"Classic Ginger" To Tweet or Not To Tweet

Twitter seems to be the biggest enigma of the promotion options.   If you read the tweets that are "trending"daily, unless you're a celebrity who is doing nothing worth noting, ask yourself why you bother.  Kim Kardashian shared a picture of her newborn hooking fingers with his older sister, North; Kate Mansi, An actress  on the soap, Days of Our Lives, is leaving the show, Anne Heathaway shared a picture of her in a bikini while pregnant with her first child.  Who cares?  I'd much rather read about me and my books selling.  *lol*

Then there are articles about sites like Triberr that make you question whether or not you time is being wisely spent by sharing posts of tribemates who don't bother to share your's  If they do share, and you aren't "trending," does anyone read the tweet?  Can we compete with Mark Zuckerberg's announcement for his personal challenges of 2016?

For the sake or educating those who have no idea what I'm talking about...Posts  at triberr are "blog feeds."  You set up your blogs to feed to Triberr daily with the hope that your fellow tribemates will mark them as shared so they will be tweeted widely.  For those who don't aren't familiar with Triberr, it's a tweeting site where you join 'tribes' that fit your needs.  For example, I belong to Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, and a few others, but then I read that there are folks who decide whether or not your blog posts fit their "agenda."  Some don't want to be associated with Porn, and of course non-writers care nothing for author's blogs.  That's why you need to pick your tribes carefully.

 I recently discovered that if you hover your mouse across a poster's picture, stats appear, and you can see whether that person is sharing your posts or not.  Today, I decided, if you aren't sharing mine, I'm not sharing yours.  Sadly, I hid more than I shared.  Why do I feel guilty?

For author's, finding inexpensive promotional sites is really important.  Those reviews that used to be easy to come by have become elusive and hard to acquire.  One of the reasons...most reviewers volunteer their time in exchange for free reads, and there are far more authors out there than ever before.  Choices are staggering, and unless you write a blurb that reaches out and nabs attention, your book is going to sit forever.  While I'd like to think my blurbs are real grabbers...they obviously aren't.

Speaking of reviews:  Now authors have to contend with what most refer to as "trolls."  These are people who leave snarky reviews that are usually a dead giveaway that they haven't even read your book.  The only logical explanation is that there are some authors trying to sabotage their competition, but this seems a little extreme.  Amazon is trying to remedy the problem, but is disallowing authors to review others authors the solution?  I may write books, but I also read them.  So far, I haven't had my reviews removed, but I'm aware of fellow authors who have...and they aren't happy.

Bottom line...whether we tweet, blog, or review, are we doing enough or are we spinning our wheels.  I'm always open to new ideas, so if anyone wants to share them here, please do.

"Classic Ginger" Is Social Media too Social? #gingersimpson #socialmedia

 Social media has been the main manner most author's use to promote their work. Besides, promoting our work, do we share too much about ourselves, our lives, and our feelings? I'd have to say after losing Facebook friends, the answer is yes.  Obviously there are people who don't share or see the same humor in Memes, make assumptions that aren't true and see meanings you never intended.

Using places like FB has led to criminal cases of bullying, stalking, robbery, rape, and even murder. Maybe each of us needs to stop and examine the types of posts we make and who we are friend's with. Last night I saw a post from someone frantic to find a co-author.  He ended his plea with a suicide threat.  Did he mean it?  I really don't know him so I unfollowed him.  Could I have done more?  I really don't need more stress in my life, so I did what benefited me.  Hopefully, he wasn't serious.

I've stopped accepting friend requests from men with no obvious connection to FB because I'm sick of them using FB as a dating site.  My profile clearly says I'm married, so why they assume I'm looking for someone remains a mystery.  It's easy to tell, just my looking at their profile.  I urge you to take the time to check out those seeking you friendship.

How social should we be? Or should be just put our feet up and relax?  As an author, my contracts state that I will promote my work, but I just gathered my tax information together and discovered I spent more on promotion than I earned.  That's disheartening.  I know I can write because I've received award nominations and positive nods from other...authors and readers.

Every day, I share my own blog posts, those of my fellow bloggers and also those on my publisher's blog.  I use Google, Pinterest, FB, and my two blogs feed to Triberr where the posts get shared by my tribe mates.  I tweet the BWL posts manualy.  What I see at the end of each day is that no one else, save the same handful of faithful authors, are sharing anyone's post.  Some I never see on FB, nor do they accept my invitation to blog.  Their response is always, "I'm too busy _____,"  fill in the blank.  I fume everytime I share my 100 posts per day on Triberr wen I see my posts aren't being shared, and because I'm not on Word Press, there is no program to allow pictures to come through.  I'm a visual person, but not energetic enough to move my blog to a whole new site and expect everyone will follow me.  I've had a hard enough time earning the followers I have, and I truly appreciate each of you.

So, now I wonder, why I'm going through all the paces, but others aren't.  Are they earning money? Do they care?  I know life often gets in the way of our best intentions, but to totally ignore what I consider authorly obligations, doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it's time for me to close down my computer and focus my life on something more fulfilling.

I've recently changed my view of FB.  It's a giant time-suck where I've spent way too much time trying to insert my point-of-view on politics or sharing photos others find offensive. The result:  arguments I never intended to engage in or discussions I never meant to join.  I've totally lost sight of what I signed on to do  Aren't I supposed to be talking books?  But then, the question arises...how much can other people take.  Groups of authors, threads of promotion for new and old releases, cover reveals, EVERYTHING author.  Even I get tired of the constant barrage.  Seems everyone has written a book these days.  Try getting a review on a site and you'll see what I mean.  Unless you know someone, or submit to sites that charge a fee, you'll never get a response.

 From now on, I won't be posting political opinions on FB, and I'm going to try hard to avoid any topics that may be offensive.  I lost a FB friend I valued this past month, and let's face it...trying to change someone's political viewpoint is like spitting in the wind.  I'm thinking 2016 will be the year I retire from writing, but withdrawing from the arena will be tough.  Being a creator of stories is in my blood  I start writing, and it was never for money.  Maybe I can return to the outlook and just be happy with my accomplishments as I once was.  Hey...there's always self-publishing.  I may try that.

Check out my books on Amazon.

Balancing Time and Blood Pressure by Ginger Simpson

One of the hardest things to do as an author is to balance your time in order to spend enough of your day at the computer to fulfill all the tasks that come with being an author...and it's not just writing.

Facebook, Twitter trends, games, cell phones and TV are all things that take precious moments away from being productive.  I'm as guilty as most for engaging in anyone of these 'time sucks', BUT, I do make part of daily regime sharing the posts of my blog partners and trying to find avenues that will allow me to promote myself.  For instance, I spent the better part of yesterday, updating ManicReaders, Library Thing, my website, and my blog.  I took a nap in the afternoon because my character, Sarah, woke me up at 1:30 a.m. and I needed to write down the info she provided to move my current WIP along,  but I still shared posts (Thanks Jamie Hill for always being dependable) from Dishin' It Out, Cowboy Kisses, Inside Books We Love, and approved over 75 tweets from people on Twitter.  In addition, I probably bored as many people with FB posts about my new releases, memes I shared, and silly comments I made.

My biggest bug a boo is those who claim tthey're so busy they can't subscript to sites and return the sharing favor I manage to do every day.  Between FB, Google, Pinterest, and Triberr, I spend a lot of time promoting the work and postings of other authors, and I'm very discouraged when I don't see my efforts reciprocated.  I keep asking myself....why do I continue to be the nice guy.  I do because people can't read blogs they don't know exist, just like they can't read books that aren't promoted.  If we all don't do our part, what's the point?

Today, after speaking with a manaagement person at Southwest who insists I made two reservations for the same day for the same person and wasted $635 dollars plus the $60 to change the original ticket, and working with ARe to try to get books taken down that are there through a publisher that no longer has the rights to sell them, I've decided, people will never change Right now I could breath on a match and light it, but I'm just going to inhale and exhale until my blood pressure isn't 200 over 160 anymore. (that's what it feels like.)

 I guess I'd forgotten the old saying I always stood by when married to my alcoholic husband.  "You can't change anyone but yourself."  So...I'm gonna go take a nap, and to heck with anything else at this point.  I just spent money I can't afford, my books are going to remain on ARe forever, people are always going to be lazy about promoting, and there really isn't anything I'm willing to change about me.  So...night-night.  I guess living in a basement with no windows really does have its advantages.  *smile*

And now that I'm ready to schedule this puppy, I just got an error message from Spell-check that tells me to try again later.  Not a chance.  I you find a mistake, don't blame me...it's Blogger's fault.  *lol*

The Competition

Mike Reiss

Television Writer

Michael "Mike" L. Reiss is an American television comedy writer. He served as a show-runner, writer and producer for the animated series The Simpsons and co-created the animated series The Critic. Wikipedia

Born: September 15, 1959 (age 54), Bristol, CT

Spouse: Denise Reiss

Education: Harvard University

Movies and TV shows: The Simpsons Movie, The Critic, More

Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour), More

 I'm amazed at how many authors join the ranks every single day.  Back when I started, I had a few loyal fans, but now even those fans are authors and I'm hoping other reader's have filled their slots. You could get a review from a legitimate site in just a few weeks instead of waiting for years, and people knew your name.

 If you read my blog often, you already know I love Reader's Digest, and today I'm quoting from an article that appeared, written my Mike Reiss and entitled, "I'm a Non-Celebrity--Buy My Book."

He starts out by stating he's written seventeen children's books and the toughest part is competing with all the "famous" people who've also written books for kids...people like Queen Latifah, Sarah Ferguson, Julie Andrews, Judy Collins, Kathie Lee Gifford and Jamie Lee Curtis.  Even John Travolta and Madonna.  He claims his book, listed alphabetically in stores, is 'sandwiched' between Carl Reiner and LeAnn Rimes.  *lol*

He asks a very valid question, but I'm sure I know the answer.  Why are celebrities writing kid's books?  Jay Leno, who earns millions a year, owns 460 cars and 89 motorcycles certainly doesn't do it for the money, nor does Jerry Seinfield, Neil Sedaka or Steve Martin.

The answer, I believe, lies within the soul of each of us who loves to write.  I certainly didn't start writing for the money, although I have to admit that getting a royalty amount that buys more than a McDonald's Happy Meal is a treat.   The Kindle has made a great big difference for those of us who write romantic fiction for the women of the world who still like to dream, but I still haven't figured out exactly how we compete.

If you name a way to promote myself, I'm pretty sure I've tried it, but with the growing number of authors who traditionally publish every day...and now those who self-publish, most of us continue to be lost in the ocean of new names and titles.

Any new ideas?  

Pinterest - Count Down to Valentine's Day - Ginger Simpson

There are so many promotional sites to consider when you are an author, and when Pinterest came along, I avoided it because it seemed more like something cooks and DIY people would enjoy, but I was wrong.  I now have my own page there, and Karen Cote, a good friend and very talented author in her own right, made me a subject of her promo skills in a "Countdown to Valentine's Day" special on Pinterest.  I hope you'll check it out, because she's done a ton of work...like creating this awesome banner that I'm going to use over and over...and there are some great gift ideas there, too.
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Here's the url:  http://www.pinterest.com/mizging/countdown-to-valentiness-day  While you're there, check out my other boards.  I find posting there to be relaxing and fun.

Welcome Roseanne Dowell to Dishin' It Out

Note from Ginger:  I've read this book and found it truly refreshing to have an older hero and heroine to whom I could connect.  Roseanne has written a very interesting, humorous and humanistic story.  Here's her post:

The idea of this book first came to me when my father was in a nursing home. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get out of bed, and he did refuse to eat or take meds. After years of working as a tile setter, it had taken its toll and he suffered with arthritis in his knees and back, so much so that he wasn’t able to stand or walk. I noticed during several visits a little old lady walked past his room and always stopped and looked in. She never spoke, just looked at us for a minute and went on her way. Something about her reminded me of my mother. Maybe it was her curly, silver hair, or her slight build. Whatever it was, she stuck in my mind and years later when I decided to write this story, she naturally came to mind. This story actually had several different drafts. The original was a nonfiction assignment for a writing course I took. It was strictly about my father and his incapacity to get out of bed. From there it changed to fiction, and I brought Elsa into the story.  While Elsa is based on my mother – especially her love of playing jokes and her sense of humor, my mother predeceased my father by three years. And while Mike is based on my father, my dad didn’t have this sense of humor. While I could picture my mother doing this stuff, even in a nursing home, I honestly couldn’t picture my dad. He had a sense of humor, but not one as wild as my mom.

Where I came up with these ideas, I’m not quite sure. I think Mike and Elsa thought of them. The story just took off on its own and flowed. I love when a story does that.

Geriatric Rebels is the story of Mike and Elsa. Seventy-two year old, Mike, forced to stay in the nursing home for therapy. He refuses to take his medicine, refuses to get out of bed, and won’t cooperate with the nurses. At least not until he meets Elsa.  Seventy year old, Elsa is left in the home because her son took his family on a vacation. After an explosive meeting, she teams up with Mike and the nursing home is never the same. Later they discover deception and fraud. Can the two find happiness together?

Available from Books We Love Publishing, Ltd. http://bookswelove.net/dowell.php

Learn more about Roseanne Dowell’s books, check out her website: www.roseannedowell.com or her blog: http://roseannedowellblogspot.com

EXCERPT:

Peeking around the corner into the dimly lit halls, Mike watched the pretty silver-haired lady slip into a dark room. What was she up to? He looked up and down the hall to make sure no one was around and followed her. Next thing he knew, he ran smack into her.

“Whoa,” she whispered. “Who are you^? What are you doing here?”

“Maybe I should ask you that question,” Mike answered. “This isn’t your room.” A tiny little thing, she barely came up to his shoulders. She put her hands behind her back, and Mike chuckled. What was she hiding? “I’m night security,” he lied. “What’s behind your back?”

She lowered her head and brought out a water pitcher. “It was only a joke.”

Mike took her arm. “You better come with me.” He led her to the hall after a quick check to make sure it was still empty. “So you’re the one stealing the pitchers.”

She shivered and for a moment he felt sorry for her. What a mean trick, but he couldn’t help himself. He pushed open the exit door.

“Where are we going?” Elsa stiffened and tried to pull away. “Where are you taking me?”

 Her timid tone melted Mike. Time to confess. Damn, too late.

“Wait just a dog-gone minute.” She pulled away from him. “How do I know who you are? Where’s your uniform?  Show me some identification.” Although she spoke in whispers, the tone of her voice showed Mike she wasn’t buying his act.

Surprised by her sudden change of attitude, he stopped, raised his hands in surrender, and grinned at her.

“Who are you? Where do you think you’re taking me?” She glared at him with the lightest, bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Eyes that right now, he swore pierced into his.

 “You’re a burglar, aren’t you?” She tapped her foot and crossed her arms over her chest. “If you think for one minute, I’m going out that door with you, think again, buddy.”

Mike stifled a laugh, finding her amusing, obviously she didn’t trust him. Not that he blamed her, he did lie to her, and she didn’t know him from Adam. What did he expect?

“What were you doing in that room, buster, and if you don’t tell me who you are, I’m going to scream for help.”

“Okay, okay, quiet down.”  Hell, she meant business. “I was following you.” He tried to sound serious, but he couldn’t. He found the whole situation humorous. “My name is Mike Powell, room 110, but I don’t belong in this home.” He held out his hand toward her.

“Yeah, none of us belong here,” she scoffed. “Why were you following me?”

Since she ignored his outstretched hand, Mike lowered it. “I was curious to see where you were going in the middle of the night.”

“Humph.” Elsa tapped her foot. “So why are you here?”

“I fell and there wasn’t anyone to take care of me. My wife passed away three years ago, and I don’t have any children. So they threw me in here for therapy.”

“I never see you in therapy.”

“That’s ’cause I don’t need it anymore.”

“Humph. So how come you’re still here?”

“Nothing to go home to. I have more fun here. They don’t know I can get out of bed.”

“And just how did you pull that off?” Elsa seemed surprised to hear he had fooled the nurses into thinking he couldn’t get out of bed.

 “Simple, I refuse to get out of bed. Of course….” He combed his fingers through his thinning white hair and laughed. “They don’t know about my night time escapades.

“Ah, I know who you are. You’re that difficult man. I hear them talking about. You don’t eat, refuse to take your medicine, or even get out of bed. They call you the ‘Geriatric Rebel’.”

Mike chuckled. He liked the sound of her voice, musical, not raspy or whiney like the other women here. “So why are you here?” he asked. “You don’t seem like the typical resident.”

“Humph, kids are on vacation and don’t want to bother with me. I’m Elsa Logan, by the way.” Elsa turned away. “I better get back. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” She left him standing in the hall.

A quiver of something familiar went through him as she disappeared down the hall and into her room.

***

Mike sighed as Doris’s soft hands slid over his forehead and soothed him. He liked her voice, soft, sweet, almost sing-songy. But no amount of cooing was going to make him get out of this bed. You would think after a month of trying, she’d give up. The others had.

“Come on, Mike, you know it’s not good to lay here like this.”

 He squeezed his eyes closed ignoring her, wishing her away.

“Just leave me alone!”

“Okay, Mike, but you’re not doing yourself any good.” Doris left and closed the door.

Guilt gnawed at him the minute the words came out of his mouth. He shouldn’t have yelled at her like that, she was one of the few nurses in the home who bothered with him, and he savored the pampering. She’d been coaxing him to get up to socialize for a month. Sure, socialize, like half the residents here would even remember. Except Elsa.

Elsa with her curly silver hair, quick temper, beautiful smile and bright blue eyes, he closed his eyes, remembering the previous night.

 Mike smiled at the memory. He couldn’t wait to see her again. He napped off and on throughout the day to help pass the time. Finally, they dimmed the lights. Now was his chance. He sneaked into the hall, and there she was peeking out of her room. Was she looking for him? He hoped.

 “Hi, Elsa.” Strange, he felt shy with her. He’d never been shy a day in his life. Not with his wife, not with anyone. Never one to mind getting up in a crowd to speak, this shyness made him uncomfortable. “Want to go for a walk?”

She gestured for him to lead the way.

“Wait, how are we going to get back in?” Elsa stopped and pulled him back at the exit.

“Don’t worry, the door doesn’t lock. Look.” He went out, pulled the door closed and then pushed it open. “”Come on.” He led her out to the parking lot.

“How come the alarm didn’t go off?”

“I disabled it and jimmied the lock.”

She stumbled as she hurried to keep up with him. “Do you think you could slow down a little?”

He waited for her to catch up.  “Sorry, I forget old people can’t keep up with me.” He took her hand. Something about her brought out his playful side, a side long forgotten.

“Who are you calling old, you blustery old fool?” She pulled her hand away, planted it on her hip, and glared at him.

This was definitely a woman to reckon with “You’re really pretty when you’re mad.”

“Humph.” She furrowed her brow and stepped away from him.

Uh, oh he had pushed her too far, but he couldn’t help teasing her, he felt so alive.

 “I’ll show you mad.” Elsa swung her fist, just missing him.

“Hey, I was joking.” He grabbed her hand.  “Truce?”

She pulled her hand away but gave him an agreeable nod. They stepped out into the parking lot and to a clump of trees.

“This is my special place.” He led her beyond the trees to a small grassy area.  “It’s where I come when I want to get away from them.” He nodded toward the home.

Elsa sat on the grass next to him. “It’s like a million miles away from them isn’t it? It’s been a long time since I’ve been out in the evening. Thank you for bringing me here.”

 Mike stroked the back of her hand, enjoying the intimacy of the moment. “Why do you steal the water pitchers?” He couldn’t help being curious about the soft-spoken, petite woman with the quick temper, who invoked feelings he hadn’t felt since his wife died

“Just for the fun of it- I get bored. Besides, I can’t sleep at night.” She shrugged

“I took the nurses’ lunches a couple of times,” he said, “but usually I just come out here.”

“That was you?” Elsa giggled. “They talked about it for weeks. Boy, were they mad.”

 Mike liked the youthful sound of her laugh He suddenly felt young and mischievous. “Let’s go back and fill their coffeepot with ice.” He squeezed her hand as he helped her up.

Pushing the door open a crack, he looked down the hall. “Okay, coast is clear, come on.” He led Elsa to the break room, looked inside. Empty. He motioned her inside and followed her in.

“Stand guard, while I fill the coffee pot.” Mike couldn’t help but laugh as he dumped a couple of containers of ice into the pot. “That should do it.”

They laughed so hard, he was afraid they’d get caught. Elsa shushed Mike as they walked to her room. He hugged her goodnight. Warmth surged through him like a tidal wave when she hugged him back. He hurried back to his room, feeling more alive than he had in years.

 Maybe I’ll get up tomorrow, he thought. He chuckled, remembering their conversation, ‘Geriatric Rebel’ they have no idea. He sighed before he fell asleep.

Welcome Sydell Voeller to Dishin' It Out

Daisies Are Forever by Sydell Voeller.  Published by Books We Love  http://bookswelove.net

Overview:  April Heatherton, history teacher and volunteer firefighter, is determined to protect the land she holds dear, particularly the grave of an unknown pioneer woman who once trekked the Oregon Trail. Proposed logging operations are encroaching, and April soon finds herself organizing a local task force to try to stop them. Yet when April meets handsome Matt Spencer, son of the owner of Johnson Brothers Logging Company, she much reckon with her escalating attraction to him. Matt, one of a growing breed of displaced loggers, is also determined to fight for his beliefs - the right to make an honest living harvesting the timber. Can April and Matt overcome their differences? Or will their convictions forever keep them apart? 

Editorial Review:  

Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Readers Favorite

April is a high school history teacher. She lives in the country by a forest and enjoys walking in the forest for relaxation. There is a pioneer woman's grave in the forest that April calls her special spot. She goes there to think, read poetry and just commune with nature. One day she is visiting the grave when she hears Matt and his father talking about trying to win a contract to cut down the timber in the forest. April tries to make Matt see that the grave should be preserved no matter what. But, Matt only sees that their workers have been without work and need the job to take care of their families. Both April and Matt work to stop a forest fire, April as a firefighter and Matt driving a Cat to make breaks. Just when they realize they are falling in love each feels there is too much conflict between them for them to have a lasting relationship.

Matt and April are both interested in preservation in their own way. Matt's solution shows the love he has for April and what is important to her. A tender love story about two very different people who seem so right for each other. 

Scene One from Chapter One

With loving strokes, April Heatherton brushed aside sun-parched fir needles from the old grave stone. Then she placed on it a bouquet of velvety pealed gold-brown daisies. Her mason jar made a perfect vase.

She stared down at the flat, three-cornered rock surrounded by white stakes and a simple cross made of mossy sticks. Dappled sunlight flickered through the towering Douglas firs as the July breeze whispered overhead.

Suddenly the rustling of footsteps close by startled her.

“Man alive!  Look at those firs. They’ll give us at least twice the board feet we got up north,” a husky voice proclaimed.

Heather’s stomach dropped. Loggers...undoubtedly the ones from the neighboring town of Silton Pass nestled deep in the foothills of western Oregon. Most everyone in Wolf Hollow had heard the loggers would soon be clear-cutting the entire forest that blanketed North Creek Hill. The pit in her stomach grew deeper as realization took hold:  her beloved hideaway—the unmarked pioneer grave—was alarmingly at risk. Why, in possibly only a matter of mere weeks, one more tract of forest would lay in shambles, downed timber scattered like pickup sticks, the hillside carelessly gouged and barren!

Instinctively she drew back into the shadows, hoping the undergrowth would hide her. She would confront the loggers, but not yet, not until she’d had a chance to hear more of what they were saying.

Orion, her Golden retriever, emitted a low throaty growl.

“No, boy!” she commanded in a hoarse whisper, gripping the dog’s leather collar in an effort to keep him close by her side. Though the aging dog was nearly deaf, he hadn’t lost his keen sense of smell.

April peered cautiously around the side of a stump, scarcely daring to breath. She caught sight of two men squinting up at the mammoth evergreens. 

The younger man, in his late twenties, she guessed, ran his hand through wheat- colored hair, pushing back an unruly lock from his forehead. He was clean shaven. His black T-shirt, cuffed at the sleeves, exposed his taunt, masculine biceps. “Yeah, what a loggin’ show,” he was saying.  His voice was mellow, not at all gruff like his partner’s.

“It’s a cinch we’ll get that contract,” the older man put in. About mid-fifties or so, he had dark stubble of beard, wore a red checked shirt, denim jeans and boots that came just below his knees. “Jake Thornburg told me most of the other companies were already backing out,” he went on. “They’re too small to hack the county’s new land management requirements.”

The first man turned to meet the other’s gaze and broke into the most engaging grin April had ever seen. Even white teeth flashed against tanned skin. “I heard Thornburg say he planned to check out this hillside in the whirlybird today. I bet he’ll like what he sees.”

With that the two turned and began sauntering away.

“Wait!  Stop!  Destroying the forests is wrong!” April couldn’t contain herself any longer. Her voice was filled with desperation as she quickly clipped Orion’s leash to his collar, then started running after the men.

“What the—” The younger man stopped mid-stride and tossed a look over his shoulder. “Well, looks as if we’ve got company,” he drawled, his face splitting into a smile once again. His blue eyes flashed mischievously, his chin dimpled. “A bunny-hugger, no less. A good-looking one too!”

April flinched at the sound of the all-too-familiar term, a name many of the locals had tagged the environmentalists. Orion growled again.

“Don’t call me a bunny-hugger!” she said hotly, new determination fueling her on. “I’m merely taking a stand! The timber here on North Creek Hill is one of the last old-growth forests in the entire coast range. In no time our ancient forests will be gone. And most of all, there’s the. . .” She broke off abruptly, her sentence remained unfinished as she gestured helplessly back at the grave site, well out of view.  How could she make them understand?  They’d only accuse her of exaggerated female sentiment.

“We’ve heard all the arguments,” the older logger said. “Salvage the dwindling salmon, protect the spotted owl . . . the list goes on and on.” He hitched his thumbs into his belt loops. “But you gotta know, lady, we’re talkin’ jobs here. Logging’s been our bread and butter forever. And many of us, we’ve got wives and young ‘uns to feed.”

“Yes, but it’s high time to start thinking about our future and our vanishing natural resources!” She drew in a ragged breath. The issues were complicated and double-sided, and April knew there were no easy answers. After all, the loggers were only doing what many of their fathers had done, and perhaps their father’s fathers.

“See ya later,” the younger guy said, obviously eager to let the entire issue drop. He smiled again and winked. “And try not to tangle with too many bunnies. That goes for your dog also.”

She felt her cheeks flush with indignation as she turned to leave. Bunny-huggers indeed! Who had ever come up with such a stupid comparison? Well, one thing she knew for sure. She must—no matter what—protect the unmarked grave of the pioneer woman and the beauty of the surrounding woodland.

These 100 acres of Ramult County forest bordered the land where her grandparents had built a home and planted a filbert orchard nearly a half century earlier. After April’s parents were killed in a motorcycle accident when she was two, her grandparents raised her. Years later, April came to inherit the two-story clapboard house and surrounding property.

Ever since she’d been a small child, April loved to steal away farther into the woods on North Creek Hill to her own special retreat, a place where she was free to day-dream, write poetry, and muse about nothing in particular.

Some of her friends had had their tree houses. Others found their special places in musty old attics. But every chance possible, April always returned to the pioneer woman’s grave.

In summertime, she’d bring bouquets of wild flowers from the neighboring meadow. In early autumn, she would gather succulent golden chanterelle mushrooms that grew in the cool, mossy shade. Come winter, usually empty-handed, she’d brush away the brown parched leaves from the grave site, much as she’d just whisked away the sweetly scented fir needles.

Often Grandmother would accompany April there and tell her stories about the forests and animals, plus the settlers who had journeyed on the Oregon Trail. Gram had always held fast to a solemn reverence for the natural earth and her belief in a simple way of life.

Author's Website with Blog Link:  www.sydellvoeller.com

Buy Links:     Amazon: amzn.to/SQ8qXT
                    Barnes & Noble   bit.ly/THocCQ
                    Smashwords  bit.ly/TJoKrz
                    Kobo  bit.ly/TZYLyk

Say Welcome to My Friends

I do...so much that I've opened my blog for this whole week to a group of friends who are coming to tell you about themselves, their work, and what a wonderful person I am. It's required that they do that before I let them in. *lol*

Honestly, there should be a very exciting mixture of genres for you to view, and as long as you don't find someone you like better than me, it's okay to find new books to read.

In the meantime, I'm going to be working hard to finish at least one work-in-progress. I have two contracted with Eternal Press for my Love in Stages project and I need to get my big ol' butt in gear. I'm also working on First Degree Innocence, which I hope will be my 'blockbuster' that really makes someone sit up and take notice. Course, I need to finish it first. :)

So, enjoy my fellow authors. I'll be lurking should you need me to remind you that you're my fans. *rofl*

Welcome Mirella Patzer

A few month's ago, Nikki Leigh approached me about being part of Mirella's blog tour. I said, "Of course, I'd love to help her promote her book."

Blog tours are the new promotional tool that allows authors to travel across the internet, visiting other sites to expose people to their backlists, current releases and works-in-progress. Mirella joins me today to promote her historical romance, Bloodstone Castle, offered by Enspiren Press.

I'm going to ask a few questions of her so that we can get to know her a little better. Please feel free to leave your own questions in the comments section for Mirella to address.

Hi Mirella. I’m so happy to have you join me on my blog. Some people probably don’t realize how small the internet has made the world and how easy it is to connect with friends miles and miles away. FYI: Mirella and I have shared an historical critique group and then met again when we both contracted with Enspiren Press. I’m pleased to be part of her blog tour.

1. Mirella, can you share with my readers the essence of the story you’ve penned in Bloodstone Castle? I’m sure everyone would like to know the setting, year and a little about your characters, etc.

Hi Ginger, it’s a real pleasure to be here and work with you outside of our fabulous critique group.

Bloodstone Castle is a medieval romance with elements of suspense and adventure and mystery. It takes place in 10th century Italy. It’s a little on the dark side because I sprinkled the tale with a touch of evil, a dash of violence, and an intriguing mystery. It is the story about a young Countess named Morena who faces adversity when she must choose between two men who are both determined to marry her for different reasons. Duke Amoro of Genoa wants to marry her as a duty to fulfill his father’s dying wish to end the feud between their families and Duke Ernesto of Savona who wants to discover the ancient Roman treasure buried somewhere beneath her castle.

2. As an historical author myself, I find that writing in this genre requires a lot more research time than contemporary or suspense. How did you conduct your research for Bloodstone Castle, and what resources do you find most helpful. Internet? Library?

I have been researching the 10th century since 2004 in regards to a trilogy I am working on. I therefore placed the setting of Bloodstone Castle in the 10th century to make good use of my research. I love researching on the Internet, but I also regularly purchase books pertaining to this period. I’ve ordered books from Italy, Germany, England and Utah. If the book pertains to the 10th century or is specific to my novels, I will purchase it no matter the distance or the cost.

3. You mention you have daughters. How do they feel about your writing? Have they read your book, and do they support your efforts? How about hubby?

Both my daughters are in their twenties and they are very supportive of my writing. Due to the fact they are both in college, they have just begun reading my novel now that school is out for this term. So far, their feedback is very positive and they love the book. They are also selling copies of it to friends and acquaintances. The only thing that embarrasses them a little is when I’ve written a sex scene. “Oh, mom,” they say. I guess it’s a little too candid for them to know their mother writes such steamy scenes.

My husband is not a reader, and never will be. He just doesn’t enjoy it. But he supports me in my writing and does his best to make sure I have the time to write when I need it. He is the first to cheer me on and I know he’s been bragging about my book at work and to all of his friends. Now, if I can only get him away from hockey and football long enough to read a book. On the other hand, he might be saying the opposite about me – Now, if I can only get my wife away from that darn computer so she can go to a hockey game with me. Sigh, it works both ways.

4. I tried my hand at editing for a small press and it became an overwhelming job. I gave it up fairly fast and never looked back. How do you juggle helping to hone someone else’s work with completing your own?

Editing definitely does take away what precious little time we have to write. Editing, like writing, is a learning process. It took me a while, but I’ve managed to find a way to work it into my schedule. I edit at the end of the day and I never do more than a couple of chapters at one sitting otherwise you lose concentration and start missing things. I transfer the manuscript onto my PDA cell phone which has Word Mobile on it and edit in bed at night. When I’m done editing the 1 or 2 chapters, I read and soon fall asleep. I enjoy it because it is fun to work with another author and to share what I learn as an editor. It also has improved my own writing, so it’s been a win-win for me.

5. What is your ultimate goal as an author?

My ultimate goal as an author is to entertain my reader. To be able to give them a brief escape, or make them laugh or cry, is an honor which I take very seriously. I like writing about strong historical women who were role models in their time and whose stories should never be forgotten by women of our time.

6. Being published on a smaller scale sometimes creates a dilemma for me. I have problems admitting to how much my POD books cost compared to mass-market paperbacks. Do you find this a problem? What is the most challenging thing for you?

I love this question, so thank you for asking it.

My first novel, Heinrich the Fowler, is published by a Print on Demand publisher in the U.S. POD books cost more money because they are printed in small volume therefore making the price high. To make matters worse, I am Canadian and the same book in Canada costs several dollars more than the same book in the U.S. Canadian book stores do not want to my book because they have to price the book at nearly $30.00 – an outrageous cost for a trade paperback. It cannot compete with books of a similar size for half or less than half the cost. Therefore, I cannot promote it or increase sales. What I have found is that my book is being purchased from Amazon by scholars of the Ottonian Empire and it is being quoted in research papers from post secondary institutions.

What I’ve decided to do is to re-write the novel, add new scenes, delete some old scenes,and expand some others. I will change the focus of the novel to the heroine instead of the hero and when then submit the book again to a regular publisher with a fresh new title. And because it never sold in any book stores in Canada, it will be like publishing a brand new book. So I remain hopeful and dedicated to the book.

7. The internet is becoming more and more popular as an avenue for new authors to receive recognition. Promotion is key to success and sales. What particular things have you done to increase your visibility before embarking on this blog tour? What have you found useful? What has been a waste of time and effort, and perhaps money?

I have created a website at: http://www.mirellapatzer.com. I have also given Bloodstone Castle its own blog at: http://bloodstonecastle.blogspot.com. I have also created several blogs where I focus on things I am interested in like my Best of Italy blog at http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com. I’ve also created a blog for other authors to promote their work at http://authorcookies.blogspot.com. Each week I feature a new author and their favourite cookie recipe. It’s proven very popular and I have a waiting list.

I’ve joined several social networking sites. Some are for authors which is great for networking. But all authors are trying to promote their book, so the best sites are those that reach out to the reader instead of other authors. It is these sites where I’ve had the most fun and received the most interest.

8. Speaking of new authors… what advice can you give to someone just starting out in the writing arena?

Don’t think about it – write. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Immerse yourself in groups with other authors. Join a good critique group because only through critiquing and editing will your own skill improve. And as you progress and enjoy your success, always be willing to offer a helping hand to those aspiring to follow in your footsteps and also become authors. Always give back.

9.If there is one specific hurdle between you and achieving your goals, what would you say it is?

Currently, work/life balance continues to be an issue. While my daughter is in law school, I have full time care of my two year old grandson. He is my priority, so I try to write or work while he is napping or late at night. Things are rather hectic at this time with promoting Bloodstone Castle, so very little writing is getting done. But in a few months, I hope to return to writing.

10. I think I’ve grilled you fairly well, so take a moment and share anything you’d like with my blog readers that I failed to cover. I look forward to reading your book and hopefully sharing a little bit of “Enspiren Press” fame with you.

I am always humbled when I get to work with other accomplished authors like you and Anne Whitfield, Margaret Tanner, Leslie Dicken, and many more. I know I have long admired your work ethic and propensity for promotion. What I am most grateful for is the support that exists between us. I am held in awe by how much we share and how much we learn from each other.

Wow, Mirella! What a wonderful way to end an interview. You're an inspiration and I admire your determination. This is a tough business, as we're all learning, but I have no doubt you have what it takes to be a huge success. I wish you well, and I'm happy to have played a part in your tour. Best wishes,

Ging

Sharing My Newest Video

Sarah's Journey, coming soon from Eternal Press. I'll be entering this in the new covey trailer award next month, so if you find it to you liking, please cast a vote. Thanks.