How to Promote and Market Your Book by Madi Preda – Review

October 5, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell

Madi Preda is the genius behind Author’s Promotion a firm which has helped countless authors with not only book promotion, but also in planning and the execution of complete book marketing plans. This book was written for those of us who do not have unlimited resources to spend on getting our name and our book’s name in front of readers. Madi has put together a comprehensive guide-book to follow to success. She has done so with easy to understand instructions on what steps are necessary to maximize the author’s exposure.

Madi begins by setting the tone for what will be a recurring theme for an author. The theme is if all you want to do is write and not try to sell your work, you’ll get what you deserve, nothing. She tells a story about what would happen to a baker who only wanted to bake and not sell. This parable really hit me between the eyes. I could not imagine anyone who doesn’t want to push their product, yet authors appear to be unique in this regard.

Madi lays out her book for maximum utility. She has chapters written on how to do subjects like book proposals, public relations, marketing, PR, Network and social media, selling more books, video trailers, book tours, blogging, newsletters, book distributors, websites, media press kits and many more.

In addition, Madi provides practical information in the form of case studies, examples and toward the end of the book a section on resources which puts valuable places to go for an author to announce a book and to continue to raise awareness. These resources are many that are not generally well-known.

This book was very informative and a fun read in addition. I would recommend it to any author who is not content with how their book is selling presently in addition to the unpublished and soon to be published authors. If an author utilized just part of the information in this book, I believe the author would be benefitted immensely by increased sales. It is a must read for anyone who thinks being an author is merely writing a book.

Shattered Daydreams Blog Tour – Nonnie Jules

October 4, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 9 Comments

I am very pleased to host the final stop on the Nonnie Jules Shattered Daydreams Blog Tour. Her tour has had some amazing stops for the last week and I am honored Nonnie chose Fiction Favorites as the final appearance for what has been an informative and inspiring journey. Please join me in a welcome to Nonnie Jules a very talented person. Nonnie the post is yours.

Hi and welcome to Day 7, the final day of my SHATTERED DAYDREAMS Blog Tour!

Before I get started, let me give you a little background on me first. My most important job is being a Mom! It is the hardest and yet the most rewarding job one could ever hope to have. (Men, so sorry you will never get to experience what I’m talking about). After having produced two of the most special daughters in all the land, I knew that I would somehow become an advisor to other parents, so becoming an author of Parenting Guides, was almost a given. That was my niche, but I also wanted to tell another kind of story. It was still going to be about children, but it would have a darker side to it while still conveying a message that I wanted to bring attention to.

In November, 2013, I published my debut novel “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND.” Now, I know most of the novels you probably read are romance and fantasy, light, airy tales, but this one was going to take you to a place that some of you had never been, and unfortunately, some of you have. This story was going to pull you down before it brought you up. It intentionally was meant to make you cry before it made you smile.

We all have a purpose here on earth, even child molesters, murderers and the other monsters who offer nothing but horrid havoc to our society. And although I don’t know for sure WHAT their purpose could possibly be, it is my belief that GOD makes no mistakes, so in my mind, they are here to teach us lessons…to keep us on our toes, to remind us to be more mindful of our children and loved ones.

The mother in DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND, missed the mark on all of the above counts. She was truly one sad excuse for a parent. Actually, I count her among those monsters mentioned, and from this point on, you have my permission to refer to her as anything other than a MOTHER.

I’d like to conclude my SHATTERED DAYDREAMS Blog Tour by asking all who are in range of my virtual voice to please spend more time thinking of the many ways you can help a child. Whether it’s your own heading down the wrong path or one born of another, who cannot seem to find their way. Let’s give them the nurturing and the love they need to succeed. Let’s listen to them and not discount their voices; let’s take the time to learn their world and their challenges so that we may help them to cope better and to even conquer the maze they will find themselves in. We must be the examples, the role models and the cheerleaders to and for them. And if you are witness to any abuse of a child, please, don’t hesitate to step in and notify those that preside over such issues.

We spend quite a bit of time on books about fantasy, dragons, money, sex and more…well, today, spend your time and money on a book that will help you to help a child. I am Nonnie Jules, Mother, Child and Parent advocate, Wife and Author. I hope my words have moved you into action in a positive direction. #LetsMakeItAllAboutTheChildren

I thank you so much for having me today. If you would like to visit each leg of my tour (click HERE for the line-up) as each day I offered a bit more insight into the lives of children who are abused, as well as the mothers who sit back and allow it to happen, or are the culprits themselves. I also shared excerpts from the book for your reading pleasure. Ladies and Gents, this week, you’re invited to partake of SHATTERED DAYDREAMS, as shared through the eyes of my main character, Maiya James.

If the passage mentioned above peeked your curiosity for more, please pick up your very own copy of “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND.” The content inside is enough to put you on the right track if you even remotely resemble (God forbid), this kind of mother. But if you’re just in the mood for a really good read, I guarantee, you won’t go wrong with this one!

From this day forward, let’s do our best to ensure that all the Maiya’s of the world are taken care of, loved and protected! John, thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure! Guests, please share your comments below.

BOOK TRAILER

AUTHOR BIO:

Nonnie Jules is the mother of two beautifully kind daughters, who along with the help of her husband, have turned out to be two of the greatest assets to this world. THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS is her first published piece of work and two weeks after publication, it hit Amazon’s Top 100 list, where it reached the #7 mark. With all the violence which is being exhibited by some children today, it is her vision and goal to get THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…into the hands of everyone who breathes around a child. She feels the only way we can make this happen, is if we are all working from a common blueprint. Ms. Jules strongly believes that every opportunity we are given with a child, should be a teaching one for us and a learning one for them.

So far, Nonnie has authored two more books “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” and “SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS!” where she shares her no-holds-barred style of teaching us all about support and social media. Her second parenting guide {THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO BULLY-PROOF KIDS} is due for release the beginning of January, 2015 and the sequel to her debut novel, DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, shortly after. (Both have been delayed due to her extensive workload withRave Reviews Book Club).

She is a fan of the well-written word, and so along with 3 partners, she started 4WillsPublishing Co. in November, 2013 to assist other writers in putting out their best work ever. By December, 2013, she had founded the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB where in less than a year, the membership has rapidly grown to well over 500. If you’re not a member yet, this is your personal invitation to JOIN US!

As you can see, she is an Author on the move and if you’re interested in keeping up with her, here is her contact info:

Twitter: @nonniejules

Facebook:

Blogs/Websites:

4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com

BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com

NonnieWrites.wordpress.com

AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com

Stream of Consciousness Saturday

October 4, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

This is Stream of Conscious Saturday and this week’s prompt is FIND. The prompt can be used in any way and included in the post or headline. Go here to read more: http://lindaghill.com/2014/10/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-414/ My interpretation of FIND is as follows and is titled Found.

We were walking on the beach yesterday and came upon an interesting couple from Houston. They were in town for a little rest and relaxation. Like most mornings my wife and I were walking our Boxer Lucy. Lucy loves to go for walks and hopes to run into a number of people since she loves to be adored and admired. Unfortunately for her the beach is really quite deserted this time of year as you can see in the photo. Lucy tends to comfort herself by chasing gulls and plovers, as well as, a stray sand crab or two. She never ever catches anything but still keeps trying.

The couple from Houston were familiar with Boxers and had a number of them. Of course, Lucy was delighted to meet them and showed them all her tricks which number two. They are “sit,” and “give me five.” The subject of age came up since Lucy tends to act like a puppy and where we got her.

The wife of the couple said, “Where did you ever find a white Boxer.”

“Lucy is a rescue,” my wife said. “She was found on the streets of San Antonio.”

“My goodness, she looks so happy.”

“She is happy now. She was rescued by Austin Boxer Rescue and has been with us for three years.”

After a few more comments, we departed company and I was thinking how much I am glad she was found and that she is now with us. Lucy looked at me and I swear her expression was “me too dad.” She then took off after a heron standing in the water. (no she didn’t get near him)

How to Promote and Market Your Book – Guest Post – Madi Preda

October 4, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

I am very glad to welcome Madi Preda to Fiction Favorites. Madi is the author of the book How to Promote and Market Your Book, as well as principal of Author’s PR . She has managed the campaigns of over fifty books this year alone. Here’s Madi.

The most powerful way to market your book

Word of mouth is the best way to amplify your efforts and create interest about your work and it’s free.

All you need for word of mouth marketing is a good book, worthy of sharing, and a strategy to get it into the hands of the right people who will spread the word for you. It sounds simple but is not that easy and requires some time, efforts, and determination.

The best time to design to draw your marketing plan is before you finished writing your book; draw your audience as you write your book by creating buzz, pos excerpts and generate engagement by asking what one of the characters should do next, guess who is the bad guy or anything else you can think of. When it’s launching time, you’ll already have an audience waiting.

The next step is to get your work noticed and shared by as many people you can get, offer free copies for reviews, write guest posts sharing your writing experience and do interviews.

Focus more on letting people know about your book rather than selling.

There is not a secret that not every strategy will work for every author, so choose what makes sense, adapt to your specific work, and try to come up with some of your own marketing ideas.

Promote and Market

Create a marketing plan and get creative.
Tell your author story and find a hook to keep your audience interested.
Build and develop your email list.
Don’t write only about the book itself but link your articles to trending topics related to your book topic..
If it is possible time the announcement of your new book with an important news event, trade show, movie, a humanitarian campaign, a sports competition.
Tempt your readers with more news about your next book if it is part of a series; you can insert a chapter, a new character description or a new setting at the end of the current book to make the reader follow you.
Add contact author’s details at the end of each of your books and the titles of previously published books.
Promote other authors by having them as guests on your blog, interview them or organize a common event such as the (your genre) weekly debate – on the topic of your book or simply about the writing process of that genre.
Schedule social media. Put every day in your author schedule at least 15 minutes for promotion.(a post on
Nobody can reinvent the wheel, but authors have a huge imagination so surely they will find original ideas and new avenues to bring their work in front of readers.

About the author: , publicizing more than 50 books within a year of launching her first campaign. Her mission is helping authors to gain more exposure and media coverage through her online marketing campaigns. As a result of her experience she decided to write a practical guide for authors, or aspiring writers, in marketing, explaining step by step how to make a book successful from the manuscript stage to wholesale distribution.

Links to order the book:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/440234

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-promote-and-market-your-book-madi-preda/1119611626?ean=2940045962346

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/How-To-Promote-Market-Your/book-0Q6ajrTX3EeMEfGEnozggw/page1.html?s=D1Gdi6tO8EOq8iRIl_DIfQ&r=1

Author’s website: http://authorspr.tripod.com

Author’s Blog : http://authorspromotion.wordpress.com

Twitter Handle : @AUTHORSPR

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bookspromotion

Friday JohnKu TGIF

October 3, 2014September 26, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Friday at last. This week feels like it has been a long one for sure. I guess whenever I have to travel away from this island the week seems to take forever. I only had a trip to San Antonio on Monday, but for some reason it feels like it was longer ago than just five days. Just shows to go what a little out of the normal activity can do to the perception of time. This week’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4jp) is about normal. It is titled Routine. I hope you like it

We seldom adjust,

Unless there is something big . . .

Pulling at comfort.

Happy Anniversary to My Blog

October 2, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Just got the WordPress two-year trophy. The only thing I can say is thank you to those who have hung in there and I am more than grateful for your visits, comments. and likes. There have been 20,962 views, 6,894 comments and over 500 posts. It has been a pleasure and I hope for many more. I truly enjoy writing and can’t imagine not sharing my stuff with you all. So here is my celebration toast,” let’s do more of the same.”

Thank you everyone.

Story Day – AKA Hump Day

October 1, 2014September 26, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

Wednesday has come up pretty fast. It is, usually, a good thing when we realize we will make through the week. Wednesday also means another story. This week I’m going to do something a little different. If you recall last week’s story had Frank seemingly taking the advice of his friend Dave. He admired a flower on the way to rob a bank since Dave told him he needed to enjoy things more. Normally I don’t continue Frank stories from one to another. The reason is Frank stories are not necessarily related to each other, but I will continue this one as if it is a serial. Now that I have taken too much time explaining let me just pick up the story where we left off last week. We join Dave and Frank in a hurry to get to the bank before the automatic lock on the safe engages. The story is named Smell the Roses part II.

“Yeah, I promise. Now let’s go. The bank closes in a few minutes and we need to grab the president and clean out the safe before the automatic lock is engaged. Oh, wait Dave. Look at that rose on the bush over there. Man that’s what I call beautiful?”

“That’s it Frank. Well done.”

“You must be kidding Dave.”

“Whadda you mean kidding?”

“That’s it Frank. Well done. You weenie.”

“Weenie? What d’you mean?”

“Here we are on the way to rob a freaking bank Dave. Wake the hell up.”

“I thought you were really appreciating that rose.”

“And if I was, wouldn’t the timing of such crap be a little inappropriate?”

“Not to me. I would think you had some redeeming value.”

“That’s why you are a weenie and I’m the boss.”

“Some boss Frank.”

“Yeah? Now what do you mean?”

“Boss over a weenie? Really Frank?”

“J’you check your gun weenie?”

Yeah, you want to see it?”

“Don’t get smart Dave. We’re here. Oh, look Dave another Rose. Best color I’ve seen.”

“Shut up Frank.”

“Weenie.”

Sisters in Crime Blog Hop Tour

September 30, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

I want to thank Marie Ann Bailey for including me in the Sisters in Crime blog hop. The fact that Marie and I are not related by blood has no bearing on the fact that we are still sisters. (Notice I moved the gender direction toward the better looking of the two of us). Marie has a fabulous blog Sisters in Crime blog hop. The fact that Marie and I are not related by blood has no bearing on the fact that we are still sisters. (Notice I moved the gender direction toward the better looking of the two of us). Marie has a fabulous blog 1WriteWay where all things writing and reading can be found. The most notable fact about Marie’s blog is the outstanding support she gives other authors. One visit there and you will have a tough time finding Marie talking about herself, but plenty about what is going on in the world of writing. Her latest post does provide some additional information which is worth the trip. Thanks again Marie.

The Sisters in Crime Blog Hop ends today so I am charged with wrapping up this segment of the hop. There are a couple of things that need to be done in order to wrap the hop effectively:

First there are seven questions needing answers: So here I go

Which authors have inspired you?

I have been inspired by Kurt Vonnegut and how he has used humor and current events to create his stories. Also John Irving for his fantasy view of fiction. Finally by Nevil Shute for his attention to detail.

Which male authors write great women characters? Which female authors write great male characters?

The best male author writing a female character is Kevin Brennan in his book Occasional Soulmates. I really believe he is a woman. The best female author writing a male character is Rhani D’ Chae in her book Shadow of the Drill. These guys are tough and brutal but have been given a sense of loyalty and brotherhood that a male would enjoy.

If someone said “Nothing against women writers, but all of my favorite crime fiction authors happen to be men,” how would you respond?

I guess I would say just the opposite. All my favorite crime fiction authors happen to be women. I think women have a fine touch for developing a great story which delights the mystery reader.

What’s the best part of the writing process for you? What’s the most challenging?

The best part is moving through the story and having the characters and plot develop the way I want. Someone once described this as “words flowing like lava.” The most challenging for me is the editing. I plainly stink at spot on punctuation so I need to be very careful in the editing process and that just isn’t me.

Do you listen to music while writing? What’s on your playlist?

I listen to all kinds of music. It helps in keeping me focused on the project at hand. My playlist includes sixties, seventies and eighties with some classic rock thrown in. I also am a big Queen fan so if I’m really against the wall I will listen to Queen exclusively. I have all their CDs

What books are on your nightstand right now?

I am reading Inside Room 913 by Bruce A.. Borders and up next is African Me & Satellite TV by Jo Robinson

If you were to mentor a new writer, what would you tell her about the writing business?

I would advise new writers not to think they will become rich and famous. If they do become rich and famous that will be great but keep everything in perspective. Writing is hard work and needs to be done by those who love it and for only that reason. Other reasons will lead to discouragement and eventually to quitting. I would also advise writing every day

Secondly the post must include the Sisters In Crime link:

http://sistersincrime.site-ym.com/?page=134 And their Twitter: #SinCBlogHop In order for them to spread the word.

Thirdly the torch needs to be passed to someone else with an introduction and link to their blog.

Since I am the last one in the chain the person I mention here does not have to take the torch and run with it.

Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie lives in Warrenton, VA with her husband, two cats, and three dachshunds. She’s a middle school counselor, graduate student at Longwood University, (pursuing a degree in School Library Media) blogger, short story and YA novel writer. When she’s not working, she’s traveling or dreaming of traveling.

Kristy is also the author of the YA Thriller Jaded available at Jaded available and the ten short story collection Even in Death Even in Death

So there you have it. Thanks to the Sisters in Crime for a delightful Blog Hop Tour.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Cooking Dinner

September 29, 2014September 26, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Cooking Dinner

This list was inspired by a mishap in the kitchen which was a result of not being fully engaged in the process. I hope you enjoy.

10 If you are cooking dinner do not walk away from that pot of water that refuses to boil. If you do, at best you will return to find a steam-filled kitchen. At worst, you will return to a completely dry pot which is now in the basement through the giant hole in the floor and the volunteer fire department captain writing up the citation.

9 If you are cooking dinner do not try to edit your novel at the same time. If you do, ay best you may find the word asparagus in your final proof. At worst you will not find the word asparagus in the final proof and will have to live with “she reached for him and could feel his asparagus responding to her advance.”

8 If you are cooking dinner do not try to watch the big game while measuring out the ingredients. If you do, at best you will only miss a few spices. At worst you will get teaspoons and yards confused and will find your recipe expanded to enough servings for twenty.

7 If you are cooking dinner do not accept help even if asked. If you do, at best the person helping will alter your recipe to their own desire but it will work out. At worst, the person helping will leave out key ingredients or add something that doesn’t belong and instead of your triumph dish you will be serving a new form of dog food.

6 If you are cooking dinner do not ask people what they would like. If you do, at best you will only get a couple of requests that are different and can make an executive decision which to ignore. At worst, you will have such diverse opinions you will finally give up and throw everyone into the car for a drive through visit.

5 If you are cooking dinner, do not decide you know the recipe by heart. If you do, at best the result will be close to what it is supposed to be. At worst, you will produce what will be known for eternity as “that crap that was supposed to be a lasagna.”

4 If you are cooking dinner do not think everyone likes spicy food. If you do, at best you will only have a couple of people who seem too weak to eat. At worst, you will be alternating between running for water to quell the burning and giving heart palpitations to bring back those affected.

3 If you are cooking dinner do not think everyone on the planet will enjoy your special meal made from stuffed goat intestines. If you do, at best the evening will end early. At worst, you will cause several of your guests to run screaming for their lives, fighting the gag response never to return.

2 If you are cooking dinner, do not try to pass off a Stouffers Mac and Cheese which was in the freezer as homemade. If you do, at best your family might not notice. At worst, the family will expect the same quality the next time and you’ll be stuck with your dirty little secret which will surely be found out sooner of later.

1 If you are cooking dinner, do not sample the food or wine to any great degree. If you do, at best you will be jaded on the meal before it is served. At worst you will not outlast the preparation and will wonder the next day how the dinner went without you or the meal.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt

September 27, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

It is that time again where I have to sit down and write whatever comes out of my head. This week’s Stream of Consciousness Prompt from Linda Hill is to use an ordinal number. As everyone knows who is an English teacher an ordinal number is words representing position or rank in a sequential order. The order may be of size, importance, chronology, and so on. Examples that come to mind are first, second, and third. To read about the prompt go here: http://lindaghill.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-september-2714/ My interpretation is the following story titled Caught Between.

I ran across a guy the other day who was in deep thought. He was standing next to my car and he looked like he was made of stone. I don’t mean he was the color of a stone, I just mean he was frozen in one spot. He had his hand on his chin and elbow resting on his other arm which was wrapped around his chest. He reminded me of a college professor I had many years ago. The professor would stand in the front of the class in a similar pose and appear to be looking at something on the floor.

I walked up to this guy and asked, ”excuse me. Are you ok?” He did not respond to my question. He didn’t even look up. Thinking he might have some kind of medical problem I decided to look into his eyes and try again. Leaning over and looking up at his face, I could see he was in some kind of trance. “Are you okay?” I said.

He blinked and his eyes caught mine. His mouth tried to form the words, but it was clear he was having trouble getting his thoughts into speech. Fearing he has had a stroke I decided to call 911. Reaching for my phone without breaking the lock of our eyes, I didn’t know how I would call without looking away. I was afraid of looking away since our eyes were the only communication between us.

“Please stop staring at me,” he said.

“W-What? I thought you were in trouble.”

“First I need to explain. I don’t need any help. Second I am really not here so I can’t move until I fully transition to where I’m going.”

“Wait. What are you talking about?”

“Third if you interfere in my transition you will be caught between worlds. Forth you seem like a nice guy so please go away and let me transition in peace.”

So I walked away even though he was preventing me from getting in my car. I didn’t go far but when I turned around the guy was gone. I still don’t have an answer.

Do you?