Note: The winner of this giveaway is Glenda M. Congratulations, Glenda and thanks to all that enter the giveaway.
I’m delighted to welcome author C.H. Admirand back to Thoughts in Progress as she tours blogdom with her new release, WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE.
Thanks to C.H. and the lovely Danielle at Sourcebooks, I have one copy of WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway details.
Here’s a brief synopsis of WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE……
There's No Place Like Home...
Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, Ohio, out of her system. Then she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at ease, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.
Some fires aren't meant to be fought…
When firefighter Pat Garahan sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one though, and he'll have to prove their immediate spark can have a lasting chance at love…
C.H. joins now and has graciously answered some questions for me about her new release and her writing.
Mason - What drew you to write about small town life in the beginning and did you realize it would be a series as those first few pages began to come together?
C.H.:
My editor, Deb Werksman, asked how I’d feel about writing a small town contemporary series for them. At the time I was in LA for the RT Booklover’s Convention and working on edits for the second book in my contemporary cowboy series. I jumped at the chance because I had this idea about three sisters who were taking over the family business—a handyman business. I always think in terms of family, so it’s either: brothers, sisters, cousins, or close friends.
Mason - Do you do anything special to put yourself in the mood to write and release your muse?
C.H.:
Actually, I’m working on a new routine since I’ve been spending a big chunk of my time babysitting our grandson. I haven’t really worked that out yet, but I am on deadline with my new series, so I guess I’d better start figuring one out! LOL
Mason - Since writers also enjoy reading, what were the last two books you read?
C.H.:
I just finished reading DARK WITCH by Nora Roberts and loved it! It takes place over in Ireland and is about cousins…it’s that family thing, draws me in every time. DANGEROUS REFUGE by Elizabeth Lowell and loved this one too. It takes place out West—I’m a sucker for that locale in books. 
Mason - The cover of WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE is charming and inviting. Are you able to have an input into the cover design of your books?
C.H.:
Not with my previous and current covers, but I will in my new series. I’m excited about that.
Mason - If I were looking to visit a real town that would be similar to Apple Grove, could you recommend a town that you feel has the same atmosphere?
C.H.:
That’s a tough one because Apple Grove was created from bits and pieces from my childhood neighborhood, the neighborhood we’ve raised our children in, and some of my favorite TV shows as a kid: Petticoat Junction, the Andy Griffith Show, Green Acres, Gunsmoke, Cheyenne and Bonanza.
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?
C.H.:
I’m going to be re-releasing the first book in my Regency-era Historical series, THE THREE VICES: PATIENCE in the next month or so. Books 2 and 3: CHARITY and PRUDENCE are wips that I plan to have ready for 2014. Then there is the exciting new Historical Irish Western series that I’ll be writing for Sourcebooks, due to release in 2015. It’s going to be a busy around here for the next little while
C.H., thanks for visiting with us again. It’s fun learning how this series came to be.
For those not familiar with C.H., let me give you some background.
C.H. was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but grew up in New Jersey. She has been delighting readers with her Secret Life of Cowboys Series, featuring three cowboy brothers with Irish charm, as well as the Small Town USA Series, with the quirky characters of Apple Grove, OH.
She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ best traits, in New Jersey. For more information on C.H. and her writing, please visit www.CHAdmirand.com.
WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE is available at the following locations: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Chapters/Indigo, IndieBound, iBookstore, Sourcebooks, and Discover a New Love.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for one copy of WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only.
To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Welcome Back to Apple Grove.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE is 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, Dec. 23.
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Do you know a small town that would be similar to Apple Grove?
It’s my pleasure to be participating in author Daisy McCarty’s Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour for her release, Make Freelancing REALLY Pay: Communication and Negotiation Strategies That Take You to the Top.
Daisy is a self-educated writer and co-founder of Freelance Text, a professional services firm that specializes in web content creation. Since transitioning out of a seven year career in Corporate Procurement in 2008, Daisy has been using her negotiating skills to navigate to the higher levels of the online writing industry. Today, she mentors informally at Professional Freelancers Network, and offers formal one-on-one consulting services to freelancers who are ready to increase their income.
You can read Daisy’s blog and get more great freelancing advice at http://makefreelancingpay.com. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
Make Freelancing REALLY Pay helps new and struggling freelancers dramatically improve their business with expert communication and negotiation strategies. This book is a collection of real-life guidelines, tips, and tactics for overcoming common challenges. Readers learn how to select the best clients, expand their business, raise their rates, stabilize their income, and much more.
Make Freelancing REALLY Pay can be purchased at Amazon. Readers can also discuss this book in the PUYB Virtual Book Club on Goodreads by clicking HERE.
Title: Make Freelancing REALLY Pay: Communication and Negotiation Strategies That Take You to the Top
Genre: Nonfiction/Business/Entrepreneurship
Author: Daisy McCarty
Publisher: Daisy McCarty
Pages: 114
Language: English
Here’s the first chapter excerpt to entice your reading taste buds even more.
Chapter 1: Choose the Most Profitable Clients
The earning potential of your freelance career is directly tied to the quality of your client base. Be selective.
If you are new to freelancing, it can be quite a shock to find out how little some clients expect to pay for professional services. The next big disappointment is discovering that so many freelancers are eager to agree to this arrangement and offer their services for such low prices.
There will always be people who participate in this cycle of exploitation. However, you shouldn’t let this fact discourage you. Because a substantial percentage of these low-paying projects are highly visible in the online marketplace, it’s easy to think that this is how most of the freelance world works. This isn’t the case. There’s an entirely different dynamic playing out behind the scenes.
If you’ve ever pursued a traditional career in the corporate world, you know that the best jobs aren’t necessarily advertised on the online job boards, such as CareerBuilder.com or Monster.com. Instead, many of these open positions are filled through networking, referrals, and headhunting. This is because there will never be a replacement for word-of-mouth advertising. In the same way, a high percentage of your most lucrative client relationships will be formed because your clients tell others about the quality of your services.
How Do You Get to That Point?
You need to find a way into the network. There are many ways to do this, depending on your area of expertise. I chose the freelance bidding platforms as my starting point. As a result, a few of the strategies I provide in this book are particularly helpful for freelancers looking to find work through online project postings.
I know there are freelancing experts who claim it is not possible to source well-paying clients on bidding sites. Or, they say it is a waste of your time to even look because you have to sort through low-paying jobs to find good projects. I disagree. I have figured out how to use these sites efficiently to identify high-paying clients who serve as entry points into the world of referral-based work. I want to offer practical and factual advice about how to use these sites appropriately instead of categorically warning freelancers away.
However, I do not suggest that you try to earn your entire income on bidding sites. They are simply a source of potential clients who already know they want to hire a freelancer. You can and should find additional ways to get noticed for your skills if you want to build your business income quickly.
Here are a few of the ways that other successful freelancers do this:
- Networking face-to-face or virtually in circles where they can meet and pitch potential clients
- Engaging in professional networking online with other freelancers on sites such as LinkedIn that attract the attention of prospective clients
- Directly soliciting new clients via email, phone, or other types of communication
- Reaching out to contacts from their previous careers in traditional employment
- Marketing through their own freelancing websites and social media (this approach may require more skill and experience than the other methods, depending on the level of competition in your field)
I invite and encourage you to explore all of these avenues for finding work. As you experiment, you may discover more ways to get your portfolio in front of the right people. The basic principles of client selection still hold true no matter where you find your clients.
Why Is It Important to Be Choosy about Your Clients?
The quality of the clients you work with now may determine the quality of clients who are referred to you in the future. People with the same standards, ethics, and level of professionalism tend to run in the same circles (this is no different in business than it is in other areas of life). If you work for clients who take advantage of you, they are telling all of their friends, “Hey! I found this great freelancer with cheap prices. You should hire him too.” Every time you do a job for a client with that mindset, you aren’t just losing income by doing one low-paying project. The entire line of referrals that spring from that project may be tainted.
If you do a small and appropriately priced project for an excellent client, you are tapping into the potential for more work with clients of the same caliber. You can earn the same amount for a small project with a client who does value your work as you do for a larger project with a client who does not value your work. You then have extra time to develop your skills and look for additional projects with high quality clients.
I know there are times when it seems necessary to do a poorly paid project so you can put food on the table or pay the bills. I’m not judging—I’ve done the same thing. I am encouraging you not to make this an ongoing pattern.
The bottom line is this: if you are doing so much cheap work that you don’t have the time you need to seek out more profitable clients, success will never arrive.
One of the goals of this book is to help you figure things out faster so you aren’t desperate for work. This puts you in a much stronger negotiating position and makes it easier to charge what your services are worth.
My Top Three Client Categories
Over the years, I’ve noticed that certain types of clients tend to be well-paying and professional. My suggestions regarding which clients you should work with are not hard-and-fast rules. They are guidelines that allow you to focus your marketing and networking efforts on those clients who are most likely to help your freelance business grow.
Category #1: Small- to Mid-Sized Business Owners
I love doing business with successful small- to mid-sized business owners. These are clients who have established a record of excellence and simply need help moving to the next level. Smaller businesses also tend to have lots of connections with other clients who are looking for reliable, professional freelancers. Many of these clients don’t have in-house talent or an established network of service providers. Often they are first-time buyers who have never hired a freelancer. That’s a good thing. They haven’t learned bad habits and aren’t jaded by unpleasant or disappointing experiences.
Negotiation with these clients is usually not complex. You are dealing directly with a decision maker who has a vested interest in obtaining high quality services to improve the profitability of their company. If you are willing to spend time communicating with a small- or mid-sized business owner and show them the ropes, this can pay off.
You can start educating this type of client in your proposal. I may do this by asking questions that help them clarify their business objectives or by offering one or two pieces of advice that they will find helpful regardless of whether they hire me or someone else. The quality of my communication sticks in their mind. I have had prospective clients decline my proposal, then make contact months or years later to ask me to do a project for them. If you are planning to freelance for a long time, be patient. Each time you make a stellar first impression, the seeds you plant may bear fruit later.
Category #2: Business-to-Business Firms
In my experience, the highest-paying clients with the longest contracts tend to be business-to-business (B2B) companies rather than business-to-customer (B2C) companies. B2Bs stand to make a lot of money every time your services help win them a new customer. Instead of each new customer being worth $50 or maybe $500, a new business relationship might mean $5,000 or $50,000 or more over the long term. Obviously, these B2B clients are happy to pay premium rates for valuable services. They understand the business benefits clearly, so you just need to demonstrate that you know how to deliver the results they want.
Who are these clients? They may be small- to mid-sized businesses or enterprises in any number of markets. However, many of the B2B clients I’ve come across are consulting or professional services firms, including many sole proprietorships and partnerships. These clients are ideal for freelancers to target because they have a healthy budget without too many people involved in the decision making. Consulting firms in particular know what professional freelancers should be paid and don’t suffer from sticker shock when they see your pricing. They are also fairly ‘hands-off’, respecting the fact that you know what you are doing. They understand the difference between an employee and a freelancer, and they treat you appropriately.
If you want to land these clients, you need to know what type of services they are looking for right now. We’ll talk more about how to do that in Chapter 3.
Category #3: Larger Firms That Need Extra Talent
Subcontracting your services to a larger company is a bit of a touchy subject in freelancing circles. There are plenty of outsourcing firms that like to hire freelancers for cheap labor. However, there are also many firms that have a core of internal talent and simply need to supplement it with experienced freelancers who bring in additional skills. For example, I have done freelance subcontract work writing for online media marketing, web design, web development, and SEO firms (you’ll notice the overlap here with the B2B category). These companies can provide consistent work and lots of opportunities for referrals.
The strategy for making things work with these clients is to resist the pressure to mark down your prices too far in exchange for the promise of bulk work. Don’t buy into the idea that they are hurting for cash. Trust me; they are marking your work way up when they pass it on to clients.
If you have a proven track record of landing your own clients without help, you can stick to your guns during negotiations. These companies should be hiring you because you help make them look good—not because you are cheap. If you are delivering exceptional services, you are helping them grow their business. This increase in overall profitability is worth the price you charge.
What about Big Businesses?
I do provide services to some enterprise-class organizations. These are great projects, and they pay very well. You can certainly try to land a ‘big fish’ at any time—especially if you have some fantastic portfolio samples in relevant industries. However, getting in touch with the decision makers can be tough. They are usually located deeper within the referral network where you might not have easy access.
If you do get a chance to work with a big client, negotiate the right to display a sample from the project in your portfolio. If this is not permitted because the project includes a nondisclosure agreement, ask for a short testimonial instead. You can display these testimonials on your website or reference them in future proposals. Having a few Fortune 500 clients who support your marketing efforts definitely increases the perceived value of your services.
Note: Don’t view landing a couple of big clients as a way to end your search for new clients. Relying on a handful of clients for all your income places you in a poor negotiating position and puts your business at risk.
GIVEAWAY . . . . .
Pump Up Your Book and Daisy are teaming up to give readers a chance to win one of five $25 Amazon Gift Cards and one of five one-hour sessions of consulting services.
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old
- Ten winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one of five $25 Amazon Gift Cards or one of five one hour sessions of consulting services
- This giveaway begins December 2 and ends December 27.
- Winners will be announced on THIS PAGE and contacted via email on Monday, December 30, 2013.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
I found Make Freelancing REALLY Pay filled helpful hints and tips. The main focus deals with pricing – the how and why to price. The book also deals with where to find clients. The information is presented an easy-to-read manner that touches on various topics freelance writers face.
FTC Full Disclosure – A digital copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Remember to use the widget above to enter the contest. If you’re a freelance writer, what was the most difficult element of starting your career? If you’ve used a freelance writer in your business, what was your experience with them like?
Note: The winner of this giveaway is Ann @ Cozy in Texas. Congratulations. Thanks to all that entered.
This time of the year, thoughts go to family and friends. I recently watched a delightful DVD – WHEN CALLS THE HEART - that embodies this, as well as finding love and following one’s heart.
Thanks to Elliott and the nice folks at Edify Media Inc., I have a copy of this enjoyable DVD to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway details.
This movie is based on the bestselling books by Janette Oke. The movie played on The Hallmark Channel and was the number one movie of the week. In addition, it led to the first television series inspired by a Christian author (coming out in January 2014 on the Hallmark Channel).
How often have you read a book and thought it would make a fun movie? WHEN CALLS THE HEART, based on a book by bestselling author Jeanette Oke, is now a heartwarming movie on DVD.
The story follows two generations and their desire to follow their calling – to be teachers. The story is told with flashbacks via entries from a diary.
Elizabeth Thatcher (played by Poppy Drayton) is a cultured young woman in 1910 who wants to teach school. When given the chance to teach out west, she gathers strength from a secret diary belonging to her Aunt Elizabeth (played by Maggie Grace). Her aunt’s journey to teach in the west gives Elizabeth the courage to accept the position in a frontier coal mining town.
On her journey to her new job, Elizabeth reconnects with Edward (played by Daniel Sharman), a family friend who has become a Royal Canadian Mountie. Much like her aunt who fell in love with Wynn (played by Stephen Amell), also a Mountie, Elizabeth discovers love sometimes finds you when you least expect it.
The actors do a wonderful job in their portrayals. Director Michael Landon Jr. does an amazing job bringing the story to screen.
WHEN CALLS THE HEART is a tender love story that will inspire. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace. However, those looking for a nice tidy ending will be a bit disappointed. The movie concludes with a few lose ends, but is well worth the viewing.
When Calls The Heart by Word Films (Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb Company), Based on the book by Janette Oke, Directed by Michael Landon Jr., Run Time: 89 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - I received this DVD from the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
First, let me share some information about the director and the movie company.
Michael Landon Jr. – Director:
Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years. With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family. He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.
About Word Entertainment:
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS …..
This giveaway is for one DVD copy of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.
To enter this giveaway, just send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win When Calls the Heart.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the WHEN CALLS THE HEART DVD is 8 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Now here’s a movie trailer for WHEN CALLS THE HEART for your viewing pleasure. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
I’m delighted to welcome author/actor Paul Carafotes back to Thoughts today. Paul joins us to talk about his newest children’s book, CHARLIE BUBBLES 2: SMARTSVILLE.
This second adventure takes Charlie in his bubble to Smartsville, where music is the key to this story of transformation and opening up our hearts. Charlie meets some new friends and is helped by a few of his old pals too! Readers are introduced to a new character called, Tai the Butterfly. This new character was inspired by ice skating champion Tai Babalonia
The Bubble of Love continues to soar!!!!
Wondering what it’s like writing children’s books, Paul has graciously answered some questions for me.
Mason – Welcome Paul. What lead me to write CHARLIE BUBBLES 2: SMARTSVILLE?
Paul:
My son Charlie is the main inspiration, really. It all started with reading to him when he was a baby and then blowing bubbles and his reaction to them. In fact, when we were nearly finished with CHARLIE BUBBLES 2: SMARTSVILLE, he asked if there is going to be a 3rd book and I said, "yes, but you’re going to write it."
And now he is helping me with the 3rd book which is almost finished. It's about Charlie is going to Fenway Park. But he has to learn to skate first. I am covering two sports in the next book, along with bulling, which has become such an issue in schools.
Mason - How did you come to collaborate with illustrator Jeff Vernon on this book?
Paul:
My collaboration with Jeff started way back. He is a talented artist and is an entertaining, funny guy. I do have a vision of what the characters are doing. I usually massage the pictures to incorporate what is important to the text. Jeff is something to watch. The way he puts so much care into these pictures. Amazing really!
Mason - What is the most difficult aspect of writing a children's book?
Paul:
The most difficult aspect was trying to make a coherent and entertaining story that was simply and interesting that would hold Charlie's attention. I knew if he liked it I was on the right track. Or as we say now, it was bubble- lisious!
Mason - From idea to publication, how long did the process take and looking back would you do anything differently?
Paul:
Looking back on it all the first book THE ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE BUBBLES! That whole process took me 5 years from idea to a hard copy in my hands. It was one of the magic moments in my life. What I would have done differently? I wished I would have done it in 2!
Mason - What do you hope readers take away from this book?
Paul:
What I hope readers take away from this book is the absolute joy Charlie has in life and his attitude to go for it, no matter what. To blow your bubble as big as you can and let go. Be fearless!
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you (writing and otherwise)?
Paul:
What can the readers look for from me in the future? To make excellent entertaining stories that parents and children will remember forever. I am still doing some acting. I am just finishing up a movie so they can look for me on TV and in the movies. I love that we have got music to go along with the books. That music is a big part of spreading the joy through the bubble of love.
Paul, thanks for visiting with us and sharing this look at writing children’s books. Inspiring children to read at a young age is priceless.
For autographed copies of either book, readers can visit the Charlie Bubbles website at www.charliebubblesbook.com. Both tittles are also available at amazon.com and any book store or library around the country.
Now let me tell you a bit of background on Paul, as some will be thinking ‘he looks familiar.’
The Somerville native broke into professional acting in 1980 with a critically acclaimed starring role in the 20th Century Fox film Headin’ for Broadway, and has worked steadily in the industry ever since. Other notable roles include Vinnie Salvucci in All the Right Moves, alongside Tom Cruise. His leading role in 1981’s Choices paired him with then newcomer Demi Moore. He has also worked alongside Brad Pitt and James Gandolfdini and many more.
Paul has appeared in many classic television programs throughout the ensuing years, including Diff’rent Strokes, The Greatest American Hero, Trapper John, M.D., Murder, She Wrote, St. Elsewhere, Knight Rider, Hotel, NYPD Blue, Fantasy Island, The District, Without a Trace, CSI, ER, Castle, and many others. His stand out role of Harold Dyer on Knots Landing was particularly well regarded by fans and critics, while more recently he appeared regularly in the popular series Damages.
Additionally, Carafotes has appeared in the theatrical features The Clan of the Cave Bear, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Italian Movie, Fight Club, and Scriptfellas. The short film Club Soda, written and directed by Carafotes, which was the winner of several awards.
His current passion is THE ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE BUBBLES! And the brand new CHARLIE BUBBLES 2: SMARTSVILLE!, as well as making sure that kids and their parents get a chance to check out his latest labor of love.
The inspiration for the book came from real life about five years ago. Carafotes says, “When my son was a baby the first things he reacted to were bubbles. His eyes would light up and he’d grab at the bubbles.” This motivated Carafotes to develop the story and his imagination took over from there.
The books praise has been high. Father and award winning actor, the late, James Gandolfini has said, “Charlie Bubbles is soon to be a classic. I’ve read it several times and keep re-reading it. That’s a sign that something is good and will last.”
Another fellow actor, Joe Mantegna, says, “Like all beloved children’s books, Charlie Bubbles teaches an important lesson in a way a child will understand, and it is beautifully illustrated to boot.”
Screen writer and NYU professor Dan Therriault regards "Charlie Bubbles 2 Smartsville!" as an "Epic adventure for children and parents alike"
For more on Paul, his writing and acting, check out the following links: Meet Charlie Bubbles, CharlieBubblesBook@Amazon, IMDB: Paul Carafotes and Carafotes.com.
Here are a trailer from OMG INSIDER featuring a spot on the late James Gandolfini and his relationship to Paul, his son and the book.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you ever made up stories to tell your children or grandchildren?
