"Belle Whittington tells a wonderful story of love and adventure in Monarch, the last book in the Cicada trilogy. From the minute I started reading I was hooked on this book. Its is non stop action and suspense throughout the book and the love story is a sweet and beautiful one. This book had me on my toes, crying, laughing and smiling". - Goodreads
Blair Reynolds was born to rule. Worlds, that is. Destined to reign over an ancient intergalactic race, it may seem her fate is written in the stars. But she’s willing to risk it all for another chance to spend forever with her true love – even if it means traveling through time and space to the other side of the universe.
As far as Ash is concerned, Blair's happily-ever-after involves him, not the mere mortal with whom she seems so infatuated. She was bequeathed to him by her father, and Ash will go to any lengths to keep Blair and her true love apart.
And Ash isn’t the only one.
Deep in the jungles of Brazil, where tribal drums call to Blair and her true love, other forces carry out dangerous secret plans.
However, Blair has secrets of her own … secrets so lethal she dares not even remember them.
Secrets so painful they could ruin everything.
Because some secrets kill.
GUEST POST
Top Ten Ways to Stand Out as an Author
When LB proposed we co-write this post, I thought it was a terrific idea. Not only because of the subject material, which is one of my most passionate obsessions. But mostly because I was excited about co-writing something with my very talented daughter. She and I have worked really hard together over the past couple of years on promoting Cicada, Firefly, and Monarch and also promoting me as an author. We’ve learned a lot, to say the least. And, no doubt, we’ll learn a lot more over the next couple of years. However, LB wanted to share what we’ve learned so far, and I wanted to share five tips on how to stand out as an indie author. I can’t tell you how difficult it is for me to smash this swarm of information that’s buzzing around inside my head into five tips. But, here goes!
LB's tips:
1. Be dynamic! Whether you want to come off as magical and sparkly or simplistic and minimal, you want your book and website design to be dynamic. It should not only capture your personality and your book's concept, the designs that represent you should be bold and follow the rules of design.
If you're not familiar with design principles, start small. For instance, have your name bigger than your book title. That's a big no-no and takes away from your cover. Research what makes an eye-catching cover before you seek out a designer. Look around at other book covers and see what you like. Then bring those covers to the designer you pick so they know what you're looking for.
2. Mold your persona. Even as an indie author, you're still in the spotlight; more-so because you directly communicate with your readers. Brainstorm for a while and figure out what top two or three traits you want to be known for. Perhaps you want to be whimsical and kind like J.K. Rowling, sassy and out-going like Amanda Hocking, or maybe you are more of a recluse like J.D. Salinger.
3. Relate to your audience. I firmly believe that the reason authors like John Green are so popular is not just because they generate awesome work, but they really connect to their audience. Start talking to your readers, figure out what they like and learn more about it. Connect to the people who read your books and you'll create a lifelong fanbase.
4. Don't be helpless. Have you ever attended any type of speaking event with multiple speakers? Which presenter did you remember, the meek speaker who fumbled their words or the vibrant, confident speaker? Being an indie author is a lot like public speaking, because you need to be confident in what you're doing. Research, collaborate, and revise, but always be confident in yourself and your work.
5. Start local, then go global. So many writers want to be known world-wide. I think those indie authors who have such a large vision need a reality check. More than likely, you are not going to become famous overnight. You are your own agent and publicist, you don't have the luxury of wanting to put the definite article "the" in front of your name just yet. Start small, then go big. Look around at your local community, schools, and libraries. Everyone loves meeting a local author.
Belle's tips:
6. Imagine. By this, I mean give yourself a little time to think about how you want to be perceived by your fans and readers. What’s your style … your flair? Give yourself enough time to fully visualize the face you will show the world. But not too much time! You’ve got lots of work to do!
7. Branding. I’m sure you’re aware of what branding is. But in case you’re not, here’s a link to a good article by Matt Turner on branding for authors. I think it says it all.
8. Author Platform. In short, your author platform is where people can find you and get to know you online. If you weren’t here reading this post to learn more, I’d ask you why you weren’t tweeting, Facebooking, tumbling, or blogging. There are always readers to meet and other people to help promote. Not sure what an author platform is? Here’s a terrific article by Jane Friedman. I have a great deal of respect for her. You should get to know her, too.
9. Networking. This is going to have to become your new daily task … besides writing and all your other life-related things. This is what you are going to think about so much that you’ll dream about it at night. This is how you spread the word about you and your work.
Networking not only takes place online, but also off-line, too. This is not only how you meet your readers and fans, but it’s also how you meet the organizers of events. You’ve got to make it your business to find out who organizes what book events in your area. They are your new best friends. And, trust me, they are usually such awesome people that you’ll really want them to be your new best friends! I’ve met the coolest people.
10. Write Great Stuff. You’re probably thinking that this should have been number one on this list. But shouldn’t you already be writing if you’re reading this? If you’ve got a book already finished, then polish it. Find some beta readers. Not sure what a beta reader is? Here’s a great post written by Stuart Horwitz. Hire an editor. I use Editorch for all my editing needs.
This is the step in which you should strive to make your manuscript shine. After all, you’ve been working so hard on the other four tips, you’re ready share your story with the world! Get going! What are you waiting for?!
About the author:
Belle was raised in deep East Texas. She now resides somewhere north of Houston, Texas in a small inconsequential town with the smallest, most inconsequential name. There, in the shady reaches of the pines, elms, and oaks, she daydreams adventures and secrets she weaves throughout her stories. She’s the author of CICADA, FIREFLY, and MONARCH, a Young Adult/New Adult cross-over trilogy with excellent reviews. She studied literature and history at University of Houston where Beowulf, Shakespeare’s works, and the history of the Vikings were her favorite topics. Belle is positive her readers and fans are the best in the universe.
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3 comments:
Thank you so much for featuring me on your gorgeous blog! I look forward to getting to know you and your followers! XOXO
~Belle
You're welcome! It was our pleasure :)
I don't do emay so that was a bus for me.....
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