25 Things About Me

I spotted this game on one of my interweb haunts tonight, and considered doing it. But since no one on forums really reads anything but their own posts if they're longer than a paragraph, I decided if I was going to do it, I should make a blog post.

So, here it is: 25 Random Things About Me...

1. I have been described as "very Canadian," but I have no idea what that means.
2. Recently, I've been inordinately fascinated by Victorian postmortem photography.
3. My least favourite thing about teaching, aside from the marking, is anything relating to disciplinary stuff. This was the main reason I went for university teaching instead of high school. Yes, you would think that there would be less of that at the uni level, wouldn't you?
4. I prefer the version of Spiderman who shoots webs out of his wrists, somewhat spider-like. I find the whole canisters of web stuff, though more "canonical," slightly lame.
5. I don't always eat BBQ chips, but when I do, I prefer Lays form, because they taste sweet.
6. I'm finding writing 25 random things much more difficult than I anticipated.
7. I used to hate pink as a child, but now I find it cheerful and pretty, and I like to punch my usually sedate and/or black wardrobe with touches of hot pink.
8. I once had a stranger toss a toonie into my cup of coffee thinking I was a panhandler while I was merely waiting for a bus. I used that toonie to replace the ruined cup of coffee.
9. I am a vegetarian, and a bit of a green freak.
10. I am a proud non-driver, and I walk or use public transit devotedly.
11. I insert my favourite foods into all my books, so if you were to read them all you'd be able to track my culinary tastes to a fair extent.
12. I have a great fondness for pink peppermints.
13. I wouldn't say I'm a coffee addict. More like a coffee devotee.
14. I admit I am very reluctant to travel, and I do as little of it as humanly possible. A number of people have expressed dismay over this: "How can someone not like to travel?" they ask in horror. I'm not sure about other non-travelers, but I can assure you at least one exists, and she's me.
15. I write all of my story outlines and a lot of my first drafts (or portions of them) long hand in coil or hardback notebooks, which enables me to write on buses, outside, and in waiting rooms.
16. I do most of my writing at night or very early in the morning, which means I have learned how to type very quietly.
17. I have a strong hatred of noise. Loud sounds physically hurt me, and droning sounds make me kind of crazy. I contend that no sound should be made unless it's nicer than the silence it breaks, and very few sounds qualify.
18. Perhaps due to #17, I find television irritating beyond belief, use the radio sparingly, and am becoming less and less inclined to use the telephone. Yet, I still love music - weird, huh?
19. When I'm stressed, I colour in colouring books or I do puzzles. (Good thing I have a four year old to make these things seem legit!) I eat ice when I'm tense, unwell, or frustrated.
20. I have a strong interest in politics, but a great dislike of discussing it. Same goes for religion, unless it's a historical, philosophical or anthropological discussion.
21. I am a movie fiend. I own thousands, and recall a lot of detail from every one I've seen. I can never identify my favourite film, since it changes constantly, but if you're ever so inclined you can see my Top 100 List. (I like lists.)
22. I love water - being near water, in water, around water. Being landlocked makes me claustrophobic. (Oh yeah, and I'm also a claustrophobic.)
23. One of my favourite books of all time is Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and it sits on or near my desk most of the time. I find the "will to meaning" to be more significant to me than the "will to power" or "will to pleasure" theories of motivation. I think most of the world's problems could be solved it more people had (1) a sense of purpose, and (2) resources and some hope that they can achieve this purpose.
24. I have a general policy about stating my opinion only once. Beyond that, and you run the risk of argument, and argument is not really worth it. No one's mind is usually changed, but bad blood can arise.
25. I love plants - flowers, veggies, trees, and so on. If I could, I would spend my life growing things. I worked the family food plot as a kid, and I now have potted plants for my son to help tend. While I love the convenience of apartment living, and am adapting to urban life, I regret not having a real garden, and would like to rectify that some day.

There! 25 very random things, in the order in which they popped into my head. What are some random things about you? Stop on by the comments and tell us - got five, ten, twenty-five things?

If you'd rather do it on your own blog instead of in the comments, go ahead and then post a link (or link to me) so I can read them!

Thursday Thurteen: Book Promo Outside the Box

(And, yes, I know I misspelled Thirteen. I'm living on the edge here. Deal with it.)

My fiction has been published and for sale since 2010, and since shortly before that I have made it a point to discuss "the Biz" with other authors - learning the ropes, discussing Craft, spreading the good word, making connections, soaking up the gossip, and chewing on the Big Subject: sales and promotion.

I've joined forums, discussion groups, etc, etc, and this keeps coming up - How on earth do you sell your ebook?

Don't get excited that this post will help you, at all, since I clearly don't know, either. I was a fiend for doing marketing, taking guest spots and interviews everywhere for a while last winter, and you know what I made? Bubkes, that's what I made. Well, okay, maybe not quite. $17, I think, is more precise.

So, obviously, I don't know anything about selling an ebook.

Well, that's not entirely true. I know the rehashed ideas everyone recommends - blogging, guest blogging, social media (all sorts), interviews, posting your sales links ad nauseam, etc. I've even paid out for promo, and nadda. Aside from an interview on a Big Site and reviews, I haven't seen any of the normal things work.

Thus, I hereby announce Enough Is Enough.

I'm done with the "normal things." It's time to go to the mattresses on this whole promo game.

Therefore, this week's Thursday Thurteen (TM):

13 Promo Plans with Flare

1. Shave the title of my book into the President's dog's pelt. (Not saying which President, or President of What; just a President.)

2. Convince George Lucas to release yet another butchered version of Star Wars with Greedo not shooting first, but wearing a t-shirt with my website url on it. Come to think of it, that would still be better than the "revised" versions.

3. Hire sky writers in every city to find the last remaining adult readers of m/f contemporary romance.

4. Once I find said last remaining readers of m/f contemporary romance: Give them puppy eyes until they cave.

5. I think prisons may be an untapped market for romance novels. (Makes "To Do" note for later.)

6. Change the title of my novel to How to Make Millions Publishing to Kindle!

7. Step One: Find a Leprechaun. Step Two: Wring his bloody neck til he makes with the luck.

8. Step One: Steal Underpants! Step Two: ... Step Three: Profit!

9. Start a cult.

10. Revise manuscript and add a vampire businessman who likes BDSM. We'll call him... Edw...mund.

11. Travel the rails, living colourfully, until I die of a gamey foot - only to have my work discovered, posthumously, by an enterprising young writer for the NY Times in hipster glasses and a $200 plaid shirt who has a thing for novelists-turned-hobos.

12. Go back in time and somehow ensure I am born the lovechild of Amazon's CEO. Or at least that of the dude who's in charge of their sales rankings and "Special" lists. Or that of the guy who has college photos of either of those two that they'd prefer not be seen. (It's a fluid plan.)

13. Get caught sexting steamy excerpts with a member of the Royal Family.

Well, there you have it. How can I possibly fail this time, right?

Oh, and hey, while you're here, why not check out my Amazon profile? Free shoeshine with every hundredth purchase.* Honest, you'll see your face, guv'nah.

*Offer void everywhere. Some restrictions apply.

12 Flavours of…YOU?

Authors, artists, editors, reviewers, readers, book-people everywhere, would you care to share 12 Flavours of yourself on this blog?

12 Flavours of…

(Your author/personal pic, banner or book cover)

Today, we learn twelve very fast favourites of… author of… (one or two titles with sales links; your main genre(s), if applicable).

(Try to keep your responses short, with only one or two favourites chosen – hard, I know!) 

1. Favourite book
2. Favourite genre
3. Favourite movie
4. Favourite TV show, magazine or newspaper
5. Favourite kind of music
6. Best invention ever in the history of humankind
7. Favourite subject in school
8. Favourite website/blog (not your own, please; give the link)
9. Favourite #hashtag
10. Favourite way to decompress/relax
11. Best thing about writing (or what you do involving books)
12. The best thing about/in your life

(Bio of 2-6 sentences, with website or blog url.) 

NOTES:

• If you are yet-unpublished, you can give a current work-in-progress name or just genre.
• If you are not a writer, you can tell me what to substitute (cover artist for…, editor at…, blogger at…, Reader/reviewer of/at…, etc.)
• It’s best if you can at least supply a blog, website, Twitter or FB url, no matter what you do. Your link will be posted every time your name is (hyperlinked), except in the blog post title.
• Posting is first-come-first-served and open to anyone. I will post no more than one per week, and may skip weeks as needed. I will try to get the post url to you once the post goes live.
• Email me the above information to anneholly2010(at)gmail.com (with "@" instead of "(at)"), and I'll post one a week as I get them, usually on Thursdays.
• It may be the easiest interview you ever did, and I hope it should be a bit of fun, as well!

***

In addition, I'm still interested in posting guest posts about what inspired your book - a behind-the-scenes look at how you came up with the idea, what inspired the plot, what the process was like. Again, full links, bio, blurb, cover, etc, will be included. Email me!

"Classic Contemporary Romance": New Review of Strings Attached

I got the most lovely review of Strings Attached from The Romance Reviews yesterday.

It's a TRR Top Pick!

I was sitting in the university library, finishing up my course reserve requests, when I decided to take a break and check my email - and there it was! I was so thrilled that I was horrified to find myself alone in a quiet, public place. I did do a little "squee" under my breath, though.

A bit of what they write:

STRINGS ATTACHED snags the readers' attention from the start. Well written with beautifully descriptive scenes and witty dialogue, Ms. Holly spins a tale of hope, redemption and love... Ms Holly's skillful unveiling of the deeper emotional motivations of her main characters had this reader in tears - the good kind that promises hope and happy endings. 

A classic contemporary romance, STRINGS ATTACHED delivers a solid story. Josie and Theo's romance is well worth the read... Theirs is the kind of romance that makes you want to know what happens after "The End"!

I admit, my favourite part might just be the "classic contemporary romance." I like it so much, in fact, it is now a masthead on the book's official website.

Emotional stories, dealing with modern issues and relationships, often dramatic and funny, and always touching. This... it's all I ever wanted to do. Real, old fashioned contemporary romances, the sort I grew up reading.

I couldn't have asked for a nicer compliment!

Help! Another Identity Crisis

I've seen these two terms chucked around, "Indie" and "Traditional." Now, I know these terms are rife with some controversy, since they were (according to interwebs lore) first coined by a shady vanity press in order to glamorize their scam. Yet, regardless of how the categories started, they have been widely adopted in the "writing world" - or, at least, in that corner which I haunt.

I have always understood it to be a matter of scale.

"Traditional" publishers, in my understanding, included the Big Companies - the brick-n-mortar, advance-granting, agent-oriented, paperback-lovin' companies that market/sell internationally and make big bucks, and all those mid-range companies run on this model in hopes of being one of the Big Publishers. We can all name several of these off the top of our heads, no doubt.

"Indie" (short for "independent") publishers, I assumed, included the small scale publishers - micropresses and self-published authors who have a smaller distribution and privately-seeded marketing budget, no agents and no advances, but royalties from sales alone. Largely, these days, this means epublishing.

This week I ran into a handful of blog comments that claimed "indie" doesn't include self-published. But, this sentiment I easily disregarded as indie authors who, foolishly, have bought into the idea that self-published means vanity publishing and terrible quality. These comments were, after all, left on a now-fairly-famous so-so review to which the regrettably deficient self-published author under review left some awful, immature and petty ravings, involving the senseless repetition of expletives. I can see why people were scrambling to distance themselves from her.

However, I then came across something a little more puzzling, and not exactly unique - and from a source I can't so easily dismiss. From a NY Times bestselling author and writer of "how to write" pieces, Bob Mayer, it was hard to ignore. This quote, which was not the gist of his point (just what struck me), is from the June 12th post on his blog Write it Forward:

I use the term indie for one who self-publishes and trad for those who are published via a traditional publishing house. I’ve copyrighted them and you need to pay me any time you use them. Joking.

True, Mayer is clearly expressing his terms as he sees them for the purposes of his post, which is an otherwise considered and useful editorial. Yet, he is not the only person defining these terms this way, and I am confused.

I consider myself an "indie author," though it seems many people do not grant me this category. However, I am not really published through a "traditional" venue, either. So, what the hell am I?

First off, why do I consider myself "indie"? Well, frankly, my publishers thus far have been pretty independent - without a big corporate source of money, no advances, requiring no agents, not having a publishing "house" as such, and focusing largely on ebooks, they seem to me to be small-scale and, therefore, not the same as those commonly recognized as traditional. They are, I believe, independently owned and operated by individual publishing entrepreneurs. I don't even think they have investors beyond their owners/managing editors.

And why am I seemingly not "indie"? Because I do publish through companies not belonging to me that employ editors not controlled by me, and, especially, because I do not "self-publish." I guess. (Insert "head scratching" emoticon here.)

Now, I suspect the easy argument is that these companies could become traditional-scale in time, and that Harper-Collins might have started out as a micropress (I really couldn't tell you if it did or not, actually). Also, more obscurely, the concern might be that these publishers, be they ever so humble, might be creatures similar to the "gatekeepers" that indies dislike so strongly, and that signing with these epubs might be "compromising my artistic vision" in a way that self-pubbed writers don't have to. Finally, I reckon the royalties thing is the kicker - as long as a middle man is getting a cut, I guess (according to some) I am not truly "independent."

Well, colour me confused. I can understand the arguments and points above, but they never occurred to me naturally. I had to ponder them.

But, the point of all this is - Even if I concede that I am not "indie" (which I don't, really), I am left with a dilemma. What am I? In this recurring rhetoric of "indie" vs "traditional"... which am I? Am I an "us" or a "them"? In a greyzone, worthy of the attention of neither?

True, we shouldn't think in those terms of narrow categories, but such is what we have to work with in the seedy underbelly of starving author forums. So, where do I land?

It would just be nice to know.

The Gatekeeper Series By Stacey Thompson-Geer and Stevie Trinity

A note from Stacey Thompson-Geer on her upcoming release:

~*~

This series is about two strong women who have families and lives but when the world breaks, they are forced into fulfilling a bigger destiny. They are charged with closing doorways that have been opened to other layers of the worlds.

These women have real world issues within their families as well as facing supernatural entities that want to kill them and their families. Readers will be introduced to strong women, magick and the beginning of an underlying love story with both women.

The series starts in January with The Gatekeeper Series: Lynn. A short story letting readers understand Lynn a bit more. Each month a new short will be released until the first novel, The Gatekeeper Series: Dark Magick in June 2011.


Excerpt from The Gatekeeper Series: Lynn

I have been a warrior my entire existence. From the very first life I lived, I knew this to be true. My purpose is not my own. I’m to save people that are not ready to see the truth, not ready for the world that seems to have unraveled around them.

I walked past the dying plants in front of my new home, a hut made from trees and leaves. It wasn’t much, but it did the job against the cold Wyoming winters. I couldn’t help but wonder what the hurry was about. Normally we had a little time, but the way Rhea had sounded this time we didn’t.

I knocked and opened the handmade wooden door. A woman with long blond hair sat with her back to me, mixing herbs and at a small table. She didn’t turn to face me, but spoke. “I had a another vision.” She continued with what she was doing.

“I know. Their getting worse, aren’t they?” I stepped closer to her as I spoke.

She ignored me and kept going, “You have to go to Canada.”

“Great, more snow.” I joked fiddling with an open spot on the wall.

She turned to me and cocked an eyebrow. “There’s a group there. They don’t understand what’s happening.”

“Are they underground?” I didn’t look her way.

“No, but they’ll be hostile.”

“What else is new?” I snorted.

“One of them is important.” She didn’t look away from me. “I just don’t know which one.”

“Perfect. So, I have to get a whole group of people out of a very Demon occupied country and get back with all of them alive? Awesome.” I sighed.

“Demons aren’t the only thing there, you know,” she smarted off. I made a face at her and started for the door. “You should take Miles with you. He’s good.”

I didn’t say anything but stopped for a moment. “You’ll watch my kids?”

“You know I will.” She said smiling slightly and I dropped my gaze to the floor. This was not the kind of news I wanted to hear. Just one day off would be nice once and a while.

Unwrapping Scrooge: First Week, So Far

I am very excited to share that informal early reviews of Unwrapping Scrooge have been very positive. I am thrilled that people are enjoying this story. I enjoyed writing it, and I am pleased readers are receiving it well.

It is also now available on Amazon, which I hope will encourage more people to stick this story in their stocking this year!

Thanks for reading, folks!

Interview with Author Lisa De Nikolits

Lisa de Nikolits, author of The Hungry Mirror, a novel about a woman consumed by her body image, stopped by to tell us something about herself, her work, and her craft.

Originally from South Africa, Lisa has chosen to call Canada home since becoming a citizen in 2003. She has also lived and worked in the U.S.A., Sydney, Australia, and London, England. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy and has contributed to various international anthologies. She has art directed on Vogue, marie claire, and Cosmopolitan.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing for the past 25 years (or more!) but it was coming to Canada that signaled my first real commitment and that was ten years ago.

I’ve lived in South Africa and Australia but I never aspired to be part of the writing scene in either of those places. Then I came here and I just knew this was where I wanted to write.

What's the earliest story you can remember writing?

I love this question! I don’t ever remember not writing as such but my first ever story…hmmm…I can’t recall!

I do remember writing a lot of very bad poetry on scraps of paper.

When did you decide to make the move to "published"?

I’ve always wanted to be published. To me, being published was validation that my writing is worth something.

Without being published, I felt I like I was paddling across a black hole – was there a point, would it ever end? And what would that ending be?

Also, being published opens up a world where you can share your writing in a real way, with people other than your friends and family.

How did you find the experience of seeking a publisher?

I have been very fortunate. Although it sometimes it didn’t feel that way! For example, I had a manuscript accepted by an e-book and print-on-demand publisher. We worked to final galleys, the cover was designed, we were all set to go and then, due to financial difficulties, the company couldn’t deliver. And I was quite devastated – all that work, all that time spent working on the book, all for nothing. So then I sent the book along to another publisher and the managing editor there gave me a frank review of the book, saying the main protagonist didn’t develop, wasn’t empathetic. Again, I was devastated! But then I saw she was right and my first thought was “thank heavens the book never got to print that time...”

I’ve now spent close to a year, rewriting this new character – I would say I have six to eight months of very hard work on her ahead – but she is fabulous and I love her!
Sometimes one’s disappointments can lead to better things; better writing, better books. It has for me anyway!

And the managing editor who rejected that book also rejected The Hungry Mirror; they were looking for a more teen-based work. But she pointed me in the direction of my current publisher and that was such a great gift. Working with my publisher, Luciana Ricciutelli at Inanna has been the greatest privilege.

What did it feel like when the acceptance notice came?

I was extremely excited!

At first I was speechless, I could hardly get the words out, to tell my partner. I first read it in an email and all I could do was point at the screen, wide-eyed!

I told my publisher it was the best thing that had ever happened to me in my life!

What inspired you to write the current release?

I really couldn’t not write this book. It’s as though this book existed before me and it chose me to write it. Because of my experience in the world of magazines, and my struggles with body image etc, the book clearly thought I was the one to flesh it out – and I am very glad it did!

What books have most influenced your life most?

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (for poignancy in writing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany (for such superb characters)
Cider House Rules
All of Stephen King’s books (and I do mean all! I love his writing style and the darkness he sees lurking in everyday life)
John Steinbeck’s writing (poetry is prose)
Harry Crews (lovely twisted vision of the world)
The Ground Beneath Her Feet – Salman Rushdie
Anne of Green Gables
Little House on the Prairie
Enid Blyton’s books

What book are you reading now?

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I’m loving it.

Do you have a current project?

Yes, I’m working on rewriting that once-accepted, once-rejected, now-fresh-again work! I’m so in love with my new character; she’s feisty, unpredictable, has her weaknesses and barrels at life with unbridled passion.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

How long it all takes! Actually, it didn’t take that long, it just felt that way.

But most importantly, I learnt a confidence in my writing. I felt panic-stricken at first, when my publisher wanted changes; I wasn’t sure I could deliver and my reaction was “why do we have to change it?”

Because I didn’t trust myself to be able to do it. But then I was amazed because I did just fine and I came to love the refining process and now I embrace it. I guess I was insecure, didn’t believe in myself, I thought the way I had written the piece was the only way I could – but that wasn’t true!

How important is the support and friendship of other writers?

Very important. This arena is such a tough one. It’s only through our mutual encouragement and support, that we can forge on.

How does your family feel about your writing career?

My partner is absolutely wonderful. He is incredibly objective and I can rely on him to give me very insightful and helpful critiques. I trust him immensely. For example, I was telling him about some escapade my new character was on and he pointed out that it was inconsistent with something else she does. I didn’t want to let go of the scenario I had created and I tried to persuade him that I was right to include it but he was not to be persuaded! And I realized he was right, went back to the drawing board, chopped out the bit I loved and the book is better for it.

My family (living in South Africa and Australia) are incredibly supportive of me too. My father, in particular, has always urged me to write, even when I was more focused on my career as an art director. Dad always felt I had a talent that I should work at developing. And I’m certain I inherited my writing talents from my mother, although she doesn’t agree!

Do you feel Canadian writers face unique challenges or have any distinct advantages?

Answering the advantages is easy. It’s the high standard and wide diversity of talent. When I came to Canada and became more aware of the writing talents, I thought “Wow, Canada really is an epicenter of great writing. If I can make it here, I’ll have reason to be very proud indeed.” And the Canadian voice is a very unique one and I love it. For me, an immigrant and now proud citizen, being here is advantage in itself. The Canadian voice resonates deeply with me.

Challenges…I wouldn’t say there are any specifically uniquely Canadian challenges… there are the usual challenges in getting published.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Not really…I don’t have advice but I do have thanks… thanks for being part of this crazy world that means so much to me. Thank you for being fellow sculptors of word and phrase.

Tell us a little fact about yourself that we don't know.

I love Dollaramas! I can spend hours in a good Dollarama. My last great purchase was a dollar Halloween half-face mask – pursed lips, chin and cheekbones. It’s quite surreal!

Thanks for the great interview, Lisa!

~*~
The Hungry Mirror is available for purchase on Amazon, and is published through Inanna Publications.

An Interview with Author BethAnn Buehler

On Tuesday, we celebrated the launch of BethAnn Buehler’s first novel, Broken Together, which is available from OmniLit, All Romance e-books, Trapezium, Coffee Time Romance, 1erotica, and Amazon, among other sellers of romance and erotica. Broken Together, which is so hot it has been rated in the “5 or 6 flames” region on these sites, is the first of her three part Rebel Canyon series, published by Wild Horse Press.

This week, BethAnn also graciously made time to do an interview for me!


Broken Together is your first release. What did you learn from writing it?

While I know this is going to sound extremely dramatic, I've been quoted as saying that book one in the Rebel Canyon Series saved my life. Drama central, right? As I think back, what I mean by that statement is that I was at a crossroads in my life when I wrote Broken Together and by creating Rebel Canyon and the characters readers will meet when they visit, I was able to step away from the events of my real life for a few moments and pour my emotion into the story. Having such a cathartic outlet was what I needed to move forward personally.

What was it like when you got “the call”?

I received my first contract via email and it came as a total surprise. I read the email several times, re-read it, forwarded it to my husband and then called him only to have him not answer his work line. I immediately sent out the SOS text message that we have in place for emergencies. Well, it was an emergency! He called and congratulated me and then I called my best friend and first line editor and we celebrated. Then I hung up the phone and sat here at my desk crying like a baby.

How does your family feel about your writing career?

My husband is very proud of me but a bit embarrassed to read my work. Because he flinched first, I don't share it with him. In fact, other than reading these interviews and visiting my author's website, he's never read a word of my stuff. I told him he can read it when he buys it! I'm also blessed to have four critique partners, women whom I respect and trust to give me honest feedback. And I have to say my oldest and dearest girlfriend, Sheri, has been there every step of the way offering opinions and questioning my story line and ideas. I always tease that without her my novel would have been a paragraph.

How important is the support and friendship of other writers?

The writing world at the small press level is a small community. I think friendship and support between authors is vital to all of our success. I've been blessed to link arms with several of my fellow Wild Horse Press authors and we've developed great friendships as a result. In addition to having a great publisher, it's nice to have someone who understands the ins and outs of the whacky author world cheering for you and giving a shout out to your work. I think we're stronger as a team.

What new projects are you working on these days?

Right now I have several works in progress. The first is the third and final book in the Rebel Canyon Series, Broken Identity which will be released by Wild Horse Press next fall. I have a short story set around Valentine's Day that I'm working on in conjunction with my wicked muse sister writers and I've started a new series...

Do you have any advice for other writers?

There are several things that I think are key for new writers. Take an editing/proofreading course early on. It's so much easier to write well the first time than re-write (learned this little tip the hard way). Network with other serious writers and join a writer's group if at all possible. Relax. It seemed to me that once I started writing and networking, everyone was writing and getting published. I'm competitive by nature so sometimes I have to remind myself that there's room for everyone and this career isn't a race.

Tell us a little factoid about yourself that we don't know.

Ok, here's an exclusive: I'm obsessed with the letter B. I was raised in a family where everyone's first name started with B. Then, when I got married, I ended up with a B in my last name, too. It was a given that our son's name would start with a B (we didn't even consider anything else) and the same goes for our two dogs. So far, in every one of my stories, you'll find a character or two whose name starts with a B.

You can connect with BethAnn on Facebook, or at her website.

Thanks, BethAnn, I look forward to your next release!

Open Thursdays!

Every week on this blog, Thursday will be Open Thursday, a day for welcoming guest bloggers and interviews, posting videos, tackling freestyle topics, sharing tips and tricks of the trade, finding cool websites, reviewing books, editorializing, etc. Contact me for more info if you'd like to contribute to Open Thursdays. For next week, I hope I already have an interview lined up.

To kick off Open Thursdays, I will share my trailer for Strings Attached:

Your Participation is Needed!

ATTENTION!

This blog will be open to readers/writers/publishers/sellers/etc. for the following features:

• Submissions for Meatless Monday recipes.
• Quotes, opinions or even editorials on various issues for Topical Tuesdays. Contact me, if I don't contact you first!
• Suggestions or requests to be interviewed/reviewed, or to guest blog, or just rant about something, on Open Thursdays.
• Emailed synopsis or trailers, etc, for Free Friday promo days - no limit to these, and will be posted the week I receive them.
• Special Release Celebration or taking a guest shot on Excerpt Sundays - this will currently be exclusive to my fellow WHP authors, for the time being.

Anything else you got, feel free to contact me.

This is, naturally, free, and open to more than just authors - I'd love to hear from publishers, PR folk, editors, readers, book sellers, book club folk, cover artists, and others. Just contact me! Of course, you will get full credit, a line or two about yourself, and whatever links you wish.

Hey, it's a free shot to get some PR - though this blog is small now, I have hopes it will grow.

I am sure it will, with your help!

How to contact me:

• Through Facebook (friend me!)
• Through my website
• Via comments, below

Or email me at anneholly2010ATgmailDOTcom!

I hope to hear from you very soon.

FYI! My NEW Blogging Schedule!

I've decided to work out a regular schedule for this blog, so I know what's happening.

So, watch for these features, which I hope you'll enjoy! If you'd like to take part, I'm very easy to find on FaceBook or on my website, and I'd love to hear from you.

How the week will look, in addition to any little "coffee break" ponderings that might come up throughout (especially when I feel an urge to procrastinate):

Excerpt Sundays - Short bit of my writing on my FB page. (Might not be every week, but at least once a month.)

Meatless Mondays - Vegetarian recipes or home tips. (Submissions welcome.)

Topical Tuesdays - Pick a topic every week and I will ask writers to speak up on it. Contact me for more info!

Writing Wednesdays - All about my writing and publishing journey. .

Open Thursdays - Guest Bloggers, videos, freestyle topics, tips, cool websites, reviews, editorials, interviews, opinions, etc. Contact me for more info!

Free Fridays - Free self-promotion for other authors and various book folks, or myself should I have no volunteers. Contact me for more info!

Personal Saturdays - Day off or short snippets of my life as a mom and writer.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Releases will take priority when they happen! (TBA)

Holidays, etc., may be excepted.