Meet Davah Avena

Last Monday I went to the offices of JKE/ATA, the company that optioned my novels  Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel to turn them into a TV series.  My visit was to meet one of the prospective writers chosen to write the Boyfriend From Hell TV pilot.  Meetings like this can be tough on the writer.  There were five of us there to hear her tell us how she envisioned the show.  That can be nerve wracking for anyone.

Our writer, however, was really vivacious and full of smiles.  I liked her immediately.  We went to a conference room, all of us on one side of the long table across from the poor writer.  She was unfazed and proceeded to tell us how she would present the series, and also gave us a primer on the different ways to pitch it to different networks.  She knew her stuff.

By the end of the meeting we were all in love with her.  We knew we'd found our writer.   And so, without further ado,  I am happy to introduce you to the writer of the Boyfriend From Hell TV pilot, Davah Avena.

This photo was taken last Friday when me, Davah and JKE/ATA manager-creative development, Heidi Mueller, met in JKE's beautiful break room to further discuss the show. Davah was a writer and story editor on NBC's Medium for two seasons.  I loved that show.   I also loved Davah's pilot Armed & Psychic, about two sisters, one cop, one psychic.  The script had a sense of humor that reminded me of my own.  And look at that smile.  You guys are falling in love with her already, just like I did, aren't you?

The journey to getting on TV is a tricky one, and I'd like to take you along with me.  To get on TV, the first thing you must do is find a writer who is on THE LIST.  Networks have secret lists that aren't all the same. It's like an exclusive night club.  If you're not on the list, they won't take your pitch.  We know that Davah is on the CW, ABC Family and NBC lists, and these are key places we'd like to take the show.  So we're in good shape there.

That's Heidi above.  Her passion about seeing my books become a TV show is one of the reasons I'm with JKE.  She's a great development exec with an excellent feel for what a youthful audience wants to see on TV.  She's convinced my books will make a terrific TV show.  I hope she's right.  Thanks for your support, Heidi.

The three of us met and discussed what would be different about the series from the books.  I liked the new stuff, and if the show gets on, you'll be in for some neat surprises.  One thing I'm sure everyone will like is Davah's desire to give both Guy and Matt a larger role.  I can't tell you how many people have written me saying they needed to see more Guy.  Now you will.

Me and Davah.  I know, I am wearing the hell  out of that hat.  What can I say, I like it.

The three of us had a great meeting of the minds on Friday, combining elements from the books with some new stuff.  By the way, Davah loved Ibwa from Earth Angel, so expect to see more of the little red demon as well. 

Next step is for Davah to work up the pitch.  She says it will take a week.  In the mean time, Sheree (my manager and producing partner) and Steve (president JKE/ATA) will be setting our first pitch meeting.  I'll keep you posted. 

I hope you enjoy my peeling back the curtain of the inner workings of Hollywood.  I know most people outside of the community have no idea how a show gets on TV. So come with me on this journey, and hopefully next spring, we'll have something to celebrate.  I also hope to do an interview with Davah down the road so you can get to know her better. 

If you enjoy stories that take place behind the scenes in Hollywood, you will love my up-coming novel The Zombie Always Knocks Twice.  It's the first book in my Hollyweird series.  The book is due out on August 30th.  That's all  for now.  Man, I am having one exciting August.

Peace.

My Final Boyfriend From Hell Giveaway

When I was a boy growing up in New York City, there were these electronics stores on 42nd Street that were going out of business.  They had big signs saying things like PRICES SLASHED and EVERYTHING MUST GO!  Thing is, these stores were going out of business for 10 years, until the city demanded they stop announcing that they were going out of business.

That's not the case with Boyfriend From Hell.  This is the end of my Amazon KDP trial period.  If you read my post about my KDP experiment, Put Up Or Shut Up!, you will know that I was doing this experiment for the summer, and at the end of the month summer will be over.

Friday and Saturday I will be giving Boyfriend From Hell away for FREE for the last time.  If you've heard anything about this Best Selling, highly regarded paranormal novel, you know that this giveaway is a real deal.  Lots of people give books away on KDP, but not too many give away novels that have reached #7 on the Amazon's children's ebook list.  Not the free list... the PAID list. 

I'm telling you now, I am not crying wolf like those stores on 42nd Street.  You won't see me back here next month singing the same song. Friday and Saturday, August 10th and 11th, is the very last Boyfriend From Hell KDP giveaway.  On Sunday it goes back to its regular price where it will remain.  My publisher has even suggested raising the price when the TV show comes out.  That's right, if you don't already know, Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel have been optioned for a network TV series.  We just chose the writer.  I'll blog about that next week.  Today I am here to say get the book now.  If you have friends who've mentioned it but don't have it yet, tell them about this last chance opportunity to get an awesome novel for FREE.

Peace.

Heaven Sent

Heaven Sent is the title of the next book (Book Three) in the Falling Angels Saga. It's also how I feel about many of you book bloggers out there.  You know who you are.  And I am not just talking about the bloggers who have supported my work.  I am talking about the bloggers who support all of us authors.

Over the past few weeks, I have written about authors using Goodreads and Twitter as their most effective marketing tools.  But book bloggers are really our most effective tool.  You guys review our books and then post your reviews where readers can find them.  You guys praise us and our books to your followers on your blogs and Twitter and Facebook.  You guys send kind messages to us when we're having bad days and need a psychological boost. And I'm not just referring to the big bloggers with thousands of followers.  A blogger with 100 followers can beat the drum for you just as effectively as a big blogger can.  Authors, DO NOT take book blogggers lightly.  They are the backbone of the industry.  It's great to be listed in the New York Times, but in this digital age, book bloggers are your key to greater sales--and they make excellent friends.

Okay, I think I've heaped enough much needed praise, now I want to catch you up on what's happening with me.  My novel, Heaven Sent (the sequel to Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel) is underway.  SPOILER ALERT.  If you haven't yet read Earth Angel, skip the rest of this paragraph... The next book in the series picks up eight weeks after Earth Angel, and it starts off with a bang as Megan has a huge awakening about the abilities she may possess.  Love is in the air, but not for who you might think.  And as promised in the riddle at the end of Earth Angel, someone returns, but that's all I am going to say.  I need to keep your appetites whet until December. So I will tease you with tempting little tid bits over the coming months. Buaaahahaaaaa!

I am also happy to announce that I have finally gotten the editor's notes for the first book in my Hollyweird series.  The publisher who originally bought the book last year went out of business.  The head of that house took my book with her and is now at a new publishing house Waterstreet Press, that will be opening their doors any day now.  I am so excited about this book.  I wrote it three years ago, so it's about time you guys got to see it.  I can't wait. It's the story of a fifteen and a half year-old necromancer living in Hollywood California.  The title of each book in the series is a play on an old Hollywood movie title.  The title of the first book is: The Zombie Always Knocks Twice.  I will keep you posted as the new book moves closer to publication.  It should be out some time this summer.

Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel continue to do well in sales.  Both books have been blessed with excellent reviews.  Boyfriend From Hell now has 50 four and five star ratings on Goodreads.  Earth Angel  has 20 four and five star ratings on Goodreads, with more coming everyday. 

I have received quite a few compliments about my The Way I See It posts.  I am so glad some of you are finding them helpful.  I will be posting another one some time next week.  If you subscribe to my newsletter you will get an email alerting you to the posting.  If you don't already subscribe, why not do it now.  http://evanlowe.com/

And finally, my cover artist Adara Rosalie, has created an exclusive Earth Angel iphone 4s cover case for my iphone.  If you think you'd like to win one of these as a prize in a contest, go over to my Facebook Fan Page  and like the Earth Angel iphone comment before April 3rd.

Peace.

The Way I See It: Lottery Mentality

Anyone who knows me knows I tend to see things differently than others. It's just the way I am wired. So I have decided to start a column called The Way I See It. If you are a new writer or an author trying to make it in the digital age, it may offer a new perspective you haven't thought of. If you like it, cool. Leave a comment and I will write more. If you don't, that's cool, too. It's not meant to be the gospel according to E. It's just the way I see it.

I have real qualifications as a writer. For the last twenty plus years I have earned my living (and a very good one, I might add) as a writer. I have nothing against people who have cobbled together careers as writers but had to do many other jobs to survive. It's tough out there. I'm just saying I feel I am more qualified than most to talk about a career as a writer since writing (and producing what I've written) is my only career, and has been for a very long time. I know what it takes to have a full time writing career.

I entitled this post Lottery Mentality because most people I know—my friends included—have what I call a lottery mentality.  Let me state right here that I am not an elitist who is above the lottery.  I’d love to win the lottery.  Whenever there’s a huge jackpot I buy a ticket.  I never win, but at least I am in the running.  I want to win like everyone else, but my hopes and dreams aren’t tied to winning the lottery.  The lottery is not a part of my life plan.  If I win great, but if I don’t, my life plan is still in-tact.  So what does this have to do with writing, and more importantly, what does this have to do with you?

There’s something wonderful happening in publishing these days.  As the days go by, the role of the so-called gate keepers is diminishing. This is a good thing for writers. The barriers to publishing are coming down.   A writer can now connect directly to the audience.  They don’t need the approval of the Big Six publishers.  They can publish their books or short stories themselves.  All they need is a book, a book cover, a twitter account and a blog, and they are good to go.  Let the readers line up, and the money flow.

This is what many writers think when they are deciding to self-publish.  If you are self-published and that’s what has happened for you—you put your book out there and the money flowed—great.  But for the majority of us that’s not what will happen.  Publishing a book (self-published or not) and thinking you are now ready to begin to earn a living is like buying a lottery ticket and believing all your money problems are solved.  Somebody hits the lottery every week, but chances are it won’t be me, and in the lottery of book publishing, it probably won’t be you.  I hope it is you.  I really do.  But if this has not been your experience with your books, I want to tell you why, and give you some food for thought as to how you can turn things around.  A little background first.

About a year ago, a little known author named Amanda Hocking started having a windfall in sales for her Trylle Trilogy.  She was written up in the Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post.  She sold over a million books.  And guess what? She was self-published.  A lot of people started thinking.  “I am as good a writer as she is—better!  If I sell just 100,000 books, even if I only earn 33 cents a book (Amazon pays a smaller royalty if you sell your book for ninety-nine cents) I will earn $33,000 dollars.”  If you thought that, or anything like it, you were using lottery mentality. 

I am not even going to get into all the years and number of manuscripts Amanda Hocking tried to get to major publishers only to be turned down.  That’s not my focus here. (But if you’d like to know more about it go HERE.)  My focus is to let you know that each and everyone of you can make a living as a writer or an author.  You can make a good living, but do not expect it to happen over-night.  Do not expect to win the lottery.

Here’s how I see it.  You ever notice how many times movie trailers run on TV just before a new movie comes out?  That’s because it takes three to six impressions for us to even notice the trailer.  Once we notice the trailer, we still need to see it at least one more time before we say “I want to see that movie.”  It doesn’t mean you’re actually going to see the movie; it just means you want to see it.  The movie has made an impression on you.

So the first thing we need to do before we start raking in the dough as authors is get “impressions.”  And remember, one impression isn’t enough. People need to see and hear about our books between three and six times for the impression to stick.

When my YA paranormal novel Boyfriend From Hell first came out, I gave one away on Goodreads.  It was a week long giveaway. My publisher told me the big publishers were giving away 10 or more at a time.  He was giving away 3 of his.  I told him one was enough.  I wasn’t interested in giving a book to someone to review.  I wasn’t interested in reviews. I was interested in impressions.  If 1000 people said they wanted the book I just made 1000 first impressions.  Yes, I wanted to sell a ton of books.  Yes, I wanted to hit the lottery.  But if I didn’t hit the lottery, I needed a solid plan as to how I was going to find sales. 

As some of you may know I spent most of my career in the movie and TV business. I want us to all take a lesson from all the great movie and TV marketing machines.  No one does marketing better than Hollywood. They believe impressions first, and then sales.  Politicians are now also following this model.

In addition to my Goodreads giveaway I went on two blog tours back-to-back.  Redundant?  Of course it was redundant.  But isn’t seeing the same ad for a movie five times in one night redundant?  Impressions.

My sales started slowly—less than a book a day.  Now (four months later) I am averaging 100 books a week without any promotion.  When I do a promotion (like Kindle Daily Nation) it’s a lot more.  Boyfriend From Hell spent nine consecutive days on the Amazon Top 100 seller list in the Girls & Women category in early January.  This did not happen over-night.  Boyfriend From Hell came out in September.  That month I sold around 69 books.  50 of those were at my launch party. As January ends I am closing in on 1000 books for the month.  Why the increase?  Because instead of fretting over the lack of sales, I went after impressions.

I am going to stop here 1) because I want you to digest this 2) because I hate being long-winded.  But I want to ask you indie authors or would-be authors something: how many marketing posts have you read that mentioned impressions?  I’m guessing none.  Spend any Thursday night watching TV and you will see how the big movie companies practice this. Shouldn’t we be doing the same thing? Copy success is what I’ve been told.

The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to get impressions.  In my next The Way I See It post I will discuss ways to get impressions and also start a new subject while I am it. 

And hey, if what I am saying here isn’t holding up for you—cool.  Don’t read the next post.  But if you have been struggling trying to make a career as a writer, and this has touched a nerve, please come back, please leave a comment, and please tell your friends about the post.  I’d love to hear from them, too. And remember, I am not trying to create a controversy here; this is not the gospel according to E.  I don’t have an axe to grind or anything to prove.  This is not an expert's hypothesis on how to make it as a writer. It’s just the way I see it.

Peace.

My New Year's Revolution

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions.  I used to make resolutions back when I was in high school and I didn’t understand what it takes to reach your goals.  Back then, every January I’d say something like “I’m gonna lose some weight.”  And “I’m gonna pay more attention in school.”  Then midway through March when I was barreling toward an “F” in French and my love handles were spilling over the sides of my pants, I’d realize I hadn’t stuck to my resolutions. Okay, maybe I didn’t have love handles, but you know what I mean.  Most people don’t stick to their resolutions, and so me not sticking to mine made me normal.  I liked being normal.

At some point in my life I went from resolutions to plans.  My plans don’t begin in January and end in December.  Some plans take years to accomplish. I had a great year last year.  It didn’t go entirely as planned, but it was fun and I learned a lot.  So today I thought I’d look back with you a bit, but more importantly, I wanted to share my plans for what’s ahead.

In September my first independent novel, Boyfriend From Hell was published by White Whisker Books.  I am so fortunate to have my friend Chris Meeks and his new book venture in my life.  Self-publishing isn’t for everyone.  I am certain I am one of those people it is not for.  With an indie publisher I get most of the benefits of self-publishing and NONE of the headache.  If you are an author who is like me, there are lots of new indie publishers springing up all over the place.  Find one run by people like Chris with a background in publishing, and leave the headaches to them.

Boyfriend From Hell got off to a great start in September, but after the Kindle Nation Daily feature on October 8^th sales slowed.  Rather than cry in our beer, Chris and I decided to change the book cover for BFFH and its sequel, Earth Angel (that was due out in December), to a more adult cover with a romantic theme.  The new covers were created by AdaraRosalie.  I then went to my pal Roxanne Rhoads and her Bewitching Books Tours and asked her to host a blog tour for me that featured both books.  She came up with an awesome theme that started my tour on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).  By December 31^st both Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel were soaring in sales.

As some of you know (I’ve tweeted about it ad infinitum), after my January 6^th feature on Pixel Of Ink, Boyfriend From Hell spent nine consecutive days on the Amazon Kindle top 100 Best Sellers list (for Girls & Women).  Earth Angel made the list as well, but only for a very short period of time. 

Before I tell you what’s ahead, I want to begin by thanking my friends and fans—frans—for their support the past year.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  I’m not just thanking you for your sales.  I know all of you aren’t buying my books.  That’s all right.  If you’ve left a comment on my blog or Goodreads page, or if you participated in the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge or some other contest, I thank you. 

A few of you have lamented that Heaven Sent, the third book in the Falling Angels Saga, won’t be out until December.  Sorry.  I want you to know I have begun working on it, and it is going to be the best Falling Angels Saga book so far.  Seriously.  That’s why I am taking my time.  I want it to be awesome.

As I was outlining Heaven Sent, I realized I needed one more book to conclude the series.  That book (currently entitled Falling) will tentatively be out late spring 2013.  See, you won’t have to wait an entire year for that one. If you don’t see me on the blog or Twitter or holding fewer contests in 2012, please know I will be hunkered down writing.  I’ve got a lot of writing to do.

Something else I am excited about this year is the first book in my Hollyweird series.  I sold this project to a publisher last year and it stalled.  That’s because it was sold to a new Indie publisher who wound up going out of business.  The principal, however (a woman with tons of big time publishing experience), asked several of the authors to hang in there with her as she searched for new financing.  Her deal is done; the new pub house is open.  I will tell you more about it when I can, but editing on Hollyweird should begin in the next few weeks.  That book will be out this year as well. I will post about my journey to publication right here on a regular basis. 

I am also keeping my hand in television and film.  I just completed the first draft of a romantic comedy that I was hired by a foreign production company to write. Both my first YA novel, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie and the Sal Conte (my alter ego)  horror short story, The Toothache Man are currently in development for feature films.  I may also announce a TV project some-time this year.

My larger plan is to create entertainment (Books and short stories) that can become movies, TV shows, graphic novels and/or video games.  That’s a big plan.  I’m not Disney or Dreamworks.  I’m just a guy with a dream, but I do have over 20 years’ experience in Hollywood.  That should help. But I know it will take more than a New Year’s Resolution to carry out a plan like mine.  It will take a revolution.

So that’s my year ahead—busy, busy, busy.  I welcome you all along for the ride.  You can always leave words of encouragement on my blog, or if you have a question about me, or writing, or anything at all please write to me at info@evanlowe.com.  I am still available for book club dates and school visits.   And I travel on my own dime, so getting me there cost you nothing. I do this because the best way to make you my fan for life is for you to meet me personally.  I’m really quite lovable.  Invite me out.  You’ll see.  If you are interested in having me attend your book club or event send me an email.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer because writing looked like fun.  I didn’t realize how much hard work was involved, but I’ve got to tell you, I was right about the fun part. Have a great year.

Peace.

Twitter Party Yo!

Hey everyone, I’m having a Twitter Party.  It’s the perfect time for me to celebrate.  Boyfriend From Hell dipped its toe into the Kindle top sellers last Friday, peaking at #533 in overall sales, and was in the top 100 sellers in three categories.  That’s an amazing accomplishment for me... So it’s time to party.

If you’ve ever had a question you’d like to ask me about writing, about my career in TV, about the Falling Angels Saga , or if you’ve ever wanted to sit and chat with your old pal E, please join me on Friday January 13^th at 7pm EST (that’s 4pm in the west) for a tweet up.  It’s on Friday evening so pour yourself a glass of wine or a shot of tequila (my favorite libations) stop by and let’s have some fun.  I will definitely be sipping on something, so when my writing becomes more and more like gobbledygook you’ll know why  ;-) The party will last about an hour, if you guys can hang with me that long.

This is my first Twitter party ever, so please help me make it a success.  Here’s how it will work and what you need to know to participate.  The party is being hosted by my pal, @RoxanneRhoads  at Bewitching Book Tours.  My Twitter handle is @evanlowe.  Here’s the easiest way to follow along:  Log onto your Twitter account some time before the 13th, then type #evanlowe into the search column at the top of the page.  When my results come up you will see a button just above my handle that says “save this search.” Click that button and #evanlowe will be saved in your searches.  When the party begins on Friday the 13^th, click on the saved #evanlowe search and you will be able to follow along. When you want to say something to me, add #evanlowe (or @evanlowe) to your tweet, and I will see it and reply.  It’s that simple… or that hard.  If this isn’t clear enough, leave a message in the comments and I will walk you through it.  If you plan to attend I’d also like to know, so please leave a comment.  I need to know how much wine and tequila to buy. Don’t want to run out  ;-)

Help me celebrate my recent success. Stop by and chat Friday January 13^th at 7pm EST (4pm PST). 

PEACE.

Happy Thanksgiving & Cyber Monday Giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  I am thankful for my family, friends, and all the wonderful frans I email and tweet with nearly every day.  You guys are sooo awesome!  I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow is Black Friday the beginning of the holiday shopping season--a day where millions of you (not me, nuh-uh!) will venture out to stores and malls looking for super bargains.  Well, it just so happens I know of a super bargain, and it's free.  That's right FREE.  The only catch is you'll have to wait until Cyber Monday (November 28th) to get in on it.  Without further ado (what the hell does "ado" mean?) I bring you....

Bewitching Book Tours is hosting the Boyfriend From Hell/Earth Angel Cyber Monday Giveaway Blitz.  This awesome swag bag features lots of goodies, like the Bath and Body Works Candy Apple Gift Set.

In a addition to the gift set there's a fuzzy black winter hat, perfect for keeping your head stylish and warm throughout the winter; there's also fuzzy black and purple striped winter gloves.  There's too much great swag to mention.  Roxanne over at Bewitching Books Tours put together an incredible giveaway.  Topping off this great giveaway will be autographed copies of both Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel.

To find out how you can qualify for the Cyber Monday Giveaway Blitz just click on the link. If you miss out on the giveaway there will be more chances to win both books in the Falling Angels Saga when I start my new blog tour.  I will post it here some time next week.  In the mean time, enjoy your turkey, don't eat too much pumpkin pie, remember to give thanks, and have a happy and safe day.  I love you all. Peace.

New Boyfriend From Hell Cover

Earth Angel Unveiled

Here it is, folks, the cover to my newest novel-- Earth Angel. Isn't it GORGEOUS? 

I decided to do a redesign of the Falling Angels Saga covers.  I wanted the series covers to better reflect the attitude of my series and my readers--more adult and more romantic. The redesigned Boyfriend From Hell cover is just as beautiful as this one. Can't wait to show it to you.  That will happen next week.

I am very proud of this new cover.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Earth Angel comes out mid-December, about a month from now.  I'm bubbling over with excitement to share my new book with you.  Those of you who emailed me that you couldn't wait for Earth Angel to come out won't be disappointed. 

There's a new hot series in town.  The Falling Angels Saga.  Peace.

Springsteen, Me and My Ebook Adventure

Back In June I did a post entitled “Springsteen And Me: Taking Control of Your Writing Career.” It was about my leap into the world of independent publishing and why I made the leap from Big 6 traditional publishing in the first place.  Now that my first indie novel, Boyfriend From Hell, is out, I am reprising the post along with the fresh perspective of a newly published indie author at the end.  Check it out:

For those of you thinking this is a post about Bruce Springsteen and me, let me say right here that it is not. I do not know Bruce Springsteen. Of course I know who he is, but until quite recently I was not a fan. So, if you’re interested in Springsteen’s music stop reading now. This post is about how Bruce Springsteen inspired me to take control of my career, and how those of us who are creative can learn from what he did.

In October of 2010 I was having a beer with my publisher. But he wasn’t my publisher at the time. He was my friend. I didn’t even realize Christopher Meeks was a publisher until that October conversation.

During that conversation, Chris mentioned an HBO documentary he’d seen about Bruce Springsteen. It seems after the success of their first album, Springsteen realized he was under the control of his (then) manager. As is typical (I guess) in the music business, the contract Springsteen signed gave his manager total creative control forever. That didn’t sit well with Bruce. In fact, he gambled his future on ending that contract. Springsteen decided he could never record again under those conditions.


Bruce, along with the members of the E Street Band ,were young and hungry—but not hungry enough to give away creative control. He’d rather go back to obscurity than turn his ideas over to a gatekeeper. He was an artist. An artist needs to control his art. He didn’t record for three years.

They could have caved to the pressure and made a living, but he stuck to his guns, not recording for THREE WHOLE YEARS. The special is about those years and the first album they recorded after he waited out his manager. Springsteen called the album “a meditation on where are you going to stand.”


The documentary changed me. The Promise: The Making of Darkness On The Edge of Town is acclaimed for how Springsteen created the music. I love it for the message it sends to those of us struggling out here in the creative community.

Soon after I saw it, I decided to leave Big  6 publishing behind and asked Chris and his White Whisker Books to be the publisher for Boyfriend From Hell, along with the other novels in the saga. Why?  My first novel , Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, (Tor/Teen) sold very well, but as an artist I wanted more control over what went into my books.

So that’s my story.  Boyfriend From Hell came out on September 1^st . So far I have loved joining the ranks of indie authors.  I’ve made lots of new blogger and indie author friends. It’s a wonderfully supportive community.

Boyfriend From Hell is a paranormal romance with a comedic twist.  In style, it’s closer to H.P. Mallory than Amanda Hocking, but readers of both will enjoy the book.  It’s gotten rave reviews.

While you’re here, I’d like you to take a chance and download it for just $2.99.  I promise it isn’t one of those poorly written self-published books riddled with mistakes. I guarantee it will not let you down. Did I mention it’s already received 22 four and five star reviews on GOODREADS?

Give it a try.

Here is the link for both Amazon and Barnes & Noble: PURCHASE.  If you don’t have a kindle or nook, don’t let that stop you. The kindle app is free.  You can download the book along with the free app.

Do it now, before your busy lives get in the way.  Help me realize my creative dream and read a fun, romantic paranormal adventure at the same time. And while you're at it, consider where are YOU going to stand.

Thanks,

e

Getting Down with Drew Carey

One of the perks of being a member of the Hollywood show biz community is that I get invited to cool parties. Friday night I got to attend Drew Carey’s, The Price Is Right wrap party. Drew really knows how to throw a party. This one had a 70s theme. Check out the Saturday Night Fever couple and the lighted dance floor. Brings back memories, doesn't it... Okay, I know you're too young. But it brings back memories for me.

I was soo happy to get out Friday night because I’d been knee deep in the first draft edit of the Boyfriend From Hell sequel. I needed some fun time. I danced the night away to songs like Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” and Kool And The Gang’s “Get Down On It.” Many of the guests came in period costume. Most of them weren’t even born yet, but there they were in halter tops, platform shoes and Afros. There were even some roller skaters. Sorry the photos are dark, but I took them with my iphone.

I don’t have one of Drew, but he was in costume as well, looking his Dirk Diggler finest, complete with bushy mustache and mutton chops. The highlight of the night was K.C. and The Sunshine Band performing.

K.C. looked way out of shape, but he moved across the stage like a young man. I thought he might have a heart attack. All-in-all it was a fun night. I think I’m going to play some 70s or 80s music at my Boyfriend From Hell, launch party in September. I play music at all my readings. I try to make a party out of them. And with 70s or 80s music, you can’t help but dance.

The launch party is taking place at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. All are invited. I hope Vroman's is partial to music and dancing. I will give you more details on the party as we get closer. Now… Ugh! Back to... Ugh! editing… Ugh! Why can't these books just fall off the top of my head?

BTW, for all my Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge friends, I buried a movie trivia tid bit in this post. Do any of you know what movie? Drop it in the comments if you do. No prize, just bragging rights.

Peace

Springsteen & Me: Taking Control of Your Writing Career

For those of you thinking this is a post about Bruce Springsteen and me, let me say right here that it is not. I do not know Bruce Springsteen. Of course I know who he is, but until quite recently I hadn’t followed him. So, if you’re interested in Springsteen’s music stop reading now. This post is about how Bruce Springsteen inspired me to take control of my career, and how those of us who are creative can learn from what he did.

In October of 2010 I was having a beer with my publisher. But he wasn’t my publisher then. He was my friend. I didn’t even realize Chris was a publisher until that conversation. Christopher Meeks is a writer who I met attending grad school at USC. We were both aspiring writers on the—then, fledgling—Professional Writing Program. Chris told me he was publishing one of our old professors, acclaimed playwright and novelist, David Scott Milton.

Chris learned his publishing skills working for Peter McWilliams, and has gone on to self-publish two short story collections, a novel and a play. For more on Chris and Peter McWilliams go HERE.

During that conversation in October, Chris mentioned an HBO documentary he’d seen about Bruce Springsteen. It seems after the success of the first album, Springsteen realized he was under the control of his (then) manager. As is typical (I guess) in the music business, the contract Springsteen signed gave his manager total creative control forever. That didn’t sit well with Bruce. In fact, he gambled his future on ending that contract. Springsteen decided he could never record again under those conditions.


Bruce, along with the members of the E Street Band were young, and hungry—but not hungry enough to give away creative control. He’d rather go back to obscurity than turn his ideas over to a gatekeeper. He was an artist. An artist needs to control his art. He didn’t record for three years.

They could have caved to the pressure and made a living, but he stuck to his guns, not recording for THREE WHOLE YEARS. The special is about those years and the first album they recorded after he waited out his manager. Springsteen called the album “a meditation on where are you going to stand.”


I was impressed with the story my friend Chris told about artistic integrity. Luckily, one Saturday afternoon I was flipping channels and saw the documentary was again on HBO. I watched it. It is a brilliant special. It changed me. The Promise: The Making of Darkness On The Edge of Town. The documentary is acclaimed for how he created the music. I love it for the message it sends to those of us struggling out here in the creative community.

Soon after I saw it I asked Chris and White Whisker to be the publisher of Boyfriend From Hell, along with the two other novels in the saga. Why? I was with Tor, a division of McMillan/St. Martin’s Press—a Big Six Publisher. I loved my editor. My first novel , Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, sold very well. But I was not happy with the relationship. There was a disconnect. My editor loved my second novel, but her boss didn’t. They pitched me something else. I went to work on it. But every time I would do a reading or let someone read Boyfriend From Hell, they’d say, this is a great book. So I asked Chris to take a look at it. Fortunately, he thought it was a great book, too.

Me, I think it’s a terrific book. But I am the author. What do I know? I want to let you, the reader, decide. I can’t do that if it’s not out there. One of the E Street band members said “Bruce is a man with a vision, and at the same time he’s a man in search of a vision.” That is exactly how I see myself, constantly in search of the vision inside my head. But aren't we all like that?


When the Never Slow Dance With A Zombie movie option lapsed, I decided to shop the movie myself. I want to do it as a musical. My agent and many others don’t get this idea. Dancing zombies! Come on! That’s a great idea. At least it is to me. I don’t know if I will get it done, but I am in control this time. It feels good.

I am thankful that Chris is delighted with Boyfriend From Hell. Just as many of you decided what cover should go on the book, I want my work in your hands, and not the hands of some gatekeeper. Mind you, I had already published two horror novels under the pseudonym, Sal Conte, back when I was in grad school. I have a twenty plus year career writing TV and film and have been nominated for both an Oscar and an Emmy. So I knew my work wasn’t crap. But can I write paranormal YA?

Like Springsteen, I wanted to be in control of my ideas. I was inspired by him to take control of my career. Is the book good? You will let me know. Can I have a career as a YA author? You will let me know. I’d rather hear it from you than some gatekeeper.

Today I found out the ARCs will be in on the 13th. Reviews will follow. I will know very soon what people think of the book. I am now in total control of my career. I’m not a kid. I need to do everything I can to make this damn thing work. It’s daunting yet exciting. I feel invigorated. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you in advance if you leave a comment. I hope some of you will. I hope all of you read the book. I also hope this inspires some of you who have been sitting on the self-publishing/Indy-publishing fence to take a stand. We can be each other’s cheer leaders. Take control of your careers.

That’s the story behind Boyfriend From Hell, and how I started taking control of my career. Here we go.

Peace.

Winner!

I have two contests ending today. I want to thank all who entered. I enjoy holding contests, especially the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge. And so we will start there.

I thought this was a really tough one, and debated with myself on whether or not I should put it up. I got 13 correct answers. You guys are gooood!

The Challenge: In what movie did someone say I didn't kill my wife," and who said it?

The Answer: The Fugitive. Said by Dr. Richard Kimble.

The winner is Lulilut of Lulilut's Stack o' Books. You will be receiving your free $10 Amazon gift card later today. Thanks for playing. BTW, Lulilut already won an ARC in the cover contest. She's picked up quite a bit of swag. You go, girl!

The winners of the three free ARCs for my September release novel, Boyfriend From Hell:

Lisa at Cold Moon Violet Books

hmsgofita at Gofita's Pages

Donna at Girl Who Reads

Congratulations to the three ARC winners. I am so excited about this book. Enjoy the ARCs, and if you do, tell a friend. The ARCs will be in the mail in the next two weeks.

I want to also thank those of you who came over from Armchair BEA. I met quite a few new bloggers there. It was a spectacular event. My hat's off to the organizers. Looking forward to next year.

And now, I'm off to write.

Peace

Book Bloggers

Hi. Today is day three of Armchair BEA. Subject for the day: Work The Network. Over the first two days I have met new bloggers and seen some great giveaways. I am not a book blogger, but I wanted to get in on the fun, mainly to sing the praises of book bloggers.

My 2009 debut YA novel, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie (TOR/Teen), sold very... Very, very well. I owe this success to book bloggers. I didn't realize as a debut author, how little publicity support I'd receive from my publisher. And trust me, when I say little, that's probably too big a word for the amount of support I got. But I got loads of support from you guys. Several bloggers held contests on their blogs. One blogger even hosted a Twitter contest that boasted over 1000 tweets of my book title.

I wanted you all to know how important you are to us authors, especially those of us considered mid-list. I also wanted to thank the hosts of Armchair BEA for this awesome idea. I'm having so much fun.

And now for the pitch (That's right, now that I've got you seated, I'm going to try to sell you something) My second novel, Boyfriend From Hell, hits shelves in September. To entice bloggers to get the word out, I am hosting an ARC giveaway. I also host a something I call the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge. It's a movie trivia contest where I give away a free Amazon gift card. To participate in either or both click here: CONTESTS.

And now, I have to get back to finishing the new novel.... or checking SportsCenter for updates. Bloggers blog, writer's write, and E.Van Lowe is a master at wasting time.

Peace.