Blog Tour: The Choice by author Ronda Caudill

The Choice (A Nobleman Novel)
Blurb:

Nila and Blake’s journey of love and challenges continue in The Choice. Nila is face with many choices, one of which is the choice of mortality or immortality. She makes surprising new friends and discovers secrets about an old one. More is revealed to Nila about Blake’s past. Their love will be tested with the challenges they are met with and the secrets that are revealed.

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

a Rafflecopter giveaway Interview with Ronda Caudill

Where do you currently reside, and why did you choose this place?

I currently live in Virginia. I have lived on an island (Rarotonga, Cook Islands), Florida, and California. But I keep finding my way back to Virginia.

What inspired you to begin writing?

I took a course in college titled Teaching of Writing and I discovered that I really liked writing.

Tell us about your latest novel: The Choice, in 20 words or less: 

It is a continuation of the Nobleman series. The two lead characters, Nila and Blake, continue their adventures.

What has been the most exciting part of being a published author?

Being able to share my work. I love seeing my stories in print.

What do you do to prepare for a writing session?

Music and Smarties. I pick music that fits what I am writing about and I have a bowl of candy handy (usually Smarties).

Does writing get easier with each project?

It definitely does. I think it is because I gain a little more confidence as a writer with each project.

What has been the worst part of being a published author?

I can’t think of anything bad associated with being published.

What books have influenced your writing?

The House of Night series by P.C. Cast, the Immortal series by Alyson Noel, and The Beautiful Creatures series by Margaret Stolh and Kami Garcia.

Is there an Author (past or present) that you would really like to meet?

Edgar Allan Poe; he is my all time favorite.

Mine too.

If you could talk to your former self, what advice would you give him?

Start writing sooner. Don’t wait.

What has been the harshest critique you have ever received concerning your writing?

 From my professor in the Teaching of Writing course. He was honest and I really appreciated the honesty.

As a writer, it is considered unprofessional and inappropriate to give a retort to a critic or criticism. Were it “politically correct” to address your critics personally, what would be the one thing you would say to them?

I had the courage to write the book and share it.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

Currently my editor has a novel that is a twist on Jack the Ripper. It is titled Forbidden Fruit and is slated for release in the late spring or early summer. I am currently writing a 12+ novel titled The Glasshouse Children of Ravenshire. It is a fantasy book and is slated for a late summer release.

What is the last thing you read? Did you like it, hate it?

Actually the last thing I read was a novel titled The Melody of Our Hearts by Roberta Capizzi. I loved it!!

What was the last movie you watched? Did you like it, hate it?

The last movie I watched was Beautiful Creatures. It was Amazing! It obviously can’t compare to the novel but it was a wonderful movie. I loved it so much that I am going back to see it again.

Where can readers find your works and follow you?

My website is www.rondacaudillbooks.com 

My blog is https://rondacaudill.wordpress.com/

My books can be found on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ronda-Caudill/e/B00AXXT050/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360538704&sr=1-2-ent

The Prequel Continues: Jeanie Thomas - Sea of Tranquility series: Dark Side of the Moon - Book 2

Jeanie Thomas has always been a daddy’s girl. A superior scientific mind and a better than average physical combatant, Jeanie certainly follows in her father’s footsteps, even following his strange disappearance in DSOM with one of her own.

Jeanie Thomas the second novella in the Sea of Tranquility series, provides unique insight into her formative years through her days in the field as an operative, and even gives clues into her eventual disappearance in Dark Side of the Moon.

Jeanie Thomas is novella 2 in the Sea of Tranquility: a History of Dark Side of the Moon compilation prequel.

Jeanie Thomas Kindle

The Prequel is here: Martin Thomas - Sea of Tranquility series: a History of DSOM

The wait it over.

At long last the Dark Side of the Moon prequel series: Sea of Tranquility has arrived.

Grab your copy of Martin Thomas novella #1 of the 5-part prequel series to the best-selling Dark Side of the Moon.

Only $.99.

And look out for the next 4 pieces in the puzzle.

Enjoy and don't forget to leave a review...

Guest Post: Nick Thacker: Build A Platform the Right Way: How to Be A Blogging Writer

Build A Platform the Right Way: How to Be A Blogging Writer

Not all writers are created equal. Similarly, not all writing styles are created equal.

For that reason, many writers today are relying on more than just their own skill to get noticed and start selling books. For some, that “more” is something like a combination of Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads giveaways, and in-store appearances.

And while there’s nothing wrong with those mediums (hey – they’re essentially free, easy-to-implement marketing!), there’s a better way to handle the long-term plan of becoming a well-known, selling writer: becoming a blogging writer.

First: What exactly is a “blogging writer?”

It’s pretty obvious that a blogging writer is just a writer who blogs. But there’s more to it, like what to blog about, and why.

Most blogging writers like me are blogging for two big reasons:

1.      To help other people

2.      To help themselves

I blog at LiveHacked.com because I want to create a blossoming community of writers who love helping one another, teach each other to market their books, and of course learn — from the blog, books, and community.

That part of it is the “to help other people” part, but there’s an equally important reason I blog:

I want to teach other people, to help myself better understand this world of writing, marketing, and creating art. By blogging consistently, I’m held accountable by my community, and I’m constantly learning new things along the way.

Of course, some writers may not be interested in (or need) either of those things, so there’s a third reason to blog: to journal.

Arguably, this is still part of the “to help themselves” goal, but it’s usually strictly to keep track of what the writer has done, is interested in, to keep them motivated, or a myriad of other personal reasons. Essentially, it’s the “to help themselves” reason, without the accountability. There’s nothing at all wrong with this particular choice, either – it’s just not as common.

Second: Why writers should blog

“Don’t writers already write enough?”

“If we have time to blog, shouldn’t we be writing more books?”

These are both questions I’ve heard plenty of times before, and to both, I answer:

Yes.

Writers certainly write enough, but here’s the deal: if you’re not already being published by a Big-6 publisher with massive marketing clout, what are you doing to differentiate yourself from every other author?

It’s not enough anymore to just write great books – that’s the price of entry. Now, we’re expected to be marketers as well. Blogging, as it turns out, is a fantastic way to market your work.

To the second question I answer: Yes. You should always be focusing on providing more to your readers and fans (even if you don’t know who they are just yet), but don’t forget about the non-book-related things they’re into as well.

For example, I find that I’m interested in my favorite authors’ blogs because they’re not just websites set up to sell more books. They’re actually little portals into the author’s world – facts, trivia, tidbits of writing advice, etc. For that reason alone, I’m glad they don’t focus only on writing books.

Finally, it seems that the quickest way to go from “unknown” to “renowned” as a writer is by being a contributing member of modern society. Since publishing companies are running out of marketing dollars, they’re looking for authors who are not only backed by a fan base, but that are adored by their readers as well. They want writers who “get” marketing, blogging, and social media, and aren’t afraid of a little self-promotion, for one simple reason:

They can’t afford to create your hype for you anymore.

Now, more than ever, publishers are looking to partner with authors and writers on getting a book to market, and the bigger your author platform is (Home Base), the more opportunity you’ll have to make a living doing what you love!

What do you think? What are some reasons authors should be blogging? Leave a comment below, and let us know!

If you want free book-writing tips, check out Nick Thacker's FREE 20-week novel-writing course. Also, check out the self-publishing blog and resource site www.LiveHacked.com.