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rom-com

Christmas in July? Start reading Once Upon A Christmas Eve now…

Elodie

So, I just realized I actually never told you all that you can start reading my new steamy Christmas romcom novella Once Upon A Christmas Eve before it is available anywhere else by joining my email readers.

Start reading now FOR FREE

Who needs mistletoe when you’ve got your brother’s best friend, a grumpy CEO, knocking at your door this Christmas Eve?

Get your FREE copy of Once Upon A Christmas Eve and start reading now…

It was exactly what I needed to read…

Newsletter Subscriber

Fair warning, dear reader: This novella serves as a prelude to ‘#Most Eligible Scrooge’. So brace yourself, the ride might be shorter, but the drop is just as thrilling…

As the everything-assistant to a woman who could give Cruella de Vil a run for her money, I, Julie Simmons, have been bracing myself for a holiday season far from home, spent hunched over my laptop, my fingers flying over the keys to the tune of my boss’s incessant demands. That is, until the dragon herself sends me off on a wild goose chase to the swanky hotel of Landon Adams. Landon Adams. My brother’s best friend. My favorite Scrooge. My forever crush who barely knows we share the same galaxy, let alone the same city.

Imagine my surprise when I find myself in the middle of a bar brawl, courtesy of a handful of enthusiastic hockey players. Just as I’m about to duck, Landon swoops in, like a knight in shining Armani. But I’m not a damsel in distress, and Landon, as always, is buried under a mountain of CEO responsibilities. When I retreat to my apartment, a host of issues wait for me. First, there’s a dog in my no-pet place, courtesy of my boss. Second, my notebook, the keeper of my boss’ secrets, has vanished into thin air. And third… wait, is that Landon knocking at my door?

Get ready for a sleigh ride with “Once Upon a Christmas Eve”, a heartwarming, steamy, and funny rom-com that will have your heart singing Jingle Bells. Keep in mind: this novella ends on a cliffhanger.

START READING NOW

<3

Elodie

A self-published author's diary, podcast

Real-Time Self-Publishing: The Launch Day Chronicles of a New Pen Name…

Elodie

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Audible, Overcast, Breaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Episode 77 explores the highs and lows of a new book launch under a pen name, adapted from a Kindle Vella story. This episode features several updates I recorded throughout the launch day, providing a real-time peek into the journey. We also revisit the launch two weeks later, examining key metrics such as rankings and pages read in the Kindle Unlimited environment. I’m also talking about TikTok videos and Facebook ads on launch day…

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Real-Time Self-Publishing: The Launch Day Chronicles of a New Pen Name – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Episode 77 explores the highs and lows of a new book launch under a pen name, adapted from a Kindle Vella story. This episode features several updates I recorded throughout the launch day, providing a real-time peek into the journey. We also revisit the launch two weeks later, examining key metrics such as rankings and pages read in the Kindle Unlimited environment. I'm also talking about TikTok videos and Facebook ads on launch day…
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Author Newsletter: How I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More…

Elodie

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Audible, Overcast, Breaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Today is about my author newsletter and how I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More…

Also mentioned in this episode:

  • Video cards as example:
  1. When you’ve been crushing on your brother’s best friend ever since you slammed into him at the rink…
  2. Everyone’s booming and cruel jokes resonated in your mind like a nightmare.
  3. He didn’t laugh. Instead…
  4. His powerful athlete-of-the-year arms around your waist, he murmured…
  5. “Are you okay there, Jellybean?” And…
  6. When you nodded (not trusting your voice not to break), he added,
  7. “You got this.” And his rugged hand found yours… Your breath caught as he taught you how to skate *in front of everyone*
  8. You finally understood the flutters described in your mother’s harlequin novels…
  9. Except they weren’t snow flurries dancing in your chest.
  10. Oh no. They were a teenage-love-Taylor-Swift song blizzard.
  11. And for the past fourteen years, your heart’s been beaten, bruised, burned…
  12. by an unrequited crush on your brother’s way-off-limits best friend.
  13. Fourteen years. This should come with a trophy. Or some sort of support group.
  14. Especially as he’s now standing in your kitchen…

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Author Newsletter: How I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More… – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today is about my author newsletter and how I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More… Also mentioned in this article: MRW June meeting (1pm to 3pm): 7 Figure Fiction Master Class with T. Taylor: 7 Figure Fiction—how to use Universal Fantasy to SELL your books to ANYONE. Why does T. Taylor call Universal Fantasies butter? What are Universal Fantasies anyway? And how can they make your romance novel unputdownable? Join Maryland Romance Writers in conversation with bestselling author T. Taylor on her book, the concept that’s taken authors to the next level, and all the delicious book butter. Info here: https://marylandromancewriters.com/event/june-24/ Holly Darling – Welcome Sequence In A Weekend with 10% Off (affiliate link in the sense that I get 10% off too for another course): https://launch-pad.teachable.com?referral_code=P93AGU Newsletter Ninja: https://newsletterninja.net/ Podcast Wish I'd known Then For Writers Episode with Holly Darling on the Power of an Email Welcome Sequence. Romance Your Brand by Zoe York: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/ TikTok Video About The Reader Magnet: https://www.tiktok.com/@elodienowodazkij/video/7240392549251304747 Video cards as example: When you've been crushing on your brother's best friend ever since you slammed into him at the rink… Everyone’s booming and cruel jokes resonated in your mind like a nightmare. He didn't laugh. Instead… His powerful athlete-of-the-year arms around your waist, he murmured… "Are you okay there, Jellybean?" And… When you nodded (not trusting your voice not to break), he added, "You got this." And his rugged hand found yours… Your breath caught as he taught you how to skate *in front of everyone* You finally understood the flutters described in your mother's harlequin novels… Except they weren't snow flurries dancing in your chest. Oh no. They were a teenage-love-Taylor-Swift song blizzard. And for the past fourteen years, your heart's been beaten, bruised, burned… by an unrequited crush on your brother's way-off-limits best friend. Fourteen years. This should come with a trophy. Or some sort of support group. Especially as he’s now standing in your kitchen… How to support this podcast? If you like romance, purchase one of my books or audiobooks… Rate, review and subscribe and share A Self-Published Author's Diary with your friends. Buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi
A self-published author's diary, podcast

A self-publishing update: Vella, a day without earnings, and business decisions…

Elodie

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Audible, Overcast, Breaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Because sharing the downs of self-publishing is also important: a day without earning. Still: Vella is helping me earn a part-time income and making business decisions and writing progress.

Mentioned in the episode:

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

A self-publishing update: Vella, a day without earnings, and business decisions… – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Because sharing the downs of self-publishing is also important: a day without earning. Still: Vella is helping me earn a part-time income and making business decisions and writing progress.
#THELEFTOVERBRIDE

Psstt… limited time: #The Leftover Bride audiobook on sale on Kobo…

Elodie

Kobo is having an audiobook sale… You can check out the entire list here.

Annnnnnd # The Leftover Bride (narrated by Megan Carter) is part of the sale.

You can grab it now for less than $5!

If your heart flutters for grumpy but sweet and sexy book boyfriends and second chance steamy holidays rom-coms, this audiobook is for you.

Dear Diary,

Hi. It’s me: #TheLeftoverBride. That hashtag sucks. Can we agree ‘Tis the season for a do-over? All I want for Christmas is for my life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier and steamier. Last year, my fiancé aka #TheRunawayGroom sprinted past me at the altar, breaking my heart, destroying my booming wedding dress designer career, and bringing my family’s bakery close to bankruptcy.

This year, I have a plan. A list of things to tick off before the 31st of December, including going on a blind date for the first time.

Not on this list? Getting back into the spotlight.

Also not the list? Falling in lust or in love yet again with my high school sweetheart, Ryan Sawyer.

No way. Not happening.

Even if he is back in town with those broad shoulders and that Ryan-grin that make me want oh so much more. Even when I blurt out on national TV that he’s helping me with my to-do list. Even if being around him feels so right.

He didn’t stay after high school.

He’s not staying now.

Get a grip, Sorcha and stop believing in Happily Ever After. Unless… could the third time truly be the charm?

Scroll up and one-click today “if you’re in the mood for a fun story with lots of chemistry set during the holidays”!

A little note from me to you:

Writing this romance was so much fun. It’s the type of second chance (even third chance) love story that makes you smile and feel all warm and happy. Yes, there are some steamy hot scenes. Yes, both Ryan and Sorcha are not perfect and there is OCD representation. It’s sweet with some open-door scorching hot moments, and it takes place in a small-town! And of course, it has an HEA. It’s a standalone, no cliffhangers for the main couple. 🙂

Perfect audiobook for fans of: Meghan Quinn, Emily Henry, Tessa Bailey, Sally Thorne and Lauren Landish.

Start listening now… Kobo US – CA – Australia – UK – New Zealand

Audiobooks, Books

My books and audiobooks are available in libraries around the world!

Elodie

One of the reasons I’m wide (meaning, not in Kindle Unlimited as Kindle Unlimited comes with an exclusivity clause) is that I want to have my books available in libraries (and I’d like to reach readers in other countries who may not have KU and readers who use other e-retailers but I digress).

And I’m crossing my fingers readers in KU have access to a library so that they can also read my books without additional cost to them.

Not all of my audiobooks are available in libraries. Some are exclusive to Audible for the moment but #TheLeftoverBride, A Summer Like No Other and Always Second Best (all narrated by the wonderful Megan Carter) are available in your libraries for you to listen to :-).

I cannot have the full details of where my books are in libraries but I can see the ones who got purchased via Overdrive…

Before I share the list… let me tell you:

How to request my e-books or audiobooks in your library (if your library uses Overdrive/Libby)

  • Make sure you have your library card near you.
  • Overdrive is used in several countries so if you’re in Canada, the UK, Australia or another country, don’t hesitate to check it out.
  • Go to the Overdrive Sign In account and you can sign in with your library card.
  • Type in “Elodie Nowodazkij” or you can type the title of one my books/audiobooks. Overdrive might show it as “recommend” or “not yet owned” o
  • Recommend the one you’d like to have added to your library.
  • The library can then either purchase it as a single check-out or purchase it to have one digital copy they can lend one at a time.

How to request my e-books or audiobooks if your library is using Hoopla

  • Disclaimer: not all my ebooks/audiobooks are available on Hoopla because for some reason Hoopla has blocked certain titles but not others (even some of my YA books are not available there. If you’d like one that is not available, you might need to contact them. I had no luck in that matter but maybe, as a patron, you will).
  • Again, make sure you have your library card near you.
  • Go to the Hoopla Catalog of my books.
  • Sign in using your library card. Your library may or may not use Hoopla. Mine doesnt but others in Maryland do, for example.
  • Start reading/listening…

How to request my e-books or audiobooks if your library is using Bibliotheca or if you’d like to request print versions?

  • You may need to try to request the book through Marina or InterLibraryLoan before filling out a form asking your favorite librarian to purchase a copy.
  • Most of my print books are available via the Ingram catalogue.

What happens when you request one of my ebooks or audiobooks through a library?

  • Yes, I do get royalties. There are different systems (price per checkout which is about 45 cents for most of my books/audiobooks or actual library purchase of a single e-copy which is an average of $7 of royalties for me and the library can check it out as many time as they’d like, one at a time).
  • When you request one of my books through the library, a grumpy book boyfriend learns how to smile.

In 2021 and 2022, some of my ebooks were purchased by those libraries via Overdrive…(I know some of my audiobooks were purchased via Bibliotheca and Hoopla but I don’t know where…)

  • Libraries Tasmania (AU)
  • Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (FL)
  • Abu Dhabi Department of Culture And Tourism (AE)
  • Old Colony Library Network (MA)
  • String Theory Schools (PA)
  • Los Angeles Public Library (CA)
  • Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (CA)
  • SAILS Library Network (MA)
  • Oxford and Cambridge Club (UK)
  • Sunflower eLibrary (KS)
  • Strait Regional Centre for Education (CA)
  • Brooklyn Public Library (NY)
  • Chelmsford Public Schools (MA)
  • Education Queensland (AU)

Have you already requested/recommended one of my books to the library? Or another book? Would love to know!

A self-published author's diary, podcast

Let’s talk Kindle Vella: metrics, bonus, and why I enjoy writing serialized fiction, too.

Elodie

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Audible, Overcast, Breaker and more…

Today is another episode about Kindle Vella. Now that I’ve been on the platform for more than nine months, I thought I’d do a recap.

Mentioned in the episode:

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Let's talk Kindle Vella: metrics, bonus, and why I enjoy writing serialized fiction, too. – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today is another episode about Kindle Vella. Now that I've been on the platform for more than nine months, I thought I'd do a recap. Mentioned in the episode: HB90 with Sarra Cannon: 90 day planning for authors – https://heartbreathings.teachable.com/p/hb90-bootcamp Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ My books: https://elodienowodazkij.com/my-books/ My direct store for personalized signed paperback copies: https://payhip.com/Elodiesbooks/collection/signed-paperback-copies As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message) Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
Audiobooks, Books

The perfect gift: Signed and personalized paperback copies available …

Elodie

Psstt…

Did you know that I have signed paperback copies available in my store?

My newsletter subscribers were some of the firsts to know (make sure you subscribe if you’d like to be in the “first-to-know” group :-)) …

I have a few (limited) copies of #SweetsForLove, #TheLeftoverBride and Trust Me, Trust Me Not.

Those personalized signed paperbacks are perfect for the holiday season if you’re looking for a gift for yourself or a loved one.

CLICK to Visit Elodie’s store

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Defining "success" as a self-published author … – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as an author. Mentioned in the episode: Zoe York's Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/  MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York Wish I'd Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027  As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)   Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary   Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
Uncategorized

Three Black Friday Deals For Writers

Elodie

There are a lot of sites listing Black Friday deals for writers such as Kindlepreneur Black Friday Deals For Writers 2022.

The list below is made up of three Black Friday Deals I’m either going to use or am thinking about using.

  • One Stop For Writers: I’ve been using One Stop Writers for more than a year, I think, and it has helped me so much. I don’t use all the features (yet) but I always turn to it when I’m revising. The emotion thesaurus, emotions amplifier, colors and patterns and so much more have been so so helpful to me. I have also used The Character Builder to help me craft Alessandro. So, if you’ve enjoyed #SweetsForLove and the grumpy yet charming bodyguard, part of his characteristics came from using One Stop For Writers.
40% for 6 month plan with code BF2022
  • Inkers Con 2021 on Demand (currently 50% off): I really learned a lot during the 2022 Mini-Con (it had four classes, including one with Becca Syme and another on budgeting which has helped me making profits this year – so yay!). There are 27 presentations in Inkers Con and so many I’d like to listen to from the 2021 Inkers Con such as:
    • [Insert sex scene here] Identify and break through the roadblocks to writing engaging and emotional sex scenes. Learn tips for silencing your inner critic, find the right ways to craft scenes that deliver the most bang (!!) for your reader’s buck, and understand how to use sex to develop dynamic and multi-faceted characters. You will never want to placeholder a sex scene again! Speaker: Erotic Romance Author Kate Hawthorne
    • Using Data to Make Publishing Decisions: As authors, we have so many decisions to make when it comes to allocating our time, money, and energy. This class will help you understand how your sales, traffic, and follower data can help you make educated decisions on your books, branding, advertising, and activities. Speaker: USA Today Bestselling Author Sarina Bowen
    • Winning at Wide: Do you dream of a world with multiple income streams? Wide distribution can be a beautiful thing but requires groundwork and planning. These wide superstars will share how to properly transition into wide, the distribution options available, marketing and ad strategies, and how to create a long-term plan Panelists: Suzie O’Connell, Skye MacKinnon, and Monica Leonelle

      The full list is available here: Inkers Con 2021 Presentations. The only reason I’m hesitating for this deal is not because I don’t think it sounds very very helpful but also because I’m thinking of doing a consult with Skye MacKinnon and I’m not sure if I should wait for 2023 for the consult or do it before the end of the year. If I wait … I’ll get the Inkers Con (in two payments) now and implement some of what I hear in some of the presentations before the consult.

      2021 Inkers Con classes on sale for HALF OFF this weekend only (ends Monday at midnight ET). The normal price is $245 but use coupon code HALF21 and pay only $122.50 (or break it into two payments). Access is for 6 years with 100% money-back guarantee.
USE COUPON HALF21 TO PAY $122.50 for 27 presentations
  • ProWritingAid: : ProWritingAid is a grammar checker, style editor, proofreader, and writing coach all in one. I’ve been using ProWritingAid since August 2022. And I personally like it more than Grammarly. The one thing holding me back from the lifetime deal is that my current yearly subscription is ending in August 2023 and I don’t get a pro-rated discount for the other months… so I might wait until then to see if they have another discount. Or I’ll wait until next November. Buuuuut if you’re currently looking to use ProWritingAid, they’re currently running a 50% off for selected plans.
Prowritingaid 50% off selected plans

Okay, I know I said three … but here’s another one… 100 photo/vector downloads from Depositphotos (lifetime) – it’s great for promo or covers… I won’t be using – but only because I use Canva Pro and still have pictures available on Depositphotos from a past deal.

🙂 Are *you* planning on using a Black Friday deal for writing tools or classes or marketing?

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Defining "success" as a self-published author … – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as an author. Mentioned in the episode: Zoe York's Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/  MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York Wish I'd Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027  As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)   Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary   Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Defining “success” as a self-published author …

Elodie

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Audible, Overcast, Breaker and more…

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as a self-published author.

Mentioned in the episode:

  1. Zoe York’s Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/ 
  2. MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York
  3. Wish I’d Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/tammi-labrecque-on-what-to-email-to-newsletter-subscribers/
  4. Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Defining "success" as a self-published author … – The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as an author. Mentioned in the episode: Zoe York's Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/  MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York Wish I'd Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027  As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)   Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary   Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support