• Author Marketing

    Happy MFRW Founding Day #MFRWauthor #Authors

    Kayelle Allen here. Back in 2006, I was a busy author with four books. I was promoting,

    learning more about promoting, and asking friends about promoting. All the ins and outs of book marketing were starting to gel and I felt like I was beginning to understand the overall concept. That said, I had a constant list of questions. Facebook was two years old. Twitter had been founded that year. Pinterest and Instagram were four years away. I had friends who had similar questions, and we would email each other and ask. Often, I’d get the same question several times in a row. I found myself going back to my “sent” file to copy an answer and resend it. Not that I wasn’t asking questions myself, but I think because I’d take the time to go find an answer if someone asked something I didn’t know – I started getting more and more questions.

    It was Halloween, and I was busy with all sorts of details of writing, and I got the same question from two different people. I remember thinking that there had to be an easier way to handle this. I needed a way to let everyone know what I’d discovered at the same time, and if I had a question, get an answer from someone who knew. Yahoo Groups was established and well-used, so I decided to create one that all of my friends and I could use together. We could post a question there, and anyone who knew the answer could reply.
    I set it up as Marketing for Romance Writers because that’s what all of us were at the time. Looking back, I’ve often wished I’d named it Marketing for Every Writer. Of course, then the initials would have been MEW vs MFRW and our symbol might have been a black cat!
    Then, we had 12 members. Ten years later, there are 2420 there now, plus 6230 on Facebook, 3411  on Twitter, and 1400+ on Pinterest with 71 boards and over 1000 pins.

    About MFRW

    Marketing for Romance Writers is a peer-oriented mentoring group open to the entire literary community. Ask your marketing-related questions, or request help, advice, or opinions. You can learn how to create a professional image and use it effectively, as well as ask for opportunities to join other authors in promotional efforts. You can learn the business aspects of writing.
    News about pitch sessions and calls for submission are posted on the Yahoo group. As a member, you can attend exclusive, member-only pitch events with publishers. Members can attend free, online workshops and seminars.
    Marketing for Romance Writers promotes for its members on most social media. Get your book cover pinned on one of the MFRW Pinterest boards, and show off your cover models. Share your tweets with the MFRW street team and get them shared on Twitter. The hashtags #MFRWorg #MFRWauthor and #MFRWhop promote for you. You can get interviewed on BlogTalkRadio. Link your blog to a community hop via a unique software “ribbon” with exciting themes, and draw readers to your site.

    Find and Join MFRW

    Marketing for Romance Writers Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MarketingForRomanceWriters/
    Marketing for Romance Writers Website http://marketingforromancewriters.org
    Marketing for Romance Writers News page https://www.facebook.com/mfrworg
    Marketing for Romance Writers Promo page https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfrwauthors/

    Free Promotion for MFRW Members

    Follow us – we follow back.
    Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/mfrworg/
    Goodreads http://is.gd/mfrwgoodreads
    Google+ http://bit.ly/mfrworg-gplus
    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/marketing-for-romance-writers-organization/
    Twitter http://twitter.com/MFRW_ORG our hashtags are #MFRWauthor #MFRWorg #MFRWhooks

    MFRW Volunteer Staff

    Button is sized for blogs

    Kayelle Allen, Founder https://kayelleallen.com

    Emerald, Facebook Coordinator and Editor http://www.TheGreenLightDistrict.org
    Mona Karel, Moderator, Blog Hop Coordinator http://mona-karel.com
    Paloma Beck, Blog Director http://www.romancebeckons.net/index.html
    Rochelle Weber, Newsletter Publisher http://www.rochelleweber.com
    Barbara Donlon Bradley, Newsletter Editor http://www.barbaradonlonbradley.com
    Michelle Davis, Newsletter Editor https://twitter.com/michelle40768
    Libby McKinmer, Newsletter Editor http://libbymckinmer.com
    Mari Anne Christie, Newsletter Editor http://marichristie.info/
    Reet Singh, Goodreads Coordinator http://www.reetsingh.in
    Zeenat Mahal, Goodreads Coordinator http://www.zeenatmahal.com/
    Tina Gayle, Twitter Promo Coordinator http://www.tinagayle.net/home.html
    Carmen Stefanescu, Blog Coordinator http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.com/
    — 
    If you have questions about marketing your books, or you want to share an opportunity such as being a guest on your blog, join us. It’s okay to ask for guest spots too. The MFRW motto is “seek, teach, share, learn, succeed.” Services and membership are free. Are you part of the Marketing for Romance Writers success story? Please share in the comments.
  • Suspense

    Till Life Do Us Part by @Carmen_Books #RLFblog #Paranormal Romantic Suspense

    Today’s featured book is Till Life Do Us Part by Carmen
    Stefanescu
    About the Book
    Title Till Life Do Us Part
    Genre Paranormal/romantic suspense
    Author Carmen Stefanescu
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
    Barbara Heyer can hear voices of dead people. They whisper
    of their deaths, seek comfort for those left behind, and occasionally even warn
    her about future events. But when Barbara’s brother, Colin, is accused of
    murder, it will take more than her gift to prove his innocence.
    Becoming smitten with the handsome investigator, Detective
    Patrick Fischer, is a serious complication given his assignment to her
    brother’s case. Barbara senses there is something far deeper—and perhaps much
    older—than the surface attraction between them. Could that be why she’s visited
    by a mysterious woman named Emma in her dreams? Could past life regression tie
    all the seemingly unconnected events together?
    Barbara and Patrick must overcome heartache to find the
    truth to save Colin, and perhaps themselves.

    Buy This Book

    Publisher http://solsticepublishing.com/till-life-do-us-part/
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/till-life-do-us-part-carmen-stefanescu/1123896837?ean=9781625263858

    About the Author

    Carmen Stefanescu resides in Romania, the native country of
    the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist
    dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal
    phenomena could have led someone to great trouble – the psychiatric hospital if
    not to prison.
    High school teacher of English and German in her native
    country, and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years
    of oppression, by escaping in a parallel world that of the books.
    Several of her poems were successfully published in a
    collection of Contemporary English Poems, Muse Whispers vol.1 and Muse Whispers
    vol.2 by Midnight Edition Publication, in 2001 and 2002.
    Her first novel, Shadows of the Past, was released in 2012
    by Wild Child Publishing, USA.
    Carmen joined the volunteer staff at Marketing For Romance
    Writers Author blog and is the coordinator of #Thursday13 posts.

    Author Social Media

    Website http://carmenstefanescu.simplesite.com
  • Christmas or Holiday

    Christmas at Love House by @MaryJDressel #RLFblog #Holiday Western Romance

    Today’s featured book is Christmas at Love House by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

    About the Book

    Title Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude (Bull Rider Series #3)
    Genre Contemporary Western Holiday Romance
    Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    A little Christmas magic will be a welcome guest at Love House, but regardless if it arrives or not…during this bittersweet interlude—Velia and Caulder dare their happily-ever-after to be anything less than, “forever.”
    Four years later, Velia and Caulder finish up another year of bull riding. They settle into their comfy abode on the McCutchen Ranch in the snowy Allegheny Mountains to celebrate the Christmas season with a houseful of guests. La vita e bella! But why does their happily-ever-after have to come with an expiration date? Without warning, their most chilling nightmare comes true. An innocent misunderstanding, and a startling realization discovered too late—puts their contented little family at risk.
    On top of everything else, watching a new love bloom between two of the McCutchen guests, isn’t part of their agenda. Reece “Foley” Wilson, a former teammate, comes into contact with Velia’s cousin at the last show of the season and again while visiting for the holiday. Grown up and feisty, Natale Valente-Armano fell in love with this cowboy as a lovesick teen. Now, life has changed for both of them. How will they handle the unfamiliar thoughts and urges overtaking them? And, how will la famiglia respond to this unexpected romance?

    Buy This Book

    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-at-love-house-mary-j-mccoy-dressel/1124182186;jsessionid=FE14F736B97EACE9A6495BD9C8E5F8B2.prodny_store02-atgap08?ean=2940153413860
    Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/christmas-at-love-house-bittersweet/id1137396090?mt=11
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/christmas-at-love-house-a-bittersweet-interlude

    About the Author

    Mary found her niche when she began writing in the contemporary western romance genre. She’s the author of seven western romance novels to date, with more on the horizon. She dabbles in the paranormal genre and has written two time-travel romance novels, which are now out of print.
    She lives in the great Lake Basin area in the U.S.A., and is a mom to two sons and a new daughter-in-law. Her career was in education working with children with learning disabilities—at the elementary and middle school levels. She’s taught creative writing for a college leisure program.
    Besides, writing, Mary enjoys photography, reading, going to the opera and dinner with friends, and traveling. Her dream came true when she retired and became a full time writer.

    Author Social Media

  • Paranormal

    The Good, The Bad, and The Ghostly by @Andidowning #RLFblog #paranormal

    Today’s featured book is The Good, The Bad, and The Ghostly by  Margo Bond Collins, Keta Diablo, Andrea Downing, Blaire Edens,  Erin Hayes, Anita Philmar, Charlene Raddon, and Patti Sherry-Crews
    About the Book
    Title The Good, The Bad and The Ghostly
    Genre Paranormal western historical romance
    Author   Margo Bond Collins, Keta Diablo, Andrea Downing, Blaire Edens,  Erin Hayes, Anita Philmar, Charlene Raddon, and Patti Sherry-Crews
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings G, PG, PG13, R): PG13
    What do you get when you mix cowboys with ghosts? A collection of eight (stand-alone) amazing stories from the Old West with haunts of every variety.
    Get your love of alpha cowboys on and feed your addiction for the bizarre (and sometimes spooky) world when you download The Good, The Bad and The Ghostly.
    Bestselling and Award-winning authors are pleased to save you more than 75% on this fantastic boxed set! (Price if books sold separately)
    Wild, Wild Ghost by Margo Bond Collins
    With everyone she loves in the grave, Ruby specializes in the dead.
    Comes An Outlaw by Keta Diablo
    An outlaw returns to his childhood home to find his parents and brother dead, and the lovely widow in grave danger.
    Long A Ghost, and Far Away by Andrea Downing
    Ghosts are restless souls, and Lizzie Adams is one of them.  How many lives will she get to find the perfect love?
    A Ghostly Wager by Blaire Edens
    Even a skeptical detective needs a little otherworldly help.
    How the Ghost Was Won by Erin Hayes
    There are ghost stories. And there are ghost legends.
    McKee’s Ghost by Anita Philmar
    The ghost living in his house might have saved him from an unhappy marriage and brought him the girl of his dreams but when his ex- fiancé returns, the same spirit turns his life upside down.
    A Ride Through Time by Charlene Raddon
    P.S.I. Agent Burke Jameson wants to find out if Eagle Gulch, Colorado has genuine ghosts. But he found far more than he expected, including a horse ride that could change his life forever
    The Ghost and the Bridegroom by Patti Sherry-Crews
    She’s sent west to solve a case. What she finds will change her forever.

    Buy This Book

    Publisher Keta Diablo
    Amazon http://mybook.to/GoodBadGhostly
    About the Author 

    Andrea Downing has spent most of her life in the UK where she developed a penchant for tea-drinking, a tolerance for rainy days, and a deep knowledge of the London Underground system. In 2008 she returned to live in the city of her birth, NYC, but frequently exchanges the canyons of city streets for the wide-open spaces of the West. Her love of horses, ranches, rodeo and just about anything else western is reflected in her writing. Loveland, a western historical romance from The Wild Rose Press, was her first book and a finalist for the RONE Award for Best American Historical in 2013. It has recently been re-released by Amazon Encore. Lawless Love, a short story, part of The Wild Rose Press ‘Lawmen and Outlaws’ series, was a finalist for Best Historical Novella at the RONE Awards and placed in the 2014 International Digital Awards Historical Short contest. Dearest Darling, a novella, is part of The Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, and came out Oct. 8th, 2014. It won the Golden Quill Award for Best Novella along with‘Favorite Hero’ and Honorable Mentions for Favorite Heroine, Short Story and Novel in the Maple Leaf Awards. It has also placed third in the International digital Awards for Historical Short. Dances of the Heart, her first contemporary novel, came out in February, 2015. The novella, Bad Boy, Big Heart, appears in the anthology Come Love a Cowboy and her old west ghost story, Long a Ghost, and Far Away comes out in another anthology, The Good, The Bad, and The Ghostly autumn 2016.

    Author Social Media
    Amazon author pages:
  • Suspense

    Seduction in Seville a new #RomanticSuspense @olivianightread #RLFblog

    This quick interview includes info about the author and introduces the story.

    About the Author

    Olivia Night, a fictional character herself, has always been an avid reader and writer. She found the romance genre in college and has never been able to get enough. One sleepless night, the main characters of Book One in her Men of FTI  series sprang from her head fully formed. They demanded she tell their story; so she did. As they revealed themselves, so did two other intriguing characters. Those characters convinced her to give them their own books because their stories were worth telling too. And so Olivia suddenly became a romance author. When Olivia is not writing, she has the best job in the world, which, too, will remain a secret. In her free time, she reads, write, drinks wine, or is, most likely, out emulating Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Olivia lives in one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the U.S.—Baltimore. She lives with her cat, which she is convinced was a gladiator in his past life. Olivia plans to continue being awesome at this thing called life. Really, that’s her only goal.

    Interview with Olivia Night

    Why did you write this book? 
    This novel is the second in a series. The main characters, Patrick Kane and Madison Lockwood are introduced in the first novel. Their story is very different from Seduction in Sierra Leone, but all the suspense, sexiness, and love are all there! 
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    It actually varies depending on my mood. But I have an entire book case dedicated to Historical Non-Fiction and Biographies. So totally different from Romantic Suspense obviously! 
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    Anne Shirley, without a doubt. I love her spunk. And I like to think that I have it, too!
    What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?
    The third novel in this series, Seduction in Scotland will be released on August 1st. I also just finished a manuscript for a new series tentatively titled A Second Chance Series. I am really excited about both of these novels. A spin-off of The Men of FTI is in the works as well. The series is titled Interitus and follows a  group of military men who are part of a secret “peace making group”. 

    Please tell us about your latest book.

    In a hospital in Seville, Spain, Patrick Kane lies in a coma. Ambushed and shot while protecting a friend, he fights to survive.

    She never thought she would see him again. Patrick, the man who’d brought her back.
    Eight years ago, Patrick Kane, a joint partner in Fairlane Trade International, descended into a basement of horrors. That horrible day he rescued many women, but one he would always remember. Her beautiful doe eyes filled his dreams and haunted his nightmares.
    Madison Lockwood, a nurse, has struggled to put her past behind her, trying to forget the time she spent in captivity. But she recognizes the man who rescued her and brought her out of that terrifying reality. She owes him her life. Patrick is gravely injured, and Madison vows to see him through.
    When Patrick opens his eyes, he instantly knows that he made a mistake leaving Madison after freeing her from the clutches of a human trafficking ring. She is meant to be his. As Patrick tries to win over a wary Madison, the past they both thought was gone for good comes back with a vengeance. One by one, the survivors of the horrific ordeal are being murdered. Patrick knows that Madison will be next if he doesn’t protect her.
    Together they must fight for their survival. Seduction In Seville, book two in the Men of FTI series, is a tale of redemption, murder, new beginnings, and love that takes the reader on a wild, exotic ride. 

    About the Book

    Title: Seduction in Seville, The Men of FTI Book Two 
    Genre: Romantic Suspense
    Author: Olivia Night
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings):  R

    Buy This Book

    Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seduction-in-sierra-leone-olivia-night/1122341426

    Author Social Media

  • Science Fiction Romance,  Stressing the Hero

    Stressing the Hero from Dating an Alien Pop Star #scifiromance by @kendrybird #RLFblog

    Stressing the Hero from Dating an Alien Pop Star by Kendra L. Saunders.

    Author Bio

    Kendra L. Saunders is a time-and-space traveling fashionista author who writes books about magical, dark-haired men, interviews famous people, and suggests way too many bands to you via whatever social media platform she can get her hands on. She writes with good humor, because humor is the best weapon for a girl who can’t learn karate (or ballroom dancing).

    About the Book

    Title: Dating an Alien Pop Star
    Genre: Scifi Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
    Daisy Kirkwood has only just escaped her small-town life and run away to New York City, the land of last-minute secret gigs at famous musical venues, when she’s kidnapped by aliens. Unfortunately, no one ever writes about how to handle alien abduction in those fancy NYC guidebooks.
    Griffin and Dev are supermassively sexy aliens from a politically and environmentally troubled planet who arrive on Earth with very little knowledge about human ways other than what they learned from a wayward E! News signal. Their mission is to pretend to be the most influential people on the planet—English pop stars, of course!—and gain the help of a powerful secret society. Upon arriving, they abduct Daisy Kirkwood, a nerdy young woman who loves music but could seriously use a bit of help in the love-life department. Though Griffin and Daisy initially squabble, neither can deny the intergalactic sparks whenever they’re too close to each other. Together, they must face murderous aliens, cultural misunderstandings, bad backup musicians, and the dark side of fame and the media, all set against a tight deadline…
    Part High Fidelity, part Bridget Jones’ Diary, part Doctor Who, Dating an Alien Pop Star is a sexy romantic comedy.

    Stressing The Hero

    Every hero has a story. He has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a hero and get to know him better, by focusing on how he handles being relaxed, as well as how he handles stress.

    The Hero’s Relaxed Side

    This hero is at a party. Considering his story, describe the party.
    Griffin goes to many parties, because of being a famous pop star when he’s here on Earth, so I can definitely imagine him at a posh afterparty for some kind of music awards! It would be dimly-lit, well catered, packed with booze, and very, very lush and luxurious.
    How does the hero feel about being this particular party, and what body language is he displaying that gives it away?
    Excited to be in a room with famous faces he recognizes from his time studying Earth’s culture. A little nervous. Probably a little drunk. He would be twitchy and fluttery, but definitely smiling. And trying to watch what everyone is doing, so he doesn’t miss anything!
    Is he more likely to mingle or remain aloof?
    Mingle, for sure. In fact, he’d want to be the life of the party.
    If he drinks, what is his drink of choice at this party?
    Champagne. He loves champagne, and never realizes how much is too much until it’s too late.
    How much drink is his usual?
    Two glasses, at which time he’s buzzed and flushed, and probably giggly.
    The hero figures out where the hiding places are and then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone, or to go drag a friend back to the party?
    Griffin would want to drag his best friend Dev out into the party. Dev is a bit more reserved in groups of strangers, so he’d probably sit out most of the craziness. Griffin would want to make him join the fun!
    Is he likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is he the friend that others latch onto?
    Griffin usually latches onto one person, namely his best friend Dev, but he would still be able to pay plenty of attention to any and everyone around him. He has a capacity for paying attention to many people at once, even while holding Dev close like a safety blanket.
    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the hero going to handle it?
    Griffin would most likely step in if he saw something happen that he deemed unjust or unfair. He’s empathetic and has a strong sense of morals when it comes to people getting bullied or mistreated, and he isn’t afraid to use his alien “powers” on Earth people if needed.
    Is the hero the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?
    Griffin wouldn’t toss anyone out of a party, but here on Earth, he wouldn’t be tossed out either. He’s too famous for that. But on some other planet? He’s been tossed out of a few places, sure…
    Will he know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of himself?
    Griffin will leave whenever he damn well pleases. He’s a pop star, thank you very much, so his timing is always perfect.

    The Hero’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the hero handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls him aside when he was blameless in a situation?
    Griffin was raised as a prince on his home planet, and many times over his life, he’s been in danger. His first reaction to an authority pulling him aside is to believe that they are protecting him. If, however, he found out that he was being blamed for something he didn’t do, on Earth, he would remind the police that he is a famous pop star and insist on being released immediately.
    How does the hero react to hearing a scream?
    Griffin would perk up if he thought someone was in danger. He has empathetic healing abilities, so he reacts strongly to someone who is in pain or in need of help.
    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses his mind?
    “How can I help this person?”
    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing he does?
    Runs right into the fray, potentially getting himself in a dangerous situation, given he is slender and on the petite size, and not much help in a physical fight.
    This hero attempts to rescue someone and realizes that he is in over his head. The odds are against him and there is no way out. He is going to get his butt handed to him. What does he do?
    Gathers all of his energy together and focuses it on one last burst of power… this will either get him out of trouble or cause him to self destruct, but either way, it should stop the bad guy.
    The hero runs into the one person from his past he wanted to avoid. He can’t get out of the situation and must interact with him/her in some way. What does he do?
    Confronts them before they can say anything, and tries to act as brave and confident as possible. He probably fails.
    Someone younger than the hero is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the hero deal with it?
    Griffin wouldn’t pay much attention to age in a situation like that. If someone is doing a bad job, he would try to step in and help, regardless of their age. He is not an alpha male, though, so his version of stepping in would involve suggestions and offers to help, rather than forcing his way in.
    The hero is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does he tell himself in order to get through the situation?
    Griffin would remind himself of the people he loves most, and how much they need him. He would also think of his mother, who he lost as a child, and what would make her most proud of him to do.
    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?
    “There is always kindness. You can always find strength in kindness,” Griffin’s mother’s words.
    What lesson from his past gets him through a stressful situation?
    Griffin remembers that his Mum had grace and dignity in the face of challenges, and he strives to be like her when he faces similar situations.

    Buy This Book

    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dating-an-alien-popstar-kendra-l-saunders/1123261669

    Author Social Media

    Website http://kendralsaunders.com/