Do you write in your books?

Perhaps a better question would be, why do you write in your books if you do, and why don't you if you don't?

Since I am the former answer to the question, let me take this one first.

I usually highlight and write in the margins of my nonfiction books. This helps me to return to a favorite passage or re-read a favorite thought in the margin. I have written in books for years, even when I was learning to read and would mark out the words I didn't know.

I suppose my mom 'loved' that but I did it so that I could see what else I still needed to learn. Later, I no longer marked up my books but that was because I was reading fiction. Yes, I did have school books, but I was threatened with my life not to mark those out, though I did check out a few books from the library that surprisingly were marked in pencil.

As an adult, I find that, if I own the book, I am open to highlighting and writing in the margins even if the book is a book of fiction.

"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse is just such a book. Though fiction, it lends itself to nonfiction thoughts. Here's a couple I have marked.

"How many long years he had spent without any lofty goal, without any thirst, without any exaltation, content with small pleasures and yet never really satisfied!"

"We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is spiral; we have already climbed many steps."

I love the book, "Gift From The Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. In it, she shares her feelings of living life by the sea, and letting go of an old life, and searching for a new one. It is nonfiction.

You can probably see that I have read this book multiple times and that every time I read it I receive something different that touches my soul.

For those who don't mark their books, I have heard various reasons such as, "I like a clean copy so that every time I read the book I'm not hung up on what I thought before. I enjoy the freedom of discovering, again and again, my favorite lines."

"I don't even mark my scriptures for the same reason and for an additional reason. They are much too sacred to mark up."

In either case, whether you mark in your books or you don't, there is something magical that happens when the words are written for the soul. 

Your thoughts? I would love to hear them!

Books Make Great Gifts

Okay, you've more than likely heard that one before. 

Some of my fondest memories take me back to those times in my childhood when reading a good book was about as fun as eating a piece of chocolate cake. 

Photo by Cristina Matos-Albers on Unsplash

I'm not kidding.

How else can you transport to the Land of Oz without leaving your living room couch? What else but a book can teach you how to train your cat, eat simply, travel to Mars, or teach you how to take a breather from a busy holiday season?

I love books. I have always loved books. Even when I couldn't read books I loved them. My mom tells me I would crawl to the bookshelf for what I wanted and crawl back with the next book I wanted to 'read'.

Now that I'm a writer, I have a greater reason to read. I learn a lot from other writers, though sometimes I have to turn off my writer brain in favor of just enjoying the story - ask any prolific writer and they'll tell you - it's difficult to read a book without correcting everything.

Still, with my writer brain shut off for a time, I can truly enjoy reading. And I'm happy to get books from others too. [hint hint].

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

Just today I looked in the wrong drawer and saw one of my Christmas presents, yet unwrapped. Yes, it was a book, a book I wanted. Now before you get all huffy about me snooping where I shouldn't, I also need to tell you that I picked out the book. My husband picked out another for him. It's already wrapped. :)

I don't remember a year of my life when I haven't received a book for Christmas. When I was a teen, I began the Nancy Drew Mystery series and continued to receive the books for a few years for Christmas and birthdays. I love coffee table books, books of inspiration, and yes, even books that take me on a mystery chase. I love books of fantasy and science fiction, books that make me weep, stories that fill my soul with hope.

They say a writer writes what they read, what they hope for, what changes they would like to see in the world or in themselves. In writing, as well as in reading, we get a glimpse of the world as it is, and how we wish it to be.

Here's wishing you the dreams you hope for.

5 Questions You Must Ask Before You Self-Publish

Just because you want to self-publish, doesn't mean you get to skip some steps. Self-publishing just means you have everything to do - it's all on your plate.

I also do business cards and postcards for my books

Since I've learned a thing or two about self-publishing myself and helping other authors to self-publish with a little assistance from our hybrid publishing house, Idea Creations Press, allow me to share with you five questions I always ask myself before I consider my manuscript - finished. 

1. Has my book been edited? Once you've edited your work, allowed it to sit at least two weeks before going over it again - maybe even longer - you still need another set of eyes (five is a good number) to look over your manuscript. I use Grammarly when I do my final check. And even then, things get missed, so always, always have those last-minute eyes read over your book.

2. Is my book cover the best it can be? Get some feedback. Trust in this feedback. I have one book right now that has gone through two book covers. I am still not completely satisfied with it. It's okay to update a cover after a few years, but you want the cover to be as professional as you can make it right out the gate. There are many places you can buy stock photos that you can then create a book cover from. Some of them are pretty inexpensive. For picture books: PLEASE get a professional artist/photographer unless you are a professional artist yourself, meaning you have sold some paintings, and/or have your work in an art gallery. The pictures in picture books have to be outstanding or the text will not be able to stand on its own.

At Amazon

3. Especially if this is your first book published - Do I have a website/blog already running? And if so, when was the last time I posted? Daily is best. I don't post daily because of time limitations, but if you have time, do it! If you don't currently have a blog/website, get it going yesterday. 

4. Is my social media in place? Do I have a Facebook account? Twitter? LinkedIn? Pinterest? Instagram? GoodReads? Google+? Author page on Amazon?

5. Do I have some advertising ideas ready? If you can't afford a lot, check into Facebook and Google advertising.

Bottom line. When you self-publish, you want your book to look professional, and you want to have some ideas in place BEFORE it's published. If you are reading this after your book has already been published, never fear! Start today! 

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY from Garrison Keillor

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

What Will You Get Your Valentine? Book Signing Coming Up!

For the first time - ever - I will be having a Valentine Book Sale! Come and get a book or two for your sweetheart! I will be autographing Christian fiction and and mystery books (with just a hint of romance).

The bridal fair, gun show and travel show will be going on at the same time! 

Come and see me!






Learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/491757700987963/

My Christmas Card To You

Hello everyone!

Merry Christmas! I appreciate all of you. 

IT'S COMING!! Simple Treasures Boutique

And I'll be there!

From the Simple Treasures facebook page here:

Davis Fairgrounds in Farmington, Across I-15 from Lagoon
W-F 10am to 8pm and Sat 10am to 6pm
$1 admission
Central Checkout
All major credit cards accepted

If you’ve never been to a boutique before, this is the one not to miss! Over 100 of Utah's Premier Top Local Crafters! A Huge Array of Booths Filled with, Fashion Chic Accessories, Handmade Jewelry, Neighbor Gifts, Metal Décor, Yummy Treats and much much more!!! A Davis County Tradition!!!

Show info: (435) 258-5635 or (801) 814-8670

e-mail: jennie@simpletreasuresboutique.biz

www.simpletreasuresboutique.biz

Get a copy of my latest mystery:

Sunny Side-Up

plus six other books!

Keeping Up With the Jones'

Yes, I'm a Jones, but frankly, there's not a heck of a lot to keep up with when it comes to my treasures.

I have a home, yes, but I don't have a new boat or lots of money (I'm an author after all) or even money on hand for a slew of vacations. Quite frankly, I'm a pretty basic girl--at least when it comes to stuff.

But just ask me about books and that's another story.

A girl can't have too many books.

I have my own published books of course, and then there's the fantastic stuff written by C.S. Lewis, and Max Lucado. I love children's books of all kinds, especially "Where the Wild Things Are," by Maurice Sendak and keep my bookshelves full of books on Egypt and France; two places I hope to travel sometime in my lifetime.

I also love movies, but I have only one bookshelf of those. Yes, I have five bookshelves of books and am getting to the place where I'm in need of more.

So if you need to keep up with me, buy some books. Heck by my books :) and enjoy all of the mystery, fun, and inspiration only books can provide (unless, of course, you're also a great movie watcher).

Until next time.

Kathryn 

P.S. My second audio, The Feast: A Parable of the Ring has just been released! Get it here!

Marketing on the Sly

I have been thinking this morning about all of the times I market without really planning for it and I guess you could say that because I'm open to sharing my work wherever I am, the subject of writing often comes up wherever I am.

Marketing can be daunting, and I'll be the first one to tell you that I often burn myself out before I've even gotten started. By marketing on the sly helps. It's a little like carrying pictures of your children to share with the friend you haven't seen in years. You have the pictures to show your friend, not because you planned it out, but because you always carry their pictures with you.

Marketing on the sly takes guts. It's not enough that you are ready to share your work, you must be eager to share your work.

No excuses.

That means if you're in line at the bank and get into a discussion with someone else in line; perhaps they ask what you do for a living because you've asked them, you pull out a postcard with all of the information they need to find out more about your book.

It also means that if you're at a conference and the person next to you appears excited about your new book, that you eagerly pull it from your purse and show it to them.

When you're at dinner (or any other place for that matter) and the subject of your writing career takes center stage, that you smile and share a little bit about your work. Do you consider your writing a career or merely a hobby? If your writing is your career, treat it as such when you speak to others.

Be open to ideas and opportunities that come your way. If you are talking to a fellow writer and they suggest you be a part of their writing conference (and you've never spoken at a writing conference before) say yes anyway. (You can figure out how to do the speaking part later).

Marketing on the sly is a bit like carrying those pictures of your children. You never know when the opportunity will come up to share your work with others, but you are always happy and ready to do so. 

Five and Dime Boutique: Artist!

You may know that my books are at the Five and Dime Boutique in Murray this month. What you may not know is the wonderful vendors that surround me.

One of them is a man by the name of Nick Morlock.

Have a little fun learning about how Nick got started:

Nick was born into and raised by a pack of wild balding monkeys. These parents instilled a passion to become a ninja at an early age. Time went on, battles were had, and the warrior life was lived, but as much as he loved the life in the shadows, it wasn't particularly lucrative. Turns out there isn't much of a need for ninjas. Luckily, Nick had a second hidden passion in life and one that would be a much more useful tool in his life, art. Now, done with school and living happily with his awesome wife, he has turned that passion for art into one source of income selling commissions and hopes to eventually make it his main source of income.

 

Come and take a gander at Nick's work at the Five and Dime this week, or check out his work further at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.morlock.10
instagram: @4funsies
twitter: @NixMix85
deviantart: http://bluephoenixx.deviantart.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Nixmix24

BOOK SIGNING IS ALMOST HERE!

 

I would love to meet you on Saturday!

 

 



 

5 and Dime Boutique

1260 E. Vine Street

Murray, Utah

 

Come to the grand opening at 9 a.m.!!

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! FAVORITE BOOKS FOR 1.99!

Price will be back to $3.99 later today...

Get them while you can!

Purchase an eBook of :

EARLY on BLACK FRIDAY

and get your choice(s) for

$1.99!

By the end of the day, each of these books will be back to their regular eBook price!

Here are the links!!

Scrambled
A River of Stones
Conquering Your Goliaths
The Feast

Putting my feet up? Hardly.

Did you have a howling good Halloween?

I did.

But the day after makes me think of all the things that are coming up.

1. The first thing I want to tell you about is the Simple Treasures gift show coming up on Nov. 6. This gift show is a hoot in it's own way.

Think about decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Think about those gifts of the heart that can come from homemade fare. Consider an inspiring new book for a friend, because I'll be there! I will have all six of my books at the boutique! So if you weren't able to make it to my signing recently, or you haven't yet purchased one or more of my books online, now may be the time to pay me a visit!

Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/439038856217193

2. The second thing I would like you to prepare yourself is the upcoming book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2014! I realize you'll have to get through the holidays (in a happy, fun way, of course) but that soon enough you'll be thinking about marketing your book in the new year. I hope you'll keep this book in mind; and yes, I'll let you know as things get closer how to purchase Marketing Your Book on a budget 2014.

Government Closed: Open a Book

I don't know about you, but the move to shut down the government makes me think about a lot of things. People not getting paid for government jobs. A hiatus when it comes to full travel opportunities. I wonder about buying a house or selling one. I even wonder about things such as the Head Start program for children. And what about the future of the economy?



Photo by: Kuster & Wildhaber Photograpy, courtesy of Flickr

But mostly, I think about why those in government just can't get along.

I think about arguing, and wanting to be "right."

I think about "we the people" getting hurt while the government acts like children.

And I can't help it. After listing to CNN and other video channels this morning, I just want to sit down and read a book. I want to forget that this is happening. I want to pretend that maybe, just maybe, it's not really "that bad."

We re-elected Obama because we thought he'd do a better job. The majority of us thought that. I'm not here to complain about Obama because I'm quite sure he is doing what he feels is right, however...

I take issue when someone feels they are so right nothing changes. There is no compromise, no discussion. Instead, it's end of discussion.

So, if you're like me, trying to figure this one out, you might just want to take a short break and read a good book. Sure, it's an escape, but sometimes an escape from reality is the only way to travel.

I Can Hardly Wait...League of Utah Writer's Conference

If you haven't heard the news yet, I'll be at the League of Utah Writer's Conference THIS WEEKEND. It's good news because:

1. I get to meet new writers.
2. I get to see my old writer friends.
3. I get to sell my books, and I LOVE to autograph.

4. I get to learn from other writers (I won't be taking any classes but you'll be amazed what I hear from those who have).

If you've never been to a writer's conference, especially a League of Utah Writer's Conference, now is the time! The conference is the place!

I will also be talking to writers about Idea Creations Press. Learn more here: http://www.ideacreationspress.com.

Here's the information on the conference:

http://www.luwriters.org/roundup.html

I will be selling these books:

 

SEE YOU THERE!!

Best Linkedin Writing Groups

Recently, I have discovered the power of joining and participating in Linkedin writing groups.

I had a thought come to me that wouldn't leave me until I'd followed through: Share with those on your writing groups about your new book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013.

Photo by: TheSeafarer, courtesy of Flickr

The idea seemed good; weren't all those in writing groups at one time or another going to be interested in how to best market their book?

And so I went in and spread the word.

Let me just say, word about my book spread like wildfire. In minutes people were chatting about it, asking questions, and telling me that they were going to go over to Amazon and get the book.

I was smart without really even knowing it.

I'd sent along this information, not at just any old time, but during my 3 day Amazon FREE eBook promotion.
 

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Book-Budget-ebook/dp/B0094XV6MA

 



I'm glad I fell into this idea, but I wanted you to know about it so that you could use it to assist you in your next book promotion. So, without further ado, here are my favorite Linkedin writing groups:

Aspiring Writers
Authors & Writers of Fiction and Non-fiction
Book Marketing
Books and Writers
Christian Authors, Editors, Publishers, and Bloggers

When you join with any of these groups, make sure that you participate, and that means asking questions of other authors, answering the questions they pose, and sharing your latest news or insights.

What makes a writing group great is the give and take of all of its members.

Free Books!

Just a little plug today for my books!

Get them today at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and have some fun reading or putting them away for Christmas gifts! Or read them first and then wrap them up for Christmas gifts! :) Re-gifting is great!

Order a book from my website and get an autographed copy and free shipping!

Today only get my books FREE for the Kindle. That's November 24, 2012.

Kathryn

Blog Hop!

Week 18: THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

From Twilight to 50 Shades of Grey, the past few years have been full of high profile reads. Love um or hate um, you have to admit you have at least heard of them.

As Independent Authors we all dare to dream we will be next, and well let’s face it you never know ... right?

With that thought I jumped on this Hop, what is a blog hop? Well I didn’t know until I asked.

Basically, it’s an Independent Authors game of tag.

One Author posts, and then tags five other Authors, who each link back to them. Exponentially it is a marketing gold mine, and you my fair reader have hopefully just increased your to read list. Finding New and Exciting Authors you may never have found otherwise. Some of us are still writing, others are just being released. Either way, for you Fiction Lovers, a treasure trove awaits and I’d like to thank fellow S.I. Hayes for tagging me to participate.

Click the links to find out about S.I Hayes’ books.

Twitter @shannonihayes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S.I.Hayes.Author

Blog: A Writer’s Mind, More or Less

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439607.S_I_Hayes/blog

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/s.i.hayes

In this particular hop I and my fellow Authors each in their perspective Blogs have answered 10 questions where you get to learn about our current WIP (Works in Progress) as well as some goodies as to our process, from characters and inspirations to photographic/ Cinematic eye candy! I hope you enjoy it!!

If this or any other items pique your interest, please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions.

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS

1: What is the working title of your book? Sunny Side-Up

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? My first book in the Susan Sleuth Mystery series is entitled, Scrambled, and was released September 2012. This is the second book in the cozy mystery series and takes place on a cruise ship. A few years ago I went on an eventful cruise, and since Susan has always wanted to go to Paris or Hawaii I decided that a cruise would work.

3: What genre does your book fall under? Cozy Mystery, however, you'll find that my mysteries take on a more suspenseful feel. No cozy towns here, but loads of mishaps and bungles.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? I would choose the main character, Susan. I like to be in the middle of things, whether it's a movie or a book. I like to figure things out before everyone else. I'm one of those 'talkers' when it comes to watching movies. "I think I know who the killer is," "I know why she said that," etc.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence?

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Self-published through my business, Idea Creations Press and CreateSpace, a subsidiary of Amazon.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? About four months. During the next few I'm going to have some readers and writers give me feedback and do plenty of re-writes. You should see Sunny Side-Up by the middle of next year--2013.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? If you've ever seen "Murder She Wrote," you'll get a bit of an idea. Since my book doesn't fall smack-dab into the cozy mystery genre, the book is a bit harder to peg. Just expect an amateur sleuth, eggs to die for, and plenty of twists and turns.

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book? I realized that the first book Scrambled, didn't finish everything in the life of Susan Cramer. There was more of her to discover. In the third book, Hard Boiled, Susan returns home from her cruise only to discover some disturbing news. I have only ideas at this point, but be prepared for some scary fun!

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? A middle-aged woman who wants a better life. And what woman doesn't want that?

Below you will find Authors who will be joining me by blog, Next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on WIPs and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!!

Michelle Renea Anderson: Click the links to find out about Michelle Renea Anderson's book

Shelby’s Plan.

Blog: http://shellsbookworm.blogspot.com

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Shelbys-Plan-ebook/dp/B007CT4GL6

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Renea-Anderson/e/B000APA04G

Twitter: @MichelleRAnders

Lin Floyd's Websites:

http://famhistory1867.com/  http://lettersfromlin.blogspot.com http://helpwithgenealogy.blogspot.com/
and http://www.poetry-in-the-park.com.

Kelley Lindberg's Work:

Blog: www.kelleylindberg.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelley.lindberg

Can't Wait! Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique

Need some inexpensive Christmas decorations and gifts?

Today is the LAST DAY of The Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique. Come on by!

I am giving away a free package of personally labeled stones with your purchase of Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones; free postcard bookmarks will be given to everyone who stops by the table to take a look!

It's been an incredible few days! Still selling primarily Conquering Your Goliaths and Scrambled. Met many readers and even a few writers.
 

Come and get a book or two autographed!

Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WiU_CAZNg&feature=youtu.be

 

Entry fee is only $1

 

 

Free Writing Conference!

I love things that come free, among them: samples through the mail, invites to special events that I have been invited to as a guest, and free writing conferences.

The last free option doesn't come around too often. Most conferences are quite pricey. But not this one.

I learned about the Write Here in Ephraim conference just a few months ago. I was asked to teach a couple of writing classes (which I am doing). When I learned the conference was free I could hardly believe it!

Here's a rundown of events:

Date: April 14, 2012
Time: 7:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Place: Snow College in Ephraim, Utah

All classes will be taught by published authors. There will be door prizes and an author panel, including a "First Page Shred" panel. Classes and workshops include: Writing memoirs, suspense, romance, and science fiction/fantasy.

Learn how this book applies
to your writing!

Learn about comedy writing, self-publishing and short story writing. Find out how to get ideas, show instead of tell, grid your story, avoid cliches,create a fascinating plot and more. Discover how to get your finished project out there through various classes on manuscript organization, marketing, publicity, and branding.

I will be teaching two classes. The first will be on writing your first book, the second will be a two-part inspirational class on conquering your writing Goliaths.

Experience some writing exercises from
this book!

For more information visit: http://www.thebestandfunniestever.com or shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com.