Avoiding the slush pile + a giveaway from author Christina Hollis

Christina Hollis

Christina Hollis has enjoyed a highly successful career as a published author since 2007, and I am delighted she is here today to share her secrets for navigating an editor or agent's slush pile.

By the way, at the end of today’s post is a chance to win a copy of Christina’s latest book as well as the winners of Tracy Sumner’s novels TIDES OF PASSION and TIDES OF LOVE.

And now here's Christina!

Many people get the urge to write, and all that inspiration has to go somewhere. Thirty years ago, the phenomenon of the slush pile was confined to publishers' offices. Hopeful authors would send off their precious typed manuscripts to be read, in the hope they would become the next Big Thing.

Awash in such a sea of talent, publishers tried to reduce the size of their slush piles by accepting submissions only via agents. This introduced a primary sifting of wheat from chaff, and agents developed their own slush piles as the work came in faster than it could be read.

These days, with Internet publishing accessible to everyone, you might think the slush pile is a thing of the past. That isn't necessarily so. It simply means that anyone can get their work online, and your precious manuscript now has to fight for recognition alongside What I Dun On Me Olidays and The Diary of Chairman (insert the name of your worst enemy here): Part MCMX.

Here are a few pointers to help you make your work stand out, in the best possible way:

UK cover

HAVE A BRILLIANT IDEA

Easier said than done, of course. What you need is something novel without being so unrecognizable that people are scared to sample your work, yet familiar without being clichéd. It's been a common sticking point since the second literate caveman picked up his chisel, the first literate caveman having had all the original ideas. Good luck!

GET IT DOWN ON PAPER

You would be amazed how many people never get this far. Unless you are already a celebrity, if you pitch nothing more than an idea at a publisher or agent, they'll pitch it straight into their wastepaper basket. Get a first draft down on paper, and you're already more of an author than people who have done nothing more than dream. Hone that first draft through many rewrites and rethinks, and you multiply your chances of success.

NEVER SAY 'I CAN'T BE BOTHERED'

I was given this piece of advice by the poet Paul Groves, when he was my creative writing tutor. Make sure your work is perfect, with no spelling mistakes and a suitable use of vocabulary. A good big dictionary and thesaurus are investments for a writer, not luxuries. If you can't afford to buy them new, try finding them second hand or in charity shops. Yes, you can look things up on the Internet, but that robs you of the pleasure of stumbling on a word you've never come across before, while you're searching for a definition. Increase Your Word Power, as good old Readers' Digest used to say.

WHEN YOUR WORK IS AS GOOD AS IT CAN BE, FORGET IT

Put it aside for a week, then read it again. At the very least you'll be coming at it with fresh eyes, which should catch stray typos and other problems. When working on something continuously and lovingly for a long time, it's very easy to see what you think should be there, rather than what is actually there. If you can get someone to beta read for you, so much the better. Your work has to tempt readers to turn the page or click to continue, so this initial tryout will give you an idea of how successful you've been.

TARGET YOUR WORK

Whether you want to be published online or via a traditional publisher, time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted. Study the market, and approach only those who deal with the kind of work you write. There's no point in sending short stories to anywhere that says they only take full-length fiction. Don't try pushing a handwritten work of fantasy through an educational publisher's letterbox either. I tried that when I was 10 years old, simply because I passed their office every morning on my way to school. Not even the element of surprise got my work a second look that time.

To sum up, do your best work, target it carefully and keep going. Nobody said getting published was easy, but following these few simple guidelines will help to give your work a head start.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given as a writer? There's a signed copy of a book from Christina's backlist for an answer picked at random.

WHERE CAN READERS FIND CHRISTINA

Readers can find Christina Hollis all these places online:

• Web site, http://www.christinahollis.com/;
• Twitter, https://twitter.com/#!/christinabooks/;
• Facebook, http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Christina-Hollis/100000265788610;
• Blog, http://www.christinahollis.blogspot.com/; and
• Tumbler, http://christinahollis.tumblr.com/.

And for more places to win Christina's books, visit her author page created by Romance Book Paradise Promotions.

Christina writes Modern Romance for Harlequin Mills and Boon, which appears as Harlequin Presents/Extra in the United Staes. Her current release, WEIGHT OF THE CROWN, is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and Mills & Boon.

Australia cover

BOOK BLURB FOR WEIGHT OF THE CROWN

Now duty is his only mistress.

For notorious playboy Prince Lysander Kahani, playtime is over. Left with a country to run, he draws the line at playing nanny to his orphaned nephew.

Instead he sends for a professional. But one glance at buttoned-up Alyssa Dene and Lysander's wicked side re-emerges. Wary of Lysander's scandalous reputation, Alyssa tries to keep her distance, but Lysander draws her like a moth to a flame.

Lysander is fighting a battle between public duty and private desire but Lysander is determined to make Alyssa a royal offer she won't refuse ...

TIDES OF PASSION, TIDES OF LOVE WINNERS

The winners of Tracy Sumner’s e-book package featuring TIDES OF PASSION and TIDES OF LOVE are romance author Shelley Munro and picture-book author Susanna Leonard Hill. The winners were chosen by www.random.org. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered! And don’t forget that all commenters went into the grand draw for a Kindle at the end of Tracy’s tour. For a list of upcoming stops, please visit Tracy’s author page.

Lorraine Nelson releases second title in Thunder Creek series + a giveaway

Earlier this year, romance author Lorraine Nelson's debut novel, ZAKIA AND THE COWBOY, the first book in her Thunder Creek series, was published. It remained a featured title at All Romance Ebooks for three weeks and placed on several bestseller lists. This week Lorraine's second title in the series is scheduled for release, and I'm delighted she's here today to talk about her characters' journey to publication.

By the way, at the end of today’s post is a chance to win a copy of either the first or second book in this series, the winner’s choice, as well as the winners of Linda Hutsell-Manning’s novel THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN.

Michelle, thank you so much for having me here today to help celebrate the release of my second novel, and welcome to my pre-launch party for COVERT MISSION: UNDERCOVER COP, book two in my Thunder Creek Ranch series, releasing Nov. 28 through Evernight Publishing. I'm so excited to be able to present my readers with another fascinating tale of romantic suspense. It is my sincere hope that you'll enjoy Samantha and Blake's story.

I met Sam and Blake while writing Zakia's story, and I knew then that I'd be writing a series, as they were such adorable characters, filled with truth, honesty and a touch of humor, even in the midst of danger. Their positive outlook and necessity to triumph against tough odds made them the people they are.

Yes, to me they are very real. Just as Zakia and Luke "spoke" to me during the writing of their story, Sam and Blake did the same. I know! I know! You think I'm crazy. Maybe I am, but during the writing, I felt their presence. I know what they've gone through to heal their hurts and move on with their lives. These two people put their lives on the line to protect those in danger. Honorable to a fault.

If you've read Zakia, then you already know that Sam is ex-military, relieved of duty on a medical discharge when flying shrapnel severed her right arm. Feel sorry for her? Nope. She is one feisty, independent and determined lady.

Blake is gorgeous! The proverbial tall, dark and handsome cowboy. He owns a horse ranch and is a constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well. Honorable, gentle, reliable and protective; it's the last that raises Sam's hackles. Frustrated at not being able to break through her defenses, he thinks of giving up the chase, but the tide turns and ... well, you'll just have to read it to see what happens. :)

COVERT MISSION: UNDERCOVER COP is 15 percent off at Evernight Publishing for the first two weeks upon release.

I love writing! Does it show? LOL. I also love hearing from my readers! It's important to know what works and doesn't work for you as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:

• http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com (where you'll find book excerpts);
• http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com;
• http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author;
• http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca;
• http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson; and
• http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1.

Lorraine Nelson

One commenter will receive a free download, their choice, of either THUNDER CREEK RANCH, BOOK ONE, ZAKIA AND THE COWBOY or THUNDER CREEK RANCH, BOOK TWO, COVERT MISSION: UNDERCOVER COP. You must be a follower of both blogs, Michelle's and mine. Winners will be announced the week of Dec. 4, and entries will be accepted until midnight Dec. 3. So leave your comments and/or questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. :)

Thank you so much, Lorraine, for including my blog as part of your weeklong virtual book tour. I was lucky enough to win a copy of ZAKIA AND THE COWBOY, and it's a keeper as Lorraine excels in creating a book with memorable characters, gripping scenes, heartfelt emotions and a wow level of heat. The rich details about life on a cattle ranch were an extra bonus. I predict Lorraine is an author whose name readers will avidly look forward to seeing on future covers.

COVERT MISSION BLURB

Two cops have been murdered, two convicts have escaped. Samantha Muldoon and Blake Northrup pair up to protect their friends. Will their attraction to each other hinder their effectiveness or distract them from their job? Can it grow into something lasting, or will previous hurt keep them apart?

THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN WINNERS

The winners of Linda Hutsell-Manning’s novel THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN are McKenzie McCann of The Ubiquitous Perspective and Rosi Hollinbeck of The Write Stuff. The winners were chosen by www.random.org. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Re-releasing your backlist: Tips from author Tracy Sumner + two giveaways

Author Tracy Sumner's book TIDES OF PASSION was originally published by Zebra Books, a Kensington Publishing imprint. It was awarded the National Reader's Choice and the Beacon Award for best historical novel. Now this award-winning author of sexy, character-driven historical romance is breaking ground in a different way—by re-releasing her backlist.

Tracy, what are some of the advantages to releasing previously published titles?

Easy one! Imagine, in the previous world of publishing, these books we loved—and you love them like children when you create them, at least I do—well, these books were sent out in print form, had about a two-month shelf life then died. There were some bookstores that, if you had a good relationship with them, would stock the books longer. However, they usually just entered this nether region. Only the A-list authors really got a lot of run from their backlist. Think Nora Roberts. :)

Now with the e-publishing revolution—whether an author is with a publisher or not—these books have a chance to gain new readership. I don't really care about anything but these guys—my books!—having the chance to be read by someone who will care about the characters for even an hour or two. Preferably on the beach. :)

Tracy Sumner

What do you legally need to do to ensure you can release backlist titles?

Well, I covered my bases very well. I closely reviewed the contracts, and I used an intellectual property lawyer in NYC so that all was laid out appropriately. I have a good relationship with my former publisher—and this is business only.


Do you see this as a trend among authors and, if so, of all or for certain genres?

Yes! Perhaps in romance especially, because we are a very loyal genre and devoted to our authors, but why not? It's a win-win for authors and readers.

Do re-released backlist books usually come out as e-books?

Mine are. In fact, I have not, as yet, decided on even going the print route. You see, I had a very personal revelation when I received my first Kindle in September 2010. I was so into actual books in my hand. I am not an early adopter. And guess what? My first Kindle died in the middle of a Julie Anne Long book at the beach this summer. And I finished the entire book on my phone. If this is happening to me, it's coming. No joke.

What else does it take to successfully re-release a backlist book?

I think you must keep writing. That is the most important element for any writer. I also think social media is crucial, at least in some manner, although we could debate the details for months. So promotion—which authors were consumed with before e-books anyway.

How might sales figures differ from an original vs. a re-released book?

Well, I've just released my first backlist title about three weeks ago, so I'm really new to this process! But I've seen sales figures already—which would be laughable in the old system—and the income is coming directly to me. I have CONTROL, which we never had before.

In addition to re-releasing backlist titles, do you plan to continue to grow your name by writing new books?

Yes! I'm working on a Victorian paranormal—a light paranormal, I call it psychic—and an anthology that is set to release in April. I also have another anthology with a couple of other authors in 2012 as well, although the release date hasn't been announced yet. I'm also working on getting the rest of the backlist out.

What are some tips for increasing backlist sales?

Connect with readers—Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, the norm. I also am blogging and trying to connect. I love the genre. I'm a HUGE reader, too, so this isn't terribly difficult.

Thank you very much, Tracy, for sharing this excellent information not only about backlists but the overall future of book publishing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Sumner's story-telling career began when she picked up a copy of LaVyrle Spencer's VOWS on a college beach trip. A journalism degree and a thousand romance novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a Southern version of the perfect love story. With a great deal of luck and more than a bit of perseverance, she sold her first novel to Kensington Publishing.

When not writing sensual stories featuring complex characters and lush settings, Tracy can be found reading romance, snowboarding, watching college football and figuring out how she can get to 100 countries before she kicks, a more difficult endeavor than it used to be with her 4-year-old son in tow. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., but after spending a few years in "the city," considers herself a New Yorker at heart.

Tracy has been awarded the National Reader's Choice, the Write Touch and the Beacon with finalist nominations in HOLT Medallion, Heart of Romance, Rising Stars and Reader's Choice. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. She loves hearing from readers about why she tends to pit her hero and heroine against each other and that great novel she simply must order in five seconds on her Kindle.

Visit Tracy on her Web site, Twitter or Facebook fan page.

TIDES OF PASSION is available on Amazon, with an excerpt posted on Tracy's Web site.

WIN A COPY OF TWO OF TRACY'S BOOKS

Two commenters will be chosen by www.random.org for two e-books each—TIDES OF PASSION and TIDES OF LOVE. Plus all commenters will go in the grand draw for a Kindle at the end of Tracy's tour. For a list of upcoming stops, please visit Tracy's TIDES of PASSION author page.

That Summer in Franklin author interview and giveaway

Hannah and Colleen haven't seen each other since the summer they were 15 and worked together as waitresses in an upscale hotel—the same summer a co-worker died in what was labeled an accident. Neither girl reveals either to one another or to anyone else what they overheard, which most likely would have changed the verdict to murder.

Forty years later the two meet again. Using a combination of flashbacks and poignant scenes set in the present, Linda Hutsell-Manning's THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN (Second Story Press, 2011) shows how the two women must decide whether to finally speak up about what they witnessed and forgive themselves for the choices they've made ever since.

By the way, at the end of today’s post is a chance to win one of two copies of THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN as well as the winners of Christine Nolfi’s novel TREASURE ME.

Linda, how did the idea for THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN come to you?

In the 1990s, I wrote two short stories, Miss Purity Flour featuring Hannah Norcroft and One Friday Night featuring Colleen Miller. Both stories are set in the small town of Franklin in the 1950s, and in each of the stories, the girls know each other and interact. After many rejections from literary magazines, I decided to work them into a novel.

What was the most challenging part about writing this book?

Although it does not seem so now, especially to readers (when I mention it), the most difficult aspect of writing, for me, is the plot. The characters come alive as they develop and, because of my long-standing association with amateur theatre and acting, dialogue flows easily. I have to work hard at the plot, and I did with this novel.

Although you've been writing for many years and had several children's books and plays published, this is your first novel for adults. Was it challenging making the switch?

When I graduated from university as a mature student, I was steeped in Canadian, American and British literature. I resolved to write short fiction and eventually novels. Writing for children did not, initially, occur to me. My first children's book idea came unexpectedly. Writing it was a delight, and when it was published, I turned my attention to other children's genres. I wrote a children's play that was produced and published, all this time still writing and sending out short fiction to literary magazines—and waiting six months to a year for another rejection. Once I began writing for children, I almost abandoned my first resolve and only, once in a while, would rework a story and send it out again. In the 1990s, I also began writing and sending out poetry to literary magazines. A few were accepted, a few placed in competitions.

I wrote the first drafts of THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN in 2000 and was fortunate to have it critiqued by a writer friend, Joan Barfoot, whose novels I have long admired. In 2001, my first children's time-travel novel was accepted for publication, and again I abandoned thoughts of writing for adults and concentrated on what was begun as a series of historical, time-travel juvenile novels. The first two were published, the third was completed and the fourth was started. When the third novel was rejected by the publisher, I was understandably upset and decided I would go back to writing for adults. THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN is the result. The interesting irony here is that after FRANKLIN was accepted for publication and before it was released, both  mentioned short stories placed in literary competitions.

What is your favorite marketing tip?

Contact as many people as you can when your book is ready for publication. Before my initial hometown book launch, I contacted about 150 people through email, snail mail and with business cards. Sixty-five people came to that launch. One-on-one promotion is the best, while social media runs a close second; both are necessary.

What do you like best about your publisher, Second Story Press? And how did you find one another?

Second Story Press did a stellar job of editing the book. The staff has been supportive and helpful with promotion. They have made me feel that what I have written is worthwhile, that I write well. On my second round of sending out the manuscript, a number of presses rejected it, and Second Story said yes.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism I faced related to some changes I made during the editing of the novel. This tough editing produced the book as it is today and so, in the end, was definitely worth it.

The best compliment comes from my former Canadian literature professor, Leslie Monkman, who, in the 1970s, strongly encouraged me to write. I was unaware he had read my book and so felt humbled and a bit overwhelmed when he wrote me to say: "The book's delineations of the emotional complexities of family relationships are worthy of Margaret Laurence at her best, and your skilled handling of the intersecting plot lines make the book as readable as anything by Maeve Binchy."

Can you share a little about your current work with us?

I am working (slowly) on two projects—a short story collection whose working title is GLIMPSING YESTERDAY, CATCHING TODAY and a poetry collection whose working title OUR WHOLE LIVES WAITING. I've been very busy with readings since the book came out in March.

What is something about you or your writing that might surprise your readers?

People are frequently surprised to hear how many drafts of a given piece I write—never fewer than 10, frequently more than 20.

Linda Hutsell-Manning

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Hutsell-Manning's publications include juvenile fiction and plays, poetry, short fiction and TV scripts. A freelance journalist, community college creative writing teacher and author reading series host, she has also promoted her work internationally. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she moved to Ontario at age 9 and, after attending Ryerson Institute and Toronto Teacher's College, taught for two years in a one-room school.

She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Guelph, Canada, and began writing full time in 1981. Her poetry and short fiction have appeared in literary magazines, while her debut literary novel, THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN, has been well received with readings throughout Ontario and in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN is available in paperback. Linda is online at http://www.thatsummerinfranklin.ca/. And the book trailer is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYEjlBARoc8.

WIN A COPY OF THAT SUMMER IN FRANKLIN

Would you like to have your own copy of this moving book? Here's how you can enter for a chance to win one of two copies:

+1  Become a new follower. (+2  If you're already a follower.)
+1  Tweet this contest.
+1  Follow my tweets.
+1  Post this on your Facebook wall.

Then comment on this post with your point total and e-mail address! The contest will be open until midnight Nov. 26, and the winner will be announced the week of Nov. 27. Good luck!

TREASURE ME WINNERS

The winners of Christine Nolfi’s newest novel, TREASURE ME, are Tirzah Goodwin of A Clever Whatever and picture-book author Susanna Leonard Hill. The winners were chosen by www.random.org. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Breaking into the school and library market

According to highly respected—and successful—author Verla Kay, many novelists make more money from their talks and school visits than they do from their "regular" book sales. This can come in the form of a speaker's fee or from additional sales generated after interacting with members of the author's target market. But how do you break into the school and library market? An Alleged Author—teacher by day, MG/YA author by night—is here to share her insight as well as that gleaned from her in-the-know librarian friend, Debbie.

What are some tips for getting a YA novel onto high school reading lists?

The best way to introduce your novel is to give free copies to the English Language Arts, aka ELA, teachers at the school. What?? Free copies??

Indulge me for a second. If you see a new product, don't you hope to get a sample before buying? Librarians are no different. They strive to buy novels on the NYT best sellers' list, but they are not infallible. If you want them to notice your debut novel then you need to be able to give some to get some. Most schools are on a budget nowadays. Very few schools have a "Debbie" who keeps up on current trends. So you give a copy of your novel—so what? If more kids hear about it then you just did yourself a favor! Librarians are evaluated just like classroom teachers. If they can prove the validity of your book then they help you AND they help the library. Consider it a win-win.

How do authors know if their book would be a good fit, e.g. does it help if the book has a good curricular tie-in?

Curricular tie-in doesn't matter-in certain states-unless you are past the testing period (when teachers can teach novels). What matters is getting kids to read your novel and take Accelerated Reader quizzes on said novel. Whether authors agree with it or not, AR is here to stay because of the accountability it offers students and teachers. Teachers are able to evaluate the reading level, (no matter how inaccurate you believe it to be), and students gain instant feedback on their reading assessments. Plus—believe it or not—students who read at a certain level achieve at a certain level, so teachers always push them to read "above."

Yes there will be alternatives to the rule, but the AR test dominates all because it makes students accountable for reading comprehension, though—in my experience—you are in the clear if your novel is "curriculum based." S.E. Hinton has been proven to be curriculum based, because it applies to ALL students (i.e. they all know gangs, race, sex, etc.), and students ALWAYS seem to pass the tests for a Hinton novel because it is high-concept. So I guess you have to ask yourself if your novel can apply to all students. My answer isn't the be all, end all—I'm just letting you know about inner city and regional schools. I'm sure people will disagree!

What about the role of teachers' guides?

Teachers' guides help to a point. Since our country has numerous states with MANY standards, it is difficult to tailor different novels to different states. Teachers' guides help with comprehension, but you have to ask yourself if they aid in the teaching of standards. If they don't, then you may see a lack of sales in schools. Once the U.S. standards come out (in 2012, I believe), it will be easier to create a teachers' guide that can be accessible to all states. You will see growth in sales at that point, because teachers' guides will address state standards, and teachers will be given more freedom of text—obviously in my and Debbie's opinion.

What about school visits, either in-person or virtual? Are these still an option in today's economy?

As long as schools don't have to pay then this is an option, because we are ALL poor. I know California has California Advancement Partnership for Schools, but I do not know about other states. In California, authors can sign up to speak at CAPS and reach thousands—if not millions—of children.

Are there certain school visits educators and students enjoy the most?

Students enjoy anything that is multimedia. If an author has a book trailer, a reading and a response—that is, a Q and A—then that author will get the most bang for her or his buck. We live in the age of entertainment. No matter how much you fight it, you know this is true. Kids love video games, music, etc. If an author can provide this experience, then Debbie and I can guarantee success with a school visit. In fact, Debbie can guarantee the school will buy at least three copies of the book because of student demand. That's not to speak as to how many teachers will buy, because class sets are based on teacher need, not librarians' need.

Do you have any other advice for authors trying to break into the school market?

Make sure you visit ALL the schools in your area. Kids love to read if you make it exciting to them! Think of yourself as being a movie trailer ...

And now for some additional advice, direct from Debbie.

What is the best way to see if librarians would be interested in adding an author's book to their stacks?

Teachers are the best resource despite the idea that the librarian conquers all. (See the above comments on curriculum tie-ins.) We live in a standards-based world-though I love authors who have a new spin on the old.

What about author appearances at libraries? Are these still an option in today's economy?

I would love someone to visit my library during or after school. If you can prove your novel is exceptional at explaining plot, characterization and everything else, then the teachers will love it. And read in alternate voices for characters, because kids love it. I love spotlighting different genres as well!

What genres are being checked out the most?

Horror, romance and mystery are the most popular.

Do you have any other advice for authors trying to break into the library market?

Make friends with your local librarian, because we are your biggest supporters. Come hang out before you do an appearance. You'd be amazed to hear what kids think when they are in an informal situation. You might gain insight.

Thank you very much, Alleged Author and Debbie, for this incredible advice!

Want to learn more? Following are some links you might find of interest:

• Entertaining middle-grade readers;
• Presentation topics and promotional ideas;
• Some more cool presentation topics;
• Suggested fees and contracts;
• Preparing for an author appearance; and
• Going virtual with your iMac or Skype.

Your turn: Would you consider adding a school or school library visit to your book's marketing plan?

Modern romance, Civil War mystery: Treasure Me author Christine Nolfi interview, giveaway

Birdie Kaminsky is a petty thief from a family of not-so-petty thieves. She also has a 150-year-old mystery to solve: Where did Justice, an ancestor's former slave and lover, hide a mysterious treasure?

Birdie heads to Liberty, Ohio, on the trail of clues. It is here she meets Hugh Schaffer, a recently unemployed investigative reporter. The two wind up sharing the only rental available in the small town. It won't be easy for Birdie to keep her secrets—or her heart—from a journalist hungry for a story that will restore his reputation and for a relationship that will restore his faith in women.

With memorable characters, breezy humor and a mystery that spans two centuries—not to mention just the right amount of romantic sparks—Christine Nolfi's newest book, TREASURE ME (Nolfi, 2011) fits the bill for anyone looking for a refreshing romance.

Christine, how did you come up with the idea for TREASURE ME?

Christine Nolfi

TREASURE ME is the only novel I've ever written that simply arose from my subconscious. I awoke one morning with this very amusing image of a young woman—a thief—dangling from a window trying to escape from the man whose pocket she'd picked. I'd written SECOND CHANCE GRILL several years earlier and knew this story would also take place in the town of Liberty. The supporting cast was immediately in place: the town's feisty matriarch, Theodora, who carries a Blackberry and a pistol; her nemesis, the fluttery Ethel Lynn; and all of the other characters who are an integral part of the small Ohio town.

Once the novel was underway, it became clear that much of the plot was derived from my personal family history. My late mother was of French and English descent, and her French ancestors arrived in Charleston, S.C., before the Revolutionary War. The history is sketchy, but they may have been plantation owners. Given that, I've always wondered if I have black relatives I've never met.

This question is dear to my heart because I adopted four children from the Philippines. When my children were growing up, questions regarding skin color were common around the dinner table. I hope I portrayed in TREASURE ME that family has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with finding people you love and who love you in return.

What makes a book in the romance genre really rock?

This may not be a popular position, but I cringe at genre labels. Is TREASURE ME a romance? A mystery? Or simply an offering in the contemporary fiction category? For the life of me, I'm still unsure.

In every novel I write, I strive to create a compelling cast of characters enveloped in a fast-paced read. If the books make the reader laugh and cry, all the better. And sharp dialogue is critical. If the reader doesn't think, "I wish I had the courage to say that," then it's time for the dedicated storyteller to put the pages through another set of revisions.

This may be a bit off topic, but I believe the advent of digital publishing is in the process of dissolving genre labels. Online bookstores allow the reader to browse a variety of fiction within minutes. Anyone can post a review of a novel she's read, and those reviews drive sales. Forget The New York Times book review and the confines of the physical bookstore. The entire system has been democratized.

What is the hardest part about writing a novel?

Maintaining perseverance. Some days the words flow. Other days? It feels like you're wading in fast-drying cement. What matters is your determination to get the story down on paper and your willingness to revise as often as needed. I'm obsessive about revising ... and revising. If the reader is willing to give me several precious hours in her day then I owe it to her to write an entertaining story with emotional depth and rich prose.

What marketing have you found works best?

Nothing beats a good review. After an Amazon top reviewer gave TREASURE ME five stars, my sales spiked. The Bookcast graciously interviewed me for their debut program, and sales climbed. I'm looking forward to the November release of TREASURE ME in paperback to try my hand at book signings. It's still too early to tell what, exactly, works best.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

For many years I owned a small public relations firm and learned to view all criticism in a balanced way. I have yet to experience an awful, trash-the-writer review, but if the venom ever flies my way, I suspect I'll shrug it off.

My advice to anyone pursuing a career as a novelist? Don't look for validation in the reviews of your books. Work hard, never rest on your laurels and commit to improving your craft every day. Do that, and the positive reviews will far outweigh the negative.

Now, the best compliment? I logged onto Goodreads in September and found a review by a young law student about the age of my oldest daughter. She began the review with, "I'm kind of speechless after finishing this book," and went on to praise both plot and characters. She especially enjoyed the story of Justice, the freed slave who travels to Liberty and becomes a successful businesswoman.

A young black woman wrote the review. Clearly she understood on a deep, emotional level the message about family that is central to the work. As the mother of four children of color this was fine praise indeed.

Can you share a little about your current work with us?

With luck, the women of Liberty, Ohio, will catch fire with readers, allowing me to extend the series indefinitely. SECOND CHANCE GRILL is scheduled to appear on Amazon in November or December. The third novel in the series, THE IMPOSSIBLE WISH, is scheduled for release this spring. I could easily write 10 novels about the town—Meade and Finney have their own stories and romances, and I have a very poignant plot worked out for Theodora and her nemesis, the fluttery Ethel Lynn.

I'll also be releasing a stand-alone novel in November, THE TREE OF EVERLASTING KNOWLEDGE.

What do you do when you aren't writing?

Read voraciously. Work out at the gym. Garden. Cook. Then read some more. The only part about writing fiction I don't like is how my own work schedule cuts into time spent enjoying novels written by other authors.

What is something about you or your writing that might surprise your readers?

I adopted a sibling group of four children from the Philippines on the approach to middle age. I've lived in California, Utah, Ohio, Virginia and recently moved to Charleston, S.C. I'd own 10 dogs if I had the time to care for them. And I'm in love with social media. Nothing makes my day quite like meeting other artists—and readers—on the Internet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In addition to owning a small public relations firm in Cleveland, Ohio, Christine Nolfi has written articles and press releases that have appeared regionally in The Plain Dealer, The Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Magazine and other media outlets. Her short story, Night Hour, appeared in Working Mother magazine. Christine has been writing novels fulltime since 2004.

Visit Christine online at her blog, her Facebook fan page or on Twitter.

TREASURE ME is available as an e-book on Amazon.

WIN A COPY OF TREASURE ME

Would you like to have your own copy of this memorable and enjoyable book? Here's how you can enter for a chance to win one of two copies:

+1  Become a new follower. (+2  If you're already a follower.)
+1  Tweet this contest.
+1  Follow my tweets.
+1  Post this on your Facebook wall.

Then comment on this post with your point total and e-mail address! The contest will be open until midnight Nov. 18, and the winner will be announced the week of Nov. 20. Good luck!

Inspiration for The Underground Gift

Cover art provided by Tirzah Goodwin

Nas Dean, Romantic Times book reviewer and virtual blog tour coordinator, has invited me to stop by her blog today to talk about how my historical novel, THE UNDERGROUND GIFT, came to be. I'll give a couple of hints—one pivotal moment happened in sixth grade, the other in a Realtor's office.

If you have a moment, I hope you'll stop by Romantic Book Paradise. Nas and her blog rock hard, and she is an integral part of the team cheering me on as I shop GIFT with agents and editors.

ALEX WINNER

The winner of Dianne Hartsock's paranormal thriller ALEX is J.C. Martin of Fighter Writer. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered! The winner was chosen by www.random.org.

Meet Dianne Hartsock, author of the paranormal thriller ALEX

Does Alex see glimpses of people's future because he's psychic—or because he's the killer?

Alex Elson, 20, was the victim of more than a decade of brutal child abuse. Now he can see others' auras and hear their dark thoughts and painful memories.

Last summer he was hospitalized for alleged schizophrenia. This year he's become the prime suspect for a series of murders. Will Jane continue to stand by him, or will she be drawn to a man who might have dark secrets of his own ...

With touches of early Mary Higgins Clark and Kay Hooper's Special Crime Unit series, Dianne Hartsock's novel ALEX (Solstice Publishing, 2011) is a psychological thriller you won't soon forget. For a chance to win a copy of this book, please see the end of this post. And now, I'm delighted Dianne is here today to share some behind-the-scenes details about ALEX.

Dianne, how did the idea for ALEX come to you?

The first novel I attempted was a fantasy/adventure, which is still looking for a home. As I became more involved in the life of my main character, I began to wonder how he would fair in a modern setting. In his world, this character is considered a magic user. What would he be labeled in today's society? Would he be accepted or forced to live away from others? Would he have been born with this "gift," or would it have developed over time?

I found these questions intriguing and began my research into psychic abilities. Most people seem to develop their talents in their late teens. I wanted to show how Alex had been born with his gifts and how the trauma of his childhood brought them out even stronger than is usual.

What was the most challenging part about writing this book?

Abandoned by Alex's father, his mother raises Alex in isolation, physically and emotionally abusing him as she tries to drive the "badness" from him inherited from his father. With no one to show her differently, they both suffer under her emotional confusion.

It broke my heart when I researched child abuse. The horrible things people do to their children. It hurts to know that a child is suffering even as I'm writing this down. I made it through the research somehow, but no matter how bad things got for Alex, it's nothing to what some children endure every day.

What is your favorite marketing tip?

Have fun! There are millions books out there on marketing strategies, but honestly, you're in here for the long haul. Do what you enjoy. If you love to blog, find bloggers in your genre or with similar tastes. Exchange Web addresses. Make friends. Love Facebook or Twitter? Apply your energies there. Otherwise, marketing will become a dreaded chore, and your lack of enthusiasm will be reflected in your posts.

What do you like best about your publisher, Solstice Publishing? And how did you find one another?

What's not to like! I found Solstice Publishing while looking for an ePublisher for several short stories I've written. Their bio sounded promising, and their rating on P&E was good. So I gave them a try.

I'm so glad I did! My experience has been wonderful with them, and my favorite part, besides holding my first published book in my hands, is their marketing. Both their marketing and promotional directors have gone out of their way to help with blog tours and promoting on social networks. I couldn't ask for more.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Being a newly published author, I haven't really received much criticism, except on my short stories, which people wish were longer.

My best compliment? My goodness, readers have been extremely kind! I've gotten praise on storyline and character development and they seem to enjoy my writer's voice. But the compliment that touched me the most was from Donald Ford, who wrote, "This is as near as I have come to someone else's beating heart." That sums up exactly what I was trying for with ALEX.

Can you share a little about your current work with us?

Of course! At the moment I have a fantasy/adventure novel being considered by one of the more "traditional" publishing houses. I have the sequel to this book written and am in the midst of edits and revisions. Also, I've been jotting down ideas and am about to start on the sequel to ALEX. I'm excited to spend time with him again. He's been keeping us updated on his activities on his blog on Fridays, but it will be nice to immerse myself in the magic of his life again.

What is something about you or your writing that might surprise your readers?

I don't think this would surprise anyone who's met me, but besides being a Star Trek geek, I'm also a huge Tolkien fan. When I like something, I give my whole heart to it! My very first published story was a Fan Fic I wrote for The One Ring.

It's about what happens after Frodo leaves middle earth. In fact, it was right after I'd written this story that I began on my fantasy novel. I wanted to create a hero in the line of Frodo and Sam, who gave everything to save the home they love.

Dianne Hartsock

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne grew up in California, spent the first 10 years of her marriage in Colorado, where ALEX is set. She now lives in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with her "incredibly patient" husband and two children. Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally owned gift shop, which she says is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Visit Dianne on her blog, Facebook or Twitter.

ALEX is available in both paperback and Kindle versions.

WIN A COPY OF ALEX

Would you like to have your own copy of this paranormal thriller? Here's how you can enter:

+1  Become a new follower. (+2  If you're already a follower.)
+1  Tweet this contest.
+1  Follow my tweets.
+1  Post this on your Facebook wall.

Then comment on this post with your point total and e-mail address! The contest will be open until midnight Nov. 12, and the winner will be announced the week of Nov. 13. Good luck!

AND NOW FOR A TEASER FROM ALEX

Her skin was soft under his fingertips. Her bare shoulders, the curve of muscle in her arms, her slim fingers; all so soft. Her breath caressed his cheek as he stared at her lips. He wanted to kiss her. It was a risk, he knew, but he ached for someone to break the loneliness. He bent his head and ran his tongue tentatively over the sweet fullness of her mouth. Her tongue met his but he was unprepared for the fire that tore through him. She pressed against him to deepen the kiss and a wild madness surged through his blood.

Something was wrong. She cried out as she struggled in his arms. Her nails raked across his neck. He let her go and watched in bewilderment as she scrambled away, her breath coming in sharp gasps. He reached out a tentative hand, wanting to explain-apologize, but she stepped hastily away from him.

"Freak!" she spat and quickly fled.

He jerked as the word struck him, his arm dropping to his side. The pain of her rejection flooded him. He touched his mouth and wondered desperately what she'd seen as he'd kissed her.

She stopped at the end of the bridge and looked over her shoulder. He couldn't make out her expression, but he hoped to God it wasn't pity. He took a hesitant step toward her but she tore her eyes away and rushed off.

He watched her follow the road back to town, hurrying as the sun sank. The far side of the road was already lost in darkness. His shoulders slumped in defeat when she disappeared into the gloom.

Dejected, he sat on the edge of the bridge and dangled his feet over the swift current. The sound of the rushing water echoed under him, filling his ears. It dulled the edge of his pain, making him forget his humiliation as he listened. He could almost make out a voice in the resonance.

Writing after the contract is signed

Freakishly tall and overweight, Lola Savullo doesn't fit in at home or at school. But Lola has a scary yet powerful new ability—to become invisible to those around her, just as she's longed for so often in the past.

Now Lola must decide whether to use her ability to teach the school's most evil bully a lesson while not losing herself in the process. The results will surprise both Lola and those around her when something unexpected happens that makes her glad to be seen.

Jeanne Bannon's debut novel, INVISIBLE, (Solstice Publishing, 2011) is a memorable read in all respects, and I'm delighted she is here today to share what it's like after you've inked your first contract.

Jeanne Bannon

June 3 is a day I will always remember. It's the day I signed my first publishing contract for my YA novel, INVISIBLE. When I received the news that Solstice Publishing wanted to publish my novel, I literally jumped for joy. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face for the rest of the day. Little did I know that the real work was about to begin.

Approximately three weeks later I was assigned an editor. I didn't hear back from her for almost a month, and when I did it was only to approve her copy edits. This was easy. It just meant a read through of my novel. After another round of light editing, INVISIBLE was ready to go. It came out first as an eBook Sept. 7, and from that day forward my new job was to promote the book and myself—branding. I had to build a following using various social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogging. I'd started to do some of this after my book was accepted for publication, but once the book was made available for purchase, I had to step up my efforts.

So is there writing after the contract is signed? Well, I went from being a dedicated and disciplined writer, writing each day for a minimum of one hour (but usually writing two to three hours) to occasionally writing on the weekends. Now, if I get in three hours a week I'm lucky. Presently, I'm polishing up a novel I've been working on for two and a half years, and at the rate I'm going, it'll be another year before it's finally done.

In the beginning promotion was fun, exciting even, but now after two solid months of constant promotion under my belt I find myself yearning to write. As far as advice for those faced with the same issues as I am, I'd have to say go with what your heart tells you. You'll know when it's time to cut back on the promotion, because that next book wants/needs to be created. Come the new year, I'm going to switch back into writing mode. After all, I am a writer first and foremost, and it's what my heart is telling me do.

Jeanne, thank you very much for these wise and constructive words. Having been fortunate enough to read an ARC of INVISIBLE, I am delighted to hear another book is in the works.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanne Bannon has been in the publishing industry for almost 20 years and currently works as a writer and freelance editor. She lives in Canada, where she is working on her next novel, DARK ANGEL, a supernatural thriller.

Learn more about Jeanne at her blog, her Facebook fan page; and on Twitter. The book trailer, which is awesome, is on YouTube.

INVISIBLE is available on Amazon, Smashwords, Solstice Publishing and Goodreads.

THE NEXT STOP ON JEANNE'S BLOG TOUR

Nov. 9, Letters Inside Out, review and giveaway

Adding a Goodreads giveaway to your marketing mix

Sheila Dalton is the author of 10 children's fiction and nonfiction books as well as two literary novels-including THE GIRL IN THE BOX, a gripping mix of literary mystery and psychological drama scheduled for release Nov. 18.

She also is the person who first clued me in regarding a Goodreads giveaway. The information she shared interested me so much, I asked if she'd mind sharing her tips with others. I hope you enjoy learning more about this opportunity that's now a key component of my marketing plan as well.

By the way, at the end of today’s post are the winners of Karen Walker’s FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS and Katie Gates’ THE SOMEBODY WHO as well as a special book release announcement.

Sheila Dalton

Who is eligible, Sheila, to hold a Goodreads giveaway contest? Can you do so if you're a first-time author?

Any author with a book scheduled for publication, but not yet available, can list a giveaway. Fiction, nonfiction, paperback and hardback are all eligible, but eBooks are not allowed. The link to all the rules and regulations regarding giveaways is at http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/new.

How soon can you hold a giveaway contest in conjunction with your book's release date, and how many books can you give away?

Goodreads suggests you list your book a couple of months before its pub date and include how many copies you're willing to give away—in my case, three. However, I've seen books that have been listed almost a year before they are scheduled to appear, and they have thousands of "hits." So, this being my first time, I can't say whether it's better to wait or to go ahead. I decided to follow Goodreads' suggestion. My giveaway went "live" Sept. 15. My publisher, Dundurn, recommended that I end the giveaway on Nov. 18, the day the book is scheduled to hit the bookstores. Goodreads suggests you mail the book to the winners right after the deadline.

How do readers participate in a Goodreads giveaway contest?

If you click on "explore" at the top right of every page then choose "giveaways," you'll see books currently up for grabs. You can only enter to win those that are available in your country. I chose Canada and the U.S. for my giveaway. Readers enter the contest just by checking a box to say they'd like to win a copy. It's more like a draw, really. Winners aren't obliged to write a review, but if they do, it will appear on Goodreads, of course. They are also asked if they'd like to post a review on Amazon. Meantime, you've got more exposure for your book.

What are some other benefits about holding a Goodreads contest?

I'm not sure, because I've never done it before. What appeals to me is that most of the listed books get hundreds of entries. That means—for free—hundreds of people who might not otherwise see your work are reading about it and are intrigued enough to want to win it. Surely, some of those people will eventually buy it. If not, you've only spent the cost of a few books and postage. And if you do get a few good reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, that can't hurt future sales either.

I like the idea of three people reading my book, who might otherwise never have heard of it. Hopefully, they will like it and recommend it to their friends. I think word-of-mouth, or " buzz" as they say in the trade, is incredibly important.

What other marketing plans do you have for THE GIRL IN THE BOX?

I'm lucky that my publisher is handling a lot of the promotion. The publicist at Dundurn has sent out ARCs and plans to send out 40 review copies on publication to major newspapers and magazines, radio, and TV shows.

Personally, I'm having a Web site designed right now; that should be ready when the book hits the shelves in November. Then I plan to send the link to the GIRL page to book bloggers and hope they take the bait. I imagine I'll be doing readings and signings but not a book launch. Most publishers seem to think book launches don't result in enough sales to justify the cost—so if you want a launch, you have to pay for it yourself! I think I'll stick to online marketing, though a party would be fun.

I belong to the Crime Writers of Canada, and the book is listed in their online catalog. I hope to take part in some of their promotional activities once I have the book in my hands. They do things such as presentations at librarians' conferences and booksellers' events.

I have a Facebook page for THE GIRL IN THE BOX, and friends have helped me build up a list of "likers" there. I'm not sure how many sales will result, but I think an online presence is important. I'm also actively soliciting Amazon and Goodreads reviews, as I think they can help you, too.

The publisher will also enter the book in several major Canadian book competitions, both for mysteries and for literary fiction. If it should win one of those—maybe if it just makes the short list—sales will take a major leap forward.

The main thing about publicity and promo is that you have only a small window of time to make an impact. Readers, reviewers and interviewers soon move on the new books for the next season. I'm hoping interest will build toward Christmas because, after that, I suspect it will be hard to interest the press in THE GIRL IN THE BOX.

With a well-researched, fast-paced plot that weaves Guatemalan customs and shamanism with glimpses into the inner workings of the human mind, THE GIRL IN THE BOX will remain a much-talked about book well after Christmas, I predict. Thank you very much, Sheila, for taking time to stop by and share this incredible advice.

By the way, it's not too late to enter for a chance to win a copy of this unforgettable read. To enter, go to http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/13787-the-girl-in-the-box. 

Looking for other marketing ideas on Goodreads? You might also want to consider their Q & A feature, an opportunity for authors to create a group for interacting with and answering readers’ questions. 

BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

The winner of FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS is Julia Hones of My Writing Life, while the winner of THE SOMEBODY WHO is Michael Offutt of SLC Kismet. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

BOOK GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCED
 
J.L. Campbell's latest novel, HARDWARE, was released this week, and J.L. is giving away five copies of the eBook. So if you have a yen to make an armchair visit to Jamaica, visit her blog to enter. The drawing will held Nov. 12. Want to read an excerpt of this romantic suspense novel? Just click here.

Preparing for THE CALL

The good news is I received a third request for a full for THE UNDERGROUND GIFT.

The rest of the news is once again I went from major delight to massive doubt. What if, when THE CALL finally comes, I experience a total mind melt? How will I remember even one of the questions I've been wanting to ask since the idea for GIFT first came to me?

So, in true Fayard fashion, I started making a list. And because I hope none of my pre-published friends puts herself thought what I do—although it does seem to come with the territory of being a writer—below are my 24 top topics. Not that I except there'll be time to ask all of these, but it's nice to have some options to choose among. :)

All of these questions are applicable for both agents and editors, with the exception of the Shopping my Manuscript with Editors section, which is just for agents. So here they are, not in any order of importance but sorted into mini categories:

THE BOOK

• What made you decide to represent my work?
• To what extent are you an editorial agent?
• What revisions do you have in mind for this manuscript?

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS

• Why do you want to represent me?
• How would you describe the ideal client?
• Will I be working solely with you, or will there be times I'll work with an associate or assistant?
• Does your agency handle the sale of subsidiary rights such as foreign, film, audio, translation and other subrights, or do you have a relationship with a sub-agent who handles the sale of these rights on your behalf?
• What questions do you have for me?

SHOPPING MY MANUSCRIPT WITH EDITORS

• Of the books you're currently representing/have recently repped, what percentage have been in my genre? Better yet, check Publisher's Marketplace to see how many deals the agent has made in the last year, overall, to whom and for how much and whether any of the recent deals were in your genre.
• Which publishing houses are you considering for my book?
• How many editors will you pitch to in the first wave? Six or more is average for most commercial and genre fiction. Fewer than three should give you pause. One at a time is a bad answer.
• Will you keep me updated as offers and rejections come in? When editors decline to buy your book, if your agent doesn't automatically forward copies of the declination letters, simply ask for them.
• Will you keep me abreast of where and when my work was submitted?
• How many houses do you plan to submit to overall if my manuscript doesn't sell as soon as hoped? After six months and definitely after a year without a sale, request a full submission list from your agent. This list should cite all the editors who have reviewed your manuscript, and it will give you confidence that your agent is submitting your work to the right editors and imprints. If it's been a year and your book still hasn't sold despite your agent getting it reviewed by many editors, then that's OK. Your agent isn't a bad agent, and you're not a bad writer. Your book just didn't sell.
• Will my manuscript come out as an eBook as well?

OUR FUTURE PARTNERSHIP

• If you can't sell this manuscript, will you look at my other work or help me develop a new project?
• Do you represent clients book by book or on a career basis?
• How involved do you like to be in working with your clients on developing new ideas?

MARKETING

• To what extent will you be working with me on career planning?
• Do you work with a publicist?
• What marketing will you do to complement my marketing plan?
• What can I do to increase my book's chances of selling?
• How many review copies will you provide?

COMMUNICATIONS

• How frequently do you update authors? For submission status, once a month is standard.
• Do you have a preference for communication type?
• How quickly do you respond to client questions?
• Are there any situations where you'd make decisions on my behalf?

Online articles that were invaluable to me in preparing this list include:

• http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/10+Questions+To+Ask+An+Agent+Before+You+Sign.aspx;
• http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/before-accepting-agent-representation/;
• http://tabwriter.blogspot.com/2009/11/preparing-for-call.html;
• http://www.agentquery.com/writer_or.aspx; and
• http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/2010/02/call-or-what-to-ask-literary-agent-when.html.

Ready for some more positive news? Anyone who can write tens of thousands of words, endure innumerable critiques and gracefully receive rejection letters has what it takes to professionally handle The Call. Then let the squee-ing begin!