IWSG - Marketing with the A to Z

THE INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

It's that time again, a day to express insecurities, and boy do I have a few. Just last week I asked my publisher for the rights to my trilogy. Now, I'm dealing with cover designs, but thanks to a picture taken just last month in the snow, I had my start. I then sent that on to Michael Di Gesu, and he worked his magic. You can see the results in the sidebar -->

Murder, Madness & Love is now up as a Kindle, and I'm going to use Amazon to publish in paperback too.

Memories of Murder should be up as a Kindle in a few days. Murder & Obsession will come next. All while I’m working to get the Prequel to the Series online too!

Amazing but that when it rains, it pours! Up to my elbows in edits, and designs, and more edits, plus getting ready for the book tour for the Snowman, and this month, all month the A to Z!

That’s only the half of it, but, well, no more crying over spilled milk. Pulling up my big girl pants and getting to work! Wish me luck, because I’m damn sure as Hell going to need it!

The tour for the Snowman begins in May, there are still a few spots open, please consider hosting me that day for a review, guest post, or interview! Thank you! Just click HERE!

Happy April, everyone!

Question:

Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?

Yes, as a matter of fact last year after the release of Murder & Obsession I used the A to Z to introduce the story and discuss Alaska. I sold 40 books that month. Not a bad start. And for this A to Z I'm going something similar for the Snowman!

Thank you, everyone, who stayed with the posts and bought the book! I enjoyed that A to Z almost as much as the one I did on Margaret Mitchell.

Be sure to say hello to the awesome co-hosts:

 Christopher D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Fundy Blue, and Chrys Fey!

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Be sure to check out the WEP Challenge for April

The post happens on the day for the letter 'P'

Sign up today!

IWSG - NORMAL

The Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts are Murees Dupe, Alexia Chamberlynn, Chemist Ken, and Heather Gardner!

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

What is normal in the writing world? What is normal in the blogging world? 

     I've no idea what 'normal' is, and while writing is what I truly enjoy doing. Family and other goals also require my time.  I enjoyed my recent break. I loved getting my hands dirty in the garden. Although, I could have lived without the poison ivy - my fault - I knew the moment I pulled it out by the roots, what I was handling, yes, without gloves. A small breakout - no big deal. LOL
          My family especially loved the new recipes, and I loved experimenting, but they're an easy bunch to please. My house is almost reorganized and things are ready for sale at weekly flea markets. Time to get rid of all the collections.
          I did get some writing done, and added a few new projects to the list. To that end I've decided to change things up. I'm going to be making changes, all the way around. Work, writing habits, writing goals, blogging, my online presence, my family and work presence, as well as marketing. Besides, it's vacation time - priorities have to change, at least for awhile.
          For the rest next few months my blog will host authors and their latest releases. I hope you'll stop by and say hello, but more importantly I hope you'll consider buying and writing a review. It's through shared support that we all succeed. 
          Thank you, every one who's helped to make my dreams come true. Alex, thank you, for this group and everyone who participates - you get it - you understand, thank you!

Here's my favorite quote about 'normal' – do you have one?

What are your 'summer' 
or 'future' plans, 
writing or otherwise?

If you'd like to be a guest on my blog

send an email to - yolandarenee@hotmail.com

LOST & FOUND - JEWEL

I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday and are excited to start the New Year! To begin my blogging year I wrote a new piece of flash fiction. Enjoy!

© Alan Ayers

JEWEL

I love her. She loved him. Now she's grieving and blames me. I've waited a lifetime for her, but she'll never forgive me.

Why?

I loaned her husband my plane.

He was a pilot; he shouldn't have taken off in that weather.

Agreed, but I've seen the accusation in her eyes.

How long have you known her?

Since time began.

A romantic, are we?

I'm so glad you're amused.

Sorry, I've never seen you so serious. So what's the story?

I met her ten years ago.

Ah, the girl who got away.

I knew her brother, but the first time I saw her was across a crowded room.

Cliché.

Quit laughing, it's true. Perfection in a maroon blouse. It draped across perfectly shaped breasts like liquid silk. Luscious. Hair the color of the sun through honey, thick and long, softly curled and down to her waist. Her eyes were the color of a spring forest that brightened when she smiled. Her smile warmed me, taunted me, tempted me, and thrilled me.

Our eyes met, and all evidence of a twelve-hour workday was gone, she was my life force, and I hadn't even met her yet. Her brother had told me a little about her, but he'd also warned me - hands off.

Did you keep your hands off?

Yes, I honored my promise to him. God, what a struggle. I was drawn to her. I attended every social function she did. I visited her brother more often. Jewel was my reason for getting up each day. I loved her, needed her, and wanted her like I've never wanted another. To be honest, my sex life was and is thrilling. Each woman I bed, I do so with her in mind. She's my aphrodisiac, my fantasy, my muse. It isn't enough. I want more. I want it all! I always have.

But she met Paul.

Does she know how you feel?

No, I've always just been a friend. Someone she could count on. The jokester with a heart of gold.

Are you giving up?

Never!

344 / words

Yolanda Renee © 2016

*****

Speaking of love 

today I'm helping Arlee Bird and Guilie Castillo-Oriard introduce a bloghop just 

in time for Valentine's Day!

Called

Lost & Found: Valentine's Edition

Love can be a many splendored thing, a reason for murder if unrequited or for some, a lifelong desire. Love can be all you want, always on your mind, or crazy – as some love songs claim, but in February, a new blog hop is happening.

Lost & Found: Valentine Edition

February 1, 2016

As Arlee askes, do you remember that special feeling of love found? And who hasn't experienced the emotional experience of love lost? Some of you might have even lost a love only to find that person later for another go around.

         Tell your story about love lost or found in our special Valentine's blogfest. Your post can be a short fiction, an essay, poetry, or even a song--let your imagination run free. Any genre is fair game, be it romance, historical fiction, memoir, or even science fiction. After all there are no limitations when it comes to love.

Lost & Found: Valentine Edition is brought to you by Arlee Bird and Guilie Castillo-Oriard, and strong armed into joining them are Elizabeth Seckman,  Yolanda Renée,  Denise Covey. and  Alex J Cavanaugh.

So, don't be left out on 

FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Sign up to participate by adding your 
link to the list below.

*****
Also in February 
the WEP is back
Our first challenge is all about the 
VALENTINE!
More information to follow soon!