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Author: Babs Mountjoy on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

I just got the word that my class is coming up from Pennwriters-- if you're a beginning/indie author looking for tips and tricks on self-promoting, with lots of links to more reading, check this out!


Promotional Basics
with Babs Mountjoy
babs_mountjoy
Date
August 3 – August 30, 2012


Pennwriter members' cost $79; non-members $89

 Limited class size. Early bird prices end soon.

Course Description
Congratulations! Your work has just been published. Now comes the hard part.
Getting your audience to find your work, buy it, and share it.
Most publishers now want to know your “platform.” What website, blog, or other publicity do you use to sell and promote you work? Such tools are part of the package you are often expected to present as a showcase for your laboriously forged words.
Online and social media are now your best means of broadcasting your efforts and reaching your target audience. Pennwriters upcoming online course, Promotional Basics, will teach you the arts of publicity and marketing, showing you standard techniques and modern tricks to make your release a success.
Learn the four most important things to include in your website. Discover how to get your work noticed on and offline. Tour successful blogs, learn to make your own, and understand why they are a great way to spread your name. Find out what freebies and giveaways attract your readers and followers. Plan ahead for compelling personal appearances and book signings that feature more than just a chair behind a table.
Plus, as a free bonus, receive a list of 50 sites where you can submit you books for review.
Boost your sales and traffic by learning proven promotional methods!
About the Instructor
Barbara “Babs” Mountjoy has written since she was a little girl, unable to restrain the stories that percolated through her fingers onto her keyboard – or, back then, onto the old Royal typewriter. Babs has been a published author for more than thirty-five years, with a number of publications under her belt.

Her non-fiction book, 101 LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SURVIVING YOUR DIVORCE, was published by Impact Publishers in 1999. Her first novel, THE ELF QUEEN, was released under the pen name Lyndi Alexander in 2010. THE ELF QUEEN launched her Clan Elves of the Bitterroot series, under which the second and third titles, THE ELF CHILD and THE ELF MAGE, released in 2011 and 2012.

Wild Rose Press released her romantic suspense novels, SECRETS IN THE SAND, in 2011, and, CONVICTION OF THE HEART, in June 2012. Will Rose Press will also release Babs’ THAT GIRL’S THE ONE I LOVE in September 2012. Zumaya Publications published her women’s fiction title, SECOND CHANCES, in July 2012.

Also in September 2012, Hydra Publications will publish LOVE ME, KISS ME, KILL ME, Babs’ upcoming vampire story.

Babs is a contributor to two CUP OF COMFORT anthologies. She blogs about autism, writing and life at awalkabout.wordpress.com, and spent seven years of her career as a news reporter and editor in South Florida. Her romances/womens fiction books are published under the pen name Alana Lorens, and her fantasy/sci-fi under the pen name Lyndi Alexander. For more information on Babs Mountjoy or this course, email her at bmountjoy@zoominternet.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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The writing....life?
Author: Babs Mountjoy on Friday, June 1, 2012

It's been a couple of years now that I've been a contracted, published novelist, and I've been writing pretty steadily on works that some editor or other wants for that whole period. At the moment, I've got two novel manuscripts due by the end of July---at the same time I have two other books being released, one in June and one in July, the beginnings of the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyer series, and I've got a massive blog tour/publicity campaign going on to promote them.

This is all in addition to the day job, and family and, well, life.

Sometimes it feels like I spend every breath thinking about writing. Which is, of course, what I always thought would be AWESOME back in the day. But every once in awhile, I  can't help feeling a little burnt out about it.

Moderation in all things...I don't know who said it originally, but my father used to quote it a lot. Yesterday, I found that it worked.

In addition to writing my 1,600 words, talking to a reporter from an Indiana paper, mailing out books for a signing I've got scheduled next month in Montana, writing two posts for the blog tour, and spending the evening with my writing critique group, I also sewed together a coverlet I'd had laying on the table staring at me for three weeks, and painted some decorative pieces for our newly-revamped bedroom.

Funny how those other creative tasks really seemed to recharge my mind for more words. If I wasn't worried how it might look, I might almost admit my parent was....right.

*gasp*

Does that mean I'm finally growing up?

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Kelly Moran shares a fantastic TRUE story of love and crime-- Win a copy here!
Author: Babs Mountjoy on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Today's guest is author Kelly Moran, award-winning author of romance and children's books, who's really taken kind of a turn to the dark side as she revisits a murder case that I remember well from my younger days. What a fascinating study of a real-life mystery!! Thanks for being with us, Kelly. 

Thanks so much for having me today, Barbara! I'll give away one eBook copy of YOU NEVER HAVE TO REMEMBER THE TRUTH to a commenter.

 
It was one of the most sensational murder cases in U.S. history. Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek, a former Playboy waitress and ex-Milwaukee police officer, was arguably railroaded and convicted of murder. When all hope of proving her innocence seemed lost, she planned a daring escape from prison with her boyfriend, and together the lovers slipped into Canada under assumed names.

Now, nearly twenty years after the escape, Dominic Gugliatto wants to set the record straight.  The man who laid it all on the line tells a different tale — one of deception and betrayal. For the first time, Gugliatto speaks out about the lies and secrets long buried. That Bembenek knew more about the murder than she professed, and that the prison escape involved co-conspirators, including a retired Milwaukee police officer.  The truth is coming, told by the only man who knows it all.

 Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thetruthiscoming

See the Youtube trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq41R-5OEKM


To tell you a little about me and the book, here's my Dear Reader page from the book. After reading, I'd love to answer any questions you have!



 Dear Reader,

            Awhile back I got a call from an old friend and colleague asking me some publishing questions. As I've always wanted to be a writer, and I spent the better part of ten years researching the industry, this wasn't unusual. Imagine my surprise when she tells me it's about writing a book for Dominic Gugliatto!

            I was four years old at the time of Christine Schultz's murder, five when Lawrencia Bembenek was found guilty, and thirteen when Dominic helped Lawrencia escape prison. Though I was young, I remember Wisconsin's outcry and the media blitz, and the eventual world-wide pandemonium this case created. Ergo, I was interested in talking about a book with Dominic.

            In saying that, I'm also a romance and children's book writer. I deal with fiction and happily ever afters, not dates and facts and figures. So I was reluctant, as I didn't know if I could give Dominic the book he deserved. I was also concerned about the possible emotional toll that writing a book like this might have on my family. So over dinner one night with my husband and then three-year-old twin boys, I discussed the project. Well, the twins discussed Toy Story, my husband, Darren and I discussed the book. Halfway through my spiel, my husband lifts his hand to stop me and says, "Do it." My response was somewhere along the lines of, "Huh?" He said, "Do it. It's a great opportunity and it can help your career."

            Now that really got my brain churning. It could help my writing career, open doors, and challenge me. After getting back on the phone with Dominic however, I knew this book and my agreement to write it would never solely be about my career. There were many reasons for me to do and not to do this, and one why I should-- It was the right thing to do. It's about telling his story, the one no one's ever truly heard, and giving him some closure. For weeks we met in person and over the phone. I watched this guy sitting on my couch, torn and upset even after all these years, and I saw what was inside the man behind the media craze. He's loyal, compassionate, forgiving, and strong beyond any means I can literate.

            I stayed objective, pouring over information to make sure we got this right the first time. Dominic and his family kept nearly every document, letter, and article ever written about this case. And he kept it in an old luggage case I now refer to as "The Suitcase From Hell." It took me weeks to go through all of it. Once I had the facts, I added Dominic's story. And what a story it is.

            I'm glad we became friends through this process, Dominic and I. And I honestly can say I'm a better person for having known and met him. I can only wish the same for those reading this book, but then again, I feel that's pretty much a given.


Sincerely,

Kelly Moran

Learn more about Kelly and her books here:
 http://www.authorkellymoran.com/index.html

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Hydra Publications introductory splash sale!
Author: Babs Mountjoy on Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hydra Publications, which is publishing my book LOVE ME, TOUCH ME, KILL ME this fall is having a whiz banger of a sale this week!  Stop by and check out these titles!

Publisher Frank Hall says the following: As a special treat to all book lovers out there we are releasing all of our ebooks for free today. There is something for everyone in what we offer and we hope you enjoy your free books.

 For book descriptions, see the Hydra website here.

The Universal Mirror: http://www.amazon.com/The-Universal-Mirror-ebook/dp/B006VYHLNS/

Secret: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-ebook/dp/B005IAZEX0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1328666115&sr=8-1
...
Bridgeworld: http://www.amazon.com/Bridgeworld-Academy-ebook/dp/B005IAZEYO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-1

Andraste: http://www.amazon.com/Andraste-ebook/dp/B0051ZRV1K/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-3

The Heart Denied: http://www.amazon.com/The-Heart-Denied-ebook/dp/B004E3X9NY/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-4

Heart of the Hunter: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-of-the-Hunter-ebook/dp/B0073LBJZ4/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-8

Anon: http://www.amazon.com/Anon-ebook/dp/B005CXVRBG/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-5

Gnosis: http://www.amazon.com/Gnosis-ebook/dp/B006QPJ1K8/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666207&sr=1-7

Ukishima: http://www.amazon.com/Ukishima-ebook/dp/B0075CP4CA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328666396&sr=1-1

Enjoy!

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THRILLERS! ON SALE!!
Author: Babs Mountjoy on Thursday, February 2, 2012

Although my books with Zumaya Publications aren't yet available, I'm excited to report that Zumaya has scheduled a Kindle Sale on titles with Thriller elements.
 
The sale starts this SUNDAY 2/5/12 and runs through March 3. The first week they're featuring the science fiction thrillers, second week general thrillers, third week fantasy thrillers, and the last week a mixed batch! So many books, so little time! Catch all the details at Zumaya Tales - http://zumayatales.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/february-thriller-special/ 
 
 
Come see which book will suit your last-six-weeks-of-winter reading list!

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Snippet for SFFS! Come get you a taste....
Author: Babs Mountjoy on Saturday, January 7, 2012


At Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday  you have the chance to read snippets from works in progress, contracted works, as well as published novella and novels from a variety of authors... Check it out each Saturday!

This week I've included a snippet from the soon-to-be-released novel TRIAD, which tells the story of three women commanders who are in a battle over a certain sector of space just before all of them are attacked by an outside force of space pirates. The attack makes them take a new look at their relationships--some may become closer, and others might be pushed to the edge of assassination...

 Here's my piece for this week:


Stefan, dressed in gaudy teal jacket and slacks, piloted the vessel while Julian took the second seat, wearing a simple gray suit as befitted a male servant. Catava waited in the cabin behind them, dressed in the filmy peach-toned slave’s garb Stefan had chosen. A short fitted piece trimmed in gold barely covered her breasts, trailing a gold chain to a short skirt she kept tugging under her. She also wore thin-corded gold sandals and gold ribbons in her hair, wrapped into a psyche knot.
      Hardly abashed, he coached her briefly on the comportment of female slaves, how they didn’t speak until they were asked to, and how they were no better than animals with natural urges. “You’re expected to be hot,” he said. “A slave covets the touch of men. So in situations where you don’t know what to do, a seductive look is as good as anything.”
      She studied him a long moment. “Do you often sell women into slavery?"
      He twitched as her words hit him like an open hand.
   


 For more information on this and other books by Lyndi Alexander, see her website http://clanelvesofthebitterroot.com , or the Dragonfly Publishing site: http://www.dragonflypubs.com/excerpts/triad.html

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