Category: Betty Thomason Owens

How to Prepare for a Book Release

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

1. Make sure you have plenty of coffee on hand.

That might show up as #1 on my list, but what would you place there?

For the writer, preparing for a book release can be a little like getting ready for a birth. I had my hospital-bound suitcase packed a month ahead of time. I had a checklist, to make sure I was ready to go. I still wasn’t ready to go when the time came.

You also need to make sure home is ready to receive the new addition. The nursery is ready and well-stocked.

So, how does that compare with a book release? Well, I’ve packed my suitcase with all the essentials: blog posts and short articles, tweets, and Facebook posts, memes, and possibly a video clip, if I can get around to it. I have a few lovely, embroidered linen book marks  to give away. They’re similar to the handkerchiefs used by Nancy and Amy Emerson.

No reason for this photo. Just liked it.

I’m working on a few other giveaway items. I once won a $100 gift card and a beautiful scarf and earrings from a book release, along with an autographed book, of course. Amazing! I loved the book, so left a positive review in all the right places.

Back to business! Early communication with your team, if you have one is vital. A team can be made up of friends and family who are willing to share your posts about the release.

Release Day can be crazy busy, so you want to have as much as possible done ahead of time. You’ll also want to be ready and available to respond to comments and questions on those blog posts and updates.

If you are planning a blog tour, you’ll need to keep an eye on those, so you can respond in a timely fashion to all the comments (speaking positive words over future blog posts!).

Hopefully, release day is only the beginning as readers enjoy the work of your hands (and heart). That’s kind of like having someone visit to see the baby. They “ooo” and “ahh” over the infant. They want to cuddle and kiss the baby. When it’s a book we’re talking about, we hope our readers love it so much, they’ll leave a positive review on Amazon, or Goodreads, or even just talk about it on social media.

Word of mouth sells books. If you enjoy reading books by a certain author, your positive words in the right places help more than you may realize. So, if you love the idea of helping a beloved author, but stumble at the thought of writing an actual review, all you have to do is tell your friends how much you enjoyed the book.

As in that first trip to the hospital, I’m still not ready! I have a lot to do before release day, August 7, 2018, when this lovely lady makes her public debut⇒⇒

SALE! The book releases at a one-day-only low price of 99¢ (Kindle edition), but we’ll also be giving away a novella to those who download the book on that first day. The novella is a quirky little mystery called “Lake Frigid Aire”, written by me! 🙂

Watch for more exciting release news and a giveaway or two!

[CLICK TO TWEET] Word of mouth sells books. If you enjoy reading books by a certain author, your positive words in the right places help more than you may realize.

NEXT WEEK: An interview with one of the main  characters in Rebecca’s Legacy!

Another Thursday Morning

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens2 Comments

Hello! Can you believe it’s already Thursday morning? I’m beginning to think there are two per week, they  come around so fast. Life is zipping by…

The hot summer weather we’re enduring reminds me of my latest young heroine, Amy Emerson. She was “sentenced” to a summer of service by dear old Dad. The first few days were sheer torture for this big city debutante.

I remember summers on Grandma’s farm in West Tennessee. The nights were so hot, sometimes it was hard to sleep. The days in the hot sun were worse, but we were busy working in the fields or the garden, so the days went by fast.

Back at the house, we made straight for the window fan, sat in front of it until the sweat dried and we’d cooled down enough to talk into the fan and laugh at the funny sound of our voices.

It’s amazing how wonderful a breeze feels, or the shade of a thick oak tree. We  carried ice water in bell jars, which we left beneath the trees to keep cool. We had to wear long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats to shield ourselves from the brutal, southern sun. Any exposed skin could mean a second- or third-degree burn. It was serious business.

What about you? Did you ever work outside in the summer? Or lived without air conditioning?

At home, our family of five shared a single bathroom. I was the only girl, so sometimes having time to myself was difficult. I could commiserate with Amy when she had to wait in line for a chance at a bath, and then the water was no longer hot.

Although, I think she should have been glad to have a bathroom. Grandma’s farm had no indoor plumbing. We had to tote buckets of water in from the well. The “bathroom” was an outhouse in the yard. A bath was taken in a large, galvanized tub on a Saturday night, so everyone would be clean for Sunday. These days, I wouldn’t really call that clean, since I was seldom first in line for the shared bath water. Yuck!

I survived, and so did Amy, though more hardships awaited her down the road. Sometimes, life hits a rough spot and it seems like it will never let up. But, then it does, and all those troubles end up in the rear view mirror, rolling farther and farther into the past. That’s when you’re thankful for the grace of God that got you through.

I was reminiscing with my mom the other day about our trips to the beach when we lived in San Diego, California. I remembered watching with great anticipation, sometimes stretching over the back of the front seat, trying to catch that first glimpse of dark, blue water. And then we topped a hill, or rounded a curve, and there it was—in all of its glory—the great Pacific Ocean.

The sight sent shivers down my spine. There’s a scene like that in Rebecca’s Legacy, when Amy catches a glimpse of sea. She begs to stop so she can get out and feast her eyes on the view, smell the salt air, and listen to the roar of the waves.

Rebecca’s Legacy happens one summer. So, many of my beloved summer memories made their way into the story. I am so excited to share it with you.

We have grand plans for the release of Rebecca’s Legacy, and the festivities will begin very soon. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming my latest story to the world.

What will it take to teach a spoiled heiress that the greatest legacy is love?

Nancy and Robert Emerson’s daughter Amy Juliana is doing her best to follow in Mom’s rebellious footsteps.

Her desperate attempt to escape Dad’s control comes at the worst possible time. A threat against their family and Sanderson Industries has Robert Emerson taking extra steps to guarantee his family’s safety. He sends Amy, an heiress and a debutante, to the country to work on a produce farm run by Aunt Rebecca. Humiliated and angry, Amy contemplates a path that will lead her even farther from home, away from Dad’s protection.

Will Aunt Rebecca’s quiet strength and unconditional love be enough to still the prodigal daughter’s rebellious ways, and open her heart to the plight of others around her?

Matt Wordsworth is the man Robert calls upon to help keep his daughter in line. She thinks the guy is an old fuddy-duddy. By the time her ideas about him begin to change, it may be too late. When an old friend tests her loyalty, she is forced to face her past to overcome a guilty conscience. But, is she playing into the hands of the enemy?

Release date: August 7, 2018

After the Conference, Writers

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

Hello, Thursday Morning!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. I promised an update on the writers conference, so here it is–

I’m basking in the glow of another successful Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. Most of us agreed, this was the best one yet.

I had loads of fun and met so many new writers, visited with old friends, and made important connections.  We had a lot of fun moments, like this one:My friends and fellow writers, Shirley Crowder (left) and Harriet Michael (right), like to take an annual photo, and we have yet to accomplish this without being photo-bombed by an illusive introvert. Ha ha! As you can probably guess, our friend, Carlton Hughes is anything but an introvert, and we love when he pops by.

And just in case you wondered, it takes quite a team to put together a conference this size. There are folks behind the scenes planning meals, classes, venue, marketing, etc. They work for an entire year ahead of the conference. One of the most important things they do is secure a talented faculty.You’ll find most of us in this after-conference photo. I think we’re only missing the amazing Edie Melson, who had to leave early. I am honored to stand with this group.

So, as we leave the conference in our rear-view mirrors, a piece of our hearts remains behind. But, we’re not leaving empty-handed. Our writer brains are chock-full of information. For a couple of days, we lived the dream and hobnobbed with other writers plying their craft. We return to our desks rejuvenated, and ready to take on another chapter.

I also returned with an autographed copy of Edie Melson’s Maiden of Iron: A Steampunk Fable. A little “light” reading for my vacation. Hah! Can’t wait. I’ll keep you posted on that one.

Any day now, I’ll post a review of my latest read, The Revolutionary, Book 2 of Liberate the Captives, by award-winning author, Kristen Hogrefe. She’s a fellow Write Integrity Press author. I’m amazed by this book. It catches you up in the story from the beginning.

As July rolls in, I’m gearing up for the release of my latest novel, Rebecca’s Legacy. There will be lots of opportunities for you to snag a copy and also get the inside scoop on this final book in the Legacy series. I hope you’ll stick around.

Watch for giveaways! Last month, Jennifer Hallmark won a $10 gift card–my way of thanking my readers for taking the time to stop in and join the conversation.

Hello from the Writers Conference

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

coffee, cup, laptop, memeHello, Thursday morning friends!  This is a big day for me. I serve as treasurer on the board of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC). All year long, we pray and plan. Today, it begins!

Welcome to Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Elizabethtown is situated sort of in the middle of Kentucky. It’s a major hub, with several parkways and I-65 running through it, which makes it highly accessible. And, it’s a lovely small town with a big heart and friendly residents; a great place to visit. Some of you parents out there may have spent time in the town’s sports park with your baseball and/or soccer players.

KCWC is welcoming a stellar crew of writers, publishers, editors, and agents. From keynote speaker, H. Michael Brewer, to the well-known and loved blogger, marketing-media expert and writer, Edie Melson. Gregg & Hallee Bridgeman, Michele Chynoweth, Tracy Crump, Harriet Michael, and Carlton Hughes. Yes, I am name-dropping! As well, we have a healthy list of others here.

There’s still time, if you’re close enough to make the trip. Come for a day–either Friday or Saturday, or sign in on Friday and return on Saturday to take full advantage of the conference. We offer reasonable prices and wonderful meals, but most of all, great fellowship hobnobbing with other writers.

One of the greatest things about a “small” conference is accessibility. We, as individual writers, have time and opportunity to meet successful, published writers and entrepreneurs. We can enjoy a meal with them, talk to them at their book table, or while seated next to them (hopefully not talking during the keynote). They will inspire you to keep hitting those keys and writing those stories. They’ll impart knowledge and help writers learn how to perfect their work and sell stories.

Then, you can sit down with one of our agents or publishers and find out if you have what it takes to make a success out of writing.

I’ve made some wonderful friends over the years, attending this conference. That’s really what it’s all about. Networking and friendships will help build your confidence as an inspirational writer.

So, here I am, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, ready to go and make new friends. I hope we’ve set the scene for a wonderful, inspirational time of learning and fun.

Speaking of fun, I’m teaching a class! I didn’t mean to, hadn’t planned on it, but a last-minute cancellation left a session without an instructor. This lady was kind enough to offer her materials, so I’m all set. And it just happens to be one of my favorite subjects. Humorous writing. “Make Me Laugh and Forget I’m Reading”.

I’ll write a followup article next week and let you know how it went. In the meantime, I hope to see some of you there!

The Story Between

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

coffee, cup, laptop, memeHello, it’s Thursday morning, and I’m contemplating the story between.

Sometimes authors have “backstory” — the part of the story that only the author knows. It seldom makes it into print. A good writer will incorporate backstory into their work so the reader knows important things about the characters.

There’s a story between Carlotta’s Legacy and Rebecca’s Legacy. It’s important because it tells the reader who Rebecca is, what she’s overcome, and why she’s now living on a farm in a remote region of Virginia.

Amelia’s Legacy ended in 1929, on the eve of the stock market crash. Carlotta’s Legacy takes up the story after the crash, when the world has begun to change for my characters. I show the tragic aftermath that sends Rebecca to another country where she will try to pick up the pieces of her broken life.

Carlotta’s Legacy ends as the world begins to change again. World War II is on the horizon. Rebecca’s husband, Ricci, is called back to active duty to serve a leader and a regime he doesn’t respect. Ricci and Rebecca have recently welcomed a son, Dominic.

Rebecca is comforted by her good friend, a servant in her household. Eva (pronounced A-va) Campi’s son, Alessio, is a few months older than Dominic Alvera. Eva’s husband is serving in Africa.

As an American in Italy, Rebecca’s life becomes more complicated. Many of her liberties are stripped from her. She suffers under the hateful glances of her neighbors. She eventually keeps to herself within the confines of their estate at Tres Viti Verde.

When her good friends, Nancy and Robert Emerson, beg her to return to America, Rebecca initially refuses. Then Eva’s husband is killed. Carlotta suffers a fatal heart attack. Ricci is reported missing, and may be dead. Rebecca decides to accept Robert’s offer. But is it too late?

With their sons, Dominic and Alessio, Rebecca Lewis Alvera and Eva Campi move to Perry’s Landing. Rebecca spearheads a farming initiative, hoping to provide produce to area citizens devastated by the war.  Robert asks the women to take in several Italian war orphans from respected families of his acquaintance.

The women’s farming business prospers, even though some of the neighbors mistrust them, and talk about them behind their backs. After all, Italy sided with Germany. Italy is the enemy, and these women have come from … Italy.

The women pay no attention. They work hard and find ways to serve the community. Through the local Catholic church, they give their extra produce to the poor.

Gradually, the neighbors note the good works these two women are doing. Their constant love and forgiving natures in the face of hatred and bigotry begins to melt the hearts of their fellow citizens.

As Rebecca’s Legacy begins, we have progressed to 1947. The war has ended, and our young heroine is around the same age her mother was at the beginning of Amelia’s Legacy.

Rebecca’s Legacy releases August 7, 2018.

Click to Tweet: Sometimes authors have “backstory” — the part of the story that only the author knows. In the Legacy series by Betty Thomason Owens, there’s a story between.