Laura Howard: September 2012

9/26/12

Secondary Characters in Fiction



Today I'm taking part in the Girly Book Blog Hop. Don't let the cute name fool you- we're talking about something I find very interesting and I hope you will too, Secondary Characters. I decided to go with some of my favorites rather than from my own fiction.

9/24/12

Five Secrets to Successful Self-Publishing with Denise Grover Swank

Last week I came across a post by Denise Grover Swank about reaching her 150,000 mark as a self-published author. She said she didn't even realize it was coming, and I thought- this is someone I need to learn from. 


I was over the moon when Denise agreed to share her story and some tips to growing your backlist and being a successful self-publisher. One of the biggest things I've learned from Denise is that while we might not all be Amanda Hocking, we can all have a career as an author if we JUST DON'T QUIT!

9/22/12

Six Questions with Sophie Moss




Sophie Moss is featuring here on Finding Bliss for the second time.

Sophie's books feature Irish Fairytales, which hold a special place in my heart.

Since it's release, The Selkie Enchantress hit #231 on Amazon's Overall Bestsellers List out of over one million books on Kindle, and #5 on Amazon's Fantasy Romance Bestsellers List. The Selkie Enchantress was also featured on the USA Today Happy Ever After Blog on Sept 20th!


9/21/12

Building Author/Blogger Relationships with The Autumn Review


Authors need to be aware of the golden resources that are at their finger tips. One of the most important of these is the Book Blogger. 

Not only should they be loved, but they should be respected! Autumn of The Autumn Review is here with some insight from a bloggers perspective!



9/19/12

The Alliance of Independent Authors with Orna Ross



I've said many times on this blog that my publishing role-model is Joanna Penn. And, through Joanna's  interviews and guest posts I've been introduced to a number of terrific writers who are making a splash in the self-publishing industry. 

9/17/12

Chunking Your Revision


I have about five writing blogs that I subscribe to that I simply must read when they arrive in my inbox. Dear Editor, with Deborah Halverson, is one of those blogs. 

Editing isn't something that comes naturally, to me at least, so her tips will leave you feeling less daunted and ready with the red pen!

Stick around til the end, because Deborah is offering a copy of Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies to one lucky winner!

9/15/12

Six Questions with Samantha Young


Samantha Young is the best-selling author of several Young Adult novels and most recently an Adult contemporary, On Dublin Street, which I read in one night. It was worth the lack of sleep, because Sam writes amazing characters and really pulls you into her story-world. 

On Dublin Street was released August 30 and has sailed up the chart, currently holding an impressive #9 on Amazon. 

9/14/12

Ten Tips for a Stellar First Chapter



Today's guest post is by my friend Lauren Clark. Lauren is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie.

She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.


9/12/12

Write Every Day with Shannon Mayer

Shannon Mayer started her publishing journey back in September of 2011. Since then she has released a total of eight books, which is pretty impressive by anyone's standards.

I am very glad to have had the chance to interview her, and you'll love what she has to say about her publishing experience.

9/11/12

Your Book is Just the Beginning

Just a quick note and an infographic.... 







Are you tired yet? I love this stuff, but man-- it really is a lot! 

Thoughts?

9/10/12

How to Write Great Sales Copy for Your Ebook



It's with great pleasure that I present today's guest poster, Ali Luke. Ali was the FIRST ever video interview I featured here on Finding Bliss.




9/8/12

Six Questions with Amber Argyle


The first time I heard of Amber Argyle was when chatting with book blogger Misty of The Book Rat. She told me that she generally didn't read Indie Books, but that Witch Song was an exception because of the positive feedback she'd seen. 

9/5/12

Self-Publishing on a Shoestring with Elizabeth Aloe



Today's Special Guest is a brand-new indie author, Elizabeth Aloe. I learned about Elizabeth on Tarryn Fisher's Facebook wall a few weeks ago. Tarryn announced The Next Class of Indie Authors who would be BIG. After reading about Elizabeth and her book The Reunion I immediately contacted her for an interview. I'm all about the Next Big Thing! 


9/1/12

Six Questions with Raine Thomas


In honor of the release of her newest novel Shift, I'm pleased to present a close writing friend to my Six Question Saturday. Raine Thomas is everything I aspire to be as a published author.

Welcome Raine!