Marketing and Mayhem!

  I have been thinking and working on new ideas for marketing 'Tween novels. They don't fit into marketing the way you'd do for YA novels. One huge reason is that 'tweens rarely shop alone or for themselves. They still go through their parents for much of everything they want or need.

I have found that book events are a great resource. In that moment you have the parent and the 'tween in front of you. You can sell the parent on the 'age friendly' content and you can sell the reader on the story. But there are only so many of these things that I can attend and keep my writing schedule and bank account intact.

So I've been wracking my brain trying to come up with new ideas. The standard ways of reaching out don't work so well for my audience. First they are technically too young for Facebook but we know some of them are there). Second, they text tons, but Twitter...not so much. Blogs and websites are okay, but how do you actively reach out to that age group without running the risk of being categorized as some kind of perv.

I am totally aware that the best way is word-of-mouth, but getting past the initial roadblocks takes some doing. So I'm watching kids in the mall, surfing YouTube, pouring through magazines, and talking to anyone that lets me--searching out new avenues of contact. Any ideas?

Eureka! Success!

Could it get any better...the contest has a winner and the book now has a title! I am super excited, not to mention  relieved. So here it is:

Warrior 

of the 

Egyptian Kingdom

Great thanks to contest winner and title creator: 

Carrie Malinowski

The more I look at it the more I love it. It's perfect. It encapsulates every plot point of the novel. Did I say I love it? Well, I do! So Carrie, you get the first peek at the cover and an advanced copy of book #3 of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series due to be released February 1, 2014. Oh and don't forget, you will also have a huge mention in the acknowledgements of that book! Thank you so much.

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their wonderful ideas to this quest for a title. Let me tell you that I was truly stuck. I couldn't come up with a single working idea and all of you had some really great ones! I can't thank you enough. You saved my bacon.

Whew! I can finally move on to selecting photos for the over. I guess I could have done that before now, but every time I opened that file I kept thinking, "what if this doesn't reflect the title?" So now there's nothing getting in my way. Once I get the pictures sent to the cover designer I can focus on something else...like marketing.

For me this is the most difficult part of being an author telling everyone far and wide that I have a new book out and would you please buy it. I have to come up with inventive ways to get you to fall in love with the story before you read a single word and at the same time not seem like I'm begging or nagging. So if you have any suggestions on that, I'll gladly accept those, as well.

Inspiration!

As an author, I am often asked, "What inspires you to write?" The answer to that is both simple and complex. I am motivated by many things. It could be something as small as an insect crawling on the ground, a cloud formation, or an emotion that was aroused within me.

As many of you may know, the PRINCESS KANDAKE series was inspired by my granddaughter. She wanted to be a princess and because I really have no tolerance for the messages of the typical princess stories, I felt compelled to create a a totally different kind of princess. A story where the people are not surprised by the strength of her character or her determination and independence. But this is a post about inspiration, let me get back to that.

I recently watched a movie on television called The Magic of Belle Isle. I highly recommend it. The plot was fairly straightforward and well-acted about a struggling author and recently divorced mom. It was beautiful! It called to the story within me! It begged for me to write.

There have been many movies, books, or situations that have had this effect upon me. I am not sure how to explain it other than to say that something awakens within me and a story is born. It's like a feeling of the fantastic, a yearning that must be expressed, the groaning of something yet to be given birth. In simpler terms, my creativity has been quickened and I must write, yet again.

The story I develop must be one that has appeal for my audience: action, struggles, light romance. This is not an easy thing to do. In everything I write, I must consider the age of my audience, being careful not to take them any farther than they are truly ready to go. And because my readers are savvy, intelligent beings, I include a tiny bit of life's wisdom for them to chew on. I add something they can take away from the story that they can apply to their lives. This is regardless of whether the tale takes place in modern day, the ancient past, or far in the future. Honestly, sometimes that bit of wisdom is what can inspire a story.

So now I am writing a story about one of the characters in my PRINCESS KANDAKE series. I am not quite sure where it is leading, but I will follow wherever the character takes me and tell the story he lays before me. But I will tell you a tiny secret...the inspiration for this story is supporting others while building a life of your own and what that looks like when romance enters the picture.

Celebrating Teachers and Librarians!

Attention teachers and librarians! The Emblazoner's New Catalog - filled with great middle grade and tween titles your students and patrons will love - is coming soon! To celebrate, we're holding a giveaway of stuff you can use: gift cards to add books to your collection and swag to hand out to your students and patrons. Grand Prizes (2): $15 Amazon Gift cards (to add a book to your library) + SWAG Bags Less Grand But Still Auspicious Prizes (8): SWAG Bags (bookmarks, collector's cards, etc. to give away to your students/patrons) Note: Signing up for the catalog is required for entry. Winners must reside in the United States or Canada. You must be a teacher or librarian to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Birth

Whenever a family is expecting a new member, the parents struggle to find the perfect name. The birth of a new novel is no different. The newest member of the PRINCESS KANDAKE family needs a name.

As with many new babies, the parents ask family members for their suggestions and ideas about naming this precious one. As the parent of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series I am following that same path. I am asking for all of the members of the PRINCESS KANDAKE family to contribute. Here is what the newest member looks like:

Princess Kandake, youngest child of King Amani and heir to the throne of Nubia, has determined to continue her warrior training, but that is not the only thing that complicates her 14 year old life. 

When the king receives a dispatch from Pharaoh Nakhtnebef of Egypt, Kandake is sent to find out why the pharaoh would need Nubia’s warriors to remain in that kingdom and why he has included a secret symbol within his message—help.

In Egypt Kandake discovers treachery and a poisoned pharaoh, the identity of the bandits that attacked their caravans, a Nubian orphan, and that she may be Sakhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war.

 Of course there is always a special gift for the family member that comes up with the perfect name. Besides the honor of naming the baby you will receive a huge mention in the acknowledgements of book #3, get an advanced peek of the book cover, and receive a signed copy of book #3 before it's release date of February 1, 2014!

In case you're wondering what the siblings are like, here's a free digital copy of the firstborn, PRINCESS KANDAKE: Warrior by Choice...Appointed to Rule. Use coupon code BH24M

Just list your suggestions in the comments. You have until September 29, 2013 to list as many ideas as you can! The baby is waiting...

YOU NAME IT! Contest

Here we go! The day you've been waiting for! Today is the day that you get to start coming up with ideas for the name of the third book in the PRINCESS KANDAKE series.

I'll be honest, I was concerned that once I launched the You Name It contest ideas of the title would begin flooding into my brain and I would come up with a title that I just loved. Well, no need to fear, NOTHING came to me. I guess that's good and bad.

So, let's get started. The blurb tells you a bit about the story. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to get to know Princess Kandake I've included a coupon for a FREE digital copy of the first book. Just click this link PRINCESS KANDAKE: Warrior by Choice...Appointed to Rule to download your FREE copy. Use coupon code BH24M. Feel free to share the coupon with your friends. It will be effective until September 30th.

Princess Kandake, youngest child of King Amani and heir to the throne of Nubia, has determined to continue her warrior training, but that is not the only thing that complicates her 14 year old life.

When the king receives a dispatch from Pharaoh Nakhtnebef of Egypt, Kandake is sent to find out why the pharaoh would need Nubia’s warriors to remain in that kingdom and why he has included a secret symbol within his message—help.

In Egypt Kandake discovers treachery and a poisoned pharaoh, the identity of the bandits that attacked their caravans, a Nubian orphan, and that she may be Sakhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war.

Now get going! Think! Read! Create! 

I will begin collecting your suggestions/entries September 9, 2013!

Great News and a CONTEST!

Here's the good news, I completed the manuscript for book #3 of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series. Well...I completed the first draft, at least. Now it's on to the editing and revision process. But I have a bit of a problem. What am I going to call the thing?

It has a working title, but I'm pretty sure it won't do for the completed book.  I thought I had figured it out the night I typed the final words, but that title did not stand up to the light of day. I think I need help on this one. So if you're willing to help me, I'd love it!

I realize in order for you to come up with a viable suggestion you need to know something of the book and a bit of the main character. For those of you who have read my books you have a head start, but I'm willing to help everyone catch up. If you are interested in helping with the title, comment on this blog and I'll send you a FREE ebook of the first PRINCESS KANDAKE book.

Wait! Why don't I just make a contest of it? Okay here goes. I will post a blurb about book #3 on the on Monday August 26th. I'll begin accepting suggestions on Monday September 9th and will announce the winner September 30th.

So here's where you ask, "Is there a prize?" Of course there's a prize!!! The winner will receive a huge mention in the acknowledgements of book #3, they'll get an advanced peek of the book cover, and receive a signed copy of book #3 before it's release date of February 1, 2014!

What to you say...will you help me?

So Much to Do, So Little Time

I have been over-committed and overwhelmed the past few weeks. Determined to get through this with my mind in tact, I have made a point of turning new projects and requests away with as gentle a 'no thank you' as I can muster. In spite of the 'no thank yous' things keep coming, things that I must do. So I trudge on and take short naps where I can.

I was reading email and an author friend, Lynn Kelley, sent me a link to another author's website. Susan Kaye Quinn is stellar! Not only is she a fantastic writer, her videography is beyond words. She inspired me to do something I never even considered, create a book trailer. I have to share this.



Who would not be inspired after something like this! I am on a mission! I will do this!

Of course I can't start at this level, so I've laid out a plan. As soon as I get out from under the press of demands, I will begin fooling around with Movie Maker and trying things. I even ordered a book to help me with my newest endeavor. I can't wait to get started.

Writing and Research

People often ask where I get my ideas as a writer. My answer is always, from the world around me. Well, the other day a member of a group I was presenting to said, "You may be able to get  to Nubia, but how do you know about ancient time? You're not that old?" Yes, the comment came from a 'Tween and their emphasis was on the word 'that'. Once everyone stopped laughing, me included, my response was 'research'.

I research just about everything. When writing about ancient Nubia, it's pretty clear that I need to delve deeply into history. I have archaeological and anthropological texts that I get information from as well as graduate papers from universities.

If you've read any of my work, you know that I'm an action writer. All of my stories have some type of action scenes or battle scenes in them. So how do I research that? I've had to become a huge fan of the history and military channels on television and I stage battles in my home. My husband teaches me about holds, take-downs, and strikes. I have even watched the football team he coaches to gain an understanding of how people fall and escape.

Most recently my poor husband was the victim of one such session. We were working together so that I could write the climax in one of my books. I was performing a particular strike he had just taught me and was supposed to pull the punch before it made contact, but my foot slipped. He was supposed to dodge the punch by ducking to the right. Well, when my foot slipped he reached out to catch me and instead of moving to the right he went to the left. This is what he looked like when he fell. Yes we staged it for the photo. You didn't expect me to hit him again, did you?

This is what happened...my fist connected with his ear and plowed it into his head. Sheesh! now we both need ice packs. But here's the thing, every experience in a writer's life is grist for the story mill. Now I know what it feels like to really punch somebody.

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?

Procrastination!

Yes, writers procrastinate sometimes. Like I'm doing right now. I've checked my Facebook page a few times. Then I clicked over to check my email inbox just in case someone sent me an urgent message, and I even went to the kitchen a few times just to stare into the refrigerator. I need to be writing, but I can't seem to get myself into the rhythm of it all.

So I checked on a couple of YouTube channels of my writer friends and here's what I found. I guess I'm not the only one procrastinating tonight.




Enjoy!

Thanks, Maria Cisneros Toth, for the distraction!

Making the Digital Real

Imagine if a book became real. I, for one, think that would be supercool! Well...I guess that would depend on the book. Tales of zombise, vampires, and other horror characters need to remain in print form only. But...

I've been thinking about how I could make my ebooks better. What if I could transport you to the world in which the stories take place? Or, what if I could bring an object from the story into your home? I think we aren't that far from this becoming a reality.

I love TED talks. If you haven't experienced them here's you first opportunity. In this 'talk', the presenter, Jinha Lee, speaks about pulling pixels from your computer into your reality. Take a look. I'm pretty sure that after watching, you'll be hooked on TEDtalks too.

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/

GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!!!

I few weeks ago I told you about my joining a fantastic group of 'Tween writers. We are the Emblazoners!

Well, we're launching our new blog July 10th , along with our new website, and would love your help spreading the word.

Everyone knows when you pay things forward you benefit. So here's the deal...if you help us out you get a chance to when a $100 Amazon Gift Card on July 11th. There will also be a smaller second prize. This is how you do it.

To enter the drawing, you must post about Emblazon on your blog on Wednesday, July 10, our official launch day. Then tweet your Emblazoners post to @CassidyJonesAdv and include the hashtag #Emblazoners. (Note: You will not be entered into the drawing without your blog post tweet that includes @CassidyJonesAdv and #Emblazoners.)

 @CassidyJonesAdv will confirm you've been entered into the drawing by "favoriting" your tweet. If your tweet wasn't "favorited," tweet it again.

We appreciate your help getting the word out about our new website!

I'm so excited

Celebrating Independence

Today is the day we celebrate the independence of this great nation. Being great doesn’t mean that the United States is free from problems or short comings, because there are both. Being great means that its citizens have the power to create new ideas and directions. It means that its citizens have the power to make substantive changes at its core.

It is this thought that brought me to the decision of becoming an independent author. I want to be more than just a content provider. Where my books are concerned, I am the creative director. The books I write have a particular feel to them. That requires more than just the cover and content to be in sync. Promotion and marketing must have that same atmosphere.

As an independent author I am deeply involved in every aspect of my books from concept to production. To carry off something like this I need to fan the flames of my control gene. I admit that I do have one, but that’s what keeps everything connected and moving in the right direction. I have also renamed the arena/genre I write for. Instead of middle grade, I write for 'Tweens!

And yes, I celebrate with fireworks. They take the form of flashes of brilliance (You may laugh, but I do get them from time to time.)

Celebrate your independence with me. Happy 4th of July!

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

Busy and Loving it!

Things are really moving around here! This week I launched Creative Writing for Kids. It’s an eight week course teaching kids the basics of story structure.

The first class took place on Monday. That was the 8-11 year old group. OMG! They are awesome! Kids that read are a special breed.

Oops, unintentional rhyming, here. But I like it so I’ll leave it. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll turn it into a slogan for something. Anyway, back to the kids.

Their attention skills are phenomenal and because reading is a regular part of their lives, explaining the essentials of what goes into a story was a breeze. They were able to give examples from books they have read without any struggle. And to top that off, they were able to come with examples of their own! I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying this.

Friday I meet with the 15+ group. Man, am I stoked. I can’t wait to tell you about them.

My Life is Crazy and Loving It!

Yep, I just added one more thing…as if my life wasn’t crazy enough. I recently accepted an opportunity to join a group of ‘Tween writers. Is that awesome or what!?!

Right now there are eleven of us. We’re hoping the group grows to about twenty. We’re calling ourselves Emblazoners. We’re blogging, cross promoting, supporting and encouraging each other, and there’s even an idea or two about a group anthology! I am super excited!

Oh yeah, I’m sure I needed to add one more thing, but how could I let this opportunity pass. I couldn't  I am now officially closed. I am not accepting another thing…well, at least not today.

So off I go to add content to our blog site. It launches July 10th. I’ll be sure to post the URL everywhere.
Oh, by the way, the authors I’m joining…their books are awesome!

Authors are Popular!

Just about everyone is excited to meet an author, especially if it’s a book they've read. Those of us who write for kids love doing school visits. We get to meet the very ones we write for and they get to tell us what they think about our stories.

Lately, there has been a reduction in school budgets, so paid visits are at a minimum. As a debut author, I don’t command the big bucks for a presentation opportunity. But the saying, ‘money isn't everything,’ is really true.

Earlier this  month I was asked to present at one of our local middle schools, Glassford Hill Middle School. The best part was that ‘I’ was the reward for the kids that had met their reading goals for the year.
The kids were great! We had a blast laughing and talking together. At the end, several of the kids bought my books. There were some who had forgotten to bring their money, so the librarian, Ann Carey, asked if I would leave a few books for them to purchase within a few days. Of course I said ‘yes’ and they came back and bought them.

Now for the cherry. Without my knowledge, the librarian sent pictures of the presentation to the local newspaper and they printed the story! What a wonderful surprise! This was so much better than getting paid—I sold books and I got free publicity!


So fellow authors, the next time you’re asked to give a presentation, don’t let the money issue keep you from doing it. The moral of the story is, when we give, it comes back to us.

Man Am I Tired!

The past few days I have been working terribly hard. If you were to measure my progress by the number of pages added to my WIP you would see zip, zero, nada! I haven’t added one page! But I’ve been working  harder than a 3-legged mule.

I’ve attended several webinars on marketing, on promotion, and on website maintenance. I’ve updated the information and sent emails to prospective students of my creative writing course for kids.  I’ve researched and deleted 718 bogus subscribers to my website newsletter, repaired the Facebook follow button on my website, and written the draft to my next blog post. Now I’m critiquing a fellow writer’s work.

My brain hurts! I’ve done so much and I still haven’t gotten any writing done.  There is so much to the business side of writing it’s a wonder anyone has time to write anymore. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I have got to create a schedule that helps me get all of this stuff done! Then when I’m rich and famous I can hire someone to do it for me.