Author of first kisses, second chances and things that scare the crap out me…
Author: Elodie
Author of first kisses, second chances and things that scare the crap out me and things that make me laugh out loud… I will never lose my French accent.
You can email me at: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.com
I have no words. Or I have too many words. My heart is and has been heavy. Buffalo and now Uvalde. In 10 days. And all the other countless tragedies in-between. And before so many other cities, so many other schools, so many other families hurt, so much hate and so much pain.
Parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, friends shopping… Children learning and laughing. Teachers dedicating their careers and many times their personal lives to the kids they’re teaching.
Let’s come together for an hour of guided writing exercises designed to offer comfort while deepening craft. My intention for this time is to remind ourselves of the sustaining force of creativity while raising money to aid two organizations that are doing vital work.
Make yourself a cup of tea, find a place to settle in that feels good to you, and join me for a quiet hour of writing together. I’ll give you a few prompts, we’ll share some images or sentences in the chat, and then we’ll leave (hopefully) more grounded and connected to ourselves.
In light of the recent gun violence in Buffalo and Uvalde, 100% of the proceeds will be split between Everytown and Sandy Hook Promise.
And in case you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about when I say that my Vella story lost its crown…
What is Kindle Vella?
Kindle Vella brings you stories released one short episode at a time, available on the web at http://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella and in the Kindle app. The first few episodes of every story are always free–after that, purchase Tokens and redeem them to unlock episodes. The first few episodes of every story are always free — after that, readers can purchase Tokens and redeem them to unlock episodes. As readers, you can follow the stories you like to keep up with, give an episode a Thumbs up, and when you unlock episodes, you receive one Fave a week you can award to the story you’re enjoying most that week.
I do not know yet what my bonus will be for April 2022 as there’s always a delay between the month when the reads happen and the announcement of the bonus.
Near the 20th of each month, we’ll post the previous month’s bonus amount in your Kindle Vella Dashboard. We will pay your bonus with your total KDP payments approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the bonus was earned. For example, if you earned a bonus in July, it will be paid with your September payments.
I am thoroughly enjoying writing serialized fiction. Publishing every week is fun for me. And having that schedule is giving me more consistency in the way I write. Plus, I think it’s helping me write in a different way: I’m raising the stakes faster, digging deep into the characters and I am definitely learning how to write very strong endings for each episodes.
And I love love love knowing people are reading my work. The thumbs up? The polls at the end of each episode? It’s a plus for me.
And you know what else was a plus?
Having one of my story with a crown…
I am currently publishing two stories under my pen name and one of them had a crown for three weeks. It took me totally by surprise and when the crown stayed days after days, week after week, I was stoked.
First, that means readers are loving the story. They only have one crown to give and they chose my story? Awwww!
I have no idea who reads my story (except maybe one wonderful reader who got the link from my newsletter). I do videos on TikTok (flip pages) and that’s it. Since it’s a pen name, I don’t post about in Kindle Vella Authors Readers groups. I don’t share the link on this website. I don’t talk about it on my other social media.
And yet… Yet, people who have never read my other books are finding them and giving them thumbs up and crowns?
Yes, I will use this gif over and over again… 🙂
For three weeks!!!
How many crowns? I have no idea because the Kindle Vella dashboard doesn’t show that info… (and yet it’s used in the calculation of the bonus. Hmmm).
Those crowns should help my May bonus (which I will only find out about next month).
But… today…. today, I checked to make sure the latest episode was published.
And the crown is gone!
I mean I know there are hundreds and hundreds of stories readers can choose from. And maybe they fell more in love with another story last week. Or maybe I didn’t release enough episodes. Or maybe the episode wasn’t their favorite ones.
I am thinking of releasing another episode tomorrow as I ended the last one on a pretty big cliffhanger.
And the latest episode is getting a lot of thumbs up, so I think the story is going in the right direction.
And who knows? Maybe releasing that episode on Sunday (or at the beginning of the week) might keep the story fresh in their mind as they decide on which story to give the crown to.
No… not those words. Well, at least, not in this case.
I shared in my newsletter today a pretty eventful day from a couple of days ago. For the full story, click here.
Here’s the very short version.
As I was looking to switch car insurances, the insurance agent (who was very friendly and knowledgeable) went through a list of questions to see if he could match the new offer.
At some point in the process, he asked “So what’s your job title?”
I replied, “Author.”
And he followed up with: “Oh, what do you write?”
“Romance novels.”
There was one of those long pauses… you know the type. The ones that could go in so many directions and thousands of answers flashed in my mind.
Sometimes, let’s just say, romance novels are seen as “lesser-than.”
And his response caught me off guard.
He said…. are you ready for this?
“Oh wow, you’re spreading happiness around the world. That’s awesome.”
His words were just the pick-me-up I needed. And who knows, maybe his words will have the same effect on someone else. After all, a little bit of happiness can go a long way…
And whatever you’re doing, you might be spreading a bit of happiness around you, too.
And if you’re looking for your next romance novel: one-click #TheLeftoverBride (A Hallmark-worthy romance with a little extra steam) and start reading now…
Or pre-order #SweetsForLove and make this romance author even happier. :-)
Today, I share with you my book promo results using BargainBooksy as well as my audiobook promo results using AudioThicket. But first, I start by sharing some good news as well as explaining why sometimes it feels like I “need, need, need” to write. And more advice from writers on TikTok:
Pick one thing at a time and master it. You don’t have to be brilliant at everything right out of the box.” by @mckennadeanfiction and
Are you ready to set foot into Gavert City, the small Texan town with a history of mysterious disappearances and murders and cults where falling in love almost seems dangerous?
Those three stories filled with tension and twists will keep you up at night and may break your heart before piecing it back together.
Included in this box set:
Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Erin and Dimitri’s story)
A serial killer has been terrorizing Gavert City for years…what if it’s my father? My forever crush Dimitri may try to protect me, but he can’t protect me from the truth. Here’s what we all know: Sometime this week or the next or the one after that, we will find another dead girl. Every year, a girl disappears, and every year, she’s found dead with an angel wing carved into her cheek. And this year is no different. Another girl disappeared.
“I have seen this book being described as “Scream” meets “Friday Night Lights” and I absolutely agree! I’m a fan of both and found this book to be amazing! This book has everything! Suspenseful, romantic, and just all-around amazing! Kept me glued to my Kindle and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thrill!!”
Amazon reviewer
See Me, See Me Not (Tessa and Luke’s story)
My sister disappeared years ago…but her body was never found. My mom wants to believe she’s still alive. I’m not sure what to believe. I know that I miss her. I know that I feel responsible…I’m the reason she disappeared. And I’m not the only one with secrets. My childhood crush, Luke, is back in town, and there’s a darkness to him that wasn’t there before. He’s hiding something, but when he finally tells me he escaped a dangerous cult, will we be able to help each other heal or will our pasts come back to crush us?
Once again, Elodie Nowodazkij weaves together a gripping story. Emotional and suspenseful…
Amazon reviewer.
Trust Me, Trust Me Not (Lacey and Hunter’s story)
I may have jumped from a building engulfed in flames. I may have thought I was ready to start college after living secluded in my stepfather’s dangerous cult. I may have believed I was finally safe. I was wrong. Can Hunter, the firefighter who saved my life, help me move on? Or will danger always lurk around us?
Thrilling, yet touching, story of two amazing but broken characters…
Amazon reviewer
COMING SOON IN THE GAVERT CITY SERIES
Miss Me, Miss Me Not… Pre-order it today on Amazon (more retailers coming soon)…
I’m watching her. I’m watching her as she hides the tears and pretends to smile. I missed her. But now that she’s back, I won’t let her go. Ever. Did she miss me?
Nadia may have survived a serial killer but the harrowing images of her boyfriend’s murder haunt her day and night… Now, away from Gavert City, will she be able to move on? As a stalker watches her every move, Nadia is in danger again.
I am back from holidays. A bit jetlagged. Very grateful for the time spent with loved ones in Germany and in France and getting back into a writing routine (and podcasting routine).
For the first time, I recorded this episode live on TikTok (before editing it for the podcast). Today, I talk about writing using the Pomodoro method again, my Kindle Vella bonus (more than I expected). Plus, I share an excerpt of the audiobook of Trust Me, Trust Me More and more…
Mentioned in this episode:
Instant Data Scraper (saw this on Bryan Cohen’s Amazon ads course – he mentions it was first introduced to him by BookBub & FB Ad coach Alana Terry):
My, oh my. I had forgotten how emotional Trust Me, Trust Me Not is and let me tell you: hearing it as an audiobook (Audible – Amazon – iTunes) has definitely reminded me of it. Megan Carter‘s narration is top-notch (as always) and she captures both Lacey and Hunter perfectly. Plus if you’d like to listen to the entire Gavert City series (so far) including FEAR ME, FEAR ME NOT – SEE ME, SEE ME NOT & TRUST ME, TRUST ME NOT, it is available as an audiobook boxset as well (Audible – Amazon – iTunes).
Lacey may have escaped a cult with the aid of firefighter Hunter, but moving on is another story. As they’re drawn back together on their college campus, will Hunter be able to help Lacey recover—and find the courage to act on their unspoken feelings?
Those lines are … it’s hard to explain how much they mean to me. I published Trust Me, Trust Me Not the month before my stem cell transplant in 2019 and listening to those words narrated by Megan Carter, they definitely resonate.
We all have scars that haven’t completely healed. They’re part of us. Some are more visible than others.
And the Gavert City series boxset is also available! Listen to FEAR ME, FEAR ME NOT – SEE ME, SEE ME NOT & TRUST ME, TRUST ME NOT in one audiobook!
This audiobook is perfect for fans of Criminal Minds and the movie Scream.
Are you ready to set foot into Gavert City, the small Texan town with a history of mysterious disappearances and murders and cults where falling in love almost seems dangerous? Those three stories filled with tension and twists will keep you up at night and may break your heart before piecing it back together.
A serial killer has been terrorizing Gavert City for years…what if it’s my father? My forever crush Dimitri may try to protect me, but he can’t protect me from the truth. Here’s what we all know: Sometime this week or the next or the one after that, we will find another dead girl. Every year, a girl disappears, and every year, she’s found dead with an angel wing carved into her cheek. And this year is no different. Another girl disappeared.
My sister disappeared years ago…but her body was never found. My mom wants to believe she’s still alive. I’m not sure what to believe. I know that I miss her. I know that I feel responsible…I’m the reason she disappeared. And I’m not the only one with secrets. My childhood crush, Luke, is back in town, and there’s a darkness to him that wasn’t there before. He’s hiding something, but when he finally tells me he escaped a dangerous cult, will we be able to help each other heal or will our pasts come back to crush us?
I may have jumped from a building engulfed in flames. I may have thought I was ready to start college after living secluded in my stepfather’s dangerous cult. I may have believed I was finally safe. I was wrong. Can Hunter, the firefighter who saved my life, help me move on? Or will danger always lurk around us?
Today, I share the four reasons I decided to try Kindle Vella as an author and what my experience has been so far. I also share some resources that I’ve been finding helpful and some events I’m looking forward to.
Today I share with the costs of my cover as well as the strategy for its reveal. In addition, I start learning how to apply the 7 rules of marketing as an author (will definitely dig deeper into this topic as I research more and try different strategies). I also share an update on my amazon ads.
Lernst du Englisch? Are you learning German? This bilingual audiobook can help you with that: one chapter in English, one chapter in German …Dieses zweisprachigeHörbuch kann dir dabei helfen: ein Kapitel auf Englisch, ein Kapitel auf Deutsch…(narrated by Megan Carter & Kathrin Kana, gesprochen von Megan Carter & Kathrin Kana).
Sixteen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya has one dream and one dream only: becoming the best ballerina ever. Dancing’s always been who she is and she’s working her hardest to land the main role of the School of Performing Arts’ end-of-the-year showcase. But…will she make it?
Within a week, Natalya’s life will be changed forever.
—–
Sie hatte sich schon auf dem Weg zur Spitze gesehen…
Die 16-jährige Natalya Pushkaya hat nur einen einzigen Traum: die beste Ballerina zu werden, die es je gegeben hat. Das Tanzen hat schon immer bestimmt, wer sie ist und sie würde alles tun, um die Hauptrolle in der jährlichen Abschlussvorstellung der School of Performing Arts zu landen. Aber…wird es ihr gelingen?
Innerhalb einer Woche ändert sich Natalyas Leben für immer.
Elodie Nowodazkij 