Hello all!! Welcome to the recap page for my blog party!! Happy UNbirthday to the following people:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now it's time for a few thank yous from me to the authors who participated. After that, I will do a quick rundown of all the blogs I listed.
Chazz: Thank you for allowing me to promote your book The Dangerous Kind and Other Stories for my blog party.
Lisa: Thank you for your generosity in donating a copy of your book Soul Journey for my blog party.
Randi: Your beautiful gift was much appreciated. I hope many people received your message. Thank you for taking the time to create something so special. I wish your book Awaken From Life much success.
Dorothy: Thank you for allowing me to promote your book God Placed Her in My Path on my blog party.
Dee: Thank you for Kindlegraphing your book How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog and providing a copy as a giveaway for my party.
Kebba: Thank you for allowing me to promote your book Peace Within on my blog party.
Ashley: Thank you for allowing me to promote Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist for my blog party.
Linda: Thank you for Kindlegraphing your book INZARED Queen of the Elephant Riders and providing three copies for my party.
Crystal: Thank you for providing a printed, signed copy of your book Canopy for my giveaway. I hope it does well over the months to come.
On to the blogs!!
A Dead Good Blog
Booketta's Book Blog On Twitter: @bookettajane
The Hungry Freelancer On Twitter: @bethythewriter
Have You Heard Book Review On Twitter: @Kissablysweet1
Ann Marie Walker On Twitter: @AnnMarie_Walker
Chazz Writes On Twitter: @RChazzChute
Family Bugs Blogging On Twitter: @Family_Bugs
The Misadventures of Chelsea Black On Twitter: @chelseablack
Rachelle Gardner On Twitter: @RachelleGardner
Ramblin' with AM On Twitter: @ RamblinGarden
Libertys Yarn On Twitter: @LibertysYarn
Imagine! Create! Write! and Chapter Book Challenge On Twitter: @moonduster
Ghostnapped! On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
The Arkside of Thought On Twitter: @SahmAtaineKing
Passionate Ramblings On Twitter: @_LisaCherry
Doug Turnbull On Twitter: @dturnbull2
God Placed Her in My Path
Judith Cassis C.Ht. On Twitter: @telesuccess
An Average Woman in a Superwoman World On Twitter: @AverageWomanSJ
Love Your Life! On Twitter: @RandiGFine
throwing up in an IKEA bag On Twitter: @jenchatwrites
Writer's Block Admin Services On Twitter: @JoHarris0n
the art of possibility... discovering new pathways to success On Twitter: @klaughman
You Are What You Write On Twitter: @rachelhwrites
Caro Ayre
Danielle. Wife. Author. Mother. On Twitter: @danielle_lise
Heather's Book Chatter On Twitter: @woodtop255
Depression Cookies On Twitter: @Tia_Bach_Author
Helz-Design On Twitter: @HelzDesign
moonpreneur On Twitter: @deeankary
Marcie Brock, Book Marketing Maven On Twitter: @phxazlaura
The Book Designer On Twitter: @JFbookman
Faith Develops in the Dark
Ellie's Blog On Twitter: @EllieMendez
UpBeat Spiritual Living Twitter: @kebbabutton
Darci Cole Wife. Mommy. Writer. Twitter: @darci_cole
Christian Writers Downunder Twitter: @CWDownunder
Denise DeSio Twitter: @TopBee
Peter Faur Twitter: @PeterFaur
Ghostnapped blog On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
Bonnie R Paulson On Twitter: @bonnierpaulson
Diapers, Bookmarks, and Pipe Dreams On Twitter: @KirkusMacGowan
JD Stockholm On Twitter: @JD_Stockholm
Beauty and Books On Twitter: @LazenBeauty
The Book Smugglers On Twitter: @booksmugglers
L. Leander Books On Twitter: @lleander11
Illustration Junky On Twitter: @illustrationbee
Michael R. Hicks On Twitter: @KreelanWarrior
Melissa Writes On Twitter: @MissieK
T.L. Bodine On Twitter: @tlbodine
Crystal Lee ~ Author On Twitter: @CLeeAuthor
Gavin Mountford's Productive Entrepreneur On Twitter: @gavinmountford
Diamond Panes On Twitter: @Latticewindows
Writer, of sorts. On Twitter: @tdhurst
Jackie Bledsoe Jr On Twitter: @jbledsoejr
And there's the rundown. Lots of great new folks to follow on twitter as well. I hope you have all enjoyed participating in my blog party! Congratulations to the winners! If your name is there, you will be contacted shortly for shipping info!!
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A Few of My Favorite Blogs Part 8 of The Blog Party
Welcome to day EIGHT of my Blog Party!
Lots of really super great stuff going on this week! Come back every day to see what I'm going to give away next! Tomorrow, I am giving away Kindlegraphed copies of Linda Leander's book INZARED Queen of the Elephant Riders. Come back to see how many we have available and how you can win one!
Make sure to enter this contest for two printed, signed books, this contest for a book on how to make money with your blog, and to get your free gift here.
Today, my contest goes like this: If you will comment on ANY post on my blogger blog with your twitter handle and go add Ms. Ashley Howland's book Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist to your Wish List on Amazon, I will enter you in a drawing to win a copy of the book. When the winner is chosen, I will order you a copy via your wishlist. Like always, I will use random.org and a numbering system (based on your order of comments) to choose the winner. You can enter more than once in this way. You have until 11:59pm ET on 7/25/2012 to enter. GOOD LUCK!
If you would like to purchase a copy on your own, please go here. Check out YouTube videos of Ms. Howland's books! Ghostnapped! and Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist. Very cool! Connect with Ashley on LinkedIN as well or like her FaceBook page.
Now, some information about Ms. Ashley Howland and Obi the Super Puppy!
Bio:
Ashley Howland lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She and her dogs, Obi and Stitch, work for Labs ‘n Life, a nonprofit organization that works with youth at risk to train Labradors as autism assistance dogs (www.labsnlife.com). She is inspired to write by her husband Ross, her daughters, Maddy and Aijay, and of course, Obi and Stitch. They are a constant, endless source of material and happiness. She is also the author of Ghostnapped! Her next two books are The Homework Goblin, for young children, and a novel for teenagers titled It’s What You Do Next That Counts.
Synopsis:
Obi is a yellow Labrador who loves adventure, helping people and solving mysteries. He also loves his kids, Maddy and Aijay. This is the story of his first adventure, his new family and how a mysterious red mist entered into his life. The evil red mist has many scary abilities, it can possess animals and toys, but who is behind it? Obi and some new friends must save the day before it is too late. Maddy and Aijay listen patiently as Obi relives this amazing tale and they learn how their faithful friend became a real super puppy.
On to our regularly scheduled list of AWESOME blogs. As always, I will begin with Ms. Howland, my promo for today:
Her blog is filled with great author interviews and great information about being published as well as how she came up with her ideas for her various books:
Ghostnapped blog On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
Another couple of author blogs:
Bonnie R Paulson On Twitter: @bonnierpaulson
Diapers, Bookmarks, and Pipe Dreams On Twitter: @KirkusMacGowan
JD Stockholm On Twitter: @JD_Stockholm
Beauty and Books On Twitter: @LazenBeauty
And a blog about books. I love reading this blog because it's full of useful reader information for writers. Go check out their smuggling ways:
The Book Smugglers On Twitter: @booksmugglers
That's all for today, folks! Come on back tomorrow for more great giveaways and blogs! Until then, WRITE ON!
Jo
Lots of really super great stuff going on this week! Come back every day to see what I'm going to give away next! Tomorrow, I am giving away Kindlegraphed copies of Linda Leander's book INZARED Queen of the Elephant Riders. Come back to see how many we have available and how you can win one!
Make sure to enter this contest for two printed, signed books, this contest for a book on how to make money with your blog, and to get your free gift here.
Today, my contest goes like this: If you will comment on ANY post on my blogger blog with your twitter handle and go add Ms. Ashley Howland's book Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist to your Wish List on Amazon, I will enter you in a drawing to win a copy of the book. When the winner is chosen, I will order you a copy via your wishlist. Like always, I will use random.org and a numbering system (based on your order of comments) to choose the winner. You can enter more than once in this way. You have until 11:59pm ET on 7/25/2012 to enter. GOOD LUCK!
If you would like to purchase a copy on your own, please go here. Check out YouTube videos of Ms. Howland's books! Ghostnapped! and Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist. Very cool! Connect with Ashley on LinkedIN as well or like her FaceBook page.
Now, some information about Ms. Ashley Howland and Obi the Super Puppy!
Ashley Howland lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She and her dogs, Obi and Stitch, work for Labs ‘n Life, a nonprofit organization that works with youth at risk to train Labradors as autism assistance dogs (www.labsnlife.com). She is inspired to write by her husband Ross, her daughters, Maddy and Aijay, and of course, Obi and Stitch. They are a constant, endless source of material and happiness. She is also the author of Ghostnapped! Her next two books are The Homework Goblin, for young children, and a novel for teenagers titled It’s What You Do Next That Counts.
Obi is a yellow Labrador who loves adventure, helping people and solving mysteries. He also loves his kids, Maddy and Aijay. This is the story of his first adventure, his new family and how a mysterious red mist entered into his life. The evil red mist has many scary abilities, it can possess animals and toys, but who is behind it? Obi and some new friends must save the day before it is too late. Maddy and Aijay listen patiently as Obi relives this amazing tale and they learn how their faithful friend became a real super puppy.
On to our regularly scheduled list of AWESOME blogs. As always, I will begin with Ms. Howland, my promo for today:
Her blog is filled with great author interviews and great information about being published as well as how she came up with her ideas for her various books:
Ghostnapped blog On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
Another couple of author blogs:
Bonnie R Paulson On Twitter: @bonnierpaulson
Diapers, Bookmarks, and Pipe Dreams On Twitter: @KirkusMacGowan
JD Stockholm On Twitter: @JD_Stockholm
Beauty and Books On Twitter: @LazenBeauty
And a blog about books. I love reading this blog because it's full of useful reader information for writers. Go check out their smuggling ways:
The Book Smugglers On Twitter: @booksmugglers
That's all for today, folks! Come on back tomorrow for more great giveaways and blogs! Until then, WRITE ON!
Jo
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A Few of My Favorite Blogs Part 7 of The Blog Party
Welcome to day SEVEN! I do hope you go check out yesterday's post and enter the rafflecopter drawing to win a Kindlegraphed copy of Dee Ankary's book How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog. Contest ends soon! There's still time to get a gift from Ms. Randi G Fine as well. Go check out Day 4 to see how. On to the excitement for today! Don't forget to come back tomorrow to see what else I'm giving away this week!
I'm going to give, to TWO lucky winners, a printed, signed copy of each of my books: The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two AND The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book. Enter the rafflecopter drawing below for your chance and GOOD LUCK!! I'm running the contest through Sunday and you can enter EVERY day in one way or another.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Share this link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTVkMTU4NjQ4Yzg3MWYwZDU0MWRjMTAwM2NlZWFjOjQ=/ To invite your friends to enter.
Today, I bring you inspiration from a great lady, Ms. Kebba Buckly Button before I get to our hot blogs to follow. Enjoy!!
Bio:
Kebba Buckley Button is a corporate stress management trainer, holistic health educator, and pain-solutions therapist, who teaches people how to "trade in" their fatigue, stress, and pain for vitality. She sees stress as a sure route to illness, now or later, and energy- and stress management through personal balance as the primary key to wellness. Kebba is known as The LifeTools Ladysm. She gives people tools for feeling energized and wonderful instead of tired, tight, or in direct physical pain. Kebba’s award-winning book, Discover The Secret Energized You, offers many ways for people to trade in their stress for energy.
Kebba works with groups and with individuals, teaching practical, memorable techniques for satisfied living: physical movements, breath techniques, emotional methods, mental processes, and spiritual approaches. She sees personal responsibility and choice of state as vital components of personal energy management.
Kebba has both Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees in sciences. She spent sixteen years in both government and consulting engineering. A workaholic manager during those years, she discovered a number of health issues that medical doctors had no answers for. She thus became an energetic researcher of methods for managing the stress/energy balance and its impact on health. A certified instructor of Jin Shin Jyutsu for self-help, Kebba has had a Jin Shin Jyutsu practice and has offered personal-growth seminars since 1985. She was ordained in 2000 and now teaches meditation and spiritual direction seminars. Her latest book is Peace Within: Your Peaceful Inner Core.
Kebba's columns, UpBeat Living and StressTips!, have appeared in One Planet magazine, ec Magazine, and Much Ado About Mensa. She is the creator of the Half-Minute Stress Management Methodsm, the UpBeat Living Energy Equationsm, and the RELF YourSelfsm technique. She has given seminars for such diverse groups as the American Association of Public Welfare Attorneys, American Mensa Ltd., American Business Women’s’ Association (ABWA), Business Networks International (BNI), Desert Christian Fellowship (Phoenix, AZ), IMPACT for Enterprising Women (Phoenix, AZ), Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church (Paradise Valley, AZ), Unity Business Network (Phoenix, AZ), Unity of Phoenix, and the law firm of Brobeck, Pfleger, and Harrison (San Francisco, CA). Connect with Ms. Button on LinkedIN here or on FaceBook here.
Her book Peace Within can be purchased here.
Synopsis:
This is the little carry-with-you book for people who want to grow their inner peace. If you have stress, it’s crucial to develop for yourself a solid core of Peace Within to go “home” to whenever you are stressed. Even if you have never found your peaceful inner core—yet—this book will help. It’s full of inspirations, quotes, poems, song lyrics, and photographs that take you directly to Peace Within. A deer nibbles snacks in Colorado. A Presence floats across a frozen pond. Waves play in Bermuda. Ripples of the Divine are everywhere, and so can be your Peace Within.
Peace Within, when you cultivate it inside yourself, has a dimension of connection to the Universal Divine, by whatever name you call it. When you go to this level, not only will you feel relaxed, clear, and peaceful, you will also draw to yourself more of what you want in your life experience. Your mind will be more and more clear, your blood pressure will balance, and those other nagging stress symptoms will fade. Yes, you can feel true serenity! Why not start the exploration NOW?
Like most of the authors I have spoken about on my blog, this one is also a blogger. On to today's AWESOME blogs to follow:
If you need daily inspiration and uplifting, visit Ms. Button's blog:
UpBeat Spiritual Living Twitter: @kebbabutton
UpBeat Living
Ever been curious how a mom manages to write and write and still take care of her kids? Ever wonder what goes through our heads? Visit this blog for information:
Darci Cole Wife. Mommy. Writer. Twitter: @darci_cole
Are you a Christian? Do you like following like-minded people? Give this blog a read:
Christian Writers Downunder Twitter: @CWDownunder
This lady intrigued me so much, I couldn't help but follow her blog on musings, publishing, and writing:
Denise DeSio Twitter: @TopBee
You'll get some great writing tips from this guy's blog. I love Grammar Friday posts and you will too!
Peter Faur Twitter: @PeterFaur
Well, that's all for today, folks!! Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
I'm going to give, to TWO lucky winners, a printed, signed copy of each of my books: The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two AND The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book. Enter the rafflecopter drawing below for your chance and GOOD LUCK!! I'm running the contest through Sunday and you can enter EVERY day in one way or another.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Share this link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTVkMTU4NjQ4Yzg3MWYwZDU0MWRjMTAwM2NlZWFjOjQ=/ To invite your friends to enter.
Today, I bring you inspiration from a great lady, Ms. Kebba Buckly Button before I get to our hot blogs to follow. Enjoy!!
Kebba Buckley Button is a corporate stress management trainer, holistic health educator, and pain-solutions therapist, who teaches people how to "trade in" their fatigue, stress, and pain for vitality. She sees stress as a sure route to illness, now or later, and energy- and stress management through personal balance as the primary key to wellness. Kebba is known as The LifeTools Ladysm. She gives people tools for feeling energized and wonderful instead of tired, tight, or in direct physical pain. Kebba’s award-winning book, Discover The Secret Energized You, offers many ways for people to trade in their stress for energy.
Kebba works with groups and with individuals, teaching practical, memorable techniques for satisfied living: physical movements, breath techniques, emotional methods, mental processes, and spiritual approaches. She sees personal responsibility and choice of state as vital components of personal energy management.
Kebba has both Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees in sciences. She spent sixteen years in both government and consulting engineering. A workaholic manager during those years, she discovered a number of health issues that medical doctors had no answers for. She thus became an energetic researcher of methods for managing the stress/energy balance and its impact on health. A certified instructor of Jin Shin Jyutsu for self-help, Kebba has had a Jin Shin Jyutsu practice and has offered personal-growth seminars since 1985. She was ordained in 2000 and now teaches meditation and spiritual direction seminars. Her latest book is Peace Within: Your Peaceful Inner Core.
Kebba's columns, UpBeat Living and StressTips!, have appeared in One Planet magazine, ec Magazine, and Much Ado About Mensa. She is the creator of the Half-Minute Stress Management Methodsm, the UpBeat Living Energy Equationsm, and the RELF YourSelfsm technique. She has given seminars for such diverse groups as the American Association of Public Welfare Attorneys, American Mensa Ltd., American Business Women’s’ Association (ABWA), Business Networks International (BNI), Desert Christian Fellowship (Phoenix, AZ), IMPACT for Enterprising Women (Phoenix, AZ), Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church (Paradise Valley, AZ), Unity Business Network (Phoenix, AZ), Unity of Phoenix, and the law firm of Brobeck, Pfleger, and Harrison (San Francisco, CA). Connect with Ms. Button on LinkedIN here or on FaceBook here.
Her book Peace Within can be purchased here.
This is the little carry-with-you book for people who want to grow their inner peace. If you have stress, it’s crucial to develop for yourself a solid core of Peace Within to go “home” to whenever you are stressed. Even if you have never found your peaceful inner core—yet—this book will help. It’s full of inspirations, quotes, poems, song lyrics, and photographs that take you directly to Peace Within. A deer nibbles snacks in Colorado. A Presence floats across a frozen pond. Waves play in Bermuda. Ripples of the Divine are everywhere, and so can be your Peace Within.
Peace Within, when you cultivate it inside yourself, has a dimension of connection to the Universal Divine, by whatever name you call it. When you go to this level, not only will you feel relaxed, clear, and peaceful, you will also draw to yourself more of what you want in your life experience. Your mind will be more and more clear, your blood pressure will balance, and those other nagging stress symptoms will fade. Yes, you can feel true serenity! Why not start the exploration NOW?
Like most of the authors I have spoken about on my blog, this one is also a blogger. On to today's AWESOME blogs to follow:
If you need daily inspiration and uplifting, visit Ms. Button's blog:
UpBeat Spiritual Living Twitter: @kebbabutton
UpBeat Living
Ever been curious how a mom manages to write and write and still take care of her kids? Ever wonder what goes through our heads? Visit this blog for information:
Darci Cole Wife. Mommy. Writer. Twitter: @darci_cole
Are you a Christian? Do you like following like-minded people? Give this blog a read:
Christian Writers Downunder Twitter: @CWDownunder
This lady intrigued me so much, I couldn't help but follow her blog on musings, publishing, and writing:
Denise DeSio Twitter: @TopBee
You'll get some great writing tips from this guy's blog. I love Grammar Friday posts and you will too!
Peter Faur Twitter: @PeterFaur
Well, that's all for today, folks!! Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Monday, July 23, 2012
A Few of My Favorite Blogs Part 6 of The Blog Party
Welcome to day SIX of the Blog Party!
First and foremost, the winner of the contest I ran on Friday 7/20/2012. I had three entries for a free signed, printed copy of The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book and the results are below.
Congratulations to: Jen!! Jen was commenter number 2. Now, on to our regularly scheduled program!!
I'm excited to announce some wonderful things that will happen this week. You have the chance to win many great books this week, some printed and some digital and Kindlegraphed! Today, Ms. Dee Ankary. Tomorrow, Ms. Kebba Buckly Button! Later stuff will be announced later. Bwahahhahhhaaaa! So, check back!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Let's talk now about Ms. Dee Ankary. The giveaway above is for a Kindlegraphed copy of How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog. If you prefer to purchase a copy, you may find one here. If you'd like to purchase Dee's other book Blog Transformation Secrets you may find it here. Each just $4.99 on Kindle.
I have read the book that's being given away today and, let me tell you, it's worth every penny of the $4.99. It has great information about blogging and being successful. Highly recommended! I'm an Ankary fan!
On to the information!!
Bio:
My name is Dee Ankary, and I'm an author, online business coach, and slightly geeky blogger. As the founder of Moonpreneur, a product creation and marketing resources blog, I'm constantly seeking to morph life and business experiences into profitable digital assets in quick, and relatively, painless ways.
After a lifetime in corporate technology solutions, I discovered that software for the brain is way more fascinating, and now use my tech, NLP and coaching experience to help myself and crazy busy individuals create a more interesting sequel to the 9-5, salary-junkie time of our lives.
I write in English, dream in Italian and have an unwavering belief that enthusiasm will conquer all.
Synopsis:
The road to a profitable niche website is not as ridden with difficult obstacles as you might imagine. The right keywords, great content and some judicious promotion. The key is focus, both in terms of targeting a specific niche, and consistently moving forward until your site is thriving. How To Build A Profitable Niche Blog will show you the way, step by step, right from picking the right keywords, to the most appropriate monetization strategy.
And now, on to today's list of GREAT blogs to follow. As usual, I will begin with my gracious guest!
Are you at a loss but you want to write a blog? Learn a lot about blogging as a business:
moonpreneur On Twitter: @deeankary
Are you struggling to find ways to market your book? Do you need a professional editor? This lady does it all:
Marcie Brock, Book Marketing Maven On Twitter: @phxazlaura
Do you have questions on how to build a better book? Visit this guy's page for practical advice:
The Book Designer On Twitter: @JFbookman
Need some faith? Do you like hearing things people see that make them passionate enough to talk about it? Visit this blog:
Faith Develops in the Dark
Visit this blog for pure fun reading and interesting snippets:
Ellie's Blog On Twitter: @EllieMendez
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
First and foremost, the winner of the contest I ran on Friday 7/20/2012. I had three entries for a free signed, printed copy of The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book and the results are below.
Congratulations to: Jen!! Jen was commenter number 2. Now, on to our regularly scheduled program!!
I'm excited to announce some wonderful things that will happen this week. You have the chance to win many great books this week, some printed and some digital and Kindlegraphed! Today, Ms. Dee Ankary. Tomorrow, Ms. Kebba Buckly Button! Later stuff will be announced later. Bwahahhahhhaaaa! So, check back!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Let's talk now about Ms. Dee Ankary. The giveaway above is for a Kindlegraphed copy of How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog. If you prefer to purchase a copy, you may find one here. If you'd like to purchase Dee's other book Blog Transformation Secrets you may find it here. Each just $4.99 on Kindle.
I have read the book that's being given away today and, let me tell you, it's worth every penny of the $4.99. It has great information about blogging and being successful. Highly recommended! I'm an Ankary fan!
On to the information!!
 |
| Such a pretty lady!! |
My name is Dee Ankary, and I'm an author, online business coach, and slightly geeky blogger. As the founder of Moonpreneur, a product creation and marketing resources blog, I'm constantly seeking to morph life and business experiences into profitable digital assets in quick, and relatively, painless ways.
After a lifetime in corporate technology solutions, I discovered that software for the brain is way more fascinating, and now use my tech, NLP and coaching experience to help myself and crazy busy individuals create a more interesting sequel to the 9-5, salary-junkie time of our lives.
I write in English, dream in Italian and have an unwavering belief that enthusiasm will conquer all.
The road to a profitable niche website is not as ridden with difficult obstacles as you might imagine. The right keywords, great content and some judicious promotion. The key is focus, both in terms of targeting a specific niche, and consistently moving forward until your site is thriving. How To Build A Profitable Niche Blog will show you the way, step by step, right from picking the right keywords, to the most appropriate monetization strategy.
And now, on to today's list of GREAT blogs to follow. As usual, I will begin with my gracious guest!
Are you at a loss but you want to write a blog? Learn a lot about blogging as a business:
moonpreneur On Twitter: @deeankary
Are you struggling to find ways to market your book? Do you need a professional editor? This lady does it all:
Marcie Brock, Book Marketing Maven On Twitter: @phxazlaura
Do you have questions on how to build a better book? Visit this guy's page for practical advice:
The Book Designer On Twitter: @JFbookman
Need some faith? Do you like hearing things people see that make them passionate enough to talk about it? Visit this blog:
Faith Develops in the Dark
Visit this blog for pure fun reading and interesting snippets:
Ellie's Blog On Twitter: @EllieMendez
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Friday, July 20, 2012
A Few of my Favorite Blogs Part 5 of The Blog Party
Hello everyone and welcome to day five of The Blog Party! Make sure you come back on Monday (day six) for yet another great giveaway! This time, from Ms. Dee Ankary. Dee is the author of How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog and Blog Transformation Secrets. Ms. Ankary has agreed to give away a digital copy of How to: Build a Profitable Niche Blog that she will Kindlegraph for the winner!!
Please remember that the rafflecopter drawing for Ms. Lisa Cherry's book Soul Journey ends today. Go here to enter now.
Today's giveaway is going to work like this: Comment on my blogger blog (any post) today and I will give you an entry to win a printed, signed copy of my book The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book. I will do this by spreadsheet. In the order of comments, you will be entered on the list and I will use random.org to choose a random winner. So, get to commenting and GOOD LUCK!
I am also giving a nod to a very wise lady today, Dorothy Ruppert. Here's a little bit about the lady and her book God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bipolar Disorder. You can purchase it here or on Dorothy's website here.
Author Bio:
Dorothy Ruppert has spent 43 years advocating for the mentally ill and their families. She is a retired Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit organization and the former owner of three small businesses. Dorothy now spends her time as a writer and an inspirational speaker. She is currently working on her second book, a collection of short readings to inspire people who cope with situations that are beyond their control.
Synopsis:
God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bipolar Disorder by Dorothy Ruppert is an inspirational, heart-wrenching true story of a mother advocating for her daughter during a time when doctors did not believe a child could suffer from bipolar disorder. This book will speak truth and bring hope to those who experience a brain disorder and to those who walk alongside them. It serves to educate and break the stigma of mental illness, which is rapidly increasing in the world today.
God Placed Her in My Path is strongly recommended for all who want to learn more, but especially for educators, social workers, and extended family members of persons coping with a brain disorder.
Now, on to the blog party and our regularly scheduled post of blogs you'll love!
You can read daily bits and pieces from Ms. Dorothy on her blog:
God Placed Her in My Path
Here's a blog that discusses writing and the process:
Caro Ayre
A couple more blogs that talk books (you can never get enough of those):
Danielle. Wife. Author. Mother. On Twitter: @danielle_lise
Heather's Book Chatter On Twitter: @woodtop255
A blog by a mother/daughter team who wrote a book together (I know, I know, I couldn't do it):
Depression Cookies On Twitter: @Tia_Bach_Author
A blog by a designer and writer:
Helz-Design On Twitter: @HelzDesign
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Please remember that the rafflecopter drawing for Ms. Lisa Cherry's book Soul Journey ends today. Go here to enter now.
Today's giveaway is going to work like this: Comment on my blogger blog (any post) today and I will give you an entry to win a printed, signed copy of my book The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book. I will do this by spreadsheet. In the order of comments, you will be entered on the list and I will use random.org to choose a random winner. So, get to commenting and GOOD LUCK!
I am also giving a nod to a very wise lady today, Dorothy Ruppert. Here's a little bit about the lady and her book God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bipolar Disorder. You can purchase it here or on Dorothy's website here.
 |
| Isn't she just lovely?! |
Dorothy Ruppert has spent 43 years advocating for the mentally ill and their families. She is a retired Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit organization and the former owner of three small businesses. Dorothy now spends her time as a writer and an inspirational speaker. She is currently working on her second book, a collection of short readings to inspire people who cope with situations that are beyond their control.
Synopsis:God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bipolar Disorder by Dorothy Ruppert is an inspirational, heart-wrenching true story of a mother advocating for her daughter during a time when doctors did not believe a child could suffer from bipolar disorder. This book will speak truth and bring hope to those who experience a brain disorder and to those who walk alongside them. It serves to educate and break the stigma of mental illness, which is rapidly increasing in the world today.
God Placed Her in My Path is strongly recommended for all who want to learn more, but especially for educators, social workers, and extended family members of persons coping with a brain disorder.
Now, on to the blog party and our regularly scheduled post of blogs you'll love!
You can read daily bits and pieces from Ms. Dorothy on her blog:
God Placed Her in My Path
Here's a blog that discusses writing and the process:
Caro Ayre
A couple more blogs that talk books (you can never get enough of those):
Danielle. Wife. Author. Mother. On Twitter: @danielle_lise
Heather's Book Chatter On Twitter: @woodtop255
A blog by a mother/daughter team who wrote a book together (I know, I know, I couldn't do it):
Depression Cookies On Twitter: @Tia_Bach_Author
A blog by a designer and writer:
Helz-Design On Twitter: @HelzDesign
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A Few of my Favorite Blogs Part 4 of The Blog Party
Today on my blog party, I'm happy to talk about Ms. Randi G. Fine, author of Awaken From Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths and happy to announce yet another giveaway for all you loyal readers! It just keeps getting better and better, huh?
Pssssssst: Check back tomorrow for information about Ms. Dorothy Ruppert's book, God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bi-Polar Disorder and I may be giving away something super cool to go with it!! Just because I like you all so much, of course. If you haven't already, go enter the rafflecopter drawing for Lisa Cherry's book Soul Journey. Winner will be announced Saturday morning! Now, onward!!
Ms. Fine has also agreed to give readers the following: If you like her Randi G. Fine Facebook page from your personal page, you'll receive an inspirational picture quote exclusively designed for this promotion. Send her a message referring to the promotion, include your email address, and she will email you the gift. How freaking awesome is she?
Now, a little about the author and the book:
Biography:
Randi G. Fine is an accomplished Ft. Lauderdale writer, radio show host, and published author. She tells the spellbinding story of her life in her 2010 memoir, Fine…ly: My Story of Hope, Love, and Destiny, inspiring others with messages of courage and hope. Her inspiring new spiritual/self-help book, Awaken from Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths, was published in June 2012. As the producer and host of her provocative podcast radio show, A Fine Time for Healing, Randi revives the emotional and spiritual well-being of world-wide audiences.
Synopsis:
In this evocative, illuminating book, Randi Fine encourages you to free yourself from the inhibiting obstacles in your life, embrace the conscious power of your intent, and awaken your unrealized potential. Travel on an introspective journey into the heart of your personal realities where your perceptions, truths, and desires lie. Distinguish the thought processes that enhance your life experience from those that stand in the way of achieving all you desire. Reflect on perspectives never before considered. Experience the powerful impact of revelations brought on by your newfound self-awareness.
The path to greater fulfillment awaits your discovery. The only thing required is your deliberate choice to “Awaken from Life.”
You may find her book for purchase here.
Now, on to our regular post! I will, of course, begin with my guest for today.
Randi G. Fine's blog is about getting the most out of life. It's inspirational and heartfelt. If you need a pick-me-up, check it out. But wait! There's more! She also has a radio show! Be sure and give her a listen.
Love Your Life! On Twitter: @RandiGFine
A Fine Time for Healing radio show
Looking for a hip way to stick it to the mass produced man? Look no further. Get honesty and straight-forward opinions on everything:
throwing up in an IKEA bag On Twitter: @jenchatwrites
A very cool blog that helps with all those annoying e-book formatting issues and gives some great tips on tools to help you build your platform (author or otherwise). As a bonus, this company does e-book formatting as well:
Writer's Block Admin Services On Twitter: @JoHarris0n
This next blog is all about success and how you put your know-how and knowledge of the world to work. She doesn't preach at you, and she uses a lot of humor and real-world examples to get her message across:
the art of possibility... discovering new pathways to success On Twitter: @klaughman
A wonderful blog that covers darn near everything you can imagine. Handy for writers and a fun read too!
You Are What You Write On Twitter: @rachelhwrites
Well, that's all for today, folks! Come on back tomorrow for more! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Pssssssst: Check back tomorrow for information about Ms. Dorothy Ruppert's book, God Placed Her in My Path - Lessons Learned from the Furnace of Bi-Polar Disorder and I may be giving away something super cool to go with it!! Just because I like you all so much, of course. If you haven't already, go enter the rafflecopter drawing for Lisa Cherry's book Soul Journey. Winner will be announced Saturday morning! Now, onward!!
Ms. Fine has also agreed to give readers the following: If you like her Randi G. Fine Facebook page from your personal page, you'll receive an inspirational picture quote exclusively designed for this promotion. Send her a message referring to the promotion, include your email address, and she will email you the gift. How freaking awesome is she?
Now, a little about the author and the book:
 |
| She is just gorgeous, isn't she? |
Biography:
Randi G. Fine is an accomplished Ft. Lauderdale writer, radio show host, and published author. She tells the spellbinding story of her life in her 2010 memoir, Fine…ly: My Story of Hope, Love, and Destiny, inspiring others with messages of courage and hope. Her inspiring new spiritual/self-help book, Awaken from Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths, was published in June 2012. As the producer and host of her provocative podcast radio show, A Fine Time for Healing, Randi revives the emotional and spiritual well-being of world-wide audiences.
Synopsis:
In this evocative, illuminating book, Randi Fine encourages you to free yourself from the inhibiting obstacles in your life, embrace the conscious power of your intent, and awaken your unrealized potential. Travel on an introspective journey into the heart of your personal realities where your perceptions, truths, and desires lie. Distinguish the thought processes that enhance your life experience from those that stand in the way of achieving all you desire. Reflect on perspectives never before considered. Experience the powerful impact of revelations brought on by your newfound self-awareness.
The path to greater fulfillment awaits your discovery. The only thing required is your deliberate choice to “Awaken from Life.”
You may find her book for purchase here.
Now, on to our regular post! I will, of course, begin with my guest for today.
Randi G. Fine's blog is about getting the most out of life. It's inspirational and heartfelt. If you need a pick-me-up, check it out. But wait! There's more! She also has a radio show! Be sure and give her a listen.
Love Your Life! On Twitter: @RandiGFine
A Fine Time for Healing radio show
Looking for a hip way to stick it to the mass produced man? Look no further. Get honesty and straight-forward opinions on everything:
throwing up in an IKEA bag On Twitter: @jenchatwrites
A very cool blog that helps with all those annoying e-book formatting issues and gives some great tips on tools to help you build your platform (author or otherwise). As a bonus, this company does e-book formatting as well:
Writer's Block Admin Services On Twitter: @JoHarris0n
This next blog is all about success and how you put your know-how and knowledge of the world to work. She doesn't preach at you, and she uses a lot of humor and real-world examples to get her message across:
the art of possibility... discovering new pathways to success On Twitter: @klaughman
A wonderful blog that covers darn near everything you can imagine. Handy for writers and a fun read too!
You Are What You Write On Twitter: @rachelhwrites
Well, that's all for today, folks! Come on back tomorrow for more! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
A Few of my Favorite Blogs Part 3 of The Blog Party
Today, I'm excited to bring you news of a wonderful kind. My blog party is going to run for two weeks! This is my birthday present to myself!
I have a lot of great giveaways still to come so follow me and stay in the loop! Also, Ms. Lisa Cherry has generously offered a copy of her book Soul Journey for a rafflecopter drawing. Everyone say thank you to Ms. Lisa. You can find the book for purchase here for you folks in the UK or here for you folks in the US. You can find her on FaceBook here and LinkedIN here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here's a bit about the author and the book:
Author Bio:
Who is Lisa Cherry? To those who meet her, it’s impossible to define her in a single sentence. At first glance, she’s a successful business woman running an holistic massage practice. However, if you spoke to her clients you would discover that she doesn’t merely relieve stress or pain, but empowers women to make positive lifelong changes.
Lisa herself has overcome adversity despite facing many challenging life experiences. Her teenage years were symbolised by hurtling from one foster home to the next seeking stability and love. School exclusions, care homes, alcoholism and homelessness made their mark, before Lisa found the inner strength to break free from a spiral of self-destruction and chose life instead.
After getting sober at the age of 20, steely determination drove her through a university degree, after which she devoted 18 years to the social services sector helping children and families through difficult times – whilst still battling her own inner demons.
It was though pursuing an holistic approach to life that Lisa found the roots of her true recovery. With a holistic massage diploma in the bag, her thirst for life was unleashed. Far from being a mere survivor, Lisa’s passion for life, change and personal development now inspire others to follow their dreams.
In fact, upon discovering blogging, she rapidly connected with an audience hungry to listen and, like Lisa, confront tough challenges in their own past. Through her encouragement, many women embarked on their own journey of discovery, sharing their achievements with Lisa on her blog.
What makes Lisa so compelling is her selfless ability to openly share her soul, reflecting upon life with complete honesty and integrity. Imbuing others with a vision for change, she empowers others in their own healing. Such is the affect that Lisa’s boundless energy and incredible positivity have on all those whose lives she touches. In this her first book, Lisa reveals her own mantra for living and shares other women’s celebratory journeys over adversity.
Synopsis:
When it seems impossible to free yourself from a life spinning out of control or from a cycle of emotional pain, it’s incredible to imagine how words on a page can change your life completely…
They can. Such is the power behind Soul Journey.
Soul Journey draws together a unique collection of real-life stories featuring extraordinary everyday women. I share their journey through life’s challenges and how personal discovery led to profound change.
Unlike other self-help books, the different journeys combine to show how connecting with your own healing can have an astonishing impact on how you bond with the world beyond. That need to feel part of others’ lives is something we all crave. As you explore the book, you can find new ways to feel part of life’s bigger picture.
The book is shaped from real life – a tapestry of poignant and enlightened moments. Weaving my own personal insight gained through being in care, homeless and a recovering alcoholic – to my holistic therapy work – every shared experience is rooted in naked truth… in honesty. Find the courage you need to take the first step…
Finally, this book is about you – and what connects us together. Seize the chance to reflect on you, your life, your aspirations. Learn to share pain, share the journey and share the celebration of self-recovery. By walking this pathway together, you can truly thrive – and be the person you want to be.
On to our regularly scheduled post for today! Such exciting things happening, I almost can't sit still!
First and foremost, Ms. Lisa Cherry's blog. She has a great book group on her blog as well, that just makes it more interesting!
Passionate Ramblings On Twitter: @_LisaCherry
Passionate Ramblings Book Group
If you are sci-fi passionate, you'll love this guy's blog:
Doug Turnbull On Twitter: @dturnbull2
Are you battling depression? Do you have a family member who's battling depression? This blog is from a woman who's dealt with it all, and it's a hub of information on the topic:
God Placed Her in My Path
Would you like to know how to get the best marketing ideas to build your platform? Check out this blog written by a woman who has the know-how:
Judith Cassis C.Ht. On Twitter: @telesuccess
Now, the lady I'm about to mention doesn't just write a blog, she also has a radio show. She is:
An Average Woman in a Superwoman World On Twitter: @AverageWomanSJ
Don't forget to enter my Goodreads giveaway for your chance at a copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two! If you have young readers, you NEED the series. Go enter!
Well, that's all for today, folks!! Come back tomorrow for more great blog reads and more great gifts! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I have a lot of great giveaways still to come so follow me and stay in the loop! Also, Ms. Lisa Cherry has generously offered a copy of her book Soul Journey for a rafflecopter drawing. Everyone say thank you to Ms. Lisa. You can find the book for purchase here for you folks in the UK or here for you folks in the US. You can find her on FaceBook here and LinkedIN here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here's a bit about the author and the book:
 |
| Isn't she super pretty?! |
Author Bio:
Who is Lisa Cherry? To those who meet her, it’s impossible to define her in a single sentence. At first glance, she’s a successful business woman running an holistic massage practice. However, if you spoke to her clients you would discover that she doesn’t merely relieve stress or pain, but empowers women to make positive lifelong changes.
Lisa herself has overcome adversity despite facing many challenging life experiences. Her teenage years were symbolised by hurtling from one foster home to the next seeking stability and love. School exclusions, care homes, alcoholism and homelessness made their mark, before Lisa found the inner strength to break free from a spiral of self-destruction and chose life instead.
After getting sober at the age of 20, steely determination drove her through a university degree, after which she devoted 18 years to the social services sector helping children and families through difficult times – whilst still battling her own inner demons.
It was though pursuing an holistic approach to life that Lisa found the roots of her true recovery. With a holistic massage diploma in the bag, her thirst for life was unleashed. Far from being a mere survivor, Lisa’s passion for life, change and personal development now inspire others to follow their dreams.
In fact, upon discovering blogging, she rapidly connected with an audience hungry to listen and, like Lisa, confront tough challenges in their own past. Through her encouragement, many women embarked on their own journey of discovery, sharing their achievements with Lisa on her blog.
What makes Lisa so compelling is her selfless ability to openly share her soul, reflecting upon life with complete honesty and integrity. Imbuing others with a vision for change, she empowers others in their own healing. Such is the affect that Lisa’s boundless energy and incredible positivity have on all those whose lives she touches. In this her first book, Lisa reveals her own mantra for living and shares other women’s celebratory journeys over adversity.
Synopsis:
When it seems impossible to free yourself from a life spinning out of control or from a cycle of emotional pain, it’s incredible to imagine how words on a page can change your life completely…
They can. Such is the power behind Soul Journey.
Soul Journey draws together a unique collection of real-life stories featuring extraordinary everyday women. I share their journey through life’s challenges and how personal discovery led to profound change.
Unlike other self-help books, the different journeys combine to show how connecting with your own healing can have an astonishing impact on how you bond with the world beyond. That need to feel part of others’ lives is something we all crave. As you explore the book, you can find new ways to feel part of life’s bigger picture.
The book is shaped from real life – a tapestry of poignant and enlightened moments. Weaving my own personal insight gained through being in care, homeless and a recovering alcoholic – to my holistic therapy work – every shared experience is rooted in naked truth… in honesty. Find the courage you need to take the first step…
Finally, this book is about you – and what connects us together. Seize the chance to reflect on you, your life, your aspirations. Learn to share pain, share the journey and share the celebration of self-recovery. By walking this pathway together, you can truly thrive – and be the person you want to be.
On to our regularly scheduled post for today! Such exciting things happening, I almost can't sit still!
First and foremost, Ms. Lisa Cherry's blog. She has a great book group on her blog as well, that just makes it more interesting!
Passionate Ramblings On Twitter: @_LisaCherry
Passionate Ramblings Book Group
If you are sci-fi passionate, you'll love this guy's blog:
Doug Turnbull On Twitter: @dturnbull2
Are you battling depression? Do you have a family member who's battling depression? This blog is from a woman who's dealt with it all, and it's a hub of information on the topic:
God Placed Her in My Path
Would you like to know how to get the best marketing ideas to build your platform? Check out this blog written by a woman who has the know-how:
Judith Cassis C.Ht. On Twitter: @telesuccess
Now, the lady I'm about to mention doesn't just write a blog, she also has a radio show. She is:
An Average Woman in a Superwoman World On Twitter: @AverageWomanSJ
Don't forget to enter my Goodreads giveaway for your chance at a copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two! If you have young readers, you NEED the series. Go enter!
Well, that's all for today, folks!! Come back tomorrow for more great blog reads and more great gifts! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
A Few of my Favorite Blogs Part 2 of The Blog Party
Today on my blog party I have some exciting news to share!! Tomorrow, I will be hosting a giveaway of the book Soul Journey by a fellow writer and blogger named Lisa Cherry. Check back here to enter the Rafflecopter drawing!
Thursday, I'll be talking about a book written by Ms. Randi Fine titled Awaken From Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths (don't miss that). You can read a little about it or buy it here.
A surprise for you all today, I am happy to tell you about a great FREE book by Mr. Robert Chazz Chute titled The Dangerous Kind & Other Stories. Get it at Amazon before tomorrow night! I've read his book titled Bigger Than Jesus and am a huge fan of his work. I am delighted to help him announce his giveaway.
A brief synopsis:
Small-town claustrophobia and the psychological horror of living with other people at its best.This is a real deal with all these stories now in one package: two brothers must decide if murder is the answer to all of their problems; a psycho psychologist directs a serial killer who to kill; a crazy young woman insists she stay on as the psychologist's patient; a divorced dad learns to deal with loss through the power of hypochondria; a starlet meets her high school lover again for one last conversation about dire secrets; and a DJ argues against God only to discover that there are some arguments you definitely don't want to win.
Revamped and reloaded, my novella, The Dangerous Kind is available again, but now it's bundled with six short stories that are the precursors to the (coming!) Poeticule Bay series of novels. Two new stories are in this collection, including The Sum of Me, a story anyone with credit card debt will appreciate. I read The Sum of Me at a writing conference to thunderous applause and it won an honourable mention from a Writer's Digest competition.
Now, on to our regular post! Aren't you all excited? What a great week this will be! Welcome to a few more of my favorite blogs.
Here's a blog by a literary agent that asks thought-provoking questions for authors of all kinds:
Rachelle Gardner On Twitter: @RachelleGardner
Do you like ramblings? How about ramblings that have a purpose? Follow this blog for great photos and discussion:
Ramblin' with AM On Twitter: @ RamblinGarden
Get some wonderful marketing advice and some helpful tips about setting up FaceBook or branding your own blog with Liberty:
Libertys Yarn On Twitter: @LibertysYarn
A couple of blogs for all you children's chapter book lovers:
Imagine! Create! Write! and
Chapter Book Challenge On Twitter: @moonduster
Ghostnapped! On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
If you're interested in poetry, thought-provoking posts, or to see the world through someone else's eyes, check out this guy's blog:
The Arkside of Thought On Twitter: @SahmAtaineKing
That's all for today, folks! More great blogs and that awesome giveaway tomorrow! Until then, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, I'll be talking about a book written by Ms. Randi Fine titled Awaken From Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths (don't miss that). You can read a little about it or buy it here.
A surprise for you all today, I am happy to tell you about a great FREE book by Mr. Robert Chazz Chute titled The Dangerous Kind & Other Stories. Get it at Amazon before tomorrow night! I've read his book titled Bigger Than Jesus and am a huge fan of his work. I am delighted to help him announce his giveaway.
A brief synopsis:
Small-town claustrophobia and the psychological horror of living with other people at its best.This is a real deal with all these stories now in one package: two brothers must decide if murder is the answer to all of their problems; a psycho psychologist directs a serial killer who to kill; a crazy young woman insists she stay on as the psychologist's patient; a divorced dad learns to deal with loss through the power of hypochondria; a starlet meets her high school lover again for one last conversation about dire secrets; and a DJ argues against God only to discover that there are some arguments you definitely don't want to win.
Revamped and reloaded, my novella, The Dangerous Kind is available again, but now it's bundled with six short stories that are the precursors to the (coming!) Poeticule Bay series of novels. Two new stories are in this collection, including The Sum of Me, a story anyone with credit card debt will appreciate. I read The Sum of Me at a writing conference to thunderous applause and it won an honourable mention from a Writer's Digest competition.
Now, on to our regular post! Aren't you all excited? What a great week this will be! Welcome to a few more of my favorite blogs.
Here's a blog by a literary agent that asks thought-provoking questions for authors of all kinds:
Rachelle Gardner On Twitter: @RachelleGardner
Do you like ramblings? How about ramblings that have a purpose? Follow this blog for great photos and discussion:
Ramblin' with AM On Twitter: @ RamblinGarden
Get some wonderful marketing advice and some helpful tips about setting up FaceBook or branding your own blog with Liberty:
Libertys Yarn On Twitter: @LibertysYarn
A couple of blogs for all you children's chapter book lovers:
Imagine! Create! Write! and
Chapter Book Challenge On Twitter: @moonduster
Ghostnapped! On Twitter: @AshleyHowland
If you're interested in poetry, thought-provoking posts, or to see the world through someone else's eyes, check out this guy's blog:
The Arkside of Thought On Twitter: @SahmAtaineKing
That's all for today, folks! More great blogs and that awesome giveaway tomorrow! Until then, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Come Join the Party!
Next week, I'm willing to promote your new book or your blog topic right here on my blog. If you've written a review and would like to see it posted here, send me a message via FaceBook. While I would love to slap my personal e-mail address down here to make it easier, we all know about spam-bots and the irritating way they seek and spam. Yuck!
So, if you're interested in some free self-promotion, message me.
Don't forget to pick up a copy of one of my books in the meantime! :)
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Monday, July 9, 2012
Frustrations - Solved
One of my biggest headaches as a writer is the bulk of my laptop and the slim loveliness of my iPad and iPhone. When I'm at my desk at home, I prefer to write on my laptop. When I'm on the go, I prefer my iPhone. When I'm traveling, I prefer my iPad.
This creates a huge problem for me: synchronization. I write something on my laptop only to have to e-mail it to myself in a document that I can only read on my other devices. Or, I write something on my iPad and have to copy/paste it and send it as an e-mail to be opened on my laptop. As you can imagine, this hinders my workflow and slows me down. Even if I had a document reader on my other devices that was harmonious, I'd still have to either e-mail or sync whatever I'm working on.
If you haven't heard of Evernote, I'm about to blow your mind. This application is FREE and will absolutely change the way you write and take notes forever. It works on almost every device known.
But what does it do, Jo?
That's the sweetest part of all! Evernote allows you to capture photos, take notes, write, outline, or do anything related to writing. Then, it allows you to access and update your document from ANY of the devices you have it installed on. You can even keyword your notes so you can find them with a simple search! Do you have six WIPs? Keyword them with the name and pull up all related notes with a snap. As a bonus, they give you a specialized e-mail address so you can send things to yourself from other computers or devices and have them stored instantly on your Evernote! HOLY MOLY, BATMAN!
I am blown away. I've been looking for an app just like Evernote since I started college. Now that I'm writing full-time, it gives me unlimited ability to work whenever, wherever. What are you waiting for? Go get one!
I have another little tidbit that I'm going to throw in here: I published my book The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book over the weekend and I'm selling it on Amazon for just $2.99. If you read my blog, you'll know that I hold a degree in Graphic Design. Section Six of the book walks you through making your printed book look like it was done by a professional. All previous sections discuss things like branding yourself, getting a logo, and how to use color.
No more head-banging or tearing out your hair! Talk about a post full of things to make your life as a writer easier. I know, I am too kind *grin*
I'm now going to give you a few examples of book covers I have designed using the suggestions and guidelines found in my book. Enjoy!
Please note that Crystal Lee's name appears in the same font and in the same place on both covers. Also note that only two fonts were used on each cover.
Canopy is currently available in digital and paperback formats. Crystal's book on Organic Gardening will be available soon.
Ms. Chelsea Black's book also uses only two fonts and the colors are harmonious and beautiful. If you'd like to delve into her book, you can purchase it digitally.
All of these design lessons and more can be learned in my book. I give you a ton of references and a ton of information in under 15k words.
Don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway for your chance at a copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two. Two signed copies are available!!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
This creates a huge problem for me: synchronization. I write something on my laptop only to have to e-mail it to myself in a document that I can only read on my other devices. Or, I write something on my iPad and have to copy/paste it and send it as an e-mail to be opened on my laptop. As you can imagine, this hinders my workflow and slows me down. Even if I had a document reader on my other devices that was harmonious, I'd still have to either e-mail or sync whatever I'm working on.
If you haven't heard of Evernote, I'm about to blow your mind. This application is FREE and will absolutely change the way you write and take notes forever. It works on almost every device known.
But what does it do, Jo?
That's the sweetest part of all! Evernote allows you to capture photos, take notes, write, outline, or do anything related to writing. Then, it allows you to access and update your document from ANY of the devices you have it installed on. You can even keyword your notes so you can find them with a simple search! Do you have six WIPs? Keyword them with the name and pull up all related notes with a snap. As a bonus, they give you a specialized e-mail address so you can send things to yourself from other computers or devices and have them stored instantly on your Evernote! HOLY MOLY, BATMAN!
I am blown away. I've been looking for an app just like Evernote since I started college. Now that I'm writing full-time, it gives me unlimited ability to work whenever, wherever. What are you waiting for? Go get one!
I have another little tidbit that I'm going to throw in here: I published my book The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book over the weekend and I'm selling it on Amazon for just $2.99. If you read my blog, you'll know that I hold a degree in Graphic Design. Section Six of the book walks you through making your printed book look like it was done by a professional. All previous sections discuss things like branding yourself, getting a logo, and how to use color.
No more head-banging or tearing out your hair! Talk about a post full of things to make your life as a writer easier. I know, I am too kind *grin*
I'm now going to give you a few examples of book covers I have designed using the suggestions and guidelines found in my book. Enjoy!
Please note that Crystal Lee's name appears in the same font and in the same place on both covers. Also note that only two fonts were used on each cover.
Canopy is currently available in digital and paperback formats. Crystal's book on Organic Gardening will be available soon.
Ms. Chelsea Black's book also uses only two fonts and the colors are harmonious and beautiful. If you'd like to delve into her book, you can purchase it digitally.
All of these design lessons and more can be learned in my book. I give you a ton of references and a ton of information in under 15k words.
Don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway for your chance at a copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two. Two signed copies are available!!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Indie Author's Guide
Yesterday I wrote almost five thousand words. Drivel, unimaginative, lonely words. Why? Because I'm writing a non-fiction book. It's title is: The Indie Author's Guide to Building a Great E-Book.
Why am I writing this book? Because I've realized there's a huge need for it. Can you find a lot of the information online and in textbooks? Possibly. But I give you links for that. Consider it a book that brings all you need to create a dynamite e-book together in one place.
So, why would someone buy this book? Because of section six. I am a graphic designer and if you want to know how to create a print version of your book, I walk you through step by step. I also teach you how to avoid common pitfalls in the publishing process.
Okay, but I have no desire to create a printed version of my book, Jo! Maybe not today, but possibly tomorrow. I give you advice on how to build your book cover today so you won't be sorry tomorrow.
I give you some great marketing and branding ideas, and a collection of useful links with a number of reviews on each publishing platform. You've seen a taste of what kind of information you'll get in the book here on my blog. If you missed those posts, click here, here, here, or here to pay them a visit.
It's going to take me a few weeks to finish the book but it will be a wealth of information for any indie author. Even the most inexperienced of people will be able to build a fantastic e-book by following along with me.
Keep your eyes here for news on release dates and those great Abigale giveaways!
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Why am I writing this book? Because I've realized there's a huge need for it. Can you find a lot of the information online and in textbooks? Possibly. But I give you links for that. Consider it a book that brings all you need to create a dynamite e-book together in one place.
So, why would someone buy this book? Because of section six. I am a graphic designer and if you want to know how to create a print version of your book, I walk you through step by step. I also teach you how to avoid common pitfalls in the publishing process.
Okay, but I have no desire to create a printed version of my book, Jo! Maybe not today, but possibly tomorrow. I give you advice on how to build your book cover today so you won't be sorry tomorrow.
I give you some great marketing and branding ideas, and a collection of useful links with a number of reviews on each publishing platform. You've seen a taste of what kind of information you'll get in the book here on my blog. If you missed those posts, click here, here, here, or here to pay them a visit.
It's going to take me a few weeks to finish the book but it will be a wealth of information for any indie author. Even the most inexperienced of people will be able to build a fantastic e-book by following along with me.
Keep your eyes here for news on release dates and those great Abigale giveaways!
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fetters for the Fourth
Today, I am chained to my desk. Tonight, I am chained to my desk. I will prepare my non-fiction book for publication and write one volume of the Mystic series by the end of this month. My fetters grow ever heavier.
Some people take the 4th of July off, but a writer's work is never done. Some days I wish my book sales would pick up and give me a reason to keep writing. But then I remember, I don't write to make money (that would be an exercise in futility). I write because I have stories to tell and I want people to read them.
When someone says my book had a strong impact on them, I have been paid. I'm the richest person in the world when I make someone else smile or stop and think. That is why I write and it keeps me going every day. Well, that and The Best Boyfriend in the World.
I'm honestly the luckiest person on the planet. I have him, five great kids, a great mom, a wonderful little dog, and my virtual besties. I'm able to do what I love every day. I couldn't ask for more.
But I do sometimes. I admit it. I wish I could think my books into existence, I wish I didn't wear my heart on my sleeve, and I wish for peace in my soul. But, I think if any of those things truly changed, I would not be able to write. I type and think about what happens next, feel very deeply everything that is said to me, and have chaos in my soul (making me a tortured artist). Escape in my words is all that keeps me sane.
You writers know how I feel.
Happy 4th of July, everyone.
Don't forget to watch my blog for the announcement of the first couple of FREE days for The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two. I won't post it anywhere else. Let's see how many of you are excited about it.
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Some people take the 4th of July off, but a writer's work is never done. Some days I wish my book sales would pick up and give me a reason to keep writing. But then I remember, I don't write to make money (that would be an exercise in futility). I write because I have stories to tell and I want people to read them.
When someone says my book had a strong impact on them, I have been paid. I'm the richest person in the world when I make someone else smile or stop and think. That is why I write and it keeps me going every day. Well, that and The Best Boyfriend in the World.
I'm honestly the luckiest person on the planet. I have him, five great kids, a great mom, a wonderful little dog, and my virtual besties. I'm able to do what I love every day. I couldn't ask for more.
But I do sometimes. I admit it. I wish I could think my books into existence, I wish I didn't wear my heart on my sleeve, and I wish for peace in my soul. But, I think if any of those things truly changed, I would not be able to write. I type and think about what happens next, feel very deeply everything that is said to me, and have chaos in my soul (making me a tortured artist). Escape in my words is all that keeps me sane.
You writers know how I feel.
Happy 4th of July, everyone.
Don't forget to watch my blog for the announcement of the first couple of FREE days for The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two. I won't post it anywhere else. Let's see how many of you are excited about it.
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Published and an Award!
As you all are aware, The Abigale Chronicles - Book Two published today. WOOHOO!
I will give you all a synopsis meow :)
Twelve-year-old Abigale Fontenot is struggling to figure out whether her adventures are real or imagined. After an adventure with Amazonion women in book one, Abigale and Emmett have formed a bond through mutual trust and secrets, but Kristy has turned against Abigale because of it. Now, Abigale again finds herself in a precarious situation with a city full of talking cats. Emmett is once more by her side as she faces down a vicious cat queen in an attempt to avoid certain death and restore the leadership of the city to its rightful owner. Will they succeed, or will they be roasted alive? What will happen when Kristy overhears the discussions about the adventures with Ada?
You can purchase the digital copy here:
Amazon.com
Exciting news: My book will be available for free on select days. You must visit my blog daily to find out when the free promotion begins and ends. It won't be posted anywhere else.
Yes, that's an evil laugh you hear.
Don't forget to watch my blog for the Goodreads giveaway badge you all know is coming. I may do three signed copies this time. You gotta enter to win!
I have had a lengthy discussion with my daughter about book three. I have written this synopsis based on the idea. I hope you enjoy it.
The Abigale Chronicles - Book Three
Abigale Fontenot is turning thirteen. Just when she thinks her birthday couldn't possibly get any worse, a new adventure takes hold. Abigale and Emmett are whisked away to a world of fantasy where knights, dragons, and princesses are the order of the day. Abigale is kidnapped by an evil prince in a nearby kingdom, and it's up to Emmett to rescue her. But Abigale finds that escape is not the most important thing; restoring the evil prince's kindness that has been locked away in a magical book by a wicked sorceress must come first. While Emmett is trying to rescue Abigale, she is trying to free the prince from his curse. Will she succeed in her quest before the evil prince kills Emmett, or will she fail and lose her new best friend? Will death matter if the whole thing is a dream, or are the adventures real and truly dangerous?
Now for the award!
Ms. Moonduster over at Imagine! Create! Write! gave me the one lovely blog award.
So, a huge shout out of THANKS to her! The rules of the nomination are thus:
I have to tell you seven things about myself and I have to nominate six to ten other bloggers to receive the award and then let them know they got it.
Here goes:
1. I have five children.
2. I read 300+ books in my third grade year alone.
3. I know fairy tales that no one has ever heard of.
4. I'm 5'7" tall.
5. I took 5 years to get a 2 year degree because I wanted to study everything.
6. I have a nearly photographic memory.
7. I have strict philosophies on life and living that I plan to introduce to my blog at some point.
Now you know: I'm a serious book nerd who remembers everything she has ever read.
And the award is passed on to:
Judith Cassis
Laura Orsini (a.k.a. Marcie Brock)
Lisa Cherry
Liberty Montano
Tia Bach
Merlene Fawdry
Rachel Thomas
And that's all of em!! Ladies, feel free to use that beautiful badge up top and do eet!!
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I will give you all a synopsis meow :)
Twelve-year-old Abigale Fontenot is struggling to figure out whether her adventures are real or imagined. After an adventure with Amazonion women in book one, Abigale and Emmett have formed a bond through mutual trust and secrets, but Kristy has turned against Abigale because of it. Now, Abigale again finds herself in a precarious situation with a city full of talking cats. Emmett is once more by her side as she faces down a vicious cat queen in an attempt to avoid certain death and restore the leadership of the city to its rightful owner. Will they succeed, or will they be roasted alive? What will happen when Kristy overhears the discussions about the adventures with Ada?
You can purchase the digital copy here:
Amazon.com
Exciting news: My book will be available for free on select days. You must visit my blog daily to find out when the free promotion begins and ends. It won't be posted anywhere else.
Yes, that's an evil laugh you hear.
Don't forget to watch my blog for the Goodreads giveaway badge you all know is coming. I may do three signed copies this time. You gotta enter to win!
I have had a lengthy discussion with my daughter about book three. I have written this synopsis based on the idea. I hope you enjoy it.
The Abigale Chronicles - Book Three
Abigale Fontenot is turning thirteen. Just when she thinks her birthday couldn't possibly get any worse, a new adventure takes hold. Abigale and Emmett are whisked away to a world of fantasy where knights, dragons, and princesses are the order of the day. Abigale is kidnapped by an evil prince in a nearby kingdom, and it's up to Emmett to rescue her. But Abigale finds that escape is not the most important thing; restoring the evil prince's kindness that has been locked away in a magical book by a wicked sorceress must come first. While Emmett is trying to rescue Abigale, she is trying to free the prince from his curse. Will she succeed in her quest before the evil prince kills Emmett, or will she fail and lose her new best friend? Will death matter if the whole thing is a dream, or are the adventures real and truly dangerous?
Now for the award!
Ms. Moonduster over at Imagine! Create! Write! gave me the one lovely blog award.
So, a huge shout out of THANKS to her! The rules of the nomination are thus:
I have to tell you seven things about myself and I have to nominate six to ten other bloggers to receive the award and then let them know they got it.
Here goes:
1. I have five children.
2. I read 300+ books in my third grade year alone.
3. I know fairy tales that no one has ever heard of.
4. I'm 5'7" tall.
5. I took 5 years to get a 2 year degree because I wanted to study everything.
6. I have a nearly photographic memory.
7. I have strict philosophies on life and living that I plan to introduce to my blog at some point.
Now you know: I'm a serious book nerd who remembers everything she has ever read.
And the award is passed on to:
Judith Cassis
Laura Orsini (a.k.a. Marcie Brock)
Lisa Cherry
Liberty Montano
Tia Bach
Merlene Fawdry
Rachel Thomas
And that's all of em!! Ladies, feel free to use that beautiful badge up top and do eet!!
That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Author Blog Challenge Besties
Noooo! Tomorrow is the last prompt for the 28 Day Author Blog Challenge!!! That makes me sad :(
But, fear not! There will be a WINTER Blog Challenge! Watch http://authorblogchallenge.wordpress.com for updates on that! Moving on...
What has been the best part of participating in the Author Blog Challenge? What are your suggestions for improving the next Author Blog Challenge?
I would have to say the best part of the ABC has been the wonderful people I have gotten to know. So many lovely folks and fellow authors participated. I didn't think there were many people in the world that I had so much in common with. But, I found out that most authors are as crazy as I am. GLEE!
I feel more comfortable knowing that I'm not the only one struggling in the publishing world and wonder if we all got together and yelled, if we could be heard on Mars or Saturn...
Now, there's talk about a collaborative project!! I can't wait!!
Some of the people I have met, I will keep as very close friends and perhaps, someday, meet them in person. Some are over the pond but I just know that I'll end up in the UK one day :) I know I'll continue to peek in on the many blogs I have come to know and love as well.
I only have one suggestion for improvement for the next challenge:
I'd like to see a page for each day on a blog somewhere that I can visit so I can be sure I'm not leaving anyone out when I make my rounds of commenting. Some people joined in late and I just don't feel like they got enough attention.
While the FB group was a fantastic idea, I loathed going through and clicking because the posts opened in FaceBook's browser and not my own. I comment on the fly a lot. :)
I am saddened and a bit relieved. I know I'll not be posting 7 days a week and that's a relief but I also know that after something like this challenge is over, people tend to drift off in different directions. BUMMER. :(
We need to be there to cheer each other on. Sometimes, we all need that little section of fans :)
That's all for today, folks. Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
But, fear not! There will be a WINTER Blog Challenge! Watch http://authorblogchallenge.wordpress.com for updates on that! Moving on...
What has been the best part of participating in the Author Blog Challenge? What are your suggestions for improving the next Author Blog Challenge?
I would have to say the best part of the ABC has been the wonderful people I have gotten to know. So many lovely folks and fellow authors participated. I didn't think there were many people in the world that I had so much in common with. But, I found out that most authors are as crazy as I am. GLEE!
I feel more comfortable knowing that I'm not the only one struggling in the publishing world and wonder if we all got together and yelled, if we could be heard on Mars or Saturn...
Now, there's talk about a collaborative project!! I can't wait!!
Some of the people I have met, I will keep as very close friends and perhaps, someday, meet them in person. Some are over the pond but I just know that I'll end up in the UK one day :) I know I'll continue to peek in on the many blogs I have come to know and love as well.
I only have one suggestion for improvement for the next challenge:
I'd like to see a page for each day on a blog somewhere that I can visit so I can be sure I'm not leaving anyone out when I make my rounds of commenting. Some people joined in late and I just don't feel like they got enough attention.
While the FB group was a fantastic idea, I loathed going through and clicking because the posts opened in FaceBook's browser and not my own. I comment on the fly a lot. :)
I am saddened and a bit relieved. I know I'll not be posting 7 days a week and that's a relief but I also know that after something like this challenge is over, people tend to drift off in different directions. BUMMER. :(
We need to be there to cheer each other on. Sometimes, we all need that little section of fans :)
That's all for today, folks. Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
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