This class will provide you with the information you need to write a fiction or non-fiction book, the pros and cons of each of the publishing routes and tips on how to decide which one is best for you and your book, and actionable tips on the most effective and affordable marketing tips.

The class is limited to 10 and it fills up fast so register soon!

The post If You’ve ever said, “I could write a book.” appeared first on Doreen McGettigan.

     

Marketing Magic

No matter where you are with your writing, even if you are starting, whether you are self, independently, or traditionally published, marketing should be on your mind early on in your process.

Whether we like it or not publishing is a business. Publishers produce books they think will sell. Their number one priority is to make money. If we understand the business and the marketing side of publishing it can greatly increase our chances of being noticed by the top agents and publishers as well as increase our chances of success.

Marketing is the process of creating positive communication about you and your book, selling the book, and delivering your book to customers.

• This class will provide you with actionable, and reasonable tips to market your book effectively
• You will take away knowledge of how the business of publishing and marketing work
• You will create a professional marketing plan

The class is limited to 10 attendees and includes a follow-up one-on-one with the instructor. It fills quickly!

It’s also for managing reader relationships in ways that benefit you and the reader. It requires coordination, planning, and implementation.

If you’ve finished writing and publishing a book you’ve accomplished something truly remarkable. Now you must get people to buy and read, then to review and talk about, and then to share your book.

No matter which publishing route you choose the challenge will still be the same. How will the right audience for you and your book find it? How will they know it exists?

When it comes to marketing your book, knowledge, and preparation are the first two keys to your marketing success. 

Waiting for your book to be discovered is not an effective marketing plan. We are writers not necessarily business savvy, but we must learn the business side of publishing if we want to successfully sell our books.

I know authors who spent months, even years writing wonderful books. They had those books professionally edited, critiqued, and uploaded them to Amazon and waited. That was it. A few of these authors never even told their family members that they wrote and published a book. I’m not sure if this qualifies as a case of resisting happiness, a lack of confidence, the fear of failing, a fear of success, or simply the lack of knowledge that products do not sell themselves and books are products.

Word of mouth is still an effective marketing tool; however, the buzz always needs to come out of the reader’s mouth, not the author’s. It’s up to you the author to encourage your readers to get that buzz going.

This class will be rerun in the fall This class is sold out! 

The Marketing Magic Class is available but will fill up quickly!

The post Marketing Magic for Writers Spring Class appeared first on Doreen McGettigan.

     

Why is Science Fiction Increasing in Popularity?

 I’m not sure if the genre is increasing in popularity or if it’s now “okay” to admit you are a fan of the genre without fear of being accused of being a foil hat wearer.

On July 26, 2023, a House Oversight subcommittee held a hearing on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects.) Subcommittee members heard testimony from three former military officials about the unexplained sightings of flying objects, and our government’s possession of “alien” now referred to as non-human biological matter.

The former military officials agreed the government knows and has known and concealed much more than they’ve informed Americans.

Honestly, who hasn’t known that our government knows more than they’ve shared for decades? The difference I believe is some of us haven’t admitted we believe that out loud.

Many experts believe that most UFOs can be attributed to satellites. According to statista.com At any given time the United States has 5798 satellites circling the Earth. The Commonwealth of Independent States (Russia) has 1546, China 601, United Kingdom 552, Japan 208, India 110, European Space Agency 93, France 91, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization 86, Global Star 84 and Germany 79 and Canada 76.

Other sightings could also be attributed to drones, spy balloons, weather balloons, and commercial aircraft.

David Grusch a former US intelligence official informed the representatives that he is certain that the federal government has possession of non-human biological matter and objects. The Pentagon continues to deny any knowledge of such items in US government possession.

When asked about the funding of a government secret organization Grusch responded the effort is funded by a misappropriation of funds and is above congressional oversight.

I reached out to three of my favorite sci-fi writers. I hope you enjoy their take on why sci-fi has become a top-selling genre.

I’d love to hear what you think is out there.

Dina Santorelli’s bio:

Dina Santorelli is an award-winning, best-selling author of thriller and suspense novels. She was voted one of the best Long Island authors for two consecutive years. Baby Grand, her debut novel and the first book in the Baby Grand Trilogy, became a #1 Political Thriller, #1 Kidnapping Thriller, and #1 Organized Crime Thriller and landed on Kindle’s Top 30. Dina’s mystery thriller In the Red was awarded First Place, Genre Fiction, in the 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, and her latest thriller, The Reformed Man, was a Finalist, Adult Fiction, in the 2023 New York Author Project. Dina also lectures for Hofstra University’s Continuing Education Department, and she is an Indie Author Project Ambassador for the Library Journal and an Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).

The Book:

Interview with Dina:

(Doreen) I read The Reformed Man months ago and it is still with me. Where did this story come from?

(Dina) I had a dream a few years back about two young men running toward the “future.” The dream was a lot clearer to me at the time and there was more to it, but that’s all I remember now. The Reformed Man — all 500+ pages of it — was based on that dream.
(Doreen)Were any of your characters crafted after “real” people?

(Dina) No, none of them were. Made them all up.

(Doreen) Why do you think the Sci-Fi genre is so popular now?

(Dina) Gosh, I honestly don’t know. I never intended to write a sci-fi thriller. I just knew I had to explore that dream I had. I would imagine sci-fi is so popular because it allows us to escape our present. Interestingly, there’s lots of that “present” in The Reformed Man, so there’s not much escapism there. I view it as a thriller book with sci-fi themes because they are entrenched in reality. Climate change. Social justice. I touch on lots of challenging issues that we face today.

(Doreen) How do you think Sci-Fi reflects today’s society?

(Dina) Hmmm… Maybe it takes the things that frighten us the most and exaggerates them.

(Doreen) How do you think science fiction differs from speculative fiction? How are they the same?

(Dina) I’m probably the worst person to ask this question too. I think I’m genre-challenged. LOL! There’s so much crossing genre nowadays it’s hard to label books. As a writer, I think that’s a good thing, but I can understand how it can be challenging for readers who are trying to find genres to read. As for your question, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that sci-fi falls under the speculative fiction umbrella.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on AI? How about AI fears?

(Dina) I think AI is happening, whether we like it or not. I just came back from a publishing conference, where AI was discussed at length — particularly, what it means for authors. I don’t worry about AI replacing authors. We all have our unique points of view, and I think that’s something that AI cannot replicate. At least, not yet. And as a tool, AI is not an all-or-nothing proposition for writers. There are authors out there using AI to help them plan books or market books. It’s used for efficiency. That aspect of AI is something I’d like to investigate. As for AI writing books, yes, that’s out there happening too. But I have no interest in that. I became a writer to write my books. And if that means banging my head against my keyboard to come up with ideas or ways to close a plot hole, dammit I will do it!

(Doreen) I must ask; do you believe in aliens?

(Dina) Sure, why not? I believe anything is possible.

(Doreen) When it comes to your books who was your favorite character to develop?

(Dina) As a general statement, writing villains is WAY fun. Whether it’s Bailino of the Baby Grand Trilogy or Benedikt Rafnkelsson of The Reformed Man, I enjoy tapping into the dark side of humanity and wreaking all kinds of havoc.

THE REFORMED MAN BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/388c03xgh7
BABY GRAND BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/syic6j1utl
BABY GRAND TRILOGY BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/gm6yxmw9rt

IG: http://www.instagram.com/dinasantorelli
FB: http://www.facebook.com/dinasantorelliwriter

Alex’s Bio:

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics and is experienced in technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

The Books

Interview with Alex:

(Doreen) When did the sci-fi bug first bite you? What was the first book and TV show or movie you remember watching in the genre?

 (Alex) The first book was Robert Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Or at least it was one of the first. I remember reading it but not understanding it. I was probably around nine or so. The first show I remember watching was the original Star Trek series.

(Doreen) What do you think of Space X? What do you think of the Space Force?

 (Alex) With Space X, I think it’s amazing we are privatizing space travel. That opens so many opportunities. As for Space Force, I wish it was the beginning of the Stargate program…

(Doreen) Do you agree with Ray Bradberry that many science fiction stories depict disaster?

 I don’t think any more than other genres. They probably depict more end-of-the-world disasters since that often falls under science fiction. But if by disaster he meant things going wrong, all stories would be boring if something didn’t go wrong somewhere.

(Doreen) What “old” sci-fi works do you believe accurately predicted the future?

(Alex) Star Trek! No, we can’t teleport, but we do have iPads and shuttles now. Also 1984. It’s terrifying how much our government watches and surveys us now. And wants to control us.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on AI? Your fears?

(Alex) Haven’t we watched enough science fiction movies to know that AI will only bring about our destruction?

(Doreen) Have you read any of the newly released files on space?

 (Alex) If you’re referring to UAPs, I can say, based on the videos I’ve watched, I have no idea what they are. I find them both intriguing and very disturbing.

(Doreen) When it comes to your books who was your favorite character to develop?

 (Alex) It would have to be Byron, the main character of the Cassa series. (Although a minor character in the final book.) Since the stories jumped many years ahead, I got to see his growth as his life passed from one phase to the next.

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

You can find all my books listed on my site: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

My latest was Cassa Dark and you can find it here:

Dancing Lemur Press – http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/sciencefiction

iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cassadark

Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

Gene’s bio:

Author Gene Abel has published numerous professional articles. He has a B.S. in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA from Lehigh University.

Gene is a retired Army colonel who graduated from the War College. He is retired as COO of Pennsylvania’s third largest school system and lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania.

The Books:

Gene’s Interview:

(Doreen) Which science fiction movie from the past would you like to see remade?

(Gene) War of the Worlds.

(Doreen) Why do you think science fiction has become so popular recently?

(Gene) People like an escape from their normal lives. Also, there is renewed interest in, and fascination with all things space and aliens.

(Doreen) Do you have any fears of AI? Any thoughts on why it may be helpful?

(Gene) AI like the internet can be a great tool if applied properly. However, if used to deceive people or as part of weapons systems the danger could be great. If AI were linked to the power of Quantum computers, the results could be hard to control. There have been Sci-Fi movies about computers taking over. It could be used to speed up research, for facial recognition, and for crime control.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on Space X? What are your thoughts on The Space Force?

(Gene) I think combining the efforts of government, academia, and free enterprise can result in amazing innovation and solutions. The space shuttle is a good example. The Space Force is a logical outcome of our exploration and use of space.

(Doreen) What do you believe The Space Force’s main mission should be?

(Gene) First and foremost to protect us from any enemies that would attempt to use space against us. That will require both offensive and defensive systems. Lasers focused on energy weapons, pulse devices as well as observation. The second mission, I believe, should be to learn more about extraterrestrials and to be prepared for them, should they choose to make contact.

(Doreen) When it comes to your sci-fi series who was your favorite character to develop?

(Gene) Special Agent Lou Hershman. He had the insight and was the most important member of the time travel team.

genepabelbooks.com 

The post Why is Science Fiction Increasing in Popularity? appeared first on Doreen McGettigan.

     

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The statistics in 2023 are still staggering.

• On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. For one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
• On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

I’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Gardella. Once a victim herself, she is now victorious and has penned a book that addresses the signs of abuse, the types, and importantly what to do and what not to do if you suspect someone you know is being victimized.

The Author

Jennifer Gardella, Ph.D., is a survivor of domestic violence and a passionate advocate now raising awareness about this pervasive issue. In her debut book “Domestic Violence Awareness: Listen for the Whispers of Abuse” Jennifer shares the remarkable journey she took transforming from victim to advocate.

In the throes of the abusive relationship, Jennifer did not know that it was domestic violence nor that her abuser was slowly dismantling her well-being and life. It was only after her escape that she began to comprehend the intricate layers of abuse and manipulation she had endured.

With unwavering determination, Jennifer has now made it her mission to educate others, ensuring that victims and their friends, loved ones, family members, and colleagues understand that domestic violence extends far beyond physical harm. Her writing focuses on the tactics used by abusers, including emotional and psychological abuse. She emphasizes that we need to keep looking for abuse but also start listening to the stories of victims. Jennifer wants to empower individuals to recognize the signs, offer support, and ultimately help victims break the cycle of domestic violence.

In Jennifer’s personal life, she adores her three fabulous adulting children, her dog Henry, and a great guy who recently slipped an ice-skating rink on her finger. She loves spending time with her circle of trust, to whom she is eternally grateful, as they each played a critical part in her escape.

Jennifer completed her undergraduate work at Fordham University and earned a master’s and Ph.D. in educational psychology and statistics from Rutgers University. In her professional life she is a digital marketing consultant with expertise in helping business owners reach ideal clients using blogging and social media.

Jennifer looks forward to connecting with readers and those who work in the domestic violence space.

The Book

In Domestic Violence Awareness: Listen for the Whispers of Abuse, readers will discover multiple methods to tune into the experiences of victims beyond only looking for physical harm. Many secret layers are discussed, including love bombing, the dark mirror, blaming, reactive abuse, hoovering, trauma bonding, financial abuse, fat shaming, post-separation abuse, and gaslighting. This book is essential for family members, loved ones, friends, and colleagues who harbor concerns but find themselves perplexed about how to support a victim.

The Interview

Why were you the best person to write this book?

I have a unique perspective as a survivor of domestic violence who rebuilt her life after escaping.

Who is your intended audience and/or reader for this book?

•   When I lived in abuse, I had no idea that the emotional and psychological brutality I was experiencing was domestic violence (or even abuse). I believed he had every right to rage like he did because of his background.  I thought it was my responsibility to heal him. When victims see the information, I hope they will say, “Oh, that is my life,” and start to safety plan to get out.
• Loved ones, colleagues, friends, and family members who know abusive behavior is going on in a relationship but don’t know what to do about it. Rather than just say, “he’s just a jerk” or “It’s none of my business because she chooses to stay with him,” they will now know she is living in abuse and needs help.
• Human Resources Executives: so, they realize the types of support they need to put in place for employees (victims and those supporting victims).
• Everyone else so that they know the signs of emotional and physical abuse and how to talk to and support victims. Once you hear that someone is a victim/survivor, you must let them know you are a safe space.

Not all domestic abuse is physical. What are the other types?

Domestic Violence is any pattern of behavior of emotional and psychological abuse that is meant to control, manipulate, coerce, or intimidate a victim.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse:   humiliating, constantly criticizing, threatening, blaming, ignoring; neglect, isolation.

Gaslighting:  get the victim to doubt her own sanity (“you are lying” “that didn’t happen”)

Shame:  Fat shaming, financial shaming (I have more than you or I make all the money)

Financial Abuse:  holding power over all the money.

Reactive Abuse:  he attacks her, and she fights back.  Then he blames her for her actions, forgetting what caused the fight in the first place.

Trauma bonding:  a cycle of abuse – he love bombs her then drips in abuse. Then love bombs her again to bring her back – slowly, this cycle continues, but the abuse gets worse and worse, and the love bombing is fewer and farther apart.

How do female abusers differ from male abusers?

This one I can’t answer… yet.

What are the signs that someone you know is being abused?

You’ll hear it from the abusers themselves – they humiliate their victim in public with an awful story, or he has a humiliating nickname for her.  He publicly makes fun of her.

Then, you hear from the victims in the stories that they share:

• He doesn’t let me have my cell phone in the house.
• He screams and rages and then blames me – I apologize but have no idea what I am apologizing for.
• I’m not allowed access to any money – I must ask him for a credit card or cash to buy food for the house and clothes for the kids.
• I clean the house, and he inspects it. When he finds things wrong, I must start over.
• He screams that he isn’t attracted to me and wants me to lose 10 pounds.
• He serves me my food because he doesn’t want me to eat too much.
• His ex-wife sent an email that upset him, and he raged at me for two hours, accused me of wasting his time (even though I hadn’t said a word), and then I apologized – but I’m not sure what I apologized for.

If you suspect a friend or relative is being abused what is the safest way to approach them?

Assume that the victim has no idea she is living in abuse, and if she isn’t being physically hurt, it might take some time for her to understand fully.

You may want to talk to her or slowly drip information (hey, I read this blog post, book, article, and it sounds exactly like a story you told me about your life).

What NOT to do: Start off too strong with questions like “Why do you stay with him?” or “I could never put up with him, not sure why you do.”  You do not want to tell her she is living with domestic violence or that he is abusive.  She could run back to her abuser and tell him, and then he will forbid her from seeing you (isolation)

Is there a national domestic violence phone number?

https://www.thehotline.org/

800-799-7233

What was your writing process?

At the start of 2022 Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2022 I decided to write a post a day about the forms of DV that we all don’t know about – the psychological and emotional.  The response was overwhelming – calls, texts, comments on the posts & private messages with victims sharing their stories, or individuals reaching out to support victims.

In the end, a therapist friend asked me where I was getting the information because she wanted it for her clients.  She shared that there was nothing like it available.  I shared this request with my good friend Mary Fran Bontempo (also a writer) who told me to publish it.

As I cleaned up the posts to publish, the book swelled and contracted as I was still processing the abuse.  A few friends read it – gave comments – I made some changes – and sent it off to the formatter.

How did you choose your publishing process?

I decided to self-publish because I wanted the book out as soon as possible.

I did use an expert formatter who helped me get the files ready.

Will you write another book?

Absolutely.  There is a memoir in this story that needs to be told.

Are you available to speak on the topic of domestic violence, and if so, how can you be reached?

Absolutely and I have been already!

I can be reached at jennifer@thegardellagroup.com

Or individuals can book a call with me to discuss their needs:  https://callwithjen.thegardellagroup.com/jens-calendar-booking-page

On a lighter note, do you have a favorite local restaurant, and if so what are you ordering off the menu?

Pineville Tavern in Buckingham PA:  Sometimes it’s a delicious healthy salad, sometimes it’s the famous Cheesesteak Eggrolls and a French Martini

Pinevilletavern.com

What is your TV guilty pleasure?

I love to binge-watch clever series.

When reading a book what is your favorite genre?

Clever chick lit, self-empowerment, business success.

I do not have a favorite – I always have one in each category going.

For more information, please visit her website at: www.JenniferGardella.com

To purchase the book: https://a.co/d/ejQxG1L

The post Listen for the Whispers of Abuse appeared first on Doreen McGettigan.

     

I was a fan of the science fiction genre as a child. Because I discovered Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins I lost touch with science altogether. I rediscovered the genre a few years ago when I joined The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (insecurewriterssupportgroup.com) and met Alex J. Cavanaugh (alexjcavanaugh.com)

Recently, I met Gene P. Abel and was excited to learn about his series The Defenders of Time.

 The 3^rd book in the series, The Aliens Step In, was released today.

Meet the author:

Gene Abel is not satisfied with the status quo and has always been at the forefront of change. He earned a B.S. from Penn State in finance/economics and an MBA from Lehigh University. He was a distinguished military graduate and received a regular army commission as a second lieutenant in the field artillery branch of the Army.

Upon returning to civilian life, he became an officer of a 2-billion-dollar bank where he oversaw the bank operations at over 50 locations. Mr. Abel returned to education and was appointed Dean of Business Services at the Reading Area Community College.

His last position was as the chief operating officer for one of the largest school districts in Pennsylvania. During the more than 12 years he served as the chief operating officer of the Central Bucks School District, he built over $120 million of new schools in addition to running this rapidly growing school system.

He is the best-selling author of several books, including The Defenders of Time series.

You can visit his Amazon author page here: Amazon book page: Amazon.com: Gene P. Abel: books, biography, latest update

He resides in New Jersey with his wife.

About the book:

 In the final installment of the Defenders of Time science fiction trilogy by Gene P. Able, The Aliens Step In, everything changes.

Agent Lou Hessman and his team discover parts of their time travel facility are disappearing. The Chinese spies behind this event have successfully altered the past-and because they are using means beyond current human technology which could prove disastrous for the time and space continuum, the U.S. Team must visit the past.

With only a small window of opportunity, before their time travel operation is completely erased, the U. S. team successfully visits the past and tries to erase the Chinese attack before it happens. The impacts of interfering with time go far beyond anything Agent Hessman and his intrepid team of time defenders could have imagined worlds beyond, in fact. Their efforts bring them face-to-face with an alien being, Sonsa Tabbak, who arrives to stop human time travel before a universal catastrophe can occur.

What happens next changes everything, and everywhere, forever. We are not alone.

Book Link Amazon: The Aliens Step In: Abel, Gene P: 9781954676558: Amazon

Interview Questions for Author, Gene P. Abel

Where did you grow up and do you have any siblings?

Allentown, Pa. I was an only child.

Did you grow up in a reading and, or writing family?

My mother was a reader.

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be in the military.

How and when did the writing bug bite you?

When I retired from the Central Bucks School District, the storyline popped into my head and inspired me to write a romance novel: The Inn of Destiny.

If this book series were to become a movie or a TV series who do you envision playing the protagonist? The antagonist?

I’ve thought of and imagined a possible movie or TV series but I never thought about who would play the parts. I suppose that should be left to the producer.

If I were a Hollywood producer and you had one paragraph to convince me to produce this series:

The Defenders of Time series is action-packed, infused with ample amounts of drama and a bit of romance. Each character is well-developed. Movie audiences and TV viewers are currently all in when it comes to well-written science fiction, fantasy, and time travel. This series has it all.

What was the first science fiction book you remember reading and what was the first science fiction movie you remember seeing?

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

What was the weirdest thing you’ve done in the name of research?

I tried to get into the background and claims, the day after Roswell.

If given the choice would you visit the past or the future and why?

The past. I have so many questions but am not sure I would like to know what was going to happen. It would be nice to take the winning lottery number back with me.

Let’s play. What is the government keeping from us UFO, alien related?

I think they are afraid of how the public will react. They know we have and are being visited by aliens.

How do you keep up with current trends in sci-fi?

I read many articles and books. I also watch the history and science channels.

Should sci-fi writers be inspiring students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and other science-related disciplines?

YES!

What are you working on now and when can we expect it?

I may expand my UFO documentary and I’m also hoping for the opportunity to bring The Defenders of Time to a streaming service.

Do you have a favorite TV guilty pleasure to watch?

No.

What is your favorite local restaurant and what are you ordering off the menu?

Luna Rosa Italian Restaurant and I mainly order veal dishes.

Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti – Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti (lunarossalamberti.com)

For more information go to: genepabelbooks.com

The post Author Interview with Gene P Abel appeared first on Doreen McGettigan.