Author Chat Friday welcomes Karenna Colcroft

Please welcome a new addition to the roster, Karenna. She's been here with Promo Mondays, but now is your chance to actually get to know her a little better!

Ta-da! I’m here!

*Clears throat, looks around* Nice place you have here!

Oh, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Karenna Colcroft, and as of today, since 2009 I’ve had 40 romances published, including freebies and a few short stories in anthologies. I’ll tell you a little more about today’s release in a minute. I also write young adult fiction under the name Jo Ramsey, and soon my seventeenth YA will be released.

One of Karenna's romances. Looks
like lots of fun, going from the
cover!

I started writing erotic romance in 2006 when a friend, who had been informally counseling me as I tried to cope with some demons from my past, challenged me to put my writing skills to work and write something that showed “sex in a positive light.” He knew me well; I always take challenges as long as it doesn’t involve anything illegal or anyone being hurt. So I wrote a scene and was actually kind of impressed with it. I kept going.

Later that year, I left my first husband (long story, but he was a big part of the reason my friend was counseling me) and joined an online dating site. I didn’t get a lot of dates through it, but I had a few short relationships, including one to a man who challenged me in 2007—yep, another challenge—to start posting my erotic stories on a certain free story website. I took that challenge too, and that’s where I found my first publisher.

My first erotic romance e-book was released in March 2009. The numbers I mentioned above are all since then. It’s been one heck of a wild ride! I got my start writing heterosexual erotic romance; nowadays I write more male/male but still some hetero as well.

Today’s release, Beta Block, is one of my hetero romance novels. It’s paranormal; both hero, Carlos Garza, and heroine, Brianna Wright, are werewolves. Brianna has one hell of a horrible past; abuse, rape, and being thrown out of her previous pack. But with Carlos’s help, she can begin to rebuild her life. Beta Block is from Passion in Print Press, www.passioninprint.com, and I’ll be visiting Phoenix Johnson on Monday to share more about it.

Meanwhile, I’ll be here on the third Friday of every month, and I look forward to hanging around and getting to know you!

40 published romances, wow! Looking forward to having that much experience under my writing belt! Well done, Karenna, and welcome to Author Chat Fridays! Looking forward to your promo spot on Monday, and can't wait to see what you have in store for us next time on ACF!

Something different

This Wednesday, instead of doing Hump Day Hook, I would like to tell you about Authors Database. You all know IMDb, right? The database of movies, actors and tv series. Well this is like that, except for authors. I've recently joined up, as has Naughty Nights Press and a few of the other authors. It's a fantastic site to browse through authors, see who's new, who writes what and even see author services such as editing and publishing services for those aspiring authors out there! 
You can even leave reviews for services you have used and leave some comment love for your favourite authors. So what are you waiting for, head on over and check it out! Start with my page here!

Author Chat Friday rehash

Ok, much like I began my first Author Chat with an apology, so too do I start this one. This time, due to unfortunate life circumstances, Delena Silverfox, who was scheduled to post today, will be unable to do so. And due to my own life circumstances, I lack time to write up an all new post. 

So I'm once again sharing my post on the importance of a good relationship between publisher and author. I'm also including snippet and blurb of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, which you should all know by now has been released and has cracked Naughty Nights Press's BestSelling list after only 4 days, and remains there still!

To get on with the post, I'd love once more to discuss the important relationship between author and publisher. Something many people don't think about, either because they aren't one of either, or they are but just don't see it as quite as important. But I can tell you know, neither would be able to succeed without the other. So it's very important that an author and publisher see eye to eye, and are both willing to meet in the middle when there is an issue. If the author has an issue with the contract TALK ABOUT IT to the publisher BEFORE signing. 

(Disclaimer: I might use a fair bit of capitalisation in this post, I'm just trying to really make a point here.)

Once the contract is signed, both author and publisher are bound to THAT EXACT contract. That's it. READ IT. Make sure you know what you're signing before you sign. 

So now we've signed the contract, and maybe time is dragging a little. Keep in mind something before you go off the deep end: publishers look after MULTIPLE authors, editors, artists, and numerous other staff. Things come up (and no, they don't HAVE to tell you unless it directly involves you! Some do, though, out of COURTESY), and so instead of wasting their time with your petty tantrums, let them use that time to sort out the issues! They're humans just like you and me. 

Now you're on to the editing process. They're not there to tell you what a great job you've done in writing the story. Their sole purpose: CLEANING IT UP. Any little error, big error, gaping plothole... any issue that might be in there, it's their job to point it out to you. If you don't like it, well that's pretty much too bad. If it's something, say, like capitalisation of a word that normally isn't, (for example, in certain scenes in my Wolf Smitten series, I capitalise Wolf when referring to Derek's Wolf), then don't get shitty if they request it changed. Just leave a comment stating that it's integral. If it's a legit grammatical error or plothole, or something that is just purely difficult to believe even given whatever strange circumstance your story might be set in, LISTEN TO THEM. They're trying to get YOUR story to the best state it can be so that the readers (who PAY YOU) don't feel that they've wasted their money. They aren't your friend, they are your editor. It is important to have a good working relationship and trust with them, yes, but FIRST AND FOREMOST: they are your EDITOR. LISTEN. 

Cover artist has now done the cover. Maybe it's not quite what you thought it would be. Or maybe there's a small detail not quite right. Again: BEFORE going off the deep end, consider: is it INTEGRAL? Maybe the eye colour is wrong. In which case send a CALM message saying "whoops, Character A's eyes are actually red, not purple. Great job though!" If it's way off, for example wrong city skyline, and maybe some readers wouldn't notice but a lot would, again, send a CALM message pointing it out. If it's not absolutely integral, however (maybe the hero is standing when you wanted him to be sitting? Or he's facing left with hand on hip, but you wanted him facing right with his arms crossed), then just LEAVE IT. THEY know what sells and what doesn't. TRUST them. 

All through the process, make sure you always take a breath and THINK before sending a message. Is it IMPORTANT? Can it wait? And ALWAYS make sure you're calm and respectful. Obviously if they aren't respectful when you genuinely have been, then you might get annoyed. But don't see that as an invitation to be disrespectful back. Maybe it was just a swamped day, and they didn't have time for the usual courtesies. You don't know. Unless there are serious red flags going up, then just bear with it. Publishing companies are looking after numerous other authors, all eagerly waiting to get their book out there. But they can't all go out at once. It just doesn't work like that. 

My main points are to READ the contract, SHOW and EARN respect, BREATHE, THINK and TRUST. Not something that is easy these days, but without any trust, society is just going to go to hell. I trusted, respected and, I believe, have earned respect by breathing and thinking and not being a tantrumy, impatient toddler. And now, I am about to see that all pay off with my debut release next week. I can tell you, it is worth every single second of waiting!

Excerpt of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, get your copy HERE. And feel free to leave a review, every little bit helps!

After a few more moments of sniping from him, Krissy finally convinced Derek that a nap might help him feel better, so she helped him off the couch. He pushed away her efforts to help him to her room, stating, “I sure didn’t need the help last night; I think I can make it today,” with a wink that made her giggle. She was astounded at how well she had taken this new aspect of him in her stride. She guessed it was just the exposure to werewolf novels and movies that had her desensitized.

Once they reached her room, she directed Derek to lie on his stomach so she could try to massage out some of the knots in his shoulders, tense from the double transformation. His breath groaned out of his chest as her hands – delicate yet strong – worked out some of the bigger kinks and she felt the vibrations through his back, making her recall his groans of pleasure from last night when she clawed his back.

She frowned in silent thought, wondering whether that had been man or beast enjoying that bit of pain, before she realized Derek had fallen asleep with one last groaning sigh. Krissy smiled as she watched his face, finally peaceful and frown-free.

Author Chat Friday with Phoenix Johnson

Firstly, I want to apologise for it being a little later than normal. Today ended up a little busier than intended, or expected. But I'm here now, posting up my first Author Chat. 

To lead in to my first chat, I'd love to share some very exciting news: The Wolf in the Neighborhood has a release date! That's right, Tuesday 15th January, it will go live for purchase from Naughty Nights Press (where it's already available for pre-order!), All Romance eBooks, Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Kobo... I'm sure there are a few other places it'll be available from, but right now they're the ones I can remember off the top of my head in this stinking hot weather. Gold Coast summer!

So as part of that excitement, about the release date, not the summer bit, I'd love to discuss the important relationship between author and publisher. Something many people don't think about, either because they aren't one of either, or they are but just don't see it as quite as important. But I can tell you know, neither would be able to succeed without the other. So it's very important that an author and publisher see eye to eye, and are both willing to meet in the middle when there is an issue. If the author has an issue with the contract TALK ABOUT IT to the publisher BEFORE signing. 

(Disclaimer: I might use a fair bit of capitalisation in this post, I'm just trying to really make a point here.)

Once the contract is signed, both author and publisher are bound to THAT EXACT contract. That's it. READ IT. Make sure you know what you're signing before you sign. 

So now we've signed the contract, and maybe time is dragging a little. Keep in mind something before you go off the deep end: publishers look after MULTIPLE authors, editors, artists, and numerous other staff. Things come up (and no, they don't HAVE to tell you unless it directly involves you! Some do, though, out of COURTESY), and so instead of wasting their time with your petty tantrums, let them use that time to sort out the issues! They're humans just like you and me. 

Now you're on to the editing process. They're not there to tell you what a great job you've done in writing the story. Their sole purpose: CLEANING IT UP. Any little error, big error, gaping plothole... any issue that might be in there, it's their job to point it out to you. If you don't like it, well that's pretty much too bad. If it's something, say, like capitalisation of a word that normally isn't, (for example, in certain scenes in my Wolf Smitten series, I capitalise Wolf when referring to Derek's Wolf), then don't get shitty if they request it changed. Just leave a comment stating that it's integral. If it's a legit grammatical error or plothole, or something that is just purely difficult to believe even given whatever strange circumstance your story might be set in, LISTEN TO THEM. They're trying to get YOUR story to the best state it can be so that the readers (who PAY YOU) don't feel that they've wasted their money. They aren't your friend, they are your editor. It is important to have a good working relationship and trust with them, yes, but FIRST AND FOREMOST: they are your EDITOR. LISTEN. 

Cover artist has now done the cover. Maybe it's not quite what you thought it would be. Or maybe there's a small detail not quite right. Again: BEFORE going off the deep end, consider: is it INTEGRAL? Maybe the eye colour is wrong. In which case send a CALM message saying "whoops, Character A's eyes are actually red, not purple. Great job though!" If it's way off, for example wrong city skyline, and maybe some readers wouldn't notice but a lot would, again, send a CALM message pointing it out. If it's not absolutely integral, however (maybe the hero is standing when you wanted him to be sitting? Or he's facing left with hand on hip, but you wanted him facing right with his arms crossed), then just LEAVE IT. THEY know what sells and what doesn't. TRUST them. 

All through the process, make sure you always take a breath and THINK before sending a message. Is it IMPORTANT? Can it wait? And ALWAYS make sure you're calm and respectful. Obviously if they aren't respectful when you genuinely have been, then you might get annoyed. But don't see that as an invitation to be disrespectful back. Maybe it was just a swamped day, and they didn't have time for the usual courtesies. You don't know. Unless there are serious red flags going up, then just bear with it. Publishing companies are looking after numerous other authors, all eagerly waiting to get their book out there. But they can't all go out at once. It just doesn't work like that. 

My main points are to READ the contract, SHOW and EARN respect, BREATHE, THINK and TRUST. Not something that is easy these days, but without any trust, society is just going to go to hell. I trusted, respected and, I believe, have earned respect by breathing and thinking and not being a tantrumy, impatient toddler. And now, I am about to see that all pay off with my debut release next week. I can tell you, it is worth every single second of waiting!

Excerpt of The Wolf in the Neighborhood, RELEASE DAY 15 JANUARY 2013 Pre-order HERE

After a few more moments of sniping from him, Krissy finally convinced Derek that a nap might help him feel better, so she helped him off the couch. He pushed away her efforts to help him to her room, stating, “I sure didn’t need the help last night; I think I can make it today,” with a wink that made her giggle. She was astounded at how well she had taken this new aspect of him in her stride. She guessed it was just the exposure to werewolf novels and movies that had her desensitized.

Once they reached her room, she directed Derek to lie on his stomach so she could try to massage out some of the knots in his shoulders, tense from the double transformation. His breath groaned out of his chest as her hands – delicate yet strong – worked out some of the bigger kinks and she felt the vibrations through his back, making her recall his groans of pleasure from last night when she clawed his back.

She frowned in silent thought, wondering whether that had been man or beast enjoying that bit of pain, before she realized Derek had fallen asleep with one last groaning sigh. Krissy smiled as she watched his face, finally peaceful and frown-free.

Fantastic Company Breeds Success!

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Well, it's pretty obvious, isn't? When we're surrounded by others doing well, it inspires us to do well. And when we're all doing well, nay-sayers and doubters only make us strive to do better to prove them wrong. Can you say you disagree? I sure hope not!
I have been surrounded by quite a few successful authors for months now, and I do believe it is rubbing off. 


Warning: This is a total suck up, gratuity blog! I love my fellow authors and will take every chance to brag about them that I can get!


So who do I start with? Well, I won't put these in any particular order, just random. 

Cassandre Dayne: A wonderful author published with many presses and a truly wonderful lady. Cassandre was one of the first authors I reviewed, and that book, Spankdown, opened me up to the world of BDSM. She is a fantastic role model for aspiring authors, and a testament to just what one person can do when they put their minds to something. In my opinion, she is the poster girl for success!
Sherry Tooker: A fellow starting author. We have become super close over the past few months and are so similar it is a little spooky at times. Being so new to writing for publishing, we both have a lot of moments where we are filled with self-doubt. Sherry has helped me out of some severe funks, and I will always be grateful that I can call her friend and writing sister. We bounce ideas off each other, read over snippets from the other to make sure they read ok and are always ready to give a shoulder to lean on. That is what true family is about. 

Vampirique Dezire: A naughty Mother Hen, in my eyes. Without her, I wouldn't have met Gina (whom I shall speak about momentarily), and been encouraged to get back in to writing. I wouldn't have ever considered reviewing. And I certainly wouldn't be writing books two and three of Wolf Smitten since The Wolf In The Neighborhood was accepted by Naughty Nights Press. My first submission accepted. I cannot tell you how thrilling that was, but I owe a lot of my success to this wonderful lady. She, like Cassandre, is supremely busy as Director of Marketing for NNP, as well as writing her own blog, writing her own stories from time to time and spending time with her family. (And I'm not just talking about her writing family) This lady is definitely an inspiration and a wonderful person I'm honoured to call friend.

Gina Kincade: What can I say about this woman. She's strong, professional, intelligent and knows what she wants, when she wants it and how she wants it. Gina is the CEO/Owner of Naughty Nights Press, a writer, a mother, and a good friend. We all jokingly refer to her as the Bosslady, but it is a term of endearment. This is one woman who will give everything she has to something she is passionate about. She has one of the highest levels of commitment I have seen in anyone. This company is only six months old and most of the feedback any of us have received has been positive. She is doing really well as the captain of this ship, and I am excited to see just where she steers us: Success! 
Pablo Michaels: A wonderful writer, and a loving friend. He has so much going on in his life and yet he still tries to keep up with his friends. Pablo gives so much, and I am honoured to know this man. He was one of the first people to sign up for The Twelve Days of Naughty Giveaways, and one of the first participants to submit his Naughty Shorty, a beautifully naughty tale involved the Greek Gods and Demigods. His participation in Six Sentence Sundays paved the way to my willingness to start reading m/m, and I am so thrilled that I had the opportunity to read from him. Pablo always has something nice to say and is ever encouraging. He has got a lovely way of writing that warms the heart and opens eyes. I can not wait until he starts writing again. 

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Brenda Woody and Steve Tindle: Another couple of authors, these two write books together. It is quite wonderful the way they work together to produce such fantastic writing. I had the pleasure of reviewing them a few months back, and was delighted when Brenda nominated me for Xcite Books awards for Best Reviewer. I didn't make the final six, but it truly is an honour to be nominated. I know, only losers say that. That's far from the truth. To be nominated goes to show that there are people out there who recognise your work and appreciate the time you take. I am so touched to have been nominated by Brenda. I also have to admit it comes in handy having the two of them as friends, because if I ask one a question and they aren't sure, they work together to get an answer. It's brilliant and another inspiration.


There are so many other people I would love to mention, but I don't want to bore everyone. I just wanted to say thank you to all those who have, in one way or another, helped me strive towards success. This time last year I was struggling to write. Now, I have my first accepted work, two follow up novellas, a short story just written, two full sized novels started and an idea for my own compilation. With so much success surrounding us all and so much encouragement from others, may 2012 be our year! 

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

To everyone wanting to achieve something, surround yourself with wonderful people who are revelling in their own success and celebrate with them. That positive energy will then reward you with your own celebrations. The Universe rewards positivity, and we must all strive to shake off negativity. If someone is doubting you when you know that you will succeed, ignore the doubting. If you make a mistake, that's just life. Shake it off and keep on going. And when you're feeling down, crank up some inspirational music like Katy Perry's Fireworks or Blue Lagoon's Break My Stride, and dance like crazy. Absorb the positive messages and use it in your life! You'll be amazed at how much things will change for the better!
And to all the doubters out there, stand aside and let us pass. As someone once said "The one who says 'It cannot be done' should never interrupt the one who is doing it."