Tag Archives: author

Why I Won’t Give Up

18 Jun
This is my favorite photo of my mother, and I share it on my video.

This is my favorite photo of my mother, and I share it on my video.

WEBSITE UPDATE: If you all recall, Minutes Before Sunset needed nominations for “Book of the Month” on Goodreads, and you all succeeded! But I need votes. PLEASE VOTE BY CLICKING THE LINK. We’re three votes away from first place. I need all of the support I can get :D  

Thank you for voting: Gregory S. Lamb, Christina Channelle, Amber Forbes, Bob Williams, Marie Bailey, Laura B., Raymond, Silver Wolf, Christie, Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie, Dale Spiller, Dan Pawlowski, Peter John, Tuan Ho, Raul Diaz, and Nada Faris!  (I’ll add your site here when you vote too!)

This post was inspired by Ky Grabowski, a writer and reader I mentioned on my last post: Published Paperback & Spotlight Interview. On June 7, 2013, Ky blogged Why I Won’t Give Up, and her story inspired me to share mine. So I shot a video explaining details of my life I haven’t released before, and I’ve added a link below. I’ve also added quotes to give you an idea of what it’s about, but there’s a file to open the text if you prefer to read. It’s four pages long or I would’ve posted it directly onto my site.

…

Quotes from my “Why I Won’t Give Up” Video:

  • You know every day you’ll have a moment of doubt. Every day. But you’ll also have hours of happiness and encouragement and people who believe in you and people you believe in. And it’s worth it again. It’s always—it’s worth it. Everything is worth it.
  • When I was sitting here and I was looking at this, I was thinking “How many people dream of this?” “How long have I dreamed of this?” “What do I still dream of?” I dream of getting people to this point. I dream of people being able to look at this: their words on a printed page, their name on a binding, their picture on the back of a book. This is what I dream of for others. That’s why I don’t stop.
  • My dream is why I continue. I continue for others. My dream is for others.
When "November Snow" was published, my father surprised me with this gift: the printed cover inside a silver frame.

When “November Snow” was published, my father surprised me with this gift: the printed cover inside a silver frame.

Watch the video by clicking this link or read the text by clicking the file: Video Text. 

"November Snow" was originally titled "It's Only a Matter of Time" and this is the original burnt file.

“November Snow” was originally titled “It’s Only a Matter of Time” and this is the original burnt file.

Specifically speaking, I talk about my nightmares and night terrors in detail, explaining an in-between place that inspired most of my novels today. I also talk about my mother’s inspiration and how her sudden death effected my life. I share a lot of information about November Snow I haven’t had a chance to talk about before, and I compare those details to being published in the poetry collection dedicated to my late roommate. In the end, I discuss my ultimate goal in life, which isn’t to become a famous author, but rather to open an affordable art school for talented young adult to be able to connect with professionals in their field.

"November Snow" "Poets: a collection of twelve young Kansas poets" & "Minutes Before Sunset." My publications that push me forward to continue chasing the dream.

“November Snow” “Poems: a collection of twelve young Kansas poets” & “Minutes Before Sunset.” My publications that push me forward to continue chasing the dream.

I truly summed up the video compared to the original explanation, but I did this, because I really hope others will share why they won’t give up. Towards the end I said this: “I hope other people analyze their dreams on a deeper level to see if they’re actually dreaming for themselves or if they’re dreaming for another reason entirely.” What I mean by this: we may have the dream to be an author, but what’s beyond that? Even if the answer is to share your words (and themes) with the world, you’re dreams are beyond what I think we might realize on a regular basis.

So take time today. Think about your ultimate goals when it comes to writing (or goals in general) and feel free to share. By sharing this post, I’m hoping to keep this topic going within the writing community. Share your story below or post on another blog altogether. Let’s inspire others together :D

~SAT

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Publishing News: Paperback Contest

25 May

Website Update: You can now pre-order Minutes Before Sunset‘s paperback via Barnes & Noble by clicking here. I’m so excited!  

On May 23, I received the first printed copy of Minutes Before Sunset. 

As I said on my Facebook Author Page, these moments are unforgettable, and I am grateful I got to spend this time with my father.

As I said on my Facebook Author Page, these moments are unforgettable, and I am grateful I shared this moment with my father.

Within the next 3-4 weeks, the book will be appearing for sale, which I will announce as it happens. But I am here to offer more than that! 

I announce events and contests on my Facebook page immediately! Click here to join.

I announce events and contests on my Facebook page immediately! Click here to join.

AEC Stellar Publishing is giving away five SIGNED copies of Minutes Before Sunset. You can enter the contest by commenting below. If you’ve already read and reviewed this novel, post your name with the link, and your name will be entered twice as a special thank you for the extra support!

Speaking of reviews: I want to thank two wonderful ladies for their insightful reviews.

Thank you to Ky Grabowski (Welcome to the Inner Workings of My Mind) 

5 Stars: May Contain Spoilers

“…Shannon’s ability to reveal answers that many authors often leave till the end is a great strength. I think it was also a risk that paid off. We know so much about the characters, the history, and the future before we’re even half way in. Shannon touches on everything readers want and gives the illusion that the knowledge we’ve given is all we need. It’s far from that though – there’s a rich, capturing story following and don’t for one second assume you have all the answers…”

Read the rest here. 

…

Thank you to Sarah Ray (She has three blogs: click her name, Ray of Light, or Heart of Flight) Her novel, Sorcerer’s Vendetta, can be found by clicking the link. 

5 Stars: Shade is good

“…It’s a very engaging read, enjoyable for me even though it’s geared for the YA audience and I’m hardly that. Eric (Shoman) and Jessica are believable characters, easy to empathize with, and the other characters are interesting and colorful also…”

Read the rest here via Amazon.

Both of these ladies are extremely talented writers, and I definitely recommend checking them out at their blogs and/or other websites. I really appreciate their guided honesty and tremendous support.

If you want to do a review, you can receive a free ebook from my publisher. Just email ShannonAThompson@aol.com expressing interest.

…

I’m very excited to see who wins the free paperbacks, joining L. Marie, who is being upgraded to a free signed copy as well. She took place in a previous competition, and she’ll be receiving her paperback along with five others as soon as they arrive in the mail (perhaps even sooner than when the paperback will be available for purchasing!)

I’m looking forward to the future! The second book in A Timely Death trilogy, Seconds Before Sunrise, is already in the editing process, and it’s expected to be available this Fall. So I’ll be working hard to upgrade this website in the near future to support more book pages and extras.

Goodreads Quote of the Day: “His resonating stare fluttered through my memory, and I shivered. I hadn’t seen kindness in his pupils. I only saw intensity, and I hated to admit it, but he was beyond intimidating. He was overwhelming.” (Jessica, Minutes Before Sunset.)

~SAT

P.S. Have a great weekend everyone!

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Minutes Before Sunset Release Party ! ! !

1 May

Website Update:

7 p.m. Book Mavern’s Picks featured “Minutes Before Sunset” today. Special thanks Jhobell Kristyl, book reviewer and blogger. Click here to read.  

10 a.m.: ShannonAThompson.com has hit over 7,000 followers :D Thank you all for the tremendous support! 

After years of writing and reading, and being on ShannonAThompson.com for eight months, I am so excited that we are finally here! It’s absolutely breathtaking seeing my novel up on the internet, because I can finally share it, and I’ve been looking forward to it for so long :] Again, and I say this all of the time because I mean it, thank you for supporting me along this journey.

Published by AEC Stellar Publishing, Minutes Before Sunset is now available as an e-book for $6.99 (And there’s a 20% discount for the first week of sales! (It expires at midnight on 5/7/2013.) Just click here (or go to Smashwords) and use the discount code DM42Z. Please help spread the word on Facebook and Twitter :D I’d really appreciate it! And don’t forget there’s a surprise for you all (Yes, you all!) in my acknowledgements page. 

Here are other places you can buy Minutes Before Sunset:

Amazon: Kindle

Smashwords includes links for Kindle, ePub (Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others), PDF, RTF, LRF, Palm Doc, Plain Text Download, and Plain Text View.

I’ll be adding links periodically as I receive them ! But in case you’re just now coming to my site: I’ve added the Shan-002synopsis, the cover, and the first chapter below:

She was undoubtedly a shade, but I didn’t know her.

Eric Welborn isn’t completely human, but he isn’t the only shade in the small Midwest town of Hayworth. With one year left before his eighteenth birthday, Eric is destined to win a long-raging war for his kind. But then she happens. In the middle of the night, Eric meets a nameless shade, and she’s powerful—too powerful—and his beliefs are altered. The Dark has lied to him, and he’s determined to figure out exactly what lies were told, even if the secrets protect his survival.

…

He had gotten so close to me—and I couldn’t move—I couldn’t get away.

Jessica Taylor moves to Hayworth, and her only goal is to find more information on her deceased biological family. Her adoptive parents agree to help on one condition: perfect grades. And Jessica is distraught when she’s assigned as Eric’s class partner. He won’t help, let alone talk to her, but she’s determined to change him—even if it means revealing everything he’s strived to hide.

 The first chapter (for free) click this link: First Chapter Preview. 

And excited things have happened! I’ve received another author review:

“Creative and well written, ‘Minutes Before Sunset’ keeps the reader intrigued and anxious for the sequel. Love it!” – T.L. McCown, author of Shifting Sands.

While this was happening, I also did another interview with upcoming author, Amber Skye Forbes, and that can be read by clicking here.

It’s official. I’m dancing around the room with my fat cat, Bogart. He’s excited. (I can tell by his lack of begging for food.) I’ll be close to the computer (as usual but even more so) this week, so don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail or ask a question in the comments section. I’ll get back to you right away! If you’re interested in an interview or planning on reviewing Minutes Before Sunset, let me know! I will link them to all of my websites!

In the mean time, I hope you’re enjoying reading Minutes Before Sunset as much as I enjoyed writing it for everyone! 

~SAT

See? We're dance-hugging :]

See? We’re dance-hugging :]

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Publishing Tips: Marketing Your Book

21 Apr

Website Update: April 22: 8:00 a.m.: Shannon A Thompson Facebook Fan Page hit 200 likes today! Thank you :D

10 days before the Minutes Before Sunset release (AEC Stellar Publishing) ! 

I know many of you are fellow authors or are working to become one, so I thought I’d dedicate today’s post to bringing attention to your work. (Especially since I’m often asked how I gained as many followers as I have) So below is a list of aspects to consider along with websites before you begin marketing (which I used myself to get where I am today.)

1. Readers: There’s no mistake that they are my number one is my list. Readers are vital to an author’s ultimate success. A writer could have the best publishing team for their story available, yet if they don’t have a relatable and entertaining story, an author won’t make it. The readers, in the end, decide, and that’s why I really suggest connecting with your fans as much as possible. Have an email they can send you messages, questions, and reviews too. Connect with them on all the websites below (don’t force them to join, but rather connect with the ones that are already on the sites.) Create a Facebook page they can follow (since many don’t feel comfortable sharing their personal Facebook, and I completely agree with that.) and talk to them on there. Figure out what they like and what they didn’t like about your book. Be willing to change. Be even more willing to help them change by supporting their dreams to become a writer or something else entirely. Personally, I love searching around the web for fellow writers, readers, and bloggers. I follow their blogs, and I often like or comment on material. That way, I find readers, rather than expect them to come to me, and I don’t expect them to follow back. They can reciprocate or not, because I’m coming to them as a reader (not a marketing writer) and respecting their work. If they check me out, and decide to support me, that’s great!

Oh! And never stop writing. Even if you're drenched in monsoon rain in the middle of an airport.

Oh! And never stop writing. Even if you’re drenched in monsoon rain in the middle of an airport.

2. Internet: Join as many social networking sites as possible for both yourself and your work. If you click any of the website below, you’ll be taken to my personal page, but you can see how authors and readers can connect through these communications. You can even join, too!

  • Have a blog: If you don’t have a publisher yet, you’ll surely run into this in the future. Blogs are essential in connecting with readers, so you’ll almost be expected to have a website. If you don’t already have one that you keep updated on a regular basis, I’d suggest creating a page with a blog. I update mine (this very page) every two days (three if I’m having a particularly busy week) with information on entertainment, writing, and publishing. This allows my blog to be focused but also fun to write and fun for others to read. 
  • Facebook: No one can deny how popular Facebook has been over the past couple of years. Even when you create a new profile, you fill out your “likes,” and that’s where authors and books come in.

    One part of my Interactive interview on Twitter with Sezoni Whitfield.

    One part of my Interactive interview on Twitter with Sezoni Whitfield.

  1. Author Page: Create a page for only you. This way you can announce all of your books, events, and other announcements all on one page. Personally, my author page has the most activity, compared to my individual book pages.
  2.  Novel Fan Page: This is purely created so fans can put your book in the “favorite books” section and/or follow news specifically about the book they enjoyed. I have one for both “November Snow” & “Minutes Before Sunset.”
  • Twitter: Twitter is wonderful for finding writers and readers. Simply use a hashtag (#) and find anyone under the sun that is discussing the topics you want to connect with. I’ve also done an interactive interview on Twitter with Sezoni Whitfield, and I gained 200 followers in one days.
  • Publisher’s page: If you have a publisher, be sure to include their page, information, and more contacts. This allows your readers to see what you’re up to professionally, and it also gives them the opportunity as writers to see how the situations differ and work.
  • Goodreads & Shelfari: Both of these websites are focused on readers. It allows a place for readers to connect and discuss what they thought about a book. Add your novel to join in on the conversations which include reviews, favorite quotes, bookshelves, lists, and trivia.

    Flyer used

    Flyer used

  • Amazon Author Central: For both published and self-published authors, you can control your author page on Amazon. This is wonderful, because you can connect it with your novels, blogs, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also announce events.
  • Linked In: This is mainly for professionals you’ve connected with: publishers, agents, cover artists, editors, etc. But I recommend joining it, because you never know which one of those very types of people may come across your resume.
  • All Author’s List: A free database that enhances your ability to appear on the internet.

Think about the internet this way: the more you’re involved, the more likely your name will pop up on a Google search. Don’t hesitate to spread yourself across many social networking sites, because readers go to many different websites to find authors.

3. Now Market! 

Now that you’ve joined the World Wide Web, you can start sharing your name and news all over. Without going into extravagant details on all those websites again, however, I’ll give other opportunities.

  • Find local businesses willing to support you. Print out flyers and share them with their customers. I have to thank Ice Fire Hookah in Shawnee, Kansas for doing this for me. It is very kind to know such a great group of people willing to support the arts.
  • Accept interviews, but also apply for them: Currently I’ve done five interviews for Minutes Before Sunset, and I’ve added them to my Extra’s Page: If you want to interview me, please don’t hesitate to send an email to ShannonAThompson@aol.com
    1. Michael Fedison (March 11, 2013)
    2. Tim Flanagan (March 13, 2013)
    3. Dan Pantagram (April 16, 2013).
    4. Sezoni on Twitter’s #WritersKaboodle (April 18, 2013)
    5. The Magill Review (April 19, 2013)
  • Create Extras: This allows readers to interact with your work. I’ve talked about this before, so if you’re looking for ideas, visit my Extra’s Page. I also have 2 other extras coming this Wednesday !
  • Exchange Reviews: There are many authors like yourself that are wanting more reviews and buys. I’d suggest reviewing others’ works anyways, but if you don’t have a lot of time, I could understand why asking for them to exchange reviews is good. Try it out and see where you go from there.

I know today’s post was tedious, but if you have any questions or want further elaboration, comment below, and I will surely get back to you!

April 24: One Week To Go: Sneak Peek Chapter

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Publishing News: I’ve signed with AEC Stellar Publishing!

12 Apr

19 days until Minutes Before Sunset release :D

Over the past few weeks, AEC Stellar Publishing has worked with me, and now we have partnered to publish Minutes Before Sunset! In other words, I’m a signed author :D (And there will be a paperback version available!) So I wanted to share all of the information available as of now:

My publisher has a Facebook Page (like here) but if you visit their main site, AEC Stellar Publishing, you will see a tab at the top. If you click on Authors, you will see this page:

AEC Stellar Publishing: Authors Page

AEC Stellar Publishing: Authors Page

And if you click specifically on my name, you will see something like this:

AEC Stellar Publishing: Shannon A Thompson

AEC Stellar Publishing: Shannon A Thompson

It would mean the world to me if you all would visit the website or just click around and see it, because these moments are making my heart pound with excitement. (And I want to share these moments with you all.)

I announced this on my Facebook Author Page yesterday! Like here to get the latest updates.

I announced this on my Facebook Author Page yesterday! Like here to get the latest updates.

I couldn’t be more excited to have such a wonderful publisher pushing my passion into the market, while supporting my dream. Special thanks to the team: Raymond Vogel and Christie Heisler at AEC Stellar Publishing for being so…well…stellar. :]

And I will update as we go!

But thank you for all of your support. :] You all have helped me (seriously) get here, and I love having such a magnificent community of writers, readers, and bloggers behind me. 

~SAT

I guess this means Bogart is an Author Kitten now :D

I guess this means Bogart is an Author Kitten now :D

April 15th: Inspirational Meet: Robert Rebein

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Publishing Tips: Introduce Extras

6 Apr

25 days until the Minutes Before Sunset release. 

When I posted Shannon Summary: Six Months In, I received a lot of inquiries about how to bring more readers to your blog and/or novels. I thought about this for a while, and I’ve come to a lot of conclusions, but one of them in particular kept repeating itself: connect with our readers.

I spend a lot of my free time reading other blogs (Twitters and Facebook pages too). In order to connect with readers, I never expect them to find me. I go to them, and I prove that I care. I think this is really important, because then there is a connection between the writer and the reader (especially if they are a writer too.)

So what can you do once you get passed that step?

Create opportunities.

Like my cover contest for Minutes Before Sunset, I try really hard to involve my readers with my writings (because, ultimately, it is for them.) But I understand if others aren’t comfortable with that. So I thought about other things, and I came up with this idea (mainly because a lot of published authors actually have pages like this themselves) and decided to do it myself.

My Facebook Author Page is over 150 likes too :]

My Facebook Author Page is over 150 likes too :]

Create an “Extras” page for your novels and/or writings. This allows reader to see Fan Art and/or anything you’ve created while writing. You can also add possible soundtracks, along with anything else you find enhancing towards the experience of your novel. I think it’s important to have pages like this, because it can be further entertainment for your readers while also giving the opportunity of teaching your writing methods.

I’ve added “Extras” pages for November Snow & Minutes Before Sunset. (Click the links to see them.)

These pages will include Interior/Exterior Maps, Soundtracks, and Fan Art (along with anything else I think will enhance the experience of the novel and writing tips.) Whenever I add something new, I’ll be sure to post an announcement on my blog and Facebook Author Page.

So check it out (and if you have anything you’d like to see, let me know, and I’ll add it!)

~SAT

April 8: Relax & Read: The Unmemntioable by Erin Moure

As an "extra" to my life: I have a collection of frogs. Don't ask me why, because I honestly have no clue. People seem to buy them for me, and this is my most recent one (of 6). He's from Puerto Rico.

As an “extra” to my life: I have a collection of frogs. Don’t ask me why, because I honestly have no clue. People seem to buy them for me, and this is my most recent one (of 6). He’s from Puerto Rico.

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Writing Tips: Different Perspectives

31 Mar

On March 17th post: News: Submissions Closing and Minutes Before Sunset Info one of my followers, rolark, asked “I’m trying out writing from more than one perspective right now (it’s my first time!), and was wondering if you had any advice?”

And I do!

As many of you know, November Snow is told from two perspectives (Daniel and Serena) while my upcoming paranormal-romance novel, Minutes Before Sunset will also be told this way (by Eric and Jessica.) I love using this technique for novel writing, because I enjoy first person, but I dislike how it restricts the storytelling to one character during particular scenes that may be told better by another.

So I use first person by two people—generally one male and one female. Why? Because I generally have a romance aspect to my stories, but I also think men and women can bring different viewpoints to the table. (But so can every character–this is a personal preference of mine.)

One of the coolest part of writing is when one of your fans creates something for you. This is fan art from a novel of mine on my previous Wattpad account. Sophia and Noah, my male and female protagonists.

I love it when fans creates something from my writings. This is fan art from a novel of mine on my previous Wattpad account. Sophia and Noah, my male and female protagonists.

Personally, this is what I do (although 3 comes first, but it’s the longest part), and I’ll be using November Snow as an example:

1. Consider Syntax.

Change it up. One character’s thoughts may drag on, so the sentences are longer or dragged out, while another may make lists or sporadic lengths of thoughts. Consider using italics, colons, and/or dashes for one character.

Ex/ Daniel is often exhausted, so I used shorter sentences to depict his energy state. Serena’s sentences are longer. This allows the voices to seem different in the basic way they think.

2. Pay Attention to Diction. 

One character may use very flowery language, while another may have less of a need to elaborate.

Ex/ Daniel is very patient, but also anxious (especially when walking around Vendona, considering the government is after his kind.) So I always have his eyes darting around. He’s constantly surveying his surroundings, paying attention to the little details, and often loses his thoughts to the physical world. His language, therefore, does the same thing.

Serena is rebellious. She’s tired of conforming to the rules and hiding, so she’s often taking risks she shouldn’t be taking. Because of this, I don’t pay attention to as many details when I wrote from her perspective. She no longer cares. Instead, she’s focused on changing, so I show more details about relationships, people, and the future within her language.

3. Now Perspective. 

Now, I’m about to use a gender stereotype to explain where I’m coming from, but it’s for an example. You’re welcome to swap them around for different effects.

Men may pay attention more to physical action than detail, while women may focus on the little details. For instance, a man may describe someone running, while a woman may mention the fact that the runner was in jeans. These little switches in descriptions between your perspectives will help create a realistic viewpoint in the sense that it’s subconsciously differing from one person to the other. The character doesn’t even consider it; it’s simply a part of how they look at the world.

One of my favorite exercises:

Write a chapter in which the two characters are talking. Let’s say this chapter is written from Daniel’s. Afterwards, whether I decide to use it or not, I’ll write it from Serena’s. Make sure the dialogue and the physical actions are the exact same, but compare the thought process. How did the scene change? What does this change mean?

As an example, two people can be talking and Person A could notice Person B is fidgeting. Person A may assume Person B is nervous, but, when you tell it from Person B’s perspective, you learn that they are distracted, not nervous. These little bits can truly morph the way characters interact. I always encourage this exercise, even if the writer isn’t planning on telling from another’s perspective.

This always helps me understand the consciousness of the characters, and I feel more confident when I move onto a new scene.

You can always post questions for quick answers on my Facebook Author Page! Joining also helps me out, and I really appreciate the support :]

You can always post questions for quick answers on my Facebook Author Page! Joining also helps me out, and I really appreciate the support :]

My hope is that this may help rolark and other writers who want to play with this technique, but I also want to encourage others to ask questions.

I will always do my best to answer! (And you will get credit for asking the question.)

Have a great day,

~SAT

April 2nd: Writing Tips: Make Maps (Interior) 

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Interviews by Tim Flanagan & Michael Fedison.

13 Mar

8:00 a.m. Update: I hit 5,000 followers this morning. Thank you! I love achieving these milestones with you all. They make my day! 

This blog brings me plenty of joy. Discussing writings and readings with you all is often my favorite part of the day. It’s my passion, and to be able to do something with it on a daily basis is a joy.

I love to use my Author Page for daily updates. Click here to join & don't forget to send me a message. I'll like your page too!

I love to use my Author Page for daily updates. Click here to join & don’t forget to send me a message. I’ll like your page too!

On many occasions, because of my Contact page, I receive emails from very enthusiastic followers–talented writers and readers who, sometimes, just want to discuss the industry, (or something else entirely), and we have a great time talking about EVERYTHING. Seriously. I can talk forever.

I have days when I can’t email right away. (I’m busy with school most of the time.) But I try my best, and I have daily emailers who brighten my day with their messages.

I wanted to share two of them with you all: Tim Flanagan & Michael Fedison. 

Both gentlemen are authors, and they have amazing talent. They challenge me with discussions, and both flattered me when they asked if they could do an interview. So…

Tim Flanagan: Author of The Moon Stealers, Flanagan is inspired by the liberation writing brings, while loving his family along the way. His blog can be found by clicking his name, and his Author Facebook page is here.

When he interviewed me, I was excited about how thorough his questions are and his ability to adjust to my answers by asking additional questions to enhance the meaning. He has numerous parts of the interview coming, but Part I: Inspiration and Preparation can be found here. His questions include, but aren’t limited to, What inspired you to become an author, Do you have daily word targets, Before writing do you plan your books down to the last detail, How do you decide on your characters and what they will be like? 

I think these are great questions, and if you’re looking for more writing tips, this interview is a great place to go to, because Flanagan really asked about what I do in my writing process.

Here's a piece of his interview.

Here’s a piece of his interview.

Michael Fedison: Author of the Eye-Dancers, uses his first 25 years of life in western New York and creates an extraordinary journey with four kids who are about to realize that everything is connected.

Over email, we’ve talked about everything the publishing industry has to offer. We discuss struggles, success, and we exchange stories, truly helping one another. In fact, I interviewed Michael Fedison too–and you can read that interview by clicking Eye-Dancers Interview. I had a great time with him, and I really encourage you to check him out (and the interview!)

Two days ago, however, he posted the interview he did on me, and you can read what he asked here.

This is a piece of Fedison's interview about me.

This is a piece of Fedison’s interview about me.

There’s some really great information on both of these interviews that my website doesn’t have yet. Hint: Minutes Before Sunset. And there’s even more great information on these authors and what they’re currently up to. I think they are great (and inspiring) men to follow! After all, following them is how we came into contact, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their lovely support.

If you’re wanting to take another aspect away from this post, take this: Interviews and reviews are a great way to support writers you appreciate, and it means so much to see such physical results for all the hard work you’ve done. 

So–interview (or review) someone you love this week. Feel great about it too, because, for all you know, they will remember your wonderful deed, and they will post something about you in return.

Have a great Wednesday,

~SAT

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Publishing News: Barnes & Noble: Paperback

4 Mar

On February 28th, I received a letter from Barnes & Noble! I’m excited to announce that you all (Yes, YOU ALL) requested my novel through their retailer enough that they will soon offer November Snow as a paperback. I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to continue following the dream! So I truly thank you. I would’ve thanked you on Thursday, but I already had posts up, and I didn’t want to post over them, especially Writing Tips: Involve Your Readers, because that contest is how I’m saying thank you. I guess this means I’ll have to find another contest to thank all of you with!

If you follow my Author Facebook page, then you’ve already read this news and seen this photo:

bandn

That creepy shadow behind me is, not only one of my biggest supporters, but he my father. :]

We had a great time going over the paperwork, (Who knew paperwork could be so much fun?), and I’ll keep you all informed as things move forward.

The most recent news is always found here :D I will like your Facebook page as well. Just send me a message!

The most recent news is always found here :D I will like your Facebook page as well. Just send me a message!

Again, thank you for all of your support! I couldn’t do this without you.

~SAT

P.S. I’m loving these questions & covers I’m receiving for Minutes Before Sunset. It’s going to be great :]

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Writing Tips: Involve Your Readers

2 Mar

I really believe in authors connecting with their readers, because readers allow writers to follow their dreams.

And that’s what I’m doing today:

Instead of waiting for my next paperback while it goes through publication processes, I’m releasing an e-book in-between, and I want all of YOU to be a part of it, so I’m taking my own advise from my post Writing Tips: Join Contests, and I’m flipping it around to CREATE a contest for you all to enter. Not only will be credited, but you don’t have to win in order to do so.

So what’s this contest about?

I previously had this novel posted on Wattpad.com, and this was my cover.

I previously had this novel posted on Wattpad.com, and this was my cover.

I’m looking for a book cover and/or a book trailer. All submissions can be sent to ashleeironwood@aol.com, but the subject of the e-mail MUST be “AuthorBlog” or you’ll end up in the spam folder. If you have any further questions, you’re welcome to e-mail me as well, but interpretation is up to you.

All submissions need to involve my new young-adult novel: Minutes Before Sunset is a paranormal romance darkened by a hidden war between shades and lights. Told from two perspectives, one boy will discover the key to his kind’s survival, even if it means sacrificing the one he loves.

Submissions due before March 18th.

Based on submissions, I will either hold a voting contest or release the winning photos. All winners will receive credit, and finalists will get honorable mentions. Website/Blog links will be provided. Once the book cover is announced, you will also be given the chance to design a cover photo for my Facebook Author page. (If you join my Facebook page, you’ll get updates sooner: this contest was announced February 28 for instance.)

This is how I tempt you with latest updates.

This is how I tempt you with latest updates.

As a writer, this is my way of furthering our connection. I want you to be involved, and I want all of us to journey together in success. By giving you all credit, I am working at deepening authors’ capabilities of satisfying the reader, writer, and dreamer, but I really hope others will be inspired to do the same.

Supporting the dream is my ultimate goal, and I plan on continuing to do this throughout my publishing life.

I’m looking forward to all of your submissions! News updates can be found on the Minutes Before Sunset page either by clicking here or going under my Novels tab. 

~SAT

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