Today on the blog Im welcoming author Ashley Robertson and discussing her book Crimson Groove and her new release Unguarded.
Ashley, welcome to Tinasbookreviews, Im glad you stopped by for a chat today, to begin please tell us about yourself.
I live in sunny Orlando, Florida, with my husband, stepson, and three furry children (2 labs and a cat), and I love reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When I’m not writing you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, training in my home gym, horseback riding, traveling and exploring new places, drinking medium- to full-bodied red wines, and making gourmet coffees with my Nespresso machine. I have a slight case of OCD, which I’m convinced is how I keep all these stories straight in my head. (chuckles)
Horseback riding and sunny Florida, with that combination, how do you come up with dark paranormal romances???? Which begs the question what inspired you to write UnGuarded?
I was writing Crimson Rain (title may be changing to Crimson Flames), which is the sequel to my debut novel Crimson Groves, when out of nowhere, Selene pops in my head, demanding that I tell her story. Well, that guardian angel couldn't have picked a better time since I was having a major writing block on Crimson Rain. So, I completely abandoned CR and immediately dove straight into Selene’s crazy, paranormal world and had the first chapter written that same night. And I must admit that I did have several disagreements with Selene, but eventually she won and her version of the story was told.
Indie Publishing.....good experience or hard road?
The easiest, most amazing experience I've ever endured. **Ahem.** HA HA. If you’re a writer, then I’m certain I didn't fool you. It’s a LOT of hard work. And let me tell you, I respect every other indie author out there that’s successfully marketing their book and making sales. When self-pubbing, there are extra fees and expenses that you eat up front with hopes of making back in book revenue. But be prepared to lose that money too, so keep that in mind when figuring out your book budget. Indie authors are on their own with hiring a professional editor—which I highly recommend (mine is Stephen Delaney with Close Reader Editing)—getting a dramatic book cover created—I use Claudia with PhatpuppyArt (and trust me, a lot of people judge a book by its cover)—policing the publishing company since they seem to screw up your manuscript during their formatting procedure, and then waiting patiently for the finals to arrive. Though, if you have the time, Amazon and Smashwords offer free epubbing books that teach you how to do it yourself (but if you want a paperback or hard copy of your book, you’ll still need to hire a publishing company).
And that’s just the beginning. Once your book is ready, it’s time to spread the word, market it everywhere, and seek wonderful book bloggers to review it, host interviews and giveaways—all the while praying they’ll love it and give it a good rating. Honestly, it’s a full-time job just working on that, plus you’ve got to keep writing your next best seller too.
If you could pick a song that encapsulated Crimson Groves, what would it be and why?
“Terminator” by Eros (it’s actually the song I used in the book trailer:
What would you like readers to walk away with after reading your book?
Inspiration to buy another one of my books. (grins)
LOL- well of course, I think that's what any author would want. Speaking of authors, can you recommend three indie reads to us?
LOL- well of course, I think that's what any author would want. Speaking of authors, can you recommend three indie reads to us?
Absolutely. I love helping out other indie authors just like me!
Taming the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14058817-taming-the-wolf
Day-Walker by Nicki J. Markus: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12748676-day-walker
Immortal Voyage by C. G. Powell: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13131180-immortal-voyage
Can you share any future plans?
Taming the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14058817-taming-the-wolf
Day-Walker by Nicki J. Markus: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12748676-day-walker
Immortal Voyage by C. G. Powell: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13131180-immortal-voyage
Can you share any future plans?
Due out in the winter of 2013, Crimson Rain (or Crimson Flames) will pick up right where we left Abby and her quest to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?
After that book’s release, I’m venturing away from young adult and planning a novella series about a succubus (hence moving into the adult genre) and hope to have two books finished by the end of 2013.
After that book’s release, I’m venturing away from young adult and planning a novella series about a succubus (hence moving into the adult genre) and hope to have two books finished by the end of 2013.
Wow- sounds like your a busy girl- where can readers find out more about you?
I love being “stalked.” Here’s where you can connect with me:
I love being “stalked.” Here’s where you can connect with me:
Facebook
https://twitter.com/#!/AshleyR0bertson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4323952.Ashley_Robertson
http://www.ashleyrobertsonbooks.com/blog/
https://twitter.com/#!/AshleyR0bertson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4323952.Ashley_Robertson
http://www.ashleyrobertsonbooks.com/blog/
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Thank you Ashley for being on the blog today and here's wishing you the best with your upcoming novels and adult series.
GIVEAWAY
Today Ashley is giving away three (3) eBook copies of her book Crimson Grooves. This is open to everyone and is all you need to do is leave a comment telling me which cover of Ashley's books are your favorite, two are on this post, the rest can found using those links above. Winners will be drawn and announced on August 15, 2012. Thanks and Goodluck.
Abigail Tate was a normal human girl. Until the day Bronx the vampire barges into her life and turns her against her will. Held captive while forced to deal with never ending cravings for blood, Abby prays for a way to escape. Only when an opportunity arises, it's with the aid of an innocent human named Tyler—except vampires are forbidden to interact with the unbitten. But Abby quickly learns this human has secrets of his own...secrets that can either help her or get her killed. Only Abby discovers that she was the one with the biggest secret of them all.
Yay horseback riding! I used to ride all the time in high school and through college, but not so much anymore. I miss it:) Unguarded sounds like something I'd enjoy, and I just can't imagine how hard it would be to be an responsible for not only the writing, but the cover design, the marketing, the formatting and everything else. *shudders* I would be giant ball of stress!
ReplyDeleteFun interview Tina and Ashley!
Thanks Jenny. It was a lot more stressful with Crimson Groves since that was my first book and I was still learning about everything I needed to do. It was much easier (though still lots of work) with UnGuarded because I had a system in place—one I'm using again with the publication of Crimson Flames. :-)
ReplyDeleteCrimson Groves is my fave cover. This was a fun interview, great to learn a little more about you :) I cant imagine all the work that goes into writing and getting a book published. Congrates to you. Kirsten
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Thanks so much, Kirsten :-) Regardless of the work, I absolutely love what I do. And I appreciate everyone who's supported me along the way by reading and reviewing my books, sharing info about them on their social spheres, and the many emails and comments I've received letting me know they can't wait to read my next book. It's the most amazing feeling in the world.
ReplyDeleteI really love the cover of Unguarded. It's beautiful and has this love and lonely feeling to it. I don't know if that made any sense.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I commend you for going the road of Indie. There are so many amazing Indie authors out there and I know it's a very difficult road to pursue.
Thanks Jen. I worked with Claudia at Phatpuppyart to create the beautiful cover and once you read the book, you'll understand how perfect the cover is for this story. The indie route has been one heck of a journey so far, but I am loving every second of it. Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate you :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to go with Unguarded. It's gorgeous. Claudia does amazing artwork. If I ever wrote a book, I'd hire her for my coverart. LOL
ReplyDeleteAwesome trailer for Crimson Grooves. I'm so happy to know more about this book. I love vampires. And I have no doubt that the self publishing industry is tough, so thanks for sharing your helpful tips.
Claudia is incredible. Thanks for your comment, Missie. I'm finalizing my next book cover with phatpuppyart right now. I think you'll love it. The book is Crimson Flames (the sequel to my debut novel, Crimson Groves) and it is scheduled to release this coming winter. I promise lots of action and some heart-wrenching romance, and it's been a struggle keeping it YA. I might be cutting some scenes :-)
ReplyDeleteOh no cutting scenes?? Maybe you could market as Mature-YA....the 17 and up crowd..;)? Its kind of trendy in the Indie world right now, the whole college age YA thing.
DeleteTina, That's exactly how I'm marketing UnGuarded (mature YA). The scenes I had to cut were some graphic sex scenes which would never qualify for any YA. Sometimes you've just gotta let the characters get it out of their system so they'll behave for the rest of the story :-) After I finish Crimson Flames (sequel to Crimson Groves) I'm venturing into an adult novella series. After that, I will get back into Selene's world and either do a prequel or a sequel (I've been requested to write both). Thanks for your comments. And I agree, mature Ya has become quite trendy in deed.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite cover is Crimson Grove! I love the contrast of color! Oh winter 2013 is that Jan Feb winter or December??? LOL Sorry had to ask!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing giveaway!
<3 Tobi
tobihelton at gmail dot com
Hey Tobi, it'll hopefully be January. Fingers crossed :-) I should have it to the editor sometime in October and it usually takes him a couple months to turn it around. Then, I have to put the finishing touches on it before pubbing.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is Unguarded. And hopefully I can win a copy of Crimson Groves to read next. :)
ReplyDelete:-) A lot of people have really loved Crimson Groves. Good luck!
DeleteThe cover is mind blowing. And the short video is so wonderful and breath taking. We all know this book will do wonderful as all the past ones have. I just love your work it captures me and doesn't let me go. Can't wait to read this. Good luck Ashley
ReplyDeleteThank you. I worked with PhatpuppyArt and I really loved what we came up with. It depicts the story perfectly. Thanks for your kind words and support. I really appreciate you and can't wait to hear what you think about my book :-) xo
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