The scoop on House of Gammen, Literacy Leaders, and everything else I can think of

Busy.

This year has been a roller coaster—fast, frantic, and at some points, yes, it even made me nauseous. So I’d like to take a moment to step off the ride and give you all an update.

This summer, I started Bryna’s Literacy Leaders. At its core, it’s a monthly e-newsletter for teachers and youth librarians with ideas for book-inspired snacks, classroom activities, and downloadable worksheets, and a bunch of giveaways. But it’s more than that. My vision for Bryna’s Literacy Leaders is that it becomes a resource hub for those out there looking for innovative and engaging ways spark an interest in reading for the next generation. If you know of a teacher or librarian that’s feeling a little uninspired lately, I urge you to direct them to the Literacy Leaders page where they can learn more and subscribe for free.

In September, I released my first audiobook. Posted a bunch about it on Facebook, so you might be tired of hearing about it, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop gushing over it. For Wrong Side of the Grave, the narrator’s voice is just soo dreamy. He makes rocker Eric come to life. You can sample the book here.

I’m starting to book engagements for next year. I’ve already made commitments to appear at the Roanoke Author Invasion and Utopia in Nashville (formerly UtopYA).

And there’s some big news, but it’s not quite ready to release yet. Like super big news, and it’s killing me to keep it all in. Let’s just say that it all coincides with the release of House of Gammen, the 6th and final installment of the Midnight Guardian series.

iStock_000004032250SmallOkay, so that’s my most received question, isn’t it? When is House of Gammen going to be released? I’ve been promising it for a very long time. All I can say is, YES, it is coming, NO, I don’t have a date, and YES, it is going to be epic. Sorry, the mogdocs won’t let me say more at this time. But soon. Subscribers to my New Book Alert will be the first notified when a release date is set and will even get a sneak preview at a chapter or two.

That’s all for now. See you across the barrier.

Want me to sign that for you?

squarebuttonSigned books are now available for online ordering through my website. Just look for this button on the home page or go directly to https://mkt.com/swancrestpublishing. Free shipping on all orders; U.S. addresses only.

To celebrate, I’m offering a limited time special. Use promo code MEFIRST at checkout to get 30% off your order! Hurry, this code will only be available for a limited time.

Indie Author Spotlight: LIZ LONG

lizI can’t read anything this indie author writes without smiling. Liz is intelligent and insightful with a great sense of humor – just the right amount of wacky. She posts the best pics to Twitter, hands down, and I fully believe that one day I will be the one to say “I told you so” when it’s revealed that Liz is actually an undercover agent for S.H.I.E.L.D.

In the meantime, let’s get to know the real Liz Long…

Super Rapid Fire Question Round

What is your all-time favorite book and Continue reading “Indie Author Spotlight: LIZ LONG”

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 “YA Author Series: Keywords and Tags”

Indie Author Series: The Great & Powerful

Good morning bookish friends. This week I’m posting on the road. I’ve spent the week on business in Kansas City, currently pulsing with excitement over March Madness and the new Wiz of Oz movie.

I have to admit that I feel a bit like Dorothy sometimes… timidly shuffling down the yellow brick road of book publishing. Sometimes I find a Tin Man like my friends Suzy Turner or Laura Elliott who have big hearts when it comes to helping their fellow indie writers. Sometimes it’s a lion like T.R. Graves who Continue reading “Indie Author Series: The Great & Powerful”