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Why Do Certain Books Sell?

February 23, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

I’m sitting here scratching my head and wondering why some books sell and some don’t. I don’t mean all books, I just mean mine. LOL Why do the same two books sell the best all the time?

Guardian Vampire took off in January and February of 2011 and made me a lot of money in those two months. I never figured out why that particular one sold like that. And now, over a year later, it’s still running neck and neck with Haunted Lake in sales. Haunted Lake is selling a little better right now, but GV is still doing well. If it weren’t for those two books, I wouldn’t be making much money. Haunted Lake actually took about 7 months from the publishing date to really start selling well. I don’t know why. It’s averaging 4 1/2 stars on Amazon, so that’s encouraging.

The reason I did the Libby Fox series in the first place is because my readers asked for a series. They really wanted a sequel to Guardian Vampire, but there just WASN’T a sequel in my heart and mind. So I did this other vampire series. There’s even a werewolf in the second and third book. And honestly…I think the Libby Fox books are better than Guardian Vampire. Much better, in my opinion. The covers are definitely better. Was it the title that sparked interest? (Thank you Susan.) Are the Libby Fox titles all wrong? The readers wanted a series. I gave them one. But they aren’t selling like I want them to. Is it going to be a delayed reaction like Haunted Lake was? I released the three novellas in June, August, and December of 2011. Should I be patient? I know the key to continue selling is to keep writing and publishing. But I’m still getting better sales on my older stuff.

So now I’m wondering about my garden gnome supernatural horror story. I haven’t a clue in the world how it will do. It’s out of my genre, but not too far out. There’s a romance in it, that’s just not the main focus of the story. Will readers think it really sucks? Or will they like this book that’s different from my others? My first beta reader likes it, even though she’s only seen the first draft. I’m anxious to see what my other betas think after I get the edits done. The thing is, even though I wonder about these things, I’m not AFRAID to publish this story. Because what will be will be. I’ll never know until I publish it.

So here’s an interesting question. Should I write a sequel to Haunted Lake or Guardian Vampire? Should I force myself to revisit those characters just to try to boost sales? Or should I follow my heart and mind and write what I feel? Actually, I’m not so sure I would mind revisiting Haunted Lake. Because the guy that DIDN’T get the girl might just have his own story to tell. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they?

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ROW80 Check In 2/22/12

February 22, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

A little writing progress. I sat down last night and added some things to my story so the ending would make more sense. I explained something that was just mentioned in passing about one of the characters. I added the simple stuff right into my manuscript, but the more complicated stuff I wrote in a separate word document. I’m not sure exactly where I want to place in in the manuscript, so it was easier to do it this way until I figure it out. I also need to expand on the final “witch fight” scene. I rushed it a little just to get it done, but I know it needs more. Anya agrees. 🙂

I’m still trying to decide if I want to buy Scrivener. I guess I should download the free trial and see.

I’m really looking forward to this weekend with Susan Bischoff and Kait Nolan. Much fun will be had.

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What Books Have You Read More Than Once?

February 21, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

My friend, Anya, tells me she never reads a book more than once. When she’s read it, she’s done. That got me thinking about what books I’ve felt like were so good that I’ve read them more than once. Here’s my short list:

IT by Stephen King
The Touch by F. Paul Wilson
The Doomsday Conspiracy by Sidney Sheldon
A Gift of Violets by Janette Radcliffe

I’ve read several books twice, but the list above is comprised of books I’ve read at least 4 or 5 times. The oddest thing about those four books is they are all different genres. IT is horror. The Touch is, I guess, a supernatural thriller. The Doomsday Conspiracy is SciFi/Adventure. A Gift of Violets is a historical romance. See, I’ve said many times that I’m an eclectic reader. 🙂

What books have you read more than once? I would love to know!

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ROW80 Check In…and Other Stuff

February 19, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

There’s not a whole lot going on with the writing. I’m 2/3 through proofing the novella collection for print. I’ve put my garden gnome horror story (still no title) aside for just a little while so I can look at it with fresh eyes before starting major edits. The Christian romance is going okay. Exercise isn’t going as well, but I’m trying to plod on with that. I’m way too sporadic with it.

Also, I want to thank all of you who responded so kindly to my silliness a few days ago. I should not have gotten my feelings hurt about that whole Valentine’s giveaway thing. However, that silly post actually got good results, although that really wasn’t my intention, LOL. Several people, some ROW80ers and some not, not only responded but also tweeted and blogged about my giveaway. Soon, I had a bunch of people requesting my free books. I want to say a special thanks to Ruth Ann Nordin, C. M. Hubbard, and Stephannie Beman for going that EXTRA mile to get the word out about my contest. I also want to thank my lovely cover artist Anya Kelleye for posting my giveaway on Jimmy Thomas’ wall on Facebook, since he’s the cover model on all the Libby Fox novellas. 🙂 All of you that tweeted or blogged about my giveaway, I’m SO grateful to all of you! And there will be more giveaways in the future! 🙂

I wanted to mention another benefit I got from all the blog love. I found some other books to read! Some of the commenters either wrote books I want to read or mentioned books they like on their blog. I’ll say more about that in a post sometime later.

I hope the rest of you had a great week!

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What Do Your Characters Look Like?

February 17, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

Most of us, when we’re writing a story, have at least a vague idea about what our characters look like. Some writers have a particular look in mind and make up someone completely from scratch. But many of us see certain actors in our minds when we think of our characters. It’s hard for me not to do that. So I thought I would let you see what I saw when I wrote some of my books.

I’ll start with Guardian Vampire since that one is still my best seller. I honestly didn’t see an actor in my mind for this one until I started watching The Vampire Diaries. When I saw Ian Sommerhalder, I knew this was my Logan. And I imagined Hilary Duff as Kendall.

Ian Sommerhalder

Ian Sommerhalder

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff

One problem I’m having with Ian is that I also want him to be Ethan in Club Blood. LOL

There was never any doubt as to who I wanted to be Patrick in A Rocky Path. Hans Matheson was the one from the very beginning.

Hans

Hans Matheson

I think the hardest character to cast is John in Haunted Lake. I think he may be my favorite character. So much happened in his past and he’s scarred both physically and emotionally. I can’t make a connection between him and any actor yet. Those of you who might have read Haunted Lake, what do you think? I do have some ideas for Daniel, though. These two:

Archie Kao

Archie Kao

Tim Kang

Tim Kang

And Adam from my Libby Fox Series. It has to be Alex O’Loughlin!

Alex

Alex O'Loughlin

Who do your characters look like? Or do you make up everything about them? I would love to hear who you see when you write!

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My Feelings Were Hurt

February 16, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

Okay, I’ve been acting like a big baby over this. And it’s so totally out of my character, I can’t figure out what’s wrong with me. I’m a very easy going person who lets most things kind of roll off my back, and I rarely let things get me down. I’ve had some hard days at work, so that might have added to my angst, but it’s no excuse for feeling the way I have been.

You see, I didn’t check in yesterday for ROW80 because I was hurt and discouraged. Why? Because my last post was about a Valentine’s giveaway (it runs through Saturday) for three free books, my Libby Fox series…and NO ONE requested the books. NO ONE. I had two authors drop by and say hi, but they didn’t ask for the books either. I do appreciate their comments, though. And I do realize that a lot of the people who follow my blog already have my books. I found that out when I did my birthday giveaway. But I would have thought at least one or two people would ask for the books. I noticed that there were a couple of other people giving away books and weren’t having much luck either, so maybe I’m not alone. But when I see a free book giveaway, especially when all you have to do is comment, I usually jump on that. I’m actually SELLING the books, so I guess I shouldn’t be hurt over no one wanting them for free, but it just hit me the wrong way, I guess.

Anyway, it was silly for me to get so upset over this. Really silly. And I’m sorry for that. I don’t know why I felt like I needed to even post about this; I guess I just needed the outlet. And it’s MY blog, after all. LOL. So I hope to get back on track and do a ROW80 post on Sunday. I’ll surely be back to my old happy, optimistic self by then. I guess we all have bad times every once in awhile. I was due one. 🙂

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Valentine’s Day Giveaway!

February 14, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Today, and for the rest of the week, I’m giving away all three novellas in the Libby Fox series to everyone who comments. This will go through Saturday, Feb. 18, at midnight, Eastern Standard Time. All you have to do is comment and ask for the books, and I’ll send you a coupon code for all three on Smashwords. If you would like to tell me, I would also like to know your favorite Valentine candy, and I would love to hear any good Valentine’s Day stories you want to share. PLEASE be sure to leave your email address so I can send you your coupon codes!

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TV Talk

February 13, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

I used to think I would never get tired of CSI. That it was the greatest show in the world. Then CSI: Miami. Then CSI: New York. But then there were so many shiny new shows! Shows that were different. And the DVR just keeps filling up. When will I have time to write??? *wrings hands*

My husband and I have had Directv for years. When U-Verse finally came to our house, we chose to only take the internet service. We stuck with Directv. One of the reasons I didn’t want U-Verse TV is that you can DVR four shows instead of two! Sounds great, doesn’t it? But when would I actually watch all those shows. I work 8 or more hours a day, 5 days a week. I need writing time. I need cleaning house time. I need exercise time. WHEN can I watch that much TV? Oh, and then there’s Netflix. I have so many things queued up to watch. And I haven’t finished watching my Twin Peaks DVDs. I haven’t finished watching my Buffy DVDs (for about the 6th time). And I HAVE to watch Moonlight again!

I discovered the other day that I had 4 CSI:New York’s and about that many CSI and Criminal Minds on the DVR. I’m behind watching The Mentalist. I’m going to have to trim something down, but I don’t know what to give up. I’ve added The Vampire Diaries, Grimm, Once Upon a Time, and my FAVORITE, Person of Interest. I have to give up something. Well, actually I did give up one show. My husband was disappointed to find that The River, which he was waiting for anxiously, came on at the same time as one of his other shows and one of mine…Ringer. He was just going to have to skip it. He thought. But I love my hubby so much and didn’t want to disappoint him. So I gave up Ringer for The River. I actually wanted to watch it, too, so it wasn’t that hard. I’ll really miss Ringer, and maybe I can catch it on Netflix later.

Well, I watched 3 out of 4 of the CSI: New Yorks. I may keep that one. But I may ditch CSI. It’s not been the same without Grissom anyway. I’ve already ditched CSI: Miami. I don’t know if I can give up Criminal Minds.

I know I’ve been kind of rambly, but I have a hard time giving up shows and I’m feeling kind of angsty about it. What about you? When it just gets overwhelming, how do you decide what to give up and what to keep? How do you find the time to watch everything? I would really like to know!

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ROW80 Check In 2/12/12

February 12, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

I expected to have the first draft of my WIP finished last night. I really did. But life got in the way. I did more housework than usual because I’ve been feeling bad about not doing much. Especially since this was one of my goals. Then my husband wanted to watch some things we had on the DVR since it’s piling up. Also, my mom needed me to take her somewhere and bring her back because she doesn’t see well enough to drive at night in unfamiliar places. Oh, and then my husband announced that he had rented a movie we needed to watch last night. Scorpion King 3. It wasn’t worth it. So I didn’t get that first draft finished. It’s almost there. It has turned out a little differently than I originally intended. It was going to be more of a slasher horror story with an element of supernatural. It’s ending up being a supernatural story with an element of slasher. If that makes sense. I’m pretty sure it still needs to be labeled as horror, though. Maybe supernatural horror as a sub-genre. I’ll talk that over with the beta readers.

Right now it’s 20 degrees here with a wind chill factor of 13. I knew that warm spell we had was a harbinger of colder things to come! Brrrr. It’s going to be cold going to church this morning.

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PSA – Blood Clots

February 10, 2012 by Lauralynn Elliott

I was reading an article from a link on Darlene Steelman’s Talk About It Tuesday post. It was about a gamer who was only 23 years old and died in a gamer cafe and no one realized he was dead for about nine hours. He died from apparent cardiac arrest due to blood clots. Similar incidents have happened with gamers going hours without getting up because they are so engrossed in a game.

In May of last year, my best friend died of blood clots in each lung. It was believed that her lack of movement caused this. She had a bad knee due to an injury when she was younger, and the surgeon wouldn’t operate until she lost a great amount of weight. In the meantime, she could barely get around and spent most of her time at home and at work sitting.

I said all that to say this. We, as writers, need to be aware of the time we spend sitting and writing. Sometimes we can get so involved in our story that we just can’t stop. But, please, try to get up and move around from time to time. When my friend died, I really started thinking about this. Then, when I read the article, it really made me nervous for myself and all of you. I know some of you are already aware of the importance of taking breaks, and some of you are exercising. That’s great. But I know a few of you sometimes mention you aren’t getting exercise and that you spend hours writing. Please take care of your health. Take breaks. Get up and walk around for awhile. Get that blood flowing.

Ok, preaching is over. 🙂

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