Team Writer = Team Reader

Once upon a time, convenience stores offered few choices of beverages for the thirsty traveler - hot coffee or cold soda or beer. Now you walk into a mini-mart and you can choose from an array of different coffees, hot and iced, sodas, waters, juices, frozen drinks, etc. When these alternatives first came on the market, they were from companies we probably never heard of. We gave them a shot and discovered new favorites.

Same with music. There used to be a time you walked into a record store and your choices were limited to what the store's buyer decided to stock. Indie music was only found in friends' garages and at a couple seedy bars downtown. New faves were pretty much decided for you by what was played on the radio. Now you can browse through iTunes, get recommendations based on what you've previously bought, check out others' playlists, search the social media sites and find bands you probably would have never heard of through the old way.

Fortunately, this is the way of books! Libraries and local bookstores are incredibly awesome, but they have limited space. Their buyers must choose which books to stock and usually those choices are limited by what's in the catalogs they receive. At one time, indies could try to hand-sell books straight from their car trunks to local booksellers' hands, but often weren't successful. Without the big budget for traditional marketing and advertising, indies just didn't have enough reach to be able to sell many books.

The Internet, as we know, has changed all that. Now indies can reach readers directly. Now readers can take a chance on an author they never heard of and if they find a new fave, they can spread the word quickly and rampantly. Not just to their local community, but around the world!

The point in all this is that writers have new ways to get their books into readers' hands and readers have new ways to discover authors and broaden their reading scope. It's a win-win!!! And I say all this because of a post I wrote on my other blog about the need for us all to be Team Writer. Because Team Writer equals Team Reader!

I love the stories written by good indie friends, such as Michelle Gregory and Brenda Pandos and I cheer on those who take the indie plunge, such as Anne Riley and C.K. Webb & D.J. Weaver. I tell everyone I know who likes YA to read small press authors Lani Woodland and Meredith S. Wood and I do what I can to spread the word about Jessica Bell's upcoming release. I cheer on big pubbed authors such as Elana Johnson and Tawna Fenske (can't wait for their debut novels!) and celebrate with the writers who go the trad route, like Carolina Valdez Miller who recently landed an agent.

All of these are books and authors I either already love or can't wait to fall in love with. These writers took different roads to publication. None are right or wrong. And if each hadn't taken the path they did, we wouldn't have these wonderful books to enjoy. So let's celebrate Team Writer! After all, a win for Team Writer is a win for Team Reader!

Now go check out that other post. :)

Building a Signed Book Collection?

(ATTN Writers: I have a list of author services, including critiques by agent interns and freelance editors over at the "other" blog.)

For some reason, it wasn't until I became an author that I became interested in collecting signed books. Maybe it's the personal connection I feel to the author, even if I wasn't actually there when they signed. But most of mine, really, were signed specifically for me and those will be the books I cherish forever.

I've met these authors or, at least, chatted with them online. They may not all be uber-famous or NYT bestsellers, but I have a personal connection to them. And having their book signed by them proves it...and something I can hang onto forever.

If you're building a collection of signed books, I invite you to check out all the ones still up for bid in the Indie Authors Relief Fund. You never which of these authors may eventually become an uber-famous bestseller!

#15: Signed Copy of RETURN THE HEART by T.K. RICHARDSON

 

#16: Signed Copy of THE LIGHT OF ASTERIA + Character Name in a Future Kailmeyra Series Book by ELIZABETH ISAACS

 

#19: Signed Copies of GLIMPSE and GLIMMER by STACEY WALLACE BENEFIEL

 

#20: Signed Copy of A LIFE TRANSPARENT + Your Choice of Digital Format by TODD KEISLING

 

#24: Signed Copy of FIRE SEASON by VH FOLLAND

 

#26: Signed Copy of MORAL DILEMMA by RON FEASEL

 

#27: Signed Copy of the Upcoming Release of DREAM SMASHERS by ANGELA CARLIE

 

#28: Signed Copy of THE CHOSEN + Swag by SHEENAH FREITAS

 

#29: Signed One-of-a-Kind Expanded Reprint of MOONLIT DAYDREAMS by REBECCA CARTER

 

#30: Custom Paranormal Romance Hardcover by REBECCA CARTER

 

#31: Signed Copies of THE TETHER and ACCEPT ONE by NICK DAVIS

 

#32: Signed Copy of SHAPESHIFTER - THE DEMO TAPES: YEAR 2 by SUSAN HELENE GOTTFRIED

 

#34: Signed Copy or eBook - Your Choice - of VOYAGERS by K. NAPIER

 

#38-42: Signed Copy of WRECKER by DAVE CONIFER

 

#44: Signed Collection of Books for the Whole Family Donated by SCOTT NICHOLSON

#47: Signed Copy of RESCUE ME by TONI LELAND

 

#48: Signed Copy of YA Book TATTOO: THE AWAKENING by TONI LELAND

 

#49: Signed Copy of DEADLY HERITAGE by TONI LELAND

 

#50: Signed Copy of Paranormal Romance A GARDEN OF SECRETS by TONI LELAND

 

#51: Signed Copy of GAMBLING WITH THE ENEMY by TONI LELAND

 

#52: Signed Copy of HEARTS OVER FENCES by TONI LELAND

 

#53: Signed Copy of WINNING WAYS by TONI LELAND

 

#56: Signed Copies of A DISH SERVED COLD and BONDS OF HATE by ANDREW ASHLING

 

#62: Signed Copy of INSIGHT by JAMIE MAGEE

 

#66: Signed Copy of BLIND TASTING by A.C. HOUSTON

 

Indie Authors Relief Fund - Update

In case you don't know me on Facebook or Twitter, my last few days have been spent putting up auctions for the Indie Authors Relief Fund to benefit Red Cross International's relief efforts for Japan. If you do know me in those places, sorry if I've worn you out with all the feeds. We have over 60 items up for bid!!!

You should check them out. I know there are some authors and books over there that you would love. How do I know? Because there's something for everyone. Seriously. Check it out. Also because if you like paranormal, urban fantasy, romance and/or YA, there are lots of somethings for you. Some examples:

• Signed copies of my own Promise & Purpose in a beach bag stuff full of swag and beach-y items!
• A 10-page critique by me PLUS I'll name a character after the winning bidder, either in book 3 or the novella I'm working on.
• Signed copies of Brenda Pandos' The Emerald Talisman & The Sapphire Talisman PLUS swag PLUS she'll name a character after the winning bidder in The Onyx Talisman.
• Signed copy of Lani Woodland's Intrinsical PLUS she'll name a character after the winning bidder in the third book of the Yara Silver Series, Inevitable.
• Signed copy of Jamie Magee's Insight.
• Signed copy of E.J. Stevens' She Smells the Dead and Spirit Storm, along with a tote bag full of swag.
• Lots, lots more!

Check out all the items here. And hurry! Some of these auctions, including most of the above, end Sunday night at midnight. And while you're over there, we'd love it if you could grab a button or banner to place on your site.

Support for Japan

There are all kinds of things authors and the writing community are doing for the people of Japan. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything to get in on - so many people wanting to help that the groups doing anything filled up their quotas fast. So, I thought, why not do something myself?

And within a few hours, we have Indie Authors Relief Fund, a joint effort of indie authors to raise funds for disaster relief efforts. Our first project, of course, is for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Several indie authors are jumping in with signed books, swag, critiques and other goodies and services. Check it out at

Indie Authors Relief Fund

Auctions have already started and more are being added. So far, authors include me (duh!), Brenda Pandos, E.J. Stevens, Lisa Yarde, Michelle Gregory and more to be added.

Please help us help Japan! And get some awesome goodies in return. If you've already exceeded your contribution limits, you can help by spreading the word. And if you're an indie author and have something you'd like to throw in for an auction, please email me at kristie (at) kristiecook (dot) com.

Thank you!!!

Winner! of Name It! Giveaway

Thank you, everyone, who participated in the Name It! Giveaway! We appreciate your input, ideas and opinions and have (finally!!!!) come up with a title for Book 3. I'll announce it...soon.

Right now, I get to announce the winner! She who has been picked by random.org and wins ebooks of Promise & Purpose, a Soul Savers special edition T-shirt, a print book of The Immortals by J.T. Ellison and a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies calendar is...


drum roll...

Jessy!

(email starts with find jessyhere)

Congratulations!!!

Thanks again, lovelies, for playing along. I'll do another giveaway soon - maybe with the title announcement. So stay tuned! :)

Read an Ebook Week

In case you haven't heard, it's Read an Ebook Week! March 6-12. Authors across the web are giving away or discounting their ebooks. And I won't be left out. So neither will you. :)

Promise is FREE - yes, FREE! Use coupon code RE100 at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/19238

And Purpose is 1/2 off - only $3! Use coupon code RAE50 at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32603

Both coupons are good through March 12. Check out the other great books, too. And please pass the word.

So what new ebook do you plan to read this week? Although I have a stack on my nightstand, I can't not participate. I haven't decided if I'll continue with a series I've started or if I'll check out something completely new and different. There are so many to choose from, I'll just have to see what catches my eye.

Name It! Giveaway

As I've been not-so-subtly hinting here and here, I've been planning a giveaway to celebrate finishing the first draft of Book 3. My problem is that I still don't have a title for this lovely, kick-ass book (yes, it is quite possible to be lovely and kick-ass at the same time). So, I'm going to make the giveaway simple to do, but I request that you use a little of your creative intelligence. You can vote for one of the ideas below or suggest your own.

What do you win? Both Promise & Purpose in ebook format PLUS these fine gifts:

The Immortals by J.T. Ellison, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 2011 Calendar and a Special Edition Soul Savers T-Shirt

To enter:

• Simply comment below with the title you vote for or suggest your own.
• Get an extra entry for posting on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Just let me know you've done it in the comments.
• You MUST be a follower to win.

Title ideas so far:

• Devotion
• Loyalty
• Trust
• Conviction
• Truth

Vote on your favorite or make your own suggestion. What to know:

Rules:

• It must be one word.
• It should be able to finish the sentence "I have..." and have a double meaning.
• It must be an attribute, belief or value, preferably a positive one, like Promise and Purpose.
• It does NOT have to begin with "P". In fact, I'd rather it not. Even I get them mixed up sometimes.
• It can't be "Faith." I have a very good reason for that.

What is it about? Some keywords to tease you and get your creative juices running:

• Betrayal
• Loyalty
• Secrets
• Commitment

Good luck!

Teaser Tuesday - Giveaway!

Coming Soon! A Giveaway!

I'll be announcing a contest/giveaway on Friday. It will be quick and easy, so don't miss out. Check back in Friday for the details. Part of that contest/giveaway requires your opinion on the title for Book 3. I'll make a couple suggestions but would love to hear any others. So...today's teaser isn't really a line or excerpt. What you get is a few keywords about the story so you can start thinking about possible title ideas.

Rules:

• It must be one word.
• It should be able to finish the sentence "I have..." and have a double meaning.
• It must be an attribute, belief or value, preferably a positive one, like Promise and Purpose.
• It does NOT have to begin with "P". In fact, I'd rather it not. Even I get them mixed up sometimes.
• It can't be "Faith." I have a very good reason for that.

What is it about? Some keywords to tease you and get your creative juices running:

• Betrayal
• Loyalty
• Secrets
• Commitment

Start jotting ideas and come back Friday to learn how you can win prizes!