Online Book Parties and Author Events

 

Online parties… What are they? How much do they cost? What do I wear? Where do I go?

The goal of this post is to provide a little clarification for readers, new writers, or those who are just new to this aspect of social networking as to what an online event or party is and why you keep getting invites.

Facebook parties, Facebook Events, Twitter Chats, Google + Hangouts, Goodreads Events, etc, are all basically real time gatherings of hosts and attendees to support or discuss a specific topic. It’s like being in an old school chat room.

• They are free.
• They are accessed from your computer, tablet, or phone on the specific app you are using.
• You can join in from anywhere.
• No one cares what you wear because unless you post a selfie during the event, we can’t see you.

To keep it simple, I will go over Twitter and Facebook, since these are the ones I most attend or participate in.

Twitter Chats– These you will most likely find by accident unless you belong to an online group that sends you a reminder that one is coming up. I attend a few regularly on Thursdays that are writing and reading related. I also join discussions based on random subjects I’m interested in, but one thing at a time.

On Thursdays, I usually follow and participate in at least two writing related chats; #PageCurlChat and #10MinuteNovelists

Ah, the hashtag (#) this is what we use on Twitter to find a specific topic instead of just browsing through our newsfeed. At anytime, you can go on Twitter and use a hashtag to find your topic. The two above are chats that happen on Thursday evenings, and anyone is welcome to join who’s interested in the topic for that evening. People will also use a hashtag to discuss a topic that is an ongoing discussion and happening constantly. I often use #amwriting or #amediting to see what people are talking about that share my interests. Another way, is to use the hashtag during an event. While I’m watching my current favorite show, I will use #JanetheVirgin if I want to comment on something funny Rogelio said, or chat about the cliff hanger with other viewers.

You search the hashtag and you follow the tweets. To join in, you tweet using the hashtag as well so others will see your comments. That’s it. Try it. It’s easy.

Facebook Parties and Events- These are the ones that confuse a lot of people. I admit, they confused me too when I was first invited to them. Lots of people use Facebook to invite people to in-person events on location, like a baby shower, a birthday party, or a nightclub or show. The difference is an online party is something that happens online. When you click that Join button, it means you will receive notifications in your newsfeed when people post in the event. So if you would like to see the posts, comments, or updates in your newsfeed during the event time, that is when you Join.

For example, I’ve been attending a lot of author hosted events lately. I’m publishing two books this summer, and I want to be in the middle of where the action is so I can socialize with readers and other authors. The really cool thing about attending an author release party or cover reveal party, is that as a guest, I get to interact with the authors in real time. I also know that there will be games, prizes, and giveaways (like free ebooks) that I can participate in during the event. I have six books in my Kindle right now waiting for me to read that I won at parties recently.

Typically, an author will host a 30 minute or 60 minute slot during the event at which time they will introduce themselves, tell the guests a little bit about their writing, and then host a giveaway. Most authors will offer a chance to win a free copy of their book by liking their Facebook page or signing up for their newsletter. It’s a way for them to find new followers that may enjoy their posts and hopefully turn into future fans and customers. At the end of the event, they randomly select people who participated in the event, ask them to private message them on Facebook with an email address for delivery, and send the winners out their prizes by email. Most of the time, the prizes are free ebooks. Sometimes, authors will offer Amazon gift cards, and others will offer themed gifts (book marks, bracelets, key chains, etc) that can be delivered by mail.

In between the giveaways, the host will usually ask a question of the guests and the guests are encouraged to respond. Sometimes, a comical photo is posted with a “Caption This” tag to which everyone is encouraged to come up with their best one-liners. Other times, it could be a sexy inspirational picture for a book and the host will ask the guests’ opinion and/or for samples of their own inspirational photos. The possibilities are endless and can be really fun.

Again, the goal for the host or author that is working the event, is to interact with potential future readers. To reach people they are not already friends with online. There is never any obligation to buy anything. You can lurk and just watch from the sidelines, but it’s more fun to participate.

I have several Facebook events I’m attending coming up, including two I’m hosting. The first is hosted by a blog as a reader appreciation event. I will be hosting today, Wednesday, 4/29/2015 at 7pm Pacific, but the event is going to be happening all day long. If you’ve never been to one, click Join in the link and check it out. https://www.facebook.com/events/1631483840431089/

The other is a Release Day Event for a fellow author to celebrate the release of her latest novel. I’ll be hosting at 12pm Pacific on Sunday, 5/17/2015. Join me, and you could win an ARC of my upcoming release, Sea Breeze.  https://www.facebook.com/events/348681845327523/

In between those, I’ll be attending quite a few other parties and events as well. Since my book, Sea Breeze, is scheduled to release at the end of May, I may even be hosting one of my own. Stay tuned.

I hope that has clarified a few things for those of you that were unsure what these events really were. I admit, I didn’t know either until I started accepting the invites. Now, I’m addicted. I hope to see you at one of the events above.  Feel free to comment with questions.

 You can find me and all my other social links on my website at  www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

For sneak peeks at upcoming releases and access to my sweet and spicy tips, join my Dream Team. http://eepurl.com/bjAzz1

 

 

 

Marketing Plans-Be Organized

With multiple titles coming out this summer, I have a million and one things to do before both books are released.

I have a spreadsheet with my marketing plan for my novel.

I have a calendar I keep all my events and important dates in.

I have an idea of what I need to do to market my novella.

I now have two marketing plans from my publicist/marketing guru, Samantha over at PageCurl Publishing and Promotion.

Arghhhh. So, with two titles coming out, how in the heck am I going to keep it straight?

I’m creating a massive summer marketing plan calendar. It begins today and ends…well, it may be an ongoing forever thing, but I am filling in everything from now through August, for now.

I’m positive there are fancy templates that are available somewhere, but I created mine as a table in Microsoft Word. Yep, a table, days and dates filled in, and then each day, what I need to do for each book, and on what platforms.

Let me give you an example. My square labeled 4/27 is filled with the following;  send out ARCs for my novella, secure endorsements, post my Monday blog, host a takeover during a Facebook Release Party for one of my favorite authors, Tami Lund (feel free to join us), do a fair amount of social networking, and several other things all while working at the day job. Say what?

Yep. Add in all the other stuff I’m doing; blogging, updating my website, Facebook posts, Twitter, networking, blog touring, finalizing blurbs, creating trailers, creating teasers, I know I’m forgetting loads of other stuff, thank goodness Samantha will keep me straight, and I’m a busy woman.

Staying organized is a must. There is no choice. There is no trying to remember what I have to do. Nope. It will be written down and followed. My regular social networking and blogging calendar will remain the same, but I’m adding a whole bunch of stuff to it.

So if you find yourself with an upcoming release, or just want to organize your marketing efforts, make a calendar. Write down your important dates; commitments for blogs, teaser distribution, formatting, editing, website updates, cover reveals, preorder deadlines, blog tour dates, thunderclap dates, release dates, and anything else you are doing on that calendar.

Be organized. Stay organized. Make a plan.

If you are looking for professional help…er…marketing, editing, formatting, cover design, and the like, I highly recommend the professionals at PageCurl Publishing and Promotion.

What are your tips for setting up a marketing plan?

 You can find me and all my links online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

You can sign up for my mailing list here.

By the way, the picture I chose for my blog today, is a building that existed in downtown San Francisco for several years, that I used to drive by on almost a daily basis. I recently heard it had been torn down, and even though I think the inside had been abandoned for a long time, it was such a cool piece of art, it’s a shame it’s gone. This picture doesn’t show the bathtub hanging out an upper floor window, or any of the other cool pieces that made it almost an ode to wonderland.

 

Zelle and the Tower Release Day

It’s release day for Zelle and the Tower by author Rebekah R. Ganiere. I have read the other three books in this series, and can’t wait to get my hands on this one. Available now on Amazon.

Here’s the blurb:

Sweet and naïve Rapunzelle possesses a dangerous and powerful magick. Her entire life has been spent in a mage tower built by her father, to keep her safe. Or so she’s been told.

Flint Gwyn has spent the better part of the last year wandering Fairelle, wanting nothing more than to wash away the pain of letting his family down. Between drinking and womanizing he plummets in to despair, with only Dax the werebear to keep him from getting himself killed.

When Flint and Dax stumble into Zelle’s tower while running from a dragon, she finds herself drawn to him in a way that awakens startling memories she cannot place. And the longer he stays, the closer she comes to losing her heart.

Unable to control his feelings for the lonely maiden who brings him peace for the first time in his life, Flint fights to release her from her prison. But in doing so, he may very well bring down the wrath of an evil that’s plagued Fairelle for a hundred years.

If you like fairy tales, you must read this series. They can all be read as a standalone, but why would you? So good.

Start with Red and the Were Hunter.

Here’s my review of Book One, Red and the Were Hunter on Goodreads.

Loved this book and I actually read this one second.

Available on Amazon.

 

First I read Snow the Vampire Slayer.

Here’s my review of Book Two, Snow the Vampire Slayer on Goodreads.

Loved this book so much I immediately went back and read the first.

Available on Amazon.

 

Then I read Jamen’s Yuletide Bride, a holiday novella that is part of the series.

I think you can tell by now that I loved this series. Here is my review of this novella on Goodreads.

This is also available on Amazon.

Again, all of these books can be read as standalone, but chose one and you’ll be hooked.

 

Rebekah is hosting a Release Party on Facebook and as I am one of her biggest fans, I was lucky enough to be offered a takeover slot. Come join us. I’ll be there at 7pm Pacific.

For more information on the author, check out an interview I did with Rebekah on my blog in February here.

What’s your favorite fairytale? Who is your favorite fairytale character?

Thanks for joining me. You can find me and all my links online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

 

 

Wreck Cover Reveal

I’m bouncing in my chair excited to bring you the cover of Wreck, the next installment in the DirtSlap Series by the amazing Ashlynn Pearce. I cannot wait to read this book. It features Ethan, a character that we met at the end of Fuel. Fuel is the first book in the DirtSlap series and you can read my review here.  Since reading Fuel, my friends and I have been bugging the author for teasers, and release dates, and as much as she would mercifully release about Wreck.

 

Needless to say, I am honored to present the very hot cover for Wreck.

Squeee!!! I can’t wait to read this one. Here’s the blurb.

Will butterflies be his salvation?

Ethan Tackett is a nightmare. Big as life and in your face, he makes no apologies for who he is…an orphan who grew up fighting for survival. He ends up in Nashville, the lead singer of DirtSlap—a band of misfits much like himself. He owns the stage, unleashing his demons and pain into every lyric. But when alone, the horrors of his past haunt him. Peace eludes him, until a chance taste of perfect lips.

Shelby Renner’s life is a farce. None of it real and none of it her choosing. She escapes Houston’s high society to take care of her deceased grandmother’s home in Nashville and discovers a whole other world…including Ethan. His bold tattoos and lip ring fascinate her. His dimples lure her in. Nothing feels more honest and alive than his black gaze on hers.

But the past closes in, threatening their fragile bond. Can two damaged souls dig through the wreckage to find a life together?

Gah! So exciting. So when is it coming out, you ask? Wreck releases May 7th, 2015. Less than a month from now. What should you do until then? Pre-Order Wreck here> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIRPSA6 and if you haven’t done so already, go on Amazon right now and one-click Fuel. I will even give you the link. http://amzn.com/B00QYAPUDC Enjoy.

Here’s a little bit from the lovely Ashlynn Pearce.

Were it not for Hope, the Heart would Break…

Once upon a time…You ain’t gonna believe this sh**!

(I always wanted to start a bio like that!) But seriously—scrap that, I’m not serious, but I do love to write. Create characters. Give them hope that there is something better around the corner. It’s my passion. I live and breathe stories. When I’m not arguing with the characters in my head (yes, I do that, you can ask my hubby who thinks I’m nuts btw), I’m taking care of said hubby, my two kids and a melee of furbabies. I’m Okie born and bred and, yes, we get a lot of twisters and, no, there aren’t any teepees around that I’ve seen. Follow me around to see what other mischief I’m up to!

 

www.AshlynnPearce.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashlynnpearcewriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ashlynn_Pearce

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3512149.Ashlynn_Pearce

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Ashlynn-Pearce/e/B008F9J94G

Well, that’s it for me. I guess I’m off to read Fuel again until Wreck is released. Thanks for stopping by. You can find me and all my other social links online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

 Happy reading.

Character Development- The Timeline

Whether you are writing an epic saga or a serial short, it’s important to keep track of the events and timeframe of your story. The last thing you want is a reader calling you out on inconsistencies.

Solution: Create a timeline for each story. You can create it in word or excel, if you don’t have a fancy writing software that includes that type of information built in. Reference the date or point in time in your story, and include the event and which characters it affects.

This will allow you to go back and reference events, instead of trying to rely on that perfect memory of yours. This is especially helpful if you are writing a series. Maybe a character made a small appearance in book two, but that character can prove the innocence of the main character of a crime they are accused of in book four.

Keep a timeline. Keep it as a running document that you can add to and refer back to. It will save you time, and will make your writing tighter.

It also helps to keep a timeline of the characters backstory. Even if that backstory never makes it into the final version, it helps you understand why the character is the way he/she is. Everyone has memories, why wouldn’t your characters. Something to think about.

For more on character development, read my blog on The Personality Test.

 Find me and all my links online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

Happy writing.

 

 

 

5 Reasons Why Editing is Awesome

I’m starting to think, I’m one of the few writers that actually enjoys the editing process. Some of (read most of) the writers I know moan and groan about editing. I can understand why. It takes time. A lot of time. More time than it took to write the book in most cases. I get it. You thought you were done. Doh, you’re not done. But during the editing process, some really good stuff amazing things happen.

Here are 5 reasons why I think editing is awesome: (and no, this is not an April Fool’s joke)

1. Working with a profession editor will make you a better writer- I’m not talking about just any editor you can pick up online to edit your whole 60K word MS for $5. I’m talking about a real, professional editor that is experienced, has your best interest at heart, and actually knows what they are talking about. The lessons you learn from your editor will improve not only this MS, but all your future works. You can apply the rules and suggestions to each piece you write. Win.

2. Polishing the rough spots- You get a neutral third party to tell you where the inconsistencies and plot holes are so you can fix them, before you publish. You don’t want a reader to call you out on a mixed up timeline in a review. How many times has a famous author said that the first draft is shit? Because it is. Your idea/concept may be amazing, but if it isn’t executed and then polished to a shine, it will be shit. You wouldn’t go to a job interview without brushing your teeth, changing out of your PJs, and into a nice new outfit, would you? I could use a million different metaphors here, but the point is to put your best work forward when you publish. This is your chance to do that. Take it.

3. Understanding the technicalities- Editors mark up your MS with comments and grammatical corrections. This is great. You get to see exactly where a comma is supposed to go. You get to see how to use dialogue tags, punctuation, and italics correctly. They explain why you need to spell out numbers from one to one hundred, how to use an em dash, ellipsis, and when to stop using them. It’s no longer an abstract concept. They are showing you, in a mark-up, exactly how to fix those errors. Priceless.

4. Improving the quality of your writing- Your editor will make suggestions on doing just that. How? By suggesting changes to phrasing and sentence structure. They also advise which words you over use. They nudge you in the direction of stronger sentence structure, less passive language, and if you still don’t get it, they will lay out a few examples. My goal is to improve with each book I write, so each one is a little better than the last. This is what I need, someone to help me reach the next level.

5. Feedback from a professional- You may crave praise, but what you need is honest feedback. I’m not talking about a soul crusher whose goal is to put you and your work down. No. Any editor worth their salt would never do that. I’m talking about honest feedback you can trust. Someone to tell you when something works and when it doesn’t. It should be leveled with a dose of kindness and a pinch of sensitivity, all the while being truthful. You don’t need someone to blow smoke up your ass and tell you you’re wonderful. You need someone to tell you where you need work and where you excel so that you can become wonderful.

So before you rip your hair out, burn your latest WIP, or hide in a dark room where no one can find you, try to think of editing in a different light. Embrace it, my friends. It does a writer good. If you have a moment, take a peek at my blog about Positive Feedback.

What valuable lessons have you learned from your editor?

 You can find me online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

Sea Breeze and Choosing to Dream, two romances coming this summer from Your Sweet and Spicy Romance Author. Stay tuned.

Be safe out there all you pranksters. I scare easily, so no sneaking up on me. Thanks.