Tag Archives: Brenda Novak

Central Ohio Fiction Writers Conference

Barbara Vey -- October 4th, 2011

Nalini Akolekar, Paula Eykelhof, AdamWilson, Michelle Jeglinski

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Columbus with the COFW. This intimate conference offers the best in concentrated workshops and a top notch keynote speaker. Friday night had a panel of editors and agents answering questions on how to query, pitch and the hottest topic, e-publishing. Many were confused on whether it was a good idea or not and the panel pretty much said each situation is different. Their thought was that things will pretty much even out in the end and there will always be a place for paper books.

Joanne Rock and Catherine Mann

The dynamic duo of Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock offered workshops on working with a critique partner and with an agent (along with Melissa Jeglinski from the Knight Agency). The packed room told the story of how many authors were hungry for this kind of information.

Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak was the keynote speaker and sought to inspire and motivate with quotes from famous successful people. Her main point seemed to be that the book cannot write itself. You have to sit in that chair and work at it. There are no shortcuts, but many benefits from a job well done. The enthusiastic audience ate it up and seemed ready to jump out of their chairs to start writing again.

The book signing was open to the public and even featured children’s writers.

My session was on Saturday during the pitch sessions so people had to come and go but it was a very informal Q&A setting with a lot of questions about marketing yourself. There still is a lot of confusion and fear about being online in social settings (Twitter, Facebook, Google +, blogs). I think the main thing to remember about all of it is to just set a certain amount of time aside and just be yourself. If there’s a conversation you want to comment on, join in. If someone says something you like, retweet or share it. If there’s something special or interesting in your life, put it out there. Got a question? You’ll receive a ton of answers. But, if you really want people to get to know your name, you have to do something.

Wall hanging signed by authors

I always make sure I sit at different tables to meet as many people as possible and they are all interesting in their own ways. I thought I knew Twitter until I met Julie Ann and her hubby. Julie Anne Lindsey has over 16,000 followers on Twitter and is a master at it. Go follow her. Jules Bennett and Tiffany did an amazing job of putting together the conference that ran flawlessly.

The raffle was a huge success with proceeds going to Brenda Novak’s auction. There was the popular iPad and a Star Trek mug that I had my eye on, but the most unique item was a wall hanging quilt that was hand made. Strips of cloth were given to authors to sign and then were stitched to resemble the bindings of books. they were arranged on bookshelves. It was definitely a keeper and would have looked amazing on my wall, but it’s now adorning someone else’s wall.

The Whole Gang at Bucas

After the conference, the planning committee treated us all to Buca’s which is an Italian family style restaurant. Incredible food and lots of fun as stories flew around the table. Most the kind you can’t put in print.

It was a rainy and cold weekend in Ohio, but the sun did manage to come out when I was headed to the airport, but I have to say the weather inside the conference was just what you’d want it to be…warm, friendly, instructional and inspirational.

Bottom Line: No matter the size of the conference, you get out of it what you put into it and the COFW group has it down pat.

Free Giveaways

From Author Jeannie Lin: The Dragon and the Pearl Launch Celebration is underway! Spread the word about THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL, available in bookstores and online now, by blog, Facebook, or Twitter and be entered for a chance at one of the Grand Prizes. More details here. There are also various giveaways available along The Dragon and the Pearl blog tour.

From Samhain Publishing: In October, Samhain Publishing has three fantastic contemporary romance giveaways, from erotic, to mainstream, to gay romance, on Kindle at Amazon.com and Nook at BarnesandNoble.com. The first date is the day the book price flips to $0.00 and the second date is the final day when it will return to regular price.

Begin Date

End Date

Book Title

Author

10/1/2011 10/31/2011 Call Me Lena Matthews

10/1/2011 10/14/2011 Sold to the Highest Bidder Donna Alward

10/15/2011 10/28/2011 Nine-Tenths of the Law L.A. Witt

From Get Lost in a Story: GET LOST IN A STORY giveaways for the week of October 3 -7 October 3, 5, 6, 7: A four day release party! Cat Schield’s Harlequin Desire A WIN-WIN PROPOSITION, Three book giveaways (one a day) plus a DVD contest! Enter here.

October 4 Mira Lyn Kelly – a copy of either S BEFORE EX or GETTING FRIENDLY

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- December 16th, 2010

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For those of you who haven’t heard, Brenda Novak will be on Good Morning America today around 11:30 a.m. (EST) for the Health segment. Brenda runs the incredibly successful Juvenile Diabetes Auction every year. Also, congrats to Rachelle Chase who was on CBS News in an interview about e-readers and the journalist was reading her book on air! Now on to the WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs.

joysann

Tempt the Cougar by Samantha Kane, Lynne Connolly, Dalton Diaz

Read by joysann

After meeting at romance writers/readers convention, several mature women create a blog to get to know each other better and to share their daydreams of dating younger men. Then it strikes one of them, Monica Allen, that daydreams could be reality if a woman just gave it try, and she throws out The Cougar Challenge, taking the first shot and succeeding in a wildly passion-filled way. Others take up her challenge, and each has a story to tell on the blog about risking ego and heart.

The erotic stories in this book can feed the fantasies of readers who enjoy a lot of spice on their romances. Many other authors join in with other books to make the Cougar Challenge series, giving that particular popular daydream some variety and texture. I found the stories fun, sexy, entertaining, and imaginative, and I’ll be perusing other works by these authors. Oh, by the way, Tempt the Cougar really is a blog that readers are invited to visit, but you must be 18 or older.

Heidi

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg by Susan Donovan

Read by Heidi

Josie Sheehan has had her string of loser boyfriends. She now dotes on her Labradoodle dog Genghis. That is who is going to deserve all her love and attention, not a man. Enter Rick Rousseau, CEO of a pet supply company and sexy to boot. Their new relationship may stop before it starts because Rick has secrets that can put Josie in real danger.

I read this book in about one day. It grabbed me right at the beginning and didn’t let go. The secondary characters brought the whole story to life. I was happy to see the author plans to develop some of the secondary characters into novels of their own. Everyone wins with that!

Michelle

A Secret Kept by Tatiana De Rosnay

Read by Michelle

Antoine and Melanie Rey lose their mother when they are children and never got to know who she really was. Their mother had a secret, one that was sure to tear the family apart, but her death thwarted that possibility.

Very well written, a lesson in acceptance with a realization that everyone comes to peace in their own way.

Edie

A Killing Tide by P.J. Alderman (E-book)

Read by Edie

Successful San Francisco consultant Kaz Jorgensen returns to Astoria, Oregon, to help save her twin brother’s fishing business. When her twin’s best friend is killed, he’s the suspect and is nowhere to be found. Refusing to believe he did it, Kaz sets out to prove his innocence. Michael Chapman, the town’s new fire chief is a former top arson investigator from Boston. He came to Astoria to escape memories of his fiancée dying in a fire set by a revengeful arsonist. Now he’s falling for another woman whose life might be in danger, and he’ll do anything to save her.

Alderman has published her former RITA finalling book as an e-book, giving new readers a chance to read this page-turner. The characters come to life with strengths and flaws and layers. The description is evocative. The romantic tension builds naturally, from a spark to a flame. I was saying Wow! from the first chapter to the last.

Michelle

Death Blows by D. D. Barant

Read by Michelle

Special agent Jace Valchek is chasing a killer in another reality. She was brought to this earth reality through cross-dimensional travel. Her only hope of going home is to catch a killer named Stoker. Now her employers have decided she needs to take on a new case. One that means delving into the underground world of comics, a world where the comics are drawn in blood and become more powerful with the more readers they have. Also these comics portray real life events in this reality. Her protector is a Lem named Charlie who is made of sand, a pire is her boss and her vampire friend is pregnant.

I found this to be an intriguing novel. One that reignited my love for comics and the intricacies of their stories and then to imagine them as real versus fiction. Very entertaining.

.Heidi

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Read by Heidi
Set in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement ; a story of three women intertwined by activism but equally separate by race. Two women raising white children for others while one Junior League member looking for her writing voice decided to write a book about their experiences.

I found the voices of the three main characters so interesting. Especially that of Aibileen and Minny, two black maids. Their true dialect of the South, made the book reflect their determination during a very challenging time.

joysann

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Listened to by joysann

Remember that devastatingly delightful surprise guest that visits Stephanie Plum in the Between-the-Numbers books? Well, the mysterious Diesel has the first of his own books now, off battling evil and curling the toes of Lizzie Tucker, an ordinary cupcake baker in small town Massachusetts. Only, as Lizzie tells us, nothing is ordinary when it comes to Diesel.

I didn’t need to know anything about this book other than it was Diesel before I grabbed it up for a listen. This character delights me, and I look forward to more of his story. Reader Lorelei King makes the wild escapades enjoyable, and it’s a fast, easy listen for good, light, romantic entertainment.

Bottom Line: Today is Chocolate Covered Anything Day…really! I’m all over this one.

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ECWC Booksigning

Barbara Vey -- October 3rd, 2010

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Editors Rose Hilliard and Tessa Woodward

Big day today at the Emerald City Writers’ Conference as the halls filled with writers preparing to pitch their stories to editors and agents. You could feel the anxiety and tension in the air and I don’t blame them. They go in groups of about 6 per table and pitch as a group. That has to be nerve wracking. I can imagine how hard it would be one on one, but having to try to sell your book while having others watch would do me in. So, kudos to all those brave souls who put their hearts on the line for what they believe in.

Mary Buckham, Barbara Vey, Deborah Schneider

Plenty of workshops and panels to choose from. I was fortunate enough to be in one with author Mary Buckham and librarian Deborah Schneider. We talked about Books, Blogs & More – Building Name Recognition. There was a terrific mix of published and unpublished authors who were in all stages of the publishing process. Deborah told them how to get their books into libraries, Mary explained how to work together and pay it forward and I said how important I felt social networking is to an author’s career. Thanks to all who attended.

Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak was the keynote speaker at the luncheon and used Cinderella as her inspiration citing the words to her song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Brenda encouraged the writers to set goals and believe in themselves. She started her writing career out of necessity. After five kids, she needed a job that she could do at home. After finishing a book, she thought, “Maybe I could do that.” Obviously, she could.

Back Row: Josie Malone, Susanna Fraser, Marie uhart, MG Braden, Jami Dovenport Bottom Row: Laura Navarre, Mimi Barbour, Amber Scott, Crista McHugh

Back Row: Josie Malone, Susanna Fraser, Marie Tuhart, MG Braden, Jami Dovenport Bottom Row: Laura Navarre, Mimi Barbour, Amber Scott, Crista McHugh

The bookfair is always one of my favorite parts. I enjoy walking around and talking to all the authors about their lovely covers and interesting books. One thing the conference did this year that really impressed me was having a special contest that involved writers of e-books. You were given a card with all the e-book authors listed and you had to find them and have them stamp your card. This was a terrific opportunity for readers to meet the e-book authors and chat with them about their books without any physical books there. One lucky winner will walk away with a Kindle that will allow them to purchase the books of the authors they just met.

Bottom Line: A special treat today as I can once again do a Drive By Video (yes, I finally learned how to download them to the new website). Please enjoy meeting debut author Katherine Chloe Cahoon who I predict everyone will know her name in the next few years.

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Authors and Charities

Barbara Vey -- September 20th, 2010

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Charities and authors many times go together like Brenda Novak’s Diabetes Auction, Debbie Macomber’s Warm America, David Baldacci’s Feeding Body and Mind, Romance Writers of America’s ProLiteracy Worldwide and Romantic Times Book Review’s SOS America, Inc.

Some of my family at the PKD walk

Yesterday I participated in the local PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Walk. It was only two miles, but it was really a show of solidarity against a disease that strikes millions. I was walking for my brother-in-law and my nephew, who both have PKD. PKD is a hereditary disease that causes cysts to form in the kidneys making a kidney transplant eventually necessary.
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While I did the Cancer Relay for Life this summer (my mom died of lung cancer in March), I was also thinking about the many author charities that I don’t know about even though I read about some on Twitter and Facebook.

So, here’s your chance. Please post the charity you support and add a link to it. Let other’s know what’s dear to your heart.

And just for naming a charity, I’ll pick a winner to receive a set of five new books that I have received (all different genres).

Bottom Line: “If you have much, give of your wealth; If you have little, give of your heart.” ~ Arab Proverb

Monday Giveaways

From Tracey Devlyn of Romance University: Freelance Assistant Kim Castillo of an Author’s Best Friend joins us to discuss the benefits of having a personal assistant. Don’t miss this informative post and a chance to win an autographed book from Eloisa James (DESPERATE DUCHESSES), Courtney Milan (PROOF BY SEDUCTION), Vanessa Kelly (SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL), or Anna Campbell (MY RECKLESS SURRENDER).

From Liz Kreger of Magical Musings: We here at MagicalMusings are thrilled to welcome five new bloggers joining our ranks. We have Karin Tabke (a/k/a Karin Harlow), Cynthia Eden, Amy Atwell, Marilyn Brandt and Carrie Lofty. You’ll also notice a change in our appearance and our format. Since all bloggers are published authors, we plan on gearing our group blog to appeal to both readers and writers. And as a special thank you, well be drawing three names as winners of books just for posting at our blog.

Where I’ll be Next:

Alice Baker Library Event in Eagle, WI – September 25

Emerald City Writers Convention (Seattle) – October 1-3

Lady Jane’s Salon, New York (will MC) – October 4

New York Comic Con - October 8-10

Readers ‘n ‘ritas (Dallas) – November 12-14

Contact: barbaravey@gmail.com

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Monday News and Notes

Barbara Vey -- June 28th, 2010

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Emlie Richards, Susan Mallery, Rachel Vincent, Gena Showalter, Carla Neggers

Emilie Richards, Susan Mallery, Rachel Vincent, Gena Showalter, Carla Neggers

Taking it nice and easy on a Sunday morning when I checked my calendar and realized that I was supposed to be at a K-Mart in Racine for Harlequin authors. Thank goodness I had already showered, but without make-up and with a super bad rain hair day, I headed out an hour late. I was lucky enough to catch up with them before they continued their bus tour to Brookfield for the afternoon. The group consisted of Susan Mallery, Rachel Vincent, Emilie Richards, Gena Showalter and Carla Neggers. The 3 day/8 stop bus tour through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin brought out old fans and new ones, but the authors were looking forward to their last stop in the afternoon before heading back to their own homes, tired, but ready to start writing again.

Aimee Carter

Aimee Carter was there to have her books autographed and it turns out that she has just signed with Harlequin Teen. Amiee’s book, The Goddess Test, will be out in 2012 and although she looked about 12 (they all seem to look younger and younger to me), she’s actually a brilliant 24 year old. So, congratulations Aimee!

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Riverhead Trade Paperbacks, a division of Penguin Group (USA), announced a campaign to raise money for The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a nonprofit organization started by the author of the internationally bestselling novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns to aid the people of Afghanistan.

Inspired by readers around the world who have embraced and shared Hosseini’s beloved novels, the Picture a Book Changing Lives campaign invites people to submit up to two still photos of themselves reading or holding a copy of either The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns. For each eligible photo uploaded to the Hosseini group page of the Penguin Group (USA) website, Riverhead will donate $2.00 (up to a maximum $25,000 donation) to The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. Starting on June 15th and running through August 31st (11:59:59pm ET), people can visit the “Hosseini” group, and upload their pictures here.

~~~~~

Donna Hayes

Congrats go out to Donna Hayes. The Harlequin Publisher and CEO is the recipient of this year’s “W Award” presented by the YWCA of the City of New York. Donna is being recognized not only as a business woman at the top of her field, but also for supporting the YWCA’s mission to empower women and eliminate discrimination through the books she and Harlequin Enterprises publishes each month. The Summer Soiree was held June 24th. (I wish I would have been there because I’m sure that Donna wore something stunning.)

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Monday Giveaways

From Brenda Novak: To celebrate the release of my new book, WHITE HEAT, Three Custom Color Specialists, a nice cosmetics line in NYC, has developed a new shade of lip gloss called by the same name. It’s really cool! I thought it might be fun to do a giveaway on your blog. So, just leave a comment and Brenda will pick a winner to send the lip gloss to (winner announced tomorrow).

From The Adam Ezra Group: Our “Kill Like This” is the official song for the release of Infinty, the latest bestseller from Sherrilyn Kenyon. Send in your most creative pics and videos based on the book for a chance to win an IPad loaded with a copy of Infinty, as well as the latest album from the Adam Ezra Group, a re-mixed version of “Kill Like This” and special, un-released AEG material! (Get all the information here)

Bottom Line: Scary incident yesterday with my car brakes. Felt like Fred Flintstone trying to stop the car, but made it home ok. Whew!

My upcoming events:

Lady Jane’s Salon – July 5th

Thrillerfest – July 7-10

San Diego Comic Con – July 22-25

Romance Writers of America – July 28-31

DragonCon – September 3-6

Eagle Library Author Event – September 25

Emerald City Writers Convention – October 1-3

New York Comic Con - October 8-10

Readers ‘n ‘ritas – November 12-14

Contact: barbaravey@gmail.com

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Author’s Personal Conventions

Barbara Vey -- May 10th, 2010

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Fan tatoo from K-Con 2006

Author’s having their own conventions is nothing new. I’ve been invited to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s K-Con in New Orleans for the past couple of years and had a blast interacting with her fans and touring the areas that are featured in her books. Although there are no plans for an official New Orleans K-Con this year, Sherrilyn is celebrating a mini K-Con on May 24th in Nashville as a free event for her fans.

FAN held aboard the Delta King

Brenda Novak and Christine Feehan tried their luck with FAN, Feehan and Novak, a fan convention aboard the Delta King. I really wanted to attend, but there were no rooms available on the boat and the overflow hotel was a few blocks away. I’m a chicken to walk the streets at night. Brenda highlights the get together here.

Now Karen Marie Moning is trying her hand at having her own conference. Here’s the information I received: The excitement is building for Karen Marie Moning’s FIRST FeverCon in Atlanta, GA! A three day fan event celebrating fans of Karen Marie Moning and featuring a Q&A with Karen, a writer’s workshop by Gena Showalter and Kresley Cole, a concert by Neil Dover, special guest appearances by Actor Eric Etebari and Audie Award winner Phil Gigante and much much more. To celebrate, all who register before May 31st will be entered in a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. (You can get more details here.) I’ll be at the Emerald City Writer’s Conference that October weekend, so I’m sorry that I won’t be able to make it.

Lori Foster is on her 6th Annual Reader-Writer Get-Together to be held in June. I was fortunate enough to attend this very casual event that boasts a pizza party, book signing and raffle baskets galore. Proceeds to the One Way Farm, a home for abused and abandoned children.

Lora Leigh is holding her 4th Annual RAW (Reader Appreciation Weekend) in September. Although I’ve never attended, I’ve heard it is a “not to be missed party.” There will be a pajama party, costume party and book signing. All monies raised will be going to Golden Girl Group Home and Bays Mountain Park Association.

Have you attended any of these author events? What do you think of them? Any author you wish would have one?

Just a reminder that the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction is in full swing all this month. Along with all the great items to bid on, I have donated one blog day on Beyond Her Book. The winning bid will get to post a blog all about themselves, right here. Get the details here.

Monday Giveaways

From Samhain Publishing:

This month, we have two titles available for free on Nook and Kindle. The first date is the day the book price flips to $0.00 and the second date is the final day and the original price will go into effect again. You can get them at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Begin Date

End Date

Book Title

Author

5/1/2010

5/14/2010

Forbidden: The Sacrifice

Samantha Sommersby

5/15/2010

5/28/2010

Heat of Passion

Elle Kennedy

From author Janet Halfmann: “Make a Splash with Books” will run from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the South Milwaukee Library at 1907 10th Ave, South Milwaukee, WI. The free event is a collaboration between the library, South Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Wisconsin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

From author Brenda Novak: One lucky commenter to today’s blog will receive:

One VIP invitation to New York Times Bestselling Authors Brenda Novak and MaryJanice Davidson’s Cyber Launch Party on Thursday, August 5, 2010, 8 p.m. EASTERN TIME on Twitter. Everyone who registers here will receive a Party Pack including free raffle tickets in the snail mail, but VIP ticket holders will receive a DELUXE party pack that includes an autographed copy of WHITE HEAT, a Brenda Novak mini-tote, a special edition Murder Mystery game for 8 women commissioned by Brenda herself and a Love is the Key turquoise and copper bracelet Brenda had designed for members of her fan club. (The winner will be posted in tomorrow’s blog)

Bottom Line: Maybe there’s a Barbara Vey Con in my future…yeah, probably not.

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