Indie Author Series: Categorizing your Book

For self published authors, choosing the right category is vital. It’s how your book reaches its audience.

When I was in high school, I worked at the city library. There I learned that fiction books are shelved by the author’s last name. Yes, there were special areas for mysteries and children’s books, but as far as categories go, there weren’t really any. Almost all fiction titles were shelved in one place, regardless of genre. Continue reading

YA Author Series: Keywords and Tags

bryna butlerI’m constantly experimenting with keywords and tags. They are a must need for any author trying to sell books online. Tags can help readers find your books. Amazon has what I feel is the most advanced system for tag/keyword use.

If you publish through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, you can designate two categories for your books and up to seven keywords. Use these. Amazon takes into Continue reading

Top 10 Quotes from Bon Temps and beyond

dead-ever-after-by-charlaine-harris-cover-3_4_r560Next week, you’ll surely find me curled up with a good book **fingers crossed. May 7th marks the release of Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris, the last of the Southern Vampire series (aka Sookie Stackhouse novels).

In eager anticipation, I’ve put together my very own list of Top 10 Quotes from Bon Temps and beyond. Enjoy and if you have one to add, don’t hesitate to post it in a comment.

10. “That’s what you all keep saying, but it doesn’t seem to get me any happier.” –Sookie after Bill told her he loved her, Dead Reckoning

9. “You’re my favorite breather.” –Pam to Sookie, Dead in the Family

8. “I don’t like having feelings.” – -Eric, Club Dead

7. “Puppy dog eyes. From a six-foot-five ancient Viking vampire.” –Sookie, Dead to the World Continue reading

YA Author Series: Editing

In my day job, I do quite a bit of non-fiction writing. Even though I’ve been writing non-fic for many years, I’m better known professionally for my proofing and editing. Co-workers cringe when I draw out my trusty red pen.

So, when I made the leap into fiction writing, editing was waiting for me like an old, familiar friend. However, it’s more like a love/hate relationship. I constantly struggle with Continue reading

Celebrating National Library Week

rioHappy National Library Week Everyone!!

Even in small towns like mine, we are so blessed to have such robust libraries with strong collections and expert staffing. Please don’t take them for granted.

This week, come out to the Davis Library on the campus of the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio, to see my “Books with Bite” Author Talk at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 18th.

Got a question? Go ahead and post it in the comments below and I’ll be sure to cover it during the talk.

Indie Spotlight: MELISSA PEARL

This week’s spotlight is one of my favorite indie authors, Melissa Pearl. I highly recommend Betwixt!

pearl

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan… not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. “Best. Year. Ever!!” Continue reading