Upcoming Events and Releases!

Coming Soon: Freak Frat in Audiobook!

I can’t wait to share Freak Frat in audiobook with you. Derek Urichich brings the Freaks and their adventures to amazing life in this funny, fish-out-of-water urban fantasy. Keep an eye on this space as I share all the news on this May 2023 release.

Book Signings!

I have six book signing appearances scheduled this year, with more to come. You can get the news by subscribing to the blog! Just click the button at the top right of the page. Happy Reading!

2023 Book Signings are Filling Up!

 

Book Signings!

Back when I began my writing journey, the very idea of a book signing made me break out into a cold sweat. We writers are often an introverted lot, and sitting at a table talking to strangers about something so dear to our hearts can be terrifying.

Then I held a book signing. Then another, and another. Then I began holding them with a group of fellow writers which I co-founded in 2018: The Wandering Wordsmiths. Sitting at a table by yourself? Not as fun as it could be for an introvert. Sitting with a group of fellow writers while you chat about your craft and the writing life? That's a party!

The result is that I'm less introverted than I used to be, practice making perfect (well, improvement, anyway), and all. I've come to enjoy giving workshops and attending signings. I've met wonderful people, had new experiences, and seen some very cool things ... all because I chose to become a professional writer.

Come and Visit!

I have several book signings already on the roster this year, with more to come. Meet me and some of the other Wordsmiths at area signings by clicking here to find a signing near you! You may find a new favorite author, or get a chance to talk shop if you're on your own writing journey. Hope to see you soon!

FREAK FRAT Coming Soon to Audiobook

 

FREAK FRAT Coming to Audible

I’m pleased this morning to announce that FREAK FRAT will be coming May 2023 to audiobook via Audible! FREAK FRAT will be voiced by the talented Derek Urichich, an Ohio University graduate with several audiobooks already under his belt. Derek will be bringing Joe and his friends to life in a brand-new way, and I couldn’t be more excited. I hope you’ll be just as thrilled as I am.

About FREAK FRAT

It's hard getting a life when you're undead.

Freshman Year Checklist:

• Find the bit-and-run girl who turned me into a vampire
• Join supernatural beings support group
• Call Dad
• Cram for midterms
• Find out who's trying to kill me

Joe Dietrich has a lot on his plate: college classes, a lonely divorced dad, and a weirdo gamer roommate. Oh, yeah, and that vampire thing. If only he didn't have a supernatural hit squad after him...or a frenemy who'd rather take his head off than teach him to be a Supernat. If Joe can survive all that, final exams ought to be a piece of cake.

Good thing he hasn't tried asking that Grim Reaper girl out on a date.

Staying Safe in the Writing World

 

Play It Safe, Writer

We all know the basic tenets of staying safe: don't go down the dark alley, don't flash your money around in a crowd, keep an eye on your drink at the bar.

Writers have their own set of caveats. In a world where people tend to take advantage of dewy-eyed authors with big dreams, it's best to become as knowledgeable as possible about potential pitfalls. Fortunately, there are many resources available to the new author in order to get savvy and stop those pitfalls in their ... pits.

Read It!

First things first: read everything you can about publishing in general, and about your chosen genre(s) in particular, starting with books. Here, you'll find your most reliable education about the industry standards. Cross-check these references against the reviews of published authors who have used the material. (I find particular help in the writings of Joanna Penn, who is a savvy author and author educator with lots of good tips.) When I started out, I got a lot of use out of The Street Smart Writer by Jenna Glatzer (although I do wish she'd update it).

Surf It!

Online sources are useful for up-to-date information, but be judicious about believing everything you read or see on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Vet the sources of what you read against other sources of information about a given publisher. Established websites like SFWA's Writer Beware or Absolute Write Water Cooler are usually reliable sources of information.

Talk It Out

Finally, get friendly with other authors in your chosen genres. If possible, join a physical or online writer's group with an established history, such as Romance Writers of America or Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. These organizations are excellent at helping new authors learn the ropes of the industry, and often have classes and conferences where you can learn more online or in person. (RWA helped me quite a bit when I started out.) You will meet people at these organizations who can help you through the twists and turns as you grow in your career, and often those people become lifelong friends. (That helps you feel less alone in a very solitary profession!)

Getting (or Making) the Deal

When and if you're ready to find an agent to represent your work, check the reputation of your potential agent by asking around. You can also see if they're registered with The Association of American Literary Agents and look into their track record.

If you want to try your hand at indie publishing, it's especially important to do your homework prior to signing any contracts (paying special attention to what rights you're signing over and the duration of the contract). Never let your heart make the decisions for you, or you may find yourself signing away rights and royalties you didn't expect. When in doubt, ask around!

I wish you the very best of luck in your career and hope this information helps you on the road to publication. Happy writing!

Happy Holidays! / Introducing THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL / Book Signing

Happy Holidays!

I’m excited for the holiday season this year. My Christmas tree is up, I’ve been baking cookies, and the classic holiday songs are playing on my speaker. My wish is that you all have a peaceful holiday season, wherever you are and whatever you celebrate.

The Peppermint Bark Proposal

I’m also very happy to announce my twelfth book, THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL, a sweet holiday romance just in time for Christmas! This is the fastest book I’ve ever written, a novella for my Ice Cream Novellas series, written in a month. I’m especially proud of this book because it was the one that got me out of a writing rut…not to mention Christmas is my favorite holiday. I hope you enjoy it, and that it brings you all the warm holiday feels.

About THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL

Wanted: Fake Boyfriend

Becca Barnes has just two problems: a cheating ex and a mother who’d love to see her married before age thirty. Heartsore and frustrated, Becca decides her family’s camp in Northern California is the perfect place to spend Christmas—alone.

Except she’s not.

The neighboring cabin owner, Jake Bannister, is charming. He has the cutest dog. And when Becca’s family arrives, outraged she’d spend the holidays by herself, Jake becomes the answer to her parental woes. She convinces him to pretend they’re dating so her mother won’t meddle in her love life. Jake’s even sweeter than she expected, a friend she didn’t know she needed. Everything is great.

Except it’s not.

Becca’s ex shows up, looking for another chance to ruin her life. Now, she’s torn between her ex’s threats and her growing feelings for Jake. Will this holiday house of cards topple, or can a fake romance lead to real Christmas magic?

Book Signing at Fayetteville Free Library

I’ll be at a book signing with TWENTY other others tomorrow! If you live near Fayetteville, NY, please come visit us. It’s going to be an amazing time! Click here for the details.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

New Book!

I’m excited to announce I’m writing fast and furious on a new project that may or may not be ready for this year’s holiday season. I’m cranking out words faster than I’ve done in some time. This book popped up out of nowhere, and while I’m still working on #thatdamnbook and another project or two, I’ll turn my attention to this one while the iron is hot.

I’m disbanding the Facebook page for my street team, Nicki’s Network, but you can sign up at my Nicki Greenwood Facebook Page to be notified of new release news and score freebies as they become available! Until then, Happy Reading!

Keeping It All Together

 

Juggle, Juggle, Toil and Trouble

These days, it seems everyone wants a piece of my time. Not only do I have a day job, but I have a family, a house to clean, books to write, and the inordinate time-suck that is social media. Some days, I’m amazed my head isn’t literally spinning on my shoulders. Authors, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. It’s tough enough being a work-from-home author, but when you add in chores, families, appointments, day jobs, and the vast black hole of the Internet, things sure get hairy, don’t they?

This sort of crazy can easily lead to burnout, which I’ve been dealing with off and on for some time. It definitely makes writing the next book a challenge.

One Step (or Stand) at a Time

I often have to remind myself, when things get too hectic, to breathe. Nothing beats a deep belly breath for easing tension you didn’t even know your body was building up. For that matter, your body might have been silently telling you, for the last couple hours, to move as well.

If you’re lucky enough to have a standing desk, change its height so you can stand while writing. I have one, and I adore it because I’m on my feet all day at my day job, so it’s the most comfortable for me. Standing burns more calories than sitting, and if you’re fortunate to have good knees, hips, and feet, it’s a great way to burn passive calories. (I highly recommend an anti-fatigue mat even if you’re in great shape.) This way, you don’t feel guilty for “not moving” all day, because you’re getting some exercise.

If you don’t own a standing desk, you can prop your keyboard on a lap tray to raise your working height. If none of this is doable, try setting a timer to remind you to move, stretch, grab a drink of water, or take a short walk. Any motion is good motion!

Get Out

Feeling frazzled? Get outside. The benefits of fresh air and sunshine can’t be overstated. If you have a laptop, bring it out to the deck, porch, or balcony, or head to a local park. Even a writing sprint at the coffee shop can be beneficial for the senses. A change of scenery is good stimulation, and can help relieve some of the mental fatigue that comes with those long writing marathons (my favorite is my local Starbucks).

Pet Therapy

If you’re having a day, take some time out to commiserate with your pet. My dog has gotten me through some of the worst times in my life. Pets are nonjudgmental, even if you hate the living daylights out of that scene you just wrote.

Recalibrate and Return

After trying a few of these tips to destress, I hope you’re feeling more relaxed and ready to get back to writing (or any of the other tasks on your list). Just remember to take it one task at a time. Hang in there, Writer!