GREAT self-publish FOR FREE info!

lulu.com This is a great site I ran across. You can actually make money this way, it appears--even in small numbers of sales. Worth a long look and free to join.

See also Power Posters' blog

Another Great Press Release link

One I neglected to include. Sorry. This is VERY good information.
More Great Press Release Info

Good PR (not Public Relations, but Press Release) Info Links

If you want to promote yourself, you might have to do a press release. Basically this is a sales letter (you have to sell yourself and your product--your story, your article, your song or what have you). You are sending it to someone who can give you the publicity you want and in return you must give them something they want--an interesting article or story for their own readers. This is the classic "you-scratch-my-back-and-I'll-scratch-yours" scenario. It is a trade, in essence. You make the newspaper, the magazine, the weblog, the radio or TV station look good to their readers, listeners, or viewers. They, in turn, make you look good to the same audience. Here are a few links you may want to see on the subject. I ALWAYS suggest doing further searches yourself--and if you find something really great, share it by posting a comment here, okay?
PR Hints
PR Blunders

How Many Rewrites Is Enough?

Hmmmm,......you tell me. Read and decide. My first novel has been two official rewrites so far and 4 or more strong tweaks after that. And still in testing phase at this time. They say you are truly done when you can't stand to look at it anymore.

Suggested link

I ran across some good information in this link. If you aspire to write, take a look here: Building your manuscript layer by layer. If you are a procrastinator, look here: The world is waiting....

Thanks to Kerry Lynn Blair

A special thanks goes out to Kerry Lynn Blair, author of This Just In and five other published novels. (I hear another is about to go to the publisher even as I post--best wishes, Kerry). Anyway, the reason I wish to thank her is that noted and respected author Kerry Lynn Blair has done me the kindness of offering to read and comment on my first novel, Shining Armor-Book One. She has also made some very flattering comments (Reader Comments) regarding my methods of building a following. I am very gratified to have her take time from her busy schedule to assess my work. Thank you sincerely, Kerry. I guess this is just one of many reasons you are so adored by your fans! (P.S. to readers: I may also get a sneak peek of her new one--if she can convince the publisher to allow it--is there an emoticon for "keep-your-fingers-crossed"? I look forward to writing a review here in the near future).

CLICK HERE for Reader comments...thank you!

get-free-publicity.com

www.get-free-publicity.com

I highly recommend you look into this offering. Yes, it will cost a bit, but it is like hiring your own expert to help you promote yourself or your product. The time and effort saved will be tremendous. Listen to the recorded testimonials and decide for yourself if doing it as the experts would do is worth your while.

Take a close look here....

http://www.ult-media.com/selfpublishing.htm I am very impressed that this may be worth the nominal price and I intend to check into it myself to continue my own personal education and eventual business.

Another recommendation

http://www.ult-media.com/writingcontests.htm The judges and professionals advice section down the page is excellent and you should copy and paste it for study every now and then. Do the same with the previous recommended site, also.

Recommended site

I heartily recommend you check out this site, with some excellent ideas for storyline and character improvement. http://www.writing-world.com/contests/articles/judge.shtml

Shining Armor--reader comments and summary

Reader's Comments:

"Steve, I finished your book this weekend. I loved it. I think you've found your niche in life. I look forward to reading the rest of them. The book was engaging and I had a hard time putting it down. Loved the characters and action. Thanks for letting me read it."
Marci St. Germain

"...your book sounds intriguing. I already admire your creativity and innovative way of building a following."
"I predict great things from you, Steve. From what I've seen thus far, you are a savvy, talented guy who's going right to the top."
"... I really like your book!"
"...you have a great voice and a great story. Don't change any of the "big" things -- including your name. It's about time the...market knows a man can write romance with the best of them."
Kerry Lynn Blair--author of This Just In and 6 other novels

"... I really enjoyed the story, it was great and really pulled me in."
Christine Jensen

“I’ve been enjoying it, which really surprised me, being this particular genre. I hadn't expected to like it so much.”
Sarge McClintock

"Very romantic, Steve. I love the part about the dreams in the field of wildflowers. I have read the book twice and I want more. I knew you could do it."
Suzette ___

"wow, Wow, WOW!!! I was hooked the moment I started reading until the end of the 5th chapter. I can't wait to read the rest of the book. "...yes, you did leave me hanging there wanting more. Although I'm not a real fan of...romance novels...yours seemed more real, totally believable,...had more substance to it than most of the romance novels that I've read. The book flowed so well. I felt as though I was right there; no awkward spots. I'm impressed! Perhaps you will change my attitude toward romance novels."
Katrina Wildeboer

"…it could take me a little while to get through the story. But then again, if I get as captured as I was during the first 5 chapters, it may not take so long.
"I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I love it, but it was really unfair to give me only the first five chapters to read,...I want more, I want to know what happens.
"I think it will be a wonderful book. You have a great way of capturing the reader very quickly. The characters seem so real, it's like watching their lives unfold.
"Chapters 1 through 5 were so captivating. I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. If you remember, I couldn't wait for you to send me the rest of the story. ...I was so captivated from the first page. The suspense had my heart racing as I was trying to read faster hoping Denise would get further ahead and away from Ted. I liked that Denise had inner strength, courage to endure and courage to outwit Ted, and at the same time was vulnerable.
"I hope your book does well and will be anxious to see it in print."
Roxane Raley

"Through your writing, you've managed to make me feel like I AM Jenna, which I feel is the mark of a great writer. I'm beyond the point where I just want to read more. I'm at the point where I NEED to know where this goes.” “Deep and thought-provoking…”
Jenn Zigan

"I read 10 chapters today and have thoroughly enjoyed the book…the insights that the characters have and the way that they interface with each other. This is my kind of book."
Teri Rodeman

“This is the way romance was meant to be.”
Karen O.

"Gotta say WOW. Just got home and read a few chapters – I’ll tell ya, it sure does keep your interest. I know—honest. Well, I have to say I’m very impressed. Can’t wait to get to the rest of it. I’m very excited…keep ’em coming…fantastic job--and when do I get the chance to buy the first copy?"
Barb ___

"Draws you right in. More like watching a movie than reading a book."
Mary Harrison

“Finally…a romance/adventure...with an ordinary couple in extraordinary circumstances. A hero with frailties and self-doubt, a heroine with unexpected inner strength…."
Linda R.

"I am enjoying the story so far. I wish you the best of luck getting it published."
Mindi Battraw


Summary:

If you are looking for a Fabio-type hero, you will not find him here. What you will find is a man who has been hurt and needs healing with the love that only one woman can give him. And she, in turn, needs this man like she has needed no other in her life, for she suspects fate has drawn them together for a purpose—both dizzyingly wonderful and truly frightening. (The author)


Summary: Ronald Jameson is an ordinary man: unassuming and probably not noteworthy to the majority of those he passes on the street every day. He minds his own business and keeps to himself socially, as well. Socially? The truth is that he has no social life. Some events in his past have caused him great pain and there seems little chance they will ever be rectified in his lifetime—that is, until he meets Denise Payton, a marvelous woman he rescues from a raving madman she desires to leave behind as quickly as possible.

Denise has a problem that is much more serious than anything she has ever dealt with before—one that could cost her very life. In fact, it could also cost her newfound love interest his life. The problem is Ted Randall; an ex-boyfriend, mentally and emotionally unstable, who thinks the world revolves around his needs and him alone. Ted is true evil in the flesh and never lets anyone forget it for a moment.

Before their ordeal is over, Ron and Denise will have to face the trials of nature in a mountainous region, their own weaknesses and the worst that their unrelenting and very formidable antagonist can throw at them. Facing these challenges may bring them closer together—or it may tear them apart forever. Before they can answer that, they must first survive.


“It was an amazing experience to write this series. It seemed to literally take on a life of its own at one point and I found myself saying, ‘I can’t wait to see what happens next.”—Steven O’Dell


Comments regarding the vignettes and short stories:

RE: The Guitar
I have to tell you - that short story is fabulous. You are an incredible writer - and I don't say that lightly, because I'm highly critical. Reading that - it was so descriptive that I didn't even realize I wasn't "reading" anymore, but it felt like I was *there*. ...I was really impressed.

…it was really good. I don't usually give a lot of feedback, but that was very moving, so I just had to say something.

I found it to be absolutely fantastic. A must-read, people! This guy is good!
--Jenn Z.


Your vignette is wonderful. Truly mesmerizing. I hope you publish
it, so other readers may enjoy it as much as I did.
--Lyn D. Nielsen, author of Place of Sage


Very expressive. ...I was extremely moved by it...
--Mary H.



RE: The Guitar:
...really talented...That is just beautiful. The imagery is very vivid and potent and speaks of a perfect moment.

RE: The Guitar:
Thank you for reposting this and reminding me of it. The first time I read it, it gave me goosebumps, and it has done so today. It is just so visually real and carries you off so you see what she is seeing and feel what she is feeling. Wonderful work.

RE: Relative Size:
This is such a stunning insight into what it is to be a child and discover things for the first time. The mind of a child is so open to new experiences and, sadly, it is something that you lose as you get older. Beautiful vignette. Just stunning.

RE: All In How You See It:
This is absolutely wonderful. It is so sad and bittersweet. It makes me want to take the two of them and shake them... Him - to make him communicate his thoughts with his wife and her - to make her have trust in her husband. Beautifully written.
--Minx—Latvia



I so LOVED the imagery in The Guitar…So many vivid descriptions
to bring to mind what an instrument of beauty a guitar is. You do have a way with words; a master with words.
--Teri Rodeman



Very powerful imagery. The entire piece definitely gives the phrase "the touch of the master's hand" a whole new meaning.
--Melanie Goldmund


RE: The Guitar
Beautifully written, now write the rest of the novel (smile)
--Judith Tramayne, author of Conspiracy