The Production of a Book aka Book Cover Follies

To say the least, finding good stock photos of POCs is not an easy thing to do. The variety is slim and me, well my expectations tend to be weak and low. With the first version of this cover I was awed by the beauty of it. The actual manuscript was soaking so there were certain aspects of it that I did not take into account. (I'm a panser so a lot of details are often blurred and not drilled into my brain until the 3rd or 4th editing pass) It was in the 4th pass that one specific detail really stuck me: The main character, Herra is described as having a dark chocolate skin tone... Did the cover I bought match that? Nope. I went back and forth and back and forth, contemplating if it mattered, would the readers mind and could I live with it? And then there was the thought about me needing a new cover.

Seriously, I spent months worrying over it. Then, I realized something. I am the self publisher of this piece and l am not the type to do many versions of a work. The complete production of each product needs to be at least 85% of perfection in my opinion, because I want to consider it finished (and move onto the next world). Suffice it to say, I went in and ordered a new cover.

Is this what Herra looks like? Damn close! Oh and is that what Arune looks like? Let me tell you Syneca Featherstone nailed the clinging possessiveness of that one to a Tee!

Writing is my greatest hobby. Always was and always will be, but as I step deeper into the self publishing realm I realize that I can't take my willy nilly/ impulsive draft writing stance into the final stages of production. I have a very critical, analytical side and its what I use when editing. It's like putting on a different hat, and well...that's what I need to use more of in the production stages.

Note. I do not say marketing stage, because before others being pleased with the final product, I have to be pleased with it. So that's why there is a new cover for "Be My Shadow."

The Old Cover

Writing Schedules and Upcoming Projects

Some writers can tell you what their working on and what the release days for those projects are way in advance and be accurate about it. Me, not so much. I have tried to and been just about the biggest flake in the box, but well I do have a very rough schedule and it goes like this:

* Finish up "The Matriarchy" a short monster piece for submission to an open call.

* Finish up "The Provider" a MM Paranormal novel about a single father trying to make a life for his cubs while getting a little love for himself.

* Keep working on "Night Bites 4: Snake Ma" a 99 cent short about a woman searching for something other than a meal.

* Edit and get ready for submission: "Be My Shadow" a SF Novel about an Intergalactic Soldier and her scheming, possessive prince.

* Keep poking at "Dem Ole Ways" my zombie novella.

* Get outline started for the next and last Guardian book.

While there may be those who think that I have relapsed back into WoW (World of Warcraft)-- I am still sober and working. I still have a touch of the ADHD and all it takes is a juicy open call to throw a wrench into my project plan, the missions are still there and I have been busy (On days when the day job isn't whipping my ass). A version of the above chart is on my note sheet and I am trying to stick to it somewhat.

We shall see though as I am a sucker for distractions.

My Superpower...Supporting Authors!

I'm waaaay late in talking about this but it has been on my mind to confess for some time. While I suck ass at promoting myself, I think I do a pretty good job of supporting my colleagues. I get enthusiastic about works that I enjoy and their creators and truly I am vibrant when I talk about their characters, plots and writing styles. I feel its my obligation to write reviews and give shoutouts where they are due. When folk ask me about my material, I tend to go into a catatonic state but ask me about what I just read and I can give an hour long speech. Suffice to say that I am an avid reader with a serious weakness for Horror, Dark Fantasy and Paranormal. (Woot- Guess who is just starting the SNAFU series? This chick) Okay, getting distracted by the awesomeness- anyway this past year I was so privilaged to be able to help in the creation of a Halloween party for diverse writers of...yup, Horror, Dark Fantasy and Paranormal!!

Now, I don't know about anybody else, but book fairs, book festivals, well communities of color don't tend to have a large speculative presence, if at all. Finding scary books (and no I am not talking about gangster lit although much of those are far more frightening than any slasher, monster or psychological thriller) is next to impossible. Seriously, I attended a book festival a while ago and I stopped in front of a stand with gorgeous flashy covers. The publishing representative in front of the booth asked me what types of books I was into. My but she was so cheerful as she went into what types of genres her company provided. Then I opened my mouth and said "Horror, Paranormal, Science fiction." Yeah that smile vanished quicker than a vampire at dawn.

So me and some friends, all of us speculative fiction writers decided to band together and plan an event focusing on AOC (Authors of Color) who wrote darker more fantastical works. Now before the event, I had encountered a few writers that fit the bill but once the announcement for the party went live, my short list blew up. I was introduced to a slew of writers and their works. Being able to bring them together was a challenge but so worth while as I saw that there really was an audience for diverse terror and spectacles! The party was a blast. Prizes were given out. Games were played. Interviews were displayed. Wanna see? Colors in Darkness

Okay, so not wanting the party to end, it was announced at the end of the festivities that there would be a Facebook group, called Colors in Darkness, to kind of keep the networking going, to reward those readers seeking something different and to provide a united front. Did I promote my work? Yeah but what really excited me the most was the joy of the other authors who participated and the multitude of new reads I got introduced to!

Often, and in the past I have to say that I...well I kinda felt self-conscious and secretive about the works I read and wrote, but being in similar company has ignited a flame within me. There will be a 2nd Annual Halloween party and even though its months off I'm still coming up with ideas! I want to create a newsletter, a promo brochure, do interviews and the like, but by networking I can see that others are doing their thing to spotlight the cause, such as the Black [African] Speculative Fiction Writers "Directory": Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Paranormal Kindle Edition!.

Although I do get excited when I have a new release, the joy at seeing a community come together, emerge and grow is so much more fulfilling.

Still Swimming in the Land of the Lost...But Afloat!

I haven't blogged since 2014. I know because I checked. It's downright shameful, I know. But I've been in school. Self-Education school. This year was the first time I decided to dip a toe into self publishing and yes, they are very deep waters. I will tell whoever asks, that the waters are neither calm or easy to navigate and I have made so many errors that it isn't funny. Bad editors that either don't respond back to emails or who are inconsistent, check. The intricate technical science of formatting, check. The utter quandaries of pricing, markets and marketing, check, check and check. Now you should know that I did not go into this whole self-publishing thing, thinking it would be easy. I knew I would have a great deal of challenges and I still do.

The Why? Why would a writer decide to self publish? Personally, at first I wanted deals. I saw several authors posting their 99 cent deals, their freebies and their countdowns and they were getting access to a good deal of readers. Myself included. I was snatching up deal after deal for my kindle and I wanted to have a horse in the race. So, tentatively, I dipped my toe into Amazon's KDP with a three part series called 'Challenging the Dark.' Each one was 99 cents. I made the covers myself and had some editing done. They were shorts and fun to write and gave a bit of an insight into my crazy mind for anyone wondering if they should check me out. I got a few reviews, and that experiment was successful, I think. By being in the KDP select program which calls for exclusivity, I only needed to format the book for Amazon.

Okay so then, I looked back on my WIP (works in progress) pile and noted my problem child. I have several novels in my WIP pile but the one that demanded my attention the most was a cursed piece called "Love Stoned." It had been accepted by one of the big publishers, held there for two years. Then it went on to two rejections and when I did decide to self-publish it and pay an editor, well she flaked so hard on me that I became traumatized and paranoid. From there it was still some doom to be had. Now, I KNEW that doing a full length novel was going to hurt and it did. But even outside of the editing, I had and still don't have a clue how hard it can be to deal with 300+ pages. Anyway, I got the book ready and then attempted formatting because I wanted to throw my net just a bit wider than Amazon this time. As before, the only easy part of the process was choosing the cover art and yeah, even then, the study of back matter came into play.

My first attempts at formatting made me want to throw my keyboard into a wall and give up. But a friend turned me on to a fabulous formatter who whipped that novel into beautiful shape for both print (Createspace) and digital. Well, by then I was doing the running man and thinking I just maybe able to do this thing. I posted out for early review reads, put up advertisements and was all ready for release. Then...nada. Not one pre-review was returned. I got a few responses from blogs asking for a copy but no reply. I did and still do see sales though. So a few lessons in marketing were soon learned, like the price was not right, the importance of ads and well, I still don't know how to get reviews but I'm trying and I am not in despair.

I go back and forth with the whole, was I being arrogant to think that I could do this by myself thing, and for the past year while I have been studying the hows just as much as the whys, I do kinda realize that the process can be empowering. Don't get me wrong, I'm from the old school where a writer could be just that. Nobody loves cranking out work and seeing a paycheck more than myself. I do not like marketing, promo or technical formatting and I am no saleswoman. But those days of a writer just writing are kinda gone and I so wanted to see the book as close to completed as I could get it...for me. So if I am guilty of something, I suppose it would be selfishness. I wanted the book in my hands. I do not make a living as a writer but I now have such mad respect for those who do and especially those capable of sucessfully wearing the self publishing hat because there are many caps beneath it.

Any way, at the beginning of the year, I threw down the gauntlet. No new material until I can up the stack of WIPs littering my hard drive. I still have two more to go...okay five but for the most part I have been true to that goal. I have chosen to go back a bit to the publishing companies for now. I have one WIP that just got contracted and another that I will begin to farm out for a contract, but learning about self-publishing, taking time out to figure out the processes, to try, to succeed or fail, has been beneficial I believe and so with the coming of 2016, I believe I have the option of both and that I can do both...okay so maybe not with another work over 100 pages but who knows...

Whoa is 2016 gonna be fun...

A Writers Life and Continuing Education

Cougar is always a good distraction when I have no idea what I need to do next.

I always said that if I won the lottery that I would go for my Master’s Degree, maybe even a Doctorate but only if I hit the lottery. Advanced degrees are highly expensive and in the field that I would study: English or Creative Writing, that wouldn’t be the best investment in a sure future that I could make. Why? Because I’m paranoid. I make no bones about holding onto my day job, my security and my sanity. Oh I dream of being a Best Seller but I don’t dream of starving or going into debt in the pursuit of it and my luck...well, I am contributing heartily to my 401K.

So, I pursue my obsession in the best and easiest way I can, I practice writing frequently. Sometimes it’s a daily pursuit; sometimes I skip a few days. I search the internet looking for tips and tools, market trends and promotions opportunities all in homage to this craft that I love, writing. Putting words together to weave a tale, sculpting words to make visions and inspire emotions. Obsessions… Who needs classes on being a writer? There’s the library, the internet, lots of books that you can read independently.

I will tell you that to me being published is almost the same as having a certificate of higher learning. Of course it isn’t but still…it’s pretty damn close. However…I am currently sitting at my desk after having finished my morning word count, and I find myself thinking, self you really should be doing something more, for instance:

• Isn’t there a book you should be promoting

• Isn’t there an Outline you should be revising

• Shouldn’t you research a few sci fi publishers for that current WIP you are working on

• Your grammar and mechanics skills are rusty, look up some books to work on that

• Don’t you have a newsletter that is late

• Why are you working on a SF work when most of your ‘brand’ is Paranormal

• Shouldn’t you do some updates to your writers expense report

• How about a plan to get a few short stories and novellas onto Amazon to get more name recognition

Yeah so those are only at the tip of the iceburg, before the headaches start. I have been writing for a while (a long while) now and while I don’t regret signing up for continuing education at a University, I swear I regret thinking that diligence and tenacity were all that I needed.

I’m a writer and some say that I am prone to be introverted but I say that I’m an introvert that happens to write. It has occurred to me that much of the confusion, frustration and ignorance that I have about my writing habit is because I had purposefully considered only one thing, the act of the craft while turning a blind eye on the one thing I could use. Socialization. Active learning. Cranking it out is important sure but I am certainly not prolific enough to have an agent, handler or promo team to allow me to just...crank it out.

I bet writer’s conventions, seminars and workshops have educational tracts that I could benefit from, tips and information that could relieve some of the anxiety I have as a writer, that could bolster the strength of my prose, my brand and maybe even the way I market myself… because although some might believe that all you have to do as a writer is to write….They would be soo wrong.

I have a FB page that I devote to Author Tools. I call it the Author’s Bar, because from the few conventions that I have attended many introvert authors seem to conspire there, myself included, to tap that Dutch Courage needed to socialize. Have I been attending the wrong cons? Possibly. Do I socialize with authors there? No. Am I uncomfortable with parties and costumes and swag showers? Kinda yeah. And to be perfectly dour, I find myself longing for lecture rooms and group circles where text is torn apart both for content and context, where trends are explained with flow charts and attack plans are detailed for success. But the amount of author gatherings with classroom formats are few and far between. (If I am wrong, please post some links to the bar)

Why, I wonder when writing is a very serious and ever changing profession. Sure I am a decent self-learner and I make my word counts, but in other areas I find myself doubtful.

I’m not writing this blog to influence a writer into conventions or higher learning, but simply to reveal what I am searching for and hope one day to find. So, if you know of an event that could benefit me or person’s like me, by all means use that comment box.

The Human Race...At The End of The Day!

I don’t have common sense but I do so enjoy ‘Loving Day’ and the spotlight it shows on yet another petty matter that humans use to keep us from progressing further in science, politics and advancement of the species as a whole. Interracial…Race has several meanings, such as:

1. a contest of speed 2. to transport or propel at maximum speed 3. a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock 4. a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits

My favorite however is:

5. an actually or potentially interbreeding group within a species; also : a taxonomic category (as a subspecies) representing such a group

Um...Humans!!The come in many appetizing shades!

Why shades should even be an issue isn’t a mystery to me, I do believe in racism and I know that it exists. The why however, is the bigger quandary. Humans come in hundreds and hundreds of shades, they have similarities on the surface and beneath however not one of the so-called races (a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock) is incompatible with another, hence the definition of race as a fundamental ‘interbreeding group within a species,’ is apropos.

That would be the simple way to consider the notion, debate or observations of interracial love but even in this day and time, humanity stumbles over the concept. There are dark and light shades within every race, Chinese, Indian, Native American, African, Europeans. And yes, unfortunately there are caste systems in which a person is either elevated or suppressed due to skin shade. So for those who think it is ridiculous for a person to date someone of a various colored groupings, I have to wonder what they would think if they were ostracized for dating someone of a different shade.

Perfect and perhaps not known example within the African American community: “I don’t date high yella men.” “I don’t date dark skinned girls.” “I don’t mess with brown –skinned women…” It may sound ridiculous, but I have heard those statements and more. I’ll give you the fact that we all have preferences, and I believe that that should be stated as such. A dark-skinned person with a light-skinned person could be considered interracial. Sound ridiculous.

But wait, what about a variance of beliefs, or a difference of culture and custom assigned to a race? What about generalized political affiliations, culinary differences, ideologies…If these are the struts that bolster the framework of race as a source of pride and empowerment…stability even, consider the stagnation of that might occur if any so-called purity could ever be attained. I mean no harm to those who seek what they know and are familiar with, but to ridicule or insult the pairing of two human beings with differences, negate the opportunity for unification stagnates within a group in solitary and prevents fresh and opposing experiences that might be more similar than either party knows.

There is a term, ‘variety is the spice of life,’ and human beings whether they know it or acknowledge it or not, are the product of such an idea. The idea of genealogy and tracing our ‘roots’ has become such a popularity now that there are paid services for the pursuit. Such research often shows variety in our backgrounds.

Now it may not be as poignant as you can obviously point out the white folk in your family, there are several Irish faces in my family tree, a couple of Native Americans, a few Scotts but mainly African descendants.

I consider myself a Black American not because of my background, and certainly not in any negation of the fundamental fact that many or most of are mixed. It's simple and it's the closest description I can come to that defines me in the environment that I was born into. That’s also what I check on the census form when it comes around. It’s easy, simple and requires almost no explanation at all of the scientific fact that interracial unions are not only possible but have occurred since the dawn of time. Many races, cultures, perhaps persons of various religions went into me!

I do so enjoy ‘Loving Day’ or shall I say ‘Keeping it Real’ day if only for the opportunity for people to reflect upon the fact that we are all the same species. Just because one person may be a different, color, culture, shade of ideological set, doesn’t mean that we are incompatible for loving, and that goes for straight, bi and homosexual folk. You're human, damnit.

Hungry aliens won't discriminate, so why should we?

Human is human. The sooner we realize that the sooner we can get focused on real issues, like poverty, discrimination, advancements in science, health and technology. All this separation and flag waving is just moot distraction...by the MAN...who I am probably related to several generations back, so...

Happy Loving Day Human. No matter what race, culture, color, creed or shade you are.

And Now On To The Really Fun Stuff

Click Here to Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Click Here to Go back to Hop Master List!!!

Finish the Loving Day Hop by visiting Author: Rae Lori

Want a Preview of the Prizes? Check these Out!

LOVING DAY BLOG HOP MASTER LIST

Visit the following author and reviewer pages to learn something new or win a prize or two!

Sydney Arrison eBook copy of Bad Tabby: A Night Kitty Quickie by Renee Luke and Café Mocha by Vivienne Diane Neal

Koko Brown Reader’s Choice of an eBook from author’s backlist & ARC of yet to be released Taken

Sam Cheever eBook copy of The Biggest Poser (EPUB, MOBI, PDF)

Shyla Colt $10 Amazon Gift card AND eBook copies of Dual Desires and Keys to Heaven

Alexa Day eBook copy of Illicit Impulse and swag

Stacy-Deanne eBook copy of Bruised

Dahlia DeWinters Reader’s Choice of an eBook from author’s backlist

Lena Hart eBook copy of historical anthology, For Love & Liberty

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb eBook copy of IR historical Stolen

M J Kane eBook copy of A Heart Not Easily Broken

Mya Lairis $10 Amazon Gift Card

Rae Lori $20 Amazon Gift Card Choice of 1 book from author’s backlist Choice of 1 of 3 Sandra Kitt IR eBook (The Color of Love, Close Encounters, Between Friends)

Fiona McGrier Choice of the following eBooks: The Reluctant Bride, Two For Tuesday or Prophecy of the Undead

Lisa G. Riley eBook copy of Friends and Lovers Series: You are Mine and a Mighty Good Man

Roxie Rivera eBook copy of Sergei, Sergei II and In Jack's Arms

Romance Novels in Color $10 gift card to Amazon or B&N

Keisha Robertson $10 Kobo gift card

Eve Vaughn Really cool prize

Holding a Book Signing With an eBook - Sam Cheever (Special Guest Post)

There's no doubt about it, ebooks are quickly becoming the new favorite for much of the reading public. Sales for digital media continue to climb, becoming an ever larger segment of the market. This is good news for ebook authors, creating much potential to build our sales and name recognition. During this exciting time, we writers are challenged to find new and better ways to promote our work. Digital format makes that effort both easier and more difficult, depending on the venue.

Promoting digital media online is natural and most of us embrace it, using loops, chat groups, and social networks to get our books in front of a ravenous buying public. But one area that continues to stump us is how to do book signings when the book isn't in paper and ink. This is probably the most often asked question by newly published ebook authors. It can either be viewed as a challenge, or as an opportunity to be creative. Guess which way I'm gonna go! #:0)

Preparing for an ebook signing is fun. First of all, if you want to put something in the buyer's hand you have a couple of choices. You can either put your book on a memory stick to sell at the signing, or provide some type of printed media with links for shoppers to take home and think about, thereby taking the heat off of them to purchase the book on the spot. If you’re dealing with a techno savvy buyer, you can offer cards with the book’s QR code and blurb for scanning later.

I like to load my content on memory sticks that represent either my brand or the book they contain. The small icon on my website and all printed author material is a red heart. With this branding in mind, I keep a ready supply of red, heart-shaped memory sticks that I load with book trailers and sample content for fans and contest winners. This idea works great for a book signing too. Along with the book you’re selling, you can include first chapters and trailers of some of your backlist or free reads. Tell shoppers the extras are on there when you offer it to them. Anything extra you give the reader increases your chances of pulling them in and enticing them to buy more of your books.

Selling digital copies of your book in a bookstore can be complicated. If your signing is in a bookstore, it might be easier for you just to provide a free chapter of the book and send them to the website to buy the entire book. But many conferences now allow and even encourage writers to sell their own books at book signings.

An alternative to a memory stick is printed media of some type. My recommendation would be a first chapter booklet. You can create first chapter booklets very easily, either producing them yourself or working with your local printer. Make them as attractive as possible, include the cover on the outside, and autograph the books. Make sure to include your website and the buy URL on the booklet. Even if the shopper thinks she is taking the booklet just to be kind, she's very likely to give it a quick read and you have a chance to draw her in. Other alternatives are postcards and/or cover flats if you have access to them, but I like the chapter booklet because it gives readers enough of a taste to get them hooked, improving the chances that they'll buy the book. This is the same concept Amazon uses to great success with its book samples.

Always include signed bookmarks, trading cards and/or business cards for readers to take home. If you can, provide candy and/or some little trinket (pens, magnets, etc.) for them to take with them. And, if possible, offer some kind of visual. If you have a book trailer, bring your laptop with you and play the trailer in a loop during the signing. Or, if you have a good voice and a dramatic flair, provide audio of you reading a chapter in your book. Be creative. For example, if your book involves cooking, provide a recipe card with a great recipe on one side and your book's title, blurb, and buy URL on the other side. Yoga? Include a favorite yoga position on the card, with an explanation for what it does to improve health or, if your book is erotic, how it increases sexual prowess. Your book is about a murderer who loves crossword puzzles? Create a crossword puzzle online, using things that appear in your book as the clues, print it out and offer it to them, with your book info on the back of course! You get the idea. Just be creative.

Don't forget to include your website on everything, so potential buyers can go check you out when deciding to buy.

One last thing you should think about is a contest. Put together a small, sparkly gift basket and place it on the table next to you. Provide slips of paper for shoppers to fill out with their email addies so you can notify them if they win, and require them to take a chapter booklet for the chance to win the basket. Include a box they can check on the slips of paper, to be included in your newsletter mailings... What? You don't have a newsletter? You might want to consider starting one!

The key, if you haven't figured it out yet #:0) is to give potential readers a reason to stop by and see you, and offer them something they might enjoy, rather than just hawking your wares to them. Most of this is stuff you would do even if your book was in print, but the gist of what I'm telling you is that book signings with ebooks can be a lot of fun and very effective. You just need to step outside the box and get creative. With the plethora of ebook readers available and a growing hunger for digital media, the books will sell themselves. All you need to do is give them the venue to do it! Happy Sales!

 

Sam Cheever's Latest Work The Biggest Poser

Available April 18th from Musa Publishing

May the biggest liar win. Or die trying!

Personal trainer for the ever popular, Lose it! reality show, Jillie Maxwell is up for the most important award of her career. And she’s competing against the biggest b-eye-itch she’s ever met. Fortunately for her, she has the sexiest man alive in her corner. Problem is, each and every one of them has a dirty little secret that could tank a career.

For the contestants, the race is on to lose the most weight and win everything. For the staff of the popular weight loss show, the clock is ticking to the culmination of their lies and the possibility of losing it all.

Will the Biggest Poser win? Or will the lies just grow and grow until they sink the whole show? Only one thing is certain. Whatever happens, it’s gonna be an entertaining ride!

THE BIGGEST POSER- BOOK PAGE

AUTHOR BIO

Sam's published work includes 50+ books of romantic suspense and fantasy/paranormal. Her books have won the Dream Realm Award for fantasy and The Swirl (interracial romance) Award. They've been nominated for and/or won several CAPAs, have been nominated multiple years for “Best of” with LRC and The Romance Reviews, and have won eCataromance’s Reviewer’s Choice award. Sam is published with Musa Publishing, Changeling Press; and Ellora’s Cave. She also publishes as Declan Sands, writing m/m fiction, and under her own imprint, Electric Prose Publications.

In real life, Sam lives in a cabin in the woods with 13 dogs and one husband. A self-proclaimed dog-aholic, Sam insists she's holding at 13...maybe... Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | About.Me | Amazon Author Page

Publicity for the Shy or the New Conventions...Sorta

I will be the first to admit that I suck at publicity, a crucial skill in these days of publishing. I don't blog nearly enough, I look at Twitter as if it is an alien construct, I was certainly a bit too interested in Facebook's gaming apps and book signings- public appearances...well, lemme just say that I wasn't mentally prepared to sell myself, not sober at least. So, I was sorta in a rut and relying on the publisher of my latest work (whichever one it was at any given time) to do most of the work. Oh I rented a few ads here and there, and I did a few of the review sites and even a blog hop or two. And I might add that I did a couple of contests. Being crafty and a shopper by nature, I would make jewelry, swag and a gift basket or two with glee, but I wasn't really focused.

Turn the calendar to 2014 and that notorious time of resolutions. I came upon an 'Author Services' group on Facebook. Looking for ways to kick up the attention to my books and my brand (another subject entirely) I joined my first Facebook party hosted by a provider of author services, Chelsea Author Promotions. The party was unlike anything I had ever experienced. There were games, trivia, contests, prizes and interaction all in real time. The author got to present her work, excerpts, got to speak to new fans and interested but wary prize seekers. The host, Chelsea Author Promotions encouraged participants to note and like the author's Facebook page, Goodreads page, Twitter, Amazon and webpage. Much opportunity seemed to be had by both readers and writer.

Curious, I attended several more events and even won a key chain at one event. Well, I was sold then. I was already planning the party I would throw, the games I wanted to play and the swag I wanted to give away. Then, Chelsea, the owner announced that she was doing a Multi-Author Bash.

Although I didn't have a new release, the temptation to do some back list pimping and the low cost of participating en masse, drove me to sign up. I didn't know what I was getting into but for weeks I was nervous and giddy at the prospect of going on display. The event, a trial for Chelsea, in that she usually did single author events crept up in participants and attendees daily until it was 46 authors and nearly a thousand attendees!

So I worked on some trivia questions, thought about some prizes and prepared a gift basket based on the book I was promoting and prepared myself for the big day. Assigned to the second day of the event, I know that I was unprepared for flurry of activity that hit when the time came. In the span of a few hours, I had nearly a hundred new likes to my Facebook page, more than sixty new Twitter follows and a lot of Goodreads fans. My smart phone was jumping with notifications. But all of that aside, I was raptly following the interaction my games and questions were generating, so much so that I ended up posting an additional giveaway. Even after my day had ended, I was still getting interest and still flying high.

Prize Basket and Bracelet Swag I Created for Event

I paid it forward, participating in other authors' games, liking and following and fanning my heart out even as the rush turned a bit to the feeling an addict gets when they want another fix. Determined to finish my next WIP (work in progress) I couldn't stop thinking about the next event, when was it going to be and which book, old or new, I could showcase. I know a lot of writers who attend conventions and say that they come back invigorated and with swag, and seriously I got that feeling. I won an ebook, got to see lots of new work, purchase a few for immediate Kindle download and I got plenty of ideas and yes, I got to do it without being in a giant room full of people. With the exception of tracks, panels and a con suite or bar, the event was pretty much like a convention, an e-con! (Can I coin that phrase?)

Now a Facebook party may not be for everyone, but as someone who still barely understands blog hops and is confused by email loops, as someone too broke to attend a convention outside of the DMV, this is looking like a pretty good way for me to keep my New Year's Resolution of taking my writing career more seriously and trying to get more attention if not just for my books but for my brand! More on that obsession to follow...

Learning from Writers: Zane, the Erotica Queen

So I finally got to meet the notable erotica queen, Zane today. I always strive to learn something new when I go to see writers and today I got a vital message. To say that the woman is a powerhouse is putting it mildly. A writer, a screenwriter, publisher and entrepreneur, I was in awe as she stood before us detailing her many projects both past and future. I can still recall, back in the day, when her books were the hottest things smoking and visible in nearly half of the women’s hands who rode the metro in to work with me. To say that she became wildly successful from a spicy read in the days when erotica was barely ‘out there,’ isn’t even her greatest accomplishment. In the days before ’50 Shades of Gray’ Zane was tearing it up with the spice. I would be lying if I said that she didn't inspire me to write naughty, wild fic because she did. When I first started writing, I looked to her example for what I wanted to one day achieve. I still do.

But the remarkable thing about Zane is that she didn’t just sit back and write. She gave birth to and expanded an empire. She created a publishing company, edited and published over a hundred authors of not just erotica, but romance (gay and straight), non-fiction, she contracted with cable companies for the development of television shows and soon feature films. She has even branched out in sales of adult toys and herbal supplements all while performing charitable and uplifting deeds.

Every empire has its base and what I learned through Zane’s presentation was that if your base is strong then you can build upon it. She spoke about the underlying message of female empowerment in her body of work and I just sat there stunned as I tried to think of what message my body of work had and how I could use it to unite my readers. Zane is a brand unto herself and yes much of it derives from hard work but focus is just as important. Whether she is working on non-fiction with famous politicians, performing philanthropic work, serving as executive producer on her hot erotic cable show or just giving real talk to a room full of avid readers, I get the impression that she holds true to her message.

She has surely empowered me! And yes, I haven't figured out how to keep my eyes open for decent pics...

Con Report: Capclave and Pushing an Introvert to the Max

Capclave is a convention sponsored by the WSFA, Washington Science Fiction Association and it is within thirty minutes of where I live, depending on traffic. So taking into consideration proximity and theme, Capclave is always a tempting event. It is located in Gaithersburg, MD at the Hilton and is a three-day affair of science fiction, fantasy, some horror and a surprising amount of attention to YA. One thing, I have to say about this convention, is that the attendees are brilliant, smart, mature and laid back. You will see very few children, few cosplayers and the parties will not incur the wrath of the police. The panelists know what they're talking about, have been in the trenches of lit, from New York style to Independent. The history that they share regarding everything from the evolution of genres over the years, to publishing trends, to their incursions with literary giants is quite interesting to behold. All that was to say that I was not really surprised that this year's Guest of Honor was none other than George R.R. Martin.

My mother finished the Song of Ice & Fire Series before I did, I must confess. While I kept up with the HBO series, I was a little late getting to the novels and so for the better part of this year, I have been reading his massive epic and loving it! So, tempted with the opportunity to meet the literary giant, I not only signed up to attend, I signed up to volunteer, which btw is the best way to attend any con in my book. You see, being a volunteer or staff affords you many opportunities to go behind the scenes, get advanced information and occasionally there are even a few perks! But, back to the convention.

This year, I was really feigning for author interaction. I was unable to attend a romance con that I had planned on going to and I haven't really found a writer's group that isn't just focused on getting published and critiques. So, I was eager to attend Capclave even if it was monsoon season and I had to drive through torrential rains to get there! And yes, it was all that I hoped it would be.

As a reader or a person who enjoys receiving a tale, sitting back and revealing in it, I have to point out that one of the highlights of the convention was listening to Mr. Martin read an excerpt from his upcoming project: Dangerous Women. The excerpt tied into the history of Westeros and the deadly dragon war of the House Targaryen. After he joked about all the projects he was late on as well as a few other topics, he began his reading and I swear to you, I was rapt, the entire audience was for nigh on an hour. He would end his tale by answering a question regarding the actors who were chosen for his audio books, but when I tell you, he is by far the better bard to tell the tales, I am not overly flattering the man.

As an introvert, I like to push myself socially, hence the volunteering, but it does in fact physically drain me. So throughout the multitude of panels I attended and my duty to guard the rear door and direct con-goers and guests to registration, I pushed it this weekend.

After the panel: When the Dark (Fiction) Comes Rising- Where Horror and Fantasy Collide, I walked right up to panelist, Craig Alan Loewen, a fascinating author who I had heard talk at Balticon and last year's Capclave and introduced myself. I got his card and we chatted about horror stories!! I met another author while I was standing guard at my post, who also loves and writes a darker shade of fic, Ms. Betsy A Riley. We had the most exhilarating discussion on dark fic and writing other genres. In the midst of working and controlling a line for Mr. Martin's Saturday reading, I lost her card...and panicked. After the Martin chaos ended, I had to recall which panel she told me that she would be in. And yes, I diligently waited until she got out, to request a new card. You see, she had lit a fire in me to dabble in more horror and I definitely needed to keep in contact with her.

While waiting for the panel: Aircraft Carriers in Space given by Chrisopher Weuve, I managed to accidentally discover another Neal Asher fan, and while I had been running low on energy reserves, I ramped up for an intense conversation concerning the awesomeness of my hands down favorite Sci Fi writer! Talking about massive A.I. starships, the science behind immortality and memcrystals, prattling on about Z.A.s (zero-asset) civilizations, I could barely catch my breath as I entered the panel...and then I really got blown away.

So, hearing from authors and panelists is cool, yeah, but getting schooled is totally awesome and Christopher, a naval and war games adviser, went into detail about not only aircraft carriers, naval history and ship components, he also brought to light flaws in several Sci Fi writers visions of space warfare. The most glaring distinction for me was Star Wars/Star Trek...I mean, in Star Trek the main vessels are capable of much more efficient destruction then fighter gnats of Star Wars. I am still more of a Star Wars fan, but the ineptitude of the Death Star against a one-manned small craft is kinda hilarious when put up against the Enterprise and a Romulan warbird neither of which even need to deploy individually manned fighters. And don't get me started on the runway launch discussions.

All that was to say, the educational sessions for writers, to help them avoid mistakes in the composition of their works and worlds, totally sold me into looking for more panels like his.

Throughout the convention, I had had several run-ins with the most fascinating lady. We conversed about the panels she was on, cats, her adopted first grade class and ways of learning and teaching. I swear, and it may have had something to do with my short-circuited brain, that I had no idea that she was the other Guest of Honor at the convention, one brilliant Sharyn November! No seriously, the ideas that she came up with for teaching kids haiku made me wishing that I had had such teachers in school.

Suffice to say that by the time I finally got to meet Mr. Martin and have him sign my copies of A Feast of Ice & Fire: The official Companion Cookbook and The Skin Trade, a WSFS exclusive publication about werewolves, I was a weary, maniacal mess in need of silence and rest. When I finally came before him, I couldn't even speak. All I could do was smile and you know what, he smiled back at the goofy chick with the afro!

In summation, this year's Capclave was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it for those who like a mellower con. They had a fabulous and very well stocked con suite and an extensive selection of games for those who love a good game of Dominion, cough cough. The vendor's room isn't massive but it’s well stocked and the bar at the hotel was spacious and served a good burger and beer. I am sure I am leaving out a great deal, but I am still flying high from this exciting event and not quite grounded yet.

Next year's guests will be Paolo Bacigalupi, Holly Black and Genevieve Valentine and you never know who else might be there. Introvert or not, getting out and socializing can be challenging but at Capclave, even with a massive feature draw like Martin, it’s not excessively difficult.

Loving Day Blog Hop: Opinions on Interracial Relationships

A staunch supporter of an individual's ability to love whomever they choose, I refuse to dream in one skin, shape or gender. If you have ever read anything of mine (fan fiction included), you should know that skin color is only the first of the thresholds that I will cross in my erotic dreams! Bigotry, xenophobia and racism are all instruments of fear, but even worse, they are a matter of...Well, let me introduce you to today's guests. First we have Freya Daniels, renowned bounty hunter and Alpha wolf and second we have Peter Fitzgerald, a powerful, ice sorcerer. Both are involved in committed interracial relationships.

Mya- Good afternoon to you both. I'd like to thank you for agreeing to this interview regarding interracial love. You both are involved with members of a different race, right?

Freya- (the tall, muscular werewolf has a chocolate complexion, dark brown eyes and thick, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. She is wearing a tank, sweatpants and combat boots and is five months pregnant. She smirks, adjusting her wife beater tee over her round, brown belly) Are you fucking kidding me?

Peter-(a pale, blonde with ice blue eyes and curly hair, Peter's stare is a cross between bored and severely menacing) Color not race. Micah and I are both sorcerers, what does skin color matter, or hair, or eye color.

Mya- Well, Freya, Why are you looking at me like that? Both of your mates are Caucasian, correct?

Freya- They're pale. Pink in some places, and pinker in others but they are wolves. We're really from the same race, like the Iceman just said. Wolves come in many colors. It's you guys that have to sweat the details. Red, yellow, pink, blue...Who gives a fuck?

Mya- Well. Peter. Your mate is of African descent? I realize that bonds are made regardless of color but did you ever think that fate had thrown you a curve ball?

Peter- Micah is the most gorgeous creature I've ever met but the biggest hurdle wasn't his color at all, accepting how much I craved another man was.

Mya- So I assume you've had curious stare. Ever had to deal with maybe a racist or homophobic remark or two?

Freya- (laughs) From humans, she means.

Peter- Sometimes. But then sometimes I might freeze an ignorant bastard solid. Shit happens.

Mya- O...Kay. So um, we're all adults here. Do you think that color has anything to do with enhancing or stimulating your passions.

Freya and Peter look at one another as if they aren't sure how much to reveal. Both smile.

Freya- I ain't gonna lie. Rayne's got the cutest pink cock and Fenris, well he's got this deep peach thing going...Visually, it can be a rush. Contrasts and all.

Peter- Indeed. I drown in chocolate every chance I get. Chocolate and fire. Vanilla inside of chocolate...

Freya- (Freya leans over and slaps Peter on the shoulder) Church! Just got this cute little chocolate omega. He has a cute, dark, cocoa ass. Bubblebutt. Rayne terrorizes him. But heh, I've gotta Bun on board. (pats belly)

Peter- (scowls at the physical contact but lightens up Freya fingers a protective rune bracelet) Yes. A berserker or a witch no doubt.

Freya- Hey. Cut the prejudiced shit. Witches and sorcerers should get along. (guffaws)

Peter- I need a drink.

Freya- Don't even play. I could slaughter some Hennessey.

Mya- (wincing) Indeed. Boy or girl?

Freya- Cub

Mya- Well. When your cub is born, do you think that color will be an issue for it?

Freya- Just because I'm brown as the day is long and Bun's dads are light and bright?

Mya- Yeah.

Freya- You do know I am a werewolf and my cub will be too. The cub could be dark brown, high yella, brown, blue black or it could be pale. I don't give a rat's ass and a quarter. It will be mine and I will love it regardless.

Mya- Well, Peter have you and Micah given any thoughts to children?

Peter- I would love to see Micah's children. He has even mentioned it. I would hope that they could wield fire or ice. I am not sure that I could deal with a water sorcerer.

Freya- That whole color thing is a human concept. Now, interspecies....that's a whole other topic.

Peter- (snickers.)

Mya- So in closing. What would you say about interracial/multicultural relationships?

Freya- It ain't for me to say shit about other folks, but there ain't nothing wrong with a swirl here and there.

Peter- I say people should mind their business and stop worrying about what others think.

Mya- Or else, right...(laughs nervously)

Peter- (deadpan) Exactly.

Mya- Well, that concludes this interview. I would like to thank you both for agreeing to this little chat.

Freya-Yeah, whatever. You still owe me for saving your ass from those goblins. There are less volatile fiends to play poker with.

Mya- Um... Yeah, of course. (dreading tonight's Texas Hold'em Tournament)

Peter- And I will expect your silence regarding last week's incident.

Mya- No worries, Peter. Not a peep, I swear! (mumbles beneath breath) So not trying to become a frozen slushie...Anyway, Thank you both!

Well, now that that interview is done, I want to inform you that I will be giving away the Serenity Basket during this blog hop (guarded by my precious Cougar). It contains a hot/cold mug, tea, journal, pens, massage oil, candles, a copy of one of my titles and more! In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment!

You can find out more about the wacky, common and sometimey author, Mya at the following:

Website: www.myaserotica.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyasDen

Let's keep the party going! Check out the lovely IR author Keshia Robertson next!!!

The Loving Day Blog Hop

I will be participating in this fabulous event and giving away a wonderful gift basket. Stay tuned for more information and mark your calanders ;D

Rep Your Squad…I Mean Authors

Having seen great memes detailing how you can help an indie (independent) writers, I just want to put the word out that independents aren’t the only ones needing help. To share a bit of personal information, I for one have a mental breakdown when it comes to thinking of promotions. Seriously, it’s like I catch the flu and can do nothing more than rock back and forth as I lament lost opportunities to reserve blog spots, to arrange reviews and well promo in general, whenever I have a new release. Contests however, I tend to be rabid about. Anyway, many of the memes regarding the best way to help your writer buddies give the following advice:

Click on the “Like” Button on Amazon for the book and the Author (if you purchased it from the juggernaut)

Drop a review on GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc. once you have finished the book

Tag the book (if the website you purchased it from has the option)

“Like” or join the author’s Facebook page if they have one

Friend the author’s Twitter account and retweet announcements regarding their work

While I’m pretty sure that there are other ways to get the proverbial word out (feel free to list a few in the comments), any sort of recognition by a reader, good or bad is like money…to any author. It’s validation. A true writer (and by no means am I getting on a high horse) is going to write regardless, they can’t help it. It’s addiction. But as a Reader, I know that we can be addicts too and if encouragement can be donated to authors, those who aren’t so good can improve, those who are phenomenal can turn out more and if that brand of manipulation fails…I’m still doing great work for my favorite charity: Writers!!!

I know a lot of folk tell me: “What if I didn’t like the book?” Ever heard the saying ‘Any publicity is good publicity?’ Well it’s true. Seriously, how many times have I seen a book with 53 one-star ratings or 79 bad reviews and been more than just slightly…curious. 50 Shades of Gray…that’s all I’m gonna say on the matter.

So taking my self out of the equation, I find I have to revisit my policy on never reviewing any writers in my genre. I do read some paranormal erotica, some romance, not a lot mind you but I do read a few per year between numerous horror fiction, bio and eco thrillers and hard core space operas. Anyway as I go back through my Goodreads listing of books read, I vow to hunt down and ‘Like’ every author that I’ve read. While I may not write a review for everyone, I certainly vow to try and do so in the future. It’s not like I don’t know all the hard work writers put into a publication, so it’s almost especially douchey for me to expect reviews on my work and not put out myself.

I don’t have to speak much more on all the hard work that authors pour into their keyboards, the hours and the seclusion, I’m pretty sure that readers kinda know but I am making my own stand, my own personal campaign for Rep’ing the Authors, not just the ones you can’t get enough of but even the ones who cause you to wonder if they own a Thesaurus. A lot of my friends know that I am a rabid fan of Neal Asher (seriously, the cops would be eyeing me hard if I ever went to a book signing of his). I buy his books even the ones that I have to get imported from the U.K., liked his FB page, follow his blog, website and shout him out on any and every venue I can. If he were to announce that he was broke and needed donations, I would be among the first to throw money that man’s way, anything so he will crank out another book! In effect, I am sorta like his promo squad…but then readers can do that. They have that power and it doesn’t take much.

The next time you as a reader survey your vast library, stocked bookshelves and piles of coveted works, think about it. A little support goes a long way :D

My Beta Reader Obsession...

Meet Jamie!! He doesn't tolerate my bullshit and neither should my Beta Reader!!!

Early in 2012 I fulfilled one of my goals to do more public outings and to give back to the writing community who I sincerely wish I could spend more time cavorting with. I proposed, planned and was able to give a panel on one of my favorite subjects, Beta Reading. Like some writers can talk for days about world building, plot structures, characterizations, I love to dig into Beta Editing. OCD Alert, I love speaking about the tools, the processes, the degree of attention, the degree of cooperation involved. I have to admit that most of my study has been born out of dreams of the perfect beta reader. As a writer, I have this hmmm…selfish motivation. I wish that I could just crank out tomes and spend less time editing. Have a reader who could not only point out my inconsistencies, spot my errors and help me to stick to the damn plot. It would surely save me time and embarrassment but well…finding beta readers is not always easy and finding good ones is even rarer.

Now, I don’t toot my horn often, but I believe that I’m a pretty good beta reader when it comes to content. Back in the day when I didn’t have a good deal of writing assignments, I did a great deal of Beta reading for other authors and I loved it. Dissecting a text, writing up a summary, offering suggesting, pointing out brilliant bits and highlighting the awkward portions—Oh but it takes me back to my college days, scribbling notes (okay entire paragraphs) in red on the borders of “The Dubliners”...Yeah so, I am wiping the tears of nostalgia from the corners of my eyes as I peer at my writing schedule and how far behind I am.

So recently, my go-to beta reader asked me, “Do you think that I’m a good beta reader?” Thinking back to all of the times she has ripped into me about bad choreography, character inconsistencies, lack of action and sometimes the atrocious grammatical and punctual errors that I make, I have to say “Hells yeah!” Not to veer off topic but I often have people ask me how did you get published and I tell them that the most important commodity to have is a thick skin. (Not as thick as Jamie’s but thick).

Everyone likes cheerleaders, sure, but I don’t covet my babies, I send them out into the world to fend for themselves, so I would rather someone tell me that my kids are wearing mismatched socks and are lacking deodorant before they reach the door. Anyone who can’t take criticism and is afraid of the color red, has a hard road before them in writing. Submissions, Editors, Publishers can be (okay, mostly are) more keen on tearing your work apart than any Beta Reader. So my goal is to shoot for the least amount of embarrassment when I send off a new submission.

Let me tell you, the fact that my Beta reader is opinionated and picky helps immensely. Every writer’s needs are different, but I expressed to her that plot and choreography errors were my greatest concerns, that I wanted first impressions and opinions and she gives me that in spades. Do I need help with mechanics? Sure I do. [I am currently seeking a grammar and punctuation Nazi as a second Beta] but the fact that every story is a piece of clay which needs to be molded, hewn to the closest perfection before being taken to the kiln is undeniable.

I know several writers who have gotten discouraged over criticism and rejections, but I will always embrace it. I KNOW that there are flaws that I can’t see. I also know that I am often too close to see said flaws and so I love, adore and will do everything I can to encourage more readers to become Beta readers!

So from time to time, I will be posting Beta Reading topics and tools as I wait anxiously for my next opportunity to do a panel…which is also a New Year’s resolution.

Author Interview: Trista Ann Michaels

A while ago, I started a project called The Author’s Bar. Being one of the most unorganized and clueless kinds of writers, I created the page to help others like me. You see, I rarely knew when events were going on, if there was a book festival down the street from me or a workshop within fifty miles. I wouldn't find out about it until way after the fact. And I kicked myself for it. Vowing to try to tackle my lack of staying in the know, I set out to actively collect all of the information I could on events, services, types and opportunities that I could find.

In my research, I heard about a convention called “Romfest,” not to be confused with Romcon. While scanning over the page, I noticed the name of the founder of the event, Trista Ann Michaels. Now there is a special place in my heart for events created by authors and the fact that I had read a few of Trista’s titles only amplified the enthusiasm.

I looked through the pictures of their 2012 event and was blown away by the success of Romfest’s first year and simply had to know more. You see, I’m sure there are authors who would love to throw their own event, but what Trista has achieved and what I’m sure she will achieve with the next event is phenomenal. I couldn't imagine all of the hard work, time and effort that had gone into such an event. So, I wrote to Trista with all my curiosity and graciously, she accepted the offer for an interview which I will now share:

Give a brief description of the Romfest event?

Romfest is a conference for everyone. We have both reader and author events, food (wow do we have a lot of food..lol) parties, a band, raffle baskets, workshops, a book signing. It’s a four day weekend of learning, making friends, eating, drinking, dancing, and just having fun.

When and how did you know you were ready to sponsor your own event?

When I kept coming home from other conferences and telling my husband, “This is what I would've done.” LoL. My husband encouraged me to have my own and even went so far as to call my best friend and get her to talk me into it. Once she was on board, it didn't take much convincing after that.

Had you had any experience in event planning prior to the first Romfest?

Some. I had helped Sharon (my co-coordinator for Romfest) plan several other events in the past, but this would be the first event where it was my name on the contract line. Talk about scary..lol

How long was Romfest in the planning stages?

Probably about 18 months.

Have you done massive writers’ conventions in the past? Do you currently attend large conventions?

I’ve done RT several times and still love to go when I can.

Did you have help planning your first event?

Yes. I had several friends’ help, and some authors I know also offered some suggestions.

What if any difficulties did you have starting Romfest?

Lack of a history for the conference. I had to put up a much bigger deposit with the hotel since it was our first year. Also getting the word out about the conference. That’s tough when you’re starting from scratch and not on a lot of loops.

What if any difficulties do you have during the event considering you are the spearhead of Romfest?

We didn't have any difficulties this year…knock on wood… My only concern for me was by the end of the day my energy was fading fast, so more volunteers and helpers will definitely be on the list for 2013.

How many years has Romfest existed?

2013 will be its second year.

What was the hardest part about planning Romfest?

Working out the schedule and making sure the authors had enough time for their workshops. Usually more authors want to do workshops than you have space for and I really hate telling someone no, so we seriously had to work a little magic with that schedule…lol.

What effect has Romfest had on promoting your work?

It’s all about exposure and getting your name out there in this industry and I think having a successful conference helps with that. Plus, being the host gets you in front of the readers and I always love meeting readers.

How did you advertise your event? Did you start with your mailing list and work outward?

I put it out on Facebook first, then begged and pleaded with the authors I knew to spread the word…

Did you call on other authors to help with the event?

Oh, yes. And the ones we asked were more than happy to help.

How do you decide on the programming and events for Romfest?

Other than the meals and the Dr. Bass workshop, we let the authors decide. They offered up suggestions for reader events, workshops, games. Once we put the word out we were looking for authors to do an event, the ideas came in pretty quick. As the schedule began to take shape, we realized that 2012 ended up being a romantic suspense themed event and it looks as though 2013 will be a cowboy themed event. It’s weird how that seemed to work out.

Do you have a conductor/moderator or staff to assist you during the event?

My friend, Sharon helps me out a lot with the preparation work. When we get to the conference, there are several authors who chip in, as well as a few readers. For right now though, it’s mostly just me and Sharon.

What if any items, gifts or memorabilia do the attendees receive?

In 2012 everyone got a travel coffee mug that had Romfest 2012 printed on it, a registration bag full of books and goodies from the attending authors, and there were several events in which prizes and baskets were given away. The truth or dare game on Saturday night was truly a blast. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time, plus we gave away a lot of books that night.

Do you set registration by a reader to author ratio?

Last year we were about half author/ half reader. A 70% reader/30% author split would be ideal. Since we’re new, we just need word to spread in order to get more readers in so for now we’re not setting a specific ratio.

Is there a percentage of programming and events dedicated to readers and authors?

I think for the most part we’re reader oriented with a few workshops for authors and aspiring authors. Something for everyone is a good mix.

Was it hard to get guests of honor and speakers for the event?

Not as hard as I thought it would be. For 2012 we had Sherrilyn Kenyon and Mary Janice Davidson. For 2013 we have Jacquelyn Frank. So far we've been lucky to have such great names and all of them got back with us very quickly. Now I just need to find a breakfast speaker…

How did you decide on the cost of your event?

The food. We figured out our food budget, and then added a little to cover advertising, registration bags, printing and all the other little things that add up that you don’t think about until you’re hit with them.

How do you see Romfest growing in the future? What do you see it becoming?

I would like to see it grow much bigger. Although Sharon tells me if it becomes as big as RT, she’ll kill me…lol. I’m not sure I could handle one that big, either, but I definitely would like to say that I give RT a run for its money.

If you could give advice to other writers thinking about creating their own event what would it be?

It’s not as hard as you think, but definitely watch your expenses because they can get away from you if you’re not careful. Have one person in charge of the money and always keep your eye on the bottom line. There’s a lot of little things that add up when planning a major event like this so come up with a figure, then add 15%. Just to be safe.

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Check Out Trista Ann Michaels' Latest Release!!

Trista Ann Michaels is an award winning author that resides deep in the hills of East TN. A frequent sufferer of nightmares, it’s often from the ashes of those bad dreams that her stories will unfold. As the wife of an airline pilot and the mother of three, Trista is often struggling to balance writing with family and just like family, her characters are always in her thoughts, screaming for attention. One of these days she’ll get around to gagging them…but not today…

Trista Ann Michaels' Website: http://tristaannmichaels.blogspot.com/

Romfest Event site: http://www.romfest.com/

Author Interview: Yvette Hines

Neurosis aside or beside, I was trolling the internet one day and stumbled onto an announcement for a different kind of event- a single author convention. A multi-published, successful fiction author by the name of Yvette Hines was having her own personal convention. It was to be a one day event in celebration of her upcoming release, “Pleasuring the Queen.” Floored, I had never heard of such a thing and I was intrigued. Sure, I knew about release parties and showcases but a convention with a book discussion and other fun events with the actual author? Nope, I had never heard of it. But I couldn’t help but admit that there were a couple of authors and artists whom I would sell unborn children for the opportunity to attend such an event for. So, I was intrigued and wanted to know more.

“A Day with Yvette Hines” promised not only intimate author reader discussions, but meals, giveaways, games and prizes. And as I read over the description, I think what caught me most was the personal connection she could make to and with her readers. Now I have been to massive conventions and I have stood in line, sat in the front row, got a book signed, and maybe even hung out for a few minutes with an author…but sitting around with the author, dissecting a book and reviewing one author’s catalog, were nothing I had ever done. I fell in love with the idea and was so thrilled by the event that I wanted to attend myself! While I was not able to, Yvette was as gracious as she was innovative, having extended an invitation for authors to submit swag for her guest bags!

A few months later, I was on Facebook and Yvette had put up pictures from the event. Still fascinated with the possibilities for such a venue, I decided to interview Ms. Yvette Hines after the competition of her event, not solely because it is something that I would love to do in the future but because it might be something other authors are interested in as well: _____________________________________________

Can you give a brief description of your event:

My event consisted of people who are readers of mine. That part was very important to me. Because in discussing my past and current book I wanted people who have truly been following my growth as a writer. It was kept small so I would be able to chat and meet each one of them.

When and how did you know you were ready to sponsor your own author event?

When I was getting repeated emails from readers wanting to meet me at different events, but just was not interested in spending a lot of money for a BIG conference. So, I decided to put feelers out there. My aim was 20. If 20 readers wanted to spend the day with me then I would do it. When I got that in the first week, it was no turning back.

Have you done mass writer’s conventions in the past?

Yes. I do about four of them every year for different genres.

Did you have help planning your event?

I have a promotions manager.

What was the hardest part about planning your event?

Not buying out the store. The readers had me so excited I wanted to do everything and give them everything. I just felt so honored.

How did you advertise your event? Did you start with your mailing list and work outward?

I went to my reader group first and saw how many signed up. Then created a webpage and posted the link on FB for people who wanted to attend to contact me. That’s it.

Did you plan the event around a new release?

Yes. A significant release. Shocking my own self I was inspired to write an erotic I/R Sci-fi. So, I wanted to get feedback before my release. What better way than from readers who got an advanced copy?

How did you decide on the schedule of events?

I took into consideration having fun with the readers. Things they’d asked me about in the past and then ways I could give back to them. Fun, gifts/prizes and getting to know the author (me).

What if any difficulties did you have planning the event?

Registration. Because I allowed people to be on the list first. I did a lot of chasing people down for registration…that was exhausting. I closed out other readers because I’d reached my number of attendees by the list, which wasn’t fair. Next time I will just go straight to registration.

What if any difficulties did you have during the event?

None. It went smooth as butter.

Did you have a conductor/moderator or staff to assist you during the event?

Two, my promotions manager and another author who was in the area and gave of her time incognito.

Did you solicit or receive promotional items from other authors?

Tons. My theory is that we (authors) are all in this together. We share a lot of the same readers. This is not a competition and the readers benefit by getting info on other authors so why not give it to them?

What if any items, gifts or memorabilia did the attendees receive?

Things they can use. That is what I will tell other authors. When you are the host author give them a something they can use; that doesn't always mean stuff with your name or website on it.

Did you provide for meals and refreshments?

Breakfast refreshments, (fruit, juice and pastries) and a full lunch.

What sort of panels, entertainment or activities did you have?

No panels. Readers don’t want authors to sit at a table for questions and answers. So, I had one hour devoted to local authors and we played games with them that would help readers get to know them.

How did you decide on the cost of your event?

I stuck to what they got; book, t-shirt, food. That was it on what I charged them for. I was not in this to make money so anything above that cost (swag and gifts) I paid out of my own pocket. I also kept it to a time that gave some people the option of driving in and driving out and not having to pay hotel cost if they could manage it.

Are you planning to make your event an annual affair?

Oh, noooo. LOL. It is a lot of work. I would never be able to write if I did this every year. However, it will be done every other year. Next one, 2014.

If you could give advice to other writers what would it be?

Think of the readers. This is not you stepping in being a “Big Shot Author”, but be relatable. With FB, readers can connect pretty close with you...so give them that connection when they come to your event. Some of them travel across country to meet you for a few hours, don’t slight them.

Bio: Amazon Best Selling Author. I'm simply Yvette Hines, some people call me SASSE or SASSE Yvette. I'm an erotica author that loves pleasurable hours between the sheets; whether it is a blended tale of interracial lovers, the clandestine bite and wicked passion of paranormal mates, out of this world soul-mates or the sting of a commanding whip against tender flesh. Even better, make my day and toss in two gorgeously, decadent men who only want to pleasure their woman. I write Short and Sexy, Sensual Erotica (SASSE) for ALL women.

Yvette’s Website: http://yvettehines.com

Check Out Yvette's New Release!

Afro Dreamers and Race-Specific Cons

I have always been a child of dreams, both fantasy and science fiction, of wondrous and sometimes frightening tales. I can easily recall my younger days, stretched out on the floor and enjoying Creature Features about killer frogs, tales of Sinbad and of course my favorite Godzilla. Never mind that I was a tomboy of the greatest level, I was never content with existing in the real world. I wanted giant fire-breathing creatures, magic powers and magnificent environments. My imagination was feed further by tomes of Greek and Roman mythology, Clash of the Titans and Star Wars. I can even recall my uncle taking me to see “Return of the Jedi,” like it was yesterday.

In middle school, I might have been called a nerd, but to be honest, I wasn’t conscious enough to really care. Why? Because I discovered comic books and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons! Now again there were some looks and some whispers. Family members and school mates alike would often wonder if I was ‘worshiping the devil.’ I mean AD&D is still used as a way to explain deviancy. At the time I couldn’t voice how I was so far beyond concepts of fearing monsters. Devils were the least of the monsters in both the materials that I read and created! Yes, I was drawing my own comics, painting and writing at the time.

Not to give a life story or anything, but suffice to say that even though I am a grown woman, I still keep a tight leash on the novels I write and the artwork that I create. Even my nieces and nephews have the same narrow-mindedness of the adults: You still read comics? You write about werewolves? I don’t watch things about wizards because I’m not a nerd. Yes, I have heard these and more. Perhaps one of the most disturbing comments I ever heard was, Oh, you into that white people’s shit. Yeah, that was pretty ignorant. No one owns dreams, certainly not mine.

The debate as to whether African American (a term that dies a little ever year) Speculative Literature should be offset was one I used to go back and forth on. If I were to take on the idea that stories should transcend color, then I would have to say there is no reason to highlight or partition. But the truth of matter to me is that race relations are still an issue and old beliefs are still relevant even today. Why should I go to a Black Sci-Fi Convention as opposed to a Sci Fi Convention? Why would such even be necessary?

Well, it basically comes down to support.

Why are sports and performing arts so highly lauded in the Black Community? Why don’t more African American children aim to become scientists or even special effects artists? I’m not saying that anything is wrong with wanting to be the next Kobe, Kanye or even Beyonce, but can we not dream harder and fuller. Why can’t we cultivate more scientists, more film directors, novelists and engineers, is what I wonder… ( I like to use the comparison of tri-corders in Star Trek to our modern day smart phones, and refer to the Jetsons for modern inventions that were envisioned by sci fi but that is a whole other conversation). Fields that not only take us out of the box and into the future! I am supposing that somewhere someone has written an African American space opera. I know that African Americans have made great strides in science and in medicine, but an event or a venue which would bring them all together, would be awe-inspiring to not only the youth but also to the elders. By no means should art and science be separate, but a little highlighting in the form of culture is more like…recruitment. Science, fantasy, and technology (which is gaining in popularity btw) wouldn’t have to be closeted or even discretionary topics if we actively promoted that yes, Latinos write horror, yes African Americas write fantasy and that yes, Asians write romantic comedies.

I know that for a lot of my family, friends and associates their focus is on the past and the present, they can’t be bothered with imagining what might be, or how different it could be. Later for space, dragons, and fairytales; the mortgage is due, gotta get the car out of the shop and your cousin just got locked up…is what some will still say. Have you been to church lately is one of my favorites... I’m not saying forget morals, or social constructs, as some have accused me, but don’t ever allow life to be so rigid and rule defined. That and I’m personally sure that God likes sci fi every time I watch the Discovery Channel. Please explain the Nautilus.

Altogether, I believe that the more support and encouragement we show to dreamers the bigger their dreams will become and one day we can all dream together.

For those curious about African American Sci Fi/Horror/Mystery and Speculative Works, check these links out:

Black Sci-Fi

Black SciFi Characters Who Aren't Turned Into Cannon Fodder

Top Ten African American Characters In Sci Fi

Black Science Fiction Society

Onyxcon-African American SciFi Convention

African American Horror Author Listing

African American Science Fiction Listing

Dark Dreams: A Collection of Horror and Suspense by Black Writers