Second Book Syndrome #FREEbooks #giveaway

Sometimes seconds are good and sometimes they aren't.

Bad seconds: second helping, second place, second movies, sloppy seconds, wait a second, second choice, two seconds too late, 2nd in line - don't they just all sound like losers because they weren't FIRST?

Great seconds: second children, sometimes second marriages, second dates, second time around, second chance, second base, ha ha. I'll stop there, but I know you can come up with more!

>>> HOLD ON!! I must interrupt myself to mention, the horrifically awesome Yolanda Renee is having me at her place today and I'm talking about SIMULATION and Marketing Tips. You can go there first if it sounds better, and come back here second...(hee hee) <<<





Now, back to SECOND BOOK SYNDROME.


SIMULATION is the second book in the Pop Travel series. Its sales and reviews are slim compared to its older brother. Why? Has this happened to you? Well, I have a few theories, let me know what you think...

• Did people not like the first one enough to buy he second?
• Do people not like the second and therefore not want to review it?
• Is it not getting enough exposure?
• Should I go on with the third?

Let's address these issues and try to reason them out.

First, if you're like me, you've had a bunch of loyal customers and great feedback from the first books - not only family and friends, but from strangers, too! This is clearly not the reason - we're fabulous!

Second (but still good!), How could they not like the second book? Here are my secondary theories...

• Many people naturally have lower expectations of a second book, like second movies are usually not as good as the first.
• Some friends bought the first book to support it being your first book - and that's as far as they went... it happens
• So less readers = less reviews
• marketing is part of the picture - it takes a while to get the next books out and unless you're keeping your readers informed (like with a newsletter) they may not realize the next one is out yet! More of the Next will help...

Next. This and the Last are the only things we can control. That evil word MARTKETING! I believe BOLDER is BETTER to be NOTICED in type and in life. There are tons of books out there and it's hard to get readers' attention. Even sub-category rankings are huge numbers. That means there are thousands of books in the same category vying for buyers' perusal. We have to do something drastic!

BTW, In August, I'm going to offer up a Marketing Series with some crazy ideas - untried, untested, and definitely unapproved! Any volunteers want to give me their reactions? (mention if you'd like to answer a question or two for me!)

Last. Writing the next book is the EASIEST way to get more readers. You have to keep writing, even when you are worried the third might sell less than the second... Don't get discouraged! Most readers want a ready-made series so they can continue post-haste. And the more books you have out there, the more you sell - this is from experience.

So keep writing! Just having a few fans from my small fan base ask for more is inspiration enough for me to keep at it. Totally worth the work and worry, not to mention, I love it!

Any "seconds" to share? Any thoughts or advice? I could always use it!
And don't forget to sign up for a signed copy of one of my books or some swag in honor of my book bdays this month...

NEW GIVEAWAY FOR SUMMER 2020!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Am I doing enough? Getting in the game

Playing any sport is competitive. But in my town, there's only one high school with over three thousand students. It's been tough to see my boys tryout for teams and not make it, when they are actually talented athletes. There are just so many to choose from, not to mention the politics. Now that they've grown and are on the school teams, my coach (not at the school) husband gives them this advice:

• Go to all the conditioning and practices, even the optional ones
• Do the volunteer activities
• Stay close to the coach - so you're the one he puts in next
• Go beyond what's expected, surprise them
• Get noticed, be visible

I think this applies to any aspect of life, including writing. Though luck plays a big role for getting "discovered," hard work pays off as well. That's why doing all of the above is necessary for today's writers. There are so many of us trying to get noticed and get in the game, i.e. be put on the shelves, which are dwindling themselves. So this is my IWSG worry this month. Am I doing enough?

Many of you may think I do plenty, but my conscious tells me I need to do more. I worry if I don't get a new book out each year, people will forget about me. And if I'm only selling to my friends, they will surely lose interest... I try not to dwell on things, but sometimes a piece of negative news arrives bringing doubt and invading progress.


But I guess it gives me something to commiserate with you all about! So here's to us! We can overcome our doubt together, right?

And here's another plug for the IWSG short story anthology contest. I submitted mine! Check it out and go for it!

PS - I know IWSG is on Wednesday, but I only have time to post once a week and Monday is my day with my tour - forgive me! In November I will post on the 4th =)

Week 4!

I had a lovely release party on Thursday. Many of my local friends and neighbors came out to support me, even one of my students made it out on a school night! The only drawback was I bought too much food - no one ate anything! At my first party everyone ate like crazy, but it was at a restaurant. Maybe since this one was at a coffee/wine bar they ate before not expecting a spread - I will use that to my advantage next time (and spend less!) Always learning!

one of my raffle winners =)
(more pics on FACEBOOK)

QUADRUPLE THANKS to my blog tour hosts from last week, Heather M Gardner, Katie Teller, Rena Rockford, and TB Markinson!

Here's where I'll be This Week, Oct 5 - 9:

• MJ Fifield - (10/7) a Lazy Housewife post on not-so-extreme makeovers
• Patricia Lynne - guest post (10/9) - Setting and keeping up with writing goals

**All my helpers will get a surprise from me and be entered in a raffle for a $20 gift card! They're so awesome! I hope you check them out.

And don't forget the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And I almost forgot - time for my Quarterly Newsletter Update!
I really appreciate all the support! And now that things have slowed down somewhat, I'll be able to visit around - it's been so crazy!!

Keep writing and doing your best - that's all anyone can ask!

Is it real or a SIMULATION!

It's hard to believe this is my third book. Time doesn't march, it luges! (luge, luge! the icy sled!)
Anyhoo -
WEAR A SMILE and CHEER, SIMULATION IS HERE!

And I have a truly terrific team helping me spread the word! During my month of Mondays, I'll let you know which blogs I'll be bouncing to. I won't list all the Release Day Blitz posters, you'll see those around. I will list the blogs where I wrote a guest post or did an interview...

Week of 9/14/15:

• C. Lee McKenzie - author interview - I answer questions about inspiration, getting published, and what's tough about the process
• Christine Rains - Lazy Housewife post - A few of the latest mom helpers
• Shah Warton - author interview - Shah asks about writing style, life outside writing, and advice for aspiring authors
• SK Anthony - guest post - Appreciate what you have
• Elsie Elmore - author interview - I share thoughts on the future world of Simulation and my writing process

All my helpers will get a surprise from me and be entered in a raffle for a $20 gift card! They're so awesome!

SIMULATION
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.

As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.

Available Now!

Amazon ~~ Barnes & Noble

Goodreads giveaway!

Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.

tara tyler talks and tweets and facebooks

And don't forget the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Simulation - You won't believe your eyes

Yay!!! It's finally here!! The stunning cover of

SIMULATION!

SIMULATION by Tara Tyler
Release Date: September 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.

To make matters more frustrating, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who is looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

To go with the cover reveal, I gave some bits of writerly advice through my awesome cover reveal helpers...check them out!

Tonja Drecker, MJ Fifield, Christine Rains, Julie Flanders, SK Anthony, Patricia Lynne, Elsie Elmore, Katie Teller, Sharon Bayliss, Rena Rockford, Shah Wharton, Elizabeth Seckman, and Heather M Gardner

Book One, POP TRAVEL

Re-released July 1, 2015

In 2080, Detective J.L. Cooper thought he could avoid pop, until he stumbles onto a video of a traveler who turns to dust. With help from the neurotic, genius “Creator” and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper has to expose the deadly glitch and shut it down or die trying. No problem.

Available now!

Amazon ~~~ B&N ~~~ Goodreads

I'm also the Lazy Housewife, with Elizabeth Seckman and Beth Fred, we are the Really Real Housewives of America - our new blog is dedicated to doling out tips and advice on how to economize time and money for a happier life (starts Aug 3!!)

And there are only a few days left for the POP TRAVEL giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will you look at that?

This month for the IWSG, I'm taking a break from worrying and doing a little celebrating! I hope the good vibes from this post will follow you around and holly jolly you out of any funk you might be stuck in!! Get some cheer, cheery, cheer over here!

First, the Insecure Writer's Support Group has published a collection of sage publishing advice! And I'm so excited to be a part of it! And it's FREE right now!

Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don'ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.

Amazon, 

Barnes and Noble, 

Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads.

Plus, I know some of you have been looking for a good critique partner - well, you're not alone. Check this out - it's another awesome something I've been wanting to share from the super supportive IWSG organization...

the IWSG Critique Circle.

Next...
I'm very excited to be close to handing over SIMULATION to my editor! And to give you all a taste of it, Chrys Fey tagged me in the 777 challenge - perfect timing!

In your current WIP, go to the 7th page, 7 lines down, and share 7 lines or so... Here I give you Colonel Crews Hamilton, the conniving, old villain from SIMULATION:

     Crews wanted an electrogun to zap the boy's head off.
     "Pull over."
     "But Crews…."
     "Pull. Over." The Colonel's glare, the original intimidator, beat Jonas' ten to one and took no arguments.
     "Are you sure? We're still downtown."
     The Colonel responded in a low, guttural voice, growling from his clenched teeth like a mean, junkyard dog. "I know where we are and I know where I'm going. Pull over the confounded car, right now."
     The fear that jumped into the young man's eyes comforted Crews. Jonas had crossed the wrong old man.

Thanks again, Chrys! And I will tag... Sarah Foster, Susan Gourley/Kelley, Angela Brown, Heather Gardner, Carrie Anne Brownian, Medeia Sharif, Vikki Biram

And lastly,

I took advantage of the lovely Elizabeth Arundel's offer to post about my newest release, BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, over at Unicorn Bell - another wonderful site for writing advice and encouragement and contests and more! If you've never stopped by, I suggest you do so!

Hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays! And staying warm!

My advice this month: Smile through it!

The Writing Process

Guess I'm coming back a little early!
Today, I have some lovely Celebrations - join in the accolades with Vikki's weekly blog hop!

• My new friend, Randi Lee, who I met through the A to Z blog hop, did me the honor of highlighting me in her Sunday special, Meet a Blogger !
• I submitted a super fun ZOMBIE short story called THE COMEBACK to my publisher (Curiosity Quills) annual anthology, which will include a piece by Piers Anthony - will be a dream come true if I get published with one of my all time fave authors!!
• Also super excited about writing my anti-princess story - I've even used Ashley Chappell-Peeples (just got married) advice and written three songs for it with Noteflight! It's my fluffy unicorn!!
• Plans are coming along nicely for my BROKEN BRANCH FALLS blog tour. I've written most of the posts, I just need to type them up. Starts JUNE 1!!
• And my IRL Release Party!! Having it at an ice cream shop and so much green gobliny goodness I can't stand it! (June 26 in Cincinnati)
• Lastly - I get to participate in the Writing Process tour...

My long-time blogging friend, Elizabeth Arroyo, invited me to join in the Writing Process tour. We get to talk about our writing process and then pass it on to another... Thanks Elizabeth!

Here are the questions posed and my answers:
a) What are you working on? A short story called JOLINDA about a snarky teenage maiden in medieval times who finds she is stronger than she thought; and editing SIMULATION, the next book in the Cooper Chronicles after POP TRAVEL.
b) How does your work differ from others of its genre? I combine elements from several genres... sci fi, fantasy, thriller, humor, and a bit of romance - doesn't real life have all the elements? But, that also made it hard to find an agent who wanted to pinpoint me.
c) Why do you write what you do? I write adventure and action because that's what I like to read, no matter the genre, and I want to offer people who don't think they have time to read, something they can't put down - I want to capture more readers!
d) How does your writing process work? I start with an idea, writers are great at "What if...?" Then I flesh it out. If I can get an outline with enough beats and twists and sub plots, I know I can make a novel out of it. I write a rough draft in a notebook, then, I start typing, and get it to my CP, and edit, edit, edit. I have many notebooks waiting and new ideas hit me all the time - some more persistent than others! (Jolinda wants to be an animated feature so bad!)

What are you working on? What's your writing process?
Feel free to join in the tour - just link back and pass it on!

And now, I pass the torch on to another Elizabeth - Elizabeth Seckman! I'm so happy I got to meet her in person - a true treasure! She'll be posting next week. Here's a little preview...

Elizabeth is a wife, a mom, and a writer. She has four wonderful boys, one dusty house, and three published books to her credit. Feel free to check them out and buy them HERE! Erm, the books, not the kids or the house...though all things in life are negotiable ;)

Here are her links: Blog // Facebook // Twitter

Can't unPOP a balloon

Hey Gang!
Since I've only been able to post once or twice a week, I'm doing my celebration today! Thanks, Vikki, for hosting this great weekly hop!

First, I'm celebrating with my bloggy friends in new releases (like Crystal Collier's Moonless) and cover reveals (like the Dragonfly Warrior by Jay Noel) - congrats and many more!

I'm also celebrating with my friends Julie & Lexi - hosting the sweet Dream Destination blog hop - they've had so many supporters offering prizes, even an agent critique! Definitely try to sign up! All you have to do is post about where you'd love to visit. It takes place Dec 5-8. Check it out!

I'm celebrating with my friends who are plugging away with Nano - I love seeing updates on facebook, twitter, and the blogs. Keep going!

As for my own celebrations...

• I've made some progress in spare moments on SIMULATION, tweeting some quotes. I'm loving how this story is coming along and can't wait to share it with my little fan base! ha! (Vikki, don't worry. You get the first read!) Sometimes writing just feels so right!
• Looking forward to visiting Michelle's blog next Tuesday with some Pop Travel out-takes. Fun!
• And lastly. Yay for Scorpios! Wednesday (20th) is my bday!

I look forward to reading your celebrations on Friday!

a thrilling weekend with a happy ending

Today is the day! I am so excited to read your thrills!

I wasn't planning to write anything, but I have to tell you about my thrilling weekend, a totally high/low time - just like a rollercoaster.

The losing started Thursday evening. My poor little guy's team is good, but since we won our division last year, we were forced to play up. We're not that good, so the other teams have been beating us and it SUCKS! Luckily, the boys get over it quickly with an ice cream or a swim. So, from Thurs to Sat we lost four games. My oldest team is very good, but I got the privilege to watch them lose their first two tournament games, as well.

But the lows continued. Little things kept going wrong. I spilled my coffee, slammed my finger, and then there was, The Hotel. An older specimen with a slow elevator and printed warning signs all over the place, a broken window here, one slow elevator that broke (yes, we were on the third floor), and to top it all off, one of the moms found a bed bug. We checked out.

In a deep depression at all the loss and bad luck, I went home to my dog, had a drink, and watched a movie - The Silver Linings Playbook. That was so SWEET! And in the morning, I wrote. That helped! I even finished my rough draft of Simulation! The rest goes like this:

• HIGH - got a call the boys won their morning game and would play for championship!
• TORN - am I a jinx? should I stay home? No! I should go back! I'm NOT a jinx, that's rubbish!
• LOW - fifteen minutes into hour drive, accident ahead causes standstill, for THIRTY minutes.
• HIGH - arrive on time and see boys play and have great attitudes!
• LOW - for my son's first at bat, he gets hit in the eye with a ball!
• HIGH - THEY GO ON TO WIN 7-6!!! 14 YO STATE CHAMPS!!
• LOW - my car is dead from middle son sitting in it the whole game without turning it all the way on...
• Praise God! It finally starts with jumper cables and we make it home...

This is real life thrills, folks. Emotional ups and downs. A thrill a minute! Wasn't planning on spouting today, just reading! But I had to share. And the good, though less in quantity, outweighs the bad in quality! We won! I finished! And so much to look forward to ahead!

Still time to whip up a story or tell a truth!

Eww! Awards! Part 1

I mean, Yay! Awards!
During the A to Z challenge last month, I received some fun awards. I am finally getting around to thanking the bestowers and passing them on... (This post got to be too long so I only got half of the awards done and will continue the award ceremony in another post. Good grief, there were a lot of questions!)

=======================================

But first, let me pause. It's Memorial Day. Please remember that freedom is not free. Many have sacrificed for us to have what we have. Thank you, Military!

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And now, on with the show!
Eww was my reaction to this first award from Mark and Heather - the Zombie Rabbit... It's cool and hip, but Eww! Thanks, guys!

For this award, we are supposed to list our top ten blogs from the A to Z challenge (or now that it's over, I'm resurrecting the award and pronouncing that you can promote any ten or so favorites!)

I met some great new bloggers during A to Z and this is the perfect time to highlight those I clicked with most (and was able to find again, some disappeared or didn't link back to their blogs...)

Carol Z          Connie B Dowell          Ayjay

Barbara White Daille       Hannah Brooker       Rob-Bear
Lady Jai        Clarissa Draper - daily puzzles

(and these last two are long time friends that had great themes, hard to pick just 2!)

J.A. Bennett - blogging tips           Elizabeth Seckman - easy, fun trivia!

     

The Next Big Thing was passed on to me by Brinda. Thanks, lady! I am going to answer questions about my next big WIP!

1. what is the working title? SIMULATION
2. where did the idea come from? An offshoot of POP TRAVEL
3. what genre is it? techno thriller
4. what actors would you pick for a movie rendition? I think I'm changing from Leonardo DiCaprio to Chris Hemsworth...
5. what's a one sentence synopsis? Cooper must stop an infamous, crazed campaign manager and his clone android candidate from taking over with their army of droids.
6. how long did it take to write the first draft? TBD, outline is done, hopefully will write first draft during camp nano...
7. will it be self-published or represented? hoping Curiosity Quills will keep me going!
8. what other books would you compare it to in your genre? I don't compare in quality, but in genre, with I, Robot and in this case, the movie Trading Places

And I'm tagging Julie Flanders, Cassie Mae, Donna Weaver, David P King, and Candilynn Fite - I'm curious what they are working on next!

Lastly today, thanks to sweet Jenn for giving me the Happy Tag. I am to list 5 things that make me happy (other than the given family & friends):
1) It didn't have a button to go with it. Making one made me happy!
2) Having so many friends volunteer to help me with my blog tour - Ecstatic!
3) My little guy's team won some games this weekend after a long losing streak - Incredible!
4) Finishing my edits! Wahoo!
5) School is out in a week. Happy, for the most part =)

I am tagging five bloggers who always make me happy (there are so many, it was hard to pick!)

Dana          Rhonda          Madeline          Laura M          LD Masterson

So one more award post coming soon...
And don't forget to sign up for Heather's & my
The Thrill of It All blogfest!
It's good practice to write a thrilling hook or capture a thrilling scene
or tell us about a thrilling adventure you've been on so we can live vicariously through you!