Good News To Share, So Drinks Are On Me

Writerhood can be hard--you fellow writers know this. There's editing, writing, more editing, and stupid chores that piled up while you were doing all that hard work.

But I didn't write this post to be a Negative Nellie. I love my job, and domestic perfection isn't for me anyway. Yesterday, I got some good news, so I thought I'd share. Since you've been along for the ride.

The Horn Book Magazine, the people in the know about all things kidlit, gave Double Vision a really nice review. Here's a little snippet:

Bradley gives Linc a great voice, with a good heart, some self-awareness, and a funny style: “I should probably mention right now that I qualify for the Guinness Book of World Records as the slowest, most out-of-shape twelve-year-old in history.” It’s entertaining if not deep, with a fast pace, snappy narration, and an epilogue that promises a new adventure.

Good news, so pass the drinks, all!

Oh, and if you're still on the hunt for a free ARC of Double Vision, you can sign up for the Goodreads giveaway the kind people of Harper are running...

Monday Music: Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait

Love this song... Mumford and Sons has a new album out this week, so happy joy!

What's Your Favorite Series, And Why?

As much as I love a good standalone novel, sometimes all I want is my favorite series. There's just something comforting about opening up a book or turning on the TV, and finding a familiar face. Even if it is fictional.

I love Michael Connelly's books for this reason. Tess Gerritsen is another favorite. On TV--well, that's pretty easy. There's Bones, Leverage, and the new Perception (boy, did that series find its groove toward the end!).

From the writer's perspective, I love writing series characters. As I start thinking of the next book in Linc's adventure, I already look forward to hanging out with Henry and Ben, and Linc's family. It's like meeting old friends, and finding out what's new.

What's your favorite series? Why do you love those characters so much?

What Fall Crime Shows Are You Looking Forward To?

It's new TV season time!

I for one am looking forward to catching up on old favorites, like Bones and Fringe, and maybe a few new additions.

In case you need a quick reference to what's on the tube (crime-wise anyway), check out this Criminal Element post.

How about you? Any TV favorites, or new shows you're looking forward to?

Where I'm Inspired by BB King (Monday Music)

I was fortunate enough to catch BB King in concert a few weeks ago--pretty awesome, I have to say.

What struck me most was how much he truly loves his fans. Even at eighty-six years old, he was flirting with the ladies, talking smack about Ray Charles (RIP), and taking time to talk to as many people as he could.

Inspiring. And man, does he rock it on the stage...


 

Dude, Where's Your Marketing Plan? A Writerly Wednesday Post

I'm 40 days away from my book launch--exciting, no?

But also slightly terrifying. Because this means I have to get more serious about marketing, and having a marketing plan to work from. When Double Vision sold, I started writing down all kinds of brilliant and out-of-the-box ways I could get the word out. Like making an awesome animated book trailer series. Writing articles for parenting magazines. Tweeting a story. Being on Oprah's book club--sure, she doesn't exactly feature my kind of book, but you never know.

So now I'm at the point that I have to turn these fantabulous ideas into an actual plan. Which means about three quarters of them will go in the I-wish-but-it's-not-practical/too-expensive pile (like the Oprah thing). And then there are additions, like sending out postcards. Making giveaway packages. Last week, I got my first invitation to speak at a YA/MG event in a nearby city--cool, right?

Lesson learned: ideas are great, but unless you create an action plan to go with it, they're just air. This marketing plan business is a lot like writing a novel, turns out... Like Yoda said: "Do, or do not. There is no try."

How about you, writer friends? Any recommendations on successful marketing for this newbie?