Mom & Dad... World War II

 Hap & Smitty

When I had lunch the other day with Kristina McMorris, we talked about WWII (that's World War II to you younger ones) and it made me think about my folks. Mom and Dad were both in the Army Air Corp. Mom was editor for the camp newspaper and my dad was the dashing pilot instructor. Back in the early days of the war the US didn't have enough pilots so every fly boy they recruited was stationed somewhere to train 18 year olds to fly. Scary, huh? Anyway, dad was up with one of his students, something went wrong, and the plane crashed. Dad ended up in the hospital and my mom went to interview him for the paper. They fell in love. Anyway, Kristina's story Letters From Home really brought that home to me in a big way. In fact, it inspired me enough to set aside some time to do research, so we'll see what happens. In the meantime, Kristina's book is amazing and I highly recommend it.


Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

Promo Links for Romance Writers

3/24/11

In preparing for my promo campaign for my books this year, I thought I’d share the review/book sites that I found during my journey. This is by no means a full list. The first listing is the most amazing review list I’ve ever seen. Please Note: Most of these sites are for romances, so, my apologizes to my non-romance friends. However, I’ve starred the ones that do more than romance. I promise when I do another fantasy/sci-fi, I’ll put up another list for you.

Please feel free to add to this list or just post with a link and I’ll add it. M:o)

http://promo-reminder.blogspot.com/p/review-sites.html

All Romance eBooks

BittenByBooks

Coffeetime Romance         

Dear Author    

Enduring Romance           

Eye on Romance   

Fallen Angels            

Fresh Fiction  

Goddess Fish Productions

Joyfully Reviewed   

Literary Nymphs

Long & Short           

Love Romance Novels      

Lovers of Romance           

Manic Readers         

Night Owl

Novel Sisterhood

Pen & Muse  

Romance Junkies  

Romance Novel TV  

Romance Review     

Romance Room       

Romance Studio

Romantic Times  

She Writes 

Smart Bitches

Talking Two Lips    

Wicked Pixie

List of Romance Promo Sites...

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
How much do you think authors pay for their promotion?
A. $10
B. $100
C. $1,000
D. $10,000
E. They just mooch off friends.




THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

Today was dedicated entirely to promotion and man! It is amazing how much time this takes. But the good news is I had a wonderful lunch with one of my favorite friends and authors, Kristina McMorris (Letter From Home Author). She gave me lots of tips and we ate yummy Macaroni Grill delicacies...

So here's the deal; I am now the proud owner of an AMAZING list of promo site resources and I'm going to put them in a word doc and post it over at FB on my Writers Room, Tips, Tricks, & Traumas. If you join the group, you can download the list. I will have it up on the site in the AM (sometime before 9am - I think).

Hey, we got a tax refund today too! Dinner out, ya'll!

Ta!~

Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

PERILS OF PROMO & POSTINGS

(Don't forget - If you comment on my any of my blog posts this week, you'll have a chance to win a book!)
 
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
How far would you go to get the word out?
A. Not beyond my door.
B. Paste a note on my car window.
C. Scream it at the top of your lungs at 2:30 in the morning.
D. Run naked with a sign held above your head that says: "Hey! Look at me!"

Thursday, March 23rd
I did a bunch of promo stuff today. When I've done this in the past, I didn't have any money, so it was fairly simple; you continuously bother everyone you know telling them to buy your book, let you blog on their website, or post PROMO: announcements on every Yahoo Group, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc., etc., etc., you can get your hands on. This year I have a little money to spend and OMG (INFINITY) its like all those things magnified a hundred times. You have to contact the sites, find out about pricing, pick from a wonderful plethora of posting choices, get your book edited so you can turn it in early to get a review, get the book cover from you publisher, answer interview questions, write up about a thousand articles about yourself, and many, many much more disturbing things... and all of it has to be done in advance. Kind of hard when you're still working on the book! Anyway... that's what I've been doing today. You guys are going to be soooo sick of me by the end of the year!

Tomorrow is writing day... oh, and lunch with a wonderful author (I'm not worthy) Kristina McMorris, who has been an amazing mentor to me... Ta! :o)

Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

Reviewing the Reviewers - NightOwl Romance

I have been busy this week setting up promo, blogs, and ads for my books coming out this year and it dawned on me: There are all these amazing sites out there that provide invaluable information to readers and writers alike, yet I hardly ever see them get reviewed. I'm going to try to change that. Once a week I will review a web site that I particularly like. I'm starting with...

I had the best lunch today with Tammy over at Night Owl Romance. I met her a couple of years ago when she first joined Rose City Romance here in Portland and instantly liked this wonderful lady. She and her husband have worked hard to make this one of the premier romance review sites on the internet. In fact, they are expanding rapidly into other genres as well; Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA, Suspense, Erotica, and Paranormal.Here is just a taste of what they have to offer:

Science Fiction | Teen | Romance | Paranormal | Suspense | Erotica | Mainstream Reviews | Magazine | Contests | Web Hunts | Interviews | Author Sites | Chat | Blog | Promo | Free Reads | Contact

 

Tammy and her DH work tirelessly to get information out to the readers about the books that are coming out and help the writers get the word out. If you are a reader, I HIGHLY recommend this site; there is absolutely something for everyone. And if you're a writer, I HIGHLY recommend that you use this site and often. Thanks for a great lunch, Tammy! You are an angel...

Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

STUNNING SHIPS & STOIC SACRIFICE...

 (Don't forget - If you comment on my blog this week you will be entered into a drawing to win a book!)

QUESTION OF THE DAY?
What is the role of a mentor in your story?
A. He should die poignantly so that his death propels the hero onto his journey.
B. He should sacrifice himself to the powers that be so the rest of the companions can move on?
C. He should find another job and move to Canada.
D. He should kill the hero and switch sides.

Which do you think my mentor did today?

TUESDAY, MARCH 22ND - 48K (8K since Sunday)

Researched: Egyptian and Roman Merchant ships, scabbards, map, maps, oh, and more maps, library at Alexandria (not in my book, but was distracted for a while), the port of Rutupiae (where the Romans landed and did their shipping in Britannia), reading livers, praying to Asklepios, and harbors.

The ship in the picture above is actually a form of my pirate ship... oops, I've said too much! Never mind. ~whistles~ I have come to the realization that writers are, after all, sadists. We torture our creations, make them suffer horribly, and then... torture them some more. And we smile all the way through, especially if the torture is particular gruesome. Sadists. 

Tomorrow, one of the first big reveals is going to happen... but not tonight.Been writing since 7:30 this AM and am ready for some mind foam... Ta~! :o)


Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

TRAUMA & DRAMA...

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Who would you go out with first?
A. A gladiator?
B. A Roman soldier?
C. A Greek doctor?
D. An ancient pirate captain?
Which, beside the gladiator, do you think is a good guy in my book?



MONDAY, MARCH 21st

So, I went in for my interview and I start back at my old job (but with new duties) starting on Monday. I had some wonderful advice and really appreciate everyone who responded, but I think there's a lot to be said about having money. I, for one, am all for it. Plus, I get to work with some very amazing people whom I really miss (you know who you are).

Because I have to start on Monday, this week is going to be a marathon. I have to finish my book (up to 46K as of right now, so only about 40K more to go - Yikes!!), get all my marketing set up, get my house in order (well, more order), and say goodbye to sleeping in, work outs when the gym is empty, and shopping on Tuesdays. ~Goodbye~ I am still jazzed...

Didn't have to do any research today (already know lots about Roman soldiers). My heroine got in big trouble today, the hero rescued her (better late than never), they now have three bodies buried behind them that will be found before they are out of the country, and my hero is being stoic... again! My mentor's number may be up tomorrow... we shall see. Oh, and I added tabs to my blog page ~squee~ I'm so good!

Tomorrow all...

Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

CROSSROADS & OTHER CUNUNDRUMS

SUNDAY, MARCH 20TH - FIRST DAY OF SPRING

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
If you had a choice of not working for a year or taking a job and being able to go to England and/or Italy, which would you choose? 

Decided to take the day "off" (from writing - still had to clean house, do laundry, etc.) and watch the "House" marathon. Don't know why I like this show so much; he's such an arrogant bastard and really has nothing to recommend him, but we are all attracted to that, aren't we. Especially, in our choice of entertainment. Readers cheer for the good guys, but always have a little something in their hearts for the bad guys, if the piece is well written. Every character, no matter how bad he is is always the hero of his own story. Something to contemplate next time I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

There are always decisions to make when we reach a crossroad... I have one tomorrow. Wish me luck...

Minnette Meador
www.minnettemeador.com

Deflowering, Acrobats & Cooking Utensils

SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH, 2011:

TODAY'S QUESTION:
How would you deflower a virgin?
A.Pop goes the weasel?
B. Leave her a virgin and sleep with her sister?
C. Gently, softly, slowly and many other "ly's" too numerous to mention?
D. Hire someone else to do it?
My Hero does it one of these ways... Can you guess which?

Had a good day today. Portland was sunny and fine, did a lot of writing, and even got to walk the mall, including getting 1/2 lbs of Sees Candy. For those of you who don't know, one of the best candies in the world. I first bought these when I was in downtown Portland singing in The Piccadilly Room at the Benson Hotel in the early seventies (yes, I was a teenager then). One day, I will write about that interesting part of my life, but not today.

Did lots of research today about deflowering a virgin, how prevalent acrobats were in ancient Rome, and whether they used metal in their cooking pots and pans. The answers to all were fascinating...

Wrote my first full sex scene in the book (there is a bit of foreplay earlier in the book, never worry) and I'm exhausted. If anyone tells you it is easy to write sex, they are deranged. It is extremely difficult, time consuming, and frustrating - on many, many different levels. I can't even imagine how erotica writers do it (write sex scenes, that is)... Anyway, up to 42K and counting. So that's 2K today...


Going to watch movies, eat chocolate, and open my windows to enjoy the sun (not necessarily in the order).

Minnette Meador
World Weaver...
www.minnettemeador.com

Poison, Swords & Daggers

(CONTEST: Comment on any of my blog posts for this week and you could win a free book)


QUESTION OF THE DAY: (My heroine did one of these things today)
If armed bandits came upon you in the woods, which would you do:
A. Run around in circles screaming, "Mama, mama?"
B. Ask the bandit what he was doing later?
C. Sell your little brother and split the proceeds?
D. Hit him on the head with two amphora filled with wine?

I have been told, reminded, and nagged that my blog should reflect my personality. I would have to write it, tear it into itty bitty pieces and throw it up in the air, singing torch songs and citing lines from The Tempest to get even close to my personality. I have struggled for years on what to do with this amazing white elephant; write about books, I've done that. Write about research, done that too. Bare my soul to millions... all right, thousands? Trust me, that's not anything you want to see... So, I'm going to bare something, but it won't be my soul...


Friday, March 18, 2011
Worked out on the treadmill at the gym for 65 minutes until my legs resembled jello shots. Do I like to work out? Hell no! Do I want to work out? Ditto. Do I want to be healthy? Hmmm... I guess. It's a good thing my trainer is good looking. A distraction anyway...

Then I went to meet with a publicist. She was kind and didn't even laugh at me when I told her my ideas about marketing... I thought the clown a very good idea and we could have gotten him cheap. All right, taking City Hall hostage was a bit over the top, but it would get everyone's attention, right? I had to fire the camera crew. If this lovely lady can make me look good, then I will start a new religion, I swear.

Okay, I did write today and researched... Let's see: ancient medicine, Roman poisons, British poisons, medicinal herbs, and Celtic daggers and swords. Oh, and I did severely wound one character,  beat up a bandit, gave my heroine some spine, and even made my gladiator make googly eyes. Not bad for a couple of hours. Of course, I may change it all tomorrow. Damn Muse can't make up her frickin' mind!  ~Being a goddess is such a chore ~yawn~.

Tomorrow brings surgery, shouting matches, and sex... lots and lots of sex. All of this for my book, folks... all though... (If my children are reading, just skip this part.) Going over to participate in my two friends book club on FB - good luck Delle & Sue! And then Sunday going over to participate in a self-publishing discussion. Now THAT'S going to be interesting... I'll tell you how it turns out...


Goodnight all... M:o)

Minnette Meador
www.minnettemeador.com

More Trailers to Vote On…

More Trailers to Vote On…

Rose City Romance Spring Intensive - 3 Agents/3 Editors

**Permission to forward**

Come join us in the beautiful Northwest April 22 through April 24, 2011 for a weekend focused on meeting and talking with agents/editors and learning all the career and professional challenges, tips and information that make up the wonderful world of the publishing industry. Check out the information on our website HERE for hotel information and a schedule of events.

Here’s whose coming:

Agents:

Barbara Poelle – Irene Goodman Literary Agency

Alexandra Machinist – Linda Chester Literary Agency

Abigail Koons – Park Literary Agency

Editors:

Leis Pederson – Berkley Publishing Group

Amanda Bergeron – Avon/HarperCollins

Tracy Martin – Harlequin

To keep this an intimate event for registrants, this event is being capped at 150 so please get your reservations in early.

Hope you can join us for a fun-filled, relaxing weekend spent with industry professionals in a setting designed to get you the most contact with agents and editors – you are guaranteed to meet the agent and editor of your choice or all of them – whatever your pleasure.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the email below.

Sincerely,

 

Kimberly Wollenburg

President, Rose City Romance Writers

president@rosecityromancewriters.com

Centurion Video Up on Pen & Muse - How to Vote

The Centurion video is over at Pen & Muse. I would love to have your vote, but there are a lot of great videos over there. For those of you who haven't done one yet, this might give you some ideas, too. Thanks! M:o)

PS - Make sure you do the following if you want to vote:

Make sure to email your request at thepenmuse(at)gmail.com.

They have received several comments instead of emails.

These were counted solely for today, but in the future will not count.

I got a vote, but it was put in the comments and that doesn't count... thanks! Minnette :o)

Minnette Meador

World Weaver...

www.minnettemeador.com

Centurion Video Up on Pen & Muse - The Vote is Open

The Centurion video is over at Pen & Muse. I would love to have your vote, but there are a lot of great videos over there. For those of you who haven't done one yet, this might give you some ideas, too. Thanks! M:o)

PS - Make sure you do the following if you want to vote:

Make sure to email your request at thepenmuse(at)gmail.com.

They have received several comments instead of emails.

These were counted solely for today, but in the future will not count.

I got a vote, but it was put in the comments and that doesn't count... thanks! Minnette :o)

Minnette Meador

World Weaver...

www.minnettemeador.com

The Centurion & The Queen Video...

Winner of Covey Award for Most Artistic Trailer

THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN: Marius is disciplined, precise, as cold as his armor. A twenty-five year veteran, the Centurion is dedicated to the principles of Rome. No one had ever dared to challenge his command… until now. Queen Delia struggles to save her dying Celtic people, fight to lead in a world dominated by savage men. The last thing she expects is to feel her body craving the touch of an enemy. The revolution that sparks their desire rips her from his arms. They find themselves on opposing sides, in love, and unable to stop the future.

THE EDGE OF HONOR: (Sequel to The Centurion & The Queen) The Boudicca revolt has been squelched, the tribes of the Iceni and the Trinovantes have been exterminated by the Roman Governor of Britannia, Suetonius. He has sworn his revenge on the remaining tribes for the Celtic insolence. Marius gave up his allegiance to Rome for the woman he loves, but now must fight to save her dying people. In the end, it may be more than their love or their lives they lose.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - "I was engrossed by The Centurion and the Queen, and didn't put it down."

SIMPLY ROMANCE REVIEWS - "Historical novels especially historical Romance tend to fall within fairly set parameters and usually tend to be a bit cliché. This story breaks out of those parameters and destroys the clichés with a truly refreshing story of love in ancient Britannia."

FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS - "Minnette Meador adeptly weaves in Roman and Celtic words and references [in the Edge of Honor], adding realism to this harsh world. Fans of The Centurion and the Queen will not be disappointed."
 
NIGHTOWL ROMANCE - "I encourage you to try out Minnette’s work and see how enmeshed you will become in her wonderful settings. …this book pulled me in and I read it in two sittings…”

Starsight Video...

STARSIGHT I: Trenara never thought she would have to guide a student she loved to become a messiah, but it is the only way this second trial Starguider can salvage her world.

 “[Starsight] is one powerful and imaginative fantasy adventure novel with many nice touches...there is magic galore, and challenge galore; nothing comes easy. It's the first of a series, and it should do well...” Piers Anthony

STARSIGHT II: Trenara no longer trusts the power that has turned the boy she once loved into a man she no longer understands. He frightens her. Will Joshan use the power to rescue his world or will a new tyrant sit upon Sirdar’s throne? Second volume in the Starsight Series

“This is a Typhoid Mary of a book, from a writer to watch." Spider Robinson

UPCOMING RELEASES IN THE SERIES:

Starsight III: The Restless Seeds
Starsight IV: Prequel – The God Wars