Big Dreams Bloghop

The Big Dreams bloghop is hosted by Misha Gericke and is a chance for writers to check-in on their goals. I have two goals: earn a million dollars by 2024, and to help me do this write a million words. (You become an expert at a million words). My goals for December were to complete a couple of test manuscripts as part of the selection process for a paying gig, critique two manuscripts for my CP, and self edit Perfect Harmony and get into the hands of readers. I've done everything but getting Perfect Harmony edited. I hope to do that by the end of the month though. I still have a few days ;). My goals for January are to find a day job, complete a second round of agent edits on Finding Hope, survive my first MFA residency, and write 40,000 words of The Last Marlowe Girl.

What are your big dreams? What's your goal for the month?

Blog Break

Let's face it. I haven't been around for a while. Partly because I'm disillusioned with nothing to say, and partly because I've been so busy I feel like a candle burning at both ends. It was recommended to me a while back to put up a blog hiatus. I didn't because I wasn't really on hiatus and I was convinced I would soon be struck with blogspiration. I wasn't. And I didn't get less busy either. I haven't even been around to comment in ages. I feel kind of horrible about it. So it's time to announce a break. This time of the year is always hard for me, but I'll be back again. I'm traveling to north Texas this weekend to see my family (which might not sound far but I was closer in Arkansas), then when I get back it's time for Christmas with the Freds ;), and on the 2nd I'm leaving for my MFA residency. I think you can expect regular posting and my blog's plan for the new year mid-January.

Big Dreams Blogfest

The Big Dreams Blogfest is hosted by Misha Gericke. And on update day (which was actually Friday but Beth did not have access to a computer and blogging from a phone... is just rough) we come together to talk about what we've done to help reach our goals.

I have two goals. Write a million words. Make a million dollars. So far I'm still 0 for 2. In November, I was supposed to edit Perfect Harmony and get it to my cps and get most of the way through if not finish The Last Marlowe Girl. I got forty pages of Perfect Harmony edited. I wrote 0 words. For the month. I really didn't even blog and I owe my cp two manuscripts. Yep. Beth's behind. Basically, I accomplished nothing in November. My goals for December are to get my cp's books back to her. Edit a couple of test manuscripts for potential jobs and hopefully edit PerfectHarmony and get it to readers. My production schedule is officially whacked.

So how are your goals going?

Monday Mishmash

1. The House-- I'm closing on my first house today and while I hope having the house junk behind me will free up time for writing/editing/blogging the truth is now it will be time to MOVE. And I hate moving.

2. Book Babe-- My friend Tara at Book Babe is looking for strong and sexy heroines to promote. Their strength can be anything you want, but she'd like their sexiness to be more than just physical. If you have a book you're looking to promote, you can find more here.

3. Edits--Have been non-existent as has writing, and apparently blogging. I've got to get back on my game. Blah.

4. MFA-- I've bought plane tickets and reserved a hotel room, only to realize I never registered for classes! Whoa. Way to go, Beth. Way to go.

5. There is no 5. I was doing good to get through 1-4. And now I'm off to email my department head to get registered. Wish me luck.

Monday Mishmash

1. Sick--OMG! I'm fairly certain I have bronchitis but I'm too stubborn to go to the doctor. The fever got better but the cough has gotten worse.
2. Comments--I know I've been a horrible blogger lately. I'm trying to get my rounds in again guys. I still love you all, but things have been more than a little crazy around here lately.
3. Edits--I got the Finding Hope edits into my agent last week, but I have barely started the Perfect Harmony edits. And I have to do those before making the baby book that I must make before I start drafting.
4. Overwhelmed--Piggybacking off of #3, I'm feeling overwhelmed. I still have one book left on my production schedule for this year. And I think we'll be closing on our house this week, if not then definitely next week. Which means another move. 
5. Day job--I'm finding I need one which is scary. I don't know how I can keep writing, work eight hours a day, and play with ELF too. For those of you who do all three how do you manage it?

So that's me. What's up with you this week?

Ashelyn Drake's Nothing To Tell

Disclaimer: This is not PG-13, so if you like clean romance this one may not be for you. But Ashelyn Drake is a very supportive and brilliant writer, and I love promoting her work.

Nothing to Tell (Campus Crush #.5)

by Ashelyn Drake

Release date: October 29, 2013

S.B. Addison Books

Some guys have the art of hooking up down to a science.

They know all the right words to say and all the right games to play.

Except...for guys like Mike Hannigan.

The dude has got no game, his pick-up lines never work, and to make matters worse, his wing-man is his female best friend, Mindy.

Until one day, a mysterious raven-haired beauty catches Mike's eye and he's determined to have her. He doesn't care what lengths he has to go to. He'll do whatever it takes to perfect his game and figure out what to say without sounding like a sleaze.

But...

There's always something strange about mysterious girls.

They're usually mysterious for a reason and this girl in particular might be more than Mike bargained for.

This is a FREE short story prequel to the Campus Crush Series. Add it on Goodreads.

Check out the other books in the Campus Crush Series:

And to tempt you more, here's the Campus Crush trailer:

Find Ashelyn Drake online:

   

Zombie Blogfest!!!!

In honor of Halloween and All Souls Day Kelly Hashway and I bring you a fest of the waling dead! Bahahaha!

Here's how it works:

Post about your favorite zombie movie, zombie book, zombie TV series, or share some cool zombie pics. As long as it's zombies, you're good. 

What's in it for you?
How about a FREE story. Plus, US residents can also be entered for a chance to win some zombie limb candy and a signed copy of Touch of Death. (Sorry but international mailing is expensive and mailing candy internationally isn't always allowed.)

Everyone will get a copy of my FREE short story prequel to the Touch of Death series, Curse of Death.

In fact, go grab it now by clicking here.

And if you want a chance to win a signed copy of Touch of Death and some zombie candy to satisfy your after Halloween sugar craving, simply fill out the rafflecopter form below.

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And I have  two picks for this decaying festival!

Touch of Death:  A totally Halloween worthy book not about zombies, but about zombie creators. Oh but there are plenty of dead walking, waiting tables even... I love this one for the voice and incredibly unique premise. No review yet, because I haven't finished. Probably next week.

And for pick #2 Cold Kiss: This is a touching an emotional read about a girl who turns her boyfriend into a zombie. And it's about love not romance, something you don't find too often in YA. Wren, the MC, wants what's best for her boyfriend, she just wants to keep him at the same time. It's an interesting look at grief too. And you can find my review here.

The Boy Who Loved Fire Cover Reveal

Cover reveal for THE BOY WHO LOVED FIRE, by Julie Musil

Genre: YA contemporary with a splash of ghosts

Manny O’Donnell revels in his status at the top of his high school food chain. He and his friends party in the mountains on a blustery night, sharing liquor and lame ghost stories around a campfire. The next morning, as a wild fire rages in those same mountains, Manny experiences doubt. He was the last of the drunken crew to leave the cave, and he’s uncertain if he extinguished the flames. Within hours, he becomes the number one arson suspect.

Santa Ana winds + matches = disaster. You’d think he would've learned that the first time he started a fire.

As he evades a determined arson investigator, Manny, a modern-day Scrooge, is visited by ghosts of the past, present, and future. He’s forced to witness the fate of his inadvertent victims, including Abigail, the scarred beauty who softens his heart. Manny must choose between turning around his callous, self-centered attitude, or protecting his own skin at the expense of anyone who gets in his way.

Julie Musil, author of YA fiction, is a chocoholic and obsessive reader. As the mother of three teen boys, she’s immersed in teen speak, drama, and gym socks. She loves to chat! Connect with her on her blog, Twitter, or Facebook. 

Agent Sarah Nego Has A Hint To Make Twitter Promo Easier

My friend Sarah Nego is here today to talk about a program that will allow you to help others tweet content for you!

Beth, thanks for having me. Blog tours, guest posts, blog hops, hosted cover reveals, and the list goes on and on. As an author you want to get your work in front of as many readers as possible. So you share your content with other bloggers in the hopes that their audience is interested. That can be a lot of work for one audience, but with a few tweaks you can help your message spread further than a single blog.

Obviously, the first step in getting shares is having great content. Let’s assume you’re going to pull out you’re A-game for guest posts. So what else can you do to increase views? Almost every site you visit these days has share buttons, encouraging viewers to share the blog content with social media sites.

This is great, but they’ve become so common place that readers skip right over them without even realizing it. If you want readers to share your content, you have to make the request easy and visible. Tweet This!

See what I did there. If you click on that little link, it takes you right to a tweet already set with the content and link back here. It is both easy and highly visible, meeting all our needs for encouraging readers to share. Go ahead and test it out, you know you want to. I’ll wait.

 Back? Great! Easy peasy, right? The good news is setting up those little social media gems is super easy, too. Here’s how.

Step one, you need to get a short little link for your post. Twitter is pretty limiting on your characters so you don’t want to waste all your space with an overly long link. There are lots of sites that will do this, but I’m a big fan of Bitly.

It’s super easy to use. When you get there, just pop your link into the box in the top right corner.

When you do, the site will give you a shortened link that you can use anywhere to direct folks to your post. It also catalogs your link and tracks how many times someone clicks on it. If you’re so inclined, it will also generate a QR code for you. All for free.

Once you have a shortened link, you’re next stop is Click to Tweet. This is where you customize what each tweet will look like.

I recommend including your own Twitter handle so you are notified when someone uses the link, but since Bitly does this for you it’s not required. It does make it easy for you to thank readers for spreading the word.

Once you click the little Generate Link! Button, you get the fancy url to use as part of your post.

That’s it!

It may seem complicated, but I promise it’s not. I am not generally good with website tech, but I was able to figure this out, so you know it can’t be rocket science.

You can insert the links directly after a quote within your post, or include several of them at the bottom. I have no idea if one is more effective than the other, so just go with what looks better to you.

Next time you write a guest post or plan a blog tour, include this extra way to spread the word. Yes, it means a little extra work, but it’s worth it to reach new readers!

And if you want more great advice from Sarah, check out her series on the DIY blog tour throughout November. A new post will go up every day in November, guiding writers step-by-step through the process of setting up your own successful blog tour. Post will include basic information as well as helpful tips to get the most out of your tour.

Catch

When eighteen-year-old Miranda chases a purse snatcher on the Las Vegas Strip, the last thing she expects is for the pursuit to turn into an extended game of hide-and-seek. All Miranda wants are the old black and white photographs buried at the bottom of her purse. They’re the only things she has left of the grandmother she never knew. But how much is she willing to put on the line to save them? And is it possible she’s falling in love with a thief? Tweet this!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle D. Argyle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She adores cheese, chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in the time she grabs between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life. Michelle writes contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction (and other genres when she feels like it). 

michelledargyle.com | twitter.com/LadyGlamis | facebook.com/michelle.ladyglamis

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Monday Mishmash

1. I've had a migraine for days. Blah.
2. Editing--I sent my attempt at agent edits to my CP, so I'm going to work like mad on self edits of Perfect Harmony this week in hopes that we can trade when she is done.
3. Baby Book--This might not seem like a writing related task to you, but it is. I won't allow myself to start a new draft until I finally get the first 17 months of ELF's life in a baby book. SO I'm going to start printing pictures for that this week too.
4. Nook Press--I keep getting a fatal error message from nook press when I try to upload my manuscript. Can anyone help me with this?
5. Zombie Blogfest-- Don't forget Kelly Hashway and I are the Zombie Blogfest for Halloween. You can sign up here.

Big Dreams Blogfest

Today is the Big Dreams blogfest hosted by Misha Gericke and myself. Misha dreams of making $7500/month in royalties in five years time. And I dream of being a millionaire. This blogfest is so we can all support each other and be accountable for creating a plan to obtain our dreams, however small or large.

And I'm so thankful for this bloghop today! Why? Well, because until Misha reminded me it was time to post, I didn't realize it was this week. It gave me a post. More importantly, it gave me a kick in the butt. I had already finished my draft of Perfect Harmony last week which gave me 63,130 words to deposit in my bank toward a million. (If you look at my expert counter on the side you can see I'm almost half way to a million). And I'd started to make agent revisions on the manuscript I completed in June, Finding Hope. But I thought there was still time in October, so I hadn't began to update social media or format The Other Marlowe Girl for nook or smashie. Getting Misha's reminder made me make time for that. I updated my email signature and the cover widgets on my blog today. I attempted to update my twitter background with the A Missing Peace cover but it turns out the current cover just looks better as a background. I did get TOMG formatted for smashie though I never quite got accepted to the premium catalog and I got it up on B&N. In addition to this I've made good progress on FH edits. So my goal is to finish my read through tomorrow. (I'm writing this on Thursday night). Then go back in the first 90 pages and mark one character's behavior problems that I didn't realize was a problem until 90 pages in. After that, I'll send it to my cp, and finish reading a friend's book over the weekend for a review. My plan for next week is to start self editing PH and hopefully have that in the hands of a first reader by the time my cp gets FH back to me.

So when we see each other next month I might not have as much to report, because I plan to finish my daughter's baby book before I start drafting my next book. But I hope to have both Finding Hope and Perfect Harmony revised. I hope to have Finding Hope sent to my agent and Perfect harmony ready to go to my agent as soon as we know what's going to happen with FH.

So that's me? What are your goals/plans for this month?

Interview with a Superhero

Nicholas Adams from Black Hellbore is here today. I've never met a super hero before.

Thank you, Beth, for having Nicholas Adams on your blog today for an interview.

*Nicholas walks in and sits down, scooping out the place.*

Hello, Nicholas. Can you tell us what your current state of mind is?

Nicholas: I'm a little confused. One minute, I'm bleeding out, ready to die so I can see Justina again - my girlfriend who died ten years ago - and the next thing I know, I wake up in a strange house. And now I can run super fast and am incredibly strong. It's…unbelievable.

I'm sure. I guess being strong might help with your job. What's your favorite occupation?

Nicholas: Haven't worked a job I've actually liked. Moved from place to place too much to bother to find a long-term job.

Oh. Well, what is your current occupation then?

Nicholas: I'm a construction worker. And yeah, the strength does help, although I can't let anyone see me use it. Don't want to be carted off by scientists.

Of course not. You mentioned Justina earlier. Is she the greatest love of your life?

*Nicholas rubs his stubbly chin.* O-of course.

That doesn't sound very convincing.

*Nicholas throws up his hands.* Okay, okay, so I kissed Julianna. I don't know why. *covers his face with his hands and groans*

Want to tell us more about this Julianna?

Nicholas: She's smart but bossy and beautiful but sad all the time. She understands me because she shares my pain. Justina was her twin. We used to be best friends, Julianna and I.

And now?

Nicholas: Now I don't know. But I do know I want her in my life in some fashion. Speaking of Julianna, she's coming over for pizza tonight. Gotta jet. *dashes off so quickly he's not even a blur*

And that was Nicholas Adams! When he dons his white and black mask, he transforms into the superhero Black Hellebore.



Book and Author Information for Nicole Zoltack

Author Information:
Author website: http://www.nicolezoltack.com
Blog: http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com/
Twitter @nicolezoltack: https://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleZoltack
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112850281244279638997/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2887586.Nicole_Zoltack
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolezoltack
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nicolezoltack
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Zoltack/e/B00304YARW/

Bio:
Nicole Zoltack loves to write fantasy/paranormal, romances, horror, historical, for adults and young adults, novels, short stories, and flash pieces. She doesn't want to get boxed in by genre -- she might be claustrophobic! She's also an editor for MuseItUp Publishing and works as a freelance editor.
When she isn't writing about girls wanting to be knights, talking unicorns, and zombies, she spends time with her loving family. She loves to ride horses (pretending they're unicorns, of course!) and going to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, dressed in period garb. Her favorite current TV show is The Walking Dead.
To learn more about Nicole and her work, visit her website at www.NicoleZoltack.com or her blog at http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com.
Book Information:

Black Hellebore, first in a new superhero romance trilogy - Heroes of Falledge
Release in ebook format: October 21st 2013
Release in print: January 2014
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18588657-black-hellebore
ISBN 10: 1-61252-363-3
ISBN 13: 978-1-61252-363-7

Blurb:

Once a year for the past decade, Nicholas Adams returns to Falledge and leaves a black hellebore on his girlfriend's grave. While fleeing Falledge, he spies a shady man sneaking into the laboratory. Nicholas chases after him and dies for his trouble. A witch brings him back to life, only Nicholas is not the same man. Turns out, magic combined with a black hellebore in his pocket changed him into a kind of a super man.
Julianna Paige, his girlfriend's twin and deputy of Falledge, struggles to solve several murders. Nicholas, and his alter ego the Black Hellebore, helps her, even as she helps him move on and start to truly live again.
Unfortunately, Nicholas wasn't the only one changed in the laboratory explosion, and now a super villain is bent on destroying Falledge, and killing the Black Hellebore. But falling in love might prove more dangerous than any super villain.
Purchase links for Black Hellebore:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Falledge-Book-One-Hellebore-ebook/dp/B00G1YDKB0/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heroes-of-falledge-book-one-nicole-zoltack/1117193883?ean=2940148718444

Woman of Honor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 1)
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6370163-woman-of-honor
ISBN-10: 1-936000-03-2
ISBN 13: 978-1-936000-03-6

Blurb:
Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Purchase links for Woman of Honor:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Honor-Kingdom-Arnhem-ebook/dp/B0021L9YDK

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-one-nicole-zoltack/1111374792?ean=9781612529905


Knight of Glory (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 2)
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7801193-knight-of-glory
ISBN-10: 1-936000-49-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-936000-49-4

Blurb:
Ranulf, the Speican lord, is dead, and Arnhem is safe, or so the Arnhemians believe.

Sir Geoffrey and his companions have just completed a mission for Queen Aislinn when he receives word of the Speicans attacking Arnhem. Geoffrey and his party, which now includes exile Jenanna, split up and rush to different kingdoms to ask for aid. Even as he fights for his kingdom and his life, Geoffrey finds himself torn between his new friend Jenanna and the mysterious lady Celestia he left behind in Arnhem.

Enlisting help is infinitely more difficult than they anticipated and to make matters worse, rumors abound that the Speicans have enlisted a mage to work unspeakable, forbidden magic. The war between Speica and Arnhem has just begun. Will Geoffrey survive the battle to live another day and discover which woman he truly loves?

Purchase links for Knight of Glory:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Glory-Kingdom-Arnhem-ebook/dp/B003AKY5U8/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-two-nicole-zoltack/1111929175?ean=9781612529745

Champion of Valor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 3)
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11150044-champion-of-valor
ISBN-10: 1-61252-035-9
ISBN 13: 978-1-61252-035-3

Blurb:
The war between Specia and Arnhem now reaches the sea after the selkies discover the Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen. Selliki the selkie sets out to find it, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. No union between a selkie and a human has ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is. Add the war, and their love is impossible. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.

Purchase links for Champion of Valor:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Arnhem-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B004YTFGLQ

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-three-nicole-zoltack/1103130624?ean=2940012459756

Monday Mishmash

1.  Monday Mishmash-- In case you didn't notice I have stolen Kelly Hashway's post for the total randomness that is an update on life. And by the way, she and I are hosting the Zombie blogfest, so if you haven't already signed up for some Halloween fun, you should.
2. Editing--So much editing to do!I finished my first draft of Perfect Harmony, which my agent refers to as the car crash novel last week. And I have agent edits for the companion to A Missing Peace that I put off until my draft was complete. So lot's of editing and I'd like to have it all done by the end of the month.
3. Business--Now that I'm done drafting, I have lots of business items to take care of too, like getting TOMG formtted for nook and smashie and get it uploaded, fixing my blog, updating social media. All that joyous stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with writing. One day I will get a six figure deal and have an assistant to do this stuff. One day baby.
4. Buying a house--So it seems the husband and I will be closing on a small house the 22nd of November. It's cute. I like it, but the bigger deal is I will have a work space again. (We'd previously used the second bedroom as our office but then ELF came and that had to become a nursery. I've been working at the kitchen table).
5. Project 52--I rarely do reviews these days because I've been cautioned not to make other authors mad. That makes me sad because I loved reviewing books, so my friend Kelly and I worked out a kind of covert P-52 which I will be bringing you in 2014. It should be interesting. 
6. Royalty checks--I got a royalty check today!!! Woo-hoo! Not only is that always fun however tiny, it's encouragement that my investment might one day pay off.

So what's on your mind?

WOW

So WOW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and I haven't done one of these in a REALLY long time, but I've been waiting on this book since August and am still counting down the days till it's release, so here it is. My pick: Forever Temptation Book 3.

All I want is my happily-ever-after.

That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever.

But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.(less)
Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Harlequin Teen
ISBN 0373211066 (ISBN13: 9780373211067)
edition languageEnglish
seriesTemptation #3
other editions
None found

Announcing The Zombie Blogfest

Okay! Here's the scoop. With Halloween, Dia De Muerte, and All Souls Day coming up my virtual bff and I decided there is no better way to celebrate than with the walking dead! Bahahaha! And when you combine this with Kelly Hashway's awesome zombie books there was no way to go but  a zombie blogfest. Everyone will get a free Touch of Death short story. And one lucky U.S. winner will get an autographed copy of Touch of Death and some zombie candy. And possibly a bag of dia de muerte skeletons if I can find it. The rules are simple: Link back to Kelly and I, post the graphic below, and anything you want about zombies.

Interview with Publisher and Owner of Curiosity Quills Lisa Gus

Today, I have publisher and owner of the press Curiosity Quills here to talk about CQ's endeavor to support no kill shelters and some advice for writers.

Please explain to my readers how purchasing this anthology will be supporting a good cause.

10% of the revenue will go straight to No-Kill shelters, both from PrimeTime and After Dark 

volumes. And, once we launch in hard-cover later this season in time for all the holiday 

shopping, sponsored via the Indie Go-Go campaign, everything that doesn’t get applied toward 

covering production and shipping expenses will also go straight to the dogs (pardon the pun!)

2. There are so many good causes out there. How did you decide to help animals?

As one of our antho authors says, “Animals are people too.” We at Curiosity Quills don’t feel 

that it’s fair or humane to put down healthy wonderful animals instead of working to re-home 

them or let them live out their years with dignity and comfort. And so, when it came time to 

start giving back – the cause was kind of a no-brainer!

3. You’re here today to talk about a new anthology you’ve released. What’s the theme? How 

were the authors selected?

CQ specializes in quirky paranormal / mystery / sci-fi – and that’s exactly what both volumes 

are like. Like Razorbill in the times of yore (when books were strictly physical and New York 

publishing houses ruled and rivers were made of eggnog), we are choosing to publish only the 

novels and short stories WE want to be caught reading. 

Made up of works exclusively by CQ’s own authors (with the exception of Jennifer Malone 

Wright, who is writing the foreword for our digital / paperback editions and Jonathan Maberry, 

who will be supplying it for the hardcover one), the anthologies represent our stab at getting 

you to that semi-scary semi-exciting place you get to when immersed in a piece that is good 

enough to just JUST barely keep yourself from glancing over your shoulder to see if someone is 

perched on the back of your armchair to read along. 

We don’t want to frighten you out of your wits, after all, but we want you to think, consider, 

shiver with anticipation – and remember our authors when it comes to choosing your next full-
length book.

4. As a publisher, what would you advise an author NOT to do?

I would advise the author to NOT treat their manuscript as the best thing since sliced bread. 

Sometimes, a look from the side, with a fresh eye, may reveal issues, taking care of which may 

make an otherwise solid work truly shine!

5. What’s the greatest writing advice you’ve ever heard?

Do not make characters do things for the sake of the plot. Make the plot twist and turn for the 

sake of the characters.

6. What does CQ look for in a manuscript? Of course, we want to know what genres you’re open to, but I think what really helps writers is to know what makes something magical for you.

Well, funny you should ask I have just announced yesterday that we’re opining our doors to submissions to a separate imprint (with a separate website that is being made right now), Curiosity Thrills – which will publish the titles that CQ would have published, but would otherwise be too steamy for the mainstream imprint. After all, erotica is a happening thing right now, and we want to capitalize on that – not, however, at the expense of character development or plot!
As to the genres, we are looking for fiction only. Mystery, sci-fi, dystopian, horror, urban fantasy, 

paranormal and even solid contemporary works in Adult, NA, and YA age groupings is our 

preferred fare. We have even just accepted a new work by one of our previously published 

authors, Tara Tyler, that is upper MG. So, wow us – and we will take it!

Oh… how to do that, you ask? Avoid unnecessary sex and violence – but do not skimp on 

either. Self-edit, take it through a critique group – and then let it rest for a month or so before 

sending it our way. And most importantly – please, please, treat the characters, not the plot, 

as paramount, as long as you keep them moving right along. We want to care what happens to 

them, we want to be invested, and then we will lap your story up!

Links for Prime Time
Official Primetime page: http://curiosityquills.com/primetime-release/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18526261-curiosity-quills

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-Quills-Primetime-Anthology-
ebook/dp/B00FOEYYJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381148543&sr=1-

1&keywords=curiosity+quills

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Curiosity-Quills-Primetime-Anthology-ebook/dp/

B00FOEYYJU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381141156&sr=8-2&keywords=Curiosity+Quills

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curiosity-quills-jr-rain/1117052209?

ean=2940148820710

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/curiosity-quills-primetime-charity-anthology


Facebook Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/221448778026309/

Star Cursed

"With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England."

I loved this book. I've seen a few negative reviews, and I don't know why. I have to say in my opinion it's better than the first. Now it may have been I started with extremely low expectations, (and I did--something happened at the end of the first book that made me so mad I threw it). But Spotwood's engaging voice made this another quick read. The romance and action were both there almost from the beginning and things are really starting to progress. I can't wait for the third and final installment, but it won't be out until August of 2014. So so sad. I hate the amount of time between the release of these books. This book referenced things from the first book I couldn't remember, and I'm sure the third will make references that I won't catch as well. I give this 5 stars.

ISWG: Just Blah

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is hosted by Alex J Cauvanaugh and I hear it's becoming it's own site. However, I've had no time to check this out, so please accept my possibly dated link.

You wanna know what I'm insecure about? Everything. Seriously. Lately, the lack of reward for my 3.5 years of diligent work has made it hard to even stay motivated. I'm way behind my production schedule. (Yeah, I have a business plan. My books are on a production schedule because once upon a time I actually thought I'd make money writing some day). I kind of wonder if I'm ever going to finish my current WIP. And I'm going back to school for a MFA in the spring. I was so excited about this and I worked so hard to get accepted. But I'm wondering if this is the worse decision I've ever made, because I'll yet again be spending money on writing.

Prime Time Cover Reveal

Curiosity Quills Press brings some of their bestselling authors together to create a spine-tingling, mind-blowing, quirky collection of short stories in their first ever, annual PRIMETIME Anthology, scheduled for release 7th October, 2013. Available in digital and paperback formats, with an IndieGoGo campaign launching after release to fund the hardback version.

The anthology is not limited to one specific genre, but all of our novels are guaranteed to be quirky and paranormal, in some way or another. We also guarantee 10% of every purchase will go straight to animals in need. The CQ team has selected humane societies on both the East and West coast that spend well and do not stray from the “no-kill” policies of their strays.

Featuring:

J.R. Rain, Tony Healey, A.W. Exley, Vicki Keire, A.E. Propher, Eliza Tilton, Gerilyn Marin, Grace Eyre, James Wymore, K.H. Koehler, Matthew Graybosch, Michael Panush, Michael Shean, Mike Robinson, Nathan Yocum, Nina Post, Rand B. Lee, Randy Attwood, Sharon Bayliss, William Vitka.

Official Primetime Page | Primetime on Goodreads

----

About Curiosity Quills Press

 Curiosity Quills launched in 2011 by writers, for writers, presenting uniformly top-notch quality, tastefully curated, hard-hitting storylines. We know it’s hard to stand out from the crowd when it’s millions large, but Curiosity Quills Press helps level the playing field through its members’ innovative social media approach, a transparent culture, and a deeply passionate team.

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google Plus |Tumblr |

Big Dreams Blogfest

The Big Dreams Blogfest is hosted by Misha Gericke and I which makes it especially bad that I'm so late to the game today. But those of you who follow me on facebook know I've had a rough week, and while it's not an excuse I hope you will forgive me.

My dream is to make a million dollars from my writing by 2024. Last month I laid out a list of goals to help me get there. Unfortunately, I don't think I've met a single goal on that list. Instead of laying out new goals this month, I'm still working on last month's goals. So this is Beth a month behind, over and out.

A Special Thank You

A Missing Peace has been out for almost two weeks now, and while it's not a bestseller the reviews it's garnered have been touching. It's brought a whole new group of people to my life. And I realize that it wouldn't be out in the world without the help of A LOT of people, so I'm saying thank you today.

First of all, I want to thank my husband who works so I can stay home with the baby and write. He reads my romance and pretends to like it even though he'd rather I wrote something serious. (But he felt A Missing Peace was serious). And my little angel for putting up with a mother who often turns on PBS and sticks her face in a laptop or book. Thank you Patrice Caldwell for her amazing support and hard work on my street team. I truly appreciate everyone who participated but Patrice helped me start it up. Thanks to Nova Ren Suma for her early critiques . Kelly Hashway for her thorough edits and Sara Nego for her critique of the first five pages. And most of the blogosphere for being part of the last three years. And thanks to Jenni Million and Shelly Sly who have critiqued other projects.

Still In The Slushpile

That's probably a title you didn't expect to see from someone with an agent and a book under contract, but I'm still in the slushpile. Why? Because the slushpile has changed. I'm in the new slushpile, and lots of you are too. Here's my theory: if you aren't a best seller, you're still in the slushpile. In this day and age there is a published paid slushpile. Your book can sell. It can even sell okay and you can still be in the slushpile. That's what happens when anyone with a laptop is allowed to publish. I learned this from you! I did a post on how hard self publishing really made it for writers which you can read here. And most of your comments were really thoughtful but used this word "slush." And that's when it hit me. Today it's easier to get published and maybe even easier to get an agent than it was ten years ago. BUT it's harder to be successful. Except not really. Most writers would have been on a ten year plan back in the day. I started in 2010 and gave myself ten years to get an agent and a book deal. It's only been 3.5. I have an agent and a digital deal. I was all proud thinking I'd done in three years what should have taken ten. Here's the problem. We get proud too fast. It still takes ten years to really make your mark. In ten years I will be a bestseller. And now I'm off to write.

What are your thoughts?

Blah

If I could count the times I've used this title over theyears. OMG! I need to write. I can't write. Yesterday i could write but had too many distractions namely a beautiful little ELF who refused to quit screaming. It's nap time. I have time to write but the words aren't coming. I just want to sleep. I even tried this. (I never nap--bad idea for insomniacs). But I thought if I could sleep maybe I'd be fresh to write. Can't sleep either. So I'm staring at a blinking cursor. And I want to cry. Also, I got a two page editorial letter yesterday for the companion to A Missing Peace, and I want to cry. So that is the theme of today.

Thanks.

IWSG, A Need For Gatekeepers, And A Disappearing Beth

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is hosted by Alex J Cauvanaugh.

What am I insecure about? And what does that have to do with gatekeepers and a disappearing Beth? Sales. I'm insecure about sales. Book sales. You want to know why? Because in the past month I've talked to so, so, so many writers whose well-written books are not selling well. I'm not saying well-written as in my personal stamp of approval. I'm saying well-written as in a 4-5 star overall rating. People who read it seem to enjoy it. The problem is no one is picking it up. I'm not talking about unknown self published writers, small press writers, or big 5 writers. I'm talking about all of the above. That's right the cries I've heard have been across the board. So what's an overanalytical girl to do if not search for a cause? So search I did. I learned 1.5 million more books were created in 2012 than 2011. So that's N (number from 2011) plus 1.5 million our books have to compete with. The main reason for this is the self publishing phenomenon. That's why I've jumped ship. I now believe we do need gatekeepers. Before you start rolling your eyes hear me out. The extra 1.5 million books is extra competition for us all. Truthfully, a lot of these 1.5 million extra books are unedited crap slapped inside a pretty cover and rest comfortably on some amazon bestseller's list. While I have nothing against self published writers, (I'm actually self published) if you are publishing unedited crap for me to compete with be assured you are so not on my Christmas list. Here's the thing the old way took longer to get published, but once you did you had a better chance of making a comfortable living. Self publishing allows anyone and everyone to be published. The downside is a saturated market.

And what about the disappearing Beth? I'm hoping to add another book to the mound. This could very well be my last post until next IWSG as I need to finish my book.

Celebrate A Missing Peace

To celebrate the release of A Missing Peace, I'm sharing advance praise.

"One of the best plots of all the YA I have read this year," Harlequin Junkie Reviews.

¨I think Beth Fred has really found a niche in YA romance.  She does a good job combining well-known tropes of the genre with more interesting conflicts and questions." Beth Woodward Book Editor for CC2K Online Magazine

"An interesting take on a subject that has changed and taken so many lives, including the repercussions once soldiers return home." Meradeth Houston NA Author 

"More than just high school drama—A Missing Peace blends romance and military conflict in an emotional story that will have you tearing through the pages." Ashelyn Drake, author of the Campus Crush series.

"As a reader who loves sweet, clean romances, I highly recommend this story. It's so hard to find them in YA these days, and this one was great!" Ashley Maker 

"I could not stop reading this book. Every time something seemed to wrap up, something else came undone." Kim Trotter, YA-Asylum

"This is definitely a book that held my attention from start to finish." Kelly Hashway, YA Author

"I applaud Beth Fred for a unique idea well done." Romance Author Tara Chevrestt

"Mirriam has a great heart and so does Caleb. And when their together it's sweet." Jenni Million

The Big Dreams Blog Hop

Misha Gericke and I are co-hosting the big dreams bloghop. It all started when Misha announced in five years time she wanted to be making $90,000 a year in royalties ($7500/month). I then got the courage to post what I'd been thinking for a while. I want to be a millionaire. Misha and I decided that we should have monthly check-ins to encourage each other and let others join in so we could keep perspective along the way.

And so here it is. The update: It's been a month already. I can't believe a whole month has passed, and I don't feel any closer. I'd like to tell you I'm so close. But that would be a lie. Here's where I'm at: The Other Marlowe Girl is continuing to sell but not as well as it did last month. (The Fate Of A Marlowe Girl is permafree).A Mi ssing Peace comes out this Sunday. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive with people thanking me for writing it. This is a huge compliment but something I have no idea how to respond to! I guess the polite reply would be, "Your welcome," but that feels weird because I didn't write it with anyone in mind. Except maybe myself and writing my way through what I believe was postpartum depression. I'm still in lala land on the draft of Perfect Harmony. I've missed every deadline I've set for it which is rare. I used to work in a law office. I'm good at meeting deadlines. But I will be done by October. I'll have to be. I still need to write another book this year.

The Action Plan: So here's the action plan for September. I'll add The Other Marlowe Girl to Smashwords. It hasn't been there because it was originally part of the Kindle Select program. I wanted to see what the benefit of that was. In my opinion, there isn't one. I'm not adding it to B&N because with no clear way to track sales, it's not worth my time. (If you know an easy way to track B&N sales please let me know in the comments). I'll finish and polish Perfect Harmony, and hopefully when we check in next month I can say it's been sent to my agent. With A Missing Peace being published by Escape there is no way for me to track sales. It's hard to set a goal for that. I can tell you I've arranged for a two week blog tour and offered to gift The Other Marlowe Girl to any blogger who copies their review to Amazon. I guess next month we'll see how much closer I am.

Plotting To Win Review

First off, for people who love me for my clean romance reviews--this isn't PG-13 because of language and Victor's preoccupation with that part of his body male characters tend to be preoccupied with. (No joke, it was referred to more than once). So this might not be your thing. But the romance never got hotter than a kiss.

I think what I liked most about this novel was the concept. I've said for years I wish there was an American Idol for writers and that's exactly what Plotting To Win is. I think it's closer to America's Next Top Model, but still I loved that. The voice took me a minute to get used to, but once I did it was a pretty smooth read. I loved the descriptions of the writing cave and some of the challenges the contestants had to go through. But sometimes I thought people who were chosen as contestants for this show would have been a little bit more knowledgeable about the industry than some of them were. The characters are all well developed and the book is an easy read. However, I didn't like the way that Victor and Felicity kind of pegged each other as major competitors right off the bat based on attraction. Victor went so far as to try to get a bed closer to her to throw her off her game. Then again he did spend a lot of time thinking about a bodily appendage, so that might have just been a ploy to get closer to her. And on the romance front something happens in an epilogue that I think would have been better in a final chapter. All in all, I'd rate this about 3.5 stars for my blog followers. I'm of two minds. 4 stars based on the book and 3 stars because I'd like it a little bit cleaner, so taking the average 3.5  

The Number 1 Thing I Heart About Being A Writer/Blogger

You know what? The number one thing I love about being a writer/blogger is YOU. That's right you. For reading these words and pretending to care. Or better yet for reading these words and actually caring. I think the best thing about making the decision to become an author in 2010 was the people I've met along the way. Most of you I couldn't pick out of a crowd. And yet anytime a major life event has happened you've been there to laugh or cry with me. Many of you, I've known since 2010. Others I met somewhere along the way, and I still consider you friends. If you live in driving distance and need something, you could totally text me in the middle of the night. I'd be there.

This is such a supportive industry and I'm so thankful for that. The things I've accomplished in the last three years, I couldn't have done without the people who have been doing this longer than me, who took the time to say, "Good job, now do it better." And, "you can do it." Which is usually what I need more than anything. I'm a hardworker but have no confidence. I know my last post wasn't nearly so upbeat, but I'm thankful to everyone of you who took the time to leave a message. I don't feel great yet mainly because I'm still fighting with this WIP wondering if its ever going to see the light of day. But I love all the feedback and I know that if I get to the end with a ms that still sucks 1) it added to my words toward a million 2) I have big plans for the future ;).  Three words: the senator's son. And that's all I will say about that.

The Struggle

My debut for full length fiction and YA will be releasing soon. Very soon--like days away soon. Part of me feels like the world is at my finger tips. I got an agent and a book deal and I'm playing with the pros now. But most of me knows it's not enough. (If you're an unpublished writer reader, please don't roll your eyes and get upset. I know how hard it is to get even this far and I'm thankful to have come this far). But nothing humbles like writing. I'm trying to push through my current WIP, so I can revise it and send it to betas and eventually my agent. And things I thought I had learned over the years are obviously still weaknesses. It makes me feel like I will never get *there*. Then there is the fear that comes with the anticipation of a book release. What if it doesn't sell? What happens then? And I used to think getting an agent was the answer, but in the past few weeks I've come across so many multi-published authors who are frustrated because their books aren't selling. They wonder what it means for future contracts. More importantly, they wonder if they will ever make a living writing. I wonder the same thing!

I've been blocked with my current WIP for about a week. I finally gave myself permission to just have fun (for me that usually means writing cute romance scenes) but when I did I couldn't even think of cute romance scenes. I belive Beth's brain is fried. So how are you? Where are you on the journey?

I'm Back!

I realize not too long ago I posted a MWF blogging schedule and here I am blogging on a Tuesday. I'll return to the normal schedule tomorrow. I just felt like staying I'm still alive blog-o-sphere. I moved from Wisconsin to Texas since my last post, which was fine with me as Texas is my home. I love it here!

A missing Peace will be available in 12 days and people are starting to post reviews. Beth Woodward, book editor of CC2K online magazine posted a review here and fellow writer/blogger Meradeth Houston who you probably know from A Chemistry of Fate posted a review here.

I'll be back with a real post tomorrow.

The Plan

Great things have been happening in the writing community. Lots of people I met years ago as a new writer who weren't published or agented are one or the other or both today. Misha Gericke recently announced her plan to earn $7500 month in royalties consistently in five years time which led to me finally admitting to the world in writing what I told my husband months ago was my next goal. I want to write my way into a million dollars. I asked Misha to start a linky for her plan, so we could all join in and support each other as we work our way up the ladder. She did and she put together the list in a way that let's every person set their own goal! So a new writer can aim to simply finish a book or send a query. Once they've reached that goal they can set a new one. This is basically another example of what we already know the writing and blogging community to be. Amazingly supportive and encouraging. So here's the link! Set a goal and join in.

The Plan
Earlier this week when I voiced my goal, I promised to have more of a plan today. The truth is we can write our hearts out (and we usually do) and how it's perceived by the world is up to the world. So having a firm plan on making a million dollars in an industry that thrives on subjectivity feels like making a plan to win the lottery. You're banking on luck.

But I'm not a gambler and accomplishing a goal without a plan is a lot like taking a rod trip without a map. You'll probably end up somewhere. It just might not be the place you were looking for. So I'm going to come at this with what I know. Things I can control. The more books I write, the more chances I have for a million dollar deal. The more books I release the better chance I have at making a million dollars in royalties. (Consistent strong sales of multiple books could mean I wouldn't need one book to sell like Twilight). I'm aiming to write four books a year. This means I have four months left to write 1 and 3/4 books with a 1200 mile move peppered in between. Wish me luck.

Here's what else I know. Supposedly, at a million words you become an expert writer. If we count only fiction written since I got serious in 2010 (no nonfiction and no God awful shorts written like journal entries) then I'm sitting on 432,000 words. This does not include the 20k I have on my current WIP. I'll make that entire deposit once I write "The end." If you were an engineer, doctor or lawyer, once you obtained that kind of experience you'd get a pay raise. I'm guessing this is at least partially true in writing too. I understand no publisher is going to pay based on my experience but theoretically the more you do something the better you become. I should hit half a million by the end of this year. Probably more but since one of the books left on my slate is part of a novella series I'm not sure if it will be full length yet. Writing 4 books a year, even at 50k is 200,000 words per year. Assuming I finish this year off at 500,000, I should hit the million word mark in 2016.

I think my current plan is to write four books a year, reach a million words, and better manage current products. Once I hit a million words, I'll re-address this to get a picture of where the additional experience has gotten me and what I can do to get closer to the goal--a million dollars by 2024.