What if failure was not an option?

If failure was not an option, what would you do?

If failure was not an option I probably would do one of two things. I would participate in a Ufc fight against the biggest and best rebel there was. If I wasn’t going to fail I would have the guts to go into battle. The thrill of taking the other person down. The roar of the crowd. That incredible feeling after a conquest, it would all be worth it. The stress that would be discharged punch after punch would be wonderful. What a thrill. And what an experience that would be.

As for a more serious response to this question. I would say I would cure all the diseases that had no cures. That way we didn't have to imagine a life of grief from the loss of loved ones. What a relief it would be if you could live without stressing about illnesses. Without having your parents, kids, aunts, uncles, friends etc taken away from you because of a disease. But the truth about this is, no matter what you thrive at, there is always something else. If I could cure all diseases that would fix the massive amount of problems the world faces, but sadly, not everything. And I don't believe anything could ever just be perfect and so simple.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Holly Hood

If failure wasn’t an option…

I would begin by being brave. Almost everyone is afraid of something, and I am no exception. I would start with climbing the ladder to the top step…Kidding! Although that is a horrible fear of mine.

If I couldn’t fail, I would seek to prove the one question that has always plagued mankind. That Heaven and Hell, angels and demons, and God really do exist. That after all of this, there is something more. Something to look forward to. Something to not be afraid of. That death is only the beginning of something much bigger and more beautiful than our wildest imaginings. And that when we lose someone we care about, they are never really lost, but merely a breath away.

If I couldn’t fail, I would dare to be happy. With all that life throws at us, it’s easy to lose your way and wallow in self-pity or despair. But I would chose to look for the silver lining and to help others see it for themselves so they could be happy, too.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” ~ Marcus Aurelius 

Brandi Salazar

Writing prompt day 1

I have decided to use my blog as a mean to excercise my brain. So here goes. Once or twice a week I will post a small topic and write about it. And who better to share it with? Today's topic is: Describe a perfect world. In a perfect world I would have no fears. In a perfect world there would be no stress about getting sick. You wouldn't have to lose loved ones. And those who were bad would be punished for their actions. In a perfect world we would do away with our f%cked up goverment and do things the right way. In a perfect world no one would know how it felt to go hungry. And people would have compassion for one another. In a perfect world it would never snow or rain, unless thats what you liked. We all could have our own season and live in it happily. In a perfect world the things that were fun wouldn't cost anything, they would be free. But sadly perfect doesn't exist and we are living in the real world.

Stop, collaborate and listen!

I collaborated on a story with my two close friends who also love to write. The book is called Midnight Masquerade and its a novelete. Just a short story. Murder mystery style. It is available on Lulu and should be on Kindle sometime today. It was fun writing with two other writers. A very unique expierience!

Just a thought

As I sat folding my laundry, I realized that today was the day that my father passed away. He was fifty years old. And although I didn't have tons of memories with my dad, I had some. And those I still hold onto. No part of me is angry at him. I know he was a good man. And even though I didn't have the greatest relationship, or the ideal one. I had one and I am grateful that I got to know him at all.
He was the one I looked like, the one I related to in my life. Even when he wasn't there. I still remember his laugh, or how tall and looming he was. Or how he would always get on my case in such a laidback playful manner. He had this smile that made you want to smile. And a contagious energy.
I'll always remember the times when I was a teen and called him up late at night to come pick me up. Some nights I waited for awhile, but he usually showed. And we would go get pizza together.
He was proud of me when we reconnected when I was older. He came to my graduation. He got his friend to make me my favorite dessert. (Cherry Cheesecake)
My cousin always shouted when I was over there- "Hey Stan Jr!" because I looked so much like him.
Its funny to me how someone passes and they always stay on your mind. I think about him all the time. All the what ifs, the things that I wished could have happened but didnt. But, the one thing I am grateful for is the time we had together. I am sure I will always have unanswered questions. And always regret a lot, but at least I knew him.
I still remember the day I found out he had died. My mom scared the crap out of me. I thought it had something to do with my husband. And that reminds me of the week before. I had just had my son three months earlier, and I told my mom that I was going to write him a letter. Write him and tell him about his first grandson. And send him pictures of all three of my kids. These were his first grandkids. I was eight hours away from home. So writing was the only thing I could do at the time. But life happened and I didn't write that letter. So three months after having my son, my husband was coming home from deployment in Iraq. He was maybe a day away. And that's when I received the news-- via my mom. That my dad had passed away. It was hard to process there would never be a chance again to talk to him. And the one thing I know now, don't take people in your life for granted. Because they could be gone really soon. Sooner then you expect!
I hope he is happy. I wish I could have been there for him at the end, because I would have. I was told he died of lung cancer, and I wish I could have been there with him on his last days. Thats my only wish.
If things are like they say maybe he sees me and his grandkids. But no one knows that for certain.
I just thought I would talk about my dad, its a really good way to let out the stress of his passing. Because ever since that day a little part of me has remained sad. And its good to let out your feelings. Its good to remember those we lost.

Ink has a cover!

Ink officially has a cover. And I have been informed that as soon as the weekend it should be through the editing process. My good friend is doing the editing for this one, that way its polished and oh so pretty before its released into the wild. She does a fanatastic job on editing. I am hoping to convince her to do the rest of Wingless, so they are all shiny and new. So enjoy, I really love the cover, I can't stop staring at it. My favorite of all my book covers was Letters to you, but I think Ink might take the cake now.

Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in.

It's been awhile. Hello. Here I am.

I have finished yet another book. And it is going through the editing process as we speak. We thought it would be up and running today, but my editor needed more time. Which is fine. I am very excited about making the cover. I think I have some good ideas right now, now just a matter of what I like the best for the cover.

And here is a little update on Wingless Book Series. I think the above video says it all. haha. I can't let it go. I miss Eve, Evan, Kenny and Ari. I miss their crazy screwed up lives. And I just really am dying to write some more. This is what is in my mind about starting another Wingless. A couple different scenarios I am toying with. I would love to hear what others think.

1. A new female character. Who meets Kenny. To me this opens up a new world for me. I can still use everyone in Wingless, but its more or less a new angle. And I think Kenny deserves more of the spotlight. (I can imagine this new character showing the reader a new view of Eve, Evan, Kenny. I see Eve spilling lots of details to her, maybe making up white lies to try to get her to leave Kenny alone.) I don't know, it would be a cool spin. And probably a lot of fun.

2. Kenny POV. Kenny Carlo is such a character in these books, I think it would be great to show how his life turned out after he left.

3. Oliver. Throw the story decades forward and make a new story based off of Evan and Eve's son Oliver. How interesting would he be, he is half Greaper and half healer.

I really am tossing all these possibilities around. Plus, the normal just make another story. But the thing is, I really don't know what more I could do. I will have to sit down and really think about that one if I was to go this route. Sometimes things can get played out.

Alright off to watch Secret Life of the American Teen...suffered a horrible migraine today and still recovering! First one I have had in a year. I thought I was over them. I would rather go through labor then have migraines, thats how awful they are.

The news

Just a quick rant. I sleep with my television on. And sometimes listening is great. Other times it just really doesn't start my day well. I swear the news just tries its hardest to depress the world. Take this morning for example. The headline was what state has the most toxic air. And my half sleeping brain says..Ohio. And when they return they say Ohio is number one for most toxic air. Because of power plants they said. Well not much any of us can do about air is there? So why make people worry about something they can't change? If I moved to uhhhh...Florida something there would be toxic. If I packed up and went someplace else there would be something wrong with that too. And then this was the icing on the cake. Woman who are taller are more likely to get cancer. Do scientist have anything better to do? I guess that one bugged me because I'm tall. And now apparently I'm more prone to cancer? *rolls eyes* Anyone can get sick. Its not one type. People get sick and its for various reasons. I don't think height has anything to do with it. I just wonder why we sit and try to start mass hysteria. I could be the healthiest person in the world and still get struck with something. I would rather live life not focused on if I'm too tall, in the wrong state breathing the wrong air, eating the wrong foods etc. People who live like that can't possibly be living. There is never going to be a right answer on why some people are given what they are given in life. And trying to figure it out will just make you crazy.

I miss Evan and Eve

Oh how I miss Evan and Eve. And Kenny. And Ari and Gray. I never thought something created in my mind could be so personal and that I would miss it. But I do. I really don't know if anything else will feel like Wingless. I am enjoying writing other things but Wingless is in my soul. That is all.

No wait.... I started a Wingless Playlist, I think I am going to make soundtracks for each volume of the book. I listened to lots of specific songs while writing and it would be cool to put them all together. Such as this one for the end of Back to Life. Its called The mess I made by Parachute.

Here I am

Well seems like its been awhile since I wrote anything. That could be because I feel like my brain is really scattered. Its not so easy anymore to just get one thing accomplished. Causes major anxiety to have a million thoughts going off in your brain at once.
The good part is I wrote almost 300 pages of the newest book. The bad part is I have slacked big time on promoting myself as a writer. But I care a lot more about writing, and when an idea strikes I can't just push it aside.
So today I am going to do some author interviews and jump back into the forums. Need to reconnect with the readers and writers.
The newest book is amazing. I love it. I really think my readers will really enjoy it as much as Wingless.
The world has been a crazy annoying place lately. Sometimes I think I should just unplug my television and internet to not feed into all the bullshit. I'm tired of hearing about Casey Anthony now. The first day or so fine, but now they stretch it into nothing to try and come up with a story. Let it rest already! There are way more important things going on around us. The world seems to have lost focus. The news only worries about things that don't matter. It really is saddening that we care more about celebrity trends and cellphone apps then real issues.
So yes I am still around. And soon enough I will have another book finished and under my belt. I'm trying to enjoy summer, which so far I have.
And to end this I would like to thank my husband for being amazing and so insightful. Sometimes when I write I toss ideas around with him. And this time he really came up with a great idea for Ink. He's great.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Yeah I said it, its sunday. Its been a while since I wrote on this blog. Well let's see. On the writing front I am 117 pages into the new book Ink. I am really impressed with how great its going. My best friend says this is my "gem". This is a term we use to say the one lol. Its funny though because it seems we say it alot about our books. I really like Ink, its going so well. I find myself reading the chapters back two three times in a row because its so much fun to read.

I finished another book on the kindle, Jenny Pox. Totally worth the read. My favorite part about reading is finishing and posting a review, that part is a lot of fun. Now I am trying to decide what to read next I have so many on the list. Not sure what I am looking for. I think I am a paranormal romance girl.

Going to a birthday party today, that should be fun.

Oh and on a sales front things are going well, I've even got some more reviews to add to my review arsenal. Someone asked me the other day if reviews ever get easier to handle. I say eventually you take them with a grain of salt. If you think about it, its fun. I like to see what others think about my writing. And most times I feel people feel the way I felt writing when they are reading it. As long as you remember your doing what you love and that you can never ever ever please everyone you should be good to go. Oh and thick skin, because they are not always going to like your beliefs or characters, or your characters actions in the story. Some readers simply enjoy the writing, while others are more wrapped up in facts and details. It all depends on the person. Readers are great, with their viewpoints it helps open your mind and see other people's views on your writing. It can even help you see something you might not have the first time.

Lastly I think all writers improve over time, you learn on the journey. You pick up new habits, you drop old ones. Writing is the greatest thing because there is no one way to do so. I've read many different writing styles lately and I've enjoyed them all in different ways.

whirlwind of thoughts

I figured I would spew forth some of my thoughts before bed. I have a lot on my mind, such as growing older. Its my birthday, and I really don't have any feelings on it. I'm now 28, I don't feel any different really. No gray hairs or wrinkles yet, so thats good. I guess I can say I am wiser, in all the years your lucky enough to still be alive its best to grow smarter, I mean what else is the point in living if you just get even more stupid?
I was also thinking about writing and why when I want to write is when I am not able to. And then the other times when I could I just don't feel like it. Its a really strange thing. I told the hubs the other day I wish a book could be written in like five minutes because this new one is complete in my mind, now its just a matter of purging it all onto paper.
Also today, I came up with an idea for another WINGLESS, yeah I said it. I think its a beautiful idea and a way to start fresh. I wonder what the readers will think.
My new book is coming along, need to bounce it off of my best friend like I always do to get her thoughts on it. This is what I always do, my process. I write and send her chapters,she reads and we sort of gossip like school girls at lunch about the characters. I guess my aim for this story is another romance but with fresh new characters and this new idea, the idea involves music and tattoos. And I do believe it holds a twist like Wingless that makes it very original.
I started two new books today, and I'm sure anyone who reads my blogs can tell how scattered I am. But yes I started two new books today, Fallen by Lauren Kate. And so far its slow, that doesnt mean I don't like it. But so far kind of has me feeling a bit depressed and dark. That could be because of today really. I sometimes am really bothered when I hear about celebs dying. ( I don't know why) maybe cuz any death scareds the bejeezus out of me. But really its just a sad reality that people can die, and people die when they least expect it. And then I feel horrible thinking about how the people who were close to them feel, and my brain shoves me into this place where I sit and think and try to feel what they are feeling, I'm sure that is why I am a writer haha.
I also started reading Jenny Pox and I actually like it, its gritty and sad. And I love how its kind of raunchy in a good way. So far I am pleased, but poor Jenny.
And as my addiction for music grows larger I am on the prowl for more music. Music is such an obsession I crave it, I literally feel sick almost when I don't hear it each day of my life, I wonder if that is normal. If not I dont care, music makes me feel good, its soothing, it balances my brain, my thoughts, my everything.
And lastly I am working on a new goal: Extreme Couponing!!! I am super excited. I am going to try and do what they do on tv, its almost like a game to see how much I can save. I recently discovered the show, and Nate Berkus had some of the coupon ladies on today and it just really propelled me into the idea. I want to try, I really want to see if I can do it. If anything it should prove interesting.
Alright seeing now that I am 28 I know old people arent suppose to stay up late. So I must get some rest so I don't break a hip tomorrow haha

Chapter for new book: INK

Ink
August 11th 1995

The crowd parted ways at the concert in Langdon Park. It was a hot summer, the humidity very apparent on the skin of the large crowd. If you looked just close enough at the midnight sky you could see a dark storm brewing. And he knew it wouldn’t be long before all of the bands were hurrying to pack up their equipment and hit the road.
He was sure there would be some trying to score some drugs, or maybe a lady for the night, and even more of them hoping to make their night just a little more exciting.
Jumping down from the stage, he gained his footing. Paying close attention to winding up the wire, he worked quickly. His tattoos apparent at each swift swing of his arm, he wasn’t an innocent guy, he was just as much a part of them even if he never liked to admit it. One swift shove sent the plastic container into the side compartment of the tour bus, he was done for the night and only looking forward to getting a couple hours of sleep before they were on to the next city. But as soon as the screams of hundreds of fans broke through his mindless thoughts he knew that would never happen, giving an intense sigh, one that proved just how tired he was getting at this gig. He shoved the task at hand aside, jumping out of the way just in time as the whole stage crashed beside him, metal and stray grass spilling out before him, smoke loomed off in the distance in quiet little crowds.
They were there, there to destroy everything in their path. He knew it was ill will to think anything that they did would ever turn into anything more than just a disaster. And as he watched the sick twisted beast suck the life of their victims, he held it together on the outside, it was part of life after all. No he took that back, it was part of his life, his sick upbringing. Looking down at his arms pained him, his throat constricted with the horrifying realization, he was the same. Dropping his cigarette on the gravel he took in the twisted metal scraping and whining as it hit the ground, taking off into a sprint he crept across the grass like a well trained athlete. His shirt becoming a little bothersome so he shrugged it off carrying on, that’s when he spied her, a young girl. She couldn’t have been more then seventeen at the most, probably experiencing her first live concert. But all he felt on the inside was hot rage, a hunger that crawled out from someplace so dark he didn’t even recognize it. Her eyes grew large as he approached and her deafening scream filled the air, minutes later all was silent and an eerie stillness settled back on the park.
He shot up in bed, all was silent. The music in the park barely audible from the bus, the rain started falling steadily against the window, it had been a dream. An eerie dream that had been replaying in his mind for months, he rubbed the back of his neck trying to get himself motivated enough to start packing up the band. Just because he wasn’t at his best didn’t mean he could get out of his job as stagehand.

Celebration

I completed the sixth book in the series, the name of it is Back to Life. I was very happy with the ending, and I can't wait to hear feedback on what my readers think about it. I know some that have been waiting ever so patiently. This has been yet another journey with and ending that tore at my emotions, I worked hard for days on the last couple chapters, and I cried at the end, for many reasons. It was a tough decision but it was the way the cookie crumbled :) I hope everyone enjoys it. Now I am looking forward to trying something totally fresh and new, and also polishing up Gypsies. Oh and speaking of Gypsies I started writing the second book of that one, I do not know when I will venture into it, but I have my start and that will help a lot for the days when I want to return to that story. I really am looking forward to getting some reading in of my own because I do enjoy reading other people's books too. I also want to post reviews of the books I am reading for the readers out there. And do a little more toward promoting my own work.
I came up with an idea last night that I possibly will give one person the whole series which would be all 6 of the books, it would have to be some kind of giveaway or contest just not sure what yet.
And lastly I look forward to diving into some new ideas I have, some of my ideas are far out there, and some are just everyday life. Can't wait!!

Triangle

This week I am finishing up volume six in the Wingless series. This song click here The unavoidable thing between us by Evermore has been the theme song for the writing of this book.
When I write I don't have any idea how its going to end, it sort of progresses as I move from one chapter to the next. And this book is really tough, there is so much that Eve is trying to deal with, you would think she would be happy. But can she really be happy without Evan, after all he was the love of her life right?
Evan and Kenny are two kinds of love, and they both have done their share of horrid things to her, she loves them both in different ways. So I'm sure it would make sense how she bounces back and forth bewteen the two of them.
As the writer and reader, I tend to bounce back and forth, Kenny probably will always be a favorite because I love how cocky and sure of himself that he is, but then Evan is upstanding and honorable. And even when he does the wrong thing its for the right reasons. They both have lovely characteristics, they both have reasons for loving Eve.
I can't wait to finish this book and see how it turns out, and I also am wondering if there will be another, I guess once I get to the end I will find out. Any thoughts on the topic?

And the winner is...

I have done a lot of thinking on purchasing an ereader, I was really heading toward the Nook Color, and honestly if it wasn't for my husband pointing out a lot of things I probably would have bought one. I think ereaders are awesome, after adding all my own books to them I have made sure to learn as much as I could about them, I had kindle on my Pc and my Android Tablet, I was always impressed, but something about the Nook Color was calling out to me. And the crazy part is the Kindle has had so many amazing reviews, I honestly don't think I have heard a bad comment about a kindle. The Nook I've heard a lot.
So I went for the Kindle, and I am super pleased with it, I love how easy it is to operate, I love the eink, I almost didnt believe it was a real screen , it looks just like paper. I am a proud Kindle owner! I already have 15 books on mine ready to read, and am busily finishing up Eternal Eden, if only I had more time with my kindle. Ooh and I even bought a really cool skin for it, butterflies and skulls, hot pink and black! I think ereaders are the most amazing thing, and I know I will be reading so much more now!! So yes I am very happy with my choice, Kindle's rock!!!!

Defining me

Ok so maybe its about time to explain my writing style, what is inside my mind, and why I write the way that I do, or simply how I write. This is my blog, the perfect place to really shed light on what makes me tick as an author. And if your a reader and curious about me as an author then you came to the right place. I myself think it would be a great thing if every author shared their inner workings with the reader.

*stands up* I am Holly and I am a writer, I have a twisted imagination, and I do not write fairy tales. There probably will never be a knight and shining armor moment, you probably will never close my book or your ereader and say.." Wow, they lived happily ever after."

I speak the truth in my writing, not what someone wants to hear, I make my characters real, stubborn, mean, hurtful, depressing,moody. Because that is life, no one falls for the hot guy in school and lives happily ever after. If you want that then my books are probably not for you.
And you might be thinking what fun is a book without happy some point in it, well your right, my books are a lot of things, and just because they are real and show real reactions in life doesn't mean that things can not turn out well.

I guess what I am saying is my writing is a slap in the face most days, I am the kind of writer that is moved by feeling, real life, and my own emotions, mixing your emotion and opinions with any subject matter is going to turn into a monster of a story. I come up with ideas all the time, I take what I know, what I learn, what I seen or whatever and I scrambled it all into one giant ball of a situation, sometimes I have an angle, sometimes its for fun.

I guess the point that I am trying to make is I am not out there researching what is going to sell, I am writng from my heart, and if someone can't handle reality and raw story telling, if they can't read a book that could turn out sad, or make them angry then maybe they shouldn't be reading my work.
If you enjoy reading a real book, that is fresh and from maybe a different perspective on love, life, death etc then I believe I got something for you. I do not want to be like everyone else, I am not trying to be anything but myself, I have always enjoyed writing and I will always enjoy it because I will never conform to someone else's idea of right. Creative expression is the best thing in the world. I respect every author out there that is doing that, I am a reader myself and I enjoy a variety of books.

Moral of the story guys is there is no prince charming in my books, prince charming probably was killed by one of my many male characters running around in my books, to be replaced with a spitting, swearing, drinking, tough guy that will offend you with his honesty while sweeping you off your feet!

Memorial Day Giveaway

It's memorial, and it means a lot to me. I used to be a military wife, so I can relate to all of the current ones. I respect and am truly honored by all the military, they sacrifice so much.

Today I am giving away copies of Wingless, my paranormal romance. I thank all the soliders!!

Everyone enjoy your memorial day!

If your interested in the book use the code NM24B on Smashword for you copy, and be sure to let all your book worm friends know as well, share the code on such a great day!!!

Now I am off to swim and cook out!!

My favorite songs right now.

Seeing music plays a huge part in my day to day life, some days I can not function without it. I thought I would list my favorites right now. And I want to mention that project playlist is probably the best thing ever. So here goes....

1. Evermore- This unavoidable thing between us.

2. The Flys- Got you where I want you.

3.Pearl Jam- Just breathe

4. Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars

5. Third eye blind- Narcolepsy

6. Buckcherry- The movies

Dear diary

Good morning!

We battled storms all day yesterday here in Ohio, rain and more rain. Even some tornado weather. Nothing like the people in Joplin or anywhere else, my prayers are with them for sure, I couldnt beging to imagine. Living where I have my whole life we have never had a tornado anywhere close, but a couple years ago that actually did happen not to far away from here, it wiped out the whole highschool, scary stuff.

Its the end to a school year almost, and I must say I am pretty thrilled about that in some ways. I plan to make the most of the summer for the kids, let them have a blast before they start back again. Lots of swimming.

We celebrate two birthdays in June in our family, my son's and mine. He is having a Wwe birthday this year, since he is so into wrestling. And I really can't wait for it, going to be great. As for myself, I have never been a fan of birthdays, all I ask is for a gift, and this year I am at a crossroads on what to get. I had an android tablet which had kindle on it, eventually I really didn't like the android tablet so I stopped using it all together, and then we ended up giving it to a family member. But now that I am getting really into reading I'm not sure what to do, I am stuck on Nook Color or an Ipod Touch, my dilemma is this: I used to have an ipod touch and I loved it, this was before they put the cameras and all that on them. I even read books on my ipod, I really loveeeeeeeeee music so some parts of me say get the touch you will have all of that right in one device, then the other part says get the Nook because its bigger, you can play music etc, the only difference is the Nook doesn't have a camera, but I have plenty of cameras so its not really an issue. I even thought about an Ipad 2, but with all the writing I do, I don't think I would really appreciate it,what to do hmmm....

*Wingless Update*
I wrote three chapters in three days, its getting so easy to just crank them out now. I am really happy with the outcomes so far in the story, and I think I finally have figured out the ending for this book!! Everyone always ask is this the last one, and I always say the same thing... "I don't know until the end."

Maroon 5 - Give A Little More

I think I have a crush on Maroon 5 now that I watch The voice, I always was a fan, but Adam really cracks me up. He was the one judge that really didn't waste his time, he knew what he wanted, and he was so cocky.The show is great, so much better then American Idol.

I said I would return with some more of my indie author journey...

The biggest thing I worked on starting out was finding my way promotion wise, I did not want to be that annoying promoter of my work. I wanted to know the people as well as tell them about my work, if someone wants to read my books fine, if not I am not going to cry over it, or be super aggresive.I myself don't read something unless it spikes my interest, I am not a big reader, I have always enjoyed reading, but ever since I can remember I have been so into creating my own writing I haven't done much reading. But when I do, I like a good story, a writer that has humor, who can really paint the picture visually in my mind, where I don't feel like I am reading anymore, but more living in their world.

The best advice I could give,its only been a few months for me. Interact with readers and writers, there is no better way. Socializing and showing that you are a person, it really works wonders. I tried all the promoting avenues, I went into forums, I made the website, blah blah blah. But now I am down to only a few things, and they all consist of being me. When I wake up in the morning, I go to Facebook, I interact with my writing and reading groups, I really care what is going on with these people. And they have a lot of good advice, as well as they are interesting characters, my reading list is full of their books, these are the ones I am reading because they caught my eye, and I have grown to enjoy the person behind the books so much, I want to know what kind of writer they are. I also am a member of Goodreads, though this is taking some time to get into, I do giveaways on my books, because I want to give someone the chance if they want it to read my book without the pressure to buy. Giveaways are great, its like the samples at the grocery store, taste the product before you spend your money on it. And then there are book bloggers, I submitted my books to a bunch, and this also has generated sales for me. Word of mouth is an amazing thing. You have to put yourself out there, again show that your a real person, care about the readers, and be you. Not to mention getting with the bloggers for author interviews, its fun, and its a way to show your face.

To end this I really don't think there is a set way to be good at doing the author thing, you have to make it right for you, not everyone does it the same, and I find something new out everyday. But in the end it all falls back onto the book, you can make something sound amazing, promote it until your blue in the face, but if no one likes it and wants to read it, then it is all for nothing. And don't forget to write!! You can lose track of that quickly, and thats the most important, readers are about the books, the more you have the better. And support your fellow authors, we all are striving for the same things, and there is room for all of us!!