Upcoming events

Guess what guys?

I have just received word that I was accepted to be one of the featured authors for the Cascades Library Local Author's Fair! This event will take place Saturday, May 5th at the Cascades Library in Sterling, Virginia. Authors spanning generations, experience, and genres will be gathering to speak with their fans, make some new connections, and spread the love of reading and writing to all who attend.

If you come to the library between 10am and 1pm, I will be there selling signed copies of The Lady of Steinbrekka, offering complimentary bookmarks to all who attend, as well as offering advice about self-publishing.

Authors will be present for book signings from 10am to 5pm. There will also be two panel discussions occurring during the day. The first discussion, "Writers, technology, and the future" will be held from 11am to 12:15pm. The second discussion, "Inspiration: Insight on what motivates us to write" will be held from 2pm to 3:15pm.

Spread the word, and I hope to see you there! This is going to be an incredible event.

Why Indie rocks! - Bethany Lopez

Welcome to another post in the Why Indie Rocks! series. Today's guest author extraordinaire is the wonderful 

Bethany Lopez.

1) When did you first begin to write as an Indie-author/self-published author?

 I began writing in Oct 2010. I didn't release Ta Ta for Now!, my Contemporary YA, until June 2011.

2) Why did you decide to go the Indie-author/self-publishing route?

 I didn't even know it was an option when I began to write. I queried Agents and dealt with the rejections that came along with that. When I learned about publishing through Amazon from my Uncle. I decided to give it a try. I had no idea what I was getting in to. I learned so much in the six months after I self- published, and I met some amazing people who helped me along the way.

3) What are some advantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-published author? 

Control is a big one. I'm kind of a control freak, so it works for me. I like being able to choose my covers, how I want to market, and when I want to release my books.

4) What are some of the disadvantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-Published author? 

A dream of mine has always been to see my books in a bookstore. You can still make that happen by consignment, or doing an event in a store, but not to the same extent that you could if you were traditionally published.

5) What is your best advice to someone who wants to break into the Indie world?

 Build your platform prior to your book release. Start a Facebook Page, a Twitter Account, a Pinterest, and any other social media outlet that interests you. Start a blog. Get to know other writers,bloggers, and readers, before you start marketing yourself or your book. Pay it forward, as they say. No one wants to deal with a new writer who hasn't done their research, doesn't know anyone, and introduces themselves by pushing their work down our throats. That may sound harsh, but it's not meant to. We are a wonderful, generous, and friendly group, get to know us! Now I say this because I didn't go this route. As I said, I knew nothing about Self Publishing before I did it. I'm just trying to make it easier for you than it was for me. Laura Howard is a perfect example of doing this wonderfully. Her book isn't out yet, but she is a strong presence in this community.




Nissa: a contemporary fairy tale is a YA Contemporary Fantasy and will release on April 23rd.

P.S. (How cool is that cover! Gorgeous!)

Want to know more about Bethany? You can find her at any of these locations