This Blog Content Has Been Moved - Update Below

This blog has been moved along with quite a few other blogs. The complete list of my promotional blogs and the links are listed below.

Update January 23, 2009 - I have made some major changes to the blogs I'm offering and I am updating this list to reflect those changes. These changes should make it easier to find information and give additional exposure to every one who submits information about their books and themselves.

ANY published author is welcome to submit these questions and answers to promote their books. To use any of these blogs - click on the link, click on "how to submit" in the top corner of the blog and follow the instructions. I ask that you send the questions and answers as an RTF file. It is also good to send a jpg file of your book cover - no PDF files for the cover art. When you complete the interview, send to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with the interview title in the subject line and I will add you to the list for that blog.

I have divided the blog lists for fiction and non fiction books to make it easier to find the ones you need. I've added several new blogs lately - so if you've been here before - there are some new options.

Two quick updates -

The print edition of Book Promo 101 is complete and available. The print book is oversize 8" x 10" and the layout is gorgeous. The manuscript for Book Promo 201: Promote Online With Web 2.0 is with my publisher and will be available in early 2009 -- there will be updates posted. If you would like details about the contents of this book, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_201.htm

I offer a wide array of promotional services to authors. Feel free to take a look at the possibilities and contact me with questions. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed, let me know and we can talk. For a list of these services visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

I offer a wide assortment of virtual book tour options and the current list is located at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/virtual-blog-tour-options.html - there are a number of options and price ranges or we can talk about other options. I'm also planning to add more services in late winter and early spring 2009. If you would like to be added to my mailing list to get the latest updates, send me a message at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Promotional Blogs for Fiction Books

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about story setting.
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Villains in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_7729.html

Heroine in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_134.html

Hero in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Best Friend - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_28.html

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies
If a movie was made about your book, which actors and actresses would play the main characters? This is your chance in case a movie of your book and it can be a lot of fun.
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

Interview a Male Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_6392.html

Interview a Female Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_1859.htm

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html

Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Promotional Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html
Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter

How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. I did edit a couple of first chapters to maintain a PG-13 rating for my visitors. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list. All the blogs are listed on my Blogger profile which is located at - www.blogger.com/profile/00985309338453728557.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Author Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

In Detail With Mary Fagan

Title: AMMANON Book One, The Prophecy

Author: Mary Fagan

What inspired the book?

Good question! I’ve been writing books in my head, chapter by chapter, for 30 years or more – probably to escape the frustrations of motherhood! I have no idea where this particular story came from. When it started floating around in my daydreams we were well past the Cecil B. DeMille era and still a ways from the onset of Rome, Gladiator, Alexander the Great, Troy, and the like. I guess I was just in the mood for adventure, intrigue, romance and high drama and it played out in this sort of ancient Mediterranean-like setting.

What makes this book special to you?

Because when I was finally at a point in my life when I could sit down and write this was the first story to come pouring out of me. It’s an emancipation book, if you will; the relief and fulfillment of finally releasing this long pent-up urge to write. It was like I was finally doing what I was supposed to do.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I’d be the last one to call it the obligatory “must read”! Any resemblance to actual relevance, living or dead, is purely coincidental! I have no agenda. None. All I ever knew were people out there doing good: ministers, missionaries, social workers, and community activists of every description. But me? Frankly, I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I didn’t meet the intellectual criterion. I couldn’t do it right. I’m the only one I know who could botch a sit-in. You’ll get no social commentary from me!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Ah! Now we’re getting to the meat of it. Who needs it? Anyone who needs to get away. This is pure escapist fare. Be transported to another world. Meet exciting people you can believe and relate to. Lose yourself in the compelling drama of their adventures.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

My “spark” is simply the driving need to write. I’ve been asked to speak to a group of 4^th graders who hate to write. I’m still planning my strategy, but I think the first thing I’ll do is ask each kid what turns him or her on. The trick is to just describe it with whatever words leap to mind. Tell me about it. Get excited about it. Spill it out and worry about structure later.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

My biggest stumbling block is not wanting to do anything else! Oh, I get my housework done and even cook occasionally. But I’d be so happy just to sit up here at my computer writing and researching. (My poor neglected husband!) BUT you can get awfully stale that way. If you want to keep your characters fresh and real you gotta get out there once in a while. Call your friends. Attend a gathering. Connect.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I wish it was more unusual! I can’t find the Bowker statistic, but there are hundreds of thousands of books published annually.

The non-fiction author has something to say; something that needs saying. We fiction types are basically dreamers and storytellers. I’d be more interested to know what motivates us to tackle the publishing process! My reason was, after several years of hammering the keyboard; I saw that what I’d done was good. My sister, daughter and a friend agreed and kept at me until I did. There’s no feeling in the world like holding your first published book in your hands!

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Well, my husband came up with the idea of wandering through various bookstores or book sections and furtively placing copies on the shelves. I suppose it might generate interest, but if the retailer accosted my publisher I doubt he’d be amused.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I really didn’t decide the setting. It just came with the story! I started with sort of a teaser in the Prologue, describing details of the palace, the picturesque, cypress-lined road leading up to it, and the columned walkway by the sea just as incidental to the action.

But Chapter One opens with the morning sun sliding over the Sarrian Sea until it meets the rugged, black granite cliffs of Ephaeleon, the capital city of Ammanon. We follow the light as it finds the graceful white columns at the top, spreads across the Thoroughfare and starts up the tiers of the colorful city sprawling over the bluffs. I describe the tangy sea breeze spiced with cedar and juniper, the lapping waves, the seabirds, and the awakening flowers. The sun catches the white temple as a blaze of light; ditto the palace on its promontory. Then I figure the reader has had enough and hit the action again.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

The hero, Emperor Galan, is a marvel of mind and muscle. He is a giant among giants (Ephaeleons are the largest race in this world) and a fierce warrior. Fortunately, thanks to the determination of his father and priest, the prideful prince gains wisdom, insight and concern for his people before he is crowned.

The heroine, Eydain, inspires me because she is smart! She has studied in different countries and speaks many languages. She does tend to lose confidence, though, when she comes into conflict with the huge and fearsome emperor. What is most remarkable about her is that she can admire his qualities as a ruler in spite of the way he treats her. She has the ability to live in the present; to set aside the baggage and enjoy those moments when they do get along.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The villain is King Niklos II of the tiny sovereign state of Partha. The Empire of Ammanon has always ignored them since the Parthans are mostly scholars and artisans and pretty much keep to themselves. Niklos, however, is so full of his own cleverness he sets out to bring down the armed might of Ammanon by wits alone. Good adjectives here are “sly”, “devious”, “wily”, “arrogant”, and, yes, “evil.” He covertly raises havoc until Eydain, who understands Parthan culture from her studies there, begins collecting clues.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I have to say I’m impressed by these questions. They’re intelligent and inspire interesting, conversational answers. You should train TV interviewers. Don’t you just cringe whenever you hear that mindless, insipid “Gee, Coach, how do feel about that last touchdown?”

By the way, I should not have registered as a follower. I mean, I am, but I’m not blog-savvy enough yet to fill in the info. How do I get myself out of there?

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My websites: www.ammanontheseries.com www.maryfaganbooks.com and the publisher’s site: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/AmmanonTheProphecy.html

AMMANON BOOK ONE - THE PROPHECY

An Epic and Spellbinding Tale of Good Versus Evil Welcome to Ammanon, the largest and most influential of all the nations surrounding the Sarrian Sea.

In Mary Fagan’s opening epic, Ammanon Book One – The Prophecy, a heroine and an
emperor race against time to rescue the great empire from a dire demise.

The threat arises in the tiny sovereign state of Partha. Sly and prideful King Niklos sets out
to prove he can defeat mighty Ammanon with cleverness and intellect alone. Meanwhile, an
unsuspecting Emperor Galan has all but forgotten a prophecy made early in his youth: that
in the seventh month of the seventh year of his reign, a woman would come to his side to save Ammanon from peril.

Now the time of fulfillment is past, and Galan is receiving alarms from a translator who has uncovered a plot to assassinate him. Where is this woman of the prophecy?

The woman is the translator, Eydain. When they finally meet, the lonely emperor finds that Eydain knows nothing of the prophecy and would rather run than wed. Bitterly he forces her to marry as his captive. The two now struggle with each other as well as the elusive King Niklos who will stop at nothing to overthrow the great Galan.

With so much against them can Galan and Eydain fulfill the prophecy or will Ammanon be destroyed? Fagan is a master of storytelling—her characters come to life with vivid, descriptive narration and sharp dialogue. This classic tale of good against evil with heart-pounding action will have you hooked from the very first page.

Publisher’s website: www.eloquentbooks.com/AmmanonTheProphecy.html

About the Author:

Mary Fagan is now a fulltime writer. Ms. Fagan worked in media and communications
during much of her career and worked in the information technology division at United
Space Alliance. Later, working at the University of Houston, she gave in to her muse and the
five books of Ammanon were born. She is currently working on a science fiction novel and a
nonfiction book about her experience as a caregiver for her parents. Mary Fagan lives with
her husband in Friendswood, Texas.

For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Miranda Spigener, Director of PR/Publicist 832-452-6068, PR1@strategicbookmarketing.com.
AEG Publishing Group, Inc.
845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com - http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
1-888-808-6190 - Corporate Office
###

In Detail with Doris Roper, Author of WAKE UP Your Life

Tell us the book title and your author name.

WAKE UP your life! A woman’s guide to real personal power.

What inspired the book?

I had been married less than two years when my husband and I moved to a town near the coast in South Africa. We were social tennis players and joined the local and only tennis club in town. We became friends with another couple and spent our weekends playing games and socializing with them. During this time my husband, *Tom, fell in love with the woman, *Candy and in the midst of trying to decide what to do about it, I fell pregnant with my first child and the decision was made to continue with the marriage.

More than five years later, the marriage ended in a very difficult divorce and I entered my next major relationship with *Dick. Two years into this relationship, I discovered that he was cheating on me with Candy. I was shocked and devastated, but this became the starting point of an inner journey that woke up my life.

Some years later, I entered my third major relationship with *Harry which lasted almost three years. My personal growth brought me to the point where I realized that I did not “need” a man to be happy and I broke up with Harry. He was shocked and hurt and on the rebound – wait for it, you guessed it – he married Candy!

Tom, Dick, Harry, and especially Candy, who caused me the greatest emotional pain, inspired this book. This pain however, turned out to be the greatest gift in my life.

What makes this book special to you? My story triggered my personal growth, which taught me so much about the human condition, psychology and universal laws and principles. It gave me the passion and purpose of my current profession and niche.

I am a financial planner and certified divorce planner specializing in working with women in transition. My own experiences have given me compassion and understanding for the pain and fear that women deal with when faced with a difficult transition. I am on a mission to empower women through support education and planning and it is a very rewarding and fulfilling career.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? I wrote this for women who are and have had to navigate through a difficult transition. My story shows people what I have had to deal with and how I ultimately made a great success of my life. As a single mom, I was still able to be very successful because I had the right attitude, outlook, and mindset necessary to succeed.

With my personal story and the advice I give in this book, I want women to realize that they have much more power than they think. By taking certain actions, they can gain control of their lives and move mountains.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

All women should read this book because they will gain insight into some of their deep-seated beliefs and limited thinking. By becoming aware of some of their issues, they can consciously start to heal from their past.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

We are all creative but we do not all believe it. When I have an idea, a vision or a goal, the creative juices start flowing. Firstly, you need to believe that you are a creative being because after all we are what we think.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I have known for years that I was going to write my book. I just did not know how to start and the thought of typing for hours at a time stopped me from getting started since I have a financial planning practice to run.

One day, while I was researching something else, I read something about transcription services and thought, “Hey, I could record my book and have it transcribed!” Well, that is exactly what I did with the help of a more experienced writer.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

For me it was because I had a story to tell that I believed would help and inspire others. It also goes hand-in-hand with my financial planning practice and new subscription website for women in transition. I believe that the painful yet humorous experiences that I lived through should not be wasted. Instead, they should inspire and motivate others.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I am only just starting to promote my book through a virtual blog book tour.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I have personally experienced what I wrote about in the book and I base the tips and advice on universal laws and principles, which I learned from the perspective of my own unique story.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Any woman who is still learning and growing, who has unresolved issues, fears, anxieties, or lacks confidence in any area of life will benefit.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

The trigger for my personal growth was the interference of one woman with all three of my major relationships. No one I have ever spoken to has heard of such a thing so this would be the hook. I have also put humor into the book and changed the names of the people involved to Tom, Dick Harry, and Candy, which invokes a chuckle from everyone.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

My book can be tied to the current financial crisis. I am a financial planner and divorce planner specializing in working with women. An important reason for my ability to be successful despite having had to deal with the emotional pain in my life was the fact that I made sure that I gained the skills to manage money well and followed the laws for attracting prosperity. Many people lack those skills and now find themselves in a scary financial situation.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My site and link:
http://www.witinstitute.com

For book orders: http://www.witinstitute.com/wake_up.html

For information about the Smart Woman’s Success Connection, my subscription membership site for women go to: http://www.smartwomanssuccess.com/membership/ad.html

Special Offer During January 2009 -

Each time a blog visitor comments on any or all of the blog stops, they will be entered in a random drawing for a 6 month Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection http://www.smartwomanssuccess.com/index.php/public/56-gold. This membership has everything you need to know for money management including information about having a financial plan and starting a business and includes a copy of her book in audio and PDF. It also offers a resource for women who want to stop their divorce..

Share your thoughts and comments with author Doris Roper. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and have a chance to win a Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection. If you haven't already read her book pick up a copy during the tour at http://www.witinstitute.com/wake_up.html

For more information about Doris Roper and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/12/wake-up-your-life-by-doris-roper.html