Killer Cakes – Issue 10
Welcome!
I’d like to thank all of you for making Dead Pan so successful! My publisher sent me a “sneak peak” of December and January numbers from Amazon, and they were incredible. Thank you so very much!
Also, please keep in mind, you can enter Gayle’s FreshFiction contest until February 8. The prize is a copy of Dead Pan and a lovely, sterling silver locket.
Site Spotlight: Cakeaters
Since the Winter Olympics are taking place in Canada, I wanted to highlight a bakery in Vancouver. Cakeaters is owned by Wendy Casey. 
Says Wendy, ”
With your ideas, we will create a masterpiece for your wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation and any other celebration. In addition to astounding and unique wedding cakes, we love to create a wonderful and magical world of enchanted cakes for children.”
Wendy’s clients have plenty to say, too: “…We just want to thank you again for the most beautiful cake ever – not to mention best tasting! The first thing I said as we entered the reception was “Oh my gosh, the cake looks phenomenal!” People will not stop raving about it. We are the first of our friends to tie the knot, so we will recommend you to everyone. Thank you for making our wedding day perfect.”
Christy & David L.
“We want to let you know that the cake was fabulous!!!!!!!!!! It was so beautiful and incredibly delicious. I nearly cried when I saw it. Everyone loved it and we even have the top layer saved and frozen for a special occasion.
Thanks again, Amanda & Doug.”
So, if you’re in Vancouver and in need of a special occasion cake, send Wendy an e-mail at wendy@cakeaters.com or visit Cakeaters online for additional information.
Writing Up A Storm – February 2010
This newsletter was originally sent to subscribers on January 31, 2010.
Welcome!
__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__
In This Issue
QUESTION OF THE MONTH: WHY HAVE I BEEN DUBBED “KINDLERELLA”?
LINK OF THE MONTH
MARKET SPOTLIGHT
S H A M E L E S S SELF-PROMOTION
Question of the Month: Why have I been dubbed ”Kinderella”?
However, they all basically say that after Bell Bridge Books featured Murder Takes the Cake among the free books it gave away in a Kindle promotion, the book reached the Kindle bestseller list and has remained there even though the book is no longer free. The Kindle success not only propelled sales of the paperback book and of both the paperback and Kindle versions of its sequel, Dead Pan, but it brought me to the attention of major agent Robert Gottlieb. Mr. Gottlieb now represents me.
So, what does all this mean? I know if you’re a writer, you’re wondering how you can have this happen for you. Basically, pray. Pray hard. I know that sounds tongue-in-cheek, but I’m serious. Those of you who know me or have followed my work over the years know I’ve worked hard. I’ve worked for small presses. I even had my own small publishing company for a few years. If Mr. Gottlieb is able to get me a choice book deal, people will call me an overnight success. But, trust me, there’s no such thing.
Some of the above articles bemoan the fact that Bell Bridge Books is losing the writer it propelled to Gottlieb status. Deborah Smith, vice president and the best editor ever, disagrees. Says Deb, “Our mission is to find and develop people like Gayle, and to give good authors a platform after NY turns away. The reality for new and midlist authors is that opportunities are shrinking fast in New York. We find niche audiences for great authors and prove those books can make a profit. Then, guess what? New York comes calling again…. As for the irony of ‘losing’ our author, we’re thrilled about that, too. We realize a big publishing house can do wonders for her that we can’t do, and, after all, we will benefit from continuing to own and sell her backlist. So . . . the Kindle promotion was successful beyond our fondest hopes. Gayle got a huge career boost, print sales on all five promo books soared (ten-fold on some titles), we got national publicity, foreign agents are querying us, and Slate mentioned us in an article. We’re publishing 30 new books this year, all in ebook and print.”
__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__
Link of the Month: Freelance Folder
Freelance Folder provides information on marketing your writing, writing mechanics, inspiration and productivity. Check it out!
__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__
Market Spotlight: Clarkesworld Magazine
“Clarkesworld is a monthly science fiction and fantasy magazine first published in October 2006. Each issue contains at least two pieces of original fiction from new and established authors. Our fiction is also collected by issue in signed chapbooks and annually in our print anthology, Realms.” Clarkesworld Magazine was nominated for a Hugo & World Fantasy Award in 2009.
__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__
S H A M E L E S S Self-Promotion
Gayle Trent: The audio book version of my out-of-print book Between A Clutch and A Hard Place is due to be released from Always Keepers Press on February 20, 2010.
Introducing Mayra Calvani
Mayra Calvani is an award-winning multi-genre author for children and adults. A reviewer for more than a decade, she’s a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine and the Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, the CBI Clubhouse and the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. Visit her website at www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com.
Mayra’s latest book is Humberto the Bookworm Hamster.
Humberto is an antisocial little hamster… he’s totally addicted to books! His neighbors, the squirrel, the rabbit, the skunk, the hedgehog and the beaver want to become his friends, but Humberto doesn’t have time for them. He’s too busy reading! Then one day, disaster strikes and he must choose between saving his books and helping his soon-to-be friends.
Humberto the Bookworm Hamster explores the joys of reading and friendship. Humberto’s gift of imagination will delight children as much as his kindness towards others will inspire them. –The Kids Book Connection
You can purchase Humberto the Bookworm Hamster at Guardian Angel Publishing. Also, visit Mayra’s site containing informative information about children’s writing, publishing and book promotion.
Killer Cakes – Issue 9
Welcome!
I’d like to start things off by introducing the book trailer for Dead Pan. I hope you like it!
I’d also like to remind you of Gayle’s FreshFiction contest going on through the month of February. Enter at FreshFiction for a chance to win an autographed copy of Dead Pan and a beautiful sterling silver locket.
Roger Elmore graciously offered to share an article from his Hospitality Management Schools blog with us titled “Cake Decorating Tips to Remember.” Check it out. It’s full of great information.
Site Spotlight: Kathy’s Kakes
Kathy’s Kakes of Independence, Iowa, is owned by Kathy Finholt. The company won KCRG-TV9 A-List: 2008 Best Cakes in Eastern Iowa . Kathy does have gluten-free cakes available; and while she does not ship cakes, cakes can be delivered within a 100-mile radius of Independence, Iowa.
If you’re interested in having Kathy’s Kakes make a cake for your wedding, graduation, birthday or other special occasion, you can contact her by phone, e-mail or snail mail: 319-334-6256; kathyskakesllc@gmail.com; or 1805 218th St Independence IA 50644.
Sew Deadly – Issue 8
Marcy’s Musings
Hi, there! It seems the groundhog didn’t do us any favors with its prognostication yesterday (at least, not for those of us who are ready for warmer weather). But, at least, we have a few more weeks of not needing an excuse to simply veg out in front of the T.V. on Sunday afternoons and stitch.
Be sure and click over to Gayle’s FreshFiction contest to enter to win a signed copy of Dead Pan and a beautiful sterling silver locket.
Store Spotlight: Grandma’s Attic
While The Seven-Year Stitch may be the only shop of its kind in Tallulah Falls, it isn’t the only embroidery specialty shop in Oregon. Grandma’s Attic in Dallas, Oregon is a charming shop I think you’d enjoy visiting. The shop even won the Dallas Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award in 2001 (something for The Seven-Year Stitch to aspire to).
Grandma’s Attic was founded by Rachel Greco; and in addition to having a physical location, the store has an online shop to meet the needs of stitchers who live outside of Oregon. (Does anyone else want to sit in that chair, cuddle up in the quilt and chat with Grandma?)
According to their site, Grandma’s Attic has one of the largest collections of reproduction fabrics on the web. The store has large redwork and embroidery selections. The online site also features an “Ask Grandma” section and a recipes section that boasts Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge.
Stop by for a visit!
