Coming soon... June 6

Interview with Sandy Lender, author of Choices Meant for Gods

Gift from Australia

Wow! I just got the coolest bookmark ever from Giulietta Jones, author of Daredevil and Dormouse, a laugh-out loud romantic comedy from The Wild Rose Press. She sent it from Australia, and it's in the shape of a kangaroo--a 3-D kangaroo. Its little head peeks out over the top of the book. It's absolutely adorable. I now have a new pet that doesn't need to be fed.

And she sent it 'cos I mentioned on a review site how much I loved her book. Somehow it seems the gifts should be flowing the other way around. I mean, she sends me a gift for reading her hilarious Daredevil and Dormouse? That was a gift already!

But thanks ever so much, Giulietta!! You made my day--TWICE!

More Bang for Your Buzz

Spent three days last week at a conference soaking in marketing knowledge and discovered that most marketers consider their books only as a stepping stone, a way to get in the door. Their real goal? Lucrative speaking engagements. Selling themselves, their products, their expertise, their services, their ideas. I realize these are non-fiction writers, but is this something that can and should be applied to fiction too?

Here's my paraphrase of a speaker's advice: Write one book, then spend the rest of your life promoting it. It evidently worked for him. He's a New York Times bestselling author.

For me, though, the be-all and end-all isn't sales, it's the writing. It's the thrill of seeing another book in print. The joy of playing with words. So maybe I'll always be a fingerpainter, mushing around in a creative muddle of color for the joy of it rather than hanging in a prestigious art gallery. Which is the better choice, I wonder. Thoughts anyone?

ONLY 99 CENTS!

Check out The Wild Rose Press store for bargain books. Rosettes are on sale for only 99 cents. Pick up a copy of Spark of Magic and follow the instructions to be entered in the drawing for a free Sony e-reader.

Prom Mania

My publisher, Wild Rose Press, is promoting our YA line, Climbing Roses, throughout the month of May 2009. All books are discounted, and Prom Mania has begun. Join us for prizes, quizzes, craft ideas, funny & embarrassing prom stories, and more.

If you comment on the blog and mention you saw the Prom Mania logo here, your name will be entered into the drawings for fabulous prizes. Check out the excitement at http://twrpclimbingrose.blogspot.com/. Where else can you find info on free prom dresses?

For authors interested in writing for the young adult line of The Wild Rose Press, stop by http://www.behindthegardengate.blogspot.com/ between 9-10 p.m. EST tonight, May 1, 2009, to meet Climbing Rose editors on the editor blog. Or drop into the chat room http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=160587 on Thursday, May 14, 8-9 p.m. EST.