This blog was started years ago when I first started writing. As most things go with time, it needs a change. Since we started Mantle Rock Publishing, I've been writing a blog there also, and with this blog, a blog for teen girls from church and the MRP blog, I'm spending way too much time on blogging. Something has to go. It will be this blog.
I invite you to go to www.mantlerockpublishing.com. I have a blog there, mostly about writing and what is happening at MRP and the writing industry. I'm getting ready to do a face lift with this website in the next few days. I hope to have it completed by the week-end.
If you go to MRP, you'll find books you can order through us at a cheaper price. You'll also get to meet the authors we represent. You'll even be able to purchase books before they release. We're thinking about a book club where members can buy books at an even lower price.
I'm excited about the change. I'm trying to decide on a look right now. I really think my website is immature and boring, so I want to jazz it up and make it prettier and more user friendly.
There will be a RSS feed where you can sign up for the blog to be delivered to you. I know I have it with this blog, but I'd never gotten it for MRP. A lovely person at my web host was kind enough to tell me what I needed to know. Thanks Jamee V.
I appreciate those of you who have stuck with me through the years. I'm not leaving you, just moving to another place. I think I'll be able to spend more time having a better blog. I hope you will follow me.
Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you on www.mantlerockpublishing.com/blog
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
TERRIBLE TUESDAY
Yes, today is a terrible Tuesday. I don't have many of these days, but this has hit me with a vengeance. My allergies have turned into something worse. My hubby has gone for another kind of medicine, something to help the congestion in my chest.
When you are self-employed, you don't have sick days. Man, I wish I could! Instead, I have to work with a tissue in one hand and my other on the computer keys. Not fun. It's been almost a week since I started sniffling. This should be over soon. Please!
Things are in limbo right now with Mantle Rock. I'm deep in an edit and waiting to hear from the Library of Congress with numbers for another book. I've ordered a proof, but so far it hasn't come. I'm anxious to get it because I think it is a beautiful book. It's always good to look over it before I approve it for publication.
I'm taking more email addresses for my newsletter. If you are not on the list, and haven't received one yet, please reply to this post. For safety reasons, put your email as ddd at ddd dot com. That way it can't be copied. If you want to send me a personal email, please email me at kattanderson4 at gmail dot com.
This is it for today. I'm still working on my blog and trying to get it all in one place. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
When you are self-employed, you don't have sick days. Man, I wish I could! Instead, I have to work with a tissue in one hand and my other on the computer keys. Not fun. It's been almost a week since I started sniffling. This should be over soon. Please!
Things are in limbo right now with Mantle Rock. I'm deep in an edit and waiting to hear from the Library of Congress with numbers for another book. I've ordered a proof, but so far it hasn't come. I'm anxious to get it because I think it is a beautiful book. It's always good to look over it before I approve it for publication.
I'm taking more email addresses for my newsletter. If you are not on the list, and haven't received one yet, please reply to this post. For safety reasons, put your email as ddd at ddd dot com. That way it can't be copied. If you want to send me a personal email, please email me at kattanderson4 at gmail dot com.
This is it for today. I'm still working on my blog and trying to get it all in one place. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
DO AUTHORS NEED A PLATFORM?
This is a little authory today, because I'm working on this platform thingy. Since I"m working on a platform for Mantle Rock Publishing, I thought it might be interesting to hear some of your views.
All authors hear the word "platform" from the day they start writing. Everyone tells them they need one, but no one hardly ever tells them how. The how part for me is the hardest thing to do. But here it goes.
1. If you want to be recognized by your peers, other authors, you have to get yourself out there. That includes social media, blogs, comments on other blogs and plain old word of mouth. It takes time, but if you are diligent and work on it every day, it pays off.
2. Do you do social media? Most of us have a Facebook page, but as an author, do you have an Author Page on Amazon? I'll admit that I haven't checked mine in a while, but you need to. One of my friends, a multi-published author, tells me she links every blog to her author page, Facebook and other social media pages. To be honest, I hadn't thought of linking my blog to my author page. I do link it to Facebook and Twitter.
3. Do you know how many friends you have on Facebook? I hadn't thought about that for a while, but I have a lot. Not all of them are regular followers, but I do get several comments from close friends. That's part of your platform. Try to post something on Facebook each day. You'll be surprised how many people will read what you write.
4. Talk to your friends. Word of mouth is the cheapest way to build up a platform. When you think about it, how much time do you spend with friends who have like interests? I find I talk a lot to friends about books. Several of them have become fans of the same authors I am. I've introduced them to a bunch of new authors and that has helped that author's fan base. One thing I tell authors when we sign the contract is to talk, blog and go on loops about their book. Start early. As soon as I send them a cover, I want them to start showing it and being proud of what they have done. No one can talk about your book like you can. You are excited and your voice and use of words show it.
5. Are you a member of writing loops? I'm a member of American Christian Fiction Writer's. We are a dedicated bunch of authors, both published and unpublished, who want to write Christian fiction. We have a loop, zones, teaching programs, conference and just about anything else you can think of that pertains to writing. This is one of the best ways to get noticed in the writing industry. Write on loops and have your signature line with your future and past books on it.
6. Write a blog. I've been reading Michael Hyatt's blog recently about platform. He has some very good things that should help all of us with our writing. When you write your own blog, link it to your Facebook, Twitter and Author Page on Amazon. Let people know what you are doing.
There is so much information out there about platform, and I encourage every writer to build a good platform, a good fan base. Find something you are interesting in doing and work that into your blogs. We all have our specialties. There are things we all do that can help us build a fan base. What do you do and how do you feel about platform? I may be all wrong about this, but I believe if people know who we are and what we do, we'll sell more books.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
CATCHING UP
Labor Day threw me off this year. We didn't do anything, but I was getting ready for my newsletter and time went by so quickly. I hope I'm back on track.
I'm also hoping for some cooler weather and rain. My allergies are giving me fits. Our neighbors on both sides mowed their yards yesterday, and I went to the mailbox in the middle of their mowing. That was not a good idea when you're allergic to dust. I'm also allergic to perfumes and last night was not a good night at church. I don't know why so many women, and men, want to put on a bunch of smelly stuff. It really gives me fits. I'm all stuffed up now, but I will be better by Sunday and ready to go again.
Mantle Rock is booming. We're received two contracts and another one is on the way.
Amy C. Blake signed with us for her Young Adult book, Whitewashed. I loved the book about a college freshman and the events in her life. Really, it is a good book for anyone, but I'm sure late teens and early twenties will enjoy it and can identify with it. It will be published February 15, 2015.
Hope Toler Dougherty signed with her book, Irish Encounter. I've always enjoyed books about older people. We have too many about pretty young things. This is a book about a mature, fortyish widow. It's still a very young forty and it's a romance. Yes, there is still romance after forty. Hope's book will release May 1, 2015.
I'm so excited to be receiving a contract from Pam Harris. Pam is in my writing group, KenTen Writers, and I've known her for a couple of years or more. She's a teacher and former principal. Her book is Ghosts of Graceland. Yes, it is Elvis' Graceland. I've wanted to publish this book since I read it last year. It's a tween book and the pace will keep you and your child wanting to read more. Ghosts of Graceland will release March 15, 2015.
Editing is the most tiring thing for me to do, but it has to be done. I'm editing a large novel by Dr. Patrick Johnston, Eva's Sacrifice. Eva will be released January 2, 2015. This is a very exciting. It's a suspense and well written. I met Patrick at American Christian Writers Conference and talked to him last year. He's a very energetic doctor with nine children, which he and his wife homeschool. I don't know when he writes, but he is a talented writer.
I'm making cookies today for our college granddaughter. She and her roommate are probably starving. These are the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made. The recipe is in the back of Heartsong by Nicola Furlong. It's worth the price of the book to get the cookies. We make them with white chocolate and butterscotch chips. Delicious!
Right now we cannot take anymore children's books until 2016 and I'll only be taking one that year. We have three to print in 2015 at this writing. Although children's books are easier to print, they are also harder to sell. I'm really looking for more general fiction, romance and suspense. We have three Biblical historical books with a children's edition for each book contracted for 2015. It's already a busy year.
Sorry I missed writing Tuesday. I'll try to do better next week.
I'm also hoping for some cooler weather and rain. My allergies are giving me fits. Our neighbors on both sides mowed their yards yesterday, and I went to the mailbox in the middle of their mowing. That was not a good idea when you're allergic to dust. I'm also allergic to perfumes and last night was not a good night at church. I don't know why so many women, and men, want to put on a bunch of smelly stuff. It really gives me fits. I'm all stuffed up now, but I will be better by Sunday and ready to go again.
Mantle Rock is booming. We're received two contracts and another one is on the way.
Amy C. Blake signed with us for her Young Adult book, Whitewashed. I loved the book about a college freshman and the events in her life. Really, it is a good book for anyone, but I'm sure late teens and early twenties will enjoy it and can identify with it. It will be published February 15, 2015.
Hope Toler Dougherty signed with her book, Irish Encounter. I've always enjoyed books about older people. We have too many about pretty young things. This is a book about a mature, fortyish widow. It's still a very young forty and it's a romance. Yes, there is still romance after forty. Hope's book will release May 1, 2015.
I'm so excited to be receiving a contract from Pam Harris. Pam is in my writing group, KenTen Writers, and I've known her for a couple of years or more. She's a teacher and former principal. Her book is Ghosts of Graceland. Yes, it is Elvis' Graceland. I've wanted to publish this book since I read it last year. It's a tween book and the pace will keep you and your child wanting to read more. Ghosts of Graceland will release March 15, 2015.
Editing is the most tiring thing for me to do, but it has to be done. I'm editing a large novel by Dr. Patrick Johnston, Eva's Sacrifice. Eva will be released January 2, 2015. This is a very exciting. It's a suspense and well written. I met Patrick at American Christian Writers Conference and talked to him last year. He's a very energetic doctor with nine children, which he and his wife homeschool. I don't know when he writes, but he is a talented writer.
I'm making cookies today for our college granddaughter. She and her roommate are probably starving. These are the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made. The recipe is in the back of Heartsong by Nicola Furlong. It's worth the price of the book to get the cookies. We make them with white chocolate and butterscotch chips. Delicious!
Right now we cannot take anymore children's books until 2016 and I'll only be taking one that year. We have three to print in 2015 at this writing. Although children's books are easier to print, they are also harder to sell. I'm really looking for more general fiction, romance and suspense. We have three Biblical historical books with a children's edition for each book contracted for 2015. It's already a busy year.
Sorry I missed writing Tuesday. I'll try to do better next week.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
THE HOT DAYS OF SUMMER
I'm usually a fan of summer. I like living in the South where a cool breeze helps me think it's cooler than it really is. This summer, I've seen 102 degrees twice on the thermometer. Now, that's hot. I know we have to have hot days so we will enjoy the cold ones in the winter. At least, that's my opinion.
When it gets warm in the South, the ladies put on more cologne and perfume. I'm allergic to both, so I have a very bad time when this happens. Last Sunday was bad. I've battled runny eyes and noses since that day. The dust from these days without rain can also make my allergies flare up. Then when it rains, my allergies get worse because of the mold I'm allergic to. I guess I can say I'm a mess. At least I am right now.
We have to have summer in order to have winter. The country folks say to count the fogs in August. We are supposed to have a snow for each fog. We had a good fog the other day and we've had a fog almost each day of this month, but they've been around our pond, so I don't think I can count them. If that theory holds true, we should have a couple of good sized snow.
After Labor Day week-end, we usually start thinking about fall. I can say I'm ready for fall. It's been a busy summer, and fall will be even busier. We have three more books to publish this year. One will be out about the middle to the last of October and the other two will come out in November. After that, I'm taking a month to recuperate. I'll probably work on some of edits, but no major work will be done.
My husband is now doing the formatting of the books. He decided he wanted to learn to use InDesign yesterday. One look at it and he gave up. I know how he feels. It is very intimidating when you first look at it. If he ever gets used to it, he will love it.
The edit I'm doing now is calling me. I need to get it finished today and sent off to the author. I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Week-end.
When it gets warm in the South, the ladies put on more cologne and perfume. I'm allergic to both, so I have a very bad time when this happens. Last Sunday was bad. I've battled runny eyes and noses since that day. The dust from these days without rain can also make my allergies flare up. Then when it rains, my allergies get worse because of the mold I'm allergic to. I guess I can say I'm a mess. At least I am right now.
We have to have summer in order to have winter. The country folks say to count the fogs in August. We are supposed to have a snow for each fog. We had a good fog the other day and we've had a fog almost each day of this month, but they've been around our pond, so I don't think I can count them. If that theory holds true, we should have a couple of good sized snow.
After Labor Day week-end, we usually start thinking about fall. I can say I'm ready for fall. It's been a busy summer, and fall will be even busier. We have three more books to publish this year. One will be out about the middle to the last of October and the other two will come out in November. After that, I'm taking a month to recuperate. I'll probably work on some of edits, but no major work will be done.
My husband is now doing the formatting of the books. He decided he wanted to learn to use InDesign yesterday. One look at it and he gave up. I know how he feels. It is very intimidating when you first look at it. If he ever gets used to it, he will love it.
The edit I'm doing now is calling me. I need to get it finished today and sent off to the author. I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Week-end.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
MANTLE ROCK PUBLISHING
Usually I don't go into the details of Mantle Rock Publishing, but today I thought I'd let you know in more detail what's going on.
This year is filled up. No more contracts to be filled in 2014. October brings the release of A Shadow of Fear by Janet Ann Collins. Janet contacted me several months ago about a children's book she had written. I thought it was a wonderful idea for children. We all have to learn how to master our fears and this is a cute book to share with your children.
November will bring two releases. One is an adult book and one a companion book for children. Star Song, Book 1, Souls Who Knew Jesus is a series of eight books each. Each adult book will have a book written for children. Katheryn Haddad is the author. The first book is about the birth of Jesus and His growing up. Katheryn has done a ton of research for these books and references will be printed in the back of the book. She has footnoted each reference, which we will put in the back of the book for easier reading.
Here is the list of the books for 2015.
January - Eva's Sacrifice by Dr. Patrick Johnston
February - Whitewashed by Amy C. Blake
March - Book 2, Souls Who Knew Jesus,by Katheryn Haddad
April - TBA
May - TBA
June - Book 3, Souls Who Knew Jesus, by Katheryn Haddad
July - TBA
August - TBA
September - Book 4, Souls Who Knew Jesus, by Katheryn Haddad
October - TBA
November - Book 5, Souls Who Knew Jesus by Katheryn Haddad
December - Office closed
Three of the months have contracts out on them, April, May and July. I haven't heard back from the authors yet. I know I'll probably take another one to be put in August. If all of the slots are taken, that only leaves one more month opened. And March, June, September and November have two books coming out.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I'd have almost all of 2015 filled by now. There are also books scheduled in 2016. I can't thank Hartline Literary Agency enough for being so kind to trust me with their clients. I don't have any historical novels except the ones Katheryn Haddad has written. I would like to see more women's fiction, romance or otherwise. Romance seems to sell better.
Well, I have to get busy. Lots to do today and many more manuscripts to read. Have a super day.
This year is filled up. No more contracts to be filled in 2014. October brings the release of A Shadow of Fear by Janet Ann Collins. Janet contacted me several months ago about a children's book she had written. I thought it was a wonderful idea for children. We all have to learn how to master our fears and this is a cute book to share with your children.
November will bring two releases. One is an adult book and one a companion book for children. Star Song, Book 1, Souls Who Knew Jesus is a series of eight books each. Each adult book will have a book written for children. Katheryn Haddad is the author. The first book is about the birth of Jesus and His growing up. Katheryn has done a ton of research for these books and references will be printed in the back of the book. She has footnoted each reference, which we will put in the back of the book for easier reading.
Here is the list of the books for 2015.
January - Eva's Sacrifice by Dr. Patrick Johnston
February - Whitewashed by Amy C. Blake
March - Book 2, Souls Who Knew Jesus,by Katheryn Haddad
April - TBA
May - TBA
June - Book 3, Souls Who Knew Jesus, by Katheryn Haddad
July - TBA
August - TBA
September - Book 4, Souls Who Knew Jesus, by Katheryn Haddad
October - TBA
November - Book 5, Souls Who Knew Jesus by Katheryn Haddad
December - Office closed
Three of the months have contracts out on them, April, May and July. I haven't heard back from the authors yet. I know I'll probably take another one to be put in August. If all of the slots are taken, that only leaves one more month opened. And March, June, September and November have two books coming out.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I'd have almost all of 2015 filled by now. There are also books scheduled in 2016. I can't thank Hartline Literary Agency enough for being so kind to trust me with their clients. I don't have any historical novels except the ones Katheryn Haddad has written. I would like to see more women's fiction, romance or otherwise. Romance seems to sell better.
Well, I have to get busy. Lots to do today and many more manuscripts to read. Have a super day.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
BLESSINGS
Each morning I close my eyes and for five minutes think of all the blessings I have. There are so many and sometimes it takes longer than five minutes. When we take that short time to think about what we have, especially while others don't have as much, we realize how rich we are.
Here are some of my thank you's or blessings I have received. First and foremost is Christ. I would be no place with out Him. I'm blessed to have the church that He died for, and for the remission of my sins. My family is my biggest blessing, my husband, Jerry, my daughter, her husband, her daughter, my son, his wife, their three children are a big blessing in my life. I feel so blessed to live in a free country and I pray that it will always be free. When I think about the advantages I have compared to what others can't have, I'm truly blessed beyond measure. I live in a nice house, not fancy, but comfortable. I have more house than I need, but it meets my functions. My family includes a sister, her husband, and her four children, plus spouses and their children and grandchildren. My husbands family is also a blessing to know. His oldest brother turns 85 next week and we have been so blessed by him and his family. His sister is also a blessing and we've had wonderful times with her and her family.
There are so many more blessings and you can see if you list them all it could take hours. We have made wonderful friends since moving to Kentucky. It's hard to believe we've been here five years. Those have been wonderful five years. Our neighbors here have blessed us, and I appreciate all of them and their kindness to us.
One of the things I've been most thankful for is the doctors I've found here. My general practitioner is a great doctor and a great person. The nursing staff in her office are remarkable. The surgeons I have met are the best anywhere. We cannot say enough good things about my orthopedic surgeon. He is the best! My general surgeon has brought me through three surgeries, and finally we have success. I'm so thankful for him.
This list only skims the bucket. There are so many more, but it would take all day to list them. Try this exercise each day. You'll be surprised how much it will help your mental and physical being.
Here are some of my thank you's or blessings I have received. First and foremost is Christ. I would be no place with out Him. I'm blessed to have the church that He died for, and for the remission of my sins. My family is my biggest blessing, my husband, Jerry, my daughter, her husband, her daughter, my son, his wife, their three children are a big blessing in my life. I feel so blessed to live in a free country and I pray that it will always be free. When I think about the advantages I have compared to what others can't have, I'm truly blessed beyond measure. I live in a nice house, not fancy, but comfortable. I have more house than I need, but it meets my functions. My family includes a sister, her husband, and her four children, plus spouses and their children and grandchildren. My husbands family is also a blessing to know. His oldest brother turns 85 next week and we have been so blessed by him and his family. His sister is also a blessing and we've had wonderful times with her and her family.
There are so many more blessings and you can see if you list them all it could take hours. We have made wonderful friends since moving to Kentucky. It's hard to believe we've been here five years. Those have been wonderful five years. Our neighbors here have blessed us, and I appreciate all of them and their kindness to us.
One of the things I've been most thankful for is the doctors I've found here. My general practitioner is a great doctor and a great person. The nursing staff in her office are remarkable. The surgeons I have met are the best anywhere. We cannot say enough good things about my orthopedic surgeon. He is the best! My general surgeon has brought me through three surgeries, and finally we have success. I'm so thankful for him.
This list only skims the bucket. There are so many more, but it would take all day to list them. Try this exercise each day. You'll be surprised how much it will help your mental and physical being.
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