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Showing posts from September, 2014

Getting Inspired by a Writer's Retreat

Writing used to be a lonely thing, but with social media now writers are connected through many different avenues. Yet, seeing one another in person is still something many of us don't get to do. But with social media, is it even necessary you might wonder? I definitely think it is. A friend of mine and I got together recently for a writer's retreat weekend and had a fantastic time. We read chapters to each other, brainstormed, and of course spent time writing. It helped me make a leap forward in editing the book I was working on and also inspired a few brand new ideas for the next books I want to write. If you're a writer I highly recommend finding a great group of critique partners or at least one beta to connect with and get together with in person. Even if you aren't in the same state, so long as you can travel to see one another for a long weekend once a year or so, it could make a huge difference in your writing life. Need help finding them? On my right side

Advance Realities

When I went traditional the questions from my friends started pouring in. Aspiring authors everywhere want to know all about advances, how much they typically are, how they are paid out, all the fun details. The answer isn't a simple one, but I'll try to break it down. The amount of your advance depends all on the commercial appeal of the novel (movie, cable deal, etc.). Payout is generally (but not always) half upon the deal and half upon turning in the completed work. For a smaller deal ($10 and under) consider this: $5,000 on signing, but that's not net, that's gross.  $750 to your agent (based on typical 15% domestic sales). $1572 to put away for taxes (37% to be on the safe side). Leaves you: $2678.  And, if you are getting an advance of $10k or less, it isn't likely you'll receive much marketing so you need to be prepared to do some serious marketing on your own. So, you may need a bit of that money for it. You definitely won't be ge

Vampire Secrets by RaShelle Workman Releases!

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  I love Rashelle's books and have been looking forward to this for some time now. Finally, it has relased! Here is a bit about it and about the series:  Title:  Vampire Secrets (Blood and Snow Season Two)  Author: RaShelle Workman  Genre: Urban Fantasy (Reinvented Fairytale)  Release Date: September 14, 2014  Publisher : Polished Pen Press Corporation  Organized by Literati Author Services             ~ Synopsis ~   Blood and Snow Season Two Book 2 ~ Vampire Secrets A dream is a wish your heart makes... It's been a month since Jasmine agreed to the wish that would keep Laeddin safe. By all accounts she should be happy. She's attending high school, hanging out with friends, and spending time with Laeddin . but she isn't. Ever since the sorceress ripped away a part of her, she hasn't felt like herself. To make matters worse, the man with red eyes, the one that haunted her dreams, is appearing in real life. And demonic creatures keep

Forever in Our Memory

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For those who lost their lives on that fateful day, and all who have lost them since in the fight against terrorism, we appreciate you, we love you, and we will not forget. 

The Seymour Agency’s Literacy Fundraiser

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Part of why I love my new agency so much... The Seymour Agency is hosting a fundraiser to support the Literacy Council Gulf Coast through a national online auction taking place during the month of September 2014. Industry editors, agents, and authors have donated critiques, phone chats, books, and goody packages as prizes . Literacy Council Gulf Coast works with underprivileged youth and adults to provide quality literary education needed to function in today’s society. Their mission is to assist adults and children to acquire the literacy skills necessary to improve their quality of life. The Literacy Council Gulf Coast provides free instruction for adults in reading and writing, and in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). They offer a Moms and Tots Family Literacy program for mothers and their young children and a program called Kids+ Lifelong Learning, which teaches parents through an innovative partnership with the Lee County School District. Additionally, they