The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Cover Reveals

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

This month's question:
What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

Hopefully it’s turned to dust! It was awful. Inspired by all the angst that is 8th grade.

I wrote hundreds of short stories after that and still have all of my notebooks. They’re horrible, too, but there’s probably a couple good ideas in there. LOL Like I need any more right now!

What about you?


I’m also revealing two great covers today! (And yes, I’m biased.)

Cling to God
By Lynda Young
Print ISBN 9781939844279
eBook ISBN 9781939844286
Non-Fiction/Devotional

Cling to God is a book of devotionals for every day of the year. The aim is to encourage Christians in their faith, to help them think about their beliefs and learn more about God. The devotions are short and inspirational so that people with busy lifestyles will still able to spend time with the Lord each day. It will appeal to a wide Christian audience, to those new in their faith as well as those matured beyond milk and honey.

Release date - October 18, 2016 from Freedom Fox Press

The Remnant
By William Michael Davidson
Print ISBN 9781939844293
eBook ISBN 9781939844309
Science Fiction

Release date - February 7, 2017 from Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

The Media

The media has changed and expanded to fit our evolving world. News and information travel much faster now. A story can go from local to worldwide within minutes. Thanks to the Internet, news is exposed to a far wider audience than ever before.

Consider all the possibilities for author interviews or program discussions:

• Radio
• TV
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Online versions of all of the above

Consider which of these options places you in front of your target audience. Those will garner you the greatest benefit.

Before we go any further, you need to understand media pitches. What is the media seeking? Let’s begin with what the media does not seek:

“I’m an author and this is my latest book.”

Here’s a tip: The media doesn’t care. You are just one of thousands of authors who have released a book today—big deal! Even if the program focuses on authors, or it’s your local newspaper or TV broadcast, you’ve got to come up with a more compelling reason for them to interview you.

Here’s what the media is looking for: experts. They want expert advice and information for their audience. Remember, you researched and wrote a book. You are an expert in one or more areas. The media wants to talk to you about those subjects—not about your book.

So how do you pitch yourself to the media? What’s your approach? Here are some suggested angles:

• Educate the audience on a hot topic
• Expose vital new information
• Provide expert advice by tying in with a current event
• Show people how to solve their problems
• Show people how to be healthier, younger, or sexier
• Show people how to make or save money
• Tie in with political or charitable organizations
• If applicable, provide any of the above with a dose of entertainment

The media is looking for ways to educate their audience. You give them what they want, focus on the topic, and you will be rewarded with an opportunity to mention your book. If it’s obvious promoting your book is your only agenda, the media will look elsewhere.

What’s your pitch to the media?



The drawing for my play cards was last week - congratulations to Alex Cavanaugh for being the lucky winner.

Giveaway and Minions

Just a reminder that my giveaway for a deck of The Circle of Friends playing cards is open through July 20. Enter to win here.

Plus you can watch my two 15 second YouTube videos which, if nothing else, reveal my Minion obsession.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Playing Cards Giveaway

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

Someone purchased one of my books at a book signing in Myrtle Beach. Later, she emailed me and said my book (The Circle of Friends: Book I...Lori) had inspired her to start writing again. She was so excited that she came to see me when I toured through her home state of Ohio. It was so amazing to see her again.

What’s really touching is that I posted her photo on my site and I received an email from a man who knew her from collage and wanted to get in contact with her. She gave the okay and passed on his email. They courted and he proposed - and she said yes!

The theme of my promo for The Circle of Friends is “Get inspired to achieve your dreams.” I think she did just that and more!

Don’t forget to vote on the genre for this year’s IWSG anthology contest. Go HERE to cast your vote.


Playing Cards Giveaway

I have a deck of playing cards featuring The Circle of Friends Series to give away to one lucky person.

The only requirement - you have purchased or read one of my The Circle of Friends Books (we’ll go on the honor system here) or you’ve marked them to read on Goodreads. Leave a comment if you have purchased or read any of the books in the series or you’ve marked them to read on Goodreads. Giveaway open until July 20.

On Amazon : Book I...Lori, Book II...Sarah, Book III...James, Book IV...Mike, Book V...Heather, and the boxed set.


S.K. Anthony posted the latest installment of Writers After Dark: Awful Misguided Reviews.

And a review of one of my books was included:

What’s the nicest thing someone ever said about your writing? Do you have any awful misguided reviews? Do you want to win a deck of cards? (I know everyone is busy with IWSG today, so just come back later to watch all the videos.)