It's Only Fair I Share

I was conflicted about what to blog. My next release isn't until the 10th and I'm not ready to do a cover a reveal. Really, I'd rather have anything other than a promo post on the blawg. As fate would have it, my friend sent me to an article.

Now, I'll snark the hell out of stock photo. I'll refrain from actual book covers, because most times they aren't as egregious as some make them out to be. And I know what a bad cover looks like. I've made some in the past.

I'm going to be honest here. I'm not sure what's...Ok. Lets start with the first one that I feel encapsulates what makes me speechless.

Why? Just why?



WHY?????






Is it just me or do you want to shower that man in some Nair?

I'm not going to lie. I sort of want to read a sample of this book just so I can say I did it. There must be some kind of street cred you get for reading dinosaur p0rn.

Whenever I come across these lists I waver on if every single cover is really that bad.

Yes. Yes. All 26 are THAT BAD. You've been warned, but I know you are going to click that ink anyway. I know I did.

Update: Releases to Come and Such

To keep y'all in the loop, Double Trouble is off for betas and crits. So, it's getting there. Looks as though Melissa Blue won't have a release until October. That one will be Under His Kilt, a very erotic, dirty, filthy book and what I'm going to call book 2 in the Bad Boy Shorts series. And that means Double Trouble should have a Nov/Dec release.

So, what will you have to read until then? Well, you can try out my alter ego's alter ego, Sofia Harper. Her first release. (And, yes, that's why I'm talking in third person. I'm not THAT crazy.) Hot Knight In Paradise is somewhat like Double Dare, in that the romance is a nice, slow burn. You can check out for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Stranded in paradise with no way to get home, Leah Smith needs a miracle, and fast. Instead, she gets Marshall Jackson, surely the sexiest man alive. Too bad he's got an emotional wall around himself--and her only hope of getting off the island...

Marshall has a strict no damsels in distress policy, but there's something about Leah that makes him want to break his own rules. He agrees to let her work in his bar until she earns enough to get home. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny the scorching attraction between them. Soon hot island nights provide balm to their wounded souls, but will these two flawed exiles make peace with the past in time to claim the future they deserve together--or will paradise be lost?

Hindsight: Tricia Drammeh

Three years ago, I was halfway through writing my very first novel, The Claiming Words. I put my heart and soul into it and the words flowed unencumbered by punctuation, correct sentence structure, or any consideration for plot. Needless to say it was a train wreck. I was so green then, I assumed the greatest challenge in writing was finishing the novel. I also assumed agents would be eager to sign me up and I’d have a huge publishing contract by the end of the year.

Um, no.

Back in those days, I didn’t use Facebook and wasn’t aware of the vast writers’ resources out there in cyberspace. I did absolutely everything wrong—from peddling a manuscript that wasn’t anywhere close to being ready for publication, to signing with a publisher I hadn’t fully researched. I’ve learned a lot in the last three years and I share much of that hard-earned knowledge on my blog in hopes new authors can learn from my growing pains.

Here’s my comprehensive list of advice for newbie authors:

1. Don’t query a first draft. I’ve seen authors make this mistake time and again. Though I read through my manuscript a few times before querying, my MS still wasn’t anywhere near ready for publication. Any draft that hasn’t been ripped apart by revisions is a first draft and not ready for agents, publishers, or self-publishing. Find good beta readers to read through your manuscript before you even think about publishing.
2. Learn the basics. I’m an avid reader. I always had good grades in English. But, somehow I forgot my first draft needed a plot. Hmmm. Writing a novel requires an entirely unique skill set. Brush up on basic grammar, read books with an eye toward showing-versus-telling, and maybe read a book about the art of writing.
3. Network with other authors. Authors are the most generous, helpful people you’ll ever meet. You can find other authors on writers’ sites (The Next Big Writer, Book Country, etc), in Facebook groups, or in local meetup groups. You’ll learn more from other writers than you’ll ever learn sitting in front of your computer.
4. Start your author platform early. Set up an author platform before you ever finish that first book. You’ll need Facebook, Twitter, and a basic blog. Agents and publishers will Google you to see if you have an author platform. If you choose to self-publish, it helps to build a following long before you finish your book.
5. If you want to be a professional writer, act like one. From the very second you decide to write professionally, you need to start self-editing your Facebook posts and other online posts. Anything you post online should be well-written and should reflect well on you as an author.
6. Don’t sign with the first agent or publisher who shows interest in your work. Don’t assume you’ll never get a better offer. Don’t assume the publisher shares your vision for your work. Publishers should be carefully researched and contracts should be reviewed by a lawyer. If you can’t find anything about your prospective publisher on the internet, they’re probably too new to have enough experience to publish your book. Say no and move on. A bad or inexperienced publisher can destroy your book, and possibly your reputation as an author.
7. Self-publishing is not the kiss of death to your career. There used to be a huge stigma in regards to self-publishing, but more and more authors nowadays are choosing self-publishing over traditional options. There’s nothing wrong with taking the traditional route, but don’t discount self-publishing until you research all your options. If it comes down to choosing an inexperienced publisher or self-publishing, I’d choose self-publishing every time.
8. Writing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. There have been several times over the last three years where I’ve lost confidence in myself and considered giving up. There have been times I’ve put my writing to the side. But, I always go back to it. Why? Because writing isn’t just what I do, it’s part of who I am. Even if I never sell another book, I’ll continue to write because I love it.

Tricia Drammeh is a wife, mother, book-lover, and coffee-junkie. She’s an author of paranormal and mainstream fiction, including The Séance, The Fifth Circle, and The Claiming Words. When she isn’t writing, Tricia can be found interviewing up-and-coming authors on her promotional site, Authors to Watch. You can also find Tricia on her website.

Hindsight: Guest Post by Incy Black

I'm starting a new blog series. I'm nosy and was curious about the advice writers would give themselves three years ago. This is the first post. So, let's give a warm welcome to Incy Black!

The very slightly scary Melissa Blue (yes, she is that good), asked on Facebook: As a writer what advice would we have given ourselves three years ago, knowing what we do now? And of course, I had to pitch in with my nickel’s worth. Next thing I know, she’s got me pinned down for a blog post—told you she was good—which is more my map to surviving the route to getting published, than a guide to ‘must-know’ craft tips.

1.       Bite down hard, and assume the position – because as sure as water’s       wet, you are going to get your arse spanked with a nail studded paddle, and yes, it is going to hurt. Expect criticism, sometimes kind, sometimes downright cruel. Survive by taking what you want from the thrashing then, with all the dignity you can muster, pro-offer the other cheek.

2. Write for yourself first, the publishing house thereafter – it is one thing to allow a few of your words to be changed, quite another to allow anyone to change the cadence/essence of your writing, your ‘voice’. Your voice is unique, your best shot of rising above the choir for a solo spot. Rough and untrained as it might be,(trust me, with persistence it will develop) if it doesn’t fit, move on. Find a choir where it will. Hell, set up your own band if necessary, but have sufficient integrity to protect what you love, what you would want to read. Ban the Bland!

3. If you’re British (that would be me), accept the fact Americans can’t spell – Damn, do they hate double Ls. I had the hideous experience of having to call a friend to break it to her gently that the cover of her newly published book had a typo. ‘Unravelling’ has two Ls, I said stroking her with kid gloves. Bollock’s to that, was her reply, I’m writing American. Our US buddies aren’t fussed about Us either (colour/color, favour/favor), but jeez, do they love their Zs (realize/realize, magazine/magazine)…and what the hell is it with that word ‘gotten’? Poor use of English but it rocks in America, so unknot your panties (I had to discard mine altogether), America, after all, is the bigger market.

4. Learn Publishing o’clock – time moves very, very slowly on Planet Contracted. Hours become days, days become weeks, weeks become months (if you’re lucky), months become years. Learn patience. I’m told it’s a virtue.

5. Just because someone blogs with authority, it doesn’t mean they are an authority – intimidation is the serial killer of creativity, don’t become one of its victims. Don’t be afraid to disagree, trust your own instincts, break the bloody rules if you want to. Try and remember those who appear to know what they are doing are most likely lurching like a drunken sailor on the high seas we call craft, just like the rest of us.

I could go on, but I won’t. That wet nurse they call experience is shared by many, and I have no wish to hog the teat.

Thanks Mel, for inviting me to post. I so needed the reminder of all the occasions I’ve fallen on my arse. The only thing guaranteed, is that these are bruises I will continue to accrue…anyone offering to pucker up and kiss the booboo?

Author Bio:

To escape the frenzy of three children aged under 4 years, two mad dogs and four very odd cats, Incy committed to a law degree (University College, London), first to piss off those who said she didn’t stand a chance, and second, because she’s never learned to walk a hill when there are mountains to be climbed.

Armed with said law degree (of which she’s really rather proud), Incy works as a Marketing Director with a history in advertising agencies, property, publishing and education. (She also fitted in two more kids along the way, preferring with her final son, that people dismissed her as fat rather than careless).

In her spare time Incy writes fast-paced romantic suspense and thrillers. Contracted to write for Entangled Publishing in 2012 (well, January 2013, but she’s superstitious), her whoop could be heard across the British Isles where she leads a ‘quiet’ life.

* You can find Incy Black occasionally pouring out her heart (and sometimes her venom) at incyblack.weebly.com

The One I Want: Out Now (Mostly)

It's out! (For the most part.) (You can also check out the Pinterest board for this story. It has Idris. Yum.)

When Farrah Kane comes home from New York she doesn't plan to fall into bed with Micah Stamps. He's demanding, stubborn, her boss and...her best friend. Except she makes the mistake of agreeing to be his roommate as well as his co-worker for the next three months. It's not long before their days are filled with work and their nights filled with passion. The question is whether their friendship will survive the heat and his stubborn ways. She wants to take her time getting settled into home and their new relationship. He seems to have other plans in mind...

There's no getting around the fact that Micah's best friend makes his blood run hot. Their platonic relationship could die a slow death as far as he's concerned. The year she spent in New York made him realize two things: He missed his best friend more than he should have and he never wanted to live without her again. Now that she is in his grasp—in his home—for three months, there's no sense in waiting to take the next step. Micah only has to convince his impulsive friend to settle down with him.

Their work and home life brings out all the differences between them and drags them to the forefront. Their hearts get in the way of their their well-laid plans. Now, they have to figure out if it's possible to be friends now that they've become lovers.

Amazon

Smashwords

ARe

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

The Chapter: Behind the Scenes

I've thought of a million things I could tell you about The One I Want. It's a failed Harlequin. All my books prior to this one came from characters, a piece of dialogue, a bigger picture I wanted to write. And, honestly, that's hard as hell to submit. (Yes, I wrote this book when I was still actively submitting to publishers.) This process of writing is pretty much looking at the book you wrote and trying to find the square peg it could possibly fit into, instead of the other way around. So, I came up with a friends-to-lovers story that could find a home with Harlequin, or anyone for that matter.

That's not enough for a blog post. So, I figured I'd talk about Alpha males and how I prefer Betas. Still, I ended up with about a paragraph of blog. And, really, my writing preference wouldn't tell you much about this story. It wouldn't give you a behind the scenes look.

So, I'm going to talk about The Chapter. The one I pretty much have in every book that's my favorite chapter. I could read that sucker out of context and still sigh or giggle or go Oooooooooh or restore my faith that I can write myself out of a brown paper bag.

In this book it's chapter six. During revisions, edits and proofing I could not wait until I got to this chapter. It's the chapter the characters kiss for the first time. Well, the first time they both remember, but that's a long story. Go with it. It's written from the Micah's POV. He's reached his breaking point when it comes to not touching Farrah like he wants to. It's the chapter I've pretty much nicknamed Shit Gets Real. Up until that point they are friends transitioning to lovers, but this chapter cleanly severs any doubt that they should be way more than friends.

I do not encourage skipping because you need all the book, but, uh, yeah, I won't be mad if you just skip to chapter six. (Psst. All the really dirty parts happen in chapter 10 and 13.)  

My Books Are For The Faint of Heart

I've considered putting a warning in all my blurbs like I've done with two of my shortest stories. Back when I sought out reviews, I kept seeing complaints on these stories. They were too short. They were ridiculous, far-fetched, etc. My internal reaction was, “Well, yeah. That's the point.” And then I got the bright idea to let people know beyond the blurb and title what they were getting. Expectations can seriously make or break a work of fiction. Sometimes you can get lucky and a reader goes into the book with certain expectations, yet, they walk away pleasantly surprised by what actually happens. That's rare though.

So, I put this in front of my two shortest stories that boarder on slightly ridiculous and far-fetched:

“Caveat: This is a short story. Like short. Let's say for instance you're at work on a break, and then that co-worker you really don't like to talk to has made eye contact. You know deep in your gut that the next ten to fifteen minutes you had is going to be wasted having an awkward conversation that neither of you really want. But, they've made eye contact and now they have to say something. Otherwise, if you look away or they do, it's just going to get even more awkward.

This book will save you from that conversation. Put a look of consternation on your face as though you're answering a Very Important Text Message and read this sucker. Now, I'm not tooting my own horn here, but I'll hazard a guess and say reading this short will be better than those awkward ten to fifteen minutes talking about the weather.”

I think folks get a pretty good idea of what they are buying. If short and ridiculous isn't what they want they can avoid these two books like the plague. If short and ridiculous is what they are looking for booyah! And the thing is my books are exactly that kind of read, for the most part. I wouldn't categorize them as tearjerks or dark and angsty. If folks walk into How Much You Want to Bet? thinking “I'm going to read a serious take on women working in a field that is dominated by men”...Oh, hell.

Even though Everything He Dreamed takes on domestic abuse, it's a light book filled with banter and hot sex. By no means do I treat the abuse lightly. I did worry that dropping a subject like that in a light book would kill it dead in the water, but humor is how I tell stories. It's how I deal with dark stuff. Sometimes I take a plot that is beyond unbelievable and play around it. My books are light and frothy. They may have a deep, emotional core, but even then it's balanced with humor. Sometimes I just skip the ugly, weighty subjects and have fun with a romp.

My books are for the faint of heart. After dealing with an emotional and sometimes heartbreaking subject, I whip out a book that's meant to cleanse my palate and hope that it does the same for the reader. No, seriously, go into my books with a grain of salt. At some point I might even ask you to toss it over your shoulder because even that isn't necessary.

So, consider this post my blurb warning from here on out. My books are likely to be filled with graphic sex, dick jokes, dark humor, unbelievable plots, likeable and unlikeable characters and hopefully, overall, entertaining reads. Grain of salt not required.

***This post inspired by accepting what I write.