A Pre-Order, a Review, and Duck Drama

Biting the Curse is up for pre-order!

I didn’t realize until just this past weekend that I had the ability to see what I sold during pre-order status (am I dumb or what?—don’t answer that). And I didn’t remember putting Ghostly Interlude up on pre-order last year, either (see, my memory is really sucking!). I sold 5 copies (that I know of) of Ghostly Interlude during the pre-order, but I don’t believe I had it at a cheaper price, either. Biting the Curse is $2.99 during the pre-order and will go up after release day to $4.99. So far I’ve sold 4 copies (that I know of) of Biting the Curse, but I’ve got the book scheduled in a few newsletters for the next couple of weeks, so we’ll see if it gets any more traction. I sure hope it does! I’d like to think this book will get people interested in reading the others.

If you’re interested in getting your copy, here’s the blurb and the buy links:

Can a vampire break a curse?

When Janie Robinson says “I do,” she might as well call the morgue. Two days after her wedding, David died in a car accident. The day after she accepted his proposal, Justin fell to his death at work. The day after she agreed to move in, Aaron died in a freakish drone accident. Now Sam wants to date her because she’s some kind of Perfect Mate. If she’s perfectly anything, she’s perfectly cursed and she’s not about to risk Sam’s life.

Sam Kincaid is a vampire. He has been searching for Janie since the day he let her go. Her so-called curse doesn’t bother him until he becomes the killer’s next target. He’s never feared for his life before, but if he lets her go again, it wouldn’t be worth living.

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8F7BYL/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/biting-the-curse-stacy-mckitrick/1132154386?ean=2940161328767
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/biting-the-curse
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/biting-the-curse/id1469527645
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/945106

And I already have one review posted on Goodreads (you can see it HERE!). How awesome is that?

The price won’t be this low again for quite some time (if ever). So tell all your friends!

We had some duck drama here on Sunday. Mama and her ten ducklings (there were eleven on Saturday, so something had to have happened Saturday night) were using our house for shade for a time. They would then waddle down to the pond and swim around. They waddled back up later on and headed for the neighbor’s house (the house between us and the complainers of the bird feeders). They were just about to a shady spot when the dog inside started barking.

You should have seen them fly. And scatter! Hubby and I were laughing. Mama went off one way, a couple of ducklings followed her, some went the opposite direction and two stayed behind in the yard (guess the dog didn’t scare them so much). It took them about an hour to get all back together.

In our yard. In the shade.

Guess they feel safer at our house.

I’m super close to finishing up Perry’s story (Finding the Perfect Mate). The ending is coming clearer to me, which is a huge step in finishing! I figure I’ll finish the first draft in the next week or two. I’m so excited! It’s been way too long since I wrote a book this fast. And to think, it only took writing 500+ words a day! I started this practice on March 12^th and only missed three days! It was just going to be a trial thing to see if I could write every day. Guess I can. And now it’s just normal to get up and write first thing.

So… Have any excitement at your place this weekend?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

38 Years Ago and Goodreads Gouging

Thirty-eight years ago today Hubby and I tied the knot. And it seems just like yesterday.

Okay, maybe not yesterday, but it is a day I remember vividly. More vividly than I remember yesterday. Haha!

We’re not doing anything special tonight. The upcoming cruise will be our special. And that’s how we came to taking cruises in December. They were anniversary presents to ourselves. Then we found out how much cheaper it is to cruise in early December vs. Christmas or summer. Almost half the price!

But unlike last year, Hubby hasn’t booked any cruises for next December. Probably because we have two already booked for 2018 and are still paying for them. Although… he is getting itchy fingers to search for a December cruise.

****

I should have known this day would come eventually, since Amazon bought Goodreads. I just didn’t think it would affect me so much. Starting in January, Goodreads will finally be able to let authors and publishers give away not only print books, but e-books as well. However, they will start charging for this feature. It’s not a cheap fee, either: $119 for “standard,” $599 for “premium.” And that’s PER giveaway! Talk about gouging an author.

I had planned on holding a giveaway for Ghostly Interlude once I got it all formatted for print. But seeing as I doubt that’ll happen before January 8th, I’ll have to scrap that plan. No way will I pay that much to give away a book. Goodreads isn’t that effective as a sales tool. I know. I’ve tried advertising there.

Not only is this disappointing as an author, it’s disappointing as a reader, too. Those e-book giveaways are for Kindle books only. I don’t own a Kindle. I own a Nook. So therefore, why bother entering the e-book giveaway? I wouldn’t be able to read it anyway.

I kind of wish I had told Goodreads about being disappointed as a reader when I took their survey, but I was too angry and disappointed as an author. I pretty much told them my money would be better spent on a Romantic Times review, and that ain’t cheap, either. But at least I know who my audience is there.

So… For you married folks, what kind of stuff do you do to celebrate your big day? Do you still give presents to each other? We never did that. We used to buy something for the house. Now it’s just the cruises. Which is fine. We don’t need anything else for the house!

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Today’s the Day

Today’s the day I get this cancer cut out of me. I hope they get it all. And I hope I get to come home tonight. As long as I come out of anesthesia okay, I will. Because, hey, there’s a hockey game on TV at 8pm (Let’s go Pens!). Sure hope I can stay awake to watch it. J

I’m also hoping to get a lot of reading done today (since I was told there’s a lot of lag time before my surgery), but at least I do have one book to report this week. Here’s what I read the past week:

Book #51

Dates read: September 15-27
Title: “Tempting the Light”
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Bonnie Gill
Genre: Paranormal romantic comedy
Series: L.A.M.P.S. #1
# of Pages: 263
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Bad luck magnet Abby Fitzpatrick gets fired, catches her boyfriend cheating with a mime, and is cursed by an evil genie who pops out of a tampon box. She’s bound and determined to remove the spell and, as fate would have it, the hottest guy she’s ever met is out to kill her.
    River Stone, a Cryptid hunter for Legends and Myths Police Squad (L.A.M.P.S.), poses as sheriff for Abby’s hometown of Haber Cove, New Jersey. He’s out to find and capture a man-eating gnome and bag the legendary Jersey Devil monster. Little does he realize, the woman who catches his heart is the same creature that he was sent to destroy.
    Tempting the Light is the first novel in the L.A.M.P.S. series that features hunky secret agents who find true love while hunting and slaying dangerous Cryptids.
My thoughts: If you’re into crazy-humorous events, then give this book a try. Definitely light-hearted.

I’ve got some good news. I set up Ghostly Interlude on Goodreads. So if you’ve been waiting to add it to your “Want to Read” list, you don’t have to wait any longer. And to help you out, here’s the link for the book page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36347633-ghostly-interlude

Happy Reading!

Stacy

The Problem with Goodreads

I was going through my e-mails before I left on the cruise and, like always, opened the one from Goodreads to see what my friends had read, or marked to read. One friend gave 5 stars to The Chemist. That’s the new book from Stephenie Meyer.

Oooh! I quickly looked to see if it was out now. No, it’s not. But soon (Nov 8). I hadn’t added it to my wish list, so I fixed that right away (I always hit that list first whenever I get a coupon from B&N). Then I went over to Goodreads to see if I had added the book there.

Again, I hadn’t (how that was possible, I don’t know—I knew the book existed!). It already had 57 reviews there (nothing on Amazon or B&N because they won’t let you post them until the book is released). Or so I thought. There were no reviews. These were all comments on their perceived notion of the book (yes, this one is a totally different genre—for one it’s not YA). Some were happy to see another Stephenie Meyer book (like me). Others? I’m shaking my head.

I don’t know why people feel the need to bash an author if they have NO INTENTION of reading their book.

Now, I love Goodreads, don’t get me wrong. I love adding the books I’ve read or will read. I love keeping track of my reading. I love seeing my own books listed there. But I think some people just like to use it as a way to feel superior.

Yeah, like on Facebook.

Except on Facebook you have to use your real name. On Goodreads you don’t.

Those snarky reviews (well, more like comments marked as reviews) won’t dissuade me from reading The Chemist. I loved the Twilight series and I liked The Host. And when I finally get the book and read it, I’ll post something real without all those GIFs.

In other words… I try to use Goodreads as it’s intended. Post something that says to me what I liked or didn’t like and recommend it, if I feel it’s worthy. I will not bash a book before I’ve read it. That’s just silly. And uncalled for.

Oh well, just my opinion. Apparently other readers don’t feel the same.

Football Update:

• High School: Wayne won their first playoff game. Yay! We’re hoping we’re off the ship in time to make it to this Friday’s game. We did it two years ago, so know it’s doable! Hopefully the game is located in a place so we don’t have to drive through Cincinnati to get there. I hate driving through Cincinnati during rush hour (and it always seems to be rush hour!).
• College: OSU Buckeyes were awesome. Loved how they played. USC Trojans and WV also won decisively. Awesome Saturday night (gee, do they even play day games anymore??).
• NFL: I had to post this before the games ended (and I ran out of battery on my laptop—no plugs at Buffalo Wild Wings), so I can’t report on the Steelers and Rams. But we were able to watch all of the Steelers play since we weren’t allowed to check in at the ship until after 6:30pm (last minute cruise delay).

The Penguins also won decisively on Saturday AND I won a Stanley Cup Champion license plate holder on the Angry NHL Fans-Pittsburgh Facebook Page! Angry, the admin of the page, is always giving away Penguin stuff by having us guess stuff like who will score first or how many shots are in a period/game, etc. Saturday she asked for first period shots (for both teams). I picked the correct number of 18 (along with a bunch of other people) and she drew my name. Yay! A nice way to start my vacation. J

So… Do you use Goodreads? How so? If not, why not?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and a Giveaway

Yay! I finished a book. Here’s what I read the past week:

June 16: “Taken By Midnight” by Lara Adrian, book 8 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 370 pages. Blurb from book: In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal…and arouse. As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenge their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire. If anyone looked at my stats (and they’re posted somewhere, I’m sure), you’d wonder if I enjoyed reading this book because it took me nearly two weeks to read. Yes. TWO. WEEKS. But sometimes life (and work) just get in the way and the first thing to go is reading. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did. Very much. Sure made it hard on me to work, though (because I kept wanting to pick it up and read!). But once I got down to 60 or so pages remaining (about 90 minutes worth of reading), I pretty much said “forget it,” and finished it. I enjoyed reading about Brock and Jenna and the continuing storyline is keeping me hooked (as is the writing). I love this series.

I’ve got a Goodreads giveaway starting today where you can enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Bite Me, I’m Yours. I’ll eventually have something in the sidebar where you can click to enter, but you should be able to see the giveaway on the book page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22647199-bite-me-i-m-yours

I just thought it would be nice to give away a copy of this book to celebrate the release of A Vampire Wedding. I mean, it is the book that made the novella possible. Plus, I’m hoping it generates some interest (for both books). I’m still trying to find my audience (which is not an easy thing to do nowadays).

So… Got any vacation plans this summer? How about weekend trips? Hubby and I are going up to Chicago (and Wisconsin) for a weekend trip next month (found a great rate on a hotel room). Planning on returning with a trunk load of Kringles, too. Man, are we hooked on those things! Hopefully Hubby won’t have any problems eating them by then (although he’s doing pretty darn good at eating right now—yay!).

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Motivation

My motivation to write is returning. Not there entirely (I can still get easily distracted), but the recent ads for My Sunny Vampire (and subsequent reviews—some good, some bad), and then reading J.R. Ward’s blog about The Shadows (how she came to write that ending), has lit a fire under my butt. So much so, I went back to work on Ghostly Liaison yesterday and I think (THINK) I finally (FINALLY) got past the difficulties to move forward. Talk about a relief. We’ll see how today goes, though. If I get two good days in a row, then I know I’ve done something right.

Now, onto what I read this week (hmmm… I bet you can tell which book I finished):

Jun 22: “The Shadows” by J.R. Ward, the 13th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a paranormal romance at 576 words. Blurb from Goodreads: Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm. iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating. Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice... Oh man…. Totally did not see that end coming (I purposely avoided anything that mentioned “spoilers” when it came to this book – like I do for any of her books – thus I didn’t read her blog until I finished the book). I loved this story (and all the other little stories that goes on around the main one), but I think it’s going to take me a day or so to recover. Really! This was one gut wrenching story.

Not sure if you noticed in my sidebar, but the Goodreads Giveaway for Blind Temptation is under way. I’m hoping people who enter (and add the book to their to-read list) will buy it when they see it’s only $2.99. I’ve had a spike in sales this month (actually this month has been the best ever), but I think that’s mostly attributed to MSV’s freebie sale (which ends July 3rd in case you didn’t know). Whatever, I’ll take it!

So… Do you like entering Goodreads giveaways? If so, have you ever won? If so, did you read the book? My hubby has won once and actually read the book. He didn’t like it. Hasn’t stopped him from entering again, though. I usually enter when I see a favorite author giving away an autographed copy. One of these days I’ll win. Maybe. It’s not like I NEED any more books. I just WANT them! J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Goodreads, Newsletters, and Last Day to Vote

Due to a promotion I’m involved in, I’ve gotten lots of new followers on Goodreads (which I link this blog to), so hopefully if any you new followers are reading this and would like to sign up for my newsletter, click HERE. Next newsletter out will have news of my next release, Blind Temptation. I’ll even share a snippet (since I don’t do that on this blog).

And if anyone here would like to follow me on Goodreads, you can do that HERE. Or you can just friend me. I accept those, too!

By the way, do you like snippets? I try not to bombard you with that, but if it is something you’re interested in (or curious), let me know in the comments. I certainly don’t mind sharing! And if you think I should keep them to my newsletter, let me know that, too. I will NOT feel insulted. Honest.

Today’s the last day for readers to vote for the Judge a Book by Its Cover contest, where Bite Me, I’m Yours is included in the paranormal category. If you haven’t voted and want to, click HERE. I appreciate those of you who have already voted for my cover. Keeping my fingers crossed it finals in either the readers voting or the judges voting (except when I’m typing, because, well, then I couldn’t type!). Bite Me, I’m Yours hasn’t really found its audience yet and I’d like to think if it won, the audience will find it! Plus, I really, REALLY love that cover. It is perfect for that book. That is John and Sarah! J

Last week I set a goal to write 5000 words. I actually made it a day early. I think pushing myself to do that has really helped get my story to gel in my head. At least I’m getting the words on the page. I have no idea where it’s all going, but I’m starting to enjoy the ride. I remember how much Ghostly Liaison really kicked my butt when I was writing the first draft (and it turned out pretty good), so I guess it’s no surprise GHOSTLY INTERLUDE would do the same. Here’s hoping for the same outcome!

Tonight I'll be at the Wilmington-Stroop Branch of the Dayton Metro Library for "Romance and Chocolate." Several authors and will I discuss romance books (and eat chocolate, of course!). This will be the third year I've been involved in this. It's starting to be fun, too. Wow. Never thought I'd think that. But if you happen to be in the area, come say hi!

So… Have you noticed it’s staying lighter later? It’s not much, but at least it’s heading in the right direction—Spring! Now, if it would only stop snowing! J

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Heading to the Sea

This will be my last post until November. And hopefully, HOPEFULLY, I’ll have pictures to share then. You see… I’ll be on this big boat and they don’t have the internet. I’d like to say I’ll get some writing done. Or even get caught up in my reading. And maybe I will, but they’re not in the plan.

The plan includes FUN. And lots of it! J That’s the way it should be, right?

I’ve been advertising on Goodreads. Not a lot of money (only ten bucks), but it’s garnered some author ranking fluctuations (in a good way) on Amazon. I can only hope it’s doing the same at other vendors. I’ve only noticed one sale since I started the advertising campaign, but then, I can’t see sales from anyone except for Kindle.

One thing I did notice on Goodreads, though. 517 have added My Sunny Vampire to their to-read books (8 since I started advertising on 10/10). Who are these people, I wondered. Well, I CAN check that out. And what I discovered kind of blew my mind.

When several of them have over 20,000 books in their “to-read” column, can I really expect they’ll ever get to mine? Granted, most of these people added my book when I ran a giveaway back in January. At the time I was thrilled people were adding my books. I figured they’ll see it on their lists. Now, I’m not so sure. I find it akin to garnering “likes” on Facebook via a contest. Sure, they’ll “like” you to try and win, but how many will really stick around? How many REALLY like you?

This publishing business is insane, isn’t it? But I love it anyway! Really, I’ve never been happier working at any job than I have been since I started writing. My husband notices it, too. I’m a completely different person! In a good way, of course. J

So… I’m looking forward to doing nothing for a week. No, take that back. Having FUN! What are you looking forward to?

Stacy

My Book Signing and a Giveaway

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!!

Tonight is my very first book signing, which I first told you about HERE. And of course, it’s supposed to snow this evening. Hopefully AFTER we’ve driven home from the event. I think I’m already sick of winter and it hasn’t even officially started!

Anyway, if you’re in the Columbus area and want to stop by, you’re more than welcome to (there will be DESSERT!). I’ll be at Grand Reserve at Albany Crossing, 6039 Poplar Ridge Dr., Westerville, OH 43081 from 7-9 pm. I should have some pictures to post on Monday. I said SHOULD, so please don’t hold me to it - hahaha!

J J J

I got my hands on some copies of my book (SQUEE!) so I put My Sunny Vampire up on a Goodreads Giveaway! If you want to win an autographed copy (and live in the US or Canada), then go and enter. I figured out how to get the widget to show up in my post even! Am I smart or what? Or am I slow? Because I’ve been blogging for how long now and just now realized I could do that? Gee whiz!!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

My Sunny Vampire

by Stacy McKitrick

Giveaway ends January 15, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

J J J

Got a busy weekend planned. Okay, maybe just Saturday. I’m going to my RWA chapter’s Christmas party in the afternoon. Then later that night I’ll be attending the Madrigal Dinner, held at Wright State University (Link: http://www.wright.edu/events/madrigal/).

My children are both involved in the festivities (as dancers, no less - if you click on the link and check out the video, you’ll see them briefly!). My son got us interested in it years ago when he was a student majoring on the trumpet, then later when he changed his major to voice and was involved with the choir. Now he’s morphed into being involved as a non-student (got his sister interested) and we continue to attend. It’s a fun night of food, songs, and laughs.

Oh yeah, and it’s supposed to be snowing Saturday. Give me a break!!!

Let’s see…It’s 12 days to Christmas. Are you ready? Really? Aw, heck. Are we ever really ready for the holiday? I don’t think so.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

 

My First Review!!! Oh, and Pictures of Graceland

Whoo! What a week. I can't believe I actually blogged every day. I guess it's easy when you have lots of stuff to share.

 

I got a nice surprise the other day. I was on Goodreads, noticed two more people added my book (I love it when the number goes UP), went to check out who (yep, I can do that!) and discovered my very first review! Whoo hoo! She gave me 4 stars, too. Wow! I don’t even KNOW this person. I guess I really AM published now. Feels kind of good. J

I realized as I was downloading the pictures from my camera that I hadn’t shared my experience at Graceland. Well, here are some pictures from that impromptu trip.

Because this is what Graceland is all about, right?

Proof I was there!

Graceland, which wasn't named by Elvis, but by the previous
owners after their Aunt Grace! He liked the name so much
he kept it.

Living room - love that stained glass!

We weren't allowed upstairs, out of respect for the family.

Dining room - duh!

The kitchen looks so normal, doesn't it? At least, normal
to the 1970s.

Room in the basement. The colors kind of jarred me!

Another room in the basement. I thought it was really
cool how all the walls & ceiling are covered in fabric.

Here's a picture of me taking a picture of...me! Oh, and
also of the room leading to the racquetball court.

This USED to be the racquetball court.

They still have horses on the estate.

 

We are now on board the Lisa Marie.

Yes, Elvis slept here!

Final resting place of Elvis, his parents, and grandmother.

It was an interesting tour, not really worth the $37 (nor the $10 to park!). I guess if you're a real fan, you don't mind the costs so much. Still, there was one part where they were showing clips of his films, making me itching to watch one now (not that I've ever watched one from beginning to end before).

Wrapping up Lyrical Press’s Celebrate Paranormal Month, here are the final links:

Oct 30: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/30/celebrate-paranormal-month-liza-oconnors-ghost-lover/

Oct 31: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/31/celebrate-paranormal-month-brynna-currys-claiming-ana/
Oct 31: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/31/scaretober-books/

Last night I was supposed to go to the HS football game, but the severe weather (rain, wind) pushed that game (which was supposed to be telecast by Fox Sports Ohio) to tonight. Should be a pleasant evening for football. If Wayne wins, they’re the division champs. Either way, they’re headed for the playoffs. Certainly not the way we envisioned the season. We thought we’d be lucky to win ONE game! Instead, we’re 8-1 going into the final game. It’s been an adventurous season. I hope we survive the playoffs!

So, have you ever watched an Elvis film? Think you'll ever go to Graceland?

Stacy

I'm on Goodreads!!

Hi all!

I'm still at Dragon*Con, getting no writing done, but then, that's not what I came here for, now is it? Anyway, I am getting some reading done (standing in line can become tedious when it's your third or fourth event), so last night while I was updating my Goodreads account, I noticed a big change.

"My Sunny Vampire" is listed!!!

I just wanted to share that with you.

Now, back to the con. I have taken more pictures this year than in previous ones, so I'll be sharing soon. Probably Friday.

Have a nice Holiday! (It is Labor Day, right???)