From Mayra's Desk
News
Articles
"Demystifying Virtual Book Tours," by Mayra Calvani
Interviews
What Does Amazon's Decision Really Mean?
Historical Novelist Catherine Delors
SF Author Phoebe Wray
SF Author Lee Denning
Romantic Suspense, NY Times Bestseller Author Lisa Jackson
Dark Fantasy Author Justin Gustainis
Illustrator K.C. Snider
Multi-genre Author Hill Kemp
Reviews
The Darkest Evening of the Year, by Dean Koontz (paranormal)
Monkey Trap, by Lee Denning (SF)
Jemma7729, by Phoebe Wray (SF)
Sleep Before Evening, by Magdalena Ball (mainstream)
Joey Gonzalez, Great American, by Tony Robles (picture book)
On the Go with Rooter and Snuffle, by Shari Lyle-Soffe (picture book)
Knowing Joseph, by Judith Mammay (middle grade)
Book Club
Resources
*****
From Mayra's Desk...
Since the release of my 2nd picture book, CRASH!, this April, I have been networking with lots of golden retriever sites and blogs. Partly to spread the word about my book, but also to learn more about goldens--my favorite breed of all dogs. Surely there isn't a kinder, gentler, more intelligent breed on the entire planet. Surely there isn't a more gorgeous sight than a room full of this breed of puppies--golden balls of fur! (I have a golden myself, so forgive my subjectivity!)I've learned a lot about rescue organizations and my heart goes out to all the special people, mostly volunteers, who are committed and dedicated to the welfare of goldens that have been abandoned or abused. This prompted me to be proactive and help as well, so I've decided to donate half of my royalties from CRASH! to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.
I've also enjoyed a lot of fun videos and I would especially like to share one of them with you. This video features a golden named Rookie and his lady owner dancing to John Travolta and Olivia Newton John's "You're the One that I Want" from Grease. I've embedded the YouTube here. Enjoy!
News!
*My 2nd children's picture book, CRASH!, is finally out! I'm happy to announce that I'll be donating 50% of my royalties from this book to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, a non-profit organization. Let's help those needy goldens! Read a review by Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection.
*Dark Realms Magazine and Northwood Journal, both print publications, recently reviewed my horror novel, Dark Lullaby:
"Mayra Calvani's novel Dark Lullaby offers a new perspective on the dark fantasy genre... With the embellishment of Turkish folklore, along with some her own creative mythology, the author lures her reader into dark and dangerous territory." --Dark Realms Magazine
Read the complete review of Dark Lullaby, by JR Clifford for Northwoods Journal.
Listen to the audio blurb at Armchair Interviews. Just click on the book's cover on the left sidebar. (If you're interested in doing one of these audio blurbs, I have included some information under the Resources section below).
Watch the trailer of Dark Lullaby! Note: If you get depressed after this video, watch Rookie dancing one more time! :-)
*To promote the release of my first nonfiction book, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing (co-authored with Anne K. Edwards), I'm launching a party of Blogcritics Magazine from June 1-30. Learn all about the business of book reviewing and what’s in the mind of some of the most popular reviewers on the internet today. Some of our guests will include: Irene Watson from Reader Views, Andrea Sisco from Armchair Interviews, Hilary Williamson from Book Loons, Linda Baldwin from Road to Romance, Judy Clark from Mostly Fiction, Carolyn Howard-Johnson from The New Book Review, and many others! Details to follow in the next issue!
The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is officially available for pre-order now on Amazon and B&N. The ebook is now for sale from the publisher at Twilight Times Books.
*Come see what I'm reading at Goodreads!
Articles
"Demystifying Virtual Book Tours," by Mayra Calvani
Interviews
What Does Amazon's Decision Really Mean?
Historical Novelist Catherine Delors
SF Author Phoebe Wray
SF Author Lee Denning
Romantic Suspense, NY Times Bestseller Author Lisa Jackson
Dark Fantasy Author Justin Gustainis
Illustrator K.C. Snider
Multi-genre Author Hill Kemp
Reviews
The Darkest Evening of the Year, by Dean Koontz
Monkey Trap, by Lee Denning (SF)
Jemma7729, by Phoebe Wray (SF)
Sleep Before Evening, by Magdalena Ball (mainstream)
Joey Gonzalez, Great American, by Tony Robles (children's picture book)
On the Go with Rooter and Snuffle, by Shari Lyle-Soffe (children's picture book)
Knowing Joseph, by Judith Mammay (middle grade)
Book Club (book blurbs and excerpts!)
The Last to Fall, by Anne K. Edwards
Mistress of the Revolution, by Catherine Delors
The Art of Smart Thinking, by Dr. James Hardt
Resources
Do you enjoy vampire fiction? Read reviews of the latest vampire-related novels at VampireGenre.
The Stilleto Gang. "Women writers on a mission to bring mystery, humor, and high heels to the world."
Want autographed copies of your favorite authors? Visit Signed by the Author
Share what you're reading with other readers. Read reviews of your favorite books, or write your own:
http://www.goodreads.com/
http://www.shelfari.com/
http://www.revish.com/
http://www.writingfordollars.com/ Make money writing articles.
The Book Depository. Online book retailer with FREE delivery worldwide.
Free author promotions and advertising:
Lea Schizas' Muse It Up Club, affordable monthly ads, $5 per monthly ad
AllBookReviews, $50 buys you a great promo package
Stories for Children Magazine, $25 for 3-month ad
YABooksCentral, $50 for one-month ad (great, high-traffic site for kids books)
Launchpad Magazine. Ezine for children, written & illustrated by children
Make your own slide show at Slideshow.com
Looking for an original way to promote your book? Consider audio blurbs, created by the professional staff at Armchair Interviews. Cost, $100. Visit the website for details or write to Andrea Sisco at andrea@armchairinterviews.com.
Read excerpts of YA novels at YABEO. Visit the sister blog here. The site offers great reading to YA fiction fans, and promotions for YA authors.
Promotional Resources for Authors
Affordable Virtual Book Tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion's Dorothy Thompson. Her latest clients include NY Times Bestselling Novelist Lisa Jackson, yet she offers really affordable prices. I'm letting her handle my CRASH! Virtual Book Tour this June!
