• Blog

    A catch-up and a review of my free days on Amazon KDP

    12/18/2012

    Hearts Afire
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V2UKWQ
    I know it’s been a bit quiet here on the blog this past week.

    In Australia the festive season coincides with a mad scramble for everyone to get all their work done before Christmas, when most people have their summer holidays/vacation and also the end of the school year.

    This year my lovely daughter is finishing Primary School. Here our school system runs a bit differently than in the US for example and we have no middle school so they finish Primary school at the end of 6th grade and head straight to High School. The end of primary school means farewells, dinners, graduation ceremonies and in my case – lots of tears.

    Just before the madness began last week I had my first experience of Amazon KDP’s free days with Hearts Afire. If you have a book enrolled in this program you can have 6 free days a month.

    I’d never done it before so I did lots of reading about other author’s experiences and what they did to maximise the opportunity. The reality is you’re aiming to reach people who don’t already know about you when you do something like this not your mother or your friend from the office.

    There are lots of websites, twitter services and facebook pages that let readers know about free books every day so I made a list of them and contacted as many as I could. Some you need a certain number of reviews to qualify for, others need a week’s notice, some want you to pay so you need to look at them on a book by book basis. I didn’t do any paid services because honestly I had no idea if that was worth it for me.

    I chose a weekend because I thought it would be easier for me to keep track of what was happening. I also felt people have more time to read on weekends. I don’t know if that’s true or not and I do know lots of people download books just because they’re free and never read them as well, heck I’ve even done that myself.

    So how did it go? By the end of the two day’s sale I was #3 in free contemporary romance and #8 in the free Amazon store which was pretty amazing. That meant over 15,000 people had downloaded my book. That’s pretty amazing really.
    As a writer your goal is to have people read your work…of course you’d prefer they paid for it…but actually the objective after the joy of writing is to find an audience.

    So I wondered how that would affect my sales when the book was back at $2.99 which is still not a huge cost for a book, is it?

    It’s now 10 days later and the book was up at around the #1,700 mark in the Kindle store right after the promotion ended.

    What this has obviously meant is people have been able to find the book because the sales especially the first three days after the promotion were very good. That was my objective – to be found. I also had sales on Mr Right and Other Mongrels, which I was hoping for, nothing like on Hearts Afire but I’ll take them!

    It also meant people found the book to borrow it. Not one person had borrowed the book before the promotion and lots of people have done so since.

    Sales have declined slowly but are still much better day by day than they were beforehand.

    The upshot is this promotion, for me anyway, was very successful.

    Lots of people have said the free days aren’t working for them anymore. My experience was entirely positive. Why? Perhaps because the book is romance and romance readers are pretty savvy. Perhaps because I had never had a free book before so I was ‘new’ to the readers. Perhaps the beautiful cover caught people’s eye. Perhaps because at least some of the promotional pages I contacted did include my book in their free days promotions (though lots didn’t).

    Honestly, I don’t know exactly why it succeeded but it did and I’m happy about that.

    I’d love to hear other people’s experiences of free days or their thoughts on the topic.

    Comments

    Marjorie
    12/18/2012 06:55:20 pm

    I will confess your free offer reminded me to buy your other book. I have not read either yet but wish you all the luck with your writing.

    Anna Hackett
    12/18/2012 11:05:39 pm

    Hi Monique – so pleased to hear your free days went so well! And Hearts Afire really does have a great cover!

    Caroline
    12/22/2012 04:35:06 am

    I just did a free day and was very happy with the results. I have almost 4000 free downloads. I have noticed a significant uptake in sales since the preview. I have also had some loans, and I had none before. I did the same as you with the free preview sites. And I also posted on a few spots on Goodreads and on Amazon itself on the forum. Am considering a second free preview day since the first one went so well.
    Reply
    Monique
    12/22/2012 08:23:53 am

    Thanks Marjorie and Anna….
    It is an interesting experience isn’t it Caroline…lots to learn and lots to gain from it.

  • Blog

    Summer and the beach in my books

    12/13/2012

    Foot Print in the SandIt’s summer in Sydney. I love summer. I’m not really designed for summer what with the red hair and the pale skin and the freckles but I love it anyway.

    I love the smell of the ocean, walking along the sand, the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. I love the sounds the birds and the insects make. The cicada song is like a lullaby to me.

    What I realised is this love of warmer climates is reflected in both the novels I released this year. Allegra in Mr Right and Other Mongrels lives at Manly Beach and her life revolves around the beach quite a bit.

    In Hearts Afire Cassie and Jack find themselves on a North Queensland tropical island also getting some sand between their toes.

    There is something so freeing about sunshine and summer, I think it reveals a different side to people and certainly I think it does for the characters in both these books.

    Here are some of my favourite beachy photos from this year on the blog…just to warm up those of you in cooler climes.

    Sculpture by the Sea Manly
    Manly Beach rock pools
    Manly Beach

    Comment

    Pamela Cook
    12/13/2012 10:05:43 am

    Thanks for sharing the beach pics Monique. Hopefully we’ll get a decent summer this year and be able to get out there and enjoy it!

  • Blog

    Hearts Afire is free on Amazon (in e-book form) this weekend

    12/8/2012

    Hearts AfireI think the headline says it all really but because it is worth repeating I shall say again “Hearts Afire is free on Amazon” this weekend. The paperback is not free just the e-book.

    Just Click here HEARTS AFIRE  and have it sent straight to your Kindle.

    If you know someone who needs cheering up – send them a copy.
    If you download it – let me know.
    If you like it – click like on Amazon the Hearts Afire page.
    If you really like it – write a review.

    I hope that you download it and enjoy it.

    Feel free to tell your friends.

  • Blog

    Look – now there are two!

    11/19/2012

    Mr Right and Other Mongrels + Hearts Afire MugsLook what I got!!
    Hearts AFire has it’s own mug too… they’re like non-identical/fraternal twins.

    Now I want to do a giveaway…how should I run it?

    Any ideas??????

    Don’t forget you can get Hearts Afire and Mr Right and Other Mongrels as paperback.

  • Blog

    Theme songs for my characters and books

    11/11/2012

    Hearts AfireDid you ever watch the show Ally McBeal? On the song she said that everyone needed a theme song that played in their heads.

    When we write stories authors often have theme songs for books or characters. Certain songs remind you of places or moments of characters.

    Some writers use music to motivate them. I did this a lot for Mr Right and Other Mongrels but not so much for Hearts Afire. I think maybe because Allegra seemed like the sort of girl (like me) who might have her own theme song and Cassie seemed a bit too sensible for that.

    Still there were musical moments. Moments you could play out like a nice video clip.

    For example, if you read Hearts Afire this song might be a good one for Cassie at the start of the book.
    I had lunch with my friend Di today. Although I’ve known here quite a long time, until my books came out this year, she didn’t know I wrote. We had a nice chat about how the process works for me and why she can’t have the next book NOW. (She’s a bit cranky with me because she doesn’t want to wait for the 3rd book and also she would like a sequel to Mr Right and Other Mongrels.) Then as I was driving home I heard this song and I thought it would be the perfect theme song for the second part of Allegra and Teddy’s story.

    Comment

    Betina Miller
    11/12/2012 10:25:17 am

    I remember the theory of everyone having a “theme song” for themselves from the show Ally McBeal! 🙂 As a matter of fact, I’ve had two supervisors who I picked theme songs for.

    I just started Hearts Afire last night – I agree, that song seems to fit Cassie. I’m only a few pages into it, but I already like the book!

  • Blog

    Market stall and other information

    11/7/2012

    Mr Right and Other Mongrels Mug and Book, Hearts Afire BookIf you are in Sydney and want to come and get a signed copy of either of my books and go into the draw to win a Mr Right and Other Mongrels mug then I’ll see you tonight at:

    Beacon Hill Night Markets
    6-9pm Tristram Road Beacon Hill, Sydney
    They’re in and around the school’s Multi-Purpose Centre.

    In other news yesterday I was loading a new keyboard and mouse on my laptop so I wouldn’t be crippled ny the end of #NaNoWriMo and the computer ate about 2,500 words of my book. I picked myself up and am now at 17,250 words…we’ll just pretend that didn’t happen.

    If you see me at the markets and my nail polish is chipped that’s because I spent the day helping set them up, and am running the raffle, my daughter is running a dog treat stall with friends and time to re-paint has eluded me. Hopefully not.

    Also this is a three cup of coffee day…be warned I may be a bit hyped up.

    Also I have Hearts Afire and Mr Right and Other Mongrels mugs in transit…I’ll run a give-away for them soon…just not sure how to run it…suggestions appreciated.

    Don’t forget the books are available in paperback and as e-books on Amazon. If you’ve read the books I’d love it if you would review them. I really take people’s input on board.

  • Blog

    Paperback of Hearts Afire available on Amazon

    11/1/2012

    Hearts AfireToday’s exciting news is that the paperback version of Hearts Afire is available on Amazon.

    It’s on there for $7.99 so it’s not a big spend. It would make a lovely Christmas gift as well. If you pop by the page please click the like button.
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V2UKWQ

    My paperback copies are on their way to Sydney and I hope to have them at the Beacon Hill Night Markets next Thursday Nov 8th where I will be selling and signing them along with copies of Mr Right and Other Mongrels and Better Than Chocolate.

    At the markets Hearts Afire will be $10 (to cover postage) and Mr Right and Other Mongrels will be $15.

    All profits from Better Than Chocolate go to the charity Room to Read. So far we’ve donated over $7,000 to this wonderful organisation through sales of this anthology.

    http://www.roomtoread.org/

    Here is some information about the Beacon Hill Night Market – they’re in Beacon Hill, Sydney not Beacon Hill, Boston for my American readers. Though if Beacon Hill Boston has markets I’d be more than happy to come along.
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beacon-Hill-Night-Market/171480442927603?ref=hl

  • Blog

    Bits and pieces for November 1st

    10/31/2012

    Hearts AfireI’m starting NaNoWriMo today and my best strategy for success is to go hard and go early so this blog post will be a bit cobbled together and bitsy.

    Hearts Afire has been out for a week now. If you haven’t bought a copy now is a good time to do so…why? Well, in my opinion there is no bad time to do so. It’s had a great first week so if you have it already I thank you. If you’re the reviewing type you might like to consider giving it a review.

    Don’t forget my first baby Mr Right and Other Mongrels is out there as well.

    One of my blog posts is included in this month’s Self-Publishing: Carnival of the Indies! Take a look! http://ow.ly/eLmAP

    Yesterday I was also featured on the lovely Imelda Evan’s blog please stop by!
    http://imeldaevans.wordpress.com/

    And finally for all those people out there doing NaNoWriMo a little song to cheer them up.

  • Blog

    What adventure would you go on? What would you like to try?

    10/24/2012

    Hot Air Balloon
    In November as my many NaNoWriMo posts have indicated I’m doing NaNoWriMo.

    In the book I’m planning to write, with the working title of The Life Makeover Club three friends embark on a series of adventures in an effort to refashion their lives into a new more exciting form. They need to get out of their collective rut and they have a plan to do it.

    We all have different things that we find challenging for some people talking to a stranger is the hardest thing in the world and for another just getting on a plane is scary.

    I do try and challenge myself – I like to take up a new activity or join a new group every year – for example. That way I don’t get stale and I make some new friends as well.

    Writing presents all sorts of challenges that I didn’t necessarily foresee when I began. Some are fun and exhilarating and others are just plain hard slog. Still they’re all part of the journey.

    My most recent challenge was getting Hearts Afire out into the universe and that happened yesterday. Thanks to all who have supported me on that journey. You can get it here if you’re interested.

    So today’s question is… If you could try something new what would it be? It could be as large as climbing Mt Everest or as small as eating a new food. You never know I might include it in the book!

  • Blog

    Hearts Afire available today on Amazon

    10/23/2012

    Hearts AfireAt last Hearts Afire is available on Amazon
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V2UKWQ

    This book is a contemporary romance, rather than a chick lit and is a little bit flirtier and sexier than Mr Right and Other Mongrels.

    I hope you enjoy it.

     

    Hearts Afire

    A jilted bride, a sexy fireman, a tropical island, a fear of the ocean, a fear of commitment, a new neighbour, an old flame, a secret identity – this is the story of HEARTS AFIRE.

    Cassie Callahan is not having a great day. First her fiancé jilts her hours before the wedding and then her sister sets off the alarm and sprinklers at her catering business, flooding the premises, soaking the wedding banquet and bringing the fire department.

    When Jack Urquhart the cute fireman offers her a shoulder to cry on they both feel an instant attraction but they each know the other is not what they are looking for. She isn’t looking for a player and he is definitely not looking for the marrying kind.

    Hearts Afire takes them on a journey from Sydney’s inner-west to Tropical North Queensland, and back, in search of and avoidance of love.

    Will either of them realise that there is no risk at all in trusting your heart to the right
    person?