Come down and get your Christmas gift for sci-fi/dark fantasy readers! Signing is free and my books are discounted! Trust me, this is like a mini-Book Con Christmas thing. Okay, I think you get the point. :-)
MamminaBooks
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Book Signing & Sale December 6th
Book Signing & Sale!
Come down and get your Christmas gift for sci-fi/dark fantasy readers! Signing is free and my books are discounted! Trust me, this is like a mini-Book Con Christmas thing. Okay, I think you get the point. :-)
Come down and get your Christmas gift for sci-fi/dark fantasy readers! Signing is free and my books are discounted! Trust me, this is like a mini-Book Con Christmas thing. Okay, I think you get the point. :-)
Monday, September 14, 2015
Indie Author Spotlight #2: Steve Spatucci
This month's choice for Indie Author Spotlight, as part of my Indie Authors Unite campaign, is Steve Spatucci. A designer, illustrator, animator, developer and author, Steve is a Jersey Boy who has written screenplays since the 90's, particularly his dark comedy "Play Date." Currently, he has released his new (and first) novel Breach Point, the story of Clara Tuffney, an inquisitive high
school sophomore who moves to the quiet seaside town of Breach Point, New
Jersey, where she learns that a boy who died in a mysterious fire may have
returned as a malevolent spirit.
You can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Breach-Point-Supernatural-Thriller-1/dp/151514562X/ref=sr_1_2
Bio:
Others:
Twitter:
You can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Breach-Point-Supernatural-Thriller-1/dp/151514562X/ref=sr_1_2
Five Lessons He Learned
in Writing and Publishing Breach Point:
1) Having a cover that
people respond to goes a long way in marketing the book.
2) eBook formatting in
2015 is a lot like creating a website in 1995.
3) Being able to split
my brain between publisher, author, and cover designer was a challenging but
necessary skill.
4) The
editing/rewriting/proofreading cycle could easily become endless without a firm
deadline… and it almost did.
5) Once the book was out
and people began asking me about it, telling them only a little about it was
more effective than trying to convey the whole plot
Bio:
Steve has created
websites, online games, and other material for clients such as Dreamworks, Fox
Searchlight, and Live Nation. As a musician, he’s
played drums in several bands and is currently part of the musical improv game
show Rock Improv-a-Ganza.
Steve is married to a
pastry chef, and together they have a seven-year-old boy who he’s training to
be a ninja. Sounds interesting, enough. As a Jack of Many Trades, a family man and first-time indie author, I believe he deserves this spotlight honor. Way to go, pal.
Links to his media:
book website:
Instagram:
book trailer:
cover progression video:
Others:
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/BreachPointBook
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/breachpointyanovel
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrmj-fpPgi3c-0WhqRRXdCg
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25950877-breach-point
Wattpad:
http://www.wattpad.com/story/13849383-breach-point
-This is David V. Mammina, signing out.
Happy Writing!
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:
You can find out more about her exciting work here:
The Vampire's Virgin
Book 1
The Desert Bloodlust Series
Book 1
The Desert Bloodlust Series
The Vampire's Oasis
Book 2
The Desert Bloodlust Series
Book 2
The Desert Bloodlust Series
The Vampire's Hall
Book 3
The Desert Bloodlust Series
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!
"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!"
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:
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/ldeschain/
https://www.pinterest.com/ldeschain/
-Thanks for reading my first pick for Indie Author Spotlight, Leeloo Deschain.
Indie Authors Unite
-Happy Writing
Friday, August 21, 2015
You Don't Make It On Your Own: 3 sobering tips for indie authors
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
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Self-publishing ebooks: Sounds easy right?
A self-published author of various works, I know what its like keeping up with the new age of the craft. Authors need to stay in touch with their fanbase via:
Facebook Twitter Google+ Instagram and so on...
But today's social media avenues all point to reading new books with the touch of a button. Videos, articles, songs and nearly everything else online is but a click away. Its a great way to connect. So, it makes sense for self-published authors to convert their paperback and hardcover books into ebooks for venues such as the ipad, kindle, and nook. Access to your novels for interested readers is immediate, but the process to convert print into epub (format used for some ebook models) is not so immediate--not at all.
In fact, its really complex. While published authors have the perk of having their publishing company taking care of this, self-published authors have two choices:
1) Pay professionals to make your book ebook ready, or
2) Do it yourself
Either is quite consuming. But which one is best? Well, I'm in the process of converting (possibly) two of my novels into Kindle. Why only two and why only Kindle? Read on...
1) PAY PROS TO DO IT
Pros:
It will be done right
Distributed to the right sources, for a fee
Fully compatible to specific platforms
May retain rights to your book
Cons:
Expensive services (cost depends on service provider)
Costs extra for distribution
Book length, pictures, & fonts affect pricing
Must purchase your own ISBN
2) DO IT YOURSELF
Pros:
Cost effective
May retain rights to your book
Cons:
Requires extensive research, or knowledge of programing
May contain errors in formatting
May not be compatible to platforms
Pictures and unique fonts may not be embedded properly
Must manually include a specific index for each book (very complex)
Time-consuming
Must purchase your own ISBN
As for my experience, I could not format my novels properly on my own. Don't get me wrong. I researched, I practiced, I took frequent breaks...and then decided that the professional way was the right way to go. But, each book has its own price for proper conversion, so I chose two of my most desired books to be converted to Kindle for the time being. If sales are good, which I predict they will be, then perhaps I will use the same company to convert them to other platforms and maybe include other novels of mine as well.
In the end, its what works best for your style and your bank account. Have pride in your work. Treat each book conversion like your own hygiene. As you have your nails done, your hair cut and your suit tailored, have your ebook formatted properly. You don't want a "rolling stones" or "ice-skate uphill" experience. Do your own research and don't panic. All things you really believe in will work out in the end. As with everything else in the self-publishing world, its your choice. Happy writing!
-David V. Mammina
Facebook Twitter Google+ Instagram and so on...
But today's social media avenues all point to reading new books with the touch of a button. Videos, articles, songs and nearly everything else online is but a click away. Its a great way to connect. So, it makes sense for self-published authors to convert their paperback and hardcover books into ebooks for venues such as the ipad, kindle, and nook. Access to your novels for interested readers is immediate, but the process to convert print into epub (format used for some ebook models) is not so immediate--not at all.
In fact, its really complex. While published authors have the perk of having their publishing company taking care of this, self-published authors have two choices:
1) Pay professionals to make your book ebook ready, or
2) Do it yourself
Either is quite consuming. But which one is best? Well, I'm in the process of converting (possibly) two of my novels into Kindle. Why only two and why only Kindle? Read on...
1) PAY PROS TO DO IT
Pros:
It will be done right
Distributed to the right sources, for a fee
Fully compatible to specific platforms
May retain rights to your book
Cons:
Expensive services (cost depends on service provider)
Costs extra for distribution
Book length, pictures, & fonts affect pricing
Must purchase your own ISBN
2) DO IT YOURSELF
Pros:
Cost effective
May retain rights to your book
Cons:
Requires extensive research, or knowledge of programing
May contain errors in formatting
May not be compatible to platforms
Pictures and unique fonts may not be embedded properly
Must manually include a specific index for each book (very complex)
Time-consuming
Must purchase your own ISBN
As for my experience, I could not format my novels properly on my own. Don't get me wrong. I researched, I practiced, I took frequent breaks...and then decided that the professional way was the right way to go. But, each book has its own price for proper conversion, so I chose two of my most desired books to be converted to Kindle for the time being. If sales are good, which I predict they will be, then perhaps I will use the same company to convert them to other platforms and maybe include other novels of mine as well.
In the end, its what works best for your style and your bank account. Have pride in your work. Treat each book conversion like your own hygiene. As you have your nails done, your hair cut and your suit tailored, have your ebook formatted properly. You don't want a "rolling stones" or "ice-skate uphill" experience. Do your own research and don't panic. All things you really believe in will work out in the end. As with everything else in the self-publishing world, its your choice. Happy writing!
-David V. Mammina
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