Friday 31 August 2007

Notes from a train

Doesn't anyone just read on trains any more? On a recent journey through Italy, Switzerland and France, I thought I'd stretch my legs and walk the length of the train researching what people actually did during long train journeys. Okay, if I'm honest I wanted to see if people were reading ebooks, but that's beside the point.

What did I discover? Well, most people were asleep (including my husband, who can sleep anywhere, anytime, bless him), the majority of the others were on laptops, either watching movies or playing games. Next came mobile phones - and here I'm going to stop myself from going into rant mode about why people have to shout while they're talking, or about why most of their conversations are so ridiculously ... no, I said I wasn't going to rant. I eavesdropped on some of those conversations (well, it's hard no to, because people speak so darn loud when ... no, I'm not going to rant).

Among the topics that hit my delicate ears ... a party at Anabelle's that Rick was going to be attending and if he didn't have the hottest rear end, then I don't know who has; a deal that had gone south and could have easily been saved if only that idiot had gotten his act together; a lady who had spent so much money on shoes she was going to have to hide them from her husband (well, that particular conversation was in French and mine's limited, but I got the gist of it); a book that was likely to be bigger than Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and if it wasn't he was going to spit and spit some more; a call to Barbara to say thank you for booking the best room in the most expensive hotel in Milan and as a thank you he was going to ... (unfortunately the call cut off when we went through a tunnel, so I don't know what Barbara actually got).

By the time I returned to my seat (and my still snoozing hubby)I felt pretty exhausted, I can tell you, but the walk and the eavesdropping prompted me to get out my notepad and jot down some ideas for scenes, characters and even a potential plot.
Who said no good ever came of listening to private conversations? Although, of course, these weren't exactly private because the callers talked so loudly that the whole darn carriage was forced to listen ... but I'm not going to rant.

Maybe in the future we can have carriages designated as mobile free zones, then at least those of us who actually want to relax with a good book can do so. Just a thought ...

Saturday 18 August 2007

Marketing -v- Writing

I've really been throwing myself into marketing following the release of my first book, and now it's gotten to the stage where I've had to stand back and say, no more!

Working full-time at the day job (which I love) leaves me little enough time for writing as it is, and this past couple of weeks I've abandoned that writing time in favour of promoting myself and my book. Neither comes easily to me - I much prefer banging away at the keyboard, getting lost in new worlds, discovering interesting characters - yet I suppose the promo side is all part of the process if, like me, you want to be successful. And it's a fairly addictive process, especially when it's so much fun to connect with readers and fellow authors. But where do you draw the line? How much promo is enough? When does it turn from becoming a necessary, if enjoyable, evil and turn into a thief of your writing time?

If there's anyone out there who knows the answer I'd love to hear from you. This newbie needs all the help she can get before she turns into a promo queen with nothing left to sell!

When I don't write I feel like there's something missing, a big part of me that is unfulfilled. I feel better when I write, I feel happier, more content. So, today I'm going to abandon the promo stuff and I'm going to write - I'm going to write, write, write .......... but first I just need to finish that marketing plan ...

Wednesday 15 August 2007

Novelspotters

A bunch of us Samhain authors are chatting at Novelspotters today ... come on over and join in the conversation.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Novelspotters

Tuesday 7 August 2007

Release day

His Convenient Affair is released today! It seems like I've been waiting forever, but in reality it's been about nine months. Nine months ... wow, I've just given birth! I'm a mama!

Here's a short blurb:

Is Chloe willing to make a deal—for her land, and her heart?

Nathan Fitzgerald is willing to do whatever it takes to restore his company’s reputation. At the top of his to-do list is to acquire the site earmarked for a luxury marina hotel—a site currently owned by the beautiful, stubborn Chloe Greenwood. He’s sure that with a few pretty words and seductive look or two, the property will be his.

Oh, yeah?

I really love seeing those arrogant alpha males brought to their knees by equally strong women, then watching as they twist themselves in knots trying to get what they think they want.

To read an excerpt from His Convenient Affair or to purchase a copy click HERE

TJ

Monday 6 August 2007

Fun at the Cafe

Melissa Schroeder is hosting Mel's Mama list day at Samhain Publishing today. There'll be prizes, excerpts and all kinds of fun from a whole host of authors. Pop over and join us at the Samhain Cafe.

Friday 3 August 2007

For all you special women ...

A few years ago I lost a beloved cousin to breast cancer. She was in her early thirties and by the time the disease was detected it was too far advanced for any treatment to help.

I'm at the age where I get to have a mammogram every three years and I take advantage of it. I know women who don't. Okay, so it feels like having your breasts shut in the refrigerator door for a couple of seconds, but please, if you're reading this and thinking of foregoing the test - DON'T! You're too important not to have it. I always think of my cousin when I have the test, and in some way I feel it honours her memory.

Anne, I'm thinking of you today, kid. This one's for you.

Tricia