Writing Wisdom from Lexi George and #FuzzyFriday Winners Announced

Nobody can tell you how to write. . . . You don't have to please everyone, and you can't please everyone. 
      - Rita Nominated Author Lexi George


This is the best writing advice I have ever received. We each have our own way of telling a story, which is why each story told is special. With the Southern charm and humor that make her paranormal romances unforgettable, Lexi shared her journey to publication and wisdom on writing with our local RWA chapter, Southern Magic. Enjoy Lexi's journey, especially her trip to her local book club (and keep your eyes and ears open for comments from authors Jennifer Echols, Christine Glover, and Laura Hayden).

Also, J-Dog has asked me to announce the #FuzzyFriday winners.  Marilee won the $10 Amazon Gift card, and Aidee the e-book from Sheldon (and Debra Glass).  Aidee and Marilee, please email me at MagicCityWritingBlog@gmail.com so we can coordinate getting you your prizes!

Sheldon, Feline Literary Super-Star, Takes Over

Super-Star Sheldon

Happy Fuzzy Friday!  Sheldon here, My Mommy is historical (hot) romance author Debra Glass. She's always typing away on this computer box, so I wanted to see what all the fun is about. At first I thought a blog was what other cats coughed up on the carpet, but after reading that Wikipedia thing, I learned otherwise.  Here is my interview with me, because who is more interesting than me to interview?

What is Mommy currently reading?

The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James. It must be awfully good. I wish she’d put that book down and pay attention to me!

What was the most recent thing I did to get in trouble?

My human sisters say I’m spoiled rotten and can do no wrong. My momma never scolds me, and lets me get away with things my cat siblings can’t. I have her wrapped around my big, fuzzy tail.

What are my observations of Mommy's writing process?

She’s always at the computer, doing research, critiquing for her bestie, Naima Simone, and working on romance novels and ghost story collections. I have to go up and meow at her to pet me. I’m so stinking cute she always stops what she’s doing and sits down in the floor to give me the attention I deserve.

What is Mommy currently writing?

She’s working on a contemporary romance series about some computer geeks. I hope she names one after me! And she’s been collecting ghost stories for a third compilation in her True Shoals Ghost Stories series.

Why you should buy my Mommy's most recent book?

Because I’m character in it! Her most recent release, Lashwood, is a historical light bdsm set in Victorian London. Here’s my part:

When she stepped out of the hospital, a liveried footman stood by the door to the coach. “Miss Gipson,” he greeted, opening the door as she neared.

He took her hand and assisted her up the cast-iron carriage step. She ducked her head as she climbed inside and when she sat and saw the sight across from her, she brought her gloved hand to her lips to stifle a gasp.

Lord Lashwood sat on the seat opposite with Jessamine’s cat, Sheldon, perched on his lap. Her eyes widened in alarm at the blood-tinged bandage wrapped around Lashwood’s hand.

“Oh my…” She pursed her lips to keep from smiling.

“Not to worry, dear,” Lashwood said and stroked Sheldon’s head. “Your tomcat and I have since made quite good friends.”

Sheldon purred loudly in response, lifting his head to receive more petting.

“But he’s…scratched you…” The smile won out and claimed her lips as she imagined this very refined aristocrat wrangling her cat.

“His teeth are quite sharp as well.” He looked into Sheldon’s bright-green eyes. “Aren’t they? Yes, they are. They most certainly are.”

Jessamine laughed as the carriage drew away. “Why ever did you collect him?” But she already knew. Her heart warmed for the man across from her that much more.

“I couldn’t leave him to starve. Especially after I plan to spirit his companion away to my house in the country.”

Jessamine hesitated. Had she heard him correctly? “Country house?”

Lashwood nodded. “Your sister too. I’ve arranged to have her moved there, to be placed under the care of my personal physician. I don’t trust red-headed men and certainly don’t trust that doctor who’s attending her now.”

Jess wrung her hands to keep them from trembling. She racked her brain for a reason to protest but other than her impending move to France, there was none. Panic blossomed inside her. Spending more time with him would only make it harder to leave when the time came. But Dru would be saved from the asylum. Jess would have more time to bring her round. It seemed too good to be true.

But everything about Lord Lashwood seemed too good to be true.

“Why the country?” she asked.

Something almost sinister flashed in his eyes. “There’s a certain amount of privacy I will require to train you, and then together we will flush out the fiend who tried to murder your sister.”

Chills raced up Jessamine’s spine in spite of the hot blush that invaded her cheeks. She tried to swallow but couldn’t. Fear and anticipation vied for prominence. She’d asked—nay, begged—for this and now that he’d consented, she wondered if this was the right thing to do.

“W-what more could there be than what…we’ve already done?” She couldn’t maintain his gaze. Even 

Sheldon eyed her accusingly.

His chuckle held all the hidden wickedness of the sweetest liqueur. “My dear, there is so much more.”

MEOW!

About Lashwood:

Sequel to Rakehell

Jessamine Gipson’s amateur investigation into her wayward sister’s disappearance has led her to one of London’s most notorious private clubs. She quickly realizes she’s in over her head, but the dom in charge, Benedict Bellanger, Viscount Lashwood, inspires a most wicked reaction in her body. Jessamine is willing to risk anything, including her virtue, to find her sister. She proposes that Ben train her in the art of submission.

Novice submissives have gone missing on Ben’s watch before but he would never endanger the lovely Miss Gipson who speaks to his need to dominate—to protect. Her steadfast resolve forces him to take control, to tempt her with taboo pleasures designed to frighten her away from her intrepid scheme. He doesn’t count on Jessamine’s willing participation. Nor does he consider his own unprecedented response to dominating her.

Yet, Jess wants more from the enigmatic lord than spankings, and to win his heart, she must free him from his tortured past. Their love might heal them both—if they can escape a diabolical murderer bent on their demise.

Amazon | B&N | Ellora's Cave

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About Debra Glass

Sheldon's Momma, the Lovely Debra Glass

DEBRA GLASS is the author of over thirty-five books of historical and paranormal romance, non-fiction, young adult romance, and folklore. The recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters Alabama Screenwriter Award in 1992, she went on to win the NSAL Empire State Award for excellence in screenwriting. She holds an MAed with emphasis in history from the University of North Alabama.

Debra is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Professional Authors’ Network. She is also a member of RWA’s Heart of Dixie and Southern Magic Chapters.

She lives in Alabama with her real life hero, a couple of smart-aleck ghosts, and three diabolical black cats.

For information about the Skeletons Series or Debra’s Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk Tour, click HERE.

Debra’s website: www.DebraGlass.com

A huge thank you to Sheldon and Debra.  They want to meet you in the comments below. Share your favorite ghost story, pet story, or any thought that pops in your head. Sheldon is giving away an e-book to one commenter.  Check back Wednesday to see if you won.

Magic City Writing's Feline in Residence, J-Dog, wants to remind you of the good the Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic does.  They provide low cost, high quality spay/neuter services. Also, you can learn more about them on their Facebook page. J-Dog does all his shopping through AMAZON SMILE.  Through this program, Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchase to a charity of your choice, like the Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic your charity.  J-Dog is giving away a $10 gift card to one of the people who leaves a comment (purchased through Amazon Smile to help the Spay Neuter Clinic).  Check back Wednesday to see if you won.

Up next week, Lola, Hildie McQueen's fierce Chiweenie. Can't wait to see what she has to say.

Dorothy Parker's Wisdom for Writers and #FuzzyFriday Winner Announced

You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.
       - Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker had a way with words, no denying. This founding member of the Algonquin Round Table had some sage advice for writers, so this Wednesday I am turning to her for a little wisdom: 

• If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they're happy.
• I hate writing, I love having written.
• I'd like to have money. And I'd like to be a good writer. These two can come together, and I hope they will, but if that's too adorable, I'd rather have money.

I love collecting quotes about writing. If you have a favorite writing quote, please leave it in the comments below.

***

J-Dog asked me to thank everyone who left comments on his #FuzzyFriday blog post. He has picked the winner of the $10 Amazon Gift Card, and the winner is . . . Louisa Cornell!  

Marketing Monday: Swag to Hook a Reader (Beyond the Paper)

Booty. Loot. Goodies. FREE STUFF!  We all love it. I think it goes back to those childhood dental visits where you could pick a prize out of the treasure chest if you made it through the cleaning without biting anyone. We can't help ourselves. As soon as we hear where the goodie room is at a conference, we get all twitchy until our grabby little hands can start trick-or-treating. (On a side note, right now the Beastie Boys' Professor Booty is on a loop in my head).

But swag isn't cheap. As an author, you need to make sure that if you are putting money into promo, you are getting a return on your investment. A lot of the swag I've picked up at conferences and signings has been really cool, but finds its way into File 30 (what my office calls the trash can) pretty quickly. That means someone is literally throwing away the money you spent. That was likely not what you intended. If you wanted to throw away your money with little to no hope of return on your investment, you should buy lottery tickets or invest in Taco Corp or Forever Stamps (fans of The League get what I am saying).

If you are reading this, I am assuming you know the basics like have a professional looking business card, postcard, bookmark, etc.  This post is going beyond the paper (which, as an aside, I think works better when you meet a reader one on one so that he/she remember you and your book, but as far as goodie room and goodie bag fodder, I haven't bought a book based on a bookmark or postcard I've picked up/found).

So, here are my thoughts on swag from a reader's perspective:

It needs to be something the reader will keep in her hands.  Name recognition is everything. The more someone sees your name, the more likely they are to buy your book. Why do you think politicians repeat their names over and over in ads and plaster their signs everywhere? For that reason, make sure your swag is something people will keep in their hands: lip balm, pens, chip clips, sticky-note pads, etc. I always use the sticky-note pads I pick up at conferences in my law office.  I had several Peggy Webb Southern Cousin Mystery (Elvis) sticky pads that I used to leave notes on documents for my assistant.  When we ran out, she started asking where the Elvis notes had gone and when Peggy's next book was coming out. All of that was from seeing Peggy's sticky notes every day.

It needs to be useful.  Swag needs to be utilitarian. The really cute wand you are giving out to promote your faerie book is truly magical, and I couldn't resist grabbing one in the goodie room, but unless it serves double duty as a pen, it probably won't last more than a week in my possession before it finds its way to File 30.  The things I keep are the things I can use: pens, a stylus, notebooks, etc. And then there is my favorite . . . tote bags. I love me some tote bags. The people at my gym are constantly asking about my tote bags (don't hate - my clothes get stinky and I don't want to drop a crap-ton of money on a gym bag that is going to smell like death in a week).  One of the smartest tote-bag marketing moves I have seen was the red bag by Lynn Raye Harris and Kimberly Lang. They had these huge, red tote bags that they gave out at conferences.  Lynn's info was on one side, and Kimberly's was on the other.  You could fit two traditional tote bags in these suckers. They were awesome. Lynn shared that it thrilled her one year at RT to see a sea of their red bags at the book signing and at the airport when everyone was flying home. Everyone that got one of those bags turned into walking billboards for these ladies. I still use my big red bag at Christmas to transport presents (Santa loves romance).  All of this being said, don't be so utilitarian that you violate rule one about keeping something in the reader's hand. Lots of times I've received a postcard with candy attached, a granola bar with a sticker for a book, etc.  Those items were consumed and the author information filed away in File 30. I appreciated the author providing me sustenance, but their promo didn't last long in my hungry little hands.

See the coasters? How cool!

Be tied to your brand.  You worked hard on branding yourself, so don't let it go to waste when it comes to swag. Two of the best examples I can recall come from Katherine Bone and Victoria Dahl. Katherine (who by the way is a swag/marketing genius - if you ever get a chance to go a readers' luncheon where she is hosting a table, you want to sit with her - the swag is AWESOME) has these fantastic stress balls in the shape of a bone. So adorable! I have two - one to use, and another to throw at people when they tick me off. (Don't worry Kathy, you won't get sued for my use of your promo as a weapon of mass distraction, and I keep waiting for someone to say "throw me a bone" b/c I am so prepared for that). When Victoria Dahl's Donovan Brothers Brewery series came out, she had several different brewery coasters made with her book information on it. I had several of these that I kept in my den. I can't tell you how many of my friends asked about them (then later thieved them so that they could remember to buy the book). They were a great way to start a conversation about the Donovan Brothers books.  


It needs to sell your books.  That is why you are doing this, right? You don't really need all those little keychain flashlights (unless you are prepping for the zombie apocalypse, then if so, well done!).  That being said, don't always give away the swag for free, or when you do, be creative.  For higher ticket items (cups, t-shirts, shot glasses, etc.), use the swag as a reward for helping out your book sales. At a book signing, give the high ticket item to someone who buys 2 or more books. Use the swag as a contest reward (best selfie with an e-reader copy of my cover gets a t-shirt). People will do some crazy things for swag (see Mardi Gras if you don't believe me - what people will do for some beads and a Moon Pie, but I digress). You are limited only by your creativity, and you must be pretty darn creative or you wouldn't  have written that book.

Books, books, and more books. The best promo is your writing. Write a good book, and if you can afford it, send copies of that well written book out into the world to hook readers. I regularly attend both the Southern Magic Readers Luncheon and Heart of Dixie Readers Luncheon. The attendees love finding cool swag in their goodie bags, but you know what they love even more? Free books. Those do not find their way to File 30. They find their way onto the reader's bedside table and into her heart. I know this is counter-intuitive and conflicts a little with the advice not to give promo out for free, but if your goal is to hook readers and have them buy more and more of your books, nothing is going to sell your writing like the writing itself.  Lynn Raye Harris (remember her from above?), Kimberly Lang (her too), Kira Sinclair , and Andrea Laurence put together sampler books for promo purposes. So smart. This book hooks readers, cross-pollinates fans, and sells their other books. Or if you want to give away your books, you can buy them at a discounted rate from Author, Author! (Disclaimer - I am good friends with the owner, Laura Hayden who is a super-amazing author). Author, Author! offers an Author Purchase Program where authors can buy their books at a discounted rate while still getting credit for those sales.

What are your thoughts on swag? What has worked for you? What prompted you to buy a book? My ideas are just a jumping off point. Let the discussion begin while I listen to Professor Booty one more time.

Fuzzy Friday - Comment for a Chance to Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Looks like my blog will be going to the cats and dogs (or fish, birds, frogs) on Fridays.  It seems like most writers have pets that serve dual roles as muses and miscreants.  It would be fun to see what the fur babies have to say.

Each week, a furry friend will take over and blog about his or her observations in the home of a writer.

This week, my cat, J-Dog (the handsome chap above) is taking over. However, he wants to start Fuzzy Fridays off not by talking about me (his minion), but rather by giving a shout out to the Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic.

These guys are the bomb, even if they did take my binkies.  This non-profit provides low cost, high quality spay/neuter services. Shelters in Alabama are overrun with animals looking for their forever homes. If people would take the time to have their animals spayed or neutered, the numbers in shelters would fall and everyone would have servants to scoop their box, feed them at the crack of dawn and play red dot with them like me.  Places like the Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic do so much good, you should consider helping them. One of the ways I convinced my mom to help was through AMAZON SMILE.  Through this program, Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchase to a charity of your choice.  You should really think about making the Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic your charity.  We did.  Also, you can learn more about them on their Facebook page. 

I'm sure J-Dog or one of his brothers or sisters will be back to take over the blog soon. Next week Sheldon, Debra Glass's cat and star of her next book, will be blogging.  Can't wait to see what he has to say.

If there is an author's fur baby you would like on the blog, let me know if the comments below. I'll be giving away a $10 gift card to one of the people who leaves a comment (purchased through Amazon Smile to help the Spay Neuter Clinic).  Check back Wednesday to see if you won.

Stand Up Speak Out

Alabama remains ground zero in the civil rights battle. Judge Callie Granade's January 2015 ruling finding Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage violated the equal protection and due process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment carried on the tradition of strong female jurists in the state.

Being a female civil rights lawyer in Birmingham, I am proud to walk in the path cleared by so many courageous women, including Nina Miglionico.  She was was one of the first female lawyers in Alabama.  She fought tirelessly for segregation reform, equal rights for women, improvement of child labor conditions, and elimination of the poll tax.  Her story is truly an inspiration.

Jenna Bedsole, another Birmingham lawyer, is making a film to recognize Nina Miglionico's extraordinary story.  A recent al.com article discussed Jenna's efforts and need for funding to complete the project.  Nina's story needs to be heard so that it can inspire others to stand up and speak out for what is right. Please help Jenna make sure that Nina's story is remembered.

Stand Up, Speak Out - The Nina Miglionico Story from Ted Speaker on Vimeo.

Be Still, My Golden Heart

Depositions suck. Thursday morning, I prepared for a second day of depositions in a nasty sexual harassment case. Exhibits littered my desk. Room temperature coffee fueled my marginal functionality. I couldn't find the video I needed that showed the creepy old man manager busting in on my client in the restroom. Cranky. That was me.

My cell phone rang. The sound of a ringing phone, especially my cell, elicits a negative Pavlovian response. Assuming it was a client who wanted to bypass my assistant, my hello didn't embrace the Southern hospitality that it should've. 

And then my day went from combative to celebratory.  I found out I was a 2015 Golden Heart® finalist.

The Golden Heart is the big-mama of writing contests for unpublished authors.  Sponsored by the Romance Writers of America©, the contest accepts approximately 1,200 manuscripts in eight genre categories, and the final round is judged by acquiring editors from publishing houses.  To paraphrase Ron Burgundy, it is kind of a big deal.

Keep your fingers crossed.  Magic City, the manuscript that I entered, was the first book I wrote.  The first book I completed (well, much like the Winchester Mystery House, for about two years it was the source of constant tinkering). Since finishing it, I have worked on to two other manuscripts (a political thriller and another urban fantasy).  I am humbled that others found Magic City special enough to allow me the honor and privilege to join so many wonderful authors as a Golden Heart finalist (click here to see all the fantastic ladies who are finalists).  

Now enough of that seriousness.  Here is something fun: