Month: November 2008

Secrets Volume 26 is Shipping!

Secrets 26 is now shipping from Amazon! That’s U.S. Amazon. Canadian Amazon still has the volume showing as a pre-order, but that doesn’t mean you can’t order it now and then anticipate its arrival (even better, if you haven’t read Penny’s first novella yet, you can order Volume 21 AND Volume 26 and then wait with bated breath for them to arrive together). (Those are the Canadian Amazon links).

Why order Volume 21 AND 26? (Those are the American Amazon links). Because Penny has stories in both, naturally! Don’t you want to read EVERYTHING Penny has written?

Here’s the cover for Secrets Volume 26:

Nice and big and bee-oo-ti-ful!

So, which story is Penny’s? Honestly, if you’re a frequent visitor to the blog, you should know. If you aren’t a frequent visitor, I’ll give you a hint. If you search for Volume 21 on Amazon, you’ll note that one of the names on Volume 21 matches one of the names on Volume 26! Isn’t that amazing? The name that matches is…ta-da…Penny’s.

And if you don’t know who Penny is, really, people, try to keep up!

Note: Amazon has a habit of leaving one author’s name off the Secrets novella anthology listings. For Volume 26, Penny’s name, while on the cover and while her story, Exes & Ahhs, resides within, is missing from the American Amazon listing. It’s easiest to search the Secrets volumes on Amazon by author name, so search for Juliet Burns, one of Penny’s anthology-mates, and you’ll find Secrets 26.

(Penny is anxiously waiting for U.S. Amazon to correct the problem, but last she checked, they hadn’t).

Yesterday Penny received her RITA copies of Secrets 26. Yes, her wonderful publisher supplied the copies free of charge. Not always done, I assure you. Last year Penny provided her own copies. Maybe she’s moved up in the world.

Penny also received a ton, and I mean a TON, of glossy, bee-oo-ti-ful bookmarks. And she gave them all to me! Not sure what I’ll do with them yet. Maybe take a bath in them, they are that gorgeous.

For those who are wondering, no, I don’t sell copies of Penny’s book from this website or any other. They must be purchased from Amazon, or, if you’re American and lucky enough to find them in a store, grab ’em up. For Canadians, Chapters used to carry Secrets, but they stopped around Volume 15 or 16. So the only place I know of for Canadians to buy Secrets Volume 21 and 22 is from Amazon.ca.

Don’t be afeared. I order books on-line all the time. It’s very convenient.

In case you need a refresher, here are the links:

Volume 26, Canadian Amazon

Volume 21, Canadian Amazon

Volume 26, American Amazon

Volume 21, American Amazon

Go forth and buy! (Make Penny look good). (Seeing as she refuses to show her face in public, she apparently needs all the help she can get).

(P.S. In case you haven’t done so by now—really, what are you waiting for?—you can order MY books from Amazon, too!)

Facing the Wall

Okay, I caved. I joined Facebook. I didn’t mean to; I only wanted to “reserve” my name. Little did I know that any number of members with the same name can join Facebook. And so it began.

Now here’s the worst thing of all—I, um, like it. MySpace is easier to figure out, and my MySpace template is a damn sight prettier, but I like the silliness of Facebook. The poking and throwing polar bears and drinking margaritas. Or maybe it’s just the novelty of it all. All I know is that upon joining Facebook, I did not receive one single proposition from, ahem, “gentlemen” wanting to “friend” me. My first week on MySpace was a nightmare in that regard.

So, yes, I’m officially on Facebook, but I don’t know if non-members or non-friends or whatever can find me through this link I cut and pasted from my profile page. If it doesn’t work and you feel the urge to friend me on Facebook, as long as you’re not a pervert and don’t ask me to wiggle your wankle, odds are I’ll accept you. Just search for Cindy Procter-King. I’m pretty sure I’m the only CPK there.

(P.S. For those who don’t know, “The Wall” is Facebookese for “spot to leave notes for friends.” A.K.A. “Comments” on MySpace.)

In Remembrance…

William “Duke” Procter
August 18, 1899 – December 14, 2005
Served: World War I, 1916 – 1919

Who do you remember today?

Welcome Guest Blogger Diana Cosby

REJECTIONS—THE LESSONS WITHIN

Before I discuss rejections, I had to look up Merriam-Webster’s definition:

Rejection:  1 a: to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use <rejected the suggestion> <reject a manuscript>

I found it interesting that Merriam-Webster’s first reference was at the heart of a writer’s issue.  But, remember, the impact of the rejection is that of our choosing.

I’m an extreme optimist.  I believe everything happens for a reason, and I believe, however tragic, good can be found in any situation.  It’s up to us to look past the hurt, to find the lessons within the challenging situation which will make us better, and will make us stronger. 

Let’s face it, if you decide to write and submit your stories, rejections are part of the process.  Instead of focusing on the negativity of a rejection, let’s break down some of the many reasons why an agent or an editor doesn’t accept your work:

  1. Their client list or book slots for a certain period is full—a pure business circumstance—not a rejection.
  2. The agent or editor doesn’t connect with your voice.  As an author, we want the person who is marketing our novel to not only believe in our work, but to be passionate about it as well.  Anything less and they won’t market your work to booksellers and other venues to the fullest extent.  So, a pass by an agent or an editor allows you to connect with another business professional who totally Believes in your writing.
  3. Your work is sub par—[show vs. tell.] less is more.  I’ve always thought the amazing thing about writing is that each of us believes our current work-in-progress is the most amazing, well-written story.  This belief, however realistic, is necessary for us to dedicate the months necessary to finish the novel.  However brilliant your work, until it’s strong, emotionally evocative writing, it won’t be competitive in today’s market.  Use the rejection as a tool to let you really focus on your story, to ensure it’s your strongest writing. If you are fortunate enough to receive feedback from an agent or editor, review it.  Does the feedback make sense to you?  Do you think it will strengthen your novel?  If so, use their comments as a base to tighten your work further for future submissions. The bottom line is, once your novel is completed, it’s a marketable resource.  If you don’t sell your book at this moment, don’t despair.  Down the road, pull it out, tighten it to a target market, then resubmit it. 
  4. Something about your story doesn’t fit their guidelines.  It’s really important before you decide to submit your work to a line, that you’ve done your research.  If your novel is about a shape shifter and you submit it to a line seeking inspirational stories, odds are you are going to receive a thanks but no thanks.  Okay, so I used an extreme example, but I hope you see my point.  It’s imperative to ensure your story is targeted at the correct market venue.  Otherwise, it’s not a rejection, but a letter stating that your work doesn’t fit their line, which makes sense.

Rejections are tough to receive.  When I hit 100, I quit counting them.  I figured that I’d learned how to acquire them.  🙂  But, I also learned the value of a rejection, that they’re far more than a slip of paper dismissing my work.  Rejections are proof that I’m a dedicated professional, that I’m a writer who dares to believe in myself enough to submit my work, and most of all, a person who follows their dreams. Adversity tests if we truly want to write. Nothing worth anything is ever easy.  Never give up—perseverance is the key. My sincere best to each of you as you follow your heart.

Thank you for stopping by!

***

Please leave a comment or question for Diana to enter to win a free copy of HIS WOMAN.

Visit Diana’s website to learn more about her and her books.

Diana Cosby Blogging Tomorrow!

Who: Kenginston Historical Romance author Diana Cosby.

When: Blogging at Muse Interrupted (ie. here), Monday, November 10th! (ie. tomorrow).

Topic: Rejections—The Lessons Within.

What Else?: Diana will give away a copy of HIS WOMAN, her December ’08 Kensington release, to one lucky commenter. HIS WOMAN, a Scottish medieval romantic suspense set in the Braveheart era, is the second book of Diana’s MacGruder brothers series, and the youngest brother, Duncan’s, story. HIS WOMAN just received a 4-Star review from Romantic Times that says Ms. Cosby “…deftly combines historical accuracy, well-rounded characters and continuous action in this sweeping romance…”

Back Cover Copy for HIS WOMAN:

Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer’s mistress, shattering Duncan’s heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan’s promise to Isabel’s dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.

Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. No one could blame him for despising her, yet Duncan’s misgivings cannot withstand a desire that has grown wilder with time. Now, on a perilous journey through Scotland, two wary lovers must confront both the enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down, and the secret legacy that threatens their passion and their lives…

About Diana:

A retired Navy Chief, Diana began writing novels after a career as a Meteorologist/ Oceanographer. With 29 moves behind her and having lived throughout the world, she enjoys characters who reflect the amazing cultures and people she’s met over the years.

Diana has many passions in her life, but one that resonates is that of giving. She firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life. With each book she sells, she tithes ten percent of her royalties to a charity of her choice. The first charity she chose was The National Trust for Scotland, which acts as guardian of Scotland’s magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures. Without the National Trust for Scotland, many of Scotland’s historical wonders would be lost.

Ready, Set…Tweet!

Ravenous Romance, a new e-publisher opening December 1st, is holding a pre-launch contest and they’re looking for submissions. Here’s the blippy:

Are u the Twitter Master? Can u get ur message out in 140 characters or less? If so, then prove it. We challenge u to put ur fingers to ur twit & send us ur hot, erotic short, but remember, short is the key… it has 2 fit in2 140 chrctrs…or less! Check back on Dec 1 to read all entries + the winning Tweet! 

Winner receives a $15 gift certificate to Ravenous Romance = 3 novels or 15 shorts! 

Visit their website for the submissions address.

Literary agent Lori Perkins is one of the forces behind Ravenous Romance, which will publish audiobooks as well as e-books. Here’s more information from their Press Release page:

About Literary Partners Group, Inc.

Holly Schmidt is a publishing executive with 15 years of experience in editorial, marketing, and sales. She joined forces with award-winning photographer Allan Penn to launch book packager Hollan Publishing, Inc. in 2006. Hollan creates innovative, visual non-fiction books, including those in the love and relationships category. Lori Perkins is an agent with over 20 years of experience selling erotica and an impressive stable of authors.

It will be interesting to see how Ravenous Romance unfolds.

Completely unrelated… Ever since I did my last WordPress update, the Insert Link thingie for the Visual (ie. not the HTML) editor has refused to work. That meant I could not choose the “open in new window” option for inserting outside links. Quite annoying. Now, writing this post, suddenly the Visual Editor link inserter works. When did this happen? Did someone update my WordPress for me without my knowledge? (Elle??)

At any rate, I’m thankful to have this option open to me again. I hate it when I’m visiting a blog or website, follow a link, and then can’t find my way back to the original site or blog again. A very wise person once told me to always make it easy for browsers to return to my site after exploring links. Otherwise, really, your site is just portal to others.