In a few days I'll be flying to New York City to attend my eighth Book Expo America Conference. I can't believe I've been going to BEA for eight years! Every time it's such a blast, and it's an event I look forward to every year.
When I attended my first Book Expo America in 2006, I had never considered writing a novel of my own, so I had no idea that eight years later I would have a publishing deal and would be prepping for my first traditionally published book release in a few months. At that point in time I was a fan, and I had no idea I was looking in at the industry that would later become a huge part of my life.
Here is a trip down my Book Expo America Memory Lane!
2006: My first Book Expo America! I had been a huge fan of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, and when I heard I could get a copy of New Moon a few months before it's official release date, I had to figure out a way to get access to the event. I attended BEA for one day, where I met Stephenie Meyer for the first time and received an advanced signed copy of New Moon.
2007 & 2008: Attended both of these years again as a fan. Met lots of authors I loved and got so many advanced reader copies. Both those years, I still hadn't thought about writing a novel of my own.
2009: Had a completed first draft of Remembrance! In 2009 I pitched the novel to agents the day before BEA. One of the agents I pitched to would become my first literary agent a few months later.
2010: My first time attending BEA as an agented writer! This was the year my agent at the time introduced me to Natashya Wilson, the senior editor at Harlequin TEEN. Natashya and I bonded over our love of Twilight and excitement over the new Harry Potter World in Orlando. This was also the year I met R.L. Stine, the author of Goosebumps, and had an hour long pizza lunch with him :)
2011: My second year as an agented writer. At that point none of the books I'd written had sold, and I was starting to wonder if this dream of being a published writer would ever become a reality.
2012: Attended BEA as a self-published author, as I had self-published Remembrance in July 2011 and Vengeance in December 2011. I was recognized by a few fans of my books while walking around the convention center and they asked to take pictures with me, which was super cool! It was the first time I was recognized by a fan in public.
2013: In less than a week I will be attending BEA as an author with a traditional publishing deal, since Natashya Wilson from Harlequin TEEN, who I'd met three years earlier, purchased Secret Diamond Sisters on December 13, 2012. I'll be attending the exclusive Harlequin Party on one of the nights of BEA, where I will be there as an author. I'll be having dinner with authors who I have been a fan of for years, not as a fan, but as a fellow author. That is just SO COOL to me. And I hope to meet any of you who are attending who have read the Transcend Time Saga and are looking forward to Secret Diamond Sisters. I will finally be at BEA not as an outsider looking in and wondering if I will ever make it, but as someone who has finally had a door opened for me into this amazing industry. I am so so so grateful, and can't wait to see what BEA 2013 has in store!
SEE YOU IN NEW YORK CITY!
xoxo,
Michelle
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Welcome to my Love in Bloom Giveaway, hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Portrait of a Book.
I am giving away the e-bundle of The Transcend Time Saga, which includes Remembrance, Vengeance, and Timeless.
And EVERYONE can download a free copy of Remembrance on Kindle! Visit the Remembrance US or Remembrance UK page to download your free e-version.
REMEMBRANCE
Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.
VENGEANCE
How far would you go to get revenge?
When Chelsea Givens discovered that her ex-boyfriend Drew dumped her to be with her former best friend Lizzie, she'd never felt so betrayed in her life. Then her new friend Shannon tells her she can help set things right. Chelsea's willing to listen, but what Shannon wants her to believe -- that she shared a past life with Drew -- is impossible. And what she wants her to do to get him back ... well, it's downright crazy.
Could Shannon be telling the truth? And if she is, what lengths will Chelsea go if it means making Lizzie pay?
Vengeance is the short story that bridges Remembrance and Timeless.
TIMELESS
It's a race against time.
Strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make matters worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it's irreversible. There's only one option left for her to save herself. It's crazier than anything she's heard yet, and to do it, she'll need Drew and Chelsea's help.
Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began ... and Lizzie discovers that the final events in her past life were more sinister than she ever imagined.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Transcend Time Saga
"The Transcend Time Saga is fabulous, with marvelous characters and intriguing plots." -Sparkles and Lightning
"Michelle's writing is quick, light, and entertaining ... if you want a feel-good, fairy tale read, the Transcend Time Saga is for you!" -Misty D, Goodreads Review
"The Transcend Time Saga is not one to pass up. It made me happy, sad, angry, confused. Madow describes her scenes and characters in great detail and allows us to feel like we are there, and we become emotionally attached and invested in these characters and their saga." -Beauty But a Funny Girl Reviews
USE THE RAFFLECOPTER TO ENTER!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Indie BookFest 2013 Panelists Announced!
The Indie BookFest 2013 panelists were announced today! And I'm on TWO PANELS!!
Indie BookFest 2013 is all day long event on August 3, 2013 (starting at 8:00 AM and ending with a cocktail reception in the evening) celebrating Indie Authors and Artists and their freedom of expression. Join some of your favorite Indie Authors for a day filled with book signings, sessions, and lots of good food and great fun! You won't want to miss the sessions throughout the day, where several panelists will be speaking on a variety of topics relevant to writing, publishing, promoting your books, and all things indie. (Taken from the Indie BookFest website.)
Here is information about the panels I am speaking on:
1:00 - 1:45 PM: Session 3 -- Indies Rock the Publishing World
What we love about being Indie and how you can show your love and support for Indies
Panelists: Ben Hale, Michelle Madow, Rachael Wade
Are you a writer debating whether to go Indie? Or are you a proud Indie author who wants to know how to support your fellow authors? Find out how you can be a successful self-published author and help others along the way.
4:00 - 4:45 PM: Session 6 -- So You Think You Can Write?
Why "The End" is only the beginning.
Panelists: Ben Hale, Michelle Madow, Raine Thomas
Aspiring writers and established authors alike will learn sales and marketing tips to help set them on the right path for Indie success.
When I am not speaking on panels, I will be at my booth in the conference hall selling and signing books from the Transcend Time Saga and passing out bookmarks to fans. I hope you can make it out to Orlando to Indie BookFest, because I would love to meet you :)
Indie BookFest 2013 will be held at the Buena Vista Palace in Buena Vista, FL, on August 3rd, 2013 ... just minutes from all the Disney and Universal parks! Everyone attending Indie BookFest 2013 will have access to special room rates while staying at the Buena Vista Palace. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Walking Dead: Backstories for the Characters?
I'm a big fan of the television show Walking Dead. I loved Season One, and enjoyed Season Two, but in Season Three, something is missing. It's still a good show, and I enjoy watching on my Sunday nights, but yesterday while watching I think I figured out what would take the Walking Dead from "really good" to "OMG amazing."
Along with being action-packed, the Walking Dead focuses on the development of the characters. Which is great, but we are missing a huge part of the characters: Who they were before the zombie apocalypse.
Why don't they give us flashback scenes about who these people were in the real world? They did that on Lost, and it's part of why Lost is, in my opinion, one of the best shows ever on television. Last night, it came out that the Governor and Milton (the Governor's advisor who does scientific experiments on the zombies) knew each other before the zombie apocalypse. Viewers know that the Governor bosses (bullies?) Milton around, and Milton takes it. Then I remembered that the Governor spoke with Andrea earlier this season about working a job he hated before the apocalypse. So I thought: What if Milton was the Governor's boss before the apocalypse? There could be great flashbacks of Milton bossing the Governor around and the Governor taking it, juxtaposed with the Governor bossing Milton around in present day. Done right, it would be extremely powerful.
If the writers applied this technique to a different character in every episode, I think the Walking Dead would become truly amazing. It would show how the apocalypse has changed these characters for better or worse, and make the viewers feel more emotionally connected to them.
What's your opinion? Do you like this idea, or do you prefer the show as is? (Of course the writers won't actually use my idea, but it could be fun to discuss.)
xoxo,
Michelle
Along with being action-packed, the Walking Dead focuses on the development of the characters. Which is great, but we are missing a huge part of the characters: Who they were before the zombie apocalypse.
Why don't they give us flashback scenes about who these people were in the real world? They did that on Lost, and it's part of why Lost is, in my opinion, one of the best shows ever on television. Last night, it came out that the Governor and Milton (the Governor's advisor who does scientific experiments on the zombies) knew each other before the zombie apocalypse. Viewers know that the Governor bosses (bullies?) Milton around, and Milton takes it. Then I remembered that the Governor spoke with Andrea earlier this season about working a job he hated before the apocalypse. So I thought: What if Milton was the Governor's boss before the apocalypse? There could be great flashbacks of Milton bossing the Governor around and the Governor taking it, juxtaposed with the Governor bossing Milton around in present day. Done right, it would be extremely powerful.
If the writers applied this technique to a different character in every episode, I think the Walking Dead would become truly amazing. It would show how the apocalypse has changed these characters for better or worse, and make the viewers feel more emotionally connected to them.
What's your opinion? Do you like this idea, or do you prefer the show as is? (Of course the writers won't actually use my idea, but it could be fun to discuss.)
xoxo,
Michelle
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Transcend Time Saga: Complete Boxed Set
The Transcend Time Saga is available as an e-BUNDLE DEAL!
Now you can get all three parts of the Transcend Time Saga: Remembrance, Vengeance, and Timeless, bundled together for only $3.99! If you've had the series on your to-read list, or if you're just hearing about it now, this is a great way to read the entire series at once. It's a deal you won't want to pass up!
Purchase the Transcend Time Bundle
The price of the e-version of Timeless has also lowered from $4.99 to $2.99.
Here is what reviewers have said about the Transcend Time Saga:
"The Transcend Time Saga is fabulous, with marvelous characters and intriguing plots." -Sparkles and Lightning
"Michelle's writing is quick, light, and entertaining ... if you want a feel-good, fairy tale read, the Transcend Time Saga is for you!" -Misty D, Goodreads Review
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iBookstore | Kobo
VENGEANCE
When Chelsea Givens discovered that her ex-boyfriend Drew dumped her to be with her former best friend Lizzie, she'd never felt so betrayed in her life. Then her new friend Shannon tells her she can help set things right. Chelsea's willing to listen, but what Shannon wants her to believe -- that she shared a past life with Drew -- is impossible. And what she wants her to do to get him back ... well, it's downright crazy.
Could Shannon be telling the truth? And if she is, what lengths will Chelsea go if it means making Lizzie pay?
Vengeance is the short story that bridges Remembrance and Timeless.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iBookstore | Kobo
TIMELESS
Strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make matters worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it's irreversible. There's only one option left for her to save herself. It's crazier than anything she's heard yet, and to do it, she'll need Drew and Chelsea's help.
Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began ... and Lizzie discovers that the final events in her past life were more sinister than she ever imagined.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iBookstore | Kobo
Saturday, March 9, 2013
FAQ
CAN I ORDER SIGNED COPIES OF YOUR BOOKS?
Yes! Visit my online store to purchase signed copies of the books in the Transcend Time Saga, or a signed bookmark.
CAN I HAVE A SIGNED BOOKMARK?
There are two ways for you to get a signed bookmark. If you live anywhere in the world, you can visit my online store and purchase one. If you live in the USA, you can also mail me a letter with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) enclosed. I will then send you the signed bookmark for free. If you're going to send me the SASE, email me (michelle@madow.com), and I will tell you my mailing address.
CAN I HAVE A REVIEW COPY OF REMEMBRANCE?
I am happy to provide reviewers with e-versions of Remembrance. If you are interested in a review copy, email me (michelle@madow.com), with a link to your book blog and what e-format you prefer (ePub, Mobi, or PDF).
CAN I INTERVIEW YOU ON MY BLOG?
At this time, I am happy to do short (3 questions maximum) interviews for blogs. For professional publications, I can do longer interviews. Please email me (michelle@madow.com) to inquire about an interview.
CAN YOU READ AND CRITIQUE MY MANUSCRIPT/SHORT STORY?
Because of time restrictions and the fact that my to-read pile has more books than I can possibly finish, I cannot read your manuscript or short story. But when I was working on my first book, my family, friends, and teachers were extremely helpful in critiquing my work. I suggest that you ask similar people in your life to read your book!
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
I’ve been a writer forever, but I realized it was something I wanted to do professionally when I was a junior in college. I was taking an Intro to Creative Writing class, and when I turned in my first assignment (the first chapter of Remembrance), my classmates and teacher loved it and wanted to read more. I'd never thought I could complete a novel, but I realized I would never know if I didn’t try. So I tried, and completed the first draft by the end of the school year.
DO YOU OUTLINE YOUR BOOKS AHEAD OF TIME OR GO WITH THE FLOW WHEN YOU WRITE?
I create detailed outlines of my books before writing. It keeps me on track with the story. Also, since the plot is already created in the outline, all I have to focus on while drafting is the actual writing.
DO YOU BASE YOUR CHARACTERS OFF PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN REAL LIFE?
No -- my characters come from my imagination. Basing characters off real people makes me feel creatively boxed in, as if that character cannot develop into their own person.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?
Remembrance was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video, but beyond that, I don't know. I pluck them out of the parallel world full of ideas. I think some people's brains naturally create stories, and if you're one of those people, you should try to be a novelist! (If you're not one of those people, non-fiction or ghost writing might be a better option for you.)
DO YOU BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION?
No, but it was fun to write about in fiction!
DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE YOU WRITE?
I love music, but it distracts me while I'm writing, so I work in silence.
WILL THERE BE A MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE TRANSCEND TIME SAGA?
There is no talk of a movie or TV show for Transcend Time. It costs upward of 50 million dollars to produce movies, so unless a production company buys the rights, there is nothing I can do to make it happen. But for fun, I have a list of celebrities I see as the characters.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?
My latest trilogy, The Secret Diamond Sisters, will be published by Harlequin TEEN in March 2014. I am so excited!
WHY DID YOU SELF-PUBLISH TRANSCEND TIME AND ARE GOING TRADITIONAL WITH SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS?
I wrote a guest blog post about this, which you can find here.
I WANT TO BE A WRITER. HOW CAN I GET MY BOOK PUBLISHED?
First, know what genre you want to write and research what is expected of that genre. Then write your book! All you should worry about while writing is reaching your word goal every day. Once your draft is completed, edit to the best of your ability. Show it to friends, family, and teachers to ask their advice on how to improve. Once you've edited your book as much as you can (I edited Remembrance over 20 times), research to figure out if you want to self-publish or try to get a traditional publisher. If you want to go traditional, visit www.agentquery.com and read everything you can on the site to learn how to query agents. If you want to self-publish, use Google to learn how to increase your chances of success. The Internet holds limitless amounts of information -- use it to gain knowledge before jumping into anything.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Store
Here is where you can purchase signed items from Michelle. To buy unsigned paperbacks and e-versions of the Transcend Time Saga (Remembrance, Vengeance, and Timeless), CLICK HERE.
When checking out on PayPal, provide the name you want Michelle to sign the book to and your shipping address. If you are buying the book as a gift, or using a credit card with a name that is not yours, double check to make sure you included instructions for Michelle to sign the correct name.
Since Michelle personalizes each book at home, the prices include the shipping cost from the United States. To view summaries and book trailers for each book in the series, click here.
REMEMBRANCE: Book 1 (Signed Paperback)
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