Do you enjoy erotic historical romance? Do you enjoy books set during World War II? France? If so, my novella, A Day in April, 1944, is now available FREE at All Romance ebooks! Be forewarned ~ it’s a very steamy read. If erotica is not your cup of tea, it probably isn’t for you ~ if it is ~ enjoy. Would love to hear from readers!
Tag Archives: world war II
Self Publishing ~ Taking the Plunge
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:-).
Night Owl Reviews A Day in April, 1944
Another review for A Day in April 1944 arrived ~ a gift for the new year ~ thanks Vee! Here’s an excerpt:
“A Day in April 1944 is a short story chronologically one day (and night). The sex is hot and the character development good. It’s an enjoyable, quick erotic read.”
The full review can be read here. For more lengthy reviews, please visit the pages of Literary Nymphs, Fallen Angel Reviews, and Dark Diva Reviews, where A Day in April 1944 garnered 5 star reviews and recommended read status at all three sites!
Hopefully, reviews for Second Chances will be forthcoming:-). Still waiting for word on a submission while working on a new novella. Good luck to all the writers out there. Nothing feels as good as completing a work, getting it out there, then starting on something new. It’s a long road, but one that must be traveled. If you write, you know that it can’t be any other way.
eXcessica Scavenger Hunt
Welcome eXcessica scavenger hunters! It certainly is nice to have so many visitors. I do wish each of you good luck and hope that the two lucky winners of the Amazon Kindle 3 enjoy my ebook, A Day in April 1944. Please stop by again and let me know what you think. Currently working on a couple different stories, check back for updates! Whatever you’re looking for in erotica – eXcessica has it – enjoy…
Coffee Time Romance Feature Author Contests
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.
Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read!
I’ve just discovered that my novella, A Day in April, 1944 has garnered another 5 star (angel) review and Recommended Read status at Fallen Angel Reviews! Thank you so much, Merrylee! I can’t tell you how pleased I am.
Here is a snippet from the review:
Ms. Grey did a wonderful job of capturing the true feel of war and its effects on the lives of the people swept up in its brutality and deprivation. She conveyed so much emotion in such a short number of pages, along with an almost reverent respect for those who prevailed over the hardships of World War II. And what a beautiful ending! If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, then you don’t have a heart. Reading A Day in April 1944 is a truly rewarding experience. Don’t miss it.
To read the entire review, click here
Now I’ve simply got to get back to work…I’ve been procrastinating lately…I can’t think of any better motivation to write and edit a few pieces I’ve been working on.
Inspiration for A Day in April, 1944
Perhaps inspiration is not the correct word. I certainly wasn’t inspired by what I’d seen. Saddened, sickened, and shocked are words that immediately come to mind. I’ll never forget the stop we made to a small village in the Limousin region of the southwest of France. There was no need for the SILENCE sign posted at the entrance to the village.
What was special about Oradour-sur-Glane? Perhaps special is not the correct word, infamous comes to mind. I imagine that before the war it had been a thriving little village with a doctor, a seamstress, a few grocers and teachers and bakers—all the occupations required to sustain a place that a small group of approximately 662 called home. That was before the 2nd Waffen SS Panzer Division Das Reich’s 1st Battalion arrived on June 10, 1944. On that day, 642 inhabitants of Oradour-sur-Glane, (197 men, 240 women and 205 children) were massacred. The men were shot and burned—the women and children herded into a church and burned alive. The old village of Oradour-sur-Glane remains as the Waffen SS left it—a memorial to the lives lost there.
Although we may never really know why this village was targeted, many believe it was in retaliation for the acts of sabotage the Maquis (French Freedom Fighters) perpetrated on the Nazis or for the capture of a German Commander of the SS on the previous day. The bravery of the men and women of the Maquis, (there were several female members of the French Resistance), left a lasting impression upon me. From sabotaging German supply lines to harboring members of the Allied Forces, life was perilous and could end suddenly.
I could not stop thinking about the place and began to wonder what life must have been like in war torn France. What would it have been like to be a member of the Resistance, to risk not only your life, but the lives of the men, women and children of the place you called home? It was then that Lisette came to life for me. I later imagined Oradour-sur-Glane as being similar to the village where Lisette, a character in A Day in April, 1944 might have resided.
Visiting Normandy and the beaches where the Allied Forces landed, and where countless young American soldiers lost their lives, evoked powerful emotions. I could only picture the rough seas and the men, who were recently boys, going to meet their fate. What were they thinking on the way to the landing? Most likely they thought of their loved ones and whether they’d ever see them again. It was then that Jack came to life for me.
Fortunately, for Lisette and Jack there is a happy ending—but that is only because I wanted it that way.
A Day in April, 1944 a December Top Pick at Dark Diva Reviews
I was very pleased to receive the news that A Day in April, 1944, was chosen as one of the Top Picks of December at Dark Diva Reviews. What a great way to start the new year! If you’d like to participate in Dark Diva Reviews Book of the Month Readers’ Poll, (and perhaps cast your vote for, A Day in April, 1944, as December’s Book of the Month:-), voting is open until Wednesday, January 6 at midnight EST. If you’d like, click here to cast your vote! http://darkdivasreviews.webs.com/bookofthemonthpoll.htm
The Dark Divas Recommend, A Day in April, 1944 – Rated 5 Delightful Divas!
This has certainly been an amazing Christmas! Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I received another review for, A Day in April, 1944. This time from Tammy at Dark Diva Reviews! This is what she had to say:
Tammy’s Review: A Day in April, 1944 by Ursula Grey is a rich, realistic love story that is set during the war with the Nazis. Ursula Grey did an excellent job of describing every scene in vivid detail. In fact, I felt, saw, tasted and experienced everything these characters did. A Day in April, 1944 by Ursula Grey is a book worth reading; it will really pull you in.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read.
To read the full review visit: http://ddrreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-in-april-1944-by-ursula-grey.html
I have much to be grateful for, this has been a wonderful year for me, and I look forward to 2010. For me, one of the greatest rewards of being an author is receiving validation that your work is appreciated and enjoyed by readers. Again, I thank the reviewers at Whipped Cream Reviews, Literary Nymphs, and Dark Diva Reviews! You’ve all provided me with a special gift this year…And so now I shall sit before my computer and go back to work, getting lost in words, and listening to the voices of my dear characters, who wish to come alive and who depend upon me to create their worlds. They are becoming impatient, so I must go! Happy Holidays All!
Literary Nymphs Golden Blush Recommended Read – A Day in April, 1944!
When I checked my email this morning I received a very special gift from Rose Nymph at Literary Nymphs Reviews:-) A Day in April, 1944, (now self-published), received 5 Nymphs and the status of a Golden Blush Recommended Read! I don’t think I could have received a better Christmas gift this year.
From Rose, Literary Nymphs, 5/5 NYMPHS!
I never thought the mixture of eroticism and this period in history would work so well. The author was successful in combining the heat and passion…with the seriousness of the setting…the imagery of the country, the people and the attitudes were superb. It was impressive to see such substance to characters in this length of story. The experience of reading A Day in April 1944 was something very special to me.
You can read the full-text of the review here:
http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-in-april-1944.html
This news has provided me with the impetus required to finish another story I’m currently working on. Best Wishes to all this holiday season!
