Twin Souls. One Sacrifice.
Blog Tour – Gemini by Dylan Quinn
Twin Souls. One Sacrifice.
Ellie Abela’s life has been anything but easy. Tragedy follows her where ever she goes, and she’s been a lot of places. At twenty she’s lived in over ten different states, all because of her dad’s career in medical research. … Continue reading
In 2021 the world as we know it changed. The government collapsed, and the worst characteristics of human nature were shown as the world fell into ruins. Years after The Fall, the Tribes that were established are still at war. … Continue reading
This week is a real tease because you can’t even buy it!
Flawed Perfection (Beautifully Flawed, #1)
“I thought Bobby broke up with Jackie?” I asked, watching as Adam’s face turned red.
“Well, they are totes back together. Jackie and I work together,” Monica explained.
Her lingo was ridiculous, and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at her.
She narrowed her eyes at me and cocked her head.
“You know what? Jackie kind of looks a lot like you…except she’s blonde,” Monica said.
I watched as Adam blinked his eyes in shock.
“Doesn’t she?” Monica asked him.
“Yeah,” Adam began, rubbing his scruff; “a bit.”
“Any who—can’t wait to meet your Andy.”
“I don’t own him.” I couldn’t bite my tongue.
She shrugged at me. “Ready to go, Boo?”
Adam swallowed and his eyes were hard and vacant. He did not like being called that.
“Sure,” he still answered to it, though.
Cover Reveal Date: 2/7/14
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAAA92AA0FC1-flawed
Book Release Date (Blitz Date): 3/7/14
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAAA92AA0FC1-flawed1
Giveaway: Yes, International e-book and Paper Swag Pack
Tour Dates: 3/10/14- 4/4/14
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAAA92AA0FC1-flawed2
Giveaway: Yes, US Only- Paperback, Ultimate Swag Pack; International e-book and Paper Swag Pack
I didn’t know what caused the government to collapse or why things were the way they were, and when I met Hunter he knew little more. When it started we were too young to see why, and when we were old enough we were too indoctrinated in fear to care. This is the toll of following a leader blindly—you openly accept that some things just are. Then the lies drown the truth, and you are left with little understanding of why. In the end it doesn’t matter. Surviving the downfall is all that matters.
2012 marks the beginning of The Fall, a recession that is far closer to a depression is wreaking havoc on the US, and no one seems to be able to agree on anything. Fast forward to 2016, it’s over, The Fall is complete. There’s nothing left to the US government and the dooms day preppers are bathing in the glory that they were right, and they were prepared. These preppers have divided into factions called Tribes, led by a Chief who assigns Generals to train the soldiers to fight the dirty battles to keep what they’ve pillaged. These soldiers are ranked as Trackers, who track and obtain information, but are never supposed to be seen and Hunters, glorified Trackers who have gained the right to kill enemies just by surviving their missions. While all of this is going on a child is sheltered from the truth and trained to be a heartless killer, a robot of a General and another child is sheltered from it all and told that nothing is going on. The woods give both of the children solace–the children of the those that believe they are the two strongest men in this corrupted world. Fast forward to 2031: What happens when their worlds collide as adults, already molded by hate and fear, and one sent to kill the other? They will find the truth in the most unlikely of places–inside themselves and each other.
In Between Seasons is the first novel in the post-apocalyptic romance series, The Fall. Join Kate and Hunter as they fumble through a world they don’t understand, hunger for the truths that they hunger for and in the end discover that none of it matters as long as you survive.
For the truths that were well hidden away from Hunter and Kate, follow this blog to get updates on the second novel in the series, Permafrost: Mara and Rob’s Story release date TBA.
Add it to your Goodreads Shelf: HERE
Fan the Author: HERE
For today’s second ever Sales Saturday I decided to talk about something that was not as planned: The Walking in the Shadows blog tour. I had seen a lot of bloggers doing blog tours and had heard it was a good way to get exposure. Now, for those not familiar with blog tours, you find someone who sets them up for a price, or for free. They have contacts with numerous bloggers and set up reviews, giveaways, and other events to happen for the duration of time chosen (usually a week to a month). I found someone who was very kind and worked hard to set up the tour. The tour was a week, and it had several large blogs with followings of over 1,000, but many with followings below 300. There were to be 4 giveaways during the week as well and the tour would begin the weekend after the book was released. I’ve read a ton of places that the best thing to do to increase sales is to publish another book, but this wasn’t the reason I did it. The novel was ready to be published, and I was very happy with everything from the cover on the front, to the back, to everything in the middle.
What happened?
The bloggers
I received some great reviews from several of the bloggers. One of the bloggers that was supposed to review the book and post never did. I am still not sure what happened there, but I hope she is okay because she hasn’t posted on her blog in a long time.
I saw several of the giveaways show up on GR group posts from the bloggers advertising them.
The Giveaways
Well, from the giveaways I’ve learned several things. One is that Rafflecopter giveaways are the way to go. Why? No one entered the giveaways that required a comment posted, granted these were on smaller blogs, but I truly believe that the way Rafflecopter operates is great.
Rafflecopter has set up features that allows those that enter to earn extra entries by doing things such as following a blog, commenting on the blog, friending GR, etc. These are great because it allows the author, and the blogger host, a way to keep in contact with the “customer”. It gives an incentive to the one entering to get more than one entry.
As for the amount that entered, one of the larger blogs had around 140 entries, and the giveaway was only a few days long. The second giveaway is still going on, but still only has 48 entries.
Sales
None, no lie, absolutely no sales on either of my novels for that week.
What I’ve learned?
Bloggers
Well, they are great! I’ve noticed that some blogs have massive followings (upwards of 22,000+); now I really would like to know how they did it! I’ve seen several forums where you can gain “a follow for a follow”, but what this has me wondering is the value of that follow. If they are following, but don’t have an interest in what you say, is it really worth it? It forces the numbers up and looks great to those looking at the site, but how many are really following–looking at each post? Now, those that have many followers and participate in blog tours, may participate in a lot. So, how does an author stand out on a blog that posts 4-5 giveaways, books, a week? I’m not really sure. I’m guilty of going on those forums, but I’ve found some awesome blogs that I really enjoy reading.
Giveaways
I think that this was the biggest learning curve, and I’ve been trying to obtain some knowledge by looking at Rafflecopters that have 1000’s of entries. I’ve noticed one thing, the Rafflecopter is posted on multiple blogs. Thus, instead of doing 4 giveaways, one on each blog, there is one giveaway posted on all the blogs that are participating. I think this is a much better idea, and I plan to use it on my future blog tours.
Giveaways don’t give buying incentive. Okay, I’m guilty of this too. I enter for a free book, but then I forget about the book and never pick it up because I didn’t win, so I was never reminded that I wanted to read it. Believe me, I think that giveaways are great, and by no means am I saying I won’t be doing them any more, but I believe that moderation is the key to this one. I also think Rafflecopter’s bonus entry features can be utilized to remind the reader they wanted to read the novel.
Sales
Yes, I was utterly disappointed in this. I thought, and maybe this is where I went wrong, that the visibility factor, would boost my sales. I think there were a few factors in this.
What will I do for future tours?
I will be having a week long tour for In Between Seasons in the first week of January with Reading Away the Days Tours (my original host) and a week long tour for Walking in the Shadows with Ramblings of a Book Junkie in the second week. Now, what book will get the month long tour?
Well, that’s for you to find out and me to know 😉
I’m not sure if this sales information helped anyone, but I’d like to give a special thanks to the following blogs that help me:
Babblings of a Bookaholic
Cause I say So
Reading Away the Days
Book Briefs
WovenMysts
I am a reader, not a Writer
We Do Write
Young Adult Book Addict
Reading a Little Bit of Everything
Ramblings of a Book Junkie
Tiffany Loves Books
Bloggers are the best way for an author to reach their readers because bloggers are readers. They make dreams come true!
COMING UP:
Author Spotlight with Tiffany Loves Books
CHECK OUT MY NEWEST INTERVIEW:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1107201-cassandra-giovanni#comment_form
“romantic suspense novels are often similar to mysteries, crime fiction and thrillers, and paranormal romances use elements popular in science fiction and fantasy novels”
“Like all romances, romantic suspense novels must place the development of a relationship between the protagonists at the heart of the story. The relationship “must impact each decision they make and increase the tension of the suspense as it propel the story. In turn, the events of suspense must also directly affect the relationship and move the story forward.”[36] Romantic suspense novels tend to have more “clean” language, without the “emotional, intimate” descriptions often used in more traditional romances.[36] Because the mystery is a crucial aspect of the plot, these novels are more plot-driven instead of character-driven.[36]“
The last sentence is where I blur the lines, and honestly, as an author and an artist, I think that’s okay. My romantic suspense is character driven. The other feature that ties my novels together, besides romance, is being character drive. As for Walking, I mean with a name like Tad Knightley, of course it’s going to be!
The last reason for the gap is one of human nature, one that we will never be able to address; human nature. Words are open to perceptions, Walking mentions vampires briefly, and thus could be construed to be a paranormal romance. I can promise you one thing, there is not one iota of paranormal in this novel.
The question ends up being how do we address this gap? I’m honestly not sure; as an author I struggle with closing the genre gap in displaying blurbs that make it blatantly obvious and don’t give too much away.
It’s possible the only way to close the gap is proper marketing and then of course, reviews. The more reviews a book obtains, the more likely it is to become clear what the book genre falls into if there is some “fogginess”.
It’s occurs to me now that there may be “trigger” words an author should keep in my, like, oh say, vampires… Nope, no Edward Cullen here, try again later.
Today’s Blog Stops:
YA Book Addict– Review 4 Stars “It was definitely the authors easy flowing writing style and the romance that pulled me in and kept me engrossed in the story.”
Reading Away The Days– Character Profile, learn more about Abigail first hand! (This was one of my favorite things to do for the blog tour, so please check it out!)
That’s right…It’s Monday again! On this Music Monday, I’ve decided to honor one of my blog tour stops bloggers–Kylee, THIS one is for you! Kylee and I connected in a reading group, but once we were friends I noticed that we both have very good taste in music! I’ve enjoyed not only discussing novels, but music with her! Now, from this I know that her favorite band and unhealthy obsession (or so she says, I on the other hand, don’t feel that music can be unhealthy…well, except for death metal…scary!) is Sleeping with Sirens.
SONG: You Kill Me (in a good way)
ARTIST: Sleeping with Sirens
CD: With ears to hear and eyes to see
GENRE: Post-hardcore, Pop Rock
LYRICS:
I know that hope weighs on your mind, lost within the seams,
it seems like we lose ourselves in between.
But the harder things become, the harder you push away.
Oh baby, yeah baby, it kills me.
You said it, you said it
I’ll take you at your word.
These promises that you can’t keep,
it’s getting harder to hold on.
You said it, you said it
don’t ever let me fall.
Don’t give up because you’re losing
(you haven’t lost).
In time you’ll find that we can sober up,
clean up any dirt so we can open up.
These wounds have been open for forever now.
Come on, be strong.
Your mind has gotten the best of you.
You’ve done enough and you are enough.
Let’s fall asleep tonight,
I’ll hold you close and show you you’re not broken.
You said it, you said it
I’ll take you at your word.
These promises that you can’t keep,
it’s getting harder to hold on.
You said it, you said it
don’t ever let me fall.
Don’t give up because you’re losing
(Hold on)
Don’t you think if it’s meant to be, it will be?
Don’t you think things will work out eventually?
Hold on.
You said it, you said it
I’ll take you at your word.
These promises that you can’t keep,
it’s getting harder to hold on.
You said it, you said it
don’t ever let me fall.
Don’t give up because you’re losing.
ANALYSIS: Okay, so at first I thought…man, this sounds like Sky Lit Drive, which I can only tolerate in very small doses. It is similar, and the singer sounds so much like Sky Lit Drive, but when the screaming kicks in on this song–well, that sold me. What else sold me? Solid riffs, and lyrics. I’m quite enjoying the “repeat” feature here. The lead singer sounds slightly female from the high tone in his voice, which is why I automatically thought Sky Lit Drive. My husband mentioned something about Coheed and Cambria, but I know the name, but not the band. The issue with a lot of metal is that, for me, sometimes the artists start to blend into each other. The first time I heard this band was on my Blessthefall radio (FYI Blessthefall is one of my top ever bands), and I honestly thought it was this song because I felt the same way then.
Here is Kylee’s review on her blog Babbling of a Bookaholic:
Seconds seem like a lifetime when the life you lived is slowly drained out of you by those who care not what you felt, hoped, or dreamed. – Abigail
Yes, the feeling of having power is very good! We just got our power back on from Monday, yesterday. We just got cable and internet a few hours ago! Unfortunately, others in the state of CT have not been so lucky, and our thoughts are with them. One of those effected by Hurricane Sandy was the wonderful indie bookstore that my signing was scheduled for this Saturday, Bank Square Books. Due to this the release signing for Walking in the Shadows has been postponed until the store is functioning again. Now, this isn’t to say you can’t snatch up a signed copy for yourself. You can get a signed copy from my Etsy store, and I will gladly dedicate it to whomever you wish. Currently, shipping to the US for the signed novel is $2.50, well, in honor of my upcoming blog tour, my wonderful fans, and the fact that there will not be a signing, there is a FREE shipping code to US residents. To snatch up your signed copy for $12.99 (MSRP: $14.99) with FREE shipping just enter ReleaseFREE at checkout!
I did mention the blog tour. Here’s the schedule:
Review @ http://www.babblingofabookaholic.blogspot.co.uk/
Review @ http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.co.uk/
Review @ http://livingforthebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Interview & Giveaway @ http://we-do-write.blogspot.co.uk/
The Giveaways are going to be pretty awesome, so please stop by each blog!:
1 ebook, key chain and bookmark
1 ebook, necklace and key chain
1 ebook, necklace and signed photographic print
1 ebook, promotional flyer, rack card, photographic print (all signed)
Available to UK, USA, CANADA
What else is coming up?
I am currently working with the high school I graduated from, NFA, to set up a signing in their library as well as meeting with classrooms. If you are a teacher in the CT area, please feel free to contact me if you would like me to meet with your students as well. I enjoy showing my love of writing and sharing that with hard work (very hard work), you can be a published author.
First, my awesome blog tour button. Yes, it’s coming up soon, and I can’t wait to do my first blog tour hosted by Megan over at Reading Away the Days. Who by the way, is seriously awesome and nice. We are planning all sorts of awesome giveaways and book swag to go with the tour–it’s going to be awesome, and I hope you join us.
So, I have been taking notes for ideas for meaningful blog posts that add something to the world. I just looked in my notebook and saw this “The improper balance–writing, marketing, work, and having a life (not!)”. This seemed the perfect post for tonight, as I am the energizer bunny running on one battery (I told my boss this last week), but finally that last battery died, and yet I am still working. What. A. Surprise. NOT. I am a hard worker, so much so that I have run myself down. Wednesday I woke up with a sore throat–oh, it’s just post-nasal drip. I called my mom, who is an amazing APRN, who said, umm…love, you have a cold. Then it smacked me in the face Thursday I woke up, on my husband and I’s fourth anniversary and it felt like a mack truck had parked itself in my face. You guessed it, I still went to work, 10.75 hour day. I got home and curled up on the couch. Today, still sick, yet I felt I neglected my blog this week, so here I am…At any rate I had an interviewer ask me how I balance everything, and when she asked this I realized–I really am not balancing everything. What no one warned me about self-publishing is that there is a huge learning curve. It’s A LOT of work to do it right (am I doing it right? I am not sure–my sales tripled last month though!). I know it will be worth it, and I have to say thanks to my amazing husband for dealing with me living on the computer, and working all the time at either a normal job, or at my writing. He’s always been used to me writing a ton, but this marketing thing, he is not so used to. After feeling this run down, yesterday and Wednesday I was minimally online, and you know what–nothing bad happened! I didn’t sell anything, but I realize I can take a break if I need it. I just have to stop being so stubborn and realize when I need it! The thing about writers, or should I say me, is that I am ALWAYS thinking about writing, or something to do with writing. It runs in my veins. It’s just a part of who I am, so it’s hard for me to stop. and. breathe.
So, my advice to my driven novel writing friends–stop and breathe when you need it.
Message to my readers–I do have a sense of humor–or I think part of this was funny (maybe it wasn’t), and I love writing for you, so much that I forget to stop and breathe!
Tomorrow, more book swag work–wait, did I say I was going to stop and breathe–who needs air?
Do you like the blog tour button? 😀