to help spread the word throughout cyber space and give us an intro to the story, the team is releasing a series of graphic-novel style teasers on their blogs! Please find the schedule below, click over every day, and leave the posters some love!

Drawn by my friend and nemesis (it's complicated) Chessie Zappia.


Tuesday, May 28th - Installment #1
 Jolene at Pen and Muse
Catherine Scully 
Amber Maudlin
Kat Ellis

Wednesday, May 29th - Installment #2
Clare Davidson
Jessi Shakarian
Rebecca Mahoney

Thursday, May 30th - Installment #3
J.A. Ward
Elyse G (@brainywordsmith)
Jamie Krakover

Friday, May 31st - Installment #4
Jani Grey 
JC Lillis
Rachel Solomon

Monday, June 3rd - Installment #5
Megan Whitmer
Helen Boswell
Michelle Smith
Liz Lincoln

Tuesday, June 4th - Installment #6
Catherine Scully
Samantha Sessoms
Tara Allen 
Nikki Diehm
KK Hendin


Wednesday, June 5th - Installment #7
Paul Adams
Sarah Hudson
Aimee Arnold
Catherine Ciccarelli
Veronica Bartles
Chyna Ngie
Rachel O'Laughlin
Suzanne VanRooyen

Thursday, June 6th - Installment #8
Dianne at "Oops! I Read a Book Again."
Raven Ashley
Alex Brown
Leigh Caroline
Amanda Olivieri
Virginia Boecker


Friday, June 7th - Installment #9
Jamie Grey
Francesca Zappia
Kaye M
Tawney Bland
Jenny Kaczorowski
Rachel Simon
Louise Gornall

Monday, June 10th

All of the above, plus...

Phil Bartles
J. Liz Hill
Leslie Lagman
Serena Lawless
Megan Orsini
Tiffany B
Heidi Schulz


Sunday, May 19, 2013

An Apology

Hi, sweet readers.

I've realized, in a couple different ways over the past two weeks, that my Publishing 101 posts caused some pain and/or offense to some that read them. Several folks read them as a declaration that I thought that my publishing process was the only right way to publish, or the only legitimate way to publish, and by extension, that other ways were wrong, substandard or not legitimate. I now see that, with the way I wrote them, it was pretty easy to read them that way.

I want to be very clear: I think that the way I'm publishing my book is the right way for me and for this particular book. I don't believe there's any one right, true, good, or legitimate way to publish. In fact, I think that there are as many right ways to publish a book as there are books themselves.

It certainly never was my intent to hurt anyone, only to be transparent about my process in the hopes that it might be helpful to other authors. Still, that's no excuse for any pain I caused anyone, in any way.

I'm so very sorry for any hurt or misunderstanding I caused through those posts. I take full responsibility - please accept my apologies.

(Disabled comments, because I'm not looking to start a conversation here - only to share my apology.)




Friday, May 17, 2013

Cover Reveal: ADDICTED TO YOU by Colina Brennan (NA Romance)

Hi, sweet readers!

I'm so excited to bring you another cover reveal for an incredible-looking NA romance! (Though I don't write NA romance, I work with college students, and the girls, especially, love these books. Awesome.)

This one's by a fresh new voice on the scene, Colina Brennan.

Here's what ADDICTED TO YOU is about (sounds amazing!)


When twenty-one-year-old Leah Carter's latest one night stand burglarizes her apartment, her roommate forces her to attend therapy for sex addicts. Leah insists she isn't a sex addict; she just doesn't do relationships. After all, sooner or later, everyone lets you down.

At first, the group sessions are little more than an education on how to be promiscuous. Until she meets the newest addict—blue eyes, killer body, and a smile that tempts relapse.

Psychology student Will McLean is posing as a fellow addict while researching a case study on unusual addictions. But the more he learns about Leah, the more certain he is that his desire to break through her walls and unearth her secrets has nothing to do with his assignment.

As the uncertainties spike alongside the sexual tension, the only thing Leah knows for sure is that falling in love would be disastrous. Too bad love might be one addiction she can't kick.

Mmm. Will sounds delicious, doesn't he? What's that? You'd like to take a look at him? Well, he miiiiight be on the cover....

Wanna see?

Okay....

......................

............

.......

.....



GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
What a beautiful cover!!!!!
Congrats, Colina!

Okay, okay. I know you want to add it to Goodreads. 
Here's the link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17860572-addicted-to-you
Go! Add!

And here's a little more about Colina....

Colina Brennan is a new adult writer with a love for the fantastical and the romantic. When she isn’t writing, she’s attached at the hip to her kids or chasing her dog or daydreaming about what she wants to write next.

Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrennanColina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrennanColina
Blog: http://colinabrennan.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7068218.Colina_Brennan




Thursday, May 9, 2013

Cover Reveal: FIXED ON YOU by Laurelin Paige!

Hi, sweet readers!

I'm so excited to be part of ANOTHER incredible New Adult cover reveal! This one is hosted by AToMR tours, and it's a doozy. Get out your fans and smelling salts if your inclined to fainting fits and swoons! ;)

Title: Fixed on You (Fixed, #1)
Author: Laurelin Paige
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: Adult
Expected release date: July 31, 2013
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description:
Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.

Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

Are you ready for this?

Really? 

You sure?

Okay...

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Optional giveaway by author: If you would like to offer the below ARC giveaway of FIXED ON YOU, please copy/paste the below Rafflecopter code in the html tab when creating a post.

(1)   $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card


About the Author
Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men or the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by the wonderful Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.
Author social media links:

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Publishing 101 - Money


Hi, sweet readers.

I really, really, really wanted to do a post about money and self-publishing. Money's a difficult topic to discuss, because some of us have more of it and some of us have less, social stratification, privilege, opportunity, etc etc etc. I know. But we're all adults, professionals, and hidden safely behind our computer screens here, yes? So this will be easy (-ish.)

One of the first questions I ask people who are considering self publishing is whether they have the money to do it well. I see other self-publishers giving the advice to "only spend what you can afford," and I think that's wrong.

Yes. It's wrong. What I think they should say is "If you don't have the resources to do it right, either wait and save up or don't do it at all."

Yes, it's sort of a harsh message. Yes, I stand by it.

Before I made the final decision to publish ONE and TWO, I spent some time quietly gathering estimates from the various professionals I'd need to hire to make these books a success. I talked to Trisha, who helped me add things to my list I didn't even know I might need or want, and put myself through a reality check, too. (For example: In theory, I could organize a blog tour myself, but would it drive me crazy? Yes. And did I have any of the right experience to do a good job? No.) She also helped me assess whether I needed some of the professionals I was waffling on. (For example: ONE had been through so many revisions with agents and I felt so good about it that I did not hire a developmental editor.)

Then I made an Excel spreadsheet of all the costs, and added up the total.

Then I sat down with my family's (very tight, four-kids-in-full-time-daycare) budget and hemmed and hawed and sweated and groaned and SQUEEZED until I figured out a way to make it work. (Basically, there will be no date nights or new clothes or electronics or, like, any luxuries for....awhile.)

So,  you guys want to see ONE's budget, right? 
Well, I'm not going to do a line-by-line, because I don't want this post to become some sort of standard for the professionals on my team should any of my readers want to hire them. Further, I just don't really want everyone to know who I paid for what tasks, and how much. Everyone has different comfort levels

But here's a basic breakdown: 


Editing, formatting, packaging, and distribution services: $825
Promotional materials and services: $700
Print ARCs (including shipping): $450
Audio book studio time*: $150

Grand Total - $2125


Included in some of those categories are some deeply discounted services, that could have easily added $1500 to the project if I had kept them at full price. All writers have different connections and different personal skill sets, so this is not meant to be a guide for any individual author or project - just one example of  one person's budget for one particular project. (ONE.)

You might be wondering why I spent so much money on "unnecessary" stuff, i.e., everything that's not the book itself. After all, I didn't have to spend money on swag, or send physical ARCs. But, remember - my goal for ONE is for it to look and read and be marketed no differently than a traditionally published book. 

Traditionally published books have postcards and stickers and magnets. So does One. Traditionally published books have a street team. So does One. (An incredible one!!!!) And a surefire way to tell a book's legit? It has paper ARCs. It can send copies to high school classrooms across the country and reach its readers even before release. Paper books are power. (I would never have thought this, by the way, but it's amazing how many people think that self-publishing and paper books are mutually exclusive. Printing books not only for sale, but for advanced readers as well, shows that you're serious, that your book's worth the hassle. Readers will pick up on that.)

I just want to stop right here and say that I fully recognize that putting money into publishing a book up front is the biggest drawback to self-publishing. So, here are the reasons that I decided it was worth it:

I was speaking (read: complaining) to a prominent literary agent about the stress of putting money into the project at the outset. She responded with something like, "Yes, but just think - if you got a book deal today, your book wouldn't be out until 2015. All the money you make between now and then, consider your advance."

And, of course, she was right. One year after I made the decision to publish my own books, I will have not one, but two published books on the market, collecting royalties of up to 70% of sale price. They'll never be pulled from the shelves, remaindered, or put in the bargain bin (unless I strategically decide to put them there myself.)

In short, from where I sit, the capability to publish often and to price strategically with high royalties makes up for the fact that I paid so much up front.

But, will I make my money back? 

*shrug* I don't know.

Of course, that's the first goal of most self-publishers - recoup their losses. It's likely that any self publisher will make back every cent she's spent...eventually. It could take one month, and it could take two years or more, to see profits that exceed costs.

If money is tight, or if you're borrowing to publish, know how many books you have to sell to recoup your costs, and how long you can afford to wait for your money to come back...before you make your decision.

Okay, I think that's all I have to say for now about money and self-publishing. But I will answer some questions in comments, and if you yourself are considering self-publishing, shoot me an email at leighannkopans [at] gmail [dot] com and we may be able to speak more candidly.

As always, thanks for reading! You all make this a joy. <3 b="">

*Yes, you read that right. There will be an audiobook of ONE. I'll do a longer post on that - the decision and the method - later.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Cover Reveal: EYRE HOUSE by Caitlin Greer

Hey, sweet readers!

If you know me at all, you know about my obsession with Jane Eyre. The deep themes, the rampant creepiness, and the way it drips with sexuality, even for an 1800s classic, well...*shiver*. I just love it, okay?

Which was why when Cait told me she was tackling a redux of Jane Eyre set in a sleepy Southern tourist town, where the Jane character is played by a ripped boy named Evan with gorgeous tattoos? I FREAKED OUT. I mean, I was jealous, because why hadn't I thought of that? But mostly I was so so happy, because maybe she'd let me read it?

Well, it's a good thing she did, because I adored being a right-hand CP on this project. It's everything Jane Eyre is, done so masterfully I can't even. Mysterious, sexy, heartbreaking, beautifully written....oh my gosh, you guys. You're going to adore this.

So here's the scoop. EYRE HOUSE comes out this July (!!!!) and I am D-Y-I-N-G for you all to read it too.

 Here's the synopsis, which is way more thorough than my crazy fangirling:


When eighteen-year-old orphan Evan Richardson signed up to work at Eyre House, on the sleepy tourist getaway of Edisto Island, SC, he never expected to find himself dodging ghosts. But Eyre House seems to have more than its fair share of things that go bump in the night, and most of them seem to surround his employer’s daughter.

Back from her freshman year of college, Ginny Eyre is dangerous from word one. She’s a bad girl with ghosts of her own, and trouble seems to follow her everywhere she goes. But living or dead, trouble isn't just stalking Ginny. When her ex-boyfriend is found murdered in the pool, Evan knows he’s got two choices – figure out what’s going on, or become the next ghost to haunt Ginny Eyre.

Ohhhhh my. See? I fan myself just reading it. 

Wait, what's that? Your greedy little eyes want to see the cover? Well, I suppose that's what we're here for, huh?

Okay.....

Are you sure you're ready?

*sigh* I suppose I have to share sometime....

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TA-DA!!!!!




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