• Blog

    Guest post from Addison Westlake author of Facebook Jeanie – A Book Marketing Playlist!

    10/2/2013

    Facebook Jeanie - Addison Westlake - CoverAddison Westlake’s new novel Facebook Jeanie is out today. She has popped by for a guest post!
    ***

    Book Marketing Ultimate Playlist
    By Addison Westlake

    I’ve heard about people making ultimate playlists for workouts, parties or game days. But when do you really need to get psyched up? When you’re pitching your new book, of course! It takes a lot of adrenaline and confidence to get that word out. Forget kicking it up a notch while out for a run—you need to get pumped while sitting down at your computer
    and shouting out on social media about your new release to reviewers, bloggers, the universe!

    Here are my picks for the Book Marketing Ultimate Playlist. I’ve realized these 11 songs span 36 years and genres ranging from punk to heavy metal to pop. Just for kicks, I’ll lay them out chronologically, starting with the newest releases first. So fire up that computer, crank these songs up to eleven, and get ready to have a bestseller on your hands:

    Brave – Sara Bareilles. Show me how big your brave is! You must also watch the video for this song, but only once.
    After all, you need to stay focused on your book!!

    Roar – Katy Perry. You may have had fears in the past. No longer. Now you ROAR. About your book! You have the eye of the tiger (see below for more of this).

    I Love It – Icona Pop. I don’t care! I love it! It makes no sense and I’m totally into it! You may have to jump up and down
    occasionally while listening to this. That’s allowed, it’ll get the blood pumping nicely, just remember to sit back down again and send out another email requesting a review. Crash your car into the bridge and sell that book!

    Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5. Start with that intro whistle, the jangly guitar, then the relentless beat. You’ve got the moves, you hottie. OK, you may need to get up and dance in your kitchen to this one, too, but then sit back down again and show the world how much your book rocks, too!

    Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson. Your book might not be revenge themed, but we’ve all had someone say something discouraging to us at some point. Remember that time someone told you couldn’t do this? Think you’ve got the best of me? Think you’ve had the last laugh? Oh yeah? How do you like me now?

    Dirt off Your Shoulder – Jay Z. It’s been scientifically proven that listening to this song makes you more of a badass.
    And that’s true even if you use phrases like “scientifically proven.” You’re totally hardcore. People are so lucky to even catch a glimpse of your book. ‘Cause that’s how you roll.

    Bottle of Smoke – The Pogues. You have no idea what he’s saying, I have no idea what he’s saying, but I think we can all agree that no one can let out a wild whoop like Shane MacGowan. And you! Let’s hear it for your book!

    Waiting Room – Fugazi. That bass, those drums, the guitar. Then the vocals: “I am a patient boy” sounding anything but. You can yell along with this one, it’s OK. You don’t need to exercise restraint. Your book is sitting in the waiting room no longer.

    Cum on Feel the Noize – Quiet Riot. Come on feel the book. I wish I could insert a photo of the hair on these men in full 80s glory. It did not get bigger or more foofy. The pants could be no tighter, the leather of their vests no shiny-er. So much animal print and tasseled, spiked black leather bands around their biceps. These men did all of that and they still got the ladies. Your book is going to clean up.

    Eye of the Tiger – Survivor. Come on, you know you want to get up and throw some punches when the beat starts pounding. You have the eye of the tiger. Get in that ring, tough guy! Rise up, back on the street!

    NOTE: runner-up goes to the theme song from Rocky (Gonna Fly Now) – Bill Conti. In fact, you could just put this on loop. I now realize this ultimate playlist is really all about Rocky. Picture him throwing punches in that tight, high-waisted grey sweatsuit and running all the way up those steps in Philly. That’s you.

    We Will Rock You – Queen. Stomp stomp clap. Stomp stomp clap. The ultimate get psyched song, riling people up since 1977. It’s not just for game day anymore. Your book is going to rock the literary world. Also in the original video Freddy Mercury is wearing star-shaped sunglasses. Maybe I should look into packaging this playlist, sending it out with a pair of complimentary star-shaped sunglasses?

    So have fun pitching your book! With these songs pumping you up, there is nothing stopping you.

    Next, I’ll give some thought to playlists for other things, like getting a bad review. I think that playlist can begin and end with Edith Piaf’s “No, Je ne regrette rien”. This song is best listened to cranked up when you have mascara thick and black running down your face.

    Or how about something happier? When you’re a huge bestselling indie author you can sing along to “My Way” by none other than Frank Sinatra. Sing loud, sing proud. Maybe with a dirty martini in your hand, shaken not stirred. Toast to you, you self-publishing super star!

    ***
    Facebook Jeanie is OUT NOW on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Facebook-Jeanie-ebook/dp/B00FI92IFI

    It’s Bridget Jones meets “Groundhog Day”…

    Ever wonder if you made the right choice? What if you could go back and find out?

    31-year-old Clara is in a steady relationship—with Facebook.
    Every night after her depressing bureaucratic job (so much for saving the world), Clara comes home to her empty apartment (yes, she was dumped) and settles down with a pint of ice cream for some good, old-fashioned Facebook
    stalking. It’s her college boyfriend, The One Who Got Away. With the bod of a God and a net worth of umpteen bamillion, he now has the perfect life—everything she could have had if she hadn’t been so, so stupid.

    But, wait. Jeanie from Facebook shows up at Clara’s job. There’s a new app they’re beta-testing and Clara’s perfect for it. That night she clicks on it and… nothing happens. But the next morning when Clara wakes up at noon, hung over, listening to her roommate blow-drying her hair and singing “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”, she realizes she’s back in college. With the chance to do it all over again.

    Back in the world of frat parties, BFFs, and long-suffering, overlooked lab partners, join Clara as she discovers what it really means to hit the reset button on life. What could possibly go wrong? And, this time, can she get it right?

    About the Author

    Addison Westlake made her debut as an author at age 13 by rewriting the “Sweet Valley High” series.
    Despite copyright violations, she maintains that her rendition of Elisabeth and Jessica Wakefield as preteens in a British orphanage is a classic. Between then and now she went to some fancy schools, swapped out the East Coast for the West Coast, and had oodles of kids. Some of her favourite things in life include coffee, Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat and the sleepwalking scene in “Step Brothers.”

    She would like to thank MCM cover design, mcm@1889.ca, for the awesome “Facebook Jeanie” cover. And for the unfailing patience with questions such as “should she have an earring” and “do her pinks clash?” Addison loves to hear from readers, so please find her at:

    addisonwestlake.blogspot.com
    facebook.com/addisonwestlake

  • Blog

    Cover Reveal for “Facebook Jeanie” by Addison Westlake

    9/3/2013

    Facebook Jeanie - Addison Westlake - CoverSynopsis of “Facebook Jeanie” by Addison
    Westlake

    It’s Bridget Jones meets “Groundhog Day”…

    Ever wonder if you made the right choice? What if you could go
    back and find out?

    31-year-old Clara is in a steady relationship—with Facebook.
    Every night after her depressing bureaucratic job (so much for saving the
    world), Clara comes home to her empty apartment (yes, she was dumped) and settles down with a pint of ice cream for some good, old-fashioned Facebook stalking. It’s her college boyfriend, The One Who Got Away. With the bod of a God and a net worth of umpteen bamillion, he now has the perfect life—everything she could have had if she hadn’t been so, so stupid.

    But, wait. Jeanie from Facebook shows up at Clara’s job. There’s a new app they’re beta-testing and Clara’s perfect for it. That night she clicks on it and… nothing happens. But the next morning when Clara wakes up at noon, hung over, listening to her roommate blow-drying her hair and singing “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”, she realizes she’s back in college. With the chance to do it all over again.

    Back in the world of frat parties, BFFs, and long-suffering, overlooked lab partners, join Clara as she discovers what it really means to hit the reset button on life. What could possibly go wrong? And, this time, can she get it right?

    Facebook Jeanie will be out October 1st.

    Addison WestlakeAbout the Author

    Addison Westlake made her debut as an author at age 13 by rewriting the “Sweet Valley High” series. Despite copyright violations, she maintains that her rendition of Elisabeth and Jessica Wakefield as preteens in a British orphanage is a classic. Between then and now she went to some fancy schools, swapped out the East Coast for the West Coast, and had oodles of kids. Some of her favourite things in life include coffee, Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat and the sleepwalking scene in “Step Brothers.”

    Addison’s first romantic comedy, “Christmas in Wine Country,” spent six
    weeks on the bestseller list in women’s fiction, humorous fiction and
    humor. And it’s only $0.99, y’all.

    She would like to thank MCM cover design, mcm@1889.ca, for the awesome “Facebook Jeanie” cover. And for the unfailing patience with questions such as “should she have an earring” and “do her pinks clash?” Addison loves to hear from readers, so please find her at:

    addisonwestlake.blogspot.com

    facebook.com/addisonwestlake

  • Blog

    Q&A with author of Christmas in Wine Country, Addison Westlake

    11/26/2012

    Addison Westlake1. What was the inspiration for your novel?
    I first got the idea for “Christmas in Wine Country” while spending a December weekend in Mendocino, a tiny, remote and gorgeous town up
    on the Northern California coast. In the mist and rain, with the romance of the surf pounding against the rocky coastline I thought—this would be a fantastic setting for a novel.

    From there, I imagined what a perfect place it would be to retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perhaps after a terrific disaster—and the idea was hatched.

    2. When did you take up writing?
    I’ve been writing since I was about 9 years old. I remember loving the Sweet Valley High books but thinking I could improve upon them. I
    think I rewrote a chapter or two.

    In high school and college my writing took on a more self-important and occasionally angry political tone. Happily, I’m back where I started, enjoying life and writing books that hopefully will make other people smile.

    3. How important is setting/place in your writing?
    I could answer this in two ways – in the fiction I write, place is extremely important. In some ways, it shapes the action. “Christmas in Wine Country” has the location right up there in the title.

    In terms of where I do my writing, I’m not too choosy. With three little kids I basically take whatever chance I get. I’ve jotted down notes, ideas and scraps of dialogue on the backs of envelopes or preschool enrolment forms, made voice recordings on my iPhone while sitting in the grocery store parking lot. And, yes, sometimes I sit down in the midst of an insanely cluttered kitchen table, ignoring all dishes and unpaid bills, and catch some uninterrupted time with my laptop to actually write. But I’m not picky.

    4. Do you have a favourite character (s) in your current novel?
    I love my main character, Lila, because I feel like we’ve all been there. She’s in the late-20s phase when you think you should have everything figured out but don’t because, let’s face it, no one really does at that point. You think you’re old and wise but really you’re young and silly. I love that over the course of the year she’s able to loosen up, have some fun and, of course, fall in love. And I enjoy the scene when she stands in front of the refrigerator and makes an ice cream sundae in her mouth.

    5. What’s the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?
    I remember the worst piece of advice—never use the verb“to be.” Ever. It imposed this ridiculous straightjacket on my writing and for the class I was taking with this particular teacher I came up with all sorts of ill-fitting, inappropriate verbal calisthenics to avoid little old “to be.”

    Best advice – I suppose to revise and then revise again. And don’t take harsh criticism personally. Still working on that
    one.

    6. Do you have a schedule for writing?
    I wrote this novel largely during my kids’ nap time, so 1pm-3pm (oldest is in elementary school). Then my middle child stopped napping and all hell broke loose. I’m still trying to get back into a schedule instead of writing on scraps of paper in the minivan while I wait for my kids to finish their activities/classes/sports, etc.

    7. Are you a plotter or someone who tends to wing it?
    PLOTTER. The mere suggestion of winging it gives me a twitch. I’m super type A, though somehow thought of myself as an artsy creative type until my late 20s. Go figure.

    8. Can you name three or four of your current favourite books?
    Oh goodness I’ve been on a rather dreary diet of parenting books lately. I’m reading a lot about brain development. Not that sexy, is it? And the most recent novel I read I really ended up not liking so I don’t want to say something negative. I always love re-reading Pride and Prejudice!!!! And Kristan Higgans’ novels make me laugh.

    9. Can you tell me a little bit about what you are working on now?
    I’m so excited about my new novel. It’s about four friends 15 years out of college. The central character is one of the two without children. She started out all ablaze about social justice and wanting to Fight the Power. 15 years into it she’s in a pointless bureaucratic job, out of a failed relationship, and tucking into pints of ice cream and glasses of red wine each
    night as she obsessively visits her ex-boyfriend’s Facebook page… I’m laughing as I re-read this description because it sounds so depressing, but I’m LOVING the maudlin nature of it all. Especially with all the exciting and romantic life-changing events I have cooked up for her. So excited to tell this one!

    10. What advice would you give to a fledgling writer to assist them on their journey?
    Write what you love not what you think you should. Get lots of feedback but don’t feel obliged to do whatever anyone tells you. And keep at it!

    You can find Addison at:
    https://www.facebook.com/addison.westlake
    twitter: @AddisonWestlake

    Christmas in Wine Country - Cover
    Comment

    Addison Westlake
    11/26/2012 03:14:24 pm

    Thank you so much for the Q&A, Monique!
    I’m excited that “Christmas in Wine Country” reached #13 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” today in both the Humor and Women’s Fiction-Single Women categories!
    Go lucky #13!