Playing it Close to the Vest

When I set up a Facebook account and started blogging back in fall of 2008, I knew from the  beginning that as an aspiring YA author, I’d have to be careful about what I posted. Swearing, sexual references, and joking about drugs or alcohol could potentially alienate my audience. I also elected not to say anything overtly religious or political. While others staked out their territory on Facebook by filling in the blanks for religion and political party, I left mine blank. A friend of mine did me one better, and her response is the best I’ve seen. For “politics” she put “just as private as my religion,” and for religion she put, “just as private as my politics.”

For a long time I felt a little uncomfortable about my stance of neutrality. After all, if I have a belief, shouldn’t I own it? But I’ve mulled it over a lot lately, and I think my position makes sense. And not just from a business perspective. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying people shouldn’t voice their beliefs publicly. That’s their right, and I understand the need to feel like part of a community. I just wonder if they realize the full ramifications of what they’re doing. Do they really want people to make snap judgments about them based solely on who they voted for in the last election or how they choose to worship? Is anyone’s personality really that cut and dried?

Probably every one of us has at least one friend or family member with drastically different religious or political views. And yet we accept them in spite of it. This is because we got to know the whole person, not just a single label. No individual is as simplistic as the stereotype of one group. We’re all a wild and crazy hodgepodge. Even within the walls of a single congregation of a single denomination of a single religion, there will be vastly different takes on dogma. And each member of each splinter group of each political party has her own nuanced take on various policies. I have friends on both sides of the political fence and of various spiritualities. When I think of what I’d have missed out on by jumping to conclusions, I’m so glad I sat back quietly and watched long enough to discover who these folks really are.

It only makes sense that people on social networks want to connect with those who share similar beliefs, and Facebook makes this particularly easy with its groups. But lately I’ve noticed that the names of some of these groups have become increasingly controversial—even insulting. They seem to be titled specifically to get a dig in against the opposing viewpoint. And why? Just so people can feel all buddy-buddy and superior? But at what cost?

I suppose it’s human nature to have an us vs. them mentality. It probably comes from our very early days, when anyone outside our own tribe was a threat to our existence. But just because we’re wired that way doesn’t mean we can’t override the circuitry. And really, why are these subjects so important, anyway? Think about all the TV shows and movies you’ve watched in the past week. Of all the books you’ve read. Chances are, you couldn’t pigeonhole the majority of the characters into any particular religion or political party. And it doesn’t really matter, does it? It doesn’t affect how you care about them.

For a moment, consider Harry Potter. Of all the things we know about him, of all the things that are important to his character, the one thing that makes absolutely no difference is whether his political leanings were liberal or conservative. Just something to think about.

~ Lisa

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NEWSFLASH! Ali Cross reveals the cover for her new book, Desolate, today on her blog. 

_______________

In addition to being a YA author, Lisa is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are. You can connect with her though her blog, The Tao or Webfoot, or buy her book, Running Wide Open, (currently FREE) at any major online retailer.

Who Do You Trust

Who should you trust? You want on the writing bandwagon. You want to put on a smoking jacket and have cheesy photos taken. You want the success of Hocking, King, Patterson, or perhaps Konrath and Locke. So, how do you get there? Do you self-publish or go the traditional route? If you do self-publish, what price do you set? How do you advertise? Who’s got the answers?

Everyone has answers. Who do you trust? Read carefully, and I’ll tell you. 

I remember coming across J.A. Konrath’s blog early 2009. Back then, his posts were still about publishing in the traditional world although I found much of it far from the traditional approach. The blog intrigued me, as did the advice. Mostly, I just liked his wit. I subscribed. I read. When Joe started to talk about self-publishing, I thought he might finally have lost it. Clearly, he was committing career suicide in a very public way. It was a train wreck worthy of its own reality show.

Fast forward nearly a year and a half. I’d been querying agents right and left with a couple of books. I received requests – a lot of them – from top agents at top agencies. I thought The Call would come at any moment. What I got was varying opinions on my work: too light, too dark, change character X into Y. Change character X into B. After rewriting a manuscript three different ways for three agents, I was starting to feel like Charlie Brown and Agent Lucy was holding the football. But it was when I started getting the rejection letters that read, “You have a great voice/story (insert other compliment here), but in this economy” that I started to wonder if Joe was on to something. After all, the responding agents all said something extremely flattering about my work. Still, self-publishing? Was that the best route? Konrath and other writers said it was. Successful and traditional writers were even taking the leap into the self-publishing world – even those with future contracts.

But, it’s Joe, and he is slightly opinionated. Ha! He didn’t start out the way I was. He’s got the fan base. He and the others could be wrong. He kept pushing self-publishing  Kool-Aide but I wasn’t ready to drink it. I could shoot any future writing career I had in the foot. What to do? Trust Joe, or the nay-sayers?

Turns out, there was someone else with the answers. Someone else I took the blind leap of faith in and trusted more. But that’s jumping ahead. There’s still more to the story.

I tracked down articles and other blogs. I came across Karen McQuestion. No pretense, no attitude, just a woman who’d been in my shoes. After a few days of chewing on the idea of self-publication, I took a chance and contacted her. Karen graciously responded and pointed me to a wealth of information.

It was now or never. I was sick of hearing, In this economy. I could either self-publish and see what happened or I could cry in my soup and hope the next novel, or the one after that, or the one after that might make appease the gatekeepers. In other words, I could rely on people I didn’t know to make my dream a reality or take my future into my own hands. It’s all in who you trust.

I’ve never regretted becoming an indie author. I can’t offer you a rags to riches story here. I’m nobody’s Cinderella. If you’re writing with the hopes of driving a Ferrari, you’re probably not living in the same reality I am. Few reach that status. If you’re looking for easy street, you’ve made a wrong turn—off a cliff.

It’s all about what makes you happy, folks. You need to write because that’s what you love. Just be sure to hire pro editors and cover artists should you decide indie publishing if for you. Now, I don’t know what the future holds and I refuse to bring the Ouija board out of the attic. Those things freak me out. But, I can tell you that I believe in the reader’s ability to find great stories, no matter the format no matter where they come from. Don’t compare yourself with others who are selling better than you. Don’t compare yourself to a friend who just landed a dream agent. If you’re stressing about all that, you’re heading down the wrong path.

Who do you trust? Who has the magic answer? If you haven’t figured it out, then I’ll just beat you over the head with a ten-pound sledge hammer and two quotes from the late Steve Jobs:

"Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."

And,

"Your time is limited. Don't waste it living someone else's life."

Really? You still want to know? Okay. Come closer. Yes, that’s it. I’m going to tell you the secret to life and everything that’ll make you happy—that one person who you should put all your faith in and rely on to make your dreams come true.

You.

There’s really no one else. Until you trust in yourself, you’ll never find your way. Not in life, and certainly not in writing. You have to make your own decisions based on the information available to you. You have to trust your own B.S. detector.

I made my choice. Only you can make yours. Who do you trust?

#Indiechat 6/26 A chat with the Kindle Fire Department

KindleFireDept If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @laurapauling LOL! I love the name "Kindle Fire Department" - clever. #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @IndelibleWriter sounds like an interesting chat =^.^= #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @susankayequinn Very clever now that I understand! #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB Yello! #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling So why don't we start with the basics. What exactly is the Kindle Fire Dept.? #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @KindleFireDept Thanks for joining us tonight! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @KindleFireDept: If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 RT @laurapauling: So why dont we start with the basics. What exactly is the Kindle Fire Dept.? #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

DiamondLB Listening in. Hello! #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling The Kindle Fire Dept. is a bit broader than most Kindle blogs out there because it also focuses on apps. #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn I'm going to jump in until Gadget gets here... Kindle Fire Dept. is an ebook and app site - they run ads & have useful info #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KindleFireDept Do authors pay for ads? #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Karen_Hooper RT @Stacey_WB: RT @KindleFireDept: If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012

hmward hey guys! #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RaShelleWorkman I'm here, and ready to learn. @KindleFireDept #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling Has anyone here used the Kindle Fire Department? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn One thing I like about @KindleFireDept is the extra care they take in preparing their posts/ads. #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @susankayequinn Do you know how the apps work? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @susankayequinn How so? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn I've used @KindleFireDept twice (Feb/June) and the ad has paid for itself each time. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling There are lots of people into both mobile games and e-books, and it's been fun for us to help them find new content #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KindleFireDept That's terrific. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston Howdy! I made it #indiechat #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

DiamondLB I'm #reading Ethereal by Addison Moore while listening in to #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @susankayequinn really? That sounds promising. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn They don't just take your blurb and quote a review. They look at the whole package&write up well @laurapauling: How so? #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @susankayequinn That's great and can make a difference compared to just slapping a cover and blurb up. #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston I read now more kindle books on my phone than my device, do you see this changing the way we use kindles? @KindleFireDept #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling Yes, we do function as an advertising platform for authors and info on that can be found at: http://t.co/xcTrp9uV #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Karen_Hooper How far in advance to authors have to buy ads? What's the normal wait time for an ad to post? #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @susankayequinn: They dont just take your blurb and quote a review. They look at the whole package&write up well #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

SheviStories Does #indiechat have a topic tonight? If so, what is it? -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn Here's my @KindleFireDept ad, you can see: http://t.co/I8uQu9kr #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RaShelleWorkman @susankayequinn That's gr8 to know. I like that @KindleFireDept takes the time to do that. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @SheviStories The Kindle Fire Department is here and a rep. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

SheviStories RT @laurapauling: @SheviStories The Kindle Fire Department is here and a rep. #indiechat Coooool! -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling At what point should authors consider paying for an ad? #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @LM_Preston Great question. I think books will be more easily transferable between devices, accessible anywhere on anything. #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LynAlmodovar RT @susankayequinn: Here's my @KindleFireDept ad, you can see: http://t.co/I8uQu9kr #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012

chandahahn #indiechat I'm home in time! Yay jumpin in -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling I still read just on my Kindle but I could see when out on the road reading on a phone app. #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell hi everyone! thanks to @kindlefiredept for joining us tonight. sorry I'm late #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @Karen_Hooper We do a few things for authors. Book of the Day sponsorships are scheduling for Sept. But special events sooner. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB @chandahahn Yay! Glad you're here! #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KindleFireDept What can authors do beforehand to get the most from a paid ad with you? Any tips? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell @KindleFireDept I'm curious how you find your reader base. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

SheviStories @KindleFireDept How many people will see a "book of the day" sponsorship mention and how do they see it (newsletter, etc)? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @KindleFireDept Oh wow Sept. Does that mean we have to send the info in now or do you contact us later? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell @laurapauling I do this. it's great to have the app to transition b/c it keeps your place in the same book #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @KindleFireDepart is also fwd-thinking -They have an ebook on marketing with essays from authors (full disclos:I'm in there) #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling Advertising is a way to reinvest in your writing and help build a readership. We focus on the outreach; you write. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling I read the ebook on marketing and it's a great overview for writers starting out with marketing. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept What about books that are free? How do you handle those ads? #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling With some great articles from some of the Indelibles. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @KindleFireDept: Advertising is a way to reinvest in ur writing & help build a readership. We focus on the outreach; u write. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling what book? #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Let me find the link... #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling Great books get great results: cover, description, title. It all fits together. Have your fans get our fans excited #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MeggJensen RT @Lisa_Nowak: @KindleFireDept What about books that are free? How do you handle those ads? #Indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling Ebook Marketing Today. Only 99 cents for now. http://t.co/E2km63mY #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn Here you go:http://t.co/OB39gtLz @laurapauling: @KatGirl_Studio Let me find the link... #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @KatGirl_Studio Scheduling in advance is definitely a good idea. Feel free to drop us a line to see what we can do for you. :) #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @KindleFireDept What kinds of books do best on KFD? SF? Fantasy? Romance? Thrillers? #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We welcome free book submissions from authors and charge nothing. For big group promos or exclusives, there are fees. #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @susankayequinn thanks, I love how to books =^.^= #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston Good question! RT @susankayequinn: What kinds of books do best on KFD? SF? Fantasy? Romance? Thrillers? #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling So when our ad is up, get our friends to help spread the word on their social media outlets. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @KindleFireDept: @Lisa_Nowak For free books, do you submit under the same form? #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept Do you have any stats to share about how your ads work for different books? Or links to such? #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus Hey Greg! Thanks for hopping over from #kidlitchat! :) #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @susankayequinn We've had successes in every genre; it comes down to an appealing book. But epic fantasy, SF, and MG are harder. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept How do we submit a free book? I didn't see a link or form on the website. Could be I'm just blind. :) #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston @KindleFireDept How do short stories do? #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @LM_Preston: There are some ad sites that take shorts (but fewer than novels). I recently had good success with ENT w/my short #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LynAlmodovar RT @gregpincus: @KindleFireDept Do you have any stats to share about how your ads work for different books? Or links to such? #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak Just send an email on the day it's free. There isn't really a form yet. Maybe I should make one... ;) #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @susankayequinn What's ENT stand for? #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus We keep stats on how all of our ads have done but haven't published them anywhere. You're welcome to inquire. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @patricialynne07 Ereader News Today http://t.co/p1ZHDy0h #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell @KindleFireDept I may have missed this, but how do you reach readers? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept I just did inquire :-) Seriously, though, your monthly traffic is great but meaningless if they don't click ads. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling So even with ads it still helps to have that great cover, blurb - professional. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept I figured you could shed light on what's successful/not so much (and it's gonna vary, naturally!) #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

JessieHarrell sorry if my last message post 2x. tweet chat is being difficult for me tonight. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept Do you notice that any particular day of the week is better for running an ad than others? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @susankayequinn Thanks. =) #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus Very true. Just hard to explain over Twitter without knowing more specifically about what you write. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston RT @susankayequinn ENT ? you have a link? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

SheviStories So how many readers does the #Kindle Fire Department have? #IndieChat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston I submitted my free short story to ENT with fantastic results too. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston @KindleFireDept So do you distribute via newsletter email? FB page updates? or just blog post? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus Difference between a banner ad and the posts we make is that we try to engage with your book. It's content, not an ad #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus: Greg, with my ad, I saw a significant surge in sales (4x normal) - I call KFD a mini-POI, even tho it annoys Gadget #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Karen_Hooper @Lisa_Nowak Great questions for @KindleFireDept ! You keep asking all the stuff I've been wondering but couldn't remember. #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept That's true. I wouldn't expect my children's poetry ebook to get the same results as a thriller #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @LM_Preston: RT @susankayequinn ENT ? you have a link? http://t.co/p1ZHDy0h #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We've had great successes on every day of the week. People will come out any time for a quality book. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks Sorry I'm late, all. I LOVE @kindlefiredept ! Got a great bump w/ The Book of Lost Souls when it was free months ago. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn When checking out an ebook marketing ad site, it's also good to check Kindle Boards and see what people's experience has been. #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling At what point should an author consider paid ads? Right at the start? A couple books in? Whenever they have the money? #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus Yeah, children's poetry might be tough. I want to develop cheaper options to show off niche works like that. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Great question! #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @laurapauling I like that question! =) #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @SheviStories We currently have about 35k on the FB page and monthly traffic of 350-400k per month. Hope it keeps growing! #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling There seems to be more than one philosophy on marketing out in the blogosphere. #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @susankayequinn Yes, talking to other authors and getting a sense of what's working is so important! #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KindleFireDept That's terrific! #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept What genres would you say most of your subscribers read? #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept Yeah. There's all sorts of niches where an ad makes sense within the niche but not outside of it, in particular. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @LM_Preston Most of it is the sharing we do through social networks, but we also have a growing presence on our mobile app. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @gregpincus Just like all marketing ads probably work better for different authors/genres. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston @gregpincus Do you see many childrens books becoming apps? like with MeeGenius and other app developers? #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept A mobile app. That's smart. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept Still, I was reacting to your saying an ad is a great way to reinvest in your writing. It's not always :-) #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling It will be so interesting to see where the children's market goes with ebooks. #indiechat #kidlitchat -9:42 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @LM_Preston I see lots of people talking about it/trying it. I'm not seeing traction in the overlap. Yet! #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MeggJensen Mobile app? I just checked the app store, but couldn't find it. What's the app called? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @MichWritesBooks Romance and Thrillers are the big two then various offshoots/subgenres: PR, Mystery, Horror, YA w/adult appeal #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept I take it there's not a daily emailing. Is that in the works? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MaganVernon #amwriting but checking in on #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus I'll be the first to say that it depends on your specific situation. Ads can work when they reach your audience. #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @MeggJensen Actually our app is in Google Play and GetJar, finding other new readers: http://t.co/z19re06G #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept Ya. And so much of that is totally out of a site's control. Impossible to be all things to all readers. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 RT @KindleFireDept: Ill be the 1st to say that it depends on your specific situation. Ads can work when they reach your audience. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus I think authors have to experiment - some sites work well for their genre/book, others not. Plus changes w/time #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling That's always the crux - finding our target audience. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We have a pretty large email list that we use for special announcements, but it's not genre divided. Maybe someday. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MeggJensen @KindleFireDept Gotcha! Thanks. :) #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @laurapauling Especially with a limited to zero budget. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @laurapauling It's hard. WHERE do readers of young adult go to find new books? #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston Amen to that sister! RT @laurapauling: Thats always the crux - finding our target audience. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @susankayequinn And I think there are some niches where there's no community where an ad works. Yet. And that's okay, too. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus Well so much of it depends on the site's branding. We are more general audience, but there are niche sites out there. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @MichWritesBooks I'd say our target for YA ebooks is more adults than teens. #indiechat I could be wrong though. -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @patricialynne07 With zero budget, the best bet is to have a series, let the first go free, then place an "ad" on the free sites. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MeggJensen Pixel of Ink YE RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling Its hard. WHERE do readers of young adult go to find new books? #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MichWritesBooks twitter, book blogs, that's where I get mine. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston My kid searches on amazon or bookstore RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling WHERE are YA readers go to find new books? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @MeggJensen Yeah but hasn't Pixel been closed to advertising for a while now? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle Dropping in to say hi! #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @susankayequinn I've heard a lot to have a series. Unfortunately, I'm the queen of stand alones. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LynAlmodovar @MichWritesBooks Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, book blogs, word of mouth, and youtube trailers #IndieChat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus Which means that you have to find readers in different ways - social media, reviews, etc. Are you thinking childrens? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MeggJensen @HeatherMcCorkle True, true. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling @MichWritesBooks Yes, so much of YA's popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. It's why I read it. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @patricialynne07 I think stand alones can still do well, just tougher to gain traction. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston Also FB, and Book club at school RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling WHERE are YA readers go to find new books? #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling I think word of mouth with teens is huge - just like with adults. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @KindleFireDept: Yes, so much of YAs popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. Its why I read it. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @patricialynne07 It can still have carry-over as long as your books are of similar interest - i.e. if readers like one... #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @laurapauling Yeah. Personally, I enjoy stand alones. Don't have to wait for the next in the series. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling yeah I'm holding off on my stand-alones until i have more series books out. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston Where on FB do they find them though, I wonder? #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @susankayequinn In specific, children's poetry. But I think there are other areas, too, where a broad audience isn't the key. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Good idea. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MaganVernon @MichWritesBooks @laurapauling I find most of my books through recommendations from friends, recs from Amazon, and Pixel of Ink #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn RT @Stacey_WB: @KindleFireDept: Yes, so much of YAs popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. Its why I read it. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston My daughter clicks the ads sometimes & buys it RT @HeatherMcCorkle: Where on FB do they find them though, I wonder? #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MaganVernon @laurapauling @MichWritesBooks I'll quote @GPChing and say most YA books are targeted toward the "Twi-mom's" #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 @susankayequinn That's my hope. The readers will enjoy one story and check out the next. *fingers crossed* #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept If you're writing a middle grade or children's book, the best opps are still offline: libraries, schools, parenting groups #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @LynAlmodovar Agreed. Though my teen daughter and I have different tastes so it doesn't always work. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus I think children's books have the hardest time in ebook - reaching the readers is difficult. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept There are, indeed. And we're also still so early in this process. Lots of exploration.... #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston Good to know! #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling i have to say, I'd rather have my kids reading a print book than a device all the time. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn RT @KindleFireDept: If youre writing a middle grade/childrens book, the best are still offline:libraries,schools,parenting groups #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling And I think that's pure nostalgia. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston Also, through school visits my books are in libraries since kids requested them RT @HeatherMcCorkle: Good to know! #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @susankayequinn Yes. And often, particularly at the younger ages, the readers aren't the ones who are the buyers! #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @laurapauling Agreed. Studies that say the devices can be bad on the eyes. As addicted as I am to mine, hope it's not true! #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling currently I have enough books in my TBR pile for like the next year. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston I love that! #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @MaganVernon And we just need to find them! And if there are FB book groups where they like to hang. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I do too and I keep adding! The ones that hook me are the ones I read. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus I think children's review journals are key to reaching teachers/librarians. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @MichWritesBooks Good thinking! #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I don't read quickly so mine never seems to get smaller lol. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Yep. Give me a killer cover, blurb, and great first chapter, and I'm there. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MaganVernon Free ways to market include: Twitter chats, online presense, and querying reviewers. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @gregpincus If no one is seriously building a kids ebook site, then that's an opportunity for somebody to take charge and profit #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Oh nooooo! I read pretty fast. But I have no problem stopping a book halfway. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @susankayequinn There are still barriers there for non-trad pubbed. The "pay for" reviews don't cross that barrier, either. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012

patricialynne07 Truth! @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling Yep. Give me a killer cover, blurb, and great first chapter, and Im there. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I'm dyslexic #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @laurapauling That's a common response. Most of it is parents wanting their kids exposed to print. Not a bad idea to me. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

gregpincus @KindleFireDept I agree, someone's gonna find that sweet spot. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Me either. Life's too short and there are FAR too many great books out there. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

LM_Preston @KindleFireDept What is KindleFireDept have planned for Holiday promo opportunities this year? #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept RT @MaganVernon: Free ways to market include: Twitter chats, online presense, and querying reviewers. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I track all my books on Goodreads and update my status everyday #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KindleFireDept I limit screen time for my kids and at times a device feels like more screen even if it's not with e-ink. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @gregpincus Agreed. Although I think some journals will consider for review, even if their policy says "no" - haven't tried, tho #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I love keeping track on Goodreads. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Book bloggers are a serious way to promote books! :D I love spreading the word! #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio And slow or fast reader doesn't matter. My daughter reads twice as fast as I do. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept Best to my knowledge, it doesn't exist... #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling you should add me as a friend =^.^= #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

HeatherMcCorkle @Froze8 I love my book bloggers. They have been such huge supporters! #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 I get giddy everytime a book blogger says 'yes' to reviewing my book. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Will do. #indiechat :) -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KindleFireDept @LM_Preston For the holidays, I'm thinking some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn @laurapauling: @KatGirl_Studio What is this tracking on Goodreads that you speak of? :) #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Froze8 @MichWritesBooks I use twitter to find new books, if I see it often online and hear good things I'll want to check it out #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I read slow but commit everything to memory. I can track the plots of all books I've read and shows and WIPs #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @susankayequinn Just updating status on books we're reading. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling at the same time. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012

susankayequinn Nice! @KindleFireDept: @LM_Preston For the holidays, some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

MichWritesBooks @MaganVernon You and me both! I LOVE book bloggers. #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Stacey_WB Yay!RT @KindleFireDept: For the holidays, Im thinking some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio That's great! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Oreo speed-wagon

Hello! Addison here to share some of my routine and hopefully encourage you! Please don’t forget to share your writing routine in the comments section. I’d love to hear!

First, I have to eat one Oreo each day or the entire universe will unravel.  It's my ongoing, although carbohydrate laden, fiduciary contribution to mankind.

But honestly, and all kidding aside, sometimes that feels like the some total of my existence and I think I can do more than just the whole Oreo thing.

Simply put, I want to further my writing endeavors. Here are some of my daily/ weekly goals.

1.    Create daily goals and stick to them. My goals are usually write 5K a day or edit 5 chapters.

2.    Spend at least an hour on marketing endeavors if not more.

3.    Outline potential new books at least once a week.

4.    Take time for family, nature, listening to muse-ic whenever possible.

It’s hard to keep yourself on the bandwagon of word counts, edits, crazy marketing schemes, SO, hold on, don’t let go, it might be a bumpy ride but it’s better than not moving at all. And when the trek looks pretty darn unappetizing go ahead and grab yourself an Oreo. It might hold more than the universe together, it might be the glue that holds your sanity together as well.

What’s your vice when the going gets tough? What's your writing routine like? 

Addison Moore is a graduate from the University of Southern California and the mom of four wonderful children. She spent over seven years working as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit. Her Celestra Series was recently picked up for film by 20th Century Fox. When she's not writing she's reading. 

ETHEREAL (Celestra Series Book 1) is FREE on Amazon! Pick up a copy today!

Feel free to visit her at: Facebook, Blog, Twitter, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads

EPHEMERAL (The Countenance) and TOXIC (Celestra 7) Coming this summer! 

The Reality of Royalties

Having had two agents and been in this business for a while now, I understand the inns and outs of royalties. I have friends published in every manner conceivable, a few with one of the Big 6 publishers, some with a small publisher, and some self-published. What I know about royalties will shock~and terribly disappoint~some of you. As a supporter of aspiring authors, I feel it’s important knowledge that you should be armed with prior to getting into the business.

When I was a newly minted writer first querying I had dreams of huge royalty checks (who doesn’t at first?) but then I landed my first agent and I was slapped with reality. Publishers (the Big 6 certainly, and most small presses as well) take 90% of your royalties. Oh yes, really. You’re left with 10% off the price of a net sale, then your agent gets 15% off that before you ever even see it.

Here’s an example: Let’s say your book’s retail price is $17.99 (typical price for a YA hardback new release). Wait though, you don’t get the royalties off that price. Your publisher offers the retailer a discount, usually at least 45% to 55%, which brings your net price down to $9.89 best case scenario. That’s why you see books marked down so far, because the retailer can afford it. Then you get 10% of that, about .99 cents. Wait again! Your agent gets 15% of that .99 cents, leaving you .84 cents off the sale of a hardback book priced at $17.99. Think I’m wrong, ask any of your traditionally published friends. They’ll tell you. I was floored when my agent told me that was how it worked.

The one saving grace to all of this is that most of us don’t write for the money, we write because it’s what we love to do. Still, it would be nice if publishers stopped giving such ridiculously deep discounts to retailers and stopped taking the lion’s share of an author’s profits. I won’t hold my breath on that one though.

~Heather McCorkle

Heather is the author of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll, Born Of Fire, Channeler's Choice, and the acclaimed historical YA fantasy, To Ride A Puca. A short story of Heather's is also available in the free In His Eyes eBook anthology.

A Quick Introduction to Author Cheri Lasota's Scribblings.

Artemis Rising FREE on Kindle June 27-29!

Many of you may not be too familiar with my work as compared to some of the other Indelibles, who have been incredibly prolific with series and multiple books. I have no idea if I'm prolific or not, really. My first novel, a YA historical fantasy, took me a decade to write and it's my only book on offer right now. I'm currently in the middle of ironing out the rough draft of my second novel, another YA.

My debut novel, Artemis Rising, is an intense love story, one based on mythology but even I was surprised at the twists and turns the novel takes on its journey. This story is both a reflection of my past and a hope for my future. It is my magnum opus and the bane of my existence. I poured a large part of my soul and time into it, and my greatest hope is that it will touch the lives of others, just as it has touched mine.

When you buy or download it, Artemis Rising is no longer mine but yours. Enjoy!

To check it out on Amazon now, just click here.

xoxo,
~Cheri

A bit about the story

On the voyage home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mirror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her destiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another…

When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s for­bid­den love, Eva must some­how choose between them, or fate will choose for her.

Watch the book trailer

AUTHOR Q&A

Want to know a little more about me or my writing? Here's a Q&A I did a while back with my publisher, Spirehouse Books. 

Q: HOW DID YOU CONCEIVE OF ARTEMIS RISING?

A: This is a difficult question. How does anyone come up with a creative idea? I generally don’t understand the mechanism which allows me to breathe life into characters and weave plots and develop universal themes within the context of a historical setting. I am truly only grateful that I’m paying attention long enough to write it all down. Some days it comes easily, some days I think and think and nothing comes to me. But Artemis Rising? Wow, it is a mish-mash of all my longings and fears. It is an amalgam of all my hopes for the future and my memories in the pleasures of the past. It is a laundry list of my most treasured interests and passions. It is also complete and utter fiction. Does that answer your question?

Okay, something a bit more specific. I used to live in the Azores Islands, a profound privilege that went by far too quickly. But the place and its people have stayed with me some fifteen years later, and I knew that no matter what my book would eventually be about, I would set it on Terceira Island, one of the great loves of my life. The setting being carved in stone, I wondered what to write about for the plot. No answer forthcoming, I played on the Internet (what else is a writer to do?). I remember looking up the meaning of my favorite name in all the world, Tristan. That’s when I stumbled upon the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Isolde. Ooh, did I revel in this delicious story! Mad love and longing, knights and ladies, treachery and tragedy—what’s not to love? And then another day, perhaps months later, I was researching mythology. Can’t recall why. I came across the story of Alpheus and Arethusa and noticed strange similarities to the Tristan and Isolde myth. Something just clicked in my mind. I thought, what would happen if I squished those two myths together? What if they became the subtext to my own story. . .? And my mind went racing on with the possibilities.

Q: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE ARTEMIS RISING?

A: I think I ought to be embarrassed to answer this question. In some ways I am, because for many years, I was actually terrified of writing. I would start a bit, confuse myself with the complex plot elements, and then give up, slinking away into the dark of night (or rather, into the TV room, where all my favorite already-written stories played out beautifully on screen). My goal was to take a universally well-loved story and turn it on its head, using multiple layers and characters who played not one role but three. This sounded all very well in my head, but it was another thing altogether to coax it out of my over-confident imagination and have it make sense on the page. It was like one of those giant puzzles of some scenic place with tiny, confusing pieces that rather frustrate you before you bother to finish it. I knew the pieces would fit, I just knew it. But how? And what would it all mean once I got the puzzle together? I began the research for Artemis Rising in earnest when I was 22 years old. I am now 31, and am only just now feeling confident in the puzzle. It was, I confess, the most difficult endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. But I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR WRITING REGIMEN?

A: I suppose some writers have a daily regimen. Er, does it actually work like that? Ha! Okay, I confess: I’m a cheater. I generally kick-start another round of editing or writing every November for National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I know. I’m supposed to be starting a brand new novel for NaNoWriMo, but I can’t help it. I find that sitting down with my friends in cozy coffeeshops during the bitter cold days of November to be one of the most inspiring literary endeavorings (yes, I just made up that word) I can think of doing. And if I really need to get a WIP finished, then why not?

So I’m one of those writers who is an occasional obsessive. If I’m on a deadline–self-imposed or otherwise–I work like mad until it is done, and every other thing in my life takes a backseat. Is this healthy? I have no idea. But it certainly works for me. But there are two things I cannot live without as I write: coffeeshops and film scores. Nigh impossible to concentrate in my apartment with my laundry, Xbox (oh, yes, I’m a HUGE fan of gaming–bet you didn’t guess that, huh?), and vast movie collection to distract me.

And film scores . . . *sigh* I NEVER write better prose than when I’m swept along to the soundtracks of Mansfield Park, Lord of the Rings, and Atonement. Absolute silence makes me slightly insane, so I always have to have some noise in the background. But I can’t listen to Top 40 radio, because then I’ll just sing along. You see the dilemma . . . But being obsessed with movies since I was in the womb and subsequently majoring in film at university, I have a special little space in my heart for film–and most especially for scores and soundtracks. And since now, I’ve gotten into scoring piano music for local indie films, including my book trailer, I’m just that much more interested in the topic. I would go so far as to say I can’t write without a score in my ear.

Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER?

A: A simple question and a simple answer: Tristan. Must I elaborate? He is my ideal, you see. Flawed, yes, but his intentions are honest. He has a good soul, and I treasure him for that. And Eva needs kindness, given what she’s been through. He is her perfect match.

Q: HOW DID YOU APPROACH YOUR RESEARCH?

A: With trepidation . . .? There is so little research available about the Azores Islands in the 1890s. Education had been abolished by the freemasons for decades, so much of what daily life was like has been lost to oral histories only. I did my utmost to create a world as authentic as possible while remaining true to my vision of the story. A great resource I must mention: James H. Guill’s A History of the Azores Islands.


Want to connect with me? You can find me on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. Or you can pop by my website to explore the novel even more or contact me directly. Want me to guest post on your blog? Shoot me a message. I'd be glad to!