We CAN! promote our books

Diamond In The Rough - A New Release

2013-05-21T00:46:00-04:00

Title: Diamond in the Rough, Book One of the Charm & Deceit series

Publisher: Whitaker House

Authors: Jennifer AlLee & Lisa Karon Richardson

Release date: May 1, 2013

Genre: Historical Romance

About the book: Grant Diamond is a professional gambler on the run from his past. When he comes across a wagon wreck, the chance to escape his pursuers is too good a gamble to pass up, and he assumes the identity of the dead driver.

His plan takes an unexpected turn when local heiress, Lily Rose, mistakes him for the missionary she requested to work with the Wiyot Indians. Seeing Eureka as a place to lay low, Grant plays along. Before he knows it, he's bluffing his way through sermons and building an Indian school. But with a Pinkerton on his trail, and a rancher rousing fresh hatred against the Indians, Grant fears the new life he’s built may crumple like a house of cards.

Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson are a dynamic writing team. Jennifer believes the most important thing a woman can do is to find her identity in God, a theme which finds its way into all her stories. She's published numerous short stories, devotions, plays and novels. Jennifer lives with her family in Las Vegas, Nevada. Readers may visit www.jenniferallee.com to find out more about her and her writing.

Lisa Karon Richardson has led a life of adventure–from serving as a missionary in the Seychelles and Gabon to returning to the States to raise a family–and she imparts her stories with similarly action–packed plot lines. In addition to writing, Lisa works as an area claims manager for Trinity Health, managing medical malpractice litigation for two major health systems in Ohio and Indiana. She lives with her husband and their two precocious children in Ohio. Readers may visit her blog at www.lisakaronrichardson.com.

This new release information has been uploaded by Cecelia Dowdy! Happy reading!

Beating Stereotypes

2013-05-20T05:19:00-04:00

Hello from Connie Mann!

Remember the Glamour Shot phenomenon twenty years ago? Average women would walk into a mall photo studio and come out with a stack of photos that made them look like movie stars. Big hair, heavy make-up, sultry smiles and feather boas were hallmarks of the look. Often, the photo bore little-to-no resemblance to the real woman smiling for the camera. But that was the idea: to be glamorous—even if only for a little while.

Too often, I think we are tempted to offer the world a glamour-shot picture of ourselves. We think we’re “supposed” to be, look and act a certain way. We pretend to be someone we’re not, because we’re afraid we won’t measure up to the dreaded “shoulds.”

Think about it. You probably have a list in your head.

As a writer/spouse/parent/friend, I should (fill in the blank).

Let’s take writing. I’ve realized that if I did everything a writer “should,” I’d never sleep again. Writer’s should write x number of perfect pages per day. Writer’s should spend x hours a day on marketing. Writers should…

It’s exhausting, and overwhelming and just plain crazy.

Here are a few suggestions to keep the “shoulds” from stealing your joy:

--Stop pretending. If the idea of speaking to any group larger than four people makes you want to hide under the bed for two days, then don’t volunteer to speak because you think you’re supposed to. If certain social media sites make absolutely no sense to you, don’t waste your time there.

--Try new things. On the other hand, if speaking sounds like fun, though a little terrifying, give it a try. You might love it. You might hate it. But you’ll know.

--Play to your strengths. I know authors who absolutely hate to blog, but can happily tweet all day long. I enjoy blogging and I’m learning to speak Twitter, but I’m not as good at it yet as I’d like to be.

--Be yourself. It’s time to ditch the Glamour shot faces we show the world and be genuine. The only author/friend/spouse/parent you “should” be—is yourself. That’s who God created you to be.

What strategies do you use to keep the “shoulds” at bay?

Connie Mann’s new romantic suspense, Angel Falls just came out, and she’s trying to promote it without succumbing to the “shoulds.” She offers encouragement to busy women through her blog: www.busywomenbigdreams.com and since she’s also a USCG-licensed boat captain, when she’s not writing, Connie is usually out on the water with local schoolchildren or her fabulous family. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com

Tips from the Pros: Marsha Hubler

2013-05-16T04:00:00-04:00

Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the joy of interviewing multi-published novelist Marsha Hubler, whose love for horses, children, and the Amish and Mennonites is expressed in her stories.

Marsha, How did you get into writing?

I started about twenty years ago with poetry, short stories, and articles published in magazines. I always had the desire to write, but life got in the way until I was in my forties.

How many books do you have published?

Sixteen, and a series of twelve short stories coming out in August. My latest titles include Bachelor’s
Choice, Teacher’s Pet, and Love Song for Louellen in the Loves of Snyder County series. My short stories are being compiled in a collection entitled The Snyder County Quilting Bee.

How did you get your first book contract?

I emailed the editor at Regular Baptist Press with a proposal about a ladies’ Bible study guide about prayer. The book was published about two years later entitled Draw Me Closer, Lord.

What has helped you promote your books the most?

Personal appearances, although I can’t deny the contacts made online with social networking sites are helping.

What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book?

As most new authors, I assumed the publisher would do the promoting, which some companies do, but as a no-name author, not much promo went for my books. I learned quickly that I had to put time and money to promoting my own books. The first year my Keystone Stables books were released, I had personal appearances on an average of two a month for that first year. That was ten years ago. I have long since given up that pace, but I do about six to eight personal appearances a year.

What’s the craziest promotional gimmick you tried?

Some authors think I’m crazy because I give away a lot of books. The craziest thing I tried is sending one hundred books (provided by my publisher) across the country to Christian schools and Christian camps, one book per school or camp with an order form and information needed to order. I received one thank you from a school in California but no orders. That was it. I’ll never know if the schools and camps went online to order the books from the publishing companies, but they didn’t order any from me.

What’s the funniest thing that happened during a promotional activity?

I doubt whether any author would think this is funny, but I had a book signing at a Christian book store one time that did no advertising ahead of time, and hardly anyone came. So I had “a book signing.” I sold one set of my books to one family that day. By the way, the book store closed shortly after due to lack of business.

Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?

Giving the first book away in a series always “hooks” readers into wanting more, so they usually buy the rest.

Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

Being a foster parent, a horse owner, a homeschool evaluator, and living in central Pennsylvania (Amish/Mennonite territory) are all tremendous assets I’ve used to write and promote my books.

Now that you have been writing a while, what do you find works best for you in promoting your work?

I still think word of mouth and personal appearances are the best way to get your name out there. I’ve found that authors are held in high esteem in our society. People love to meet and greet an author and have that book personalized with their name in it.

What are your top tips for writers with their first book contract?

Don’t be afraid to ask for free copies or, at least, free business cards or other inexpensive promo materials. The company will provide if your requests are reasonable.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Marsha!

To learn more about Marsha and her books, please visit Marsha's website, Marsha's blog for writers, or Marsha's horse facts blog.

Writing for Him,

Sarah Sundin

Sarah's website

A Writer Who Speaks--Or A Speaker Who Writes?

2013-05-15T08:00:00-04:00

Golden Keyes Parsons here writing an article on speaking to an audience of writers who speak--or is it speakers who write? Hmm, sound confusing? It need not be. I'll be posting a blog on speaking here once a month. We'll walk through the steps and hopefully gain some insight to becoming a dynamic speaker and promoter of your books.

When I began speaking professionally in 1996, I learned the two go together: writing and speaking. I was told from the outset that if I was going to be a professional speaker I needed to be published. Having do-directed a Christian conference center for many years, I already had been speaking at conferences, marriage retreats and women's retreats. And having grown up in a family of newspaper editors, the craft of writing was a familiar friend. So it was simply a matter of putting the two skills together.

As published authors we can expect to be asked to speak to groups from time to time, whether it be at a book signing, a local women's club, leading a seminar at a writers conference or as the keynote speaker at a large convention. Most of us quake at the thought of public speaking. Depending on which poll you read, public speaking is often listed in the top ten social fears, others being the fear of death, rejection, the unknown, failure, flying, etc. Really! Perhaps you fall in that category. I hope not, but even if you do, by the time we run the course of these blogs, I pray you will have taken some steps to overcome that fear.

Let's suppose your first book has been published and you have received a few invitations to speak, what are you to do. Your palms get sweaty and your knees tremble simply at the thought of having to speak in front of a group. Writing, by nature, is a profession of isolation. Where does one who is used to that quiet and isolation begin?

Whether you have been speaking informally for years as I had, or whether you have the fear of speaking publicly and shun it at all cost, the First Step is to get some formal training. There are secular speakers' training organizations such as Dale Carnegie's Public Speaking Training or Toastmasters International, but we also have wonderful training organizations within the Christian arena as well, such as CLASSeminars, Karen Power's EmPOWERing Christian Communicators. There are many others, but these are the two I am the most familiar with. These organizations offer training in how to choose a topic, how to outline your speech, how to create a one-sheet, how to engage an audience, how to set your fees, and many more details.

Take the time and make the investment to attend a speakers' training seminar and learn how to better promote your writing by being an effective speaker. Next time we'll talk about choosing a topic. Until next month, meditate on this Scripture: My heart overlows with a goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer (Psalm 45:1).

Please visit my web site at Golden Keyes Parsons and my blog site.

Captured By Moonlight - A New Release

2013-05-14T00:03:00-04:00

Captured By Moonlight by Christine Lindsay

Amazon Link

Prisoners to their own broken dreams…

After a daring rescue goes awry, the parched north of India grows too hot for nurse Laine Harkness and her friend Eshana. The women flee to the tropical south…and run headlong into their respective pasts.

Laine takes a new nursing position at a plantation in the jungle, only to discover that her former fiancé is the owner…and that Adam has no more to say to her now than he did when he crushed her years ago. Why, then, is she still drawn to him, and to the tiger cub he is raising?

Eshana, captured by her traditional uncle and forced once more into the harsh Hindu customs of mourning, doubts whether freedom will ever again be in her future, much less the forbidden love that had begun to whisper to her. Is faith enough to live on? Or is her Savior calling her home?

Amid cyclones and epidemics, clashing faiths and consequences of the war, will the love of the True Master give hope to these searching hearts?

Book Trailer for Captured by Moonlight

Christine Lindsay writes historical inspirational novels with strong love stories, and she takes pride in her Irish roots. Her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard, one of those ships her ancestors helped build was the Titanic. On her mother’s side it was stories of ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in India that seeded Christine’s long-time fascination with the British Raj and became the stimulus for her Twilight of the British Raj series.

The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home where she lives with her husband, David, and they enjoy the visits from their adult children and grandchildren. Like a lot of authors, Christine’s chief editor is her cat.

This new release information was uploaded by Cecelia Dowdy! Happy reading!

Research For Suspense Writing— Part IV plus Michigan Christian Writers Conference.

2013-05-10T11:29:43-04:00

Welcome to the Can Blog on Writing from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.GaiGaymerMartin.com

Spring brings flowers and trees heavy with blooms, a rebirth for the world, and that's how I see writing, a rebirth of ideas born in my head but given life on paper. I hope these ideas inspire you.

I have two topics today -- one is the research techniques for suspence fiction and the other an invitation to a conference I'll be keynoting along with a booksigning in Owosso,MI on Saturday, May 25. Here's the info:

Mid-Michigan Chrsitian Writer's Conference in Owosso MI, Keynote Speaker:
Gail Gaymer Martin Our Dreams, God's Blessings, a message of humor, hope, and
direction. Saturday, May 25, 2013 Doors open at 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM, held at
Comstock Inn & Conference Center at 300 S. Main. Cost including lunch- $35.
More info and registration: www.mmcwf.com

And now Researching Suspense Writing

A suspense novel needs the same research as any novel when creating characters, bringing setting to life, and provide story details. The additional element that needs tremendous research revolve understand the elements of suspense that make it real—police lingo and procedures, investigation and investigative research, forensic details, psychology of criminals, trail procedures, and so much more.

Here are some research tips that might help you as you research your suspense, mystery or thriller.

Internet Sites: The Internet has many helpful website operated by lawyers, detectives, police officers, and forensic details that will help you. One site that is helpful is www.copseek.com , providing real life information. Another is http://www.scanners.com http://www.police-scanner.info/live-police-scanners.htm that allows you to listen to real police scanners and firefighters in various areas of the US. You can use this for lingo and dialogue.

Citizens Police Academy: Many cities have Citizen Police Academies available for anyone who has interest. They’re usually 8 week courses which teach tremendous information, including offering ride-a-longs, finger printing and so much more. Check these out in your local area.

Classes and Workshops: Community colleges and various organizations teach classes on topics like guns, self-defense, and other courses that will provide you with details to make your novels more real.

Speak with Detectives/Police: Most police departments of any size have a community promotion person who is willing to give workshops and answer questions a that will help you in bringing real life to your novels. A telephone call works, but making an appointment and visiting the police stations is even better. I had a wonderful experience working with a detective for my novel Finding Christmas. I even used his name as a detective in my novel, and he came to my booksigning and his wife bought 30 books to give to friends and family for Christmas

Crime Encyclopedias: You can find many encyclopedias that are useful for suspense, mysteries or thrillers. Here are a topics: Crime and Justice, Criminology and Deviant Behavior, Forensic Science, Psychology, Applied Ethics

Writers Digest Books: You will not find a finer resource for books on crime than from this publisher. I have shelves of books that I’ve used. D. P. Lyle MD has authored a book called Murder and Mayhem which you will find helpful and he also has a website that provides links to an amazing amount of solid information on crime and solving it.http://www.dplylemd.com/

Attend trials: Most trials are open to anyone who wants to sit in and learn. You might want to call your local judicial facility and learn what cases are going up for trial so you find something worthwhile for your novel

Ride-A-Longs : While ride-a-longs are part of the Citizen’s Police Academy, you can contact your local police department and ask about riding along for an evening. Check with your local EMT and firefighters to see if they allow ride-a-longs if you need that for your novels. This provides you with first hand information.

Tips from the Pros: Cynthia Ruchti

2013-05-09T09:00:00-04:00

"A bosom friend, a really kindred spirit." ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

That's the kind of friend Anne Shirley longed for, and that's the kind of friend I found in author, speaker, and woman of God Cynthia Ruchti. We met while serving on faculty at the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference a few years ago. I've only seen Cynthia in person a few times since, but I'm delighted to introduce my forever-friend to the CAN audience today. She has many wise insights to share.

Enjoy!

Cynthia, how did you get into writing?

I always considered writing recreation rather than a career choice. I trained to work in a chemistry laboratory and did so for the first seven years of marriage, working part-time after our kids were born. But I longed to be home with them while they were young and laid aside my job at the lab and its income. Purely to keep my mind agile while making homemade baby food and creating clever birthday parties on a budget, I enrolled in several correspondence courses in creative writing. I sold an article here and a newspaper column there, enough to convince me of the joy of storytelling and the power of words to alter the flow of the human heart.

How many books do you have published?

I have short pieces in two anthologies, am part of two novella collections—Family Fiction’s Readers’ Choice A Door County Christmas and Cedar Creek Seasons, am one of four authors in a devotional collection titled His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not, have two novels currently on the shelves—the Carol Award finalist They Almost Always Come Home and the April release When the Morning Glory Blooms, and am anticipating the July 2013 release of my first full-length nonfiction project from Abingdon Press Christian Living—Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices, as well as another novel from Abingdon Press in 2014—All My Belongings. I’m also included as one of the authors in the Guideposts Mornings With Jesus 2014.

Wow! I'd say you've been busy! Can you tell us a little about some of your latest titles?

Cedar Creek Seasons novella collection released this past September. It’s part of the Romancing America series from Barbour Publishing—four sweet but touching and humorous romances set in the charming town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, which boasts the last standing original covered bridge in the state. And April 1^st of this year saw the release of When the Morning Glory Blooms, a book that has lived in my heart for more than twelve years. I’m overjoyed that it’s now “born” and is resonating with readers.

Can you tell us how you got your first book contract?

I met Barbara Scott, who at the time was the acquisitions editor for Abingdon Press’s brand-new fiction line, at the ACFW conference in 2008. I pitched They Almost Always Come Home to her at the conference. She asked to see the proposal, which I sent her the day I got home from the conference, since it was ready to go. Two hours later—I’m not kidding—she emailed me to say she was enthralled and wanted to see the whole manuscript, which I sent within minutes because it was ready to go. Within a month of the conference, I had an agent and a contract. Yes, I know how deliciously rare that is!

You'll have to put a "Results not typical" warning on that story--but it's a great testimony to your writing. What has helped you promote your books the most?

It’s almost cliché to say “word of mouth,” but that remains our strongest ally in getting word out about our books. I often speak for women’s events and women’s retreats. When an audience hears your heart through your speaking, they’re more likely to pick up a book. It’s that other cliché—They have to know you care before they’ll care to listen. Because I write women’s fiction and weave storytelling into my speaking, they’re a natural fit for one another.

I think the other key for me is making both the material and the marketing relevant to the reader. Even in small details like Twitter posts, I work hard to make sure the majority of them somehow meet readers’ needs. I like to pair a project’s theme with magazine and blog articles where I can with that same flavor of offering the reader something of heart-value.

What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book? Did those mistakes cause you to change? If so, how?

My circle of influence for my first book was relatively large, but mostly other writers. I wasn’t as attuned to how to connect my first novel with the readers for which it was intended, although some of those readers were my writer friends. It was a slower process getting the book recognized outside that beautiful circle of writers who knew and supported me. It surprised me, too, that They Almost Always Come Home is still selling three years later. With my current novel, I’m making more intentional efforts to reach out to those who read the first novel and to the places where readers gather. Because of the themes within When the Morning Glory Blooms, I’m making connections with Teen MOPS and pregnancy resource centers, and even following some blogs of teen moms talking to teen moms.

What was the most inventive gimmick you've tried?

For the Door County Christmas novella collection, we had a friend who runs an online tea company create a specialty tea that was mentioned in the book. She packaged it in single teabag sizes with the book cover and contact information on the foil package for giveaways. Our Cheery Cherry Christmas Tea was a big hit and drew people to the book table. They came for the free tea and left with a book! It wasn’t cheap, but four authors splitting the costs helped. And our tea lady donated the first 200 tea bags in exchange for books for her family. This may have been a gimmick, but it turned out to be well-received and effective.

What’s the funniest thing that happened during a promotional activity?

It’s one of those “I can laugh about it now” moments. I had a book signing at a wonderfully supportive local Christian bookstore slated for a Saturday in mid-November, just in time for Christmas purchases. Thursday of that week, I had emergency gall bladder surgery. I laid low on Friday, but showed up on Saturday morning at the book signing because an author friend had arranged to travel four hours one way for it, and the two of us were the only traditionally-published authors of the six advertised for the mass signing. I didn’t want to disappoint my friend, the bookstore manager, or the customers who’d seen the store’s advertising.

God was good to keep me upright and fairly coherent, but when I look at the pictures from that signing, I think to myself, “That girl should be in bed!”

I think you win the Dedicated Marketer star for that one! Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?

I have both an in-house publicist and an outside publicist working on When the Morning Glory Blooms and my non-fiction which releases soon—Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices. What a blessing! They help me think through strategy. They add their own contacts to mine. And I took their advice to beef up and trim down my website with a fresher look so it’s easy for people to find my books and link to booksellers directly from the website.

I looked at your refreshed website earlier this spring, Cynthia. It's gorgeous! Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

Constantly. I think it’s as true in marketing as it is in so many other areas of life. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He responds in remarkable ways to bless us unexpectedly. A couple of years ago, They Almost Always Come Home was an editor’s pick in a national magazine. After a reader finished When the Morning Glory Blooms, she marched down to her church’s women’s retreat, beelined it for the booth representing a large and very effective ministry of grace and help for unwed moms, and told the coordinators they must get this book for all their volunteers and staff and hand a copy to every unwed mom they work with! Whether that happens or not, a door was certainly pushed open by one of God’s servants.

Now that you've been writing a while, what do you find works best for you in promoting your work and why?

Doing something about marketing and promoting every day, even if it’s a small task, will keep it from becoming overwhelming (although this interview was turned in just under the wire because I was overwhelmed). Sometimes it can’t be helped. Release month is intense no matter how prepared and organized you think you are. What works best for me is to not focus all my attention in one spot but to put as much creative thought into promotion as I do into creating the story itself.

When it’s obvious I care about readers, they’re far more ready to respond. I also try to make connections with those you comment on blog interviews, not just thanking them, but listening for ways I can give added value in my response, something to know they’re heard and appreciated.

What are your top tips for writers with their first book contract?

It’s not about you. It’s about the book and how it can connect with readers. Many of us are naturally uncomfortable promoting ourselves. The good news is we don’t have to. We promote the books. We shine a spotlight on the stories. There’s a verse in Ephesians 6 that at first glance might not seem at all related to having a book contract, but I think it deserves more than a glance: "And having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).

Write with grace. Wait with grace. Work on grace-filled marketing. And having done all you can, stand firm and watch what God will do. We tend to shake and tremble (or crumble) at each challenge along the way. But God urges us to do our jobs, then stand firm. Another version of that verse words it this way: “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out” (Ephesians 6:13-18, The Message).

I love the idea of grace-filled marketing, Cynthia. And we can all use a reminder to stand firm and watch what God will do. Thanks for taking time to answer these questions at such a busy time in your writing life.

To learn more about Cynthia Ruchti, her books, or her speaking, please visit Cynthia's website, find her on Twitter, or check out her author page on Facebook.

For His glory,

Marti Pieper

Marti's website

Marketing: Build Bridges to Your Books

2013-05-08T09:00:00-04:00

Aloha from Karen Whiting!

I’ve been writing for nearly two decades and continually spent time networking to build bridges and marketing strategies. We can’t do everything at once but with persistence we can build various platforms. Let me share how the past has been a bridge to recent and upcoming releases.

Articles

I spent early years of writing as an article writer but kept the connections and continued to write articles. However, I worked at looking ahead to the best matches for upcoming books. When my Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front released last year I had an article related to the book come out every month for several months. I also did this for a new book for girls and already have assignments for my upcoming September release for preschool girls.

Tips: This means being able to pitch to the right magazines with the right ideas that fit their audience. For my preschool release (One-Year My Princess Devotions) I pitched to a teen magazine. Sounds like a bad fit? Wrong! I did a twist by pitching to On Course to write an article on how teens can reach young children (they babysit, have little siblings, help at church, serves as camp counselors, etc.) and the editor loved the idea.

Media

As a former TV host I have a good idea on what appeals to a producer or host and that helps, but you can learn by listening and watching to see what you like and why. I can get on with children’s books by pitching ideas that reach parents or finding the right holiday match for the home front book (military dates, military spouse week, July 4^th, etc).

So, for the Home Front book I did wait a bit due t my husband’s health and passing on to heaven, but then did a book tour in early March to do three TV shows and have another scheduled for next week. I combined that with My Mine Dream Room book for girls and the shows had me chat about both books and show crafts from the girl’s book. I also mentioned my next book and the hosts want me back for those. I used a publicist to help me with the scheduling but actually pitched the first show myself with email to a host who has had me on numerous times.

Tips: Start locally and capture the words used when you share the book idea and see people get interested. Volunteer for a local telethon to answer the phone as that helps you get known locally and can open doors. Check your network of friends to see if someone does a blog radio or TV show and is willing to have you as a guest. Try making a short video yourself to see how you look and sound on TV as practice. And know that radio usually comes first. Producers are a bit fearful if you have no experience on media that you might freeze up (as a host I had that happen with guests).

Speaking

When my Princess devotional releases I’m set to do a few Mother-Daughter Tea Parties and will be joining a team of women who do conferences Raising A Modern Day Princess. But, I first built relationships with the preschool directors and with the team of women speakers. I even helped get one of the women booked for a retreat.

Tips: Consider where the readership hangs out and what events with speakers they attend and then network with people connected to the events. Or create your own pathway. I envisioned tea parties with moms and girls dressed up. I could see the crafts we’d make and fun we could have, o, I go to know some preschool directors, spoke to their classes, and had books at their book fairs (and gave them a portion of my ales). I also made plans that they could use the tea parties as fundraisers.

Publicity

Your publisher has a limit for promotion but may team up with great opportunities you provide. Magazine ads are expensive and get more mileage when paired with an article by the author. When my Home Front book released I had two magazines run an ad for free with my article. I set up to d an article for a kid’s magazine where they will run an ad beside it if the publisher will buy the ad (and they give a better deal because of the article).

Tips: Communicate with your editors/marketing people and the magazine. When I pitched an article for The Old Schoolhouse magazine on the Home Front topic (stories of young patriots on the home front) and landed the contract I let my editor know. Turns out the editor had just decided he really wanted an ad in that magazine so he asked me about a contact at the magazine. I already had the information on the ad department, passed it along, and that week they contracted an article for the issue with my article (coming in November 2013).

Keep records. I’ve kept track of all the radio shows, blogs, and TV shows I’ve been on and used them to get on for repeat appearances. Over the years that list has grown.

I also let my editors know of connections I have. Tyndale’s marketing department had a conference call with me about the upcoming Princess book and I shared about articles I already set up. That got them more excited about article possibilities and they want content from me as they can place articles on blogs and connect with editors they know. I mentioned I had thought of an acrostic for parents that could be a good connection for publicity and they loved it and decided to look into creating bookmarks with the acrostic.

Social Networking

I usually create posts or ideas for them as I write my books. The material is fresh in my mind and so is my enthusiasm. There’s often more in my mind than fits the word count so the overflow goes into a social network file for the book. With my miniature raft book I am using the file to do weekly posts and then put a note with a link on twitter and Facebook. It makes life easier as I work on the next book or release. I also have a spread sheet of dates related to my home front book and use that to update social networks and the home front web site.

Tips: Save; don’t erase what you edit out as you write. It could be good for a post! It may be a humorous post of errors you caught or it may be great content that just didn’t fit between the covers. And do consider debriefing at the end of a writing day with other notes about the book to be used as social network posts.

I hope these ideas help you. Marketing is an ongoing process where you build connections and relationships. It’s all about communicating as you communicate your passion and also communicate with pitches and keeping your publishing team in the loop. I’ve hired Don Otis as my PR person and also hired Kathy Carlton Willis to help me with other promotion. They have taught me and helped build my marketing platform. I’ve also appreciated anything my publishers have done and made it a pin to meet the sales people when I’m at ICRS or other trade show.

Blessings,

Karen

New: author page My facebook

CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL by Christine Lindsay

2013-05-07T03:32:00-04:00

For all the critter lovers out there, I’m going to share—our beloved Springer Spaniel, Zeke, passed away recently. He was ten years old. Here he is with my daughter, Lana, on her wedding day. Ah...in case you're wonderfing---no Zeke didn't come to the church.

Or maybe you're wondering---how is the news that my dog passed away supposed to encourage? We live in a world that is full of tough things, sadness, illness, bombings in Boston for goodness sake! Shootings in schools. Scary stuff.

This is when I think it’s time to sit quiet and thank God for the little things in our life that He sends to give us joy. Like dogs. Puppies. And yes...cats too.

How many of us come home—weary with aching back, or you’re so tired of speaking you don’t want to utter another syllable—to be greeted by a sweet doggy grin and a tail wagging so strong it might knock you over?

Or do you have a four-legged friend who drags you out on a sunny day to enjoy the fresh air and give you much need exercise?

Perhaps you have a cat that is curled up like a cushion on your couch, who blinks at you and yawns, and you know that in cat language he/she is saying, “Yes, I am rather fond of you.”

It’s not just dogs and cats that God uses to encourage us. I remember a scene in Corrie Ten Boom’s book The Hiding Place, when she and her sister Betsy were blessed by God as they stood outside in the freezing cold in the Gestapo prison camp. That morning they could hear the birds sing. And it was a comfort. They felt His presence in His creation and in His creature’s song.

Life is tough. It’s scary. If you have a soft furry animal in your life, then enjoy that creation of God. We can worship Him by savoring the funny things our dogs do or when our cat purrs with our touch. We can recognize this as another instance of God’s amazing goodness.

My family had ten wonderful years with a lovely animal named Zeke. I thank God for His kindness in allowing us the pleasure of caring for that sweet dog.

This is me a few years ago with Zeke and Puss Puss. I hope you've been encouraged. Drop by my website www.christinelindsay.com

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Subscribe to my Inspirational blog www.christinelindsay.org where I post 3 times a week. Monday Inspirations. Wednesday Addiction Recovery Miracles, and Friday Adoption and Adoption Reunion stories.

Christine Lindsay is the author of the multi-award winning Shadowed in Silk and her new release Captured by Moonlight.

Stress Test - A New Release

2013-05-07T00:06:00-04:00

Stress Test by Richard Mabry

They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life as a surgeon in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attack him as he leaves the hospital at two AM have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is fleeing with his life. He does escape, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors after her last relationship. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a killer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth—and the faith to keep going—will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of four published novels of medical suspense, the most recent of which is Lethal Remedy (Abingdon Press). His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year. His last novel, Lethal Remedy, won a 2012 Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. His next medical thriller, Stress Test (Thomas Nelson), will be followed by Heart Failure in October.

This new release was uploaded by Cecelia Dowdy! Happy reading!