A Quick Update

/ Marcia Meara / 35 Comments

Took a minute to update Facebook earlier, but figured you guys were due, as well. Thanks so much to those who’ve inquired about my health, and sent me their best wishes. MUCH appreciated.

My doctor’s visit yesterday revealed what I had expected. After feeling better on Friday, I got much worse over the weekend, but couldn’t be squeezed in to see her before yesterday morning, at which time she gave me the news. My cold turned into severe bronchitis, bordering on pneumonia. The good news is, I have Wonder Drugs on board now, and I’m assured I’ll feel much better very soon. I can already tell a difference. I’ve been cleared to do my Meet the Author Luncheon and Tea on Saturday, as long as I rest from now until then, and again afterward, and don’t overdo. (I will NOT be contagious by then, so if you are planning to come, you are safe, I promise. I double checked.)

I’m trying to respond to a few posts and emails here and there, but mostly, I’m resting as instructed, taking my meds, drinking Echinacea tea, and getting well as fast as I can!

You guys carry on as you are, and I’ll be back in full force as soon as possible. Smooches!

 

Author Media Kits, Part 2—The News Release

/ Marcia Meara / 4 Comments

I’m taking notes on this very informative series of posts by Staci Troilo. So much great information here. Do yourself a favor, and check it out.

Staci Troilo's avatarStory Empire

Ciao, SEers. As promised, I’m continuing my exploration of the author media kit. (If you missed that post or want a refresher before continuing, click here.)

Today, we’re going to talk about the news release. (Press Release is an outdated term referring to the press that prints newspapers. That technology has modernized and we submit our release to more than just newspapers these days, so the name has been changed to News Release to reflect those changes.)

Authors can certainly submit their own news releases to the media, but I’ve found some elitist organizations still don’t accept indie authors as credible and talented artists, and therefore disregard announcements from them. Because of this bias, if at all possible, have your publisher or a professional organization submit the release on your behalf. However, if you have a kick-butt release and media kit, or if you find progressive organizations…

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Tips for a Successful Book Signing

/ Marcia Meara / 6 Comments

I do a lot of local events, and this is a great post, full of good tips and reminders. Check it out! (And thanks, Mae!)

Mae Clair's avatarStory Empire

Hey, SEers! Mae here today. Got your pen handy? It’s time to sign some books!  🙂

When it comes to book signings, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, it never hurts to reevaluate your strategy. I realize not everyone has print copies of their books, but that day might linger just around the corner. Then or now, I hope you find these tips helpful.

Let me start by saying I’m far from an expert. I only have two signings under my belt, with a few on the horizon. That said, I’ve learned from the meager few I’ve done. How, you ask?

Know your venue
If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before, scope it out beforehand so you know the layout. At the very least, research it online and Google Earth the location. If I’m going somewhere new, I always do a practice run first so I know exactly…

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The Beacon’s #WestVolusiaCounty Visitor’s Guide Article

/ Marcia Meara / 8 Comments

Since I’m currently vertical for a short time, though still coughing like mad, I thought I’d take a moment to share this very nice article about St. Johns River Eco Tours (and me), which is currently being featured in the Volusia County Visitors Guide. It was distributed widely throughout the county, and is a handout at the visitors center, as well, so lovely publicity for both the tours and my books.

I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy building a local readership, and how loyal mine is becoming. I can’t recommend exploring opportunities of this sort enough. Put on your thinking caps and find local venues for readings, signings, and any other form of meeting the public you can find. These folks are simply the best support you can get, not only for direct purchases, but for helping spread the word about your books. And as an extra bonus, it is a JOY to meet readers face to face, answer their questions, and take note of what they like (or don’t like) about your books. I look forward to each and every event I have on my calendar, and count myself lucky to have these chances to get to know my readers.

To Write or Not To Write Short #amwriting

/ Kassandra Lamb / 25 Comments

by Kassandra Lamb

Hi all!  Marcia and I thought you might find my guest post interesting. I’m over at Janice Hardy’s Fiction University today, talking about the pros and cons of writing short stories and novellas versus full-length novels.

Please check it out (and share if you are so inclined).

To Write or Not To Write Short?

a SomedayIsHere FINAL

Short stories, novellas, novels—what’s the best route to go as a fiction writer? Are there advantages to writing short?

This is a more complicated question than it may seem to be on the surface. There are several factors to consider:

● The definition of a short story vs. a novella
● The appeal of writing short for the author
● How readers feel about short stories and novellas vs. full-length novels
● The benefits of shorts for authors
● The bottom line: how much can you make off of shorts?

In order to give you more than just my take on writing short, I surveyed several authors from various genres. I’ve included their experiences along with my own, and in some cases, quoted them when they said it better than I could.

Definitions:

First let’s define our terms. A novel is considered to be full-length if it is at least 40,000 words. A novella is usually defined as 17,500 to 40,000 words. Technically, a short story is under 7,500 words.

There is this thing called a novelette that is 7,500 to 17,500 words, but the reality is that readers have rarely heard of this term. The 12K novelette I published several years ago is almost always referred to as a short story in reviews, and even my 25K novellas are sometimes viewed as short stories by readers.

So perhaps we should be defining short versus long differently. A “short” story, regardless of its length, is one with a simpler story arc, few if any subplots and simpler character arcs for its main character(s).

The Appeal of Writing Short:

To put it bluntly, it’s quick and easy… READ MORE

Creating a Universal Amazon Link – One Link Amazon Sites in all Countries

/ Marcia Meara / 12 Comments

Another helpful tip I never knew about. This could very helpful to some of you! Check it out. 🙂

Unknown's avatarDon Massenzio

I posted this tip a while ago and got some positive feedback. If you set up buying links for your books, many of you are probably posting Amazon links for each country that you think your book will likely realize some sales.

There is no need to do this.

I was getting frustrated when I ran a free book promotion weekend and experimented with placing a Facebook ad that reached out to multiple countries. My dilemma with doing this is that I didn’t have a way to post all of the links for the various Amazon sites in other countries on my ad without it looking clumsy.

I searched for a way to create a universal link for my book. A universal link, when clicked by a potential reader, is designed to take them to my book on the appropriate Amazon page for their country.

All they needed to do was…

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10 Low-Cost Ways to Market Your Book

/ Marcia Meara / 4 Comments

Some things you may not have thought of here. Thanks to Nicholas and his guest, Lisa, for the list!

Nicholas C. Rossis's avatarNicholas C. Rossis

Lisa Wheatley | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksThis is a guest post by Lisa Wheatley. Lisa Wheatly works for Top Aussie Writers in her spare time, where she creates unbiased essay service reviews. Lisa believes analytical thinking and an enquiring mind are her strongest points and does her best to put them to good use. She is a consultant to young entrepreneurs and feels that her understanding of the human mind allows her to accurately assess the abilities of young businessmen.

10 Low-Cost Ways to Market Your Book

Low budget | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksFor most writers, writing and publishing a successful book is a difficult task. That’s not because of hundreds of hours of hard work are the only way of coming up with enough quality for the readers. Nope. It’s something else.

You see, good writers can or can’t be good marketers. It’s the same with everyone else – we excel at something, and we suck at something else. In most cases, freshly…

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I’m (Almost) Back & Update on Afternoon Tea, April 22

/ Marcia Meara / 6 Comments

DeBary Hall Historic Site

Warning: Attending a four-year-old’s birthday party can be hazardous to your health. We had a wonderful time in Charleston, and I’m so glad we were able to go, but darn if I didn’t wake up on our last day with a fiery sore throat. It has progressively gotten worse, going through every step of a typical bad cold/flu bug. Today is somewhat better, but I’m spending more time in bed than vertical, so my posts will be sporadic a bit longer.

I did want to remind anyone in the central Florida area that I’ll be doing another Afternoon Tea/Luncheon at the fabulous DeBary Hall mansion, April 22, 11:30 AM to 2:30PM. For those who’d like to come, your $20 ticket includes my custom teas (named for characters in my books), a yummy lunch with even yummier desserts, a reading from my latest book, That Darkest Place, a Question & Answer session (usually a ton of laughs), and a signed copy of one of my books, your choice.  Such a deal, right?? 🙂

Reservations are required. If you are planning to join us, the deadline to register is April 17, and we need your payment by then, so that we know how many lunches to order. Checks should be made payable to Marcia Meara, and sent either directly to DeBary Hall, or to me. (See below).

You may also drop your check off at the hall, if you live nearby. Remember, we must receive these by April 17 so we can order your lunch from the caterer.

I can pretty much guarantee a fun time at this event, and I’m looking forward to seeing you there. Don’t miss out!!

DeBary Hall Historic Site
198 Sunrise Blvd
DeBary, FL 32713
tmestre@volusia.org
386-668-3840
marciameara16@gmail.com

 

That Darkest Place_kindle cover_V1d