Back to the blogosphere!

Wow, it feels more like a year than a month, but I'm back. This month has been a bit rocky for me starting off with losing the power in my computer right on the first of the month. The joke was on me indeed. I got a new phone with net access and have been checking out things via there but still there are some things a phone can't go. Good to be back and starting on the path toward finishing up some of my projects.

Just to catch everyone up, I should be updating my site later this week. I'll be catching up with posts and emails and writings in the mean time so I may be a bit behind with things. Folks who have enjoyed reading A Kiss of Ashen Twilight and are looking for book 2 (thank you thank you all who have grabbed yourselves a copy and enjoyed the read!) the date has been moved back a bit to November 3rd, tentatively on the go ahead from my publisher. The original August date didn't give enough leeway for me to finish the MS and go through extensive edits which can take up to a few months or so. We want it to be as clean and spiffy of a read as possible! I'll definitely have some more news as we get closer.

And don't think I'll leave you hanging either. I have some goodies in store including some stories in between the releases so you won't be without entertainment. ;-) Stay tuned for the news!

Saturdays I'm still teaching in Second Life. My class is a beginning novel writer's class so if you're in-world looking for some pointers, please stop on by. I'll try to post some notes here and there as well just for any aspiring writers who may be checking out my blog.

Finally, there's a lot of news going on in the publishing world that I'm just now catching up on. Lots of innovative new things that I'd love to share my thoughts here so stay tuned for that and any free book goodie news I may come across.

Updates and Weekend Events!

As you all may know I've been without a computer since my comp died last week. Let me tell you it's been insanity! Thankfully I upgraded phones and now I can keep in the know from my mobile. One of the things about not having the comp is you get to do a lot of reading both news and for pleasure.

While surfing, I noticed there is a lot happening in the industry today. Many divisions are closing down and folding into other larger ones. For instance, Heather over at The Galaxy Press reported the closing of the Shomi sci-fi romance line under Dorchester.

I also noticed there are many websites available for regular surfing and converted for mobile phones. Goodreads has a mobile site as well as Amazon (which just released the new App for Blackberry smartphones) and other news sites like NPR. Many of which have downloadable applications for easy access on phones. This is a fabulous time for authors looking to step out and carve a niche of readers on their own. Since many publishers are cutting back on so much in house promotions, saving it for their big names instead of their upcomers, the bulk of the marketing lies on reader's shoulders. Places like Smashwords and Scribd are making it easy to release free works and others for payment which can even be left in the reader's hands. This is good for low charge promotions for author's shorter works or reader chosen charges. All of which can help build an author's name.

Strange as it seems, the social networking site Twitter has become a wealth of news in the publishing industry. Almost everyone is on there from NY Times, Publishers Weekly, bookstores and publishers. It's great if you want to keep up with snippets of news that link offsite ot the full articles. First Issue Blog has A Directory of Book Trade People on Twitter. Be prepared to spend a day adding everyone!

As for free read alerts: Author Sara Reinke of the Brethren Series is offering a bunch of her backlist as free reads. Genres range from Historical romance to sci-fi and paranormal thrillers as well as historical fiction. She'll be offering a sci-fi thriller coming this summer which looks really good. Downloads in PDF are available on her blog.

Finally, if you're in Second Life this weekend, I'll be having a double event this weekend. First on Saturday, I'll be starting the first of my novel writing class Plotters, Pantsers and Proofers: Writing the Novel. It'll be aimed at writers who haven't written a novel but would like to start. More info is available at TLE (The Learning Experience) aimed at offering free virtual education. Contact my name in-world Rae Larkham for more info and a tp to the class. Class begins at 3 PM SLT (or Pacific Time).

On Sunday, I'll be doing a live reading at West of Ireland where I'll be reading a selection from A Kiss of Ashen Twilight. That will be held at the WOI Sim at 1:30pm – 2:30pm SLT (Pac).

So mark your calendars and hope to see you guys there!

In other news, print on demand and romance novels are leading the pack in overall book sales. Not really news as it has always been seen as a recession proof genre with Harlequin leading the pack in digital reads as well as romance sales, but the Today show did do a little blurb on it recently.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

April Spotlight on Author Melissa Wathington

I consider each of my blog tour guests pretty special but this month we have an extra special guest and a dear friend of mine, Melissa Wathington.

Melissa has worked both sides of the writing industry as writer, editor and as a publisher as my former partner at our company. A college graduate with an AA and BA in Journalism, Melissa has had over 20 years in the writing industry working as layout editor and content editor for three college newspapers, as well as two county papers. Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly have featured her writing and she's done numerous freelance editing jobs. She served as editor in chief for two national magazines, Street and Ultimate Black Hair, has been a book reviewer for over 4 years at The Romance Readers Connection and has had numerous short stories and three books published under the pseudonym, Elissa Scott Kyle. Surrender Your Heart, a short story duet is available under her given name.

Melissa also divides her writing time with designing websites, running PRAIZES website (a community of inspirational writers and readers) and Homebound Hugs, an organization for homebound kids.

Melissa gave me an interview and some more insight into her writings that she's happy to share with her readers.


Q: How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

I write romantic fiction. All of my stories have the common theme of love, romance and family throughout. My favorite genre to read happens to be romantic fiction. This includes chick lit, fantasy and even a touch of paranormal! If there’s romance to be found, more than likely I’ll enjoy it. I especially enjoy series---following characters that you grow to love to the next adventure always excites me.

Q: Who would you say has influenced you the most?

The person who has had the biggest influence on my life, both in and out of the writing world is my mother. She is one of the strongest people I know and has taught me so much during my lifetime. From love to school to politics and more, she showed me how to cultivate my life experiences and have my own voice. I don’t know where I’d be without her in my life. As far as writing goes, I’d have to say Beverly Jenkins and Francis Ray. Not only do I admire and enjoy the writing of both of these bestselling authors but they are smart business women who are able to incorporate their careers and family lives. They also treat their fans with respect and love and are encouraging role models to aspiring writers.

Q: What would you say are the biggest challenges that you face?

I have many medical challenges I face every day and unfortunately those make the biggest impact on my writing career. I deal with a heart condition, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue so even when I have the energy to grow new story ideas, the ability to work on the computer or go do research is sometimes just not an option.

Q: How do you deal with these challenges?

It’s hard, I won’t lie. There are times I get very down about not writing enough or losing the muse when I’m feeling poorly. I try to get as much done as I can on the days when I’m feeling well and I attend conferences, workshops and book signings when I’m physically (and financially) able. Being online has afforded me greater opportunities to network, write and spread my wings creatively. I have a good friend who keeps me up to date with publishing happenings as well as following several publishing blogs. The best thing is the encouragement and support I receive from fellow writers and professional mentors. They definitely help keep me focused and on my path.

Q: What will your next book be about?

I have a short story called “Prescription For Love” which was supposed to be coming out the end of this month but will now be released in April. It’s a story of two people finding love where they least suspect it. Jarrod is running away from a shocking family secret when his paths cross with single mother Stacey who has sworn off love after losing her husband to cancer. They both have pretty strong personalities so of course their meeting causes fireworks. The question is will they both be able to get over their pasts to see their future?

I’m also working on a novella at the beginning of a series to release later this year. The inspirational series is called “Fruits of the Spirit” and each story covers a different “fruit” spoken of in the Bible—love, joy, self control, faithfulness, and peace. The first story is about a couple and their second chance at a love of a lifetime. I’m very excited about it so be sure to check in regularly at my site and my blog for updates!

Thanks so much for stopping by Melissa!

Learn more about Melissa's works on the web!

Melissa Wathington, The Freelance Diva

www.melissaw.net

The Diva’s Digs found @ http://freelancediva03.blogspot.com

“A Knight’s Illusion” on sale at Lady Leo Publishing (www.ladyleopublishing.org)

“Surrender Your Heart” on sale at Romance At Heart Publications (www.rahpubs.com )