Hey y'all! I know it's been a really long time, but I hope that if you're stumbling across my blog for some reason (you were researching a topic and came across a post from here, you used to follow me back in the day when I was a super cool blogger lol, or you just plain missed me) that you'll see that I've started writing contemporary romance novels!
I no longer blog here, as I'm sure you can understand, but if you want to talk to me about something, I'm still available via email and would love to hear from you! Please, email me anytime, about anything. What does being a Self-Published/Indie author mean? In a nutshell it means that I'm in charge of handling every aspect of my career from branding, to marketing, promotion, publicity, advertising, etc. All my time is spent working on my books and making sure people like you know that they even exist. It's a lot more time consuming than you might think!
So with that being said, I hope you'll follow me over on my author page and support me there the same way you've always supported me here. Being a blogger for so many years afforded me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and it opened my eyes to so many possibilities. We, as women, are pretty damn powerful and determined (Blogher ring a bell?).
Being an author has done the same- I'm still surrounded by powerful women who are driven to succeed and refuse to give up on their dreams. They constantly amaze me and I am honored to be in their company.
Thank you again for always loving me. I truly hope you'll head over to my author website and check out what I've been doing for the last 4+ years. I think you'll be proud of me. :)
xox jenn
Website www.j-sterling.com
Facebook @AuthorJSterling
Instagram @AuthorJSterling
Twitter @AuthorJSterling
Pinterest @AuthorJSterling
Showing posts with label self publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self publishing. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Pretty amazing giveaway happening on my other blog!
If you love books, you have GOT to head over to my author blog and enter this contest!!!! It's unbelievable!!!!
http://writing.jennster.com/2013/07/10000-facebook-likes-celebration.html
http://writing.jennster.com/2013/07/10000-facebook-likes-celebration.html
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I Signed a deal with AMAZON!
You have been waiting for sooooooooooooo long to hear the release date for THE GAME CHANGER, right?! I am sorry that it's taken me forever to announce this, but as these things tend to go, publishing deals take time and there are contracts and points and things to go over and deadlines to meet, etc.
Did I say publishing deal?
I DID!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
The Perfect Game and The Game Changer will be published by Amazon Publishing in New York! I am SUPER excited (and super scared). lol Okay, i'm not really super scared. I'm way more excited!!!!
As long as we meet all of our production deadlines, etc...
THE GAME CHANGER will be released on
JUNE 25, 2013
Which means that it will be released in time for Book Bash in Orlando and I WILL have paperback copies there for sale!!!!
So to celebrate this awesome announcement, The Perfect Game is on sale for .99 !
http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Game-ebook/dp/B009OMPKTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363202004&sr=8-2&keywords=the+perfect+game
Go meet Jack and Cassie and get ready for the next installment of their relationship (which I truly hope you'll LOVE)!
Questions and answers:
Does this mean that TGC and TPG will no longer be available as an e-book on Itunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc?
Yes. Unfortunately at this time, once June 25th hits, TPG and TGC will only be available as an e-book on Amazon.
So how will I be able to read it then?
You can either order a paperback copy (which should be available on all sites), or you can download the kindle app on your Ipad, PC, phone, etc and purchase the kindle version to read. I really am sorry about that.
Will your other books be amazon exclusive?
No. My other two books will remain available on all sites and on all platforms.
Did I say publishing deal?
I DID!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
The Perfect Game and The Game Changer will be published by Amazon Publishing in New York! I am SUPER excited (and super scared). lol Okay, i'm not really super scared. I'm way more excited!!!!
As long as we meet all of our production deadlines, etc...
THE GAME CHANGER will be released on
JUNE 25, 2013
Which means that it will be released in time for Book Bash in Orlando and I WILL have paperback copies there for sale!!!!
So to celebrate this awesome announcement, The Perfect Game is on sale for .99 !
http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Game-ebook/dp/B009OMPKTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363202004&sr=8-2&keywords=the+perfect+game
Go meet Jack and Cassie and get ready for the next installment of their relationship (which I truly hope you'll LOVE)!
Questions and answers:
Does this mean that TGC and TPG will no longer be available as an e-book on Itunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc?
Yes. Unfortunately at this time, once June 25th hits, TPG and TGC will only be available as an e-book on Amazon.
So how will I be able to read it then?
You can either order a paperback copy (which should be available on all sites), or you can download the kindle app on your Ipad, PC, phone, etc and purchase the kindle version to read. I really am sorry about that.
Will your other books be amazon exclusive?
No. My other two books will remain available on all sites and on all platforms.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
My heart
My <3 is="" made="" not="" of="" p="" s.="" up="">
If you were to take my heart out of my chest and hold it to your ear, you would not hear the sound of coins jingling around the sides. Nor would you hear the crumpled sound of paper dollar bills brushing up against the edges.
No.
If you held my heart up to your ear, you would hear the sound of my Love, my Joy, my Pain, my Heartache, my Heartbreak, my Success, my Failure, my Triumphs, my Laughter, my Tears, my Hurt, my Losses, my Past, my Future, my Words, my Hopes, my Dreams...
My heart is missing pieces of itself that I've lost along the way. Some i've given freely. Some i've wanted back. But it's my heart, my journey and I wouldn't change a thing.
Every story I write is a piece of myself that I choose to share with anyone who chooses to read it. I write FROM the heart, WITH my heart.
It's just who I am.
And dear readers, I can promise you this: I will never write for the money. I wouldn't even know where to start.
<3
I love and appreciate it every single one of you. Thank you for being the raddest freaking readers on earth. :)
If you were to take my heart out of my chest and hold it to your ear, you would not hear the sound of coins jingling around the sides. Nor would you hear the crumpled sound of paper dollar bills brushing up against the edges.
No.
If you held my heart up to your ear, you would hear the sound of my Love, my Joy, my Pain, my Heartache, my Heartbreak, my Success, my Failure, my Triumphs, my Laughter, my Tears, my Hurt, my Losses, my Past, my Future, my Words, my Hopes, my Dreams...
My heart is missing pieces of itself that I've lost along the way. Some i've given freely. Some i've wanted back. But it's my heart, my journey and I wouldn't change a thing.
Every story I write is a piece of myself that I choose to share with anyone who chooses to read it. I write FROM the heart, WITH my heart.
It's just who I am.
And dear readers, I can promise you this: I will never write for the money. I wouldn't even know where to start.
<3
I love and appreciate it every single one of you. Thank you for being the raddest freaking readers on earth. :)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
New Adult Books
I have a question for all you readers out there (and authors too)... What does the term "new adult" mean to you?
I classify my books as New Adult when the main characters are either college aged, or in their early 20's. The story may not necessarily appeal to the true YA audience because the characters are doing things they can't relate to yet (interning, working full time, living with their bf's, etc). It's about a period of time in our lives when we're not necessarily sure where we're headed. We're still figuring things out. It's that in-between stage between high school and true adulthood. We've all been there.
Now my characters in In Dreams are in college, but I wrote that book in a younger voice, with no sex, very little swearing, etc. I classify it as YA because it reads as YA, even though the characters are no longer in high school. I felt like the situations the characters go through was appealing enough to a younger audience that they wouldn't feel like they couldn't relate.
I honestly think that if your main characters are in high school, then your book is Young Adult. At least that's what i've always just assumed as a reader. Young Adult = high school aged stories. No matter if they're having sex, swearing, doing drugs, etc- high school kids have sex, swear, do drugs, etc.
But i've seen some high school aged books being called New Adult. So i'm wondering, are we classifying that category based on subject matter of the book, the way the book is written, or the age of the characters?!
I honestly don't know.
I honestly am asking.
If we want the category to be taken seriously by publishing houses, readers and bookstores, then it needs to be consistent, does it not?
So I wonder- what does New Adult mean to you? When you're a reader and you grab a New Adult book, are you assuming the characters are at least college aged, if not older?
Talk to me people. :)
I classify my books as New Adult when the main characters are either college aged, or in their early 20's. The story may not necessarily appeal to the true YA audience because the characters are doing things they can't relate to yet (interning, working full time, living with their bf's, etc). It's about a period of time in our lives when we're not necessarily sure where we're headed. We're still figuring things out. It's that in-between stage between high school and true adulthood. We've all been there.
Now my characters in In Dreams are in college, but I wrote that book in a younger voice, with no sex, very little swearing, etc. I classify it as YA because it reads as YA, even though the characters are no longer in high school. I felt like the situations the characters go through was appealing enough to a younger audience that they wouldn't feel like they couldn't relate.
I honestly think that if your main characters are in high school, then your book is Young Adult. At least that's what i've always just assumed as a reader. Young Adult = high school aged stories. No matter if they're having sex, swearing, doing drugs, etc- high school kids have sex, swear, do drugs, etc.
But i've seen some high school aged books being called New Adult. So i'm wondering, are we classifying that category based on subject matter of the book, the way the book is written, or the age of the characters?!
I honestly don't know.
I honestly am asking.
If we want the category to be taken seriously by publishing houses, readers and bookstores, then it needs to be consistent, does it not?
So I wonder- what does New Adult mean to you? When you're a reader and you grab a New Adult book, are you assuming the characters are at least college aged, if not older?
Talk to me people. :)
Monday, January 07, 2013
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND COPIES SOLD!
You guys!!!!
YOU GUYS!!!!!!
YOU GUYS!!!!!!!
Can you hear me YELLING?!?!??!?!? :)
The Perfect Game has sold over 100,000 copies!!!!!
One. Hundred. Thousand. Copies.
*please send some hot guy over with a fan and grapes cause i'm about to faint*
Just shy of being released for 3 months and we've reached this HUGE milestone! I'm so flipping blown away. I have never been here before! I've never been anywhere close to this before so I'm at a loss for words. (not really, it's just that The Game Changer is taking all my words at the moment).
I wanted to celebrate because this truly is a freaking enormous event for a self published author. Hell, I think it's an enormous event for ANY author. :)
So I was sitting here this morning, trying to thing of a way that I could THANK all of my readers. I thought about doing another giveaway but quickly tossed that idea aside. I'm sorry, but too many giveaways start to feel disingenuous and like i'm trying to buy your readership. Which I totally am, dur. :)
Then I realized that the perfect way to tell you all THANK YOU would be for me to post another teaser from the upcoming follow up book, The Game Changer!
Right?!
RIGHT!!!!!!
So here you go:
(and by the way, THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading my book. And for telling other people to read it. I know it probably seems like I say that a lot- or say the same things over and over again, but it's just that you don't understand. The only way I can do something as freaking unbelievable as this... is with YOU. Because you read it and loved it and then told your friends to buy it- i'm in this place. This amazing, beautiful, mind blowing place. So yeah, I may thank you a lot. I may say thank you for the word of mouth. For writing reviews on Amazon. For telling people on Goodreads to give the book a chance. For gifting copies of it to your friends. For posting about it on Facebook. For tweeting on Twitter. For ALL OF IT. Hell yes I tell you THANK YOU a lot. Because I mean it. Because I am thankful. And because you guys are the best freaking readers in the whole entire world and I FLIPPING APPRECIATE YOU. Okay? Okay. :)
So here you go!
TEASER #2 from THE GAME CHANGER- Coming Someday in the Future lol
YOU GUYS!!!!!!
YOU GUYS!!!!!!!
Can you hear me YELLING?!?!??!?!? :)
The Perfect Game has sold over 100,000 copies!!!!!
One. Hundred. Thousand. Copies.
*please send some hot guy over with a fan and grapes cause i'm about to faint*
Just shy of being released for 3 months and we've reached this HUGE milestone! I'm so flipping blown away. I have never been here before! I've never been anywhere close to this before so I'm at a loss for words. (not really, it's just that The Game Changer is taking all my words at the moment).
I wanted to celebrate because this truly is a freaking enormous event for a self published author. Hell, I think it's an enormous event for ANY author. :)
So I was sitting here this morning, trying to thing of a way that I could THANK all of my readers. I thought about doing another giveaway but quickly tossed that idea aside. I'm sorry, but too many giveaways start to feel disingenuous and like i'm trying to buy your readership. Which I totally am, dur. :)
Then I realized that the perfect way to tell you all THANK YOU would be for me to post another teaser from the upcoming follow up book, The Game Changer!
Right?!
RIGHT!!!!!!
So here you go:
(and by the way, THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading my book. And for telling other people to read it. I know it probably seems like I say that a lot- or say the same things over and over again, but it's just that you don't understand. The only way I can do something as freaking unbelievable as this... is with YOU. Because you read it and loved it and then told your friends to buy it- i'm in this place. This amazing, beautiful, mind blowing place. So yeah, I may thank you a lot. I may say thank you for the word of mouth. For writing reviews on Amazon. For telling people on Goodreads to give the book a chance. For gifting copies of it to your friends. For posting about it on Facebook. For tweeting on Twitter. For ALL OF IT. Hell yes I tell you THANK YOU a lot. Because I mean it. Because I am thankful. And because you guys are the best freaking readers in the whole entire world and I FLIPPING APPRECIATE YOU. Okay? Okay. :)
So here you go!
TEASER #2 from THE GAME CHANGER- Coming Someday in the Future lol
I closed my eyes, drinking in his
vow. Part of me cringed, acknowledging the vulnerability that coursed within me.
I needed to be stronger than this. But as much as I wanted to believe that Jack's mistake with Chrystle was a one time major screw up, I’d be lying to myself if
I said I wasn’t fearful.
I was.
And I wasn’t sure how not to be.
“Do you believe me?” he asked, his
expression filled with worry.
I fought back the tears that
formed in my eyes, “I want to.” I longed to bottle my anxiety up and put it on
a shelf where it only came out for special occasions, but I didn’t know how. Right
now it lived on the outside of my skin, like an extra layer of warmth I
couldn’t shed no matter how hot I became. My emotions had taken full
control over every other part of me. I’d become victim to my own insecurities.
“I’ll show you,” his forehead
pressed against mine as he continued. “I’ll never lose you again.”
“What if I want to be lost?” I teased
with a serious tone and watched as he pulled his head from mine.
“I won’t let you.”
“You won’t let me?” I mocked,
secretly loving the way he wanted me.
Jesus Cassie, you’re a fucking nutcase right now. Pick an emotion.
Pretend like you’re in charge here.
“No. I won’t let you. End of
discussion,” his mouth remained stoic.
“That wasn’t really what one would
consider a discussion.”
“Because there’s nothing to
discuss. I’m not leaving you ever again. And you’re not leaving me. No matter
how pissed off I make you, or how frustrated. I fucking love you and I’m not going
anywhere.”
I attempted to fight back the
smile that formed. “And I love you. But really, if you ever cheat on me again
I’ll cut your nuts off and hang them from the Empire State
Building
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Why it takes so long to write a dang book!
I know that some of you don't understand WHY the heck it takes so long to write a book! Some other authors seem to bust out a book a month- which is awesome for them... unfortunately, i'm not one of them.
I thought i'd tell you the two biggest things that take up my time because you've probably never even thought about it before.
#1- RESEARCH! Even the stupidest, smallest detail needs researched if I don't know anything about it. For example- Jack & Chrystle splitting up... what are the laws in Alabama for an annulment? Can you get one? If you can, for what reasons? How do you file one? How long does it take to process? Seriously. I look up all that sort of stuff before I write about it so that the picture I paint is as accurate as possible. Sometimes I'll find that i've spent hours researching things for ONE paragraph (and sometimes ONE statement or sentence) in the whole story! It's crazy town! :) Research is time consuming, but I don't know a single author that doesn't do it. Writing about a jail scene? They're researching what the person wears, what the rules are, who can visit and when, etc. Writing about a baseball player heading to the major leagues? They're researching where the minor league teams are located, making a list and then going through the list to see which Major league team makes the most sense. I look up everything if I don't already know. EVERYTHING! I reach out to my friends in the business for a more realistic approach (had to reach out to a big LA publicist friend the other day for some questions). I researched Cassie's major and compiled a list of all the classes she could take and then I chose the ones she did. I have the college schedule printed out so I know when they break for Christmas, Spring Break, when school ends, starts, etc. I have the Mets schedule printed for game dates, times, days off (ha), etc.
#2- THESAURUS.COM i.am.not.joking. God I wish I was. But I seriously suck at vocabulary. I write the way I talk. 100% the way I think, talk, my friends talk, etc. So I tend to repeat the same things over and over and over again. I swear I spend half the day writing and the other half looking up words in the freaking thesaurus. And even then my editor still has to make it all better. lol
So there you have it. Those are the two biggest things that "take away" from my writing time and suck up my days. If you're a writer, what are yours?
I thought i'd tell you the two biggest things that take up my time because you've probably never even thought about it before.
#1- RESEARCH! Even the stupidest, smallest detail needs researched if I don't know anything about it. For example- Jack & Chrystle splitting up... what are the laws in Alabama for an annulment? Can you get one? If you can, for what reasons? How do you file one? How long does it take to process? Seriously. I look up all that sort of stuff before I write about it so that the picture I paint is as accurate as possible. Sometimes I'll find that i've spent hours researching things for ONE paragraph (and sometimes ONE statement or sentence) in the whole story! It's crazy town! :) Research is time consuming, but I don't know a single author that doesn't do it. Writing about a jail scene? They're researching what the person wears, what the rules are, who can visit and when, etc. Writing about a baseball player heading to the major leagues? They're researching where the minor league teams are located, making a list and then going through the list to see which Major league team makes the most sense. I look up everything if I don't already know. EVERYTHING! I reach out to my friends in the business for a more realistic approach (had to reach out to a big LA publicist friend the other day for some questions). I researched Cassie's major and compiled a list of all the classes she could take and then I chose the ones she did. I have the college schedule printed out so I know when they break for Christmas, Spring Break, when school ends, starts, etc. I have the Mets schedule printed for game dates, times, days off (ha), etc.
#2- THESAURUS.COM i.am.not.joking. God I wish I was. But I seriously suck at vocabulary. I write the way I talk. 100% the way I think, talk, my friends talk, etc. So I tend to repeat the same things over and over and over again. I swear I spend half the day writing and the other half looking up words in the freaking thesaurus. And even then my editor still has to make it all better. lol
So there you have it. Those are the two biggest things that "take away" from my writing time and suck up my days. If you're a writer, what are yours?
Thursday, January 03, 2013
You want to write a book PART 3
Cause it's so much fun to piss everyone off, I figured i'd just keep verbally vomiting so you don't have to. lol
This one will be short. But it's still the truth. Well, MY turth anyway.
You need to have integrity as a writer.
And you need to stay true to yourself and the stories you choose to tell.
I know you want to write a book that connects with people. And i'm sure by now you've read all the "popular" self-published books just trying to figure out what those books have that yours doesn't. But what you don't realize is that it's all a crap shoot. I'm not kidding. Timing, what's trending, who is buying and reading books, exposure, what else is out there, how over or under saturated the market is, what people want, what they're sick of reading, where the moon is aligned in your sun sign, etc. Whatever sold two weeks ago might not sell two weeks from now. Readers are fickle. You shouldn't be when it comes to your writing.
The biggest thing for me personally is- I know that I could take the route of writing in a certain manner, or about certain topics for shock value simply to make a buck, but that would be completely disingenuous of me. I'm a smart person. I know what sells in the same way that marketing genuises learned that sex sells in advertising. I could do all sorts of things to ensure that people will talk about my books once they've read the last chapter. But I can't do things that don't feel real to me. That doesn't mean that my stories won't break your heart, or have painful topics in them... because they will. But what it does mean is that you can rest assured that the story came from my heart and not my wallet.
Listen, I want readers to love what I write, but I want to know that my story came from the right place. I don't write for the money. I write because of the way it makes me feel to put my story on paper. And for the way that people react to it. No matter how few or how many the number- the genuine feeling you get as an author is the same.
So my advice to future writers out there:
Just be you.
Write the stories that make you FEEL like you are being true to your calling.
You will find your groove. You will hit your stride. And you won't feel like you sold out to do it.
There's nothing more beautiful than being successful doing something you genuinely love to do.
Now go do it. :)
This one will be short. But it's still the truth. Well, MY turth anyway.
You need to have integrity as a writer.
And you need to stay true to yourself and the stories you choose to tell.
I know you want to write a book that connects with people. And i'm sure by now you've read all the "popular" self-published books just trying to figure out what those books have that yours doesn't. But what you don't realize is that it's all a crap shoot. I'm not kidding. Timing, what's trending, who is buying and reading books, exposure, what else is out there, how over or under saturated the market is, what people want, what they're sick of reading, where the moon is aligned in your sun sign, etc. Whatever sold two weeks ago might not sell two weeks from now. Readers are fickle. You shouldn't be when it comes to your writing.
The biggest thing for me personally is- I know that I could take the route of writing in a certain manner, or about certain topics for shock value simply to make a buck, but that would be completely disingenuous of me. I'm a smart person. I know what sells in the same way that marketing genuises learned that sex sells in advertising. I could do all sorts of things to ensure that people will talk about my books once they've read the last chapter. But I can't do things that don't feel real to me. That doesn't mean that my stories won't break your heart, or have painful topics in them... because they will. But what it does mean is that you can rest assured that the story came from my heart and not my wallet.
Listen, I want readers to love what I write, but I want to know that my story came from the right place. I don't write for the money. I write because of the way it makes me feel to put my story on paper. And for the way that people react to it. No matter how few or how many the number- the genuine feeling you get as an author is the same.
So my advice to future writers out there:
Just be you.
Write the stories that make you FEEL like you are being true to your calling.
You will find your groove. You will hit your stride. And you won't feel like you sold out to do it.
There's nothing more beautiful than being successful doing something you genuinely love to do.
Now go do it. :)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy 2 0 1 3 !!!
It's New Years Eve... like RIGHT! NOW!
And i'd be lying if I didn't tell you that new years was pretty much my most favorite holiday ever. There's just something MAGICAL about new year's eve.
I don't know if it's all the promise of what's to come... or if it's the hope, the excitement, the unknown, or all the chances we seem to give ourselves at the start of a new year... but whatever it is, I FREAKING LOVE IT!
You already know that the beginning of 2012 saw a lot of struggle.. the loss of my home, still no job, and my books not really selling enough to make me feel "worthy."
BUT, the end of 2012 has pretty much rocked. I released The Perfect Game in October and since then it's hit the USA Today Best Seller's list, been a Barnes & Noble best seller, a Kobo Best Seller, along with being an Amazon Top 100 Best Selling Book for OVER 60 days (and it's only been out for like 70 something)!!!! That surpassed even my wildest hopes and dreams! I never expected to have the longevity I am having with this book. :)
But I am so freaking thankful.
AND HAPPY.
Sincerely.
2012 brought me an agent.
It brought me deals and offers...
It brought me audio versions of ALL THREE of my currently released books! I never expected that. In all honesty, I'd never even thought about it. So that was such a nice surprise. Thank you Audible. :)
2012 has blown my mind.
YOU have blown my mind.
But as I sit here writing this blog post, I'm honestly hoping and praying that this is just the beginning. I find myself wishing with all my heart that the end of 2012 is just the beginning of what's to come for me in 2013.
I want to continue to grow my team, my business, my brand, my name- I want people behind me (or beside me) who want the best for me, my books and my readers... and who understand how the indie world works (or at least are willing to listen and try to figure it out). It's different coming onto the scene as a traditionally published author versus going from being a self pubbed one to a traditionally published one. I want all sorts of brilliant people around me who want to help me rise to the top. Positive, good, smart and ambitious people. Here's to hoping my team grows in just that way in 2013 because I want to continue being successful. :)
Because honestly...being a successful author feels really fucking good. The fact that I am making a living from writing now... I cannot even put into words how absolutely mind blowing it feels. How I finally feel like I am doing the right thing- I'm on the right path- I'm following my heart and it's finally paying off. And I can stop beating myself up for being a non-income-bringing-in-loser-mcloser-face. lol You know what I mean. It doesn't feel good to contribute NOTHING to your household.
But now I am! And it's been so FULFILLING!
THANK YOU.
Because I've said it a million times before, but it bears being repeated... I can't do this without you.
I could have never had the year I just did without every single one of you who gave my book a chance- who fell in love with the story I told- and who recommended it to other people.
Your word of mouth is my best friend. And I can never tell you "thank you" enough for it. Just please know that I never take you for granted. And that I honestly do try my best to answer every email, tweet, facebook post, etc. Because you mean the freaking world to me. You're not just "a reader"... I consider you a friend.
So kittens... Here's to a freaking amazingly MAGICAL 2013!
For all of us!
I hope you follow your heart and it leads you to true joy. Thank you for inspiring me with your words, your emails, your posts... and i'll do my best to keep turning out books that make you proud.
Remember when I released The Perfect Game I talked about getting a tattoo if it reached the Amazon Top 100?
Well I did it.
Just a little while ago. By a Giants fan, but let's not talk about that part. (hi tito's vodka, you are amazeballs)
This is what I hope I do for every.single.one.of.you.
Is it bad if I already want to add to the tattoo? LOL
Happy New Year everyone! I love you!
xoxoox
And i'd be lying if I didn't tell you that new years was pretty much my most favorite holiday ever. There's just something MAGICAL about new year's eve.
I don't know if it's all the promise of what's to come... or if it's the hope, the excitement, the unknown, or all the chances we seem to give ourselves at the start of a new year... but whatever it is, I FREAKING LOVE IT!
You already know that the beginning of 2012 saw a lot of struggle.. the loss of my home, still no job, and my books not really selling enough to make me feel "worthy."
BUT, the end of 2012 has pretty much rocked. I released The Perfect Game in October and since then it's hit the USA Today Best Seller's list, been a Barnes & Noble best seller, a Kobo Best Seller, along with being an Amazon Top 100 Best Selling Book for OVER 60 days (and it's only been out for like 70 something)!!!! That surpassed even my wildest hopes and dreams! I never expected to have the longevity I am having with this book. :)
But I am so freaking thankful.
AND HAPPY.
Sincerely.
2012 brought me an agent.
It brought me deals and offers...
It brought me audio versions of ALL THREE of my currently released books! I never expected that. In all honesty, I'd never even thought about it. So that was such a nice surprise. Thank you Audible. :)
2012 has blown my mind.
YOU have blown my mind.
But as I sit here writing this blog post, I'm honestly hoping and praying that this is just the beginning. I find myself wishing with all my heart that the end of 2012 is just the beginning of what's to come for me in 2013.
I want to continue to grow my team, my business, my brand, my name- I want people behind me (or beside me) who want the best for me, my books and my readers... and who understand how the indie world works (or at least are willing to listen and try to figure it out). It's different coming onto the scene as a traditionally published author versus going from being a self pubbed one to a traditionally published one. I want all sorts of brilliant people around me who want to help me rise to the top. Positive, good, smart and ambitious people. Here's to hoping my team grows in just that way in 2013 because I want to continue being successful. :)
Because honestly...being a successful author feels really fucking good. The fact that I am making a living from writing now... I cannot even put into words how absolutely mind blowing it feels. How I finally feel like I am doing the right thing- I'm on the right path- I'm following my heart and it's finally paying off. And I can stop beating myself up for being a non-income-bringing-in-loser-mcloser-face. lol You know what I mean. It doesn't feel good to contribute NOTHING to your household.
But now I am! And it's been so FULFILLING!
THANK YOU.
Because I've said it a million times before, but it bears being repeated... I can't do this without you.
I could have never had the year I just did without every single one of you who gave my book a chance- who fell in love with the story I told- and who recommended it to other people.
Your word of mouth is my best friend. And I can never tell you "thank you" enough for it. Just please know that I never take you for granted. And that I honestly do try my best to answer every email, tweet, facebook post, etc. Because you mean the freaking world to me. You're not just "a reader"... I consider you a friend.
So kittens... Here's to a freaking amazingly MAGICAL 2013!
For all of us!
I hope you follow your heart and it leads you to true joy. Thank you for inspiring me with your words, your emails, your posts... and i'll do my best to keep turning out books that make you proud.
Remember when I released The Perfect Game I talked about getting a tattoo if it reached the Amazon Top 100?
Well I did it.
Just a little while ago. By a Giants fan, but let's not talk about that part. (hi tito's vodka, you are amazeballs)
This is what I hope I do for every.single.one.of.you.
Is it bad if I already want to add to the tattoo? LOL
Happy New Year everyone! I love you!
xoxoox
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
After Christmas The Perfect Game SALE!
Okay! So in celebration of all the new kindles, ipads, ipad mini's and nooks out there... i've lost my freaking marbles and made The Perfect Game only 99 cents!
99 pennies.
50 cents (you'll get the reference after you read the book) and 49 more.
seriously?
99 cents!?
Yeah. SO GO GET IT! please?
Have an amazon gift card burning a hole in your pocket? Let's spend 99 of those cents on this book! LOL
But really, tell your friends... tell your neighbors... tell your enemies. unless they really suck :)
AND THANK YOU! Thank you so much for helping me have the most successful year i've ever had in my professional life.
And if we rock TPG back up the charts, who knows what will happen in the future!
Links? Here you go.
the amazing amazon
the bombastic barnes & noble
Thank you for spreading the word. I can't do it alone and I really can't do it without you. I appreciate your help, your amazingness and your general awesomeness so much. I hope you know that. :)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
ONE DAY SALE! 99 authors, 99 books, 99 cents!
Seriously! This is happening RIGHT NOW! For ONE DAY ONLY we have 99 BOOKS from 99 AUTHORS for only 99 CENTS!!!!
http://buymereadme.com
What book do I have on there? Chance Encounters! For 99 cents! For 1 day! :)
AND YOU CAN WIN ALL SORTS OF PRIZES!!!!!!!
GO!
NOW!!!
HTTP://BUYMEREADME.COM
http://buymereadme.com
What book do I have on there? Chance Encounters! For 99 cents! For 1 day! :)
 |
| http://buymereadme.com |
AND YOU CAN WIN ALL SORTS OF PRIZES!!!!!!!
GO!
NOW!!!
HTTP://BUYMEREADME.COM
Monday, December 17, 2012
do i have a favorite book i've written?
Someone asked me that last night... which one of my books was my FAVORITE!?!?!?!?!?
At first, I just sat there staring at her like "how the hell am i supposed to answer that question?!??!!"
But then I realized...
I absolutely do have a favorite.
I told her that I was most proud of The Perfect Game. That i'd worked so hard to learn, grow and become a better writer and storyteller that at this point... that's the one that i'm the most proud of. :)
But the truth is...
The book that is my favorite is the one that started this whole journey. The original story that I couldn't get out of my head. The dream that haunted me for over ten years. The boy I've never met who will always own a piece of my heart.
I'm talking about In Dreams.
That book is my favorite because it's my guts, my heart and my soul. It's a part of me in ways I only wish you all understood. It's my favorite because it represents so many aspects of life that I believe to be true; like soulmates, reincarnation, past-lives, talking to the dead...
And I was pulled to write it. It called to me so strongly I could no longer ignore it. It HAD to be written. Even if it wasn't written very well, it was a story that demanded to be told. In Dreams is more personal to me than anything else i've written- probably because I didn't just let you into a couple years of my life, I brought you into my heart, into my dreams, into my soul and my beliefs. I brought you into MY ENTIRE LIFE. In Dreams isn't a simple story about love. It's a story about love that spans lifetimes. A love you can't get over or move past. It's about a love that pulls you in so tightly- even if you don't get why- you know you don't want to let it go.
So my answer to her?
"My favorite book is the one that's written the worst and that people hate the most. How ironic is that?"
PS- so many of you have found In Dreams lately and have fallen in love with it. I want you to know how much that means to me. I know it's rough and not written as well as I would like, but we all have to start somewhere right? :) THANK YOU for giving it a chance. I am thankful.
At first, I just sat there staring at her like "how the hell am i supposed to answer that question?!??!!"
But then I realized...
I absolutely do have a favorite.
I told her that I was most proud of The Perfect Game. That i'd worked so hard to learn, grow and become a better writer and storyteller that at this point... that's the one that i'm the most proud of. :)
But the truth is...
The book that is my favorite is the one that started this whole journey. The original story that I couldn't get out of my head. The dream that haunted me for over ten years. The boy I've never met who will always own a piece of my heart.
I'm talking about In Dreams.
That book is my favorite because it's my guts, my heart and my soul. It's a part of me in ways I only wish you all understood. It's my favorite because it represents so many aspects of life that I believe to be true; like soulmates, reincarnation, past-lives, talking to the dead...
And I was pulled to write it. It called to me so strongly I could no longer ignore it. It HAD to be written. Even if it wasn't written very well, it was a story that demanded to be told. In Dreams is more personal to me than anything else i've written- probably because I didn't just let you into a couple years of my life, I brought you into my heart, into my dreams, into my soul and my beliefs. I brought you into MY ENTIRE LIFE. In Dreams isn't a simple story about love. It's a story about love that spans lifetimes. A love you can't get over or move past. It's about a love that pulls you in so tightly- even if you don't get why- you know you don't want to let it go.
So my answer to her?
"My favorite book is the one that's written the worst and that people hate the most. How ironic is that?"
PS- so many of you have found In Dreams lately and have fallen in love with it. I want you to know how much that means to me. I know it's rough and not written as well as I would like, but we all have to start somewhere right? :) THANK YOU for giving it a chance. I am thankful.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Boston Book Signing!
Hey all!
So my next official book signing will be in BOSTON in MARCH. I know it's still a few months away, but if you're planning on going, you need to register.
Don't worry, it's FREE- but they need a head count.
If you're in the Boston area, please come by. I'd love to meet you, sign your forehead, or whatever else you'd like me to sign. :)
Go here for details:
http://bostonauthorevent.blogspot.com
So my next official book signing will be in BOSTON in MARCH. I know it's still a few months away, but if you're planning on going, you need to register.
Don't worry, it's FREE- but they need a head count.
If you're in the Boston area, please come by. I'd love to meet you, sign your forehead, or whatever else you'd like me to sign. :)
Go here for details:
http://bostonauthorevent.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 24, 2012
you want to write a book?
I can't even begin to tell you how many emails I get from various people who tell me that they want to write a book. (this also happens in person A LOT. and I do mean, a.lot.) They all ask me the same questions... do I have any advice for them? What should they do? How should they begin? etc, etc.
I honestly NEVER know what to say. Basically, the only thing that comes to my mind is- sit your ass down and start. I don't know what to say beyond that. Writing isn't necessarily something that you plan from start to finish like a meeting with bullet points (although maybe for some writers it is). Things start to evolve as you write... characters take on their own personalities and want to do their own things... where you thought your story was headed may completely change direction. You have to be flexible. You have to be willing to deviate from your plan. You have to let your story grow branches, sprout leaves, become this beautiful tree with roots and depth and strength that you didn't anticipate or plan for.
Writing a book is hard work. It's not easy. It's freaking torture at times. You will want to rip all your hair out. You'll be so in love with your story and your characters one minute, and think it's the most boring, piece of shit story you've ever read the next. There will be times that you'll feel like if you have to read one more word of your story ever again, you will throw your laptop off a bridge. You'll get stuck. You'll have writer's block. You'll get frustrated. You'll be on the most beautiful, flowing roll ever and then something will happen to interrupt you. And no matter how hard you try to get that groove back once the distraction is over, you won't be able to. To write a story, any story, becomes a very personal journey. And that personal journey suddenly becomes extremely public when you hit the publish button.
I know that it seems like everyone and their mother f'n dog is writing a book these days. And they're hitting best seller lists and getting publishing deals, etc. And so I know that there are some of you who want to cash in on that. You think that it's a get rich quick scheme. I'll write a book and then i'll be rolling in the dough! If that's you, please do us all a favor and don't bother. I'm not kidding. Trust me when I tell you that writing and self publishing is NOT a shortcut to fame and fortune. If you want to get rich quick then play the lottery. There is nothing quick about self publishing. And more than likely, you will not get "rich" doing it. At least not right off the bat. You'll be lucky if you make enough money to cover your editor and cover designer.
I started writing because I had a story that wouldn't leave my head. As my time working for someone else neared its end, that story called to me louder and LOUDER. It was all I could think about until I started writing it. And at the time, I honestly thought I just had this one story to tell. And I used to joke around and say, "who the hell just writes ONE book??" But I wrote anyway- because it called to me. And once I started writing that book, it was like I opened this floodgate of creativity within me. Suddenly, I had a whole bunch of ideas for stories I wanted to write! And I feel blessed to have found something I truly enjoy doing. But I followed my heart (NOT dollar signs). And it's led me here.
I think the best advice that I can give to anyone considering writing a book is:
Don't write for the wrong reasons. You should want to write a book because you have a story, or an idea that won't let you go. You feel passionate about the story you want to tell. You're driven to write. Writing feels like a part of you...an extension of who you are.
And if that sounds like you, then I say go for it! Write that book! And good luck!
But if you're one of those people who wants to write for all the wrong reasons, I suggest you look elsewhere. People will see through your intentions.
Being an author is about trudging through the hard times. Writing when you don't think you can write anymore. Pushing through the roadblocks in your story because you're determined to find an outcome. And writing new stories when you've just finished your last one.
We don't write for the money. We write because we're passionate about the stories we tell and we want to connect with people through our words. We love what we do, even when it's frustrating, hard and tear inducing.
We don't write simply because we can.
We write because we simply can't imagine NOT writing.
:)
I honestly NEVER know what to say. Basically, the only thing that comes to my mind is- sit your ass down and start. I don't know what to say beyond that. Writing isn't necessarily something that you plan from start to finish like a meeting with bullet points (although maybe for some writers it is). Things start to evolve as you write... characters take on their own personalities and want to do their own things... where you thought your story was headed may completely change direction. You have to be flexible. You have to be willing to deviate from your plan. You have to let your story grow branches, sprout leaves, become this beautiful tree with roots and depth and strength that you didn't anticipate or plan for.
Writing a book is hard work. It's not easy. It's freaking torture at times. You will want to rip all your hair out. You'll be so in love with your story and your characters one minute, and think it's the most boring, piece of shit story you've ever read the next. There will be times that you'll feel like if you have to read one more word of your story ever again, you will throw your laptop off a bridge. You'll get stuck. You'll have writer's block. You'll get frustrated. You'll be on the most beautiful, flowing roll ever and then something will happen to interrupt you. And no matter how hard you try to get that groove back once the distraction is over, you won't be able to. To write a story, any story, becomes a very personal journey. And that personal journey suddenly becomes extremely public when you hit the publish button.
I know that it seems like everyone and their mother f'n dog is writing a book these days. And they're hitting best seller lists and getting publishing deals, etc. And so I know that there are some of you who want to cash in on that. You think that it's a get rich quick scheme. I'll write a book and then i'll be rolling in the dough! If that's you, please do us all a favor and don't bother. I'm not kidding. Trust me when I tell you that writing and self publishing is NOT a shortcut to fame and fortune. If you want to get rich quick then play the lottery. There is nothing quick about self publishing. And more than likely, you will not get "rich" doing it. At least not right off the bat. You'll be lucky if you make enough money to cover your editor and cover designer.
I started writing because I had a story that wouldn't leave my head. As my time working for someone else neared its end, that story called to me louder and LOUDER. It was all I could think about until I started writing it. And at the time, I honestly thought I just had this one story to tell. And I used to joke around and say, "who the hell just writes ONE book??" But I wrote anyway- because it called to me. And once I started writing that book, it was like I opened this floodgate of creativity within me. Suddenly, I had a whole bunch of ideas for stories I wanted to write! And I feel blessed to have found something I truly enjoy doing. But I followed my heart (NOT dollar signs). And it's led me here.
I think the best advice that I can give to anyone considering writing a book is:
Don't write for the wrong reasons. You should want to write a book because you have a story, or an idea that won't let you go. You feel passionate about the story you want to tell. You're driven to write. Writing feels like a part of you...an extension of who you are.
And if that sounds like you, then I say go for it! Write that book! And good luck!
But if you're one of those people who wants to write for all the wrong reasons, I suggest you look elsewhere. People will see through your intentions.
Being an author is about trudging through the hard times. Writing when you don't think you can write anymore. Pushing through the roadblocks in your story because you're determined to find an outcome. And writing new stories when you've just finished your last one.
We don't write for the money. We write because we're passionate about the stories we tell and we want to connect with people through our words. We love what we do, even when it's frustrating, hard and tear inducing.
We don't write simply because we can.
We write because we simply can't imagine NOT writing.
:)
Thursday, November 08, 2012
the post where i show you my heart
kittens...
I love you. I really do. And I hope you know that everytime I tell you "thank you" or that "I appreciate you"... I really, really mean it.
I want to give you a little background on me so that you can hopefully get a better understanding of just HOW thankful I truly am. :)
I got fired from my job about two and half years ago. It was funny because at the time I was so convinced that I'd be jobless for probably a whopping whole 2 weeks before someone else scooped me up and I was working my ass off again. And the thing was, at the time, I really needed a break. I can't even begin to talk about what went on in that work environment and what I had to deal with, but to say it was one of the most challenging experiences of my life would be a true understatement.
Anyway, I couldn't have been more wrong about my ability to find a new position with ease. Holy shit, i'd never been here before. I'd never been jobless. I'd never been tossed into an environment that was filled with so many under and over qualified people looking for work all at once. So I bought a laptop and starting writing almost immediately. But I was still looking for work and applying to numerous jobs daily.
I could barely get an interview- and when I did, I ususally left there in tears because I had just come from a miserable work environment and the last thing I wanted was to be tossed into another one. I didn't want to do something I hated. I wanted to enjoy how and where I spent my days. Life is too short.
Nothing felt right anymore.
All the interviews- THE MERE THOUGHT of working for someone else- it didn't sit well in my guts. It's like I knew somewhere inside me that that wasn't what I was supposed to do anymore. It didn't feel right to work for someone else. It felt like I was taking a step backward when I was handed this gift to move myself forward.
But how do you explain that kind of "logic" to a family who needs your income?
Thankfully I have a very supportive family. :)
Not like it would have mattered- I honestly don't think I could have found a job if my life had literally depended on it. It's HARD out there. It's crazy competitive and the people hiring like to make the decision for you before they've even given you a chance "I think you'll be bored in this position." "You're way too overqualified for this." "Why would you want to do this job, when you've been doing this sort of job the last 10 years?"
Moving on...
I couldn't get hired (obviously lol). And I released my first book (in dreams) not knowing really anything about this business. I just knew that I had a story I wanted to tell and no one was going to stop me from telling it. So I did. And then I wrote another. And i'm working my ass off to try to make a name for myself in the Indie/Self Published author world. And it's a lot freaking harder than it looks. There's A LOT of indie authors out there. And sometimes things seem so hit or miss- the moon lines up and the stars align just right for some people and not for others. And it's frustrating because i'm sitting there trying to sell books so i don't feel like such a worthless non-income-bringing-in loser (ahem), but nothing i'm doing is working- and my books are being ripped apart and people are hating them and the comments are freaking mean and they tell me I suck and write like a 12 year old and i'm sure i'm supposed to be offended, but I know some pretty cool 12 year olds out there, so whatever.
But of course that leads to the inevitable question of- am I supposed to be writing books at all? And if i'm NOT supposed to be writing books, then just exactly what the hell am I supposed to be doing because NOTHING ELSE FEELS RIGHT!
Sorry.
I'm calm now. lol
So I'm writing books, but not really making any money. I'm looking for a job, but I can't freaking get one.
And what happens next?
We lose our house. After trying to refinance and get help with the mortgage (all of which the bank said no too)- we were in the middle of a short sale when the house went to auction. The bank didn't stop the auction and I went and watched it get sold to the highest bidder. We had to move a month later. (that was all this past may/june)
And really? It's okay. I mean, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and i'm perfectly fine with how everything turned out- but that doesn't mean it was horrible and hurtful and really fucking sad to get to this point. You know?
Holy crap, do I have a point? Yes, I do. My point is that if you fast foward to now... right in this moment... right this second... I want you to know that you've made a difference in my life because you're enjoying something that i've written. You're telling your friends and family to buy my book. You're recommending The Perfect Game to friends, strangers, neighbors, in coffee shop lines, on facebook, on twitter, etc. You're CHANGING my life.
I'll say it again.
YOU
ARE
CHANGING
MY
LIFE
Let it sink in.
Please.
Just for a moment.
Or two.
Because I could never be where I am right now (an Amazon best seller, having made the USA Today and Barnes & Noble Best Seller list) without each and every one of you. And I would be lying if I didn't say that I wish this could last forever! Because honestly, I wish it would. :)
But as for now- you've made my dreams come true. You've rewarded my hard work by believing in me, encouraging me, supporting me, and wanting MORE from me. For the first time since I started this crazy journey, I feel like a success. I feel like i'm doing something right. I feel like i'm right where i'm supposed to be. And I AM SO THANKFUL for every one of you. Because I feel that way BECAUSE of you.
So, thank you... for every email, every facebook post and every tweet. Thank you for everytime my book pops into your head to recommend to someone. Thank you for spreading the word about my little book that could. You believe in it, which means you believe in me.
And that is more inspiring than I can ever put into words.
I appreciate you.
xo
I love you. I really do. And I hope you know that everytime I tell you "thank you" or that "I appreciate you"... I really, really mean it.
I want to give you a little background on me so that you can hopefully get a better understanding of just HOW thankful I truly am. :)
I got fired from my job about two and half years ago. It was funny because at the time I was so convinced that I'd be jobless for probably a whopping whole 2 weeks before someone else scooped me up and I was working my ass off again. And the thing was, at the time, I really needed a break. I can't even begin to talk about what went on in that work environment and what I had to deal with, but to say it was one of the most challenging experiences of my life would be a true understatement.
Anyway, I couldn't have been more wrong about my ability to find a new position with ease. Holy shit, i'd never been here before. I'd never been jobless. I'd never been tossed into an environment that was filled with so many under and over qualified people looking for work all at once. So I bought a laptop and starting writing almost immediately. But I was still looking for work and applying to numerous jobs daily.
I could barely get an interview- and when I did, I ususally left there in tears because I had just come from a miserable work environment and the last thing I wanted was to be tossed into another one. I didn't want to do something I hated. I wanted to enjoy how and where I spent my days. Life is too short.
Nothing felt right anymore.
All the interviews- THE MERE THOUGHT of working for someone else- it didn't sit well in my guts. It's like I knew somewhere inside me that that wasn't what I was supposed to do anymore. It didn't feel right to work for someone else. It felt like I was taking a step backward when I was handed this gift to move myself forward.
But how do you explain that kind of "logic" to a family who needs your income?
Thankfully I have a very supportive family. :)
Not like it would have mattered- I honestly don't think I could have found a job if my life had literally depended on it. It's HARD out there. It's crazy competitive and the people hiring like to make the decision for you before they've even given you a chance "I think you'll be bored in this position." "You're way too overqualified for this." "Why would you want to do this job, when you've been doing this sort of job the last 10 years?"
Moving on...
I couldn't get hired (obviously lol). And I released my first book (in dreams) not knowing really anything about this business. I just knew that I had a story I wanted to tell and no one was going to stop me from telling it. So I did. And then I wrote another. And i'm working my ass off to try to make a name for myself in the Indie/Self Published author world. And it's a lot freaking harder than it looks. There's A LOT of indie authors out there. And sometimes things seem so hit or miss- the moon lines up and the stars align just right for some people and not for others. And it's frustrating because i'm sitting there trying to sell books so i don't feel like such a worthless non-income-bringing-in loser (ahem), but nothing i'm doing is working- and my books are being ripped apart and people are hating them and the comments are freaking mean and they tell me I suck and write like a 12 year old and i'm sure i'm supposed to be offended, but I know some pretty cool 12 year olds out there, so whatever.
But of course that leads to the inevitable question of- am I supposed to be writing books at all? And if i'm NOT supposed to be writing books, then just exactly what the hell am I supposed to be doing because NOTHING ELSE FEELS RIGHT!
Sorry.
I'm calm now. lol
So I'm writing books, but not really making any money. I'm looking for a job, but I can't freaking get one.
And what happens next?
We lose our house. After trying to refinance and get help with the mortgage (all of which the bank said no too)- we were in the middle of a short sale when the house went to auction. The bank didn't stop the auction and I went and watched it get sold to the highest bidder. We had to move a month later. (that was all this past may/june)
And really? It's okay. I mean, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and i'm perfectly fine with how everything turned out- but that doesn't mean it was horrible and hurtful and really fucking sad to get to this point. You know?
Holy crap, do I have a point? Yes, I do. My point is that if you fast foward to now... right in this moment... right this second... I want you to know that you've made a difference in my life because you're enjoying something that i've written. You're telling your friends and family to buy my book. You're recommending The Perfect Game to friends, strangers, neighbors, in coffee shop lines, on facebook, on twitter, etc. You're CHANGING my life.
I'll say it again.
YOU
ARE
CHANGING
MY
LIFE
Let it sink in.
Please.
Just for a moment.
Or two.
Because I could never be where I am right now (an Amazon best seller, having made the USA Today and Barnes & Noble Best Seller list) without each and every one of you. And I would be lying if I didn't say that I wish this could last forever! Because honestly, I wish it would. :)
But as for now- you've made my dreams come true. You've rewarded my hard work by believing in me, encouraging me, supporting me, and wanting MORE from me. For the first time since I started this crazy journey, I feel like a success. I feel like i'm doing something right. I feel like i'm right where i'm supposed to be. And I AM SO THANKFUL for every one of you. Because I feel that way BECAUSE of you.
So, thank you... for every email, every facebook post and every tweet. Thank you for everytime my book pops into your head to recommend to someone. Thank you for spreading the word about my little book that could. You believe in it, which means you believe in me.
And that is more inspiring than I can ever put into words.
I appreciate you.
xo
Friday, November 02, 2012
oh hi there old friend
I hate when it seems like I dust-appear (that's how my son used to say disappear. i've always liked it, so it stuck. lol).
But really, i'm here! The thing is, I got super excited yesterday when a book idea felt like it literally HIT ME like a 10 ton brick to the back of the head. So excited that I ran to my computer and started typing out the first scene. Which turned into half a chapter. And then I couldn't sleep last night because the characters and the story were in my thoughts, my dreams, my mind.
This is what typically happens when i'm writing something I love. My mind won't rest. I don't have an off switch.
So if it seems like i've ditched you- I'm just in my cave trying to write something worthy of you reading. Hang in there. :)
I'm mailing off some Amazon gift cards today, so if you won, be on the lookout! I still haven't heard from ALL the winners- so please email me your address ASAP so we don't forget! And by "we" I really just mean me. I totally suck at remembering things and I am so freaking easily distracted. Like right now, the cutest dog in the entire world is staring at me and he makes me forget about everything except how cute he is. Oooooh, maybe i'll write him into this book?! Every girl needs a doggy! lol
See?
I heard that people were having problems trying to find The Perfect Game on Barnes & Noble, and I will agree that when I went there the other day to search, it pulled up nothing. Put in my author name, it also pulled up nothing. But it seems to be working fine now. But just in case, here's the direct link for all you Nookers.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-game-j-sterling/1113324003?ean=2940015581737
Have I mentioned that we are freaking NUMBER THIRTEEN on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers?!?!?!! That is SOOOOOOOO freaking cool! I am so happy! So so happy that you guys read this book, fell in love with the characters and Jack & Cassie's story and then you told everyone you know to read it. It's something i'd always hoped would happen for one of my books- and now it is. So, THANK YOU.
Sincerely.
I am so happy, appreciative and freaking excited for what this all means for my career! You guys have made it possible for me to say that without cringing. This IS my career. I am an author. *knock on wood*
I'm terrified every single day that it will end just like that. Welcome back fear, my old friend.
We'll talk about that more later.
But for now, keep on reading, loving, and telling your friends about the books you enjoy! And then all of us authors can keep writing them. :)
PS- let's not forget about our friends over in New York and New Jersey who are having a really rough time right now. Roads are impassible. Gas is hard to get too. The lines for gas are hours long. Power is still out in some places. Food is rotting, water is needed. If you can donate something, anything, here's a link to a list of places for donations like the Red Cross, the Humane Society, etc. We're thinking of you East Coast. And we love you. xo
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/hurricane-sandy--how-to-help.html
But really, i'm here! The thing is, I got super excited yesterday when a book idea felt like it literally HIT ME like a 10 ton brick to the back of the head. So excited that I ran to my computer and started typing out the first scene. Which turned into half a chapter. And then I couldn't sleep last night because the characters and the story were in my thoughts, my dreams, my mind.
This is what typically happens when i'm writing something I love. My mind won't rest. I don't have an off switch.
So if it seems like i've ditched you- I'm just in my cave trying to write something worthy of you reading. Hang in there. :)
I'm mailing off some Amazon gift cards today, so if you won, be on the lookout! I still haven't heard from ALL the winners- so please email me your address ASAP so we don't forget! And by "we" I really just mean me. I totally suck at remembering things and I am so freaking easily distracted. Like right now, the cutest dog in the entire world is staring at me and he makes me forget about everything except how cute he is. Oooooh, maybe i'll write him into this book?! Every girl needs a doggy! lol
See?
I heard that people were having problems trying to find The Perfect Game on Barnes & Noble, and I will agree that when I went there the other day to search, it pulled up nothing. Put in my author name, it also pulled up nothing. But it seems to be working fine now. But just in case, here's the direct link for all you Nookers.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-game-j-sterling/1113324003?ean=2940015581737
Have I mentioned that we are freaking NUMBER THIRTEEN on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers?!?!?!! That is SOOOOOOOO freaking cool! I am so happy! So so happy that you guys read this book, fell in love with the characters and Jack & Cassie's story and then you told everyone you know to read it. It's something i'd always hoped would happen for one of my books- and now it is. So, THANK YOU.
Sincerely.
I am so happy, appreciative and freaking excited for what this all means for my career! You guys have made it possible for me to say that without cringing. This IS my career. I am an author. *knock on wood*
I'm terrified every single day that it will end just like that. Welcome back fear, my old friend.
We'll talk about that more later.
But for now, keep on reading, loving, and telling your friends about the books you enjoy! And then all of us authors can keep writing them. :)
PS- let's not forget about our friends over in New York and New Jersey who are having a really rough time right now. Roads are impassible. Gas is hard to get too. The lines for gas are hours long. Power is still out in some places. Food is rotting, water is needed. If you can donate something, anything, here's a link to a list of places for donations like the Red Cross, the Humane Society, etc. We're thinking of you East Coast. And we love you. xo
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/hurricane-sandy--how-to-help.html
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
FOUR free books for Halloween!
I freaking love halloween! I do! But this year, it hasn't felt like halloween time for me. Maybe because my brain feels like it's spinning constantly inside my head?!
That's probably it.
I'm sure that's completely normal. :)
Usually during the month of October I'm overwhelmed with feelings of magic and witchiness and spells and all sorts of halloween goodness (not to mention CANDY!!!!). I want my magic back! lol
So, in the spirit of halloween and books that are magical, filled with ghosts and mind readers, I want to share FOUR wonderful books with you that are all *FREE* right now on Amazon.
I've talked about them before, but I'm talking about them again. It's funny... they're all series (and lucky for you, if you get hooked after the 1st book, almost all the other books are out and so you don't have to wait!!!).
The first one is called WANDER DUST - by Michelle Warren
As much as I enjoyed this book, the 2nd book is EVEN better! I cannot wait for her to finish writing the last book in this trilogy because I am dying to know what the hell is going on!
http://www.amazon.com/Wander-Seraphina-Parrish-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0063GW2WE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351615202&sr=1-1&keywords=wander+dust
What did I say about this book the first time I read it? "I've never read anything quite like this before and honestly, I think it would make an amazing movie. Think Harry Potter- new world, new kind of magic, great characters, great story..."
The next book is called RECKLESS MAGIC - by Rachel Higginson
I've read all four books in this series and I am seriously in love with all of them. I thought they were amazing and frustrating and so freaking good!
http://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Magic-Star-Crossed-Series-ebook/dp/B004S7EUJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351615731&sr=1-1&keywords=reckless+magic
"This book was SO! FREAKING! GOOD!!! I loved the characters, the story, the mystery, the suspense, the reveals and all the questions i'm still left with. It was written richly and when I wasn't reading this story, I found myself thinking about it constantly."
Then we have THE MIND READERS - by Lori Brighton
I've only read this book of the series. The last 2 are out, I just haven't had the time to grab them and read them, but I really, really enjoyed this story!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mind-Readers-ebook/dp/B004FN1P1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351616028&sr=1-1&keywords=the+mind+readers
"This was really entertaining- with a lot of twists and turns that even if you DO see coming, are still enjoyable."
And last, but certainly not least, we have THE DEEPEST CUT - by J.A. Templeton
I read all 3 books in this haunting series. I am a HUGE fan of past lives and reincarnation, so these books struck an additional chord within me! Loved them!
http://www.amazon.com/Deepest-MacKinnon-Curse-novel-ebook/dp/B0058HTU0G/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351616189&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=the+hdeepest+cut
"Overall, I really enjoyed this book and loved being brought into a new world with castles, history and characters who believed in the spirit world and the presence of ghosts!"
So there you have it! Four very different books that you can lose yourself in for Halloween!! I hope you enjoy them! :) :)
That's probably it.
I'm sure that's completely normal. :)
Usually during the month of October I'm overwhelmed with feelings of magic and witchiness and spells and all sorts of halloween goodness (not to mention CANDY!!!!). I want my magic back! lol
So, in the spirit of halloween and books that are magical, filled with ghosts and mind readers, I want to share FOUR wonderful books with you that are all *FREE* right now on Amazon.
I've talked about them before, but I'm talking about them again. It's funny... they're all series (and lucky for you, if you get hooked after the 1st book, almost all the other books are out and so you don't have to wait!!!).
The first one is called WANDER DUST - by Michelle Warren
As much as I enjoyed this book, the 2nd book is EVEN better! I cannot wait for her to finish writing the last book in this trilogy because I am dying to know what the hell is going on!
http://www.amazon.com/Wander-Seraphina-Parrish-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0063GW2WE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351615202&sr=1-1&keywords=wander+dust
What did I say about this book the first time I read it? "I've never read anything quite like this before and honestly, I think it would make an amazing movie. Think Harry Potter- new world, new kind of magic, great characters, great story..."
The next book is called RECKLESS MAGIC - by Rachel Higginson
I've read all four books in this series and I am seriously in love with all of them. I thought they were amazing and frustrating and so freaking good!
http://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Magic-Star-Crossed-Series-ebook/dp/B004S7EUJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351615731&sr=1-1&keywords=reckless+magic
"This book was SO! FREAKING! GOOD!!! I loved the characters, the story, the mystery, the suspense, the reveals and all the questions i'm still left with. It was written richly and when I wasn't reading this story, I found myself thinking about it constantly."
Then we have THE MIND READERS - by Lori Brighton
I've only read this book of the series. The last 2 are out, I just haven't had the time to grab them and read them, but I really, really enjoyed this story!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mind-Readers-ebook/dp/B004FN1P1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351616028&sr=1-1&keywords=the+mind+readers
"This was really entertaining- with a lot of twists and turns that even if you DO see coming, are still enjoyable."
And last, but certainly not least, we have THE DEEPEST CUT - by J.A. Templeton
I read all 3 books in this haunting series. I am a HUGE fan of past lives and reincarnation, so these books struck an additional chord within me! Loved them!
http://www.amazon.com/Deepest-MacKinnon-Curse-novel-ebook/dp/B0058HTU0G/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351616189&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=the+hdeepest+cut
"Overall, I really enjoyed this book and loved being brought into a new world with castles, history and characters who believed in the spirit world and the presence of ghosts!"
So there you have it! Four very different books that you can lose yourself in for Halloween!! I hope you enjoy them! :) :)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
thank you just doesn't seem like enough
I know I keep telling you "thank you" like every chance I get, but I wish you knew me in real life...
I wish you knew JUST HOW MUCH I SINCERELY MEAN IT.
How when I tell you thank you, my eyes glaze over, my chest and stomach tighten, my breath hitches... but most of all, I wish there was another flipping phrase other than "thank you" to express how truly appreciative I am for all of you.
I've told you before that The Perfect Game isn't my first book. And if you know anything about Self Published ("Indie") authors, you know that we work our asses off. It's one thing to actually sit down and write an entire book, but it's another thing to get people to not only read it, but like it enough to want to read more of what you write.
It's been a long road for me. At least it FEELS like it's been a long road. I put out my first book in August 2011 and ever since then i've spent countless hours online trying to reach an audience...my audience. I've researched other writer's blogs, newspaper articles on self publishing, articles on trends, what to do, how to reach people, how to market, i've joined groups, indie clubs filled with other authors trying to figure out the exact same thing... how do we get readers in this saturated market to FIND and READ our books?! And how do we do ALL OF THIS, while still writing our next book?!?!?
It's a lot of work.
And trust me, i'm not complaining.
Not one bit.
Because all of that hard work has brought me to where we are today. And I feel like it makes me even MORE thankful. I know what it's like to not experience what I'm experiencing right now. I know the other side of the coin. I've lived it.
Which is why I tell you so freaking obsessively how thankful I am for you. And when you tell me that my book touched your soul, your heart, your guts- I AM OVERWHELMED. And when you tell me that you're telling everyone you know that they have to read this book- I AM GRATEFUL. And when you tell me that you've written a review and posted about it on facebook, or tweeted about it- I AM APPRECIATIVE.
So I just wanted you all to know (again) that I don't take you for granted. I don't take this for granted. And I literally, physically and emotionally, appreciate you more than you can ever truly know. THANK YOU.
I'm gonna give away more shit soon- cause that's a good way to say thank you. Need some action behind my words, riiiight? :)
I wish you knew JUST HOW MUCH I SINCERELY MEAN IT.
How when I tell you thank you, my eyes glaze over, my chest and stomach tighten, my breath hitches... but most of all, I wish there was another flipping phrase other than "thank you" to express how truly appreciative I am for all of you.
I've told you before that The Perfect Game isn't my first book. And if you know anything about Self Published ("Indie") authors, you know that we work our asses off. It's one thing to actually sit down and write an entire book, but it's another thing to get people to not only read it, but like it enough to want to read more of what you write.
It's been a long road for me. At least it FEELS like it's been a long road. I put out my first book in August 2011 and ever since then i've spent countless hours online trying to reach an audience...my audience. I've researched other writer's blogs, newspaper articles on self publishing, articles on trends, what to do, how to reach people, how to market, i've joined groups, indie clubs filled with other authors trying to figure out the exact same thing... how do we get readers in this saturated market to FIND and READ our books?! And how do we do ALL OF THIS, while still writing our next book?!?!?
It's a lot of work.
And trust me, i'm not complaining.
Not one bit.
Because all of that hard work has brought me to where we are today. And I feel like it makes me even MORE thankful. I know what it's like to not experience what I'm experiencing right now. I know the other side of the coin. I've lived it.
Which is why I tell you so freaking obsessively how thankful I am for you. And when you tell me that my book touched your soul, your heart, your guts- I AM OVERWHELMED. And when you tell me that you're telling everyone you know that they have to read this book- I AM GRATEFUL. And when you tell me that you've written a review and posted about it on facebook, or tweeted about it- I AM APPRECIATIVE.
So I just wanted you all to know (again) that I don't take you for granted. I don't take this for granted. And I literally, physically and emotionally, appreciate you more than you can ever truly know. THANK YOU.
I'm gonna give away more shit soon- cause that's a good way to say thank you. Need some action behind my words, riiiight? :)
Sunday, October 21, 2012
what i'm writing now!
So a bunch of you are just now finding me and my books... which is flipping AWESOME, don't get me wrong.
I LOVE IT!
I LOVE YOU!!!
I can't tell y'all that enough!!! :)
But before you found me, I'd already written two books. And one of those books is a YA series (in dreams)... it's not a cliffhanger type of series, it's just a series in the sense that the characters' story continues... or actually PREtinues. I know that's not a word. But basically, the second book in the series takes us to the past, in a past life where we experience the connection the characters have to each other and why we're drawn to particular people, or why we hate them for no reason, etc. Basically, it will make In Dreams a much stronger book once you have all their past to take into consideration.
So I really need to work on that story. I'd intended to release it this year, but at this point, there is no way that's going to happen. But I want to write it. I want to finish it. And in all honesty, I think i'll pick it up again tomorrow (it's half way done. eh, maybe a third).
And then I want to seriously think about writing a 2nd book in The Perfect Game. But I want it to make sense. I want it to be for the right reasons- and I want to feel PULLED toward the next story I want to tell for those characters.
Basically, I want to have a good story. And I don't want to rush it, or force it, or write something because everyone is demanding me too. I want to write it because my heart is demanding me too. Because Dean, Melissa, Jack & Cassie won't take no for an answer. lol I just want to do it justice.
But it has to make sense. And right now, I can barely think outside of the story I just wrote, so it's hard for me to think outside of the box creatively in continuing this story, or spinning it off. So just bear with me.
I promise that when that lightning idea for TPG 2 strikes me, you'll be the first to know!
Until then...keep reading books you love, and reviewing them, and telling people to read them. "Reading is dreaming with open eyes"
I LOVE IT!
I LOVE YOU!!!
I can't tell y'all that enough!!! :)
But before you found me, I'd already written two books. And one of those books is a YA series (in dreams)... it's not a cliffhanger type of series, it's just a series in the sense that the characters' story continues... or actually PREtinues. I know that's not a word. But basically, the second book in the series takes us to the past, in a past life where we experience the connection the characters have to each other and why we're drawn to particular people, or why we hate them for no reason, etc. Basically, it will make In Dreams a much stronger book once you have all their past to take into consideration.
So I really need to work on that story. I'd intended to release it this year, but at this point, there is no way that's going to happen. But I want to write it. I want to finish it. And in all honesty, I think i'll pick it up again tomorrow (it's half way done. eh, maybe a third).
And then I want to seriously think about writing a 2nd book in The Perfect Game. But I want it to make sense. I want it to be for the right reasons- and I want to feel PULLED toward the next story I want to tell for those characters.
Basically, I want to have a good story. And I don't want to rush it, or force it, or write something because everyone is demanding me too. I want to write it because my heart is demanding me too. Because Dean, Melissa, Jack & Cassie won't take no for an answer. lol I just want to do it justice.
But it has to make sense. And right now, I can barely think outside of the story I just wrote, so it's hard for me to think outside of the box creatively in continuing this story, or spinning it off. So just bear with me.
I promise that when that lightning idea for TPG 2 strikes me, you'll be the first to know!
Until then...keep reading books you love, and reviewing them, and telling people to read them. "Reading is dreaming with open eyes"
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
WOO HOO! WE DID IT!
Oh em, mother f'n gee y'all!!!! We are currently in the Amazon Top 100!!!!!!! Who knows how long we'll stay there? It could change in an hour and it will all be a distant memory, but as of right now... WE !!! ARE!!! THERE!!!
And so I wanted to tell you THANK YOU! so much!!!
Thank you for writing those reviews on amazon and barnes & noble... for telling your friends they "must read" this book, for posting about it on facebook, for tweeting, for writing it on bathroom walls. oops. lol
Just thank you. Sincerely. Your good reviews, your excited word spreading, it's all I can ask for as an author. :)
Now i have to go babysit my friend's kid for a few hours. My life is tres glamorous. lol
ps- we WILL be having a dean carter discussion soon. and I want y'all back here for it! :)
Keep those reviews, posts and emails to me coming- I love hearing from you guys! Every.single.one of you!
hugs
xoxo
jenn
And so I wanted to tell you THANK YOU! so much!!!
Thank you for writing those reviews on amazon and barnes & noble... for telling your friends they "must read" this book, for posting about it on facebook, for tweeting, for writing it on bathroom walls. oops. lol
Just thank you. Sincerely. Your good reviews, your excited word spreading, it's all I can ask for as an author. :)
Now i have to go babysit my friend's kid for a few hours. My life is tres glamorous. lol
ps- we WILL be having a dean carter discussion soon. and I want y'all back here for it! :)
Keep those reviews, posts and emails to me coming- I love hearing from you guys! Every.single.one of you!
hugs
xoxo
jenn
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