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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2022 Is A Blank Page

 Everyone has a story. What's yours?

Photo by Cookie the Pom on Unsplash

I'm taking a break to explore mine...

See you in February for the WEP challenge.

Please Join Us!

2022

Photo by Connor Houtman on Unsplash

 

"In Keeping With The Season"

 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Poem by Yolanda Renée  (C) 2021

WEP - Narcissus

 Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Narcissus

so beautiful

the first

in everything

influential

inviting our stare

sell everything,

we'll buy it all

just say the word

our souls,

are sold

we want

need

all that you do

a new dawn

of only your truth

our passion ignited

love blooms

seeds rooted

all for you

the world implodes

selfies explode

the birth

of voyeurism

the death

of normalcy,

lies are truth

materialism

our new reality,

an influencer,

must approve

before we believe

transact

succeed

Narcissus

for you

we bleed.

***

© Yolanda Renée 2021

Tagline: Narcissistic led materialism the new golden idol.

Black Friday - The Snowman - Free

 

Starting Black Friday, 

November 26th @ midnight

to November 30th @ midnight 

THE SNOWMAN

FREE!

EXCERPT:

Crowds had gathered for the annual Halloween party at The Office Bar on Sixth Avenue. The Channel 6 News anchors and their admirers swigged cocktail after cocktail, except Denise Cochran, who still nursed her first drink. A business-like motif of steel, wood and modern furniture inspired sterility, not party fun, but tonight, the place pulsated with life. Denise sipped her Cosmo as her foot tapped to the latest pop music tunes from the live band Heart Stop.

She checked her watch. "Dammit, Steven, where are you?" she muttered.

"What happened? He finally figure out you were only dating him for that juicy murder story?" Kylie asked, slurring her words.

"Nice friend you are. Isn’t that your fifth drink? You’re drunk—start ordering coffee before you embarrass yourself. Steven will be here. You’ll see."

"How long you gonna string this one along? And I’m not drunk, just pleasantly buzzed." She craned her neck and winked. Denise’s gaze followed.

"Sorry I’m late," Steven said and gave Denise a peck on the cheek. "What’d I miss?"

"Nothing." Denise glared at Kylie and quickly led Steven away from her loose-mouthed friend. "What took you so long?"

"Work. It’s been maddening trying to figure out this guy. Was that the friend you’ve been telling me about? Why didn’t you introduce us?"

"Come dance with me. I’ll introduce you later."

She rested her head on his shoulder as the music changed to a slow number. "It’s not snowing yet." She locked eyes with him. "I want your full attention. Later, the Snowman can have it. Much later." She touched his cheek and moved in closer. 

Steven stopped moving. "The Snowman? Please don’t tell me you’ve named him publicly."

"Sorry. It’s going to hit the airwaves tonight. First, the report on the snowstorm, and then speculation on whether another girl will disappear," Denise said.

"Shit! The press is turning this into a three-ring circus. You're giving the bastard just what he wants. The Snowman, really!"

*****

The other books in the series are:

Murder, Madness & Love

 Memories Of Murder

 Murder & Obsession

 Murder, Just Because

A Passion for Murder

         And not they are all selling for 

$1.99 

discounted just for Black Friday!

Own the entire series!

          Light is a fleeting moment in the frozen north that is Alaska. Although the sun shines brightly during the Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional achievement. Will a murderous stalker, a self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful than this dedicated detective? Six separate life-threatening situations. One determined man.

enjoy!

I Won with Murder by Proxy now Murder on Mount Fairweather

 

50,094 words

A typical trip to Seattle turns into a nightmare for Sarah and Steven. He's all the way across the country when he gets the news that her hijacked plane has gone down in the mountains west of Juneau. 

An Airforce Jet can't get him home soon enough. 

But despite his best efforts, the weather has the mountain socked in, and it's isn't letting up. Can he get to the top of Mt. Fairweather in time to save his pregnant wife from the horrors of the Alaskan triangle? 

Will, the man who's the cause of their misery escape justice?

Excerpt:

Murder by Proxy

At Merrill Field, Elliott made sure Sarah was safely on board. Then he sat in his vehicle to watch the plane take off. He admired the sleek new look of the Challenger 650. The top-of-the-line jet that Sarah had recently purchased. He looked forward to watching the take-off.

Instead, he was shocked when, just seconds later, bullets began flying. He ducked even though they weren't pointed in his direction.

Elliott witnessed a prisoner, Alex James, the Clean Killer, just recently sentenced to ten life sentences, board Sarah's plane in a hail of bullets. He saw the door close and the plane taxi for take-off as the officers continued shooting while trying to catch a plane that quickly took flight.

Elliott was in shock.

Alex James, though, had made his escape.

National Novel Writing Month

 

Wishing all participants

HAPPY WRITING!

See you in December with an update if not sooner!

Dracula Has the Final Say!

 

Photo by Sammy Williams on Unsplash

Dracula

A debonair man

handsome and sure,

he'll tantalize and tease

ready to please.

 

A sweet fair maiden,

lovely and pure

dressed to the nines,

but oh so demure.

 

Dracula knows

how to put her at ease

dance close, make her laugh

bow low, his manners

offer no reproach.

 

In secret whispers,

a tryst, he'll propose

his love,

though new

he'll swear, is true.

 

As the bell of the ball

you blush and protest

but tonight is special and

you've planned no regrets.

 

The clock tolls midnight

the party is over

what's wrong with a walk

 and one kiss

especially under the moon's shadow.

 

But my dear, once is enough

don't fall for his bluff

for this dangerous man

will suck you dry.

 

Of blood so pure

his life, you'll assure

but dear, then you'll die

a virgin

on Halloween night!

Yolanda Renée  (C) 2021

***

Happy Halloween!

Photo by Szabó János on Unsplash

Succubus

Photo by Dmitry Vechorko on Unsplash

Sultry Lady

So sexy and sure

make-up perfect

costume comely,

she smiles and whispers

come see me sometime

you're flattered

quite taken

and ready for more

off you fly

with her by your side

a lover's tryst,

meant to end the night

now the succubus

has you

and you won't escape

her evil clutches,

until the end of your date

so say farewell

because that first kiss

will be your last

she'll drain you of life

suck it all out

you won't even

be able to shout

a last memory of fun

isn't that what 

a Halloween party 

is all about?

Yolanda Renée  (C) 2021

***

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Photo by Łukasz Nieścioruk on Unsplash

Poorly Sewn!

 

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Frankenstein

There's a monster poorly sewn

Frankenstein, not a clone

put together from death

no need for breath

different parts and pieces

with lots of creases,

a weirdly shaped head

a body too huge

and a neck

where bones protrude

was his blood stewed

where did he

come from

some body-mart

an alien planet or garbage dump,

he grunts his words

but seeks

softness and warmth

poor, misunderstood creature

hounded by people with

even worse features

pitchforks and torches

under a full moon

they scream and chant

burn, burn, burn

will they achieve such a gruesome task

or has nature got plans 

for this poorly made mass.

Yolanda Renée  (C) 2021

***

Photo by Szabó János on Unsplash

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WEP - The Scream

 

Lucky 13

The day I turned thirteen

I discovered a witch's abode

hidden deep in the woods

abandoned under the overgrowth,

a little hut, just an old shack

but finding a door

a warm fire and more

it was a blessing for a young girl

needing rescue

I found an old book

and gave it a look

opened the page and

read the oddest verse,

I laughed at the absurdity

but read with intent

"simply voice these words

and see your wish true"

the years passed

memories faded

until one night

his love turned cruel

his abuse grew

I didn't know what to do

on Halloween night,

it came to a head

he laughed himself silly

as he threatened to kill me

I fell to my knees

and said with hands folded,

those silly words,

I'd once read

in that magic book

forgive me, dear, 

no menace intended

I only wish

that you are blessed

with your own intent,

he laughed again

and raised the knife

the walls shook, 

and the floors clattered

then with a torrent

came hundreds of creatures abhorrent,

a foot in length, 

with multiple legs

they moved with intent

toward the threat

he screamed bloody murder

and tried to fight

but they covered him fully

then in a wisp of white vapor,

he and they 

were all gone

and to this day

I've heard not a word

my bruises have healed

and my heart too

that shack in the woods

is now my home

            The Magic Den

is where I cast spells,

and grant wishes

 my new stock in trade

so if you need aid,

 don't be afraid

just open the book

    the right spell will appear

       for the dark arts know

          the one you fear!

***

Tagline: 13 can be a very lucky number.

Yolanda Renée (C) 2021

****

Photo's by

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