Saturday, March 31, 2012

Oh, for Tweet’s Sake

So many people complain about Twitter. ”I don’t get it” or “it’s a waste of time” or “why does anyone want to know what I’m doing” or “I don’t see how it can sell books.” Yeah, that was me, too, a while back. Then I decided to grab Twitter by the…eh, well, whatever one would grab it by and use it how I wanted.

Honestly? I get most of my news from Twitter. It’s fast and easy and I can glance down my home page and see headlines on subjects which interest me. Not what Yahoo! or CNN wants me to see – what I want to see. And it’s easy.

To read the rest of my post, please visit IndiesUnlimited.com.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Press Release: INDIES UNLIMITED TO REVEAL NEW BOOK MARKETING STRATEGY


March 24, 2012; Phoenix, AZ – On April 1st, 2012 at 8 a.m. Pacific time, Indies Unlimited – the premier multi-national, multi-author web site for the Independent Publishing industry – will announce a new and innovative ‘reverse marketing’ book promotion tactic developed by founder Stephen Hise.

“Mr. Hise is an innovator and mastermind,” Indies Unlimited co-administrator K. S. Brooks said in a written statement. “This new method is definitely not for everyone, but I believe it could start a new trend in the marketplace. Indie book promotion will definitely be impacted, and quite frankly, may never be the same again. We’re looking forward to sharing Mr. Hise’s perspicacity with the industry.”

Stephen Hise founded IndiesUnlimited.com in October of 2011 to provide a platform for independent authors to share and exchange ideas, knowledge, expertise and frustrations; and, for readers and reviewers to become exposed to the amazing depth and array of talent in the indie community.

For more information, go to http://www.IndiesUnlimited.com

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Personal Appearance Troubleshooter


K. S. Brooks at the PACA Awards
Last week I wrote about begrudingly participating in a public event. If you missed that post, you can read it here. Yes, I was a good girl, telling you all the reasons why you should pony up and “just do it.” Well, this week, I get to tell you how I really feel.

Many things can go wrong at an event. MANY. Unforeseen challenges, faux pas, wardrobe malfunctions and more are all a possibility. It’s best if you’re prepared, of course. Here are some product suggestions which will help you prevent a number of heinous scenarios.If you'd like to read the rest of my post, please go to IndiesUnlimited.com.

Monday, March 19, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Bonnie Gail Carter


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Being a writer allows me to say what I want to say how I want to say it. My life experiences can be shared with people with similar experiences. It's my hope that we can make a connection in having similar feelings and thoughts about these experiences.

What is your least favorite part?
My least favorite part of being a writer is waiting for the inspiration to write.

Name one obstacle you've had to overcome.
My fear of worrying what other people think.

Is there a specific part of your writing you're working on to improve?
Each time I write I see room for improvement. While I am writing I am a creation in progress.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
My writing makes me proud when I find the right words to express myself adequately. Good reviews make me proud. Validation through an honor certificate or some other means makes me proud. It's always in my mind that I can do better after each project though.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
So far my writing has been based on my own experiences in life.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
All of my writing has been about what I already know so far. Research may play a role in my next projext.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
When I do start using research it will play a major roll in my writing.

If you've won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?
It makes me feel like I've really made a difference. Recognition can energize me to keep on writing.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
Ahh success, I'm still reaching for the stars on that word. The best marketing tools are social networks, interviews, perseverence, and to keep on writing.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
Do whatever it takes to get inspiration to write. My inspiration comes from listening to music and a lot of prayer. Research is a great tool to use also.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you'd advise writers to avoid?
Try not to start out sentences with the word I very often.

Do you have any strange writing habits?
If listening to music for inspiration is strange. Usually I spend a lot of time thinking about what I am going to write before I put it on paper. That's probably common though.

When you're not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
Goodreads and Linkedin groups such as Books and Writers inspires me to want to read more authors. I'm looking forward to reading According to Luke by Rosanne Dingli.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
It's been therapy for me. If my writing can help just one person by giving insight to a problem than I have done my job as a writer.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
Learn how to self publish and market your work. If you have to find people willing to help you self publish for free or for a small fee. Never give a percentage for publication. I learned that the hard way.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:
From Bonnie Gail Carter’s blog:  Hi everyone, I started a journal when I was 16 years old and did it for a while. In my mid 20′s I started writing poetry. When I came to the conclusion that I would never get published I quit writing. Now I’m 56 years old and trying to write again. I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Bonnie’s titles include, in her own words:  My ebook That's Life is poetry. My ebook Temporary Homes is a fictionalized memoir.  That's Life can be purchased at http://xlibris.com/bookstore or on Amazon. Temporary Homes is not yet available.

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
I haven't decided what my next project will be but I am thinking about it a lot of the time.

PARTING WORDS
Any thing else about being a writer that you'd like to share?
If you have a dream to write then just go for it. It's never too young or too old to start writing.

Where can people learn more about you?

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.




Saturday, March 17, 2012

Do I Have to?



K. S. Brooks at the PACA Awards
K. S. Brooks at the PACA Awards
Yes, you do.

We all have to do things we don’t enjoy. Personally, I loathe the thought of personal appearances. I’m quite happy being a curmudgeonly hermit. It’s very safe here in my secret mountain lair. But sometimes an invitation comes my way – and I know I have to say yes.

Public appearances and events really don’t hurt that much. They can be tedious, and usually the amount of time spent in preparation usurps the event itself. So why do them? Well, unless you’re famous – or extremely eccentric – you sort of “have” to.

To read the rest of my post, please go to IndiesUnlimited.com.

Monday, March 12, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Tia Bach


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Finding the right words. So many times I know what I want to say, can feel it with every fiber of my being, but I need the words to reflect that intensity. When I find the right ones, it’s a wonderful feeling.

What is your least favorite part?
Writing when I’m not in the mood. I believe the more you write, the better you write, so I try to write whether the muse is with me or not. It’s so much easier when she graces me with her presence.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
Guilt. I have three daughters who are 11, 9 and 6. I can’t always force writing while they are at school, and it’s hard to write with children running around. I try and strike a balance and ask them to respect the muse from time to time.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
It changes constantly. Sometimes I focus on grammar and punctuation, other times character development or storyline. More than anything, I try to focus on writing, getting the words on the page. Without that, you have nothing to work with.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
When readers like it and take the time to tell me. I’m an avid reader, and I completely understand differences in opinions. Rarely does a book bind everyone together in thought. So it’s always a treat when a reader likes my work and wants to make sure I know.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
She’s got spunk, and she’s not easily deterred from her goals. I gave her more spunk than I have, but I’m striving to be more like her.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
I always start with what I know and research from there.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
Beyond research and fact-checking, I blog. I try to post something three to four times a week to keep the writing juices flowing.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
It’s a nice compliment, and I appreciate the awards I’ve received. In some ways, though, it adds pressure. I thought the first book would be the hardest, but I went into it so blind. The second is where the pressure builds. It’s like having children. You are terrified with the first kid because of what you don’t know, more terrified with the second because of what you do know.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
My blog, it allows readers a chance to hear my voice before buying my book. I’m an avid reader, and I love reading author blogs. It’s also a great way to get out excerpts or other writing samples, such as flash fiction.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
Write every single day. Even if you just keep a journal next to your bed for random ideas, exercise the writing muscle.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
I edit as I write. I can’t help myself. It’s a much better idea to let the words flow and let them sit and breathe awhile before trying to perfect them.

Do you have any strange writing habits?
I speak out loud as I type. I like hearing if the words make sense, but it adds to my problem of editing as I write.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
I’m an avid reader and love to read across genres. I’ve been involved with book clubs for years, and it’s a great way to read outside your comfort zone. I pride myself on finding redeeming value in almost any book.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
I want to get the ideas out of my over-full brain.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
Trust your gut, but I believe those words of wisdom help you in all things. Listen to your heart, but run it past your brain first.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
Don’t take no for an answer. It might be a temporary delay, but there are so many great avenues open to writers these days. Research and talk to other writers, then choose a path.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  1

Do you have an agent?  No

Are you self-published?  Yes

How many different companies have you published with?  One

How long have you been writing?  Since I was a teen.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
I do freelance writing and editing part-time. I am a full-time mother. I haven’t found the magic balance between writing and being a mother. I simply do my best.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

In the words of award-winning author Tia Bach:  I’m an author, blogger, avid reader, and mom to three girls (11, 9 & 6). My first novel, Depression Cookies, is an award-winning coming of age tale co-written with my mom.

I started my writing career as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper and later a corporate technical writer for a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM.

Tia is author of the award-winning women’s fiction title Depression Cookies.  You can find Depression Cookies online at  Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

You can learn more about Tia at her blog http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com and website at http://depressioncookies.com
 
THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
A follow-up to our award-winning Depression Cookies
A Young Adult novel

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?
I love this quote: “And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Sylvia Plath

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.



Monday, March 5, 2012

On Writing Author Interview: Stephen Hise


To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
The fame, adulation and money.

What is your least favorite part?
There has been no fame, adulation or money.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
I had to clear a pretty high barbed wire fence once when someone gave me bad information about when her husband would be home.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
Yes, the part where the books actually sell.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
I think maybe I’m most proud of the nouns.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
We are both fictional.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
There were a lot of steamy love scenes in my book, so – no, I just had to guess.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
Why? What have you heard? Those files were on my computer when I bought it.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
Well, I did win a “Stevie,” which is a very prestigious award I just made up. I have to say, I didn’t expect to win and it has really encouraged me to strive further toward mediocrity.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
What is this “success” of which you speak?

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
When you get to the end, stop.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
Do not write out your manuscript out on the backs of twenty-dollar bills and send it off to a “publisher.”

Do you have any strange writing habits?
The list is so long and depraved, that decorum prohibits listing them here.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
Yes, I enjoy reading various medication labels.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
I am trying to take over the world.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
Write slowly, some people are not fast readers.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
Write something really good and send it to a publisher.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  Two.

Do you have an agent?
I used to have an insurance agent, but she doesn’t return my calls anymore.

Are you self-published?  Yes, unfortunately I cannot blame anyone else for this.

How many different companies have you published with?  Three or more.

How long have you been writing?
I think it started in the first grade.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
I stand on the side of the road holding a sign that reads, “Will write for food.”

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:
Stephen Hise lives between two dumpsters behind a seven-eleven, or his “mountain enclave,” as he calls it. He largely passes his time trying out various cough and cold remedies and chasing wildlife through the park.

The incomparable Stephen Hise’s titles include:  UPGRADE – Bodice-ripper with a Twilight-Zone twist; and Creepier by the Dozen – short story anthology written with two of his three children.

You can purchase his books at Smashwords, Amazon.com and at Wordclay. 

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
A laser death ray. Early results are not encouraging.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?
Expenses and blame.

Where can people learn more about you?
I’m pretty sure most law enforcement agencies have some further information.  

If you're interested in some quick wit, reviews, interviews and interesting guest posts, check out Stephen's blog at http://www.indiesunlimited.com/

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.