Friday, February 28, 2014

Are Self-published Books the New Slush Pile?


I was at a writer’s conference last weekend in Mesa Arizona and one of the visiting agents on a panel said that self-published books were the new slush pile. She further went on to make us feel hopeless by telling us the editors commonly reject ninety eight percent of what is submittedJ

Let me start by saying that there are excellent indie books and fantastic traditionally published books. Likewise, there are traditionally published books that I’ve read that I wondered how in the world they got past the gatekeeper with such shoddy work and of course there is unedited and poorly written self-published books.

Keeping all of this in mind, if the agent at the conference was correct, then we, the readers of indie books are the filters and really, the traditional publishers are set up.  Someone spends their time and money to publish a book and if they are smart, market the heck out it and all the traditional publishers have to do is sit back and wait for people’s reaction. 

The problem I see with this ideology is that learning about the dynamic publishing world is a long faltering process.  I do believe you can put out a top notch self-published work, but you have to pay for high quality editing, covers and of course have a litany of truly useful beta readers at your disposal. Once it is published, you must somehow transform into a marketing guru…oh and write your next book on the side.

In the end, I think big publishers are going to grab onto talent wherever they find it.  After all, they are in business to make money.  Guess that means no matter what route we take to publish, we better be pretty darn amazing storytellers.  For those of you out there working on your first great novel, I hope the best of luck for you!   

Monday, February 17, 2014

Pick Up Lines You Could Pick Up In Sochi at the Olympics



Isn’t it great the way the Olympics bring us all together. We cheer on our country, cry when our favorite athlete doesn’t do well, pass around terrible pick-up lines. Yep, you heard right. In addition to healthy competition and the chance for Russia to show off its beautiful country, we’ll take away new ways to pick up a total stranger. To celebrate the  season of Olympic glory I’ve listed my favorite ten pick-up lines for you to enjoy! 
#OlympicPickupLines these Olympic pickup lines are sochi-eesy

Is that a phallic Olympic torch in your pocket or are just happy to see me #OlympicPickupLines pic.twitter.com/kZwCxG6HKf

Are you a figure skater? Because your figure is out of this world #OlympicPickupLines
I don't want to sound like I'm Russian things, but you are Sochi hottie. Can I get your number? #OlympicPickupLines

 I don't want to sound like I'm Russian things, but you are Sochi hottie. Can I get your number? #OlympicPickupLines

I'm Russian to get yo number #olympicPickupLines

If you like it then you shoulda put an Olympic ring on it. #OlympicPickUpLines


#OlympicPickupLines I can get out of a locked bathroom stall, but I can't get you outa my mind

olympicpickuplines my hotel room has a functioning toilet.

4 out of 5 Olympic rings think we should be together." #olympicpickuplines

Honorary Mention: (This one was kind of obnoxious, but it made me laugh, so I threw it in as an honorable mention) Is this a bobsled team, or are there just 3 guys between my legs?" #OlympicPickupLines

Hope one of these made you laugh. Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Calling all Hopeless Romantics



Do you believe in true love? I’m not talking about the Disney version where you meet the handsome prince with an unnaturally small waistline and huge biceps and you fall in love in the forest and get married the next day. I’m talking about the kind of love that a people share that carries them through honeymoons and heartaches, babies and broken dreams.  The selfless, I-care-about-them-more-than-I care-about-myself-kind-of-love.

I do, believe in that forever kind of live that is…..and I come from a long line of divorces and dysfunction.  I believe we can love someone more than we love ourselves. I see it all the time as parents put aside their needs and spouses work through seemingly impossible differences and forgive for mistakes and grievances. My husband and I just had our twenty year anniversary and for some crazy reason that man still loves me.

Yep, I think really abiding love exists and that’s why I still enjoy the month of February and Valentine’s Day.  My first book, Unbreakable Love is a full on cotton-candy sweet tribute to the power of LOVE, with a hot guardian angel and an ending that will make you want to kiss someone!
To celebrate the week of Valentines, I’m giving away ebooks of Unbreakable Love to all you fellow love addicts. Just leave me a comment with your email and I’ll share this tale of romance and perfect love for FREE this week only to celebrate Valentines day! 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope an amazing Valentines week and enjoy Unbreakable Love:)