Monday, October 30, 2017

Are You an #Author Looking for #HappyHolidays #Promotion?


Hi everyone,


Are you ready for the Holidays?
Now is the time to start signing up for the holidays exchange.  
Post can start as early as Nov. 5 and go until the end of the year.


This time I'm changing it up a little if you want to just use the Happy Holiday graphics alone that is great, Or you can modify it to include your book and a short blurb.

To make this work, you will need to have #Happy #Holidays in your title.
(This makes it easier for people to find it and retweet.)


Here's how it works:

  1. You sign up and agree to host others on your blog by leaving your email address in the comment section here   http://authortinagayle.blogspot.com/p/hi-everyone-are-you-ready-for-holidays.html 
  2. Put your Name, Email address, genre, and who you are looking for as guests.
  3. Then email others on the list and let them know that you are interested in doing an exchange
  4. Give dates you have available to host them.
  5. Please put Author Exchange in the subject line so they won't think you are spam.
  6. Decide on dates and exchange posts.
  7. Post should included the following information:
  8. Title should include #HappyHolidays. (There is no space between any of this hashtag. This is to make it easier to retweet) 

Also include the graphic above.

- send over your cover
- blurb - less than 300 words
- excerpt - less than 500 words
- Purchase links not more than 5
- author short bio - 100 words or less.
- author links - no more than 5
- author photo


Now you might be asking why should I or anyone do this.


Because it gains exposure to your books.
- I personally have over 50 K followers on Twitter
- I'm on Triber and my post are retweeted by others which claims over a million more people are reached (but I have no way to confirm this number)
- my blog is shared on my social networks- FB, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn
If you use #BookHugs in the title of your post, it can be easily retweeted by other people involved in the author exchange.


Add in other authors that also have twitter, goodread and facebook accounts and you increase the exposure for your book.


The Exchange runs from  (Nov. 5 - Dec. 31 ) Check back daily for others who have signed up for the exchange.  ****No one will be allowed to join after  Dec. 5

If have any question or problems email me. tina9561@yahoo.com subject  #Happy #Holidays


Thanks for letting me share your book with the world,



Tina

Thursday, October 26, 2017

An #Author Interview Withe Pamela S. Tibodeaux Highlighting The Inheritance #Christian #Romance

Today, I'd like you to meet Pamela S. Tibodeaux.



 As an award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Links:
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fzAdN7
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

I have a number of questions for her.

Let's start with the re-release of The Inheritance.

Question: What inspired this novel? How did it come about?
Answer: The Inheritance is one novel that began with a simple thought: They say life begins at forty, but for Rebecca Sinclair that’s far from the truth. Of course, as a nosy writer I had to find out why Rebecca felt that way.
Question: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Answer: The hardest part of writing The Inheritance was making sure Rebecca’s feelings and emotions around her husband’s illegitimate child were authentic and stayed within her character – not what I would do or think.
Question: How did you come up with the concept and the setting?
Answer: Characters came first then setting for The Inheritance. My step-children live in Washington and I’ve visited Hammondsport, NY so the places depicted in the novel are drawn from my memories and impressions of both.

Question: What is the message you hope to get across in this story?
Answer: That, when it comes to love and forgiveness, we are called to be true imitators of Christ. I hope Rebecca’s handling of her deceased husband’s illegitimate child will encourage readers to open their hearts and minds and broaden their perspective on areas of pain, anger and unforgiveness in their own lives.
Question: What is the one question you wish an interviewer would ask you?
Answer: Q: To what or whom do you credit your success?
A: Many people have a love/hate relationship with their muse. My muse is the Holy Spirit and I accredit every ounce of success to the grace of God because without HIM I seriously doubt I could write a single word, much less stories that bring hope and healing to so many.
Question: What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Answer: Unlike many writers, I'm not strictly disciplined. However, when I am actively writing, I write—very little editing, or working on other projects, limited time online, not much networking or blogging, sleep comes only in snatches, meals are scarce and light, and definitely no playing!
Question: When do you feel like it all began to come together for you as a writer—was there a particular moment?
Answer: After years as a closet writer, penning stories in 5-subject notebooks, I'd have to say when I purchased my first, USED word processor and started typing in all those handwritten manuscripts I really began to feel like a writer.

Question: Who has influenced you most as a writer and why?
Answer: There is really no one person to whom I can attribute this to, so many have helped me along the way. I’d have to say that my love of reading has influenced me the most. Reading opens doors to the imagination, takes you places you’d never be able to go otherwise and improves your visualization and vocabulary skills. Now, I’m able to implement all those things into my own writing.


Question: What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
Answer: The biggest challenge I face is not having my work accepted by the “Christian” publishers. As one reviewer said, “though undeniably Christian, it is never dogmatic or insular; offering faith rather than religion.” (Review of Tempered Dreams by Elizabeth Burton for Blue Iris Journal) My books deal with issues in a way that is unacceptable in the traditional CBA market. Now that is not saying that my books are better than those published through traditional CBA publishers, only different. As I’ve said many times, everything that gives God glory deserves to be praised!

Question: What are a few writing tips you could share with aspiring writers?
Answer: The bible exhorts us to “study and show yourself approved.” Keep studying, keep writing, keep learning, stay open to constructive critique and NEVER GIVE UP! Writing is both gift and talent given to you by God. Don’t hide your gift or bury your talent. Whatever you write, write well. Strive for excellence. Stay teachable, pliable, and flexible. Never believe that you know it all because knowledge is power and the more you know the more valuable you become. Above all share what you learn with others and make someone’s load lighter to bear.

Question: Any marketing tips?
Answer: Marketing is an intricate part of the publishing business and publishers today expect authors to do their fair share. However, marketing/promotion can be overwhelming as the more you learn, the more there is to learn. For every thing you accomplish, there are hundreds more you can do. My motto is: Do something every day and your best then let God do the rest and remember it takes time to build a career.

Question: What is your goal or mission as a writer?
Answer: A committed Christian, I firmly believe in God and His promises. God is very real to me. I believe that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them and I do my best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with Him. The deepest desire of my heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust, and forgiveness to a hurting world. My hope is that all of my stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and - in some way - bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.


 The Inheritance (2nd edition – newly edited, revised, and updated!)
URL for cover: http://bit.ly/2xFIwm3

Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/1nXB8Z0

Keywords: The Inheritance, Pamela S Thibodeaux, @psthib, Pelican Book Group, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Inspirational with an Edge! Rafflecopter giveaway, book giveaway, PBG
Tagline: After her husband’s death she discovers a future she never expected and a family she never imagined.
Blurb: Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness. Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now. Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?

US Postal worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first set eyes on her. A wanderer searching for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long. Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life. Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine country of New York?


Excerpt:
“I love you Raymond Jacobey.”
Ray rolled his eyes and grinned. “Now she tells me. All the cozy dinners, romantic movies and late night calls, and she tells me while sitting in a tree in the back yard.” He chuckled. ‚I love you too, Becca.
Now”—his voice lowered a notch—“let’s see if I can get this right.‛ He began to sing. ‚Ray and Becca, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n....” each phrase, each syllable, was punctuated by a teasing caress of his mouth against hers. By the time he finished the rhyme, Ray had her cradled against his chest with one arm. He slid the other around her and pulled her closer.
Ending the kiss by slow degrees, Ray eased her back against the tree trunk, grasped it with both hands to keep them from tumbling off and buried his face in her neck. “Now, Becca, any more nursery rhymes I need to learn or obstacles I have to overcome before you agree to marry me?”

Thanks for sharing Pam.

All the best with your book,

Tina





Wednesday, October 25, 2017

A #RomanticSuspense Sun Storm by Marlow Kelly - #BookHugs #Military Tale





Sun Storm By Marlow Kelly

A Romantic Suspense Novel

Release date: 23rd August 2017



Useful Information:

Title: Sun Storm 

Series Name: The Gathering Storm – Book 1

Keywords: 
 Romantic suspense, scarred hero, action-packed, military, Montana, hunted blizzard

Rating: Spicy – contains steamy love scenes and explicit language

Release Date: 23rd August 2017
EBook ISBN: 978-0-9952301-1-8
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9952301-2-5
Published by Viceroy Press
Amazon ASIN: B07466K711
Word length: 83437 words


Tag Line:
Can a cynical soldier and a naive scientist learn about love and trust in order to survive?



Blurb:

Dr. Marie Wilson is a scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. She has come to Montana on the eve of a blizzard to prove her small, portable solar panel can generate electricity even in the harshest environment. But when four men invade her remote cabin with plans to kill her, she knows she’s in trouble.

Ex-Special Forces soldier, David Quinn, has had enough of danger and death. All he wants is to be left alone on his Montana acreage to pursue his dream of being a beekeeper. But when his old mentor convinces him to help retrieve a stolen solar panel, he thinks it will be a simple job. But the moment he sets eyes on Marie, he knows their assignment is all kinds of wrong.

Together, they escape. Chased by a businessman with unlimited resources, a gunman and a corrupt police force, they are thrust into the frozen Montana landscape. Can a cynical soldier and a naive scientist learn about love and trust in order to survive?





Excerpt:

A crack of splintering wood and the door crashed open. Marie jumped to her feet, her heart pounding. A scream lodged in her throat as four men burst in, filling the tiny space. She raced to the fireplace and grabbed the poker.
A handsome blond-haired man led the way. He was so good looking he could be an actor. He had a square jaw and wore a well-tailored leather jacket. Even his fair hair was perfectly trimmed. Two burly men followed, both with dark, short-cropped hair. They could be twins. Their thick bodies and the way they swung their arms reminded her of a pair of gorillas. They also had the same flattened nose and malicious, small, dark eyes. They moved to the back of the room near the sink. The last man had unkempt, long, sandy-colored hair. He wore a crumpled, hooded camouflage jacket and baggy gray pants. A long scar ran across one side of his face, starting at his ear and running through his beard, parting it with a jagged white line. He didn’t say a word. He simply nodded at the poker in her hand and shook his head, silently telling her to drop her weapon.
Sensing that any attempt to fight him would be futile, she let it fall to the ground. “You can take the money. I don’t have—”
“Shut up,” the handsome blond barked. A vein on his forehead bulged as he scowled.
Her heart hammered against her ribs. She prayed they would take what they wanted and leave.
Handsome stepped in front of her and placed the barrel of his handgun between her eyes. “Tell us where it is.”
“What are you doing?” The man with the scar strolled over and stood next to her. In her peripheral vision, she could make out his intense, pale, lifeless eyes.
He leaned close to her face so his warm breath touched her cheek. “This is all wrong.”
A small squeal emanated from her throat. He was too close. Too scary. Killer. The word rang through her mind. The scar, those dead eyes, and his demeanor gave the impression of a lethal, terrifying man.
“What do you mean? Our intel is good.” The vein on Handsome’s forehead throbbed to life.
With one finger, Killer nudged the pistol away from her head. “First, how can she tell us where it is when she’s too frightened to talk?”
Handsome shrugged, revealing a smile with perfect white teeth.
Marie released a huge breath. She needed to do something, but couldn’t focus, couldn’t form a coherent thought.
“Second,” Killer continued, “what do we really know about this situation?”
Handsome sneered. “You were in the army. You know how it is. We don’t make the decisions. We follow orders.”
“And what exactly are our orders?” Killer asked, his voice low and calm.
“We’re to retrieve what was stolen and eliminate the girl.”
There had to be a misunderstanding. She was a scientist, not someone who needed to be eliminated.


Author Bio

After being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her ideas to paper. Her need to write about strong women in crisis drives her stories.
Marlow is an award-winning author, and a member of the Romance Writers of America.

Social Media Links




Inspiration: 

Hugs are powerful. Receiving a hug can give you the strength to continue, but giving one will make you happy.


I agree Marlow. I love hugs.

Thanks for sharing,

Tina

Monday, October 23, 2017

Back from Conference - #TinaTidings But ... @IngramSpark and @SparkJustine

Hi everyone,

I had hope to get so much done once I got home from Emerald City Conference.

I meet some wonderful people and was inspired to get to work on a number of new projects.

One was Ingram Spark.

Justine was one of the speakers at the conference and offer some insight into how to get your books in more Marketing channels across the world.

I had hope to start uploading my books to Ingram Spark, but hit a snag when I manage to catch the flu.  Has put me way behind in my goals for this month.


Hope you will take the time to check them out at www.ingramspark.com


If you have questions about the program, leave a comment and I'll contact Justine to see if she can answer any of your questions.

Have a great week,

Tina





Thursday, October 19, 2017

Up For PreOrder - Tova’s Dragon #Bookhugs by @LyndiLamont #Romance #Paranormal



Lyndi Lamont’s inspirational message: I believe love is a powerful force in this world. It brings lovers together, creates families and lives on after death in the hearts of those left behind. It may not make the world go 'round, but love makes the world a better place.





Lyndi is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the blog post for three chances to win!



Tova’s Dragon
Steamy Paranormal Romance
By Lyndi Lamont

Blurb:

Seek help of the Lord of Drakkenberg. Only he can aid you. You must fly with the dragon.
Tova Svensdottir, an earth mage, is on a mission to save her homeland, the Kingdom of Velosia from the evil wizard Bruno of Grimmdorn. Her grandmother tells her to seek help of the Lord of Drakkenberg, but the old lord is dead. In his castle, high on a mountaintop, she instead encounters his son, the Outlaw Kane.

Kane fled Velosia after a futile attempt to rescue his father and his mate from Bruno's cruel prison, killing the head guard in the process. Now that Bruno has been banished, Kane has returned to clear his name, but his purpose changes when he meets Tova. Tova's warmth stirs his passions and her courage touches his heart, but he dreads telling her of his true nature, certain she will recoil. But Tova is made of sterner stuff.

Together, Kane and Tova have the power to save Velosia. If they survive the coming battle. But can an earth mage find happiness with a dragonshifter?

Available at Amazon pre-order links:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07635W1SR


Excerpt : (PG-13)

Tova awoke to find herself on a soft bed wrapped in the embrace of a very hot, very aroused man. She opened her eyes to look around the dimly lit chamber, and everything came back to her—the climb up the mountain, the lightning storm, being guided to the cave, and the fall in the tunnel.
She squirmed around to stare at the man. “Where am I? And who you are?”
He flashed a reassuring smile. “I am Kane and this is my cave. You fell and hit your head.”
She studied the face just inches from her own. He was older than she, perhaps in his third decade. Long black hair hung down to his shoulders, and his eyes were a warm shade of amber under straight black brows. Her gaze dropped to sensual lips above a cleft chin. He was handsome as sin and naked to the waist. A shiver traveled up her spine and her heartbeat increased. Why did his name sound familiar?
Around his neck he wore a heavy gold chain with a large, luminous pearl dangling from it. When she reached out to touch the pearl, she sensed power radiating from it, from him. “You guided me to the cave, did you not? I thank you.”
“You are welcome, daughter of earth.”
She smiled at the apt nickname. “I am called Tova Svensdottir.”
He nodded in acknowledgement. “How are you feeling, Mistress Tova?”
She assessed the situation. Though warmer, her head still hurt and her energy was depleted. Self-healing would take a long time in this state. “Better, but still weak.”
“I am not surprised, given your ordeal. Where were you headed in such a hurry, and what on earth brought you to my mountain? Are you lost?”
She hesitated, uncertain whether to trust him. Mutti Zee’s instructions echoed in her head and she plunged ahead. “I seek the Lord of Drakkenberg.”
Kane raised his brows. “You have come to the right place, though the old lord is dead.”
Suddenly, she realized who he was and scooted away from him. ’Twas just her luck to be rescued by the most feared outlaw in the land. “Please do not hurt me, Kane of Drakkenberg.”
With a sigh, he rose from the bed, clad only in his breeches and hose. He stared down at her, an earnest look on his face. “I would never hurt you, Mistress Tova. I am not the monster legend depicts me.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Well, not entirely.”



About the Author:
Lyndi Lamont is the racy alter ego of romance author Linda McLaughlin. Writing sexy stories gives her a license to be naughty, at least between the pages of her books! She has written several full-length novels plus numerous short stories and novellas, ranging from historical to futuristic. She believes that love is unending and universal, and enjoys transporting her readers into a different world where her characters learn that, in the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward.
Connect online:
Twitter: @LyndiLamont


To celebrate the release of Tova's Dragon, I'm doing a Rafflecopter giveaway, starting today and ending October 30. There are three ways to enter:
1. Like my Lyndi Lamont Facebook page
2. Subscribe to my mailing list and upcoming newsletter
3. Subscribe to my blog (on right sidebar or scroll to bottom of the page)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks Linda, this sounds like an awesome book,

Tina

Monday, October 16, 2017

Some Pages That You Might Want For Your Website #Authors #Marketing


I'm just getting back from the ECWC. One of the items I mentioned in my class - Real Marketing for Organic Growth was some of the pages that writers should have on their sites.

Here are just a few - Ones in Red are a must have.

1.  Home Page / Welcome page  – is like the entryway to your house.  It is an introduction to you. It should include things like author’s picture, available books, a welcome note, brief biography and links to all the other pages on the site.


2.  Books Page – as an author you want people to find your books. This page should contain all the books you’ve written with either blurbs, excerpts or reviews. Or links to this information.

3.  Bio Page – a page to tell people about yourself. Who you are, what you write, more about your personal interests and other information you want to share.

4.  Links Page – this page gives visitors to your site links to other places on the Internet where they can find you. Also, it can include links to your friends and publisher. This is important because links to other sites that link back to you increases your rating on the Internet. (This also increase your SEO rating—see definition below.)

5.  Other Pages – the possibility for other pages are endless. Here is where you make your site your own.

6.  Picture page - share pictures.

7.  Contact page – where you give fans your email address. I like to include a newsletter sign up link on this page too.

8.  Excerpt pages – giving excerpts of your books or the ability to read the first chapter.

9.  Video Page – to display video you’ve made. (A great way to connect with readers.)

10.  Some sites have chat areas.


Some other things to consider is social site links and social site sharing buttons. 

Hope this helps you narrow down the things you want on your site.

Friday, October 13, 2017

And I'm Off to ECWC - #TinaTidings #Writers #MFRWauthor

For the last couple of weeks, I've been talking about Emerald City Writer's Conference.

Today, it starts and I'm head out to Seattle. 


Seeing as I'll be on the plane for a while, I decided to pair this blouse with a pair of jeans.
When I get to the conference, I'll add the hat and change out of my tennis shoes.

Looking forward to sharing pictures of the event which I'll add here or share on FB or Twitter
when I take them.

Here's to everyone having a great time,

Tina

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Ghost #BookHugs from Sharon Buchbinder - Legacy of Evil: The Hotel LaBelle Series, Book 2



Ghost #BookHugs from Romance Authors: Legacy of Evil: The Hotel LaBelle Series, Book 2
by Sharon Buchbinder


Release date: October 13, 2017
Keywords: Paranormal, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fantasy, Psychics, Undercover Agents, Small Town, Native American Heroine, Biker Hero


Blurb: When a wild mustang is shot in Montana, renowned horse whisperer and telepath, Emma Horserider, is called in to calm the herd and find out what happened. Once on scene she is almost killed by a bullet-spewing drone, and calls her black ops brother for back-up.
Emma's help roars into her life covered in tattoos and riding a Harley. Remote viewer Bronco Winchester takes the assignment because he is ordered to, but he wonders what type of assistance, his boss's sister needs. That is until he sees Emma, a valiant Warrior Woman proud of her Crow heritage.
Posing as a married couple, Emma and Bronco go undercover to infiltrate and stop a hate group. Both are anxious enough without the now growing attachment they feel for one another. When the lives of many are on the line, they are not sure if they will live or die—let alone have a chance at love. One battle, one outcome. Who will win? Good or evil?
Excerpt:
Bronco now stood squinting in the late afternoon sun, knocking at a door with no bell, and waiting for a response. Dogs barked and a window curtain twitched. Good. Someone was home. He adjusted his pack, leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and said, “Any time now.” As the words slid out of his mouth, he heard the unmistakable sound of a shotgun being pumped.
Uh. Oh.
He raised his hands. “Don’t shoot. I’m unarmed.”
Turning slowly to face his fate, his jaw fell open, and his heart rate kicked up a notch from being on thewrong end of a shotgun or from the weapon holder’s looks, he wasn’t sure. A raven haired Amazon in a tank top, jeans, and metal tipped cowboy boots held the Mossberg 500 in a perfect military stance. Long strands of hair blew across her face in the hot breeze. A large purple bruise bloomed on her left cheek. She squinted her dark brown eyes and gave him a laser-beam once over from his dusty black boots to his sweat soaked do-rag.
“Who are you, and what do you want?”
If he hadn’t been so intent on not getting killed, he would have spent more time staring at those full, luscious, kissable lips and thinking about how she would taste. As it was, he guessed he had less than a minute to respond before getting blasted into the next county.
BUYLINKS:


Sharon Buchbinder has been writing fiction since middle school and has the rejection slips to prove it. An RN, she provided health care delivery, became a researcher, association executive, and obtained a PhD in Public Health. When not teaching or writing, she can be found fishing, walking her dogs, or breaking bread and laughing with family and friends in Baltimore, MD and Punta Gorda, FL.

Author Links
Facebook: Sharon Buchbinder Romance Author https://www.facebook.com/sharon.buchbinder.romanceauthor
Twitter ID @sbuchbinder https://twitter.com/sbuchbinder

A Message from the Author
One of the things I have learned in my life as an author, professor, wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-aunt, and pet lover is that we are more alike than not. For me, romance is not only about the story of people falling in love, but also about connecting with readers and their lives. We are living in challenging times and at times those challenges can feel overwhelming. I call on each of us to take a moment to reach out and connect with other people. Let someone know they matter. It only takes a few words of kindness to life someone up. You may be the one person who helps someone get through a rough patch.

Hugs,
Sharon

Great advice, thanks Sharon.
Tina



Monday, October 9, 2017

Keywords - They Can Help #Authors SEO by Kayelle Allen @KayelleAllen #tips #marketing

Good Keywords for Author SEO

Authors need good keywords for blog posts, books, marketing, even writing newsletters. SEO, which means Search Engine Optimization, is all about writing and content searchable by search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. After all, if no one can find you, what good will it do to write material anyway? To be found, authors need good keywords and good SEO.
Included in this post is a shot of the Yoast SEO Wordpress plugin used on my personal site. I use this plugin on each post. This is one I used for a post called How to Leave A Review (which I'll mention again below).

On my personal site, in each post, I use the following:

A focus keyword.
For ex, a phrase that includes the genre, book or character name, or a descriptive phrase. On one of my posts, titled "How to Leave a Review" I used "leave a review" and repeated it in the title, url, H2 heading, and the body. By the time I'd finished it was there 13 times total. Anyone searching for info on how to leave one, when to leave one, where to leave one, etc. would be likely to find it.

Slug
This is generally the same as above. The slug is what the words at the end of the url are called. Mine was leave-a-review (after the kayelleallen.com/ ) Making it the same as the focus word strengthens the SEO.

Meta Title / Meta Description
I use Wordpress, and have a plugin called Yoast SEO that allows me to choose the meta title and description. I don't have that on Blogger. When you Google something, you know the words in bold that come up and show you a title? That's the meta title. The words beneath it are the meta description. If you can't specify, then Google (and other search engines) pick up the post title and about 150 characters of the first paragraph.

Title and hashtags
I try to match the focus keyword and then research the best hashtags on https://ritetag.com/

H2 Header
Match your focus keyword somewhere on the page in an H2 heading.

Video
Because it owns YouTube, Google loves videos from there. Use the focus word in the description and/or header of that.

Call to action
Generally, I plan my call to action first, and then write the post to showcase that. I want people to leave a review of my book, so I pulled it in as examples in the entire post about how to leave a review. Then I asked if they had left one no matter who's or where, to share the link. It got a ton of views, but no comments. Typically, I get far more views than comments, so it wasn't a surprise.

Image alt tags
On my personal site, I highlight the title of the post and paste that into the alt tag line of each image in the post.

Featured Image
In Blogger, you usually see the first image when you post a url on Facebook or Twitter. With Wordpress, you can pick the exact image you want, even if it isn't in your actual post. When the meta title and description go up on Twitter, Facebook, Google, etc., that is theimage that goes with it.

Other minor things to watch:
Use one category only. This is like the folder in the filing cabinet. It can only go in one at a time. Exception: On RLFblog, I use two categories when the author does an interview. One for the type of interview, and one for the type of book. This lets readers search for both.

Use keywords that are genre specific, book specific, topic oriented. Don't change wording and spelling on these. Keep them simple so readers can easily click the tag and find everything in the topic. For ex, don't use the word book plus the word books. One or the other.

That's pretty much what I do. It's working very well.

If you use Wordpress, get the Yoast SEO for Wordpress plugin. It will teach you these very things. If you do them, your article is going to be much more findable by search engines. Use the checklist, and write good content that contains information people want to find. It's that simple.



About Kayelle Allen
Kayelle Allen is the founder of Marketing for Romance Writers. She writes Sci Fi with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She's a US Navy veteran and has been married so long she's tenured.
https://kayelleallen.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook https://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
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Thanks Kayelle for letting me share this with my readers.

Tina

Friday, October 6, 2017

Fashion for the @ECWC_Seattle_WA Event for #Authors #TinaTidings

If you haven't been following along on my fashion adventure, make sure to scroll down and see the other outfits I'm looking at wear at the ECWC conference in Seattle.

The quest with these post, is to find an outfit that not only I like but others think I look good in. So feel free to leave a comment.

Today, I'm working with my cream colored hat so all the clothes will hopefully accent the hat.


If you saw yesterday post you will notice that I also tried this outfit with my black hat. Today, I'm pairing the shirt with cream color pants and hat.

Now, I'm switching color scheme and going with blue pants, a purple shell with a multicolor jacket.



Also, I wanted to try outfit that included a dress.





Which ones do you like?

Leave a comment and let me know,

Thanks everyone and hope to see you in Seattle,

Tina

Thursday, October 5, 2017

A #Romance #Author Making Fashion Choices #TinaTidings

Each time an author heads off to conference one of the things she needs to decide is what to wear.

My first choice to make was what hats to wear.  I've been sharing pictures of them over the last week or two.

Now, I need to put the outfits together.

Yesterday, I matched my clothes with my red hat. Now, we are moving on to my black hat.

This sparkle top is paired with cream colored pants and my black hat. Or do you like it better with black pants.




Now for our next selection, we have a black hat with turquoise sweat and black pants


Last but not least we have black hat, black pants and animal print shirt.




Aren't we having fun? Remember, I'd love to hear which one you like best.

Leave a comment here or on my FB page.

Thanks,

Tina