The Critical Self-Published Cover

Posted on May 30, 2013 by sharkprose

Kalli I’m just gonna say it: I DO judge a book by it’s cover. Well, okay – at FIRST. Then you have the book blurb to continue to lure me in. After that, I give you just the sample pages. Wait – I’ve wandered off topic for a second. Back to covers!

So . . . if so many people are like me and are drawn to the sparkly stuff (and therefore fancy covers), why, WHY, do self-pubbing authors go the cheap route with such a critical selling point? PEOPLE! If your going to go it alone, for goodness sake spend the dough and pay for a top notch cover.

It is the first thing a buyer sees. It is what draws the eye when their are scrolling through the five-zillion options on Amazon, iTunes and B&N. Stand-out from a jammed crowd!

For me, having a high-end cover for UNDERTOW is a must, but I (being a control freak just a tad) wanted more than just a great cover with stock-models from some royalty-free website. I wanted REAL people – teenagers – from the school that is featured in UNDERTOW: Barnstable High School.

“Have you lost your marbles?!” you scream. Possibly BUT there’s a method to my madness and here’s why:

1. It’s a series: UNDERTOW is book 1 in a 4 book span. I NEED the main characters to be represented by the same faces through the whole series. Thus: real models, carefully selected to mirror the characters. I COULD cop-out and have, oh perhaps . . . two hands HOLDING AN APPLE on book 1, but that just ain’t me.

2. Marketing: I want my graphic designer to make more than one cover PER BOOK. Yeah – that’s right. The hardcover will be different than the soft than the ebook. PLUS . . . I want posters, banners, candids for my blog, etc.

3. The cast becomes REAL: I would love to bring these fabulous teens with me for a book signing, maybe a meet-and-greet with fans and their own interviews about the journey as the faces of these characters. Who does that? EVER? Rather than have a 1-dimensional hero or heroine that resides solely on the page, you now have a walking, breathing REAL person. You have more than a face: you have a living star.

I will post the “cast” of UNDERTOW when it is completed – just wait until you see! I am thrilled with who we have so far!

Oh yeah . . . and those beautiful eyes belong to my daughter

CHEERS!

All Around the Town: Tales from Bus Driver Hell

Posted on March 18, 2013 by sharkprose

It is possible that I have been asked to write a Bombeckesque memoir about being a bus driver at least fifty times. And yes – the tales from the road could fill an encyclopdeia. But I am a professional writer (and driver) and believe it or not, my time is somewhat squeezed. So yes – someday I hope to gather the tales of craziness from my fellow school bus drivers, but for now I will stick with just a few posts from our crazy profession.

So, in honor of BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY (yes – it is real. Go figure), I have culled the Top Ten Things a Driver Never Wants to Hear Again (names have been changed OBVIOUSLY and thankfully, not all are MY BUS but are all REAL). For another great tale, check out an older post about my bus eating the kids.

10. “Bus Driver!! I think NEMO is going to hurl! Ah crap – too late.”

9. “YOU MISSED A STOP!”

8. “Ariel just flung my gum out the window and it hit that passing car in the windshield!”

7. “Holy Sh*t! SULLY just jumped out the back door! What a moron – thank God we’re still at the school!!”

6. “Do you smell something burning?”

5. “Mike just tied Frank’s shoelaces to the seat and now he is STUCK!”

4. “YOU MISSED A STOP! AGAIN!!!!”

3. ”OMG! That dude is PEEING in front of his car! LOOK!!!”

2. “I just found a shot-gun casing on my seat. Can I keep it?”

1. “Did you know there is a code blue at the school – RIGHT NOW?”

Why I Passed on a Couple of This Week's Queries

Posted on March 7, 2013 by sharkprose

Reblogged from The Blabbermouth - Linda P. Epstein:

I don't know if I'll be able to do this every week. I was very uncomfortable as I wrote the reasons why I passed, knowing I was putting them up on the blog. I don't want folks to feel bad or embarrassed if they recognize their query. I know it's supposed to be helpful to them and to others, but it feels kind of like airing dirty laundry, somehow.

BOOK REVIEW 411

Posted on February 22, 2013 by sharkprose

BOOK REVIEWS AND MOI

So, someone once asked me how I handle book reviews, and here’s the deal: I do not post books that I do NOT like.

So, you’re like, “WTF” right? The answer is simple: it is easier to find a poorly BOOK REVIEWS written / conceived book than a brilliant gem. And at the volume I read (roughly a novel in 1-2 days), only a fraction get posted here. Yup – I’m pretty picky, so many books just don’t meet my standard of a “great read.”

I don’t bash books (and therefore the authors) because I AM a writer and I know just how hard it is to produce a fabulous story. Plus – what is the point of a bad review from me? You want to know what is WORTH your time, not what is junk, right? You can scan my blog quickly and see the books I loved in a second. Add them to your own reading list in a heart-beat.

So how do I pick my POTENTIAL reading line up? Agent blogs, release parties from Twitter and, yes, THE COVER. From there, I wander over (either at the library or online) and read the teaser. If I like that, I read the first three pages. I know instantly if the writing is up-to-par and worth my limited time or not. Yes – I know what I am getting myself into that fast. Scary huh? I do not read reviews or the NYT Bestseller List. I do not go by online sales rankings.

Now, sometimes a book gets straight A’s on all my criteria, but once I read the story I want to pluck my eyes out. This happened to me very recently with a book that was supposed to be a fabulous YA dystopian story and honestly – the writing was great, the society was darkly twisted, but the characters . . . OMG they were LEMMINGS. I just lost interest and certain aspects of the society were so hammered over and over again that I became bored out of my skull. Anyway, it is a series that I won’t finish reading. Ever. Somewhere the editor completely dropped the ball because the author has a lot of skill. That is terribly unfortunate.

Do I read self-published stuff? Yes, but it is rare. Want to know why? Few self-published authors follow my prerequisites (and are shooting themselves in the foot by not following them in terms of attracting readers):

Networking to get their book out there.
A great teaser.
A FABULOUS cover.
Flawless writing.

Honestly – it doesn’t happen very often. People frequently self-publish before their novel is polished to a high gloss shine and it is a shame because some of the stories are killer ideas. Again, if you can’t nail it in the first 2-3 pages, I pass.

Do I take recommendations? Yes – in YA / New Adult / Romance. Realize, however, I may go over and check it out, but if it doesn’t meet my standards, I may never read it. But, yes, I love recommendations, so have at it. Are you an author? Are you brave? I’ll take a look at what you have and let you know if I will read it or not.

Great authors are never, EVER satisfied with their novels. There is always something, no matter how small, they will find in their story. It could be a word. A turn of phrase. A period instead of a comma to emphasize a thought. But at some point, an editor or Beta finally gives it the green light and we must put our trust in the audience. But as a writer, never think you are done. Strive constantly for perfection and your book may just end up on my blog

PEACE BIBLIOPHILES!

BOOK REVIEW: THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT

Posted on February 21, 2013 by sharkprose

THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT by VERONICA ROSSI

So, it ain’t no secret that I loved UNDER THE NEVER SKY, Rossi’s first book in this fabulous dystopian series. Of course, being that I adored book #1 meant that I had high standards set for book #2 (THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT). Dang it all, Rossi actually outdid herself.

In THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT, Perry and Aria reunite and are determined to join forces to find the “Still Blue” – a fabled area of the Earth, unmarred by the vicious Ether Sky. Perry, now a Blood Lord, wants his tribe to accept Aria, a Dweller, but the tribe is resistant. When someone attempts to poison Aria during her marking ceremony, Perry is enraged but Aria knows if she stays Perry may lose the support of his people. She leaves with Roar, a friend to both her and Perry, in an attempt to find both Liv (Perry’s sister who has been betrothed to another Blood Lord) and the map to the Still Blue (which the Dwellers are also after).

The entire book is one terrific ride and hard to resist reading until your eyeball fall out. Rossi paints such a vivd world laced with rich characters that one cannot help but fall into their scarred land and lives.

Some books we read from the outside looking in, only acting as the audience.

Other books erase our own reality and demand we become part of the story.

THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT is undeniably the later.

Self-Publishing?

Posted on February 19, 2013 by sharkprose

TO HAVE AN AGENT OR NOT?

That is . . . sooooo not the question! Of course I want an agent!

book I’d love that one person that sees the money in the story and knows I bring more than my pen to the table. That I bring an understanding of marketing and a deep love of my particular audience.

So yeah, I’d LOVE an agent.

That said, however, UNDERTOW has a pretty good fan base, so if I must, I will self-publish the sucker.

And when it comes to self-publishing, the key is knowing HOW to sell your story and who your audience really is. I’ve been pitching stories for different publications for fifteen years and the key to selling each and every one of those stories? KNOW THY AUDIENCE.

For UNDERTOW, I wrote for the upper YA market right out of the gate. What I found, however, was that the fans (including the roughly 500 readers it acquired in five days on FictionPress) represented a HUGE age range. (If by some miracle you ARE an agent reading this, I only posted the first five chapters then pulled the sucker on the advice of Mr. Fishman out of NYC).

Anywho, I know the story is solid (in no small part to a legion of Betas who told me exactly what should be tweaked, removed, added, etc). But any story can fall through the cracks if you don’t know how to network.

So, I got a Twitter account (@sharkprose) and I tweet regularly to agents and insiders. I started a blog (this one) that reposts to both FB and Linked In. I am a member of the Cape Cod Writers Center (and now on their Board of Directors) and part of the Cape Cod Fiction Fanatics. I am also on Agent Query Connect near daily.

I started reviewing lots of YA books and was thrilled to have the authors contact me back (all those posted below got in contact with me and some reblogged my reviews to their own sites).

I revised, revised AND REVISED the ms, so the wording and feel is as flawless as it can get. I read tons of books, not just for fun, but for the voice an author brought to the page and honed my own characters based on what I learned.

I welcomed criticism – demanded it – because anything less does not improve the story. I am lucky enough to have a thick hide from years in the industry

undertow cover art I started playing with cover art and tag lines for UNDERTOW. I contacted a local graphic artist who is willing to help design the real cover if needed with REAL BHS students. I have a computer guru ready to launch a book trailer on YouTube (and considering my french bulldog and son went VIRAL at 3 million hits, I think I can equally sell a great trailer).

More than anything else though, I am a native Cape Codder and my connections here are invaluable. I know when to launch a book, where to launch it, how to spin it for maximum sales and why it would be a killer summer read by the beach. Inside the book are local landmarks (some disguised) so if you are a tourist or a local, suddenly you are INSIDE the story:

You can jump from the Town Neck bridge where Eila is nearly killed.

You can offroad in a Jeep on Sandy Neck.

You can bonfire on the beach at night.

BHS exists as do its students and cheerleaders.

Cape Cod is a tourist mecca, attracting an array of people, many of which have that YA group in tow. This is their chance to fall into a story that surrounds them and feels real – as though it could happen to them. And pulling in roughly five million beach-goers each year, I’d say it is my nirvana for sales.

So, for anyone reading this, do yourself a favor:

KNOW THY AUDIENCE.

KNOW WHY YOUR STORY WILL SELL.

NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK.

READ ALL THE TIME.

NEVER STOP IMPROVING YOUR WRITTEN VOICE.

NEVER STOP DREAMING.

PEACE EVERYONE!

Writers Conference on Cape Cod

Posted on February 12, 2013 by sharkprose

So, I have obviously been a tad AWOL over the past few weeks. A family loss, work and a blizzards have kicked my butt (I would like to note that I PREDICTED the snow in SEPTEMBER . . . SEE HERE!)

HOWEVER, I never stop writing or reading AND I have read some insanely awesome books lately. I will try to post reviews by the end of the day, but first . . . *drum roll* . . .

I want to announce that the CAPE COD WRITERS CONFERENCE has its dates set (August 4th – 9th, 2013). This is a fabulous conference in a spectacular locale! Deets are here and registration will be a bit later: WRITERS CONFERENCE. So, why is the week-long Cape Cod Writers Conference the best out there? Because Cape Cod is a destination in itself!!!

Bring the family and make it your summer getaway while staying at the Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center! Attendees get a special rate for the duration of their stay! Join the Cape Cod Writers Center and your registration fee is WAIVED for the conference!

While you learn your writing skills and publishing avenues, the family / spouse can getaway to the beach, sip tea at a tearoom, stroll Main Street, enjoy the art galleries, listen to live music at night, visit the islands for the day and even bonfire on Sandy Neck. THIS IS YOUR SUMMER VACATION!

The Center (which is technically an organization, since they have no set “home base” per say), also hosts WRITERS NIGHT OUT and TOMORROWS WRITERS TODAY. You do have to dig a bit to get the info you are searching for on the site, but it is worth it (AND . . . it will be tweaked so digging will no longer be needed).

Cheers fellow writers! See you in August!

Tom’s Eulogy – posted at wife Linda’s request

Posted on January 26, 2013 by sharkprose

Tom Conway’s Eulogy:

Gandhi once said that “strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” As odd as it may seem, that quote defined our Tom.

Because he was indomitable when it came to all aspects of his life.

In fact, to even remotely keep pace with Tom meant that you were either Superman . . . or a mutant. He never stopped moving, always up to something. It was as if we mere mortals were watching a living flame, hopping from one thing to the next. It was awe-inspiring to watch, and we shook our heads in wonder.

He had a fierce tenacity with which he tackled life, love, work and . . . well, pleasure. And, if you spent a day at his beloved Duck Puddle campground with him, or even at a rowdy family get-together, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

He had an infectious, beautiful laugh that drew people to him and a downright devious mind. Everyone loved him and no one could resist that Conway charm. Of course, he also used that like a lure, dragging un-witting pals (or gullible family members) into some half-baked plan that would leave everyone roaring with laughter.

He loved his family passionately. And although he always claimed his wife Linda finally went out with him for his killer, baby blue Bonneville, she will deny it . . . most of the time.

She is, and always will be, his goddess. He would do anything for her and Linda never doubted his promises, which were always fulfilled.

They laughed together. Fished together. Camped together. Even crashed Vegas together. They met the mouse in Disney World and they watched the falls from Canada.

Their parties were amazing, their house flawless and their devotion to their children and each other endless.

We aspired to be him. To be them. And his sons have lived up to the man they called “Dad” as fathers, husbands and beloved friends.

Their love echoed like a physical hum though anyone who met them. Watching them – watching him – made us better people simply by his presence.

He lived an incredible life, never wasting a moment in idle stillness. For us, those he now watches from afar, we must learn from him, strive to be like him, and seize the world with his same conviction.

With his passing, we have become acutely aware that each day, each moment, is a gift. That life is not a dress rehearsal, but a single, glowing, unforgettable chance at the stage.

He has left a legacy of life, memories, and love that will carry on for him and for us. I leave you now with a quote from author Augustine Mandino, who summed up the truth of life so beautifully:

“I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again.

I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit.

I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.

I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul.

I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.”

We love you Tom, but you already know that full well.

BOOK REVIEW: DEFIANCE by C.J. REDWINE

Posted on December 14, 2012 by sharkprose

DEFIANCE will hold a special place in my heart since it was the first thing I ever bought on my NOOK Color (and, realizing that I am a MAC girl at heart, it is saying something that I even GOT a NOOK . . .).

Aside from being my first purchase, however, it is a brilliant example of how to create fabulous chemistry between characters. Told in alternating 1^st person POVs by heroine Rachel Adams and her assigned protector, Logan McEntire, DEFIANCE epitomizes the truth of young love that is rarely achieved in YA fiction.

In Logan and Rachel’s world, a creature known as the Cursed One, trolls under the ground. Dragon-like and spewing fire, it burns to death anyone who wanders into the barren expanse outside the city walls, known as the Wasteland. Leaving her city of Baalboden is basically suicide – but Rachel doesn’t care, because she is sure her father isn’t dead.

When her missing father (a courier for the Commander who brutally rules and protects Baalboden), is declared dead per the law, Rachel is assigned a protector in the form of her father’s young apprentice, Logan. All women must be protected by a man and are not allowed to go anywhere without their protector. When they come of age, they can be “taken” by another man at the “claiming.”

Angry that she is now under the guardianship of a boy who she had declared her love for only a few years before (and was shot down in flames) Rachel decides to breech the wall and search for her father. When Logan finds out, he decides to help her – and nearly dies in the process.

The Commander, learning of their attempted escape into the Wasteland, tells both they will not be killed for their treason if they can locate the package Rachel’s father was carrying. Twists, turns and betrayals ensue thanks to the Commander and Rachel is placed in the Claiming prematurely. Logan pledges to “claim” her, but it all goes to hell when the Commander finds out what they are planning. Trying to protect her, Logan gets flung in prison and Rachel is forced to enter the Wasteland without him. Assigned one of the Commander’s “guards” to accompany her, Logan finds out that her companion will kill her when they locate the package. Knowing her life is on the line, Logan makes a break for it . . .

While I did enjoy the storyline, it wasn’t what made this book so brilliant in my opinion. For me, it is this deep, painful affection that Rachel and Logan develop for one another and how Redwine is able to weave their povs seamlessly together. She relays a dark, brutal world in vivid prose and pulls no punches on the Commander’s brutality . . . or that of Rachel’s. Worth the read for Logan and Rachel’s relationship alone, DEFIANCE is a fabulous story and worth every penny.

And yes . . . I smell a series

Burning the Candle at both ends . . . with a blowtorch!

Posted on December 10, 2012 by sharkprose

So, I have not fallen off the face of the earth (at least, I don’t think so. Sometimes I question my sanity and hence, my reality).

Anywho, life has been BUSY. Driving the beast, shuffling kids, juggling boobs – I mean, breastfeeding questions – and, as always, writing. Journalism assignments keep me busy as does my fiction work. Therefore – a cheat sheet of sorts I leave to thee:

Sites for the budding and established writer:

Agent Query Connect:
http://agentqueryconnect.com/

Preditors and Editors:
http://pred-ed.com/

Publishers Marketplace:
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

FictionPress:
http://www.fictionpress.com/

QueryShark:
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/

Query Tracker:
http://querytracker.net/

Writer’s Digest:
http://www.writersdigest.com/

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America:
http://www.sfwa.org/

National Association of Memoir Writers:
http://www.namw.org/

Fiction Writers Review:
http://fictionwritersreview.com/

Mystery Writers of America:
http://www.mysterywriters.org/