Tuesday, November 12, 2013

65 + Tips, Sites & Advice Articles for Authors! Use & Pass Along!

Greetings and Salutations!

My name is Bee L. Kirk and I recently released my first novel entitled City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor. The journey of writing a book has been one of extreme highs as well as disappointing lows. I didn't know half of what I know now and I still have tons to learn. Along the way, I've collected information that I think can be helpful to you. Although you may not be able to use all of it, I'm sure some of it will help.

I believe in helping and paying it forward. So, I ask you to do the same. Pass the information along to someone else who might me able to use it. Remember to always sow good seeds so that when it's time to reap the harvest, it will be a good one. For those of you who may not be familiar with this saying, I'm speaking of Karma. What you put out is what will return to you. With that being said, enjoy and use the information below in your quest to make it to the top or simply touch someones life.

Black Caviar Book Club.com - They allow you do have a free book promotion on their site. *Free* They have 573 likes as well as a 144 shares. It's very simple. You click on one of the genre's listed to the right and then upload a book cover, blurb and a few other things. It took me all of 4 minutes to do this. Exposure! After submitting your book, you should stay and research the site because there's a wealth of information there.

Molly Greene/Writer - This site offers advice from a fellow writer. Take and leave what works for you. It's worth the read.

Different Ways to say Thank You! - As writers we are often asking for favors, asking for help or showing our appreciation for something. I don't know about you but I get tired of saying, 'Thank You'. It's so plain and uneventful. This website gives you the opportunity to get creative with your appreciation. Try it:)

Calibe - eBook Conversion - We always need reviews and in 2013, everyone likes to read on their phone...at least I do. If you only have a PDF version to offer potential reviewers, you're narrowing your opportunity to get more reviews. We want to make it as easy and simple as possible for our potential fan base and reviewers. This site offers you the ability to do this. I have not had the chance to actually use it yet but it is on my to do list for this week. And I'm excited about it.

100's of Links to Publishers and Agent - This site has all the potential to really pay off for someone. I have looked around and queried some of the agents. Have I spent the necessary time there to ensure a call back or great lead? No. But you may have the time to do this. Give it a try.

Tweepi - We all know how important Twitter is. This app allows you to manage your followers, follower their followers and gain an exponential amount of followers. You have to play around a little bit but it's worth every minute you spend there. This is a wonderful site and I hope you all take advantage of it.

65 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Blog - Here's another site with a wealth of information. There's bound to be something here that you haven't heard or know.

Association of Independent Authors - This next site is a hit or miss. I believe they charge for some services, while others are free. It may be a fit or not.

BookPinning - Takes about 1:13 seconds to do this. *Free* Promotion.

Book Promotion Ideas - Are you stuck when it's time to tell people about your book? This website will give you some pretty cool options. Check it!

I will do a part II soon because there's a lot more I have to share.  If the above links are helpful then I've done my job. Now, make sure you do the same and pay if forward. Feel free to follow me:)

Bee L. Kirk
Author Page
Twitter

Sunday, November 10, 2013

My Unsettling Interview with Count Lucien Dupont

Bee
When did you know writing was your passion? 

Lucien
There’s a scratching at the window. Bee sees a ghostly face leering at her. At first she is scared, but then remembers I am a vampire come for an interview. She lets me in. 
“Hello Bee, I am Count Lucien Dupont.” 
Bee looks a little ruffled. 
“I won’t bite if I have a glass of red wine.” 
Bee fetches some wine.

Bee
Uhhh...Do you write full time?

Lucien
When I have the time I might pen a word or two, but being a vampire really presses me. There’s so much to do and so little time before night caresses my soul.

Bee
I've never interviewed a Vampire before and I'm a little nervous. Let's try to stick to the area of books.
How many books have you published?

Lucien
I have lived a thousand lifetimes and can only confess to three books thus far. I am more at home musing others to greatness such as De Sade and Poe.

Bee
What advice do you have for new authors?

Lucien
You can’t write and be a vampire. Try getting a day job to pay for all those pesky expenses, computers, editing, marketing, and do have an established following on social media. Big sigh. Oh and never give up - look at me, it took thousands of years to get where I am today.

Bee
Are you self published? Do you have a literary agent?  

Lucien
My Gothic Luna Series is self published as I doubt a publisher would understand both books are basically my journals. No one believes I am real. But look, I do have a reflection. As for most agents, well it’s best I don’t get into bed with them - some are vampires and they’ve been sucking the blood from writers almost as long as I have.

Bee
Yes, I can see your reflection. According to all the movies, Vamps don't have a relection. I can see you're not the average Vampire. Let's continue.
What genres do you read/write?

Lucien
I’ll read anything that takes my fancy, Bee. As I am a supernatural creature I tend to stick in that genre like fangs in a blood clot.

Bee
Oh my...Do you have any events coming up?

Lucien
Halloween is due and that’s my busiest time of year, especially this one as it’s my Lunatics Blog Tour kick off. Can’t wait to bite all my new blogging friends. Hiss.

Bee
How do you come up with your book ideas?

Lucien
My Luna Series is all about my life, scary as it may sound, that’s the gist of it. As for ideas, well they come from the realm of darkness where my dreams run rampant and unchecked.

Bee
I can only imagine. (nervous smile)
Is there a message you try to relate through your writing?

Lucien
Don’t do this at home.

Bee
Who is your favorite character from one of your novels and why?

Lucien
Mememememememe - Count Lucien Dupont is a ruthless savage vampire out to get his eternal blood. I failed back in 1925, but here I am for another shot.
Can’t keep a good vampire down.

Bee
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Lucien
Back in Paris where I belong amongst the nightlife and a never-ending supply of blood vintage.

Bee
Do you think we will ever have a female president? 

Lucien
Yeah, whoever has the highest twitter following, probably Lady Gaga.

Bee

Now, that was funny. I didn't think Vampires has a sense of humor. What kind of music do you listen to?

Lucien
Gothic!

Bee
How old are you?

Lucien
I’m as old as the wind across the desert, when we could see the stars without pollution before the Pyramids were built in my honour.

Bee
Inspired more by Beyonce or Oprah?

Lucien
I am my own inspiration.

Bee
Steak or Hamburger? Why?

Lucien
When I’m on a date then raw steak will have to do until dessert.

Bee

Oh my (A chill goes down my spine but I shake it off, determined to finish this interview and not run out screaming)
What is your writing process like?

Lucien
Haphazard, confusing and disjointed.

Bee
Movies at home or at the theater? Why?

Lucien
Back in the good old days when talking movies were a thing of the future I loved to partake of a vintage in the back seat. These days I can’t abide the volume so I have to resort to a drop of blood or two back home in front of the boob tube. How sad.

Bee
If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?  

Lucien
Drinking more blood.

Bee
(Okay, that's it. Time to wrap this up.)
Do you believe in ghost? Why or Why not? 

Lucien
I am a supernatural being and see those bloody things all the time. Very disconcerting I must say when driving.

Bee
What is your book about?

Lucien
Me and my tumultuous struggle we call life!

Bee
What should readers expect when they read your book? 

Lucien
Something completely different, unusual, thought-provoking and not normal vampire musings.

Bee
What would you tell your younger self?

Lucien
How far back do you want me to go? Sleeping in a coffin isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The times I’ve struggled to get out with stiff joints, well more times than I’ve had hot dinners - no that’s wrong, I haven’t had any hot dinners except that blonde last night.

Bee (I'm standing with purse in hand now. My palms are sweating and I'm eyeing the door of the night lounge we've chosen to meet at. Is he going to let me leave? Is he hungry right now! Calm down)
Lucien, it was...a pleasure speaking with you. I won't be inviting you over to my home any time soon (I laugh nervously, as does Lucien) but I wish you all the best. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians
Website

Information for Count Lucien

Buy Links

us


uk



For reviews and more info:
Aeturnus Goodreads page.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

What are you getting your kids for Christmas?




I love this time of the year, it always provokes fond memories of my childhood and adulthood. The stores are bustling with the anticipating giver, the making of dinner menus, and the sense of well being to all mankind. I always think, what will I get the kids this year, what will make their little eyes glow with glee?

PS3, laptop, tickets to a concert, a big wheel? Here’s another thought I had, what would it be like to give them something that money can’t buy? How would it affect their lives if I give them something that made their soul tingle with glee? Would an act of kindness make their life more fulfilling than a iPod?

I have been blessed. I don’t make excuses for it anymore, I don’t try to reason or question it away. I accept it and with that I feel an obligation to those who aren’t as blessed as I am. I have a roof over my head. I have food in the refrigerator. I have clothes to put on my back. I have running water, both hot and cold. Simple stuff, huh? Yes.

Are these things we take for granted sometimes, absolutely!
So how do we change that? How can we give life lessons to our children while giving back to those who are living the life lesson?
I’m glad you asked, I have a few suggestions.


The above links are to Dallas area volunteer centers for the homeless. I encourage you to look up the local homeless shelters in your area on
Google. It took me about 2 minutes to look up the ones listed above.
Some require you to answer a few questions but it’s not rocket science. It’s quite simple when you think about the opportunity you’re going to have. You will be directly responsible for touching someones life. Now that...is something that you can’t buy at the mall or Uptown Village.

What gift are you getting your kids for Christmas?
Or what gift are you Giving your kids for Christmas?

Just a Thought…

Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians.


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

***Book Review*** for A River Moves Forward by Selena Haskins

One of the things I love most about reviewing books is the opportunity it affords me in sharing the range of emotions I go through while reading a book. As I’m reading, I never think about the reviewing aspect until I’m completely finished because I don’t want to misjudge someones work or jump to conclusions.

I read A River Moves Forward about two weeks ago and I’m just now writing the review. This is due to several reasons. The most important being the fact that I wasn’t sure how to approach this review, I didn’t know where to start or how it would end.

I have a confession to make...no this has nothing to do with the FB confession epidemic, I really have a confession. I judge books by their cover. I’m trying to retrain my brain but it is so hard. The first thing I see often draws me in or turns me away. So when I saw the cover for A River Moves Forward, I really didn’t know what to expect. I love city skylines and the cover for A River Moves Forward has a beautiful one displayed in conjunction with a calm and unwinding waterfront. It all gave me a sense of ease.


Looking back on it now, the cover is very misleading. A River Moves Forward is anything but calm. I was on a roller coaster of emotions almost from the beginning. Author Selena Haskins gives the reader an inside view of life as most of us have never experienced it. It’s a time period piece, something else I am hesitant about. After reading this novel, I have changed my mind about that also. She made everything seem so relatable, you forget that it takes place in the 1970’s. I began reminiscing about the music that my parents would play around the house, which solidified my bond with the characters.

Cabrini Green Housing Projects is the location that most of the most heart wrenching events occur. I’ve never lived in, “The Projects” but Selena Haskins made me feel like I had. I’ve never had a sibling strung out on drugs, but Selena Haskins made me wonder what it would be like. I’ve never been beaten but Selena Haskins made me realize how blessed I have been.

A River Moves Forward is by far more than just a nice cover, it will take you on a journey of ups and downs. You’ll be sad and happy. Anger will cause your face to blush and teenage love will make you remember those innocent days.

I would definitely recommend this book!

The Bee Count: 9
 1-3 Bee’s => Sorry I read it
4-5 Bee’s=> I found watching paint dry more exciting
6-7 Bee’s=> Congrats on Publishing a book
8 Bee’s => Very Good Book, Would Recommend it!

9 Bee’s=>Extremely Glad I read It!! Can’t wait to talk about it on my Internet Radio Show (City of the Guardians Blog Talk Radio.com)
10 Bee’s=> I can’t breath, I want more, RIGHT NOW!

Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor

Author Selena Haskins information:
Website
Goodreads
Amazon

Review for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge.

 On  February  12th through the 15th, my son Jaxon & I stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott in Austin , Texas which is located about 20 m...