Taking Charge!

by Carole Brown
All authors must take charge of their marketing whether you're traditionally published or Indie published, so the best way to do that is be on constant alert for new ways and your own tried-and-proven methods of gaining both sales and readers. Two things to remember:

• Don't be lackadaisical in pursuing this. I know, I know, circumstances (which includes life, illness, family, problems, travel and a variety of other things HAPPEN) prevent diligence in this many times. But when it does, pick it back up as soon as you're able. 
• Don't be afraid to try new avenues of marketing. Be careful of false schemes (do your work: check things out!) but do attempt to fine new ways to advertise. Even when you only gain more author awareness, that is profitable. Fine what you're comfortable with, that is affordable for you, and that works for you and your books.

Now, here are a few marketing ideas for you this week (some will be pay-for spots and others freebies, so it's up to you to check everything out and see what fits for YOU:

• Lena Nelson's blog site.  She has spots both on the left and right that you can pay a certain amount to have your book cover showing. Since she also has plenty of readers viewing her blog each month, it's a positive way to expose your book to possible new eyes. On top of that, if you can get an interview spot, that's an extra for you. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
• BookBub. Yes, I know they are expensive. BUT even with that, if you sign up with them for their newsletter, you can regularly receive tips on marketing, etc. It's a fantastic way to learn from some authors, and their own research teams, of ways to promote your books. Just today they sent me an email with the opportunity to download a flipbook with 119 ways to market! Pretty good deal, I say! 
• Goodreads.  Don't overlook it, but be sure to check all your facts as recent changes have taken place in promoting your book here. 

More ideas later! 

Break Time!

In Case Anyone is Wondering What's Going on

with few posts lately--

I'm taking a short hiatus.

Deciding where I want to go with my blog.

What I want to keep.

What to toss.

But...

I'll be back shortly.

Hopefully,

With some new ideas.

See ya soon!

This and That and a Call to Arms . . .

Good morning, folks.

Didn't know I was going with a "This and That" post this morning, but at the last minute went with it.

First of all:

* My blog. You all have noticed the change in looks on my blog. Yeah, I've been trying to upgrade it. Give it more of a look with what I write: suspense and sometimes strong topics (with a little romance thrown in). Smile. Bear with me as I work through the problems of getting it the way I want. I know sometimes the words have been hard to read. I'm hoping to get my friend and computer guru to sort through the problems. Thanks for your patience!

* Interviews and giveaways. I know I haven't had many, if any, lately. I'm trying to decide how I want to proceed with my blog. Now that I'm contracted for a book release in the near future, how can I use my time the best possible way. I want to provide entertainment and knowledge for you, yet I must allow for the time it takes, too. I love my blog, but when it becomes a drag on my emotional and strength, then I feel I have to move on to newer and different ways to use it. This is not saying I will never have another interview; I'm praying and thinking about the way I should go . . . for now.

* My book, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, will hopefully be out toward the end of this year (no release date yet; I'll let you know as soon as I know) when. I'm over the moon happy about it, BUT I'm also working hard learning as much about marketing as I can. I'm trying to pick and choose what I believe will be the best and most effective ways to get the word out about my book.

In light of that, I believe one of the best ways is word of mouth. So-o-o, I'm going to be looking for men and women who want to join me in a close relationship to promote my book. It's a call, of sorts, for help.

What you do:
* spread the word through all media areas you're connected with
* share any material (bookmarks, etc) I send you
* be on the lookout for places and events where I could/can promote my book.
* share reviews, recommendations, etc.
This is a partial list which will probably be amended as I learn more.

NOW, what do you get out of working with me?
* Special gifts throughout the year (possibly gift cards, books, etc.)

* Promotion on my blog for YOUR blog, work, etc.
* Special contests ONLY for my helpers.
Maybe more.

Interested? Email me at browncarole212(at)yahoo(dot)com

I love you all and appreciate your faithfulness throughout the years. Email me, or comment, if you have questions or suggestions.

Wonderful blessings!

Five Reasons Why I Revamped My Blog

To Change or Not to Change;

That is the question

1.  I've had the same look since 1996, or somewhere about then. I mean, really, who keeps the same look forever? This is a changing world! But then I have a good example: God. He never changes, or at least, the Bible says so. And I believe.







2.  Love the color of red. I mean, I like green (my previous blog color, in case you've forgotten) too--partial to it, but red? It's a power color. Good for:

the winter blues, or when you're gazing at the vivid spring tulips and poppies planted in your flower gardens and anticipating what's coming, or summer's wild bright colors everywhere giving you a sense of freedom and patriotism, and autumn's awesome leaves which makes you dance like a gypsy.

3.  Just because I'm a fun-loving person (nice and sweet and all that stuff), doesn't mean I don't like to scare the shivers into you. That's why I write suspense and mystery into everything. It was time to let my blog portray a little bit of that.

4.  I didn't think I could do it. I'm a technically challenged person (hate to read directions!). But I got sick of listening to that eternal voice saying I couldn't. Don't like negative-ism, so I decided to do something about the voice.

5.  And it caught your attention, didn't it?



Blessings!

Talented Writer Robin Shope

• is visiting my blog tomorrow, Wednesday,
• and is giving away one of her books.
• Be sure to stop by and enjoy the blog, comment, and ask questions if you like!

What's the benefits of giveaways?

• Encourages others to read the blogs.
• Encourages the author with readers during their interview and possible new people discovering their books!
• Helps grow the blog owner's blog.

Worth it?

Yep.

Blessings!

I NEED HELP!

Sorry, not mentally. Smile.

How can you help me?

• I need you to spread the word about my blog. Ask your friends to pop in now and then.
• Become one of my followers. It's easy and you'll have another followerer for your blog too when you let me know you've signed on.
• Enjoy the contests I occasionally sponsor. Who doesn't enjoy a free book or free gift certificate now and then? I know many of you email me with comments too. Thanks for those!
• Buy and read books from the authors I recommend!

And big thanks to all of you.

Quote:
God uses ordinary people. You don't have to be smart or beautiful (thank God!) . . . all you need is a pure heart. --Rick Warren

Blessings

Bits and Pieces

Rambling today.

Yesterday a sweet friend of mine named Val told me I was a precious lady. Now that meant a lot to me and I told her so. Made my day.

Yesterday evening, we had a fun evening with friends. Thanks, Matt and Crys for the delicious spagetti supper.

Helped hubby unload wood today. I love helping him with his projects.

Thinking of starting a writing critique service. Some for hire; some to help. What do you think? More on this later.

Visited several blogs last week. Commented on some; others enjoyed the writing. One of them had a great account of that young couples' recent trip to Japan. Hilarous account of her wearing a kimono. (I think that's what it was.

I've got a cute blog to post as soon as I can locate a pic I need for it. (sent to me by friend Joyce).

Today's a beautiful, sunshiny day. Warm, lots of spring feeling. Course we'll probably get more cold, but for today . . . winter is past.

Trying and trying to get to another friend (Tim)'s webpage and can't seem to do it. Of course, I can't claim the best knowledge of technical stuff, but you'd think I could find this page. Ergh! Totally irritating.

Agent called me this week. An encouraging day, cause she loved my historical. I needed it. Sometimes I feel I'll never get pubbed. I know, patience. NOT my greatest attribute.

Gonna miss some friends as they search for new lives in other states. I hate changes!

Haven't written much about Noah and Taffy lately. They're just as spoiled as ever, if not more so. But still as dear to me as ever. Noah would be a lap dog if he could fit on any one's lap. Laugh.

Saw a newborn baby last week and made me wonder, again, if I'd ever get to be a grandmother.

Looking forward to more writing workshops and meetings as spring comes.

Enjoyed the evening meal with other friends as we dined at their home. Delicious meal and fun time.

Read a great post by another writer of a guy's marketing techniques. Wonderfully enlightening.

Totally useless one day this week. Not sick, but not up to par. Just an icky day.

Enjoyed my first Pampered Chef party this week. Wow, some amazing stuff. Expensive, but attractive.

Do you enjoy when I do book reviews and interviews? Do they give you an idea of what you'd like to read?



Coming up next week:

• One writing meeting
• Hitting my novels in progress hard, hopefully
• Visiting with friends
• Shopping for baby and wedding gifts
• Plans to finalize for teaching a class
• Meeting with a critique partner

Quote:
A great many people think that polysyllables are a sign of intelligence. --Barbara Walters

Blessings

I'm Tired, Sleepy, and Don't Feel Good!

At least, that's what my younger brother use to say when he didn't want to do something. I guess one excuse is as good as another, huh? when you know you should have done something, but you didn't, for one reason or the other.

Now, after that long drawn out explanation, I'll tell you what I'm talking about. My failure to blog much last week. Whatever the reason, I didn't get it done. I can blame it on busyness, laziness, or forgetfulness--but that doesn't change the fact.

So--here's hoping this week will be better.

You all stay in touch. I'm easily depressed when I don't hear from you! Laugh. Touche'.


Quote:
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. --Hannah Moore


Blessings!