Ozarks Indie Book Fest in One Week - Plus a Ticket Sale

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today, let's talk about OIBF! Eep! Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

Ozarks Indie Book Fest is having its inaugural event starting on Thursday, October 19, 2017, and running through Sunday, October 22, 2017!

There's a ton of awesome stuff planned, and you can find the full schedule on the OIBF website here. See any names you recognize on there?

Of course you do!

Our weekend will kick off with a keynote speech by the one and only Christina Benjamin, and then the fun shall begin with treasure hunt fliers being passed out! This treasure hunt includes several of the attending authors, and readers will get to seek out the authors during the signings, Friday and Saturday, and quiz them to find out what to put on the paper. A huge gift basket full of goodies is up for grabs.

Saturday opens with a keynote speech from the always awesome BJ Sheldon before readers swarm the signing hall!

Want to be one of those readers?

Use the code oibf2017

on this link for $15 off a two-day ticket! 

That's right, two day passes are just $20! With the single day passes being $10, and no t-shirt or bag being included, this is one HELL of a steal. With your twenty bucks, you get entry into the keynote speeches, all the panels, entry into the signing hall, entry into the Saturday night awards program, and both of these goodies:

That bag is FULL of alllll kinds of author stuff. Wow, am I right?

Plus, you get to listen to my keynote speech Saturday morning, and you'll get to come to the princess party Friday evening from 5-6:30pm! Three of the War and Pieces ~ Frayed Fairy Tale authors will be there! We have a ton of cool games and prizes for you all.

At the awards, you can dress up as your favorite book character. That's right, it's a COSTUME PARTY! Huzzah! So very fun, and so close to Halloween, you can reuse your costume to go trick-or-treating just a week and a half later.

You know you wanna come, so get to clicking that link!

Drop a comment in below if you're coming and will see me, and I'll have a special prize waiting for you at my table. ;)

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Great Lakes Book Bash VIP Ticket Giveaway X2

Happpppy Friday, everyone! This week has been mad crazy, but it's also been fun! Our fairy tale books are releasing like hotcakes. But that's not what today's post is about. Nooooo! Today, I'm giving away TWO VIP tickets for GLBB 2017. Guess who'll be there? Yep, that's right, ME! :D

So, if you'll be in the Kalamazoo, MI area around the end of October (the 27-28, to be exact), you'll want to enter!

About the event:

Founded in 2014 by Authors Rachael Brownell & Casey L Bond, Great Lakes Book Bash is a literary conference and signing held in Kalamazoo, Michigan celebrating the fact that “Readers are our Rock Stars”. The conference is hosted by the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

In it’s first year, GLBB had over 75 exhibitors attend the one-day conference: authors, designers, swag makers, bloggers and models. Those exhibitors were met by over 150 readers from the Kalamazoo area and beyond. Some of those exhibitors led informational sessions, or panels, on specific topics related to the publishing industry. After the conference was over, everyone got together for a little party, sharing stories of the day and getting to know each other better.

In 2017, the conference is being extended to two days. It will encompass more of what readers and exhibitors asked for after the first year – more panels, more signing time and a meet and greet for exhibitors.

More information will be available soon on Great Lakes Book Bash 2017. If you don’t find the information that you are looking for on this website, please use the contact form above and we will get back to you.

Here's what a Rock Star Pass includes:

This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 11am-2pm and Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 10:30am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on both Friday and Saturday. This is the ONLY ticket that will allow you VIP early admission on Saturday, October 28th. Registration will open at 10:00am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.

Are you excited?

Well, here's the Rafflecopter entry form! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I can't wait to find out who I'll be meeting!

That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

$25 off Tables at OIBF

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Oh my gosh, I'm excited! If you remember my post from Monday about the conferences and signings I'm attending this year, you'll know about Ozarks Indie Book Fest. Well, there's a SEVEN DAY sale on tables! Get your clicking finger ready, and let's get to the details!

To start, a half table is only $100, which I think is a steal to begin with. But for the next seven days, you can get one for just $75.

Use code springfling17

Get your ticket or table here! 

If you want to know more about the fun stuff happening at the conference, check out the schedule on the OIBF website. It promises to be a weekend of FUN.

Remember! Reader tickets are just TEN DOLLARS! Grab them on the link above.

Let's talk hotel rooms!

UNIVERSITY PLAZA HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER

This is where the Ozarks Indie Book Fest is being held.

Rooms can be booked. Call or go to the website of University Plaza Springfield Missouri.

(417) 864-7333 http://upspringfield.com/

Booking Code is OZARKS.

Rates are $109.00(Plus Taxes) for 2 Queens in 1 room. $139.00(Plus Taxes) for 1 king suite.

Check out the amazing sponsors for the event here. There are some great ones. I can't believe I'm gonna be surrounded by so much awesome.

What are you waiting for? Will I see you there?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Utopia Con 2017 - New Ticket Packages Available!

Happy Wednesday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I bring you information! I know you're all super excited about this. Reader only tickets for Utopia Con 2017 are now available. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going.

BUY THEM HERE

I'm going in order via price, least expensive to most expensive, I'm not getting into vendor table costs, and I'm just giving you an overview of the details. For more in depth explanations and the refund policies, please visit the official Utopia website ticket page here:

Exhibitor and Signing Hall ONLY (Choose Friday-June 23 OR Saturday-June 24)
Sales end June 22
Access to the Exhibitor and Signing Hall ONLY from 11AM-5PM
Price: $15 plus fees

One Day Admission (Choose Friday-June 23 OR Saturday-June 24)
Sales end June 22
Access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $55 plus fees

Silver Ticket Package (Includes admission Thursday, June 22-Sunday, June 25)
Sales end December 31
Includes a welcome bag (while supplies last) and access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $105 plus fees

Titanium Ticket Package (Includes admission Thursday, June 22-Sunday, June 25)
Sales end December 31
VIP Registration/Badge. Includes a welcome bag (while supplies last), t-shirt, lunch Friday and Saturday, early seating for the awards, and access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $180 plus fees

Master Class - Revising Like a Pro (Thursday, June 22 at 4PM)
Sales end June 22
Bestselling author C. J. Redwine will teach pacing, character development, conflict arcs, prose, and more.
Price: $50 plus fees

Master Class - Save the Cat! (Friday, June 23 at 10:30AM)
Sales end June 22
Jose Silero teaches authors how to give their stories a strong "spine" and create a transformative journey for the protagonist.
Price: $75 plus fees

Master Class - Improv for Writers (Friday, June 23 at 2PM)
Sales end June 22
Two improv professionals (who are also authors) will teach writers how to get out of their chairs and get moving to create dynamic worlds and action for their characters.
Price: $75 plus fees

If you want information on promotional opportunities, those are also listed on the official Utopia Con website.

In case you need that link again:

BUY THEM HERE

What do you think? Will you be going?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Utopia Con 2017 - Ticket Prices are Increasing FRIDAY! Get Yours NOW, and Get Your Freak ON!

HA! I bet you all took that title as something entirely different than it means. But hey, you're here, you're reading this, and you're engaged! Win for me. *grin* So, now that you're all in, let's get to it.

Here are the guests coming to Utopia in 2017:

Ann Aguirre, NY Times bestselling author of YA and Adult books, such as Razorland series, Immortal Game series, Jax series, Dred Chronicles.

Isaac Marion (Author), NY Times bestselling author of WARM BODIES

Abbi Glines, #1 NY Times bestselling author of romance and YA books

Vilma Gonzalez of Vilma's Book Blog, Austin Book Fest and USA Today columnist

Daniel Errico, NY Times bestselling children's book author and creator of original animations on Hulu

Get your tickets or tables HERE.

The 2017 theme? FREAK SHOW! Here's a glimpse of some of the amazing graphics:

But wait! There's more! Come on, you knew that was coming, right? *grin*

Check out these awesome panels!

Did I mention that you can get tickets at earlybird prices through Friday? Well, here's that link again (you know, in case you missed it the first time).

Tickets HERE!

Oh man! I forgot to mention this one other cool thing that's happening in 2017. Remember back at the beginning of this post when I said Isaac Marion (Author), NY Times bestselling author of WARM BODIES will be attending? Well, he'll also be doing voiceover commentary for a screening of the WARM BODIES movie! You DO NOT want to miss it!

Yep, I know. Amazing things are happening. You clicked that ticket link, right?

What do you think? Will you be there?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

GLBB Tickets on Sale NOW! Plus, FREE Entry!

Happy Thursday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I have the AWESOME news for you! GLBB tickets are on sale NOW! Ready to grab yours? Get your clicking fingers ready and let's get going.

Get tickets HERE.

Here's the info, schedule, and available ticket packages:

A two-day event in 2017, Great Lakes Book Bash is going to be an epic experience that you won't want to miss. It's more than just a book signing. There will be informational panels geared towards authors, readers, and bloggers. Don't forget about the COSTUME Party on Saturday night celebrating that "Readers are our Rock Stars".
For more information about the event, please visit our website at www.greatlakesbookbash.com.

Thursday 10/26/2017
7pm - Registration will open to exhibitors and assistants
7-9pm - Exhibitor set-up

Friday 10/27/2017
9:30-10:30am - Opening announcements and keynote speech from M.R. Polish (everyone is welcome to come to the opening announcements and keynote speech - no ticket required)
10:30am - registration opens for ticket holders
11am-2pm - Author signing (bring your own books or buy them from the authors)
3pm-7pm - Informational panels
9pm - Exhibitor meet and greet (location TBD)

Saturday 10/28/2017
10:30am - registration opens for ticket holders
11am-2pm - Author signing
2pm-3pm - Exhibitor break-down
3pm-6pm - Informational panels
8pm-12am - Readers are our Rock Stars COSTUME Party

(The schedule of events is subject to change at any time. The most up to date version of the schedule can be found on our website at the address listed above.)

WHEN:
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 9:30 AM - Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11:30 PM (EDT)

WHERE:
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center - 100 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Available Ticket Packages:

• Friday Signing ONLY ticket

  Free
• This ticket includes your admission to the signing on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 11am-2pm only in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.

  Hide Info

• Saturday Signing ONLY ticket

  Free 
• This ticket includes your admission to the signing on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm only in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.

  Hide Info

• Two-day Signing ticket

  $15.00 (+$1.37 fee) 
• This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 and Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on both Friday and Saturday. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary. This ticket DOES NOT include admission to the Rock Star Costume Party on Saturday night.

  Hide Info

• Rock Star Costume Party ONLY ticket

  $15.00 (+$1.37 fee) 
• This ticket includes your admission to the Rock Star Costume Party on Saturday, October 28, 2017 ONLY that will be held in the Ballroom at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, MI from 8pm to midnight. You MUST pick up for name badge before entering the costume party at the registration table that will be located outside the ballroom beginning at 7pm.

  Hide Info

• Rock Star Pass

  $20.00 (+$1.49 fee)
• This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm and the Rock Star Costume Party that will be held from 8pm to midnight at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in the Ballroom. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.

  Hide Info

• VIP Rock Star Pass

  $30.00 (+$1.74 fee)
This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 and Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on both Friday and Saturday, the Rock Star Costume Party & you will receive a VIP tote bag filled with goodies from some of the attending authors. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.

What are you waiting for? Get on it RIGHT NOW!

Tickets HERE!

Well, what do you think? Are you coming?

That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Enter an Anthology with Proceeds for Pet Charities

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today, I'm here to talk with you about an amazing opportunity you may want to take advantage of. If you're ready, let's get rolling!

So, if you didn't already hear about it on my radio show, Ozarks Indie Book Fest is happening in Springfield, MO, October 19-22, 2017. They're donating any and all proceeds from the conference to two charities:

Companions for Heroes

and
Loving Paws Rescue

But the organizers wanted to do even MORE for these two charities. They put their heads together and came up with the idea of producing an anthology with ALL proceeds going to the charities above.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Want to know how you can get involved? Well, here you go:




Fill it out now, later, or whenever! If you write a compelling beginning, there's a great chance of being chosen. No one will know who you are until the stories are chosen. Classy, eh?

Winners will also be announced on the Facebook event page. You can join in the fun here.

You have a few months before your full story will be due. Why not?

Will you be entering?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Author Events Around the United States and Abroad

Happy Tuesday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm talking about author events. If you've published a book or you're a fan of awesome writing, you'll want to know where you can go to sign or meet your favorite authors. There are some amazing events right here in the U.S. for you to attend. Even if you're in the U.K. and have always wanted something authorly, you'll want to check out this site!

Ready? Let's get going!

If you've never heard of Indie-Visible: Literary Justice for All, I have to wonder if you've been hiding under a rock. These ladies and gents are making waves in the book world with their pub hub and book hub sections of the website.

I did a writeup on the pub hub not too long ago. You can find that post here.

But today, I'm guiding you in a new direction. This is the place where you'll find author events happening all over the place. Get going!

Indie-Visible's Event Page

I do hope you'll consider attending one (or more) of these awesome author and reader events!

Did you know that page existed? What are you most looking forward to?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo