Hey All!!!
I was searching the blog-o-spere and found this post by Janet Kobobel Grant, an agent with Books and Such Literary Agency. It's very easy, as a writer, to think that agents have all the answers - that they are the guardians of the gilded doors to the literary industry, so to speak. But they are people too, and can only do so much for you.
I've always said that being a shrewd business person or leader doesn't require a person to be the smartest in the room, as long as he or she is smart enough to surround his or herself WITH the smartest people they can. If traditional publishing is the route you're taking, you have to learn to work with and trust in the agent you have.
Happy reading and writing!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
MY WRITING BRAND - AN AUTHOR OF COLOR WHO WRITES DIVERSE PARANORMAL FICTION
Hey All!!!
Recently I've been delving into learning the marketing and branding side of the business of writing. Turns out that you have to do more than just write an amazing tale with relatable characters to make it in this business...much more. In addition to writing and editing, you have to have your brand fully developed, a platform established, and a hefty presence on social media and the like. It's serious business to say the least.
Instead of getting properly overwhelmed, which is my normal M.O., I decided to take this whole marketing and branding piece of writing one sliver of work at a time and dissect it like we used to do in A&P in high school. First up, my author branding!
An author's brand is his or her core philosophy when it comes to writing. What is the message that you'd like to share with the world? And why? What drives your passion for putting in the blood, sweat, tears, and pulled out hair that this process takes? There are a lot of resources out there that can help you to develop a brand. The website I looked into can be found here. You just have to apply the plethora of information out there to you.
As far as my brand, here goes nothing:
I am a writer of color who writes diverse paranormal fiction. What makes my writing different from the slew of books already out there is the fact that mine features a diverse cast of characters. We live in a world where you find a proverbial rainbow of folks in every high school, college, and office - and I'm not just talking race here. We have different cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations, different socioeconomic groups. So why do we not see this same type of diversity in the books on our shelves? Especially the books out there for young folks.
There are so many different kinds of people out there who love paranormal fiction. I want to give all lovers of paranormal fiction a voice, as well as to build worlds in my books that reflect the world around us, in all its glorious diversity!
So that's my brand. Maybe I'll post a chapter or two of my writing here...hopefully you all like it.
Happy reading and writing!!!
Recently I've been delving into learning the marketing and branding side of the business of writing. Turns out that you have to do more than just write an amazing tale with relatable characters to make it in this business...much more. In addition to writing and editing, you have to have your brand fully developed, a platform established, and a hefty presence on social media and the like. It's serious business to say the least.
Instead of getting properly overwhelmed, which is my normal M.O., I decided to take this whole marketing and branding piece of writing one sliver of work at a time and dissect it like we used to do in A&P in high school. First up, my author branding!
An author's brand is his or her core philosophy when it comes to writing. What is the message that you'd like to share with the world? And why? What drives your passion for putting in the blood, sweat, tears, and pulled out hair that this process takes? There are a lot of resources out there that can help you to develop a brand. The website I looked into can be found here. You just have to apply the plethora of information out there to you.
As far as my brand, here goes nothing:
I am a writer of color who writes diverse paranormal fiction. What makes my writing different from the slew of books already out there is the fact that mine features a diverse cast of characters. We live in a world where you find a proverbial rainbow of folks in every high school, college, and office - and I'm not just talking race here. We have different cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations, different socioeconomic groups. So why do we not see this same type of diversity in the books on our shelves? Especially the books out there for young folks.
There are so many different kinds of people out there who love paranormal fiction. I want to give all lovers of paranormal fiction a voice, as well as to build worlds in my books that reflect the world around us, in all its glorious diversity!
So that's my brand. Maybe I'll post a chapter or two of my writing here...hopefully you all like it.
Happy reading and writing!!!
Monday, July 29, 2013
MARKETING AND WRITING
Hey All!!!
So, I've found myself at the crossroads that many authors face to when it comes to perfecting their craft: The art of writing vs. the art of marketing.
Many writers find the art of writing an easy skill to focus on. It's something we want to do, need to do. No one has to tell me the importance of determining my writing style, or of making sure I continue to stay in the habit of writing daily. And no one has to point out how much better my writing becomes when I steer clear of being wordy and focus on the properly plot points.
But when it comes to the art of marketing I tend to immediately feel overwhelmed and squeamish. What is the line between promoting a book and being a good ol' fashioned bug-a-boo? Let's be frank, no one strives to be that guy or gal who is on your Twitter feed every hour, on the hour, asking you to buy his or her wonderful book. Like I tell my new hires in orientation, you don't want to be the person who starts a job, guns blazing, talking about what needs to be done to fix a company (unless you were specifically hired to do that). So, how does one navigate the map of marketing without crossing this crazy line?
That's what I'm researching now, and I hope to find a resolution soon.
Happy reading and writing!
So, I've found myself at the crossroads that many authors face to when it comes to perfecting their craft: The art of writing vs. the art of marketing.
Many writers find the art of writing an easy skill to focus on. It's something we want to do, need to do. No one has to tell me the importance of determining my writing style, or of making sure I continue to stay in the habit of writing daily. And no one has to point out how much better my writing becomes when I steer clear of being wordy and focus on the properly plot points.
But when it comes to the art of marketing I tend to immediately feel overwhelmed and squeamish. What is the line between promoting a book and being a good ol' fashioned bug-a-boo? Let's be frank, no one strives to be that guy or gal who is on your Twitter feed every hour, on the hour, asking you to buy his or her wonderful book. Like I tell my new hires in orientation, you don't want to be the person who starts a job, guns blazing, talking about what needs to be done to fix a company (unless you were specifically hired to do that). So, how does one navigate the map of marketing without crossing this crazy line?
That's what I'm researching now, and I hope to find a resolution soon.
Happy reading and writing!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
WHEN CHARACTERS SURPRISE YOU
Hey All!!!
So, I'm working on a new YA novel. When I was first outlining this story, I saw the love interest as an all around nice guy - the athlete who likes to take tons of photos in his spare time. The guy who tells everyone that he takes those photos as a hobby to "beef up his resume", but who deep down loves everything there is about photography.
But when I started writing the first major scene between him and my main character, I was surprised to find he's a bit more snarky and arrogant than I originally thought. It's not that that's who he is deep down, it's just that people have expected certain things from him for so long and he's started to believe the lies.
The realization of the layers to my character shocked the heck out of me...but it also filled me with excitement and amazement!
That's the joy of writing. Not only does it enable me to get all of these voices and stories and what ifs out of my head, but it also enables me to discover so many different lives and personalities. It gives me hope in people and keeps me in awe of our wonderful complexities. And that's something I'll always value.
Happy Reading and Writing!!!
So, I'm working on a new YA novel. When I was first outlining this story, I saw the love interest as an all around nice guy - the athlete who likes to take tons of photos in his spare time. The guy who tells everyone that he takes those photos as a hobby to "beef up his resume", but who deep down loves everything there is about photography.
But when I started writing the first major scene between him and my main character, I was surprised to find he's a bit more snarky and arrogant than I originally thought. It's not that that's who he is deep down, it's just that people have expected certain things from him for so long and he's started to believe the lies.
The realization of the layers to my character shocked the heck out of me...but it also filled me with excitement and amazement!
That's the joy of writing. Not only does it enable me to get all of these voices and stories and what ifs out of my head, but it also enables me to discover so many different lives and personalities. It gives me hope in people and keeps me in awe of our wonderful complexities. And that's something I'll always value.
Happy Reading and Writing!!!
BOOK REVIEW: FOCUS BY ALYSSA ROSE IVY
Hey All!!!
I recently finished Focus, the second book in the Crescent Chronicles, by Alyssa Rose Ivy. Below is a blurb for the book:
I recently finished Focus, the second book in the Crescent Chronicles, by Alyssa Rose Ivy. Below is a blurb for the book:
**********
Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of
a supernatural society.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.
**********
I give this book 3.5 Stars.
I still love, love, LOVE this series. And this second installment didn't disappoint as far as giving me all of the let-my-brain-check-out hot romance that I enjoy.
In Focus, Allie has started her freshman year in college, with trusted friend Hailey as her roomie. She goes to class - though she does have a constant body guard sitting next to her in the form of Levi's besties and goons - and tries to party and have a good time. She also spends most of the book giving Levi hell for tricking her into a binding marriage of sorts.
But when Allie's life is once again put in danger by the other noble families - and with a internal threat exposed - she and Levi have to come together.
This book has it all - fun frat parties, the drama of starting college classes, fun nights out with the girls, and a hot guy who's being put through the ringer to earn love and trust.
My big issue with the book is that, like the first one, it's painfully short. The author could stand to expand on a lot of the situations and issues that present itself throughout the story. There's so many chapters where I felt the action was cut short, and I was left wanting so much more.
I will say that Allie holding her ground with Levi in this book was very much appreciated, and I still loved all of the main characters!
As said before with the first installment, I'd enjoy reading this book many times over!
Happy Reading and Writing!
Monday, July 15, 2013
THE WRITING CONTEST AND OTHER NEWS
Hey All!!!
So, I didn't win the writing/voting contest...but I still have a few pokers in the fire! I'm not sure how everything will work out, but I'm hopeful that you all will see Cursed published in some form with some publishing house in the very near future.
In other news, I'm currently working on a new Young Adult novel, while working on a New Adult one at the same time. I've finally started to get my writing groove back, and now that I have it, I hope to never lose it again (but those of you who are writers know that isn't guaranteed).
So, all in all, it's been a pretty good few weeks.
Expect some book reviews to come your way shortly!
Happy Reading and Writing!
So, I didn't win the writing/voting contest...but I still have a few pokers in the fire! I'm not sure how everything will work out, but I'm hopeful that you all will see Cursed published in some form with some publishing house in the very near future.
In other news, I'm currently working on a new Young Adult novel, while working on a New Adult one at the same time. I've finally started to get my writing groove back, and now that I have it, I hope to never lose it again (but those of you who are writers know that isn't guaranteed).
So, all in all, it's been a pretty good few weeks.
Expect some book reviews to come your way shortly!
Happy Reading and Writing!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
BOOK REVIEW: FLIGHT BY ALYSSA ROSE IVY
Hey All!!!
I recently read Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy. Below is the blurb from the book:
Sometimes you just have to take flight.
A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.
Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.
I give this book 3.5 Stars
There is something about this series that I absolutely LOVE!!! And I can't fully put my finger on it.
Flight starts with Allie moving to New Orleans to work in her dad's hotel for the summer, before heading off to Princeton in the Fall. She's excited to get away and live in the city with her bestie, and to make a new start away from her ex. Her life changes when she meets the seriously sexy and obnoxious Levi. They spend many days and nights together with his crew, and he even tells her his family secret.
But when he makes a decision that will change her entire life, without her permission or full knowledge, it not only shifts her entire world, but may leave their relationship broken forever.
The storyline for this book is fairly simple and flows well. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Girl finds boy is a wizard, vampire, shifter, you name it. Girls link with boy causes her to be placed in horrid danger. Girl and boy work it out to determine how life will go on.
I really enjoyed the characters here, especially Levi and Allie's new bestie, Hailey. And from time to time, I enjoy books where I can just check out and get an easy read. For me, Flight is kind of like watching the reality T.V. that you know isn't all that great for you, but you still love it for what it is.
The things that I didn't care for included the fact that Allie can be flighty (pun intended - Ha!) at times. She goes into the city claiming that she's sworn off men and turns around the next few pages and jumps all over Levi. Let me tell you, the times I'm off men, they get the hint...quickly.
Also, I felt the way her bestie, Jess, was dropped from the story and Hailey was conveniently there to take up the role didn't sit well for me. I'd have preferred it if she went there alone and talked with her bestie on the phone or something. It was just too forced for me.
Lastly, the story is painfully short. I feel there was not enough storytelling overall and I was left wanting more.
Even with the above, I'd still read this over and over again...like I said, it's my reality T.V.
I recently read Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy. Below is the blurb from the book:
**********
Sometimes you just have to take flight.
A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.
Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.
**********
I give this book 3.5 Stars
There is something about this series that I absolutely LOVE!!! And I can't fully put my finger on it.
Flight starts with Allie moving to New Orleans to work in her dad's hotel for the summer, before heading off to Princeton in the Fall. She's excited to get away and live in the city with her bestie, and to make a new start away from her ex. Her life changes when she meets the seriously sexy and obnoxious Levi. They spend many days and nights together with his crew, and he even tells her his family secret.
But when he makes a decision that will change her entire life, without her permission or full knowledge, it not only shifts her entire world, but may leave their relationship broken forever.
The storyline for this book is fairly simple and flows well. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Girl finds boy is a wizard, vampire, shifter, you name it. Girls link with boy causes her to be placed in horrid danger. Girl and boy work it out to determine how life will go on.
I really enjoyed the characters here, especially Levi and Allie's new bestie, Hailey. And from time to time, I enjoy books where I can just check out and get an easy read. For me, Flight is kind of like watching the reality T.V. that you know isn't all that great for you, but you still love it for what it is.
The things that I didn't care for included the fact that Allie can be flighty (pun intended - Ha!) at times. She goes into the city claiming that she's sworn off men and turns around the next few pages and jumps all over Levi. Let me tell you, the times I'm off men, they get the hint...quickly.
Also, I felt the way her bestie, Jess, was dropped from the story and Hailey was conveniently there to take up the role didn't sit well for me. I'd have preferred it if she went there alone and talked with her bestie on the phone or something. It was just too forced for me.
Lastly, the story is painfully short. I feel there was not enough storytelling overall and I was left wanting more.
Even with the above, I'd still read this over and over again...like I said, it's my reality T.V.
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