You Guys Better Get Busy…

March 9, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 6 Comments

…or you’re gonna be reading a LOT of excerpts from ME this week! 😯 Here’s a short one from my book Summer Magic. It’s the final poem in the book, wherein I get the last laugh over all the naysayers I’ve known through the years. Some of you might recognize this scenario.

Attitude Really IS Everything

No!
Yes.
You can’t!
I can.
Why?
Why not?
It’s all wrong!
It’s all right.
You shouldn’t!
I should.
You won’t!
I will.
It could be bad!
It could be good.
It’s too late!
There’s time.
You’re too old!
I’m still here.
You did it!
I did.

Summer Magic is available for download on Kindle

Excerpt From Prologue of Wake-Robin Ridge

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 6 Comments

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1965
WAKE-ROBIN RIDGE, NORTH CAROLINA

…Packing up his small knapsack with beef jerky and a couple of granola bars, he clipped a canteen of water to his belt, then selected two of his sharpest knives from his duffel bag. He tucked those inside the knapsack as well, and grabbed a deadly looking machete to carry along.

Might need this baby for hacking away vines … or limbs. Yeah, limbs. That’s a good one. Sniggering to himself, he hid everything else inside the little tent, then pulled on a warm pair of gloves. Just as the dim shapes of tall pines became faintly visible, he set off through the woods, following the same route he had checked out when he arrived at his hiding place late the day before. Continue reading →

My Fabulous Day Yesterday!

March 6, 2015March 6, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 23 Comments

The Naiad, Inspiration for the Undine in Swamp Ghosts
I swiped this photo from the St. Johns River Eco Tours FB Page
Go there to book a tour for yourself, and see how much fun it is.

You folks who know me best, know I’m very seldom out of the house these days. In a frenzy to tell my stories while I still remember what words are, I mostly spend my days at the computer, writing or researching. But yesterday, they LET ME OUT! Woohooo! The wonderful Captain Jeanne Bell of the St. Johns River Eco Tours and her wildlife photographer husband, Doug Little, invited me to go along on TWO of their tours. And what a great time it was!

The weather was sunny and beautiful. Okay, I was hot, since it was well over 80 degrees out, but you can’t go by me. I haven’t been cool since 1972, and I mean that in every sense of the word. But most people were very comfortable, and the blue skies and brilliant green spring foliage made the trip simply breathtaking. And we saw it ALL, folks. Lots and lots of alligators, from some no more than a foot long, to a few truly big, big boys, and every size in between. All the usual wading birds were out–white ibis galore, little blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets and quite a few giant wood storks. We even spotted a purple gallinule on the morning tour. But the highlight of the trip for me was when Doug called up several barred owls who came when he whistled, and put on a show for us. It was spectacular, and something I’d not seen him do on any of my earlier trips.

And of course, because they are so supportive and understand the benefits of networking to each other’s mutual benefit, Doug did his spiel about how he and Captain Jeanne were the inspiration for my book, Swamp Ghosts, and I had a chance to address each group and talk a bit about my book, and my experiences in tackling writing and self-publishing at my age, with no prior training in either. We had a drawing after each tour, and the winners got a copy of my first book, Wake-Robin Ridge, plus an assortment of my custom tea blends I’ve been making up and naming for characters in my books. I sold and signed some books, and all in all, consider the day to have been everything I hoped for, and more!

We’ve been chatting a bit about building local readerships, and I just wanted to share one way to make it work. Here are a few pictures of things we saw, though these weren’t taken yesterday. If I get any that were, I’ll pass them along. (I was too busy having fun to take pics myself.)

THINGS WE SAW

Lots of these.

A few of these.

Even a few of these…

But none of these! (Read Swamp Ghosts, and you’ll find out why not.)

Some of these.

More of these

Kajillions of both of these…

But only ONE of these.

We saw a whole lot more, but I have to stop somewhere. To see for yourself, check out

St. Johns River Eco Tours. You’ll have a fantastic time!

Building a Local Readership

March 4, 2015March 4, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 7 Comments

DeBary Hall Historic Site
Enterprise, FL

I’ve mentioned this subject briefly in an earlier post, but I wanted to get back to it again, with an update on what’s happening in my world, and to see if any of you are doing the same kinds of things.

First, let me say that I have an advantage over some, in that my second novel, Swamp Ghosts, is set in a fictional town about 30 miles north of where I live. I plopped Riverbend, Florida down along the St. Johns River, because I knew I wanted to write a book set in the habitat I love most in this state. And surprise, that’s not the beach, nor any of the glittery enclaves along our seashores. As a Florida native (yeah, there’s me, and some guy up in the panhandle), I far prefer the mysterious rivers and lakes of central Florida, and the wildlife that lives there. So, I had my setting in mind before I had my story line worked out. I had an idea I wanted a serial killer to be terrorizing Riverbend, but it wasn’t until I was out with the St. Johns River Eco Tour folks that I realized the good Captain Jeanne Belle had the most perfect job in the world, and it would make a great job for the heroine of my book. Her husband & first mate, Doug Little, is a very talented wildlife photographer, too. So, voila. Maggie Devlin and Gunnar Wolfe were born, and my novel was up and running. Or paddling. In a canoe, of course.

The Naiad
My Inspiration for Maggie Devlin’s Boat, The Undine

I’m giving you this back story, because this is how the next part of my adventure began. Jeanne & Doug loved my book, and Doug was pretty sure he was Gunnar Wolfe’s alter ego, and they began to tell folks on their tours about the book they had inspired. One thing led to another, and before you know it, they were selling copies of the book at the end of each tour, and talking to people in the area who had venues where I might be able to do a Meet the Author type of thing. It started with a small group at a local nature center, and then I was at DeBary Hall historic site, doing a PowerPoint presentation on writing a novel using the St. Johns River basin and wildlife as a backdrop. That went so well, I not only sold a lot of books, I discussed future presentations we’d like to do there, including one on my experiences with self-publishing both eBooks and print versions of all three of my novels. There are more in the works, too, plus I believe they plan to carry my books in their gift shop.

Then there’s the spill-over. Because I told the audience all about St. Johns River Eco Tours, one attendee immediately booked two tours on the Naiad, for her group of 40+ folks, and I’ve been invited to go along as a guest on each, and do a short Q & A session, mid-tour. I’ll do a signing afterward, for anyone who wants to buy a copy of Swamp Ghosts. I’m not telling you guys this just to brag, even though it feels GREAT to be having this much fun with my book. I’m sharing because it’s such a super way to build a local readership. There’s a good chance I’ll be doing more of these Meet the Author things at other venues in the central Florida area, too.

As far as sales go, it’s a one book at a time thing, rather than a mass market event, but each one of those sales is a chance to make a personal connection with a reader. And each reader who enjoys meeting you and reading your book is a potential member of your tribe, ready to check out everything you write. And better yet, each one has friends and family they can tell about your book. Word of mouth is still the number one way to sell books, after all.

Bottom line, I may have stumbled into this opportunity accidentally, but it can work for you, too. If you’re lucky enough to have written a book set in your area, you have a built-in sales tool with local businesses, book clubs, book fairs, and libraries. If your setting isn’t local, look for a hook of another kind. If you write murder mysteries, maybe you can offer to do a presentation on famous murders in history, or new forensic techniques (in layman’s language). Be creative. Find something you can build a presentation around, and start looking for places that offer talks to the public. Consider it advertising that doesn’t cost anything, and might actually make you a few dollars. And more importantly, it’s a great way to build name recognition, and add members to youryour tribe.

And best of all: Meeting readers face to face is FUN!

My Favorite Swamp Ghost of All
The Dancing Albino Alligator

And the nomination goes to…

March 3, 2015 / Sue Coletta / 20 Comments

I interrupt Ned’s funny and yet disturbing post for a very special announcement. Okay, I might be hyping it up a bit more than it really is. It’s not like Marcia just won Megabucks or something, but I think she’ll like it just the same.

Marcia is an– Hey, how do I change the font? I can barely see what I’m typing here! Oh, wait…

Ahem. Like I was saying, Marcia is an inspirational woman. I didn’t realize just how inspirational until I read a recent interview she did, which you can find here. I’m not going to rehash the Q & A except to say that she has proven it’s never to late to chase your dreams. Her kind, gentle nature is one of the first things that draws people to her. Her sense of humor and generosity is what keeps ’em coming back for more.

To every writer who got the eye-roll when they told their parents they wanted to be a writer… Marcia proved it was possible.

To every writer who couldn’t find the courage to express themselves… Marcia showed them, ‘Yes, you can.’

To every writer who was afraid to share their words with the world… Marcia has shown them it’s okay to put yourself out there.

To every writer who feared the unknown… Marcia is a driving force that proves you can stand on your own in this crazy business of ours and end up stronger for the effort.

To every writer… Have a made my point yet?

I’m proud to call Marcia my friend. Besides, she made me all these cute little emoticon gifs that I just adore!

I’m not telling you all this to blow smoke up Marcia’s skirt, (Ned, not one word!) I’ve nominated her for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Because, honestly, I can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more. Okay, I did nominate fourteen other people, but that was only because I had to. I didn’t make up the rules!

On bended knee, it is with great honor that I present this award to you, Marcia. From the bottom of my heart I wish you huge success in your endeavors.

To accept this award go here: http://bit.ly/1BCNBWT, and then follow the rules.

If I’ve sparked your interest about Marica and her books let me tell you about them…

A Boy Named Rabbit

“Evil’s comin’, boy…comin’ fast. Look for the man with eyes like winter skies, and hair like a crow’s wing. He’s the one you gotta find.”

The remote mountain wilderness of North Carolina swallowed up the ten-year-old boy as he made his way down from the primitive camp where his grandparents had kept him hidden all his life. His dying grandmother, gifted with The Sight, set him on a quest to find the Good People, and though he is filled with fear and wary of civilization, Rabbit is determined to keep his promise to her. When he crosses paths with Sarah and MacKenzie Cole, neither their lives, nor his, are ever the same again.

The extraordinary little boy called Rabbit has the power to change the world for everyone he meets, and the resourcefulness to save himself from the one person his grandparents had hoped would never find him. His dangerous and bittersweet journey will touch you in unexpected ways, and once you’ve let Rabbit into your heart, you’ll never forget him.

Boxed Set: Wake-Robin Ridge & A Boy Named Rabbit

“A PHONE RINGING AT 2:00 A.M. never means anything good. Calls at 2:00 A.M. are bad news . . . Someone has died. Someone is hurt. Or someone needs help.”

On a bitter cold January night in 1965, death came calling at an isolated little cabin on Wake-Robin Ridge. Now, nearly 50 years later, librarian Sarah Gray has quit her job and moved into the same cabin, hoping the peace and quiet of her woodland retreat will allow her to concentrate on writing her first novel. Instead she finds herself distracted by her only neighbor, the enigmatic and reclusive, but very good-looking, MacKenzie Cole, who lives on top of the mountain with his Irish wolfhound as his sole companion.

As their tentative friendship grows, Sarah learns the truth about the heartbreaking secret causing Mac to hide from the world. But before the two can sort out their feelings for each other, they find themselves plunged into a night of terror neither could have anticipated. Now they must unravel the horrifying events of that murder so long ago. In doing so, they discover that the only thing stronger than a hatred that will not die is a heart willing to sacrifice everything for another.

A story of evil trumped by the power of love and redemption, Wake-Robin Ridge will transport you to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and introduce you to characters you won’t soon forget.

Well, what are you waiting for? Click the links and grab your copy now.

Sue Coletta writes crime fiction, blogs at www.crimewriterblog.com and various other places.

You can find her on Twitter SueColetta1.

Don’t let the smile fool you, though.

If you cross her she won’t hesitate to turn you into a character and murder you in unspeakable ways.

Forget that image of Bruce Jenner and start writing

March 3, 2015 / Ned's Blog / 40 Comments

By Ned Hickson

I’m going to open with a simple truth:

Step one to being a writer: Write!

That advice seems pretty straight forward. The kind of obvious straight forwardness that carries you with complete confidence toe-first into a brick. Like most advice we’re given, the wisdom behind it is simple; the problem comes in the execution.

And while there are countless books out there offering tips on everything from how to get inspired and avoid writer’s block to the kinds of foods that promote creative thinking (which, judging from what I read, you will be doing mostly while on the commode), all of those books essentially come down to one universal truth:

Nothing promotes and stimulates writing better than…

You guessed it:

Excessive drinking.

But let’s suppose you don’t want to become an alcoholic? Does that mean you’re not truly committed to being a writer? Could it jeopardize your dream of becoming a novelist, columnist, short story writer or inner city tagger?

Let me answer those questions by answering the single most important question you’re probably asking yourself right now:

Has HE been drinking?

Of course not. At least not yet.

I have four children, remember?

Regardless, my point is that the other universal truth to writing is this:

The fastest way to jumpstart the writing process is to put your fingers to the keyboard and just start writing.

I purposely sat down to write this post without any preparation. I did this to 1) challenge myself, and 2) because I really had no idea what I was going to write anyway, so it seemed like a good plan. To that end, I started putting words on the screen.

Did I take a wrong turn or two?

Absolutely.

But the beauty of writing is that — like the Kardashians — nothing is permanent, and you can easily fix imperfections by injecting or removing the things you don’t like. And many times, what you thought was going to be a wrong turn or dead end leads to a doorway you hadn’t expected — or at least a window you can jump out of.

Especially if you walk in on Bruce Jenner getting a body wax.

OK, in an effort to move on quickly from that image, how about a show of hands from anyone who has ever found themselves staring at a blank screen with their fingers poised over the keyboard, even if they have applied my advice?

Seriously, I’m watching, so get them up.

I ask this because, in spite of my advice, there are still times when you need to jump-start your jump start.

Something I’ve discovered from writing a daily blog is that the interaction with other writers on blogs and websites — whether replying to a comment or leaving one on another writer’s site — is a great way to grease the creative process.

… Great, just when we had gotten past that image of Bruce Jenner…

Sorry, everyone.

Anyway, starting your day with some social interaction at your computer not only gets you into writing position at the keyboard, but can get the creative process started by reading others’ work, getting inspired by it, and formulating responses or comments in a creative frame of mind.

Warning: Set a time limit!

As I can attest, it’s easy to lose track of time, or become so caught up in commenting and replying that your momentum is carried in the wrong direction. I usually give myself until I finish my first cup of coffee.

Which, by the way, I have switched from the giant 128-ounce Big Gulp size to a standard mug. Not only because I was using it as an excuse to blog until noon, but also because I discovered my bladder only holds 120 ounces.

Bottom line, once you’ve established a writing routine, solidify it by putting words on the page — whether for your actual writing project or during a social network warm-up — each time you sit down at the keyboard. Before you know it, your writing will be waiting for you in your mental queue at the same time each day.

Assuming you can get the image of Bruce Jenner out of your mind.

Again, my apologies for that.

_______________________________________________________________

Ned Hickson is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life, is available from Port Hole Publications, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

Take the 3-Question Ad Results Survey

March 2, 2015 / Deborah Jay / Debby Lush / 3 Comments

Join in folks, it’s about time someone did this research.

Nicholas C. Rossis

Figuring out where to advertise your book is worse than standing in a betting shop, five minutes before a race. You have money in your pocket, but a limited amount of time in which to select a guaranteed winner, and the odds are not in your favor.

I have already posted my ad results online. But I need more information. So, please send me your precious data. Where did you advertise, how much did it cost you and how many books did you sell as a result?

I will use this data to inform you of the best ways to invest your precious, limited advertising budgets. Also, I promise to share my own sales and ad results with you. With your help, we can reach thousands more – just share, reblog and share some more. Let’s help each other navigate these treacherous waters and make sure we don’t spend another dime in…

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Book Reader Magazine Interview

March 1, 2015March 6, 2015 / louisklowy / 14 Comments

Marcia suggested I post the link to my recent online interview with Book Reader Magazine. It was short, breezy, but at the same time allowed me to speak about some interesting things, including my comic book collection and my upcoming novel, Pedal. Hope you’ll take a mintue to check it out, and thanks!

Interviewed by Jennifer Melzer (PLS Share, thanks!)

February 27, 2015 / Marcia Meara / Leave a comment

Loved doing this interview with Jennifer Melzer. Some questions really make you stop and think, and my last interview with Caitlin Stern, along with this one, both did just that. Check it out here: Jennifer Melzer Please feel free to share this with all your Peeps! Thanks!