I am so excited to be listed amongst some of the talented Authors here in Las Vegas, NV. This is definitely going to be an awesome event you don’t want to miss. Join me!
Tag Archives: Author
Guest Post with Janiera Eldridge – Marketing: Indie Style
Marketing: Indie Style
Marketing is not an easy task even if you’re a traditionally published author. However, when you’re an indie author all of the marketing responsibility is on you. You’re completely responsible for your own editing and although you’re not spending money, you want to make sure that the time not spent writing your next novel is well spent. I’ve been getting so many questions asking me how I self-published my book and how I market it, I could teach a class (I think I will lol). Here are just some brief answers to the most popular questions I’ve received lately:
When should I start promoting my book?
This answer surprises a lot of authors but the answer is, while you’re writing! It will take you twice as long to sell your books if you don’t begin building your social media presence while writing your book. Share with your followers the good and the bad experiences. When people feel like they know you and the process you went through to bring your book to life, they are more likely to buy that book.
Share Others Content.
I know, it sounds crazy right? However, it is true. Don’t just tweet about your book or post about your book on Facebook; share other people’s most interesting content. People like to know that their content is interesting to others and that it is being shared. When the time comes that you have an interesting bit to share people will be more than happy to share it. It not only keeps your content fresh but it builds a community every time you do it.
Make sure you’re everywhere important:
You’re more than welcome to promote your book offline. However, you need to make sure that you have your social media bases covered. All authors need to be on Facebook, Twitter and now Pinterest. These websites have the biggest audience so, sharing your content in these venues are a must. Then, if you want to share your content in other venues such as Goodreads and other book groups there just considered an added bonus. Always dedicate the most time to the websites that bring you the most traffic!
Marketing for indie authors can be a definite challenge but it doesn’t have to be hard. With a lot of practice, it can also be fun!
About The Author:
Janiera enjoys writing entertainment news for Directorslive.com and feeding her book addiction when she’s not writing. She is also a book blogger at Beauty and Books where she mixes being a book nerd with keeping things chic. Soul Sisters is her debut novel.
Synopsis:
Soul Sisters is an urban fantasy novel about African-American twin sisters Ani and Dana who have a rather unique secret: one sister is human while the other is a vampire. While the sisters have lived peacefully with each other for many years one fateful night will change both their lives forever. When a drunken man tries to attack Dana (the human sister) Ani (the vampire sister) protects her sister with all of her ferocious power.However, when the vampire’s leader Donovan finds out about the public display he calls for the sisters to be assassinated for disobedience. Ani and Dana now are in for the fight of their lives to protect each other as well as the lives of their dedicated friends who have joined them on their mission for survival. If Dana and Ani can make it through this time of uncertainty, Ani can take her new place as vampire queen. Soul Sisters is expected to be a trilogy; The book also features a multicultural cast of characters that brings a new edge of chic to the vampire world
Visit Amazon and order your copy today!!!
Connect with the Author here:
Blog: Beauty and Books: http://janieraeldridge.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lazenbeauty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/janiera.eldridge.1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jaeldridge18/
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‘How to Change Your Mindset + Live Your Most Fabulous Life’
So I wanted to make sure that all of my readers were on track for having a fabulous 2012. My year started off great and it is getting “betterer and betterer” as one of my twitter followers would say. I have been following the Author that I am featuring today, it seems like, since I first started off on twitter. She may have not even realized it, but she has truly been a source of inspiration to me. Now having her very own book in my possession, I couldn’t ask for more. I would encourage you all to download this ebook today and start taking the steps to making a brighter tomorrow. I was able to conduct a brief interview and thanks again Jamie for taking out the time.
When did you first discover that you enjoyed writing?
I was in second grade when I first discovered that I enjoyed writing. I had written a short story and won an award, and after that point, I was hooked. Over the years, the type of writing I wanted to do for a living varied, and at times, I thought about pursuing other things. But the desire to become a writer never left me. I must say that I’m very happy and blessed to be able to do this.
What types of activities were you involved in that helped you develop your passion?
My passion for writing really developed while I was in college. I started out as an English major, and my second semester, I took a women’s studies class, and I began writing for the student newspaper. Taking that class really sparked my interest in women’s issues, and I decided that that’s what I wanted to cover in my writing career after I graduated, and I wanted to start a magazine for women. Ultimately, I created my blog, which blends all of my interests.
You dedicate so much time sharing your passion for writing and being an inspiration to others. Who would you say has been and continues to be an inspiration to you?
I can’t say that it’s just one person who inspires me. Over the last couple of years, I’ve met so many incredible, talented and fabulous women who are doing great things and who are following their own dreams and finding success in their own ways. These are the people who have inspired me and continue to inspire me to keep moving forward.
In your book, you discuss limiting beliefs and affirmations. How have affirmations impacted your life and career?
Affirmations have really changed my life and career for the better. It has made me become more positive about everything in my life, and having a positive mindset and attitude has helped me achieve my goals. I would say that my affirmations have literally changed my life and continue to do so.
Describe a typical day for “Mocha Writer”.
On a typical day, I spend my mornings working on client work, writing my blog posts for the day and replying to emails. Because my husband works at night, I spend time with him in the afternoon before he leaves. In the evening, I finish up any client work I have and write down my goals for the next day.
How do you balance your writing for clients and you personal writing projects?
Because both are important to me, I know I have to make time for them both, even though it can be difficult at times. I always say that if I can just get something done on my personal writing, then I’ve achieved my goal, whether it’s only for 30 minutes or an hour. So when I’m working on a personal project, I make some time every day to work on it, and I also work on it on weekends.
What can we expect from you in the future? Are you working on any projects now?
‘How to Change Your Mindset + Live Your Most Fabulous Life’ will be in paperback soon, and I’m very excited about that! I’m also working on my next book: ‘The Black Woman’s Guide to Life as a 20-something,’ and it will be released this summer.
What would you say to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in writing?
I would say hone your craft by writing daily, even if it’s just writing down your thoughts in a journal or in your personal, private blog. The more you write, the better you become at it. Also, stay encouraged and be persistent. The road to becoming a writer is not necessarily a quick or easy one, but if you continue working at it, you will ultimately get where you want to be. Don’t give up!
What is your definition of fabulous?
I think ‘fabulous’ means living your life on your terms, being the best you that you can be and living your life to it’s fullest! It means going after the things you want, loving yourself and just doing you.
What is one of your favorite hobbies outside of writing?
I know it’s cliché, but I love to read. I’m also a nail polish fanatic, so I love painting my nails.
Any last words?
I just want to encourage everyone to keep moving towards your dreams and goals. If you maintain a positive attitude and mindset, believe in yourself and your abilities, trust God and do your part, you will get where you want to be! Let nothing hold you back.
You can follow this wonderful author on twitter @mochawriter and visit her online magazine at www.forcoloredgurls.com Download your ebook today.
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Failure Ain’t Final – Author Interview
We have all experienced setbacks. But it is something about hitting a place that all you can do is look up. From that place, one suddenly realizes that the setbacks were setting you up to be a testiment of God’s faithfulness and bring glory to His name. Brian Anderson-Payne (BAP) had come to that crossed-road and he talks about it in this interiew.
1. What inspired you to write Failure Ain’t Final?
I wrote Failure Ain’t Final because after facing my own failures, I couldn’t find anything to assur me that I wasn’t alone or the only one to ever feel like I felt. Basically, the project started as a journal of my own thoughts.
2. How long did the entire project take to complete?
Failure Ain’t Final took about 3-6 months, but that was because I wasn’t always consistent with my writing.
3. Did you ever consider giving up? What kept you motivated/inspired?
Yes, I was often tempted to give up, but giving up would have left no one to tell my story. Knowing that others needed what I had to say kept me motivated.
4. What “failures” have you faced in life and how did you overcome them?
As somewhat of an ‘official’ in organized religion, marital failures or spiritual breakdowns aren’t really tolerated too well. When a minister has a child out of wedlock, that’s typically the end of the line. One of two things happens. Enough people give up on you that you have no one to inspire or you believe the things they say and simply give up on yourself. As far as how the failures or at least the perception and feeling of the failures was overcome, I can’t honestly give a formula. For a long while, it was enough to just wake up in the morning and get out of bed. Sometimes, you’ve suffered so badly that you’re not able to quickly jump into ‘fix it’ mode. Sometimes you have to just catch your breath. THEN, when you’ve endured the darkest part, you’re able to start thinking about what needs to be done to right these wrongs. After a long time, I was able to start telling myself to accept responsibility for my actions, put my big boy pants on and deal with the mess that I had created. As time went on, I became stronger and more determined to put my life back together again.
5. How would you define success?
Success means different things to each of us. One size doesn’t fit all. For me, success is reaching the goals that the negative voices in my head say can’t be reached. Quite honestly, I’m successful right now! I do what I love doing and what I know I was created to do. However, I wish to do it on a much larger platform & I’d like to be paid quite a bit more money for it! It took me a long time to realize ‘I’m there”! I’m well aware that many of us are often ‘there’, but we simply don’t realize it because we don’t see the things that we’re told success is supposed to look like. We search for the big four. The car, the house, the job, the spouse. The only problem is that many have chased the car only to get it and find out that there was still a void. That’s because those things are just (for many) the FACE of success.
6. What words of encouragement would you give to a new writer/author?
Its kind of simple, really. If you’re a new writer, WRITE!
7. What words of encouragement would you give to someone on the verge of giving up?
Now, I’m kind of raw, so my answers won’t be as politically correct as others! Lol. I say, if you CAN give up, give up. Go find that thing that you love doing so much that you’re not able to give up! If writing’s your passion, you can throw your pen away, and burn your paper, but you’ll never quit. You’ll only end up wasting valuable time. I’m a public speaker. I get frustrated and quit every year – right before I start again! If you can quit, quit. Otherwise, wipe your tears & keep it moving.
8. Who is your favorite author?
Probably John Maxwell.
9. What was the most recent book you read?
PROSPER by Ethan Willis and Randy Garn.
10. What is one of you favorite quotes from your book?
“Failure is the place where God proves you didn’t earn His love anyway!”
11. Are you working on any current projects?
Yes. The Fialure Ain’t Final Movement is an event that touches troubled youth with practical demonstrations of the principles found in the book.
12. What can we expect next from T-Bapp Publishing?
There are two more books coming at’cha in 2012, as well as more touring to support the projects.
13. What keeps you grounded?
I don’t want to be cliché and say my faith in God keeps me grounded because I had faith in God when I experienced my catastrophes! I think it’s God allowing me to discover my true self and the fact the attaining of my goals ultimately lies in my hand and the need to make wise decisions that keeps me grounded.
14. What is one part of the writing process that you dreaded?
I dread the writing! Lol. I’m much more of a speaker than a writer.
15. What was one of the first thoughts you had when you first held a copy of your book in your hand? How did you feel?
Failure Ain’t Final is my second book. My first book was “The Music of The Message”. However, both times, I saw the UPS man coming and I forced them to watch me open to box to pull out the book! I can’t articulate the feeling that accompanies seeing your blood, sweat and tears on paper.
16. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer/author?
I never knew I wanted to be an author. My first book was written because I wanted to explain the biblical background to the songs on my CD. I didn’t want someone else to try to explain what I meant. I knew I was a song writer, but I discovered I was an author.
17. What is your favorite hobby?
I’m a learner. I think I could sit and watch people for hours.
To find out more about this Author, The Bapp Project and to get a copy of Failure Ain’t Final…visit, www.failureaintfinal.com
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Day 27 – Chapter 1 (Excerpt)
And then there was Sunday morning… ”Rise and shine sweet, sweet”. Daddy always new how to wake me up, his baby girl. Daddy made sure he kept us in church. Sunday School, YPWW, noon day prayer, you name it we were there. Matter of fact he encouraged a lot of the children in church and he made sure we knew our Bible. Daddy was a teacher, not by profession, but he had a gift to teach. He was patient, easy-going and he showed how much he loved being a father. Everybody knew how daddy was about his girls. “I’m getting up daddy, but I’m so sleepy.” “You have to get up baby girl and get dressed so we can get to church”, he said.
All the kind words in the world couldn’t make up for the woman my daddy shared a room with, my mother, his wife. “I don’t know what to wear to church!” I always had some kind of excuse to stay in the bed a little longer. “Wear the dress I just bought you, hanging on the door”, replied my mother. “No, I don’t like it.” Matter of fact, I never liked anything she bought for me to wear. “The dress looks better than you.” She replied.
I don’t think anyone was more shocked than I was at my mother’s snide remark. She had never taken any of her frustrations out on me. I was always the innocent bystander. I would learn to get use to her putdowns and negativity.
“Leslie did you hear what mom said to me?” “Yes and what’s the big deal, you never want to go shopping with her; I like wearing the clothes she buys”, she stated. “I’m not into all that and she knows that”, I replied.
You could tell where Leslie’s loyalty lied. That’s how we were raised. We were each other’s greatest enemy. I tried my best not to let it get to me.
My mother new exactly what to say to make it hurt; to make all the love and nurturing from my daddy void. She never offered apologies when she was wrong or when she hurt you to the core. I think from that point on, I had emotionally detached myself from her, my mother, his wife.
She didn’t notice, at least I didn’t think she did. You see, I was the baby of the family, a splitten image of my mother, as far as complexion goes. We even shared common names Rachel and Rhachelle (pronounced Rah-shell, I was always told it was the Greek spelling for Rachel) but we had nothing else in common so I thought. I had two older sisters and a brother. My oldest sister, Monique was 14 years older than me and I guess in my mind she was my second mother. She was in highschool by the time I was born. She was quiet, had plenty of friends and had a fight in her. Monique or as I called her, my other mother, was the one who tended to me. I crawled in bed with her when I was sick, tagged along with her and her friends, she combed my hair, when my daddy didn’t, and even scolded me when I was wrong. Then there was Anthony, but we called him Tony Junior. He was athletic, played baseball and football. Probably would have gone further in one of them if church didn’t conflict with the Sunday games. Really didn’t get to know him or bond with him as a brother. He’s eleven years older than me. By the time I was old enough to even understand I had a brother he was getting married and moving out. Last but not least, was Leslie. We were closest in age but very different. We went to school together all our lives, we shared a room for a few years but really we were just sisters.
From the outside looking in, life was good. Everyone trusted my parents with their children, since we had all internalized my mother’s number one rule. But it wasn’t just about what went on, it was about the things that were also lacking. You see mom always knew what to get to make you forget about the harsh words, or the physical wounds. But she also tried to make up for the fact that she was never around, never combed my hair, never tucked me in bed, never even rubbed my stomach when I was sick. I didn’t fall for it, but the rest of them always did.
Leslie always got it the worst. Was it her light complexion or her naturally wavy hair, whatever it was mom sure did try to beat it out of her every opportunity she got. Leslie just seemed to always put up with it. Monique reaped the benefits of the mistreatment as well. She traveled a lot, drove my parents Mercedes, was always in the latest fashions and always had her friends over for sleepovers. I think they enjoyed the clothes, purses, shoes, trips and all the things mom tried to bring to make up for all the grief. I didn’t want any part of it.
Though we all had the same mother and father we were all very different. Mom made sure to magnify the differences in order to keep us apart. She played the light off the dark, the younger against the older, boy against girls, father against daughters, always leaving us second-guessing one another. It was like she didn’t want us to bond together and retaliate. She was our greatest source of competition. I mean who could compete with a woman who had been Who’s Who in California, received one of the highest awards in service throughout the national church, multi-million dollar business and a picture perfect family.
Though I didn’t understand my mother’s lashing out that morning, I would eventually be able to draw my own conclusion. I didn’t have to endure the harsh treatment as a little girl like Monique or Leslie but sometimes I felt like watching it was even worse.
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