Recap of March Sponsors

March has been a busy month for the blog, but I'd like to take the time to thank my sponsors, Sandy Edwards and Delyse Trink for their support.  Here's another recap of their books.


VEGAS, BABY by Sandra Edwards
Book two of the Soul Searchers series picks up where Broken Wings left off. Rio Laraquette's back in Vegas and settling into her normal routine—except that Eddie LaCall has invaded her space. The two share a mutual attraction and an undeniable connection.

When Eddie's scarred past comes back to haunt him his attachment to Rio strengthens even though neither completely trusts the other. Just when it looks like a poker tournament is bringing them together, their budding relationship gets backburnered when a stalker goes from creepy to dangerous, making several attempts on the reluctant lovers' lives.

Will these two souls—who've been searching for each other across eternity—finally get to share a lifetime together, or will they once again end up as star-crossed lovers?
Buy Links: Kindle US -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LGTM6C
Kindle UK -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LGTM6C
Nook -- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012618948

THE CRIMSON-EYED DRAGON by D.M. Trink

Is it risky to surrender to your curiosity?

What underlying attraction compels Jared to buy the majestic silver dragon, and will it lead him and his friends Griffin, Chase and Amber into inescapable danger?

When he brings home the dragon statue, Jared initiates a chain of events that propels

him and his friends into an incredible adventure solving clue after clue.

Will they be able to decipher the mystery before the lurking danger manifests?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon-ebook/dp/B004C44GLY

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30013

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Crimson-Eyed-Dragon/DM-Trink/e/2940011136252/?itm=1&USRI=the+crimson+eyed+dragon

SECONDARY TARGETS by Sandra Edwards

What would you do if you found out everything you thought you knew about your father turned out to be a lie?

After being bitten by the genealogy bug, Grace Hendricks awakens a conspiracy that's been lying dormant—ever since she disappeared shortly after her father's funeral eleven years ago. Now, here in the present, his military records have been tampered with and his death certificate is no longer on file.

In an effort to unravel the mystery she turns to Eric Wayne, an old flame she thought she'd tucked safely away into the past. Eric has no intentions of getting involved with Grace and her crazy allegations, until he realizes that someone else is buried in his former commanding General's grave.

US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042AMG9C

UK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042AMG9C

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453829431

BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940011965142

CRAZY FOR YOU by Sandra Edwards

CRAZY FOR YOU is a rags to riches tale set against the backdrop of the 80s, movie stars and rock-n-roll.

Roxanne Simon is a successful author and an award-winning actress who’s also a bit neurotic. After she appears on a popular talk show the world is left guessing: is rock star Frank Garrett the father of her four year-old son?

Once Frank learns the true parentage of Roxanne's son, he's determined to make her pay. When he stumbles upon her weakness, he decides to use it against her. But is he prepared to see her pay the ultimate price in his quest for revenge?

Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it.

US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WJRJ4Q

UK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WJRJ4Q

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453787771

BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012051646

I LIKE IT!! I LIKE IT!!

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Hello Beautiful Ones,

I know it's only been a few days since I've started this "new thing" but I have to admit that I've got some pretty strong feelings for it already. "For what", you might be asking. Oil cleansing.

I swear I've been a sitting skeptic on this for about a year now. Despite all the talk, I expected to see pimples & blemishes galore if I tried it out. But alas, I had to let my reservations go and at least give it a try. Its been about 4 days since I've started and I have yet to see any of the negative things that I expected. Of course, I was thinking that cleaning my face with oil would only clog up my pores. Boy was I wrong. Did you know that you can use this against acne? Damn, I'm late.

I'm so glad I began to try it. I'm very pleased with the results thus far. And what I'm loving most about oil cleansing is that it's an effective, chemical-free way to remove makeup. Including waterproof makeup. Yes.

So let me share with you the oil cleansing method per the Oil Cleansing Method site.

We will need two oils. The first, and most importantly, is Castor Oil. If you don't have this medicine cabinet staple already, it can be found online or in the laxative section of your grocer or drugstore - usually bottom shelf. Castor Oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties, but is also healing and cleansing, which is why we're focusing on this oil as our primary oil. Castor Oil has been the focus of many books and medical discussion because of its seemingly "magical" healing properties. As quoted in The Oil That Heals by Dr. McGarey, he states, "Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it." Though it may be our most important oil, we won't be using it in the amounts that we will the other oil (or combination of oils for those who want to take this a step further). A little bit of Castor Oil goes a long way and too much will leave you, surprisingly, with dry skin.

Castor Oil

Since Castor Oil is so thick and its cleansing properties so strong, we need to dilute it with another oil, thinner in consistency, but no less nurturing to the skin. Sunflower Seed Oil has become my personal favorite, though in the past, I've suggested Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Both are wonderfully caring oils for skin application, but I've found that Sunflower Seed Oil has a more luxurious feel for massage. It sinks into the skin better, aiding the castor oil in transportation deep into the pores and allowing it to draw the dirt and grime to the surface of your skin where it can be wiped away. The essential fatty acids, though they are not naturally occurring in the body, are a necessity for the health of our cell membranes. These acids help restore the skins natural moisture balance and help prevent unnecessary dryness. The secondary oil that you choose is entirely up to you and should be determined by your skins needs and the properties of that oil. Choose from natural, cold-pressed vegetable oils, as these have nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that mineral oil and other refined oils don't. You may even have these oils in your kitchen, as they're used for cooking, as well! For the sake of explaination, from this point on, we'll say "Sunflower Seed Oil" in place of "Secondary Oil." Remember that Sunflower Seed Oil may be replaced by your vegetable oil of choice.


The Oil Cleansing Method



First and foremost, this is typically done in the evening, prior to bed. There should be no need for deep cleansing in the morning if you're waking up with skin cleansed the night before. In the morning, a quick wipe with a warm washcloth should suffice. We don't want to overcleanse our skin as this will serve only to irritate and cause more oil production. The objective of using this method is to deep clean while balancing our skins oil production at the same time.




You'll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.


Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.


Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealor.


Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.


As you're massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind. Picture what your face would look like if it were completely clear and free from blemishes. Focus on that image and know that it is attainable. Trust that it is attainable. Accept that it is attainable. You can have clear skin, free of blemishes and you will have clear skin, free of blemishes. Focus on perfect skin and breathe deeply.


Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated and you're feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We're not scalding our skin, we're steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We're essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without the luxury of a steam machine.

hot towel example

Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.


Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an oil, will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water.




If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

Some suggestions for your own personal blend:

Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.

Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.

Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.

If you've been hip to this longer than I have, please share with us how long, what oils you use and any other info you'd like to add.

Review of TORC OF MOONLIGHT by Linda Acaster

4.5 stars out of 5

Obsession, possession, or something else?  These are the threads that author Linda Acaster so expertly weaves in Torc of Moonlight, the first book in the Celtic Goddess Trilogy.  The story revolves about students, Nicholas Blaketon and Alice Linwood and art professor Leonard Harkin.  Nick goes to Hull University to play rugby and get girls, that is, until he meets history major, Alice.  Alice is a serious and very shy student and keeps herself apart from anything that might resemble a friendship.  All she wants to do is find the ancient shrine of the Celtic water goddess, Yslan.  As soon as Nick sees Alice in a lecture hall, he is smitten, but it turns into something more like total obsession in knowing and having Alice.

Leonard Harkin is a man haunted by dreams and is on the verge of descending into madness. He believes the nightmares all stem from paintings that he’s done of Alice, paintings that somehow represent so much more.  Enter in our last character, that of an ancient Celtic leader, Ogrinius Licinius Vranaun, who is desperate to come back into the land of the living, and he’ll do it anyway he can even if means possessing a human like Nick.  The problem is though every time Orginius inhabits Nick’s body, Nick has no memory of what has transpired and believes that everything relates to the wonderful and magical qualities he sees in Alice except for the memory of the tingles he feels when he’s with her. 

The author draws you in with her descriptive and lyrical style of writing.  You can see, hear and almost feel each scene as it unfolds.  They come alive and transport you to the English countryside and the celtic landmarks.  I have a minor complaint though—sometimes the descriptions seem to overtake the storylines.  I found myself skipping some to get back to the action of the story and for that I have deducted half a star, but that did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

The riveting climax of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Is it real or a nightmare?  Can you drown in a hallucination?  Both Nick and Alice are careening toward their fate, but who is actually in control?

Interview with Kate Hamilton

Briefly describe your journey in writing your first book.

I had made the decision to write some time previously and for once did not wish to launch in unprepared. I had the luxury of time and opportunity. After doing some research, I realised it was good to read, write a first amateur novel to begin and then steadily learn the craft of writing. This inevitably took me on a long and wide journey visiting many wonderful authors - Dickens, James, Wharton. Then it gradually became more contemporary as I began to study my peers.

Did you approach literary agents and traditional publishers?

My first novel A Symphony of Time was put forward to the second round of the waterstones/faber&faberWOW competition. On the strength of that it was picked up off the slush pile of a leading London agent. But their response was extremely slow and in the end they did not choose to publish it. 

I then had interest from a publisher, but again did not go too far as I we disagreed over the moral content of the novel.

Why did you choose to publish on kindle?

The timing of my discovery of kindle publishing was Heaven sent. I had been disillusioned by the dictatorship of the traditional publishing route. I felt I had valid things to say and feel freedom of speech is one of the values that are upheld by kindle.

Do you design your own covers?

One of the unexpected exciting things about self-publishing is that I can use my artistic gifts and love doing my own cover design.

What has been the worst thing about independent publishing so far?

What I refer to as the secretarial side. Things like struggling with file formats and getting to grips with how various forums work have taken up more time than I would have liked.

And the best thing?

Discovering a whole new world of interesting people who love to communicate. The publishing industry is vast, but so far I have come across a great deal of good will. It is exciting to be on the frontier. Kindle has been my way through to the world so far. I love books, however and it would be wonderful to be picked up by the traditional publishing route too after a while. So many great authors were self published at first. So in a way I am following tradition. It was thrilling to think my work had become available to the world.

How did you feel when you made your first sale?

Truly grateful. Thrilled.

What kinds of social media are you involved in?

Kindleboards has been a real learning curve. Facebook and twitter. Goodreads and Librarything. I also have my own blog on my website which I enjoy writing. http://www.kate-hamilton.co.uk

What is next for you?

I am working on my next romance 'CONCILIATION', which is a historical romance set in the Regency period in England. I hope to have this published before Easter.

Guest Post by Misty Baker

Every Box Has A Lid

by Misty Baker of Kindle Obsessed

www.kindleobsessed.com  

A few months ago, (right in the middle of a heated argument about the complexities of Follett versus Creasey) I realized something. We are naive. 

 

Our culture has groomed us to "like" certain things. We are fed the "New York Times" best-seller lists as if it was candy. "Here you go kids...Grade A, teeth rotting literary gold. Dig in!" We scour "Entertainment Weekly" in hopes of being led to cinematic greatness, watch reality TV with journals in our hands, feigning devastation if we fail to compile the latest trends in fashion, and spend $4.00 on a bottle of water, simply because we saw Brad Pitt carrying it, (while at the same time bitching about the cost of gas) We are an impressionable breed of creatures; are we not?

 

Now, I'm fully aware that what I'm saying to you is a tad hypocritical, that bashing my "own kind" (aka reviewers) is slightly unorthodox, hell... even frowned upon, but sometimes it's important to cross lines, make waves, say "enough is enough."

 

What am I talking about exactly?  Indie books. (stop rolling your eyes!)

 

I am asked on a daily basis why I review indie books, and the answer is very simple.  They are books. Yes... yes... I know what some of you are thinking. "What makes you think it's going to be worth a damn?" And to that I say "What makes you think it's not?"

 

When did the words "indie book" start meaning "piece of crap?"  There are hundreds of thousands of you out there that don't feel that way about the words "indie music" so why should you feel that way about a book?  The fact of the matter is... we are no longer living in '40's where eBooks are a far fetch (if even thought of) idea.  Life has changed, the way we operate on a daily basis has changed, so why shouldn't our frame of mind change?

 

I have been reading (and reviewing) indie books for almost 2 years now.  I have (at the same time) also been reading traditionally published books. Do you want to know what the difference is? Price.

 

That's right... the only significant difference I can find between the two is the price I pay when purchasing it. 

 

There are some shit indie books out there, (we all know this) but if we are being honest with ourselves, there are just as many traditionally published pieces of crap.  As a matter of fact I just finished one that made me want to hurl it into a sink hole.

 

Who's to say, that if Stephen King was offered the chance to self publish "Carrie" way back in the day, that he wouldn't have jumped at the opportunity to do so?  It's important for us to remember that at one point, EVERY AUTHOR WAS AN INDIE AUTHOR, doing what thousands of others are doing right now... writing the "Next Great American Novel" in their sports equipment, laundry laden basements.

 

So I issue this challenge, from one avid book reader to another. Step outside of your comfort zone.

 

Am I insisting your trash on the Big 6 and never buy another book at Barns and Noble? Of course not... that's completely ridiculous; what I AM asking, (however) is that you don't lock yourself into societies man made bubble. Make up your OWN mind on what you deem worthy of your time, attention, and money. It is, after all, YOUR time, attention, and money.

GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

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The Universe supports me.

The Universe provides for me.

Whatever I need is always there for me.

{{Hugs}},

Amanda Hocking - What a Difference A Year Makes!

Photo credit: Star Tribune

I first met Amanda Hocking on Kindleboards last year when I had published my own novels.  Kindleboards is a great place to meet other authors.  It was because I had met so many wonderful authors, Amanda included, that I decided to try and give other indie authors as much exposure as possible through author interviews on my blog.  It was my way of paying it forward for all the wonderful support I found in that community.


This week Amanda has signed a 7-figure deal with St. Martin's Press to publish a four book young adult paranormal romance series called the Watersong series.  They're shooting for a fall 2012 release. The Wake is the first book in the series. 


I am so happy for Amanda.  She has worked hard for her success.  It's not a fluke.  Here's her interview from August 2010 that she gave me as part of my author interview series.  
http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/2010/08/interview-with-amanda-hocking.html



As you can see from that interview, Amanda has been writing books for a long time.  She tried to go the traditional publishing path, but as she said back then about her agent/publisher search "I've been rejected about a thousand times."


Congratulations, Amanda, on all your success.  YOU GO GIRLl!


Here's the article from the NY Times about the deal: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/self-publisher-signs-four-book-deal-with-macmillan/


   Search Amazon.com for Amanda Hocking

Today's Sponsor: CRAZY FOR YOU by Sandra Edwards

CRAZY FOR YOU is a rags to riches tale set against the backdrop of the 80s, movie stars and rock-n-roll.

Roxanne Simon is a successful author and an award-winning actress who’s also a bit neurotic. After she appears on a popular talk show the world is left guessing: is rock star Frank Garrett the father of her four year-old son?

Once Frank learns the true parentage of Roxanne's son, he's determined to make her pay. When he stumbles upon her weakness, he decides to use it against her. But is he prepared to see her pay the ultimate price in his quest for revenge?

Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it.

US Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WJRJ4Q

UK Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ B003WJRJ4Q

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453787771

BN Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=2940012051646

Review Snippets:

The Romance Reviews ~ “The novel is like watching an 80's soap opera like Dallas or Dynasty." – *Best Contemporary Romance of 2010 Nominee*

From Readers Favorite Book Reviews ~ “Ms. Edwards takes the reader back to the 1980's, to a world of starving musicians, sex and drugs. She portrays the scene quite well.”

Author bio:

Sandra is  an award-winning author with eclectic tastes. She writes in a variety of genres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary, and suspense. Her books often push the  envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline.

http://www.sandrawrites.com

http://www.facebook.com/SandraEdwards.Author

Crazy For You Excerpt:

Frank hovered behind Jameson, like a wildcat guarding his prey, as the butler answered the ringing doorbell.

“Good afternoon, Dr. Sterling.” Jameson’s casual greeting told Frank this man had been there before.

“Roxanne is expecting me.” Jerry ignored Frank as he passed through the foyer and headed toward the stairs.

“Wait a minute.” Frank followed him. “She doesn’t need a doctor. She’s not sick.”

Jerry stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to Frank. “First of all…I’m not that kind of doctor. Secondly, Roxanne is my patient and I would thank you not to interfere.” Saying what he had to say, Jerry headed up the stairs.

“What the hell kind of doctor are you then?” Frank chased after him.

Jerry stopped again, halfway up the stairs this time. Glancing over his shoulder, he glared at Frank. “If it’s any of your business…I’m a psychiatrist,” he said, annoyed.

“She doesn’t need a shrink.”

Jerry bit back his temper. “Let me tell you something about Roxanne Simon…I’ve been treating her for more than five years. She suffers from a mental disorder called manic-depressive psychosis.”

     

Interview with Jennifer Hudock

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

The Goblin Market was inspired by Christina Rossetti's poem of the same name. I'd read the poem when I was younger, but it wasn't until college that I really dove in and analyzed it.

When the younger of two sisters is poisoned in the Goblin Market and kidnapped by the goblin king, Kothar, it's up to elder sister Meredith to save her and bring her home. As she journeys through the market and goes underground into the faerie kingdom, she discovers that her ties to that world run much deeper than her poisoned sister.

Fantasy and intrigue, darkness and despair, there's even a bit of romance in The Goblin Market.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

I originally recorded The Goblin Market and offered it as a free episodic podcast through my website and iTunes. After I finished the podcast, I submitted to a small press that focuses on fantasy, but after a few months of waiting decided to withdraw and publish it on my own.

I have had other work traditionally published in magazines, ezines and journals, but at this time in my life I am content with self-publishing. You have more control over the end product, as well as your promotional strategies, and I'm a bit of a control freak.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

I have worked with critique groups in the past, but do not belong to one at this time. I am a huge supporter of the critique group because authors tend to tell you straight up what they think of your work, and how they think you can improve it. I have definitely seen improvements in my own writing after working with a centralized group.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

As I mentioned above, I'm a bit of a control freak. I started to think about the amount of promotional work I would have to do on my own, even if I was picked up by a small press publisher, and realized there were more benefits to self-publishing beyond the higher royalties. I could control my price, choose my own cover artwork and wouldn't have to worry about a publisher telling me they didn't like one of my character's names, so I'd have to change it. I actually know people that have gone through that publishing on the traditional route, and the very idea makes my skin crawl.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

I did work very closely with an editor, which is such an important part of the process. As writers I think we sometimes refuse to see beyond the greater picture when we create something, and a good editor can help you break that habit and look at details you might have missed.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

It's a lot of hard work getting the word out there about your work, but it's very rewarding. I can take a look at my numbers be proud because I made them happen.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

The Goblin Market is available on Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

I am an avid Tweeter, and I also spend a lot of time on Facebook, KindleBoards and KindleChat when I'm not writing.

   

Interview with J.R. Tomlin

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

Wings of Evil is a fantasy set in a post-medieval world. The main character is a young woman named Liada. The Priests have always warned that the First Ones are dangerous and to be feared. She has never questioned their teachings even though she longs for adventure. But when Liada finds Tali, she realizes something important, something terrible--the Priests have been lying. The little elemental creature is alone, injured, helpless... and she is a First One.

Liada's life depends on keeping her new friend secret. But the Priests soon are hunting them, and they are on the run from the Priests' winged Quag--hunters and killers of First Ones. As they flee into an adjacent empire, she meets a mystery man who becomes her only ally. But are his goals really the same as hers? Can she trust this man who fights by her side, or could he be even more dangerous than her enemies? All of their lives hang in the balance.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Yes. Both my co-author and I have had novels published with small publishers and for about the past year an agent pitched one of my novels--without selling it, I should mention.  I can't tell you what a relief it is to realize one can have people read your work without going through years of that. More people? Fewer? I'm not sure, but I write to be read. For me, writing is a matter of storytelling. To tell a story, someone has to listen to it.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

I have never found a local group that worked for me since the ones I've checked out focused on short stories. I've never been a short story writer although I have written and sold a few. It's just not my focus. I am a novelist. So the groups I've been in were online. I was active in the Online Writers Workshop and am still active in Critique Circle.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

The changes in publishing are, in my view, tectonic in nature. The whole landscape of publishing is changing before our eyes. I was skeptical when it all started. I thought at the least that the changes would take decades. When I realized I was wrong and that the changes are now, it was so exciting, I had to be a part of it. At the same time I was reading advice from writers like Kris Rusch that this was the way forward. So I jumped on the bandwagon.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

No. Both my co-author and I have an education in editing and I have a beta reader who is versed in editing. I think over-editing is something that writers are prone to. If you read the comments in his series on the Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing by Dean Wesley Smith, he discusses this tendency. Yes, you have to get the errors out as much as humanly possible. But the last thing I want to do is lose the voice in my work.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

That I don't know a THING about graphics! This is where having a publisher does come in handy, although a couple of my covers from publishers were pretty bad, now that I think about it.

But there are things self-publishing that you have to think and worry about that you don't when a publisher handles it. Formatting. Covers. Blurbs. Running them by people who are experienced helps.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

Yes, it seems to me it's a good idea to take advantage of all possible venues. Besides, although I don't want to sound negative, there have been times when Amazon did things I thought were wrong, so I don't want to be solely dependent on them.

It is available on Nook and Smashwords.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

I blog quite actively. I am somewhat active on facebook and on a number of forums such as Kindleboards and Nookboards. I try to make it more just talking to people than blatant marketing.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

Yes. It is so hard, but Kris Rusch points out that the real means of marketing your books is putting out another one. And then another. So I'm trying to concentrate on that and put the marketing in the cracks. It's hard though. I find it easy to become addicted to time on forums.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

I'm so new at it, I'm not sure I'm a good person to give a lot of advice. I strongly suggest reading all of Joe Konraths blogs. And Kristine Kathryn Rusch's. And Dean Wesley Smith's. By that time, you have so much advice from professionals that you should know what to do. The Kindleboards are extremely helpful. Don't turn down advice.

Sure there are things like make sure your manuscript isn't full of errors, but the real need is to have a great story. I can't tell someone how to do that.

What’s next for you?

I'm actively working to get out several new novels within the next couple of months. My co-author and I are working on three fantasies. I am also going to put out my first historical novel that takes place in the Scotland of William Wallace --although it is about a very different Scottish hero, Andrew de Moray.

So that's keeping me pretty busy.