How do you keep AIS?

Once again, I lay awake last night staring at the ceiling! As boring as that sounds, this is the time some of my best ideas come (my mom's always comes as she's drifting off to sleep). While I know I promised to start posting on a strict schedule, a little thing called life continuously gets in the way. However, having said that...I promise to try to post more regularly. Deal?

So, without further adieu, today's post. I kept thinking about my promise to bring writing tips by experts...but, as I lay in bed last night, I thought "who better to give advice than other writers?" Lord knows, I have plenty of those up my sleeves. I'll start the tips and add tips and advice from other writers through the next few weeks.

What's my topic, you ask? How to keep your AIS. For those of you who aren't Everybody Loves Raymond fans, that's A** In Seat.

Okay, CL, how do you keep AIS? Well, I'm glad you asked. Here are a few of my favorite AIS techniques and tips I've learned, read, or come up with over the past year or so.

1. Gotta have the noise. There are some days when I'll turn on the TV while I write. Now, this is not something you want to do if you're easily distracted. If I turn on the TV it has to be something I couldn't care less to watch; you know, Real Housewives of whatever County, Bad Girls Club, or some chic talk show.

2. Easily distracted by the television? This happens to me at times, as well. In this instance, gotta have the music. I always suggest building playlists around a specific book. I'm lucky enough to have a program to burn Cd's, so I can pick lots of songs, and load up a few discs. If you don't have this technology, there is always playlist.com. At this site you can build as many playlists as you want from their large music library. Or, you can choose someone else's to listen to. I prefer mine, thank you very much.

3. Make sure you have food or drink within reach. I'm not saying to keep a small refrigerator within reach, just a snack. My biggie is Jolly Ranchers. This is something I started after I quit smoking. I also have to have coffee or a glass of soda within arm's reach. If you keep these around you won't have to stop to search out a snack. There's one more excuse you can't use....

4. Don't turn off your Internet. Yep, you read that right. Personally, I found if I shut down my Internet I get overly curious and at times anxious. If I keep these things up and in the background, I'll see along the top if I get a new email and can head over and come back in less than a second (I'm obsessed with my email. Never know when an agent will contact you).

5. My last tip for the day is smells. I can see you all making faces. I mean scents, as in aroma therapy crap. I prefer lavender, or apple cinnamon during this time of the year. During the warmer months I lean toward floral or citrus scents. But, back to this season...I have incense sticks I burn in an ashtray (I no longer use them for cigs), or about six candles I burn throughout the house, as well as tarts I melt in a warmer. I get my tarts from the lovely people at Mr. T's Tarts and Gifts. If you use goat's milk soap or tarts, check these people out. Love their products, and they sell them at a great price.

Well, that's it for today. Was any of that helpful? What do you do to keep your AIS? Any strange rituals before you write?

If you make me mad I'll give you a bad review!

Not really, but this sure seems like the way of the writing industry. I guess when I started looking for other authors, I was completely naive. I thought we would all hold hands and encourage each other. Of course, not everyone would get along, as that's just the way it is, but those people would just choose to befriend someone else. I had no idea that if someone disliked my shoes, my nose, my hair, or my style of writing it would become their personal mission to destroy my spirit.

Let me just say this...no, my feelings aren't hurt, I won't be hanging from my shower stall, dragging a razor across my wrist, or even frowning. Just because someone may not like me will not change who I am, or how I feel about life.

So, to the point of this blog...should authors review their friend's books? I've noticed a lot of "give mine a review, and I'll give yours a review", whether or not the book has been read. Hell, I had a couple of friends do that to my first book when I first released it. Then, to my surprise, when these people decided I was no longer a part of the popular crowd, they first took their reviews down, then took turns bashing my book in other's reviews. Grow up! I will not review a book I've never read, I will not give a great review to a book I don't like, and I will not attack someone because I don't like them. There is actually an author I know whom I've lost all respect for, yet I rather enjoy one of their books.

Do you think authors should trade reviews? What if you/they have never read the book? Do you think this is a slippery slope?

I broke my promise to you all....

Get over it! *laughs*

While I know I promised a specific format, I seemed to have forgotten life will always get in the way of my best laid plans. Most of you know we moved two months ago, so I'm still working at getting the house completely unpacked, situated, and organized. Then, as is custom to my personality, I added three more hens to my brood of chickens. I now have five hens and one rooster. Now, I've already gotten two eggs from my new girls, but that doesn't mean they're going to be worth the $15 I spent on them. I guess only time will tell.

This article will be a short one, as my little backyard farm is calling my name, but I wanted you all to know I haven't forgotten about you. I will have an interview up with someone I highly respect within the next week or so, and this is definitely an author you don't want to miss.

Until next time, keep reading and keep writing.

Self-Publishing Vs Traditional Publishing (Take Two)

As an author, the biggest dream we have is to have our work in the hands of the masses. We want others to not only read our work, but be inspired, their lives changed, their hearts warmed. Actually, for myself, I just want to know someone, anyone has read my book and enjoyed it. One of the greatest joys for my writing career thus far was finding out I had sold copies of my paranormal romance, A Repeating Life, in the UK.

So, which revenue is best for an aspiring author: traditionally using a literary agent, or self-publishing through the many resources available? There is absolutely no way for me to include all the information I found on the web in one blog...at least not without making it ten pages long. Therefore, this subject will be broken down into a few Mondays.

To start, let's look at some of the success stories. The first one who pops in my head is the infamous Joe Konrath. Mr. Konrath was traditionally published for many years before opting for self-publishing. He has been known to sell 18,000 books in one month. He broke the chains from his publisher and went off on his own. Obviously, this is an exception, not the norm, but can you imagine selling this many copies of your work without having to share your income with several others?

Another seriously noted author is Amanda Hocking. In her early twenties, she wrote a couple of books, self-published them, and - voila - she's rich and successful. Okay, that's not quite how it happened. In Ms. Hocking's situation, she continuously worked on new books, reached out for review, and constantly put out new books. Eventually, all of her hard work paid off. But, as she says here, it a whole lot of work. Of course, with a traditional publishing house you'll still be doing a lot of marketing for yourself, but not nearly as much as when you self-publishing. You do all of your own marketing, your edit all of your own work or pay someone to do it for you (way smarter than relying on your own eyes), you make your own cover art (again, pay someone else to do it unless you're a graphic art graduate), format your book for both e-book and paperback, etc, etc, etc. I think I personally spend more time on everything but writing most days.

It needs to be said that Amanda Hocking recently signed a four book deal with St. Martins recently. You can read about it here.

There are many other success stories through self-publishing, but obviously way more through traditional publishing. I am in no way pushing for one more than the other. You need to find what works best for you. Would I go traditional if I was offered a decent contract through one of the big houses? Hell yeah! But I refuse to sit around and wait for fate to come to me...I'm beating on her door demanding some attention!!!!

Interracial Erotica Author Tracy Ames Joins Me on My Adventures

It’s with great pleasure I introduce Tracy Ames. Tracy, thank you so much for joining us. Can you tell the readers, what inspired you to write your first book?

First, I’d like to thank you for having me. You’re a peach!

Trust me, the honor is all mine!

Nick and Alyanna, the main characters in Seduce Me, were my golden couple from my column days. The readers took to them and soon there was a grassroots plea for full novel. At the time I was working fulltime as a software engineer so I shoved it to the backburner. Long story short, I scribbled the first two chapters of the manuscript while dying a slow death in one of those long, boring ‘town hall’ meetings corporate America inflicts on its innocent masses. I guess my inspiration was fueled by my unyielding love of writing, an overactive imagination, and a sore bum.

Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. The message I try to convey in all of my stories is that no one is perfect; there are going to be ups and downs and the only way to truly experience happiness is to let go of our selfish limits we place on love. Forcing love to live up to our expectations by saying ‘You have to love me this way, within these set guidelines, or no way at all’ inhibits its growth and sooner or later we out grow it. Then what? We write the relationship or blame our mate. It’s a common scenario but I think the essence of this message is lost when writers take the easy road by glossing over the fallibility of the characters when in fact flaws add depth and makes our characters relatable.

What books have most influenced your life?

I love the classics specifically the writings from the Brontës. In fact, readers drew parallels between Mr. Dermot from my novella and upcoming novel Spanked and Charlotte Brontë’s Byronic hero Mr. Rochester which tickled me pink because my character was very loosely based on the Duke of Zamora.

Can you tell us what book(s) are you reading now?

Oh, this is dangerous territory! I’m currently traveling so my literary arsenal has gone mobile. I’m juggling three new reads Yes Ma’am by Kay Jaybee, Wet by Charisma Knight, and Check Mated by BJ Thornton (I love this book!). I’m also re-reading In Sleeping Beauty’s Bed: Erotic Fairy Tales by Mitzi Szereto and Transported by Sharazade.

Will you share a little of your current work with us?

You can find part of my fall release, Beg Me, on my site until the end of the month as well as Spanked my novel being published in 2012.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Research is the most difficult and the most enjoyable aspect of my process. I put in a ton of hours fact checking, and needling through the minutiae of my subject matter before my pen hits the paper.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I’m royal historian and self-avowed history geek. As a child, other little girls were satisfied with pretending to be the princesses we saw on television. Not me! I was more interested in her lineage which is why incorporating those elements into my first two books came with ease. Since then, each new topic has fortified me in one way or another.

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

Without a doubt. Coming in at a close second in the area of difficulty is the emotional tax all writers pay while writing. There are two particular scenes in Make Her Want It which struck accord with my readers—some experienced crying fits. Those scenes were extremely taxing and very emotional but that’s what good writing is about…it’s a mental/emotional rollercoaster.

What are your expectations for the book?

I try not to put too many expectations on my work. I hope to entertain as many readers as possible, and steer clear of bad press and cacophonies.

How are you same/different from your main character?

There’s a little bit of me in my characters. Those close to me will attest to my wackiness. Catch me around 2am, which is when I normally write, and you’re in for a real treat. I infused Alyanna with my spirit of independence and lady-like virtues while Sonya, my heroine in Make Her Want It, received the implacable stubbornness of my youth and my razor sharp tongue.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Continue to write even when you believe you have nothing to say. It’s disheartening to hear neophytes say, “I have nothing interesting to say.” Stop trying to be someone else. Keep writing; sooner or later your voice will find its way from beneath the pile of grot. Trust me, most writers cringe when they read their early work. You’re no different.


I want to take the opportunity to thank Tracy for joining us today. I’m sure there will be a lot of readers updating their TBR lists after this.

You can find Tracy at InterracialErotica.net.

Seduce Me can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Make Her Want It can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 





I started thinking about what I enjoy when reading blogs, and wanted my own blog to be informative, and fun. So, here’s the official new schedule…



Monday – Awesome articles from brilliant authors, publishers, editors, and agents. The information will span the entire world of writing, including marketing and publicity.

Wednesday – There are so many unbelievably talented authors out there, I need to interview as many as possible. Wednesdays will be dedicated to interviews of authors I know and love, as well as some just breaking through.

Friday – First, the introduction of the hottie of the week. Then, it’s anything goes. There will be no specific format for the last day of the work week. There will jokes and fun pictures, anecdotes (both mine and others), and…well, you get the point. This will be the day we start our weekend with a smile.

Hope you’ll stick around and join in on the fun!!
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Before I end my blog, I wanted to let everyone know I've moved my blog. I will keep this one up and active until everyone is able to find me. The new blog is located on my website. I hope you choose to follow me to the new and improved site!!
 
Until next time, Happy Writing!

I'm baaaaaack!

Well, ladies and gentleman, I am back after quite a long hiatus. No, it wasn't about a break or rest...nope, Internet issues, kids home from school, then a move. Life apparently had other plans for me other than writing.

The kids start school tomorrow. Translation: I'M FREE!
Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but I will finally get the opportunity to work on my writing, blogging, marketing, networking, etc. without the incessant "Hey mom"s!

At the moment, I have two book available for purchase, or if you're interested in writing a review on your own blog, free download. The first release is titled A Repeating Life.

My newest release is titled She Who Hunts.

She Who Hunts is an Urban Fantasy about a Demon Hunter. The book contains violence, gore, sexual content, and language...you have been warned *laughs*.

Within the next few weeks, this blog will be on a structured schedule. I have yet to decide what days, specifically, I will be posting on, but I promise to keep you all updated. Until next time, thanks for hanging in there with me. I solemnly swear to never leave you again...if you're lucky. *barks evil laugh*