Finding Your Voice

When I was only contemplating becoming published, I had many misgivings about whether or not I had the chops to do it.  I dove into my research, having written what I considered to be a publishable story, Spellbound.  Almost every blog, every author interview, and especially every agent interview I read, had something to say about two things:  having a platform and having a voice.

I had a voice!  Didn't I?  I sat down and re-read my story and decided I did have a voice.  Then further research advised me how I had to describe that voice in an engrossing manner, well enough to catch the attention of an agent or editor or, best of all, a publisher.  Describe it?  What the hell did that mean?  I had a story, I wrote it.  End of story, right?  Wrooooong.  So very wrong.

I submitted to a couple agents and while there was interest, they didn't take my bait.  And then I started hearing about the second thing:  platform.  Again, I was all, what the hell is that?  I studied some more (thank God for the internet!) and learned platform was actually the application of that voice you think you have.  You needed a blog, a facebook account, Twitter, all the social media one person could handle.  Whew!  It seemed like a lot but I had committed to this and besides, hadn't I told my husband this was my dream, and also it was my time?

So I started a blog.  Holy cow, did it suck at first.  I may have had a voice, but I certainly wasn't used to using it.  I wasn't sure what to do except talk about my story, which I did.  Then I started writing about my other work, then work I wanted to write.  I joined facebook and developed this whole community of other writers going through the same thing as me.  I bought Writers Searching for Agent-type publications and began to look for my angel.  I mean my agent.  I compiled careful lists of agents who I thought I might like, who had the same lists as the book I wanted to publish.

I taught myself how to write a query letter, how to play up the fact that I had zip for other publications, and I banged out blog posts.  I even started to blog on other people's sites.  For some reason they thought I had something to say.  Then my first exciting bite!  Defiantly, I had sent my submissions to a place that clearly stated they didn't take unagented submissions.  I figured, what was the worst that could happen?  Then the unexpected did happen: Harlequin Teen asked to see my manuscript!  I sent it in and me and the hubs made a list of things we would like to do with the advance money.  I know, right?  I didn't know ANYTHING!

The rejection came a couple weeks later, a lovely worded letter with some great advice.  They were passing on this one, but wanted me to submit in the future with any other projects.  I was bummed and elated at the same time.  Me and the hubs put the list we'd drawn up in a desk drawer.

Then a small independent publisher I had submitted to asked to see the manuscript.  Fully jaded now, and expecting, realistically, nothing, I sent it in.  Two days later they offered me a contract.

So, I don't have an agent yet.  But what I do have is a voice.  And five published works. And a platform.  You are smack in the middle of it here on this blog.  I passed 10,000 views recently and am pretty jazzed that most posts receive at least 35-50 or so hits.  I suppose the take-away from this post is exactly like many others will say.  Don't give up.  Keep writing.  Develop your own platform and your personal voice.  And it's okay if you make a list.....just keep it in that desk drawer.  I do, and I know someday I'll be pulling it out.  And if you have a blog, let me know about it.  I'll be happy to support you.

How I Promote...Sometimes By Not Promoting At All!

I guess you could consider this a post script to my post about spamming on social networks.  A new facebook friend recently asked me how I promote.  She mentioned she had noticed that I have a lot of friends, and a lot of reviews on my books.  She wondered if I was doing anything special.  I intended to pop a quick answer back at her, but realized, she was really interested in my answer and I owed her to treat it with courtesy.  As I wrote, I thought others might benefit from my response.

When I first started writing, I wasn't even ON facebook.  I had a blog, but I didn't feel I had that much to say.  And as for facebook, truth be told, I had an irrational fear of it.  I thought people would be unkind, laugh at what I had to say, and anyway who would care?  Who was I anyway?  I finished writing my first book and the publisher who welcomed me told me I was just a bit nuts not to be on facebook.  I was told it was a great marketing tool, so in July I think, of last year, I joined up.

I was amazed.  I found people who were going through the same things as I.  I found fellow writers, published authors and friends.  Another discovery was blogs.  I loved them!  I learned more about the publishing business than any class would ever teach me.  And then, I took an even bigger step.  I joined Twitter!  Even now, admittedly, I haven't much idea what I'm doing.  But in my blogging, my facebooking and my tweeting, I have learned one valuable thing:  people want to know about you as much as your work.

I have blogged before about being annoyed by the constant marketing some people do, so I shy away from doing  it myself.  I will market when my book comes out, but I don't constantly pound my books in posts.  Rather, I let myself be human.  I may not name or allow photos of my family, but that doesn't mean they don't figure prominently in my facebook or blog posts.  I give my readers a chance to get to know me as a person and an author.  I give a glimpse, and sometimes way more than a glimpse, into my writing process.  I think social networking gives writers today far more of an edge than previously published authors had in this respect.

I feel confident that my readers and, dare I say, even some I could call fans, follow me and join my blog because I don't just talk about my own books.  I showcase other writers and their books, I offer advice that has worked for me, and I comment and invite discussion on topics in the industry important to both established authors and aspiring ones.  I probably should do giveaways and contests, but they seem self-serving to me, so I don't.  They work great for others and I applaud their efforts and success, its just not my thing.

What I do do, is try and blog on other's blogs as often as I can.  I average 2-4 outside blogs a month.  I guess it could be more, but as a working, writing, publishing, mothering wife, its a tall order.  :-).  I also invite others to blog occasionally on my site.

I like to think these things are working for me.  I have great facebook pals and a good deal of activity on this blog, and better still, the books are selling.  Well after their release date, they continue to sell.  I suppose my point here is remember that you may be an author/writer now, but you have a whole other part to you.  Let your readers in on that part too, and you'll have friends and followers galore.  So, go ahead.....get social!

Spellbound Review: Night Owl Reviews

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Inkeddreams

Logan is an average guy, somewhat sheltered, but he knows what he wants in love and life and just hasn’t found it. It’s funny how life can change your views without any notice. From the moment Logan sees Serena, he knows there is something special about her. He knows he wants to be with no one else in his school as much as he wants to be with her. He is even more surprised when he finds that she holds the same feelings for him, but Serena and her sisters have a big secret. They’re witches. When Serena has to reveal herself to Logan, worry that her new boyfriend will not be able to accept what she is, sets in. However this is just the tip of the iceberg.

It seems that the ruling council has plans for Serena and will stop at nothing to get their way. But, they aren’t alone. Serena and her sisters, along with some new and old friends have no intention of giving in without a fight. What’s worse, a demon seems to have taken over the council. Can Serena and Logan’s relationship endure despite the abrupt changes taking place in their lives? Even as powerful as her coven appears to be, can they stand up to a powerful demon and its followers? Can Logan protect not only his new girlfriend, despite her revelation, but also his mom, sister and friends?

Spellbound is the first book in a fabulous series by Samantha Combs. Comb’s has the ability to make one remember falling in love for the first time and all the magic that comes with it. Spellbound itself was a roller coaster of emotion. One moment the characters are just typical teens learning the joy of love at first sight and the next they are in terror of just how bad things can go both in a magical and non-magical world. Comb’s truly has a gift for being able to develop her words into something her readers can envision.

The story itself is told from a first person point of view, but this one differs in that all of the main characters are telling the story, with a fresh perspective from chapter to chapter. At some points, I did have to look back at the beginning of the chapter to see whose point of view I was reading the story from, but this was not a drawback. The story is fast paced and flows fairly evenly considering the change from action to romance at the drop of a hat.

Spellbound had me wanting more before I was even halfway through the book. This one has everything a Paranormal Romance is meant to be. Readers will find a story that will bring them along for the ride and leave them with a smile on their face. Readers might think this is another typical witch story but it really is so much more than that. Readers will be clamoring for more at the turn of the last page, and looking forward to the next book in this magical series!

Mar 16, 2012 | B0055T3D1E

Finding Reviews I Didn't Know About....Like Christmas!

So my night job keeps me very busy either working (or sleeping!) and I feel like I miss so much on Facebook and my other social-networking sites.  I started searching around today and found I was right!  So here are some recent reviews I just found.  Once again, blessed be the Blogger! Spellbound by Samantha Combs

Title- Spellbound

Author- Samantha Combs

Released- 13th June 2011

Publisher- Astraea Press

Genre- YA, Paranormal/Fantasy

Review- What a fast paced, energetic, fun read. Combs captured my attention from the first paragraph. Her intense attention to detail is extraordinary. What I loved most about the book was how Combs did the chapters from different characters perspectives, I got to see all points of view of the story which I really enjoyed. Combs had a lot happening in such a short period of time but she managed to keep the story flowing without making it seem rushed. The relationships that formed in Spellbound were in themselves fast paced. I think Combs was spot on with how intense and full on teenage relationships can be, especially in the relationships between Logan and Serena and Dave and Tamera. The paranormal side of Spellbound was really fascinating. Witches, Shapeshifting Demons and Trolls made for one exciting battle between good and evil.

There isn't really much more to say about Spellbound without giving too much away. So I will leave you with a strong recommendation to giveSpellbound a read. It will be well worth it.

To purchase your copy of Spellbound head to AMAZON

And check out Samantha's blog too

	http://www.samanthacombswrites.blogspot..comiveSpellbound a read. It will be well worth it.

To purchase your copy of Spellbound head to 

And check out Samantha's blog too 
Spellbound 
by Samantha Combs (Goodreads Author), Elaina Lee (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator) 

Lissette's review

Oct 12, 11

Read from September 29 to October 10, 2011

Magic, witches, warlocks, and demons galore - this book has it all. Samantha Combs has done a beautiful job in spinning many elements of the paranormal with a good dose of fantasy. Not to mention the hot and heavy romance growing between Serena Starr and Logan Daniels with every turn of the page.

Logan has always led a comfortable life, while taking care of his mother and sister ever since his father's demise so long ago. He's surrounded himself with the best of friends and is practically the star of the school's baseball team. While things have not always been in his favor, he's done his best to make the most of what he's had. Yet he's never imagined that meeting the girl of his dreams would turn his life so upside-down.

Serena is every bit as beautiful - blonde, green eyes, and quite special, she's everything that Logan could ever want in a woman. Yet he has no idea of the secrets that she hides inside. You see, Serena is a witch. So are her sisters. Little does Logan know, the sisters are there for a reason - one that seems so unfathomable to him.

When dark forces invade the city, Logan comes to realize that Serena is far from being just an ordinary girl. She's a witch, one who's captured his heart completely. One whom he'll do his damnedest to protect, no matter the cost.

Unable to accept that there are others hunting his beloved, Logan knows that he'll need to accept her for who, and what she is, in order to help her, and her family, with what's to come. As they band together in hopes of taking down the evil that stretches across the town, Logan starts to learn just how special he and Serena really are.

Accepting everything that has come to pass is hard, at first, but he follows his instincts and gives in to what he's known all along. Come what may, they're there for one another in every way possible.

Strength comes in the oddest of ways, yet it's the bonds that have been formed that will allow them to overcome the obstacles that have been thrown their way. For love and friendship will make their ordeals bearable as they battle against those intent on taking away what they love the most

Thanks for reading everyone.  Don't you think the new paperback version of Spellbound would make a nifty Christmas present?  Me too!  Follow this buy link and thanks for supporting this indie author:

http://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Samantha-Combs/dp/1463787936/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1309285775&sr=1-1

Spellbound And The Global Ebook Award

A while ago Spellbound was entered into a contest called the Global Ebook Awards under a category eventually called Speculative Fiction-Fantasy category.  Interestingly, this was NOT a Young Adult category.  There was a Teen category but the judges didn't judge it that way.  I first was notified that Spellbound was nominated about four months ago.  Then promptly forgot about it.


About a month and a half ago, I was notified that Spellbound was a Finalist.  This was the first time I got a little butterfly feeling.  Then a funny thing happened.......after shouting about everything in my literary life for the last two and a half months or so on facebook and this blog, I just didn't mention it on the web at all.  I also didn't even mention it to my husband or family or best friend.  Isn't that strange?  I was so afraid I would lose, I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone.  It was that old self-doubt creeping in.


Even after I had Spellbound published, Ghostly on the way and The Detention Demon accepted and lined up by another publisher, I was still allowing my fears to get the better of me.  I allowed this to go on for another couple of weeks while the emails from the Awards committee trickled in, about reserving tables at the banquet dinner and how judges were finalizing their decisions and so on.  Then you know what happened?  I got mad.


I in fact, got super pissed off at myself.  What was it going to take?  I had followers on my fan page who believed in me, fans of my work reviewing me who believed in me, even family members who believed in me. WHEN WAS I GOING TO BELIEVE IN ME?  That day, and if you want to know the truth, it was just last Friday, I kicked myself in the butt, and me and my muse had a good talking to with myself.  Being unemployed can really take an emotional toll on you.  Well, me and the muse were SO OVER IT!  We kicked me around the block a few times and at the end of it, I sobered up fast.


I went on my facebook page and announced I was a Finalist, maybe only a day before the Award was announced, but I did it.  I put it all out there and exposed my soul.  The response was so heartwarming.  My friends came out and supported me.  My husband and I couldn't afford to go the the Awards banquet in Santa Barbara but that's okay.  Wanna know why?


I won.


Spellbound won the Global Ebook Award for Speculative Fiction-Fantasy and here is the sticker:



It is beyond cool that I won and that now my book, my debut novel, can be called Award-Winning and all that, but the best thing to me is that before it happened, I already won to myself.  I validated myself.  I believed in myself.  A friend who is a fan told me, before I won, that I would be epic.  She said I would be the author that everyone would be talking about.  I don't know about that.  But, at least I know that now when someone mentions me, I will be one of the people listening.