It's here!!! If you've been following along with me for the last few months, you may have heard that there's a new release in my line of contemporary women's fiction with a hint of humor and romance.
Down on Her Luck is now available at all major eBook retailers! Amazon - Google Play - Nook - iTunes - Kobo Also available on Audible! While Down on Her Luck is a stand-alone story -- and no cliffhanger -- the story runs parallel with the last part of Some Lucky Woman. Some Lucky Woman is available at all major eBook retailers! Amazon US / Worldwide - Nook - iBooks - Kobo - Google Play Also available on Audible! Every single one of my books are now available on Audible. To celebrate, I'm giving away FREE copies to the first hundred readers who request them.
Fill out your request here! If you don't receive my newsletter yet, you can subscribe here. You'll receive a free copy of Entangled Dreams just for signing up. And no worries, I only send out a newsletter when I have a special or a new release. At most, I usually send out a couple emails a month.
0 Comments
While fiction...The Depot and The Library are based on a true murder mystery. Learn more about the ghost who haunts Ashley's Tavern inside the eBook... In 1934, the body of a beautiful, but poor young woman was found alongside a riverbank near The Depot. Beaten to a pulp, only recognizable by a tattoo on her ankle, and yet, days after the discovery, the story all but disappears. Eighty years later, locals claim The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the historic 1800s train station turned restaurant, he's never seen proof. Until now. As he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case. Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there’s another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won’t rest until the murderer checks out too. The two-book special edition of The Depot and The Library is available at all major eBook retailers:
Amazon - Nook - iTunes - Google Play - Kobo - Smashwords
Amazon - Google Play - iTunes - Nook - Kobo - Smashwords
For a limited time, I will be selling New, Unread, Signed, First-Edition Paperback Copies, here! Hello, my avid-reading friends! Lots of new stuff on the horizon. First, I now have all the links for my newest release, Down on Her Luck, the follow-up story to Some Lucky Woman. Find links to both books at your favorite retailer here: Next.... Due to popular demand... There will be more books in the Creatus series. However...they will be stand-alone stories, as I just don't know if I have it in me to write an ongoing storyline. It's a lot of work, my friends. :)
The next book in the Creatus series -- again because I've listened to your reviews, so keep them coming -- will continue R & V's story. I don't want to give away any secrets to those who haven't read the series yet, so I'll just say that R is going back to Miami, where he worked with the DEA. The working title is Creatus Takedown and, of course, I'll be looking to you guys when I choose the cover. I'm thinking we need to see R on the cover this time. What do you guys think? If you haven't read the Creatus series yet, start with the first book here, absolutely FREE! Not just one series/collection, but THREE! And you can read any book on its own, NO CLIFFHANGER! Although, Creatus is a serial, so while the current situation does come to a close, the books are on-going. Some view this as a cliffhanger; I don't. I view it as an on-going series, and oh, yeah...they're FREE, so what do you have to lose? :)
Mark your calendars!!!
The new release in the "What's Luck Got to Do With It" series will be available to pre-order on Amazon 12/27/2016! For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Unwittingly, one creatus will endanger them all ... The Creatus series is not your normal paranormal story ... it's a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe ...
If you purchased the boxed set, Amazon will not announce that there's an update available, BUT, you can request that they update your set.
Here are their words exactly: "Contact the Kindle team (kindle-generalist@amazon.com) to request the newest content for ASIN B00KGK9A5A to be sent to their device." If you downloaded the boxed set at any other retailer, you should be able to update in your settings. HOWEVER, if you have ANY issues, simply reply to this email with proof of purchase... I'll use just about anything, a blog post showing where you've read the series, Goodreads post, Amazon, Nook, iTunes permalink... and I WILL make sure you get a new copy. For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue faction plans to retaliate by ridding the world of humankind. Only one division of creatus, with the strength and numbers to fight the sinister sect, stands between humanity and a new world order. What they discover, however, might prove the truth about the creatus myths, and why humans started hunting them so many thousands of years ago. Maybe humans were right... Editing is complete...
The first beta reader has the manuscript in her hot little hands... So, Creatus Animus is on track for its release date of October 11, 2016. If you've already purchased the boxed set, DO NOT buy Creatus Animus. I will notify you when to update your set, which will be before the end of this month. Yep, you'll get it before the general public. But, if you've been buying the books in the series individually, you can get Creatus Animus at all major eBook retailers! Amazon - iTunes - Nook - Kobo If you haven't started the Creatus series yet, or you want your friends and family to read the series, now's your chance. For a limited time, grab the Two-Book Special Edition, which includes Creatus (They Exist), the prequel to the Creatus series, and Creatus Book One, absolutely FREE! Why I CAN'T offer anything but the first books in my series free...even though I'd love to.8/8/2016 It's not that I wouldn't love to put ALL of my books on promotion, I WOULD, believe me. Funny thing that many readers may not know ... most authors actually make more money on books when they offer a book FREE for a limited time. Offering a book FREE creates a buzz, reaches new readers, and qualifies for great advertising through book blogs such as eReader News Today and Book Bub. But the reason I can't -- or won't -- offer anything other than the first book in a series free is because, in my opinion, it does a disservice to many readers. Many readers may not have read the first book in the series ... and sadly, even when I state that the book is part of a series on the cover or in the book description, many readers don't read the "full" description when they find the books on a book site ... or they get upset because they have to pay full price for the first book in order to enjoy the book special. This is particularly important when a book is offered FREE. Often, readers simply don't read the description when a book is free, especially when it's advertised on a site they trust ... like Book Bub or eReader News Today. I know many authors still offer their second, third, and fourth books in a series "free for a limited time," but ... as much as I'd love to make the extra money, it just isn't worth it to me to upset my avid-reading friends by forcing them to buy the first book to get the second free, or when a reader invests time into a book, only to realize something is missing because they didn't know there was a "first" book, which leads to poor reviews, which no author can afford. I made that mistake once before -- I have the poor reviews to prove it -- so I'll never do it again. I do, however, ALWAYS offer the rest of my books for "less than a latte" each, some permanently priced as low as $0.99. And here's the GREAT news, if you follow my newsletter and/or this blog, I almost always offer freebies and giveaways of eBooks, Audio Books, and even print books, on occasion, because if you've followed my newsletter, I know there's a good chance you've already read my "firsts." Also, the "firsts" in my series CAN be read on their own. Of course, I hope you'll want to read the next in the series or collections, but you don't HAVE to. I always finish the current situation, and then usually just add a lead in to the next.
Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing books, and new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I usually only send out a post once a week at the most. :)
Until next time, happy reading and writing, my friends. Carmen
Based on a real-life ghost story, The Library is a contemporary murder mystery with a hint of paranormal and a dollop of romance.
Here's the full description:
In 1934, the body of a beautiful, but poor young woman was found alongside a riverbank near The Depot. Beaten to a pulp, only recognizable by a tattoo on her ankle, and yet, days after the discovery, the story all but disappears.
Eighty years later, locals claim The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the historic 1800s train station turned restaurant, he's never seen proof. Until now. As he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case. Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there’s another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won’t rest until the murderer checks out too.
The Library (Where Life Checks Out) is available in a two-book special edition pack for only $2.99! The collection includes The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks), which is the prequel short story to The Library.
Amazon US - Amazon Worldwide Add Audible for only $1.99! Also available at... Nook - iTunes - Kobo - Google Play
Happy Reading, friends!
Carmen
FREE Mini-Mystery with a Ghostly Edge
Finally! A Pre-order date for Creatus Animus, plus some specials and giveaways to share...7/24/2016 You can officially Pre-Order CREATUS ANIMUS Today! Amazon - Kindle Amazon Worldwide Barnes & Noble - Nook iTunes - iBooks Kobo Smashwords Scribd Oh, and as I promised, if you've already purchased the boxed set, it will be updated with the new release BEFORE it's available to the public. I'll let you know when and how to update it when that time comes. If you haven't read the Creatus series yet, start the series FREE with the The Prequel and Book One in this Special Edition Set! For those of you who are interested, I added a sneak peek at the bottom of this post. Just click the "Read More" button. Until next time, Happy Reading! Carmen SPOILER ALERT AHEAD! If you haven't read any of the Creatus books, skip this part, as this excerpt gives away many of the mysteries in the previous books. Sneak Peek at Creatus Animus:
How do I keep myself and family from going insane during my up-and-down emotions, especially over family get-togethers or major life events... How do I use my personal strengths and weakness to my advantage... I write during and about them. I keep a running notepad on my iPhone of my thoughts and feelings throughout normal events, such as eating out, grocery shopping, vacations, holidays with family, and children’s events. Anything that will make my characters more believable. But, I also go one-step further. After all, how do you write about a character's tragic death when you just spent a great day with friends and family over a holiday weekend. Sometimes I can. Occasionally, when all is perfect, the writing flows effortlessly, but other times it doesn't. So, if I am experiencing a particularly strong emotion, I'll seek out a scene in my Work In Progress that requires that sentiment, reread, and almost always edit accordingly. When I am feeling down, I seek out a troublesome period in my protagonist’s life, be it past or present. My depression works to my advantage because the words on the page reflect my inner turmoil. The reader will feel the character’s pain and be able to empathize. And a plus, after pouring out my frustrations--as though I've spoken to a good friend, who only listens--I usually feel better when the section is finished. When I am happy, my joy spreads like wildfire, and so the reader will sense my excitement and therefore feel the happiness my characters are experiencing. Romantic... Well, you get the idea. The reader should feel as though she is a part of the scene, as if she is the main character or, at minimum, a close friend. Isn’t that what a great novel should accomplish? The reader should feel chills spread down her arms and butterflies in her stomach at the idea of a first kiss. Her pulse should race as if she is prey in a game of cat and mouse, and when appropriate, she should even shed a tear. So if you're like me and fret when all the extended family is around, and somehow you got the job of managing the food for a small army, don't get upset. Delegate! Then sneak away and jot down what your mother did to upset you. How Uncle Joey dressed for the event. How cute all the new kids acted who were finally old enough to play with the sparklers. In other words, use your emotions, happy or sad! And if you're not a writer, that's okay...trust me, it still helps to write it down. And since you'll probably need a mental escape at some point this week, grab my new release so you'll have something to read when you slip away, and see how Jana Embers deals with her lying, cheating husband of fifteen years and her new life as a single woman. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing!
Some Lucky Woman
Amazon – Amazon Worldwide Add Audible! Also available on... Nook – iTunes – Kobo – Google Play Umm... You know I was talking about Audio Books, right? But seriously, if you haven't tried Audible, you have to give it a whirl. You get all the romance, suspense, and even the great accents and personalities of each character. And wasn't it you who complained that you love watching movies, but hate that the movie is never as good as the book? Oh, wait, that was me. :) With audio books, you get the best of both worlds! Gone are the days of carrying around CDs or tapes. You can listen to Audible books on your SmartPhone, Tablet, or PC. And, if you've already download my eBooks, you can add the audio for as low as $1.99! Also, if you're in Kindle Unlimited, you can listen to my entire Creatus series FREE! Visit Audible to learn how to get your first two audio books FREE! Or Visit my Audio page for links to all my eBooks with audio books as low as $1.99. As always, I like to remind the lovely folks who are reading this blog that first and foremost, I am a reader, then a writer. I read anywhere from one to three books a week, even when I'm writing. And considering the fact that I write only one to three books a year, I believe that means I have more clout as a reader than a writer. My opinion, of course. And ... I do understand that not everyone likes what I like. But that's okay. I never forget that. My posts are just my opinions. Also, since I also market books for a living, usually sharing one to six books daily, I read a lot of reviews. So, with that disclosure, onto today's discussion about reading and/or writing. Today I want to talk about the unbelievable story and happily-ever-after comments in reviews. One of my least favorite comments in a review is that the story was unbelievable. I guess when a reader says that, I'd just like a little more clarification. What was unbelievable? The fact that what happened, happened, or that the writer didn't make the characters seem believable? I mean, really, if you think about it ... aren't all stories supposed to be unbelievable? Isn't that why they are stories in the first place? Even the "Based on True Events" stories. The reason those events are turned into a story is because the story is out of the norm, far-fetched, or shocking. I recently watched -- well, I was in the room as my hubby watched, as I NEVER would have watched the movie in a million years -- Pain & Gain. Halfway through the movie, and several times thereafter, the producers added a caption at the bottom of the screen: Yes, this is still a true story. Because it was so outlandish. I still have a hard time believing even half of it. Heck, half of the stuff that was written thousands of years ago, is still read and studied in school: Greek Mythology, Homer's Iliad, for instance. No one questions a horse that flies or a half-man, half-goat. We know it's not real; it's called escapism. Especially back then when there wasn't much else to do but work and tell stories. The fact of the matter is, whether we're reading a Tom Clancy thriller or a romance novel by Nora Roberts, the story is supposed to be a tad bit unbelievable, or it wouldn't be exciting to read. I'm not talking about easily searchable facts. Of course, the story -- even if it's paranormal -- should make sense. BUT ... if you think about it ... how many FBI agents are rogues. How many street blocks get shot up and wrecked during a high-speed car chase. Not many, believe it or not, because officers are instructed not to do high-speed chases in populated areas, unless it's a life-or-death situation. (Did I tell you I married a cop?) BUT ... you still see cars wrecking into buildings and the chase continuing in almost every book or movie. Because it's fun, exciting, unbelievable ... In real life, the police set up roadblocks and/or lay spike strips across the road, but that wouldn't be as tantalizing to read. Same goes with dramas and romance novels. Believe me ... if I just wrote about my day-to-day life, I'd bore you to tears. BUT ... if I went back a few years, I could start a story right in the middle of the action of some sensational or horrific event in my life. And yes, you would probably say, “What are the chances that happened?” But that's what makes a good story. Or, I can take an average event, and add some crazy twist. The point is, if nothing unusual happens, it's not really a story. Heck, it's barely a journal. Other than a few scribbles, we rarely write about a boring day in our diary. No, we wait until something exciting happens. The other issue in reviews is the Happily Ever After, which we readers and writers commonly refer to as HEA. I see a lot of people who say ... “Meh! It all worked out!” Well, again, how many of us want to read a story where everyone dies at the end, or you just plain want to cry your eyes out. Sometimes it's okay ... if there's meaning behind it. Like the book/movie Pay It Forward. I had a love/hate relationship with that ending, but at least there was hope. (No spoilers! Another thing I loathe in reviews. It simply isn't fair to other readers) As for books by Nicholas Sparks, I now question if the book has an HEA. I know that sounds lame, but I don't want a book where there's no hope at the end. I don't mind a few tears, but I want a smile at the end. Anyway, most of us readers want a Story and an HEA (My opinion, of course, based on everything I see). We read for enjoyment, we read for escape, we read so that we can have hope. If you don't want everything to be all sunshine and roses, please let me suggest A Game of Thrones. Beautiful, poetic writing, BUT ... I don't think I'd be giving a spoiler if I told you to prepare for death. It's what George R.R. Martin is known for, I believe. So next time you read a book, and it sounds unbelievable, remember, that's what authors are supposed to do: Tell a Story! What say you? What do you like to read or NOT read in a book review? Feel free to start a conversation here or at any of my social media homes. I love talking about all things BOOKS! Until next time, happy reading and writing, my friends! Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn't be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing, new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I only send out a post a few times a month, at the most. :) Want to try to figure out what's real or make believe in my stories? Visit my Amazon page, where you can download a few of the "firsts" in my collections, free! I'll warn you, though, the parts that most people don't believe are usually the true parts. Again, a sensational event is usually what makes me write a story in the first place. Image credit: flynt / 123RF Stock Photo
No wonder readers -- people in general ... MEN -- get confused. Marvelous deeds? Imaginary setting? Tales? Fantastic or supernatural events? Baseless? Made-up story? Full of exaggeration? Fanciful? Come on!!! That's not what romance is! I'd like to think that I'm living a romance because my husband does romantic things. When he surprises me with a mini-vacation, sends me cute little text messages, gives me sweet gifts, cleans the house before I get home, kisses me sweetly when I don't expect it... That's romantic, so doesn't it make sense that we're living in a romance story. Let's take a look at the words that define love: Profoundly tender Passionate affection Personal attachment Deep affection Sexual passion Desire Ahh... That's better! So why do we define books as contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, romantic mystery, and romantic thriller. For the record, I wish there were another word other than 'romantic' to describe what I write. Funny that they don't have a genre called "Love-Suspense Novel," since according to the definition, it would work better. Even though when I think of a "love story," the first thing that comes to my mind is the movie Love Story or Romeo and Juliet, and I certainly don't write that. :) The fact of the matter is ... I don't write romances either. I don't write about fanciful events leading up to the characters falling in love. I write about a love that went wrong. Love that started on the rocks, went through tragedies ... that are surrounded by a life-threatening event, a murder mystery, secret pasts, on the run, mistakes... But sadly, some readers don't know that because they see the tag "romance," and they immediately think of a shirtless Fabio sweeping a half-dressed woman off her feet, so I'm not surprised when I read reviews like this one: 5.0 out of 5 stars Never thought I would be reading a romance novel. By Joey Yagin Format:Kindle Edition Never thought I would enjoy reading a romance novel. I hate them. I gave this series a chance only because I was curious about who existed, what is a creatus? Once I read the first of the series, I was hooked. Could not stop reading. Normally, I would stop in between the series and read another book before starting the next book of a series. With this book, I could not stop. I had to find out what's coming next. It was well written, and I did enjoy the characters. I even enjoyed the antagonist of the book. For me, what made it a good read is the combination of the super heroism, supernatural, mystery and suspense ( oh yeah, the romance). All in one series. If you do decide to read it, just buy the set. You will not be disappointed. 5.0 out of 5 stars A Romance Novel for People Who Don't Like Romance Novels By C. M. Lance Format:Kindle Edition I read "She Belongs To Me" and found it to be quite a good mystery/thriller without the overt physical descriptions that overflow from other Romance novels I've ventured into. The Romance is more of a caring, loving sort. I have many reviews like the two I posted above -- many of them by men, some of them by women -- who shy away from any genre with "romantic" in the title, for fear that it'll be the mushy tales of old that were described as the romance definition at the top of the page. When in fact, just about every book or movie ever written includes a background love story or romance. Even war movies usually show a man trying to get home to the woman he loves, ready to buy the house with the white-picket fence. Heck, even thrillers and horror stories usually have a man dying to protect his woman. That's a pretty darn "romantic" gesture if you ask me. So ... what do you think? Do you read novels with a romance tag? What do you immediately think of when you see the word "romantic" as part of the genre description. Please let me know your thoughts. And in case you're interested, here are some more in-depth "genres" than what websites and bookstores allow on my books. :) A romantic suspense with a whodunit mystery... She Belongs to Me - FREE Everywhere! A journey of two souls through tragedies with a romantic-suspense whodunit... Land of the Noonday Sun A romantic suspense with heartbreaking pasts, life-changing events, and evil intentions... Entangled Dreams A romantic suspense with a supernatural edge... Creatus Series A romantic mystery with a ghostly edge The Library (Where Life Checks Out)
But that doesn't mean you should give up! Writing the perfect book, the perfect male or female character, the perfect movie, song, play ... the perfect anything ... is impossible. Yes, impossible! Don't believe me ... Take a look at some of your all-time favorite movies, books, plays, music ... anything that you love. Someone, somewhere, hates it. But you know what? That's okay! Variety is the spice of life. If we all loved the same things, it would mean that everything would be the same. How boring would that be? VERY! I can't count how many times hubby and I have been discussing an issue, and someone who doesn't know us thought we were arguing. Hey, we've been married twenty-six years ... that's how we talk. And we love it! If he agreed with everything I said or wanted, I'd think, "Man, where's the tough guy I married?" and if I gave him everything he wanted ... Well, he'd probably like it for a little while--he is a man, after all--but then, even men would get bored of a woman who agreed with everything they said and wanted. So ... don't worry when a few people don't like what you wrote, said, sung, drew ... Look for--and be willing to learn from--the people who offer genuine, constructive criticism on what they didn't like about what you did, as those are the only critiques that matter. The honest reviews that will help you get better at your craft ... whatever it is. That said, yep, I have people who don't like what I write, but that's okay. I know my characters aren't for everyone. I don't write perfect heroes, just perfect gentlemen with a few flaws. I write stories about real people, dealing with real issues, facing real life. And yes, I've learned a lot in the last three years from those genuine reviewers I mentioned above--because I was willing to listen--and I'll keep learning, as long as I can type and read. So, brush off your backside, get back on the horse, and get back to work, my friends! Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. If you’re curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even give you a free book, just for stopping by. To stay up-to-date on my writing posts, sales, giveaways, and new releases, sign up for my newsletter here. Amazon US
Amazon Worldwide Link iTunes Kobo Barnes & Noble If it isn’t available free in your area, use… Goodreads or Smashwords I know we’ve heard this before, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had put it in social media and writing vernacular, so here goes: Make Friends: I don’t follow everyone, but if we share a common interest—this usually means writing, reading, thinking about writing or reading, or know someone who writes or reads and supports them—I usually follow back people who interact with me on Twitter and Facebook. Do Onto Others: Again, I don’t share everything, but if I read something I think my friends would enjoy, I retweet and share posts, especially when it’s from someone who shares my posts. :) If you can’t say Anything Nice…: Really, this should go without saying, but I still see it. Nothing wrong with having your opinion, but that’s exactly what it is: your opinion. Don’t get into a fighting match; that’s what the "unfollow" button is for. Remember...it takes two. Say You’re Sorry: If you do offend someone, say you’re sorry. Play Fair: Play by the rules. Unscrupulous activities make life hard for everyone. Whether it's social media tactics or marketing ventures. Use the old standard: if it feels wrong, it probably is. Share: The most shocking thing I heard from an author once was that she didn’t follow other authors… What? I laughed! Authors are readers; authors have readers who follow them. I can write about four books a year. Some of my readers—like me—can read that many books in a week. It only makes sense that if my readers like me, they will probably like what I like. So…I share! We trade readers. Make sense? Use the Buddy System: Indie authors have limited money and resources. Our best advertisement is each other and word of mouth from our readers. Find some buddies. Don’t go this alone. I’ve never worked with a more supportive team than writers. Have snack time: Stop writing and chatting. Go find some chocolate and coffee. Your head will be clearer when you return. Appreciate beauty: As children, we go on field trips, look at pretty pictures, read classics. As an adult, we still need inspiration. Leave your comfort zone. Go find something beautiful and write about it. Sing / Listen to Music: Nothing lends more inspiration than music. Whether it’s a sad country song or an instrumental piece, add some music to your routine. Wash Your Hands: I know…you’re saying, “What?” Okay…I’ll take this one step further. If you have writer’s block, stop! Go get the snack I mentioned, and then take a shower. Start with hot water to alleviate stress, but then finish with cold water as long as possible. If you don’t know about this, read up on it. The negative ions created from the water hitting the tile and the drowning out of all other sounds are the best way to get your mind thinking. Now…go write your blog, your book reviews, your tweets, your Facebook posts, or preferably your WIP! Until next time, happy reading and writing! Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. If you’re curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even give you a free book just for stopping by. Amazon US
Amazon Worldwide Link iTunes Kobo Barnes & Noble If it isn’t available free in your area, use… Google Play or Smashwords I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the links below. Goodreads As I wrote that line, not only was I reminded of Joe Fox's comment in You've Got Mail about vats of olive oil, but I also realized -- and this is fitting to the post -- not everyone likes Big Macs. Me, eh ... not really, I'd rather have a plain burger, so I pull everything off it. But ... I LOVE their french fries and coffee. I digress ... The M in McDonald's is probably the most commonly known trademark throughout the world, and yet, McDonald's advertises EVERYWHERE! Radio, TV, Twitter, Facebook, your mailbox … Yes, even though there's a good chance that you'll go to McDonald's in the near future -- umm … for coffee -- they still pay millions of dollars to bring you into their lair. And one of their most popular draws is the freebie or discount, often called a "loss leader." Yes, that lure of a free or bargain sandwich is what gets you in the door. Sure, you could just order the Big Mac, but ohhhh…those fries smell so good, and then you know you'll want a nice refreshing soda -- Diet Coke, of course -- to wash it all down. Yep! They gotcha! They know if you come in for the free sandwich, more than likely, you'll go away with more … and there's a good chance, you'll bring a friend … or two. Well, that's what a free or $0.99 eBook is like. It doesn't mean that the book isn't the author's number-one bestseller -- like the Big Mac. Authors offer you their bestseller at FREE or $0.99, hoping you'll order the follow-up novel, and maybe even a third. I'm not particularly fond of cliffhangers in books … I always like to end the current situation, and then dangle another situation in front of the reader, but even a cliffhanger is like a Big Mac. Sure, you could just have water … but authors hope that once you finish the book, your mouth is watering for something more. Water … love it. But some things, like burgers and pizza, just taste better with a Coke. Wasn’t that a campaign too? So, go ahead … as an author, don't be afraid to offer readers a snack. And readers, I always offer a snack. It just seems like a nice way for us to meet. If your mouth doesn’t water for another course, that’s okay. I just hope you enjoy a little escapism on me. Until next time, happy reading and writing, friends! Carmen Stop by your favorite retailer and grab one of the "FIRSTS" in three of my on-going series, absolutely FREE! Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing books, and new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I only send out a post once or twice a month at the most. :)
I know how everyone likes to picture the characters in the books they read. So ... meet J'Austen, the persnickety calico in Some Lucky Woman. Excerpt starring J'Austen from Some Lucky Woman...
Kids, day job, pets, errands, cooking, cleaning, socializing—I mean marketing on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and on, and on, and on.
Oh, wait a minute! I forgot writing. How in the world am I ever going to find time to write? Not to mention, editing and READING! You have to read... I think Stephen King said it best, so I'll just quote him here: "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." The answer is you can’t find time; you must make time. It’s as simple as that. If you’re a writer, it is imperative that you make time to write. As with anything you do, you must keep your mind sharp or your craft will diminish. My college professor told me Hemmingway would read every word of his manuscript each day before he even attempted adding another word to his work in progress. Can you imagine? No, I can't either. But I do know this; when a story is in my head, I need to get it out. The longer it sits there, the weaker it becomes. So, no matter what you have going on, especially during this busy holiday season, take the time for yourself. Even if it’s only an hour a day. You deserve it! You may not always be able to FIND time, but you MUST make time to write. Until next time, happy reading and writing, friends! Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn't be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing, new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I only send out a post once or twice a month at the most. :) Curious about what I write? Find my books in digital, print, and audio versions at your favorite retailer. I'll even give you a free book, just for stopping by. Amazon US Amazon Worldwide Link If it's not free in your area, use... Smashwords Image credit: lenm / 123RF Stock Photo
Considering that I read three or more books a week, with a price tag up to $9.99 (I don't pay more than $10 for an eBook), Kindle Unlimited is an awesome deal for someone like me. Oh, and I listen to another two to three books a month on Audible, so the fact that I get the matching Audio books is a super plus!
First Note: Yes, there are a lot of FREE books on Amazon... But... there aren't a lot of FREE second, third, and fourth books in a series free. I never put anything but the first books in my series free. After all, I do have to eat. LOL! Now, you have a chance to find a series you love and read them all! Second Note: Yes, I heard the argument that you want to own your books. Well, me too! But not all of them. Yes, there are a select number of books that I've read over and over, but mostly, eh...once is enough. Just like Netflix, if I want to re-watch a movie, I can. If I watch it and love it, I can still buy it. The nice thing is I can keep up to TEN books checked out with Kindle Unlimited. So if I love a book so much I want to read it over and over, I can. And yet, I can keep nine other books at my disposal. So, if you like reading as much as I do, why not check it out? Kindle Unlimited is FREE for thirty days, so you have nothing to lose. Click for More Info on Kindle Unlimited! |
FIRSTS IN SERIES
Categories
All
Archives
February 2024
|