Scam Alert for Aspiring Authors

Author Beware

I posted this on my Facebook page, but it's important enough that I feel it should be repeated here.

TO ASPIRING AUTHORS:

There have been a lot of spam emails targeting aspiring (or published) authors lately. It goes like this:

"Hi, I'm [insert name] of [insert entity], and I was captivated by your [insert your book title]. The [insert book details] was so [insert gushing compliments]. I would love to promote your book/publish/edit/whatever your book and get it in front of my audience of [insert astronomical number] readers. Contact me!"

These are ALWAYS A SCAM, made to look credible by the use of AI to get details from your book. Don't answer. Report spam and block them.

No one credible will approach YOU. It's almost always the other way around in publishing. The credible authors, editors, formatters, promoters, and publishers have way too much work on their plates already to voluntarily seek out an unknown quantity (or someone who, if published, isn't already a NYT bestseller). If someone DOES approach you without your prompting them, they're likely to have a credible, verifiable reference (e.g., "Our mutual acquaintance, So-and-So, gave me your name."). You should be able to verify with So-and-So that this is, in fact, the case.

A real editor, formatter, promoter, or publisher will not seek you out. They'll wait for you to send a query letter, then respond accordingly.

Don't fall for it. Please, for the love of that potential bestseller inside you, don't fall for it. These scammers are just looking to steal your money, your work, or both.

Rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Spark

 
Inspiration From Everywhere

One doesn't live life in an insulated bubble. From the moment we draw our first breaths, we touch, and are touched by, events of the world around us. That goes in particular for writers. Everything we experience becomes a part of the inspiration for our work. The people around us can't help but color the worlds we create in our books. And the art... Art might be the most magical source of inspiration there is. Books, paintings, music... Any form of creativity.

I find music to be one of my most powerful sources of ideas. One song might spur the writing of an entire scene or chapter. If I could bottle that feeling, I wouldn't hesitate.

The summer I wrote the majority of FREAK FRAT, music was the engine that kept me clicking away at the keyboard. Every time I turned on 95X, a local radio station, it seemed they were playing another song that rushed me back to my computer. Maybe it was the genre of the book (urban fantasy), the demeanor of the characters, or some combination thereof, but the music blended with my story and made magic.

This summer, I met Kara, who works at 93Q and 95X. Both of us were delighted to meet each other—me, a big fan of both radio stations, and she, an avid reader. Kara bought a copy of FREAK FRAT (and I fervently hope she loves it). She also forwarded the news that 95X was, in part, the soundtrack to my book to her station manager. As a result, I am beyond thrilled to be attending Amy's Slumber Party 2026. All this because of the magic spark that is inspiration.

I believe good things create good things. Because of music, I've been able write books that might never have happened. Because I've written and published books, I have made wonderful lifelong friends. I've had adventures I couldn't have imagined as a girl, scribbling in notebooks in my room. Not a bad life.

Moral of the story? Don't ignore that spark. It's the beginning of dreams.

RWA Files for Bankruptcy

 

RWA Files for Bankruptcy

I’m a bit late to the game on reporting this, but better late than never. If you’ve been around the romance industry for the past several years, you probably saw this one coming: RWA has filed for bankruptcy. Romance Writers of America was, until recently, the organization to join if you were a writer (or hopeful writer) of romance. For an annual dues fee, aspiring and published authors could receive access to members-only workshops, chapter membership, classes, news, a monthly publication, and a chance to attend writer’s conferences including the annual RWA conference, which was a huge event held in various places around the United States. I joined in 2008, and not only did I learn a lot about the craft, but I also made friendships that will last a lifetime.

What a heartbreaker that this is what RWA has come to.

How it Happened

RWA’s bankruptcy move was a result of a precipitous drop in membership after the organization repeatedly ignored member and public outcry for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in its author awards, board membership, and support for aspiring novelists. I was one of the members who left, not directly due to the DEI fallout, but certainly my decision was accelerated by it. Details on the bankruptcy filing here: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/romance-genre-thrives-despite-rwa-bankruptcy-diversity-controversies-rcna155497

You can read a full writeup on RWA’s behavior that resulted in the bankruptcy filing here: https://herhandsmyhands.wordpress.com/2024/05/30/rwa-goes-bankrupt-its-not-dei-its-the-bigotry-and-racism/

What disappoints me is that the organization had multiple chances to make good on its past wrongs, and instead of righting the obvious exclusionary practices, it doubled down on its mismanagement. Now that the organization has filed bankruptcy, it seems to be “blaming” DEI instead of simply citing its drop in membership (around 7,000 members, reportedly) as its inability to continue. Granted, the membership drop was a direct result of the fallout from RWA failing to honor the diversity of its membership and readership, but the fault lies with RWA, not DEI. It’s disingenuous to say otherwise.

A Need for New Blood

Authors need community. I’m living proof that without the support of like-minded community, some of us will never get published. I went from a scared-of-her-shadow, painfully shy scribbler to a multi-published, award-winning author thanks to the people I met and things I learned in such an organization as RWA. I will always be grateful for that, but more importantly, I have become aware of the privilege I have had to learn and advance my career. Anyone who wants to publish, no matter their race, religion, creed, or persuasion should be allowed the chance to do so…and to learn how. Now, more than ever, the romance writing community needs an organization that teaches its membership, but also listens to them and supports them.

All of them.

Playing by the Rules: Why Word Count Matters

 

Learning the Ropes…Before You Cut Them

While scrolling Facebook with my daily coffee, I noticed today one post from a new, unpublished author asking whether their 200K-word novel would be read/accepted by publishers. While this novel was in a genre that often supports high word counts, even this is high for an unknown author and their first novel. The poster in question refused to listen to sound advice, of which there was plenty from several different responders.

This wasn’t a case of piling on. It was good commentary, in detail, from several experienced authors and editors in the industry. The poster was obviously proud of their work, but they would not take into account suggestions that went against what they had clearly already decided to do. That, sadly, is probably going to lead to their work not getting published and/or purchased, and I know how that hurts for an author who’s excited to see their book in print.

Then Again, Maybe They’re Right

Here’s the thing. Word count conventions (and for that matter, other agent and editor submission guidelines) exist for a reason. The professionals know what sells and at what parameters. Flouting these guidelines in your query letter will get you a rejection every time. Agents and editors get so many submissions, they’re all but looking for a reason to reject your work. They simply don’t have the time to coach you on your craft or submission process. Don’t give them a reason to reject you. Follow the guidelines closely. It’s an easy hurdle to remove from your goal.

If several unrelated people make the same unrelated comment about your work, there’s probably some truth to it. We don’t like to see our babies maligned, but as authors, we need to be a little bit mercenary when we switch from author to marketer. Ask yourself these questions about your manuscript:

1) Does it meet guidelines?

2) Is it professionally edited and technically sound (e.g., the plot makes sense with a beginning, middle, and end)?

3) Does it have a high concept and a hook?

These are the things over which you have control. Don’t throw them away and risk your manuscript getting rejected.

Can’t I Just Self-Publish?

Sure you can. Self-publishing opens up a lot of doors for out-of-the-box manuscripts, whether they are an unusual genre or concept, or you want to do all the work yourself. But remember this: Indie publishing is not a replacement for industry guidelines. Just because you can sidestep the norms doesn’t mean you should. You still need a well-edited manuscript with a great cover and sound plot, with consideration to the guidelines of most publishers. If you don’t offer the reader good editing and a good plot in return for their hard-earned money, they might not pick up your next book (or they’ll give a bad review to this one). Also, the guidelines help publishers (which is now you, indie author) place the book in appropriate categories so it can be found or shelved correctly. If an outlet can’t figure out where to place your book, it’s not likely to sell well.

Word Count

In the case of word count, you certainly could self-publish your opus, but that won’t guarantee you sales even if you advertise. The longer the print book, the higher your list price. Unless you plan to sell it at cost, you’re going to get a lot of readers turning away from your book to another, cheaper one. Consider that the current average for a 100K-word print book is $15.99. Are you going to price your print book at $31.98 and see sales? Probably not many, especially for an unknown author. Even a 200K-word ebook might be pricier because longer books and larger files might charge a delivery fee to the reader.

Fast-Food Society

We are living faster and faster in the Internet age. We have gotten used to instant gratification: click a button, order a meal. Click another button, and there’s a whole season of that new crime drama to binge. Click yet another button and get something delivered to your door. The fact that we have so much data at our fingertips means our attention is constantly divided among multiple tasks. The majority of people (and you want to sell to as many people as possible, don’t you?) don’t have time to sit down and read epic-length novels anymore. It may be sacrilege to say, but I wonder whether J.R.R. Tolkien would have had such success now with the Lord of the Rings trilogy as he had when it was originally published. Even then, the publisher broke it into the three segments we know today.

Word counts are trending shorter, in line with people’s shortening attention spans. Why let your book be lost in a sea of bite-sized entertainment when you could profit from breaking that beastie into multiple stories and have your own, ready-made series? Readers love series, and your shorter individual books will be faster reads while delivering a satisfying overall arc to the reader.

Play Nice, Get Published

In short, it’s best for new authors to do everything by the book—pun intended. The only authors who can successfully break tradition are NYT bestsellers, because they already have an audience and the clout to sell. We lesser-known authors need to know how to kick that ball to get it to the goal. Game on!

Practicing Gratitude

Saying Thank You ... Often

I get it. We live in a very busy world, and it seems like things are not getting any less busy no matter how many time-saving tech gadgets we throw at them. I'm guilty of dropping the ball now and then, or putting down that load for a while to decompress.

Life as an author can be stressful. We have to balance our craft, often with a family, a day job, and a social life. Somewhere in there, we might get a little sleep.

You might not think it, but there's one thing you can do which will take some time, but improve the rest of the time you spend on tasks ... and that's to practice gratitude. Before you get started with your day, you might think about three things that make you thankful. It could be something as simple as that first sip of coffee. (Or a pretty coffee cup. Or the existence of coffee.)

How to Make an Author's Day

Today was a busy day at the day job, and that's after very little sleep. It's no stretch to say I lived on caffeine today just to get the work done. I came home just about running on empty. I had a couple of things to do tonight before I was allowed to relax, and while I was at it, I popped online to check my book reviews (Yes, I do read them!).

What I found was a lovely review for WATER, and it was such a gift after a long day. Not only did the reviewer like the book, but they also mentioned how much they were looking forward to reading more of my work. That made my soul happy today. Reviews are the elixir of life to an author, and they revive flagging spirits as well as any magical potion.

Thank You

So, today I want to thank that reviewer from the bottom of my heart. It was a very kind thing to do, and while it might seem like a little thing ... it's not. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.

Happy Reading, gang!

Give and Take

The Importance of Diplomacy

The New Radicals were right: you get what you give.

Recently, I ran across a Facebook post where the post author wanted to sell a product only through certain channels. I don't disregard the post author's right to sell their product when and where they like, but this person was rude to those who had questions about the choice. Probably not the best way to generate hype about yourself or your product.

Multitasking Scribbers

We authors wear many hats. There's the creative author hat, the critical editor hat, and the dreaded marketing hat. Most of us are introverts to some degree, and getting out there and talking to other people in order to sell our product (i.e. book) is tiring and anxiety-inducing. Unfortunately, this is the reality of being a modern-day author. We can't just sit on our laurels and expect others to know or care our books exist. That means switching out the introvert hat for one that plays well with others.

Feedback: Not Always Nice, But Maybe Helpful

Handling the public with sensitivity, kindness, and patience is important (and certainly a talent the world could benefit from in general). When a potential reader asks questions or poses concerns about your work, stop. That pause before replying is necessary. Put yourself in that reader's shoes. Whether or not they're right about your character being silly/rude/insertoffensehere is irrelevant. They believe they're right. Maybe they've only heard such things from a third party and are passing them on. Your job is not to argue, but to address the concern with patience and an eye toward improvement. I know it's hard. Your characters are your babies, and you don't want to see them maligned. But here's a hint:

They're not perfect.

Writing is an art, and like any art, it's a skill requiring constant refinement. You can always learn better methods. If someone approaches you with a concern about your story, your sales practices, or even your public persona as an author, listen. Listen to the customer and to your gut. Both have valuable insight.

Everybody’s a Critic

A friend once received a poor review on her book. Instead of throwing out the criticism (or throwing a tantrum in a public forum), she contacted the reviewer and mentioned she had revised and re-listed the book. Not only did my friend respond to the criticism in a constructive way, but she also gained a new fan who appreciated her responsive handling of the feedback.

You don’t have to agree with everything your reviewers/social media posters say (which is where your gut response comes in). If, however, multiple people are saying the same thing, they might have a point worth considering. Any review/interaction is hard to get. Why ignore them if you might benefit from them?

Give a Little to Take a Little

The most important thing you can do as an author is respond when someone makes an overture. Don’t be a brick wall when readers reach out to you. You can refuse to sell your product in certain forums, but if many potential buyers are expressing disappointment about that choice, weigh your options. Could you be missing a possible opportunity to improve your product or sales practices? Is the risk/benefit favorable or unfavorable? Whatever you decide, do so with professionalism. If you want someone to buy your book, the worst way to go about that is to be rude to people on social media. Even if those people weren’t going to buy it, the ones on the fence, who are reading those rude responses, are certainly lost customers.

Also important to note is the reciprocation of communication. If you just post an ad that says “Buy my book!” without first developing a rapport, you aren’t going to get very far. What else do you bring to the table before asking someone to plunk down their hard-earned money? Do you interact with that social media group before posting ads for your book? Get involved. Then ask for a purchase. Communication is, after all, a two-way street, and a potential reader will remember you better if you’ve chatted before about books you both love.

After all, the love of books is why we’re in this!

Playing Nice With the Robot

 

AI: Your New Frenemy?

So, let’s talk about the elephant in the writing room: generative AI, or generative artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, and everyone from Isaac Asimov to Star Trek has broached the subject of what separates man from machine. New things are often intimidating, but the advent of widespread AI is striking terror in the hearts of writers and artists who fear it may chip into our intellectual property rights, or supplant us altogether.

I created the above image in Canva in about ten minutes. The Canva engine speeds up a process which would have taken me loads more time, searching for separate images of grass, the elephant, the background, and some planets to kit-bash into the wonder you see before you. That’s not even going there about how long it might take me to paint such a striking creation…let alone cleaning it up and making it look halfway realistic.

AI Art Ain’t That Smart (Yet)

AI is only as smart as the information it’s fed, so as of now, your images are either all going to look like odd renderings of Nicholas Cage, or comically terrible mutations of human hands. Your writing is probably going to be the same as every other similarly-prompted chunk of text, so maybe it’s not such a good idea to ask that bot to churn out your Shakespeare essay for you.

All that is changing…slowly.

As you may know, until recently, the easiest way to spot an AI-generated image has been the terrible rendering of hands. That’s becoming a problem of the past for engines like Midjourney. Other engines are following suit, learning with the processing of each new item of input.

Words, Words, Words

Writing is no different. ChatGPT has been successful in fooling trained people into thinking its text responses were those of a live person. Lest you think that’s license to roll out that generated Shakespeare essay, though, consider this: AI will never replace you. The one thing artificial intelligence can’t do is duplicate the life experience of a real human being. It cannot fabricate emotion. All it can do is display an image or piece of text, and art? Art is collaborative, between the piece produced, the person consuming it, and their individual worldview. That’s a varied beauty AI will never replace.

Try Me

AI can be useful, automating tasks such as removing or replacing backgrounds or unwanted items in images for artists. It can generate prompts on which an author can build new ideas…but it’s up to the artist to enrich and enliven the content. Think of AI as a springboard. It can’t give you the emotion in the art, but it may spark the idea that draws that emotion out of you. It can be a partner in creating your art, and as it improves, that ability is only going to get better. So while I’m not advocating using AI to generate your next book, it may be just the writing-prompt generator to get you out of that slump you’ve been in.

Let’s face it: AI is here to stay, and it’s being used for tasks all around us. Better to make friends and understand this monster from the inside out, no? And it doesn’t cost anything to explore it. If you aren’t ready to spend a monthly fee on Midjourney, there are plenty of AI generators you can try for free. Among them is Playground AI, which, while not perfect, generated this image for me in seconds compared to the several minutes it took me to generate the image at the top of this page using Canva. As it improves, AI will help cover artists generate specialized content for their clients, and many engines are now allowing creators to use generated images for commercial purposes (just be sure you’re not trying to pass off that picture of Nicholas Cage as your own). You can even upload your own photos and create content based on them.

Your Thoughts?

Let me know what you think about the future of AI and what it means for you as an artist or author. I’m always happy to hear from my readers!

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!

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!

Extroversion for Introverts

Come Out From Hiding, Writer

The season’s first book signing is in the bag, and it was awesome. I met so many cool people in Waterloo, NY for the annual Celebrate Commemorate festival in honor of Memorial Day (which was founded in Waterloo!).

Part of the fun of book signings is meeting people from all over and (often) spending the day with fellow writers. Don’t get me wrong. Book signings used to terrify me. I started out as introverted as you could possibly get, much more content to be part of the wallpaper than to seek out any attention whatsoever. I’d hide behind my table, and would never think of talking to passersby.

Then, somehow, a few years into doing them, I realized something: book signings are not about me. They’re about my books (as crazy as that may seem). I know my books inside and out, so it wasn’t hard to distill them down into a line or two of, “What’s it about?” if someone asked. (“Well, I write paranormal lite romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. Think of my paranormal lite books as small-town romance with a dash of paranormal in it. My urban fantasy would be good for fans of X or Y.”)

More importantly, book signings are about your visitors. What do they like reading? What books have they picked up lately? Do they like ebooks, print books, audiobooks? You love books. People who come to your table love books. That’s already something in common to talk about, and you might find a new author to love.

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

Confidence is a skill, and you can develop it with practice. The more signings you do, the more you’ll sharpen that talent for looking at ease in a chatty crowd even if you aren’t. Let’s face it: you had the moxie to finish writing and publish your book. That’s a game changer all by itself. If you can do that, you can certainly get out there and sell. Here are a few things you can do.

Up and Out

Psst. Sales aren’t the only point of book signings. Pressure’s off, so you can come out from behind your table.

Many authors make the mistake of staying behind their table for the entire signing. This passive body posture actually alerts people in a nonverbal way that you are less open to engagement.

I know it’s hard, believe me, introverted writer. But you, too, can overcome the squirmy sensation of being noticed. Shift the focus from yourself to the person at your table. Ask them about their favorite books. What do they love about that crazy character in the novel they just read? If you do need to sit down for a few minutes and “recharge” the energy you spend on chatting with people, do so … but get back up and out there. The more you engage people in a topic you both love, the more likely they will be curious to see what you write. You might make a new fan, or even a friend.

Be Giving

Asking someone to part with their money without establishing a relationship is something like that guy who always wants to “borrow” money from you but never pays it back. Eventually, you start avoiding that guy when you spot him, don’t you?

It helps a lot if you have something to offer them before asking someone to make a purchase. Do you have bookmarks? Great! Grab a handful and give them out to people walking by. In a bookstore, you’re bound to have people accept one. I did this just this weekend for someone walking past with an armload of used books, and she seemed quite grateful to accept it.

Pens are also a welcome gift. I’ve never had someone refuse my offer to take one. Wait until your supplier runs a sale and stock up.

If you’re creative in other ways, you could offer people a simple handmade bracelet or other inexpensive craft. (Some authors make watercolor bookmarks using their talent in visual art.)

Since you’re a writer, you could also give a short story on a printed flyer. This not only provides your visitor a gift, but showcases your writing talent.

Try it Out

You don’t have to know everything all at once. Try different things. Get out into the aisle with your handful of bookmarks and offer them to people. Ask open-ended questions that get people to chat with you about books, writing, or a subject you know something about (if they’re in the pet section and you write books with dogs, you might ask about their pet). If something doesn’t work, you can always change up what you do. Nothing is written in stone. Just be genuine when you do strike up a conversation!

Networking

As I mentioned above, the most important part of book signings is not the sale. If the money was the biggest point, we’d all be on the road full-time.

The best part of a book signing is networking. You’re there to be memorable (hopefully, in a positive way). You’re getting your name out there and providing people a face behind the books, an opportunity for a personal connection you just can’t get when buying a book from an online store. From that personal connection, people will develop a stronger relationship with and memory of you that helps to drive awareness of your books. You needn’t overshare, and certainly should keep your personal life separate, but there’s a wealth of things you can talk to people about, especially when they’re book fans.

When your book signing is over, you’ll come back to your computer with new inspiration and a few fun memories and experiences. Gathering experiences is what fuels our writing, isn’t it?

Had a recent book signing experience you’d like to share? Drop me a line! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Narcissistic Villains: It’s All About Me, and the Crazy Must Be You

We all know that a good villain thinks he’s the hero of his own story.  But a narcissistic villain is convinced of it.

Let’s face it: no one wants to read about a hero who easily overcomes all opposition.  That’s bo-o-o-oring.  We like watching a little hobbit take three films (or books) to arrive at Mount Doom in spite of incredible odds to get that ring into the fire, so we can yell, “Hooray!”

We read books and watch films to share in the adventure, so that when the hero wins, we win, no matter what challenges are thrown our way.  It’s so much more satisfying when those challenges are … well, really challenging.

But what about that narcissist?

Kristen Lamb wrote a great blog on narcissists and gaslighting, a common control technique.  These are particularly scary villains, because they’re very hard to fight.  All the more satisfying, then, when we see one overcome by our persistent hero.

Gaslighting, a term borrowed from an old film aptly titled “Gaslight,” is a technique used by narcissists to make a victim believe their concerns are all in their head.  Imaginary.  Overblown.  That the victim is out of touch with reality in their beliefs.  It’s more common than you think.  But what great villains they make.

And, as I’ve always said, your hero is only as good as his opposition.  The stronger your villain, the better your hero’s going to look when he wins the day.  Since most villains believe they’re the hero—in fact, believe it so strongly that they’ll risk anything to beat your hero—you have the perfect push-pull to drive a villain-driven story.

How do you beat a gaslighter, then?

It takes immense strength and conviction, as well as calm.  Gaslighters thrive on emotional outburst.  If your hero lets his or her temper or emotion get the better of them, they’re going to fail, because the villain will then say, “They’re crazy!  Look how ridiculous they sound!”  And your hero will lose.  Matter of fact, let your hero lose a couple of times.  Show your readers what’s at stake if they do lose.  When the hero later wins, it will be that much more of a victory.

Every good battle arc should have a moment when it seems all is lost for your hero.  Here, it would be when the gaslighter seems to have triumphed and put the victim “in their place.”  But the hero that sticks to his convictions will eventually exhaust the gaslighter’s patience.  After all, a “victim” who doesn’t respond to the bait is no victim at all.

Have you written a narcissist or gaslighter?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Writing (and Reading)!

Writing and Podcasts and Workshops, Oh My!

It’s going to be a busy next few months here at Greenwood house.  I’m wrapping up Freak Frat, Book Two, and as slow going as that is, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.  In between writing, I’m pleased to announce I have a (tentative) book signing in May, as well as a workshop and a podcast appearance with the Raging Romantics in June!

Keep an eye on my website for all the lastest news, and where you can find me online or in person.  I’m looking forward to sharing my work with you and hearing all about what you like to read.  In the meantime, I’m going to head outside and soak up some of that spring warmth while I get my garden ready for the growing season.

Happy Reading, and Happy Spring!

Let ‘em Drive

One of these days, I’m gonna learn.

It’s been a fitful year of stop-and-start with That Damn Book (aka Book Two of the FREAK FRAT series). Not even a year, actually; I’ve been working on this book for several.  You’d think, since I have over ten years of professional writing and publishing experience under my belt, I’d get the hint that there’s a much easier way to write than—What is it they say? Staring at the page until your forehead bleeds?

But every time, I get stubborn and bossy. Every. Single. Time.

Here’s a hint: don’t do what I do.

The thing is, I am a very Type A personality, which is a nice way of saying I’m a control freak. I like to be the one making the decisions as to what I do in my book. That’s why I (loosely) outline. I like to know where things are going, and have an idea of how they’re going to get there. Not everything. I like surprises. But I also like steering.

My characters, unfortunately, hate when I drive. We argue All The Time over it, and every time, I think I’m right, and we spend several days not speaking to one another.

But when I get over myself, something amazing happens. If I give up the wheel and throw my hands in the air like that Carrie Underwood song, my characters magically start doing the awesome thing I had been wanting them to do for days.

If you have a modicum of writing experience and know how to tell a basic story—and you’ve spent enough time developing great characters—you need to trust them. Write that down. It’s important. Trust Your Characters. If they take you on a crazy tangent, let them. Chances are, they have something to tell you that will add an interesting layer to your story. Time and again, I’ve had to give up control after a frustrating stop, and my characters say or do something that startles and delights me. My job, as I should know by now, is to sit my butt in the chair at the same time every day and start writing so they have a chance to say their piece.

TL/DR: Give yourself a structure for your story, but don’t be afraid to let your characters take that dirt road that’s not on the map. That’s where the good scenery is. And that’s how you end up not like me, with note cards tagged with Unusable Scenes.

SUNCATCHERS AND SHERBET reviews are in! / Pre-Order FREAK FRAT

SUNCATCHERS AND SHERBET Reviews - Thank You!

First, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review SUNCATCHERS AND SHERBET. Your feedback has made my summer. SUNCATCHERS AND SHERBET is now available at your favorite bookstore. Click the link to get your copy of the book readers are calling "beautifully written" and "like sunshine!"

ORDER: https://www.nickigreenwood.com/books/excerpts/sas.html

Pre-Order FREAK FRAT!

Coming October 1st is my next book, FREAK FRAT, the funny, fish-out-of-water story of Joe Dietrich, a fledgling vampire college student who's in way over his head. If you like laugh-out-loud urban fantasy with a cast of quirky characters, give it a try! (Psst: if you don't want to wait and you love reviewing books, I have limited ARC copies available. See below!)

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.

ARC: https://booksprout.co/arc/70026/freak-frat

PRE-ORDER: https://www.nickigreenwood.com/books/excerpts/ff.html

Join Nicki Greenwood's Street Team!

 

Want to be part of an exclusive street team for fans of my books? Here's your chance to get exclusive content that won't be available anywhere else! From swag to behind-the-scenes content to excerpts from upcoming works, you'll get a look at my books like never before. Drop an email to nicki@nickigreenwood.com to get in on the action! Happy reading!

Website Updates and News Delivery Changes

Hello, all! It's been a snowy weekend here in Central New York, and I'm using the time to make some tweaks to http://www.nickigreenwood.com. Most notably, the blog is no longer linked from my website. It will now be used solely to deliver news to my readers, and you can subscribe via my website by entering your email address at the top of any page.

I'm also looking at making the email delivery font more readable, so if you find it difficult, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

In the meantime, I'm working on a contemporary romantic short for the Summer 2020 season.  The Fudge Ripple Effect is a sweet read that looks at how we change the lives of others around us. I've had a ball writing it, and I hope you'll have just as much fun reading it for beach season. Here's hoping 2020 brings great things to you and yours!