Tag: books

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? The <3 edition…

Elodie

 

WUWMaple2

Another blog post from the hotel…:) What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin.  It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

What I´m reading
I am about to start BLEED LIKE ME by Christa Desir. I bought it on release day and I think I´ll be curling up with it today 🙂
What I’m Writing
 ALWAYS SECOND BEST – I shared an exclusive sneak peek yesterday during ONE DREAM´S ONLY´s release day party on Facebook. It´s dual POV and I´m loving it 🙂
Emilia Always Second Best
What else I´ve been up to
I released ONE DREAM ONLY yesterday and had a wonderful release day party on Facebook!
And as always I am amazed and grateful for everyone who’s supported me, tweeted about it, sent me emails. Really, thank you!
Thank you!

What works for me

Writing sprints.

I used to write in the train when I  had about 30 minutes to get the words in…and it worked. So now, I try to do writing sprints on Twitter and see how many words I can get in…Maybe when we´re settled in a house, I might change my routine but for now it works…

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Uncategorized

Release day and endless possibilities…

Elodie

Release day

ONE DREAM ONLY is out in the world. (you can buy it here :-))

And I am scared and I am excited, and really why do I always release books when I´m staying in a hotel? 🙂

When I released ONE TWO THREE, I was on vacation in Texas. I wrote ONE, TWO, THREE in the train and didn´t have much time for promotion/marketing. I also wrote ONE DREAM ONLY in the train, but this time around, I actually have the time to try to promote it. From the hotel we´re staying at until we find a home in Maryland.

I actually got goodies for my Facebook event, I´ve posted in many groups and I´ve used PicMonkey for promotional pictures (love PicMonkey, thank you so much Jaime for showing me that site :-)).

Sale
Designed with PicMonkey 🙂

And I am maybe even more nervous (also much more realistic) about ONE DREAM ONLY.

Why?

For One, Two, Three, I believed that sales would spike, that everyone would fall in love with my book, and that the word would spread like wildfire (a happy wildfire). I know better now. I know that sales can start slow and grow and be steady. I know it´s important to keep writing. I know that not everyone will love my books but that a lot of people will…

It is also different because it is my first novelette, it is a book that I cross my fingers will show Natalya in her element…and bring the reader even closer to her. For those that have already read One, Two, Three, I hope they fall in love with her even more…For those who haven´t read One, Two, Three, I hope it makes them want to know what happens to her…And for all, I hope it raises their curiosity about Emilia (who is the main character of ALWAYS SECOND BEST).

Another reason I am more nervous and why it is also a bit bittersweet is the meaning behind this release date. October 14th is my last official day at my day job. We moved to the US at the end of September but I was technically on vacations until today. Today is the end of my contract as Press Officer of the European Central Bank. And it´s bittersweet. I am excited for the endless possibilities ahead of me, of the time I will dedicate to my writing career, of the time I can give my husband, my family and friends (and my cat, yes my cat too), about the things I want to explore (going back to teaching for example)…but I will miss my job (I already miss my colleagues).

Yesterday, the Nobel prize of economics was announced and I think my mouth dropped to the floor. I actually met Jean Tirole at an event I worked at as press officer. He even helped me with my suitcase and gave me a ride after the event. I had this great opportunity thanks to my job.

But I am already very well adjusted to the fact that I want to use this opportunity in my life to dedicate time to writing. I want to give myself this chance to write full-time for a while…I am lucky to be able to do so.

Happy release day One Dream Only, thank you everyone for your support and help and reviews and emails and everything…and here´s to many more books to come!

Uncategorized

#Selfpub corner: Behind-the-scenes of a Facebook release day party

Elodie

#Selfpub corner button#Selfpub corner is back and today, I’ll be tackling what goes on behind the scenes when organizing a Facebook release day party.

ONE DREAM ONLY is coming out on October 14th. Only a few more days, and you’ll be able to discover Natalya’s life before ONE, TWO, THREE.

You can see (and maybe join the party :)) by clicking on the picture or on this link.

Release day party

For my last book, I didn`t really have the time to organize a release day party but this time around, I decided to go for a Facebook release day party.

And it’s quite exciting. Here are some questions I´ve received and some I came up with…I am trying to answer them as thoroughly as possible, but don`t hesitate to let me know if you have any additional ones.

  • Why did you decide to do a Facebook release day party?

I wanted to find a way to celebrate my release day and to spread the word about my book. I love the fact that it’s online, so that means despite the different time zones and all I can reach out to people around the world. I also have my Facebook Author Page and I wanted to find a way to make it even more interactive. Plus, I like that people can comment, post and be active…

  • What do you do during a Facebook release day party?

That’s a very good question…and personally, I checked out what other authors were doing and then came up with a few things I think would be fun.

Prizes:

– Naming a character in my next novel: That will be on-going during the day and I will pick a winner at the end of the day. People will be able to enter by answering a question.

– A signed copy of One, Two, Three

– Some goodies (a pen, a tote bag, postcards, mouse pad…): I’ve designed those online.

bag

pen

Fun

There will be trivia, character’s quizzes, Q&A session, music…

I worked on a 12 questions quiz where people will be able to discover which character they are (Natalya, Emilia or Becca).

I will be sharing some sentences from my next book.

  • How much did it cost?

Setting up the event: nothing.

The costs of the prizes: so books, the bags, magnets and pen is about $70

  • How did you promote it?

I shared it on my author page, I shared it on my personal page…I invited friends to join. I announced it on Twitter and informed some of the people who liked One, Two, Three.

  • Can I help you with the event?

Yes! If you`re on Facebook, you can join the event, you can share it on your wall, you can invite your friends to it, you can tweet about it, Instagram it…:-)

And then during the actual event, don´t be shy and participate 🙂

You can also share this picture on your social media…

Ad for the FB release day party

  • Do you think the event will be a success?

Honestly, I don´t know. I also don`t think success means the same for everyone. For me, success will be if people are active, are answering questions, are asking questions…Do I also expect sales out of it? It would be nice of course to see my ranking go up, but my first release taught me to manage expectations when it comes to that. The sales need to be steady, and I am crossing my fingers that people will fall in love with Natalya, will feel right along with her.

Thanks so much for reading and Happy Friday!

What´s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday? The “I just moved” edition…

Elodie

WUWMaple2What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

I absolutely loved Trish Doller´s  WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE, so I´m about to start SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL.

What I’m Writing

So I can finally really join the Fall writing bootcamp.
Today´s goal?
Go through the latest comments from my editor on ONE DREAM ONLY and finalize the file for formatting. Can you believe that it´s coming out in less than 2 weeks?

What else I´ve been up to

We moved. Leaving work and my wonderful colleagues was very hard but I do hope to keep in touch.
It was a bit hectic and I moved one day later than planned because the pet company forgot to pick up our cat.
But we all made it.
Our cat is totally confused and spending a lot of time underneath our bed and I´m still jet-lagged but we´re excited.
I am looking at houses, trying to come up with some sort of routine.

What works for me

Waking up early: (i) working out, and (ii) spending time with the husband.

Now I am ready to start the day:-)

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

What´s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday? The “Thank you for the cover love” edition :-)

Elodie

WUW7

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

I started BEHIND THE SCENES by the lovely Dahlia Adler, and I am loving the voice!

What I’m Writing

I joined the YA Buccaneers – I need to work hard on the outline of ALWAYS SECOND BEST, and I want to revise my YA Thriller. Click on the image for more information 🙂

What else I´ve been up to

The hubby and I went to the US Consulate yesterday and our visa were approved. I’m still nervous a bit, I have to admit. And I’m waiting until I have our passports back to realize that it’s really happening.
We’re planning to move back to Maryland at the end of September. Less than a month.
******
Yesterday, was the cover reveal of  ONE DREAM ONLY and THANK YOU so much for the cover love.
In case you’ve missed it, there is also a giveaway (you could win a $25 Amazon Gift Card + a $25 donation of the project of your choice on DonorsChoose.org)

Goodreads button

And you can pre-order it on Amazon already now (only $0.99) 

ONE DREAM ONLY - preorder

What inspires me right now

This.

Did you see ONE DREAM ONLY is #22 on the Amazon Best Sellers’ list in the 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult short reads category?

Pretty cool

Thank YOU so much for making this happened 🙂

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Books, young adult

Cover reveal sign-up for ONE DREAM ONLY :-)

Elodie

Blog or without blog, I’d love for you to help me reveal the cover of One, Two, Three. You can help me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest 🙂

Goodreads button

 Sixteen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya has only one dream: 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 recital.

But…will she make it?

Within a week, Natalya’s life will be changed forever.

Prequel novelette of One, Two, Three. 

 

If you do it on your blog, there will also be a giveaway…

The cover reveal is planned for Tuesday, September 2nd (12.01 EST). You will receive all information for the post by Sunday, August 31st.

Books, personal, What´s Up Wednesday, writing

What´s up Wednesday? The Happy Anniversary edition :-)

Elodie

WUW7

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

Only a few pages in and loving it!

What I’m Writing

I am outlining ALWAYS SECOND BEST. Outlining, me? I know it sounds crazy. But I´m basically just getting to know my story even better before diving into the drafting.
I am using OUTLINING YOUR NOVEL to learn and so far I can already feel my story getting better even before drafting!

What else I´ve been up to

Finalized the paperwork for the visa and made our appointment with the Consulate for the beginning of September. Crossing my fingers.
Celebrated my 33rd birthday on Monday and it was lovely!
And…prepping for my first #Selfpub Corner post this Friday (to know more about it, you can click on the little button :-))
#Selfpub corner button

What inspires me right now

My husband and our anniversary.

Together for almost 10 years, married for 3…and so so happy!

As I wrote in One, Two, Three’s acknowledgements:

Thank you to my husband, The Chemical Engineer, Alex, (I had another nickname here but he kind of made a face when I mentioned it would be in the acknowledgments…so I’ll just keep it to myself :-)). I would need to write an entire series to explain how amazing you are, and I’m not even sure I could find the words. Thanks for believing in me. Always. (And for taking care of everything while I’m typing away).

I love you!

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I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Self publishing

My book is out in the world!

Elodie
Me holding an ARC of ONE TWO THREE :-)
Me holding an ARC of ONE TWO THREE 🙂

It’s the 26th of June and my little book is out in the world…it’s an insane feeling. It’s crazy and exciting and scary and amazing. And SURREAL. And did I mention amazing?

I chose this date to find a way to celebrate my parents’  4o year anniversary. They are wonderful parents and I am so grateful for them. They’re the reason I’m here today, they helped me and supported me and let me go while always making sure I know that my home is still my home. They’re strong together and I admire them.

Happy anniversary! I love you! The Chemical Engineer and I will be lucky if we’re like you in more than 30 years.

I also simply want to say “thank you”. Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. I honestly couldn’t have done it without my husband (<3) and without my CPs, beta readers, my amazing friends dispersed in so many countries…people who offered their support, my #Team123,  agents who offered their feedback, colleagues who cheered me up along the way.

Thank you for listening, for nudging me when needed, for being there, for believing in me…I’ve met so many amazing persons and I’m really grateful for all of you! And thank you to everyone who reviewed my book. I’m really realizing now how important those reviews are.

I’m currently in Galveston, Texas and in a public place so I probably should stop typing right now, or I might start crying.

I am so happy that you can all now read ONE, TWO, THREE and maybe fall in love with Nata & Tonio.  You can enter this giveaway to win a signed copy of ONE, TWO, THREE or a $50 gift card to Amazon or B&N or $25 donation to the literacy project of your choice on DonorsChoose.org:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

❤

Cover 3Amazon . B&N . iTunes . Kobo . Google Play . Amazon.de . Amazon.fr 

ONE, TWO, THREE: Last year, seventeen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present. Keeping him an arabesque away proves to be a challenge for Natalya and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.  When upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

 

 

Blogging

BEHIND THE SCENES – Why I am so grateful to Dahlia, my #PitchWars mentor…

Elodie

Today is release day for BEHIND THE SCENES!  This book sounds amazing.  I know I cannot wait to get my hands on it and I am so excited to be going behind the scenes with Dahlia on her book’s birthday.

BehindtheScenesBlogTour3

 

At first, I thought I would give you a glimpse of what is going on behind the scenes with ONE, TWO, THREE, maybe doing a short update or sharing a few pictures. But looking back at my own publication journey, I think the spotlight should be on Dahlia…not on my book (even though they are very connected :-)).

I “met” Dahlia during #PitchWars – she picked me as one of her alternates, and let me tell you something, Dahlia is not only as knowledgeable as she appears to be, she’s also very supportive and sweet and basically went the extra mile for us.

Alternate - PitchWars

The funny story was that I “thought” I had sent my query to Dahlia, I even announced it on Twitter…but then apparently a glitch happened and she didn’t receive it at first. One of the lovely ladies working behind-the-scenes on #PitchWars that year gave me a nudge, letting me know that email never went through.

I panicked. Really. I mean I had announced it, I had mentioned how excited I was. Luckily, there was still a few days left in the contest, so I quickly resent my pitch to Dahlia.

Who then asked for the first 50 pages of ONE TWO THREE.

and…then on December 12th, 2012, I received THE email from Dahlia, letting me know she picked me as an alternate, going into details about what she liked in my first 50 and what she thought I should work on.

She then gave me even more detailed feedback on the first chapter, going into line editing on what I sent her. She apologized for taking 3 days to give me feedback. Three days! That’s nothing! 🙂 Here’s the disclaimer: On top, Dahlia didn’t have to do this for alternates. She didn’t. And she totally did it for us.

Behind the scenes, she also gave me advice when an agent requested my manuscript via the contest but someone else in the agency also had it, or how to let other agents know that I had an updated manuscript. (additional disclaimer: my updated manuscript was still not ready at that stage. Gosh, I clearly queried WAY too early with ONE TWO THREE).

Dahlia really gave me very valuable feedback and Dahlia has been amazing in my self publishing journey as well. She has not only been supportive, she also answered some of my questions and as always, as been lovely, funny and sweet in all her interactions.

Dahlia helped shaped ONE TWO THREE in what it is today. Dahlia helped me become a better writer. Dahlia helped me in many ways.

Behind the scenes, Dahlia is as sweet and wonderful as she is on stage. Yes, she will kick you in the pants when she needs to (but she might offer a macaron afterwards). I’m very grateful to her and I CANNOT WAIT to hold her books in my hands.

behind-the-scenes-adler-cover

High school senior Ally Duncan’s best friend may be the Vanessa Park – star of TV’s hottest new teen drama – but Ally’s not interested in following in her BFF’s Hollywood footsteps. In fact, the only thing Ally’s ever really wanted is to go to Columbia and study abroad in Paris. But when her father’s mounting medical bills threaten to stop her dream in its tracks, Ally nabs a position as Van’s on-set assistant to get the cash she needs. Spending the extra time with Van turns out to be fun, and getting to know her sexy co-star Liam is an added bonus. But when the actors’ publicist arranges for Van and Liam to “date” for the tabloids just after he and Ally share their first kiss, Ally will have to decide exactly what role she’s capable of playing in their world of make believe. If she can’t play by Hollywood’s rules, she may lose her best friend, her dream future, and her first shot at love.

——————————–
DahliaAdler (533x640)
Dahlia Adler is an Assistant Editor of Mathematics by day, a Copy Editor by night, and a YA writer and blogger at The Daily Dahlia, YA Misfits, and Barnes & Noble at every spare moment in between. Her debut novel, BEHIND THE SCENES, releases from Spencer Hill Contemporary on June 24, 2014. She is represented by Lana Popovic at Zachary Shuster Harmsworth.

 

Uncategorized

For fans of New Adult: Discover “More Than Music” (with giveaways)…

Elodie

Fans of New Adult novels, of music, of reality TV, of fun and sexy novels, of finding yourself novels…MORE THAN MUSIC is all that is more.

This was my very brief review right after reading it: Couldn’t put it down! MORE THAN MUSIC is like Jared to Maddie: addictive, sweet and sexy, funny and real. (and that elevator scene? Wow!)

What is MORE THAN MUSIC about?

From Goodreads.com: Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

—-
 
AUTHOR BIO
Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.Author Links:

Where to find it?

Amazon|Barnes & Noble|iTunes|Kobo | Smashwords |All Romance

 

The Playlist

Giveaways

Blitz-wide giveaway

Open INTL – Ends June 24th

1) signed paperback of MORE THAN MUSIC + bookmarks
1) paperback copy of FIFTY FIRST TIMES: A New Adult Anthology

To enter: follow this link –  a Rafflecopter giveaway

e-book giveaway

To win an e-book copy of MORE THAN MUSIC, simply leave a comment on this post. I’ll randomly pick the winner
CONGRATS AGAIN ELIZABETH!