What’s your one line pitch or teaser for the book?
Demon Commander Kole is as hot as fire while Skyler Maxwell is as cold as an ice sculpture; but when they meet … Well, it’s like ice and fire. Lots of hot, steamy romance.
Tell readers a little about your main character or
characters?
Firebrand Commander Kole is an animus demon. What does that mean? He has a temper, he manipulates fire and electrical energy, and he needs a daily dose of sex to thrive. To top it all off, he’s big and scary. But he’s loyal to his warriors and they repay him in kind. Then along comes Skyler Maxwell, the chief legal officer of an earth organization with knowledge of Kole’s realm. She’s aloof, icy, and gorgeous. He can’t help pushing her buttons, chipping away at the ice, seeking the “real” Skyler at the heart of the blizzard.
Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or
writing nook?
I have a couple places I like to write, enjoying the different settings. At home, I have an upstairs office. My husband’s old leather chair sits under a lamp, near the bookcase, and faces the window where I look out on pine and cedar trees. My computer is on a lap desk. On days when I need another spot to get the metaphorical juices flowing, I walk to a local coffee shop, computer case in hand. With a treat and an almond milk latte, I begin to work.
What is one of your best marketing tips for other
authors?
I am still learning about marketing. Evernight Publishing provides some marketing, but much is left to me. So, here are my tips for those who, like me, are new to it. Set up only the social media accounts you can handle—a Facebook page, Instagram, and TikTok are it for me. I only do TikTok because I enjoy creating videos–called trailers–of my books.
I send out a newsletter monthly. More wouldn’t work for me. To boost my readership, I joined some promos in Bookfunnel. I have a website (https://www.tmsmith.net) which my daughter helped me set up. Though I am above average with technology use, some of the quirks at Weebly threw me.
I seek reviews but getting them is difficult. When a book is about to be released or has just been released, I schedule a few events or reviews. My favorites are PNR Romance Guild, Maryse’s blogs, the Reading Nook, and Roxanne Rhoads' Bewitching Book Tours.
Also, at a local artisan studio called Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, another author and I held a book talk for the release of the first book in my Blood Coven Series, The Firebrand. I also have a soon-to-be-released podcast from BARN. To be honest, however, marketing is not only my weakness but I sometimes resent that it takes me away from writing a new series.
What websites or tools have you found that offer the best
results?
Here’s a list of websites or tools which offer me the best results (writing and marketing):
Scrivener (for writing my books)
Grammarly (for editing checks)
ProWritingAid (for editing checks)
Dropbox (where I store my writings)
Fivrr (where I find beta readers, line editors, and much more on this site)
Vellum (I use this to create any freebie short stories)
Bookfunnel (I use this to participate in promos and author swaps)
Weebly (there are possibly better website builders, but I started here)
Amazon Author Central (a good place to tag your books, see your reviews, and take out ads)
Bookbub (a good place to see reviews and take out ads)
Goodreads (a good place to see your reviews)
Maryse’s Book Blog (a good place to take out an ad and to get a review)
Bewitching Book Tours (a good place to advertise your book)
Inkarnate (I use it to create maps for Scath and Darque, two realms in my series)
Any advice for aspiring writers?
I apologize for the cliché, but to quote Nike, “Just do it.” Potential writers sometimes allow too much to stand in the way—I’m afraid, I’m not good enough, I don’t know where to begin, and so on.
So, the best place to begin facing fears and brushing aside obstacles is a critique group. This group can act as cheerleader, critic, and a gentle shove for getting work done on time.
I suppose my best advice is to face fears and obstacles head on rather than allowing them to consume and nibble away at your goals.
Excerpt
Kole sheathed his blade, turned, and offered Skyler his hand. When she placed her pale, trembling fingers in his palm, he drew her close to his body. She raised her chin to stare into his fire-gold eyes.
Kole bent toward her, his lips drawing nearer. When his mouth brushed hers, rather than push him away, she opened to him. Kole’s lips pressed hard against hers, his tongue thrusting inside, his exploration wild, hungry.
Skyler gasped, shocked by either the kiss or her response. Her knees weakened, her hands resting on Kole’s warm chest for support. Short bursts of electricity flowed into her, eliciting soft moans as he pulled her tighter against him, his arousal a hard prod at her belly.
When he withdrew, he met her gaze with confusion. He cleared his throat.
“Choose, Chief Maxwell. Dermott or me?”
.png)
Thanks so much for the post.
ReplyDelete