Hello everyone!
January is already proving to be an exciting month and its only the 2nd! ;o)
This month I'll be visiting fellow author blogs and talking about everything from the beauty of historical Scottish culture to the top 10 reasons you should love a Highlander! ;o)
Today, I'm visiting the spectacular Sophie Moss where I'm talking about the beauty of Scotland. Please take a moment and stop by to say hello! You can find us at Sophie Moss Writes.
To make the month and the tour just a tad more exciting, I'm going to give away a free copy of one of my books at each of the sites I visit this month! ;o) I'll be visiting six sites, and yes, you can stop by each one and be entered each time. ;o)
So stop by, say hello, and you're automatically entered to win. I'll even let you pick which book you want -- Laiden's Daughter or Findley's Lass!
Bless you all and may you have a beautiful 2013!! ;o)
Hugs,
Suzan
Showing posts with label Findley's Lass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Findley's Lass. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Happy Anniversary to Laiden's Daughter!
One year ago today, I published my first novel, Laiden's Daughter. So much has happened, so many changes have taken place in my life, since that day. Wonderful, amazing, fantastic things and I owe it all to my beautiful readers!
Because of you, my wonderful readers, Laiden's Daughter, has been on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers list since February, 2012.
Because of you, when I released the second book in my Clan MacDougall series on September 2, 2012, it made the same top 100 list in less than a week. ;o)
Because of you, I'm also listed as one of Amazon's top 100 authors in my genres.
In the past year, Laiden's Daughter has sold more than 37,000 copies (Kindle versions) around the world. All because of you.
Findley's Lass has sold more than 6,000 copies since September. ;o) (Kindle versions) around the world. All because of you.
Because of you, I was able to give up my day job. For that, I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you!
In honor of Laiden's release/publication date, I'm giving away two signed paperback copies of Laiden's Daughter!! ;o) Rules are simple: just leave me a note here at my blog and you're automatically entered to win! I'm going to keep this contest going for the next 7 days. Share with your friends and they will be entered too!
Words cannot express how thankful I am to all of you. Please know that I am grateful for everything you've all done to help make my dreams come true. ;o) I have the most amazing, wonderful, thoughtful readers.
Eternally grateful,
Suzan
Because of you, my wonderful readers, Laiden's Daughter, has been on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers list since February, 2012.
Because of you, when I released the second book in my Clan MacDougall series on September 2, 2012, it made the same top 100 list in less than a week. ;o)
Because of you, I'm also listed as one of Amazon's top 100 authors in my genres.
In the past year, Laiden's Daughter has sold more than 37,000 copies (Kindle versions) around the world. All because of you.
Findley's Lass has sold more than 6,000 copies since September. ;o) (Kindle versions) around the world. All because of you.
Because of you, I was able to give up my day job. For that, I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you!
In honor of Laiden's release/publication date, I'm giving away two signed paperback copies of Laiden's Daughter!! ;o) Rules are simple: just leave me a note here at my blog and you're automatically entered to win! I'm going to keep this contest going for the next 7 days. Share with your friends and they will be entered too!
Words cannot express how thankful I am to all of you. Please know that I am grateful for everything you've all done to help make my dreams come true. ;o) I have the most amazing, wonderful, thoughtful readers.
Eternally grateful,
Suzan
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Book Signing -- Success!
Hello everyone!
I had a great time at the Burlington By The Book Bookstore on Saturday. I met lots and lots of new people and was able to see some friends and family members that I haven't seen in ages. I also sold lots of books and gained several new readers! ;o)
At the end of the day, I only had three copies of Laiden's Daughter left and ten of Findley's Lass! All in all, a very exciting and fun day!
I am looking forward to my next book signing. I'll post dates, locations, times, etc. as they come in. (My assistant is working on setting more book signings up for me. I go where she tells me to! lol)
I hope you all have a great week! Below are a few pictures from Saturday.
I had a great time at the Burlington By The Book Bookstore on Saturday. I met lots and lots of new people and was able to see some friends and family members that I haven't seen in ages. I also sold lots of books and gained several new readers! ;o)
At the end of the day, I only had three copies of Laiden's Daughter left and ten of Findley's Lass! All in all, a very exciting and fun day!
I am looking forward to my next book signing. I'll post dates, locations, times, etc. as they come in. (My assistant is working on setting more book signings up for me. I go where she tells me to! lol)
I hope you all have a great week! Below are a few pictures from Saturday.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Book Signing Today!
I'm really looking forward to the book signing today! ;o) I'll be at Burlington By the Book Bookstore from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. today, signing copies of Findley's Lass and Laiden's Daughter. It is located at 301 Jefferson, Burlington Iowa.
It has been years since I've been in Iowa ;o) I'm looking forward to seeing some family, old friends, and meeting new ones!
I will post pictures of the day in a day or two.
Thank you all again for your continued support!
Suzan
It has been years since I've been in Iowa ;o) I'm looking forward to seeing some family, old friends, and meeting new ones!
I will post pictures of the day in a day or two.
Thank you all again for your continued support!
Suzan
Sunday, November 25, 2012
December 1 Book Signing Set!
Hello everyone!
I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been diligently working on Wee William's Woman! It is going very well and I'm sure I'll be able to release his story come Spring! ;o)
I have just firmed up my next book signing. I'll be at the "Burlington By The Book" Bookstore, 301 Jefferson St., Burlington, Iowa on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We should have plenty of copies of Findley's Lass and Laiden's Daughter on hand to sign.
I am so excited to meet more of my readers and to see old friends and family! ;o)
I hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Suzan
I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been diligently working on Wee William's Woman! It is going very well and I'm sure I'll be able to release his story come Spring! ;o)
I have just firmed up my next book signing. I'll be at the "Burlington By The Book" Bookstore, 301 Jefferson St., Burlington, Iowa on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We should have plenty of copies of Findley's Lass and Laiden's Daughter on hand to sign.
I am so excited to meet more of my readers and to see old friends and family! ;o)
I hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Suzan
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Hometown Newspaper...a nice surprise
I was contacted by a journalist from the Monmouth Review Atlas on Friday. She asked if we could do a little Q & A for the Saturday edition. Thinking this would be a little story on their back page, I said sure! ;o) Imagine my surprise when I started getting texts, Facebook Messages and picture messages yesterday morning telling me that the story was on the front page!
You can view the story by clicking here.
I'm still amazed at the amount of people interested in my stories. Not just those that read them, but others who are interested in the why and how of my writing process. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a pantster. I don't use outlines, very few notecards, or any thing that would even remotely be considered organized.
I was surprised and honored by the journalist's request. I mean really, I'm not Julie Garwood for crying out loud! But it was fun and it made my mother very happy so there you go! ;o)
I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning, my first full day as a self-employed author. Again, I thank you all for your support and kind word.
Remember, if you can dream it, you can achieve it!
Hugs,
Suzan
You can view the story by clicking here.
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| Hometown Paper |
I'm still amazed at the amount of people interested in my stories. Not just those that read them, but others who are interested in the why and how of my writing process. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a pantster. I don't use outlines, very few notecards, or any thing that would even remotely be considered organized.
I was surprised and honored by the journalist's request. I mean really, I'm not Julie Garwood for crying out loud! But it was fun and it made my mother very happy so there you go! ;o)
I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning, my first full day as a self-employed author. Again, I thank you all for your support and kind word.
Remember, if you can dream it, you can achieve it!
Hugs,
Suzan
Saturday, October 27, 2012
First Saturday as Self-Employed Individual
My husband and I had a wonderful time last night in Springfield. My husband is an instructor at the local apprenticeship school. He teaches young men how to be excellent carpenters. Last night was their graduation dinner. The food was amazing, they had Jack Daniels available and sinful chocolate cake!
I met more of his friends and 'brothers'. I also met one of the graduating apprentices and his wife. They were the most delightful young couple! It turns out he is quite Scottish! He plays the drums in a pipe and drum band and they attend local highland games and events. They actually bought the copy of Findley's Lass that I had with me!
So it was a beautiful evening filled with great food, really nice and funny people, and making new friends. Yesterday was one of those hectic days that started at 5:00 a.m. and didn't end until 1:00 a.m! So much happened yesterday! At 12:01 p.m. I walked out of the little insurance office as an author.
I realized this morning when the sun broke through the window of our hotel room, that this was my first Saturday morning as a self-employed individual. I've been unemployed before and that always left me feeling desperate; when one in unemployed, one needs to find a means to make a living and do it quickly! Its a very scary feeling being unemployed, not knowing where your next job or paycheck is going to come from or how your going to pay the bills and feed the kids. I never enjoyed being unemployed.
But being completely, 100%, happily self-employed is an all together different feeling. I don't feel desperate, I feel at peace. Happy. Content. In charge. In control. I know that win, lose, or draw, it is all up to me. I feel like I've taken control of my own destiny.
The speaker at the graduation ceremony last night didn't give a typical speech filled with, "You're going to go out into the real world and conquer it and be amazing and perfect." You know what I mean, the typical graduation speech. This guy was different. He basically told the graduates that they'd been given a gift and it was up to each of them to decide what they wanted to do with it. They were in charge of how far they could go and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. I was very impressed with him.
I am in control of my future. I won't let anyone tell me that I can't do something. I spent way too many years listening to those voices in my head that said I couldn't. I'd fail. No one is interested in what you have to say.
Age, knowledge, wisdom and an amazing husband has changed all that! I no longer doubt myself or my capabilities. I know that I can pretty much do anything if I just put my mind to it. And the only way that I'll ever fail at anything is if I don't try.
So that is how I spent the first few minutes of my first Saturday morning as a self-employed author: contemplating the gifts I've been given and my future.
I am blessed. Blessed beyond anything that makes sense to me. I have the best readers in the world too! You are all just the best and I know that a tremendous amount of my success is owed to each of you. Thank you all!
So my advice to anyone contemplating a big change in their life is this: just do it. Don't let the negative voices in your head hold you back any longer. Go for it. If you're surrounded by negative people, get rid of them. And by that I mean, surround yourself with positive people! You only get one life people. Make the most of it. Seek happiness and joy where you can find it and embrace those good, kind, wonderful people in your life. Pay it forward, be kind to others. I find that if you help others fulfill their dreams you'll find yourself fulfilling some of your own!
Have a beautiful rest of your weekend!
Hugs,
Suzan
I met more of his friends and 'brothers'. I also met one of the graduating apprentices and his wife. They were the most delightful young couple! It turns out he is quite Scottish! He plays the drums in a pipe and drum band and they attend local highland games and events. They actually bought the copy of Findley's Lass that I had with me!
So it was a beautiful evening filled with great food, really nice and funny people, and making new friends. Yesterday was one of those hectic days that started at 5:00 a.m. and didn't end until 1:00 a.m! So much happened yesterday! At 12:01 p.m. I walked out of the little insurance office as an author.
I realized this morning when the sun broke through the window of our hotel room, that this was my first Saturday morning as a self-employed individual. I've been unemployed before and that always left me feeling desperate; when one in unemployed, one needs to find a means to make a living and do it quickly! Its a very scary feeling being unemployed, not knowing where your next job or paycheck is going to come from or how your going to pay the bills and feed the kids. I never enjoyed being unemployed.
But being completely, 100%, happily self-employed is an all together different feeling. I don't feel desperate, I feel at peace. Happy. Content. In charge. In control. I know that win, lose, or draw, it is all up to me. I feel like I've taken control of my own destiny.
The speaker at the graduation ceremony last night didn't give a typical speech filled with, "You're going to go out into the real world and conquer it and be amazing and perfect." You know what I mean, the typical graduation speech. This guy was different. He basically told the graduates that they'd been given a gift and it was up to each of them to decide what they wanted to do with it. They were in charge of how far they could go and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. I was very impressed with him.
I am in control of my future. I won't let anyone tell me that I can't do something. I spent way too many years listening to those voices in my head that said I couldn't. I'd fail. No one is interested in what you have to say.
Age, knowledge, wisdom and an amazing husband has changed all that! I no longer doubt myself or my capabilities. I know that I can pretty much do anything if I just put my mind to it. And the only way that I'll ever fail at anything is if I don't try.
So that is how I spent the first few minutes of my first Saturday morning as a self-employed author: contemplating the gifts I've been given and my future.
I am blessed. Blessed beyond anything that makes sense to me. I have the best readers in the world too! You are all just the best and I know that a tremendous amount of my success is owed to each of you. Thank you all!
So my advice to anyone contemplating a big change in their life is this: just do it. Don't let the negative voices in your head hold you back any longer. Go for it. If you're surrounded by negative people, get rid of them. And by that I mean, surround yourself with positive people! You only get one life people. Make the most of it. Seek happiness and joy where you can find it and embrace those good, kind, wonderful people in your life. Pay it forward, be kind to others. I find that if you help others fulfill their dreams you'll find yourself fulfilling some of your own!
Have a beautiful rest of your weekend!
Hugs,
Suzan
Friday, October 26, 2012
T Minus Four Hours....
Today is my last day at my 'day job'! I cannot express enough "Thank You's" to my readers!!! None of this would be possible without you.
It also would not be possible were it not for Amazon and it's KDP program. Because of all of you, my dreams of becoming a full time author are now coming to fruition.
Starting at 12:01 p.m. today, when asked what I do for a living, I will be able to say (with a big SMILE!!) that I am an author. You have no idea just how awesome this moment in my life is. Its right up there with giving birth to my children and marrying the love of my life, Kevin.
So thank you, thank you, thank you! I owe each of you an eternal debt of gratitude and thanks.
With love and thanks,
Suzan
It also would not be possible were it not for Amazon and it's KDP program. Because of all of you, my dreams of becoming a full time author are now coming to fruition.
Starting at 12:01 p.m. today, when asked what I do for a living, I will be able to say (with a big SMILE!!) that I am an author. You have no idea just how awesome this moment in my life is. Its right up there with giving birth to my children and marrying the love of my life, Kevin.
So thank you, thank you, thank you! I owe each of you an eternal debt of gratitude and thanks.
With love and thanks,
Suzan
Monday, October 22, 2012
Reviews...
We all get the occasional 'bad review' on our writing. I LOVE honest, thoughtful comments on my books. I'm smart enough to know that the only person who thinks I'm perfect is my mother, so I know not everyone is going to love everything that I write. ;o) I love honest critiques, honest insights and opinions. Even if you didn't like a particular character, or the flow, or whatever, I love to hear w
hy a reader didn't care for something. I've actually learned quite a bit from those types of reviews/insights/opinions and I do appreciate them.
However, the same cannot be said for 'troll's. You know who I'm talking about...people who troll the internet and write REALLY awful stuff, untruthful stuff, and you can tell from what they've written about your work that they haven't even read it. There are just some people who aren't happy unless they're making someone else miserable.
Now, with that said, you'll see a brand new 1 star review on Findley's Lass today. I am just curious...if you don't like a book, do you really read it all the way through? Don't you usually know by the first few pages, or at least the end of the first chapter or two if you'll be able to continue on with it? I just find it odd that if you find a book that bad, why would you continue to read it? Just curious! ;o) I can usually tell by end of first few pages. And yes, I have returned books that were bad before. No, I'm not upset about the review, I just found it quite odd.
I'd love to know what you think. ;o)
However, the same cannot be said for 'troll's. You know who I'm talking about...people who troll the internet and write REALLY awful stuff, untruthful stuff, and you can tell from what they've written about your work that they haven't even read it. There are just some people who aren't happy unless they're making someone else miserable.
Now, with that said, you'll see a brand new 1 star review on Findley's Lass today. I am just curious...if you don't like a book, do you really read it all the way through? Don't you usually know by the first few pages, or at least the end of the first chapter or two if you'll be able to continue on with it? I just find it odd that if you find a book that bad, why would you continue to read it? Just curious! ;o) I can usually tell by end of first few pages. And yes, I have returned books that were bad before. No, I'm not upset about the review, I just found it quite odd.
I'd love to know what you think. ;o)
Hugs,
Suzan
November Book Signing
On Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m. I'll be at the Stone Alley Bookstore on Seminary Street in Galesburg, IL. I look forward to meeting readers, signing copies of Findley's Lass and Laiden's Daughter, and seeing old friends! I look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Book Launching Party -- Sucess!
I'm posting pictures for those of you who could not make it. I can't thank everyone enough! We had over 75 people come out to help us celebrate the successful launching of Findley's Lass!
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| Aunt Marilyn, my Mamma, me, and Aunt Jerry! |
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| The cake! It was beautiful & delicious! |
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| Me with my cousin Sharon. She's such a sweetie! |
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| Me with fellow author, Cecilia Were! She's a beautiful woman! |
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| Me with niece, Belinda. Yes, I'm drinking a double shot of Jack Daniels! |
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| My best friend, Shelley and I. Even sitting down, I'm an Amazon woman compared to Tiny Shelley! |
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| Kevin, our son Mike, and I. (He hated the dress clothes! |
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| A shot of the room |
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| Kevin and I with our cover models! My son-in-law and daughter. She's just as beautiful in person! And yes, his arms are just as nice! ;o) |
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Drum Roll Please!
Findley's Lass is now available at Barnes and Noble! Yes!!!
You can click here to purchase it via their website!
This is such an exciting day!!! Thank you all so very much for your kind words and support. Sending special hugs to each and every one of you. ;o)
xoxoxoxo
Suzan
You can click here to purchase it via their website!
This is such an exciting day!!! Thank you all so very much for your kind words and support. Sending special hugs to each and every one of you. ;o)
xoxoxoxo
Suzan
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Update on Paperback for Findley's Lass
Hello everyone!
I heard from my publisher this afternoon! We are a go for launch! ;o)
Starting today, you can, if you choose to, begin calling your local book stores, anywhere that books are sold, and ask them if and when they will have copies of Findley's Lass on their shelves. I'm told by inside sources, that if they get enough calls, they'll try to get the copies in sooner, but I've no promises on that. I just think that is pretty nifty!
To help make this easier for you, the ISBN is: 978-0-9855443-2-4
I cannot express to you just how exciting this is! Your support, your kind words, it all means more than you can possibly imagine. Sending everyone virtual hugs and chocolate today!
If you have any questions, please email me here.
I heard from my publisher this afternoon! We are a go for launch! ;o)
Starting today, you can, if you choose to, begin calling your local book stores, anywhere that books are sold, and ask them if and when they will have copies of Findley's Lass on their shelves. I'm told by inside sources, that if they get enough calls, they'll try to get the copies in sooner, but I've no promises on that. I just think that is pretty nifty!
To help make this easier for you, the ISBN is: 978-0-9855443-2-4
I cannot express to you just how exciting this is! Your support, your kind words, it all means more than you can possibly imagine. Sending everyone virtual hugs and chocolate today!
If you have any questions, please email me here.
Monday, September 10, 2012
I Have the Best Readers!
Kind of like every mother thinks her kids are the best and perfect, right? Its the same for authors. ;o)
I wish there was a way to send each and every one of you a bouquet of flowers or a big box of chocolates as my way of thanking you. There isn't of course, a feasible way to do that, so instead, I'll just thank all of you for your tremendous support. You truly are the best!
The outpouring of best wishes and kind remarks this first six days of is just, well, amazing! I've received emails, Facebook posts and twitter messages from readers around the globe with kind words to say about Findley's Lass. Never in my wildest imaginations (yes, even authors have limits to what they can come up with!) did I ever think any of my books would be this well received or successful.
This morning, Findley's Lass is number 85 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers List for Historical Fiction. She's also numbers 13 and 14 on Amazon's Hot New Releases lists for Historical Fiction and Historical Romance. Honestly, I didn't even know such a list existed until my husband showed me last night! ;o)
Laiden's Daughter, the book that started it all, has been on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers List in three categories (historical fiction, historical romance, and historical books) for seven consecutive months!
I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this couldn't happen without any of you, the readers. So I am sending each of you a virtual bouquet of flowers and a big box of chocolates, along with my most humble and heartfelt gratitude.
You truly are the best,
Suzan Tisdale
I wish there was a way to send each and every one of you a bouquet of flowers or a big box of chocolates as my way of thanking you. There isn't of course, a feasible way to do that, so instead, I'll just thank all of you for your tremendous support. You truly are the best!
The outpouring of best wishes and kind remarks this first six days of is just, well, amazing! I've received emails, Facebook posts and twitter messages from readers around the globe with kind words to say about Findley's Lass. Never in my wildest imaginations (yes, even authors have limits to what they can come up with!) did I ever think any of my books would be this well received or successful.
This morning, Findley's Lass is number 85 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers List for Historical Fiction. She's also numbers 13 and 14 on Amazon's Hot New Releases lists for Historical Fiction and Historical Romance. Honestly, I didn't even know such a list existed until my husband showed me last night! ;o)
Laiden's Daughter, the book that started it all, has been on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers List in three categories (historical fiction, historical romance, and historical books) for seven consecutive months!
I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this couldn't happen without any of you, the readers. So I am sending each of you a virtual bouquet of flowers and a big box of chocolates, along with my most humble and heartfelt gratitude.
You truly are the best,
Suzan Tisdale
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Thank You!!!
What a happy surprise tonight when I looked at Amazon to see how Findley's Lass was doing. A little bit ago Findley's Lass was ranked 100 in Historical Fiction! ;o) So we now have two books on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers List!
I couldn't do it without you, my readers. Thank you all so very much!
This is such an exciting time and I just can't thank you enough.
Hugs,
Suzan
I couldn't do it without you, my readers. Thank you all so very much!
This is such an exciting time and I just can't thank you enough.
Hugs,
Suzan
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
It Looks Like Christmas Came a Little Early...
Merry Christmas...;o)
I figured that since it was ready to go, I might as well let it go now instead of hanging on longer! It still won't be ready for paperback until November 1. And its not ready yet for Smashwords...give me a few days. Just click on the picture and you can go to Amazon and buy it now if you'd like.
I figured that since it was ready to go, I might as well let it go now instead of hanging on longer! It still won't be ready for paperback until November 1. And its not ready yet for Smashwords...give me a few days. Just click on the picture and you can go to Amazon and buy it now if you'd like.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Why I WON'T be Releasing Findley's Lass to iBooks
Those of you who know me, know that 99.9999999% of the time, I am a very positive, upbeat, life is just a bowl of cherries kind of person. I'm going to vent for a minute and I do hope you'll bear with me.
It is sometimes amazing how the passing of time, even just a few months, can make one forget something painful. Take for instance the absolute mind boggling, inane, frustrating, make-a-girl-cuss-like-a-drunken-sailor, hoops that one must jump through in order to get a book published to iBooks.
I have spent the last four hours trying to format my second book, Findley's Lass, to meet the not-so-user-friendly format requirements set forth by Apple. I finally made a decision. Apple can't have my book.
Here is one more reason why Amazon/KDP beats, hands down, any other e-reader/self-publishing device on the planet. It is EASY! If anyone wonders why B&N and Apple can't catch up to KDP, just try uploading a book to either Apple or B&N. Then mosey on over to KDP. Wherein it takes literally hours and hours of your time trying to get the book to sync and format correctly so that it can be read on a Nook or an iPad, it takes only minutes at KDP. And this is not an exaggeration.
Another reason why B&N and Apple can't catch up is how they treat their self publishing authors. Just try to get some help from either of those places. The message boards, those that do exist, are impossible to follow. You're often left feeling like you've been trudging around in wet sand for hours. It can take days to get a response from either B&N or Apple and usually the answer has nothing to do with your question.
KDP? I usually have an answer in very short order. It will either come from one of their very friendly staff or I can find it at the message boards. Thus is not the case with the other places.
I know there are lots of people (because I hear from many every week) who ask if my book is available for their NOOK or their iPad. At first, I wanted to experiment with releasing Findley's Lass to KDP, NOOK, iBooks and Smashwords. Just to see how it would do if I released it every where at once. Quite frankly, it isn't worth the aggravation or the tears.
So, in the interest of self-preservation and so that my family isn't subjected to yet another nuclear melt-down of epic proportions, I will not be releasing Findley's Lass to anywhere but KDP.
Am I missing out on sales with decision? Highly doubtful. When I released Laiden's Daughter to apple and B&N and Smashwords several months ago, I sold a grand total of NINE books at those places. Count them: 9. Nine. NINE.
How many did I sell that month at Amazon? Well over 3500. I'm not a genius, but even I can figure out that the headaches, the beating-my-head-against-a-brick-wall, baptism-by-fire, lesson is futility that is these other places, simply isn't worth it.
So I'm going to kick back, enjoy a nice quiet evening with my family and forget about the past four hours of my life that I'll never get back.
It is sometimes amazing how the passing of time, even just a few months, can make one forget something painful. Take for instance the absolute mind boggling, inane, frustrating, make-a-girl-cuss-like-a-drunken-sailor, hoops that one must jump through in order to get a book published to iBooks.
I have spent the last four hours trying to format my second book, Findley's Lass, to meet the not-so-user-friendly format requirements set forth by Apple. I finally made a decision. Apple can't have my book.
Here is one more reason why Amazon/KDP beats, hands down, any other e-reader/self-publishing device on the planet. It is EASY! If anyone wonders why B&N and Apple can't catch up to KDP, just try uploading a book to either Apple or B&N. Then mosey on over to KDP. Wherein it takes literally hours and hours of your time trying to get the book to sync and format correctly so that it can be read on a Nook or an iPad, it takes only minutes at KDP. And this is not an exaggeration.
Another reason why B&N and Apple can't catch up is how they treat their self publishing authors. Just try to get some help from either of those places. The message boards, those that do exist, are impossible to follow. You're often left feeling like you've been trudging around in wet sand for hours. It can take days to get a response from either B&N or Apple and usually the answer has nothing to do with your question.
KDP? I usually have an answer in very short order. It will either come from one of their very friendly staff or I can find it at the message boards. Thus is not the case with the other places.
I know there are lots of people (because I hear from many every week) who ask if my book is available for their NOOK or their iPad. At first, I wanted to experiment with releasing Findley's Lass to KDP, NOOK, iBooks and Smashwords. Just to see how it would do if I released it every where at once. Quite frankly, it isn't worth the aggravation or the tears.
So, in the interest of self-preservation and so that my family isn't subjected to yet another nuclear melt-down of epic proportions, I will not be releasing Findley's Lass to anywhere but KDP.
Am I missing out on sales with decision? Highly doubtful. When I released Laiden's Daughter to apple and B&N and Smashwords several months ago, I sold a grand total of NINE books at those places. Count them: 9. Nine. NINE.
How many did I sell that month at Amazon? Well over 3500. I'm not a genius, but even I can figure out that the headaches, the beating-my-head-against-a-brick-wall, baptism-by-fire, lesson is futility that is these other places, simply isn't worth it.
So I'm going to kick back, enjoy a nice quiet evening with my family and forget about the past four hours of my life that I'll never get back.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
A Double Shot of Jack Daniels...
I'm sitting back with a double shot of Jack Daniels. After months and months of writing, weeks and weeks of edits, more than one nuclear meltdown wherein I cursed Bill Gates and damned Microsoft and its obscure formatting glitches to the bowels of hades, and after far too many sleepless nights and even more days where I was up well before dawn, I can breathe a deep, contented sigh of relief. I can kick back and languidly sip at my double shot of my favorite drink. I will sleep the sleep of contented bliss that only comes when one is finished with their current work in progress.
My little 125,032 word novel, Findley's Lass, is finally, unequivocally, undeniably complete.
On the morrow I will submit my latest creation to the wonderful people at Lightning Source Publishing. I shall also spend the day preparing my baby for release to Kindle, iBooks, Smashwords and B&N's Nook. Thankfully the formatting for iBooks and Nook are the same. However that can't be said for Kindle and Smashwords as each have their own little formatting standards that I must heed.
I swear at times that writing is similar to being pregnant and giving birth. Minus the actual physical labor pains of course. And minus the epidural or shots of demerol. (Toward the end, when I was having my nuclear meltdown over page numbers not numbering correctly, I would not have turned down either!)
It is with great anticipation that I look forward to releasing Findley's Lass to the great big world. I an proud of this second book and I do feel the writing is significantly better than my first published piece. I can only hope and pray that my readers feel the same. If the beta readers are to be trusted, (and they always are) it is much better than the first.
The whiskey, along with the satisfaction of finally completing the book, leaves me with a warm, fuzzy sensation. ;o) And before you ask, I was feeling this way before I poured the double shot!
I cannot express enough my gratitude to my beta readers, my fellow author friends, and my family as well as my readers. Without all of you, Findley's Lass would not have been nearly as much fun to write! A special thanks to Carl Purdon (who I truly do hope to write like someday!), Laura Howard for her wicked sense of humor, for Ashley Barron for her keen mental intellect and savvy business sense, and last but not least, Melissa Foster for having such a sweet and positive attitude.
I cannot forget my beautiful editor, Judy. She is one of the most remarkable women that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, someone I look up to. While I don't particularly pay attention to the technical side of things, Judy does. She caught everyone of my dangling participles. (I'm still trying to figure out what the hell those are exactly! lol) She is just an amazing woman and I hope to be as kind, thoughtful, and technically keen as she someday.
And if it weren't for my husband and son, who happily dined on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese more times than I care to admit that I served, I'd still be plugging away somewhere in the middle of the book. My husband and son are just beautiful men and I can't thank them enough. This book is for them, and all the meals I didn't cook, for putting away all the dishes and laundry that I didn't wash, and for keeping my spirits up when I felt like crying.
I'm thankful for my dad, my brothers, and all the strong men in my life. I'm thankful for friends and family whose faith and belief in me I still find quite amazing.
I am also quite thankful (and more often than not quite humbled by) for my readers. Without all of you, this dream of mine would not be coming true. I owe it all to each of you.
I'm also thankful for quiet moments like this, where I quietly sit back and think about the whole writing process. I look forward with giddy excitement at writing the story of Wee William's Woman. I've learned even more about writing with Findley's Lass, but I do look forward to learning even more as I write Wee William's story. ;o)
I'm also quite thankful for Jack Daniels whiskey. Smooth, warm, rich....mmmmm...good stuff Maynard.
Happy reading, happy writing, and happy dreams to all of you.
Hugs,
Suzan
My little 125,032 word novel, Findley's Lass, is finally, unequivocally, undeniably complete.
On the morrow I will submit my latest creation to the wonderful people at Lightning Source Publishing. I shall also spend the day preparing my baby for release to Kindle, iBooks, Smashwords and B&N's Nook. Thankfully the formatting for iBooks and Nook are the same. However that can't be said for Kindle and Smashwords as each have their own little formatting standards that I must heed.
I swear at times that writing is similar to being pregnant and giving birth. Minus the actual physical labor pains of course. And minus the epidural or shots of demerol. (Toward the end, when I was having my nuclear meltdown over page numbers not numbering correctly, I would not have turned down either!)
It is with great anticipation that I look forward to releasing Findley's Lass to the great big world. I an proud of this second book and I do feel the writing is significantly better than my first published piece. I can only hope and pray that my readers feel the same. If the beta readers are to be trusted, (and they always are) it is much better than the first.
The whiskey, along with the satisfaction of finally completing the book, leaves me with a warm, fuzzy sensation. ;o) And before you ask, I was feeling this way before I poured the double shot!
I cannot express enough my gratitude to my beta readers, my fellow author friends, and my family as well as my readers. Without all of you, Findley's Lass would not have been nearly as much fun to write! A special thanks to Carl Purdon (who I truly do hope to write like someday!), Laura Howard for her wicked sense of humor, for Ashley Barron for her keen mental intellect and savvy business sense, and last but not least, Melissa Foster for having such a sweet and positive attitude.
I cannot forget my beautiful editor, Judy. She is one of the most remarkable women that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, someone I look up to. While I don't particularly pay attention to the technical side of things, Judy does. She caught everyone of my dangling participles. (I'm still trying to figure out what the hell those are exactly! lol) She is just an amazing woman and I hope to be as kind, thoughtful, and technically keen as she someday.
And if it weren't for my husband and son, who happily dined on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese more times than I care to admit that I served, I'd still be plugging away somewhere in the middle of the book. My husband and son are just beautiful men and I can't thank them enough. This book is for them, and all the meals I didn't cook, for putting away all the dishes and laundry that I didn't wash, and for keeping my spirits up when I felt like crying.
I'm thankful for my dad, my brothers, and all the strong men in my life. I'm thankful for friends and family whose faith and belief in me I still find quite amazing.
I am also quite thankful (and more often than not quite humbled by) for my readers. Without all of you, this dream of mine would not be coming true. I owe it all to each of you.
I'm also thankful for quiet moments like this, where I quietly sit back and think about the whole writing process. I look forward with giddy excitement at writing the story of Wee William's Woman. I've learned even more about writing with Findley's Lass, but I do look forward to learning even more as I write Wee William's story. ;o)
I'm also quite thankful for Jack Daniels whiskey. Smooth, warm, rich....mmmmm...good stuff Maynard.
Happy reading, happy writing, and happy dreams to all of you.
Hugs,
Suzan
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Why The Re-Write?
Sometimes an idea is handed to you, one that is just too good to pass up! That is what has happened with the Prologue to Findley's Lass.
A very dear author friend of mine, Emery Lee -- whose opinion I highly value -- made the suggestion that perhaps I should show how Findley and Maggy met. I didn't need to think twice about it. Don't worry, I've simply moved the original prologue and it is now happily taking the spot of Chapter One. ;o)
Not everyone reads prologues, but I do happen to be one of those that do! I think the prologue -- if it gives insight to the story you're about to read -- helps set the pace for the rest of the book. So it only made sense to re-write the prologue to Findley's Lass. And since it hasn't actually been released, I felt it was still my prerogative to change it. ;o)
You can read the prologue here, under the page titled "Findley's Lass".
Suzan
A very dear author friend of mine, Emery Lee -- whose opinion I highly value -- made the suggestion that perhaps I should show how Findley and Maggy met. I didn't need to think twice about it. Don't worry, I've simply moved the original prologue and it is now happily taking the spot of Chapter One. ;o)
Not everyone reads prologues, but I do happen to be one of those that do! I think the prologue -- if it gives insight to the story you're about to read -- helps set the pace for the rest of the book. So it only made sense to re-write the prologue to Findley's Lass. And since it hasn't actually been released, I felt it was still my prerogative to change it. ;o)
You can read the prologue here, under the page titled "Findley's Lass".
Suzan
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Win a FREE Copy of "Findley's Lass"!!!
Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win Findley's Lass, Book Two of The Clan MacDougall Series! You'll receive a copy before its released to book stores! ;o)
Just leave a quick note here and you're automatically entered to win!
Have a great night!
Suzan
Just leave a quick note here and you're automatically entered to win!
Have a great night!
Suzan
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