A Year After "CRY WOLF"

We’re fast approaching Oct. 31 — a day with significant meaning for this writer.

Why is it significant, you ask? I’ll tell you why. Because my dream of becoming a published author came true on this date one year ago. That’s right. I’m coming up on the anniversary of my pub date for CRY WOLF, a contemporary romance (with suspense elements) that was published by Harlequin’s digital-first e-publisher Carina Press Oct. 31, 2011. Hey, I even got an audiobook out of the deal, which was pretty darn cool in the scheme of things.

So where am I as an author a year later?

Eh-hem. Let me step up to the podium and preach some truth for a few minutes.

I wish I could tell you I’m wildly rich or famous or both, or just moderately richer or even slightly more famous, or that I’ve since published more novels, but nah. Hasn’t happened. I hate to break it to you, but chances are, you’ve already heard this anyway. Publishing is a tricky business, and making it to the other side of the rejection letter once doesn’t make things any easier.

For example, I never really realized how hard it is to sell a book once you actually have one to sell. Publishers rely heavily on authors to do self marketing. Basically, I think, most publishers publish your book, wish you well, and (unless you’re J.K. Rowling or Stephen King) set you adrift in a sea full of other writers who’ve already been set adrift in the murky waters of book marketing. I’ve paddled past many poor schmucks who’ve lost their life jackets and sank away into the deep blue, vowing never to write again because their books have hovered around the #975,000 mark in Amazon’s Best Sellers Rank pretty much since the days they published.

Disheartening stuff, but enough to quit writing?

Yeah, right. And what have you been smoking? Sheesh. It will take a lot more than that for me to quit writing, but I’m only one of many published authors who struggle with publicity and marketing. The industry is oversaturated with writers desperate for someone, anyone — yeah, I’m talking to you over there hiding behind that bush — to read their stories. Not to mention to fork over hard-earned cash to buy the darn things.

I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had the Harlequin marketing staff at my disposal to which to email questions. Should I have an author website? Does my author website look too stupid for words? Should I be paying for ads in magazines? Should I spend my time doing blog tours? (Flails in panic) For the love of all that is holy, what should I do?!?

I’ve gotten almost the same answer with each question I’ve asked.

Yes, you should have an author website, ads don’t hurt, and blog tours can help get your name out there. But the most important thing I can do to sell books is — raise your hand if you’ve heard this one — write more books.

That’s it. Just keep writing.

Sounds easy enough, except, truth is, it isn’t.

Finding time to write: Hard.

Finding an idea that hasn’t already been done a thousand times: Hard.

Executing that idea that’s already been done before in a fresh and exciting way? Hard.

I’ll come clean and admit I’ve written two new manuscripts in the past year, and both were rejected by the publishers I targeted. Yes, one of those books was even recently rejected by Carina Press, the publisher who gave my debut novel a shot.

Like I said, getting to the other side of the rejection letter once doesn’t make things any easier.

My editor assured me she really liked my story and recommended it for acquisition, and unless she was just being the kind soul I know her to be and letting me down easy, even that wasn’t enough to get my second book published. Other factors were at play, and while I won’t even pretend to know what they are (competition, marketing, other editors’ approval), I do know one thing.

My manuscript is darn good book, and it will get published, one way or another. It probably needs some polishing, but what book doesn’t? And I don’t hold a grudge against the folks at Carina Press either. In some ways, I imagine their job is more difficult than mine. Imagine wading through thousands of submissions, good submissions, every day that you have to reject for corporate and marketing reasons.

I know what you’re thinking to yourself right now. Geez. So what’s the point of all this rambling, woman?

Never give up. Self-publishing is always an option. Yes, you might be set adrift in a sea of thousands — or millions — of other authors all trying desperately to find an audience for their books. But there are far too many success stories not to at least try.

And if you’re a writer like me, you’d still be writing anyway, right?

Oh, and uh, go buy my book, will ya? My kitty could use an extra can of food for Christmas. Thanks.

Angela Campbell is an award-winning journalist whose first fiction novel, CRY WOLF, was published by Carina Press in October 2011. She can be found online at www.angelacampbellonline.com and on Twitter @angelacampbel.

The Journey Continues

Some of you know my story well, but others may not.  I’ll make the low-down quick and painless!  I started out my writing career in 2008.  I’ve always been a writer, keeping journals, blogging, etc. However, after the death of my mother in 1998, I had a hard time putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).  Once I finally got my feet wet, I posted my stories on a website called Text Novel.

Text Novel was the first place that I was actually able to meet and mingle with other aspiring authors.  I met some of the most talented people there and started to learn a good bit about the business.   After a couple of years of rewriting my stories, I submitted one to Astraea Press and got a contract.  Astraea Press caters to “clean” fiction, meaning no cussing or premarital sex.  I’ve had several books published through them and have had nothing but a fantastic experience.

Not all of my books fall into the category of “clean” fiction.  I’m not one to write erotica, but some of my stories have a bit of cussing or a scene or two of sex.  This being the case, I was forced to step out and find another publisher.  At this point, the idea of self-publishing had never crossed my mind.  I won’t name the publisher because I never want to slam anyone, but I’ll leave it at saying that after being with Astraea Press who prides themselves on their editing and professionalism, I was greatly disappointed with the publisher I chose.

Luckily, we were able to part amicably, and I was allowed to move on.  I toyed with the idea of finding another publisher, because there are some wonderful ones out there, but after talking it over with some of my self-published friends, I decided to take the leap of faith.

There are so many ways to get your work out to the readers.  It’s extremely important that you find one that is most comfortable to you.  If you decide to get an agent and tackle the big six publishers, you will need to have patience, but you can’t beat the money they pay or the money they will put behind you to promote your book.  A good small house publisher will have your book edited, formatted and help with marketing.  If you self-pub, it will all fall back on you as the writer; however, you will have complete creative freedom.  There are plenty of people out there who know how to do all the things you will need to do, should you decide to self-publish.

For me, the self-publishing journey is just beginning.  I will keep you updated and let you know how it goes!  All my books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble and Amazon -  Be on the lookout for Magia Rising my first self-publish novel coming at the end of September.

As always Tammatha, thanks for having me!!

Cheers,

Monique O’Connor James

Monique O'Connor James

Author of:  "The Keepers" "Jamais Vu"  "Deja Vu"

"The Mulligan Man"  "The Watchers" all from Astraea Press.

Coming 2012:  "Becoming Jolie" “Magia Rising”

Twitter:               mjames13

Wordpress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com

Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176

Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/Moniqueoconnorjamesauthor

All books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Getting back in the writing game

I have recently (last night… err night before last now) published the webpage of The WRITE Business Solutions. It can be found at www.theWRITEbusinesssolutions.com. I intend to create a full website as soon as possible. In the meantime, I intend to update this blog much more frequently with entries from previous guests, new guest bloggers and myself. In you are interested in submitting a guest blog about your writing experiences and struggles send me an email at www.theWRITEbusinesssolutions@yahoo.com. I have been very lazy with my writing. I have not written much professionally or personally in quite a while. I have been posting writing related links to the group page on Facebook but other than that, I haven’t done much. I have been dealing with a lot of life but that is no excuse to let my writing suffer but let’s face it, it happens. I have been making plans for writing projects though and I have some ideas for query letters. I simply haven’t written the queries or done any of the research for those queries. My goal at the beginning of the year was to write and submit a query once a month. I came up with article ideas for January, February, March and April. I haven’t come up with an idea for May and I would like to think of some seasonal stuff and I know now is the time to submit those to many publications. Again, I haven’t done any of the research though and I can’t write the query letters, much less submit them until I have done the research. I do hope to get back on tract though. I have to. I am a writer and it is time I started acting like one again. I have many writer friends on FB and … (what do we refer to friends we know and see face to face outside of Facebook?) personally and I see and read about their success all the time. I know I can join them if I will just do the work and believe in myself again. Somewhere along the way, I lost the confidence I had in my writing and the self doubt has wreaked havoc on my career. Maybe a little writing exercise about my personal writing experience will help. Here is my writing story and how The WRITE Business Solutions came to be. I remember writing as early as the fifth grade but I didn’t know I was a writer until the seventh grade. From then on, I knew what I was. In high school, if anyone asked what I wanted to be or what I was going to be I answered I was a writer. I never had any doubt that I would write stories, they would become books, and novels and people would read them and enjoy them. I never thought about pursuing the education I lacked though. I was a writer I knew how to write. I knew how to tell a story and create a story that engrossed and entertained people. I wasn’t the best at the fundamentals of English, my spelling was awful and my grammar was lacking. I would respond egotistically that’s what editors were for when anyone would criticize my writing. No one ever criticized my writing for the story only for the grammar, structural, spelling or any combination of the three. I’m in the process of deciding which school I will attend and working towards eliminating the kinks so that I can finish the education, I am lacking. I plan to major in Creative Writing with a minor in English and Journalism or majoring in Creative writing and English with a minor in Journalism or majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing and Journalism. I joined a local writers group a while back and I have attended two or three meetings. I feel guilty every other Monday (like tonight, make that last night) when they meet and I am not there. There were times when I was watching kids, which is my side job that pays the bills I’m not paying with my writing at the moment. I have been sick, selfish and or lazy on others. Now, I am not able to go because of conditions beyond my control but as soon as I am able to attend again, I intend to do so. I enjoyed the meetings I attended and received some good feedback when I shared my work and I learned a lot from listening. I’m not sure I felt as though I really fit in though but I’m thinking that might be because I hadn’t attended more meetings. I started my writing career at the encouragement of several friends, many who were in the writing field themselves. One of them was Robyn White (McDaniel at that time) whom I met when she started working as the Director of Communications at Associated Grocers. In our company newsletter, her introduction mentioned she had won copyeditor of the year several times in Arcadia. I sent her a sample of something I had written and she asked me what I was doing working in accounting. I responded that I was in hell but making a living. She suggested I start freelancing. When Robyn first suggested I freelance, I looked at her and said I’m not a reporter. She responded that was the easiest and fastest way to be paid as a writer. Robyn let me write for the company newsletter and I came up with a few ideas that were fun and involved finding subjects willing to be interviewed and interviewing them. It was fun, my peers seemed to enjoy what I wrote, and it boosted my writing ego. Through a mutual love of Days of Our Lives, I met Angela Campbell. Angie was an editor and reporter at a newspaper as well as an up and coming novelist (she’s a little past the up and coming point now) and she encouraged me to write and helped teach me the ropes and AP style when I started corresponding (stringing) for a local paper. She taught me everything I know. I landed my second gig corresponding with the main paper in Baton Rouge and continued to correspond for the Daily Star as well. In late 2004, I decided to write full time and started The WRITE Business Solutions. I placed ads and answered ads looking for freelancers. I acquired enough clients that along with my reporting gigs (I had three beats with the first paper and two with the second) I was able to support my family. I wrote daily on my personal writing working on my book at first but that soon feel to the wayside. Some meetings ran long and the articles had to be in to my editors. Then I managed to get quite a few clients and eventually the work was more than I was able to keep up. That was when I started to build a data base of writers. I hated turning down clients and I wasn’t able to complete the work so I thought I’d pass along the work. My clients knew me, trusted me, and liked my work. I still wanted them to be “mine” at least in a sense of the word. I took the responsibility of interviewing each writer who applied. I read over their clips and decided if they were a fit or not. I did not guarantee any work to the writer and I did not ask for any payments of any type. I knew what I would want for the pieces of work and that’s what I offered the writers. I explained to my clients that I was essentially the middle man and I informed them of what the writer would be making as well as what percentage I would like them to pay me for providing them with the writer, editing the article and guaranteeing the quality of the article and the timeliness of it. Business was good and with the exception of one client I never had a problem receiving payment and I never had any problems with any of the writers who wrote for me. The problem with the client was resolved with the exception that no one, including myself received his or her copy of the magazine. After several slow payments were received, I held the work for the following issue until payment was received and when I released the work once, payment was received and dispersed to the writers, I ceased doing business with the client. I informed the writers of what was going on and kept them informed every step of the way, throughout the process. After the client and I had dissolved our business dealings, I gave the writers permission to write for the client directly if they chose to do so. I know of at least two writers who did. I accepted a position as a full time reporter for a small bi-weekly newspaper in Wyoming. During that time, I didn’t have much time to write and The WRITE Business Solutions went into hiatus for a bit. My family and I moved to Idaho for a few years after that and then finally made it back to Louisiana. It’s been a wild ride and now I’m ready to rebuild my writing career and get back to where I was before.

Monique O'Connor James, Here Comes Book Number 2!

Tammatha, thanks for inviting me back to talk about my books!  A lot has happened since the last time I was on your blog.  On Tuesday, October 4, 2011 my second novel will be published by Astraea Press and I’m really excited!

 When Tammatha asked me to do this blog, she said that things had been moving fast for me since getting my first novel published.  I had to think about it for awhile, because I hadn’t realized just how fast things had moved.  In between these two books, I got a short story published and have had lots of experience with marketing and editing.  I thought I’d share with you some of the things I’ve learned along the way.

First, things never go as you plan.  My first novel, The Keepers, was published in June of 2011.  It got off to a great start and was staying at the top of the Best Sellers list on Astraea’s website.  It was also ranked pretty high on Amazon and things were going exceptionally well for a small press release.  I didn’t actually pick up the book and take a look at it until a couple of months in and well that’s when I suffered a bit of shock.  

The MS we had painstakingly pored over and edited was not the one that got published and there was a slew of errors in the printed and eBook.  I was devastated, needless to say.  A couple hundred books had gone out and I knew I’d have to make a difficult decision.  In August, I had the publisher pull the copy so we could start back at square one and reedit.  

I remember crying for three days after.  No one ever wants to back track once the ball gets rolling on your growing a fan base.  Happily, In September, the book was placed back on the websites and is currently being readied for print again.  My biggest fear during this time has been that I would lose the momentum that I gained and all the hard work I’d done would be for naught.  So far, that hasn’t been the case, as things have begun to pick up again.  

Just remember when you get published that much like the rest of life, things will not be smooth sailing for everyone.  The best thing you can do is relax and believe that everything happens for a reason.  It just so happens that during the time my book was down, I got gravely ill and wouldn’t have been able to give it the time it needed anyway.  So see it all worked out in the end.

Another valuable lesson I’ve been forced to learn is that no matter how hard you work, or how many good reviews you get, someday you will get a bad review.  Also, no matter how much you think you’re prepared for it, it will hurt.  When I read the first review that slammed my book (there have only been a couple thankfully), I remember getting angry, and then crying and feeling defeated.  I actually thought, why am I even writing?

It’s really important to keep everything in perspective.  You can be perfect and not everyone is going to adore your writing.  Maybe they won’t like the story, the characters, the setting, the editing, and your writing.  Let’s face it, there are a lot of things that go into a person enjoying a book, and most people don’t even realize it. Now days, I try not to read the bad reviews.  Truth be told, we need to remember why WE started writing in the first place and keep our minds focused on that.   You will have fans, people will love your writing, but there will always be the few who hate it because they are hard to please, because they have never actually written anything themselves, or maybe just because you didn’t capture their attention and they’re being honest.

I hope my experiences help you relax a little and know that everything will work out, no matter how bumpy your path becomes during publication.

Hope to check back in with you soon!  Thanks again Tammatha.

Monique O’Connor James

www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

www.twitter.com/mjames13

www.facebook.com/moniqueoconnorjamesauthor

Being True to Yourself

By: Monique O'Connor James 
Author of "The Keepers"

It was sometime in February 2011, when I received an email that “The Keepers” was going to be published.  Immediately, I reacted with tears, because I’m highly emotional.  But, after a few days I settled in to the idea.  Honestly, I more than settled in, I put the thought on the back burner.  It didn’t hit me right away.  I knew I’d signed a contract, but the release date was miles away, and there was nothing to think about.  I think the day I received my content edits was the first day I actually realized my book was going to be released for public consumption. 

In the days prior to the release, I spent hours working on the content edits and the line edits from the proof reader.  I was so busy I didn’t have time to dwell on what it meant to be published.  Finally, on June 7, 2011 my debut novel “The Keepers” was published.  The initial release included all E-Book formats and they could be purchased at Astraea Press, Amazon, Barns and Noble, Smashwords, etc. I also started taking preorders for the print edition which will be available in July 2011.

I’m not sure what I expected. Perhaps, I was thinking I’d be lucky to sell ten books and elated if I sold twenty.  I hadn’t realized how much support I would get from my fellow writers, family, and friends. Every time I turned on the computer five or six people had shared the link to my book.  All day I received phone calls, texts and emails congratulating me.  I was on Cloud Nine.

One of my fellow writers posted “The Keepers” was number twenty-two in the Teen Religious/Spiritual category for sales on Amazon.com, and that it was number one in Hot New Releases in the same category.  I flipped!  I hadn’t expected it at all.  In that moment, I knew that word of mouth was going to make my launch day successful.  I’m not sure how many E-Books we sold, I’m guessing about twenty, but we also sold thirty print copies on the first day. It goes without saying, I was excited. 

I wanted to share a story with you and a small bit of advice:

When I started writing, I couldn’t write a sex scene to save my life.  I could write romance, and sweet kissing scenes but I couldn’t bring myself to write about intercourse.  I have no issues with sex in novels, and I’m not such a prude that I can’t talk about sex. However, as when writing I have never found it necessary in my work.  I also wanted my fourteen year old son and my seventy year old daddy to both feel comfortable reading my work.

My friends ridiculed me relentlessly for not writing sex scenes in my novels.  I finally gave up and forced myself to write one in a story.  I never made peace with the scene and it never seemed to fit into the story.  I felt like I had to leave it because everyone says, “sex sells”.  I eventually came to the conclusion the only way I’d be happy with the story was to edit it out. 

Shortly after I wrote that story, I got my first contract with Astraea Press.  Astraea has strict guidelines regarding sex: no open door premarital sex and no cuss words. From the start I felt at home and free to write stories the way I wanted to write them.  “The Keepers” success has made me realize sometimes you have to listen to your gut, instead of your critics.

Doing what feels right to you won’t always be the easy or popular option, but if you stay true to yourself you will succeed.  I hope everyone finds a publishing home where they feel comfortable being who they are.  Good luck!

Cheers!

Monique O'Connor James

Author of:  "The Keepers"

From www.AstraeaPress.com

Twitter:               mjames13
Wordpress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

You can buy The Keepers at www.astraeapress.com or Amazon, Barns and Noble or Smashwords.

BACK COVER BLURB:

Jess denies God.  In his infinite wisdom, he’s taken everyone she’s ever loved. Moving to the French Quarter was a ploy to erase the guilt she felt for rebuking her faith.  Perhaps, if she hadn’t met Justin, an angel preoccupied with getting back into God’s good graces, and drowning in his hatred for humanity, her plan would have worked.

Justin’s general disdain for the human race makes him difficult to like, but some higher power has appointed him her keeper.  Justin’s convinced he can mend her broken relationship with her maker, but in the process he learns a thing or two about his own humanity.

Never mind, falling in love, that’s not supposed to happen.  In fact, it may even be forbidden. Jess just wants Justin to understand her plight, and he wants to protect her from a world she doesn’t know.

If neither are equipped to save the other, then whose soul lives and whose will perish?

SHORT EXCERPT:  (500 words or less)

He hadn’t heard her name - not yet. She'd wandered in from the rain shaking an umbrella and trying to look aloof. It had taken Vi less than ten minutes to engage her in conversation, and once Vi hooked the girl, they sat together for the rest of the evening. Vi had been his friend for years, and she could be counted on in these matters. They often found the same people intriguing, and he knew she would befriend the newcomer.

New Orleans was a sea of appealing women with pleasing accents flowing from pretty lips, but there was something about this girl’s beauty, something that kept Justin’s eyes planted on her. She caught him gawking at her, and he didn’t bother to look away. Humiliation was just another useless human emotion he wouldn't even pretend to possess.

Rory wanted to introduce himself, but Justin vetoed the plan with a look of warning. His brother seemed more interested in Vi, anyway and sat down with an easy grin. Justin was relaxed, until Dawson placed himself at their table begging for a fight. Dawson could always be relied on to kill a good mood. His Mohawk was tapered into precise points atop his head, and that alone made Justin want to punch him.

“What’s the matter Justin? Rory baggin’ all the babes or did someone shoot your dog?” The smell of tobacco and, wet hair gel, clung to Dawson like a disease. Just the fact that he had lost the ability to stave off the odor of humanity, made him less annoying.

Justin didn’t respond. Maybe if he ignored the moron he would take the hint and buzz off. Besides, he couldn’t take his eyes off the beauty with Vi, and Dawson’s gaze followed his.

“Ah, I see. You know she’s off limits.” Dawson leaned in closer, and used his foot to jolt Justin’s boot from the chair next to him.

“Don’t touch me again, Dawson. And drop it. She’s human for God’s sake.”

“A human I bet I’ll take home tonight.” Dawson’s sardonic grin dripped with conceit and punctuated the dramatic wink he granted Justin.

Justin slid his palms together as the skin over his knuckles hardened into stone. He allowed Dawson to gloat long enough to take a sip from his drink, and then laid him out with one colossal blow. He didn’t bend over to say all the things he was thinking; he figured the black eye would say it all. The girl was watching, and Justin nearly felt ashamed, but she was just another human, and he wasn’t going to concern himself with what bothered her, not now anyway.