I'm a Cha-Cha Answer!

How cool is that?

Okay, I didn’t know what Cha-Cha was either. But after a little investigation, it is an answer place for mobile phone users. Say you want to know the name of that actor who starred in that film…you know, the one with the hair, and the eyes, funny name, right there on the tip of your tongue, it’s driving you mental. You ask everyone, friends, family, total strangers on the street, no one can help. Your head is threatening to explode. But wait…there is a place with answers-Cha-Cha.

So someone asked: Who are authors similar to the style of Sophie Kinsella? (The author of Confessions of a Shopaholic—the movie came out a few months ago)

The answer?

Similar writers to Sophie Kinsella are Stephanie Hale, Kimberley Troutte , Teri Wilson, and Charity Tahmaseb

What the--?
How--?
Who--?

Wow.

http://www.chacha.com/question/who-are-authors-similar-to-the-style-of-sophie-kinsella

One Loving Thing Day

(Photo by Diego Hernandez)
On December 21st, I'll be blogging at Beyond the Veil: http://paranormalauthors.blogspot.com/ and also on CNN.com.
And in honor of Winter Solstice--the shortest, darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere--I am proposing a radical plan to keep each other warm.

Historically, cultures have celebrated the Winter Solstice as a time of rebirth. Ancient cultures came together during for festivals, feasts, dancing, singing, and cuddling with loved ones around the warm hearth fires. Many modern cultures still follow the old traditions.

As for me, this dark, cold, short day brings hope. Every moment after December 21st (the occasional storm excluded) will be brighter, sunnier, warmer. From here on out the darkness will be behind us and up ahead are better days. After the doom and gloom year we’ve been living through, I’m thinking we all could use a more sunlight in our lives.

So what is my radical plan? Call it a challenge.

I challenge everyone to do one loving thing on December 21st. Just one. It doesn’t really have to be world-changing, or earth’s-axial tilting. No, just give a gift from your heart, do a good deed, help someone…I don’t need to tell you, because you’ll know the loving thing when you do it.

I’ll post about my one loving thing, and if you can, come post at Beyond the Veil or here about yours. Your comments will inspire others to do one loving thing and it will snowball into a giant lovingthingerama.

And maybe, just maybe, this will be the best darkest day ever.

Interviewing Death

If you had a chance to ask Death a few questions, what would you ask?

Today over at Beyond the Veil, the website for Samhain Publishing's paranormal and SF/fantasy authors,
http://paranormalauthors.blogspot.com
I interview Cain and Sara, the main characters from my book, Soul Stealer.

Cain is Death and Sara is the woman he is supposed to kill until the two strike a deal that turns the Natural Order on its head.

So what would you ask Death? You could do what Sara did and ask for more time, but I must warn you that there is a price to pay if you go that route.

There's always a price.

Around and Around the Galley I Go

I'm finishing my galleys for Catch Me in Castile.

Galleys are the proofs for a print book. The publisher asks the author to take one final read through and make any corrections before the book goes to print.

Gulp. There's something very final about the whole process as if my living breathing creation is now going to be set in stone.

F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

I wonder if the Evanovichs, Roberts, Rowlings, and Kings of the world all feel like throwing up each time they open their galleys?

Checking my nerves, I remind myself that this is the way things should go. My baby needs to go off into the world without me. It's as it should be. Perefectly right.

And so I check for typos, word choice, blantant errors, and author stupidity for the very...last...time. And press send.

Keepin' in Touch

Hi gang,

it's been a while since I blogged. Life has been a bit crazy lately. Kids are back in school and my job as lunch-maker, homework corrector, kid-driver began in earnest. How do other mothers do this wildness called life?

I'm not complaining because I love every minute of it. (Well, except Algebra, I didn't like it the first go-around and don't like it much more now that my son is taking it. Ugh). But I am curious since there is clearly not enough time in the day, what do you let go?

Here's my list of thing I've let slide:
housecleaning (check),
exercise (check),
cooking full-blown meals (check),
sleep (check),
make-up for anything other than a fancy function (check),
blogging (check, need to rectify)
reading (no way!).

On the publishing front, I am expecting my galleys for CATCH ME IN CASTILE any day now. The print book comes out June 1, 2010. I can hardly wait to get it in my hands. Seeing it on the bookshelves would be pretty darned cool too.

You all stay well!

Catch Me! Hurry!!!!!

What? And why is she screaming?

I'll tell ya. My dream finally came true.

Catch Me In Castile is OUT NOW!
click on Samhain Publishing

Sorry, having trouble keeping the screaming to a minimum. Here, let me whisper the next bit...

Buy it at: My Bookstore and More

If you are Kindle-licious you can go to: Amazon.com


"Catch Me in Castile will take you on a journey across the world and into the belly of an engrossing suspense. Kimberley Troutte also delivers on a heartfelt romance between a Spanish doctor and a woman who just needs something positive to happen in her life. There is also a bit of the paranormal to the storyline and a ghost who seeks answers..." Night Owl Romance Reviews.

Interview by Mistress Bella

Mistress Bella asked some pretty tough questions.


Good, but tough.


I had to dig deep. Down to the core deep. And in the end?

Well...


I mentioned all of you. I couldn't help it. The Mistress scared me. So I blabbed. I told. I spilled the beans all over the place.

Now everyone knows who you are. You might be in trouble. Deep trouble.

I couldn't help it. Thanks to Mistress Bella.


Check it out: http://mistressbellainterviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/kimberley-troutte.html.

You can find me at Amazon

Finally. The day has come. Readers can buy SOUL STEALER for the Kindle through Amazon.com!

If you have any other reader or simply want to download SOUL STEALER to your computer, there are many other places to purchase the ebook such as:

Barnes and Noble: http://www.ereader.com/ebooks/b83095/Soul-Stealer/Kimberley-Troutte/?si=59

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/soul-stealer

http://store.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b83095/Soul-Stealer/Kimberley-Troutte/?si=60

http://www.booksonboard.com

Happy reading!
Kimberley

I'm the Guest Author at Bookwenches 6/12/2009

First off, don't you just love that name?

BD Whitney, the reviewer at Bookwenches, wrote a wonderful review about Soul Stealer and then invited me to be the guest author blogger.

Come on over Friday and see this author gush about heroes--the mighty real ones and those not so mighty and not so real.

Here's the link: http://www.bookwenches.com/guestblog.htm

Post a comment and you could win a Soul Stealer e-book. Easy-peasy.

Kimberley

Blurb for Catch Me in Castile

Hi gang,

This post actually brings tears to my eyes. I have the official blurb for my next book, Catch Me in Castile.

It has been a long journey getting this novel published. Believe it or not, I started writing Catch Me, my first attempt at fiction, 20 years ago and "finished" it more times than I can count. I also completely rewrote it just as many times changing it a hundred ways from Sunday. Some call me determined, others stubborn, a few crazy. I don't care what anyone calls me if they buy the book. It's good, really good. Look for it from Samhain Publishing in e-book format on August 25, 2009 and in print version in the book stores June 2010.

Title: CATCH ME IN CASTILE
Author: Kimberley Troutte
ISBN: 1-60504-652-3
ISBN13: 978-1-60504-652-5
Length: Novel, 79k words
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense
Price: $5.50
Publication Date: August 25, 2009

Seeing dead people is bad enough. Loving him could make her one of them.

Blurb:

When the mother of all panic attacks prompts Erin Carter’s boss to pass her over for promotion, her mind doesn’t just crack. It explodes like an egg in a microwave, shattering her career along with the company car she crashes into the office building.

The death grip she’s kept on her sanity slipping, she takes a friend’s advice and flees to Spain. There she finds comfort in the healing arms of surgeon Santiago Botello—until a fifteenth-century ghost warns her that being with Santiago is dangerous, possibly even lethal.

Santiago has his hands full protecting his sister from a dark curse and his family from a very modern-day psychotic killer. The last thing he needs added to his plate is a neurotic American. Yet something about Erin tugs at his heart so hard he wants to wrap her in his arms and never let go. No matter the risk.

Erin’s attraction to Santiago makes her the killer’s next target. Survival means she must face her greatest fear, solve an ancient murder mystery—and hang on tight to the one man she’s fallen crazy in love with.

Warning: This book contains a woman willing to lose her mind for love, a hot Spaniard with hands a girl could die for, deadly family curses, a ghost with memory disorder, and a really mad killer.

Keywords: ghost, haunted, Spain, murder, jealousy, psychotic killer, fifteenth-century Spain, parallel stories, Castile, Alcazar, Segovia, Salamanca, Queen Isabella, King Fernando, King Ferdinand, Marques de Moya, anxiety disorder, memory loss, schizophrenia, panic attacks

I'm going to be on the radio

Check out All Romance eBook's 'What's Hot in Romance' Blog Talk Radio Show on April 27, 2009 10:00 pm Eastern (or after that on the recorded podcast).

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Whats-Hot-In-Romance

This out to be really interesting as it will be my first podcast. Yikes!

Any suggestions as to what to do, or NOT do?

I'm a LASR Best Book nominee!!!

Holy hotcakes!
this is unreal, I tell ya. Better than fiction. My debut, Soul Stealer is up for LASR Best Book. I'm dancing in my PJs, shoot I haven't even had my cup of Joe yet and I'm bouncing off the walls. Super-duper exciting.

The voting in this weekend only Sat 4/11 - Sun 4/12.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Soul Stealer is Out Today

“Soul Stealer” by Kimberley Troutte

Buy from MBaM!

Read An Excerpt Online

Genre: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1-60504-473-6

Length: Novella

Price: 3.50

Publication Date: March 17, 2009

Cover art by Angie Waters

When Death falls in love with a saint, there’s holy hell to pay.

Sara Lane expects to die young, but when the time comes, she’s not ready. She needs two more weeks to finish a homeless shelter before winter sets in and people die on the streets. Who does a girl have to sleep with to live a few extra days?

How about the sexiest, most dangerous of all bad boys—Death himself?

Cain’s job as a designated death dealer is clear. Kill and move on. Don’t get attached. Don’t feel. But when Sara pleads to cut a deal for more time, Cain is tempted by an unexpected craving for this beautiful, courageous woman. As their lips meet, her life force shakes him to his bones, seals the bargain—and breaks all the rules.

Keeping Sara alive is a dangerous proposition. The Powers That Be are furious and unleash bloodthirsty demons to steal Sara’s soul from Death—the one man who’s hell-bent on saving her life.

Warning: This book contains the sexiest of all bad boys, a woman desperate to get what she wants, deadly soul-sucking demons, surprise visits by Biblical characters, frog grenades, very bad dogs, sacrifice, redemption and eternal love.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

Holy Cowabunga! My first review of Soul Stealer.

I am in gloroious shock. My first review came from Zee at Romance Junkies. Can I just say that I LOVE this person? If my kids weren't already named they'd all be little Zees right now. It's terrifying beyond words reading that first review and I am so honored and blessed that it was a good one.

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Soul_Stealer.shtml

"...SOUL STEALER is a story that is captivating and that flows before your eyes between one blink and the next. Believe me when I tell you that you will be compelled by a strange power to read this story cover to cover in one sitting.

Maybe this magic is due to the characters. Maybe it is due to the unconventional storyline. Maybe it is due to Ms. Troutte’s delightful voice and prose. Or maybe it is due to all these factors. The many facets meld together to provide an unrivaled reading experience for any reader who loves a good romance where the odds are all against the main protagonists. Lovers of the paranormal will also find a delightful read here.

Cain is a hero that you can’t help but feel sorry for. He’s had a hard life, and the twist that Ms. Troutte brings to his character is one that is novel and unexpected.

Add to it the many Biblical references and characters that pop in and out of the plot and you earn one story that is a surprising twist on tales many of us have known forever. Well done Ms. Troutte for bringing to life this unexpected side of Cain’s story.

All in all, SOUL STEALER is an engrossing and immensely satisfying experience. One to savor curled up in a comfy sofa with a mug of hot chocolate. Actually, forget the chocolate – you’ll probably be swept so much into the tale that you will forget everything, from where you are to what time it is. I know it was the case for me, and I’m sure it will be the case for every reader who picks up this book..."

Spotlight on...

Me!
Wowie-kazowie.
I can't believe I am the spotlight author at the Romance Divas.

http://romancedivas.com/spotlighton.html

I love the divas. I doubt I would have gotten my first publishing contract without them. Through this wonderful group of supportive romance authors I have learned more about the industry than anywhere else.

If you are a romance writer looking for a community to help you in your publishing journey, this is the place to be.
Check them out. Tell them Kimberley Troutte sent ya.

R.F Long's Scroll Thief

Hi gang,
I am busy working to get my release ready for next month. Yay!

In the meantime, a friend of mine has her release today. Man, oh man, do I love the cover. Congrats R.F. Long.

“The Scroll Thief” by R. F. Long

Genre: Fantasy-SciFi

ISBN: 978-1-60504-395-1

Length: Plus Novel

Price: 6.50

Publication Date: February 24, 2009

Cover art by Anne Cain

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

Rhiannon Leith is on fire

Another diva author!





Captive Flame – Rhiannon Leith
As a djinn, a being formed of fire, Adara has spent centuries enslaved to the human Magi, passed from one to another, made to do their bidding. She yearns for freedom. She yearns for love.

When firefighter Peter O'Connor pulls her out of an inferno, he snatches her from her current Magus. This new master has no idea of what or how powerful she is, and the opportunity to break free finally becomes a real possibility. If only her body didn't react to him with such abandon. If only his touch didn't make her lose the will to do anything but be with him.

With the Magus closing in on them, and Peter's life in danger, Adara must choose between her desire and her dreams.

And with supernatural arson attacks sweeping the city, Peter must decide if a firefighter can ever really trust a fire?

BUY IT HERE

Samhain Author, Sela Carsen

Hi gang,
I have another fabulous author to introduce. Sela Carsen is a Samhain and Diva buddy. Her book Carolina Wolf just came out this week and sounds awesome.



CAROLINA WOLF
By Sela Carsen
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60504-374-6

All it takes is a spark of Grrrrrl power to set the swamp on fire!

Librarian Debra Henry is boring. And she’s okay with that. Really. It’s not as if the teensy amount of witchcraft that flows in her veins is worth getting excited about. Yet someone—or something—thinks it’s worth crawling out of the swamps to attack her. Those “somethings” are werewolves.

When one of them is hurt saving her, the least she can do is take him home and patch him up. Healing him stirs more than her senses. Maddox Moreau awakens the magic that sleeps in her blood. And suddenly, life’s not quite so boring.

A wildlife manager at Congaree National Park by day, Maddox likes being the BWIS—Big Wolf In the Swamp. By night, he lets his wild side out to play lone wolf. At least until he meets the one woman who can share his soul. Perhaps it’s best, though, if he holds off on sharing his preference for raw meat.

Rescuing her seals his fate—but only if he can protect her from a rogue of his kind. A werewolf with a nasty stalker streak…

Guest blogger Sandy Lo

Dreams, Success & Luck


Some people hear about what I have accomplished at such a young age…how at eighteen, I established StarShine Magazine. By nineteen, I was backstage at concerts and big radio events, gaining praise for my interview questions. At twenty, Nick Lachey snuck me into the premiere of his MTV reality show, where no other journalist was allowed. And Jessica Simpson recognized me in a sea of photographers and waved as if we were old friends.

I have hobnobbed with various celebrities, gotten free drinks, was introduced to new music, and new gossip before anyone else. I say proudly I was the first journalist to confirm Backstreet Boy Nick Carter had his nipples pierced. I never spread rumors, just confirm facts.


I met Taylor Swift before all of the awards and hit songs. I remember thinking the Jonas Brothers were odd little ducks when I interviewed them before anyone knew who they were.


Yes, I have accomplished many things with StarShine Magazine. It has given me the chance to wear many hats: writer, photographer, publicist, creative director. It has made me many friends: both true and terrible.


I’ve been told I’m very lucky, which I am. People (mostly teenage girls) tell me they would love to have my job. I’ve been told I don’t have a “real” job…I’ve also had the door slammed in my face many times. I’m also broke more often than not.


When people envy me, I tell them it’s hard work, and it is. Behind the glamour is weeks of waiting, hours of standing, and usually mere minutes of actual interview time with the hot celebrity you’ve been dreaming about. And it doesn’t end there…you then have to take that five minute interview and turn it into a two page article. And then you have to fidget around with web codes to put up on the site…but you’re still not done…now you have to promote it to the public.


When people brush off what I do as if I were just playing around and because I’m not rich yet, I look at them closely. Are their jobs fulfilling? Are they making their dreams come true? Usually the answer is no.


Now, I have never felt more on the right path. After seven years of hard work with StarShine Magazine, it has brought me to this point. I now have established myself enough as a writer and entertainment insider to follow through with my other dream: becoming a published author.


And here I am…my debut novel “Lost In You” is available now. People all over the world are reading my words. Without my entertainment experience and connections, I don’t think I would have the support and strength to have followed through with publishing this novel.


Am I rich? No, but I am wealthy and fulfilled in an indescribable way. The money will come later, but that was never my concern. I am very fortunate to have a world of opportunities in front of me. Luck only comes around once the dream has been set and the work is willing to be done.

Meet Sandy Lo and LOST IN YOU

I just found another perk to having the greatest job in the world. What's that you say? All the dark chocolate a girl can stuff in her face? Champagne bubble baths? Non-stop back rubs? No silly, I get debut authors like Sandy Lo as a guest blogger. Isn't that a kick?

Sandy Lo will be jet-setting around the globe in her whirl-wind virtual book tour of LOST IN YOU in February. Well guess what? We've got her first, or well, a sneak peak of her. She will be stopping by on February 1st to be our guest blogger, but I couldn't wait to post a little snippet. Shhh. Don't tell her. What Sandy Lo doesn't know...


For seven years, Sandy Lo has been the president of the groundbreaking website StarShine Magazine, an enterta inment outlet focusing on music. She has interviewed many celebrities from Jessica Simpson and Taylor Swift to Jonas Brothers and Simple Plan. Writing has always been Sandy's passion, and becoming a published author was a dream of hers. She is ecstatic that her dreams first came true with StarShine at only 18-years-old, and now again at twenty-six with her novel LOST IN YOU.

Various celebrities like actor Peter Facinelli (Twilight), singer/actor Chris Trousdale (Dreamstreet) and model/singer Anna Sundstrand (Play, Kohl's) have already shown their support for Sandy 's novel by taking photos with LOST IN YOU for her website: www.sandy-lo.com .


Official Website: www.sandy-lo.com
Buy at www.lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/content/5708289
(The book will be available through all retailers in March 2009.)

Blurb of LOST IN YOU:
Cooper Jackson is a young woman who flies by the seat of her pants. She has a commitment-free life; always picking up and leaving whenever she feels like it. She doesn’t let anyone get too close, but a wedding in sunny Florida changes everything. Cooper meets Sound Wave, a famous “boy band”; the crooners are practically fighting for the young girl’s attention, but she is holding out for only one of them: Ryan Latham.

Cooper could not deny the sexual energy between her and the band’s resident “bad boy”, JT Madden. After a trip to the emergency room with Ryan, she is stuck in Florida with an injured ankle. Feeling like Cinderella after a night with Prince Charming, Cooper is glad she has an excuse to stay in town. Momentarily forgetting to keep her heart locked up, she finds herself pursuing Ryan, only to find out he’s engaged. With no hesitation, she agrees to go on a date with JT, leaving Ryan jealous and confused. He couldn’t help but be intrigued by this stranger, despite his pending nuptials.

With the help of JT and Sound Wave's inner circle of friends, Cooper finds herself letting go, and actually loving life. Soon she realizes JT is getting serious about her, but not before she and Ryan come to their own realization: they can’t stop thinking about each other.

That's it for now. Come on back on February 1st for the real Sandy Lo.
Kimberley Troutte

Gwen Hayes, and Oh Goddess

Hi gang,
I wanted to introduce you to buddy diva, chicklitter, and Samhain author, Gwen Hayes. Check out her new book, OH GODDESS. Proceeds from the sale go to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

“Oh Goddess ” by Gwen Hayes

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1-60504-367-8
Length: Short Story
Price: 2.50
Publication Date: January 27, 2009
Cover art by Tuesday Dube

Born to protect women’s hearts, her own beats longingly for a mortal. Oops…

Ondina, one thousand years a goddess, doesn’t think much of mortal men. Probably because her sole purpose in life is to protect the hearts of women who don’t want to fall in love. And now one of those blasted men—Jack—has shattered her sacred chalice, trapping her in a mortal body.

Jackson Nichols, on the partner track at his law firm, is the first to admit he always follows his head. Never his heart. Dina is infuriating, messy, condescending, sexy, beautiful and…well, just about everything that doesn’t fit into his meticulously planned life.

Neither expects to find many redeeming qualities in the other. But when push comes to love, which will Dina choose? Her newly human heart…or one thousand years of duty?

*All author and editor proceeds from the sale of Oh Goddess will be donated to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. You can find out more about the foundation at www.coalitionforpf.org.

Warning: Recent studies show that consuming beverages while reading this story can cause damage to computer monitors, clothing, and sometimes nearby walls. Reader agrees to hold both Samhain Publishing Ltd. and Gwen Hayes harmless in case of accidental spewing caused by laughter.

Read An Excerpt Online

Promo, Promo, Promo

I can see the start line up there, just barely. See it? That little, bitty flag blowing in the wind, on March 17th. See it now?

That's the day SOUL STEALER is released and my dream of becoming a published novelist finally sees the light of day. My first book. I'm still in shock. It's a good kind of it's-my-birthday-all-year-let's-all-eat-cake kind of shock.

But wait.

It's my first book, what do I do to promote it? I want to step on the field with a flames shooting out of my racing shoes and the crowd cheering my name. I need to promote myself and my book but how? I am going to tell you what I have come up with so far. If you have anything to add, please do. My goal is to learn and help others as so many people have helped me.

Okay, so where did I begin? I started off by asking questions and taking notes. I've harassed, um I mean kindly asked, authors, marketing people, reviewers, and website coordinators the burning question--what can a new author do to promote herself?

A couple answers have been repeated over and over again:

1) Write the best darn book you can and then turn around and write another. The theory being, once readers find you and like your book, they will go in search of anything else you've written. Your books are the best way to market yourself.

2) Have a website. Okay, this one is almost a given. We live in the age of the internet. If readers can't find you on the web, you might as well not exist. Do you need an expensive website? No. A free website came with my verizon account. It was amazingly simple to set up and I didn't need to know any computer language to do so. Is it the best site out there? (Don't make me chuckle, I'm drinking coffee.) Um, no. I did it myself people and there was a reason I took that computer language class twice in college. But it will do, for now. There are other ways to get a free site too, or relatively cheap ones. check around. There are also many web designers out there. Ask around. But do get a website. Now, or when you have the pen poised over the dotted line of your first book contract.

3) Have a web presence. The website you need. But do you also need to be on Facebook? My Space? Your own blog? Forums? Only you can answer this question, but I believe the more I'm "out there" the more people will remember me when my book comes out. At the RWA Conference last year, at least five people "recognized" me from the Romance Divas forum. Do not underestimate the power of the internet. It's like your very own red cape right there under your fingertips.

You have probably heard those things before. But there are other places you can promote your book too. Please note that my book is a romance, so the websites I talk about are mostly geared to that genre, but I'm sure you can find websites for other genres if you get on google and look for them.

1) Your publisher-check to see if your publisher has a blog or other promotional ideas. There may be blogging groups set up that you can join. Or a day you can blog on the publisher's site.

2) Novelspot (http://novelspot.net/) At Novelspot, I was able to put up an author page which included my picture, bio, blurb, and buy book link. For a small fee, this will be up for one year!

3) Authors promoting authors (http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com) A free spot to promote your book and provide excerpts, blogs...The only catch is you will post the previous author's blog to yours. Authors helping authors. I LIKE it.

4) Advertise on websites where potential readers are. Several of the romance websites for readers sell advertising spots for authors and many will do reviews and interviews, such as, Night Owl Romance, Coffee Time Romance, Romance Junkies, The Romance Studio... the point is to buy ads where potential readers hang out. Seems simple enough, right? You may be able to buy a spot for your cover only, or your banner with a buy link to your book. Many of these sites also have forums that allow you to promote.

7) Hang out in the forums where your readers are. This helps you to connect with readers and get a pulse on what potential readers are looking for.

8) Do interviews on author sites and reciprocate the favor.

9) The goodies. Determine how much you want to spend on promotional give-me's. I decided to print postcards and hand them out around town. I used Vista Print for my post card with the picture of my cover on the front, blurb, ordering information and author details on the back. You can spend a fortune on these little trinkets and the jury is out as to how much they actually help book sales.

10) Contests. It seems like a good idea to have contests that maybe the winner receives a copy of your book. Contests drive folks to your blog or website. I have yet to do this, but will once March 17 rolls around.

Don't forget to be professional, gracious, and kind. Promoting isn't always about selling your books, but more about connect with people. Let me know what works for you.

Good luck out there!
Kimberley Troutte

Hi gang,
I just wanted everyone to know there's going to be an editor chat over at the Castle in the Sky (a yahoo group). It is a chance to "listen in" and ask questions of editors from over 20 different Publishing Houses. You'll have to join the yahoo group, but this should prove interesting.

Here's the info:

Join Castle in the Sky for our first ever Editor Chat on Saturday, January 17!

Have questions for editors? Curious about various publishing houses? Well join the fun as we host this great event for authors (published and non-published),
editors, and everyone in between.


> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/castleintheskyflightoffantasy/

Publishers and Editors Who Will Be In Attendance
> Black
> Velvet Seductions
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Angela James Workshop at Romance Divas

I just wanted to pop in here and tell you about a wonderful e-publishing workshop going on over at Romance Divas. Angela James is the Senior Editor at Samhain Publishing (my publisher). Check out her workshop and ask any questions you might have about the world of e-pubs.

http://romancedivas.com/

Kimberley Troutte

Getting ready for book release

Hi gang,
Happy New Year!
I hope this year brings you renewed hope, love and peace.

I have been busy trying to get everything set up for my book release. SOUL STEALER comes out March 17th, this Saint Patty's day. YAY! I can't believe it.

If you would like to check out the excerpt go to http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/soul-stealer.

There's so much to do. Order the promo materials, buy ads, set up interviews, the list goes on. I'm busy but oh-so joyful.
My family is happy and healthy. And my book is a comin'

Blessings to you all,
Kimberley Troutte