The Obsidian Lesson: What Jennifer Armentrout Taught Me.

{Disclaimer: Alicia and I don't know and have never met Jennifer Armentrout. We also have no connection to Entangled Publishing. We were not asked to do a blog on this. I'm just obsessed with Obsidian's marketing.}

Look at these covers:

If YOU haven't seen those covers this summer, then you don't frequent popular Book Blogs, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.

Everywhere I looked this hot couple was there!


Many readers and bloggers used the cover as profile pictures on their social media sites. Some people just took pictures of holding the book. Others did listopias of the cover models! Check this out!

 (FYI, not only are these two cover models gorgeous but they have the nerve to be happily engaged! As if being so freaking hot wasn't enough!)

Anyway back to the insane exposure of Obsidian! I mean seriously. The covers were everywhere. One week I literally counted how many times I saw the cover. . . 47.5 times.


Why the half?
Because I'm not sure if it was even an Obsidian cover, but it was definitely the hot guy!


So, why am I talking about this?


Because Holy Shit! That's awesome! How did Jennifer Armentrout or her publishing company Entangled, gather so much exposure for this series? How can I learn from them?

I came up with Conspiracy Theories:

CONSPIRACY THEORY #1

Maybe Entangled paid thousands of bloggers to make the book their profile. . .some sort of GENIUS VIRAL MARKETING PLAN! Maybe they even secretly contacted thousands of these bloggers and offered $100 or more to pretty much flood the Internet with these book cover images.


FAIL!
But then I did the math and threw that theory in the trash. I mean wouldn't that cost so much money for the company that they wouldn't make a profit off her books?


CONSPIRACY THEORY #2

These aren't real people! Jennifer Armentrout created thousands of facebook, twitter, and goodreads accounts. She made her covers the profile picture. She sat there updating these accounts all summer, never sleeping, constantly drinking Red Bull and Venti Blonde Roasts from Starbucks!

FAIL!
That's just a stupid theory.

*Sigh

So last week I did what many readers did this summer, I bought Obsidian! I had to see what all of the fuss was about.


What did I think of Obsidian?

Great writing? -->Check!
Captured my attention? --> Check!
Well developed characters? --> Check!

. . .but before you say, "Okay, Kenya. Get Armentrout's vagina out of your mouth! Stop sucking up!"

Sadly, I ended up not finishing the book. It just reminded me of Twilight. It was by no means Twilight. There were obvious differences, but for me it was reminiscent of my favorite series (Team Jacob, btw).


So I had to go right back to the drawing board to figure out, Why is this book everywhere? 

So I did what any normal, healthy-minded person would do. . .

I online stalked Jennifer Armentrout!!

I'm talking google alerts, reading her blog, checking out her interviews, sneaking into her home and smelling the underwear in her drawer than jumping under the bed when she comes home too early. . . . . 





Anyway, I may not love Obsidian, but I definitely have some sort of weird female-crush on Armentrout. I even plan on reading her other series

And that's when it HIT ME! All the answers swarmed to my head. All of the mysteries of the Obsidian marketing campaign just flew to me.

NOW I KNOW WHY THIS BOOK IS SUCCESSFUL!

And we can all learn from Jennifer on how to have a successful book too!

Here it is the secret to her success! (BHAHAHAHAHAHA)

• Its a good book!

Yep.
Sadly, there just isn't any cutting corners on that part. The cover provides a captivating and eye-catching image. Everything from her narrative voice to grammar is outstanding. There aren't any grammatical errors, plot holes, switching of genre in the middle of the book, info dumps, etc.

• She doesn't shit on her readers!

Yep, again.
Apparently, not cursing out people who dislike her book has worked out for Jennifer. And there are definitely people who have considered the Lux series to be similar to the Twilight series.

Did she immediately tell the bad reviewers how wrong they were? Did she provide them with a comparative essay titled "You are a Moron Reviewer, My Book is so Different from Twilight, Cockburger!" Nope. She just continued to write more books and blog posts.

She didn't even post diagrams or charts or. . . dare I say begin a movement to take down the violent GR reviewer system.

Nope. All of Armentrout's shitting is in her bathroom (and its a lovely bathroom too. . .).

• Her Blog and Website is BANGING!! (Banging means Good in old 1995's talk)

The website doesn't take a hundred years to load up. The site doesn't say, "Buy My Book! Buy Me! Buy Me!"

It says, "Come! Join the experience. Here's a glass of tea. The cookies are in the corner. The bathroom is down the hall. Browse around and make yourself at home."

She provides great information that truly lures you in:

 Meet Pepe and Sztella

Behind the Scenes Footage

Sneak Peek of Laptop Scene

• COOL Personality.

Check out one of the questions in her FAQ section:

FAQ Question: Do you think I'm cool?

Her Answer: I think you rock, home skillet. 

• Entangled is a BAD ASS publishing company!! (Bad Ass means Awesome!)

On this page, the company breaks down what they give authors. These are the cool things that caught my eye.

A dedicated promo budget and publicist assigned to every book, who will create a personalized marketing plan as well as manage the details of putting all of the pieces together. We don’t just point you toward promotion opportunities, we create them.

Lots of publishing companies say things like this. . .but with the exposure that Obsidian has received, I believe that Entangled is actually telling the truth! Bravo!





So? What have we learned today, besides the fact that I may need some sort of counseling in stalking?




Answer: In order to be a successful writer you need a good book, not to harass your reviewers, awesome online presence, a rocking publishing company, AND a Hot, Sexy couple from Hungary that doesn't mind posing for your book series.

Check Out The Awesome Book Trailer!

Cover Model Interview: Kaden James

This past weekend, the gods aligned with the moon and mystical stars! I contacted one of my favorite book cover models, Kaden James. He immediatly replied and was willing to do an interview with the floozies!

How cool is that? He even gave me a shout out on facebook for my birthday! He's absolutly a class act!

 Bestselling Book Covers he's been on:

Bio:

Kaden James became MTV's Featured artist in late 2011. He was the only unsigned artist to host the show New Now Next, Poplab. An honor bestowed on some of the biggest stars in music including Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

His music has been featured on the most recent instalment of MTV's Real World: Las Vegas. Two of his songs were on the last two episodes of MTV's The Hills, including the series finally. He has the theme song to Logo's The A-List New York and the new Dallas.

Kaden's video for "A Boy Like Me" was featured on Spike TV and VH1.com. He has just landed the theme song to a new show called "The Audition."

Kaden has also appeared in Angelino Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, and as a spokes person/model for Sexy Hair, Wet Cement, Aniki Jeans, Rudsak and Java J Bar.

The Interview

1- You were on The Secret Circle book covers and Timekeeper by Alexandra Monir. How did you get involved with those projects?


Hi Kenya, first of all thanks for this opportunity to be featured on your blog!

 I was a was approached to be on the cover of The Secret Circle after photographer Chad Michael Ward saw some of my photos online taken by Gerry Garcia. Then a year or so later Chad was about to shoot the cover of the Timekeeper and the art director submitted my photo not even realizing Chad had worked with me so it all worked out great!

Growing up, I never imagined I would get opportunities like this because I was an awkward teenager and always more of a writer myself. I would write my own songs for talent shows and scripts that my friends and I would act out drama class.

 2- Are you a big reader? If so, what’s your favorite genre and author?

When I read, it's usually something spiritually fulfilling. I don't have a lot of time to read but I keep a few inspiring books around. I also read a lot of news and try to keep up with whats going on in the world.

I have some exciting news I can share with you right now. . .I'm currently writing a book series. I started working on over a year ago it's called Flawed. It's a story that came to me one day while I was sitting at the beach, hit me like lighting and I knew the universe had given me a gift.

I had to share this story with the world. I have let the coming-of-age, sci-fi, fantasy flow without rushing it but I am now ready to start looking for a publisher.

If you know any good ones send them my way! Ha ha!

3-You are way more than a book cover model. You’ve done several fashion shows and campaigns. You’re also a singer and song writer.  Your music was played on the final two episodes of MTV’s The Hills. Your song “A Boy like Me” was the theme song for the show “The A-List: New York and Dallas.”

How did you become a song writer?


Writing has always been a big part of my life. My mind has so many thoughts rushing through it at all times so sitting in a quiet space and concentrating on a story has always been my favorite escape. I've written poems since I was very young and then those poems quickly became lyrics to songs.

When I write a song I always see visuals to go with it which makes me always want to shoot music videos, so I write up those concepts too. The writer within me has organically evolved from writing poems, to songs, to blogs, to music video treatments, to tv concepts and now to my first book series. Writing has always felt right. It comes naturally, like breathing.

4- What are some of the things that inspire your music?

 Anything can inspire a song. For instance I might see an incredible tree and I will look up and think about all that this tree has faced, droughts, fires, floods, years of holding up it's own weight and then I will use that tree as a metaphor for strength and have the story grow with that tree.

Inspiration can be found all around us.

We just have to keep our eyes open and not be afraid to share it.

5- What are some new projects you’re currently working on?

Well I am currently working on new music and have EP titled "Live Fearless" being released soon. We have shot two new music videos for my songs "First Love" and "Black Light" which are in editing and coming out sometime next month.

I'm seeking a record deal so that I can go out on tour and put on a great show for my fans.

I'm shopping two television concepts, writing songs for other artists, and continuing to write the first book in the Flawed series. I am very excited about the future and I hope that you will join me on this journey!

Kenya, thanks again for this opportunity and I hope you and your readers will continue to follow your dreams and Live Fearless.

Model Mayhem Bio:

Not the stereotypical model, I'm a grounded guy who wakes up everyday thankful for the people and blessings in my life. I believe that when you are given so many opportunities, it's your responsibility to give back so I try to do as much charity work and fund raisers as I can. So don't be shy, hit me up with anything like that. 

I get told my look is diverse/ I can be all American, edgy, also that European looking, and I'm even having one client use me in a Latin magazine. The truth is I was put up for adoption as a baby and I never knew my parents so I'm not entirely sure what I am when it comes to race and that's fine with me/ I embrace all races and have a love for travel and culture. So look at me as a canvas that you can push any way you like. 

 I started modeling by chance, a few photographers liked my look and wanted to shoot me. I used the shots we took for my music promos and then got hit up by some local LA designers. I love art and thought, why not? I have been using the money I make to fuel my music ever since.





CONNECT WITH KADEN

www.facebook.com/KADEN

www.twitter.com/KADEN

http://www.kadenmusic.com/

Business contact: KadenMusic@gmail.com

Why I Wrote About Bullying by Tahlia Newland

On the blog today I have a Guest Post by Tahlia Newland author of You Can’t Shatter Me, a new young adult novella with an inspiring and empowering message for solving bullying. I figured after yesterday's discussion on bullying it would be see the alternatives to how authors deal with bullying.

Tahlia writes magical realism and contemporary fantasy for young adults & adults, and in her post today, she explains why she wrote on a bullying theme.


I didn’t start out to write about bullying specifically, but I did want to write something that used analogies to show ways to deal with emotions and issues in a teenager’s life. As well as having a teenage daughter, I’m a casual (substitute) teacher in a local high school and I see the kinds of emotional stuff that kids have to deal with on a day to day basis.

Often they have no skills to help them negotiate their minefield of emotions, and they suffer a lot more than they need to. All they need are a few tricks to help them see things in perspective and their issues become a lot easier to handle. I’ve used the analogies in the book (eg seeing your life as a movie) very successfully with teens, so I wanted to share them with a wider number of people.

Initially, I planned to write a series of short stories about the same people, but as soon as I took my main character into a school setting, a bully appeared and shoved a fat boy against the wall.

Carly, the female lead, decided she had to do something to stop it, but when she stepped in, the bully turned on her. He kept coming back in the following stories and so bullying became the thread that eventually turned the stories into a novella.

I guess the theme came out because I’m very aware that it’s one of the main issues that kids face today. It affects everyone, either as the one doing the bullying, the one being bullied or as a bystander. I can’t stand seeing people being cruel to others, so if there is anything I can do to stop it, I will. I hope this book will encourage bystanders to do their best to stop bullying whenever they see it and also to give both victims and bullies a way to handle the situation in a positive way.

The book follows Carly and her boyfriend’s struggle to deal with a bully, and her triumph shows not only kids but also adults a way that they too can triumph in a similar situation.

Although it’s fiction with a magical touch, it offers real solutions to a real problem. It’s the emotional intelligence approach to life—Emotional Intelligence was a term first used by Daniel Goldman in his book of the same name—and I wanted to write a story that showed people actually using this approach because it makes for happier, healthier and emotionally intelligent people.

These ideas are not only for teens; they’re for everyone, because even adults have to deal with bullies, maybe a boss, a spouse, a coach and so on. I wrote about it because it’s something that impacts negatively on a lot of lives and people are looking for solutions.






Title: You Can’t Shatter Me
Author: Tahlia Newland
Publisher: Catapult Press, June 2012
Genre: Young adult magical realism


Synopsis
Sixteen year old Carly wants to write her own life and cast herself as a superhero, but the story gets out of control when she stands up to a bully and he turns on her. His increasing harassment forces her to deal with flying hooks, giant thistles, deadly dragons and a suffocating closet. Dylan, a karate-trained nerd who supports her stand against the bully, turns out to be a secret admirer, and while he struggles to control his inner caveman, Carly searches for her own way to stop the bully.  An old hippie shows her an inner magic that’s supposed to make her invincible, but will Carly learn to use it before Dylan risks all in a violent confrontation?

This heart-warming story will inspire and empower teens and adults alike. As well as providing real solutions for the bullying issue, the unique magical realism style provides an exciting and unusual fantasy element.

Purchase Kindle Ebook 

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The paperback will be available via all major book retailers worldwide. If you would like to be notified when it’s released please fill in the form here.

Author Bio
Tahlia is an avid reader, an extremely casual high school teacher, an occasional mask-maker and has studied philosophy & meditation for many years. After scripting and performing in Visual Theatre shows for 20 years, she is now a bone-fide expatriate of the performing arts. She lives in an Australian rainforest, is married with a teenage daughter and loves cats, but she doesn’t have one because they eat native birds.

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When an Orgy is Absolutely Recommended! Sex Giveaway!

MeShack Takeover!

Don't forget to enter the Sex Giveaway at the end of the post!!



For those of you poor ladies out there who don’t know who I am:

• Hello, I am the Were-cheetah of your dreams.
• God of Sensuality!
• Reaper of Multiple Orgasms!
• Stimulator of feminine flesh and other soft things needing stimulating!
• Many also know me as the lead singer of Mahogany Groove!
• While others remember me from the books Fire Baptized and Caged View (my author made me say that).

Trey Songs TRYING to be MeShack!

But none of that really matters, because at the end of the night when I spread your soft thighs, venturing down to taunt and tease your treasures. . .you will all call me god. . .like all of the others before you.

And I will. . .

*MeShack stops talking.

Sorry. I’m back.

The fantasy floozies were wielding knives and baring their teeth at me. Apparently, I went too far off topic.

*MeShack clears his throat.

So today I am here to talk about when Orgies are absolutely recommended.

Why do I capitalize Orgy?

Well I’ve been involved in many so I can argue that a Big O is definitely required.

*MeShack laughs to himself!

I’ll be here all night ladies!

Okay, seriously.

In my supernatural caged city called Santeria, many Shapeshifters live there. I’m talking Were-dogs, Were-wolves, Were-tigers, Were-lions, etc. . .even and I hate to admit this. . . even Were-rats.

Although Humans like to lump all of the Shapeshifters together in one species group, we are very different creatures. In my unbiased opinion, Were-dogs and Were-wolves are mangy little creatures that should be shot.

While any Shapeshifter from the Were-cat family is Totally Awesome!

However, I can’t deny that all Shapeshifters have one thing in common, SEASON!

Ace definetly knew about the Season!

Season is like a second puberty phase for Shapeshifters.

Poor guy understands the Season!

It‘s when the beasts inside of us begin their puberty, causing hormones to bounce inside of our human forms. In other words, we are horny as hell! 

A Shapeshifter’s Season usually lasts for seven to ten years. Once the Season is complete the Shapeshifter searches for his or her mate.

I’ve discovered from personal experience that a Shapeshifter should NEVER commit to someone when they are in their Season. It’s pretty much impossible to stay faithful. However, if you must commit to the love of your life. . .PLEASE make sure your lover doesn’t have the ability to control and create fire. I made that mistake and was sent to the burn unit many times. Shout out to supernatural burnologist, Dr. Mason!

My best advice, to all Shapeshifters and those who are in love with them, is WAIT until after that person’s Season ends!

I recommend Orgies for three reasons. One, no emotional connections, just in and out, and then see you later!





Two, lots of variety.



Three, for some reason I have found the food at Shapeshifter Orgy events to be scrumptious. If you want to try an orgy, definitely try a Shapeshifter one.

So that’s it boys and girls! Its time for me to go. . .I've got an Orgy starting at 8 and I can't be late!

FYI, I am currently in my Season for all you interested in making me purr. Please enter the Sex giveaway below! As you see there are TEN possible winners!

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The Bad Reputation of Self-published Books! Editing Services Giveaway

You ever picked up a self-published book and the story was good, but the editing was bad?

And I'm not talking Michael Jackson BAD!




You STILL want to finish the book!

The characters are well-developed!

The world building is amazing!

But DAMN IT.....  at times you are missing out on the story because of wrongly placed punctuation, misspelling, etc



Of course this is not to say that traditionally published books don't have errors. I find problems in almost all books I read, but sadly I must admit there are more grammar problems with self-published books.

So I've gathered three of my editors together to discuss common editing mistakes and ways to correct them. 

The three editors are:
 Susan Gottfried from West of Mars Editing 
 Lea-Ellen Borg from Night Owl Editing Services 
 Melissa, Executive Editor of There for You Editing Services.

Additionally, WEST OF MARS Editing will be giving away a FREE 30 page edit of a manuscript to any lucky winner of our giveaway! All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter below to win the free editing!!! (Note: Manuscript must be 12 font and double spaced)






Susan, what is a common mistake that would put a book on the Poorly Edited List?

It’s funny that you ask this question because as I’m answering this question, I am reading a book for a professional review that I’d consider badly edited. The book shows no understanding of how to use a semi-colon, and commas are missing, which leads to frequent misunderstandings of what the author is trying to convey. It slows down and frustrates the reading experience.

One thing I rarely pick on but is evident in this book, as well, is poor plotting. The book reads more like a list of things that happen. The characters are not focused on their quest, and they are not even trying to make progress toward accomplishing it. They even complain about that lack of progress!

Susan, what is one way writers can fix the poor plotting problem? 

Working from a strong outline—even if the outline was made after the first draft—would have helped alleviate this meandering plot.

About the Editor:

I offer content editing, line editing, proofreading. Descriptions of what each entails are available on my editing page, along with my rates. I also am willing to work as a coach or mentor, with details worked out on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Links: homepage: http://westofmars.com

editing page: http://westofmars.com/susans-editing-services

Genres: http://westofmars.com/susans-editing-services/genres/

e-mail: Susan@WestofMars.com

Lea-Ellen, what is a common mistake that would put a book on the Poorly Edited List?

When readers comment on self-published books being 'poorly edited', in most cases they haven't been edited by a professional editor at all before being published. This is the biggest common mistake that would put a book on the 'poorly edited list'.

Additional common mistakes are due to: incorrect spelling of words, incorrect word usage, syntax errors, too many repeated words, using the characters names too much in scenes, point of view errors, incorrect punctuation, and incorrect tenses of words.

Lea-Ellen, what is the best way for writers to fix these common mistakes? 

The best way is to hire a qualified book editor.

The use of beta readers for the story before it goes to an editor is also helpful in providing authors with feedback as well as having beta readers go over the manuscript after the editor is finished with it and before the book is published.

About the Editor:
I provide Full-service editing with a Style Guide for your manuscript. This includes: grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, sentence structure, repetition, consistency, anomalies, word usage, plot holes and paragraph spacing and visual layout; chapter page breaks; correct font and alignment; correct tense. If a contract is desired by either party, I will draw up an agreement laying out what’s expected on both sides and how payment will be structured.

My website  http://nightowlinil.wordpress.com/ .

Email: borg_66@hotmail.com

Melissa, what are common mistakes that would put books on the Poorly Edited List and how can writers fix this?

There are 3 common mistakes in self-published books.

The first is spacing. The standard, during typewriter days, was two spaces at the end of each sentence. Now, thanks to Word and it's self-adjusting spacing, the standard is only one space. A lot of self-pubbed, unedited books have either two spaces or random spaces throughout the book. If a gap between your period, comma, or question mark looks a little wide to you double check, using your arrow keys, how many spaces are there.

The second is the proper use of commas and capitalization in character speaking. For instance the sentence: "I love you," he said. I commonly see people write it as: "I love you." He said, which is incorrect. The other common mistake in speaking is: "Do you love me?" He asked. Again, the H should not be capitalized because it is still technically the same sentence.

The final most common mistake is the use of there, their or they're, along with were, we're or where. It is really hard to give a best way to fix this, except to maybe suggest a notecard by your computer with the meaning of each. Then take the context of the sentence to decide which is best.

About the Editor:

My name is Melissa, the Owner and Executive Editor of There for You Editing Services. We offer high quality editing with affordable pricing. At this time the only genre's I do not except are erotica and zombies. Odd, I know, but zombies truly scare me.

You can find me at: www.facebook.com/thereforyou.editing. Here you will be able to see a few covers of some of the books I've edited. Or I can always be contacted via email at: thereforyou.melissa@gmail.com

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