Category Archives: Life

Self Publishing ~ Taking the Plunge

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My contract with eXcessica had ended. What to do with, A Day in April, 1944? Instead of shopping it around, (I don’t think there are very many publishers out there right now interested in works that have been published already, plus, I didn’t want to have to wait for possibly months to get a response that may or may not be favorable) ~ I decided to try and publish it myself and see what happens. This little novella, A Day in April, 1944, received great reviews but wasn’t selling very well…I’m hoping the reasons had more to do with the fact that the storyline isn’t really in line with what they sold, and perhaps the cover art didn’t really grab readers? (Maybe not, but it makes me feel better to believe this faulty logic:-)?

Where to start? I definitely wanted to get it up on Amazon, All Romance ebooks, and maybe Siren-Bookstrand. First things first ~ I needed a new, attention grabbing cover…In comes Elaina Lee of For the Muse Designs, a fellow author and traveler on the All Romantic Suspense Blog tour (quite talented she is), and an amazing cover artist! After sharing my vision, and trusting to her artistic talents, she created a cover worthy of the story. Don’t you think? Thanks, Elaina!

Now that I had the cover I’d envisioned, it was time to get to work and figure out how to do the technical work involved with making it accessible to readers. I’m no techie…I use my mac to write and blog and tweet…but don’t really know about the other stuff that tends to make my eyes glaze over! Not good! I had an MS word file in hand, but no knowledge about how to convert it into those files necessary for e-readers to access my story:-(. I suppose with much effort I could teach myself, but to be honest, I just don’t have it in me to learn all the intricacies of doing so.

So, who came to my rescue this time? The wonderful folks on the Kindleboards! A wonderful supportive group over there:-). I learned about Scrivener, a program that would quickly and easily compile my file:-) so that I could upload it to Amazon. I downloaded a trial version (which I plan on purchasing), not only for the ease of use regarding the conversion, but for all that it can do for a writer like me…(Post-it notes, lost notes, good ideas strewn about.) Scrivener has so many wonderful features that will help me to organize my work! There is still so much I need to learn about it, but I’m sold.

This is not to say that the process was not without some tense moments…but with help from the Kindleboards folk, (click to read thread), and a bit of luck, somehow I uploaded the file(s) successfully to Amazon and ARe. (I think!) I know some of you are thinking, “What is she talking about”? Or, “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about!” I can assure you that both statements are true:-) I won’t go into the technical details and the minor problems I had. I will say that I did it ~ but I’m not really sure how…I may use the services of an ebook conversion site, (recommendations on Kindleboards and ARe), because I haven’t converted all my files to all the possible formats available and I’m not sure if I want to try:-).

I don’t want to give you the impression that everything is perfect! It’s not. Right now, on Amazon, if an author search is performed, A Day in April, 1944 doesn’t appear. If you search for the title it’s okay. Well, this isn’t very conducive to sales if readers can’t find the book by searching the author…I’m working on that particular issue:-) All Romance ebooks is wonderful. There is no waiting period. As soon as you upload your book, it goes live. (You do have to wait for your account to be approved, though ~ fairly quick, around 24 hours.) So what to price the book? At this point, I want to attract new readers so I’m offering the title for $0.99. I can always raise it later if I wish.

That’s it for now. We’ll see how it goes:-). Whew, I’m exhausted! But, if you’re considered self-publishing some of your backtitles or new works, I’m here to tell you that if I can do it, so can you:-).

On the Road with the All Romantic Suspense Blog Tour!

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Hello All!

I’m over at Mindy MacKay‘s place today. Stop by for a visit and check out my interview! Hope to see you there:-).

Welcome to Author Veronica Lynch!

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Our first author visitor arriving on the All Romantic Suspense Blog tour is Veronica Lynch! Welcome, Veronica. Please tell us a little about yourself!

As Veronica Lynch, I have been writing professionally for less than six months. Under another pseudonym I’ve been at a computer for almost 30 years. I enjoy writing romance which eventually turns into romantic suspense, even if I don’t want it to!

While I patiently (!) await the release of The List (March 2011), part of the Class of ’85 series for the Wild Rose Press, I enjoy hearing readers’ thoughts about my first published short story: Those Who Wait, from Decadent Publishing. For more about me and the books I create, go to www.Veronica-Lynch.blogspot.com or www.KatHenry.com.

Now for the fun part, Veronica! I’m going to ask you some questions to help our readers learn more about you and your work!

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

The road to publication is often rocky and offers many detours. I found that connecting with experienced authors is a good way to start. Joining an established writers group which specializes in the genres which appeal to you is important. Connect with a critique group of authors who take time to listen and offer constructive criticism. In return, offer the same to them. At first, expect rejection. Listen to what agents and editors are saying in those “thanks but no thanks” letters. If it seems like gobbledy-gook, ask an experienced author to explain it to you. Attend as many conferences as you can afford and play sponge at as many workshops as you can fit into the schedule. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Tell us about your first acceptance.

I must preface this response with a short explanation:  I had been writing romance fiction since 1987 though I did not get serious, (read:  pay attention to what the experts were saying until 1993). Once I wised up, I began to enter contests and taking the advice of those infinitely more experienced than I and worked steadily though slowly. At the urging of writer friends at New Jersey Romance Writers, I submitted to Wings ePress. I was sweating bullets as I followed the submission guidelines and sent the query in via email. Within an hour, the editor requested the full manuscript. Within two weeks (no joke) she offered me a contract. “Captain Marvelous” was released August 1, 2004 while I was attending RWA in Dallas. Holding a copy of that book in my hands felt as powerful as the day I held my first-born child in my arms. I still get teary when I think of that day.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

Covet by JR Ward (these are not your granny’s guardian angels!); Primal Fear by William Diehl (Aaron Stampler will go on to terrorize Martin Vail and his partners in two future books); The Bannerman Solution by John R. Maxim (can a group of reformed contract killers lead normal lives in suburban Connecticut?); Sinners and Saints by Eileen Dreyer (as a hurricane approaches the Big Easy, a woman searches for her sister).

What is the last book you read?

Samantha Power’s Genocide:  A Problem From Hell.

What are you currently working on?

A series of novellas based on a poem by Henry van Dyke titled Those Who Love. It will be based in a fictional city on the shores of Lake Ontario in western New York State. Characters are baby boomer age and are in some way connected to the local criminal justice system.

Favorite vacation spot or place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet?

My favorite vacation spot is the west coast of Ireland. The cities I’d like to visit are Prague and Budapest.

Do you have a favorite book and/or author?

There are too many to count, but I will read anything by JD Robb, William Diehl, John R. Maxim, David Wiltse, and Vince Flynn.

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

I recently found a quote from Madeleine Albright, former Ambassador to the United Nations:  “There is a place in Hell reserved for women who don’t help other women.” This sums up what I try to put in all my books.

I’m not saying all women should go out and demonstrate against domestic violence, protest the war in Iraq, or storm the doors of the local HMO because we all know health care in our society – as it exists today – sucks. I am saying we should become informed on the issues most important to us, then vote our conscience.

Perhaps you could give a few dollars to the local homeless shelter or give a bag of non-perishables or gently-used clothing to the nearest food pantry. Lastly, we can turn off the TV set when a program with offensive content comes on screen – then let the advertisers know we won’t use their products as long as they continue to support programming against your values. I used to be a rabble rouser. Bet you couldn’t tell.

What do you like to do for fun?

I design and make tote bags, purses, diaper bags, swaddling blankets, boppy covers and slings for fun and profit. I sell them online and at craft shows. It’s a great way to ease my creative need.

What questions are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?

What are my favorite TV shows:  The Closer, Blue Bloods, Leverage, Human Target, The Defenders.

Thanks, Veronica ~ very interesting interview! Now, what we’ve all been waiting for…how about an excerpt from The List?

The List ~ EXCERPT:

Frustrated with the holdup, Fee glanced around the room, hoping to see  Dru the minute she entered the ballroom. A hand on her arm claimed her attention.

“Here comes someone you should meet.”

“Who?”

“Last year’s Eastman Award winner,” Rafe said, “And a helluva nice guy.”

“Where?”

“There, coming towards us.”

One nano-second later, all thoughts of revenge evaporated like steam out of a boiling kettle.

Thick gold hair flecked with gray grazed the collar of his jacket. His features were weathered, as if he’d already lived ten times over. Broad through the shoulders and chest, and narrow at the waist and hips, he possessed the long legs of a broken-field runner. Moving across the parquet floor as if born to a runway, he looked confident and at ease with himself. Without disrupting that graceful, fluid motion, he undid his tie, then shrugged out of his suit jacket.

She’d almost given up on finding a man like this.

This one had the Look.

All Things Romantic Suspense Blog Tour!

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Is your favorite genre romantic suspense? Are you interested in meeting new authors, learning about their work, and what makes them tick? Good ~ thought so! Please join me in welcoming some visitors authors to my blog beginning the week of January 10th! Scheduled authors are:

Veronica Lynch – January 10th

Elaina Lee – January 17th

Jerri Drennen – January 24th

Kiki Howell – January 31st

Bri Clark – February 7th

Leanne Dyck – February 14th

Sarah Ballance – February 21st

Rachel Brimble – February 28th

Chris Redding – March 7th

Cassie Exline – March 14th

Sibel Hodge – March 21st

S. R. Claridge – March 28th

Rachel Haimowitz – April 4th

Jess Anastasi – April 11th

Marie-Nicole Ryan – April 18th

Dawn Brown – April 28th

Mindy MacKay – May 2nd

Why don’t you stop by and say hello?

Happy New Year!

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May 2011 see all your dreams come true! I think it’s going to be a good year, I can feel it. For me, I’m not a big New Year’s resolution person, but my goal is to live positively, work hard at my craft, travel as often as I can, and to perform random, and not so random acts of kindness. Basically, to be the best person I can be…What about you? What do you hope for in 2011?

My new iMac

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After faithfully clicking yes and following the advice of that little box that periodically asked if I wanted to install Microsoft updates; after keeping my virus protection up-to-date; after getting what I believe to be the fakenit virus on my computer, (by clicking on a link to a legitimate news article), and afterward running Windows Defender and the various other downloads designed to rid myself of this infuriating pest, the last straw came when these programs told me my computer had nary a virus to be found! I decided that no longer would I put up with annoying questions from IE; no longer would I wait for what seemed like hours for my computer to start up; and no longer would I subject myself to future possible irritation, and so…I promptly headed out to my local Apple store and purchased my brand new and oh so lovely iMac:-).

Yes, there will be a learning curve but I’m on my way over it…My iMac is user-friendly, was as simple to set up as taking it out of the box, (no multiple cords to plug in), and turning it on! It was too simple:-). Yes, I’ll adjust to using Pages in iWork, but if not, I’ll purchase Word for Mac. I’m certain that if I explore all the features the program has to offer I’ll prefer Pages to Word. Most importantly, I can choose to save my documents as Word files or in RTF so there won’t be a problem submitting work to publishers. I’m quite happy with my decision ~ do think that once I have a Mac I won’t be going back…bye bye PC and Microsoft!

Now that I’m online again I’ll be back to let you know what I’m currently reading! Also have some writing to do! I’m working on a new story that’s flowing nicely…

Another great find:-)

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I’ve found the Procrastinating Writers blog quite inspiring. On my blog rounds I happened to pay a visit there today and have returned with a useful tool ~ the Tick Tock Timer! If you’ve been procrastinating about whatever it is you tend to put off doing, why not make the task more manageable by chipping away at it? You decide how long you want to spend, ten minutes, a half-hour, an hour – just set the timer and get to work. I’ve just used it to begin a new writing project and found the tool very helpful. In fact, I went beyond the allotted time I set for myself and am on my way to completing a new story. It’s amazing the results you can obtain by setting a goal for yourself and following through. The key is, again, to make it manageable, to divide it into smaller tasks that don’t seem so overwhelming.  It’s a strategy that works for whatever it is that you’re intent upon accomplishing.

After you’ve tick tocked, click on the link to the site’s blog ~ very uplifting and inspirational advice to be found there…amazing photos as well. I’ll be visiting often!

How to get Unstuck – Rid yourself of writer’s block by silencing your inner critic

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Writer’s block, getting stuck, Muse abandonment, whatever you call it, most writers have experienced it at some point during their writing careers. Those who haven’t are indeed the lucky ones.  For the past few days I’ve found myself in a holding pattern that manifested itself as indecision regarding which project to next pursue. Or perhaps my proclivity toward procrastination was rearing its ugly head again. Either way, it was painful.

The sense of accomplishment I’d felt upon completing and letting go of the final revision of a story I’d been working on had started to fade. I knew it was time to get back to work. I started to explore different projects in various stages of completion. How would I decide which to work on next? The procrastinator in me said to read over the first few pages of each. Maybe I should work on the story with the highest word count? The one I felt needed the least revision? Or maybe I should work on the one that currently interested me? Or maybe I should work on the one I felt was most marketable at this time? The writer in me said, quit playing games, get back to work. You call yourself a writer, so write. Begin with the project that is currently 30,000+ pages. You were excited about it at one time, sure it needs revision, sure it’s a little different from your previous work, parts of it are good—start with that one.

After reading the first couple of pages, not me, but my inner critic went to work. She started to ask if I really wanted to write those words. What if some of the content was “out there”, what if some took offense, what if someone I knew thought they recognized a bit of themselves in one of my characters?  My characters are composed of the personality traits of those I have known and those I have not, some of me and none of me. My writing reflects all of the life experiences that have made me who I am today, and none of my life experiences. That’s just the way it is.

These thoughts and feelings returned me to the stuck place I was before I’d made the decision to proceed and finish said work. What then? Back to Internet surfing for inspiration and guidance. I found myself at the Procrastinating Writers blog which offers guidance for writers who struggle to get started. I immediately clicked on the link to the following post by Jennifer Blanchard entitled, “The Most Important Step You Can Take as a Writer.” I nodded in agreement as I read, yes, I thought, I had been holding back, I had been censoring. This manifested itself as procrastination, as writer’s block, and I knew it had to end.  Once I could identify what was holding me back I knew I could get back on the path. I was almost there…then followed the link to “How to Write Your Ass Off” by Johnny B. Truant at Copyblogger and arrived at where I needed to be. I found myself really relating to what he had to say, and as a result am now “unstuck” and back on track. I thank both bloggers. If you need a big push, check out their words of wisdom…

A Snippet of Love and Romance

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As a writer of both erotica and romance, I thought I’d provide you with an excerpt of my romance novel, Second Chances, published by Bookstrand. Somewhat sweet, somewhat sensual, it is the story of three women, ranging in age from 18 to 50+, who get a second chance at life and love! The novel takes place in the U.S. and France, from a small town in the South to NYC, and from Paris to Carcassonne. In fact, the photo of the fortress currently on the header of my blog was taken in Carcassonne, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was one of the many places I visited on my honeymoon:-)…along with my beloved city of Paris. Just like the women in my novel, I found love when I least expected to;-). Second Chances is now available both digitally and in print. I hope to have some updates for you regarding a few other projects I’m working on. Hope you enjoy!

Excerpt:

Always an early riser, Jeanne rose with the sun, regardless of the time her head hit the pillow. At exactly five, her eyes popped open. Just as well. There was plenty to do. She donned her bathing cap and swimsuit, and before six had completed ten laps in the pool. Harry had given her a difficult time about installing it, but she knew if she could convince him it would be good for business the pool would be hers.

The only form of exercise that didn’t bore her, swimming sculpted her fifty-four year old body. The result was a sleek and toned look—all the incentive she needed to jump in each morning at exactly five fifteen. All thoughts drifted from her mind as her body took over, her breathing rhythmic and the movement of her arms and legs, synchronized.

* * * *

Gwen stood near the bedroom window and watched Jeanne complete lap after lap. Why, the older woman was in better shape than she was. She examined herself in the mirror and frowned, turning away. No wonder Jay left me for another woman. Look at me! Lumpy clusters of cellulite formed pockets around her thighs, and her muscle tone reminded her of one big bowl of Jell-O.

Admittedly, she had allowed all those society luncheons to go straight to her hips and thighs. Her sallow complexion gave no indication that summer had arrived. After throwing on a robe, she plopped onto the side of the bed and felt the tears coming on. A knock at the door constructed the only barrier between her composure and another crying jag.

“Gwen, are you awake?” whispered Delia. The wind chime effect of her voice surprised Gwen each time she heard it. She rose and opened the door. There stood Delia. The freshness of youth belied the effects of the festivities of the night before. Oh, to be young again.

“Hey, what do you say we go for a swim? I know it’s early, but I just love the water and I figured you could use a swim.”

“You noticed, huh?”

“Noticed what, Gwen?”

“That I need to drop a few pounds, that I need some exercise, that I’m overweight, and just not what I used to be?”

“Well, no, that’s not exactly what I meant, Gwen. You look fine to me. I just wanted some company. But, hey, if that’s how you really feel, then it can’t hurt to join me, can it?”

Gwen found herself at a loss for words. I suppose she’s right, she thought. Before she could respond, Delia interrupted.

“Larry never appreciated my opinions, but I was never one to hold back on them. I tell it like it is most times, Gwen. Now I’m going to throw on a T-shirt and shorts and I’ll meet you down there.”

Delia was already in the pool when she arrived downstairs. Jeanne, in the kitchen preparing breakfast, hummed to herself.

“Go on, Gwen. Go for a swim with the girl. She could use some company. Seems to me she’s had a hard life for a child so young.” Jeanne made a clucking sound with her tongue and shook her head. “I don’t know what the world is coming to. God only knows where her mother and father are, but I tell you, if she were mine, she wouldn’t be running around almost getting herself killed.”

“You’re right, Jeanne. She can use the company, and I can use the exercise, so off I go. But look, let’s talk later. I don’t know what Delia has in mind as far as where she’s headed, but I can’t see dropping her off on some street corner and leaving her in the hands of who or whatever is out there. She’s got a good head on her little shoulders, and you know I’ve grown quite fond of her in this short time.” Gwen knew that she couldn’t allow Delia to put her life at risk on the streets again. “Funny, though, here I am giving advice and I don’t even know where I’m going!”

“Oh, you’ll find your way, dear. You’re young and attractive. Why, you have your entire life ahead of you,” said Jeanne, sorting through a colander filled with blueberries.

“Do you really think so?”

“Have you ever looked at yourself?” Jeanne wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist and turned to Gwen. “You probably don’t even realize how lovely you are.”

Gwen’s eyes grew moist. “Thanks, Jeanne. I really needed to hear that. Now I’d better get out there before I change my mind.” She wrapped her towel around her waist and snatched a blueberry from the sorted and washed batch. Smiling at Jeanne, she made her way down to the pool.

Delia floated on her back then broke into a leisurely backstroke when she arrived. “Come on in,” she shouted, “the water’s fine!” At home in the water, she slid under then emerged. Hair slicked back and glistening in the sun, her smile revealed even white teeth.

“Okay, Miss Mermaid, give me a moment, won’t you?” Gwen shed the towel that covered the shorts and tank top she’d hurriedly stuffed into her small luggage bag. Delia giggled and continued gliding across the sparkling surface of the water. She slipped into the pool and began the process of becoming reacquainted with the water. Never comfortable in water, it took her a few moments to get her bearings. I must have drowned in a past life, she thought as she tried to coordinate the movement of her arms and legs in addition to trying to breathe without inhaling water. She’d do okay in a swimming pool with a lifeguard nearby, but if she happened to go overboard on a cruise or sailboat in a real body of water, she’d be a goner. It wasn’t long until those swimming lessons she’d hated as a girl came back to her with each stroke.

She counted the laps in her head and decided that six would be enough for today. She lost her concentration when she detected what she thought was a muffled scream. Gwen lifted her head above the water in time to see Delia dragged—kicking and screaming—toward an old Chevy by a giant of a man.

Coffee Time Romance Feature Author Contests

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Are you interested in free books, gift cards, and other great prizes?  Visit the Coffee Time Romance Feature Author Contests page and enter to win:-) If you can answer just a few simple questions regarding my book, Second Chances, you could win $25.00 in Strandbucks for use at Siren-Bookstrand, publisher of Second Chances.

Christine D’Abo, Stacey Espino, Candy Caine, Teal Ceagh, and Sandra Sookoo are also offering great prizes…along with many others.  Grab a cup of coffee, (or a glass of wine), and head on over ~ the contests close at the end of May.

Other good news ~ Second Chances is also available in paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I have to admit, it’s a wonderful feeling to hold a copy in my hands:-).

Here’s the blurb for Second Chances:

Chance encounters bring together three women from very different walks of life and with little in common—except for the desire to obtain a second chance at life…and perhaps even love.

A mysterious birthday gift, a husband’s devastating deception, and a secret past during World War II send the women on an unforgettable journey to France that will change their lives forever. Will Delia, the young runaway, find the father she never knew, a father who knows nothing of her existence? Will one impulsive night change Gwen, a soon-to-be-divorcee’s, life forever? Can Jeanne, a French war bride, face her past and rekindle a romance with a lost love? When Delia disappears, the answers to these questions must wait.

I’d love to hear some feedback from readers.  If you decide to take a chance on Second Chances, I hope you enjoy it! It’s also available in ebook format.