Ginger Scott's Blog - Posts Tagged "waiting-on-the-sidelines"
Indie Authors and Midnight Oil
Good thing I have always been a bit of a night owl. When I finally got my act together and wrote the book I had been harboring in my heart for years, I needed to burn quite a bit of midnight oil. But the creative part is nothing compared to the marketing life of an indie author.
Not wanting to ever forget the blood, sweat and tears that gets me to whatever place my road leads, I thought I'd document the anxieties, projects, posts and whatnot that come with self-publishing. And if my posts happen to help the next author looking for help and guidance, then I am honored to pay it forward any way I can.
1. Pushing the publish button is just the beginning. I was pretty sure I had things lined up when I finally selected my launch date and sent my manuscript off into the cyberlands of Amazon's self-publishing aerospace. And I did have a pretty good head start. Facebook fan page, check. Twitter transformation, check. Goodreads account set up, check. Talking points, graphics and a thick (albeit not thick enough) skin...check, check, check. But just as I have learned from working on both sides of the fence in journalism and public relations, you have to constantly feed the beast. If you want to push your hard work out to the world, beyond your closest circle of friends, you need to make some noise, waive your freak flag, if you will. Set up is just what it sounds like: set up. Then comes the marathon.
2. Test it, try it, move on. This whole indie author thing is new for me. My journalism work was always already in a proven and read publication. Getting someone to read something they have no reason in the world to even know exists is another story. So, I'm trying anything and everything (at least once). I'm throwing a launch party -- look for posts and wrap-ups on that on my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/GingerScottAu...). I'm trying to pay attention to this blog, and use it for education, engagement and maybe a little pot-stirring in the future. I've committed to try Kindle's Select program for 90 days before I post my book to iBooks and Nook. The jury is still out on how well this works, but I will be scheduling some great promotions through it in the coming weeks (look for those announcements soon). So just be open to trying new marketing roads, there are hundreds out there and every single project requires a unique mix.
3. Finally...breathe!I am sure this is true for most indie authors out there. Getting your book in the hands of strangers, and then maybe catching the attention of an agent, is the dream. It's such a vibrant and, let's face it, obsessive dream that it starts to interfere with sleep, thought and relaxation. I have found I can become so focused on my daily to-do's that I often forget to sit back and enjoy the ride. I've made it this far and have accomplished goals I thought seemed impossible. Before I launched my book I reached out to a few of my favorite authors, many who found success through the same indie road I'm on. Some wise words from author Katja Millay (Sea of Tranquility) stood out and ring in my ears on a daily basis. She told me to be sure to enjoy every moment and not get caught up in the stress of it all. So, while I'll admit to falling off of the stress wagon a few times, I will say I am trying damn hard to heed her advice.
With that, I think I'll start right now. It's a beautiful day outside, and I haven't read for my own personal enjoyment in weeks. I plan to do so starting now.
Not wanting to ever forget the blood, sweat and tears that gets me to whatever place my road leads, I thought I'd document the anxieties, projects, posts and whatnot that come with self-publishing. And if my posts happen to help the next author looking for help and guidance, then I am honored to pay it forward any way I can.
1. Pushing the publish button is just the beginning. I was pretty sure I had things lined up when I finally selected my launch date and sent my manuscript off into the cyberlands of Amazon's self-publishing aerospace. And I did have a pretty good head start. Facebook fan page, check. Twitter transformation, check. Goodreads account set up, check. Talking points, graphics and a thick (albeit not thick enough) skin...check, check, check. But just as I have learned from working on both sides of the fence in journalism and public relations, you have to constantly feed the beast. If you want to push your hard work out to the world, beyond your closest circle of friends, you need to make some noise, waive your freak flag, if you will. Set up is just what it sounds like: set up. Then comes the marathon.
2. Test it, try it, move on. This whole indie author thing is new for me. My journalism work was always already in a proven and read publication. Getting someone to read something they have no reason in the world to even know exists is another story. So, I'm trying anything and everything (at least once). I'm throwing a launch party -- look for posts and wrap-ups on that on my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/GingerScottAu...). I'm trying to pay attention to this blog, and use it for education, engagement and maybe a little pot-stirring in the future. I've committed to try Kindle's Select program for 90 days before I post my book to iBooks and Nook. The jury is still out on how well this works, but I will be scheduling some great promotions through it in the coming weeks (look for those announcements soon). So just be open to trying new marketing roads, there are hundreds out there and every single project requires a unique mix.
3. Finally...breathe!I am sure this is true for most indie authors out there. Getting your book in the hands of strangers, and then maybe catching the attention of an agent, is the dream. It's such a vibrant and, let's face it, obsessive dream that it starts to interfere with sleep, thought and relaxation. I have found I can become so focused on my daily to-do's that I often forget to sit back and enjoy the ride. I've made it this far and have accomplished goals I thought seemed impossible. Before I launched my book I reached out to a few of my favorite authors, many who found success through the same indie road I'm on. Some wise words from author Katja Millay (Sea of Tranquility) stood out and ring in my ears on a daily basis. She told me to be sure to enjoy every moment and not get caught up in the stress of it all. So, while I'll admit to falling off of the stress wagon a few times, I will say I am trying damn hard to heed her advice.
With that, I think I'll start right now. It's a beautiful day outside, and I haven't read for my own personal enjoyment in weeks. I plan to do so starting now.
FREE Promo on Amazon - Download Waiting on the Sidelines for Free Friday & Saturday, May 3-4!
You can download "Waiting on the Sidelines" free from Amazon May 3 and 4 as part of a great giveaway promo. Just check it out on Amazon during the giveaway time and download away!
Rope Learning
I've worked as a journalist for years. I have also worked in public relations and digital media for nearly a decade. I currently teach it at ASU. I felt pretty confident going into this whole book launch thing that I could at least tread the publicity waters better than some of the other newbies out there.
Turns out, though, not only am I a rookie author, but I'm pretty green at book publicity, too. So, in keeping with my theme of sharing my knocks and bruises (and triumphs) as I go, I bring this latest post.
1. You really can do it without hiring a publicist, but damn is it hard. I don't have what you would call a "big bank roll" to fund my writing passion enterprise, and I know a lot of you are in the same boat I'm in. But, having pitched hundreds of bloggers (and connected with a wonderful bunch of them), I truly can appreciate the value of having a well-connected team there to swoop in and kick off a blog tour for you. Let's just say my first book has been on more of a blog 'hitchhiking' rather than a tour.
2. You think you are planning in advance, but think more in advance. I thought I had things lined up well, but I hadn't really done any pre-publicity prior to my launch. You need to think ARCs (advanced reading copies), early reviews and even cover reveals. I didn't have much to spend on a cover, so I used my own shot of the actual Coolidge High field, a really pretty friend as a model and some help from a few graphic design colleagues to whip my cover into shape. But with a little advanced planning, I could have hyped my cover a little more.
3. And finally, speaking of covers...this is probably a good place to spend your initial funds. You don't have to go crazy, but a compelling stock image goes a long way. I lucked out with a shot I had on file from an earlier travel-writing assignment. Knowing I won't have that for book 2 (yes, that's right, book 2) means I will have to work the cover a little harder this fall when I aim to launch again. And you can bet your ass I'll be hyping the cover reveal!
I hope some of these tips will help someone out there. And thank you to the many amazing readers, some from the other side of the world, who have embraced Waiting on the Sidelines. I hope to serve you all well with the rest of Reed and Nolan's story soon. Stay tuned for blogs on the fun stuff behind the books and a little preview or two as I sit up until the wee hours writing.
Turns out, though, not only am I a rookie author, but I'm pretty green at book publicity, too. So, in keeping with my theme of sharing my knocks and bruises (and triumphs) as I go, I bring this latest post.
1. You really can do it without hiring a publicist, but damn is it hard. I don't have what you would call a "big bank roll" to fund my writing passion enterprise, and I know a lot of you are in the same boat I'm in. But, having pitched hundreds of bloggers (and connected with a wonderful bunch of them), I truly can appreciate the value of having a well-connected team there to swoop in and kick off a blog tour for you. Let's just say my first book has been on more of a blog 'hitchhiking' rather than a tour.
2. You think you are planning in advance, but think more in advance. I thought I had things lined up well, but I hadn't really done any pre-publicity prior to my launch. You need to think ARCs (advanced reading copies), early reviews and even cover reveals. I didn't have much to spend on a cover, so I used my own shot of the actual Coolidge High field, a really pretty friend as a model and some help from a few graphic design colleagues to whip my cover into shape. But with a little advanced planning, I could have hyped my cover a little more.
3. And finally, speaking of covers...this is probably a good place to spend your initial funds. You don't have to go crazy, but a compelling stock image goes a long way. I lucked out with a shot I had on file from an earlier travel-writing assignment. Knowing I won't have that for book 2 (yes, that's right, book 2) means I will have to work the cover a little harder this fall when I aim to launch again. And you can bet your ass I'll be hyping the cover reveal!
I hope some of these tips will help someone out there. And thank you to the many amazing readers, some from the other side of the world, who have embraced Waiting on the Sidelines. I hope to serve you all well with the rest of Reed and Nolan's story soon. Stay tuned for blogs on the fun stuff behind the books and a little preview or two as I sit up until the wee hours writing.
More to Reed and Nolan's Story
I've alluded to this a few times on Twitter and Facebook, but I now feel pretty comfortable sharing the news a little more boldly--I am writing a follow up to Reed and Nolan's story.
I can't express the joy I feel seeing how many of you have embraced Waiting on the Sidelines. I am so proud of my little book that could (that's my pet name for it) and have hoped that it would do well enough to justify me telling more of my characters' story. I have heard from many of you who said you miss Reed and Nolan and Sarah and Sienna. And Buck! Well, I missed them, too. So much that when I started writing the rest of their story it was almost like I was at a reunion (the good kind that you actually want to go to).
I am hoping to release part two in the late fall, perhaps this time with a little more of the marketing flair that I've learned along the way (cover reveals, blog tours, previews, etc.). And I hope you all will join me as we continue this amazing ride. I promise to work my ass off trying to tell stories that make you feel. I'll do it as long as you'll let me. What an amazing privilege.
I can't express the joy I feel seeing how many of you have embraced Waiting on the Sidelines. I am so proud of my little book that could (that's my pet name for it) and have hoped that it would do well enough to justify me telling more of my characters' story. I have heard from many of you who said you miss Reed and Nolan and Sarah and Sienna. And Buck! Well, I missed them, too. So much that when I started writing the rest of their story it was almost like I was at a reunion (the good kind that you actually want to go to).
I am hoping to release part two in the late fall, perhaps this time with a little more of the marketing flair that I've learned along the way (cover reveals, blog tours, previews, etc.). And I hope you all will join me as we continue this amazing ride. I promise to work my ass off trying to tell stories that make you feel. I'll do it as long as you'll let me. What an amazing privilege.
Win a FREE Kindle Copy of Waiting on the Sidelines
I'm starting the countdown to book 2 early with a fun giveaway of a few Kindle copies of my book. Check it out on my website at www.littlemisswrite.com and enter for a chance to win. If you already have a copy, enter for or tell a friend! Enter by July 3 so reading can start by July 4!
My apologies for the abundant use of exclamation points. I am just excited to see so many people interested in more Nolan and Reed.
More posts coming soon!!!
-Ginger
My apologies for the abundant use of exclamation points. I am just excited to see so many people interested in more Nolan and Reed.
More posts coming soon!!!
-Ginger
Inside Reed's Head
I have had a few readers ask some great questions about what's going on inside that jock head of Reed Johnson, and tonight I had an idea. Reed actually did a great character interview over on SubClubBooks, and I thought I should probably share it here, too!
The link has been updated, so I will post the interview below (NOTE: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!):
Hi Reed, welcome to THESUBCLUBbooks. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.
Reed, tell us what went through your mind the first day of class when you realized whom you were talking to (the girl from the gym) when Nolan told you her name?
Honestly, I felt like a real dick. I panicked a bit because I thought she might call me out on the shit we said behind her back. But when she didn’t bring it up, I relaxed a little, figured she didn’t hear us. Then she told me the story behind her name, and the entire time she was talking I was thinking about how wrong Tatum was about her and how cool she was to hang out with and talk to.
The day you and Nolan were doing your science project at your house and Sean commented that he found Nolan cute; your response was “Hmm, you think so?” Can you tell us what you really thought about that comment, and the why to your response?
Yeah, that kinda surprised me a little, too. When he said that I felt a little possessive, sorta like I saw her first. I thought about it later that night when everyone left, and the more I thought about Sean asking her out, the more it pissed me off. But then Tatum called and said she wanted to see my house…and check out my bedroom…so, yeah…I sorta forgot about Noles for a while after that. I’m not proud of it now, but I was a teenager and the shit Tatum was willing to do was redic!
It is clear that your relationship with Tatum was mostly physical but did you ever love her?
I thought I did at first. But I was 15 and getting blowjobs in the middle of desert parties. Every dude in our school was jealous of me, wanted to be me. I had it all. Everyone loved me and girls would go on and on about what a cute couple Tatum and I were. I don’t know…it sounds really lame now, but it just felt like that’s what I was supposed to do, who I was supposed to be with. When my brother was in high school, he dated college chicks—lots of them! I guess I didn’t really know any different, and the attention felt really good. I get it now, though. I know that wasn’t love. Hell, I didn’t even really know her. I couldn’t tell you what music she liked or how she treated her grandparents or what her favorite family vacation was…I didn’t care.
Was it really only when you danced with Nolan that you realized you liked her more than a friend?
Looking back, no. I knew wayyyy before then. I think I knew it the second she kissed Sean. I saw her through the bus window. I never told her that…huh, I guess she’ll know now. I was pretty pissed off that week they first started going out. I was kind of a prick to Sean, too, when he would talk about her. I always played it off like I was stressed about the football scouts or irritated with Tatum, but truth was I didn’t like hearing about him making out with Nolan.
When Nolan confronted you at the pool and spilled her heart out that she had secretly been in love with you over two years while you were dating the person that bullied her. What did you feel and think about her declaration?
Honestly, I just wanted to grab her and kiss her right then. I just wanted to fix everything, but I had no idea how. It’s sort of a shitty excuse, but I never really had good relationship role models. My parents fought just as much divorced as they did when they were married, but they weren’t big confrontational arguments. My mom would make little digs about my dad’s clothes or how he spent too much time hanging out with former football players and mechanics. She was always trying to make him into some society guy, but that’s just not who he is. And when she’d start picking at him, he’d just leave. Sometimes for a day or two. So when Nolan laid into me—totally deserved, by the way—I just sort of froze. Honestly, her courage just made me love her more.
How bad was it for you seeing Nolan and Tyler together?
Oh, man. That was the worst. I never liked that guy. He reminded me of my brother, all image and shit. He was fake nice, but I knew all he wanted to do was get into her pants. But she seemed so happy, and I had done nothing but make her miserable. Oh, her friends weren’t shy about letting me know what an asshole I was. I tried to ignore her for a while, get over her. But Tyler kept showing up at shit, and every time I saw him touch her I just wanted to punch him.
What are your feelings on your mom’s dislike towards Nolan? Will you ever defend Nolan and confront her (your mom) on how she treats Nolan?
I know I’m going to have to. I thought my mom would just get over it, warm to Noles. She’s impossible not to love, so I don’t get it. My mom just has this idea in her head, like she always wanted to marry me off to some other family name or something, like kings and queens or something. Like I said, that’s why she and my pops don’t mix well. He’s grass stains and beer and she’s white linen and expensive wine. But she’s going to have to get over Nolan eventually, because I don’t plan on ever letting her go.
Is Nolan your first and only love?
Huh? I guess so. I thought I was in love with Tatum, and I had a crush on Jaden Kessler in kindergarten, but yeah…Noles is the only girl I ever loved.
Why did you let Calley and Tatum sign your cast and visit you while you recovered at your mom’s house, if you knew how it would make Nolan feel? Did you do that on purpose?
Put that on the long list of dumb shit I did that I wish I could take back. Tatum was relentless. When I got settled at my mom’s, she showed up the first day. I made excuses to get her to leave the first few times, but my mom really liked her, so she always let her in. I think she was hoping we’d rekindle some sort of romance. When she came with Calley once, Calley was actually the first one to sign my cast. You haven’t met Calley, but she’s sort of one of those chicks that just does whatever she wants. She grabbed a pen and started doodling crap on my cast before I could say anything. Then Tatum got all whiney about how she wanted to sign it, so I let her. I didn’t really think it was a big deal, but I can see how it would be to Nolan…or at least now I can. I was pretty depressed for a while after the accident. I did a lot of dumb stuff.
After the accident you totally shut down, but you especially made Nolan’s life a hell by your cold attitude towards her. Did you avoid her so she would end things with you? Why?
I was scared. I had this perfect life planned out and when I thought I might not ever get to play football again, it scared the shit out of me. That’s all I was, all I knew. I felt worthless. And here Nolan was, just loving me anyway. I felt guilty, like I was letting her down. And then she started talking about trading her dreams in for mine. I didn’t want to be the reason she didn’t go to ASU, like she always wanted, or why she didn’t work with kids, which she was so totally meant to do. I think somewhere in my screwed up head I wanted to try to get her to break up with me, because I knew I couldn’t do it. I was too selfish.
Did you then, and do you now regret the way you treated Nolan after the accident?
Yes. Seeing her cry is the single most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I said some things that I don’t think I’ll ever make right. But I’m never going to stop trying.
Do you think you have redeemed yourself on how bad you treated Nolan? And do you think you have taken her love for you for granted more times than once?
I was a stupid teenager, and if I could go back and smack myself a few times, I would. But that’s not how life works. I got lucky. I took Nolan for granted plenty of times. And somehow, she still showed up when I needed her, gave me her heart and trusted me not to break it. I can’t fix the past, but I sure as hell can earn the future.
Between the accident and all those months the two of you had been apart (because of you poor attitude) Did you ever stop loving Nolan?
No. Never. Not once.
SUDDEN DEATH QUESTIONS:
What song that describes your feelings for Nolan?
It’s funny, but it’s actually one of Nolan’s favorites—it’s called “Stars” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. It just feels like us, like I can’t breathe without knowing she’s ok.
Favorite feeling?
Anticipation
What would you change from the past? (if you could)
The time I said something that made Nolan feel like she wasn’t good enough.
Nolan is…..?
Everything
Kissing or cuddling?
Kissing. Definitely kissing.
Favorite image?
Nole’s smile, the one she gets when she’s busting my balls. No, wait! The one she gets when she first realizes I’m there.
Nolan or football?
Nolan. Every time.
The link has been updated, so I will post the interview below (NOTE: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!):
Hi Reed, welcome to THESUBCLUBbooks. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.
Reed, tell us what went through your mind the first day of class when you realized whom you were talking to (the girl from the gym) when Nolan told you her name?
Honestly, I felt like a real dick. I panicked a bit because I thought she might call me out on the shit we said behind her back. But when she didn’t bring it up, I relaxed a little, figured she didn’t hear us. Then she told me the story behind her name, and the entire time she was talking I was thinking about how wrong Tatum was about her and how cool she was to hang out with and talk to.
The day you and Nolan were doing your science project at your house and Sean commented that he found Nolan cute; your response was “Hmm, you think so?” Can you tell us what you really thought about that comment, and the why to your response?
Yeah, that kinda surprised me a little, too. When he said that I felt a little possessive, sorta like I saw her first. I thought about it later that night when everyone left, and the more I thought about Sean asking her out, the more it pissed me off. But then Tatum called and said she wanted to see my house…and check out my bedroom…so, yeah…I sorta forgot about Noles for a while after that. I’m not proud of it now, but I was a teenager and the shit Tatum was willing to do was redic!
It is clear that your relationship with Tatum was mostly physical but did you ever love her?
I thought I did at first. But I was 15 and getting blowjobs in the middle of desert parties. Every dude in our school was jealous of me, wanted to be me. I had it all. Everyone loved me and girls would go on and on about what a cute couple Tatum and I were. I don’t know…it sounds really lame now, but it just felt like that’s what I was supposed to do, who I was supposed to be with. When my brother was in high school, he dated college chicks—lots of them! I guess I didn’t really know any different, and the attention felt really good. I get it now, though. I know that wasn’t love. Hell, I didn’t even really know her. I couldn’t tell you what music she liked or how she treated her grandparents or what her favorite family vacation was…I didn’t care.
Was it really only when you danced with Nolan that you realized you liked her more than a friend?
Looking back, no. I knew wayyyy before then. I think I knew it the second she kissed Sean. I saw her through the bus window. I never told her that…huh, I guess she’ll know now. I was pretty pissed off that week they first started going out. I was kind of a prick to Sean, too, when he would talk about her. I always played it off like I was stressed about the football scouts or irritated with Tatum, but truth was I didn’t like hearing about him making out with Nolan.
When Nolan confronted you at the pool and spilled her heart out that she had secretly been in love with you over two years while you were dating the person that bullied her. What did you feel and think about her declaration?
Honestly, I just wanted to grab her and kiss her right then. I just wanted to fix everything, but I had no idea how. It’s sort of a shitty excuse, but I never really had good relationship role models. My parents fought just as much divorced as they did when they were married, but they weren’t big confrontational arguments. My mom would make little digs about my dad’s clothes or how he spent too much time hanging out with former football players and mechanics. She was always trying to make him into some society guy, but that’s just not who he is. And when she’d start picking at him, he’d just leave. Sometimes for a day or two. So when Nolan laid into me—totally deserved, by the way—I just sort of froze. Honestly, her courage just made me love her more.
How bad was it for you seeing Nolan and Tyler together?
Oh, man. That was the worst. I never liked that guy. He reminded me of my brother, all image and shit. He was fake nice, but I knew all he wanted to do was get into her pants. But she seemed so happy, and I had done nothing but make her miserable. Oh, her friends weren’t shy about letting me know what an asshole I was. I tried to ignore her for a while, get over her. But Tyler kept showing up at shit, and every time I saw him touch her I just wanted to punch him.
What are your feelings on your mom’s dislike towards Nolan? Will you ever defend Nolan and confront her (your mom) on how she treats Nolan?
I know I’m going to have to. I thought my mom would just get over it, warm to Noles. She’s impossible not to love, so I don’t get it. My mom just has this idea in her head, like she always wanted to marry me off to some other family name or something, like kings and queens or something. Like I said, that’s why she and my pops don’t mix well. He’s grass stains and beer and she’s white linen and expensive wine. But she’s going to have to get over Nolan eventually, because I don’t plan on ever letting her go.
Is Nolan your first and only love?
Huh? I guess so. I thought I was in love with Tatum, and I had a crush on Jaden Kessler in kindergarten, but yeah…Noles is the only girl I ever loved.
Why did you let Calley and Tatum sign your cast and visit you while you recovered at your mom’s house, if you knew how it would make Nolan feel? Did you do that on purpose?
Put that on the long list of dumb shit I did that I wish I could take back. Tatum was relentless. When I got settled at my mom’s, she showed up the first day. I made excuses to get her to leave the first few times, but my mom really liked her, so she always let her in. I think she was hoping we’d rekindle some sort of romance. When she came with Calley once, Calley was actually the first one to sign my cast. You haven’t met Calley, but she’s sort of one of those chicks that just does whatever she wants. She grabbed a pen and started doodling crap on my cast before I could say anything. Then Tatum got all whiney about how she wanted to sign it, so I let her. I didn’t really think it was a big deal, but I can see how it would be to Nolan…or at least now I can. I was pretty depressed for a while after the accident. I did a lot of dumb stuff.
After the accident you totally shut down, but you especially made Nolan’s life a hell by your cold attitude towards her. Did you avoid her so she would end things with you? Why?
I was scared. I had this perfect life planned out and when I thought I might not ever get to play football again, it scared the shit out of me. That’s all I was, all I knew. I felt worthless. And here Nolan was, just loving me anyway. I felt guilty, like I was letting her down. And then she started talking about trading her dreams in for mine. I didn’t want to be the reason she didn’t go to ASU, like she always wanted, or why she didn’t work with kids, which she was so totally meant to do. I think somewhere in my screwed up head I wanted to try to get her to break up with me, because I knew I couldn’t do it. I was too selfish.
Did you then, and do you now regret the way you treated Nolan after the accident?
Yes. Seeing her cry is the single most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I said some things that I don’t think I’ll ever make right. But I’m never going to stop trying.
Do you think you have redeemed yourself on how bad you treated Nolan? And do you think you have taken her love for you for granted more times than once?
I was a stupid teenager, and if I could go back and smack myself a few times, I would. But that’s not how life works. I got lucky. I took Nolan for granted plenty of times. And somehow, she still showed up when I needed her, gave me her heart and trusted me not to break it. I can’t fix the past, but I sure as hell can earn the future.
Between the accident and all those months the two of you had been apart (because of you poor attitude) Did you ever stop loving Nolan?
No. Never. Not once.
SUDDEN DEATH QUESTIONS:
What song that describes your feelings for Nolan?
It’s funny, but it’s actually one of Nolan’s favorites—it’s called “Stars” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. It just feels like us, like I can’t breathe without knowing she’s ok.
Favorite feeling?
Anticipation
What would you change from the past? (if you could)
The time I said something that made Nolan feel like she wasn’t good enough.
Nolan is…..?
Everything
Kissing or cuddling?
Kissing. Definitely kissing.
Favorite image?
Nole’s smile, the one she gets when she’s busting my balls. No, wait! The one she gets when she first realizes I’m there.
Nolan or football?
Nolan. Every time.
My Favorite Parts - Waiting on the Sidelines
I shared this over the weekend on my author Facebook page. It's a little tidbit from "Waiting on the Sidelines" that happens to be one of my personal favorites. You see, I'm a big fan of anticipation. I love those moments right before, and I am a sucker for the almost. While writing "Waiting on the Sidelines," there were a few chapters that I would think about all day and just get giddy with excitement over knowing that I would get to dive in at night and move my characters through something special.
A moment.
Well, for me, this is one of those moments. The kind you wish you could write for your own life, how you wished it happened...and if it did for you? Hell, I'm jealous. I plan on sharing a few other 'favorite parts' over the next few days in my countdown to my cover release for "Going Long." And soon, I'll be sharing something big from "Going Long" -- before it's big launch in October.
So, for those of you who've read "Waiting" I'd love to know if this was one of your favorite parts, too. And if not, please let me know one that is. I'd love to dig it up and share it with others on Facebook. Thank you all for reading! You're dream-makers, just so you know :-)
Excerpt from "Waiting on the Sidelines"
Reed just stared down at me, shifting back and forth from eye to eye because we were so close. The music and screaming from other swimmers in the background started to fade out. It was the same sort of feeling I got when I was about to pass out, but I knew my head felt fine. Reed leaned his head forward, pressing his forehead to mine, closing his eyes for a bit. He just sort of spun us, ever-so slowly in a circle, with our lips breaths apart. My lips were tingling, almost numb, but not from the cold water. I bit my bottom lip to try to stop the twitching and keep myself from shaking. I felt Reed shift, getting an even stronger grip on me, somehow holding me closer, which didn’t seem possible.
I was frozen, the tip of my nose touching Reed’s, as we swayed slowly in the water to some sappy pop song about standing in the rain. I knew the song, it was one of my favorites. But ask me the words right now, and I’d only be able to spit out gibberish. I bit my lip again, licking it a little from this unbelievable, beautiful suspense. And then Reed’s lips were touching mine. Not hard, but so incredibly softly. It was barely a kiss, but it was still the best one I’d ever have. He tilted his head up, just barely, taking my top lip between both of his and leaving them there for a few seconds, sucking me in faintly so I felt the tips of his teeth.
When he pulled back, he leaned his face to look at me, still cradling me in his arms. I opened my eyes slowly and couldn’t hide my smile. I wanted to cry, the type of cry from a release when you’ve waited so long for something. He just reached up and brushed water from my face with his thumb and stared at me until finally breaking our silence. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” he smiled gently.
“You have no idea…” I paused. “Well, there’s just so much you have no idea about, Reed.”
A moment.
Well, for me, this is one of those moments. The kind you wish you could write for your own life, how you wished it happened...and if it did for you? Hell, I'm jealous. I plan on sharing a few other 'favorite parts' over the next few days in my countdown to my cover release for "Going Long." And soon, I'll be sharing something big from "Going Long" -- before it's big launch in October.
So, for those of you who've read "Waiting" I'd love to know if this was one of your favorite parts, too. And if not, please let me know one that is. I'd love to dig it up and share it with others on Facebook. Thank you all for reading! You're dream-makers, just so you know :-)
Excerpt from "Waiting on the Sidelines"
Reed just stared down at me, shifting back and forth from eye to eye because we were so close. The music and screaming from other swimmers in the background started to fade out. It was the same sort of feeling I got when I was about to pass out, but I knew my head felt fine. Reed leaned his head forward, pressing his forehead to mine, closing his eyes for a bit. He just sort of spun us, ever-so slowly in a circle, with our lips breaths apart. My lips were tingling, almost numb, but not from the cold water. I bit my bottom lip to try to stop the twitching and keep myself from shaking. I felt Reed shift, getting an even stronger grip on me, somehow holding me closer, which didn’t seem possible.
I was frozen, the tip of my nose touching Reed’s, as we swayed slowly in the water to some sappy pop song about standing in the rain. I knew the song, it was one of my favorites. But ask me the words right now, and I’d only be able to spit out gibberish. I bit my lip again, licking it a little from this unbelievable, beautiful suspense. And then Reed’s lips were touching mine. Not hard, but so incredibly softly. It was barely a kiss, but it was still the best one I’d ever have. He tilted his head up, just barely, taking my top lip between both of his and leaving them there for a few seconds, sucking me in faintly so I felt the tips of his teeth.
When he pulled back, he leaned his face to look at me, still cradling me in his arms. I opened my eyes slowly and couldn’t hide my smile. I wanted to cry, the type of cry from a release when you’ve waited so long for something. He just reached up and brushed water from my face with his thumb and stared at me until finally breaking our silence. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” he smiled gently.
“You have no idea…” I paused. “Well, there’s just so much you have no idea about, Reed.”
Going Long Is Officially Here!
I'll keep this short, sweet and to-the-point: Going Long is live and well...everywhere!!! I'm so excited to share it with you all, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the journey for Nolan and Reed.
I love these two with all my heart, and I'm deeply touched that so many of you do, too. A special 'thank you' to my beta readers, early bloggers and reviewers for helping spread the word. I can't thank you all enough. I promise to get back to my newest project soon, once the excitement settles a little. I also promise to share more about it later. A tease or two may be in order ;-)
Happy reading!
xxoo ~ Ginger
I love these two with all my heart, and I'm deeply touched that so many of you do, too. A special 'thank you' to my beta readers, early bloggers and reviewers for helping spread the word. I can't thank you all enough. I promise to get back to my newest project soon, once the excitement settles a little. I also promise to share more about it later. A tease or two may be in order ;-)
Happy reading!
xxoo ~ Ginger
Waiting Gets a New Look!
Waiting on the Sidelines will always be my baby. I love that book with all my heart, so I feel a little bit like I'm sending it off to the prom in this post. The book is getting a little cover refresh. Nothing too crazy, but I think it gets a little more of the mood in the mix. I'm working on getting it updated on the Goodreads entry (thank you, Librarian status friends!). But in the meantime, here's a little taste. You can also find the new cover on Amazon, Smashwords, and very soon on B&N, Apple, Sony, Kobo and more (seems it takes a little time to ingest).
I hope you all like it as much as I do! I'm busy working on my new project, but should be at a place where I can reveal the title soon...and then maybe just a little tease. Thank you all for reading...I'm honored!
I hope you all like it as much as I do! I'm busy working on my new project, but should be at a place where I can reveal the title soon...and then maybe just a little tease. Thank you all for reading...I'm honored!
