Trying new things: Book Marketing?

30 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Maiden Ink in #TheLastOrder, book marketing, writing

Tags

#indiepub, #indiepublishing, #thelastorder, book marketing, book promotion ideas, bublish

I’ve spent way more time than I should searching out ways to market The Last Order.

Today a found a site called Bublish. Turns out you can make cool bubbles about your book. You pick an excerpt and add some insight and they make a cool page an link for you to share. You can test drive the site for 30 days for free. No giving them any money or credit card information. I figured it was worth a try.

Here is my first bubble check it out and let me know what you think. Follow me on Bublish. Let’s see what I can come up with this month.

https://bublish.com/bubble/stream/5219?share=tw

If you want to give Bublish a try click here.

Cover reveal, and interview with author Isabella Redwood

23 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by Maiden Ink in Blog tour, Giveaway, writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

#amazonpreorder, #debutauthor, #goodreads, #indebooksbeseen, #indiepub, #writers, coverreveal, NA thiller

I’m pleased to welcome Isabella Redwood author of the NA romantic thriller In The End.

Author Isabella Redwood

Maiden Ink: Why do you write?

Isabella: Writing sets you free. There are no restrictions, rules or conventions you have to abide by. Your imagination is limitless and the ability to harness that potential into the written word is the ultimate fantasy.

Maiden Ink: Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? If so, what was it about?

Isabella: I do, giggles I was around eleven years old and whilst in the bath, I imagined being shrunk to a tiny size. Imagining all the adventures I would get up to, sliding on the soap and climbing the plug chain. I wrote the story shortly after.

Maiden Ink: In what ways has social media changed your self perception as a writer?

Isabella: I realized I wasn’t alone. There were so many other people who had the same desire and determination to create something they could be proud of. Any writer knows, it is not about the money, you don’t decide to be a writer to get rich. It is the pure love of that one story that makes you tingle in anticipation and not be able to stop till you have written the ending. Social media has enabled me to connect with fellow writers and find the most talented and inspiring people. I couldn’t recommend it enough for writers.

Maiden Ink: What does it take to finish a novel?

Isabella: For me, a lot of chocolate, sleep and dancing. I say I dream write and it is the truth. I have always had vivid dreams, a crazy imagination since childhood and many stories come to me through sleep. I will also dance. If you watch Grey’s Anatomy, you know how Meredith and Christina would dance to psych themselves up, yes that is me. I’m a geek. 😉 Sleep, dancing and chocolate, coupled with a giant cup of determination makes the perfect recipe for ‘getting it done’

Maiden Ink: How will you celebrate the first sale of your book?

Isabella: I think a lap around the garden with my daughter on my shoulders, squealing with joy, will likely happen.

In The End banner for YouTube and Google Plus

Maiden Ink: What makes your book unique to its genre market?

Isabella: I love my characters. They are real and flawed, nothing has come easy to them and I think that makes them relatable.

Maiden Ink: Why did you choose to write a romantic thriller?

Isabella: With the butterfly series and In The End I have completely changed my writing process. I used to write in no particular order and therefore had a clear idea what genre the book would fit into from the start, as I often wrote the ending or the action chapters first. With In The End, I wrote in order from beginning to end. I let the story tell me where it wanted to go initially and through lots of dream writing, planned out the rest in chronological order. In answer, I didn’t choose, it found its home as I wrote.

Maiden Ink: How would you describe your main character?

Isabella: She is a fighter and a survivor. Her spirit and determination to keep going forward, despite the many challenges she faced, draws me to her. She is funny and quirky and I would love to have her as a friend.

Maiden Ink: What has been your biggest publishing challenge thus far?

The financial aspects have been the most challenging. I wanted the book to be the best it could be and therefore paying for services such as editing and cover design were paramount. Having lots of outgoings and nothing coming in is difficult to explain to your partner, but to me, it was the desire to share my work with others that kept me going, as scary and exciting as that is.

Maiden Ink: What else are you currently working on?

Isabella: The butterfly series is confirmed as three books, with a possible bonus fourth. I have been writing the second book in the series, The Beginning and planning for the third. I have also been working on my science fiction novel, Touch, polishing it and a new wip.

Maiden Ink: Isabella, thank you for stopping by today. Now it’s time to reveal the cover that I was honored to designed for In The End!

Release Date: April 7^th 2015

You can pre-order In the End on Amazon now.

In The End on Goodreads

Follow Isabella: isabellaredwood.com

Maiden Ink: Thank you for sharing about yourself and your writing! I wish you all the best.

Isabella: Thanks so much having me and please do check out my giveaway for the book launch. Three winners will receive a Butterfly Series goody bag containing a signed paperback copy of my book, and three pieces of butterfly themed jewellery, a bracelet, earrings and necklace. For pictures and entry instructions please visit my blog at isabellaredwood.com.

The giveaway is open internationally and no purchase is required.

An Unforeseen Author

11 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #author, #authors, #books, #debutauthor, #deubt, #dontgiveup, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #fangirl, #indebooksbeseen, #indiepub, #nevergiveup, #writers, #writetip, #writing, #writingproces

I didn’t grow up reading like many authors. I grew up on films. I loved movies and not just current films. I watched films from the black and white era, mysteries, musicals, and more. I made my parents rent the film The Labyrinth every time we went to the video store. (Some of you have never rented from one of those. They’ve become extinct.) Instead of reading stories, I was watching them. I learned about plot and character from film.

Even though I didn’t read much, I liked the idea of books. The first book I read, other than children’s books, was a Nancy Drew mystery. I sat in my room on a Saturday and read the whole book. After that, I didn’t read for a long while. But eventually C.S. Lewis and Frank Pertetti caught my attention with their stories. My lack of reading had to do with my endurance. I would lose my place on the page and daydream if I got bored.

To this day, I have difficulty finishing books if they don’t draw me in.

So how does a non-reader become an author?

There is no doubt I loved stories. I even earned a BA in video production, and became photographer as well. I’ve lived behind the camera for years.
But about 7 years ago, I stared reading young adult novels and I never quit. Over those years, I didn’t keep count of how many books I read. However, I read so much that it inspired me. And over two years ago, I started writing once again.(See my blog post: Why I stopped writing.)

Now, the girl who couldn’t focus long enough to read one book will release her first book The Last Order on Feb 3rd, 2015.

My biggest hope is not that people will love my book, although a few fangirls would be nice. Instead, I hope someone like me, who lost their passion for something they enjoyed, will find their way back and create something that surprises them.

How I designed the book cover for The Last Order

04 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in #TheLastOrder

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

#amazonpreorder, #angelacaldwell, #angelamcaldwell, #author, #book, #bookcover, #books, #debutauthor, #dyslexia, #dyslexicwriter, #fantasy, #goodreads, #indebooksbeseen, #indieauthor, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #photography, #thelastorder

By Angela M. Caldwell

When I first started thinking about a book cover I knew I wanted it simple, elegant, and it had to have the symbol of The Last Order Silas designs for Lana in the book.

As a photographer, I knew I could shoot my own cover if I needed to, but in my heart I really wanted to leave Lana to the imagination of readers.

So I went to my dad and asked him to draw the symbol. After a week or so he finally came up with two options.

We went to lunch and you would have thought he was meeting a stranger not his daughter. He was so nervous, it was cute. I love my dad.

Both photos are original drawings and they are protected by copyright laws. ©rocketcircuspress

I decided on the crown above the triquetra. The triquetra knot is a Celtic symbol that can represent a few different things, but I chose it because of its connection to women and unity.

I loved the drawings and from there I moved forward and scoured the internet for stock photos. I searched for hours to find the right pictures.

I wanted the cover to have a leather look and feel, so I chose this background from www.dollarphotoclub.com.

Next, I found a wall with Ivy and removed the wall and kept the ivy, which was very tedious work. I used the ivy in several places by rotating it and flipping it. This also came from www.dollarphotoclub.com.

Before

After

After that, I needed a way to emphasize the Last Order symbol, so I found this grey splotch and placed it on the front and back, and used a blending layer.

Lastly, I placed the symbol where I wanted it and also used a blending layer. Then I added an inner glow, and bevel & emboss effects. You can still see the guides I used for the layout in this photo.

Next the title, and author name were added. I used 2 different fonts that gave it a Celtic feel. Then, to make the words pop off the page effects were added. Below is exactly what I had.

I knew it was missing something so I found the flowers and added them for the finishing touch. I was honestly surprised I pulled it off, but I was able to use my photography background to create a beautiful cover that I hope you love.

FINAL FRONT COVER

Add this beautiful book to #goodreads

Amazon e-book pre-order

The Last Order

by Angela M Caldwell

Release date: February 3rd, 2015

Parody of Shake it off, for writers only

11 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #author, #books, #dontgiveup, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #grammar, #indieauthor, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #pardoy, #rejection, #shakeitoff, #writers, #writing, #writingproces

This was too fun not to share. Google an instrumental version of Shake it off and have fun with these new lyrics.

I don’t have the pipes to pull off the singing or I would have made it into a video. This was just for fun. No Haters…

But, we all already know what they do! So, shake it off.

WRITE IT ALL

I make a ton of mistakes. Got there in the wrong place.
That’s what people say…mmm mmm
That’s what people say…mmm mmm

I study grammar books, but they don’t help looks.
At least that’s what people say…mmm… mmm
That’s what people say….mmm…mmm

But I keep writing, can stop won’t stop writing. It’s like I got these stories, in my mind, saying you just got to write.

Cause the Editor’s gonna edit, edit, edit, edit, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep, rep, baby

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write ,write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog blog blog blog blog

The Publisher’s gonna pub pub pub pub pub

I’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

I never my miss hook. My betas love my book.
And that’s enough for me. mmmm-mmmmm
Yes, that’s enough for me. mmmm-mmmmm

I’m writing everyday. (writing everyday) My MC won’t go away (MC won’t go away)

That’s how my story goes, mmmm-mmm

That’s how my story goes mmmm-mmmm

But I keep writing, can stop won’t stop writing. It’s like I got these stories, in my mind, saying you just got to write. Cause the Editor’s gonna edit, edit, edit, edit, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep,repI’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog, blog, blog, blog, blog

The Publishers’ gonna pub, pub, pub ,pub ,pub

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write, write. Write it all. Write it all.

Write it all. Write it allWait. Wait. Wait.

Just think while you’ve been crying in your corner over there about your rejections, query letters, and agents who won’t read your story.

You could have been writing, the next best seller.

My twitter friend got a new agent.
She’s like “OMG!” but I’m just gonna write.

And the author over there with the new indie book says

Come on over girl and we can Write, Write, Write

Editor’s gonna edit, edit , edit edits, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep, rep

I’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog, blog, blog, blog, blog

The Publisher’s gonna pub, pub, pub, pub, pub

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write, write. Write it all. Write it all.

Write it all. Write it all.

What ifs

15 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #author, #authors, #dontgiveup, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #grammar, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #rejection, #whatif, #whatifs, #writers, #writetip, #writing

What if I never get published? What if I never get an agent? What if no one buys my book? What if someone hates my book and slanders me? What if all my twitter followers unfollow me, because they think the cover sucks? What if….?

Negativity is damaging to your creative juice, your muse, your mojo, whatever you choose to call it. And what ifs apply to more than writing. What ifs can really mess up your thinking.

Every successful writer I’ve chatted with has something in common. They never gave up. They pushed past the negative what ifs, and keep moving forward. One writer in particular now comes to mind. She wrote for 20 years before she landed an agent and a book deal. She kept writing, because she loved it.

So what if, these things never happen. If you love writing, it won’t really matter. You will write because it’s your air, and without it there is no breath. So today change your what ifs.

What if they love my book, even though I’m an indie author? What if readers create fan art. What if readers demand more? What if that agent loves my next novel? What if my twitter followers stick by me during the ups and downs? What if my story can help somebody else keep writing?
What if…?

Leaps

22 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #bookcover, #bookpublishing, #bookreleasedate, #books, #contest, #debutauthor, #deubt, #dontgiveup, #dreaming, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #indie, #indieauthor, #indiebook, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #publishing, #selfpublishing, #vote, #voting, #write, #writing

I’m going to become my own publisher. #indebooksbeseen After months of querying very few people, and waiting on decisions from full requests, I’ve decided to publish my debut YA fantasy novel on my terms. Well kind of, here comes the crazy, insane, ridiculous part.

I’m offering you, my followers and fans, some control over things. You’ll make use of your powers for good and vote on the release date, cover, and more. You now think I’m officially crazy. Welcome to the club.

I struggle making final decisions. I can’t choose favorites. But, you guys are very good at those things. And with your help, my book will be judged by the cover you choose! The fun will start next week with your very first choice-the release date.

I will choose 3 dates and give you reasons why I chose each date, and you will pick my release date by voting. Please follow this blog, my Twitter (I follow back awesomeness) , Goodreads or Facebook account to make sure you don’t miss out on voting.

And yes, I am officially hyperventilating. And want to thank you all, my writer friends, and avid readers who have already signed up to read a book that isn’t available. You guys remind me to be fearless everyday.

Angela M Caldwell

~ Author

Tag Archives: #indiepub

Trying new things: Book Marketing?

Cover reveal, and interview with author Isabella Redwood

An Unforeseen Author

How I designed the book cover for The Last Order

Parody of Shake it off, for writers only

What ifs

Leaps

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