Author Marketing

Helpful hints from fellow authors

  • Author Marketing

    Taste of Summer: Crockpot Pot Roast @kristynphipps @MFRW_ORG #RLFblog #MFRWorg

    Summer Pot Roast 
    Recipe by Kristyn M. Phipps, Activities Director, Marketing
    for Romance Writers
    When you think of a retreat or conference, do you think of
    making a packing list? Traveling out of town? Hiring a sitter? Spending a ton
    of money? Holing up in a hotel for a weekend? Well, you won’t find any of that
    at the MFRW Summer Camp in July!
    Not only is camp free (yes, I said FREE!!), but it’s an
    incredible opportunity for any author to get involved in a writers network that
    only has benefits. Camp isn’t just another conference, it’s the conference to
    learn from your peers and share your knowledge with them. I’m not saying this
    because I’m on staff – I experienced this personally long before joining the
    staff.
    This amazing group not only shares knowledge and gives
    advice, but it teaches and helps its members succeed. There is a common bond
    between the authors that I dare say you cannot find anywhere else. Why? Because
    everyone has a voice, and that voice is always heard. We have and give the opportunity
    to make a difference in the lives and careers of others.
    To find out more about our Summer Camp “Tastes of
    Summer”, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MarketingForRomanceWriters/ or
    http://marketingforromancewriters.org/camp.htm 
    Today, I’d like to share my recipe for my summer pot roast – only when the ingredients have spent time cooking together do they come together in a beautiful dinner medley!

    Summer Camp
    Pot Roast

    Ingredients:
    1 roast (2-3 pounds)
    7-10 red skin potatoes, washed and halved
    1 small bag of baby carrots
    1 beef bouillon cube
    1 c water
    Seasoning Mix: 1/4 tsp of each: garlic salt, black pepper,
    thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, and parsley
    Instructions:
    (1) Place prepared potatoes, carrots, and bouillon cube in
    the bottom of the crockpot.
    (2) Rub the Seasoning Mix into all sides of the roast and
    place it on top of the veggies.
    (3) Pour water over the roast to let the loose seasonings
    mix in the bottom.
    (4) Cook on low setting to your liking – about 6 to 8 hours.
    Do not overcook as meat will become dry.
    Served best with a French loaf and your favorite green
    veggie! 

    Find Me Here

    Website http://kristynphipps.com

  • Author Marketing

    MFRW: Follow Your Passion @AuthorTinaGayle #RLFblog #MFRWauthor

    Summer’s Growth 

    Today, author Tina Gayle takes over the blog with a tip for following your passion as a writer.
    ===

    Follow Your Passion with the Help of MFRW

    You can’t buy it…you can’t get it from someone else–It is
    right there within you.
    My passion to be a published author has taken me on a wild ride.
    The up and down adventure has required perseverance and tenacity. I’ve had to sit
    in the chair and write, deal with situations that I’d never imagined, encountered
    a number of “Oh Shit moments” and had more fun than I could have ever
    believed possible.
               
    With no agent, spelling challenged, and an aversion to commas,
    my love of a good story kept me going. I took writing classes, networked with other
    writers and put myself where I needed to be to hone my skills. My rose colored glasses
    wouldn’t let me see what others said were insurmountable obstacles.
    Also along the way, I found promoting my book to be a challenge.
    That is one of the reasons I love Marketing for Romance Writers. The group is very
    supportive and helps me discover new ways to market my book.
    This summer they are also offering a free summer camp to not
    only help me learn about new promotion sites, but to also help me be a better writer.
    What more can you ask for?
    No matter which road you travel remember to follow your passion
    and discover a new world of adventure.
    — Tina Gayle

    Summer’s Growth

    A mainstream novel with romantic and paranormal elements about
    two women.
    Mattie Winston, an almost fifty recluse who lives on a lonely
    estate and guards generations of family spirits, and a young college student, Amber
    Harrison, who doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. The Winston spirits
    decided that Mattie needs to develop a life outside the estate and Amber is going
    to be the new family keeper, which throws the two together.
    Both travel down different paths of self-discovery but their
    reliance on each other grows stronger after several scary moments. Mattie, challenged
    by an old flame, rethinks the idea of love. Amber, faced with the appearance of
    her distant grandmother’s ghost, decides to solve the mystery of why her grandmother
    disappeared without a trace. By the end of the book, after love is embraced and
    family secrets are revealed, Mattie and Amber are both ready to meet their futures
    with enthusiasm as stronger more self-confident people.

    Buy links

    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00B8VXGLK/
    Barnes and Noble http://barnesandnoble.com/w/summers-growth-tina-gayle/1114375064?ean=2940044285521
    Kobo http://kobobooks.com/ebook/Summers-Growth/book-sLxVut-IzUWfKJDoVOIg5A/page1.html?s=qrQp7DVJq0mXP9mX4wF8ww&r=1

    Find Me Here

    Blog http://tinagayle.blogspot.com
    LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759
  • Author Marketing

    Recipe: Sweet Potatoes Croquettes @elisevancise #RLFblog #MFRWcamp

    Sweet Potato Croquettes
    Sweet Potatoes, Croquet, and Summer Fun for Authors!
    Summer is fast approaching and our muses are itching to get out
    and enjoy the sunshine. It’s a great time to pack that picnic basket with crowd
    pleasing treats like Sweet Potato Croquettes.
    Sweet Potato Croquettes are quick and easy to whip up. Toss these
    ingredients in your shopping cart:
    1 box corn flake cereal
    1 40oz can yams (you can use candied if you prefer)
    1 bag mini marshmallows
    Cinnamon or Allspice
    When you get home put that watermelon in the fridge to chill
    then preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Next you can get rid of all your pent up
    noveling anxiety by crushing the corn flakes, don’t make them too fine though you
    want some nice bits.
    Now put the yams in a bowl and mix with cinnamon or allspice
    to taste. Once thoroughly mixed roll yams in ping pong or golf ball size balls with
    a marshmallow or two in the center.
    Next just roll the yam balls in the crushed corn flakes until
    coated and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Once all rolled pop your croquettes
    into the oven for 15-20 minutes or until done.
    While you’re waiting for your Sweet Potato Croquettes you can
    grab your mallet and try to get through the wickets or… You can hop online and make
    sure you’re signed up for Marketing for Romance Writers.org’s A Taste of Summer
    Camp.
    This three-day summer conference taking place July 12th thru
    14th won’t disappoint. There will be great opportunities for learning, sharing and
    don’t forget the prizes! The best part it’s FREE. That’s right a free, online conference
    with goodies to boot.
    Don’t miss out just because Romance is in the name. MFRW supports
    all genres and most classes can be applied to all areas of marketing and writing.
    The group’s motto says it all. Seek, Teach, Share, Learn, Succeed.
    Registering for the conference is easy just join MFRW’s Yahoogroup and you’ll be in the loop for A Taste of Summer Camp.
    Now mark your calendar, get those Sweet Potato Croquettes out
    of the oven, and get started on your summer fun! Be sure to keep a look out for
    more Taste of Summer blog posts from fellow MFRW members as we spread the news about
    this awesome event.
    Author Elise VanCise Book:
    Don’t Touch
    Dr Ryan Reign has unlocked a gift she calls a curse. Detective
    Jackson Prince and his partner need her help to stop a serial killer before he kills
    again. One problem Dr. Reign can’t touch or be touched. Can the hard as nails cop
    Jackson find a way to touch her heart without touching her skin in order to stop
    the bloodshed?

    About the Author

    Elise VanCise, freelance photojournalist and award winning author,
    is published in both print and digital media. Elise is a Florida Cracker, with a
    love for adventure and historic places. She is the NaNoWriMo Municipal Liaison for
    Lake County, Florida,
    and Founder of Lake Writers of Lake County,
    Florida. She’s also a member of She
    Writes, Marketing for Romance Writers.Org, and the EPIC Public Relations Team, and
    is an advocate for Public Libraries, Young Writers, Autism, and COPD.

    Find Me Here

    Official Site http://elisevancise.webs.com
    Gladiator’s Pen Blog http://gladiatorspen.blogspot.com
  • Author Marketing

    Recipe: Dottie’s Stuffed Mushrooms @JenniferFrance_ #MFRWauthor #RLFblog

    Stuffed Mushrooms 
    Romance Lives Forever welcomes back Marketing for Romance Writers
    member Jennifer France for a Taste of Summer Camp. MFRW is counting down the
    days to their FREE marketing summer camp with scrumptious recipes from members.
    Today’s recipe is Dottie’s Stuffed Mushrooms. Take it away, Jennifer!
    I know, I know. I normally write of all things dealing with BDSM
    but today I’m going to write about something that, for all intense and purposes,
    can be much better!
    If you are a writer (no matter what genre (yep: even BDSM) ~
    aspiring, published (self or otherwise)) I have something amazing to share with
    you! It’s called Marketing For Romance Writers (MFRW).
    We all know that having a network of friends to help fill in
    the blanks is invaluable … well MFRW has a wealth of resources- people full of
    information because they have either been there, done that, or researched it and
    are so very willing to pass their information on to you. It doesnt end there – they
    have classes to help you get your work from the laptop to the bookshelves. It’s
    nothing short of amazing the things these folks do for writers like us!
    Of course the best part is that you can join! What could be better
    than that?!? Oh, I know: It’s free!
    What perfect timing too since they are gearing up for Summer
    Camp the second weekend in July (12th to the 14th) and I’m here to help promote
    this fabulous opportunity with what we’re calling A Taste of Summer Camp to get
    this information out there by sharing a recipe. Romance authors, join MFRW’s Yahoo Group today so you don’t miss out on this
    excellent learning opportunity.
    Since I love to write about things that make my mouth water,
    I’m gonna share a favorite, mouth-watering, low carb recipe that I can never make
    enough of for my guests ~ even had a caterer ask for the recipe to this one;).

    DOTTIE’S STUFFED MUSHROOMS

    2 pounds fresh mushrooms
    8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    1 pound pork sausage (I like sage)
    8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
    Salt and pepper, to taste (I don’t use any)
    Remove the stems from the mushrooms by gently twisting them off.
    Drain the fat, if necessary. I found it helpful to chop the meat up until it was
    pretty fine, but not mushy. Mix in the remaining ingredients, except the mushroom
    caps. Fill the caps with the sausage mixture. (I use my fingers worked best). Pile
    in as much sausage as you can per mushroom. Put in a greased or foil-lined baking
    pan(s) and bake, uncovered, at 350º for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
    About 30 mushrooms
    Do not freeze
    Per mushroom: 112 Calories; 9g Fat; 6g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate;
    trace Dietary Fiber; 1g Net Carbs
    Per whole batch: 3364 Calories; 279g Fat; 191g Protein; 43g Carbohydrate;
    11g Dietary Fiber; 32g Net Carbs 

    Author Jennifer France
    Book: The Highlander’s Witch

    Blurb:
    The Highlander’s Witch
    For years, twenty-three-year-old Skye Bennett has been waiting
    for someone to sweep her off her feet and bring about her darkest fantasies. But
    there’s just one problem – she comes from a family of witches and her older sister,
    Sarah, uses her power of fire to interfere in every intimate relationship Skye has.
    When their aunt mistakes Skye’s date as her soul mate only to
    discover he is really Sarah’s,

    her family tries to make up for it by finding the
    man Skye truly belongs with. Unfortunately, their last attempt failed miserably
    when they set her up for a speed-dating event, so her aunt resorts to magic to accomplish
    their desires. Suddenly propelled back in time without warning, Skye is saved from
    a brutal cougar attack by a Scottish Laird who has just returned from another skirmish
    and only wants to sit in front of a warm fire with a mug of ale. Instead, Aiden
    finds Skye and believes the unknown ‘lad’ to be a spy. When he finds out the spy
    is a female his concern grows, as does his lust.

    Aiden realizes this woman can be his downfall but she calls to
    him in a way he cannot deny. Has she been sent to destroy all he has fought for,
    or is she his salvation? Fighting his desires, he knows he must ensure the safety
    of his home and kin from those that wish to destroy what he has fought to hold onto.
    In this tale set in fourteenth century Scotland, a witch must determine if
    she can trust the man who holds her life in his hands – even as he steals her heart.
    Buy link:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B008NBGRG4

    Find Me Here

    Website: http://jenniferfrance.com/

  • Author Marketing

    Marketing as a Professional Author @MargaretRChurch #RLFblog

    Today’s article is “Punching a Hole in the Literary
    Universe” by Margie Church.

    Thanks for hosting me today, Kayelle. As a marketing
    professional, I really appreciate your approach to book marketing. A lot of
    authors don’t realize that the moment they sign their book contract (or
    self-pub their book), that they have opened a small business. For the majority
    of us, the lion’s share of the promotional work falls on our own shoulders.
    Often, we’re really unprepared for this to happen. Even those of us with a
    significant back list know that we cannot rely on past accomplishments to
    ensure our future success.
    Here’s a key sentence to remember:  Plan for success.
    What does that mean? You need to create a little marketing
    plan for your new book to give it the best possible chances of success. Here
    are 10 tips to help you.

    • Write a solid blurb, no more than 200 words long, to attract
      readers.
    • Have a 25-30 word version of the blurb ready for Twitter and
      casual conversations about the book.
    • Put your web/blog/buy links on everything.
    • Hunt for readers in your genre. Conventional thinking is to
      just sign up for a whole bunch of blogs, give away amazing prizes, and wait for
      success. Don’t count on that. Readers are getting very fed up with having our
      books and promotions shoved down their throats. Choose your blog locations
      carefully. Match those blogs to your genre. Write short, punchy pieces that
      engage readers – remember, they’re choosing to spend time on you – don’t waste
      that chance!
    • I don’t recommend giving away huge prizes if you haven’t
      squirreled away the royalties from previous months to pay for them. I always determine
      how many books I must sell to recoup the cost of my prize AND make a profit. I
      also don’t like giving away gift cards that allow readers to buy books that
      aren’t mine. I prefer to give prizes unique to me and my work so they will
      remember me. This is a business.
    • Don’t pay for reviews. Consider how many books you’ll need
      to sell to recover the cost, and be honestly prepared to suck it up if you get
      a less favorable review. Keep reviews current on your website, with hyperlinks
      to the full source. Always cite the reviewer.
    • Insert a hyperlink from your book cover to the buy link.
      Always.
    • Consider an ad, but recognize that ads are passive forms of
      advertising. Pick your

      Desire’s Edge.

      location to match the audience you’re seeking. I don’t
      always follow the crowd. If I have a spectacular cover, and the chance to
      caption that cover or link it to more information, those get stronger purchase consideration
      from me.

    • Be available. If you post in yahoo loops, Facebook groups,
      have a fan page, hold a blog hop, etc., show up to say hello and respond to
      comments even a day or two after your appearance. Spread your announcements out
      to avoid a morning flood that disappears by evening when many people might have
      more time to focus on social media. Twitter is a very valuable tool to help
      share your information globally. Please don’t forget to thank your blog hosts!
    • Realize this activity is ongoing. It takes time, patience,
      and hard work to build a readership.

    My newest book, Love’s Storm, is co-authored with K.B.
    Cutter. We used several fun tools to help us reach readers and increase
    excitement for the entire series. Those included creating a QR code to our Facebookseries fan page, and partnering with a company to feature their product as
    a give-away item as part of a very sexy prize package. We also did a blog talk
    radio interview. There are lots of other things we did and will do through the
    end of May.
    Get creative, stay focused, and keep track of your results
    so you know what worked and what didn’t. I bet you’ll see some great sales
    numbers, too.
    I’d love to show off our new book now!

    About the Books

    Razor: Love’s Storm by Margie Church and K.B. Cutter
    Their delicious, naughty secret is out, and it’s open season
    on Amy and Bryce’s decision to add a third person to their marriage.
    All the talking in the world can’t convince critics that Amy
    and Bryce’s marriage is rock-solid, and there are no secrets between them.
    Others meddle to undermine Bryce’s business and marriage. Even Raine’s Master
    thinks she’s making a huge mistake.
    With no allies, and scorn coming from every direction, love
    and determination must lead Amy, Bryce, and Raine through love’s storm.
    Their journey began in Razor: Desire’s Edge and continues
    after Love’s Storm in Love’s Reflection.
    Margie Church
    Love’s Storm is the second book in the Razor trilogy. It’s a
    polyamorous love story written for 21st century romance readers. We hope you’ll
    find the premise fascinating and take a chance on this book. You won’t be
    disappointed. It contains strong BDSM elements and plenty of erotic love scenes,
    but at its core, Love’s Storm is a marvelous romance.
    Available in eBook and print, get Love’s Storm at Amazon
    and Barnesand Noble Get Desire’s Edge, the first book in the series, at Amazon
    and Barnesand Noble Learn more about our amazing RazorRomances Booty giveaway here.

    Find Me Here

  • Author Marketing

    Fitness Model: John Quinlan @JohnJQuinlan #RLFblog

    John Quinlan, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. We’re excited
    to have you here today. Thank you for taking time to talk to us. Let’s jump right
    in with questions.

    Please give us your professional bio.
    I have been involved in athletics, professional wrestling, fitness
    and modeling over the years since the age of 19. I have been an image model for
    dozens of apparel brands over the years along with appearing in television documentaries,
    commercials, art gallery print work and having my likeness used on children’s literature
    book covers. I have been a spokesmodel for apparel brands as far away as Japan and Asia just
    to name a few. I am also a Physique model competitor and a current Romance Novel
    Cover model as well. I have been a supplement company image model who is currently
    signed as a sponsored athlete with Athletic Xtreme Supplement Co.
    Now, tell us about you as a person.
    To be honest I am happy-go lucky type guy that is ego and attitude
    free. Once you are my friend I will always do my best to be one of the good guys.
    People tell me I have a unique look that sets me apart from other models in the
    business. I love being unique and different as many have often told me, “hey, I
    remember you….you’re the model guy with the tattoos.” I have been referred to as
    the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world by people in passing which
    I think is very cool and I am truly humbled by all the kindness I have received
    from all the amazing people like you Kayelle.
    You have many tattoos. Which one is the most significant to
    you and why?
    Yeah, I have a bunch which includes 2 half sleeves, both wrists,
    stomach, back and fingers etc. I am told I wear them well so it’s all good as I
    try to keep myself in good physical condition so my ink compliments my body. The
    most significant is a tough one to answer as they all have deep meaning but one
    I will mention is on my left wrist which is the oriental Kanji “Family” symbol inside
    my left wrist that represents my children.
    What part did your upbringing have in who you are today?
    I was brought up to treat people the way they want to be treated
    and I think if you ask anybody that really knows me they would say I am the poster
    boy for this.
    What do you wish was different about your past and why?
    I believe everything happens for a reason. All the events that
    have taken place in my past have brought me to this point I am at right now so really
    wouldn’t change much. If I had to be honest the only topic I would like to see removed
    from my past would have to be all injuries I sustained throughout my years in the
    fitness world. There are too many to name but they were always preventing me from
    being 100%.
    As a child, who was your best friend? Tell us about him/her.
    My best friend was my dog London. He was a Golden Retriever and he lived
    to be 16 years old because he was loved so much. I had lots of great friends that
    I went to school with as a child but this dog was the best man! Still miss him as
    he represents my childhood.
    Who is your childhood hero?
    As a boy I was a huge baseball fan and being from Boston growing up in the 80’s
    Wade Boggs was my childhood hero. I remember the very first time I saw him at Fenway Park
    and he was God like. I collected all of his cards so when I saw him in person it
    was very memorable.
    What’s your favorite movie of all time?
    Great question Kayelle, I would have to say ‘Wedding Crashers’
    as it is one of those movies I can watch over and over again and it is still funny
    everytime.
    Imagine you could spend as much money on your hobby as you
    liked and not worry about the cost or place to keep things. Describe your hobby
    and what the area would be like where you indulge in it.
    I would collect everything from classic cars, trucks and motorcycles
    with a mega storage place to show them off where I and all my friends could enjoy
    them. Guys with tattoos are supposed to like this stuff! Ha ha ha!
    Describe a place of perfect refuge.
    Have you ever seen the Corona
    beer commercial of the guy sitting there in the chair and you see him from the back?
    He reaches over and takes a sip from the Corona
    bottle and skips a stone in the beautiful green/blue water while he just sits in
    the warm sun on the beach without a care in the world. That is my perfect refuge.
    If you could time travel, what era would be your first stop?
    The 1950’s! I loved all the old school sports from that time
    and I was also a big fan of the movie, ‘Back to The Future’ as a kid. It was a simple
    time and I would love to see just how sweet it was.
    Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t
    done yet?
    Jump out of a plane would be really something. Hopefully the
    parachute would be nice to me and open up on time and not get jammed up!
    Are you a cat person or a dog person?
    Dog baby! I have nothing against cats or people who have them
    as I am a true animal lover. Love em’ all BUT I did grow up with many canines in
    my house so I am a bit biased here.
    Do you prefer light or dark chocolate or no chocolate at all?
    Everybody has to love chocolate as I can eat pounds of the stuff
    in one sitting! I love all chocolate as I don’t discriminate but if I was to be
    picky and choose I would have to say light or milk as the dark taste is a bit stronger.
    But really just give me a wheelbarrow of it all mixed up and I will enjoy shoveling
    it down no problem!
    What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask and answer it
    now.
    I often get asked this question as a model, “Will you ever go
    all the way?” I am surprised you didn’t ask this but my answer to this is if the
    money is right and all the “stars in the sky align perfectly” baring all is never
    out of the question.

    Fun Questions — Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with extra cheese.
    I’m always ready for a challenge.
    When I’m alone, I wish I wasn’t alone.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I have scars.
    If I had a halo it would be because I was good to others and
    earned it.
    If I could live everyday like it’s my last I’d die
    a happy man with no regrets.
    I can never have an attitude towards great people in the Romance
    Model world like Kayelle Allen
    because it’s the people like her that make
    models like me, without people like her guys like me are nothing.

    Upcoming Appearances

    I have a few but the only one I can confirm right now is the
    2013 RT Booklovers Convention in Kansas
    City. I will be there all day Saturday May 4th.

    Find Me Here

    Web Gallery and Updates by Patric: http://johnquinlan.org/