Cambria: Not your ordinary summer vacation!

       

     Seth Roberts brought along some of his music so he wouldn't be bored to death when he flew from his hometown in Georgia to visit his great uncle. Upon landing and seeing his ancient relative in a vintage car, things took a turn for the paranormal. Then, he had that strange dream about rescuing a princess from a dragon in a forest. What's around the corner for Seth? What secrets about his family will he discover? Does Seth really go where he truly belongs?

Theresa Oliver of Write More Publications penned a time travel which would appeal to a Young Adult audience and it appealed to me, a middle aged woman. What magic can we work on Cambria? I will be Tweeting and Facebook sharing in the Young Adult Paranormal Romance genre in addition to Paranormal Romance. I will also add Chick lit.

I came up with a list of Florida writer's groups: http://floridawriters.net/Our_Writers_Groups.html

Here is a link for From the Heart, an active online romance writer's group:

http://fthrw.com/index.php

Here is yet another active online romance writer's group:

http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html

So, Theresa, go forth!

Abigail Starland: The Vamp who has everything...or does she?

Who wouldn't want to look young and gorgeous, even though she is old enough to remember the American Revolution? On top of that she's a CIA operative who can pass for a high school girl and attract a hot football star. You'd think Abigail alias Star never had a care in the world, but no good novelist would make it that easy. Yes, life can be mighty stressful for Star, not to mention dangerous.

Theresa Oliver, publisher of Write More Publications, has a compelling paranormal romance on her hands, but how do I tell the world about it? Theresa had a good start at the Authors in the Park event described in her guest posting in this blog. She is also listing her title in Vampire News, the annual reference book on all things Vampire described in my guest posting by Bertena Varney, the Vampire Professor.

I did a Google search on Vampire fiction clubs. I came up with Monster Librarian who reviews Vampire Fiction for Young Adults. Here is the link for Reviews, which has a sub link for submission guidelines: http://monsterlibrarian.com/Reviews.htm

I will also Tweet this blog to Vampire lit groups, and my favorite Chick Lit, Paranormal Romance and book launch groups.

Go get 'em, Theresa!

Next in the spotlight will be Janet Beasley of Hidden Earth Series fame.

Since the 1970s, Janet Beasley and her husband Don worked in the technical end of theatrical production; a world of lighting, special effects, video and/or audio. Now, she has not only created new species of plants and animals, but written Hidden Earth: a six-novel epic fantasy series.

Here is the well executed book trailer for Volume 1 of Maycly:

http://www.hiddenearthseries.com/Book-Trailers.html#.UNZZ9lLAVpM

Janet has a very popular blog: http://www.jlbcreatives.blogspot.com/

Don Beasley, the producer of the book trailer you just saw, has a blog for Live Events and Productions. His blog address is:

http://liveeventsandproductions.blogspot.com/

The creative couple have also written non-fiction books together. In addition to writing and blogging, Janet is also a speaker. I am inviting Janet and Don to be guests on my blog. They have graciously agreed. Look for their postings in a few weeks.

A guest posting by the Vampire Professor herself!

 Last year Stavros and I created Vampire News 2011 as a great way to get the word out about our works dealing with vampires. Last year we received lots of news, articles, lists, and information about vampires in 2011. We compiled it into a book and we gave them away with our books or sold them at price and really tried to promote all of us. It appeared to work for many of us. We post it on Amazon and ask that the authors order some to give away or sell at their price to help promote their book.

Here is a link to look at Vampire News 2011-- http://bitemereallyhard.com/?page_id=3153

Well, it’s that time again. We are beginning to work on Vampire News 2012. We are requesting submissions for vampire news of 2012. Once we received these submissions then we will contact you with a permission to use form.

VN 2012 is looking for the following submissions:

- book titles, covers and releases of any vampire books, comics, webisodes
- news articles, interviews, and reviews of anything vampire related
- personal art, photography, etc
- information about vampire events, conventions and parties

- promotions for your books or articles/blogs about anything about vampires or vampire related
- anything vampire related- just email and ask us

Please send any ideas or submissions to vampirenews2012@gmail.com by January 15.

Thank you,
Stavros (author of Blood Junky) and Bertena Varney (author of Lure of the Vampire)

Guest Blog Post: Theresa Oliver, Write More Publications

Authors in the Park Event

Mt. Dora, Florida

Yesterday, I attended a book-signing event with many local authors with Authors in the Park in Mt. Dora, Florida! I had a blast meeting the other local authors, as well as the local fans who attended the event! The event was organized by authors Mark Miller and Janet Beasley of J.L.B. Creations and they did a wonderful job! Thank you, Mark and Janet! And if you ever have a chance to go to Mt Dora ... go! It's a beautiful, quaint little town,  far from sleepy! During this holiday season, they brought in snow for the children to slide down and at night, the whole town is lit up in beautiful Christmas lights that extend throughout the park. It really is a lovely sight to behold, but what makes this town special is the people. Everyone welcomed us with open arms, making us feel very welcome. It really was great! Thank you, everyone, for making this event so special!  

Here's a pic of me, Theresa Oliver, and all the authors that were featured at this event! 

Featured authors: C. Kevin Thompson,  Rebecca Wilson-Shore, Julie Compton, Jean E. Lane, Janet Beasley, Amy Sellers, J.L.B. Creatives, Mark Miller, Amy Long, Julie Compton, and Theresa Oliver! 

It was a pleasure meeting you all! 

Below is a pic of my booth beside author Rebecca Wilson-Shore! 

I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with Becky! 

She is a fabulous author and person! 

Like I said above, I got to hang out with Rebecca Wilson-Shore at the Authors in the Park event! 

It was great to meet you, Becky! 

I also got to hang out with author Mark Miller! It was great to meet him! 

Thanks, Liz, for having me here today to share this event with you! 

I really had a great time and I look forward to the next Authors in the Park event! 

Coming soon: My first guest posting.

Theresa Oliver of Write More Publications will be blogging in this spot and telling us how her Authors in the Park event went. Here's an ad for what's happening in downtown Mt. Dora, FL on Sunday.

Here be (author friendly) Dragons!

Indie writers love to see their own books on the shelves of bookstores, but it's not always that easy. Some of the bigger chain bookstores simply do not take self-published books. Here Be Dragons Bookshoppe, located in Historic Downtown Winter Garden, FL not only accepts indie books, but showcases the authors, too. Who could ask for more? Don't live in the area? Visit their website: http://www.herebedragonsbookshoppe.com/

Lights, camera, action! Click here to see a You Tube video of author Andrea Perron and Paula Thompson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV3Q-zYvK3U&noredirect=1

Paula Thompson, Co-owner has graciously joined us and says "Thank you very much for thinking about us!"

Question: What do you look for in a self-published book you'd sell in your store?

Answer: I try to let whoever was brave enough to write a book and have it published display it in our store. (I also encourage local artists and musicians display work as well. I will continue to offer this for as long as I have the room!)

Question: Do you have any advice on how to approach a bookseller?

Answer: Don't be afraid to just ask! Have faith in yourself and your book. Don't give up and you will eventually get a yes!

Question: What is the biggest turnoff in an indie book?

Answer: A book that is priced too high or an author who is hard to please (diva) is not a good seller.

Question: Can an author have a back of room sale event in your store?

Answer: Our store is so full of books that we host book signings outside the front window (or in a tent in front of the store during special events here in Winter Garden.

Question: What is the most fun way for an author to promote his or her book in your store?

Answer: At book signings I have had authors in costumes, those handing out special treats and even some offering free signed illustrations the sketch on site for children!

Question: Have any authors raffled off books in your store?

Answer: I did have a raffle for local author books last Christmas.

Question: Do you have any author success stories to share?

Answer: My most popular local author is Christian Slade with his "Korgi" books. It is a series of graphic novels for children and it has no words. The children pick up the books and tell a different story every time! 

Note: The Thompsons do hope to expand soon to have room for signings, clubs, gaming, music and poetry readings.  

So, now we know that some local independent bookstores out there are not only approachable, but encourage local authors to offer their books for sale. Check it out. Who knows? Maybe you can find a local bookstore to stock your book. If you do, let me know and I'll blog about it. I love success stories!