MamminaBooks

Monday, August 24, 2015

Indie Author Spotlight: Leeloo Deschain

    Launching the "You Don't Make It On Your Own" campaign with indie authors like myself is a real privilege, considering how much untapped talent is really out there.  So, to put a spotlight on any self-published author, I believe, is an honor.  In this case, my first choice happens to be a 43 year old single mom of 6 (if that isn't deserving of a spotlight in and of itself) who writes unique dark fantasy and erotica.  While I am not an advocate of Fifty Shades of Grey (at all), I have to promote this author for her originality.  While erotica is a rapidly growing genre, expanding more every year, Leeloo Deschain adds dark fantasy into her steamy content, creating extraordinary reads.  Combine Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight on steroids.  Her books are attracting attention, especially in California where these stories take place.
      You can find out more about her exciting work here:

The Vampire's Virgin
Book 1
The Desert Bloodlust Series
The Vampire's Oasis
Book 2
The Desert Bloodlust Series
The Vampire's Hall
Book 3
The Desert Bloodlust Series
Ectoplasm: A Paranormal Erotic Quickie

      While her erotica work gains traction, Leeloo Deschain is currently working on a dystopian sci-fi novel which is set for release soon.  Like Steinbeck, Deschain writes most of her intoxicating stories set in her native California.  Aside from her talents in writing, she also creates erotic and empowering poetry.  It would do you well to follow her on social media platforms to stay in her artistic circle.  Get a taste of some via her Instagram, Facebook & Pintrest pages below...

Author Bio:
      Favorite things: Coffee, wine, driving with the windows down and blaring some Volbeat or Tool while singing the wrong lyrics and comedies. 
      Her passion: Writing novels, short stories & poetry for both the erotic and the dark.
      Things She's Learned-
"The biggest, and most rewarding, thing I've learned since self-publishing, has been that indie authors are the most supportive, generous, and helpful group of people I've encountered in a very long time. When I first started this journey, I was stunned at the amount of help people were so willing to share. I am part of a private group on Facebook just for indie authors, and the way everyone was so willing to jump in and help... well... I felt so blessed. What a wonderful community to be a part of. I'm so thankful!
      "Other Things I've Learned-
I'm one strong bad ass woman. I knew that early on in life, but then I had forgotten it along the way. Being single again and making my own decisions for the first time in years, raising my kids without any sort of help whatsoever from their father, it has shown me that I'm pretty tough. Once I get knocked down, I bounce back up ready to go another round.  But say or do something that touches my heart and I'll cry for days!"
      Social Media Links:
 

-Thanks for reading my first pick for Indie Author Spotlight, Leeloo Deschain.  
  Indie Authors Unite

-Happy Writing 
David V. Mamminawww.MamminaBooks.com
Self-published dark fantasy/sci-fi author

Friday, August 21, 2015

You Don't Make It On Your Own: 3 sobering tips for indie authors

  You don't make it on your own in this business.  We all have something to contribute to this world and, in our case, its a great story.  However, getting out there to share your work is almost impossible when there is relentless competition and lots of "loud noise and bright colors" (as I like to call it) shrouding your dreams.  The dream will come true as long as you visualize it and believe in it.  However, if you think its you against the world or you on top of the world, you're wrong.  The fact is, you don't make it on your own.  We all need a helping hand.  The more you help others, the more others will want to help you.  It's symbiotic.

     1. Allow your friends to help you.  They are your friends, and they care about you.  When you succeed, they (if they are truly your friends) will want to help you rise even higher.  If you lack success, they'll want to lift you out of the mud, clean you off and get you back on the road again.  They help because you help them, and they know that when you make it, you take them with you.  Never be afraid to ask for help.  That's what friends are for.

2. Don't feel betrayed.  Not all members of your family will really care about what you've done, or what you're trying to do.  After all, not everyone has stake in your dreams.  Yet, family sticks together and you need them to help spread the word and encourage you to push on.  That's what family should be, but no one is obligated.  Stay tuned to your loved ones, but do not feel betrayed if they do not help in your success.  They love you, though that may not include your talents or dreams.  Friends are the same.  Do you really care about Sally's countless duck paintings?  Would you share her paintings on your page, pass out flyers to the community, buy a $100 picture of a duck?  Maybe you would, maybe you wouldn't.  What you can do, is inspire them and help them find venues where others can help them too.  Just don't write off a family member or friend if they don't actively assist you in your journey.  That's business.  Remember that they're your family and friends, not your business associates!

3. Scratch some backs.  Basically, find those who want to help you, and help them with their dreams in return.  Scratch peoples' backs and they may scratch yours.  Find those who are like you and reach out to them with a helping hand.  There are many writers, artists and artisans like you who are trying to break out.  If you think that others who you support will just pass you by without a thank you, you're statistically wrong.  No one forgets the person who promoted them and asked for nothing in return.  The hope is that they understand this principle.  No one makes it on their own.  So, shout out to those who have helped you reach goals you may not have been able to achieve on your own.  Never take all the credit.  It doesn't all belong to you.  Your fans that read your product supported you too.  Scratch their backs just the same with a shout out, kind thank you, retweet, etc. 

-Happy writing!

-David V. Mammina