When To Announce A New Release

If your publisher gives you a date then it should be okay to shout it out to everyone. When it comes to putting out your own books this can be a little more difficult. You upload the books at retailers and wait for them to go live.

Amazon and NookPress have a 12-48 hour window.

Smashwords and D2D distribute to retailers for you. I haven't used D2D, so I don't really know how they work. With Smashwords you go live on their site right away, but it can take a few days for it to show at the other online retailers.

ARe goes live right away too.

My plan is to load at Amazon, Nook, and Smashwords at the same time. Once I get word that the book is live at Amazon and Barnes and Noble I'll upload to ARe.

I'm guessing if you do pre-orders the files would all be there and ready to go. I haven't tried pre-orders so maybe someday I'll figure that out.

Before I focus on pre-orders I'm going to spend my time deciding how I want to set up my first box set. I'm going to be doing the first three books in the Heiresses In Aprons Series. I'll post more about this experiment over the next week.

Join Or Don't Join

That is my question of the day?
So what am I considering joining?

Here's my list:
      RWA
      New England RWA Chapter
      Some other romance focused writing group
     

What do I already belong to?
As I mentioned before I'm a member of Romance Divas.

I'm a member of a local writer collaborative. It's multi-genres and so far I haven't found it to be super helpful. But I think maybe it's because I haven't discover a way use it to my advantage.

I did just join a sprinting group on FB, so we'll see how that goes.

Since I write mainly Contemporary Romance and Romantic Comedies I need to find a support system that is going to help me become a better writer (because we all want that) and helo me promote my genres better.

Still thinking. Will make a decision and post about it later.

Planning, Planners & Goals= My Year Of Productivity, Accountability and Discoverability

This is it! I've been working on this for about a month and have 6 days to finalize all my plans and goals for next year. I'm starting January 1st for a few reasons. 

First- I want to give myself the full year to pull this off- I have some major plans. There's weekly, monthly, quarterly and of course the final yearly goal I fully plan to meet. I have so many personal, writing, and financial things I want- no I WILL accomplish this year.

Second- My daughter got me a Passion Planner for Christmas, but it wont be here until some time in January. I have printed temp pages to use until it gets here. When it gets here I'll do a whole post about it and how I plan to use it.

Third- I'm going to do weekly end of the week post here to keep track of everything.

I know plans don't always work out. Some goals are unattainable (or at least they seem like it). And there are a lot, I mean tons of aspects, you just can't control. But I'm determined not to let any of that get me down. I need to do something to keep myself moving forward!

Realizations: Good & Bad

Last night and tonight were filled with lots of issues.

I'm going to start with the GOOD. After some deep thought last night, while I started to pack up my office, I figured out why my current story wasn't working. It took a few hours but I was able to revamp the chapter points and decide how to fix it. So good by original first chapter and hello new beginning!

Another GOOD I chatted with some great authors tonight at Coffee Time Romance. Check out @LauraLeeLenhoff and @AndreaRCooper on Twitter and Facebook. We talked about branding and books.

Now for the BAD. I had to spend almost an hour fixing the links on the book list on my website. All my Pink Petal (Jupiter Gardens) titles weren't working.

Branding: How Much Do I Suck!

I'm not sure, but I'm going to figure it out starting now. Since I decided to be completely, 100% honest with this blog I'm going to just say whatever comes to mind. Starting with this topic.

Branding is an issue for a lot of people. Companies, artist, and ordinary people all want to be recognized for what they stand for. As an author for me it's how get someone to look at my books as a cohesive group. I want people who read any of my books to say yup that was on of Rita's books.

So what are the questions I need to answer myself to see if I can do this?

What do all my books have in common?
Well hopefully they're fun. I like to laugh. So even though there are some serious moments I don't think the books are too heavy. So I try to give my readers it all. Romance, Passion, and Laughter.

Do people even know who the hell I am?
This comes down to discoverability and promo. I'm working on this topics as well, but again I have to get my ass in gear and figure this shit out!

How the hell do I make readers take notice?
That's the million dollar question. I'm not one of those authors who start shit. Meaning if I don't have something nice to say I try not to say anything. I often hear about authors behaving badly and I never want to be one of those. On the other hand I need to step up and shout hey here I am.

I know there's so many more things that affect me and my writing and sales. For now I'm going to have to focus on these three and decide where to go.

New Release:Pampered, Polished & Playful

New Release! Yes, it's finally here.

Pampered, Polished & Playful is available now.

When Tiffany Craig’s father served her with an ultimatum to go to college or he’d cut her off she knew the last thing he expected was for her to turn the tables on him. Sick of her entire family looking down on her she does just that by issuing a threat of her own. Her mother and sister were annoyed that they were going to have to take her place on the charity boards and foundations she sat on in her family’s name. Her father could change that by just taking back his demand. She knew he wouldn’t do that. So Tiffany was going to live her life the way she wanted.

Tiffany and Ace Fentonworth don’t have the best first meeting, or second, or third, but each time she ends up in his arms with his mouth on hers. Ace had no idea what it was about Tiffany Craig that drew him in. Whatever it was it also turned him into a first class jerk, but he couldn’t stay away from her even when he tried. The more he was around her the less he wanted to. Nothing about her made any sense and Ace wanted to find out why. He knows the only way he’s going to figure it out is to spend more time with her.

But could they work past their assumptions about each other and find out why they couldn’t stay away from each other?

Get your copy at Amazon, ARe, Smashwords, B&N and other e-retailers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Authors After Featured Author Interview: Rita Sawyer. Hey! That's Me!

AAD Featured Author Interview: Rita Sawyer

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Rita Sawyer!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
No. I’ve been coming back each year since I attended in Secaucus NJ back in 2010.

What brings you back to AAD?
For me AAD has it all. Approachable authors, fun book loving readers, and an atmosphere that is designed to bring them all together.

So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
I’ll be found hanging out in the lobby.

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
It would depend on what they were in the mood for. If someone’s look for a few quick reads with romance and laughter I’d have them check out my romantic comedy anthology Being Naughty Can Be Fun. If they want something hot and steamy then my Brazen Sister Series would come to mind, but a little less steamy go with the Heiresses In Aprons Series.

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!
I’m not hosting, but I am taking part in Game’s With Gooden And The Gang. You play games collect tickets and WIN prizes. I’ll have 2 games going. A Wheel of DOOM, and Ticket Pong. I'll also be a part of the Friday lunch. I've got some cool swag, free books, and someone get's to win the centerpiece from my table.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’m on the Contemporary Romance, Humor, and Blue Collar Hero.


If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
I’m not much of drinker, but when I do fuzzy Navel is my go to.

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?
Complete and utter randomness. I look for stuff that’s different and fun.


We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I’ll have the first three on Heiresses In Aprons Series and a random assortment of my other titles.

Where can readers find you?
Website: www.RitaSawyer.com
Blog: Reflections From A Romance Writer On The Loose
FaceBook
Twitter: @ritasawyer

Authors After Dark I'll be there! Will you?

Authors After Dark is coming QUICKLY and OMG this year is
going to be INSANE!

As always AAD is about the readers, and the amount of
awesome we have put together for you this year, you would be INSANE not to
attend….

First, our amazing Master of Ceremonies is none other than
Alexandra Ivy! She will be doing a cool little event to celebrate your favorite
gargoyle, Levet on Friday! Wanna know more? Check out FB group

where Alex will be talking about the awesome that she has going on!

Torquere and authors BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot will be
Sponsoring our Welcome event, the Midnight Rodeo… And it looks like We will
have some VERY COOL goodies and… Riding… happening… *SNICKER*

How about Parties? This year we have a special event called
the Leather and Lace Ball! Curious? We thought so! Take a ride on the wild side and let your
inhibitions fly with five New York Times Bestselling Authors of erotic romance.
Cuffs and corsets encouraged.

With:

J. Kenner, Liliana Hart, Carly Phillips, Janelle
Denison, Jasinda Wilder and Lorelei James

The ladies will be talking more about
this on the FB group starting soon!

New for 2014 is the Paranormal Party!
Join over 20 Paranormal authors who will be giving away goodies, some books and
hanging out with you to snack and chat! Wanna know what authors are involved?
You will have to join the FB group to see!

 

And of course, we have the amazing
Masquerade Ball! This year it’s the SINS AND VIRTUES BALL! Are you a sin or a
virtue? Join us for a wild costumed event! Prizes for the best costumes,
including a 200$ gift certificate to Lori Ann Costumes!

Your Sins and Virtues Sponsors:

Sin
Lust

Boone Brux

Opal Carew



Sin Pride

BA Tortuga

Andrew Grey



Sin Envy

Stella Price

TJ Michaels



Sin Gluttony

Desiree Holt

Saranna DeWylde



Sin Greed

Ann Mayburn

Heather Long



Sin Sloth

Lizzie T. Leaf

Julie Morgan



Sin Wrath

Stacey Kennedy

Marianne Morea



Virtue Charity

Kerry Adrienne

Trista Ann



Virtue Chastity

Jenn LeBlanc

Annabel Jospeh



Virtue Humility

Milly Taiden

Donna McDonald



Virtue Kindness

CJ Ellisson

Alexandra Ivy



Virtue Temprance

J. Kenner

Sidney Bristol



Virtue Diligence

Denise Grover Swank

Jenna McCormick



Virtue Patience

Lousia Bacio

Kallypso masters

And if THAT isn’t enough awesome that will be going on… This
year we have an amazing off site costumed event… the Ladies on the Green event
sponsored by the AAD Anachronistic Society! This will be an hour and a Half on
the famous GREEN in Charlotte (a half block from the hotel). It will be a
Costumed event (though Costumes are not required they are encouraged!) to
celebrate Gothic, Victorian, steampunk dark historical literature! Your hosts
will be: Sahara Kelly, Amanda McIntyre, Leanna Renee Hieber, A.L. Davroe and
S.A. Price. Prizes and readings will happen, as well as photo ops!

And NEVER forget the Amazing Open bar with Mel Schroeder and
friends! They have SO MUCH awesome set up for you just before the Bookies… you
do NOT wanna miss that!

Getting excited yet? How about some info on the AWESOME mini
events we have going on? Ready?

On Wed. Night,  Join
Sasha White and Joey W. Hill for a wild party and Q&A, Also, the Blind Date
Book Party will be open to start your con right! (If you have never done a
BDBP, you are MISSING out! You need to attend, Get your blind date book, find
the author that wrote it, and hang out with them!)

Thursday?  Panels up
the wazoo, and the Bookie Awards----- goodies and books to be given out! The
hangout with The GNO girls lead by CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux for some crazy
fun! And if that wasn’t enough?  Readings
and a Blogger Sleepover party as well!

Friday? More panels, a games carnival with Nina Gooden and
Pals, Name that Author with Cat Johnson, and some other fun surprises!

Saturday? A few panels, the Big ass booksigning with 100
authors,  the  Cowboy Stampede party, the

Readers Mad Tea Party with Hildie McQueen, An after the bookies event with a
special publisher sponsor, And Jess Michaels’ Birthday extravaganza!

SEE? SO MUCH AWESOME! All the authors that are involved with
parties will be talking about their involvement on the FB group, so join up and
get ready to rock.

Oh? You say you’re not registered for AAD yet? You need to
be! All registrants get put in the hat for the welcome party prizes, and these
prizes are AMAZING! Breakfast with authors, Booze and Books, side trips to
Carrowwinds…. We have a minimum of 90 special prizes…. So…

You need to rock this con! And as if this wasn’t enough….
AAD will be giving away something really awesome to registrants…. Wanna know
what?

 

How about 5 VIP registrations for THE NOVEL EXPERIENCE 2015
in LAS VEGAS? YES… 5!

And…

 

How about this… If we hit 100 more registrations from TODAY
April 10^th to June 10^th, we will give away 2 AAD
registrations for 2015…  2!!!!! So get
registered, get your room and get ready for one HELL of an amazing year with
us!

 JOIN US! WE CANT WAIT TO HANGOUT WITH YOU!

AAD REGISTRATION

Day 3. Slight back slide, and Next Goal.

I'd love to say I got the office finished and wrote a lot. Hell if I was going to lie like that I could say I wrote a whole new novel.

However the truth is I spent the day trying to stay awake. Off and on over the past few weeks I've felt yucky. This brings us to my next goal. With diabetes I should be watching what I eat and getting plenty of exercise. Both things I have been slacking on.

I know my tiredness and dragging feeling has a lot to do with this. So it's back to an eating schedule. Eating at regular intervals seems to help, but that's not enough. I need to start monitoring what I eat, and cutting out a bunch of stuff I know I shouldn't have. Drinking more water is on my list too.



My 1st attempt at Etouffee

I've decided that I'm going to try 1 new recipe a week. If your a friend Facebook you've probably seen me post food pictures there when I try something new. Over the past few years I have found a few great recipes the whole family likes. I think I'll make them on Fridays since the whole family is usually home then. So on Saturdays I'll post picture and nutritional content. Along with that I'll let you know what the family thinks.


Me with Diana Castilleja at Authors After Dark in
New Orleans in 2012

As for exercise I'm going to use the stationary bike my hubby bought me a few years ago. On nice days my son has offered to walk with me. I weigh 263lbs as of today. Hopefully by August I'll have lost at least 60lbs.
Wish me luck!!!

I should be cleaning, but...

I know I said just yesterday that I was going to work on getting my office clean and organized. I'm sticking to that, but today I spent cleaning out my computer instead.

I went through over a dozen plot ideas I had typed up. I trashed a few, but most of them still sounded good so I just moved them all into a plot bunny folder. There were a select few that I kept out thinking maybe they might work sooner rather than later.

Then I organized all my royalty statements from my different publishers. I'm pretty good about keeping track of them so I just needed to print the few I missed.

I'll admit I  did sneak online a couple of times. I managed to order a couple of promotional items for the two events I'm attending this year. The Novel Experience Event and Authors After Dark. I can't wait to get together with readers and other authors.

If you're an aspiring author or a reader looking to mix and mingle with a wide range of authors, industry people and other terrific readers I'd suggest checking both of these events out.


Now back to work for me. Sweet dream and Happy reading!

Today's Find

I hit the jackpot! Since I have big feet (size eleven and a bit wide) and bad heels finding shoes is a hassle for me. My doctor has instructed me to stick with cross trainers, which is why you'll rarely ever find me in high heels. So today I went out with the hubster to find us each a pair of new sneakers. Low and behold I came across two pairs that I liked and that fit!! I have no idea of the odds of that happening, but I'll say I'm of an age and it has never happened before. While I was still debating on which pair to buy hubby was holding the boxes. I turned around and he was gone. I found him standing by the door with a bag. He bought them both. That's love! Seriously. He didn't make me choose or even ask me to.

How I Spent My Monday Off

 So yesterday my hubby and I spent the day driving up to Vermont. Why? Well to visit Ben and Jerry's. To be honest I slept most of the way up there, but every so often I'd wake up and enjoy the view. We took the factory tour, which was really cool because one of the machines was malfunctioning and we got to see them fix it.

 At the end you get to taste the flavor of the day. We were extra lucky and got to taste a new flavor that isn't even out yet. It's Salted Caramel Brownie. Not being a big fan of caramel I tried it then gave the rest to hubby who really liked it.

I also taste the Late Night Snack, made in honor of Jimmy Fallon. It has potato chips in it. Then we grabbed and ice cream, I got the Coconut Seven Layer Bar and hubs got a chocolate peanut flavor, headed to the flavor graveyard.


It was cool to see all the headstones with epitaphs. They had the dates, and descriptions of flavors. As an author I love  exploring new places that I can possibly use in future books. This time I saw this saying and thought it was a great motto to have. 

Thursday 13: Optimism

Feeling a bit optimistic today so I thought I'd share a symbol of this for everyone to see. My niece Britt loves elephants. 

 She has collected dozens of them.

From what I've heard

if the elephants trunk

is up it's a symbol of good luck,

fortune,

and optimism.

 So here are 13 signs of:

 Stability

 Patience

Honor

 

     

Strength

My New Release

The Millionaire's Fake Fiancée

 available from

Pink Petal Books

           Harley Taizer wasn’t used to dealing with her greedy parents. They’d never wanted her and had made it perfectly clear by giving her to her grandfather the day she'd been born. It’s funny how things change when money is involved. Discovering her trust fund, her parents show up demanding she give them the money. Afraid of just how far his son and daughter in-law will go, her grandfather brings in a security specialist to help.

          Kasper Drake hasn’t met a trust fund baby he liked, though he is one himself. Upon meeting his uncle’s newest client he’s willing to throw all his preconceived notions out the window. He’s trying to get Harley to admit to their fierce attraction when her father shows up demanding to know Kasper's identity. She tells him that he’s her fiancée. Kasper latches onto her lie hoping to make her see how good it could be.

Read more HERE

New Review

Emily at SensualReads.com gave 8 Ways Onto The Naughty List 4.5 stars.

"A sweet story, it was very amusing how Patsy decides she is going to get Dexter to fire her without jeopardizing his clients of course, she comes up with some very creative ways to drive him crazy."



You can read the entire review at SensualReads.com
 
 

And just in case you missed it

 

 Monica at Happily Ever After Reviews gave Uncommonly Brazen book 4 in my Brazen Sister Series 4.5 tea cups.
 
"This book is just amazing...You will not regret reading this book not even for a minute."
 
You can read the entire review at Happily Ever After Reviews

It's New Release Time.

My newest release is now available from Pink Petal Books. 

8 Ways Onto The Naughty List by Rita Sawyer

erotic contemporary romance
novella (approx. 28000 words)
ISBN# 978-0-9834199-4-5
Cover Art by Valerie Tibbs


For two years, Patsy had been working for, and lusting after, her boss, Dexter. Unable to keep hiding her feelings she tries to quit, but her boss refuses to let her out of her contract. Furious, she devises a plan to get herself fired, but everything she does fails to make him mad. She even goes as far as coming onto him, but instead of firing her, he says he wants to take things between them to a more personal level. Now she’s wondering if he’s serious or just trying to keep his assistant?


Buy or read HERE

Inspiration For My New Release.

Falling Hard and Fast is a fun light-hearted story. The idea for the story came about in a kind of weird way. You see my daughter has this cat named Zombie that plays an important part in this story.

His name of course has been changed to protect the innocent.

He's an adorable, but huge cat (Maine coon). Zombie has his issues. To start with he thinks he's the ruler of our little kingdom. Being the only male cat we have may be why. The whole house is his territory with no room or area off limits including my desk.

 His biggest flaw is he's a total affection whore. I mean that in the nicest possible way. I'll give you just a couple of examples of what I'm talking about. When you're walking through the house he will run in front of you a lay down at your feet. This means pick me up. Preferrably right away.

If you standing still talking to someone and you wiggle your fingers in front of you chest he will launch himself up into your arms. Cool trick right? There is a down side though, because he does this at times when you're not ready and believe me those claws of his are sharp. There have also been times when people have turned their backs on him. Bad idea! If you're cooking he has a tendancy to grab onto your pants and try to climb up and see what you're doing.

You can find out more at Pink Petal Books

Or watch this fun trailer Falling Hard and Fast Trailer