"I am ready to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared to meet me is another matter."
-Winston Churchill

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Emotional Side of a New Release - Guest Post with Kym Grosso - Virtual Book Tour



I’d like to thank Immortality and Beyond for having me today. I really appreciate the opportunity to share my new release, Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), and also to share a guest blog with your readers about what it is like to publish a new release. It is certainly an exciting time for an author, full of ups and downs; that is for certain. I hope you enjoy my guest blog and thanks again for having me at Immortality and Beyond.


The Emotional Side of a New Release, How Stressful Is It Really?

I was recently asked to write about an interesting topic, “The Emotional Side of a New Release. How stressful is it really?” As an author, I definitely believe there is an emotional aspect to publishing new a release as well as the marketing of it. Writing a book is a creative process; we pour our hearts and souls into the creation of our work. Authors spend months, sometimes years, cultivating, revising and shining our babies, only to finally push them out to the public on “Release Day”. We hope they will be loved as much as we love them, and bring joy to readers. We are proud of our new work, and sometimes a little nervous as it becomes available to the public. Often we sit on pins and needles, awaiting editorial and reader reviews and eventually, sales statistics.

For me, the releasing Luca’s Magic Embrace, has been an exhilarating experience. The best way I can describe being an author is that it is like being on a roller coaster. I’ve learned that you need to roll with the ups (talking with readers, great reviews, good sales, cover reveals, etc.) and the downs (not-so-good reviews, open critiques, etc.). I try to look at the ensuing feedback, every comment, response and review, as a learning experience, so I can be cognizant of what readers like and incorporate those components into my next work of writing.
As far as the actual release day, I’m a new author (this is my second novel), so that means I’m still working on developing the best way to release a book.

For Luca’s book, I held a giveaway for a “Witchy” mug, Amazon gift cards and free eBooks, from other authors and me. It was a wonderful way to get readers excited about what might be in the book. During the months preceding the actual release day, I’d shared excerpts from my book on my website and Facebook page, building the crescendo of excitement. Come release day, current and new readers were eagerly anticipating picking up Luca’s Magic Embrace.
As far as stress levels, a subsequent book in a series does create pressure for an author in that we want the new book to be every bit as good as the first. In my case, I am an emerging writer so I’ve tried to listen to reviewers from Kade’s Dark Embrace and refine my writing, all in an effort to create a better book than the first. Did I succeed? Hopefully, but honestly, it’s too early to tell. What I have noticed with the new release is that I’ve picked up many new wonderful readers; some who’ve even taken the time to write me to tell me that they loved Luca’s book. There’s really no way to express the feeling of gratitude and happiness I feel when this happens.

In addition, I also learned what some people loved about my first book that wasn’t in my second book. Feedback runs the gamut. Some current readers love it as much or more than the first, but some people wanted more of, for lack of a better term, a Kade-like character/book. I try to understand what components they liked, so I can bring those elements again to future stories. That being said, I do see each character as their own being, with their own unique story. While Kade’s book is more an action packed mystery, Luca’s is more an erotic romance. In the Immortals of New Orleans series, each alpha male will have their own story to tell, with their own love interest and “happily-ever-after”.

As a reader, I can appreciate the feeling of “New Release” excitement as well. There are so many terrific authors whose books I love to read. I wait eagerly, often months, for the new release, perhaps one in an existing series or for Book 1 of a new series. Their new release either exceeds high my expectations or falls short. Either way, if it is an author and series I love to read, I will continue on as a faithful reader. And this is the reality of new releases. We love some characters, but may feel lukewarm or hate others. As readers, the characters become real people to us, and we find ourselves engrossed in the stories and wanting more.

In the end, I believe that new releases are indeed stressful for authors, but in a good way and they are extraordinarily special experiences. We celebrate our new novels with readers, friends and family after months and/or years of writing. Hopefully, our works thrive, and we learn from both the positive and negative experiences associated with new releases, ultimately uplifting the quality of our work.

I, for one, look forward to future new releases and plan to enjoy the roller coaster ride, including the ups, downs and occasional upside down loop. Tristan’s book (Lyceum Wolves-Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) is in progress, and I’m beyond excited to write about his adventure and love story. He is definitely one of the hottest alpha males I’ve written about, and I am quite sure he’ll be steaming up the pages. I am already thinking up creative ways to market his “New Release”, which I am targeting for March 2013.

Thanks again to Immortality and Beyond for having me today! It has been great to stop by and share a post with your readers!!!

Luca’s Magic Embrace is my second paranormal romance novel, which is the second novel in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and I started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains. I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things regarding vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals.




Twitter: @KymGrosso



Luca’s Magic Embrace
Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2
Kym Grosso

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic Paranormal Romance

ISBN-13: 978-1480199262
ISBN-10: 1480199265

ASIN: B009SFWOM0

Approximately 255 pages in pdf. Varies in e-copy.
Word Count: 80,799 words

Cover Artist: Carrie Spencer, CheekyCovers



Book Description:

An erotic paranormal romance...

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn't do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can't deny the enigmatic attraction he's developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he's determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

Samantha doesn't want to be a witch, yet that's exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha's worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who's been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?




6 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for having me today! I really appreciate the opportunity to share my new release and a guest post with you and your readers! :-)

Nightly Cafe said...

Thank you so much for stopping in during your tour Kym :)

Unknown said...

Wow! I want to try Luca's Magic embrace! lol hot cover!

Unknown said...

Thanks! :-) :-)

Teddy Rose said...

Great post! I hope you enjoy your tour!

Unknown said...

Good luck with the tour. :)

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