an NA Contemporary Romance
To be released: March 31, 2014
Twenty-one-year-old Bree Collinson has a perfect, pampered life, but she isn't one to laze around trying shoes on all day. Unfortunately, when an idea to better herself pops into her head, her husband questions it, and wants to keep her tied by her apron strings to the kitchen.
Isolated with no one to turn to, Bree finds herself falling back into a dangerous friendship, developing feelings for the only person who really listens to her. She's torn between loyalty to her husband and the lure of an attractive man with the perfect family, the life she always wanted.
While Bree figures out what she wants, a tragedy rocks the Westberg Warriors, triggering some dark memories, and pushing her to take a look at what’s really important.
SIDELINED is the third book in Kyra Lennon’s Game On series. GAME ON (Book 1) and BLINDSIDED (Book 2) are available on Amazon and Smashwords. Kyra's links:
AND!
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| The butterfly will be on each cover in the series. It symbolizes redemption, hope, and re-birth. |
Book one in the December People Series
Contemporary Fantasy
To be released: 4/4/14
David Vandergraff goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Being a dark wizard wasn't his choice.
Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.
To make things worse, the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until David's wife admits her deep secret—she is a dark wizard, too. Now, David must comfort two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand, while keeping the rest of his family from falling apart as he deals with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be inherently evil.
Sharon's links: goodreads ~~~ facebook ~~~ newsletter ~~~ blog ~~~ TRAILER!
She'd love it if you wanted to sign up to participate in the blog tour or request an ARC.
To be released: 4/4/14
David Vandergraff goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Being a dark wizard wasn't his choice.
Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.
To make things worse, the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until David's wife admits her deep secret—she is a dark wizard, too. Now, David must comfort two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand, while keeping the rest of his family from falling apart as he deals with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be inherently evil.
Sharon's links: goodreads ~~~ facebook ~~~ newsletter ~~~ blog ~~~ TRAILER!
She'd love it if you wanted to sign up to participate in the blog tour or request an ARC.
I'm excited for these ladies! Beautiful covers!
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| Thanks for being there, you guys! |
I love spreading the good news of others (if you want me to show off a cover or do a guest post or blog tour stop, feel free to email me). I'm happy for my friends and their successes (Cassie Mae is hitting it out of the park!) And I never expected to be a number one best-seller, BUT... Lately, I am feeling a little down, especially with sales slowing. I know I shouldn't fret. The facts point to this happening with the majority of books. And I know once I have more books out, I'll get more sales. Plus, I do have another coming out soon. I even feel bad complaining about it because I know some of you are probably saying, "at least you have a publisher..." I've been there. I know.
But, I can't help it. I'm a worrier. And impatient. I have events coming up, but will I sell books? It's scary to put yourself out there. I want to talk more about my book to new acquaintances, but I hesitate bringing it up. I feel like I'm bragging. I'd love to mention that I'm a writer to the kids I sub for, but they're a captive audience and it doesn't feel right. Whenever I do mention it, I get a great response, I just don't know if it's appropriate for me to say sometimes. Then, my friends always ask, how's the book going? I don't want to explain how the whole industry is a risky, slow process, so I say "good."
Though I may seem to have it all together, I often doubt myself. I usually plow through and find something to work on and that helps take my mind off it. Then, when I take a peek at my numbers, I'm frowny again. =(
Though I may seem to have it all together, I often doubt myself. I usually plow through and find something to work on and that helps take my mind off it. Then, when I take a peek at my numbers, I'm frowny again. =(
Here are my posers for you:
1) To my published friends - Do you ever feel this way? How do you think your sales/rankings are? I know different genres have different numbers... sci fi is soooo broad! It's hard to compare, especially when big names are always in the top 100...
2) To my soon-to-be-published friends - What are your goals for publishing? I thought I'd be happy enough seeing my book(s) on bookshelves. And as I said, I don't intend to be a #1 best seller, but I don't want to be a flash in the pan either. I want a happy medium...
Patience! I must have patience! I'm going to go do some meditating now... (or, more likely, work on my A to Z posts! That'll cheer me up!) Thanks for listening!
Patience! I must have patience! I'm going to go do some meditating now... (or, more likely, work on my A to Z posts! That'll cheer me up!) Thanks for listening!
OH! WAIT! Please stop by EmilyAnn's blog - I'm the featured FELLOW CREATIVE today! She's a sweetheart and I had fun answering her questions.
PS - One last thing! Please go vote for Christine Rain's THE HARBINGER, it has been nominated for a BigAl's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Award in the category of Fantasy. You can vote now through the 12th.
Thanks again!!
PS - One last thing! Please go vote for Christine Rain's THE HARBINGER, it has been nominated for a BigAl's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Award in the category of Fantasy. You can vote now through the 12th.
Thanks again!!
34 comments:
Congratulations to Kyra and Sharon!
After three books, I know to expect the ups and downs of sales. Might not like it, but I know it will happen.
I think you have it all together!
I'm a worrier and feel the same way, Tara. Hang in there!
Congrats! to Kyra and Sharon! And everyone wants that best seller title. I do. Nut yes, sustained sales is important too. Need that balance.
Congratulations Kyra and Sharon!!
I think telling the kids you sub for might be good. Maybe you could work it into a lesson somehow? Talk about creativity, imagination, the publishing industry? Seeing them be interested and excited might renew your faith in yourself and in your work. :)
The book DESTRUCTION sounds so good!! I want to give you a hug. I have the same feelings. I have two poetry books out with no sales. Like you said once more is out it'll get better. But who can wait that long?! Especially when more problems are in between like trying to finish the next project and find someone to be a critique partner.
We just need to keep reaching out and be patient. Good luck to you and all of us out there! Thank you!
It's one thing to read about it happening to other people and it's a whole different thing when it's you. I think that each time you release another book it will help all of your sales across the board. Even HUGELY successful authors didn't make it on that first book. Most have been writing for a long time. In other words, I think that what you are going through is NORMAL. Hang in there!
Congrats to Kyra and Sharon! Beautiful covers both. I understand completely how you feel. I know I shouldn't look at my sales so often, but I end up clicking the bookmark. I don't think my sales are good. I always wonder if it's my fault for not marketing well or if it's the story itself. I have no idea. Patience is hard to have sometimes!
And thank you so much for the shout-out to vote for me. :)
Yes. Yes. Yes. and Yes.
I feel the same exact way.
I thought it would be enough just to get published, then to be on Amazon, then to hold the paperback, then to see it in the library. etc. etc. etc.
We have to keep striving for the next goal though. It's in our nature. It's what keeps us going.
Don't feel to bad.
Keep moving forward.
Heather
Nice book covers. Nice post. I just joined IWSG, so making some rounds. Dropping in to say Hi and offer support.
I feel like a poser, heh, my insecurities showing, because I have not published. I just started actually pursuing writing to publish in the last 1-2 years. I have been writing mostly flash fiction and short stories till now.
I am working on my first novel. Right now my goal is just to finish the first draft.
I dunno what to expect as publishing is in the distant future right now.
I love love love the cover for Destruction, but the blurb confused me a little. It's that first line of the second paragraph. I didn't know if his kids with his wife were lost.
Congratulations to Kyra and Shannon!
My goal is to be a writer for all time, like Shakespeare, not just popular in one era, for a few years. My ultimate goal has long been to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, though I'd also settle for getting enough money to live off of.
Most books can't stay on the top of the lists for long. Each new book can give the previous a bit of a surge. Whenever I feel down about sales numbers I dive into a the WIP.
it's all about momentum and maintaining that momentum. Just keep pushing the boulder uphill.
Those covers are beautiful!
I wish I had some advice. I think what L. Diane Wolfe said about momentum is pretty spot on, though. (((hugs)))
I totally understand how you feel! It's hard to be patient, whether you're trying for publication or already published. As for sales and rankings...I try not to compare to other people, but it's hard not to sometimes! I'm grateful I'm selling any books at all, but when other authors are vocal about their successes, it's hard not to feel slightly jealous! I'm happy not being a bestseller, but with several books in my series coming up, it can get a bit depressing...
Those book covers are Ab Fab!
Congrats to the two ladies.
And hang in there Tara! You can do it! You've got what it takes!
HAPPY WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!
Writer In Transit
You're right, having the books out there is a big deal. It's awesome, and scary, and risky, and terrifying.
I have thoughts and hopes for my books, but it's hard to be more definite than "I'd like to sell my books." Which isn't totally true, I want them read, and it would be nice to get paid for it. Still.
I don't think it's bragging to talk about how success in your mind's eye has shifted. Yes, you made a major goal, but now you can totally move towards getting the next goal. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Dreams shift. We are all aiming at moving targets!
Congrats to Sharon and Kyra!
I've been having lower sales lately. I think it's the weather. Other authors have commented [that I know in real life] on sucky sales last month. It's not just you.
I have another book about to go up [tomorrow most like] and I'm not sure how I feel about it right now... not so great really.
So many awesome books out there lately!!!
Sharon's book has me on the edge of my seat and the cover is beyond amazing. I revealed Kyra's cover today as well and it is beautiful and touching. Worry is like a rocking chair.....no wonder people get comfortable rocking chairs are cool...I mean..not the point. Worry won't get you sharing your book with the world Tara. Get out there and make others see your greatness. My soon to be published goal is getting published when the time is right and putting my best foot forward. So far I can definitely say I'm in love with my Sacrifice HER cover and the added font at the bottom.
I'm a total worrier too - about everything. Keep your spirits up and work on your next awesome book - it'll all work out. :)
Those ARE some cool covers! I feel like I would fret too, but you're right - it's not worth the time and energy. Boy that's easier said than done though!
This will probably come off as idiotic, but as a would-like-to-be-published-maybe-in-the-distant-future author, you've given me hope. I thought doubts and insecurities were only for the hopefuls like me. Happy IWSG day!
Congratulations and best of luck to Sharon and Kyra.
Oh my goodness. I used to read posts like this when I was pre-published and I would think...cry me a river. But now, I get it! Marketing is soooo hard. And we are really at the beginning...asks us how it's going in five years.
Thanks for the reminder to vote for Christine. I was able to vote for Ciara (hope I spelled her name right!) too.
I love Kyra's cover and Sharon's is really neat! :)
I'm just at the beginning of my publishing journey (April 1st) and I'm nervous about marketing and sales, but then I remember that it isn't about the money (mostly) and the sales. It's about someone loving our characters as much as we do! :) If you want, I'm hosting a bloghop for my book release coming up and I'd LOVE for some help! :)
Congrats to Kyra and Sharon. I totally understand your angst. But from where I sit I think you're doing great. All your book signings and promotions are exciting. Book sales are in the pits and the only way I know how to help that is a Sale. I think we are feel the same way, Tara.
Hu Tara, Thanks for offering the shout out Monday. I'm not able to find your email. Can you email me at Stephen.tremp@yahoo.com and I'll reply with the blurbs and a pic. Thanks again!
I love the covers, congrats to Kyra and Sharon. I also loved your book and can't wait to read the next one. You are an awesome writer, so I hope you get through this stage of insecurity quickly.
I won't mention my sales as I'll have people donating and sending me self-help leaflets... but each new books sell older books. Your sales get a boost with each new launch. Things like seasons and holidays influence sales. Don't sweat it, occupy yourself, value the huge positives of having a supportive community and publisher behind you. And of course, best of luck. :) X
shahwharton.com
you guys made me feel so great! thanks for all the encouragement and support! and added info.
can't tell you what a boost you guys are!!
thank you!!!
Wow! I really enjoyed your post this month. I haven't visited you before on IWSG (there are SO many of us anymore)and am happy I did this time. I felt you were reading my mind. I also liked all the info you have here and links. I'll be doing A to Z as well and look forward to reading you there...
P.S. Did you make the image of the IWSG yourself or get it from the site? It's lovely and I haven't seen it before...
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