What's in a Title?

I recently sent my proposed book title to my writer's group, and asked them to chime in with any thoughts or mental images the title inferred to them.

I purposely did not provide them any visual images (that is, the proposed cover of the book).

Responses were pretty much across the 'romance' related spectrum, from historical to erotic to inspirational. (Of course, they may also have been influenced by the fact that they know me and in some cases, have read my work.)

What was NOT mentioned was any sort of military theme. So what should I glean from that?

Everyone knows a book's cover is VERY important. It may have more of an impact on compelling a reader to buy the book than the title. So my cover art really needs to impart that 'side' of the story - that the main character is a military officer. (And if possible, to communicate the multiple meanings behind the word 'surrender' in the title.)

To that end, I took a fresh look at the proposed cover (done back in January) and am pleased with what I see. It does not have as much color as I tend to prefer, but the more I look at it, the more I like it. It says what I need it to say.

Virtual Assistant?

Whether a publisher picks up True Surrender, or I self-publish, marketing is largely up to me. For almost two years now I've thought I would find more time, but our family business has continued to grow (and in fact, experienced some growing pains, requiring my time and energy).

And so have my kids! :-)

I wasn't able to be consistent in markting Last Chance Rescue, and I'm sure that hurt sales. But perhaps more to the point, the entire book-buying experience is different than it was three years ago. Back then there was no Kindle, no SmashWords, no iPhone Apps ... and Barnes & Noble didn't "consider" self-published books (huh).

And though it's not like I have any sort of budget for this, I'm seriously considering hiring a "virtual assistant" to help me market my books. That is probably the only way I'd ever be able to market AND continue to write...

Music MP3 "Samples" Are Live

It was fun to work on Mark's new album (Built to Bust), but it's even more fun to hear it complete!

The official "release date" is July 1, but since I've got the inside track, I've got them already. You can hear "samples" of four songs on my web site!

Developing as a Writer

Lately I've found myself somewhat uninspired. True Surrender is still at the publisher (which means it's "done" unless they say they want it and ask for changes). And nothing has really jumped out at me in recent weeks saying "work on me, work on me!"

So today I opened a rather OLD writing file - some of my very early writing from 2002-2003. I was curious if any of it was decent.

The verdict is still out on that ... this piece has a lot of bouncing from one head to another (one of the big issues I had to work on when I got serious about writing) that would need to be re-flowed. Some of the scenes have merit but the plot would need a whole lot of revision (which may render the scenes moot), and in fact, might not be as plausible as I'd prefer. (It IS fiction, but I do like a certain level of believeability - it's why I've done things like air medical ride-alongs and interviewing search-and-rescue personnel.)

What I did like: the characters (although a bit stereotypical and stilted at times). And that might just be what resurrects this piece some day. Or, I may "borrow" a a character (or two) and place them in another story. Or "break it up" and use parts of it differently.

At any rate, it was an interesting exercise!

My Real Name Is...

I don't do much writing this time of year (too busy with the motorcycle biz and summer activities), but I did sit down tonight and jot out some ideas that have been floating around in my head for a week or so.

The heroine isn't who she seems to be. She's got a big secret. When he falls for her, he thinks he knows her ... but he can't possibly. Hmm, the possibilities!

Singing Gig this Weekend

I'll be singing with the Mark Cameron Band on Friday, May 27 (starting at 9pm) at Neumann's (2531 East 7th Avenue in N. St. Paul). This will be my second appearance with the band and should be a good show. Hope you can come out!

BTW, Mark's second album (which I sang back-up vocals on), titled "Built to Bust," is finished and will be available soon. I will put some snippets on my music page when I get 'em!

The Rose (Surrender Version) - Music MP3 Completed!

This is something I have wanted to do for nearly three years - ever since I went back to the music studio with my friend's band in April 2008. We finally completed one of MY songs: an upbeat and slightly bluesy take on "The Rose."

It has inspired my husband (whose did the harmony/duet parts) to look into getting our own mixing software - especially since he plays guitar.

Special thanks to Mark Cameron and Scott Lundberg for their help with the song. "The Rose (Surrender Version)" is dedicated to my friends Paul and John, who believed in my ability even when I didn't, and to my husband Tim, who believes in everything about me.

Listen to The Rose (Surrender Version)