Not so very long ago, a group of independent writers took an idea, created a collaborative blog, and turned it into an online destination for writers at every stage of the indie journey. Now, in a dynamic marketing move, they’ve developed a site that is sure to become an online destination for readers who love ebooks.

Offering daily features across several genres, from non-fiction to paranormal romance novels, the Readers Guide to Epublishing is a wonderful place for readers to discover authors, great reads (as have a chance to win free ebooks and ereaders).

So I have to say I’m thrilled to have my first day as a Featured Author at the Readers Guide to Epublishing website today with The Matchmaker’s Mark listed as one of the Ebooks of the Day!

This is a fun, lively site to unveil new authors or keep up with your favorite indie author and fill your ereader with wonderful books in the process.

When you visit the site, you’ll see how easy it is to make yourself eligible for each day’s ebook giveaways. Plus you’ll see great books from wonderful authors on front page as well as the genre pages.

What they’ve got going – and what they have planned for the future is wonderful for indie authors and ebook readers!

I hope you’ll hurry over and explore the site, take a look at The Matchmaker’s Mark and the other titles featured today. Don’t forget to make yourself eligible for today’s free ebooks and other giveaways that will be announced soon!

Live the adventure!

The first three posts in this series covered support for the writer and support for the writing process, up to and including editors and beta readers, and that support is essential whether you write paranormal romance novels or non-fiction books.

So at the point where the book is complete and has been through an edit and beta readers, many authors choose to query agents or editors who take submissions directly from authors. If a writer goes the traditional publishing route, the publisher will provide more editing, formatting, cover art, and book design.

If  a paranormal romance writer goes the indie route (as I did with my urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels) the same skills are necessary to develop a finished product: more editing, formatting expertise, book design, and cover art.

Regardless of your choice – indie or traditional publishing – the bulk of the marketing falls to the author. If the goal is to have a readership, you have to let readers know your book is out there waiting for them.

Going beyond the teamwork for the production of the novel, it takes teamwork market your novel. The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” can be applied with equal accuracy to the marketing of a book. Your village, a.k.a. team, is there to help spread the word about that book. To quote a marketing pal’s favorite saying, “many hands make light work”.

On days when it feels like you’re running around naked with only a book cover for, um, cover, you might wonder where and how you develop that team.

Reach out to other authors in your writing group for suggestions on where to find line editors, cover artists, and the rest. Use your social media (twitter, facebook, etc.) to give a blurb about your book and ask for beta readers and early reviewers.

It’s okay to ask. You may not always get the answers you like, but you’ll never get support or find that team if you wait for them to come knocking on your door.

There are online groups specific to genre, as well as review sites who are happy to work with authors directly – no matter how they’re published. A concise professional inquiry will serve you well. (and always follow their guidelines)

The ranks of online book bloggers is growing, and they are an essential component to your marketing team! Visit the blogs you like, who work with paranormal romance novels – or whatever your genre is. Watch how they run their special events and participate as much as you can.

Not everyone you meet (in person or online) will be the right fit for the team you’re developing, but the more you’re out there making connections, the more you learn about who your reader is, the easier it will be.

Whoever you add to your team, help them with promotion as you would want to be promoted. This promo version of the “Golden Rule” goes for genre specific sites, bloggers, reviewers and your connections within social media.

Live the adventure!

Hmmm, I said I’d post this information on the first Thursday of each month, so I’ll have to beg forgiveness. I was lost in the writing process, putting an action packed and heart wrenching ending on my current novel and I really lost track of the days.

Now that that book is done, it’s time to poke my head up and see what’s been going on in the world.

As Nat said on the Reading Romances website in the latest February Challenge post, the January Challenge was easy enough. (If you want to see what I read in January and what I thought of it, see this post).

This month participants can choose from the following options:

In honor of Valentine’s day: Read a book that has a predominantly color “red” cover,  that has a kissing/embracing couple on its cover, or whose title has either the following words: kiss, heart or love.

OR - Read a book by an author you have given up.

OR - Read a novella, or an anthology.

OR - Read one of the oldest books added to your TBR shelf.

OR - Read a Historical Fiction (not limited to Historical Romance) – read a book that takes place in some notable period of history.

Those challenges gave me lots of options and I had a tough time narrowing it down this month…

I decided to go with the Historical Fiction and the red cover ideas. Which means I’ll be reading A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries which pretty much fulfills both of those requirements.

And even though it’s a short month, I’m going to add the novella with Your Magic Touch by Kathy Carmichael!

I hope you’ll consider joining this fun event!

Live the adventure!

While I’ve already read it,  The Bride Wore Scarlet by Liz Carlyle would also be an excellent choice for the red cover challenge and historical fiction challenge.

Everyone needs a framework, whether it’s building a house or doing the world building for paranormal romance novels. Readers need a reference point, a way to relate to both the setting and the story the characters are venturing through.

When you pick up a sci-fi novel, you expect it to show you brand new devices, far-off foreign places, and unique characters and creatures. An author has no limits, as long as the reader can relate and ‘see’ the situations, equipment, etc. That takes a deft hand and much behind the scenes world building to pull it off seamlessly in the story.

When you’re using a real-world setting, you can definitely take liberties, but you also have a responsibility to work within the framework of reality. (beyond just sticking with the laws of nature)

In The Matchmaker’s Mark, the first of my new paranormal romance series set in Charleston, South Carolina, I took some liberties within the city setting, but I worked to make it resonate with people familiar with the area.

One of my favorite comments from readers is that they recognized the Mexican restaurant where Lily and her brother Cade confronted a werewolf. It makes me happy to know that while I renamed the actual restaurant, the locals knew just where I was talking about.

Named Mama Rita’s in my fictional world, the massive burritos, layout of the place, and glowing reputation is all very much the same as it is in the real world.

Authors do that all the time -in every genre of writing – taking a real place and moving their characters through it. After all, the reality we’re living in is the most familiar framework available to us personally or through extensive research. The goal is that our characters add richness and depth to an area readers know well or can experience vicariously.

When I use real places in my futuristic Shadows of Justice series or in the contemporary Matchmaker series, I do it for myself – as a framework – but also for the reader. That familiarity is both a touchstone and a springboard for my imagination and the adventure that follows.

Live the adventure!

Since going the indie author route with my urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, readers might assume I work alone dawn to dusk. While somedays it feels that way, and other days I wish it was that way, the truth is no one really does the publishing thing alone.

Writing groups and conferences help you find your writing voice and develop your skills in the writing craft. Once you have those things working well within the story you want to share with readers, it’s time to get writing.

There is no set, perfect way to write a book. Because no two writers are the same. While it might be nice if there was a simple task list (beyond getting words on the page) it isn’t going to happen. Paying attention to your process, discovering which hours are your most productive, what tools work, and what actions nourish you along the way will be most helpful.

An author friend of mine does extensive character background and plotting before she starts. I’ve tried her way, but it wrecked the process for me. I’m considered a pantser, (meaning I don’t plot) but really I’m a hybrid now. I start out writing fast and loose, then take a look at what I’ve discovered, whittle that down and aim for the ending I have in mind. (Yes there’s more to it, but you don’t want to know).

No matter how you get to the finished draft. It’s only the beginning.

Teamwork begins when the draft is done – or earlier if you’re working with critique partners. Trading feedback on works in progress is another system that works for some, but not all authors.

Once that draft is complete and polished to your best ability, it’s time to send it out to either beta readers or your first round with an editor.

Beta readers (who read paranormal romance novels, or your specific genre) can be a fabulous asset, letting you know if your book will resonate with readers, if you’ve left something out of the plot, if your characters are engaging. They might even point out continuity errors or typos.

An editor can address structure, pacing, grammar, and/or typos too. To give your book the best experience with an editor, do your best to clean up those little typos so your editor isn’t distracted from what you want them to be looking for.

Readers expect and deserve your best effort and all these extra eyes on your book, all this teamwork, helps improve not only your writing process, but the finished product you will deliver to readers.

And let me offer up a special THANK YOU to my team of beta readers and editors who have helped me bring each of my books to readers, from the non-fiction to the urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels!

Live the adventure!

It was a busy, wonderful week for Tracking Shadows, book 4 in the Shadows of Justice series! The story of Slick Micky, notorious Chicago smuggler and Trina Durham, the assassin hired to eliminate him, has won its first award:

I was thrilled to hear the book won 2nd place, especially considering the excellent company it was up against. To everyone who voted for Tracking Shadows, you have my heartfelt gratitude. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It’s such a great feeling to know readers are enjoying these 2096 adventures.

Here’s the back cover blurb…

In Chicago, Slick Micky is the king of smuggling. Known to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere, he specializes in caffeine and sugar and works in the anonymity of shadows. But recently an old enemy is tired of waiting for Micky’s empire to crumble and has called in the best assassin in the business to take him out.

Trina Durham is an assassin with a sterling reputation, thanks to her unique ability to induce deadly hallucinations. When Slick Micky killed her best friend, she left Chicago – forever. She’s back now, unable to resist the perfect opportunity for vengeance. But no one warned her Slick Micky might as well be a shadow. Or that shedding light on the man and his secrets would put both her heart and reputation at risk.

(Want to read a sample? Just click here!)

…and a few words from readers and reviewers:

“Tracking Shadows is a smart, sexy, and dangerous read that you won’t be able to put down!”

Crystal <3

“All the elements readers have come to expect from a 2096 novel– a kick-butt alpha female lead, an equally strong hero, and a gritty, fast-paced thriller.”

“…film noir atmosphere with the tinge of a science fiction…”

The Bookish Dame 5 stars (Amazon)

“Join Ms. Black for this amazing addition to a powerful series – you won’t be able to put it down once you start.”

Jordan 5 stars (Amazon)

“I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves futuristic urban fantasy mixed in with some good old-fashioned mushy stuff. Way to go Ms. Regan, you deserve the elusive 5 stars from me.”

Penelope Adams 5/5 stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild

Thanks again for voting!

Live the adventure!

For the January Challenge at the Reading Romances blog, I chose to read Heist Society by Ally Carter!

This book probably wasn’t officially classified as romance, because the main plot is more of an adventure with a much bigger focus than a couple of teenagers falling in love, and yet I enjoyed the characters and the way they grew together despite the stress of the job put stress on the friendship and budding romance.

From the opening scene with Kat getting kicked out of a boarding school she conned her way into – because she was set up by the guy from her previous career as a thief, (the guy she’s crushing on) – you know you’re in for a great read.

Loved the research, the world building for this novel in all the various settings. And I loved the way the history was woven in – a part of the story without being obtrusive.

As for the primary relationship – this is a reading romances challenge – I thought it was well-crafted and appropriate.

If Kat isn’t an alpha female in training I’m not sure who would be. She’s decisive, brave and determined!

Both Kat and Hale are strong personalities and the push and pull of their friendship and the angst of caring for someone bent on putting themselves in risky situations meant turmoil and a bit of humor as they struggled through their feelings. The emotional tension was high and the stakes for each character even higher.

Without adding spoilers or giving it all away, I’ll just say that I zipped through this book. The characterization, the globe trotting setting, the money – the ART! It was a fascinating and delightful and exciting read.

Here’s a link so you can find your own copy of  Heist Society. 

Live the adventure!

Remember, you can join the Reading Romances challenge any time this year. It’s designed to be fun for readers and authors alike!

Welcome to part two in the Tuesday series of teamwork for writing success. Whether you’re a paranormal romance author like me, or you write in any other genre, trad or indie published, teamwork matters.

Based on my own experiences, I believe teamwork makes the difference and the first step is finding a writing group that fits your needs, either online or in person.

A positive, active writing community is essential for success no matter what your writing goals are.

It was during my first critique session with my local RWA chapter that I learned my writing voice bent naturally toward the genre of paranormal romance novels. The exceprt I shared that week was from a novel aimed at the romantic suspense audience, but everyone who read it commented that I needed to show the paranormal element sooner.

“There isn’t any paranormal element,” I thought. But when I took a look at the comments and compared them against the manuscript, I realized my vocabulary, mood and even the world building were better suited for paranormal romance readers.

A good writing group will help you identify your strengths. They will foster and encourage each other through accountability and camaraderie.

We all have days when we get lost in the research when we should be writing. We all have to deal with and conquer life distractions as frivolous as twitter and as serious as a family crises.

The give and take, the wisdom and support, the references and referrals, from writers who have ‘been there‘ is a vital element of team spirit and personal growth for an author at every stage of the game. No matter if ‘there’ is a form rejection, The Call!, or the choice to go Indie.

Writing groups are also essential for keeping your sanity. Not every one has imaginary friends that keep them up at night or show up in sleeping or waking dreams (those folks are missing out, in my opinion).  Connecting with a writing community, you realize you’re not as alone on this journey as it feels sometimes.

Match that positive camaraderie with smart programming to help writers with everything from grammar to marketing and you start to realize that a writing community is the solid foundation for teamwork which is vital to success, no matter what your writing goals are.

Live the adventure!

Author Kimberly Hope writes contemporary romances full of sass with sexy heroes and heroines who can hold their own. I love the way her stories draw everything out of a character and it’s so much fun watching the exchange as the pair struggles over and through obstacles to a satisfying happy ending.

I’ve been fortunate enough to read more than one of Kimberly Hope’s books, though only one is currently on the market. (and only 99cents!) The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancee is the first in the absolutely delightful Heiress at the Door series.

Here’s a little peek inside:

“It’ll go away,” she muttered. Her body hadn’t gotten the memo saying she was over him. With so little sleep, her body and her hormones were working on autopilot. Tomorrow everything would get back to normal.

“Now, come on, you two, work with me. This isn’t a root canal. Matt, put your arm around the girl. You’re supposed to be in love.”

“What? We’re not –,” The words died in Jessica’s throat when Matt touched her.

He slipped his arm around her waist, and pulled her close, so they stood hip to hip.

“You mean like this?”

Fire ran up her side and she wanted to cry. Why didn’t Bill cause sensations like these?

“Or was this more what you had in mind, Vi?”

Jessica stopped thinking the minute he turned her so they were facing. He winked as he slowly pulled her closer, until she was pressed firmly against his hard body. Her hands reached for his shoulders, almost of their own volition.

Matt lowered her in a dip and their eyes met. Her laughter died in her throat. Eyes that had held humorous sparks just a moment before now darkened to near-black with an awareness she’d never seen. Anticipation licked up her spine but Jessica opened her mouth to protest.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Kiss her, for goodness sake.”

He whispered an oath as he lowered his head.

If you’re in the mood for a delectable contemporary romance sure to leave you smiling, pick up The Heiress & Her Fake Fiancee today!

Her official bio: Kimberly Hope knew from the time she was 12 she was destined to write romance novels. With a name like that, what else would she be? The only question was, what direction that trip would take.

Kimberly found her forte in smart, sexy, sassy, contemporary romances with guaranteed smiles and happily-ever-afters for today’s contemporary reader. Her heroines are feisty and give as good as they get; her heroes are sexy, successful men you’d want to keep for yourself.

Find The Heiress & Her Fake Fiancee on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, & Super E-Books

Visit her website: http://www.kimberlyhopebooks.com/

Follow her on twitter @KimberlyHopebks and go like her fan page on Facebook too!

Live the adventure!

Today I’m launching a new series based on my experiences in traditional and indie publishing. Over the next few Tuesdays, you’ll find posts about writing, publication, and marketing and how it takes a village (or at least a committed team) to get a book to readers these days.

Whenever I get the chance, I encourage people to find what they’re good at, and nurture it. We all have skills and strengths and experience. Learning what those skills and strengths are, using them well, sets us apart from the pack, no matter what we do.

“What are you writing when the words flow effortlessly? Go write that!” It was the question (and advice) posed to me at the very beginning of my fiction writing adventure. And it’s made all the difference as I’ve developed my craft into a career.

That one phrase from a wise published author set me free to follow the darkness lurking inside my imagination, resulting in my first sale: a paranormal romance novel. That sale led to the Shadows of Justice series. (Book 5, Shadows to Light, is now available).

Which brings me to my first point of teamwork for writers of paranormal romance novels or any genre: you need support from other writers.

You can’t write in a vacuum (though some days I’m inclined to try). That’s as true as the statement “You can’t edit a blank page”. While I have no intention (nor the ability) to follow Hemingway’s example of living out the story I want to write, writers need support to learn their craft.

Passion is inherent, and talent doesn’t hurt, but when it comes to writing for an audience you need to match consistent, persistent effort with education.

While the publishing industry is a fluid concept these days, what readers crave – a great read – will never change.

So to start building the team that will help you hone your writing craft as craft is the one thing you have the most control over and the one thing that makes readers return for another great read.

A writing class is good start and a writer’s group with people of various levels of expertise is invaluable.

I’ll forever treasure the authors and industry professionals I met at my local writer groups as well as at regional and national conferences who shared their knowledge and encouragement in equal measure.

Through those groups I made lifelong friends, found critique partners, met agents and editors, and learned everything from industry to formatting from the speakers at classes and retreats.

Most of all, those writing groups helped me identify my particular strengths and weaknesses and made me aware that while writing is an individual sport, I wasn’t alone with my doubts, insecurities or triumphs.

You can find writing groups online, through your local bookstore, or even through your local schools.

Live the adventure!