I suck at marketing, but I keep trying so that counts for something right? I think what I need to do is just attack every person I meet on the street and tell them to buy my books. Isn't that how some of those stars make their name known-you hear it sooooo much that it is forever burned into your skull, even if you don't want to know it? I mean, there are a few stars that I have never listened to their music or seen their shows, but yet I am doomed to know their name just because someone threw their name to the media wolves. I think that's how it's done. Have loads of people throw your name out there and then suddenly everyone knows you. Only, I'm not too keen on everyone knowing 'me'. I just want them to read my books. I'm the 'woman' behind the curtain type. Don't get me wrong, I'm not 'that' shy, but the thought of all eyes on me at the same time, is a bit freaky. I was on a high school volleyball team and I would always shake whenever we had a game and others were watching me. I loved playing, but the shaking was so annoying. I couldn't control it. I'd step out on the court and start shaking all over. Needless to say I only played one year (though I did really well despite the shaking). I don't plan on giving up writing because of nerves though. Sooooo, I will find a way.

It's a bit easier to 'market' on the net. I've signed up at so many social medias that I honestly couldn't tell you who, what, when, or where. I have actually made some sales (from people I haven't met) and I think that is just about the coolest (yeah, I'm old) thing. I also have met a great many other self pub'ers (networking) that are kind enough to 'retweet', 'repost', or 'mention' my books, links, etc. I do the same for them-isn't that what it's all about after all? Here's one of my latest 'ads':

What if your fondest wish was a mere fold away? Tuck in that corner just there and of course, say the two words that will change everything you think you know about paper. Now, what would you do to keep it? Join Pell, Aunt Syne, Nibs, Reed, Mitsu, Quills, and Awl Blott to discover the secrets of the mysterious paper; ages 8-12. http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/​eppy Oh and if you order before Nov 14th, you can use the code: COUNTDOWN @ the checkout to receive 25% off! Statua Magis!

I think I do quite well when I come up with the 'write-ups'. I think I will keep up w/my 'marketing' attempts here so I can analyze them later on. See which ones work better (I'll keep count of books sold as well). Alas, the web is a fickle friend so some days I may get sales and some days no. So far, on the 'marketing' two weeks past I sold two and the attempt the week before, I sold one. That is with Lulu's sales offerings (free shipping, 30% off, etc.). I will say one thing, Lulu is good about helping the others with coupon codes and whatnot. Now, hopefully I can woo some readers with this latest offer. My books range from pic to chapter and even a short story for whatever age range wishes to read it, unfortunately I don't have those thrillers, mysteries, or romances that might garner a lot of attention. Eh, I write what brews inside my mind and I'm actually content with that. Don't have to be famous (I might get the shakes and never recover)--just want readers to find my books.

I'm exhausted but extremely happy. I finally finished the editing of my latest chapter book, "Pell Shade and the Mysterious Paper". It's hard to cut sentences when you sweated them out, but that is part of the cruelty that is known as editing. Ah well, if it makes the story all shiny and sparkly then cut me away...erm, the sentences rather.

Released it late yesterday and had to have my husband hold my hand (I'm such a ninny) when I hit the submit key to finalize it. Then had the even more painful process of purchasing a large amount (well, large to my pocket anyways) for an upcoming author event at the end of the month.

So, as part of the celebration, it's on sale now at Lulu for 15% off cover price. Click here to check out a preview of the first 12 pages: http://tinyurl.com/69h5zm5 and buy if it catches your eye.

Well, since there is no sleep for the weary--I still have to finish "The One Sock Princess" before the end of this week and even more fun-come up w/the money to purchase copies for said author event. Ah well, if life doesn't challenge us then what? We might honestly sleep, be stress free, and smile a lot more. Anyone have a spare money tree?

Hope whoever is reading this has a blessed day! May it be sunny instead of dreary (like it is here with me), may you have had more than 3.5 hours of sleep, may you not have to deal with a boss like mine, your house be as clean as you wish it, and may you have no money worries like I do constantly. Ah the life of a writer...no wonder some of us write such twisted stories.

I've been neglectful of my account here but I plan to try harder so I can keep things in perspective. My job sucks so it tends to add to my already overly active mood swings (which it tends to make it spiral into some pretty nasty abyss'). For reasons such as that, I absolutely love and pledge loyalty to anyone who helps me with my endeavors. So Lulu is one of those lovely entities ('cause it's not just one person who runs the show). They have marketing specials to help out authors...and I did not even have to beg...erm ask, pay, or do anything for it to happen! Now, I'm a mum of two (3 if you count my husband and 6 if I count my dogs), I work (even though part time), and of course there's the house/yard to deal with so ANY help I get...well, that person is my hero. Doesn't help that I'm a moody gemini who is always sick or finding a new ache/pain-I once fractured the bone below my big toe and didn't know it until the pain became too bothersome and I went to the doctor.

Soooo, here's a link to my wonderful picture book that's on sale for 20% off--enter the code: MARCHSPECIAL305 at the checkout to receive the savings. It ends March 31st.

http://www.lulu.com/product/6242149

Hope anyone reading this has a great day!

Finally, something good came of last week--actually something exceptional came out of last week. Jane Bled-a very talented author and interviewer allowed me to have the spotlight on her LiveJournal page!! http://jane-bled.livejournal.com/21655.html It was one of the best interviews I've had!

Now, if I can just get my bum in gear and get the coloring book together for when I visit New York! It'll be 16 pages and I wanted to have little crayon packs to go with--I wanted to order from Oriental Trading but I may not have enough time since I usually opt for the 'cheap-please take forever so I can save a few dollars' method of shipping. So I'll probably have to visit a party store which I will probably pay way too much. I dunno anything lately-my sinus' suck. I'm either dizzy, nauseous, headachy, congested and numb, or exhausted. I am doomed because I'm the one who cuts the grass and I got a whiff the other day of someone mowing--I thought I would hurl. Oh whine and whimper.

Ok. Other projects... In May I learn whether or not my short story didn't win the contest I entered it--I'm not pessimistic, but the odds of winning for me (I'm special) are 2million, 9 hundred, and 41 and a half. The plush owl and lion keychains are coming along...slowly. Those are for the reading I am giving in May. Then there's the new book, the revision of book 1 of FOTK, and I need to make a banner for my website. Does anyone know how to clone? I need at least three more of me!

http://tiny.cc/0QI6L -- click on the link and see the wonderful, brilliant, magical little shop that is now selling my books!!!! Eeeee!! Ok, so to some it may not sound like a big deal but there's a story behind my enthusiasm and it's not just the chocolates and tea I'm currently endulging in. See, self publishing means, your books are more expensive so who wants or can fork out sometimes twice the amount to buy a book that the trad houses can sell so cheaply? Hmmmm? So, self pub'ers are often snubbed (at least the places I've been) or you get the 'sorry...blah,blah'. I'm human, I understand really but what can a self pub'er do? I don't ask a lot for my books-just basically enough to pay for the book and the shipping really and sometimes I don't even worry about the shipping cost. I mean, I want my books enjoyed. Paying bills would be nice but that is why I am super woman--I work part time (26 hours a week), have two kids (who I carpool to/fro school),and of course try to find time to write, promote, market, design, socialize, and of course I do a helluva lot of praying. Oh and the designing--it's not that as simple as that one wee word. By designing I mean, once I have the design, I still need to search out good/inexpensive manufacturers or else I make my own:bookmarks, color pages, search a words, t-shirts, magnets, flyers, various other gift promos that I hand out at events, and that does not include the "LOOK AT ME" brainstorms I make for big events to attract attention-I think the paper mache water dragon took me well over 30 hours to make. Still, I got a kick out of that dragon-that's what you get for listening to the voices in your head! Only mine did not tell me to 'build it and they will come'. Mine told me 'make it REALLY big and they will see it better'! Which they did. I mean c'mon a 7ft long, 3ft high green water dragon with spikes--could you really ignore that?

Stlllllll....hugs to whoever reads this!!!!!! Ok, off to pick up the second child from carpool!

Even though my first novel, F.O.T.K. Eala's Misfit, is already out and available to purchase I can still revise and being the OCD/anal person that I am, I still cringe at the thought of mistakes. I've sold around 30 copies already but I still want to correct any mistakes that are found. I mean, it's big for me--my first book was a children's pic book with only 2 sentences (avg) per page (32 pages). I've since written 2 more pic books and a short story collection so those are extremely wimpy compared to the novel. I did have a few people look it over before I put it out but...well, I want it enjoyed for the story and not someone finding loads of mistakes.

Ok, here's the proposition part. I am looking for 2 wonderful readers that would be interested in receiving a free pdf file of my novel. I'm sorry I can't offer a monetary payment (I consider myself lucky just to be able to purchase my own books to sale as all money goes straight back into my projects) but I can offer some promo items, free book(s) (volumes 1 and 2 once it is comleted) plus a thank you/credit mention in book 2 (you can use your real name or you can use a pen/screen name if you wish). Also...if you could let me know what you think of the book-I won't use it as a 'review' blurb unless you wish it. As much as I cringe at these words, be honest please. I know not everyone will like it but not everyone will hate it and I've had good with bad so far--mostly the bad being the edit which I intend to fix. I have not posted this anywhere but here--my reasoning is that I trust fanfic writers/readers. While I have not written fanfic, I read it constantly and I adore the writers-they seem nice and not ready to rip you apart (well the ones I read at least) and the ones I read are exceptionally talented.

So, if you are interested, just email me here or @ caedesdragon@hotmail.com . If you want to take a look at what you are agreeing to check out http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/fotk-ealas-misfit-%28digest-size%29/7180090 or my website eppyscreations.com .

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/something-greater-than-fear/6082286 Oooo, I have a review *grin*!!! I am sooooo excited! Now, I'm greedy...I want MORE!! More, more, you hear me!!! Muwhahahahaha--yeah, been a long week and I am a bit 'touched' (aren't all writers?).
Well, I want good reviews similiar to that one.... It's hard being a writer...so much emotional turmoil y'know. I mean, you put your heart/soul and a bit of salt into your work then you have the nagging fear that it'll suck. Of course then you get a good review and you swear to love that person for all eternity! I am such a gemini! Oohh, if you go to that page you can get a preview of the book too so it's like a 'two in one' thing-you get to read the awesome review for which you know you'll want to buy the book *Subliminal HINT* and you can see a preview of the book you know you will be eager to purchase--plus did you know there is a coupon code to get 10% off ANY one of my wonderfully exciting, good luck bringing, age defying, books--seriously there is a code--HUMBUG and if it doesn't work, let me know and I'll get at Lulu 'cause I messaged them just to be certain the code worked! Ahem, where was I? Ah yes, anywho...whether you buy or not give 'er a looksee (that'll make me happy too).

I've been wantin' one but time is not something that I have an abundance of...though, if I'd give up fanfic reading then I might have a bit more. Ah well. Anywho...a wonderful new friend of mine made me a trailer for my new pic book!! I am soooo excited. The thought of someone doing something for me...actually for me, is...unimaginable!! I'm used to doing stuff for other people. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy doing stuff for others but after a while you get used to being the one that 'gives' and not 'receives'. Another thing...it's easy to buy someone something but to make them something or give them your time....priceless! Simply priceless. Actually the gift of time for some is more complicated so perhaps it is not so 'simply', eh? To read, to comment, to encourage, to even speak kind thoughts, salutations--now that is priceless. Give me your time and I will forever be grateful.

Ok...now that I've sopped all over this blog (sorry, I tend to get emotional and overly thankful over certain things), now to the link to the book trailer....

http://galleryofwriting.org/writing/1228799  <-- Zat lil' linky is my short story submission into the National Gallery of Writing!!  Have a read...please!  I was told today that it was accepted.  There's a bazillion more that of course hides mine but that's ok, I've a link that I can shout and paste!  If you read, let me know what you think.  I get lonely typing and typing away -- living life through this keyboard and the characters in my stories.  : )