Update

Hey, guys.

I just wanted to write a bit of an update for my readers who are waiting for new material.  I have been more relaxed in terms of my contact on social media.  While still posting on Google and Facebook, I haven't really been blogging or writing my monthly newsletter.  I have been focused solely on my writing projects which have been more time consuming and draining that previous ventures.  I have been working on two novels and a short story, so my free time has been split between all three which is not uncommon for authors.  Still, I haven't been writing as much as I should as I should push myself more and that is why I needed the break from social media and the other side stuff that I do.  The break, in general, was a good time for me to relax and take a step back, even from my projects.

Wicked Voices is about 1/3 of the way done, and I am projecting a summer 2016 release.  There are always delays with these things, so don't quote me.  As fast as the ideas flow, that is as fast as I write.  When ideas are not flowing as much, it is hard to find inspiration.

My other manuscript will not be released and neither will the short until a future time, because these are works I want to submit to writing contest and other institutions.  I will be releasing Scattered on Smashwords and, eventually, on other online bookstores.  I may rework the cover, because I wasn't happy with it in the first place.

Thank you all for continuing to read my older posts and visiting my blog, despite the fact that I haven't posted in over three months.  I will be posting on here again, so you shouldn't have to wait that long to hear from me again.  Thanks!

Wicked Voices: Prologue Preview

Hello, everyone.

I have begun writing Wicked Voices.  I thought I would share the Prologue as a teaser of what is to come.  It is not fully flushed out and edited, but for those who read Wicked Love, it is a look into where the story continues.  Wicked Voices: A Weeping Willow Novel is scheduled to be published in 2016!  But if you haven't read Wicked Love, the prologue may contain spoilers, so read the other books first!

If you haven't read any of the books in the Weeping Willow Series, I invite you to read the two FREE short stories available, Weeping Willow - Part One and Part Two, available now at Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and other online retailers.

P.S. Wicked Chemistry is in the process of being edited and will be available in paperback format soon.

Scattered: KDP and Free Promotion!

So, I have been looking into removing Scattered from KDP's select program.  As apart of the publishing program, I have to keep that specific work exclusive to Amazon.  There is nothing wrong with exclusivity if you have a killer marketing team or great promotional skills.  However, I feel that exclusivity has its drawbacks.

For one, your work only appeals to those with Kindles or Kindle apps.  Now, I happen to know that the Kindle app is very popular among android users.  That is a plus, but I have found that I receive the most sales from Barnes and Noble, not Amazon.  While being enrolled in KDP Select is supposed to change that, giving you work more exposure, it hasn't for me.  I made it onto a list of highest downloaded shorts with a mere 24 downloads.  That is nothing compared to the readership on Barnes and Noble.

Another drawback is that on Amazon your work has to be sold at a price.  I prefer my short stories to be free, but in order to do that, I have to space promotions that last only 5 days over a few months.  My short stories allow readers to get to know my writing style and so they become promotional tools within themselves.  If people like my shorter works, they are more likely to buy my novels; however, if I can't give them away for free, it defeats the purpose.  I do like that if I post this particular short to other outlets, Amazon should have a price match, making it fee on their site permanently.

Looking into my arrangement with KDP Select, I can place Scattered on Smashwords and other outlets in August where it will be FREE!!!  Right now, I decided to use my five days of free promotion.  So, from 5/22/15 to 5/26/15 Scattered will be available to download for FREE on Amazon.com.  Please take advantage if you are interested in reading it.  Otherwise, the next time you will see it free is in August.  Click the link below tomorrow for a free download.

Link: SCATTERED on Amazon

Author Interview

Hello, readers!

So, I just found out yesterday that Sandra from Jeanz Book Read and Review Blog put of a series promotion for my Weeping Willow Series, but also an author interview.  Check it out here.

Being sick has taken a lot out of me, but I'm trying to get fully back into writing the new short for the paperback of Wicked Chemistry which is almost done.  Those on my mailing list will receive a free e-copy which will not be available at any online bookstore.  So, if you have read the Weeping Willow Short Stories and would like to see how the story continued before Wicked Magic, add yourself to my mailing list and find out for free.

Also, I haven't finished all of the updates on my video trailers.  It is going to take time, but hopefully, I can work on Scattered soon.  As soon as any are done, they will be posted on Youtube, my blog and my website.

Updated Shattered Short Story Trailer

Hey, guys.

As you know, I have been updating my short story trailers for my website, Smashwords, and YouTube.  Here is a comparison between the old and new.

OLD

NEW

SPECIAL CREDITS:
Music entitled "Dopplerette" (http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100659)
Special Thanks to iNCOMPETECH for royalty free music.

Special thanks to artists from Deviant Art for free png images used in this trailer.
- DOLORES MINETTE for winding road - http://doloresminette.deviantart.com/art/road-PNG-stock-311301336
- THE ARTIST 100 for road - http://theartist100.deviantart.com/art/ROAD-PNG-transprent-free-use-433339238
- Paw-Prints-Designs for shattered glass - http://paw-prints-designs.deviantart.com/art/Shattered-Glass-253551803
- THY DARKEST HOUR for red rose - http://thy-darkest-hour.deviantart.com/art/Red-Rose-PNG-444048882
- ISOSTOCK for hand - http://isostock.deviantart.com/art/Hand-014-117765297
- Augustiina Editions for polaroids - http://aguustiinaeditions.deviantart.com/art/Polaroid-Png-346322781
- YEREVERLUVINUCLEBER for magnifying glass - http://yereverluvinuncleber.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Magnifying-Glass-Search-Icon-309630962#
- PIXASSO79 for black rose - http://pixasso79-stock.deviantart.com/art/Black-Rose-PNG-322913288

Updated Collector Short Story Trailer

Hello, everyone.

I just updated The Collector's trailer.  Compared to the old... it is a vast improvement.  Check it out.

OLD

NEW

Special thanks to the artists at DeviantArt.com who have great .png images for public use.  It saved me a bunch of time in creating these images.


CREDITS:
- ROYS-ART for pointing statue - http://roys-art.deviantart.com/art/Statues-02-PNG-Stock-420147732
- OILUSIONISTA for stairs - http://oilusionista-stock.deviantart.com/art/Stone-stairway-stock-354790265
- MOMOTTE2STOCKS for all of the crows - http://momotte2stocks.deviantart.com/art/crow-9-212724189
- ALz-STOCK AND ART for gravestone - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.com/art/Gravestone-PNG-405097600
- ALz-STOCK AND ART for stone arch - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.com/art/Painted-Archway-332423585
- ABSURDWORDPREFERRED for window - http://absurdwordpreferred.deviantart.com/art/Window-transparent-PNG-163124311
- TIGERS-STOCK for hand - http://tigers-stock.deviantart.com/art/604-Hand-Png-349714283
- ENHANCERS for key - http://enhancers.deviantart.com/art/JJ-s-PNG-1-Keys-191539860

Updated Overboard Short Story Trailer

Hello, everyone.

As you know, I have been updating trailers and decided that the Overboard trailer would be next.  I have been working on it all day.  I wasn't happy with the original trailer, but at the time, didn't know what images to use or if I should create custom artwork for a short story.  In the beginning, I didn't put as much effort in the artwork for my shorts as I did my novels.  But now is the time to make something interesting.  Check it out.

OLD

NEW

I will keep the old trailers posted online, but for my website and Smashwords, I inserted the new trailer.  Also, the trailer says that the books is available on Amazon, but it is not yet.  Smashwords was working on a deal to post work on Amazon, but they have taken years.  I just might post them up myself, but I am not sure how to make them free on that site.  We'll see...

Updated Weeping Willow Short Story Trailers

Hello, everyone.

I just updated my Weeping Willow Part 1 and 2 trailers.  I was happy with the originals, but I wanted more original artwork that told a bit about the story.  So, while the old trailers will still be posted on YouTube.  My new trailers will be posted on my website and Smashwords.  I am posting the old and new ones on her for comparison.

As my skills have improved, I am trying to make my trailers better representations of my work.  I will try to create and upload new versions of some of my trailers.  Also, don't be shy.  Tell me what you think by posting a comment on YouTube.

WWSS1 - OLD

WWSS1 - NEW

WWSS2 - OLD

WWSS2 - NEW

Over Half of YA Readers are Adults!

According to surveys conducted in 2012, 55% of readers of YA fiction are adults!  It is no real surprise.  Who hasn't written a bus or a train lately and seen an adult immersed in reading Divergent or Hunger Games or Harry Potter? Adults are increasingly reading Young Adult fiction as the rise of book-to-movie adaptions increasing, giving these titles a wider reach.  The article claims that adults read YA fiction for a bit of nostalgia.  Every adult can identify with awkward teen experiences, but in my opinion, there are more reasons which adults see YA as a better option.

For one, more and more adult novels are leaning towards graphic violence and intimate situations.  Erotica has taken over the indie and traditional markets.  Adults who want cleaner reads are shifting towards books for young readers which are seen as safer.

Another reason is story.  While in the adult realm, crime and suspense fiction seem to be king.  YA fiction seems to be more expansive in genres and much more imaginative, especially with the influx of self-published and indie authors who generally have unique plots.

Either way, YA fiction is just fun.  To read the whole article click on the link below!


Source: http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/24/why-are-so-many-adults-reading-ya-teen-fiction

Wicked Love Released!

Hello, everyone!

It is just over half past midnight where I am from and that can mean only one thing... Wicked Love has been officially released.

I have published on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords.  While Amazon and Smashwords have already uploaded the book, Barnes and Noble takes a bit longer.  It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up in your Nook Store, so please keep your eyes open for it.

For those signed up to my newsletter, this month's newsletter has been sent out.  Please follow the instructions to receive your free copy of Wicked Love.

This book has been a long time in the making.  I carried a bit of anxiety around, not wanting to disappoint my readers, but when I released that energy and wrote the book I wanted, I created a unique, emotional ride which holds its own next to Wicked Magic.  I wanted the follow up to Wicked Magic to be just as good, if not, better.  I think I achieved that with Wicked Love.

Smashwords
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Wicked Love: Josie's Haven Review

Hello, readers!

Josie from Josie's Haven Book Blog has read Wicked Love.  She loved it and rated it 5 stars!  She will be posting her review of the book tomorrow and it should be up on her blog and Wicked Love's Goodreads page.  I will leave the links below for you.

Special thanks to Josie for reading and reviewing Wicked Love!


Josie's Haven: http://josies-haven.blogspot.com/

Wicked Love Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18394653-wicked-love

Amazon Preorder

Hi, everyone.

I just put through the Amazon Preorder information for Wicked Love. It should load in the next few hours and be available for purchase by tonight or tomorrow.  For those that have mindless, this is great news.

Now for those who read on Nooks, Barnes and Noble does not have a preorder function on nookpress. But I will submit everything at midnight on the first, so it will be ready by the morning of February 1st. Smashwords readers should know that Smashwords does have a preorder option but it must be done two weeks before release, and I am a day short. I will load Wicked Love around midnight so that the early birds will have the ability to buy it.

Thank all of you for being so patient during this process. This journey into writing Wicked Love has taken about 6 months but it was really a two and a half year wait. Wow! Your reviews of Wicked Magic really inspired me to write the best book possible because it pushed me to be also a better writer and storyteller.

Wicked Love is being read by Josie's Haven and will be reviewed on her site soon. Look out for that. I will be posting a link for that as soon as I get that.

Thanks!

Wicked Love Release Date

Hello, everyone!

Today I will be finishing up the last chapter of Wicked Love.  Writing this extension of the Weeping Willow Series was truly an adventure.  From being sick with the flu and a subsequent cold to family occasions and distractions, there were many obstacles in the six months since I started writing Wicked Love.

Although I plan with a loose outline the plot of the novel, much of the writing is organic and free flowing.  This way of writing is less rigid and more enjoyable.  Even with the small amount of plotting that was done, I have to say that the outcome was beyond my expectations.  I really love the way this book evolved and the worlds I get to dream up as an author.  I hope that no one will be disappointed with this installment and that everyone will see it as an awesome continuation of Wicked Magic.

Although I am basically done with the novel, I still have to edit.  So, the official release date is Sunday, February 1st, 2015.  This will give me time so that I am not rushing the editing process.  The final book ended up being over 88,000 words, so it is my longest book to date.  It is sure to be filled with many errors that need attention.

All of those who have joined my newsletter will receive a free copy.  For all of those signed up, you will receive a code to download your copy from Smashwords.  Please be sure to leave a review upon reading it.

Thank you, everyone, for being patient and awaiting this book with anticipation.  God bless!

What is Wicked Love?

So, I should start off by saying that... when I finish the second half of the chapter I am currently working on, I will have five more chapters left to write in this installment of the Weeping Willow Series.  A number of themes are prominent in this novel and jump out at you in various times during the journey; love, time, salvation, sin, redemption, loss, sacrifice, etc.

Ultimately, it is redemption through repentance which is key in this story, not time as the blurb would suggest.  There is a call to change that Nalin has been woken up to.  He doesn't remember key moments in his life that made him seek to change, but he is driven by a series of events to recall those instances where he reflected on his own salvation.  There is a touch of acknowledgement that true love is a sacrifice of self and he is willing to sacrifice his life for the one he loves.  I hope that translates when you read this novel.

I am working hard to finish this novel and haven't been writing blog posts as often as I hoped.  My focus is finishing up what is remaining to get started on the next.  I hope to finish this novel by the end of the month so that I can edit and publish it in December.  We'll see.


Why is the book called Wicked Love?
Well, Nalin is basically watching his lost love commit wicked acts which he is unable to stop.  Nalin, although he is called to help Willow by an unseen force within him, doesn't know exactly how to help her and is forced to put his own life in jeopardy to save her.

Who is more wicked, Willow or Nalin?
Both Nalin and Willow have done bad things in their lives that need to be rectified.  No one's hands are clean.  Both have been condemned by others.  Nalin in his battle for immortality and his quest to create life outside of the natural order.  Willow's sin was not in being born, because that was beyond her control.  But her birth made her a curious creature, and her own actions will be foretold in the book.

Is Nalin the only one in need of change?
No.  Everyone in the story will become unhinged in some ways.  Characters that were once voices of reason... like Rosalyn, will seem unable to control their conflicting emotions.  Characters that were dark, like Daphne, may come to see the errors in their ways to a certain degree.  Even Nalin, who is consumed by blood lust, will have to exert some control in order to seek help.  But, for Nalin, the first step to real change is knowing that there is a problem and asking for help.


I hope you all love this book as I do.  There are a lot of recollections that will take you back to the first stories.  For some, this will evoke the need to read them over again.  I want to thank all of those who have posted reviews on Barnes and Noble for the short stories.  Yes, I know they are short; hence, short stories, but your love of the characters made me realize that there was more to tell about Nalin and Willow's world.  And a special thank you to those who have read the stories multiple times!  Wow!  I am always surprised when people read my work and find it interesting, but to read it multiple times, that is just the best compliment.  Thank you!

YA Novel Malcontent Free

In honor of my birthday month, I have given those within my mailing list the opportunity to download Malcontent, book three of the Restraint Trilogy, for FREE.

The way the Restraint Trilogy works is that the beginning is the end and the story works its way towards the revealed ending.  Malcontent is the third book, but as the other books, it is really the beginning of the nightmare that ensued in the lives of three women.

If you log into Smashwords.com, you can download Malcontent for free by using a coupon code.  This code will only work for the month of October.  Please share with anyone who might be interested in reading a YA vampire novel.

The code is: GT94R

Wicked Love Book Update

Hey, Everyone.

Wicked Love is now over two thirds of the way completed.  I am currently writing the final twelve chapters.

My editor is in the midst of editing the portion of the book which has been completed.  When I hear back from her, I can get a sense of what needs to be corrected or changed.  I would love to finish the last few chapters within the next month so that I can have it edited and released by  November.  However, I would rather produce an amazing book than rush an underdeveloped story.

I have decided that the end of this book will have a wedding ceremony for Willow and Nalin.  This ceremony will give way to the cliffhanger that will lead people towards the next book.  Traveling to other realms will also be key, both within this book and the next one.  I want for readers to experience other creatures that are alluded to in prior writings.  Stay tuned.

Status Update on Wicked Love

Hey, everyone!

I just wanted to update everyone on Wicked Love since I do read the reader reviews on B&N, and there have been a lot of you who can't wait for the next Weeping Willow installment.  I am happy with all the positive reactions to the short stories and the novel.

Wicked Love is coming along. I have already written about 35,000 words in the past month and a half which was half of my projected word count for this project. I will definitely have to increase that word count. I am fast approaching the halfway point of the book. My editor has read the first third and enjoyed it.

Contrary to what people think, Wicked Love will not be the end of the series. There will be at least another book or two left in this series. I have to make sure Willow and Nalin travel to all the realms at least once.

You won't have to wait so long for the next one. I plan to start writing it as soon as Wicked Love is done.  I just got the idea for the plot of the next book, so I would love to continue writing about these two characters and hope you guys continue reading.

Thanks!

Wicked Magic Free?

Hey, everybody!

I wanted to know if anyone is interested in reading a free copy of my book in exchange for a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.  You can basically copy and paste the same review to all three sites, but the requirement is that the review has to be on all three.  If you can paste it on Smashwords, that would be appreciated.

Book three of my Weeping Willow Series, Wicked Love, is due to be released in October, and I wanted to drum up more reviews for Book Two entitled Wicked Magic.  Book One is a compilation of two short stories which are available online for free all year long.  Those stories will have to be read before the book.

This YA series is about warrior Elves and does have battle scenes, but ultimately, it is a love story between warring races.

I will provide the codes for a free download Smashwords, but if you don't have an account, tell me when you contact me and we will figure something out.  If anyone is interested, please get back to me at smadera23@yahoo.com by August 5th, 2014.

Please enter your email in the white box on the right side of the screen, because a similar opportunity (concerning Wicked Love or the Restraint Trilogy) may be available in the future to only those receiving my newsletter.

Thank you,
Sandra Madera


BOOKS INVOLVED:

Weeping Willow Stories (which have to be read before Wicked Magic)
Weeping Willow (Part One)
Weeping Willow (Part Two)

Wicked Magic: A Weeping Willow Novel

Making Believable Characters: Heroes and Villains

Hello, everyone!

I was looking for inspirational quotes, and I came across this quote from Stephen King. The quote was a snippet about the writing process, concerning the building of characters, which is something that challenges authors today. The challenge lies in how to build a character to the point that the lines between reality and fiction blur, making them so real that they are almost palpable.

“I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose” – Stephen King.

So it made me think about heroes and villains in general. When I used to watch Disney movies, villains didn't have much of a back story. They were bad.  The main characters were the heroes who were inherently and annoyingly good. It didn't matter why. Good always battled evil and came out winning. There is something in our nature that harps back to this ancient battle of good versus evil.

Mailing List

Hello, everyone.

I added the mailing list feature on my website and my blog.  It can be seen on the right-hand panel.  All it takes is to enter your email and you are all set.  Emails will be sent out no more than once a month with updates, promotions, freebies, etc.  This will be a good way to keep track of new releases.

Those who sign up will get a FREE PDF version of Scattered.  More freebies are planned for the future but these will only be offered to subscribers.

Please be sure to sign up!