Tuesday, March 15, 2016

3T Writing Tidbit

Being a published author develops a whole lot of skills, not just writing. One of the things you'll be called on to do at some point or another is sign your book.

I'm always looking for better ways to connect with readers, so if you have comments, let's hear them!

I sign on the title page. Above the title, I write "To Name:" then drop a line and write a little something personal.

The fastest way to sign a book for romance authors is to wish the reader joy in the couples' journey: "Hope you enjoy Alexis and Luke's story!"

Second is to pick a phrase that describes the book or your approach to the writing. In Bite My Fire, the first in the Biting Love series, I usually write, "Welcome to Meiers Corners!" (the small town where most of the series is set).

If you're signing in person, it's always appropriate to write something like "So lovely to meet you at the WisRWA Con!"

I sign my name after the name block. Recently I've started adding the date. At first I thought omitting the date gave a certain timelessness to the signing. But I've changed my mind.

How do you sign?

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

March 1T Status Update -- It was all about the story

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Samhain Publishing, my first publishing home, has announced they're closing their doors over the next several months.

Man, I loved this place. It was home in more ways than one. The quirky warnings, the editors who actually got my sense of humor, the safe environment made this the publisher of my heart.

Mind Mates, which had been slated for August 23, is now in limbo. I expect my rights back shortly and will proceed with indie publishing to try to get this to you as close to the original release date as possible. Here was the gorgeous cover. I don't know if I'll get to keep it or not.

Okay, before I get all weepy again, here is the good news. April Fools For Love 2016 is trucking along and plans are on track (to mix my vehicular metaphors) for preorder release mid-March.

Sneak peek at the cover!

Coming March 18, 2016--A fairy tale romance with a twist.

THE WRONGED DAUGHTER
Cinderella hungers to escape from under Widow Wikkid's grinding thumb. But to snare a plum job at Prince Industries, Cin desperately needs her degree, and she can't wrap her mind around tax accounting.

Then scarred but sexy Rafe Montoya ignites her imagination with his brilliant tutoring—and, as they work together in his cozy apartment, he sets her body on fire. She thinks he's the one for her, until he starts pushing her to attend Gideon Prince's marriage-mart ball.

THE HANDSOME PRINCE
Rafe is really Gideon Prince, head of Prince Industries. He must name his bride by his April first birthday or suffer the loss of his family fortune.

Rumors say he's still single because women love his money and looks, not him. Is he lonely or just another duplicitous tycoon?

THE GLASS SLIPPER TEST
Hopefuls flock to Prince's birthday ball, but only the woman who's kind, wise, and generous will win his heart. Is it Cin, or will her stepmother, as she always does, snatch the prize for her own daughters?

And on the night of the ball, when Cin discovers Rafe’s true identity, can she even accept his final test?

Warning: Rags-to-riches fairytale meets the texting generation. Stepsisters who are a blush-brush shy of a full makeup set, and a ball gown built like a tank. Contains material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised.