I read this article and thought it should be shared. I'm glad I read it. Thank you Asteria's blog for posting. I know I've bombarded a few of the groups I belong to but lately, have shy'd away from doing it any longer... with good reason. I also know of a few authors who do ALL of the mentioned items below. Someone did # 1 to me not too long ago when I won her ebook. "Want to be on my street team?" Honestly, I know nothing of her, how could I? I politely told her no, that I'm running my own team, but appreciate the offer. Now when it comes to social media, don't be a snot. Talk to your fans. Follow them back on Twitter. Don't be that asshole. They took the time to enjoy your book. Take five minutes to follow them back and answer their questions. 

10 Ways to Piss off Potential Readers
Potential readers are the bread and butter of any indie author's career. Finding those readers is often a daunting task, and so most of us turn to Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/etc. Reaching new people is the goal, yet many authors think that social networking really means let's-annoy-the-crap-out-of-complete-strangers-by-beating-them-over-the-head-with-my-latest-promotion-or-event.

Who thought that was a good idea?

Here are the top ten ways to piss off potential readers using social networks:

#10. Go ahead and send that Direct Message on Twitter. You know, the one that starts with "Hey, thanks for the follow! Please check out my latest book here (http://whatever), or better yet, find me on Facebook! (http://notinamillionyears)

Yeah. Because twitter lovers have nothing better to do than to click on EVERY site sent in a direct message. 

#9. Be sure to use a call to action tweet with new followers. 
Sad thing is I think someone actually told this author that this is a great idea. Demanding something of someone you just met doesn't exactly set the tone for a good start to a new friendship, does it?  

#8. Promote one event on every single group/site/page you own on Facebook. You know this campaign is a success when Facebook finally suspends the URL due to spam. 
Here's the thing. Chances are the people that follow your fanpage also may be one of your coveted 5000 friends or are in the same group you're in. You're preaching to the same choir, just in a different loft. And no one enjoys listening to the same sermon twice. Best to stick with putting it on your fanpage only. If you want the extra exposure, ask some close friends to share it in a group or two.  

#7. People love a narcissist.  Only post stuff about your work. They'll follow you in droves.  
If you make the NYT's or USA Today's bestsellers list, or if you hit anywhere in the top 100 on Amazon by all means, shout it from the rooftops! But otherwise, post reviews and updates in moderation. People would rather see a post about the deer in your backyard or a picture of your laptop at Starbucks over an hourly updated screen-shot of your Amazon sales. 


#6. People admire snarky authors that put other books down. Don't be afraid to state your opinion about other author's work. 
Riiiight. Like that won't completely offend the faithful readers of that other author, will it? Too, it won't make you look like a pompous ass ... not at all. 

We all have different styles of writing, and not one is any better than the other. Putting down someone else's work makes you look like a total douche. In the words of my grandmother, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  

#5. People want to hear your political views. No really, they're riveted. 
A well written book is loved by all. Why on earth would you want to alienate half the reading population by taking a political stance on a controversial subject? Love Obama? Hate Obama? Tell you family, your close friends, but by all means keep it off your social media feed. 

#4. Be sure to make it as difficult as possible for people to contact you.Readers love a good challenge, and they'll feel privileged when they finally get through. Oh, and be sure to wait at least a month before getting back with them if you reply at all. 
Twitter validation services, contact forms instead of email addresses, and putting people off to an "agent" does nothing but distance you from your readers. Contact info should be front and center on every site. And if readers take the time to contact you, respect that by contacting them back. Preferably in a timely manner. 

#3.Don't follow people back on Twitter. Having 10,000 followers while you are only following "The Chicago Manual of Style" sets a precedent. Readers love a writer that is standoffish and aloof. 
The whole "mystery persona" is a crock. Sorry, but it's true. While movie stars and professional jocks may get away with it, if you're a writer and your numbers are this out of whack, people think you're a snob. 

#2. When a reader wins a signed copy of your book, mail it whenever. They can wait. 
I know we all are crazy busy, but when a reader takes the time to participate in a giveaway and they win, they're excited and want their book. Chances are if you get it to them ASAP, they'll bump you up on their TBR. And please, take a second and write a small "Congrats" email and then a follow up of "Hey there, I just sent your book via USPS. Here's the tracking number." A little consideration goes a long, long way.  

#1. As soon as someone so much as says "hi" bombard them with information. Be sure to ask if they'd like to help make Pinterest pins. Oh, and ask if they'd like to join your newsletter. Street team anyone? Hey, do they have a blog? Because you'd love for them to run your blog tour, right? 
This one's a doozey. By overwhelming new contacts, writers are not only losing a reader for their current work, but probably every work thereafter. 
Readers are smarter than your average bear. They also share the same passion that writers do: the love of a good story. We should appreciate that, not try to take advantage of it. In this ADD world, the art of listening is sadly being lost. When someone takes the time to reach out to you, reach back. Shake their cyber hand and listen. 

Remember, social networking isn't about hocking your wares. It's about reaching out and making new friends. Take time to get to know someone, to really care about them and foster friendships. For when something really great happens with your work, those are the people eager to shout it out on their network. They want to participate in your blog tour, they cheer when your book hits #1 on a list somewhere. 

More importantly, your life is enriched because you took the time to get to know them. 

Intrigued now? Haha! Well I've been giving a lot of thought to the characters I'm writing about. Redemption will be releasing soon and I'm about 1/2 through writing Souls of Fire and Ice. It's taking a much darker turn; it's more seductive, more sex then the first two books and borders the line of moving into BDSM. Considering the book is about an incubus (for those unfamiliar, the incubus is a male sex demon who invades the minds of women for the purpose of sex, resulting in the theft of their soul) I'm not surprised it went there. I'm definitely including a disclaimer in this one! As a result, Samuel's character has truly grown exponentially in my heart. As he's a true figure you could read about from many different versus of the bible, folklore and the lot, to me, he's a character I've given life to. I absolutely love him as much as I love and adore Alex and Lisa. ~wipes tears~

I've been giving thoughts about the fourth book. Bringing this series to an (unwanted) end, I've titled it Culmination, which means the end or final result of something. Seemed fitting and also, very sad. I've totally and completely fallen in LOVE with these characters. I could gush all day but I won't. I can tell you my two favorites by far are Samuel and Jonathan. Who's Jonathan you ask? Well you'll have to read Redemption to find out!
Samuel to me is the inner evil in all of us. He's the character we want to be, we wish we could have, the man we want to change, the man we want to save. I love every bit of his being inside of me. I created him from inside my head onto a piece of paper. Every one of you breathed life inside of him. That's right, yes you. Without you, he would not exist. Without you, I would have stopped at Fallen. Without you, I would not be here, doing this, and talking with you. For that, I owe you so much. Thank you from every space inside my swelling heart.

Now, let's talk about Jonathan. He is another character you'll get to meet briefly in Redemption. I cannot go into details here who he is yet, but you'll figure it out towards the end of the second book. There's a plot in Souls of Fire and Ice that brings everything together, including my dear Samuel. 

"You mean, all of this, everything I have done, everything I have endured, none of it matters now?" He sighs and the anger rises deep inside of Samuel. He glares at Lucifer and growls, "What about my revenge?"
"What in all of this, makes you think any of this is about you?" Lucifer tells him with a smirk.

(If anyone has read Redemption yet, some of you have, you might recognize one of those lines.) 
Here is where Jonathan will come in. I can't tell you how, when or where, but trust me, it's HUGE!

You'll get to meet a new female demon in Redemption. She's the demon of creation and destruction and is she HOT! I LOVE THIS CHARACTER! She's so good at being bad! You will LOVE to HATE her. Then you'll hate me for what I do to her. 

I've included the synopsis as it is written for now on my home page. I hope you've enjoyed this deep dive inside my mind. It's kinda dark in there... I wouldn't linger too long. You may not get out alive. (evil grin followed up with an evil laugh)

As of 6:30 PM EST I have officially signed with a publisher!!!!! I'm SO excited to be able to share this news with you! I'm still bouncing in my seat and smiling ear to ear!

What does this mean for Chronicles of the Fallen? Nothing but brighter skies! Look for a few changes coming to Fallen and other than that, Redemption will release with Bar Publishing. Give them a like on Facebook.  As news comes about I'll be sure to post and share!

So... what are you doing the last weekend of March? No plans? Well come on out to Atlanta, GA and attend the The Novel Experience Event (TNEE)! I'll be there among 130+ other authors! We'll be signing and selling books, taking pictures and some of us will have our muses! 
I'll also be hosting an event party with two other fabulous ladies you do NOT want to miss! As soon as everything is planned out, I'll start giving you some teasers. Till then, a teaser I can give you is NAME THAT DRINK! 

There are a LOT of author events going on in 2014! I'll be signing at four of them, in this order. (This information is also on my Events tab)



What: The Novel Experience Event (aka: TNEE)
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: March 28-30, 2014 

Come join me with many other authors as we sign our books, sell our most recent and do photo ops with you! Some will have their model/muse handy so you'll get a chance to take a picture with your favorite book boyfriend! Daniel Hosse, who will be on the book cover of Souls of Fire and Ice, will be with me during this event. He portrays the role of Samuel Clayton, the demon incubus in the series, Chronicles of the Fallen. I'll also be hosting one of the events. Come with questions handy, taste some drinks for voting and we'll have a great time! More to come with the event I'm hosting! I promise, it'll be a GREAT time!

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What: Sin With The Saints
Where: Park City, Utah
When: August 2nd, 2014 

If you're in Utah or the surrounding areas, come on by and see me at this event! I'll most likely have all three of the books in the Chronicles of the Fallen series, and working on the fourth! I might have more information on Southern Roots and Surviving Death! We'll see as the time draws closer.

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What: Down & Dirty Author Bash
Where: Orange Beach, AL
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2014

Down & Dirty? Ooohhh yeahhh... Orange Beach? NICE! Come join me at this event for book signings, author photo ops and meet some of your favorite authors! Some model/muses will also be present. It has not been decided yet if Daniel (Samuel) and/or Jesse (Alex) will be joining me but as the time draws closer, I'll keep you in the loop. 

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What: Pure Textuality Convention
Where: Minneapolis Minnesota
When: October 2nd - 5th, 2014

The Pure Textuality Convention is a gathering of fans, authors and publishers from all over for the sake of their deep love and affection for reading. There will be Q&A Panels with some of the industry’s best authors, awards voted on by the fans, workshops for writers and bloggers, a book signing/expo day, and more! Yours truly will be one of the participating authors in the panels! Get your ticket now while you can!

Samuel Clayton (portrayed by fitness model, Daniel Hosse)

Samuel Clayton hasn't always been an evil, sadistic demon incubus. During his early life he lived as an Archangel, representing the Angel of Death. He anointed many during his holy days. That is until he chose his own fate and became a Fallen. He was presented three women, all at different times, who he willingly seduced then took their lives and their souls. After losing two fights to two particular individuals, he wants vengeance. He wants retribution. He wants the power of the Nephilim child. In order to accomplish this, he needs the soul of an angel. How far would he be willing to go? Easy. He's going to do whatever it takes. He is, after all, Samuel. 

I was privileged to see an amazing piece of art... and history... come alive today! Daniel Hosse will be on the cover of my third book, Souls of Fire and Ice (Chronicles of the Fallen, book 3). The photographer, Jennifer Tanner, knows exactly what I'm looking for. After discussing at lengths with her on what I'm looking for, I feel we were able to get into each others minds! 

Archangel Samuel was the Angel of Death before his dissension into Hell.  In the first book, Fallen, you learn about Samuel and how he became a Fallen angel. After seducing Lilith, one of three woman, who became his downfall, he was stripped of his wings and power, then cast out of Heaven. 

As told in Fallen, you'll meet Samuel and he's an incubus demon. You'll learn about his story and how became a Fallen angel. Lilith, who is one of the three women who was Samuel's downfall, has a small part in Fallen and later down the road, I might bring her back again. 

As for Samuel, in Souls of Fire and Ice, he meets up with a former ally and plans to seduce her. Who's the ally you ask? Well she's non other than the Angel of Prosperity, Anauel (aka: Ana). You'll learn about their past together, and the future they will give to each other. It's not a pretty future, trust me. He wants power and will stop at nothing to get it. She wants her old friend back and is determined to save him from death. Who will win and who will lose? You'll need to read Souls of Fire and Ice to find out!!! I have not set a publication date as of yet, but when I do, I promise, you'll be first to know!!!

Till then, I hope to bring you more soon as swag will be made for Redemption AND for Souls of Fire and Ice! Hang on tight because it's going to be a FUN ride!!!!!

Link to Jennifer Tanner's FB page
Link to Daniel Hosse's FB page

I'll be hosting a giveaway soon as my Facebook page is close to 2000 likes! I'm excited and can't tell you how amazing this experience as been so far! If you'd like to donate, please fill out the form below. Thank you SO much!!!

(50 Things Only Writers Would Understand)

Stolen from my fabulous girly, Christina! You can find her here.

50. That awesome writer moment when you type “The End.”

49. That awesome writer moment when you reread something you just wrote and it’s like reading something somebody else wrote, and you wonder where the hell it came from.

48. That thankful writer moment when you get the kids to bed and you FINALLY get to sit your ass down and write.

47. That sad writer moment when you discover that a character you’ve grown to really like/love . . . has to die.

46. That awesome writer moment when you realize that what you are writing is bigger than you, is coming from some place beyond you, and you are but a vestibule for the creative workings of the Universe to materialize. . . . When that Universal truth comes to you as a gift to be shared through your talent, humbly, a light for others to see themselves and the world by.

45. That moment when you realize you need to kill your darlings. (See above)

44. When you realize you are narrating your life in third person again.

43. That awesome writer moment when you’re writing a creepy scene and you keep looking over your shoulder, making sure no one’s behind you. In your own house. In daylight.

42. That moment when an idea to do something perfectly horrible to your characters creeps up on you and makes you smile, evilly.

41. When you are losing an argument so you start correcting their grammar.

40. When your back is killing you, your eyes are buggin’, your legs have lost all their sensation, but still you write on like the badass word-slinger that you are.

39. That awkward writer moment when you start talking to a non-reader/writer passionately about your book and they pretend like they care but it’s obvious they are most interested in the activities of a nearby Porta Potty than your book.

38. That Halleluiah! writer moment when you’ve been querying agents/publishers for eons, and you finally get that “yes.”

37. When you get a brilliant idea in the shower and you hop out with soap still on your body to scribble it down on a paper plate with a crayon (or something like that  )

36. When you’re on a road trip and you put on your headphones and listen to inspiring music while working out plot details in your head the whole way.

35. That awesome writer moment when you have to pull over to write something down.

34. That moment when the best thing you ever wrote was born on a napkin.

33. That moment when your “emergency fire rescue” box in your house is too full of your writing stuff to fit any family photos, baby keepsakes, important paperwork, etc.

32. When you are constantly catching typos in places they shouldn’t be; cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, text books, signs, and your kid’s printed homework pages . . . . and you make a big deal out of it. And no one else cares.

31. When one kind comment or note of encouragement from a reader/fellow writer can pull you out of that mucky bog of motivation-less self-pity and disenchantment.

30. That sweet moment when someone you know and love reads your book and you feel closer to them.

29. When you have a child within the age bracket of your YA book. (Yes! Priceless input!)

28. When that child doesn’t want to read your book because it doesn’t have vampires in it. (Seriously?)

27. When you read a really awesome book and you have to read it again so you can pick it apart and see exactly how the author made it so freakin’ awesome.

26. When you’re talking with another writer in front of a non-writer and they are awkwardly standing there like, “huh?”

25. That inspiring moment when a big storm comes and you start plotting end of the world weather scenarios and storylines in your head.

24. That awkward moment when you meet someone who reminds you of one of your characters and you’re like, “WTF?”

23. When that plot kink works itself out in a dream, after stressing all day/week/month about it.

22. When you write your first novel and are in love with it . . . .

21. When you look at your first novel a year later and realize what a POS it is . . . .

20. When you see how necessary it was that your first novel be a POS, because you learned so much in the process of writing it.

19. When you would rather write than go out and “party.”

18. When you would rather write than sleep.

17. When you would rather write than do most things.

16. When you’re having an “off” day, and someone gives you unwarranted constructive criticism . . . and you want to tell them what they can do with their unwarranted constructive criticism.

15. When you write drunk and think it’s the best thing you ever wrote . . . .

14. That moment when you look at your drunken mumbo jumbo the next day.

13. When you have more books on your kindle than your local public library has on its shelves.

12. That amazing moment when what you are writing makes you laugh . . . . or cry.

11. That awkward moment when seeing an old typewriter is an aphrodisiac.

10. When you develop a crush on a fictional character . . . . (Hey, he’s eighteen, it’s legal, right?)

9. That moment when a blog post you wrote goes “viral.”

8. That crappy feeling two days after your post went viral when people are so “over it” already.

7. That ancient writer memory of always having ink-stained hands.

6. When you have an elevator-pitch moment with a chance-encounter, and you totally forget what your book is about, how to speak, and that you are even an author in the first place.

5. When you base a character on someone that pisses you off . . . and they just have to die. (hehehe)

4. When you take your shitty day out on your characters . . . and it works . . . and it’sawesome.

3. When you finally meet that special person who “gets” you, and appreciates your word-nerdiness in all its glory.

2. When you light your keyboard on fire because you’re on a roll and the thoughts are flowing and the story has begun writing itself and you can barely keep up.

1. When your characters tell you exactly what they want you to do next . . . or else.

And one to grow on:

The realization that you cannot not write, even if you are not getting paid enough, or at all; because it is who you are. It is your gift.

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Love to all my awesome writer friends <3 

Since I'm already on a roll, how about blogging about it? Here's a few Tom Hiddleston stills and gifs! Enjoy!!!