How To Survive Your First Book Launch: A Guest Post by Lani Wendt Young

Please welcome to Feed My Need, the fabulous author, Lani Wendt Young!

I  was born and raised in Samoa.  I went to university in the USA and New Zealand, studying English Literature, Women's Studies and  Education. Back in Samoa I worked as a secondary school English teacher for 7 years and did lots of writing in between for the local newspaper and for myself. My short fiction has been published in Samoa, NZ, Australia and the UK. My collection of short stories "Sleepless in Samoa" won the 2011 USP Press Fiction Award. 

I also write stories for children that are used in primary school reading programs. In 2009 I was commissioned by Hans Joe Keil to research and write the narrative non-fiction book 'Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi'. The book was funded by the Australian Govt Aid program and all book sale profits go back to tsunami survivors who were interviewed for the record. My book 'TELESA The Covenant Keeper' is the first in a YA urban fantasy series and  it was launched in Oct 2011.  I'm married to Darren Young (who is probably the most patient and most hottest man alive) and we have five children ranging in age from 4 to 16yrs. We are now based in New Zealand but get to go home to Samoa enough to keep me brown. (and broke.) I blog about the misadventures of a (slightly demented) Domestic Goddess over at Sleepless in Samoa.

Check out her blog here!

How To Survive your First Book Launch: The Do’s and Don’ts of the Media

Here are some nuggets of wisdom, accumulated as my very first book was thrust upon an unsuspecting public.




1. DON’T wear a wrap knit top to a television interview. ( Even though those are the kind of tops that Queen Latifah wears and she always looks hot…big, bold and beautiful…and so you copy her because you know you cant fit in the beautiful bony Angelina Jolie category.)

If you choose to wear such a top, you may end up being interviewed by John Campbell from TV3 NZ at a restaurant by the ocean on a particularly windy day. And the blasted wrap knit top will keep catching in the wind and gaping open, thus revealing your lack of bodacious Queen Latifah assets. Very difficult to focus on giving intelligent answers to questions when one is worried about one’s top blowing open in the breeze.


2. DO make sure before your interview that the book you have written has the correct spelling of the name of any tv interviewers in it.

Otherwise, John Campbell will buy you lunch and have a lovely chat with you before he goes home, reads your book and finds out that you have spelt his name…John CAMERON. DUH. And you will go home and cringe in shame and hope desperately that he doesn’t decide to pay you back by ripping you to shreds on air. (or zeroing in on your blasted blowy wrap knit top)


3. DO make sure you have a mother like mine.

Who prepares platters of delectable appetizers, cream puffs, and walnut frosted cakes for your very first press conference. Reporters are MUCH less likely to be mean to you when their mouths are full of cream puffs. And if nothing else, when the press conference is over and you feel crap about it – you can drown your angst in cupcakes and cheese scones and all will be right in the universe.


4. DON’T go to a press conference alone.

Go with an assertive, confident friend. Ensure this friend is on a first name basis with all tv crew, comfortably chats with any and all reporters, sets up venue beforehand, stays to help clean up afterward, preps you for tricky questions, and gives you pointers for the next time.


5. DON’T speak with too much animation.

Try your hardest to be boring and slow. Because otherwise you will look like a crack addict on hyperdrive when your interviews screen on television. Why didn’t someone TELL me that I talk a hundred words a minute and that I keep throwing my head and hands around like I’ve got a serious attention deficit disorder?!


7. DON’T stand next to your 8 yr old supermodel daughter when its time to take photographs.

Because she will out pose you every time. And then give you tips afterward…’Mum, you really shouldn’t smile like THAT…and you should stand like this…and put your shoulders like this..and blah blah blah. (Next time I will just send her to face the media alone. She’s poise perfect and totally doesn’t get it from me. Must be the music videos. Or Hannah Montana?)


8. DON’T get your hair done in some fantastically fabulous style on the day of an interview.

Because you will come home from the hairdresser and your kids will stare at you horror-struck and say, “Mum what have you done?! You look weird. What’s that on your head?” And you will have to take all the pins out and brush out the transcendental style and just put it all in a ponytail. Like you usually do. Only without paying a phenomenal amount to do so.


And finally, don’t worry if you break all the rules because by tomorrow you will be yesterdays news and nobody will give a stuff about what you said, what you looked like or what you did. Thank goodness. (They will probably still remember your mum’s exceptional baking though. Very difficult to forget heavenly delights like homemade rum balls, coconut clusters and caramel slice.



(I was commissioned to write my first book – Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi – the narrative record of the 2009 disaster which devastated islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Publication was funded by the Australian government. The release of this book was timed to coincide with the national memorial of the tsunami. It was an intense few weeks of book launch events held in several different countries, including New Zealand.)

Leila returns to the land of her birth in search of family and instead discovers she is heir to a fiery elemental birthright...all while navigating through the drama of a new high school with the help of her new best friend "Simone daahling" - a boy with flawless makeup and the catwalk style of Kate Moss. She is introduced to the national sport of rugby and meets an irritating boy that would be much easier to hate if he didn't have chipped emerald eyes that are always laughing at her and a glorious golden smile. (The glistening, bronzed abs and Pacific warrior tattoos don't help either.) 

There's hate, love, jealousy, volcanoes and lots of delicious Samoan food in Leila's coming-of-age journey as she realizes that ancient Pacific myths of elemental spirit women Telesa, contain more truth than fiction. Secrets are revealed and things get blown up as Leila must choose between sisterhood and the boy she loves. Can their love stand against the Covenant Keeper?

There are many different kinds of love. All of them require sacrifice. Who will give everything for the one they love?

Author Interview: Raynetta Stocks

Please welcome to Feed My Need, the fabulous romance and YA author, Raynetta Stocks!

When and why did you begin writing?

I received my first journal at six years old; I decorated it with Winnie-the-Pooh stickers. I’ve been writing ever since. As for why, all I can say is that I’ve had a passion for words since I can remember. I have stories built up inside of me; I have to let them out.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?

The hardest part of writing any book for me is starting. Once you have that solid, engaging beginning, it’s hard to stop. The easiest part for me is the writing. I know my characters so intimately that I don’t find it difficult to develop plot twists they fit well into.


What music do you listen to while you write?

I love Eric Benèt. He’s very soulful and melodic. I like to sing along so I play him quietly in the background J, but he’s gotten me through many nights of writer’s block.


What inspires you?

In a word: life. I try to take the realism of the world around us and put it in terms everyone can identify with. We hear terrible, but incredible, stories every day on the news and in magazines. I’m just trying to translate those occurrences into something less ominous and revolutionary.


Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to want to sing actually J. While I still think I’m better than most, it’s not my forte. Writing is my true calling.


What are your current projects?

I’m working on several actually. I’m developing a collaborative novel called Riding Past Dawn with my best friend and fellow author, J. Mahogany. We are also putting together another prose compilation. I’m currently working on a romance novel, The Devil & I, and I’m developing a YA series called The Lova Chronicles based on some myths I created for a college course.



What book are you reading now?

I’m reading two really good books actually. One is a romance novel by Chicki Brown called Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, which so far is quite incredible. The other is Luna For the Lunies by Ira Nayman. I typically don’t get into sci-fi, but Ira does an incredible job of making the work humorously complicated!


Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Man, that’s a hard one! I love vampires, but I’d have to go with the Shapeshifter. The shifter characters I’m familiar with are always so sweet and kind-hearted with a hint of the dangerous. So they tend to have much more of a human quality. Vamps are go-hard and ruthless so you always know what you’re going to get with them, but consequently, they tend to be one-dimensional.


Do you have any advice for other writers?

Perseverance is key. Things are not always going to go your way in this business, and sometimes, the only one willing to stand up for you and your work is you. So keep at it, keep honing your craft, and things will be on the up-and-up one day.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

A great big “THANK YOU!” is totally due. I appreciate every reader who picks up my book, whether or not they enjoy what they find. The support is truly appreciated, and I can’t do this without them.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

 

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

 My Thoughts:

Okay, this book is definitely interesting. At one point earlier in the week, I was sitting down and typing away when I thought: I have to keep reading Clockwork Angel. Why am  I wasting time doing this other stuff?

Yes, I craved to read that book (like a vampire thirsts for blood). Which is strange since I don't usually have that feeling. 

This feeling pervaded until I finished the book. I still want more of Cassandra Clare and her writing. 

Why?

Because she creates this world full of magic and mayhem that is just so believable that you want to keep reading and finding more about. Constantly, I was thinking of how my world building skills don't even come close to hers. But I will definitely work on it.

And of course, some other things (which I will discuss later on in the book review) kept my attention gripped and thirsting for more.

However, that doesn't mean I didn't have any issues with the book. 

The one problem I had that really kept annoying me (and maybe other readers had the same problem) is all of the description. I just skipped over paragraphs and paragraphs of description.

I would shudder to think about how much the editor had to cut from the original manuscript.

Anyway, let's dissect this sucker.

Team Energy/Fire Giveaway Blast!

Since we here at Team Energy/Fire are bursting at the seams with "Energy" for exciting release of Betrayed by the wonderful Ednah Walters we are heating it up in here with a blistering, HOT giveaway!  So fill out the rafflecopter and have fun.  Sorry, at this time we will NOT be giving away Sykes as one of the prizes.  He is far too busy saving the world and capturing hearts everywhere.

http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clockwork Angel: Do Girls Have to Get Married?

 

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.


Topic of Choice: Marriage Non-optional For Women


"That woman has nothing. She has no kids, no husband,  and no life. When she dies, she will die alone."

What my mother said that day has haunted me for a long time. There was something in that moment, in what she said that has struck home with me.

Author Interview: Jeremy Laszlo

Please welcome to Feed My Need, Jeremy Laszlo!

Author Bio

First and foremost I am a father and a husband. I work full time as a civilian employed by the US army, and have also been known as a welder, electrician, carpenter, roofer, writer, painter, CNC machinist, and amongst many other things a romantic. I also belong to the eternal fraternal brotherhood of the United States Marine Corps, having served 8 years that showed me a much broader perspective of the world at large serving in Opperation Iraqi Freedom, Opperation Enduring Freedom, The war on Terrorism, and the humanitarian effort in Liberia.

I currently live in southern Louisiana with my wife and children, though I grew up in Michigan, graduating high school in Mason MI. I also spent time living in North Carolina, Florida, and California during my time in the United States Marine Corps. I have always dreamed of publishing my work, and seeing it on a bookshelf in a store, however with the huge shift to digital media I finally realized that the dream was in my own hands. I tell my children that they can live their dreams, and I believe in leading by example.
 
I enjoy writing across several different genres from poetry, to children's stories, to full epic fantasies. Creating new characters for my readers to connect with, new worlds for them to immerse themselves in, and new ideas to wrap their minds around is an amazing if not humbling experience. I hope that all my readers can take something away from each of my books, and enjoy reading them just as much as I have enjoyed putting them in print.







Author Interview

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing stories around six or seven years old, and still have many examples of my work from those years. Generally speaking they were very short stories, however even at such a young age I would dare to bet that my stories were a bit more elaborate than most. I think for me the reason I began writing was the complete freedom over creation that comes with writing. The world you are creating is literally at your fingertips, and it will grow however you chose, and the story will develop at your whim.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?

Editing is by far the hardest part of the writing process for me. Though I do have others look over my work before publication, I try to find my own mistakes through several passes over the manuscript, prior to sending it out to the editors. As it turns out, I am just too familiar with the world I created and the stories about that world that I have written. It is as if I have blinders on while reading a work I have just finished. Though my eyes may see one thing (a mistake) my brain reads right over it the correct way as if the mistake does not exist. Hence I use several other people to edit my work.

The easiest part for me is the actual writing. I write very fast as I generally have the whole story already worked out in my head, and it is just a matter of typing it out.


What music do you listen to while you write?

To be completely honest, none. I prefer absolute silence when I write. It is easier for me to keep up my pace if I am alone with the characters in my head. I type quite fast, though my mind works much much faster than I can type. So in order for me to not lose my train of thought I need silence to write.


What inspires you?
I am inspired by so many things I don't know where to begin. Life, I guess, is my biggest inspiration. People, books, movies, my friends, and family all inspire me. Life is both what you make of it, and what you take from it. It can either be inspiring or frightening, though I choose to be inspired.


Do you have any hidden talents?

I suppose I may have a few talents my readers might not know about, as most readers think of an author as a guy sitting at a desk all day typing on an antique type writer. For those who may be interested however, I have a very diverse background in hands on trades. I can build a house from the ground up, wire it, and do the plumbing as well. I weld, play guitar, draw, and enjoy cooking too. Above and beyond that I generally believe everything is worth trying at least once, you never know what you might enjoy or have a natural talent for.



What are your current projects?

There are quite a few actually. I am currently working on getting the first three books of The Blood & Brotherhood Saga in print, and have just finished designing the paperback edition cover art for all three books. Also I am writing the fourth book in the saga, and working with a collection of other fantasy authors on a collaboration novel. The next few months are pretty well booked as far as my free time goes.

What book are you reading now?
Just this morning I purchased a couple of short stories by Gary Vanucci, and plan to read them throughout the week, if you haven't heard of Gary or read any of his work you should definitely check it out.


Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Vampires duh. From an entirely physical standpoint, a sexy vampire is sexy. A sexy shapeshifter may look sexy right now, but who really knows what you are looking at....Creepy!



Do you have any advice for other writers?

Absolutely! The most important thing a writer can do is keep writing and keep learning. Improve your craft at every available juncture. Take criticism at face value and learn from what you can. Read often, and write some more. Support your fellow writers, as they are not your competition, they are your peers.



Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

First, I would just like to thank them for allowing me to follow this path. What good is a writer without readers? Secondly, I would also like to thank them for all their kind words and support. As a means to give something back to my readers I have some great giveaways going on this month. On my website here http://www.wix.com/jeremylaszlo/author I am giving away a kindle ereader, as well as amazon gift cards to my readers. Also on the Blood&Brotherhood Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/bloodandbrotherhood anyone can enter to win a $20 amazon gift card just for liking the page, and get a second entry for sharing a specific post that is on the wall.


Thank you Larissa for allowing me to visit your blog and connect with you and your readers. I look forward to talking to you again soon.


Thank you Jeremy for taking the time to stop by and answer a few questions!

Sales Report for Everblossom!

It's the most wonderful part of the month: Sales report! I think this is an interesting report of all, watch this:

Now here are the sales for Everblossom so far:

October: 1
November: 4
December: 3
January: 3

February: 3
March: 2
April: 2
May: 1

Here's the breakdown:

Amazon US: 0

 Amazon UK, ES, IT, FR: 0

 Smashwords: 1

 Barnes and Noble: 0

 Print Sales (Createspace):0

Yeah, this month is pretty pitiful. Despite my best efforts (especially since I have full days off since I'm no longer a college student but part of the unemployed group) for marketing, my sales are still lackluster. Hmm. Well, it's a good thing I'm only a day away from finishing Angel Diaries Volume One (at least the first round of editing anyway).  Hopefully, if everything goes as planned, Angel Diaries will be released in mid June at the latest.

This sales month might prove that despite marketing, the best plan is to constantly put forth books like every two months. Maybe before school starts, I'll be able to put Angel Diaries Volume One and Everblossom 2 out. That's the plan anyway. Now how the heck I'm going to produce Angel Diaries Volume Two while teaching my very first year of middle/high school, I have no idea. But I will try. At least I'm like a quarter of the way through with that book. I just have to carve some time to write.

Sorry to sound so "Woe is me!" but I'm just in a funky place right now. Life wise and writing wise. I just pray that everything will work out. And all that's I can do, right? Not like I'm a magical person, darn it!

*snaps fingers!*

Anyway, TGIF and get a great book to read this weekend! I know I have some in mind!

Like . . . (start corny advertisement song)



The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (Book Two of Internal Devices, Book One I will review next week!)



The Ask and Answer by Patrick Ness




And just one more book, or really the first three books of
One For the Money by Janet Evanovich