Month: May 2018

The Case of CockyGate and Missing Reviews

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There’s been a lot of craziness going on in the Indie world (in case you didn’t know. Which I assume you didn’t, since you’re not a self-published author. Unless you are, in which case, you probably know all about this. Recap for you!)

The first thing is this whole trademark thing. If you haven’t heard, an author by the name of Faleena Hopkins has successfully trademarked the word ‘Cocky’ in book titles, meaning no author—regardless of their publication date—is allowed to have that word in their title. It might not seem like such a big deal, but SHE TRADEMARKED A WORD IN A TITLE. So sorry, but I thought words were free for all of us to use? You know, to write and talk and communicate with. Is that not the case anymore? But, if the possession of a word in a title isn’t crazy enough, every other author who has that word in their title HAS TO CHANGE IT. LEGALLY.

(pause to really let that sink in)

You’ve worked for hours (and hours and hours) writing the thing, several more on imagining the brand/theme/colors, spent (even more) time and (lots of) money on cover design, editing and marketing, and now…what? You’re just expected to change it all? Because of ONE word?

But okay, let’s forget those who had to (or are in the midst of) changing everything for a second. Trademarking one word in the title isn’t really too terrible, right? Except that authors—now scared at the *possibility* of having to update their work—have come forward with their own trademarks. ‘Forever’ and ‘Dare’ and ‘Shifter World’ are all in the process of applying for trademarks. GUYS. What’s happening?!?!?!

The second other huge crappy thing is that Amazons is fucking us over. Authors, I mean. I considered going to KU (Kindle Unlimited) with my Arizal Wars series since I do absolutely no advertising and figure maybe I can score some page reads (KU pays by the page read, not the book purchased) and gain a little something there. Except, authors with LEGIT page reads are not able to access their royalties because Amazon’s saying they’re committing different kind of fraud like book-stuffing. Then a BUNCH of reviews went missing from like, a BUNCH of authors and they’re not sure if it’s a glitch or what. Regardless, losing reviews means less people’s opinions on a product which means (possibly) less interest from a potential buyer. And that’s the other thing—supposedly, Amazon is only allowing a ‘verified purchaser’ to leave a review, so if I lent you a copy of my book, you wouldn’t be able to review it there because you didn’t buy it. I don’t care who bought it, JUST REVIEW IT BECAUSE REVIEWS HELP US.

So those are the things swimming around in my head. That, and pushing BTT and writing/planning to market for BTN. And Deadpool. And maybe going to see Solo.

If you’re interested in following the “Cocky” situation, check out #cockygate. The RWA (Romance Writers Association) is even involved with the reversal of the trademark. This shit is getting super real.

What do you guys think? Big deal? Not a big deal? Having a lovely Wednesday?

So…What’s Next?

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(The short answer is: I have no idea. Making this up one day at a time.)

The LONG answer is that I didn’t really think about what came next until last Saturday when my silly brain was like, ‘you don’t have to think about the next book until late July. It’s not set to release until mid-August.’ Then the wine was gone and the rational, smart part of my brain came back. In addition to, you know, FINISHING the book, I have to get it edited, get a book cover done and do some possible advertising (maybe even a blog tour? Or some ARCs this time??) Yeah, I don’t know how I thought I’d be taking it easy for the next month and a half when I set this schedule for myself—unbeknownst to myself (by myself 😉)

When I say I have to ‘finish’ the book, I mean it’s pretty much done but I’m combing through it until there’s nothing left that I want to change. Then I’ll contact my BETAs and once I get the green light from them, it’s off to the editor. The thing about this series is: they’re shorter books, each clocking in at around 65K words, so they’re quick reads…and quick writes. I thought I was being stupid when I decided to release them three months apart, but I think it works for this series. It’s pretty much one giant story broken into three segments and I don’t want to make (potential) readers wait too long. Hell, I didn’t wait. I jumped into book three because I NEEDED to know what happened once I was done with a solid draft of book two. Why should I hoard the story if it’s ready to be shared (after proper editing, of course)? That’s why I have the last two installments coming out later this year—there seemed no point holding onto them if they’re ready to go.

Oh!

I’m going to try really, really, REALLY hard to understand Google Docs and make a signup sheet, but in the off-chance reality sets in and my stupidity gets a hold of me, you can always shoot me an email or leave a comment if you’re interested in getting an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Better Than Now. One of these days, I’m going to get me some advanced readers and it’s going to be GLORIOUS. Absolutely glorious. 🙂

Until then, I’m off to create some shit and do some work. And clean out my wine rack.

It’s going to be a good summer 🙂

There’s An Actual Bar Graph

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It has now occurred to me—two days later—that I should’ve put an image of my book on my “TODAY IS MY RELEASE DAY” post, but then I also thought the wedding was on Friday so I have no idea what was going on in my head last week. Most of it was a blur of excitement for Deadpool and the book going live. I think I also made something really yummy in the crockpot because I got compliments on the smell of my leftovers the next day at work and no one EVER compliments my leftovers. 🙂

Friday—despite some terrible things that happened around the world—was awesome and not just because it was Friday or because I FINALLY got a pay check, but all the texts from family and friends telling me they bought my book was just great. It made me feel like I’m not some lame weirdo chucking semi-articulated paragraphs onto the internet, but someone who’s maybe doing something…cool-ish? Or worthwhile?

Oh!

Yeah, this was surprising (top left. Look familiar?) 🙂

BWHAHAHA! I don’t know how I ended up with all these hot couples, but I’ll take it. Seriously, I don’t know if someone shared my post with another someone who shared the post with another someone—I really have no idea because I barely understand FB and the internet in general, but how cool is this?!?!?!? I made it on a list, guys. SOME RANDOM LIST OF THINGS TO READ.

Oh, and all you wonderful people texting me that you’re buying my book—you’re not lying 😊 So thank you again because there’s an actual graph now for units sold which means I’m not cruising at the zero-book-sold marathon I’ve been running for a while. I *super* expect to return to it tomorrow or the next day but it’s nice to have seen some form of life on this EKG of book sales.  BUT: paychecks mean money means advertising means more books sold (maybe) means another bar graph come August? Eh?

I need to start thinking about the next book. Already. Now. In fact, I’m going to go do that (literally right now. I meant to work on it but started this blog post instead) because time’s a wasting and I’ve only got twelve weeks of it. (Why did I do this to myself? And where’s the rest of the victory wine?)

Here’s a picture of Appa because  he’s sexy and you deserve it and you shouldn’t not have a sexy picture of Appa 🙂

drink it in, bitches

P.S. I’m still watching Hemlock Grove. Does ANYBODY else watch this? I need to talk to someone so I can work through it.

P.P.S. Deadpool was Fan-fucking-tastic. Ryan Reynolds, you are still in my Top Five. Batman, you’ve been warned.

It’s Today. TODAY.

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Okay.

So, obviously this is a super important day, and not just because it’s Friday (although that’s the real reason—let’s be honest) but because of other awesome things that are happening in the world. Maybe not in Hawaii or the middle east, but I hear there’s this really big event going on across the pond and—dare I say it—Deadpool 2 is releasing. Today. To-motherfucking-day. If you weren’t excited about the royal wedding, you have to be geared up for DP. If neither of those interest you, I *suppose* you can go ahead and lose your shit over THE RELEASE OF BETTER THAN THIS.

**faints**

**gets up to dramatically faint again**

**sits up enough to reach for wine**

This arbitrary date I’ve selected is here and now I can chuck this thing into the interwebs and let you guys have your turn. These characters have been playing in my head for over a year and now—FINALLY NOW—they won’t just belong to me anymore. They’ll be yours too. MUAHAHAHA. Or, anyone who wants them because I actually did it. I published Better Than This which I never planned to do in the first place. Hell, I’d never planned to let anyone read it because I was writing it for me and I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t stop. And here we are, all this time later. We (my characters and I) didn’t give up on each other and we (you amazing supporters and I) are talking about this book that started off as nothing more than a silly scene and what-if moment.

Wow, the power of not giving up.

Anyway, enjoy your day. Try to sneak a peak at the wedding and definitely go see Deadpool 2. And if you get a chance, pick up your copy of Better Than This right here. I hope you fall in love like I did (that’s my aim at least) 😊

Alright, guys. It’s almost the weekend.

Time to party. 😉

EDIT: I just realized that the wedding is on Saturday – not today – but I don’t feel like re-writing this so, whatever. Cheers!

GUYS. THIS FRIDAY.

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Clearly, I am shit for advertising.

If I wasn’t, there’d be a parade or a blimp or some sort of brightly colored banner flying across your face that says “look at my new product. LOOK AT IT. Now (think about going to) buy it.” But there isn’t. When I say I’m crap for advertising, I mean it. I’m total shit. I’m afraid to commit to things (especially when there’s a lot of techie-stuff involved) and nowadays, that’s mostly what it is. Online marketing. And here we are – WEEK OF.

THIS MOFO FRIDAY.

GUYS.

I did do an interview over at Joleene Naylor’s blog because she’s awesome and offered and my $0 marketing budget allowed me. Now that I have a job—I HAVE A JOB! MORE TO COME ON THAT LATER—I can actually advertise or do *something* somewhat businessy-official for BTN and BTY releasing later this year. Who knows if paid advertising actually works, but when I have a *small* amount of disposable income, I can at least try something more along the lines of  what the professionals in the industry are doing. But that’s then. And this is now. And it’s almost here, guys.

And the nerves—THE NERVES.

There may have been some wine purchased. I already set the book to pre-order, so the “publish” button is already clicked. Now all I have to do is sit back, enjoy the wine (selected solely on its very pretty label) and keep working on edits for BTN. Once there’s an income, I’ll (maybe) get on that marketing wagon for a change. Until then, wine. Yummy, cheap wine.

And reading. And writing.

But mostly the wine.

P.S. YOU CAN PRE-ORDER BETTER THAN THIS RIGHT HERE FOR FRIDAY MAY 18TH BECAUSE I LOVE YOU AND WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY

P.P.S. And go see Deadpool. It’s going to be a big day 😉

Thank Bank. It Works.

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I’ve decided to have a Thank Bank. It’s kind of like a Spank Bank but way different. Instead of a collection of erotic ideas, images, what-have-yous, it’s a place for me to go whenever I’m feeling like shit and everything I do/write is shit and the whole ‘I should just give up now’ mentality is taking over, because a Thank Bank is place I store all the positive things people have said about me/my writing that I’m so grateful for. Alas, a Thank Bank. 😉

I’m prepping myself for the release. Right now, I’m gung ho because the excitement is still high with optimism, but in the next week I’m going to be hit with the ‘what-ifs’ and that is the WORST part because that’s when all your life choices come to light. AKA: the heavy drinking starts. WHAT IF no one likes it? WHAT IF it doesn’t sell? WHAT IF I missed a bunch of things (plot holes/typos). WHAT IF everyone knows I’m a fraud? The list goes on and on. It’s a super fun time.

Hence, my Thank Bank.

We authors/creators/introverts take a lot of stuff to heart. Even if it’s a passing comment or a two-sentence bit of criticism. It goes a long way and sometimes, we’ll think about that comment or criticism for far longer than we should. Don’t blame us. We hate it ourselves. Just a reminder that your words hold a lot, so when you say “has anyone told you what a great writer you are today? If not, allow me to do so!” it goes a really long way. Seriously.

*Clink*

One deposit into the Thank Bank 😊

Also: the Faleena Hopkins thing has been blowing up all over my Indie platforms. Have you heard about this? Apparently this author is trademarking the word ‘Cocky’ in book titles so it can’t be used by other authors, and now a bunch of them have to change their titles. Wtf? Let’s get it together, people. Enough with the bullshit.

In other news, I started watching Hemlock Grove on Netflix. Um. I don’t know how to describe my reaction to it. But I’m still going to watch Season 2. This is on you, Shelby.

May the Link Be With You

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GUYS.

It’s here! I pressed buttons and did things and now you can PRE-ORDER Better Than This and be able to read it in TWO WEEKS. BBBBAAAAHHHH things are happening.

TWO WEEKS and the content becomes available on your kindle or tablet or phone device (whatever you use to entertain yourself) and all you have to do is press this lovely link that takes you to my lovely page that allows you to PRE-ORDER because I remembered to do that this time. That’s right. Someone’s thinking a couple of days—er, weeks—ahead her official release date. 😉

Wow. I’m excited for me. That sounds strange but now, instead of just talking about this thing I’m going to put online for strangers to read, I can actually point to it. I can be all: ‘You-hoo! I beg your pardon—but have you checked this lovely link that will take you to something I crafted from my own brain? Here let me show you’ instead of just telling people: ‘Yo. I wrote book. It’ll be on the internet at some point at some place.’

It’s all about the link. And now, I have one. And this may be the billionth one I’m giving you, but it works in my favor because the more chances you have to accidently click on it, the more likely you are to end up looking at the book and possibly—possibly—buying. So, my apologies if random words become links because I’m totally meaning to do this.

Okay, I’ll stop.

Now.

No, now. For total realizies. I’m just highly energized on my very special code that means you can read Autumn and Alex’s story in TWO weeks. It’s a big deal because I’m excited to share their friendship/angsty-ness/excitement/tears/all of it with you and draw you in so I don’t have to be alone in it anymore. It’s really, more so, a call for help. I’ve gone through the rings with these guys; I need some empathy so jump on in and tell me it’s going to be okay (even though I wrote the ending and I’m the only one who knows what happens. MUAHAHAHAHA)

Tttthhhhaaaatttt should do it. Oh, here’s one more link in case you missed the ones above.

Happy Friday! Enjoy your day/weekend/ Infinity Wars (I hear it’s good—seeing it tonight) and, of course, may the 4th be with you 😊

The Keys to Life, IWSG

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I wrote a post yesterday about endings being the worst. I kind of like it and I really wanted to publish it but then I drank some wine and overdosed on Kiss Me again (this Ed Sheeran song is so freaking amazing because it’s beautiful and honest and there’s this part at the end when his voice does this hot strain-y thing when he sings ‘love’ and I get goosebumps EVERY TIME and if it was a cassette, I would’ve rewound it and played it again and again and again, like I used to do when I rocked cassette tapes because it’s THAT awesome) and all of a sudden, everything fell into place – my ending came to me! All it took was wine and a little obsessiveness.

Ah, the keys to life.

So, I got the ending for the last book, which is great because Better Than This releases on May 18th (WOOP!) and at the very end I include that book 2, Better Than Now, and book 3, Better Than You, will be releasing on August 17th and November 16th of this year.

I’ve been unemployed for three months. Yeah, I wrote some shit.

Onto the optional IWSG question:

It’s Spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?

Nope.

I kind of don’t care what season it is; writing is writing is writing, although I do prefer to write when it’s raining out ( it’s weird – maybe has to do with Harry Potter?) but the actual season? No. I think that sections of the year have very little to do with the amount of work getting done. Different times of day? Sure. But not the seasons. Just my opinion.

What about you? Does the color of the leaves (or lack thereof) help/hinder your writing?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a monthly blog hop for writers at all levels to share their fears and insecurities in a safe and encouraging place. Please drop by and say hi to Alex Cavanaugh who started this nifty concept in bringing us all together.

BETTER THAN THIS RELEASES ON MAY 18TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Don’t forget to check out my Patreon! (I can say that because I’m on there now. THAT’S RIGHT. I did something on a place that does things.)