Trailer Sale?!?

Trailers....hmmmm....why do we do them? Well, for one thing it's crazy cool to see your books displayed in real time, in color, with characters that represent your idea for your hero and heroine.

I've been dipping my fingers into this whole trailer biz and I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how well I'm doing. :) No, I'm not conceited at all, just stating facts. My trailer for NY Best Selling author, Nicola Marsh hit the USA Today blog back in March and was recognized by a National India online Magazine for it's beauty. Wow. I couldn't believe it. With my clientelle stacking up, I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get on the production list for this year.

Here's what I offer. I use RF photos/RF music and an individual style for each book. I like to read at least the first three chaps of the stories to get the mood and atmosphere right. I work hand in hand with the authors to make sure that it fits their vision for their story. After all, you know it best. :)

So, until May 1, 2012 I'm giving everyone a $10.00 discount on all of my trailers. :) If you're just looking for a short intro trailer like I did for Jess Macallan, see below:




or my teaser for my next release:





Then you'd have a discount from $40.00 to $30.00.


It's a great way to get some hype started about your book long before it is released. Ideally, if you have your cover already, you'd get to add it too. These can be loaded to Goodreads, YouTube and Amazon. They are great tools for conversation. Once your book is ready for serious marketing, then we can add another trailer later. Or if your book is already to that stage, you'd dig right in. This is a fairly inexpensive way to add something fun and creative to your marketing platform.

True they are not really designed to sell your book, but they are great ways to show it off. Sometime's if I'm on the cuff about a certain read, a great trailer will push me over the edge and that is what you want.

I try to make each of my trailers a creative piece of art. I'd like to say that no two are alike, but sadly sometimes a font will be the same or a piece of music that worked really well for another will work great for a different story, too. But, I promise to try to make each piece of art as original as possible. And I think that speaks true in my work.

If you'd like to see more of my completed trailers and would like a full price list. Visit: http://www.rachelfirasek.com/#!trailers  If this is something you are interested in, send me an email at rfirasek at hotmail dot com and put Trailer Request in the subject line.

I look forward to working with you!

Do You Really Know Your Readers?

I’ve played with so many talented book bloggers lately and they’ve been a true enlightenment. Recently, I was told “My readers don’t read your stuff,” by another author—that’s basically what she said. Wow, just wow. I’m okay with hearing that because it could be true. But, you know, when someone asks to be on my blog, I try not to discriminate on content. Now, occasionally I will ask that the blogger keep everything on a pg 13 and not-too-controversial level. I don’t want a witch hunt on my blog.  But, I’ve learned something in the last two months. You never really know what your reader reads. I mean we aren’t at home with them, surfing through their TBR stacks. We can’t be. And yes, occasionally I’ll go to my fave blogs and be pleasantly surprised to see them reading something out of their norm. I’m not your typical “reader” but, I am dedicated to romance. So, pretty much if it has a boy and a girl that are going to fall in love at some point, I’ll give it a try.  I wonder how many people presume for their readers. And by doing so, do we as authors miss out on an opportunity to gain exposure through cross-promoting. I know this isn’t my typical blog, but it’s something that struck me kind of funny. As a reader…do you read from only one genre?

March 2012 Readers Choice Awards: Vote here!

I'm so excited that readers have nominated me for a fave author for March 2012! If you have a moment, please go vote! For me would be great! :") Thank you everyone!


March 2012 Readers Choice Awards: Vote here!

Take a Walk With a Warrior--Kinley Baker

I'm so excited to bring you an interview on one of my fave characters from last year! Vale was super hot and not your typical alpha. I can't wait for you all to get to know him better. Kinley was kind enough to share a little interview she did with him. :) Also, please check out all of her links at the bottom. You won't find a sweeter author on the net!

Take it away, Kinley.


What is the best word to describe you?



Vale: Warrior.



Why did you choose the word above as the best definition of who you are?



Vale: I’m a Warrior by birth. It’s in my blood. But I’m also a Warrior by choice. A part of me needs to fight defend those who need protection. I think even if I wasn’t gifted with the Warrior Spiritual gift of my people, I would still do what I could to battle for others because that’s part of who I am.



What was the most difficult experience in your life to date?



Vale: Finding myself left with the Shadow Shifter throne. I always believed my older brother would rule forever. I had to figure out how to provide best for my people. It took me a long time to figure it out, and I’m still learning.



What was the scariest moment of your life?



Vale: My near death experience. I had to depend on the woman I loved most to save me. Right before I lost consciousness was probably the most scared I’ve ever been.



If you could give thanks to one person you knew during childhood, who would it be?



Vale: Probably my little sister, Ari. She was my best friend growing up and the only one I could relate to because my older brother and father were so serious in nature. I would thank her for keeping me sane.



What advice would you give to readers of this interview?



Vale: My best advice is to know the people you love, tell them, and fight for them. Sometimes appreciating those who mean most to us is the biggest challenge. We get too distracted by our other problems. Family should always come first.

RUINED: Shadowed Love Book One


By Kinley Baker


Genre: Fantasy Romance




BLURB:



Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient's.

Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.

But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.

Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.

Buy here:
Barnes and Noble Kindle Amazon Paperback





About the Author:



Kinley Baker is the author of the fantasy romance novel, Ruined. She read her first romance at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy.



You can find Kinley at http://www.kinleybaker.com/



http://authorkinleybaker.blogspot.com/

www.twitter.com/kinleybaker

www.facebook.com/kinleybaker

http://www.goodreads.com/kinleybaker

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinley-Baker/196649877015210

Lucky 7: Peek at Creating Fate

The Rules:



1. Go to page 77 of your current MS.

2. Go to line 7.

3. Copy down the next 7 lines/sentences, and post them as they’re written. No cheating.

4. Tag 7 other victims …er, authors.



Here's a little piece of the new WIP Creating Fate, that I technically typed "The End" to tonight. :) I'm so excited.

*It's a little hawt! Oh and very RAW..Don't judge, please.*

She was only too happy to oblige and parted her thighs, planting one foot on the ground to help keep their balance. Dane teased a finger against her throat, over her collarbone, grazing one nipple and then sliding lower. He circled her navel and only when she began to squirm did he slide it down past her bare mound to the moisture seeping from her body.

“Oh God, Chloe. You’re so ready for me.”
She lifted her hips, reaching for that moment when everything would just fade away and it would be them only. “Dane.”



And here's the authors that I'm hitting up: Elle J Rossi, Berinn Rae, Lynn Rush, Kendall Grey, Michelle Miles, Debra Anastasia, C J Roberts

Small Treasures Blog Hop with Kendall Grey!

I'm so excited to be a part of the Small Press Treasures Blog Hop! The fabulous ladies over at SER Awesomness are truly exceptional friends that have joined forces with 30 other great blogs to bring you authors that you may not see in your local bookstore, but should be reading!

So, today, I decided to introduce you to one of my very special friends!






 Kendall Grey Now, you have to understand that I've only known Kendall for about the last two years. But, she's there when I need a friend. She's there when I'm not at my writing best to remind me that I will be. And she's there when I'm at my lowest. And,...I know that's a lot of ands, but she's there to cheer me up and she's willing to share her vivacious personality with me today. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. So, without more prattling from me, I bring you the very talented and master of whale song...Ms....Kendall Grey!   

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18. **The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to whale education

If you'd like to win an ARC of Kendall's fab book Inhale, please take your chances below. This will be an ecopy of the book. I promise you won't want to miss Gavin!!!

Goodluck everyone! :)

Here's a funny to get you going. :)


.A man who'd just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an expensive, expertly tailored black suit.

The female blonde mortician asks the deceased's wife how she would like the body dressed. She points out that the man does look good in the black suit he is already wearing.

The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband looked his best in blue, and that she wants him in a blue suit. She gives the Blonde mortician a blank check and says, 'I don't care what it costs, but please have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing.'

The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk stripe; the suit fits him perfectly...

She says to the mortician, 'Whatever this cost, I'm very satisfied.. You did an excellent job and I'm very grateful. How much did you spend?' 

To her astonishment, the blonde mortician presents her with the blank check.

'There's no charge,' she says.

'No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite blue suit!' she says.

'Honestly, ma'am,' the blonde says, 'it cost nothing. You see, a deceased gentleman of about your husband's size was brought in shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue suit. I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a black suit instead, and she said it made no difference as long as he looked nice.'

'So I just switched the heads.'

Feelin' Lucky Blog Hop Winner

We have a winner for the Feelin' Lucky Blog Hop!!! Anne Muller, come on down. I'll be emailing Anne with her prize. Woot!!! I took the fams to the zoo yesterday where the Giraffe's entertained us to some Barry White music as they "Just Got It On." According to my son, that was just inappropriate. :) Have a great day everyone! :)

Feelin' Lucky Giveaway Hop

Thank you to  I Smell Sheep and Fictional Candy for hosting this awesome hop!

Who wants a little pot of gold? I'm giving away a $10 GC for books! :) Woot! Keep reading for details.

&

If that's not enough, I'm over at LiteralAddiction today with a double giveaway. Don't miss their awesome interview. :)

Okay, we're supposed to hop about St. Patrick's day, but I'm not Irish--much--and honestly, it's never been a holiday that I think much about...no offense Patty fans. So, why hop with you fine people...well, because I think it's the festive nature! :)

I'm doing it a little different and I hope you'll take the time to listen to this song and the message. I want this line to stand out in your minds while you're watching it: "Where would I be if I didn't search for that rainbow, searching for the pot of gold?"






What hit me while watching this video was that line. This is why...Where would I be if I'd not dreamed of something more? Well...I'd be hiding that first novel in the closet. I know so many writers that do the same and stories weren't meant to be hid. They are created for sharing. So, this is my hope....that you'll all go chase that pot of gold.

Everyone should have a dream. Even if it's to design the perfect bidet. :) I dare you to dream and now I dare you to share your dream...no matter how silly.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner from yesterday's fun hop is: Rose Pressey

Woot! I'll email her and get her choice. Woot! This was so much fun! Now onto some torture.

The very lovely, Kate Evangelista has tagged me. And no, not like she wants a piece. ") Can you tell I'm in a mood? Probably because hubby keeps leaving for these dang business trips. I promise to be normal soon. Thanks, KATE!!!

Okay, now for the tag rules:

1. You must post the rules!

2. Answer the questions and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3. Tag eleven people and link to them.

4. Let them know you’ve tagged them.

Here are my Tag Questions:



1. What's your go to book to read again and again?


Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia right now. I've read it 8 times. I absolutey love the characters.


2. If your life was a reality show, which one would it be and why?


BrainSurge--It's a Nick show. :) The reason: I'm a really clumsy person and I can never get food in my mouth. I'm constantly with that feeling of "YOU'VE BEEN SLIMED"



3. What's the one song you have on repeat?


D is for Dangerous by Allison Iraheta




4. If life is like a box of chocolates, which kind of chocolate are you in the box?


The one that just got ate. I'm constantly feeling like I'm a day behind and a dollar short. But, it's part of the clumsy.



5. If I looked in your closet right now, which article of clothing you have the most of?


Slacks. Black and stretchy. Comfortable. :)



6. Which book on the NY Best Sellers List would you have wanted to have written?


I don't read from this list. But, I guess, I'd have to say something by Steven King. His brain fascinates me.




7. If you could be anyone famous, who would it be and why?


I'd be Marilyn Monroe pre-death. Come on, she had men panting over her without even thinking about it. Glam to the max.



8. What would you do with a million dollars?


I'd like to say that I'd do something noble with it, but I know me better than that. I'd of course send a little to an Autism fund, but then I'd sell everything I own and travel until the money ran out. :)


9. If you knew for sure that the world is ending, what's the first thing you'd do?


I'd hunt down Angelina Jolie's skinny butt and give those luscious lips a smooch, with hubs of course :) Girl on girl is only fun if there's a man to torment---I've heard.


10. Which fictional character would you want to meet in person and why?


I'd meet Blake from Poughkeepsie to find out if he'd make my heart ache as much in real life.

11. If you met your sixteen-year-old self today, what would you tell her?

Hey, when your husband tells you to take that scholarship and go to school...don't. You'll miss out on the love of a good man, the sweet breath of your first born's cry, and years of happiness that you've never had before.

My peeps to tag!

Debra Anastasia

Berinn Rae

Elle J Rossi

Kendall Grey

Kate Avelynn

Nicola Marsh

Lynn Rush

Autumn Shelley

Lisa http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/

Rhonda http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/

Jilly http://darhkportal.com/

And now my questions: )

1. Why do you write/blog/read...whichever suits your purpose.?

2. If you were stranded with one hero on a deserted island, who would it be?

3. If you could cat fight wth one heroine, who would it be and why?

4. What's your fave TV show?

5. When and why are the last time you cried?

6. Fill in the blank: I like to _____________ before bed with my __________.

7. What's the longest dry spell (you pick your flavor--it could be writing/reading/church...er or whatever) you've ever had?

8. Who do you cuddle with most?

9. What's you fave sport to play?

10. Do you play pretend in real life? In a non-sexual way. I play pretend when I'm washing dishes. Some of my best stories come out here.

11. Where is your dream house located?

Whew, this was hard. Okay, go forth and be merry! :)

Barbara Vey's Anniversary Party!

You will not want to miss this!!! Barbara Vey's Anniversary Party!  http://BeyondHerBook.com



Several of us have gathered together to donate a Kindle for the party, so be sure to go by there and leave a comment! :) Also, you'll want to check out the following blogs for mini-prizes and fun. These ladies all collaborated to bring you an amazing prize.

I'll give away a book from my backlist--your choice--if you'll leave a comment about your favorite latest read! (I'll pick the winner from the comments below. One winner only. Please leave your email addy!)
After you leave a comment here, go visit these fine peeps!

http://lisakessler.wordpress.com/

http://www.bellastreetwrites.blogspot.com/

http://nataliedamschroder.blogspot.com/

http://authorkinleybaker.blogspot.com/

http://crystal-green.blogspot.com/

http://blog.sarahmakela.com/

http://linda-wisdom.blogspot.com/

Have a great day, hopping! :)

BittenbyBookLust: The Last Beginning - Rachel Firasek

BittenbyBookLust: The Last Beginning - Rachel Firasek: Firstly. Many apologies for this review coming a little late. The Last Beginning – Rachel Firasek Published: February 2012 by Entangl... You can visit my webpage @ www.rachelfirasek.com or find me on twitter or facebook.

Meet The Reader #4- Colette from A Buckey Girl Reads

I started this blog a few weeks back, but with changing everything over, it's kind of fallen to the side. So, I'm back with friends to entertain us with their reading choices.

Please help me welcome Colette from A Buckeye Girl Reads.

1. What genre is your favorite?

It’s a tie between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. When I started blogging it was historical romance. I love UF and PNR because the heroines aren’t afraid to kick butt and take names.



2. How do you like your romance? Sweet, Hot, or Ouch-you burned me?

I love the Ouch you burned me romances! I’ve also recently fallen in love with ménages,


3. Why do you blog?

I started blogging because I thought it would be a neat way to keep track of what I’ve read. I keep blogging because of all the great people I’ve met doing it.


4. What turns you off about a character?

I hate it when characters spend the whole book fighting only to realize they love each other in the last 50 pages. That’s not a romance to me! I also hate it when the heroine is wishy-washy. I love him, but can’t because of x, y or z. I often scream “make up your mind already!” to those heroines.


5. Do you watch trailers?

No. I always get frustrated when they take too long to load on my computer and give up watching them.


6. Who is your favorite book hero?

My current favorite book hero is Desmond, a were shapeshifter from Sierra Dean’s Secret McQueen series.


7. Do you keep swag? Or does it end up in a wastebasket somewhere?

It depends on what it is. I normally don’t keep buttons, mini calendars or bookmarks. I always mean to use them, but never do and they just clutter really easily. I always forget to include them in a giveaway. What’s your fave swag? My favorite swag is magnets! I also won a really cool hat, tote and pen from Gini Koch that I love.


8. If you could marry one fictitious hero, who would it be?

This is a hard one! I have a three way tie between: Jamie Frasier, (Outlander by Diana Gabaldon) Jericho Barrons (Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning) and Jeff Martini (Kitty Katt Series by Gini Koch)


Thank you, Colette, for letting me pick your brain. You are a super sweetheart! To my friends, if you'd like to meet this wonderful book blogger, go find her at:

Facebook

Twitter

Leave Colette a message and I'll coax her to come play later. Maybe you'd like to share who you'd marry! :)