Thoughts and Ideas

Something occurred to me today. I've been thinking about writing and marketing and why I do any of it. Then I wondered if other writers feel the same way. First let me tell you why I write.

I write for several reasons. The first is that I enjoy it. Yes, I'm selfish. I'm doing something that makes me feel good. The second reason I write is that there are a lot of books with great stories, but several of them are not appropriate for younger readers. Understand, I'm not talking about picture books, or chapter books, or even books for the middle grade reader. I'm talking about that reader that's caught somewhere between middle grade and young adult, the ones I refer to as 'Tweens.

These are the readers that are not quite ready for the more steamy side of things. These are the readers that enjoy a good adventure, romance, or suspense tale without having to deal with graphic language, violence, or sexual content. So I craft stories that have the action and suspense without adding the extra my readers are not ready for--you know, the cleaner read.

Writing this way and for this audience leaves me in a bit of a quandary. How, and to whom. do I market? What I must do is develop two different types of marketing strategies--one strategy for the parents because they are often the ones shopping for this group and another strategy for my audience of 'Tweens. Without a doubt, this is as tough as it sounds.

Fortunately I was able to join a group of other writers that are doing the same thing--writing clean 'Tween tales and together we a working this thing out. We call ourselves Emblazoners. We
have our website up now. You should take a look.

We give each other support and ideas about marketing. We put together book giveaways, blog visits, and other things. I'm working on coming up with ways to connect more easily with my readers after they've read the books. What are you thinking about?

More Great Giveaways!

Yesterday I told you about the launch of a great new website Emblazoners.wordpress.com. It's created by 'Tween writers for 'Tween readers. Yes, we're using the title 'Tween instead of Middle Grade. It's just way cooler, don't you think?

Anyway here's whats going on. We're all about paying it forward. So we're asking you to help us get the word out. Tell the world about our new venture and you'll earn points to get some great books. Click the picture or use the link below to find out how:

http://emblazoners.wordpress.com/rafflecopter-giveaway/

Coming Together

I have been working like a...like a...well let's just say that I've been working really hard. I found myself seriously behind schedule on the manuscript for the third PRINCESS KANDAKE novel and my fingers have been flying across the keyboard ever since. Not to worry, I'll make my deadline. You'll have book #3 on schedule, February 1, 2014!

I told you at my last posting that I had started a creative writing course for kids and that is going very well. I am totally stunned (in a really good way) at their level f creativity. In this week's session we're utilizing a brainstorming device for finding story ideas and then creating a story-line from these ideas. Oh my gosh! What a blast that was. Their ideas were flying around the room so fast that getting them all down was a challenge. You should have heard some of them. These are some talented kids!

Next month I'm forming a book club with some very special ladies. Per their request, we are beginning with book #1 of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series. Yes! they actually asked that the first book we discuss be PRINCESS KANDAKE: Warrior by Choice...Appointed to Rule. Okay, I am seriously stoked and over the moon! Of course we'll be using the print editions, but if you're interested you can find the digital editions here.

These are the main projects that I'm working on. Apart from attending book fairs and school visits, I don't have room in my schedule to take on anything else. I know, I know, I've said that before, but I really mean it this time! ...I think

Weight of the Crown Released TODAY!

Today is the day! Weight of the Crown, book #2 in the PRINCESS KANDAKE series, is now available! I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’m giddy and bouncing on the edge of my seat.

There are still tons of things for me to do for promotion and sales, but right this moment I’m just basking in the  light of getting it done.

Like the first book, Weight of the Crown, takes place in ancient Nubia. There is action, adventure, and a smattering of romance. And just like book #1, Weight of the Crown is written for the ‘Tween audience. So you know it’s clean reading that’s filled with fun and excitement.

I love the cover! Donna Casey outdid herself yet again. It’s such a blast for me when a story I love is enhanced with a beautiful cover. It creates a package with everything I had hoped for and now I can share it with all of you.

So click on the link and get your own copy, too.

Thoughts About Writing

Today I received a review that I solicited from a website that focuses on Indie Authors. To be honest, I was a little disappointed.

I’m still working on the ‘need’ for everyone to be completely in love with my work. Being a writer isn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I’m a good writer and continue to work on the execution of my craft.

The reviewer stated that she would have liked to see more drama between the characters. She also felt that the Nubian lifestyle I presented was too perfect and the resolution of conflicts a bit utopian. Her rating of the book was 3.7 stars out of 5.

The hardest part about the review was that I agreed with everything the reviewer said. I know that my writing has grown since book #1 and the characters of book #2 have greater depth. However the storyline continues to be a bit perfect and utopian and I don’t want to change a thing.

My reasoning is that I write for a particular segment of the child audience—‘Tweens. They're not quite old enough for the edgy/heavy stuff that’s in todays YA, and they’re a few steps beyond MG. They are also still in the stage of  building their dreams from fantasies not completely put away.

The other thing is that I believe in the need for innocence in a story. And that’s not because my readers are kids. That’s because it’s the kind of story that inspires me. It’s the kind of book I choose and the kind of movie that works for me.

And if that works for me, it’s got to work for someone else too.