Sometimes a comment comes along, and it’s just too good to let it slide off into the sunset. That happened last Friday night in the wee hours of the morning.
Piper George’s blog Talk About Cheesecake is noted as “Musings, meanderings and meditation for my mind.” I enjoy Piper and her variety of blog topics. She’s married with two young children, three chickens, one cat, one puppy, and a varying number of fish. She has a lot of material to work with, and she’s writing.
It was nearly 3:30 a.m. when I was closing things up for night before heading on up to bed. I checked my notifications one last time and saw a comment from Piper on my post about the new cover for Sunshine Hunter. I’m pretty sure I squealed when I finished reading it:
“I finally got around to reading your books. Yes, all of them. I downloaded one to read last week and went on to buy them all.
This is not my usual style of book, there were no vampires or werewolves and I don’t do mystery. I would never have picked them up if I had not read your blog and been nosy.
But, I have to say thank you. Brilliant, funny light hearted reading – perfect for a weekend chill. I really enjoyed them.
I also like your character. Susan is girly, again, not my usual read. But also kick arse. Good to know that you can be both – I think more girls out there should learn that. I like that she is a normal human, she makes mistakes, she gets moody, she is funny. One of the things that struck me the most was that she had fallings out with people. You know, like normal people do and book heroines normally don’t. Shouting at the nosy old lady in the supermarket for spreading rumours of an orgy – very funny.
Thanks for the great read. I’m sorry you are only doing 6 books, but start working your next theme please because I want to read them all. Expectations are high now. ”
I am so appreciative Piper took the time to tell me what she thought about the books, and why she liked them. I had no idea she was reading even one book, let alone all five. It is a writer’s dream – that a reader will read the first book and keep on going until they’ve read them all. I’m still smiling a big smile over her comment/review. Thank you again, Piper.
There are a few more ladies here at WordPress who have read all of my books, and a couple who are in the process of reading all. A huge thank you to them as well.
I’ve been cleaning up, tweaking, and adding to my website for my books. I’m pretty tickled here, too. Take a look! Breezy Books
Breezy Books 
wow you go girl! That was an awesome review/comment. Wish I had made it. (kidding, sorta) Now for sure I am going to have to get the rest of your books (been planning to anyway) just so I don’t get left behind! The advertising idea is awesome! I love it. I will have to check out Bo’s and Piper’s blogs now. big hugs lady!
Thank you, Jackie! I’m still so delighted; always will be. Piper’s words were a real confidence booster. 🙂 Thanks for the hugs!!
Wow I couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂
Mike!! I was thinking about you this morning. Shooting you an email in one minute. … Thank you for saying so. I love that you have read two of my books. 🙂
And by the way…I wear bald well too lol
LOL!!
I think referring to your books as “chick lit” is selling them short. Where do most of your sales stem from? Where do you most want to see reviews posted? I just finished Windy…if you know what I’m saying.
Thanks for reading Windy, Marcus. Amazon is still where most of the reviews are right now.
Windy City Hunter is more “pure mystery” than the others. One of the criticisms I had (from the mystery readers) when doing that promo in the fall (people read samples) was that nothing happens right away in the books. In a mystery, the crime is usually upfront and the reader follows along as the crime is solved. My books don’t wholly fit into the mystery category. When I read about genres, my books seem to first fit chick lit (which is a pretty big market), and secondarily mystery. Besides, the pink, girly covers pretty much tag them as chick lit from the get-go.
You’ve read two now. Where would you slot them for genre?
Well I guess I was just going with mystery — perhaps YA, but I also hesitate with the YA, because I enjoyed them and I’m far from a young anything.
They are squeaky clean enough for young adult, but I’m finding young adult all the way up to grandparents have read a book (or two, or all) and have liked them. I think they’re just good, clean fun.
I will agree. Good clean fun!
I just finished windy too. (i blame the nachos.)
It’s so wonderful when people take the time to email or make a comment on your blog about how much they enjoyed your book, isn’t it? I’m always so honored, because I know they’re busy and they didn’t have to do that, but they did. And even though I’ve only read the first one in the Susan Hunter series, I completely agree with Piper’s assessment of your books!
Yes, I agree. When someone takes time out of their busy day to write (and I know Piper has a dog giving her a run for her money these days :-)), it really is appreciated. Thank you for agreeing with her assessment. You’ve been really kind and supportive, Carrie. I appreciate you very much.
Always my pleasure. 🙂
way to go Maddie 🙂
Thank you, Annie. I feel as though things are looking up … and my “freaking out” is lessening. 🙂
Exciting times 🙂
You have so many exciting things going on right now! So proud OF you and FOR you! Your books are such page turners…..as I’ve said a few times…..KeeP WritinG!!! ♥ paula
Thank you, Paula! I’m catching with blogs tonight so I can write all day tomorrow! 🙂
Monday….a good day to write!
The review was right on. I have only read one so far but I do intend to read the rest of them. It might take a while to get around to them.
The Comic Ad campaign is going to be a lot bigger hit than I anticipated. Redmond Publications has placed the Comic page for download as a free .pdf file at http://redmundpro.com/authors/bo-lumpkin/
There are several others who are promoting it and will print it and distribute it too. I think it is just a great way for all of us to help promote each other.
Bo
Bo, before you did this, Rich and I looked into advertising on one of the community news flyers like this. They are in the mall, restaurants, and waiting areas. The cost was really steep. Far too much for a little guy like me. This is really great, and I am pleased to be a part of it. It’s a fun piece, and yes, I like that we help each other out.
That is why we call it a community. I might try to sell some local ads for some sheets later on but right now I am just trying to promote my friends and my own stuff. I am seeing that it has a lot more possibilites than I thought it would.
Great job Maddie, keep writing your excellent at it !!!
You are always so sweet, Rita Kay. I’m still writing. I left Susan down at the police station. I really should go get her. 😉
Yep. You got this.
The website looks great. Good organization and layout. I like the way they’re numbered, and I think it’ll get more helpful for you to do that as you write more and more.
Damn, you’re one smart lady.
Tim, I think I finally turned a corner. The recent changes to the first cover, and settling on free did it for me. I’m pretty stubborn, but some things are just right. So glad you like the website. I’m really pleased with it now. I’ve tried to number my books at Amazon, but simply haven’t figured it out yet. Even through Smashwords, I list the number, but it isn’t picked up. That is on my to-do list. … Thank you, thank you for the support and kindness you always show me.
Without a behemoth marketing machine in place, it’s going to take time for the word to spread. You’ve got a nice line-up of work all set for when things really start to click. As we say in Gary, Indiana, “You done good.”
My “support” and my “kindness” is only an acknowledgement of a job well done. I’m proud to know you.
Fantastic, Maddie. Piper is wonderful and it’s always such a boost to get feedback on your books. Well done! 😀
Thank you, Dianne. 🙂
Good for you!
Even though I see it a lot, the blogging community never ceases to amaze me.
When I started blogging, I not only had no idea that anyone would ever show up here, I had no idea how many absolutely wonderful people were blogging. Just in every way – great people. It’s been a real pleasure making so many new “friends.” After there was a huge outpouring of love for you on your birthday, I realized I was missing out on someone special. That’s how I came to find you. 🙂
There are some men who read your books too! Men! MEEEENNN! And I like at least one of the reviews on your updated site. It is honest, heartfelt and heartwarming. But! To prove men can write good reviews too, here is my manly review for you…
As all us men know, the best things in life come in 6s. (Beer, abs, burps.) The six Susan Hunter books are the same way. I enjoyed them more than that first visit to the toiley each morning, or the satisfaction you get from finishing a massive steak. Read them and you won’t regret it. PS: The first one is free.
you can use that, Maddie.
Monk Monkey, you are a dear. 🙂 My review page wouldn’t be complete without a review including the word toiley.
You said it buster! (I sound more like a man every day!)
It’s funny how a lot of it comes down to… well, people. Communication, collaboration, whether it’s sharing your books, getting those great reviews or working with someone on their own production like with Bo, I’m glad to see it working out for ya 😉
That’s so true, Pixie Girl. I am so appreciative of all the people who help me – with support, taking time to write reviews, spreading the word (when I’m such a social media dolt), and yes, the neat piece from Bo. Self-publishing is such a roller coaster ride, and it feels good when the current position is going up. 🙂
A new facet of your career in only one year? Congrats!
This is the year for marketing. I hope to find more unique things to do to get Susan Hunter’s name out there. Thanks, UL!
That’s great!
Exciting times for you and your post reflects that; it oozes confidence and enthusiasm – you go girl, this is your moment in the sun
Thank you so much, Dallas. I’ve been extremely insecure about my writing and the entire process in general. It’s even been depressing at times. Now that more people are reading the books, and I’m getting some favorable feedback, I’ve been able to shake most of it off, and I’m just plowing forward. I think this year will be fun.
By the way. I dragged my husband up to bed very late last night. Before he could drop right off to sleep, I told him your tale of your dad and the cakes. We had the giggles something terrible at 3:00 in the morning. Such a great story! 🙂
Good work, Maddie!
I love out-of-the-box thinkling and you’re my hero now!
Hook, you alway make me smile. Thanks for the good words. 🙂
What a lovely compliment about your books. You should hire a skywriter! Make the most of this opportunity!
But wait a minute . . . did you say 3:30 am?
Robin, I felt like hiring a skywriter. I think Piper’s words meant so much to me, first because she took the time to honestly tell me what she thought, and secondly, my books weren’t in her favorite genre to read, and she still liked them. It just all made me very happy. 🙂
I have been on a wicked sleep schedule lately. If I go to bed by eleven or midnight, I’m up at three a.m., and that’s all she wrote. Staying up after midnight gives me a second wind, and I’m wide awake until three or four. I’m giving this nonsense one more week to work itself out before I resort to OTC sleep aids.
May I recommend melatonin. Works for me . . .
Thank you. Will look into it!
Goodness me, I’m all a’blushing now.
I don’t know what genre I would class your books in, picking up that discussion in the other comments. It can’t be mystery – prompted by enjoying your books I picked up a mystery to try and was bored as anything. Good god, who cares who did it!
I think part of what your books different is that the mystery part was happening to Susan, rather than some shrivelled up detective with a drinking problem and sour assed personality trying to solve a crime that happened to someone else, if you know what I mean. It made the action more immediate!
I would guess they are classed as chick lit because they would appeal to the more casual audience, but again, that doesn’t quite fit either. Chick lit is usually more about romance, blah blah blah.
Maybe you need to launch your own genre. We could call it mod-fun, and aim at men and women!
Anyhow, thanks for cleaning up my typos before posting my comment (darn iPad keyboard!) 😉
Piper, I’m still so tickled by your comments.
I have whined quite a bit and even wrote a post about needing a genre for my books. https://breezybooksblog.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/what-genre-4/ I gave up and decided I needed a pink genre.
I tried to compare my books to other authors, and I finally decided to use “Chick Lit Mysteries” for my genre. I’m hoping that will convey the girly aspect of the books, but that there is some mystery, too.
LOL at your description of mysteries … and you’re welcome for the typos; I think there were only two little ones at the end. I hope some of my followers get over your way; I know they will enjoy you. Thanks again, Piper. 🙂
Maddie,
That is SO awesome! Networking at its finest! It, also, makes me realize how important being a blogger and an artist is. Because I am so new to this, I hear people saying it, but I never see real life examples of why it is. So truly, thank you. Unless people write about it, how would newbies like myself know? =) Great post dear!
May God Bless You,
Tori
Tori, thank you for stopping by! I appreciate your comment. I am simply blown away by the amount of support shared here at WordPress. I only started writing a year ago, and I’ve only been blogging for about nine months. My best advice is to do just what you are doing – visit blogs you enjoy, leave comments and make friends. Your community will grow! Have fun! 🙂
You’ve got to cherish readers like that – worth their weight in gold!
Her words meant so much to me, Huw. I’m printing them and framing them for on my desk. 🙂
What a great review … which I imagine can also be a great motivator to keep you going!
Hi Frank! I’ve been taking a break from blogging, but will be by this weekend to catch up with you. Thanks for stopping by and reading Piper’s comments; they were definitely a great motivator! 🙂
Aww, so fabulous! As I said to you already, I adored ‘Sunshine Hunter’ and I’m looking forward to reading the rest as soon as I can! 🙂 Only 6? You’re not abandoning the character, are you? I hope not. She’s great! 🙂 Bo rocks as well! 🙂
I won’t be abandoning her so much as just setting her free to live her life. I can’t imagine a book after this next one, but I didn’t think I had any books in me after the second one either, so, I guess I should never say never. … Kate, you have no idea what a confidence booster it was for me to me to read that you liked the book and are willing to read more. Thank you so much!