Extra! Extra! Read The Rescued Heart By Author Tierney James

Meet the hot new author on the scene...Tierney James. Read on to learn about Tierney and her writing process.  Tierney is an inspiration to all aspiring authors.  She has a passion for writing and I am pleased to introduce you to her.  If you are already aware of her awesomeness, leave a comment and tell her!

Can you tell us a little about you?

My upbringing took place in a steel town. I lived behind the mill where it was very dirty. The sky most of time was more of a gray than blue. Sometimes you’d find mercury flakes on your car in the morning. When I walked to school at six years old, I had to walk by boarded up houses. Rats would run through the grass as you passed. I can’t believe my mother let me do that. It was a different time. From an early age I learn to create stories in my head. Writing was a natural extension of that imagination.

What do you do when you are not writing?

It seems as if I’m on the road a great deal. Between visiting my parents in St. Louis and my children in Tulsa I put a lot of miles on my car. Gardening is near and dear to me as is reading and watching movies. But honestly I spend the bulk of my time in front of the computer.

Where do you get your ideas?

Sometimes it’s a YouTube video I see. My third book in the Enigma Series started after I saw a picture in National Geographic. A current work in progress began when my husband heard a story on NPR about the history of a piece of classical music. I was so intrigued that after some research and a trip to Union Station, St. Louis I had a story. Other times it’s from my travel and educational adventures from everything to traveling Scotland to attending Space Camp for Educators.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I’m more of an outline writer. When I say that I mean I write ideas, characters, plot ideas into a notebook. I usually write how I want the story to begin and end. When I get stuck I go back to the notebook and write possible things that can move the story forward.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Probably the biggest challenge was learning how to market my book. I knew nothing. In the last couple of years I’ve learned a lot by reading books on the subject, talking to other writers and participating in their book launch events. Even now that I have a wealth of knowledge it’s still difficult finding the time to promote myself.

How did you come up with the title of The Rescued Heart?

I used to live in a mining community. Mine rescue teams are a part of that life. When there are accidents in the mine they go in to save the day. This romantic suspense involves several disasters where the team is needed. The second in the Enigma Series The Winds of Deception comes out in June. A hurricane is barreling toward Washington D.C. and to complicate things a threat has been made on the president’s life.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Never give up! Believe in yourself and your work. Join a local writing and critique group. Go to writing conferences. Read. Read. Read.

Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/TierneyJamesAction

http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com

Twitter: @TierneyJames1

Side note...An Unlikely Hero is one of my FAVORITES!

 

To Market To Market...

I researched, looked, surfed and pondered the marketing world in self publishing. There are already some great blogs, how-to sites, about.com sites that talk about the world of Indy marketing that anything I could say would seem trite. However, the top commonality is this one thing...

1.  Believe in your book. 

If you believe in your book and your words, then you already have a head start on the competition who is under a contract with a publishing company. You are under contract with your self. You know it's a great product, a reflection of you, so all that social media, finding your own venues for signings, submitting and spending your own money for awards or reviews, are part of the game. Guess what? It will work. Keep it up! Nose to your personal grindstone! Top seller list here you come!

This is a short little blog, but believe me when I say I spent hours reading other sites.

Here are a few that I read that may be of interest to you.

www.thebookdesigner.com/marketing-your-book/

www.writersstore.com/15-do-it-yourself-tools-to-promote-your-book/

www.publishersweekly.com › Home › Authors › PW Select

The book I believe in 

Amzn.to/1qV6JaC

Promote, Promote, Promote

So, you have that book written, you have typed "The End" what now? That is/was my big question, so I set out to see what the most common steps are to Indy publishing marketing. 

1.  Promote Early.

During all stages of our books, we make contacts along the way. Keep track of who has helped you research your book. Use them as a constant support through out your writing journey. If they have a great interest in your book, due to their vested time, shoot them an email or tweet updating them on progress. Celebrate each milestone you reach and have a party, including all those involved from the beginning. Everyone loves a promotion party.

2.  Use the Web.

This seems like a no-brainer, but one we need to access heavily for promoting. find communities and forums that support your research or book ideas. Ask questions, contribute to others, get advice, and give it. We are all experts in something and novices at others. Don't be afraid to reach out. Make sure you add your links to your emails or web page. 

3. Blog, Blog, Start a Blog.

Create that spot where you jot your process of your book down. Promote others on your blog as well as self promote. Create interviews, have fun... show off! It's yours. 

4. Don't Stop at The End.

Do you have 25 wonderful, amazing reviews of your book? No? Well, that's ok, keep working on it until your friends, experts and significant others say "Wow, best book ever!" Then, ask them to do the real review on places you will have your book, like Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads. Speaking of reviews, have you reviewed my book? Here is the link to buy it and leave an amazing review. 

Amzn.to/1qV6JaC

5.  Media Kits.

Invest a bit of your money, since you have already invested your time, Ina nice head shot, some nice business cards ( not the ones you print yourself, you are a professional now) a glossy bio card with your book cover on one side and you and your information on the other side.

6. Have fun.

Go into the promotional part of your book with a positive attitude. It is necessary, as books won't sell themselves. Even James Patterson is out there shamelessly peddling his wares!