Jeremy Hawkins Tribute

To Honor Jeremy

I've reposted a blog hop that Jeremy was a huge part of.

It was one of the most successful and still very popular!

I turned comments off as I am unable, 

at this time, to participate further.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

 

Thank you all for your participation in this marketing symposium for  

What Works and What Doesn't.

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, and hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, Jeremy Hawkins, and me. I hope this becomes an annual event and that each year new successes are reported because of what we've all shared!

Here is my two cents!

BOOKS

Since my current business is writing and marketing what I write, I'll start there with my contribution. So far, what I've found is that when it comes to successfully marketing a book – the secret appears to be throwing as much money as you can at it. Buy ads, buy reviews, buy twitter friends, and hire publicists that promise for only $3000 we can make your book a best seller on Amazon. 

I know, cynical. That's why, when Arlee asked me to be part of this project I agreed. I don't have buckets of money to throw at my novels, so like most of you I am trying to do this the hard way, the way we're all told should work – build a platform, network online, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc. etc!

With all that in mind I created a page on Facebook for my novel, Murder, Madness & Love, but couldn't get the 'likes' I saw that others had, so I paid to advertise my page. I was able to get over 500 likes, but I'm almost positive those likes did not translate into sales. 

C. Hope Clark has a site called Funds for Writers and a book called The Shy Writer and I highly recommend all of it - if you're a new writer, a shy writer, or a seasoned pro!
 

Another positive that I've found for selling books is a review. It has always increased the sales figures, especially if posted on a blog. 

And in that regard, I made it my New Year's resolution to post reviews for all the books I've read. I'm behind on that goal, and I assume I always will be. Because for every book I've read and reviewed, I've added five more to my TBR list. It's an ongoing circle, but I will give it my best effort, I hope you and other readers will too!

 Have you had better success with Facebook? 

Do you find that a review increases sales?

Do you have a secret for getting readers to write a review?

BLOGS

In my opinion, if you're looking for success with your blog in regards to the numbers of followers and comments – a blog fest is the quickest way to meet new bloggers. The catch is in the commenting. When I get busy and can't reach all my favorites, I see the number of comments drop on my posts too. 

Another catch 22 because time is a valuable commodity and commenting takes a lot of time. The two most successful people I've seen are Alex J Cavanaugh, our Ninja captain, and Pat Hatt at It's Rhyme Time. Both are very successful with not only posting regularly, but they both respond to the commenters on their site while visiting other sites too. I am in awe gentlemen!

As well as paying to advertise my books FB page, I've also tried boosting (paying to advertise) blog posts, especially guest posts and book reviews. Facebook claims I had several thousand viewers for each post I boosted and the numbers all depend on how much you're willing to spend. Again I wasn't sure those viewers actually viewed the blog post. 

My opportunity to find out happened when I posted on Arlee's blog, I paid for a boost on Facebook and told Arlee what I was doing. Arlee said he saw an increase in the readers to that particular post, but it was nowhere close to the numbers that Facebook reported. My conclusion, I may have just wasted more of my hard-earned money.

What about you, have you boosted a blog on FB page and seen results?
 

ADVICE FOR ANY BUSINESS

I recently read another news report about a bookkeeper brought up on embezzlement charges. These stories always upset me because this kind of crime is so easy to avoid. As a former accountant I'm going to address that here even though it's not about marketing success or failure, but it is about successful management. Most all of the companies involved aren't large, most are churches, fire stations, car dealerships, etc. But the money stolen is huge!

So my advice to all business owners especially the small or not for profit, but truthfully - ANY BUSINESS - do not, and I'll repeat myself – DO NOT give one individual total access to your cash, your bank accounts, any of your funds! 

If you have an accountant, its fine to allow them be a signer on the bank accounts, but make sure, you, as CEO, owner, manager, or boss, are the second signer! Any check can be designed with two signature lines – and this is easily arranged with your bank. 

Also, when you sign those checks make sure that all the back-up paperwork is there!  Each check has to have an invoice and you should recognize the Payee. Know who your creditors are and ask questions when something looks odd. 

Again, I'll repeat myself - NEVER – EVER give one person signatory rights! I don't care if the person doing your books is someone you've known all your life or trust implicitly! 

Also, if you are the accountant or bookkeeper – no matter what company you're working for, insist on two signatures. This is your first line of defense too!

Consider doing an audit. It sounds expensive but like all things there are different types of audits with different costs, and if you can't afford to do it annually, do it at least every two years. The best way to keep someone from ripping you off is to make sure your books are checked regularly and that all your employees know this. If you're a small non profit, get volunteers to do the audit - everyone knows at least one accountant. Or barter for it!

Don't let anyone, even someone you trust have that kind of financial control
 ~EVER~!  
Okay I'm off my soap box.

 

*****

That's it, my contribution to 
What Works and What Doesn't. 

I look forward to reading yours and learning something new. 

Thank you for participating!

Click HERE for the list of other participants!

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IWSG - Struggles

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

April's Question - When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing?

My first go to option is to read. It usually always inspires me, but there have been a few too many rainy days, and recently I’ve really had to fight the urge to just walk away. Saying the hell with it all, pursuing another outlet sounds exciting, but I’ve no other talent. Although, there’s always abstract art, would have to be abstract because I can’t draw a straight line. Or music maybe I could take up the guitar again or the drums. I’m sure the neighbors would appreciate that. 😊 At least that’s what I tell myself.

Life does get in the way, health and family issues, and significant changes always take precedence, and all of it influences my writing in one way or another.

I’ve also found that participating in the WEP challenges gives me a deadline to work towards. Deadlines always help push me forward. And if all I’m writing is flash fiction for a while, then at least I’m still in the game.

Currently, I’m trying to get three different projects to the finish line. A short story, a novella, and a novel. All of them are related to my original Detective Quaid Series, and, I’ve been struggling, but hey, it’s a good struggle.

The awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Renee Scattergood, and Tamara Narayan!

***

It's time for another WEP Challenge.

Have you signed up?

IWSG – FAVORITE GENRE

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh

What do you love about the genre you write in most often?

I write what I love to read. I’ve always been interested in the motivations of others, especially when it comes to murder. And a good who-done-it is my go-to relaxation and entertainment.

I’m enjoying the ‘Alienist’ now.

My awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

***

Have you signed up for the WEP Challenge

IN TOO DEEP

Any situation with the potential for unforeseen conflict. Or it could be literal – a flood, a hurricane, a mining disaster, you name it. This one is wide open. A million possible takes.

Love. War. Anything in between. An affair sours. A hobby (hubby?) goes berserk. An addiction teeters on the edge of out-of-hand. A sports tournament goes horribly wrong.

Let your creativity soar!

Thank you for visiting!

Comments are disabled. I will be traveling this week and will not have an opportunity to respond.

IWSG - FINISHED?

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh

October's Question: 

When do you know your story is 

ready?

When you first type "The End," you think it's over. 

You're thrilled beyond reason because you've accomplished the desired goal. You walk away, celebrate and then you send it out to betas and editors. 

You begin planning the tour, the marketing.

Then the critics of your masterpiece arrive in your inbox.

Guess what?

You're not finished.

That's when the rewriting begins along with more questioning, and uncertainty. Suddenly you fear that none of your hard work will ever see the light of day.

But guess what?

You work through it.

Whether it's significant rewriting or minor, you work through it. You realize all those suggestions from the beta readers and editors make perfect sense, have added to your story, and now, finally, it is perfect. 

Well, almost.

When you finally hand it off to the publisher, you're sure it's ready, but then, there's, even more, editing and rewriting. But you get through that too, it's what writers do.

Hitting the send button on that Final Finished Edited Copy that now looks nothing like the original, is when you know it's finished! At least that's the prayer.

 *****

Be sure to thank all the awesome co-hosts - Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Angela Wooldridge, and Susan Gourley!

*****

Have you decided which 

WEP Challenge you'll tackle?

and or

What ever your choice

be sure to sign up now!

WEP October Challenge

IWSG - QUESTIONS?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

And the crew is revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Today's Question:

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

My answer:

When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder. 
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!

The co-hosts are ME, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!

The IWSG is also gearing up to announce the next anthology topic
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!

Today I have a question regarding reviews: 

When someone posts a review on their blog should you respond with a comment - a thank you? I've always tried to hit the 'like' button on Goodreads, and thank a blogger that I know with an email message, but will leaving a comment 'thank you' mean that the Amazon police will see it and delete the review? 

How do you respond to a great review from someone you know 

vs. someone you don't. 

Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?

Z - ZAZZY

Z IS FOR ZAZZY

Zazzy means shiny or flashy - stylish... And only one character in Murder & Obsession fits that role. Alice Foxx, Sarah's nemesis and a woman who shows up during Sarah's memorial to make another claim on the unsuspecting Detective.

Picture Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Her perfume hit Steven’s senses a second before he saw Alice Foxx sashaying toward his table. He couldn’t even remember what he’d been saying as she drew closer and then planted herself between them. Her presence shocked Steven speechless. He had no idea Alice would come to Alaska for Sarah, a woman she hated. Her red dress and black fur coat were a bit pretentious for the event, but not for Alice’s personality.

“Well, if I haven’t located the two men who loved her most, acting civilly. Drowning your sorrows or comparing notes? May I join you? Sorry, Steven, I don’t mean to sound flippant.”

Alice had his complete attention, she smiled, and brushed a stray hair from his face, her touch made him cringe. He searched for the camera shooting the event hoping it missed the moment.

“You look incredible for a man who died in a bear attack.” She took his hand in hers. “I’m sorry about Sarah, and I mean that.”

Alice repositioned her chair closer to Steven and put her hand on his thigh. “From what I understand, you’ve located a few of those responsible. How many are there?”

Steven shrugged. “More than I’ve uncovered.”

Alice whispered in his ear, “I’m here as long as you need me.”

Buy Here

Read All the Amazon Reviews
of Murder & Obsession
HERE!

Thank you for supporting my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

*********************************************************

This is it folks!

The last post of the
2016 A to Z Challenge

Whew! We did it!

Thank You!
Everyone one who posted
everyone who kept it short
everyone whose post was so interesting 
I had to know what happened next!

&

Thank You!

Especially to all  who commented
Reciprocated!

Everyone who stayed with the challenge
 despite the dirty laundry
the cold meals
and the un-swept floors!

You are my heroes!

See you for the IWSG on Wednesday!

Photo Copyright

Y - YOLANDA

y IS FOR YOLANDA

Okay, so I cheated for the letter Y and used my own name. Yolanda.

When it came down the 11th hour on Superbowl Sunday, it just made sense. Yes, I was working on my A to Z blogs, even then.

Denver was the team I was rooting for, but only because the Steelers nor the Seahawks made it. (Although, we all know they should have!)

Yolanda - meaning "violet flower" is of Greek and Spanish origin. Popular in the 1970's it's rank has fallen.

Renée - means rebirth. French. Every year the spring flowers bloom! Just like me. :)

What does your name mean? Check here.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

They landed at Bishop Air Services at six in the morning and Steven’s attitude immediately changed, especially when Yurij’s red and white Piper Super Cub waited in front of a hangar. In the office at one end of the tarmac, they sought answers. A middle-aged woman, her hair styled in a crew cut, managed the place.

“May I see the flight logs for the plane flown by Yurij Markowski?” Steven asked.

“Why?” Her gaze went from his feet to the top of his head very slowly.

“Because I asked politely.” Steven smiled.

She returned his smile. “Trudy Bishop at your service, Detective.”

“Good to meet you, Ms. Bishop.”

“Have to admire a man who’d fight off two bears.” She put an arm around a young secretary who came out of a small office. “Right, Patty?”

“Right.” Patty cuddled close to Trudy.

“Yurij called an hour ago asking the mechanic to get his plane ready. What’s that crazy Russian done now?”

*****

What does Yurij mean?

(Old Greek) farmer, earthworker 

[ syll. yu-rij, yur-ij ] The name Yurij is pronounced as YUHRIYJH †. Yurij is used chiefly in the Russian language and it is derived from Old Greek origins. Yurij is a variant of the name George (English).

Buy Here

Read All the Amazon Reviews
of Murder & Obsession
HERE!

Thank you for supporting my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)