Linda Covella, Author

I’m really getting excited. My release of Yakimali’s Gift is 2-1/2 weeks away.

I found some great “swag” for my giveaways, which I’ll announce when I get them scheduled. I found some butterfly-themed gifts (“Yakimali” means “butterfly” in the Pima language) from Pugster, Etsy (the item I found actually shipped from Art Studio 54), and Forever 21. I also ordered some totes from Vistaprint with my cover imprinted on one side and a pretty butterfly design on the other. It’s easy to get carried away, getting caught up in the excitement of buying giveaway gifts! So I was a good shopper and found items that are nice quality but very reasonably priced.

I also created my Facebook “Fan” or Author page. It was fairly easy to do with the help of this blog that gets you through the basic steps.

However, this in-depth article explains not only how to set up the Facebook page, but gives tips, hints, and links to further information.

I have many more things on my “to do” list before release day, but I’m learning a lot and having fun!

Oh, and guess what? Next week: another cover reveal!

I’m very pleased to welcome author Andy Lewter to my blog. Andy’s new book Gifted was released June 10, 2014 from Astraea Press. Read on to learn more about Andy and her writing!

Andy’s Writing

Linda Covella: How long have you been a writer?

Andy Lewter: My interest peaked as a writer when I was in the 4^th grade. We had a period where we could write whatever we liked for 45 minutes a day. It really kick-started my interest in writing.

LC: You certainly got the bug at an early age! Do you write in one particular genre, or explore a variety of stories?

AL: I really enjoy writing fantasy. Making up a new world and with people that are limitless with new laws and abilities really add a great twist!

LC: From where do you get your inspiration for your stories?

AL: As everyone else, I have a life-story with experiences I like to refer my characters to. Not specific situations, but with how they’re feeling when faced with tough situations. I also get my inspiration from people that I’ve crossed paths with, and I have CRAZY vivid dreams nightly. I use bits of everything to mold my stories.

LC: I imagine dreams can provide great inspiration for a fantasy writer! What is your writing process? How much/often do you write?

AL: My goal is to write a little bit each day. Of course with having small children, things come up now and then and I’m not able to write as often as I’d like. But they’re very much worth my attention.

LC: Do you have writing partners who critique your work before submission? Why do or why don’t you think this is important?

AL: My editor and I have grown very close, since even before I submitted my work with Astraea Press. I trust her opinions with my stories and appreciate her input on holes I might have missed, grammar errors, and if something doesn’t exactly seem right and needs more attention. It’s so important to have someone revise your work.

Andy’s Road to Publication

LC: How long have you actively been pursuing publication?

AL: I concluded my novel in June 2012. I immediately found an editor and was working with her to patch things up before I submitted it anywhere. Come December, there was a “pitch party” by Astraea Press and my editor suggested I submit my work there. I was hesitant since the editing process hadn’t been finished, but was very, very humbled that I was able to get on as quickly as I did.

LC: Do you have an agent? If yes, how did you go about finding him/her and what have the benefits been to having an agent?

AL: Not at the moment, no

LC: Do you think an agent would be helpful to your writing career/do you plan to seek an agent?

AL: I have pondered the idea plenty. I could use all the help I can to get the word out, so it’s definitely an option.

LC: Is your new release, Gifted, your first publication? Please tell us a bit about Gifted.

AL: Yes! And I’m so excited about it. “Gifted” is all about building yourself up and having to make decisions that you may feel you’re not ready to make – and also accepting and understanding responsibility. I hope that even though it has a fantasy twist, that my characters’ experiences can also be relatable.

LC: You’ve gone through a traditional publisher for Gifted. How do you feel about self-publishing?

AL: I put my hands down to all those self-published authors out there. What hard work you do!

LC: Are you a full-time writer, or do you have a “day job.” If you have a day job, do you wish to share what you do? And…if you could have any job (besides being a writer), what profession would you choose?

AL: Part-time. I’m a babysitter, an on-call massage therapist and a stay-home mom with two (almost 3!) children. If I could choose any career, it would to be exactly what I’m doing right now. I can’t imagine not being home with my kids and would miss them terribly if I didn’t. They show me what true love entails.

LC: What’s up next for Author Andy Lewter?

AL: I’m working on the second novel of “Gifted.” Lots of exciting changes and challenges ahead for my characters!

LC: Andy, thank you so much for joining us today. I wish the best of luck and success with your writing!

About Andy Lewter:

Andy is a stay-home mom with two beautiful children. Between homework, playing, cooking and cleaning, she writes on the side. Most of her inspiration comes from life experiences that have brought her both pain and happiness – both of which have helped her grow. She also gets inspiration from the wonderful people that have touched her life, accompanied with crazy dreams she has nightly.

She is so excited to have finally touched the edges of her dream as an author. She grew a fond passion for writing when she was young, and this story has given her determination that she can indeed fulfill her childhood dream.

Andy’s contact and personal links:

https://www.facebook.com/AndyLewterAuthor

https://www.twitter.com/AndyLewter

https://www.goodreads.com/AndyLewter

You can buy Andy’s book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Valens-1-Andy-Lewter-ebook/dp/B00KVWC02S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404407981&sr=8-1&keywords=andy+lewter
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifted-andy-lewter/1119705619?ean=2940149273867
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gifted-27

View her book trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dSUuExJhc4

Created by the awesome Tanya Watt. If you need a trailer or other promotional ads, etc., for your book, check her out. Very reasonable and great to work with!

I came across a blog this week that’s a great resource for writers. Check it out. You never know what you’re going to find when you go searching!

Some exciting news: my book cover for The Castle Blues Quake is now in the works with a designer from my publisher Beau Coup Publishing. Another “wait and see,” and “can’t wait!”

I’m moving forward with marketing for my debut novel Yakimali’s Gift, due to release from Astraea Press on July 29. I knew I wanted a book trailer—you almost have to have one these days. I think they’re a great marketing tool as well as a fun way for readers to learn about your book. I did a Google search and asked some fellow writers for recommendations of trailer producers. I had mentioned in a recent blog a DIY website that allows you to make your own videos. It looked like a good option, but honestly, I’m so busy with writing, marketing, and my personal and other business life, that I didn’t want to tackle one more thing.

I feel very fortunate and excited to have been directed toward Tanya Watt to do my trailer. Not only is she extremely reasonable (far below the cost of any other producer I researched), but her trailers are totally pro. She also offers banner or social media banners/ads and book cover design. I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with!

I’m now also looking at what, in this publication world, is called “swag.” That is, goodies to include in promotions and giveaways. For Yakimali’s Gift, I want the items to have a butterfly theme since that is a prominent symbol in the story. (Hint: Yakimali means Butterfly in the Pima language.)

What types of swag would you like to see in the giveaways?

The cover is here, and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you to Astraea Press, publisher Stephanie Taylor, and awesome artist Amber Shah!

Countdown continuing to release day: July 29!

Jen Funk Weber invited me to join the Creative Process Blog Hop. For me, this is about my writing, but others will be blogging about other creative endeavors as well. Jen is a multi-talented person: author, teacher, speaker, traveler, and “stitcher,” creating gorgeous bookmarks and participating in the Stitching for Literacy blog. Check out her website; you never know what you might find, such as a post about the moose in her Alaskan garden!

What am I working on?

My young adult historical novel Yakimali’s Gift from Astraea Press will be released July 29, 2014, so right now I’m heavy into pre-publication marketing and promotion. I designed my business cards, which just arrived from the manufacturer yesterday. Look for my cover reveal this Wednesday , June 25^th.

This year I also sold the rights to my middle grade paranormal story The Castle Blues Quake to Beau Coup Publishing. I’ve gone through one round of edits, which was fairly painless, and am awaiting the next round.

Both of these publishers have been amazing to work with.

I want to do a major revision for another completed middle grade novel Cryptogram Chaos, this one an adventure story.

I have a rough draft to a sequel for The Castle Blues Quake that I’d like to start revising soon, as well as starting research for a sequel to Yakimali’s Gift, which will require a lot of time.

With all this, plus helping my husband with our small business, I’m going to be quite busy!

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

This is a difficult question to answer.

Most of the historical fiction published has a sub-genre: Historical romance, historical fantasy, etc. Yakimali’s Gift is closer to straight historical fiction. Though there is romance in the story, and that’s an important aspect of it, there’s also a focus on the main character, Fernanda, who is half Pima Indian and half Spanish, finding her place in the world and learning about her Pima ancestry.

I believe my two middle grade novels have some unique premises.

Why do I write what I do?

I love writing for children, having them as my audience. Kids and teens have such unique perspectives on life. I absolutely love hearing what’s on a kid’s mind—at any age.

The youngsters are always fun to watch as they show their amazement and delight with each new discovery—discoveries that we have long since taken for granted.

During the middle-school years, kids are starting to come into their own, learning who they are and flexing their maturity muscles. Their independence is beginning to flourish as they start to question things and form their own ideas and opinions.

I have a great respect for teens. By that age, they’ve developed their own one-of-a-kind personalities and strong viewpoints on all sorts of topics. They begin to test and stretch the limits that are attempting to rein them in. Believe it or not, I can still remember those feelings from my own teen years, and it’s an exhilarating time of life.

I think writing for kids keeps me in touch with the feelings from my childhood. It also encourages me to keep an open mind when I’m with kids, to remind me they are unique individuals, and to give them that respect.

How does my writing process work? 

The most difficult and complicated part of the writing process is the beginning.

~A. B. Yehoshua

“Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”

~E. L. Doctorow

These two quotes pretty much sum up my writing process.

It’s always difficult for me to get started. For me, first drafts are the most difficult part of writing. But once I get past that, I absolutely love revising—searching for that perfect word or phrase, developing the characters, refining the plot. I could keep revising a story (almost) forever!

The second quote describes my style as I make my way through the first draft. I know many authors do detailed outlines before they start writing. That’s not me. I have an idea for a story, I know the general plot and the main characters, and I start writing. Along the way, things happen that I never planned on. Characters appear that I previously had never imagined. I love that part of writing. Maybe it takes longer and maybe it requires more revision later, but that’s the joy I find in writing.

Thanks again to Jen for the invite. Happy reading and writing, and have fun with all your creative activities!

Designing my business card was fairly easy. For the background, I used the image I created for my website and Facebook and Twitter accounts so they all have a cohesive look. I had to tweak the design a bit to make it look right within the confines of the business card. I love to design, so that part was really fun. I used CorelDraw to create the image.

I chose Vistaprint to produce the cards because an acquaintance used them and her cards look great. So I only researched a couple more manufacturers, and the prices were all similar. Vistaprint made the entire process of uploading my design and ordering super easy. They showed me a proof (pictured above) for approval before I hit the “submit” button.

The cards are scheduled to arrive Saturday. I’m so excited to see them. What do you think of the card? Have you designed and ordered your own business cards, and how was that process?

Next on the Marketing Checklist

I’ll continue updating my social media pages. Right now I’m working on my Pinterest site. You can get a sneak preview here.

I finished my Book Marketing Challengeand have lots of helpful notes on marketing, promotion, social networking, press releases, etc.

I’m starting another class this week from Udemy: Sell Your Book and eBook to Libraries. This course cost $19, discounted from $49 at the time I signed up.

I would love to get my books into libraries and classrooms. Yakimali’s Gift, I believe, would especially be a great teaching tool. The setting for the story is Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic colonization expedition from Mexico to California in 1775 New Spain, an expedition, and the story of how the first Spanish colonists came to California, few people know about. I grew up in California, and I only learned about these colonists and their journey several years ago when I was researching another project.

That’s it for this week as I continue on my road to publication. I hope you all have a great week! Any big plans for the weekend?

I can barely wait to see the cover from Astraea Press for my debut Yakimali’s Gift, but waiting I am. I was told the artist should have it finished sometime this month. Once I have that, I’ll be able to start down my checklist of websites where I can promote my book before my release date of July 29^th.

In the meantime, there are still some things I can do to get ready for the marketing push.

I’m researching book trailer producers, because these days, it seems, you must have one. I think they are a cool way to promote your book. One friend recommended Stupeflix to create your own trailer, so I’ll check that out along with some producer recommendations, as well as doing a google search for others.

I signed up for a Book Marketing Challenge, which is either free, or you can pay a fee for some extra perks given to the “Gold Members.” This is a 30-day class with new lessons each day and chock full of extra articles and expert advice. Some of the lessons only apply to non-fiction writers, but fiction writers will find the class very helpful.

I also started receiving the Build Book Buzz newsletter and blog via email.

Between Book Marketing Challenge and Build Book Buzz, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of book marketing information I need to take in. But better to be overwhelmed than underwhelmed. I expect these two resources will help give me a big leap forward into my marketing strategy.

Another thing I can do right now is design and order my business cards. This is a job I look forward to doing since I have an art background and don’t often get to have fun with drawing and design.

I’m in the middle of searching for a business card manufacturer. There are a lot to choose from, and you would think they’d all be pretty much the same. But when one writer friend received her cards, they were completely different than her original design.

I’ll let you know who I decide to go with, and show you the cards when they come in.

Oh, and there’s that cover. I believe a cover reveal is in store for later this month. Fingers crossed, anyway!

Do you have any tips for getting started with book marketing?

Yakimali’s Gift

I finished final edits for Yakimali’s Gift  and found out the release date is July 1—in less than one month. Gulp. I’m getting very excited and a tad nervous. NOTE: I found out today release date is now July 29.

The publisher, Astraea Press, sent a copy of the first-pass galley, and now it seems more real. Besides the story, the galley includes my dedication, acknowledgements, and author notes. All that’s missing is the cover, which I haven’t seen yet. That will be in the final galley.

In case you don’t know, a galley is the document (usually in Microsoft Word) that the eBook creator and typesetter use to format the manuscript for publication. At this stage, you want it to be right. Changes can be made, but at a (sometimes high) cost to the publisher. So both the publisher and the author have to go over the galley with the sharpest of eyes one last time.

The Castle Blues Quake

I just finished the first round of edits for The Castle Blues Quake. The editor, Emily Lawrence, did a fantastic job of correcting errors that I would never have found (and obviously didn’t!) on my own. And I made her cry. Hey, in this business that’s a good thing. Here’s what she had to say:

“Hi Linda…just finished your book…I just wanted to stop by and tell you I loved it  very emotional..the ending had me in tears…it was pretty clean, probably the cleanest I’ve done so far…nothing much for me to do…you did an awesome job.”

I have to say, that sure made my day.

One thing I still have to work on is writing some poems. I had originally used excerpts from songs and poems I’d dug up that fit perfectly in the story. I tried to get permission to reprint them, but didn’t have any luck contacting the parties. I’ve written other poems for the story, so I’m not too worried about tackling these new ones.

My editing experience so far with both Beau Coup Publishing and Astraea Press have been very positive. I feel lucky to have such great editors.

What’s Next

I’ve been working some on marketing, but I really have to dig into it now that most of my editing is done. I’ll be blogging about that in the weeks to come.

Do you have any book promotion tips?