Congratulations, Pam! Please email your snail mail address to me at contests at theseasonforromance dot com. You have one week to claim your book!
Archive for January, 2011
And the winner is…
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Self-Publishing is all the rage?
Thursday, January 13th, 2011If you had asked me a year ago–or even six months ago–what I thought of self-publishing, I would have told you that while it might be a road other authors willing travel, it’s not a road I would personally traverse. My arguments against self-publishing would have listed something like this:
CONS
- Readers just will not buy a self-published romance novel.
- Editors may look down on an author if they knew they’d been self-published.
- Self-published means the book wasn’t ‘good enough’ for standard New York publishers.
- Very few authors make decent money self-publishing.
Being the logical thinker that I am, I could see the advantages of self-publishing.
PROS
- Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.
- Cover approval. Woohoo!!!
But since that time, Amazon introduced a new self-publishing model to the mix. Now when a self-published book is priced at or above $2.99, the author gets to pocket 70% as opposed to 35%, which was even less than authors would receive if they published with any of the e-publishers. And with that kind of enticement, the self-publishing route is literally exploding.
With more readers in possession of eReaders–3.2 million ereaders were activated after Christmas–and with books going for as little as 99 cents but pretty much averaging at $2.99, trying a self-published author is easy on the pocket book. Traditional self-publishing used to be a very expensive endeavor for both the author and their potential buyers. The cost of printing the book was exorbitant, distribution practically didn’t exist, and in order for the author to make any money, the author had to price the book so ridiculously high, only friends and family members ever bought these books. Now with programs like Amazon and B&N, there is no great expenditure to the author save getting a cover and perhaps getting the book professionally edited.
Click to Buy
New York published authors, who have the rights back to their previously published books, are also using these self-publishing programs to reissue their backlist. Miriam Minger has reissued all ten of her historical romances she previously published with Avon Books from the early to mid 90s. As you can see from DEFIANT IMPOSTOR, she has some gorgeous covers to lead the way.
Karin Tabke recently announced that she’ll be self-publishing a novella titled, BAD TO THE BONE, which will be up on Amazon in the next couple days and will be a lead in to her May Berkley release, BLOOD LAW. She’s very excited about her foray into self-publishing and promises this is only the beginning.
~~~
Click to Buy
My friend and fellow Zebra author Lori Brighton, jumped into the fray last year, first with her Paranormal Romance THE GHOST HUNTER and recently with her Young Adult Paranormal, THE MIND READERS. Like all the authors in the now obsolete Zebra Debut program, there is a year span between releases. New authors really need to keep their names out there by having books coming out with more frequency because it’s very easy to be forgotten with the plethora of books that hit the market each month. For those of us who fall into this kind of scenario, one of the best ways to do so right now is to deliver to our readers quality books by the way of e-publishing or self-publishing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not a sure thing, but nothing about publishing is a sure thing.
I am in the process of finishing a novella tied to my Elusive Lords series that I originally intended to try and publish with an epublisher but I’ve recently decided to self-publish it. The thought that I would have complete say in the cover–and I would use www.HotDamnDesigns.com, the same place where Miriam got her covers made and designed my personal website–have absolute control over the content and keep the majority of profits is too much of an enticement. If I thought a novella of mine would do significantly better in the hands of an epublisher, that would certainly be the route I’d choose to go. However, I’m not sure it would as it’s not erotic nor does it have any of the elements that seem to sell so well with the top epublishers. It’s a historical romance with the same heat-level and emotional intensity of my New York published books and my hope is that my fans–at least some of them–will be willing to give it a try at a cheaper price point than they would get from an epublisher.
I’d love to know what you think about self-published ebooks. Have you ever read one? Would you be willing to purchase one? Do you have an ereader? Comment and you’ll be entered to win a book of your choice (max retail $7.99). **Open to international entrants
Loading ... Loading ... Loading ...And the winner is…
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
Congratulations, Louisa! Please email your snail mail address to me at contests at theseasonforromance dot com. You have one week to contact me to collect your books.
Exciting News!
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011NEWS!!
I’m sooo excited!!! Yesterday I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Silken Sands RWA Conference (Gulf Coast Chapter) March 16, 2012 in Pensacola, FL !!!! Seriously, how cool is that. I was more than flattered and of course I’m going. A wonderful weekend under blue skies and a warm balmy breeze when my state will still be shaking off winter’s cold.
If you live anywhere close by and would love to join in what is going to be a fabulous weekend, with Barbara Vey from Publisher’s Weekly giving the Kickoff Speech, mark your calendars because we’re also going to have a lot of THE SEASON kind of fun, which means lots of books will be given away and there will be tons of fun to be had. Oh, and the hotel is right on the beach.
Update: If anyone would like more information about the conference, you can email Jillian at JillianChantal@gmail.com – Jillian, Silken Sands Conference Chair- 2012.
Giveaway: How Sweet It Is
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011Diana Holquist, author of RITA nominated SEXIEST MAN ALIVE, is now writing under the pseudonym Sophie Gunn and I’m giving away a copy of her ‘debut’ book to one random commenter. 
HOW SWEET IT IS
Author: Sophie Gunn
Publisher: Grand Central
Pub. Date: January 3, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0446561990
Retail: $7.99
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she’s raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her “Enemy Club”–high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!
Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man’s help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante “Tay” Giovanni soon appears. He’s sexy, kind, and offering assistance–no strings attached.
Slowly, steadily, Lizzie’s heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he’ll fix more than Lizzie’s home. He’ll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.
~*~*~
Contests and Giveaways
Monday, January 10th, 2011I will blame the holidays entirely for my tardiness in getting the January newsletter off on a timely basis–oh, and my son being home for two weeks. Okay, now that I’ve offered up my excuses, for those whose SPAM blockers have devoured the newsletter, you can find it here: January Newsletter. If you can answer a simple question about A TASTE OF DESIRE, you can enter to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. Also check out my new Upcoming Must-Read.
It’s snowing here in GA. I do love the look freshly fallen snow. It’s sooooo pretty. Doesn’t everything look so sublimely tranquil?
Back
Front
Well to celebrate this momentous occasion, I’m giving away two lovely historical romances. Comment to enter to win.
Click to read 8 Star Review
Click to read Top Pick review!
Review: Vow of Deception
Sunday, January 9th, 2011
Vow of Deception
Author: Angela Johnson
Publisher: Zebra / Kensington
Pub. Date: November 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1420108583
Retail: $5.99
Pages: 320
As a knight, Sir Rand Montague’s allegiance is to King Edward I. But when the king orders Rand to escort Rosalyn Harcourt to court in order to wed her off to Sir Golan—a crass knight Rand abhors—he’s torn between duty and desire. For Rand has never forgotten the woman he spent one incredible night of passion with…
After suffering abuse at the hands of her deceased husband, Rose wishes to never wed again. But when Rand rescues her after Sir Golan attempts to compromise her, she agrees to marry Rand in name only. However, sharing such close quarters with Rand brings back memories of their torrid rendezvous—and tempts Rose to give in to an all-consuming desire…
~*~*~
Angela Johnson has another gem on her hands with Vow of Deception. Dramatic, passionate and endearing, this novel is a great read!
Sir Rand Montague is an honorable knight always seeking to serve King and country, even if he may not agree with the request. When he is ordered to escort Rosalyn Harcourt back to court so the King may arrange her next marriage, Rand must obey even if he knows marriage is the last thing Rosalyn desires. Rosalyn’s late husband was very cruel to her and she wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her days taking care of her lands and her son, but she must obey the King’s orders and return with Rand.
When they arrive at court, Rosalyn discovers she is to marry Sir Golan in two days. When Golan attacks Rosalyn before their wedding, Rand steps in determined to protect Rosalyn and marry her instead. Marriage will not solve all of their problems, though. Both Rosalyn and Rand have insecurities they refuse to share with one another and both have enemies that refuse to leave them alone. Secrets and suspicions are weighing heavily on both, not to mention the passion they never expected to feel for one another.
Vow of Deception has edge of your seat drama that made the book irresistible. The plot is complex and intriguing, yet fascinating and romantic. Very early on, you become so hooked, you can’t stop reading until you finish it. Throughout the book, the pace moves quickly and has an emotionally intense ending. It is a story that lures you in, gives you everything and once it ends, you can’t ask for more.
The main characters in this romance are enthralling. Both the hero and heroine are complex and damaged by events in their past. I found myself sympathizing and relating to their struggles because Johnson outlines it all perfectly. It certainly isn’t a simple relationship to move through so be prepared for the intense journey of discovery as both characters fight their way through their insecurities. Rand and Rosalyn have a relationship that is developed with great care and gentility any romance fan would adore. You also have villains who are dangerous and despicable but increase the overall appeal of the drama within the story. Overall, the novel has an amazing cast of characters with great chemistry and perfect dialogue.
You will certainly be able to enjoy Vow of Deception without reading Johnson’s debut novel Vow of Seduction. The characters from the previous novel make an appearance in this story, but it isn’t so complex that the reader would be lost starting with the second novel. Yet the richness of the relationships between all the characters, and their past, would be strengthened by having read the first novel.
This certainly isn’t a lush fairytale story, but a more realistic tale for this time period and setting. It deals with vengeful enemies, power struggles, arranged marriages, unexpected romance and treachery. The ending justifies the emotional journey and makes it a worthwhile and wonderful read. Vow of Deception has fantastic characters, thrilling drama, vivid descriptions and a romance worth dying for. This novel is an absolutely delightful read, one that you should not pass up.
Rating: 8 (Very Good)
Heat Level: 3 (Sensual)
Reviewed by: Lisa
Review: The Gentleman Poet
Saturday, January 8th, 2011
Author: Kathryn Johnson
Publisher: Avon A / HarperCollins
Pub. Date: September 7, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061965319
Retail: $13.99
Pages: 336
Many scholars believe one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, The Tempest, was inspired by a shipwreck and true tale of survival that captured the imagination of 17th-century London. But what if the greatest playwright of all time didn’t simply read about the wreck of the Sea Venture off the Bermuda coast? What if Will was on board, fleeing powerful enemies, daring one last great adventure near the troubled end of his career?
Elizabeth Persons’ blinding headaches are an ominous sign, one she knows well as a warning of danger. The young servant girl is one of 150 passengers who survive a terrifying hurricane then struggle ashore in the Bermudas, rumored home to evil spirits. Despairing of rescue, Elizabeth and the others make their home on the uninhabited island for nine long months while they build a new ship to complete their voyage to Jamestown, Virginia. While there, love blossoms between Elizabeth and the young ship’s cook, and she befriends a mysterious old man.
~*~*~
What would happen if William Shakespeare sailed from London to the new colonies across the Atlantic and was caught in a storm that stranded them in the Bermudas’? What if this is how he got the inspiration for his work The Tempest? In Kathryn Johnson’s The Gentleman Poet Shakespeare takes the name William Starkey and under the guise as the ship’s historian sets sails to the new world.
But it is not Mr. Starkey’s view we are shown, The Gentleman Poet is written as a diary of sorts from Elizabeth Persons, a servant accompanying Mistress Horton. It is her story of survival, not just of the storm but her life before, and that of her new beginning.
Elizabeth tells us about life on the ship to surviving on the wildlife on the islands. She also writes about the unpleasantness of being stranded, the dangers of being a woman alone with a group of men. During her adventure she befriends Mr. Starkey who becomes almost like a father figure to her, and a bit of a meddler.
Life in Bermuda is not all unpleasant though. Having prior experience with herbs and plants, Elizabeth is asked to help with meals and that brings her closer to Thomas who was the ship’s cook. I was rooting for Thomas the whole book as he tried to woo Elizabeth.
I have to admit that when I started reading I didn’t know if I was going to end up liking it but I was seriously wrong. Yes, it started a little slow but a few chapters in and I was hooked. By the end, I was so invested in the characters that I cried, which is a rare thing for me.
Kathryn Johnson did her homework and it shows. The ship Sea Venture is a real ship that wrecked off the coast in Bermuda and many of the character in this book are names of real people on the Sea Venture but she does a great job of mixing fact and fiction.
I travel to Bermuda as much as possible and the last time I was there I saw a replica of the Deliverance, the boat that brought the passengers to Jamestown from Bermuda. Now, the next time I go I’m going to imagine the stranded passengers trying to survive on what I think is a beautiful place.
If you are having doubts about reading The Gentleman Poet because thinking about Shakespeare brings up horrible memories from high school then I want you to put them aside and read this book. And if you have never read The Tempest it doesn’t matter either!
The cover proclaims The Gentleman Poet is “A Novel of Love, Danger, and Shakespeare’s The Tempest” and it is completely true.
Rating: 8 (Very Good)
Heat Level: 2 (Mild)
Reviewed by: Jamie
And the winners are…
Saturday, January 8th, 2011
Congratulations, ladies!! Karyn, please email your snail mail address to Vicky at vicky at vickydreiling dot com and Kirsten, please send yours to me at contests at theseasonforromance dot com. You have one week to collect your books.
Blog Tour
Friday, January 7th, 2011Just popping in to say I’m over at Ashley March’s Blog chatting about the lure and lurve of series. She’s giving away 3 copies of A TASTE OF DESIRE–what a doll!!
RSS Feed
