Book Giveaway!

 

This week I’m offering a give-a-way of my latest novel.

Next week I’m going to propose a summer read-a-long of my latest novel, MURDER IN CYPRUS HOLLOW.  I thought a good way to kick off the read-a-long would be to offer a free copy of my novel as a prize.

 

To qualify, all you need to do before 8/16/12 is:

1      1     Visit my newly revamped website and click on the ‘PRODUCT’ tab on the upper left side.

2      2     Read the descriptions of the four novels

3      3     Post  a response to this blog stating which novel sounds the most intriguing to you and why.

The most interesting post wins a free copy of MURDER IN CYPRUS HOLLOW! The web address is: http://www.mjmacie-novelist.com

How To Take Advantage Of Today’s Social Networking Sites

Let’s see. We have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, MySpace, etc., etc., etc.

We have so many ways to reach out to the world and tell them about our books. So, how do we take advantage of these outlets for success? 

We'll start by asking a few questions.

First, are you connected to at least three of these sites? I would say connect to them all but I believe it should be a personal preference. Remember, you have to keep up with these sites. I believe Facebook is the most popular, but if you’re making a career of selling your novels, I’d strongly suggest LinkedIn. Check out the social sites and choose the ones that will work best with your plan for success.

Second, do you have a website? If you are selling a novel, I believe it’s imperative to have a website.  One page or six is not the point. I believe your website should have an icon of your novel’s cover, a description of the story, and a link for purchase. Also, a means for the reader to contact you is very important. For example, an email address that you use exclusively for your readers. We definitely want to stay in contact with our readers. And while design is important, you first must have an appealing product to sell. Then, add links to your social network sites that link to your website, and watch as followers begin to connect and purchase your books.

Third, do you have a blog? I thought everyone did but have learned otherwise. If you want to sell novels, the blog is a great way to reach readers and let them know what’s going on with your book. Readers also look for tips, contests, give-a-ways and critiques. Then add links to your social network sites that link to your blog and followers will begin to connect.

Whichever means you choose to reach your readers, the social networking sites are invaluable and a must.  Find the ones that will work for you and take advantage of all they have to offer.

I’d like to know how the social networks have been working for you. Do you have a preferred site? If so, why do you prefer it? Have you found that one social site offers more benefits to a writer than another? I look forward to reading your responses.

How To Use Today’s Technology To Benefit Your Writing Career

I’m part of a generation who had to actually wait at home by the phone if I was expecting a call. Worse than that, if I sent a query to an agent, I had to wait weeks, even months, for a response by snail-mail. What torture. If I had been a nail biter back then, I’d have worked my way to my knuckles in not time.

I love that today I can sit at my computer in South Carolina and see my grandchildren in California via Skype. Now that’s priceless.  I can sit in my car, on my front porch, or at the park and read a book on my iPhone, check up on sales of my latest novel, post a blog, check in with my friends on Facebook and Twitter, or write and send an email.

So, what about you? Are you taking advantage of this technology to benefit your writing career? If not, here are a few way you can start. 

First, keep up with updating any files and programs you have. Set your computer for automatic updates and you won’t miss any. When you plug in your iPhone to charge, connect with iTunes and check for updates. I know the ‘app store’ will alert you of any updates, but make sure your entire phone is up to date. These updates not only help to speed up your computer and hand-held devices, they also keep all of your apps up to date and add any new time saving features.

Second, check your pages often. We have this technology, so let’s use it. If you have a website or blog, check for feedback and comments then respond immediately. A quick response makes the reader feel his/her comment was as important to you as it was to them. That is how you acquire loyal followers.

Third, take advantage of the perks. We have so many social networking sites (next week’s blog) that keep you connected to family, friends, readers and followers. Get on those sites and connect with the world. For example: if you are looking for a publisher, type ‘book publishers’ in the search box and be astonished at the number of results you’ll have to choose from.

Thank God for those wonderful ingenious people who invented modern technology. I love it! Today, we can connect with anyone, anywhere, and at any time. I not only find this new technology helpful and convenient, but also absolutely necessary. I, for one, would be lost without it.

What is your take on the latest technology? Have I missed anything? If so, I’d love for you to let me and all my readers know.

NOW THAT IT'S FINALLY FINISHED. . .

I’ve finished my fourth novel, MURDER IN CYPRUS HOLLOW, and it’s available for purchase. Ah, now for basking in the warm glow of achievement. I puff a sigh of relief, get comfy on my laurels, and then set my sights on the next book.  Right? 
 
Wrong! Not happening, partner. For some reason only the sun, moon and stars know, I can’t. Once again I seem to have fallen into the depths of that pit of doubt: the story isn’t good; the title isn’t ‘catchy’; the opening won’t grab the reader’s attention; people won’t like it. . . I should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. Blah, blah, blah! Yada, yada, yada.

What do I do now? I take a few moments to regroup. I know the book is finished, and done to the best of my ability. People have read and truly enjoyed the other three novels. So why is it that each novel haunts me?

Part of my regrouping process is reading the posts of other authors.  I’m glad I do because I learned most other authors go through the same emotions. Even painters go through this. It’s like a ritual. So, what should I call this ritual? Writer’s remorse? That overwhelming sensation of doubt after finishing a project we desired and slaved over for a long period of time. That’s what it feels like. 

Years ago, when I first started writing novels, I thought when I finished one I’d say, “Good. You’re done. Now, on to the next one.” That hasn’t happened yet. Well, I also learned by reading other author’s blogs that the ‘I can’t let it go’ feeling also is perfectly normal. It’s like withdrawal.

So, I go through the withdrawal and eventually move on. Obviously! If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have four novels written and waiting to be purchased. I just don’t like feeling crippled when I should feel ecstatic. Quit complaining, right?

The solution to this writer’s dilemma? Deal with it! I have too much work to do to wallow in my anxiety. Now, on to book five.

What about you? Have you experienced writer’s remorse? If so, please share your experience and what you do to get yourself back to work.