Monday, December 10, 2007

Why Should I Care About Blog Tours?

Do you understand what a blog tour is and how it works? If not, would you like to learn more? Let me know what you have heard about blog tours. There are plenty of posts here about blog tours and I've posted many of them - but do you understand the concept of a blog tour? Blog tours or virtual book tours are gaining popularity. Do they work? How can you help the tour go better? Why should you do a tour? What will a great tour accomplish for you? These are all questions that need to be answered and I'll do that in the near future. In the mean time, I welcome your thoughts. The best way to learn is to ask questions --

If you would like to speak to me directly, feel free to contact me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com.

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Friday, December 7, 2007

Food Allergies or Intolerance - They Could Impact Your Life

This post is not related to my books - but its more of a public service announcement :) I've dealt with food allergies and intolerances for about 20 years and its a pain, but feeling bad and the other symptoms are worse than the inconvenience. If the response to this is good, I'll compile some other information about this topic. Let me know what you think.

This is a link to the article -
http://communati.com/main/food-allergies-or-intolerance-more-common-you-think

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Blog Tours - What Would You Like to Know

I'm doing a tele-seminar next week about blog tours and I would love input from you all.

There are many things to discuss about blog tours and I worked out some initial questions to get people thinking - they are:

Discover Ways to Promote Your Book on a Virtual Blog Tour to Gain Greater Visibility and Sales

  • What are the benefits of doing a blog tour?
  • Should you promote your book in a blog tour?
  • Should fiction and non fiction books be promoted differently in a blog tour?
  • Should you organize your own blog tour?
  • Why hire a publicist to organize your tour?
  • If you hire a publicist, will you still need to work on the tour?
  • Can you use a blog tour to promote anything besides books?
  • Is there a new option in book blog tours?

But, now I need to create a couple of handouts and I'd love your input. Is there any specific info about blog tours that any of you think would be most helpful? Some folks here have done tours, some have hosted touring authors and I bet some of you have thought about doing a tour. So, since many of the people here are authors, I figured it would be a great place to pose the question. What information would you suggest I offer in handouts? Thank you all for your thoughts. There will be plenty of blog tour info coming very soon .

Nikki Leigh

PS - The answer to the last question is - most definitely. Stay tuned for much more information about that option - SOON. Or, contact me to be added to the mailing list - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with Mailing List in the subject line.

Monday, December 3, 2007

I Always Say, "It Never Hurts to Ask"









I figure it never hurts to ask. The worst most people will do is to say no, so I figure we might as well ask if we want something. When I was on the Outer Banks in May, several people suggested that I should contact David Stick about talking with me. He is a very well known historian that has written many books about the Outer Banks. He's the person that is interviewed for all the documentaries about the area.

This is the link to his pages on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/102-9689285-3643329?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=David%20Stick

Anyway, the reason I mention this is because, I'm going to interview him for my next Lilah book. We're meeting this Saturday and it turns out that he was the county commissioner during the time when the story will take place. How cool is that?

Its going to be a rush trip, but any trip to Nags Head is fine with me :) I even found a place to stay for about $50 a night. That will work into the budget and I'm going to contact the bookstores that are carrying my books to see if I can restock anyone while I'm in town.

Now, I get to cram a month of research into about a week to get ready for our meeting. Good thing I love to read :) I also met with the real Kristy (main character in Lilah and the Locket is based on her) and we talked about some research I want to do with her for the sequel and she's excited about getting started. And, the newest character who will be introduced in the sequel is due to be born in January :)

Nikki Leigh

Thursday, November 29, 2007

The FInal Day of Christee's Crisis

Final day of the November blog tour with Christee Gabour Atwood for her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with author, L Diane Wolfe. Click here for more information - http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

A thought for the day from Christee "'That don't run with scissors thing was good advice. It's too hard to cut things when you're in motion."

If you missed any stops on Christee’s tour, the full schedule is posted at http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-tour-schedules and click on Christee Gabour Atwood. This list supplies the links to each blog stop and the date she visited each site.

Nikki Leigh
Ask me about the newest blog tour option !

__________________________
Nikki Leigh - www.nikkileigh.com
Fiction Author
Book Promo Options www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Two More Days of Humor

Only two more days to get to know Christee Gabour Atwood as she continues her tour to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis. If you have missed her other tour stops, you should really treat yourself to her last two interviews. She has a great sense of humor and who doesn’t need a laugh on a Wednesday?

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with Cheryl Malandrinos at the Book Connection – Click here for more information - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/. I should tell you that Elvis the rubber chicken is back…

A thought for the day from Christee - My husband insists that "fondue" is French for "Cook it your own damn self."

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com

"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"

Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion

(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Sad Day in Pro Football


I've been a football fan since I was about 6 or 7. My grandfather got me involved in watching pro football and I joke that its his "fault" that I'm a huge Washington Redskins fan. There are days when I wonder about being a loyal fan, but today isn't one of those days.

For anyone who hasn't heard or isn't a fan, a wonderful safety (that's a position in football :) named Sean Taylor was shot Monday morning in his home by an intruder and he was in a coma overnight and he died early this morning. Any time a person in their early 20's dies it is a tragedy. It seems even more tragic for someone who held so much promise in their professional life.

He had some problems in the last years, but people are unanimous that he had turned his life around in the last couple of years after his daughter was born. He did a lot of things to help the local community and was a leader in the team.

As a long time Redskins I had to chime in about this loss to football. I also thought it was great to see the way the NFL is pulling together to show their support. This weekend, there is a moment of silence planned at all pro games. The rivalries, which can be intense, will be forgotten (for a few moments) in the wake of the tragedy.

In addition, I've heard that all pro football players will have a "21", his number, on their helmets and all Redskins players will have a patch on their uniforms with a "21" in remembrance of him. The owner of the Redskins, Daniel Snyder, is said to be flying all players and all workers from FedEx field to the funeral next week.

Just the thoughts of a long time pro football fan. I know that my thoughts are with his family, his young daughter, his team mates and the fans who respected the man and his ability and the contributions he made in his short time with us.

Nikki Leigh

Monday, November 26, 2007

Asking for Your Vote


Each month on Erin Aislinn's website, she features new cover art work each week and then people can vote for their favorite cover.

I would like to ask for your vote for the cover of Lilah and the Locket for cover of the month. There are two ways to place your vote

1 - Click here and click on Vote for Lilah and the Locket - http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheMonth.htm
of

2 - Send an email to webmail@erinaislinn.com and put Vote For Lilah and the Locket in the subject line.

I appreciate your vote :)

This is an easy and interesting way to get additional exposure for your titles. All you need to do is go to the website and click on submit a cover to learn more.

Friday, November 30th is the last day to place your vote.

Nikki

Sunday, November 25, 2007

We Have One More Week With Christee

Monday Nov 26 on the blog tour trail –

We are back from Thanksgiving weekend – probably a few pounds happier than we were. We’re ready to start the final week of the November blog tours as Christee Gabour Atwood continues to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with author, Pamela Kinney. Click for more information - http://pamelakkinney.blogspot.com/. This will be posted Monday morning for your reading enjoyment.

A thought for the day from Christee – “Mom … I wouldn’t change a hair on her lip.”

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com

"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"

Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion

(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Are You Interested In FREE Book Promotion?

I have a series of promotional blogs and I invite you to check out these blogs, answer the questions on the "How To Submit" page and return them to me to be posted in the future. A link to the "How to Submit" page can be found near the top corner of each Blogspot blog. I've added several new blogs - so don't think that you've already seen all the possibilities. These are the links -

Blogs for Fiction Books


http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Information about your book cover.

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about the setting of your story.

http://badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/ - Tell us about the villains in your book.

http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/ - Tell us about the heroine in your book.

http://shareyourhero.blogspot.com/ - Tell us about the hero in your book.

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share the First Chapter of your book

http://mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/ - Tell us about the Best Friend

http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/ - Share Details about your Books

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies

http://lethimtalk.blogspot.com/ - Interview a Male Character

http://lethertalkabit.blogspot.com/ - Interview a Female Character

http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ - In Detail With Nikki Leigh

http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion - Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.

http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews - Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? If so, contact me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and I can send you the interview questions.

Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share the First Chapter of your book

http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/ - Share Details about your Non Fiction Books

http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ - In Detail With Nikki Leigh

http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion - Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.

http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews - Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? If so, contact me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and I can send you the interview questions.

If you have ideas for any specific blogs that would be useful to promote non-fiction books, feel free to contact me - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Christee Gabour Atwood Visits Yvonne Perry

Wednesday Nov 21 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis. This is your last chance to get a laugh from Christee before Thanksgiving... you know the next few days will be crazy, so let's get our laugh quota in today.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with Yvonne Perry (author of a wonderful and informative book The Right to Recover – it explains stem cell research in detail.) Click for more information - http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com

A thought for the day from Christee – “How much is that Santa bourbon decanter with the screw-off head and simulated ruby nose?”

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

NaNo - Day Twenty

I am thrilled to say that I officially have 53,468 words on my new book. For anyone that isn't familiar with NaNo - that means that I've reached the goal for the month. There is still at least 30-40,000 words left in the book - but I've got a big chunk of it on paper. I did break one of my cardinal rules and I jumped around a lot while I was working on this draft, so I need to print out the 212 pages that I have and figure out what's missing and then add that info :)

But, that's six years straight as a NaNo winner -----

Now, I can switch over and work on the galleys for Book Promo 101 and then get back to writing Book Promo 201 :) Whew -- it gets a little confusing around here :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Christie Talk With You Today

Tuesday November 20 on the blog trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with herself. What does she want you to know about herself? There’s only one way to find out. Click her blog for more information - http://elasticwaistbands.blogspot.com/

A thought for the day from Christee – I am trying to learn not to consider Oreos as one of the major food groups...

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Christee Gabour Atwood's Blog Tour Heads to Panama

This is post #100 for Muze's Musings !

Monday Nov 19 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with Dee B J Owen. Click here for more information - http://marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com. This blog visit takes us to Panama for the day.

A thought for the day from Christee – “Parents … because without them, chicken soup isn’t a cure for anything.”

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

NaNo - Day Eighteen

Today went pretty good and the eBay seciton is coming together. Still not sure if I think eBay is a good idea, but the research continues :) My word count hit 44,006 and the finish line is within site. I'll finish the eBay info and that should put me close to 50K. Then I can take a couple of days "off" to proof the print galleys for Book Promo 101. The layout looks GREAT and I can't wait to get comments from others about it.

By the way, I got a new review for Book Promo 101 today from Coffee Times. Its a 4 cup review ----

LEARN THE BASICS OF BOOK PROMOTION (BOOK PROMO 101)
NIKKI LEIGH
ISBN# (10): 1-59431-498-5/ (13): 978-1-59431-498-5
September 2007
Write Words Inc
http://www.ebooksonthe.net/
E-Book
$6.50
426 Pages
Non Fiction - Self Help/How To
Rating: 4 Cups


To have your book sell, one cannot sit it on the shelf and stop there. There are many promotional tactics that one can use to get their name and book out to the public. The basic guidelines for promotion will help aid the author and guide them to the right place to get their book on the market.

With the flip of each page, the reader learns when to start promoting, along with the creation of blogging, brainstorming with others, and a mountain of valuable outlets that have exercises and plans to go by. There is even a checklist to evaluate and compare publicists. Ms. Leigh does a thorough search to get many enlightening data across to the author, discussing the e-book and print on demand books, along with review sites.

Inside the pages, you will learn how to overcome fear of rejection while incorporating steps about marketing and keeping an open mind about all promotion. Most of all, one should try some simple things instead of overstretching possibilities with so many promotional tactics that can spread a person thin. The first book is only the beginning of many increased opportunities for the author.

I believe Learning the Basics of Book Promotion is a great asset to anyone. There are many chapters loaded with information facts that even had me surprised with ideals that I was not aware. Very informative, educational, and comes highly recommended from this reviewer. Nikki Leigh has worked in promotion and marketing for over fifteen years and, as an author, has learned many outlets in promotion to pass on to others. This basic book of promotion is the first in a series and is greatly beneficial.

Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Learnthebasicsofbookpromo.html

Saturday, November 17, 2007

NaNo - Day Seventeen

The month is passing and I missed a few days of NaNo. On Wednesday the weather was beautiful and it seemed like a great day to run errands. However, I spent too much time outside evidently. On Thursday morning I woke about 5 am with the worst migraine I'm had in over a year. Our weather changed radically overnight along with rain - that will set my sinuses off every time. The day was very unproductive - to say the least :) Friday I buckled down and got 10 articles done for a client so that I could get back to NaNo today. The result????

I reached 42,000. I enter my word counts each time I finish another section and 42,000 seemed like a great place to stop for tonight :) Hopefully I will reach 45,000 tomorrow - that could depend on how bad the Redskin - Cowboys game goes :) I'm off to update the books that are featured on my promotional blogs. If you would like to know more about the blogs, take a look at the info in the left margin of this blog - there are a bunch of promotional opportunities for authors :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Maureen Fisher Visits Inspired Author

Friday Nov 16 on the blog tour trail – Maureen Fisher visits with me today on the Inspired Author Self Promotion web pages to tell us more about her books and ways that she promotes her books. Click here for more information -

http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

Nikki Leigh
http://www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - http://www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -http://www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Nano Update

I lost a post or two, so I'll catch everyone up. NaNo is going great. My word count is just over 36,000. I took off today and ran errands and hung out with family for a little while. This seemed like a good errand day since this is the last day the temperature will be in the 60's and 70's. A storm and a cold front are on the way, so I'm hoping tomorrow will be a good writing day. This weekend I need to research and write 10 articles for a client and I got the print galleys for Book Promo 101 last night --- so I need to find time to work on all that stuff :) Thank goodness I'm ahead on NaNo :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Join Christee Gabour Atwood at Inspired Author

Thursday Nov 15 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with me about her book and how she promotes. Click here for more information -
http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
A thought for the day from Christee – “ They say, “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” I say, “Gimme a high C, Porky!”

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Christee Gabour Atwood Talks With Ginger Simpson

Join Christee on the blog trail on Wednesday Nov 14 –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with humor and romance writer, Ginger Simpson. Click here for more information -

http://mizging.blogspot.com

Christee shares a thought for the day with you – “I haven’t laughed that hard since Geraldo had a chair on his nose.”

Nikki Leigh
http://www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - http://www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -http://www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Monday, November 12, 2007

Christee Gabour Atwood Talks With Elena Dorothy Bowman

Tuesday Nov 13 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with Science Fiction author Elena Dorothy Bowman. Elena asks questions to learn more about Christee.

Click here for more information - http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

A thought for the day from Christee – “This year when I am in traffic jams, instead of feeling stressed, I will pretend I'm in a parade and wave at everyone”.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Join Christee on November 12th

Monday Nov 12 on the blog tour trail –
Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.
Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks with Beverly S McClure. Click here for more information - http://memawriter.gather.com.
A thought for the day from Christee – “Garage sales... because one man’s trash… will soon become another man’s trash”.

You should take a few minutes out to drop by and say hi to Christee. She likes to answer questions and I bet she can make you laugh. Each interview is different and has a variety of information for you to learn more about Christee and her books.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Advance Info for My Blog Readers

I switched gears for a little while today and I worked on some book promotion. The biggest gift giving season is almost here - so I'm holding a big book sale. All of my Nikki Leigh novels are on sale. I'm offering special discounts on my books - if you buy multiple books, the price is lower and special prices on shipping. In addition, I'm offering to wrap the book(s) and mail them directly to your friends and family. For all the details, visit - http://www.nikkileigh.com/gift_2007.htm

If you have friends of family that like suspense, mystery, lighthouses, strong women, historic, contemporary, evil villains, and much more - I have a book they would like. We should talk :)

Any questions, let me know and I'd love to hear comments about this. The idea just hit me last night and I worked on the sale page, creating and distributing a press release about my sale a good part of the day. I was going to attend a local craft show, but the fee is over $80 and I figured that I would rather save the $80 have a sale. Why not pass along the savings :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Saturday, November 10, 2007

NaNo - Day Nine & Ten

How is everyone's weekend? Yesterday I had to work on freelance articles for a client, but I got back to the book today. 5800 words today and I'm just over 27,100 total. That's over halfway for NaNo :) Its no where close to half of the book - but its a nice start.

I learned a few years ago that its nice to set goals along the way to 50,000 and to buy a simple treat that I can have when I reach those goals. This year, I chose cherry limeade. Nothing fancy, but its cold and refreshing. So, I bought 3 half gallons - one to drink when I started NaNo, one to have when I get to the middle and one to drink when I hit 50,000. Tomorrow, I can open the 2nd half gallon. Its also really good mixed with passion fruit mixer and any of my flavored vodka or rum :)

I'm taking the rest of the evening off and putting my feet up. Might even read a few pages of someone else's book :) And, tomorrow is pro football day :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Thursday, November 8, 2007

NaNo - Day Seven and Eight

I'm so behind with my posts. Day Eight, I got about 3200 words on paper and today, I got about 2500. That puts me over 21,000 total. Not bad :) Problem is that I need to research and write 10 articles this weekend, so I'll research them tonight and tomorrow and then write them on Saturday. In between, I'll work on Book Promo 201.

Oh, I got some neat news --- Book Promo 101 was posted on Fictionwise on Monday and today it was #7 on the reference section. Sounds good :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

November 9th on the Blog Trail

Friday Nov 9 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks about her writing, her book and much more. Click here to read more - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ She even tells my favorite rubber chicken story today – guess you’ll have to visit to find out more.

Darrell Bain is my guest today as he talks with us about his books and how he promotes - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

I have an article posted at Romance Sirens about the difference between romance and women’s fiction. If you would like to take a look, visit - http://www.romancesirens.com/main/2007/11/8/womens-fiction-vs-romance-by-nikki-leigh.html

A thought for the day from Christee – “This year I will stop thinking of that "fur" on my ceiling fan as an artistic statement”.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htmBook Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

November 7th of the Blog Trail

Wednesday Nov 7 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she shares the opening chapter of her book. Get a taste of how Christee approached her “mid life crisis”. Click here to read more -

http://www.startatbeginning.blogspot.com/

A thought for the day from Christee – “ It’s difficult, but not impossible, to kill a mosquito with a toilet brush.”

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htmBook Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

NaNo - Day Six

I worked for a client today and got another repair on my laptop today. My brother, dad and I also went to dinner -- so all around, no writing, but I got other important stuff done. But, tomorrow I'm back to work on Amazon info. I think that I also got a few contributions lined up for the book :)

Nikki Leigh

Monday, November 5, 2007

NaNo - Day Five

The day went pretty well and the Amazon section of the book is shaping up :) Tomorrow I have another appointment to have some work done to my laptop and my monthly billing client needs bills sent, so Tuesday will have a few distractions. But, I topped 15,000 today - so its going well.

By the way, I also got word this morning that my Non Commercial Food Service book won a USA Best Book 2007 for the Business Reference category :) Always nice to hear about a contest win on a Monday morning :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/book.htm

Sunday, November 4, 2007

NaNo - Day Four

Today wasn't too bad. I slept late to get a little break and of course I had to watch a bit of football :)

I've done quite a bit of research the last couple of days and I'm reworking the info I found. But, I got about 2000 words on paper today and have a total of 13,127 for the month so far. At one point I thought I had lost 500 words, but I found the problem. I saved one version of a chapter and printed out another version of the chapter. So, I got the info untangled and I found the words :)

Tomorrow is Monday and we'll see how it goes :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Saturday, November 3, 2007

NaNo - Day Three

Today went pretty well. I finished the ten articles for my client and got a couple of things done around the house. By this evening I had 11,032 total words on paper and I got some great Amazon research done today. I was searching for some details I needed and once I stumbled on the info, I had to keep researching :) So, about 3,000 words of Amazon stuff is pieced together and I'll get to that soon.

Tomorrow I plan to get back to social networking. There are a few different ways I want to go with that information and a small bit of it is together, but plenty of info to add :) Its coming along very nice and I've already gotten a few contributions from authors that will be added to the book. How great is that :)

More tomorrow.....

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com

Friday, November 2, 2007

NaNo - Day Two

Well today wasn't as productive as yesterday, but I got my laptop fixed (YEAH :) and that means I could get the Readers Station newsletter posted online (http://www.readersstation.com/nov_2007.htm) and I got about 1000 words on paper too. In addition, I figured out a couple of things about where certain content should go and that is always helpful :) I forgot, I also finished writing 10 articles for a client and I'll proofread them tomorrow and then back to Book Promo 201 :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Thursday, November 1, 2007

NaNo Day One

What an incredibly productive day. I totally expect to get some cyber smacks over this, but I'm so thrilled with my work today that I just don't think I care :)

I got started a little late this morning, but I worked much of the day. Although I actually took an hour for lunch and took another break for about 2 hours this evening. But, when all the work for the day is tabulated -- I have 7125 words for day one. YEAHHHHH ! ! ! Sorry, just a little excited about that. My hands and fingers are hurting, but otherwise the day went good. Its also good that I made good headway today because the Dell technician is supposed to come to town to fix my laptop tomorrow -- YEAHHH ! ! ! I miss the flexibility of having my laptop working :)

I'm going to take a hot bath and soak my hands to prepare for tomorrow. Book Promo 201 is off to a great start and its sounding good so far :)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Join Christee Atwood for Day Two of Her Blog Tour

Friday Nov 2 on the blog tour trail –

Christee Gabour Atwood continues her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

Visit today with Christee Gabour Atwood as she talks to us about the book cover for her book. Click here to read more - http://www.judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/

A thought for the day from Christee – “My pets are smarter than me. If not, they would be going to work everyday, balancing the checkbook on weekends, and cleaning out the litterbox, while I sat on the couch and scratched myself”.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Christee Gabour Atwood's November Blog Tour Begins


Thursday Nov 1 on the blog tour trail –

This is the first day for November author virtual book tours. Christee Gabour Atwood begins her tour today to promote her book – Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis. Today is the first day of National Novel Writing Month – otherwise known as NaNo. Christee is participating in NaNo again this year and she tells us about her NaNo experience at:

http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion-0

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

A thought for the day from Christee – “If I laugh at myself first, then the rest of the world is laughing with me, not at me”.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Author Promotion - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
(E-book NOW AVAILABLE -www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Final Day of The Latino Challenge Book Tour

Wednesday October 31 – The final day on the October blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Latino Politics – www.Latinopoliticsblog.com.

A bit more information about The Latino Challenge –

The Census Bureau made it official in 2002! Latinos are now the top minority in the U.S. The news hit black America like a thunderbolt. Many blacks complained that they would be shoved even further to the economic and political margin among minorities in the country. The Census report also showed Latinos were widening their population growth gap on blacks.

But, it's not just the numbers. Latinos demand political and social issues no longer be framed solely in black and white. That presents another challenge to black America. At times that challenge has been intensified and conflicted by the wildly divergent agendas of African-Americans and Latinos on immigration, political empowerment, bilingual education, and jobs. These are complex and engaging issues.

The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics examines the hot button issues and problems that conflict and unite blacks and Latinos. It looks at how both groups interpret and see those issues and problems through the prism of their experiences. It’s highly readable, fast paced, cutting edge book that blends the personal and analytical, and ultimately can serve as a guide to navigate race and ethnic relations through 21st Century America. The book will be published jointly in Spanish and English.

Update - Mr Hutchinson has a new book which is being released in January. Its titled The Ethnic Presidency and it offers insights into what part race will play in the upcoming presidential election. The debates are already heating up with the Democrats and the Republicans, as the race progresses, it will only be hotter and more complicated. The Ethnic Presidency will help you understand the part that minorities and race will play in this unusual and critical election.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Monday, October 29, 2007

Next to the Last Day of the October Tours

Tuesday October 30 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Book Connection - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/.

A bit more information about The Latino Challenge –
The Census Bureau made it official in 2002! Latinos are now the top minority in the U.S. The news hit black America like a thunderbolt. Many blacks complained that they would be shoved even further to the economic and political margin among minorities in the country. The Census report also showed Latinos were widening their population growth gap on blacks.
But, it's not just the numbers. Latinos demand political and social issues no longer be framed solely in black and white. That presents another challenge to black America. At times that challenge has been intensified and conflicted by the wildly divergent agendas of African-Americans and Latinos on immigration, political empowerment, bilingual education, and jobs. These are complex and engaging issues.
The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics examines the hot button issues and problems that conflict and unite blacks and Latinos. It looks at how both groups interpret and see those issues and problems through the prism of their experiences. It’s highly readable, fast paced, cutting edge book that blends the personal and analytical, and ultimately can serve as a guide to navigate race and ethnic relations through 21st Century America. The book will be published jointly in Spanish and English.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Week Five of the October Blog Tours

Monday October 29 on the blog tour trail –

Nadia Aidan, author of Enthralled visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. He is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12. There’s all kinds of free information for published authors and for writers who want to become published authors.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Blog Tour Visits on October 25th

Thursday October 25 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-interviews-0.

Nadia Aidan, author of Enthralled visits with Nikki Leigh at Detail with Nikki - http://www.detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/.

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12. There’s all kinds of free information for published authors and for writers who want to become published authors.

Nikki Leigh
http://www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Wednesday October 24th on the Blog Trail

Wednesday October 24 on the blog tour trail –

L. Diane Wolfe, author of Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. She is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12. There’s all kinds of free information for published authors and for writers who want to become published authors.

This blog visit for Earl Hutchinson was scheduled for the 23rd, but due to a problem with the fires in San Diego, it was posted late in the day. For anyone who missed this information, feel free to visit the visit on http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/10/censored-blog-hosts-earl-hutchinson-on.html. (We’re glad that Brenda is home safe.)

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com“Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance”
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Monday, October 22, 2007

Visit the Blog Trail on October 23rd

Tuesday October 23 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at the UnCensored Blog at http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/.

Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride visit Share Your Heroine blog and she tells us about the interesting woman who is the focus of her novel. She gives you some wonderful insights into this young woman’s world. Visit with her heroine at - http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Sunday, October 21, 2007

October 22nd on the Blog Trail

Monday October 22 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured on Nikki Leigh’s Inspired Author Promotional Interview blog http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews.

Mayra Calvani, author of Dark Lullaby visits with Nikki Leigh at Detail with Nikki - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/.

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12. There’s all kinds of free information for published authors and for writers who want to become published authors.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Saturday, October 20, 2007

4th Annual Book Em Event

This morning I'm racing out the door because we are having a local author event in a nearby city. Its called Book Em and was founded and organized by a local police officer. There are supposed to be about 65 author present, a number of talks and of course, plenty of opportunities to buy autographed books :) More information is posted here - www.bookem.org

I'll be signing copies of Widow's Walk, Lady Lightkeeper, Lilah and the Locket (which should be a hit with local folks), advance copies of Journeys of a Lifetime (an anthology from members of the Readers' Station - www.readersstation.com) and some of the last copies of Stormy View. I'm also participating in a panel discussion with 4 other authors about "The Road to Publication" --- should be interesting to hear about their road to publication :)

It should be an interesting day and a chance to meet some of my cyber author friends and to meet local readers. I'll post a message later to let you know how it went.

Nikki Leigh

Thursday, October 18, 2007

National Novel Writing Month - The Countdown Starts Soon

Less than two weeks until NaNo starts. (NaNo is short for National Novel Writing Month.) You may be asking --- what is NaNo? It is a worldwide "competition" where writers start a new book on November 1 and the goal is to have 50,000 words on paper by the end of the month. That boils down to about 200 double spaced pages and its a great start on a novel :)

This will be my sixth year participating in NaNo and four of those projects are in print - the other was a ghostwriting project for a client. The book I'm working on this year is Book Promo 201 - the sequel to my new promotional book that was just released in ebook format. Print is coming soon :) Trust me, there will be an announcement when the print book is available :)

So, if you would like more information about NaNo - this is the website www.nanowrimo.org and this is the link to some articles I wrote for people to get ready for NaNo - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/national-novel-writing-month. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Wrap Up Week 3 on the Blog Trail

Friday October 19 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Sharon Hurley Hall’s blog – http://doublehdesign.com/blog.

Nicola Beaumont, author of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset visits with Nikki Leigh at Detail with Nikki - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/.

PG Forte, author of Love From A to Z visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. He is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

October 17th on the Blog Trail

Wednesday October 17 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Immigration Prof Blog - http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/.

Mayra Calvani, author of Dark Lullaby visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. She is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

October 16th Blog Tour Stops

Tuesday October 16 on the blog tour trail – its Lady’s Day on the blog tour ---

Diane Wolfe and Shobhan Bantwal prepare to share information about their books with you…

L. Diane Wolfe, author of Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV visits the Judge A Book by Its Cover blog at http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/. Diane shares her book cover and the story behind the cover with you today.

Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride visits Its All in the Setting blog at http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/. Learn more about contemporary India and the things that go on behind the scenes.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Back on the Blog Trail - October 15, 2007

Monday October 15 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at The Latino Pundit - www.latinopundit.com.

Nicola Beaumont, author of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. He is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12

Nikki Leigh - www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm -E-book AVAILABLE

Book Promo Blogs Are Updated


I updated the book promo blogs over the weekend and I invite you to take a look at the updated information. If you would like to submit information about any of your blogs, feel free to click the How to Submit links to learn more.

Tell Us More About the Setting of Your Book
Main Page - http://www.itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.htm...

Share Details About Your Heroine
Main Page - http://www.shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/
How to Submit -
http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/2007/07/share-your-heroine.html

Share Information About the Hero
Main Page - http://www.shareyourhero.blogspot.com/
How to Submit -
http://shareyourhero.blogspot.com/2007/07/share-your-hero.html

Tell Us About Your Bad Guy or Bad Girl
Main Page - http://www.badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/2007/07/bad-guys-and-villains.htm...

Start With the Facts - For All Non Fiction Books and many Fiction
Main Page - http://www.startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

From Books to Movies
Main Page - http://www.frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

In Detail with Nikki Leigh
Main Page - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

First Chapter Blog - Share the First Chapter of Your Book
Main Page - http://www.startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Share Details About the Best Friend in Your Book
Main Page - http://www.mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/
How to Submit -
http://mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Share Your Book Cover and the Story Behind the Cover
Main Page - http://www.judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
How to Submit –
http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.htm...

Tie the Topic of Your Book to Current Events
http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion-0

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Wrapping Up Week 2 on the Blog Trail

Friday October 12 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at The Immigrant Daily - http://immigrantdaily.com/.

PG Forte, author of Love From A to Z visits with Nikki Leigh at Detail with Nikki - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/.

Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. He is featured on the Author Promotion Interview site – http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book AVAILABLE

October 11th on the Tour Trail with Earl Hutchinson

Thursday October 11 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at http://xicanopwr.com/ - Because There Are Still Some Things Worth Fighting For. This is the link directly to the post is http://xicanopwr.com/2007/10/the-latino-challenge-to-black-america-q-a-with-earl-ofari-hutchinson/.

The owner of the blog read The Latino Challenge and then sent me a series of questions. One thing I really liked is that his questions were based on things that he personally experienced and his questions provide depth to the exchange.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm - E-book NOW Available

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

October 10th on the Tour Trail with Earl Hutchinson

Wednesday October 10 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Hispanic Trending - http://juantornoe.blogs.com/hispanictrending/.

A little additional information about The Latino Challenge and Earl Hutchinson –

Book Summary -
The Census Bureau made it official in 2002! Latinos are now the top minority in the U.S. The news hit black America like a thunderbolt. Many blacks complained that they would be shoved even further to the economic and political margin among minorities in the country. The Census report also showed Latinos were widening their population growth gap on blacks.
But, it's not just the numbers. Latinos demand political and social issues no longer be framed solely in black and white. That presents another challenge to black America. At times that challenge has been intensified and conflicted by the wildly divergent agendas of African-Americans and Latinos on immigration, political empowerment, bilingual education, and jobs. These are complex and engaging issues.
The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics examines the hot button issues and problems that conflict and unite blacks and Latinos. It looks at how both groups interpret and see those issues and problems through the prism of their experiences. It’s highly readable, fast paced, cutting edge book that blends the personal and analytical, and ultimately can serve as a guide to navigate race and ethnic relations through 21st Century America. The book will be published jointly in Spanish and English.

Author Bio -
Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author, syndicated columnist, political analyst and commentator. He has been a frequent guest on Hannity and Colmes, The O’Reilly Factor, The Big Story, EXTRA, and numerous CNN News and Talk Shows. He was a regular commentator on CNBC’s The Dennis Miller Show.
He has been a guest on the Today Show, Dateline, The Lehrer Hour, and BET News, America’s Black Forum. He is a frequent commentator for the American Urban Broadcast Network and Ed Gordon’s News and Notes on NPR. He is a featured columnist for BlackNews.com, BlackAmericaWeb.com, and Alternet.org. He is associate editor of New America Media. His op-ed columns appear in the Baltimore Sun, L.A. Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Christian Science Monitor, and other major newspapers.


Nikki Leigh - www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion – EBOOK AVAILABLE
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Monday, October 8, 2007

October 9th on the Blog Trail

Tuesday October 9 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at Publishing Success Stories - www.publishingsuccessstories.authorsabode.com.

Steven M. Reilly, author of The Fat Lady Never Sings: How a High School Football Team Found Redemption on the Baseball Diamond visits with Nikki Leigh at Detail with Nikki - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Book Promo 101 - Learn the Basics of Book Promotion




I've waited a long time to be able to say this ----

The first book in my author promotional series is NOW AVAILABLE in ebook format. We're working on the print galleys and the print book should be available by the first of November. I will post an announcement when the print book is available too :)






Some of the topics that are discussed in Book Promo 101 include:
How Do You Develop a Marketing Mind
When Should You Start Promoting
Design Your Book with Promotion in Mind
Should You Hire a Publicist
Creating a Marketing Plan
What Goes in a Press Kit
Writing and Distributing Press Releases
Utilize Book Reviews
Designing an Author Website
Use Promotional Items
Selling Books in Book Stores
Other Places and Ways to Sell Books
Blogging About Your Book
Use Email and Signature Blocks to Promote
Use Forums and Message Boards
Expand Your Area of Influence

For order information -
http://www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NonFiction2.html

For more information about Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Nikki Leigh

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Follow the Blog Trail - October 8th


Monday October 8 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics visits with Nikki Leigh on the Inspired Author Self Promotion site. He is featured on the Author Interview Pages – click for more information - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-interviews-0

While you’re on the Inspired Author website, I invite you to take a look at the Self Promotion section. There are over 60 promotional articles and interviews that I want to share with you. The link is - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12



Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Asking For Your Vote


Each month on Erin Aislinn's website, she features new cover art work each week and then people can vote for their favorite cover. I have one competing this month and one next month.

I would like to ask for your vote for the cover of Lady Lightkeeper for cover of the month. There are two ways to place your vote

1 - Click here and click on Vote for Lady Lightkeeper - http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheMonth.htm
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2 - Send an email to webmail@erinaislinn.com and put Vote For Lady Lightkeeper in the subject line.

I appreciate your vote :)

This is an easy and interesting way to get additional exposure for your titles. All you need to do is go to the website and click on submit a cover to learn more.

Nikki

Blog Tour Stops - October 4th

Thursday October 4 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured at The Unaplogetic Mexican - http://www.theunapologeticmexican.org. The questions and answers will be posted around 3 pm PST and Mr Hutchinson will be online on Thursday from 4 to 4:30 pm (California – PST time). He will be there to answer questions with visitors.

Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride visits In Detail with Nikki Leigh at http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/. Visit with Shobhan and learn more about the events that prompted the story and learn about a side of India that you may not know about.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

October 2nd on the Blog Tour Trail

Tuesday, October 2 on the blog tour trail –

Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks about his book - The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics. Today he is featured in the Izania newsletter www.izania.com.

L. Diane Wolfe, author of Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV visits In Detail with Nikki Leigh - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ and shares details about the story "behind the story".

We welcome your comments.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Pamela Kinney Author of Haunted Richmond


Pamela Kinney, the author of Haunted Richmond, visits Muze's Musings today. She is only a couple of hours from me and I believe we will both be attending the writers' conference, Book Em on the 20th of October. I asked Pamela some questions about her book and I'll share her answers with you.

1 - What made you decide about Haunted Richmond, Virginia?

My editor, Dinah Roseberry was a member of Mid-Atlantic Horror Professionals like me and she just got the job as head editor of the paranormal section. She asked the horror authors on the MAHP forum if anyone wanted to write for Schiffer Books. I decided why not, so wrote up a proposal for Richmond and sent it. They accepted it.

2 - Did you meet any especially interesting people in your research? If so, would you tell us about one or two?

The couple that owns the business, Haunts of Richmond http://www.hauntsofrichmond.com/ that's the first chapter. For this attraction they do a haunted house, and later added the ghost tours. They even have their own ghost in the business. Sandi Bergman knows a lot about the local ghost stories and lore of Richmond. And another interesting person is the owner of Wrexham Hall. She uses this haunted house for her wedding/reception business. And she has proof that the lady in red actually showed up for a wedding--was in the couple's photo with them!

Actually many people I interviewed were all interesting and I like to thank them for making this so easy for this author to interview them.

3 - What's one of the most interesting stories you discovered in your research?

The Richmond vampire. That's his tomb on the cover. How his legend started with the train buried under the hill in Shockoe Bottom (another, very interesting story in the book) and how for years thanks to that story people would try to break in his tomb at Hollywood Cemetery and try to stake him. They finally had to remove his body and his wife's to undisclosed location so the break-ins would stop.

4 - What is one or two of your favorite things about the Richmond area?

Hollywood Cemetery--as it is a gorgeous place to tour. And that there is so much ghostly stuff going on in this city, plus loads of history.

5 - Do you plan to write other “Haunting” books in the Virginia area?

I hope to write a book on legends and myths of Virginia. Started collecting stories and more for this too. Working on an urban fantasy right as have chance to pitch to an agent end of September, but plan to start working on this end of October.

6 - I see on your website that you have a lot of appearances, can you tell us about your favorite experience with a reader?

That people do come looking for me. It's still unbelievable to me. Like the nice man who's on my MySpace, came looking for me at Dragoncon. I got to talk with him. And someone from the yahoo groups I'm with came too. I enjoy hearing by email from readers, or by comment on my MySpace, that they enjoyed the book. Anyone who gets Haunted Richmond, Virginia, or any of the fiction I write, please do email me and let me know how you liked it. PamelaKKinney@comcast.net .

7 - Have there been any especially difficult situations with the public?

The only time was when I was still writing it. Some lady who also exercised at Curses as I do said she didn't understand why anyone would write about ghosts who weren't real and that maybe I should come to her church. In other words, she stated his disbelief, but hinted that maybe I was doing devil's work. I asked her if she believed in angels and devils, and she said yes, so I said, “If you believe in them, then you believe in spirits.” Then I told her I go to a Catholic Church, but thank you for the offer of visiting her church. With nothing else to say after that to me, she got in her car and drove away. That was the only bad experience I had.

8 - What advice would you offer to a new author who wants to write a book about “haunting” experiences?

To do as an author friend, Deborah Painter told me, not only double check your facts, triple check it. And from me, have fun, for there's loads of interesting stories to find out there, anywhere.

9 - Would you like to tell us about Travel Guide to the Haunted Mid-Atlantic Region Anthology? It seems that the two books would work well together for people who want to learn about the paranormal in Virginia and other areas in the mid-Atlantic region.

It's a collection of horror stories by various horror authors, all set in the mid-Atlantic region only. Mine, “Plagued”, starts at the Maryland Ren Fest and ends in Richmond. It's a 'be careful what you buy at odd shops' tale. Other super authors in the anthology are Elizabeth Massie, who does great Southern horror and who won the Bram Stoker award twice, my editor, Dinah as D.P. Roseberry and other super authors. You can now find the anthology up at http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Guide-Haunted-Mid-Atlantic-Region/dp/1411680677/ref=sr_1_1/103-0687312-5804636?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186091830&sr=1-1 .

10 - You write in a number of different genres. Are you planning to move into any other genres, or to stay in these chosen genres? If you do plan to branch out, what genres are you thinking about?

Right now, I write horror, fantasy, science fiction and erotic and sweet romance (as Sapphire Phelan), plus these nonfiction ghost books, and that is it. I always thought I would be able to write mysteries too, years ago, but for now, no. But who knows what my future may hold and what I may do.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Winners of Free Books From the Blog Tours

I promised to post the winners and I just got the list ---

Winners of Free Books from September '07 Authors on Tour!
On behalf of the September '07 authors on tour, I would like to thank all the kind comments that were left on their tour stops. It just goes to show you that people are still reading and love winning books!

The winners chosen at random are:

Nick Oliva has won a copy of Yvonne Perry's book, RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA!

Blackroze37 has won a copy of Hazel Statham's book, DOMINIC!

Malcolm Campbell has won a copy of Scott Zema's book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES!

Yvonne Perry has won a copy of Nick Oliva's book, ONLY MOMENTS!

Yvonne Perry has also won a copy of Dwayne G. Anderson's book, PARTIALLY HUMAN!

Yvonne Perry has also won a copy of CJ Maxx's book, COMING BACK A VIRGIN!

Elizabeth Grace has won a copy of Nikki Leigh's book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER!

Larrimie has won a copy of Caridad Pineiro's book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN!

Rhonda (blessed heart) has won a copy of Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's book, THE TRUTH, I'M TEN, I'M SMART AND I KNOW EVERYTHING!

All winners were chosen because of their sincere comments and were chosen by the authors themselves.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Final Day of the September Blog Tours

Welcome to Friday September 28, 2007, stops on the virtual book tour trail – the last day of the September tours. I hope everyone has read some interesting interviews and possibly added some new books to your “to be read” pile. On this Friday, I'm offering the following interviews for your reading pleasure -

Nikki Leigh visits http://www.overthehillchick.blogspot.com/ to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two

Scott Zema visits the Start with the Facts blog to give us some background information about his book - http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/.

The people who won the free books will be announced Saturday. Check my blog for details – www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com
Let's have some fun this month and get to know each other.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

September 27th - Blog Visits for You

Welcome to Thursday September 27, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Nikki Leigh visits Jennifer Haines at www.a2eatwrite.blogspot.com to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two

Yvonne Perry shares information about her book Right to Recover Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America at http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com.

Dwayne Anderson shares his thoughts on promotion on the Inspired Author promotional interview blog - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

September 26th - Blog Visits for You

Welcome to Wednesday September 26, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Nikki Leigh visits http://community.livejournal.com/epress_online/ to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two.

Yvonne Perry shares information about her book Right to Recover Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America at http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com.

Scott Zema shares the first chapter from his book with you on the Start At The Beginning blog - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/.

Nick Oliva shares his thoughts on promotion on the Inspired Author promotional interview blog - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Yvonne Perry - Right to Recover


Nikki - Yvonne, it's great to have you with us today. I was reading about your books and saw that you wrote More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife. Can you tell us a bit about that book? Also, did any part of this book and research lead you to your current book, The Right to Recover?

Yvonne - Thank you for allowing me to share with you. More than Meets the Eye covers many aspects of the dying and grieving process such as hospice care, post-mortem processes, assisting the passing of a loved one, suicide, and yes, the controversial topic of euthanasia. It also presents near-death experience and spirit visits from deceased loved ones and other topics people are somewhat reluctant to talk about. The book offers non-religious information and insight to assist people in finding peace about the mysterious process of transitioning back to God/Source. I included a collection of stories people shared with me, as well as a few of my own observations, opinions and experiences. There's a legal document that may be used as a living will is included in the appendix.

I've always been intrigued by death. As a child it was common for my parents to take me with them to a funeral home when someone from our church died. The experience did not upset me. In fact, I actually enjoyed trying to read the cursive writing on those tiny cards tucked between the mums and roses! I can remember sitting in church and listening to the preacher talk about Heaven. If Heaven is so wonderful, I reasoned in my young mind, why are people so sad when someone dies and goes there? As a young adult, I watched my family deal with our own critically ill loved ones, and was again puzzled by their hesitancy to let them go.

I have had a few “close calls” with death, and I do not fear what is on the other side. It's the suffering on this side that I absolutely have no use for. That is one reason I wrote RIGHT TO RECOVER; I want see an end of sickness and debilitating injuries. If stem cell research offers a cure for anything, it is worth a try.

Nikki - It seems to me that your book Right to Recover is very timely. There are many people who read the media reports and have heard about the senate debate and the president's veto. But, many of these people probably have very little “technical” knowledge about the subject. I am fascinated with the things I've learned while organizing your tour. However, I'll admit science was not my best subject in school. Could I still understand the information in your book? I guess the easy question is, can people with limited knowledge about the subject read your book and understand the details?

Yvonne - Yes, I purposely wrote the book in laymen's' terms so everyone can understand it. I've had several reviews that support the fact that the book is an easy, but very educational read.

Nikki - There seems to be a lot of “moral” debate about using stem cells. Would you share one of the common objections to stem cell research and how you would debate that objection?

Yvonne - Many people have been led to believe that blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research destroys embryos. When they think of embryos, they think of a tiny baby. Therefore, they think a baby is being killed for research. This is not true. The research is conducted in a lab on a cluster of cells that have not begun to become anything but more cells. A fertilized egg in a lab is equal to any other type of cell. The fact that it could become a baby if implanted in a womb scares some people, who have a fearful view of a punishing God. They believe these cells are more human and therefore more sacred because of their potential. Why they may not be considering is now much better a life they could create for those who are already suffering in full human condition. The sad part is that these blastocysts leftover from in vitro fertilization are being thrown away without giving science a chance to study them.

Nikki - Do you have an objection to stem cell research after all your in depth research on the subject? If so, are you willing to share details about it with us?

Yvonne - No, I have not had any reservation from the start and since my research, I am even more convinced that we need to harness the potential these cells have. I didn't understand cloning when I began my research, and I had some concerns about it. After my research I am very supportive of therapeutic cloning.

Nikki - It seems that one of the big problems is that people are getting a lot of misinformation about stem cell research. How do you feel we can convince people that they NEED to learn the facts?

Yvonne - That is the very reason I wrote RIGHT TO RECOVER. I'm hoping that organizations, foundations, and political figures that support stem cell research will let others know that my book is available. Hopefully, any publicity I do for the book will help people understand that they do NOT understand. Everyone who has read the book says they are much more informed afterward. Those who have heard about it, want to get hold of a copy. I've got a list of people waiting to purchase the book once it goes to print.

Nikki - In the writing and promotional classes I create, I often tell people they will learn and accomplish more - if they approach the information with an open mind. Would it help people to approach your book with an open mind? If so, how does will that help them?

Yvonne - Absolutely. Anytime we approach a situation or person with our opinion already set in concrete, we will not likely be changed even with logic or scientific proof.

Nikki - What sort of reactions are people in other parts of the world having to stem cell research? Do you think these reactions will hurt or help stem cell research in the United States?


Yvonne - Strangely enough, the US is the most closed-minded and causes much of the controversy worldwide. That's because we have a president who condemns the research, and he has a great amount of influence on the political members of the United Nations. Most countries do have guidelines and governmental oversight to the research. Countries that have a relaxed religious majority are able to proceed without as much hindrance, but many of them depend upon grants and funding that come from the US.

Nikki -Are there any final comments that you would like to share with us?

Yvonne - I want to thank you again for having me as your guest. If anyone wants more information about the book or about stem cell research, you might be interested in visiting my blog www.right2recover.com

Nikki - For anyone who hasn't seen Yvonne's tour page, I recommend that you visit this page http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2007/08/right-to-recover-virtual-book-tour-07.html and read the excerpt from Right to Recover. She deals with a very important subject that we need to understand. The repercussions or the benefits for the present and the future generations, make it crucial that we get a better understanding of this topic.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

September 26th - Blog Visits for You

Welcome to Wednesday September 26, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Yvonne Perry shares information about her book Right to Recover Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America at http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com.

Scott Zema shares the first chapter from his book with you on the Start At The Beginning blog - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/.

Nick Oliva shares his thoughts on promotion on the Inspired Author promotional interview blog - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

Nikki Leigh visits http://community.livejournal.com/epress_online/ to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two.

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month one person will win a copy of the book being promoted on that blog. So, come out and say hi.
Let's have some fun this month and get to know each other.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

September 25th - Blog Visits for You

Welcome to Tuesday September 25, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Nikki Leigh visits Cheryl Kaye Tardif at http://www.writetype.blogspot.com/ to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two

Yvonne Perry shares information about the cover art for her book Right to Recover Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America at http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com.

Hazel Statham visits the best friend blog to tell us about the best friend in her book Dominic – visits http://mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Monday, September 24, 2007

September 24th on the Blog Tour Trail

Welcome to Monday September 24, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Nikki Leigh visits www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com/ to promote her book Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two

Yvonne Perry shares information about her book Right to Recover Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Thursday, September 20, 2007

September 21st on the Blog Tour

Welcome to Friday September 21, 2007, of the virtual book tours. Today, I'm offering the following interviews -

Nikki Leigh shares her thoughts on promotion on the Inspired Author promotional interview blog - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews

Dr Barbara Holstein shares information about the heroine as she promotes her book The TRUTH: I’m Ten, I’m Smart and I Know Everything – http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/
Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month one person will win a copy of the book being promoted on that blog. So, come out and say hi.



Let's have some fun this month and get to know each other.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm




Visit us on the Promo 101 Promotional Services site - http://www.bookpromotionservices.com