It's Official...Sending out an S.O.S.

Monday, September 19, 2011


New week. New adventures. 

Giving up the Dream was uploaded to Smashwords on September 14 and now has 99 downloads.  Don’t Get Mad…Get Even has had 7 takers. I’m  happy that the single story and story collection are up today, September 19, 2011, as scheduled. 


I need help getting the word out, so I’m gonna offer you a copy of the story collection in exchange for your assistance in one of three ways.  Choose the option that suits you best. 

Option 1: My next story collection (oh, yeah, I always have something up my sleeve) will be called Kicked to the Kerb (curb to Americans) and I’m looking for story ideas. So with that in mind, I’m asking you to let your creative juices flow for a minute.  

You’ve been cheated in some way, or cheated on, or perhaps you’ve been kicked to the curb and think you deserve better. By way of a comment, give me your most interesting scenario as to why you got kicked to the curb or why you dished it out to someone and I’ll email you the code for a copy of Don’t Get Mad…Get Even.  There’s no rush and if you like this kind of challenge, you can come back when you think of something. 

Option 2: If you have no brilliant scenario, but still would like to read the book, let me know in the comments or via email.  A review is all I ask in return. 

Option 3:  Post the book cover on your blog in exchange for a post, interview or whatever you want to talk about here on the Character Depot. I’m also open to critiquing the first three chapters of your book if that works better for you. 

Most importantly, I would be ever so grateful if you’d post a review on Smashwords or Amazon (if and when the book makes its way there) after you’ve read the stories. In the meantime, feel free to tweet this post.  (Note to those self-publishing – do separate uploads to Smashwords and Amazon)

And now for a bit about Don’t Get Mad…Get Even

What choices do you have when you are abused, cheated on and left with a trail of broken promises? Don’t Get Mad…Get Even. Take an inside look at Jamaican culture and lifestyle through a collection of award-winning stories. You will laugh, cry and commiserate with a compelling cast of characters, who conquer their challenges in unique ways. 

Housekeeping Time

In the back of Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, you’ll find a glossary of Jamaican terms for anything that might sound unfamiliar. I’ve also included three chapters from my next novel Distraction...more on that some time later.  

Many thanks to the innovative and super talented Tirzah Goodwin who did my cover, Jeanne Bannon, a superb critique partner, whose arm I twisted to read Giving up the Dream before I was satisfied with it, and Clarissa Draper, a wonderful blogger and writer who didn’t make me grovel, but agreed to read my stories with only some gentle persuasion.  Kidding aside, these ladies and I have a history as we’re members of the same writing network. They’re good people. Visit their blogs. 

Michelle and Wendy cheered me on and are super accommodating and flexible with helping me showcase my work. Ladies, you all rock! 

And so do you. Yes, you, the blogger who has visited and provided encouragement and support while I navigate these new, but exciting waters. 

So what are you waiting for? Hit me with your ideas.
Source

37 comments:

  1. Not asking for a freebie, and I'll review as soon as time allows. Have already downloaded both to my 'puter. However, for an idea of getting kicked to the curb - how about "His bird didn't like you." Recently visited some peeps with a somewhat obnoxious parrot for a pet, and I can see how this could create friction, since birds are noisy and messy.

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  2. I'm writing again, so I've stopped reading for the time being. I've discovered I can't do the two simultaneously.

    I'd be happy to post your cover at my blog on my next post -- which will probably be Friday if my computer stays up.

    BTW, it's curb in America too.

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  3. Beverly, thanks ever so much! Your idea made me chuckle. Not many people keep birds here, which in itself is a great reason why I should take on the challenge of writing a story around that. :D Thanks again!

    Doralynn, thanks. I have egg on my face. I should know better, but I think my head is getting addled because I use British English, but have to tailor everything for the American market. Kerb is what I should have said. Gonna adjust that.

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  4. I haven't finished the book yet but I would love to have you do a post on my blog, as a way to promote the book. What do you think?

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  5. That would be wonderful. Thanks, Clarissa! Whenever you're ready.

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  6. I would post an intelligent idea here but the twitter bird floating around on the text has feebleminded me.

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  7. Joy, congratulations on both of your releases! That is great Giving Up the Dream already has 99+ downloads. As for me, Don't Get Mad ... Get Even is a read I'm looking forward to getting back to tonight. In addition to the surprising plot twists, I'm loving the Jamaican patios, slang and culture.

    I've tweeted the good news and will post reviews on both Smashwords and Amazon.

    BTW, I can totally tell this is a Tirzah cover; it rocks! And the shout out was so thoughtful; thank you.

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  8. Michael,you're seriously prejudiced against my bird. :)

    Michelle, I've been watching the numbers and wondering about it since only a few people knew it was up. I'm wondering if it's a case of people who like downloading stuff because they're free.

    Glad you're enjoying the read and thanks for tweeting.

    Oh, yeah, I definitely love the cover because of the local backdrop and the girl, who says a lot about the stories.

    No problem. I should give thanks where they're due.

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  9. I'm happy to read and review on Amazon etc! And give you a mention on my blog, too. :) It might take me a couple months as I have several other books I need to get through for review, but if you're okay with that, let me know.

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  10. Me again! Just had a look on Kindle for your other titles... do you plan to put them up there, too? Congrats!

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  11. No problem, Talli. I'll send you the code. Whenever you get around to it, that'll be fine. Thanks a lot!

    Oh yes, they're somewhere between Smashwords and Amazon right now. They should move into the Amazon neighbourhood sometime this week. :)

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  12. COngrats BUNNY!! I'm so glad this is happening. I've already steered a few friends over who are looking for a new author.

    :)

    And thanks for the shout out.

    Tirz

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  13. Thanks so much to you, Tirz. You've been awesome and I should mention very patient. Thanks for your support.

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  14. JL, Would still love for you to do an educational post teaching writers or bloggers something on my blog. Then you can talk about your book.

    Let's set a firm date in Oct.

    A Wed other than the 5th or the 12th.

    isis@isisrushdan.com

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  15. I'm in the middle of revising a book right now, so I don't have time to read or write anything else. You need to organize a scheduled blog tour! Do guest posts as well as features and reviews.

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  16. Thanks for stopping by, Isis. Sent you mail.

    Dianne, I do have some guest posts and such scheduled, but I don't want to do the usual blog tour that's crammed into a short period of time. It's too much pressure for me. Much prefer to do interviews over a longer stretch. Thanks for the advice.

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  17. I do guest posts on my blog. Would be happy to have you on to write a short article then hype the book. :)

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  18. I love the covers. When will the book be on Amazon?

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  19. Thanks for being so generous. I'll email you at some point and we can set up a date. Sent you email otherwise.

    AA - It should be within the week.

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  20. Joy, we are going to be posting your interview soon. (We've been re-designing the site so that we can post more interviews.) So, we can post about your stories and the link to buy them if you want. :)

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  21. Rock on! You rule. Best of luck, JL~ :D

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  22. Congratulations, Joy...and as I've said before, would like to host you on both my blogs whenever you're ready. :)

    Off to download your work!

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  23. Racquel, thanks for letting me know. Definitely would love the plug. Thanks!

    LTM, Thanks!

    Thank, Damyanti. Have fun with them.

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  24. I have September and October's posts planned out, but I'd love to feature you in November, whenever you're ready.

    I'll check out the links.

    sharif at sharifwrites dot com

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  25. Thanks for dropping in, Medeia.
    I definitely will take up that offer.
    November is a good time.
    I'll email you to set up a date.
    Thanks again!

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  26. I love the covers too :0) The books sound awesome. Great site.

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  27. I gave you a little shout-out in the comments thread in my blog. No picture, so I'm not entering your give-away, just letting you know I'm so impressed with the way you're taking your career to a new level. Don't get Mad, Get Even looks like a must-read. It's on my list.

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  28. Well, I'd tell you a story but it's...umm...embarrassing. I'll tweet your post for you though :-)

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  29. I left a review for 'Giving Up the Dream' this morning on Smashwords. Great story!! I read it last night and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to downloading "Don't Get Mad" and digging into those stories too. :)

    I posted a recommendation with links on my blog. Gee, with 99 downloads, it sounds like you're already doing very well, which I'm totally not surprised about. :)

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  30. Thanks ever so much, Anne. Appreciate that.

    Li, thanks!

    Tina, thanks for taking the time and for posting a review on that one, as well as the blog links. I emailed you.

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  31. Great ideas! I'm psyched to have you on my blog this week.
    :)

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  32. I'd be happy to Tweet, FB, etc... The book. Also, I'll look for the next open day on my blog to have you over, if you would like. Once I'm done with my edits for my adult fantasy I'll try to read and review your books. :) Sound good?

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  33. Thanks, Lydia. I'm looking forward to that.

    Ciara, thanks ever so much for your help. Reading would be wonderful. Returning the favour is no problem. Thanks, muchly! :)

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  34. Congratulations!! If you'd like to appear at Melissa's Imaginarium, I'd love to have you. We can do interview, book review/spotlight or you can post something of your choosing.

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  35. Thanks, Melissa,

    That would be lovely. I'll email you! Really appreciate your help.

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  36. Just popping by to say congrats on the release on! Continue to rock on as you do and all the success you deserve will be yours!

    (((hugs)))

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Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you think.