Monday, June 22, 2015

Trailer reveal for Finding Immortal, Book #2 in the Bearwood series by E.L. Wicker



I am pleased to bring you the cover & trailer reveal for Finding Immortal, Book #2 in the Bearwood series by E.L. Wicker
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Blurb
After losing the love of her life, Ilia Rose will do anything to feel Nathaniel’s presence, even if it means freezing or drinking copious amounts of alcohol. When she learns that Alex is tracking down the remnants of Sol’s army to deliver his own style of justice, she rushes off to find him. On an alcohol induced killing spree, Ilia and Alex receive information that sends their hopes soaring, thus beginning a race to discover the truth about Nathaniel’s death. Unfortunately, for Ilia, the truth may prove far more dangerous than any enemy she has ever faced.  
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If you haven't read book #1 yet, Fractured Immortal, it's free over on Amazon.
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About The Author
Em

E.L. Wicker lives in Hampshire, England, with her husband and two daughters. Her debut book, Fractured Immortal, was released in December 2014, and in June 2015 was short listed for a Self published and Small press award. She is a regular contributor to YATopia, Whiskey, Wine, and Writing, as well as a co-host for the Whiskey, Wine, and Writing web show. E.L. Wicker is a New Adult junkie, with a stack of NA books a mile high on her TBR list and a stack that could possibly stretch to the moon in her already read list. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog. She also regularly sets up new blogs and designs logos and banners for people at no cost.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Wordy Wednesday: Update from the land of Hodge

Things are getting a little crazy over here in the land of Hodge.


 I am busy doing the first run through of edits on Blue Season, Book #2 of my The Syndicate Series. I also did a new head shot (waiting on proofs) that will hopefully be a little bit closer to my new effort to brand myself as a Suspense writer. Marketing and branding is hard y'all. Along with the marketing effort, I am working with TLC Graphics to rebrand my series covers, which is a long and arduous process. I know I will be pleased with the end product when it is all said and done, but now in the thick of the craziness, I am pulling my hair out. I have also been working on guest posting on other blogs like Word Affair , where I did a "Ask Us Anything" with my leading lady, Katherine. Lastly, I have been starting to make notes and do a working outline on the third book in my The Syndicate Series, "Season's Son."

My alter ego (Mom)  has also been busy keeping two little boys busy and entertained over summer vacation. September is a lovely, beautiful thing that I anxiously look forward to.


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Relationship economy as it relates to authors


When I decided to transition away from the grant writing/ event fundraising world and into being a fiction writer, I was pleasantly surprised by how supportive, encouraging and connected authors were to each other.

Being an independent author is a lot of work with a steep learning curve, as any indie author will tell you. The journey is made that much sweeter when other authors help give you boost, point out footholds and sometimes pull you up to the next platform.  

When I was fundraising, part of my job was to built relationships with funders with the end goal of getting funding for a particular organization. As a writer I find the successful ones are the ones that are out there building relationships with people in person and on social media platforms with the end goal of writing more books, marketing and making sales. 

One of the most effective strategies to use the relationship economy system, which is all about give and take. One way writers do this is the review exchange system, "I'll read and review yours, if you read and review mine." Another one is done on twitter "I'll retweet you, if you retweet me."

Relationship Economy and Relationship Building Resources: 
Author Alley on Facebook utilizes this system very effectively. Another great relationship economy tool is Patreon, a site that uses the crowdfunded  model, but with a reciprocal twist (more information). Women authors should definitely check out Women Writers, Women  Books, it is the most encouraging and supportive forum for women writers and a great way to build relationships with other authors and readers.

What are some resources that have helped you? Who would you like to thank? 

I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has helped me in any way, big or small.


KM Hodge is the author of The Syndicate Series of Suspense novels. 
Seasons (Book #1) is available for free on Amazon June 3-4



Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Monday, June 1, 2015

When did writers stop being readers?


In an effort to stay on top of the indie publishing business I read LOTS and LOTS of blog post, eMags, and trade magazines. While pursuing articles on promoting ebooks, I came across a piece of advice that was in several of the marketing tips and tricks articles. The central piece of advice they all shared was: writers need to stop marketing to other writers and to instead find and market to readers.

Now I do understand where they are coming from. It IS important to know who your audience is and how to reach them. The problem I had with this piece of advice was that it seemed to imply writers weren't a part of that target audience.

As a writer I now buy more ebooks from unknown authors that I meet through social media or in person. Last month alone I purchased 11 ebooks from people that I had met and conversed with on social media platforms. I also took the time to review all of the books that I read. In a way, authors are the best kinds of readers, because we totally get it!

So while you are planning out your marketing strategy don't forget that authors are also readers, often voracious readers at that.



Writer-readers: How often do you read books from other authors that you have met online or in person?

Thank you for reading and taking time to review the books that you read. 

KM Hodge is the author of The Syndicate Series of Suspense novels. 
Seasons (Book #1) is available for free on Amazon June 3-4