The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Last week, talented and funny author Allison Dixon talked about her work in progress, Strings, as part of a little "blog hop" tour. She then tagged five other authors. Yours truly being one of them, to do the same.

The Rules:

Answer these ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress) on your blog

Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.

Okay, I'm going with Helen Landalf, who I met through the Elevensies, my fellow 2k12er,  J. Anderson Coats, my co-prezzie for the Class of 2k12 Caroline Starr Rose, a friend I met a few years ago through the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest Hart Johnson
and, hmmmmm...how about another fellow 2k12er who was just recently release, Kimberly Sabatini. Okay ladies. Bring it.

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:

What is the working title of your book?

I wasn't sure which one to talk about because you know, I have about a million manuscripts started, but I decided to go ahead and talk about the Revelations: Book One of The Divinity Chronicles.


Where did the idea come from for the book?
It's a combination of things. I'm actually take the first books I wrote, A superhero series, and morphing them into this dystopian series. So, it's kind of the same story but not. The characters are the same, but the story has become older and darker.

What genre does your book fall under?
Young adult dystopian fantasy.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
This is hard, something I've not really thought of for this book. Hmmm,

Danica: India Eisley

Mary: Jennifer Lawrence

Rachel: Chloe Moretz

Oliver: Garen Boyajian

 

Ian: William Mosely

Hazzard: Kodi Smi-McPhee

The Protector: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Oh good lord, I mentioned this was going to be a trilogy, right? Hmmm

After a bloody civil war between Paranormals and humans leaves her country in turmoil, one girl, living toward the bottom of the new caste system, finds she may be the key to bringing the Paranormals to their knees and peace back to her iniquitous nation.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'd love to have this book published traditionally, but I'm not afraid to go the self published route if necessary.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Work In Progress means Still In Progress. The original manuscript took about 6 months I think. This one will take more I'm sure. It's on the back burner until I finish a revisions of an other book, but I'm definitely getting back to it soon.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmmm, not really sure. I've not really seen one like it. There are aspects of it I didn't give away in the summary. Not sure it's comparable, at least not to something I've seen before.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Originally it was my girls. I wanted to write a story with them as a couple of the characters. I've kept them in this version. They were friends in the original, I've made them sisters in this one, more to real life. I've changed their personalities to fit who they've become rather than to who they were when I first wrote the book, which was when they were very little. It's going to be very fun to write.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It's kind of a superhero book. There's also a bit of a take on combing church and state, though in a very fantastical way. There will be adventure, intrigue, romance, everything. :)

What I've Learned

AC Gaughen (author of Scarlet, Walker Books for Young Readers, February 14, 2012) has posted her debut check list on the Class of 2k12 blog today, which, inspired me to write my own list. Now that my release date has come and gone, I know better what to do the next time around *fingers crossed there's a next time*

Some of this info I learned from Saundra Mitchell, and believe me, she has way more on her website, so you should check it out. Some I've learned through the Classes of 2k11 and 2k12. And the other stuff is my own experience.

And I'll say this, it will cost some money, but it doesn't have to cost a lot, and it's all a write off.

Well before the release:

• Find your local writing associations and join.
• Start planning early. Implement your marketing plan as early as possible. I'm not saying start your marketing plan, just start starting your marketing plan.
• Choose what kind of swag you want and order it. You need to check with your publicist regarding what needs to be put on your swag, publisher name, website, copyright for art work used. Also, be creative. I was kind of a total swag whore, but people love to get free stuff. That's all there is to it. And if that free stuff has your book title, your website, all the better.
• If you're sending out postcards, get them ordered early, write them out, and have them ready to send out. The closer your release date gets, the more you'll have to do. You'll feel a lot better if your mailings are ready to go. I sent mine to my local libraries, high school librarians and English teachers, and indie book stores. Even if you only get a couple hits, I think it's worth it.
• Donate. Believe me, you will be asked to donate for giveaways, auctions, etc, etc. Get your name the name of your book out to the world any way you can.
• Do not skimp on social media. At the least, Twitter, Facebook, blog, and website. I suggest you stay off of Goodreads. Sometimes I wish I'd never heard of Goodreads. While you will more than likely get many rave reviews, you will also get bad ones. And some of them will make you cry. I know it will be hard, but stay away. At the very least, just don't read the bad ones. You've probably heard that publicists from publishing houses don't offer much help to a debut author. I think if you're proactive before you get to that point, your publicist may be more inclined to offer help. Also, find every directory/website, etc and add your name.

Closer to the date:

• Send out your mailings.
• Again, find a way to get your name and book out across the country. I did this by:
• Joining the Apocalypsies and the Class of 2k12.
• Setting up a blog tour with YA review bloggers.
• Doing guest posts and interviews for bloggers.
• Hosting giveaways for swag and/or signed arc.
• Planning a marketing campaign that will reach from one coast to another. My publicist and I came up with my Pass It On campaign, and it's been really cool so far.
• Stay organized. Create different folders in your email and on your computer (excel) to keep track of guest posts, giveaways, and keep a calendar of them and author events also. I'm not so good at this and sometimes I forget who I owe what to, re: swag, arcs, posts.
• Order your own books so you have extra. These will be good for giveaways, and overstock if you're at a signing and they run out of books.
• Practice your signature. I'm not kidding. Make it different from your legal signature. There are some kooks out there.
  
• Plan your party. There are pros and cons as far as the different kinds of places that will host your party.

1. Library. They usually have larger event spaces, but you may be limited with food and drink. Also, if you're going to sell books, you need to get a book seller there. This you will need to plan for at least a couple months in advance. And they will want to know how many people you'll be expecting. They may not do off site sales if it's not worth their while.
2. Indie book store. The space might be smaller, but food and drink may be flexible, and you can sell your books right there on site.
3. Private site. More flexible with food and beverage. Larger space. May be hard to get a book seller there. Will be way more expensive.

There are also some website that offer other ideas for book release parties. Google is your friend.

Release:

• Communication is key. Make sure you and your host are on the same page about everything, book sellers, ordering books, refreshments, decor, and set up.
• Plan for disaster. We got snow right before mine, so we adjusted the party a little to accommodate. Also, a box of books didn't come in. Luckily I had brought two boxes I had purchased, so we have a few more, but still not enough. Just make sure you're ready for anything.
• In case of disaster let go. Things happen. Don't let it stress you out to much. It is what it is. Deal with the things you can control, adapt to the things you can't.
• If you're using multi-media, make sure your host knows this, you have all the right equipment and it's working properly. If you're using a CD or DVD, test it at home to make sure it works.
• If you're going to read, practice in front of a mirror or webcam.
• If you're speaking, have a podium or take a seat so you're not standing there awkwardly shifting from side to side.
• Project your voice. If you're having someone else read for you, tell them to project their voice.
• Depend on family and friends for help. They will offer, they will help, use them.
  
• Expect people to come early.
• Bring extra books in case you run out.
  
• Give stuff away. People like prizes.
• Have a guest book, have them write email addresses if they want to keep up with news and events.
  
• Give to charity. It will make you feel good. Many writers choose a charity and host a raffle. Carrie Harris hosted a raffle for a hospital library. Robin Bridges did a blood drive. I'm doing a raffle to benefit Mary Bridge Children's hospital at my private party this weekend.
• Have fun. Very important.

Here are some of the sites I used for my swag:

Gotprint

Pure Buttons

Wrist-band.com

Inkhead

Cafe Press

I think that's all I'll bore you with. I know it's a long list, but chock full of good info. Happy planning.

One Week

OMG! It's one week until my book release. Am I excited? Of course. I'm I terrifed? Definitely. Am I freaking out? Undoubtedly.

In honor of my one week left, I've decided to do another giveaway. Yep. I'm going to give away a marked up ARC and swag. For those of you who don't know what a marked up ARC is. It's a review copy that has notes written by me in the margins, telling you all the secrets I didn't get to reveal in the book or background story about the people and places I wrote about.

You want?

Visit my Facebook Fan Page in the Notes section, answer one simple question, and leave your email address. It's that easy.

Winner will be chosen at random to be announced on my book birthday, January 17th, 2012!!

I also want to wish a happy book birthday to Robin Bridges (The Gathering Storm), Caroline Starr Rose (May B.) and Robin Mellom (Ditched). Check out their books!!!

IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson Cover Reveal

Corrine Jackson, part of my Class of 2k12 clan has revealed the cover for her upcoming release, If I Lie.  It's gorgeous, check it out here.

Here's a short summary of the book, which is coming to you August 28th, 2012:

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. 

Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.

Sounds totally and utterly awesome, right?  But it on your TBR list.

Congrats to Corrine, you can find her here:

https://twitter.com/#!/Cory_Jackson

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrine-Jackson/154559914605231

Author copies, Christmas, and good bfs

Totally unrelated things I know.

First off, I want to say that I received a box of author copies in the mail a couple days ago.  And SQUEEEEEEE!!!!  They are so beautiful.  The cover is metallic and everything seems to pop off of it.

I was asked by my co-prezzie of the Class of 2k12, Caroline Starr Rose if I would read it again now that it was in realsies book form.

I think I just might read it again, this book I've read a bazillion times and got so sick of I wanted to toss it from the Narrows Bridge.  It's kind of different with it's metallic blue cover and it's dedication and acknowledgments, and playlist in the back.  It's a bit surreal to look at it and know it's mine.  I created it.  The title stands out more on the metallic cover than it did on the other, and the car pops off the page.  If I were walking through a bookstore, I would pick it up for sure.  And on the back where the description starts the words I had the dream again are the same as the title, same font, each letter a different color.  I am so in love with this book, more than I've been in a long time.  So yeah, I may read it again.


Now that I've written all that, I can't remember what I was going to say about Christmas. hmmmm.  I'll get back to that when (if) I remember.


To good boyfriends.  I told you the other day, this is a stressful time of year for me, not just because of the holidays but for other reasons.  The other day I was panicking because there were presents to wrap,  Christmas cards to create and send, and gift baskets to make (57 to be exact), and baking to be done, and my house was a mess, and 18 videos and dvds to make and, and, and...

this is not my bf but you get the picture

...and I have a boyfriend who tells me to breathe.  A boyfriend who comes over and folds my laundry, and does my dishes, and vacuums my floors, and makes me dinner while I make videos.  He does allow this poor pathetic girl to breathe.  And I feel much better.  My videos are close to being done, I did some of my baking yesterday, gift baskets, done (just need to be delivered which is fun), my house is clean (outside my office which I just may clean today), I've printed out my Christmas cards, most important, I still have presents to wrap, baking to do, a few more videos to Lightscribe, but I'm also still breathing.


Now about Christmas.  Still don't remember, but I do love waking up to the Christmas lights, to hell with the light bill.

Oh, yeah, and catch me on Julia Karr's 2k12 Days of Christmas today.


Happy Thursday all.  Hope it's a great day.

Thursday is Thrustday

I've never really referred to it like this, because I try to stay prim and proper. er.

Because if a typo a while back (I can't remember whose exactly, maybe one of my friends can help out there) Thurday has become Thrustday.

We use Thrustday to misbehave.  To act crazy.  To flirt.  To use innuendo for fun.

It's goofy, but it's fun, and it breaks up the monotony of the week.  Everyone should celebrate Thrustday every week.

---

Enough about that.  Kathryn Burak, author of How People Disappear, coming to you in 2012, has written a wonderful post about writing today at the Class of 2k12 blog.  All aspiring (and even published) writers should read it.  It's very thoughtful and offers great advice.

Catch me over at the Class of 2k12 blog today!!!!

I've blogged about Teen Read Week and favorite graphic novel characters!!!

Click here to check it out!

Monkey Madness Monday

I love this monkey.  He appears to be forlorn about something.

So, it's Monday.  The weekend was half crazy, half quietly productive. If you subscribe to my youtube channel, you probably know part of the craziness that was my Friday night.  If not, you can watch it here.

Two soccer games, two wins.  Lots of fun. A friend came over Saturday night.  I was exhausted and a little tipsy and fell asleep on her (not literally on her, but you know what I mean).  She still loves me though.

And I caught up with blog posts (almost) and work for the Class of 2k12.  I have a few more things to do to get ready for my book release.

I can't believe it's getting so close.  I don't think I'll ever feel ready.

Oh, yeah, and there's that pesky work in progress to revise.  I'd like to have it done by November 1st, but I'm not sure that's realistic.

Don't forget, it's Teen Read Week.  Get your teens to their local library and have them pick out something to read for fun!!!

F³A: Teen Read Week

It's next week.  The theme is Picture It @ Your Library.  It's focusing on graphic novels.  I've already posed this question on Facebook, so if you've already answered there, I've got it.  I'm doing a blog next week for The Class of 2k12 and I want to know your favorite graphic novel characters and why you chose them.

Don't forget the why part!!!

This will post on Tuesday at the 2k12 blog.

Friday Scribbles:

Random iPod shuffle song: 25 to Life by Eminem.

Book of the Week: Um, seriously, I've not had much time to read.  The only thing I've really read is the 17 Day Diet (I've lost five pounds so far) and Wordpress in Depth which I've been reading at work, for work.  I need time and energy to read for enjoyment. sigh.

Netflix of the Week: Monk Season 8.  I'm almost done. :(  I need a suggestion for what to watch next.




Quotes of the Week:
 
“The past can't hurt you anymore, not unless you let it.”
― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta


“You got a lifetime. No more. No less.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 7: Brief Lives 

Happy Friday everyone!!

The Class of 2k12, Explained.

Yesterday I blogged about the launch of the Class of 2k12.   It has come to my attention that some of you may not know what the hell that is.  So, I'm going to explain.

The Class of 2k12 is a group of twenty middle-grade and young adult debut novelists working in concert to promote our books and reading.

We are sending the Class of 2k11 out with a bang by

giving away a huge prize pack of their titles, signed, for a deserving class, school, or public library.  If you'd like to nominate your favorite library, stop by our Facebook page, and in our notes section, tell us about it. The winner will be announced November 12.  

And like I said yesterday, we'll also be hosting monthly giveaways, two giving back programs, and participating in a major book drop.

Be sure to visit our links to find out about 2k12 books, authors, and events:

our website
our blog
our Facebook page
our Twitter link
our newsletter (Click to sign up -- simply write ADD ME in the comment line).  

Hope that clears everything up.  Have a fantastic Thursday!

Monday Monkey Madness

Yeah, I know it's Tuesday, but I don't like blogging on Tuesdays and didn't have time to blog yesterday #wheredidmylifego.  So, it's Monkey Madness Monday today.

Got back from a soccer tourney on Sunday for Thing One's team (we bought her and her friend Thing One and Two footie pjs while we were there).  The team played hard.  Ref's lost one game for them.  They lost the other all on their own, and won one.  We had a good time, stopped through Leavenworth on the way home.  No, not the prison, the quaint German town in Washington.

Thing Two's team one 5-0.  Wish I could have transported and seen it.

Non sequitur:  The Class of 2k12 launches officially tomorrow.  We're having some great giveaways, a giving back program, and monthly contests.  Oh, yeah, and we have some rockin' teen fiction coming out next year.

Be sure to check us out on Twitter, Facebook,youtube, and on our website.  You can also sign up to receive the Class newsletter and keep up with all our releases and giveaways. (we promise, only once a month).


That's all from me.  Have a great Monday, I mean, Tuesday!

F³A: Blogging, blogging, and more blogging

Seriously, I've been doing nothing but the day job, soccer, and guest blogs all week.  The guest blogs have been pretty fun.  I'm one of Badass Bookies Debutantes for 2012.  I've got a blog tour coming up on Teen Book Scene (I'll share dates later).  I've got a Dear Teen Me letter coming out on October 31st. And I've got two posts for the Class of 2k11 at the end of the month.

Oh, yeah, and the Class of 2k12 launch on the 12th.  I'll be blogging toward the end of the month (website not up until that date).  Plus I've got guests blogs to finish up for the class.

I'm crazy right?  The answer would be yes.  But I love it.  It's what I want to do.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Don't forget, I'm sending out signed bookmarks for anyone who subscribes to my Youtube channel.

Question: I've got my vlog series, but is there anything else you'd like to see?  Advice, personal stuff? (keep it clean people)

Okay, Friday Scribbles:

Random iPod shuffle song:  Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine.  This song has a supporting role in Never Eighteen.

Book of the Week:  I'm sticking with Amy Dominy's OyMG.  After I finish all these blog posts, I should have time to read again. *fingers crossed*

Netflix of the Week: Dexter Seaon 5, OMG! OMG! I LOVE Dexter.

Rest in Peace

Quote of the Week:

Thursday Random bits of Everything

First of, I promised my friend Gae I'd share a link. The Falling Apart Coming Together YA panel.  Young adult authors discuss  their recent novels. Authors David Levithan, Jonathan Farmer, Matt Blackstone, Christopher Grant, and Gae Polisner share their recent novels about shattered teenagers who try to understand their fragile world. This will definitely be an invigorating discussion – especially for parents of this demographic.

If you're in the Brooklyn area, get your butt over there.  I wish I were there.

Okay, next on the list, here is the final version of the Never Eighteen book trailer, let me know what you think:

Don't forget, I'll send you a signed bookmark if you subscribe to my youtube channel.  Just let me know.

Also, the Class of 2k12 launches in ONE WEEK!!!!  Can you believe it?  It seems like it's taken so long to get here.  We're having two huge giveaways, one pack of 2k11 books, one pack of 2k12 books open to libraries, whether public, school or classroom.  You can nominate your library of choice, but don't do it yet, wait until we launch.  We're also doing monthly giveaways open to everyone, and three giving back campaigns throughout the year.  If you want to sign up for the 2k12 newsletter, send an email to info@classof2k12.com.  You'll be able to visit our website to find out what's going on, and we're already on Twitter and Facebook.

Okay, I think that's all for today.  Catch you on the flip side.

Megan

F³A: Seclusion

Okay, first off, who likes the new blogger look?  I'm trying to use it, but I think I prefer the old.  Why does everything have to change?  I fear change.

Okay, I'm in seclusion.  I have tons of work to do.  Put swag packs together, write 5 million postcards, send arcs, work on a discussion guide, make lists, and hopefully, some revisions.

I have three days. (I did a little last night, but I also made a video and had a 2k12 twitter chat last night, plus I was pooped)  I'm thinking with very little distraction (I am going to move away from the computer soon). I should be able to get most if not everything done.  Oh yeah, and I'm going to visit a couple bookstores and the library here and drop off some book marks.

That's it.  I have too much to do today.

Friday Nibbles. (I don't like the name nibbles, anyone got any other ideas?)

Random Pandora Song: Shattered by O.A.R.

Book of the Week: OyMG by Amy Dominy, yes I haven't finished yet, I've not had a spare moment to read.  I think I'll try to read this weekend to.

Netflix of the Week: Monk.  Still enjoying phobic, OCD Adrian Monk.  I have five seasons left.

Quote of the Week: "I have found that some people are meant to stay in your life while others you have to let walk away." ~ Cari of Cari's Book Blogs

I have been thinking about this myself this week, so when she posted it today, I had to share.

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!!

F³A: I know, I know

I haven't blogged for two days.  It's been, once again, a crazy week.  Two full days of html class, hosting a birthday bbq, trying to work on marketing stuff, the flu, and then, death.  Not the metaphorical kind either.  An acquaintance to me, but a friend to people I care about.  I met him a few times, he was a funny, sweet, very likeable guy.  Though I didn't know him well, he did touch my life and he will be missed.

Sigh.

Excited for my writers retreat this weekend.  I want to come up with a pithy name for it and do it annually.  Any ideas?

Also been freaking out about my book launch.  I feel like I'm so behind on the marketing stuff.  I know I still have six months, (okay, not quite) but it goes fast.  Next step, contact LA teachers, librarians, and bookstores locally.  I also will be doing a grass roots campaign.  Some of you prepare to be contacted.  Also prepare for me to move to blogging three days a week instead of five.  It's all about the freak out.

Also, watch for the Class of 2k12's vlog on WriteOnCon.  We talk about getting published, the editorial process, and give aspiring writer's advice.  Not sure when it will be posted, will update later.

That's all I can muster today. 

Friday Nibbles:

Random iPod shuffle song: Decode by Paramore.

Book of the Week:  I'm going with Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.  I've not read it yet, but it's now been suggested to me twice.

Netflix of the Week: Manic.  Watched this for research.  It was fantastic.  It's dark, but well worth the watch.  Stars Don Cheadle (who I think is amazing), Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Zooey Deschanel.

Quote of the Week: "Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness." ~  Carl Jung

F³A: Time

I don't have any anymore it seems. None that's free anyway.  I work.   Then I go home and work some more.  I don't think I could possibly have fathomed how much time and energy it takes to release a book.  You write it, get a book deal, and the rest just falls into place, right?  Um, no.

First there's swag.  If you don't know what swag is, it's pretty much a group of promotional items you give away.  Most people would hire someone to design these things for them, but since I have a bit of know-how (a small bit really, but enough not to pay to have it done) I'm designing them myself.  Time.  Yep.  I just ordered buttons yesterday.  I'm designing bookmarks.  I'll probably do some stickers, pencils, and hopefully come up with some other really brilliant ideas.

Once you have the swag, it's time to make connections.  You take them to your local bookstores and libraries and ask them to carry your book.  You give them to LA teachers and school librarians to give to their students.  You send them all over the country to any of your connections that will pass them out for you to their local bookstores and libraries. 

Then there's donation letters.  I'm reaching out to any company I mentioned in the book.  Ford, Starbucks, the Space Needle, etc, and ask if they will donate ANYTHING for giveaways.  I'm still working on this one.

I've booked one release gig.  But I'll need to do at least three or four to include everyone I want to.  And this will require me talking to my local indie store, which I as of now have no relationship whatsoever.

I'm trying to put some of these things in place now because I know the closer it gets to the release, the busier it's going to get.

There's way more than that too. AND I'm also working with the Class of 2k12 on basically the same stuff.  I love it, but it's exhausting.

That's all for today.  Getting sidetracked and feel poopy. Happy Friday and have a great holiday weekend.  Remember all those who gave their lives for your freedom.

I'll leave you with the Friday Nibbles.

Random Pandora Song: Break Even by the Script.  I freakin' love this song and it's so true.

Book of the week: I'm still reading Popular by Alissa Grosso, but let's throw Tension of Opposites in there too.  It's by Kristina McBride.  Just Facebook friended her and we have a mutual friend.

Netfix of the week: The Office Season Six.  Just finished it.  Hilarious

Quote of the week: "When love is not madness, it is not love."  ~Pedro Calderon de la Barca

F³A: The Class of 2k12

First of all, I want to tell you my Apocalypty interview with Gae Polisner is up here.  You should go read it.

Also, no Friday Nibbles because seriously, Blogspot is freaking out today.

Now I want to talk about the Class of 2K12.  We're in our beginning stages, but we're steam rolling our way through.  We're working on our website, trailer, and other exciting things.

Last night we hosted a Twitterchat at #teenink.  I've never done a Twitterchat before and it was really fun.  We met a lot of teen writers, and adult writers as well, giving advice, talking about writing and books, and just having fun.  We'll probably be doing one in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for that.

Our official launch will be 12/12/11

Here is the Class of 2k12

Suzanne Lazear

AC Gaughen

Caroline Starr Rose

CorrineJackson

Daniel Marks

Debra Driza

Eve MarieMont

Gina Rosati

J.AndersonCoats

Jennifer Wolf

Joanne Levy

Kate Burak

Katy Longshore

Kimberly Sabatini

LyndaMullalyHunt

Lynne Kelly

Megan Bostic

Patrice Lyle

Robin Bridges

Sarah Tregay

SarvenazTash

Thought Provoking Thursday: Marketing

I received the marketing letter from my publisher yesterday.  Talk about information overload.  That's good though.  It's very thorough.  Clearly states what I should be doing.  What they will be doing for me.  Even with the online stuff I'm already doing, there's more.  I believe I will have no life for the rest of the year, probably longer.

Although I'm on Facebook, Twitter, I blog, I have a website, it's not enough.  There are certain things I must do on those sites to maximize my online presence.  Update often, host stuff (I don't know what yet)

Is that so bad?

There's swag, and since I have a little experience with graphic design, I'm going to design my own, bookmarks, buttons, postcards, and stickers. (and whatever else there is to create).

There are many events to attend.  Book signings, festivals, conferences.  I can also try and do school visits.

And of course I'm a member of the Class of 2k12, so I'm pretty much double marketing.

I need to find some balance, to do all this, keep up with my writing, give my kids some attention, and go to my day job.

It seems exhausting and impossible, but others have done it, so I think I can too.

Back to it.  Laters.

~Megan

Tooting the Horn Tuesday

I got nothing.  I mean, I'm sure there are great things going on for people all over the world, but I've been too busy to keep up with them this week. SO, I'm just going to say, go check out the debut writers at the Class of 2k11.  They always have cool stuff going on, selling rights, getting deals for their sequels.  Plus, they have some really cool contests.

Speaking of contests, seriously, I'm giving a prize to my 200th follower.  So, you could spread the word, or follow if you don't already.  If they have a referral, that referral gets a prize too.  Now, it's just going to be something small and sweet, I'm a struggling writer you know.

Another group of debut writers to check out is the Apocalypsies.  These are a group of 2012 debuts (including yours truly).  Right now they have some great interviews with the Elevensies on their blog.

And  the Class of 2k12 is underway.  We're still looking for debut novelists for next year.  If you're interested, let me know.

F³A: I'm sure I had something to write about.

But I forgot.  I really need to write these things down.

I will say that things are starting to happen at the Class of 2k12.  I'm not at liberty to say, it's very covert, but I know 2012 will be epic (no the work epic is not a hint, you're just going to have to wait)

If you're an author with a YA or MG debut coming out next year, and want to work with a great group of writers using synergy to cross promote, get in touch with me, or the beautiful Caroline Starr Rose.


On the writing front, I'm over 6.5K into my novel Sad, and it's really coming together.  I'm loving Sydney's voice and I'm really connecting with her.  Tiny blurb:

"We wrapped around each other and  just lay there breathing, and I felt the kind of peace you usually only find while watching a baby sleep, or when you look up into the night sky imagining yourself among the stars."

Hmmm . . . what else?  Oh, yes.  All you Twilight fans can envy me this weekend as I travel to the town of Forks to visit all things Twilighty.  Hopefully I'll run into a vampire or two (have I mentioned my love for vampires, if not the Twilighty ones,  the Interviewy, Underworldly unsparkly ones).    

That's all for the Friday Free For All, except of course for this:

Random song from my iPod: The Killers, All These Things That I've Done

Book of the Week: XVI by Julia Karr

Movie of the Week: Eh, let's throw Eclipse out there in honor of my trip to Forks

Quote of the Week: "My mom is a vampire.  She is Vampire Mom." ~ Mary and Rachel Bostic