Sunday, December 17, 2017

Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Winners

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the 2017 Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop with over 60 authors and tons of readers. We had creative holiday contests daily, each author awarded individual prizes, and we collectively contributed to three $100 Amazon gift cards, just in time for Christmas shopping! This was a great way to meet new readers and authors. What a fun, festive win-win.

Big congrats to my seven winners, six of whom will receive an eBook of my new holiday release, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO.

  • Denise Haworth Barry
  • Kim Ryder Trask
  • Robinrl Martin
  • HiDee Silverwood Ekstrom
  • Mary Carole Irvine
  • Jayme Sharp Williams
Drum roll...my $25 Amazon gift card grand prize winner is: Essence Mustian! Happy shopping, Essence.

Thank you for the can't-wait-to-try holiday recipes and for telling me what toys you requested from Santa as a child. I found it interesting that several of you requested the same gifts as my five-year-old character, Betsy! 

I really enjoyed connecting with all of you. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

Monday, November 6, 2017

New Release: MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO

I am thrilled to tell you about my newest release, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO. First of all, it's a Christmas novella (right at 25,000 words). Secondly, I adore the cover. Once you see it, you'll immediately understand the sweet, heartwarming tone of my story. Ready? Drum roll, please...




See what I mean? Too cute for words. I can say that since I'm not the designer. However, I did find the scrawny tree and angel while perusing photo sites and the tree is exactly how I pictured it. One of my characters, Betsy, who is in kindergarten, picked it out. :) It's just slightly bigger and prettier than Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, but not by much.

I'll share my blurb below but wanted to tell you how this madcap, hard-core writing adventure began. After I wrote, edited, and submitted my Coconuts Book 2 (it was accepted and I got a contract, by the way, which I'll discuss in another post), I plodded around the house wondering if I should immediately dive into Coconuts Book 3 or try my hand at writing a novella with entirely different characters for a change of pace. Since I love holiday books and movies, you know what I decided.

While reviewing several of my short stories and half-novels on my computer, I discovered 6,100 words for a Christmas tale I had completely forgotten about writing. As I read it, I fell in love with the characters and the story. I knew I had to finish it--and fast since it was already October! For any chance of a holiday release, I also knew I'd have to indie publish, another first for me. I'm very happy with my publisher, Soul Mate Publishing, but let's face it, they represent over 300 authors who are all vying for their attention, have their own tight schedules, and cover art needs. There wasn't any way I could get this story out before fall of 2018 if I traditionally published, so I jumped in with both feet, rolled up my sleeves, and went to work on figuring out the indie side of the publishing business.

I researched cover artists and checked on their timelines. I sought out beta readers and editors who could turn the work around in a few days. Then, I hunched over my computer and pulled several 9-11 hour days over three weeks. By focusing solely on this story, eating out a lot, skipping housework, and a few(!) showers, I managed to add 18,100 words in three weeks! That's a record for me. I can't say I'd do that again because my back and wrists hurt, plus my eyes looked like a road map. I ended up penning THE END while wearing my trusty wrist braces. Don't worry. I'm fine now but it was a grueling schedule.

Thanks to my cover designer and beta readers, the whole project was finished and released on schedule on November 1 while I was in California visiting my daughter and grandson. I had tech issues on release day, talked to eight Amazon representatives, and got so worked up my daughter had to take the phone. Whew! I'm glad that's behind me. Now, I have to market it. I'll be having several contests in November and December, as well as a launch party in December. More about all of that later.

As promised, here's the blurb for MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO:



Fired two weeks before Christmas, distraught single mom Madison wonders how she’ll afford to pay for her young daughter’s Christmas gifts and still keep a roof over their heads. Sleigh bells and twinkling lights are the last thing on her mind—until a handsome stranger intervenes.

Successful architect Adam Donovan dives into his work by renovating an elaborate hotel after his wife leaves him. He barely notices it’s Christmastime until he overhears a young mother’s tearful plea. Stepping in makes Adam feel like Old Saint Nick himself.

Will Madison and Adam find holiday joy—and possibly love—after discovering Adam’s secret or will it tear them apart?

Amazon buy link:


My novella is available as an eBook and also in paperback. I'd love to hear if you enjoy Christmas stories or have written under extremely tight deadlines. Happy reading!


Monday, October 2, 2017

RAVEN Award - Favorite Contemporary Runner-up

Boy, am I behind. Since receiving runner up in the "Favorite contemporary" category for SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, I've attended two major conferences and just realized I hadn't updated my blog.

A big thank you to UnCaged Book Reviews for nominating SLEEPING WITH ELVIS based on reviews and to the readers who voted for me. It was a huge honor to be named runner up. See my pretty badge?

 Have you read SLEEPING WITH ELVIS? It's set on charming, secluded Key Lime Island and my hero is an Elvis impersonator who happens to have a cursing parrot (with impeccable timing!) I always infuse plenty of humor and suspense, along with romance, of course!


As background, my mother loved the King and so did I. I've been to Graceland twice and even saw Elvis perform when I was a teen. It was a thrill. Sadly, he died two months later. I've also watched several Elvis impersonators/tribute artists. While watching one perform in Florida, I had a light bulb moment and SLEEPING WITH ELVIS was born.

Below are my cover, tagline, and Amazon buy link. Thank you for your support!



A dream vacation turns deadly. A hunky Elvis impersonator is on the island. Pepper is stranded, 
her rogue boyfriend is irate, and the parrot curses. 
Now what?

Amazon buy link:

Sunday, May 14, 2017

#ChickLIt May Book Boyfriend Blog Hop


NOTE: Today's blog post is brought to you by my newest hero, Ty Townsend, in honor of Book Boyfriend Blog Hop week. Read below about how you can make him the official book boyfriend. Take it away, Ty.

Hello and welcome, everyone! My name is Ty Townsend and I have a unique profession. I'm an Elvis impersonator! Everyone always told me I look like the legend himself, and since I love to sing, I chose a career where I could honor his legacy. I perform in Branson and Vegas and hope you'll attend one of my shows. Between gigs (like now) I chill on my favorite, secluded beach, Key Lime Island. In fact, I just got out of the water. Anyone have a towel?

Since I'm campaigning for Best Book Boyfriend, may I humbly suggest ten reasons why you should vote for me:

1) I have a sexy black leather costume just like Elvis. I'll wear it if you want. 
2) I'll sing any Elvis song you like. What's your favorite?
3) I love to play the guitar. Want a lesson?
4) My crazy pet is a parrot. Her name is Saylor and she curses a lot. "Vote for Ty, dammit." (Sorry, I can't control what comes out of her mouth. It can be embarrassing, especially in certain situations if you know what I mean.)
5) Key Lime Island is a private beach that's only accessible by boat or helicopter. In other words, it's very private. Want to go for a long walk on the beach?
6) Are you thirsty? I make a mean key lime martini? *heads to the kitchen*
7) Can you sing? We can perform a duet at The Tipsy Turtle. Come on. It'll be fun.
8) Maybe you'd prefer a boating adventure. I'll rent a speed boat from the Key Lime Marina. Let's go.
9) *Plucks a Hibiscus blossom* You need this behind your ear. Purple looks great on you.
10) Remember, please vote for TY TOWNSEND. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Vote by emailing traciebanister@gmail.com
Ty/Elvis has left the blog.



 After a deadly storm, Pepper is stranded on Key Lime Island with a rogue boyfriend, an Elvis impersonator, and his cursing parrot. Now what?

Available on Amazon (and FREE with KU) here: Beth Carter's Amazon Author Page
 
Don't forget to sign up for the big GIVEAWAY and visit the other talented authors on this blog hop. But, really, who can beat an Elvis impersonator?! Happy reading and voting.
 


Hilary Grossman  www.feelingbeachie.com

Jayne Denker  http://jaynedenker.com
Beth Labonte  www.secretary4life.com
Meredith Schorr  www.meredithschorr.com
Stacey Wiedower  www.staceywiedower.com/blog/
Ellyn Oaksmith  http://ellynoaksmith.com/