If Only It Were As Easy As That!

I received an email from a new writer asking for advice. The question: "Should I seek an agent or self-publish?"

Wow. I remember when I was there. I had written my first book and I felt like I'd finally achieved my dream. All I needed to do was send out my manuscript and I'd be published! I dreamed of seeing my book on the shelves of local bookstores, sitting at a table piled high with my books while I signed autographed copies for the long lines waiting to talk to me. If only the publishing world were as easy to break into as that!

Reality is nothing like the dream. But, the last thing a new writer needs to hear is something to destroy the dream. Many new writers get discouraged and quit before they've even begun. Publishing is a tough business.  It's not something a person does with hopes of becoming rich. The truth is very few authors ever reach a status of being able to support themselves by publishing their books. Most of us write because we love writing. We love receiving feedback on our books that even one person has been touched in some way by the words we so painstakingly penned, one difficult word after another.

My advice to this new writer, and to anyone else who is curious, is to join a writing group. To succeed, writers need support from others who are doing the same thing and struggling with the same obstacles. Take online classes, attend workshops, learn the craft of writing, and most of all...keep writing new material. Learn how to market yourself...not your book. People will buy from names they recognize more so than from an unknown person who has an interesting book cover or book title. Make your presence known. It takes time and it takes perseverance.

Without my local writing group, the hundreds of online classes I've taken, and my growing support group, I would have stopped writing after that first book. I would have continued dreaming about my goal, but I wouldn't have worked at achieving it. Writing is a business, just like any other business. And, just like any other job, if you don't love what you do, you'll move on.

And, with that, I'll step down off my soapbox. I wish all writers, whether published or aspiring, a group of wonderful supporters and the joy of reaching your goals.

Why Do You Purchase a Book?

Recently, one of my email loops discussed the value of social networking to sales. According to several surveys, readers are not moved to purchase a book due to advertising on social networks, websites, or publishers websites. Readers purchase books that someone else has recommended, or from an author they have already read and love.

So what is a beginning author to do? You must be famous to be famous?

Just look at our bookstores and libraries. Shelves chock full of books, many different genres, many, many authors. What distinguishes one book over another? A cover? A title? A name?

Speaking as a reader, not a writer, what motivates you to purchase a book?

All comments today will get your name entered into a drawing for an autographed copy of my book, JOSHUA'S HOPE, and also get your name entered into my monthly drawing for a Bath and Body Works Gift Certificate. Winners will be announced on my blog on November 2. It is up to the winner to contact me with their mailing information.

Why Do I Do It?

I keep a small stock of my books in my office to use for promotion. When hubby and I were meeting with VA to plead our case, we had a wonderful lady who saw our problem and found a way to help. God had truly sent an angel to help us that day. I had reached the bottom that day, and I couldn't stop sobbing, worrying that my retirement from my day job meant my hubby would be without critically needed health care. My prayers were answered.

On the first day that hubby saw his doctor, we stopped to thank our angel. I asked if she liked to read and her eyes lit up. "I love to read," she replied. I then told her that I was an author and asked if she would like to have one of my books. After an enthusiastic yes, I promised to bring a book next time.

And I did. Actually, I signed all three of my books and took them to her on our next visit. I felt it was just a small token to thank her.  Last week, when hubby and I made another trip to the clinic to pick up some meds, we saw Karen and waved as we passed.

She called out to stop us. "I've been hoping to see you," she exclaimed. "I've been telling everyone here that I started reading FOXFIRE and I love it! I'm half-way through and, honey, you have developed those characters so well. I'm really enjoying it. I can't wait to pick it up again."

So, for all the people who wonder why I write...that's why.

Writing is a lonely business. It's just me and the characters. I might love them, but what about the people who buy my books? When I hear that I've entertained someone and that they, too, love my characters, it's all worthwhile.

Thanks for stopping by!

Writer's Read

I've participated in some lively conversations lately about writers and reading. Some of the newer writers had been told that reading would hurt them, that they would lose their unique voice. That's such a myth.

Most writers receive their passion for writing from reading. While reading a good book, inspiration can come for how to write a better book. We can learn the art of ending a book on a hook, how to up suspense, how to develop characters the reader falls in love with. Fresh ideas can be found in books. One tiny thing can spark an idea for a new book with a unique twist.

Books change over the years. The books written twenty years ago, though fantastic stories, would be penned differently today. The story might not change, but the wording, the phrasing, the pace would change to keep up with the way readers expect to find books written in today's world.

So, reading is vital to a writer's health. Don't feel guilty about picking up a book and rewarding yourself for a reached goal. But, don't let yourself become bogged down in reading to the extent that you don't allow time to write.

Thanks for stopping by!

What's Not to Love About Books?

Ten Things I Love About Romance Books

1. They keep you company when you are alone.

2. They transport you to another world.

3. They look pretty on your bookshelf.

4. They make great gifts.

5. They can be enjoyed over and over again.

6. They can make you smile, cry, and fall in love.

7. Somce can scare the britches off you.

8. They are fun to trade and share.

9. They have a happy ending.

10. The big ones can squish spiders!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Two Satchels Full!!

One thing you get plenty of at RWA Nationals is free books. I brought home two big satchels full! I sorted them between the subgenres I don't read and those I do. The biggest portion will go to my chapter. What is the problem you ask?

Um, with all this great reading material, how do I put down the books and put my hands on the keyboard to write my own?

I love to read. I always have. I love getting close to the ending and just wanting to hurry and find out what happens, and not really wanting the book to end because it was so engrossing.

How about you? Are you a reader? How do you feel about coming to "the end?"

By the way, have you checked out my contest on my website for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon? Time's running out! It doesn't cost a thing to enter.

Thanks for stopping by!

I Am An E-book Author...and Proud of It

Sometimes I'm made to feel like a second class citizen because I am published in e-book format. Never mind that my books are also available in print. If I don't meet the standards of receiving an advance royalty, I'm not considered published by certain writing establishments. However, I'm considered published when it comes to entering any of their contests! Catch-22.

But, it doesn't matter. I write because I love to write. I love reading reviews and getting email from people telling me how I touched them with my stories. That's my goal. I don't do what I do to become the next NY Times Best-Selling author. I don't long to make tons of money and get world recognition for my books. I write because I can't NOT write. I enjoy telling stories. I love creating a book and the feeling it gives upon completion. Release day for me is exciting and scary. Just like it is for every "recognized" author.

However, with the economy changing and technology changing, the e-book is becoming more and more recognized, especially among the younger generation. I love reading e-books. They don't take up precious space in my house, and I can still hold my ereader in my hand and take it to bed and read. I can pack it when I travel without adding weight to my luggage.

Here's an interesting blog by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Click to read

Book Promo Day - Ready-Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt, Steeple Hill Publisher

It's always my pleasure to promo books by my writing friends. I came to know Cheryl through my blog when I was reading her first release. This book, Ready-Made Family is a wonderful story that will warm your heart. I recommend this book highly, and I'm not alone.

Romantic Times 4.5 Star Review:

“READY-MADE FAMILY (4.5) by Cheryl Wyatt: Air Force pararescue jumper Ben Dillinger knows what to do when a little girl comes to him saying that her mommy needs help. Suffering from dehydration, Amelia North ends up in the hospital. Wanting her independence and to take care of her daughter, Amelia finds herself unwillingly relying on Ben, who has his own problems taking over the care of his brother, who suffers from mosaic Down syndrome. Can Ben bring himself to be honest with Amelia, and can she overcome her distrust of men for love? Wyatt's wonderful love story about learning to accept God's will has delightful characters and a truly happy ending.”

—Susan Mobley


About the Author
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Her debut novels (Books 1 and 2-Wings of Refuge Series-Steeple Hill) received Romantic Times Top Picks. In addition, her debut books received the honor of coming in at #1 and #4 on eHarlequins's Top Ten Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists which included several NYT Bestselling authors. Cheryl is currently serving as Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers. www.acfw.com
To receive her quarterly newsletter for updates on new releases and contests with GREAT prizes (think: free books, CDs, iPods, and a Kindle!), visit her Web site at www.cherylwyatt.com and sign up in the space provided. Cheryl respects your privacy and will not share your e-mail address with a third party.

READY-MADE FAMILY

April 2009-Steeple Hill Love Inspired--IN STORES NOW!

Wings of Refuge Series

Amelia North needs refuge, and finds it--in Refuge, Illinois. Stranded there after a car wreck, the single mother expects to be cold-shouldered. After all, she's already been rejected by her parents, her church and her daughter's father. Instead, she finds a town full of people with open hands and hearts…including pararescue jumper Ben Dillinger.
Ben wants to help Amelia and her daughter find safety and stability. Instead, he finds himself freefalling--right into love with the ready-made family.


BOOK PURCHASE LINKS

Christianbook.com Purchas link for RMF http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1137286&item_no=875269

Amazon.com purchase link for RMF
http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Made-Family-Wings-Refuge-Inspired/dp/0373875266/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238477381&sr=8-9

Barnes and Noble purchase link for RMF:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ready-Made-Family/Cheryl-Wyatt/e/9780373875269

Don't Panic...Go Green

It's St. Patrick's Day...which means all the Irish and some not-so-Irish people here in the states will be partying, drinking green beer, wearing green clothing, and some even dye their hair green.

Today might be your lucky day! If you'd like to win a "pot o books" hop on over to our White Roses in Bloom blog and enter our contest!
Check it out and enter for free, and also learn all about St. Patrick!

Why not go green and save a few trees by purchasing e-books? In our technology rich world, this is one thing that I believe is a good step in a good direction. I have tons of books. I've bought and collected them over the years, and they are taking up a lot of space in my home. I can't bear to get rid of all those trees. But, I love to read. My solution...I purchase e-books. These can be read on my e-book reader or on my computer. If you haven't tried it yet, what do you have to lose? E-books are economical, too. Right now, you can purchase any of the books with my publisher White Rose Publishing on sale.

My latest book, Joshua's Hope can be purchased in e-book form this month for only $5.40. Click here to check it out.

Enjoy your day and GO GREEN!

Thanks for stopping by

Climb from the Cellar...

Today I'd like to promote a new book which I just received. The author? Wayne Lobdell, my husband's cousin. The title "Climb from the Cellar, A memoir" is very telling of what you'll find between the covers. Wayne contacted me months ago to tell me he was in the process of writing his memoir. His goal was to document his life and how he anyone can realize the American dream if they are willing to work for it. He asked me to be a reader and to give him a quote for promotion. I'm proud to do so.

Whenever we, hubby and I, travel to Michigan we like to visit "the cousins". For me, it's fun to listen to them talk about their days on the farm, the adventures, the trials and struggles. Through it all, you can hear the love and loyalty that many families lack. I'm looking forward to reading this book and stepping back in time. I hope you will be intrigued enough to purchase it, too.

Here's the back page blurb:

Wayne Lobdell views himself as a very lucky guy. He was born in a basement apartment, grew up in the humble environment of a little farm and survived a move to the hood when his father became ill. The inspiring example of his father's hard work and meeting the special person in his life in junior high pointed him on a path to finding his way to a better life.

Wayne's recollection of his childhood years on the farm with his brothers is intriguingly revealing of fifties life on a little farm; adventurous, amusing and sometimes sad. They were educated in a one room school of thirty students from K through eighth grade under the tutelage of a militant teacher who pegged them at the bottom of the country's social hierarchy. The brothers faced culture shock when circumstances forced them to move on to city life where caring but uneducated and naive parents left the boys dangerously exposed to life's choices of good and evil.

Two of the brothers chose a difficult path; a frequently dark path that led them each to a challenged life, disappointment and misfortune. Although Wayne experienced some temporary darkenss as well, he found his way to the American dream; a wonderful family, success in business, contentment and the ability to give back to his community.

The ISBN for the book is: 9787770050763. The best part about the book is that not only will you be entertained and inspired, but all the proceeds are being donated to The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Shack by William P. Young

A friend in a bible study group asked if I'd read "The Shack" yet. Truthfully, I hadn't heard about the book. This past weekend, while browsing in Moments of Majesty Christian store, I spied the paperback on a shelf and snagged it. Last night I finished it.

As my friend suggests, it makes one think about a lot of things, especially the Trinity and your own relationship with God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. Also, it researches deep grief, families, and forgiveness.

While a work of fiction, I found myself questioning at times whether it could be real. There are a number of issues and statements made by Young's fictional characterization of God that made me uncomfortable...especially about religion as we have been taught as Christians.

I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I would recommend it to anyone who is a Christian and struggling with how to let God live within you. If you've read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by!

What Are You Reading?

My favorite way to relax and "get away from it all" is to read. I love losing myself in a great story. I'll read anything, but I'm especially fond of suspense. I love a happily ever after ending, too. For me, it doesn't get better than a good romantic suspense novel.

The latest book I finished is called ABOMINATION by Colleen Coble, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-59554-141-3 (hardcover) or ISBN: 978-1-59554-478-0 (trade paper).

The story unfolds with a woman, battered, bruised, and barefoot, driving a car with a little two-year-old girl in a car seat in the back. The woman is confused and frightened, and though she doesn't have a clue who she is or who she's running from, she knows someone wants to kill her.

She finds safe harbor in a small community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Finding the name "Elena" engraved on the back of a golden ballerina shoe hanging on a necklace around her neck, she believes her name is Elena Cox. The little girl's name is Terri. As Elena struggles to regain her memory, events unfold that lead a serial killer, known as Gideon, close enough to strike again.

The characters in this book are well-developed, the plot tight and suspenseful. You won't know who the serial killer is until the very end. Ms. Coble does a fabulous job of pulling everthing together into a tight, suspense-filled climax.

I learned about "geocaching" something I'd never heard of until this book. I fell in love with a search and rescue dog named Samson, and a police Captain, Nikos Andreakos (Nick).

The romance? Oh, believe me this one will tug at your heartstrings. I don't want to give away too much. You'll just have to buy it for yourself. It's a page turner that you won't want to put down. Here's the back page blurb:

"A beautiful woman stands by the side of hte road, barefoot and bleeding, a child in her arms. Someone just tried to kill her, but she wouldn't recognize him if she saw his face. She doesn't even remember her own name.

A suburban cop surveys a kitchen in disarray--a woman and child missing, a chilling note. This crime scene is unlike any he has ever seen.

The man who calls himself Gideon waits and plans. He sees himself as a destroyer of evil, one who rids the world of abominations. He already killed five. He will kill again.

And somewhere inthe wilderness, in a secret geocache near where the wild swans gather, lies the unspeakable clue that links them all together.

Michigan's rugged and beautiful Upper Peninsula is the setting for this absorbing tale of love and loss, beauty and terror, grievous sins and second chances. A deftly woven thriller from the popular author of the Rock Harbor novels."

Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Now it's your turn. Tell me what you are reading.

Have You Read....

Obsession, by Karen Robards?

I picked this one up Sunday and began reading. It's hard to put the book down! What a page turner! I love Karen Robards work, but I haven't read anything recently, so when I saw this available through my book club I snatched it up.

The story begins with Katherine Lawrence and her college friend being bound and gagged in Katherine's apartment by two masked gunmen. They search her house trying to find something, but she doesn't know what they're after. All they do is ask her where it is, and with each answer of "I Don't Know", she's threatened, beaten, and tortured. The evening ends with the murder of her college friend. From there the story races, while Kathryn is trying to find out why she's a target, and even if she actually is Katherine.

Trust me, if you like fast paced thrillers, you'll love this book.

***************

Today I finished writing nine new pages on my new untitled manuscript.


Hop over to Sweeter Romantic Notions Blog and leave a comment on my blog for today and you will be entered to win a free download of THE FADED PHOTOGRAPH. www.sweeterromanticnotions.com/blog/

Thanks for stopping by!

Carol Ann

Better than Sex???

Not too long ago, I received the nicest email from a woman, whom I've never met, who read my first novel, HIT AND RUN.

"WOW!!! It was great. Just as good as Mary Higgins Clark..Maybe even better."

This woman goes to church with Ruth, a lady I work with. She wanted an autographed copy of FOXFIRE. Sunday Ruth gave her the book and she hugged it to her chest and said "Better than sex."

Well, I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I do appreciate the great feedback! LOL!

Out of the Depths, by Valerie Hansen

Currently I'm reading a Love Inspired Suspense by Steeple Hill in paperback. I've been thinking about writing an inspirational romantic suspense, so this line seemed to be the one to read if I wanted to make sure I'm on the right track. I wanted to write the novel as something that could happen to anyone, without trying to "preach." To be a good inspirational novelist, you need to weave a thread of faith throughout the book, but not to the point that the reader is distracted from the suspense and the romance.

Valerie Hansen has a great handle on inspirational romance. OUT OF THE DEPTHS heroine, Trudy Lynn Brown, is struggling to hold onto her piece of land in Serenity, Arkansas. She owns and operates a campground and canoe rental which recently has become the target of vandalism. Her best friend's brother, Cody Kerringhoven, comes to Serenity to stay while recovering from a white-water rafting accident. Trudy Lynn has always had a soft spot for Cody, so when she offers to let him stay in one of her cabins, she must try to keep her personal feelings hidden.

Cody is suffering from guilt. Another man was killed in the accident that has left Cody on crutches. Since Cody was the guide for the white water rafting trip, he feels responsible for the other man's death. In addition, the woman he thought loved him left him shortly after the accident. Disillusioned and harboring anger and resentment, he agrees to move into the cabin where he can be alone with his dog and stop his family from "pampering" him.

Trudy Lynn has a deep faith in God and she believes she can help Cody regain his broken faith and in turn lead him to forgive himself.

But someone wants Trudy Lynn's land and they will stop at nothing, not even killing, if it achieves that goal.

Valerie Hansen is a master at painting the Ozark landscape. I felt myself fighting off the pesky flying gnats and enjoying the quiet lapping of water as the canoe moved along the river. Though I haven't finished this book yet, I'm truly enjoying it and look forward to reading more of her work. If you are interested in a feel good book, I highly recommend it.

I just received my new ebook reader handheld, so now I can start reading some of the great e-books I've purchased. Keep looking because the next book I talk about may be yours!

So what are you reading? Tell me about it, please!