It’s an Honor to Be Nominated

May 23, 2013 By 29 Comments

There’s a lot of change in the publishing world right now, which in many ways is very cool. But there also seems to be a flood of negativity that comes along with it:

Writers blasting other writers for their methods, more and more “experts” cropping up, and just general noise that can crowd out the feeling that you are doing anything right.

When I decided to actually share my writing (beyond haiku emails to friends and sharing weird dreams in occasional blog posts), this was the world I wanted to avoid.

The one that makes you think you’re doing everything wrong. The one that makes you hate every word you write. The one that tries to tell you you’re a failure before you even try.

I love writing. I do it because I enjoy it. But some days it’s hard to just enjoy it when everyone is yelling at each other around you.

And those are the days when it’s nice to get a new review. (I think we’ll throw a party when I hit 100.)

Or a fan on Twitter telling you they couldn’t put your book down and can’t wait for the next one.

Or in this case, news that your book is up for an award.

The Ruth Valley Missing is up for a RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) award in the Mystery category!

dtwhoa

What? WHAT?!

(…and there was great rejoicing…)

It was entirely unexpected. As a matter of fact, I only found out about it thanks to a Google alert. (Oh, Google, I adore you.)

I’ve been vocal on this blog about doing what’s right for you in the creative process. About not giving too much weight to every “experts” opinion.

I am not a NYTBSA*, but I made something. And it was fun making it. And people enjoyed it. And continue to enjoy it. I didn’t blog the way I was told, I didn’t approach Twitter with a “strategy”.  So, while the chances of me coming home with this award are slim, the fact that my little debut novel is even up for the award is pretty thrilling.

And I hope this encourages all of you who are working to create something to spend less time listening to the noise. Instead, spend that time supporting each other and enjoying what you love.**

dtcake

 

For those of you interested in how you can help in the awards’ process –

Finalists will be selected by readers – so if you are a fan, get your votes in anytime starting 5/24 through 6/1.

From the InD’Tale site:

If you are not already a subscriber to InD’Tale magazine, you may register on our homepage. This is very easy to do and will immediately allow you all access to our website as well as InD’Tale magazine itself (NO spam will EVER be sent!) Then, all you need do is click on your favorites to vote!   PLEASE NOTE: If you are registering, the process is not completed until you click the verification email that will be sent to your inbox! If you do not see it, please check your spam folder. All it takes is a click but it is an important click!

If you enjoyed The Ruth Valley Missing, head over and give it a vote!***

I was honestly super surprised to find my book on the list, so no matter what the outcome, I’m already really beyond pleased. A big thank you to everyone who has supported my novel. It’s had more success than I ever hoped!

Enjoying myself. Also, delerious from juice cleanse.

Me, super pleased. Also, delirious from juice cleanse.

 

*No, really. I have zero desire to be a New York Times Bestselling Author. However, if Colbert wanted to have me on his show, that I wouldn’t say no to. COLBERT BUMP!
**I love the sentiment of this webcomic about creating.  If you’re feeling a bit down about your work, check it out.
***Juice boxes for everyone!

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Books in the Wild!

May 20, 2013 By 21 Comments

This weekend I discovered that a very lovely little local book shop is closing its doors. The owner, can no longer keep up with the demands of running the place due to health issues, so she is accepting offers on the shop.

In the meantime, all books in the store previously priced at $10 or less are now $1. Anything over $10 is 50% off the price. Needless to say, we headed over there Sunday afternoon and grabbed quite the stack of books. (If you are local, you should go check it out.)

This same shop has been a great supporter of local authors, carrying and promoting their works in their storefront.

Which means a small stack of first editions (the original cover) of The Ruth Valley Missing have returned home.

To celebrate my 99th review, rather than sell these copies, I’ve decided to set them free using BookCrossing.com.

If you’ve never heard of BookCrossing.com, it’s a fun way to donate books to other readers and follow the books journey online. You simply stick a bookplate in the front of a book with a special ID and set the book free. The next person who finds the book can go online and enter the ID, logging where they found it, and then log where they set it free when they are done.

Book-Crossing-BCID-LabelI’ll be doing some wild releases: setting the books free locally in coffee shops, waiting rooms, any place that lends itself to picking up a book.

But, I’d also like to send this opportunity out to blog readers. If you’d like to be part of a release, leave a comment or shoot me an email. I’ll ship a copy to you, no charge. All you have to do is go online to BookCrossing.com when you set the copy free somewhere in your area. Even if you’ve already read The Ruth Valley Missing, you are welcome to participate in a wild release.

I’ll be sure to update everyone as the books’ travels. Happy reading!

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The Ruth Valley Missing Updates!

December 10, 2012 By 13 Comments

First off, a big thank you to everyone who has been so supportive during the release of The Ruth Valley Missing.

The comments I’ve received through social media and email, the interview requests, it’s all been awesome and overwhelming. Like this most recent review on Amazon:

I’m writing this review about three weeks after having read the book – that’s how long the wonderful atmosphere and story has been kicking around in my head since I finished it. This, to me, is the sign of a good book. At first, I wished it hadn’t ended, and now as time goes by, I find myself still thinking about it – wondering how Jameson is doing now, thinking of things she could have done differently, etc.

I think the best thing about the book is the way that it’s written – the style is very descriptive, but accomplishes this by dropping small descriptors throughout, rather than long expository paragraphs on the details of the scene. I have a very visual sense of what Ruth Valley looks like, what Jameson’s walk into town was like, the diner, the church, etc. I felt like I was cozily embedded in the small town of Ruth Valley myself.

The characters who matter are well-developed, and I found myself really liking or disliking them as the situation called for. The main character is very likeable – she is someone I felt I could relate to and who was believable. At times her judgment is questionable (her choice of boyfriend when the story opens, some of the decisions she makes that put her in danger’s way), but this makes her feel real.

The story is a mystery, and part of that involves figuring out, just what the mystery is. The story doesn’t open with an obvious murder that needs to be solved. Rather, there is the sense that something nefarious is going on – but what, and by who? This makes it all the more fun for the reader – it’s not just a story wrapped around a bunch of whodunit clues.

I definitely recommend this book, but caution you not to read the end of it when you’re home alone in the middle of the night, as I happened to do!

Seriously, ya’ll…ALL THE FEELS!!

I shipped several books off to the winners of my last giveaway, two of which are going on really long trips to Ireland and Australia. (I should have hitched a ride!) If you are still hoping to win a copy, check the sidebar for the GoodReads giveaway going on right now!

For those of you who haven’t read it yet, I’ve left the sales price for the eBook live – $3.99 – so feel free to grab a copy or add me to your TBR pile on GoodReads.

Be cool. Like this dude.

If you’ve read it and would still like to lend your support – which is awfully cool of you – there are a couple of ways you can do that:

Review the book. Amazon and Goodreads are both great places to leave a review. Enjoyed the book, but didn’t think it deserved five stars? That’s totally okay. I expect readers to be honest, and while FIVE star reviews are awesome, I welcome all feedback from my readers. Seriously. I mean that.

LIKE me. No, I’m not talking about Facebook. On Amazon, there is “LIKE” button both on the book page and the Author page. (You can access the author page by clicking on an author’s name.) These clicks actually do mean something, and they only take a second.

Tell your friends. People listen to their friend’s recommendations. So, be that friend. Whether it’s a virtual shout out on Twitter/Facebook, or recommending the book to your local book club, every little bit helps.

 

If you’d like to know more about The Ruth Valley Missing (and the person behind it) you can check out these blogger interviews:

Tameri Etherton – Today’s Gift: Amber West’s The Ruth Valley Missing
Tiffany A. White – Amber West on Smuggling, Scotch, Home Remedies, and The Ruth Valley Missing

 

I have more interviews scheduled and will be sure to update you all on where I’m hanging out on the interwebs when they happen.

And for those who have been asking, yes, you twisted my arm. There will be another Jameson Quinn book. I started writing it this past week. So, way to be persistent!

 

To sum up: Thanks for being awesome. Keep the awesome coming.

 

 

 

 

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You’ve Got Questions – We’ve Got Answers. Probably.

June 8, 2012 By 34 Comments

I’m minutes away from jetting out the door for some much needed errand running. Heading to Costco to stock up on tubs of greek yogurt and pesto the size of my head.

While I’m out, enjoy the newest blog addition.

Q&A Time!

I’ve gathered a lot of new readers lately (hi!) so I thought it appropriate to open the floor to questions.

But not just any questions.

Or, actually, it kinda sorta is any questions.

If you have questions about me, submit them in the comments and they will be rolled into an interview post down the line.

If you have practical questions about things like using social media, technology, writing, cleaning your house, etc, those will be answered in themed posts with like questions.

Questions about anything else? Throw them out there. I make no promises as to my expertise in any category you hurl at me, but I WILL answer. If nothing else, it should prove to be mildly amusing. And prevent me from talking to myself all day.

What’s your question?

FIRE AWAY!

[Adding now that I am not running out the door]

Super exciting news over at Tiffany A. White’s blog – she is revealing the cover of her upcoming novel! I am so excited for her (and proud). Go give her some love.

 

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