Round Robin Blog Fest--Book Giveaways and Contests

1 

     #Round Robin Blog Fest

I would like to thank Rhobin Courtright for the invitation to participate in this month's blog fest.  The topic: book giveaways and contests.

    

    

  How effective do you think book giveaways or contests are?

The key: forethought (know your audience). Careful planning, media blitzing, and a gimmick are the elements of a very successful contest. By gimmick, I mean a creative approach, one that is not a usual contest pitch.  Am I going to give you any never fail rule/a road map to success?

No--I wish it was only that easy.

You can Google names of media savvy authors.  Or Google my name and look at my website (novelsbyconnievines.com) read my interviews, my archived contest info (the links are still on Google/ Bing, some are available on my web site).  This is not a do-what-you-see-others-do, it more of fact gathering tour.  You know your story/series, and you are the best judge of what will appeal to your fan base. 

After all, what is a successfully contest for me, may not spell success for you. If you write historical novels featuring a lineage page (I do enjoy researching genealogy but. . .) your readers would probably adore winning a book of Sonnets.  While my fan base (me included) are happy with a Starbucks gift card and an autographed copy of my latest eBook.

Be creative. Have fun.  If you don’t enjoy your contest, no one else will either.

    Do you think all the free books through Amazon and the library offered to prime members affect your efforts?

I believe the free reads and lending through Amazon (for prime members) has a positive effect on my efforts in promotion.  I’m willing to try a new author or genre because of the free read offers.  I have purchase 6 books this month as of this Amazon feature.  Amazon distributes a large list of books that are free, the lending library allows Prime users to read one book of their choice monthly at no additional cost to their membership 

However, on the down side, giving way books seems to brink out "rather vicious" reviews.  Which really puzzles me, especially when it's apparent the reviewer didn't finish the book/or read more than a page or two.  We all have our preferences.  Please be mindful of cyber manners--there is no reason post a hateful review.  Everyone that's pride in his/her work.  And every writer is mindful of our readership.  

Ginger goes into more depth on her blog post. You man wish to stop by her site also.

In order to compete with freebies, my publisher. Books We Love Ltd., lowered the prices of our books to try to be more competitive.  

And more good news: Jude Pittman, president, of Books We Love Ltd., with whom I'm published, released this statement as part of a press release:

Of course, any great author would be oppressed without an extensive distribution network for their work. To that end, Books We Love Ltd. has just signed a deal to distribute their books in print in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Red Tuque will also be handling a portion of the distribution in Canada, with both distributors releasing a combined twenty-five titles this coming fall.

 “This print distribution is a big step for our authors, returning their work to its original format. Of course, we’ve not forgotten about eBooks and currently have over four-hundred titles exclusively available through Amazon Kindle. With each book priced at $4.99 or under, getting some of literature’s forgotten heroes into your hands has never been cheaper,” Pittman adds.

Exciting times. . . and great adventures! 

 What are the best promotions you've participated in?

I find that interviews generate the most exposure for me. Contests run as a group (with your publisher, online reader/writer group etc.) is second. Guest blogging (see I’m here!), and all of my combined online presence, is third.  I am visible in my community. I judge local and national writing contests, offer workshops and guest speaking engagement.  As for book signings—in the past this was a wonderful way to ‘meet and greet’ readers.  Signing 75 books during a 3-hour event was the norm, now author appearances aren't always sure-fired way to draw readers.  The Internet has replaced monthly newsletters that were sent via USPS. While downloadable bookmarks, e-authorgraphs, and facebook and google+ stream (the new fan club base) are all part of author branding.

The online shopping experience, or read a book at your local library and purchase it for your book shelf, seems to be the new norm. I believe to survive in this very competitive field, contests, giveaways, and series readership is a must. 

After all, a loyal readership is the key to success.  Write that ‘must read’ story that your readers will love and keep your name out there! 

Next on your Round Robin tour: Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca

Happy Reading, 

Connie

Participating in July’s Round Robin event: Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/ Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com

Fireworks! Round Robin, June 2014

Round Robin June, 2014Fireworks!

I’ve been asked to feature one of the most explosive scenes from one of my novels.I have chosen a scene from Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1.This scene takes place in “The Last Chance” Honky Tonk in Running Springs, Montana.

“Rachel, honey,” why’s that man staring at you?” Charlene asked, glancing to the right of her friend.

“You’re imagining things.”

“No I’m not. He keeps watching you. . .oh, no here he comes—“

“Charlene, you’re scaring me.” Rachel twisted her chair to get a look at the man. He was stocky and looked to be in his early thirties. He also looked vaguely familiar.

Before she could act, the man lunged against her, catching her off guard. He grabbed her wrist. “Wanna dance?”

She jerked her hand free. “No, I don’t. I think it would be best if you went back to your table.” She was concerned but she wasn’t frightened, yet. She glared at him for several counts, her heart pounding. If she kept her head he’d leave her alone. If he didn’t, she’d scream the roof down!

“I’ll buy you another drink. . .”

“No!” Rachel shot back.

“Justin, leave the lady alone.” Lynx’s voice was a low growl right behind her.

“The lady asked me to buy her a drink,” the drunk whined.

“I did not!”

“Rachel,” Lynx ordered quietly. “I’ll handle this.”

She felt her spine snap to attention. She’d never responded well to orders, no matter how well intended.

The drunk stumbled, landing on top of Rachel. She let out a squeal of surprise as glasses and mugs of beer careened off the table and onto the floor. “Get off of me!” she screamed, shoving at his shoulders.

Before she could act, Lynx stepped forward, yanking the man off of Rachel. “Justin, didn’t your mother ever teach you any manners?” Lynx asked.

Justin said something foul under his breath, and Rachel saw Lynx’s expression change.

In swift, economical movements, Lynx spun the man around and grabbed him by the collar. One hard blow from his fist catapulted the man backwards. He crashed into a table and several wooden chairs. The sound of splintering wood filled the room, and suddenly Rachel found herself the unwelcome center of attention.

¬ My reaction to writing this: I’m not a violent person (I have nightmare after watching Meer Kat Manor). So even though my scene had a brawl, there is humor as the scene develops.  After I realized no one would be seriously injured (One never knows what the characters plan to do), I began to have fun with the experience.

¬ Background information: Well, since I’ve never participated in a barroom brawl, I had to conduct interviews. (Of course, I was not inclined to witness/ or instigate the event myself J).  Sherman (the husband of my dear friend) was an officer in the Army Air Force during WWII and had witnessed (I didn’t question his statement) many a fight in his day.  He provided me with how one positions a man to receive a punch.  The crashing, falling, and general mayhem I figured out from watching a couple of western movies and recalled the information I’d gleaned from a “Hollywood Stunt Man Workshop” I’d facilitated for Larry Sellers when he co-starred on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

I hope you enjoyed my Round Robin Post for this month.  Remember to stop by at my friend Ginger Simpson’s blog next and see what exciting story she has to tell!

Remember to stop by website (it’s been revamped!) And I’m also spotlighted on with an author interview at:

coldcoffeecafe.com. 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com

All participants in this month’s Round Robin Blog:

Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog
Heidi M. http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com
Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Kay Sisk  http://kaysisk.blogspot.com
Anne Stenhouse at http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/
Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.comMargaret Fieland at

 

Round Robin Blog Topic: You Loved the Blurb--What Happened?

April's Round Robin Blog topic:
You loved the blurb. First page sounded interesting. You bought the book. What makes you throw the book you're reading against the wall, stomp on it and go find another?

The blurb on the back cover or the inside sleeve of a book is supposed to draw you in and make you want to buy the book. It is supposed to be intriguing, giving you a flavour of the novel. 

Catchy Blurb: "One of the best-known horror stories ever. Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss scientist, has a great ambition: to create intelligent life. But when his creature first stirs, he realizes he has made a monster. A monster which, abandoned by its maker and shunned by everyone who sees it, dogs Dr Frankenstein with murder and horrors to the very ends of the earth . . ."

Deciding to read Frankenstein was a bit of a whim. I wanted to see how different it was from the twentieth-century film versions, and since I loved B Stoker's "Dracula" i expected to add this classic to my "keeper" shelf.

I can't blame Mary Shelley for some of the things I disliked. I find early 19th century fiction to be strangely peppered with sensitive, high-born protagonists who suffer nervous fits. But these delicate lords who require six months of recuperation try my patience. And Victor Frankenstein has so many nervous fits -- and spells of madness -- that it's a wonder he ever gets a chance to build a monster in the first place.

II can't excuse Victor Frankenstein's justifications for his actions. I could see it if Shelley were ultimately condemning Frankenstein for being such a lazy, selfish, ineffectual, and cold-hearted but she isn't. The only thing Frankenstein did wrong was to play God by delving into the secrets of nature.

The fact that he totally abandoned his "monster" is not seen as irresponsible. And when that monster found itself alone and terrified, spurned by all humans, unable to find companionship even from the man who created him-- Victor Frankenstein doesn't think this is particularly sad. When the monster decides to get revenge of those who rejected him -- Frankenstein (and Shelley) both label the monster as "cruel" and "bloodthirsty."

Almost half of the book is about the monster's good deeds and his heart-wrenching attempts to join a society that will never accept him. The other half is about Victor Frankenstein running away from every responsibility he has.

 When describing geography, Shelley entranced me. When it came to characterization, however, I could only care about the monster...and I don't think she intended it that way.  (The book gave me nightmares.  Not because of the monster but because of the "abandonment").  

Thank you for stopping by to view my blog post today.  

Next on the blog tour: Beverley Bateman - http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Happy Reading,

Connie

A complete list of this month's guest bloggers:

* Anne Stenhouse athttp://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
* Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca
* Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
* Margaret Fieland at http://www.margaretfieland/blog1/
* Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
* Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/ 
* Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
* Beverley Bateman - http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
* Rhobin Courtright - http://rhobinleecourtright.com