David Wind's Blog - Posts Tagged "fantasy"
Changing Hats
With my new novel, Born To Magic, is coming out Sunday the 15th, and I've been thinking a lot lately about what it takes to get a book moving. When I say moving, I mean getting the book in front of readers. Writing is a somewhat solitary profession, but once a book is done and it is about to be published, a writer has to change hats, leave his or her ‘garret’ and face the world.
The new hat the writer wears is that of publicist, hawker, social media maven, and beggar….It is the polar opposite of what a writer does (usually) best. And it takes a lot of time, effort & sweat and, as I mentioned before, begging.
It used to be a writer would write, the publisher would publish and handle the marketing, thr media…basically all phases of the post publication process. Now, whether the writer is a traditionally published author or an independent author, the burden is on the writer.
I have been working for several weeks to prepare for the release of Born To Magic. I’ve gotten several early reviews in, and they are not just simply 5 star reviews, but wonderful ones as well. I’ve been tweeting and facebooking and bouncing around on a bunch of reader blogs all in name of introducing my work to new readers.
Time will tell if this is approach works to both the reader and writer’s advantage. But for those who are reading this (both readers and writers), please do respond with your thoughts as to the effectiveness of social media marketing for writers.
And please remember, Born To Magic, will be available starting February 15th.
David
Born To Magic
Amazon: http://bit.ly/BTMAFL
The new hat the writer wears is that of publicist, hawker, social media maven, and beggar….It is the polar opposite of what a writer does (usually) best. And it takes a lot of time, effort & sweat and, as I mentioned before, begging.
It used to be a writer would write, the publisher would publish and handle the marketing, thr media…basically all phases of the post publication process. Now, whether the writer is a traditionally published author or an independent author, the burden is on the writer.
I have been working for several weeks to prepare for the release of Born To Magic. I’ve gotten several early reviews in, and they are not just simply 5 star reviews, but wonderful ones as well. I’ve been tweeting and facebooking and bouncing around on a bunch of reader blogs all in name of introducing my work to new readers.
Time will tell if this is approach works to both the reader and writer’s advantage. But for those who are reading this (both readers and writers), please do respond with your thoughts as to the effectiveness of social media marketing for writers.
And please remember, Born To Magic, will be available starting February 15th.
David
Born To Magic
Amazon: http://bit.ly/BTMAFL
I don't like this hat!
For me, writing is about creating people and places and even worlds that spring from within my mind. BUT now that
Born To Magic
is out, I find myself spending hours and hours every day trying to promote it.
Yes, after 33 traditionally published novels I am now an independently published author, and yes, at this point and with my fourth Indie book out I know I must promote my work or it will not get anywhere. BUT it certainly doesn't bode well for the future of writers, when they must spend more time promoting than writing.
And YES, I know that in today’s market, the traditional publishers are now REQUIRING their writers to do most of their own promotion, including building a website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Only the bestselling authors seem to have the publishing houses behind them with advertising.
So where do we independent writers go from here? How does the market shake itself out? Those are questions that will be answered over the next couple of years, but for the present, authors battle authors for space on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and every Social Media outlet available to us, because most of us cannot afford a page in the New York Times Review Of Books , and they certainly don’t give a damn about independently published novels other than to give minimal lip service to us.
And Publishers Weekly ? Do I dare mention them and independent publishing in the same breath? No, I think not.
Again, how do we get to where we, as writers, need to be? How do we claim enough real estate to bypass the 1,2 or 3 second space given to a post on social media before it is replaced by another author trying to get some recognition?
How do we get the time to write when we spend so much time in promotion?
If anyone has some answers, PLEASE tell me.
David
David Wind
Born To Magic
Yes, after 33 traditionally published novels I am now an independently published author, and yes, at this point and with my fourth Indie book out I know I must promote my work or it will not get anywhere. BUT it certainly doesn't bode well for the future of writers, when they must spend more time promoting than writing.
And YES, I know that in today’s market, the traditional publishers are now REQUIRING their writers to do most of their own promotion, including building a website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Only the bestselling authors seem to have the publishing houses behind them with advertising.
So where do we independent writers go from here? How does the market shake itself out? Those are questions that will be answered over the next couple of years, but for the present, authors battle authors for space on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and every Social Media outlet available to us, because most of us cannot afford a page in the New York Times Review Of Books , and they certainly don’t give a damn about independently published novels other than to give minimal lip service to us.
And Publishers Weekly ? Do I dare mention them and independent publishing in the same breath? No, I think not.
Again, how do we get to where we, as writers, need to be? How do we claim enough real estate to bypass the 1,2 or 3 second space given to a post on social media before it is replaced by another author trying to get some recognition?
How do we get the time to write when we spend so much time in promotion?
If anyone has some answers, PLEASE tell me.
David
David Wind
Born To Magic
Infinity's Doorway
September is here with all its hustle and bustle, and amid this, I have released INFINITY'S DOORWAY, which I describe as a Romantic Paranormal Thriller. It is available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook, and available as a Kindle Unlimited as well. http://amzn.to/1KfL4l4.
The early reviews are starting to come in, and so far, they all agree that it is a 5 Star read.
TALES OF NEVAEH:
In August, I published the second part of the Prequel, Prelude To Nevaeh, Part II: The Early Days. This is a free download on Amazon, B & N and Kobo, and continues the story of how Roth met Enaid and became the High King.
Depending on final completion and editing, I am hoping to have Volume III of Tales Of Nevaeh, available by the end of the year.
I will be doing a couple of Facebook events, one in October and another in November. I will be in the event,Blood Moon Rising (2) on Friday, October 16, and will spend a day at FantasyCon, on Wednesday, November 4.
If Anyone is in the Tampa/St. Pete area from 10/1-10/4, let me know. I'll be attending the Novelist, Inc. Annual conference.
And, of course, in you have any questions about my novels or events, do not hesitate to email me. My address is in the back of my kindle eBooks.
Enjoy the start of Fall.
David
The early reviews are starting to come in, and so far, they all agree that it is a 5 Star read.
TALES OF NEVAEH:
In August, I published the second part of the Prequel, Prelude To Nevaeh, Part II: The Early Days. This is a free download on Amazon, B & N and Kobo, and continues the story of how Roth met Enaid and became the High King.
Depending on final completion and editing, I am hoping to have Volume III of Tales Of Nevaeh, available by the end of the year.
I will be doing a couple of Facebook events, one in October and another in November. I will be in the event,Blood Moon Rising (2) on Friday, October 16, and will spend a day at FantasyCon, on Wednesday, November 4.
If Anyone is in the Tampa/St. Pete area from 10/1-10/4, let me know. I'll be attending the Novelist, Inc. Annual conference.
And, of course, in you have any questions about my novels or events, do not hesitate to email me. My address is in the back of my kindle eBooks.
Enjoy the start of Fall.
David
Leap Year, At Last!
Leap year is not just unique to the world, but special for me, as it’s the only time I get a real birthday. Yes, I was born on February 29th, and this year I’m celebrating, with you!
I know, I know, everyone says, man it must be tough, one birthday every four years…. Well, not so much, really, but it does make me feel special. Hey, I was even on the Letterman show a couple of Leap Year’s ago. I was #2 in the top 10 that Friday night. And of course the next Leap Year, Martha Stewart wasn’t about to be outdone by Letterman: her people called my people (my wife actually) and “set it up”. So how can you beat that? (Don’t answer, please.)
For this birthday, I wanted to do something special for my readers, as well as myself! I’ve done two things:
#1: I am releasing the third book in my Tales Of Nevaeh series. TRINITY, which concludes the opening trilogy of the Epic Fantasy. In TRINITY, Areenna and Mikaal must rally the ten dominions for the final battle against their ruthless enemy, the Dark Masters.
Trinity will be available for purchase and for Kindle Unlimited readers on my birthday, February 29th, and is now available for pre-order.
#2: Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free download of Queen Of Knights, my medieval fantasy
I do hope you’ll enjoy them.
http://amzn.to/1QnoXwi
I know, I know, everyone says, man it must be tough, one birthday every four years…. Well, not so much, really, but it does make me feel special. Hey, I was even on the Letterman show a couple of Leap Year’s ago. I was #2 in the top 10 that Friday night. And of course the next Leap Year, Martha Stewart wasn’t about to be outdone by Letterman: her people called my people (my wife actually) and “set it up”. So how can you beat that? (Don’t answer, please.)
For this birthday, I wanted to do something special for my readers, as well as myself! I’ve done two things:
#1: I am releasing the third book in my Tales Of Nevaeh series. TRINITY, which concludes the opening trilogy of the Epic Fantasy. In TRINITY, Areenna and Mikaal must rally the ten dominions for the final battle against their ruthless enemy, the Dark Masters.
Trinity will be available for purchase and for Kindle Unlimited readers on my birthday, February 29th, and is now available for pre-order.
#2: Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free download of Queen Of Knights, my medieval fantasy
I do hope you’ll enjoy them.
http://amzn.to/1QnoXwi
Interview with Cover Model Angelina Cavanaugh
An Interview with Cover Model Angelina Cavanaugh, Model for the Tales Of Nevaeh Series.
##################
Welcome, Angelina, and thank you for doing this blog interview with me. You grace the cover of all the full length novels for Tales Of Nevaeh, [ Born To Magic, The Dark Masters, and Trinity]; and, I have to say, when cover artist Erin Dameron Hill showed me your picture the first time, I knew you would be perfect—and you were! So, let’s let the readers out there know a little more about you.
Q: Angelina, tell us a little about yourself
Well, I'm a Jersey Girl to the fullest. I love having fun and just do my best to keep a free spirit. I am 30 years old and have 6 siblings. I have a passion for the Arts and am a dancer, I work as a pharmacy technician, and as bartender; I love my family and friends and hold them dear to my heart. I guess that's me in a nutshell lol
Q: Angelina, how long have you been a book cover model?
I have been modeling for book covers since July 2013. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Q: Which type of books do you like to model for?
I don't know that I have a favorite type or genre of books that I prefer to model for because I am very diverse and love to get in character. I enjoy dressing up, and taking on the different heroines...I grew up as a tomboy and feeling “pretty” wasn't something that always came easily. So, I do have to say the pretty girly covers and badass fantasy ones have a special place in my heart!
Q: What is it like to be a cover model?
It's really fun to be a cover model… it takes a lot of personality. I am very silly and like to try new things so it really was something that I had no problem trying.
Q: When you saw yourself on my cover, and especially as a green-eyed pale blonde, what were your thoughts?
Hahhaa when I saw myself on your series...I was blown away. I knew Erin had purchased the stock images and I was SO BEYOND excited to see where they would end up. The blonde hair really threw me off but my mom has green eyes and I always wished I had them too...I loved that! Oh and hello, the dragons made me super happy! :)
Q: What do you consider before accepting a job?
Before accepting a job regarding a cover, I mainly just consider the impact it will have on my modeling career...is it something I would be proud of? Does it showcase my strengths? Am I giving off a bad image or promoting something distasteful? Those kinds of things. I've been very fortunate in my cover modeling; the professionals I've encountered and worked with have been respectful and even open to new ideas if I am ever uncomfortable.
Q: Do you read any of the books you‘ve modeled for?
I am a very big reader...always have been… I do read all of the books I am on. I have a list going and it’s tough to keep up with sometimes lol I have always imagined myself as characters in stories and now I can do it and with a reason...because I AM the face of that person..
Q: I’m sure you’ve worked with many artists, how does the interaction between photographer, cover artist and yourself work?
Regarding book covers, I currently shoot with one photographer. Those stock images go up for sale to artists. Sometimes a special request is put in for me and other times it's just “hey let's see what we can come up with” .Photo shoots are super fun and I always have an open mind
Q: What are your long-term aspirations?
Hmmm...I'd really love to catch up to Fabio—lol
That dude has I don't know how many covers exactly but….I want to make a name for myself in this business. Mostly because it's not common. I feel like people should know I'm just a real and down to earth woman.
Q: Just one more question. What’s next for you?
I honestly don't know what's next for me...kind of just hoping it's all an amazing journey. I hope to continue modeling for books and I am definitely looking to attend a few reader/writer conventions this calendar year! Keep your eyes and ears open. :)
#####
Thank you Angelina, And for those of you who want to learn even more about Angelina Cavanaugh, here are a few links:
IG: Angelina3186
WWW.Angelinacavanaugh.com for booking or contact info!
(FB fanpage will be back soon:). I encourage tagging and selfies!!
Tales Of Nevaeh: The Trilogy and Backstory of the Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Series Tales Of Nevaeh:
##################
Welcome, Angelina, and thank you for doing this blog interview with me. You grace the cover of all the full length novels for Tales Of Nevaeh, [ Born To Magic, The Dark Masters, and Trinity]; and, I have to say, when cover artist Erin Dameron Hill showed me your picture the first time, I knew you would be perfect—and you were! So, let’s let the readers out there know a little more about you.
Q: Angelina, tell us a little about yourself
Well, I'm a Jersey Girl to the fullest. I love having fun and just do my best to keep a free spirit. I am 30 years old and have 6 siblings. I have a passion for the Arts and am a dancer, I work as a pharmacy technician, and as bartender; I love my family and friends and hold them dear to my heart. I guess that's me in a nutshell lol
Q: Angelina, how long have you been a book cover model?
I have been modeling for book covers since July 2013. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Q: Which type of books do you like to model for?
I don't know that I have a favorite type or genre of books that I prefer to model for because I am very diverse and love to get in character. I enjoy dressing up, and taking on the different heroines...I grew up as a tomboy and feeling “pretty” wasn't something that always came easily. So, I do have to say the pretty girly covers and badass fantasy ones have a special place in my heart!
Q: What is it like to be a cover model?
It's really fun to be a cover model… it takes a lot of personality. I am very silly and like to try new things so it really was something that I had no problem trying.
Q: When you saw yourself on my cover, and especially as a green-eyed pale blonde, what were your thoughts?
Hahhaa when I saw myself on your series...I was blown away. I knew Erin had purchased the stock images and I was SO BEYOND excited to see where they would end up. The blonde hair really threw me off but my mom has green eyes and I always wished I had them too...I loved that! Oh and hello, the dragons made me super happy! :)
Q: What do you consider before accepting a job?
Before accepting a job regarding a cover, I mainly just consider the impact it will have on my modeling career...is it something I would be proud of? Does it showcase my strengths? Am I giving off a bad image or promoting something distasteful? Those kinds of things. I've been very fortunate in my cover modeling; the professionals I've encountered and worked with have been respectful and even open to new ideas if I am ever uncomfortable.
Q: Do you read any of the books you‘ve modeled for?
I am a very big reader...always have been… I do read all of the books I am on. I have a list going and it’s tough to keep up with sometimes lol I have always imagined myself as characters in stories and now I can do it and with a reason...because I AM the face of that person..
Q: I’m sure you’ve worked with many artists, how does the interaction between photographer, cover artist and yourself work?
Regarding book covers, I currently shoot with one photographer. Those stock images go up for sale to artists. Sometimes a special request is put in for me and other times it's just “hey let's see what we can come up with” .Photo shoots are super fun and I always have an open mind
Q: What are your long-term aspirations?
Hmmm...I'd really love to catch up to Fabio—lol
That dude has I don't know how many covers exactly but….I want to make a name for myself in this business. Mostly because it's not common. I feel like people should know I'm just a real and down to earth woman.
Q: Just one more question. What’s next for you?
I honestly don't know what's next for me...kind of just hoping it's all an amazing journey. I hope to continue modeling for books and I am definitely looking to attend a few reader/writer conventions this calendar year! Keep your eyes and ears open. :)
#####
Thank you Angelina, And for those of you who want to learn even more about Angelina Cavanaugh, here are a few links:
IG: Angelina3186
WWW.Angelinacavanaugh.com for booking or contact info!
(FB fanpage will be back soon:). I encourage tagging and selfies!!
Tales Of Nevaeh: The Trilogy and Backstory of the Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Series Tales Of Nevaeh:
