Book Trailers (tm) & Author Web Sites discussion

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the "Book Trailer and Author Web Sites" group. Although this is a group created for the discussion of author's book trailers and web sites, I encourage "soon-to-be" authors to join in the fun.

Please tell us a little about yourself...

If you are an author:
What you are currently working on?
Do you have a web site dedicated to your books?
Does your book have a book trailer?

For authors and soon-to-be-authors:
What is your favorite genre?
Do you visit author's web sites?
Do you watch book trailers?

Thank you for joining the group, and I look forward to discovering your tips and tricks in the process of creating and promoting your books through the Internet.

Also, authors, I invite you to upload your titles to the group's book shelve.

Dee Marie

Hi Everyone,

I am the author of Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy, and I am currently working on the second book in my "Sons of Avalon" series.

I do have a web site dedicated to my novel, which is in a constant state of flex:
http://www.sonsofavalon.com

I enjoy visiting author's web sites for many reasons. On a professional level, I search the web for author's sites to view their layouts and content; to get a feel for what works and what doesn't. I also love discovering new talent, and find it a wonderful way to build my home library with unique books that I might have overlooked.

My reading list is very diverse, so I am not sure if I have a favorite reading genre. Arthurian Legends and Arthurian Romances would have to top my list. I also have a soft spot for vampires (although I am not certain that is a specific genre, is it?).

Watching book trailers is my newest obsession. I only recently discovered book trailers, and I was immediately fascinated by the process.

Also, as to book trailers: I am contemplating the creation of a book trailer for Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy, thus the selfish reason for creating this group. I want to know everything there is to know about creating a book trailer, before I start the creation process.

So, in advance, I would like to thank everyone for your input and thoughtfulness in sharing your book trailer (and author web site) ideas and expertise. I am confident that we can all learn from each other.

Looking forward to reading your posts,
Dee Marie

I grew up in a small Texas Town. I attended a local community college, where I studied journalism and photography. I also worked at the local paper for two years. I was a Navy photographer and stationed on a ship during the Vietnam War. I continued to work as a professional photographer for thirty years, after I got out of the Navy. I now own a contract transportation service in a small north central Texas town. I’m married and have a very spoiled cat (no children).
I started writing books in 2003 when I entered the Writer’s of the Future Contest. SENTI, Book 1 of the Jackwill Chronicles is the novel version of that short story. I’m currently working on the next book in this series as well as a Science Fiction comedy about aliens and ice cream. I'm also working on a vampire love story, a murder mystery, a romance, and a western.

G W Pickle

Hi CW,

I love the cover to SENTI: Book One of the Jackwill Chronicles. The book sounds very interesting. Have your created a book trailer for it yet, if not, are you considering creating a trailer?

Do you have an author's web site?

I love the concept of a SF book dealing with aliens and ice cream. You have to let us know when that one is finished.

Thank you for joining the group and I look forward to exploring your book, and future books.

Dee Marie
PS, I posted your novel to the groups book shelve!

Thank you for the invitation, Dee Marie. :-)

Hi everyone! I'm Christie Silvers. I'm the author of three paranormal romance books. All three follow the pairing of a female werewolf and a male vampire. The third book is being released on Halloween. YAY!

I do have a website http://www.christiesilvers.com and you can find book trailers for all three on there.

I absolutely love book trailers. They bring something special to a story. Some are more fancy than others, but I don't feel that you need huge "team" to get a great book trailer.

Okay, now I'm off to check out the other posts. :-)

Hi Christie,
Welcome to the group. You already know that I loved the cover of your newest novel, and your book trailers drew me into the whole series.

I just ordered the first book in your vampire saga, A Midnight Infatuation, and eagerly await its arrival.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to give us some tips on book trailer making and promoting.

Dee Marie

Dee
Thanks for the welcome and for posting my cover.
This is an old site a friend did for me. Unfortunately uncool people filled up my guest book with adds and my friend doesn't remember the password to clear them. The site is cool and it has a couple pieces of my work.

http://www.geocities.com/gwpickles/in...

I do have a couple of sites i'm working on. I'm such a dummy when it comes to building a site. later I may post a funny intro.
G W Pickle

PS the site lists my old publisher. They went out of business.
G W Pickle

Hi GW,

I fully understand about online spammers and stalkers, sigh...the downside of being in the public eye.

Just a suggestion, have you asked your webmaster to just delete the guestbook from your HTML web code? He should be able to delete the code for the guestbook, even if he cannot remember the password for the actual guestbook.

Also, your webmaster should be able to contact Geocities and request his username and password. Lastly, have you personally contacted Geocities and explained the situation?

In the future, you might want your webmaster to insert a "read before posting" code into the guestbook. That way you can approve any comments before posting. It is rather a pain, but it prevents malicious postings.

I had a similar problem with a web site that I created for a client. She added her own guestbook, and it was invaded by a cyber-stalker. She could not remember either her password or username, but because the guestbook host could verify her email address, he was able to delete the content for her.

Sorry, about the tangent, but cyber-stalkers and spammers are my pet peeve. I just cannot wrap my brain around why anyone would be purposely malicious.

Please do not hesitate to post your web related questions to the Web Site portion of the group. I know I enjoy sharing web related tips and tricks, and I am sure our other members can give you excellent advice as well.

Looking forward to your future postings.
Dee Marie

Dee
Thanks for the suggestions, as I said, I'm quite the dummy when it comes to programing and such. My friend (who told me about Goodreads) is an author and I'm thinking about inviting her to join this group.
G W Pickle

Coding is like learning a new language that is in constant flux. It can be both fun and frustrating. Please do extend an invitation for your friend to join the group. What is her genre?

Dee Marie

Hello Dee, My regular website is http://maggiebishop1.tripod.com but I have an Early Reader Special posted on http://perfectforframing.tripod.com

Perfect for Framing comes out officially in November and I'll pay shipping for autographed copies on the site listed above.

I live deep in a valley in the North Carolina mountains and high-speed internet is not available. Therefore, I don't have a book trailer nor can I watch one. Maybe one day ...

Maggie Bishop

Hi Maggie,

Welcome to the group, and thank you for sharing your sites. I love a good whodunit, and your book looks like another cuddle up on a cold winter's day read.

I fully understand about high-speed Internet service. I was doing the happy, happy, joy, joy dance when cable came to our area (and city water, although getting city water has nothing to do with books, it also made me do the happy dance).

Please tell us a little bit about the first novel in this series.

Dee

Hello all I'm new to Good Reads. I'm Michael J. Sullivan published from AMI of a 6 book series called the Riyria Revelations. All six books were written before publishing the first one so I could tie up threads across the chronical.

The current books in the series are:
The Crown Conspiracy (released Oct 2008)
Avempartha (in production release date April 2009)

I'm currently working on editing book 3. When I get done with that I'll put the final touches on books 4 - 6. I really like the way the whole series came out the last book really rocks !

I'm also working on book promotions for Book 1 - The publisher setup 11 signings in Oct and November and I have 3 book clubs who are reading it as well. Can't wait to hear feedback from the reading groups. My full set of signings if you are in or around Washington DC is: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com...

My website is: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/

I do have a trailer it is found at: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com...

Hello, my name is E. T. Ande and my educational background is in technology. I received a master's degree from a technology department. Throughout my working life, I was forced to accept positions which require a high school diploma plus some technical or vocational training. So, I was always underpaid and overqualified but still managed to build a million-dollar financial cushion in assets.

I was compelled to write my new book titled: “How I Became A Millionaire Bushman” because I believe my financial story could help many people who put themselves in a financial tight spot or people who want to achieve financial tranquility.

I made the same mistake like many homebuyers by deciding to buy a new home priced at 585k at the height of the market. While many of my coworkers foreclosed on their homes, I managed to pay off the mortgages on my two homes. I now own both homes free and clear.

You can buy my book from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Became-Mill...

or https://www.createspace.com/3345042

My book trailer is hosted at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5j56e...

My new blog is: http://askmillionairebushman.blogspot...

The first mystery in my Appalachian Adventures Mystery series is Murder at Blue Falls, the Horse Found the Body. I put a dude ranch in my mountain valley because I think the tourist area around Boone, North Carolina, needs one. When Jemma Chase, a CSI wannabe, goes on a trail ride and her horse finds a body, Jemma starts to investigate. Detective Tucker comes in and it twists and turns from there.

It's like a week at a dude ranch, complete with trail rides and locals stopping by for a bite to eat. I use real people for minor characters along with photographs.

Thank you for asking.

Hi Michael,

Welcome to both the group and to GoodReads. I just took a mystical journey through your amazing web site, and the first word that came to mind was, Wow!

I fell in love with the illustrations. As I read that you are an illustrator, is the artwork your creation? Beautiful work, the supporting imagery really sets the mood for your story.

I am also impressed that you wrote all the novels in you fantasy series before publishing the first book, The Crown Conspiracy. What a stroke of genius. I recently published the first book in my "Sons of Avalon" series, and I am deep into editing the second book, while writing the third. Your way is oh so much smarter. Plus, your readers will not have to wait that long for to get their "series fix."

Also, congratulations on the "Foreword Magazine, book of the year," award.

We look forward to your input and to your marketing expertise.

Oh, I could not get the link that you posted to work for the book trailer...our group might want to try this link instead:

http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com...

Dee Marie

Hi E. T.

First, welcome to the group.

Wow, what a tale you have to tell. Thank you for sharing your adventures through the writing of your book, How I Became a Millionaire Bushman: How I Built a Million-Dollar Financial Cushion.

I am sure everyone in our current economic situation could benefit from your endeavors to overcome, survive and thrive. Thank you for bringing your book to our attention.

Looking forward to your future posts.

Dee Marie

Hi Maggie,

Oh, your first book in your mystery series, Murder at Blue Falls: The horse found the body. sounds like a fun read.

As a lover of horses, I know I would enjoy the read. If I saw your novel in a bookstore, I would take notice, if only for the quirky title.

Do each of the books stand on their own, or would you advise reading them in order?

Dee Marie

Greetings,

My name is Lisa and I've just brought my novel "Dream Weaver" to the global marketplace. This is a romantic/suspense novel....think of it as Jacqueline Susann with a splash of Stephen King :) Site is located at www.moonsmusings.com

I'm interested in finding out more about book trailers most especially how to go about making one as this is far outside of my field of expertise. Any information is welcome.

All the best,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the group.

After reading the blurb to Dream Weaver, I can hardly wait to read more.

Please check out the book trailer threads for excellent advice from authors who have created successful book trailers. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask, we are a friendly, helpful bunch.

Dee Marie

Hi there!

I reside in North Carolina with my significant other and two Shelties, Keeper and Jet. Prior to writing full-time, I ran a private psychotherapy practice in Alexandria, Virginia, specializing in adolescents.

My latest novels are "Before the Storm" and "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. The sequel to "Before the Storm" will be released next summer. Additionally, I have authored 15 other novels, all fiction.

My stories are often filled with mystery and suspense, and the primary focus of my books is on relationships between men and women, parents and children, sisters and brothers.

My website and blog are http://www.dianechamberlain.com I'd love for you all to visit me there!

Diane

Hi Diane,

You have a nice web site there. I share your third favourite place to write... on the sofa, half in my pjs :-)

Gina

Hi Dianne,

Welcome to the group. I too like your professional web site and the production quality of the book trailer for Before The Storm.

Thanks for joining us and sharing your expertise with the group.

Dee Marie

Just sending out a warm welcome to all the recent members of the group. Woo! Woo! This is just too much fun.

Please do not be shy. If you are an author (and you have not done so yet), please post a link to your web site and/or book trailer.

If you are not yet an author (and we all know that you will be one day), please post your favorite author's web site and or a link to their book trailer.

I am so excited that you have all joined the group and look forward to your input.

Wishing everyone a most wonderful week,
Dee Marie

Hi everyone and thanks to Dee for creating this group.

I have visited your websites and book trailers and was most impressed.

I am the author of Two Moon Princess, a YA fantasy of a Spanish medieval girl who travels to modern day CA.

The story in a broad way parallels my own as I grew up in Spain long ago.

I have a website www.carmenferreiroesteban.com and a book trailer my dauther designed. http://www.youtube.com/user/cferreiro...

I hope you like it. Comments are most welcome.

Hi Carmen,

Welcome to our group, and thanks for sharing information pertaining to your novel.

Your daughter did a great job with the book trailer.Two Moon Princess, it is very innovate.

I like the subject matter.

Dee Marie

Hi Dee,

Thank you so much.

I'll tell my daughter. BTW she is 13, 12 when she did it. This new generation is from another world.

Hey Carmen,

Does your daughter ever read books online?

Dee Marie

No, she doesn't.

I don't know if she is representative of her group. I'll ask her about her friends.

Hi there. I'm glad to see this group here, Dee! I'm Karey Shane, and I wrote Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate under the pseudonym K.S.R. Kingworth. (April 2009, Rawle & Windsor Publishing).

http://www.SecretSpeakers.com

I'm currently working on the final edit to have it ready by next month for my narrator, Simon Vance. (Booklist's "Voice of the Year" award, 2008).

It's way past my bedtime, so that's enough of an introduction for now! I will say that I'm here because I want to learn what it takes to put a book trailer together!

Hi Karey,

Welcome to the group. You know that I LOVE the cover of your book.

You brought up another great book marketing tool, books-on-tape. How did you get Simon to read for you, what a wonderful opportunity!

So glad that your eyes are doing better, no pun intended, but it is good to see you online :]

Dee Marie

Hello, I am new to GoodReads and still finding my way around. I wrote the story of my mother's life growing up in Japan around WWII. Probably should call myself a ghostwriter. I read mostly history, memoirs, multicultural fiction and kid books, and hope to write more books for young people.

Linda

Cherry Blossoms in Twilight

Welcome to the group Linda.

I really love the concept of your book. I listened to the reading of one of the chapters and was very moved with the love that flowed from the words.

What a wonderful legacy you have recorded.

Dee Marie

Howdy Everybody--

Thanks for being here and sharing your literary company. As far as being a writer goes, this is pretty much me in an abbrevited nutshell:


RECENT PUBLISHED WORKS:

--May 2008, ELEMENTAL, THE POWER OF ILLUMINATED LOVE, book of poems featuring art by Luther E. Vann.
--May 2008, THE AMERICAN POET WHO WENT HOME AGAIN, book of creative nonfiction, memoir, and literary journalism.
--Dec 2007, book of poetry titled THE BRIDGE OF SILVER WINGS.
--November 2008, novel CHRISTMAS WHEN MUSIC ALMOST KILLED THE WORLD (Black Skylark Singing Press)
--September 2007, Launched Creative Thinkers International web site at http://www.creativethinkersintl.ning.com


PRESENTATIONS, HONORS, & PERFORMANCES

--Sept 2008, Featured LibraryThing.com author
--April 2008, profiled for National Poetry Month on Peoples’ Lounge website.
--February 2008, presented membership in the Telfair Museum’s Friends of African-American Arts in Savannah, Georgia.
---Fall 2007, Featured Poet in the Smoking Poet Ezine.
--April 2007, joined the Academy of American Poets.
--January 2007, named The Writing Forum Poet of the Month.
--January 2007, presented anonymous sponsorship for Black Skylark Z-Ped Music Player web site on Authors Den.
--May 2006, named "Savannah Poet and Spoken Word Artist of the Year 2006" in CONNECT SAVANNAH Readers' Poll.
--October 19, 2005, joined The Authors Guild, Inc., and The Authors League of America, Inc.


Aberjhani

Hi, folks...

I'm Bob McDonald, and I can't believe I haven't joined this site until just today. Anyway, I am currently working on the Stories from the Forester series, which centers around students working at a college newspaper. So far, I've finished two books, Dilemma and Flagrant Foul, and currently have a book trailer available for Flagrant Foul - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgomqT...

Here's the link to my site, complete with my blog, Quest for an ISBN - http://www.flagrantfoul.com.

See you all around!

Hi Dee-

I started writing as a hobby about fifteen years ago, finished my first novel and told my wife I was going to send it away to a publisher. That started our writer/editor relationship.
She knew how bad a speller I was and wasn't about to let me send the work away full of mistakes. As she read, she became involved in the story and as time progressed, began helping me with content.
She readily admits she can't write a single word, but knows good writing when she sees it.
Altar and Throne is the result of eight visits to the Jackson Hole Writers conference and the untiring efforts of my wife. To all who helped, I am indebted.

Hi Aberjhani, Bob, and Ed...A warm welcome to our group. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. My only excuse is that I have been trying to clear my plate as I am doing the NaNoWriMo event. Writing 50,000 words in a month can be time consuming.

Aberjhani Oh, my, you are a very prolific poet. Thank you for sharing your published works with us.

Bob "Flagrant Foul" is an outstanding title for a novel. I read the first chapter and was intrigued.

Ed The "Alter and Throne" has a great cover, and a catchy title. I like the story about your wife/editor. I wish I could get my husband on my writing team. You are a lucky man.

Dee Marie

Hi Gang:
Very interesting group.
I'm an author, wrote the non-fiction book "KILLER 'CANE: The Deadly Hurricane of 1928 ", the story of the hurricane that killed close to 3,000 people in South Florida. It is in it's third printing (2 hardback 1 soft). I did a 14 state book tour over three months and coupled my experiences at promotion into the "AUTHORS' SELF-PROMOTION MANUEL: How to Get Your Books Into the Bookstores and Off the Shelves."
I am impressed with the new type of promoting discussed in the group, ie trailers, tags, etc and will follow your progress.
I gladly answer any questions on book promotion as far as touring, radio, TV and print media.
Thanks for sharing.
Robert Mykle
http://www.RobertMykle.com
561-966-8488

Hi Robert,

Welcome to the group. Thank you for posting information about your book. Interesting web site. I especially like the video of you running with the bulls. Just too much fun!

Dee Marie

Dee Marie:

Great author name.

Thanks. Actually running from those pesky bulls is not unlike swatting some of our Florida marsh mosquitoes.

Robert Mykle

Hey Robert,

Thanks so much, 'tis my real name :]

Some how "me thinks" that running with the bulls is a little bit more dangerous and exciting than swatting marsh mosquitoes. No matter how you try to downplay it, anyone who has read Hemmingway knows that running with the bulls is very impressive!

Dee Marie

Hi!
I'm Lisa Marie Wilkinson and I anticipate the release of my debut historical romance novel, "Fire at Midnight" by Medallion Press in March of 2009.

I do have a trailer for the novel that can be viewed on my website at:

http://www.lisamariewilkinson.com

I'm looking forward to visiting other author websites.

Lisa Marie
"Fire at Midnight," Medallion Press March 2009
http://www.medallionpress.com/blurbs/...
"Stolen Promise," Medallion Press 2010

Welcome to our group Lisa,

Your book trailer is very innovative. All the best with your upcoming novel, please remind us when March rolls around :]

Dee Marie

Hello Everyone,

My name is David Snape and I am the author of What You Should Know about Gum Disease.

This is a layman's guide to fighting and defeating gum disease based on my personal experience.

I found that the dentist didn't give me information that could have helped me - instead she wanted me to have a SRP or Scaling and Root Planing Treatment. I didn't like the sound of that!

I refused her treatment and went off on my own and discovered a number of amazing things about dental health that most dentists don't tell their patients about.

Information about the book can be found at:

http://GingivitisKiller.com or any online book seller.

ISBN: 978-0-9814855-0-8

Please feel free to write me at david [@:] gingivitiskiller.com


Also, I have a place to help authors promote their books.

You can find it here:

http://allthingspondered.com/forums

Look for the forum entitled Authors and Books.

The forum is crawled by search engine spiders and will be a good place to list your book.


-David Snape

Hi David,

Welcome to our group. Your book sounds very interesting and dare I say very unique :]

Also, thanks for posting the information link.

Isn't it ironic that the only non-creepy spiders are those crawling around the Internet.

Dee Marie

I like you titles, especially the Life is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies. Just too much fun!

Dee Marie

Hi everyone,

My name is J.R. Reardon and I am the author of the new legal thriller, "Confidential Communications." You can find information at www.jrreardonconfidentialcommunicatio.... I also have a book trailer that I encourage everyone to check out and comment if you can... you can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg8_Bz...

The synopsis ias as follows:

TRUST NO ONE…..
Rebecca Lawson, a young general-practice attorney in Vermont, expected to expand her practice when she was hired by Allan Richards to investigate a suspicious employee. Instead, she finds herself amidst national and international conspiracies, manipulations, and murder. With the help of an old colleague from Boston, Joshua Tameron, she learns that the financial security and innocent citizens of the United States are in imminent danger, and it is up to them to expose the truth. Confidential Communications is a legal thriller that takes the reader on a ride which evaluates the vulnerability of us all while witnessing the downfall of greed.

I am excited to say that "Confidential Communications" is currently available on the shelves at Borders at The Mall in Columbia Maryland, and soon on the shelves at the Suffolk University Bookstore in Boston, Massachusetts. You can also find it online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Mysteriesandmore.net, and many other venues.

Please feel free to check it out and pass the world along:) I hope everyone is having a wonderful November -

Best,
J.R. Reardon

Hello Everyone,

My name is Stuart McCallum, author of: Beyond my Control. After much trial and error my website is up and running---I would love to hear what you think!

www.beyondmycontrol.net

Best of luck to all,

Stuart (Australia) Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond

Hi J.R.

Welcome to the group. I became hooked on legal thrillers after reading my first John Grisham novel...and look forward to reading Confidential Communications.

Dee Marie

Hi Stuart,

First off, welcome to the group. Secondly, thank you so much for sharing your story and your life long struggles. Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond will inspire many.

I liked your web site. The design was very clean, and it was easy to navigate.

Dee Marie