Wednesday, January 28, 2009

EPICon 2009 Keynote Speaker: Penny C. Sansevieri


Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Her company researched, developed and implemented the first comprehensive Internet publicity campaign called The Virtual Author Tour™.

Penny began her career in the publicity, book marketing, and literary field over 15 years ago. During that time she has been an author, freelance writer, publicist, and instructor. She has been instrumental in creating several highly successful marketing and publicity campaigns for author events and book launches. Penny is also President and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and has developed and implemented countless marketing and publicity strategies. She has worked with such high profile clients as world renowned psychic and ghost buster, Jane Doherty, Barney Rosenzweig creator of Cagney & Lacey, Fred and Kim Goldman, owners of If I Did It, Jac Flanders (of the original Fantastic Four) and Tammi Menendez, wife of Erik Menendez and the first eBay auction of a Princess Diana gown (lot “9” from Christie’s New York). Her firm has worked with numerous bestsellers including: The Answer, Happy for No Reason, The Go-Giver, The Laws of Thinking and such high-profile books as: Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul. Her clients have been featured on The View, CBS The Early Show, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, CNN Showbiz Tonight, National Public Radio, Something You Should Know, The Heloise Show and in Publishers Weekly, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, Essence Magazine, More Magazine, The Bridal Guide, Entertainment Weekly, MSNBC… and many others.

Penny's diverse background enables her to bring a multitude of talents to the table as well as a myriad of marketing techniques.

Penny’s innovative marketing strategies have been featured in Marketing Sherpa, Writer’s Digest Magazine, Book Marketing Update, The Publicity Hound, The San Diego Union Tribune, Working Writer Magazine, Vision Magazine, Writer’s Web, New Book Reviews, Romance Writers of America, RW of Europe and many more. She is also Editor for the e-newsletter "The Book Marketing Expert," which has a subscriber base in excess of 7,000.

Penny successfully marketed her first book, The Cliffhanger, which was released in 2000. After a strategic marketing campaign, it soared up the ranks at Amazon.com and held the #1 spot for three months. Her most recent book, Red Hot Internet Publicity, has been called “an indispensable guide to leveraging the Internet for success.”

You can visit her web site at www.amarketingexpert.com

It's not too late to register for EPICON 2009 in Lake Las Vegas, NV, March 5 - 8, 2009. Visit EPIC for information on how to register today!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Young Writers: New Voices Wants You


Epic and New Voices

Are searching for Writers and Poets

Our children are not only the readers and writers of the future. They ARE the voice of the future.

EPIC has given that voice a place and time. Here is that place. Now is their time.

EPIC wants to share the excitement about e-publishing with young writers and introduce them to the variety and versatility of eBooks. We want to encourage them to spread their wings and soar by turning their creative dreams into reality, giving their voices a place in the books of now and the future.

EPIC’s New Voices Writing Competition Contest is their perfect opportunity.

We established this competition to encourage writing among Middle School and High School-aged students. The New Voices Writing Competition has been an astounding success in its short history, welcoming talented young entrants from all parts of the globe. Help us continue to offer these writers the opportunity to fly.

We invite your writers, poets, schools, and local organizations to participate in this ELECTRONIC COMPETITION and welcome all Middle School and High School aged writers attending public, private, or home schools.

Winning entries are compiled into special anthologies. EPIC donates two versions of the current anthology (one copy on CD, the other in print) to each winning entrants’ school library, doing our part to promote e-book awareness within school systems. Additional electronic copies are available for download at no cost from our website.

For more Guidelines and Entry forms, please go to:

http://www.epicauthors.com/newvoices.html

Help us guide the young writers of the future into this exciting world of e-publishing.

For more information, please contact
Debi Sullivan, EPIC’s New Voices Chair
epic.nvchair@gmail.com

Monday, January 26, 2009

2009 EPPIE Finalists

The Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC) is proud to present the 9th annual EPPIE Awards. These awards, which honor the finest electronically published books of the year, will be presented at the EPPIE Banquet during EPICon 2009.

Category 1 - Action/Adventure
• Beneath the Surface by Suzanne Perazzini—Wild Child Publishing
• Hollywood Havoc: The Trouble With Fat Boy by John Klawitter—Double Dragon Publishing
• Mogollon Rim: Seeds of Destruction by Darrell Bain—Twilight Times Books
• The Red Dragon by Clifford Gissell—Whiskey Creek Press

Category 2 - Anthology - Complete (Fiction)
• Bad-Ass Faeries 2: Just Plain Bad by Danielle Ackley-McPhail (Senior Editor), James Chambers, Bernie Mojzes, Trisha Wooldridge, Christy Tohara, C.S. Haviland , L. Jagi Lamplighter, Elaine Corvidae, Den C. Wilson, Skyla Dawn Cameron, Lorne Dixon, Steven Earl Yoder, CJ Henderson, Brian Koscienski, Chris Pisano, Lee C. Hillman, James Daniel Ross, Steven Mangold, Jason Franks, Phil Brucato, John Passarella, Jeff Lyman—Marietta Publishing
• The Veil and Other Tales by Chris Neeley—Forbidden Publications
• The Vernal Equinox of Death and Kisses by Antonio Hopson—SynergEbooks, Publisher

Category 3 - Anthology – Complete (Non-Fiction)
• Inside Scoop: Articles about Acting and Writing by Hollywood Insiders and Published Authors by Marilyn Peake, Editor (contributors: John Klawitter, Geoff Nelder, Sara Reinke, Rachel DeFriez, Larriane Wills, Michael J. Wallach, Michael A. Ventrella, Kenneth Dolin, Jo Kelly, Sue Thurman, Lincoln D. Bandlow, K.L.Nappier, Lee Barwood, J. Richard Jacobs)—Double Dragon Publishing
• Nothing But Red by Skyla Dawn Cameron, Editor—Lulu

Category 4 - Anthology - Complete (Romance/Erotica)
• EcoErotica by Selena Kitt, Editor—eXcessica Publishing
• In Deep Waters 2: Cruising the Strip by Radclyfe and Karin Kallmaker, Editor—Bold Stroke Books
• Mischief in Moonstone Series by Christine DeSmet—Whiskey Creek Press, Publisher
• Sexual Deceptions by Brenda Williamson and Rayne Forrest—Whiskey Creek Press, Publisher
• Three's Company by Angela James, Editor, Lorelei James, Jess Dee, Jayne Rylon—Samhain Publishing

Category 5 - Anthology - Single Title Story/Novella
• Busybodies and Dead Diamonds by C. J. Winters—Hard Shell Word Factory
• Sonata's Story by Christie Shary—Whiskey Creek Press
• Summersong by Sheri L. McGathy—Double Dragon Publishing

Category 7 - Anthology - Single Title Story/Novella (Romance/Erotica)
• If All The Sand Were Pearl by Pepper Espinoza—Samhain Publishing
• Moor Love by Carol Lynne—Total-e-Bound Publishing
• No Fear In Love by Jamie Craig—Samhain Publishing
• Oh My God by Ashlyn Chase—Total-e-Bound Publishing
• The Fire God's Woman by Brenna Lyons—Phaze Books
• Walk Among Us by Vivien Dean—Samhain Publishing

Category 8 - Children/Young Adult
• Moonlight Dancer by Mona Ingram—Wild Rose Press
• Rainbow Sheep by Kim Chatel—Guardian Angel Publishing
• Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery by Christine Verstraete—Echelon Press: Quake

Category 9 - Contemporary Romance
• Codename: Romeo by Kathryn Attalla—Freya's Bower
• Love with a Welcome Stranger by Lynnette Baughman—Wild Rose Press
• One Night in Memphis by Allie Boniface—Samhain Publishing
• Southern Exposure by Kimberley Dehn—Wings ePress
• The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke by N. J. Walters—Samhain Publishing

Category 10 - Contemporary Erotic Romance
• Erotic Research by Mari Carr—Samhain Publishing
• July Vintage by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press
• One For The Team by Jet Mykles—Loose-Id
• Teaching Molly by Desiree Holt—Ellora's Cave Romantica
• The Flavor of Summer by Lyra Marlowe—Loose-Id
• Til Death Do We Part by Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton—Cobblestone Press
• Winds of Fortune by Radclyffe—Bold Strokes Book

Category 11 - Erotica
• A Good Student by Elliot Mabeuse—eXcessica Publishing
• Oh Yum! Impulsive Pleasures by KyAnn Waters—Ellora's Cave Romantica
• Teddi Turns On by Sloane Taylor—Aspen Mountain Press

Category 12 - Fantasy
• Bloodlines by Skyla Dawn Cameron—Mundania Press LLC
• Eagle of the Kingdom by Joanne Hall—epress-online
• Tarbaby Trouble by Phoebe Matthews—BookStrand
• The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson—Mundania Press LLC
• Willing Sacrifice by Gloria Oliver—Zumaya Publications

Category 13 - Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
• Final Words by Teri Thackston—Cerridwen Press
• Sherwood Charade by Mimi Riser—Amber Quill Press
• The Gelidus Factor by Patricia Otto—Cerridwen Press
• Welcome to Mudflat, Baby by Phoebe Matthews—BookStrand

Category 14 - Fantasy/Paranormal Erotic Romance
• A Wolf At Her Door by Kate Willoughby—Ellora's Cave
• Animal Attraction by Paige Tyler—Whiskey Creek Press
• Curses by Cindy Spencer Pape—Wild Rose Press
• Dangerous by Monica Burns—Samhain Publishing
• Eternal Brothers by N. J. Walters—Ellora's Cave
• Jackie and the Beanstalk by Jacqueline Meadows—Ellora's Cave
• Mercy of These Bones by Vivien Dean—Liquid Silver Books
• Mosaic Moon by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill
• Nature's Pentacle by Eden Rivers—Loose-Id

Category 15 - GLBT
• A Spirit of Vengeance by Angela Benedetti—Torquere Press
• Beyond the Reef by A.J. Llewellyn—eXtasy Books
• Orientation by Rick R. Reed—Amber Quill Press
• Phoenix Rising by Kimberly Gardner—MLR Press
• Strictly Business by Cat Grant—Lyrical Press
• Tabula Rasa by Tory Temple—Torquere Press: Top Shelf
• Tinder by Tory Temple—Torquere Press: Screwdrivers

Category 16 - Historical/Western Fiction
• Gold, a Tale of the California Gold Rush by Steve Bartholomew—epress-online
• Saving Mattie by Phil Dunlap—Sundowners and Mountain View Publishing
• The Goodbye Trail by Del Garrett—Whiskey Creek Press
• Tomorrow's Promise: Survival on the Plains by D.L. Rogers—Awe-Struck E-Books

Category 17 - Historical/Western Romance
• Draegon's Lair by Linda Ciletti—Wings ePress
• Kentucky Green by Terry Irene Blain—Wings ePress
• Silverhills by Sandra Cox—Cerridwen Press
• Song of My Heart by Barbara Baldwin—Samhain Publishing
• Sweet Serenity by Catherine Stang—Whiskey Creek Press

Category 18 - Historical/Western Erotic Romance
• Mirage by Monica Burns—Samhain Publishing
• Stealing Northe by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press
• Stealing West by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press

Category 19 - Horror
• Death Masks by Kim Richards—Eternal Press
• Pit-Stop by Ben Larken—LL-Publications
Category 20 - Inspirational Fiction
• Joshua's Hope by Carol Ann Erhardt—Wild Rose Press
• Shadow of the Soul by Sylvia Rochester—Wings ePress
• The Keeper's Promise by Penelope Marzec—Awe-Struck E-Books

Category 21 - Mystery/Suspense
• High Risk by Rick R. Reed—Amber Quill Press
• Just Add Trouble by Jinx Schwartz—Treble Heart Books: WhoooDoo Mysteries
• One Too Many by Marie-Nicole Ryan—Samhain Publishing
• Ready for the Defense by Mike Langan—Treble Heart Books: WhoooDoo Mysteries

Category 22 - Mystery/Suspense/Horror Romance
• Candy, Corpses and Classified Ads by J L Wilson—Wild Rose Press
• Chasing Shadows by Erin Richards—Cerridwen Press
• Deception by Sharon Cullen—Samhain Publishing
• Hot Shot by M.J. Fredrick—Samhain Publishing
• Just a Memory by Lois Carroll—Echelon Press

Category 23 - Mystery/Suspense/Horror Erotic
• Dominion by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press
• If Not For You by J L Wilson—Cerridwen Press
• Jackson's Jewel by N. J. Walters—Ellora's Cave Romantica

Category 24 - Non-Fiction, General
• Dog: Pure Awareness by Margot Lasher—Twilight Times Books
• Tinsel Wilderness by John Klawitter—Double Dragon Publishing

Category 25 - Non-Fiction, Self-Help
• A Core Curriculum for Creative Writing by Barri Bryan—Whiskey Creek Press
• The Curse of the Manuscript Eating Slushpile Monster by Cindy Appel—Uncial Press
• The Power of Promotional Groups by Karen Wiesner—Twilight Times Books
• The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Mayra Calvani—Twilight Times Books

Category 26 - Poetry
• Burnt Coffee by Larry Rochelle—AuthorsDen
• New and Easy Poems by John Blandly—SynergEbooks
• Rollicking Anthropomorphisms and Other Observations on the Human Condition by Richard Satterlie—Whiskey Creek Press

Category 27 - Science Fiction
• Blade Dancer by K M Tolan—Champagne Books
• Hobson's Planet by John Paulits—Wings ePress
• The Infinite Instant by Danielle L. Parker—Lachesis Publishing

Category 28 - Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
• A Greater Art by Ainsley Davidson—Amira Press
• Game Time by Mary Ann Chulick—Cerridwen Press
• Prophesied by Liz Craven—Samhain Publishing
• Undercover Alien by Barbara Romo—Crescent Moon Press

Category 29 - Science Fiction/Futuristic Erotic Romance
• Desperate Alliance by Robie Madison—Ellora's Cave
• In Service by Mima—Loose-Id
• Law's Deliverance by Melany Logen—Loose-Id

Category 30 - Single Story - Mainstream
• Embezzled Love by Ginger Simpson—LBF Books
• Glory Girls by Linda Bleser—Cerridwen Press
• Over The Wall by Trisha FitzGerald-Petri—Wings ePress

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Gift Giving for any Season


You have to admit these are perfect gifts - Books that is - The printed word will never go out of style for any gift giving reason.

--
Two pertinent lists from Jessica James, author of Shades of Gray, posted on Amazon:

Top Five Reasons Why Guys Should Give Books as Gifts

5: She can't connect with a new sweater like she can with a book.
4: Hey guys, they're easy to wrap!
3: They come in all sizes, shapes and colors--what could be easier?
2: It's cheaper than a romantic getaway but can produce the same result.
1: Books are gifts of love and joy--and can create everlasting memories.

Top Five Reasons Why Girls Should Give Books as Gifts:

5: They're easy to store--on coffeetables, bookshelves, nightstands or countertops.
4: They never go bad no matter how long they're stored--and they can be used quickly or savored over time.
3: Books can teach, educate, entertain--and distract him from football.
2: It's a small investment that can return dividends for life.
1: Books are the perfect gift of enjoyment that don't require him to leave his chair.

[Thanks to Traci A. Lower.]
Billie/Cricket

Friday, November 14, 2008

The eBook Hullabaloo

Why on earth does everyone have to get all twisted up about eBooks or not? This isn't a one or the other thing, it's all about what you like. I am a reader from way back and I love to lie in bed with my paperback resting on my chest as I doze off. I love being able to lie in the tub and read without fear of ruining a $300 electronic gadget.

What do I hate? I hate having to pack multiple books in my briefcase or luggage so I can read on a long trip. It makes them heavy and that is very hard on my back, neck, and shoulders. I hate leaving a book I am in the middle of reading sitting on a table somewhere and forgetting it.

Now, I tell you this because there is a solution. Behold, there is a choice! I can have my cake and eat it too. Yes, sir. I speak the truth.

I can have my beloved paperbacks and lighter packing with my eBook reader. Woohoo!

Now, I hear those readers, who are not authors, complain that they cannot tolerate the idea of eBooks. How can they give them away to their friends when they are finished? How can they sell them to used bookstores? How can they get them signed? Okay, I can't address that one. It is a fact.

Now, as for the validity of eBook: if it's good enough for Ellen Degeneres, whose book is in eBook form, as are the books of Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Barbara Walters, and even Nora Robert and John Patterson, who actually gave away an electronic reader for Mother's Day. Yes, that's right!

Let's look at this from another aspect.

I ask you good readers to consider the plight of the author. For every book you give away to your friends after you have finished reading it, you are taking away a small portion of the living that author is trying to earn. For every book you sell to a used bookstore you are taking a part of that author's income. I'm not saying I have never done either of these things. In fact, I used to own a new/used bookstore and I have loaned books to my friends in the past. What I am saying is that they have needs just like you.

What I would like to ask is that you not only consider your own hard-earned dollars, but consider those of the authors who you are holding back when you ignore their needs so blatantly. If you don't want to buy eBooks, then fine. Don't! We are not asking you to choose one or the other. But don’t use money as a weapon to talk down about something that has the potential to make a HUGE difference in how an author can possibly earn a living when some readers continually ignore just how much time and effort go into each every word that forms the very books they give away without that author earning their hard-earned royalties.

Authors write books for readers because we love it--yes, I am an author as well--I beseech you, give the authors what they deserve. If not their full royalties for every book sold, at least your respect. For without them, you will be forced to read shampoo bottles.


About the Author:
Karen L. Syed is the president and CEO of Echelon Press, LLC. Every day is a new success story for her as she continues to grow herself and her business. She has seen eight of her own novels published (writing as Alexis Hart), along with numerous articles and short stories. As a former bookstore owner, she garnered a nomination from Publishers Weekly for their Bookseller of the Year award. She is a member of EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection). She is committed to helping and encouraging everyone she comes in contact with to seek a healthier and more positive quality of life by reaching for their dreams. You can learn more about Karen Syed at www.klsyed.com.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Guest post Romance Author Shiela Stewart


Author: Shiela Stewart www.shielasbooks.ca

Bio: Raised on a rural farm in Saskatchewan, Shiela Stewart relied on her vivid imagination to fill her days. Never did she realize that her need to tell a story would someday lead to becoming a published romance author. In the fall of two thousand and six, Shiela published her very first book and hasn't stopped since.

When not writing, Shiela spends time with the love of her life, William and their three children. She has a strong affection for animals which is evident in the five cats, one dog, three turtles and ten fish she owns. Some of her passions aside from writing are drawing and painting and proudly displays her artwork in murals in her home.
Her favorite time of day is sunset and loves to stargaze.



Synopsis:

Once upon a time Jonah Moore had it all. Then his wife and unborn child were taken from him, leaving his life darker than when Chaos and his evil vamps stole the sun. Now, Jonahs lost the will to face another day, which could be a problem, considering he's just been turned into a vampire and is now destined to live for eternity.

As a nurse, Raven Moony was used to tending to the needs of others. Until an accident changes everything… When she is abducted and forced to tend to Chaos' needs, she is more than ready to give in and willingly accepts her role as his slave.

Then Jonah enters the picture and she finds herself fighting for his safety and freedom as well as her own. Can she convince Jonah he should go on despite her own doubts? Can they open their hearts to love and learn that there is indeed life after death?

Shiela Stewart's third novel in The Darkness series continues the heart stopping, action packed battle of light against dark. Enter a world where light shines from within and love always triumphs…even in the face of pure evil.

Link to excerpt: http://www.shielasbooks.ca/TheDarknessSeries.htm

Be sure to check out Book 1, Seducing the Darkness and book 2, Desiring the Darkness availbale now in both ebook and print.
http://www.lindenbayromance.com/product-seducingthedarkness-7223-139.html
http://www.lindenbayromance.com/product-desiringthedarkness-7224-139.html

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Guest post Elaine Lowe

Author: Elaine Lowe: www.elainelowenovels.com, www.ellorascave.com

Book: Reveal the Heart, coming out November 12th with Ellora's Cave. A spicy WWII book just in time for Veteran's Day.

Bio: Elaine Lowe is a work-at-home mom in Silicon Valley California. Of her many part-time jobs, her favorite one by far is writing. She has a background in biotech, but she has branched out into the demanding world of home management, toddler entertainment, transcription, envelope stuffing, and of course, writing romantic and erotic fiction.

A love of history, magic and romance combines to inspire a lot of her writing. That and her wonderful husband, who is a fantastic sounding board, support system, and research consultant. He really enjoys research. And so does she.
History with a touch of magic is a favorite genre, as well as science fiction and its infinite possibilities!


Synopsis:

Reveal the Heart: Part of the Passion Magic world, including Enchant the Dawn
Washington D.C. in 1942 is the hot center of the war effort. Hester Lowbridge left her home and family to become a codebreaker for the military, using her miraculous talent for languages to do her part. She also has a Christmas pageant to manage and an irritating ex-boyfriend for a boss. When she agrees to do a favor for a friend on top of her already packed schedule, she doesn't expect to meet the love of her life.
In a military hospital lies a mysterious man who can't speak a word of English, or any other known language. A nurse asks her roommate Hester to talk to the fella. The first word Jack Powell says to Hester?
Ashavi.
Jack is a Magi, injured in North Africa and desperate to find a way to communicate. How can he convince the angel who saved his life in the desert how much they need each other when he can't speak? Why seduce her of course!

Link to excerpt: http://elainelowe.livejournal.com/19740.html#cutid2
Link to jpg graphic of book cover: http://pics.livejournal.com/elainelowe/pic/0002h9cd/s320x240