tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62194483681118227992024-02-06T21:26:16.881-08:00 Lina's Blog Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-63147469437603082482020-05-17T11:29:00.000-07:002020-05-17T11:29:21.494-07:00MY WRITING LIFE<div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">GUESS WHAT'S NEW</span></h2>
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VOLUME 1<br />
ISSUE 1<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6219448368111822799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6219448368111822799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6219448368111822799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6219448368111822799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6219448368111822799" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Over the years I’ve gathered a lot of fabric for sewing (and a LOT of other craft items). That means I have lots of fabric to work with right now when stores are closed and while we’re all trying to do our part to isolate. In my province, since the cases of Covid 19 have flattened, we are allowed to have a bubble family (one other family group). I took my two little granddaughters out for a walk on a trail and along the way I spotted a beautiful quilt on a clothesline. Wouldn’t you know it, my phone was back at my son’s house. It didn’t take long to find the pattern on the web when I got back though. This will be an Irish Chain with stars.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">I’ll show you the cover when I’m finished. The upside to sewing for me is listening to Youtube on my iPad. Lately, I’ve been listening to lots of tips on marketing. For those of who write… The number one tip is to create a mailing list. That is something I’ve fallen down on. I had a mailing list on MailChimp but they revamped their system and my list disappeared along with the names of the people on it. Sad, and totally my fault. I’m going to do a better job at it from now on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Anyway, I’m a huge fan of Youtube. There are so many interesting topics, some of which I hope I’ve absorbed whenever I’ve lost focus on the iPad and got wrapped up in sewing. ; ) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Speaking of learning subconsciously, it may have worked that way for me when I was studying via long distance through Guelph University. Back when I worked at the Department of Agriculture, I decided to enhance my knowledge base on the job. I wanted to be a Qualified Plantsman. The tests were overseen by my boss, but most of the lessons were via email. I had dozens of tapes to listen to as well as text books. Since I worked during the day, I’d often listen to the tapes in bed in the evening. And, I’m sure you can guess the next part…I usually fell asleep with the lessons playing in my ears. When I passed the course with high marks, I often wondered if it was in part, due to learning while I was asleep. ; )</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Book Alert</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">: I’m working on a new book/series. It will be another paranormal/urban fantasy romance. This one is taking me a little longer. I think it’s because I’ve written the Jess Vandermire series for so long. I know my characters so well. They’re almost like family. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Writer’s tip</span><span lang="EN-US">: A common tip in writing is “WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW”. If you write Urban Fantasy/paranormal you don’t have to worry about that. (add the canned laughter). That said, I’m sure if you’re like me, you do your research. When I started my vampire series, I was thrilled to be the owner of a set of encyclopedias dated 1890. The vampire beliefs in old encyclopedias was very different from modern ones and helped me greatly in creating my modern take on that world with a vampire cop with a brother who is a priest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">What I’m Reading: </span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRT3WF4?searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt" style="color: #666699;">Glory</a> (The Dust Chronicles Book 3). Maureen McGowan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">What I’m Enjoying on T.V.</span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US">Right now, I’m binge watching BOSCH, on Amazon Prime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s a cop procedural written by Michael Connelly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s edge of your seat kind of stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><u>HORRORSCOPE for May 2020</u></b></span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US">Things are looking up for you. A squad of vampire hunters will take out the hoard living own your street and you'll be able to go out at night again—as long as you avoid the full moon! Things might get hairy around that time.</span></div>
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LATEST BOOK RELEASE</h3>
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<span lang="EN-US">Graves of Retribution -- Book 3 in the Jess Vandermire Paris trilogy. (Book 7 in the series)</span></div>
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<a href="https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B082B8D25V&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_KdyWEbVAB5DB8&tag=linagardauth0d-20" target="_blank">Graves of Retribution Link</a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Lina Gardiner</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">www.linagardiner.com</span></div>
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-8679428264011873352018-04-16T17:35:00.000-07:002018-04-16T17:35:09.185-07:00Another beautiful Shirley Docking Painting from Sheryl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG7sDR3dDss6C7S727gG6gEOeYk00tHLGB-fvjT8wfPoWOK3o-Y2iny6VjAhjQP2dYyCimT29VSfLvNUNNv5FvxaM_w2XARoUjejAKuLJKzOLuxLZhyphenhyphenWJUtWIVYCIOex-fAs3FbdF1sYz/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG7sDR3dDss6C7S727gG6gEOeYk00tHLGB-fvjT8wfPoWOK3o-Y2iny6VjAhjQP2dYyCimT29VSfLvNUNNv5FvxaM_w2XARoUjejAKuLJKzOLuxLZhyphenhyphenWJUtWIVYCIOex-fAs3FbdF1sYz/s320/image1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-66476208823007349162018-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:002018-04-16T08:04:11.174-07:00Another Shirley Docking painting from Western Australia (George Box's)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cHmXYQtCR1JYusFKgdrcf_TzSXHi1FdmFFJF3xLkc749k24bg9AeUVZGA2dA5AiT7K5RduqSlPRy-Q49oYZDiyPGIIlJ0CMh1MJJq3gQW00coC6dtUpRtctDFeNEL4yBNp98C94VZN0Z/s1600/PAINTING+FROM+PERTH+WA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cHmXYQtCR1JYusFKgdrcf_TzSXHi1FdmFFJF3xLkc749k24bg9AeUVZGA2dA5AiT7K5RduqSlPRy-Q49oYZDiyPGIIlJ0CMh1MJJq3gQW00coC6dtUpRtctDFeNEL4yBNp98C94VZN0Z/s320/PAINTING+FROM+PERTH+WA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
George, thank you for sharing the painting that you found at Sally Ann's. It's another beautiful Australian scene. Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-53656308689219976642018-02-26T12:35:00.001-08:002018-02-26T12:35:18.675-08:00GLUTEN FREE AUTHOR - FAVORITE RECIPES<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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GLUTEN FREE FLUFFY TEA BISCUITS</h2>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 Cups Flour (I use PC GF Flour) Similar flours: King Arthur GF, and BetterBatter</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">1/4 Cup Shortening</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">4 Tsp. GF baking powder (I prefer Fleischmann's GF Baking Powder)</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">2 Tbsp. Sugar</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">1 Tsp. Salt</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">1 Egg</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">1 Cup Milk (I use lactose free milk)</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Method:</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mix together flour, shortening, baking powder, sugar, and salt with a pastry cutter until shortening is in pea sized bits. Mix in egg and milk. Mix together and let sit for 2-3 minutes.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Put a bit of flour on board and roll dough in it, until covered on all sides, then pat down with your hand but leave fairly thick (Don't use a rolling pin, it takes out too much of the fluffiness). </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cook in 390 Degree oven for 14 minutes. (Or until your biscuits are golden brown on top).</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Yum.... </span></h3>
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-53574181221764327792016-08-11T04:39:00.002-07:002016-08-11T04:39:28.274-07:00GRAVE ILLUSIONS on sale for 99 Cents at your favorite U.S. bookseller<a href="https://amzn.com/B004GEAK3S" target="_blank">https://amzn.com/B004GEAK3S</a>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-31330139634440750352016-04-25T03:34:00.002-07:002016-04-25T03:34:38.242-07:00What She Doesn't Know 99 cents for a Limited Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-53859717497628980002015-10-25T12:06:00.002-07:002015-10-25T12:06:40.137-07:00The MartianI recently read The Martian by Andy Weir. I have to admit these days unless I'm absolutely enthralled with a book it takes me a few days to finish it because I'm usually writing my own books during the day. It took me 2 days to read The Martian. LOVED IT! And, while it is detail heavy, it is written in such a way that I still sailed through the technical details that are brillantly written for the regular person to understand and enjoy. <br />
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I recommend....<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1LPuWIM" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1LPuWIM</a>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-1474567769042151032015-10-15T12:19:00.002-07:002015-10-15T12:19:40.398-07:00Webpage difficultiesIf you're trying to find my webpage, my provider has deleted it, saying my domain was not renewed. Problem being I paid for the Domain for 5 years in 2012. Which by my count, means I should have it until 2017. Irritating to say the very least. And just when I had my webpage updated (It's lovely even though you can't see it) and I have a fourth book to tout. <br />
<br />
Frustration is my middle name today.Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-3423125370558557072015-09-21T20:03:00.000-07:002015-09-21T20:03:14.825-07:00GoodReads Giveaway of Grave Expectations Staring Sept. 23rd<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20id=%22goodreadsGiveawayWidget155474%22%3E%3C!--%20Show%20static%20html%20as%20a%20placeholder%20in%20case%20js%20is%20not%20enabled%20--%3E%20%3Cdiv%20class=%22goodreadsGiveawayWidget%22%20style=%22max-width:%20350px;%20margin:%2010px%20auto;%20padding:%2010px%2015px;%20border:%202px%20solid%20#EBE8D5; border-radius: 10px;"> <style> .goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; } </style> <h2 style="margin: 0 0 10px !important; padding: 0 !important; font-style: italic; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; color: #555;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway </h2> <div style="float: left;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25792265"><img alt="Grave Expectations by Lina Gardiner" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435207470l/25792265.jpg" title="Grave Expectations by Lina Gardiner" width="100" /></a> </div> <div style="margin: 0 0 0 110px !important; padding: 0 0 0 0 !important;"> <h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25792265">Grave Expectations</a> </h3> <h4 style="margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2860058.Lina_Gardiner" style="text-decoration: none;">Lina Gardiner</a> </h4> <div class="giveaway_details"> <p> Giveaway ends October 01, 2015. </p> <p> See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/155474" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a> at Goodreads. </p> </div> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <a class="goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink" href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/155474">Enter Giveaway</a> </div> </div><script src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/155474" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>" target="_blank"><div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget155474">
<!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled --> <div class="goodreadsGiveawayWidget" style="border-radius: 10px; border: 2px solid #EBE8D5; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 350px; padding: 10px 15px;">
<style> .goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; } </style> <h2 style="color: #555555; font-size: 20px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin: 0 0 10px !important; padding: 0 !important; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway </h2>
<div style="float: left;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25792265"><img alt="Grave Expectations by Lina Gardiner" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435207470l/25792265.jpg" title="Grave Expectations by Lina Gardiner" width="100" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0 0 0 110px !important; padding: 0 0 0 0 !important;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin: 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25792265">Grave Expectations</a> </h3>
<h4 style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0;">
by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2860058.Lina_Gardiner" style="text-decoration: none;">Lina Gardiner</a> </h4>
<div class="giveaway_details">
Giveaway ends October 01, 2015. <br />
See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/155474" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a> at Goodreads. <br />
</div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
<a class="goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink" href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/155474">Enter Giveaway</a> </div>
</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/155474" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-56088983670586861952015-06-17T05:59:00.000-07:002015-06-17T05:59:45.086-07:00Grave Expectations - Book 4 in the Jess Vandermire Vampire Hunter Series Available for Preorder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2l9pcIdUHDo5kGlQgVIJhqig-m_skoIPvFYTja4oQX9QguDXB-GUnPJHjd1Uqc-e2sOwZeq72GveG7WhApbHZl2iA4Ckc_VRzoaJA6CNqbZA4-ZRrH8MiHpZvP4-xCv8_57zT1OpFTA9/s1600/Grave+Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2l9pcIdUHDo5kGlQgVIJhqig-m_skoIPvFYTja4oQX9QguDXB-GUnPJHjd1Uqc-e2sOwZeq72GveG7WhApbHZl2iA4Ckc_VRzoaJA6CNqbZA4-ZRrH8MiHpZvP4-xCv8_57zT1OpFTA9/s320/Grave+Expectations.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
BIG NEWS in my world! Jess Vandermire is available for preorder on Amazon. And there's even more exciting news coming in the near future... Hang onto your hats. ; )<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grave-Expectations-Lina-Gardiner-ebook/dp/B00ZT5YTMG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1434544285&sr=8-8&keywords=Lina+Gardiner">http://www.amazon.com/Grave-Expectations-Lina-Gardiner-ebook/dp/B00ZT5YTMG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1434544285&sr=8-8&keywords=Lina+Gardiner</a><br />
<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-53137982447430544792015-01-19T07:13:00.001-08:002015-01-19T07:13:40.663-08:00Ask the Assistant: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Information
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So you’ve decided to hire an assistant, but
you’re nervous about handing them the keys to your castle. Don’t worry! I’ve
got some tips to help you protect yourself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Please
note, I am not an attorney and this post should not be used as a substitute for
professional legal advice.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">1.
SET UP A CONTRACT</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Once you find your new assistant, you might
consider asking them to sign a brief contract, which includes a confidentiality/non-disclosure
agreement and defined guidelines about invoices and billing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you hire through a 3<sup>rd</sup> party
like odesk or elance, you should review their standard agreement that comes as
part of any hiring relationship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">2.
DISCUSS YOUR BUDGET</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Estimates</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - When you first start working with someone, you don’t want to be
surprised by a giant bill. If you are delegating tasks that you don’t have the
skills or knowledge to complete on your own, you might not have much of an idea
of how long they will take. Especially if that is the case, you should ask for
an estimate of how long the project will take. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Hourly
Budget</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - One of the things I highly recommend when
it comes to starting with an assistant is that you set an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hourly budget. </i>Tell the assistant that you would like them to work
on X, Y, and Z tasks, but please don’t spend more than 5 hours total.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the assistant know that when they hit the
5-hour cap, you would like to receive an update. At that point, you can decide
if you want them to continue working on the projects or if you want to pause
their efforts until the next billing cycle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Initial
Investment</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - Keep in mind that starting with an
assistant is an investment for both of you. It will take them slightly longer
in the beginning to complete your projects because they are getting to know
you, setting up notes and procedures, and learning how to do tasks in the
manner you prefer. The longer you work with someone, the more valuable should
become.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">3.
PAY INVOICES SAFELY</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In my previous article, How to Find and Vet
Assistants, I recommended that you ask to see a sample invoice. Hopefully, this
invoice will be broken down by line item so if you are asking your assistant to
work on a wide variety of tasks, you can see how much time each task requires
and make decisions about which outsourced items give you the biggest return on
your investment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ask if the assistant can invoice you via
PayPal or a similar 3<sup>rd</sup> party, or ask to mail a paper check. I think
this usually goes without saying, but do not share your credit card
information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">4.
OVERSEE COMMUNICATION</span></b><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you ask the assistant to start
communicating with others on your behalf, ask to be carbon copied on all
correspondence during the beginning of the relationship. This will give you a
chance to stay up to date on everything. An assistant can save you tons of time
if you will allow them to communicate with:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Schools, Libraries, And
Booksellers</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Your Publicity Team &
Publisher</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Bloggers/Reviewers</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Other Freelancers You Use</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">5.
USE LASTPASS TO SHARE PASSWORDS</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You don’t have to share passwords with your
assistant. However, if you choose not to share any passwords or allow them
access to any accounts, you will be seriously limiting the amount of things
your assistant can help you with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is where establishing trust comes in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you feel twitchy about emailing your
passwords or you’re worried about having to change all of your passwords if you
decide to terminate a relationship with an assistant, I recommend you use <a href="https://lastpass.com/" target="_blank">LastPass</a>. You can open an account with LastPass
and share your passwords with others without them ever seeing the text of your
passwords.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It works like the “keychain”
on a browser (EX: Would you like Safari to remember this password for you?),
but it allows you to share the passwords with others. Your assistant will also
have to have a LastPass account for this to work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">BONUS TIP: You can make someone an “admin”
of your Facebook page without having to share your Facebook password.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instructions here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/187316341316631">https://www.facebook.com/help/187316341316631</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">HOW
AND WHAT TO START DELEGATING</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I hope this helps! Please let me know if
you have questions. Check out my post next month about exactly which items are
the easiest to delegate.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk1_2be-hA2_KaW18rKDZfYNIYQgEE-qJM45iAfBvnhU1DVVjx7PiLQguTWL3IeG_UEa0Masuc4USYhSu04RTe_415gq9HG4Nl21pK6JhnRNYR-Oj7SIAu6WpYk61T7gRc9dHO1-d4VD5/s1600/MelissaJolly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk1_2be-hA2_KaW18rKDZfYNIYQgEE-qJM45iAfBvnhU1DVVjx7PiLQguTWL3IeG_UEa0Masuc4USYhSu04RTe_415gq9HG4Nl21pK6JhnRNYR-Oj7SIAu6WpYk61T7gRc9dHO1-d4VD5/s1600/MelissaJolly.jpeg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mel Jolly, founder of Author Rx and Author’s Atlas, has been “Keeping Authors Out of the Loony Bin Since 2009.” Mel started out as a Library Assistant in Young Adult Services where she specialized in outreach to at risk teens at juvenile detention centers and inner-city schools. Melissa has always had a true passion for connecting readers (and non-readers) to books and now enjoys channeling that energy into teaching all authors the tips and tricks she’s learned about how to thrive in the publishing industry through workshops and the Author’s Atlas blog. To follow along with Mel's tips to help you Get Organized in 2015, sign up for the Author's Atlas newsletter at <a href="http://www.authorsatlas.com/" target="_blank">http://www.authorsatlas.com/</a>.<br /><br />Mel Jolly<br /><br />Manager<br />Author Rx<br />www.authorrx.com<br />(828) 308-2925</span></div>
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-3316275942778410372015-01-15T04:33:00.000-08:002015-01-15T04:33:22.472-08:00Ask the Assistant: How to Find and Vet Assistants<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Let’s jump straight into the next stage of
finding your new assistant! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">PREP
WORK<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before tackling these steps, you should
have your:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Financial budget<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">List of tasks to outsource<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">General idea of how much time
per month you expect to outsource<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">These items were covered in my November post,
<a href="http://linagardiner.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Is it Time to Hire Help?</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">FINDING
NAMES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This part might seem daunting, but I’m
promise it’s not difficult!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Referrals</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - Ask your author friends if they work with an assistant or if they
know of someone else that does. Personal recommendations are a great place to
start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Check
the Loops</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – If you are on any author loops or discussion
groups, run a search for “author’s assistant.” Chances are someone else has
already asked for recommendations. If nothing comes up in your search, be the
first to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Resources</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – <a href="http://www.authorsatlas.com/search/" target="_blank">Author’s Atlas</a>
is a free review and ratings site for all the freelancers an author might need
and has a significant database of assistants. <a href="http://www.authorems.com/working-with-freelancers/freelance-virtual-assistants/" target="_blank">AuthorEMS</a> also has an extensive listing of freelancers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">VETTING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Once you start collecting names and
referrals, visit each assistant’s website. Here are the items I recommend you
look for on their site:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Testimonials</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - This will give you an idea, not only of the assistant’s experience
in the field, but also of other authors you can contact to make sure they were
happy with the freelancer’s work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Services</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Most freelancers are going
to have a detailed list of their services on their website. Just make sure that
the majority of the items you are hoping to outsource are on the list. Most
assistants are flexible in what they do, so if something is missing from the
list, make a note to ask about that particular item in your inquiry email.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Copy</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – One thing I always check when vetting someone is their website
copy and blog. I’m looking for writing skill level and attention to detail
because both of those items are important to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">RATES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Rates of assistants are going to vary
widely based on experience and skill set. On average, you can expect to pay $25
- $40/hour. There will be outliers, of course, and a new assistant might not
charge as much as someone who’s been working in the industry for years. Some
assistants also offer a bulk discount if you’re going to contract them for a
set number of hours per month. The assistant may or may not include their rates
on their website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">INQUIRY
EMAIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At this point, you should have a handful of
names that you would like to contact. If you have one or two favorites, contact
them first. In your email, I recommend you include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Introduction</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Include the usual items: who you are, what you write, and where
you are in you career. Every assistant is going to have unofficial areas and
genres of expertise, so sharing that info with them upfront helps them to determine
if they are a good fit for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Referral</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – If someone recommended that freelancer to you, be sure to mention
it. First of all, it’s so nice to hear that a client likes your work! Secondly,
it’s also a reverse referral. If one of my authors recommends someone to me as
a potential client, it makes that person stand out in my inbox.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Tasks</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Give the assistant a brief description of what you’re hoping to
outsource. Don’t worry about going into a ton of details; a simple list (social
media, managing my inbox, setting up speaking events, mailing review copies) is
sufficient. Make sure to specify if you’re looking to hire someone for ongoing
help or if you just need to hire for one project that will have a definitive
end. If you’re especially nervous about hiring someone, a small one-time
project is a great place to start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Budget</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Let them know how many hours/month you think these tasks will
take. If you have a solid budget that you can’t afford to go over, mention
that. (EX: I would like to start with a budget of $250/month.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Timeline</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Let them know if you’re looking to start working with someone
immediately or if you can be flexible on start date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">RESPONSE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
assistants are busy. They might not be able to take you on right away or at
all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if they aren’t able to
work with you at all, ask if they have any referrals. I am part of a several
freelancer groups and it’s common for someone to send out a “Who is taking on
new clients?” email. Even if I can’t work with an author, I do want to make
sure they find a happy home!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">INTERVIEWS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you get a favorable response from an
assistant, set up a time to chat via Skype or on the phone. Or, if you’re
uncomfortable with calls, continue exchanging emails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Here are some questions you might want to
ask:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Turnaround
Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – How long does it typically take them to
start working on a project? Is it a few days or over a week?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Invoicing
and Payment</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – How often do they invoice and what
forms of payment do they accept?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask to
see a sample invoice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Communication</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Let them know how you prefer to communicate (email, text, phone).
Ask about their response time to emails and whether or not you have to schedule
calls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Responsibilities</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Talk about what you hope to accomplish and ask for feedback.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Team</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Some assistants have assistants of their own that do some of the
work. Ask if that’s the case and find out who will be your primary point of
contact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">PROTECTING
YOURSELF<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Check back next month for my post about how
to protect yourself, in which I’ll cover how to safely start delegating tasks, ways
to protect your personal information, and tips for building a trusting
relationship with your new assistant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN5BzWE7addCCQlI7NodqIjouRR0Ege5diumzOrYnCju9ci-U0N-Jj5Us6tVt7rC2mpmp2ygymQqBpDgPgewEvFW0OdNHVSUe-xEQ76M3BltsofCwlMZJlRqe2GI7ByMR7LsfG_646UlG/s1600/MelissaJolly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN5BzWE7addCCQlI7NodqIjouRR0Ege5diumzOrYnCju9ci-U0N-Jj5Us6tVt7rC2mpmp2ygymQqBpDgPgewEvFW0OdNHVSUe-xEQ76M3BltsofCwlMZJlRqe2GI7ByMR7LsfG_646UlG/s1600/MelissaJolly.jpeg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Mel Jolly, founder
of Author Rx and Author’s Atlas </span><a href="http://authorrx.com/about/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">http://authorrx.com/about/</span> </a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"> has been “Keeping Authors Out of the
Loony Bin Since 2009.” Mel started out as a Library Assistant in Young
Adult Services where she specialized in outreach to at risk teens at
juvenile detention centers and inner-city schools. Melissa has always
had a true passion for connecting readers (and non-readers) to books and
now enjoys channeling that energy into teaching all authors the tips
and tricks she’s learned about how to thrive in the publishing industry
through workshops and the Author’s Atlas blog. To follow along with
Mel's tips to help you Get Organized in 2015, sign up for the Author's
Atlas newsletter at </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.authorsatlas.com/">http://www.authorsatlas.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-64183362517061207702015-01-14T17:29:00.002-08:002015-01-14T17:34:50.679-08:00Need an Author Assistant? Is it Time to Hire Help? <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><b>So you’re ready to hire someone? That’s
great! Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx, says one of her biggest lessons
learned is “that you have to be willing to hire your weaknesses.” We all have
weaknesses and even if you’re good at most things, not having enough TIME to do
everything can be a problem.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>The question is where do you start?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Assess Your Needs</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Spend some time tracking what you do each
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use a timer and a notebook and track
what you do and how long it takes. It’s important to do some actual data
collection. I’ve found that things always take longer than I think they will.
This might be a little painful, especially if you’re in denial about how much
time you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">think</i> you spend on Facebook
versus how much time you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">actually</i>
spend on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>For example:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Social Media – 30 minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Answering fan mail – 45 minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">General email – 30 minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Creating a to-do list – 15
minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Writing – 1 hour</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Mailing prizes to giveaway
winners – 1 hour 15 minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Working on cover art/searching
for stock photos – 1 hour 30 minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Tracking sales data – 1 hour 45
minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Writing guest blog post – 45
minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Creating author newsletter – 2
hours</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Answering blog comments – 15
minutes</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Website updates – 1 hour</span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Divide and Conquer</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now that you have your list, divide it into
groups. Mark the items that are easily outsourced. Tasks like scheduling your
social media posts, mailing swag to fans, and sending out your newsletter could
all be done by an assistant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Put the things that can only be done by you
into another category. However, before dumping something into the “only me”
list, ask yourself if that item has multiple steps. Can you train someone else
to do part of the prep work for you? Make a list of those steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Keep in mind most things can be at least
partially outsourced to someone else. This means, part of your decision-making
will revolve around what you are comfortable outsourcing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>BONUS TIP</i>: If you track how much time it
takes you to do each task, this will give you a good idea of how long it will
take an assistant to do these tasks for you. This will be extra helpful when it
is time create your budget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Set Goals</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before you even begin to look for a
freelancer, it’s important to determine your objective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Are you hiring because the
freelancer has skills that you do not?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Are you trying to expand your
business or are you simply unable to keep up with everything?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Are you trying to create more
time in your day? If yes, what are you going to use that additional time to do?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">How is hiring someone going to
enhance your career?</span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Your goals may shift once you start working
with someone, but it’s important to pinpoint what you need right now so you can
work towards achieving that goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Set a Budget</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It may sound like a dream come true to have
someone else take over a portion of your workload, but don’t forget the
financial repercussions. You don’t want to hire an assistant and then realize
two months later that you can’t financially sustain the relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I read The Naked Truth About
Self-Publishing by the authors of the The Indie Voice, and one of the things
that stood out to me most was Denise Grover Swank’s chapter about looking at
your writing as a business. Create a plan that includes your projected publishing
schedule, earnings, and expenses. All of these items should inform your
decision to outsource some of your workload and ensure that you are able to
stay within your budget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ask yourself:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Do you make a profit from your writing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If YES:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">How much do you allocate for
your business expenses and how much of it goes to personal needs?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Do you have anything left in
your business budget for outsourcing? If not, where will you find the extra
money?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If NO:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How much are you going to
allocate for your starting your business? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Don’t forget to budget for:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Product Expenses (cover art,
editing, formatting)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Platform (website)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Outsourcing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Advertising and Materials
(swag)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Education and Travel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Fees and taxes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The amount you will need to spend on a
freelancer will vary widely based on your needs and the experience of the
freelancer. The key is to find someone that meets both your needs and your
budget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In next month’s post, How to Find and Vet
Assistants, I’ll cover more of what an Author’s Assistant actually does as well
as the cost of hiring one. Tell me, have you thought about hiring an assistant?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Mel Jolly, founder of Author Rx and Author’s Atlas, has been “Keeping Authors Out of the Loony Bin Since 2009.” Mel started out as a Library Assistant in Young Adult Services where she specialized in outreach to at risk teens at juvenile detention centers and inner-city schools. Melissa has always had a true passion for connecting readers (and non-readers) to books and now enjoys channeling that energy into teaching all authors the tips and tricks she’s learned about how to thrive in the publishing industry through workshops and the Author’s Atlas blog. To follow along with Mel's tips to help you Get Organized in 2015, sign up for the Author's Atlas newsletter at </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.authorsatlas.com/">http://www.authorsatlas.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.authorsatlas.com/" target="_blank">www.authorsatlas.com/</a>.</span><br />
<a href="http://authorrx.com/about/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">http://authorrx.com/about/</a></div>
Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-69536214821953744172014-07-28T12:56:00.001-07:002014-07-28T12:59:49.520-07:00NEWS and more News...Hi Friends,<br />
<br />
I've been busy writing book four in the Jess Vandermire Vampire Hunter series. I love it when Jess throws me a curve ball. She's such a vixen. I've been getting requests about book four in the series and my editor tells me it might be available around March 2015. I'll let you know when I have the actual date.<br />
<br />
I am also in the process of creating a newsletter list to keep my readers in the loop, and I'm incorporating a few things I think might be of interest. So stay tuned and sign up. ALSO, there is also going to be a SURPRISE GIVEAWAY after I've reached the next 50 members. (You'll find a signup form on the right hand of the blog -- it's a little faded but readable).<br />
<br />
I've already bought the surprise gift and it's SO….CUTE! I want to keep it. What? You don't think I should since I've promised it to the lucky winner? Oh well, I guess you're right. And for you fellas out there who enjoy my books; and I'm happy to say there are quite a few of you, if you win the surprise, you'll get something decidedly more masculine than the CUTE surprise. :) I haven't bought that SURPRISE GIFT yet, but I will if you win.<br />
<br />
Ta ta for now,<br />
<br />
PS… Unknown Assailant is on sale for 99 cents at Kobo, Amazon, Apple and Smashwords. Click on the book below you'll be taken to my webpage where you can find the link to your favourite ebook seller.<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlOu2Dx3SpfVXDpOtTvTLYw2Tzwo8e4q6i8mUZqMBNxXx4hGWrlNw3YUiNtQPbtsr-SDCfHhkzwf4n8U3wTUrLC2SX_0LbZwv386YNJ3QqCSV_aP9GhfUqZr8bHNZd6emrxuI14_bOQK8/s1600/Image.jpg" height="244" width="320" /><a href="http://www.linagardiner.com/" target="_blank">www.linagardiner.com</a></div>
<h4>
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lina</span></i></h4>
Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-52939440963441673452014-07-01T05:38:00.001-07:002014-07-01T05:38:50.545-07:00FREE BOOK by Kate Kelly.Kate is a good friend of mine. Her book Sleight of Hand is free right now. She has a huge following and also writes for Harlequin Super Romance. I love Kate's characters. They are always people you wished lived in your neighborhood. And her romantic suspense novels will keep you turning the pages well into the night.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.com/B005LI4B42/?tag=linagardauth0d-20" target="_blank">Link to Sleight of Hand by Kate Kelly</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfSfFeo6-W6ycGVnecdD6KgvNaH5OuNKo8goLPmFg_xulBBAIsqSrGECYEQrLdoRr5s3ylKBElfcgZH_jyESmnZI4UmsKjNjfbgoc0s_jguVJerjRVNqldBWeO-OXF-yVUfoPw9xguYPQ/s1600/bn+KATE+KELLY+REMODEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfSfFeo6-W6ycGVnecdD6KgvNaH5OuNKo8goLPmFg_xulBBAIsqSrGECYEQrLdoRr5s3ylKBElfcgZH_jyESmnZI4UmsKjNjfbgoc0s_jguVJerjRVNqldBWeO-OXF-yVUfoPw9xguYPQ/s1600/bn+KATE+KELLY+REMODEL.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-80738568499826516762014-05-31T09:35:00.001-07:002014-05-31T09:35:50.107-07:00JOYCE LAMB GETS THE SURPRISE OF HER CAREERJoyce Lamb is not only a fantastic writer and a good friend, she has long been an advocate for her fellow writers by initiating the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/blog/happyeverafter/" target="_blank">Happy Ever After Blog</a> at USA Today. (See post from the beginnings of <a href="http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2011-10-04/welcome-to-happy-ever-after/550363/1" target="_blank">HEA</a> by clicking this link)<br />
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<br />
<br />
If you've ever met Joyce you'll instantly pick up on her faster than the speed of light wit. I really enjoy her sense of humor. And her kind heart. <br />
<br />
Joyce's wonderful surprise came when she won the <i>Romantic Times Melinda Helfer Fairy Godmother Award</i> for being a huge supporter of the romance genre through HEA. A VERY BIG DEAL... And Joyce certainly deserves this award since she works tirelessly behind the scenes to promote romance writers and their books.<br />
<br />
If you haven't stopped by to read some of the wonderful reviews and blog posts at HEA, click on the link above and visit the USA Today HEA Blog today.<br />
<br />
Joyce is also a well known author in her own right. To find her books (at most booksellers) or go here <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Heat-Joyce-Lamb-ebook/dp/B008DKAYYQ/ref=la_B001K8G62M_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401552586&sr=1-8/?tag=linagardauth-20" target="_blank">Amazon.com </a> <br />
<br />
Joyce's second novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caught-Act-Joyce-Lamb-ebook/dp/B004XMOGRE/ref=la_B001K8G62M_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401554066&sr=1-6/?tag=linagardauth-20" target="_blank">Caught in the Act</a> was a 2004 RITA finalist in the romantic suspense category, and
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Vision-Berkley-Sensation-Joyce-ebook/dp/B003NX7O3W/ref=la_B001K8G62M_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401553968&sr=1-3/?tag=linagardauth-20" target="_blank">True Vision</a> (book 1 in the True trilogy) won a Daphne du Maurier award
for romantic suspense and a HOLT Medallion for Best Book by a Virginia
Author. Find out more about Joyce at her Web site (Taken from Joyce's Amazon bio).<br />
<br />
Kudos to you Joyce! Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-35085511664838842142014-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:002014-03-20T05:00:16.426-07:00Caffeinated ReviewerReceived a fantastic review from Kimba the Caffeinated….<br />
<br />
<a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2014/03/gift-prophecy-lina-gardiner.html" target="_blank">http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2014/03/gift-prophecy-lina-gardiner.html</a><br />
<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-77456582156851488922014-02-11T13:21:00.001-08:002014-02-11T13:21:50.414-08:00GoodReads Giveaway<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget81105">
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<br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway<br /> </h2>
<br /><br /> <div style="float: left;">
<br /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20708150"><img alt="Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1391477451l/20708150.jpg" title="Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner" width="100" /></a><br /> </div>
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<br /> <h3 style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin: 0; padding: 0;">
<br /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20708150">Gift of Prophecy</a><br /> </h3>
<br /> <h4 style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0;">
<br /> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2860058.Lina_Gardiner" style="text-decoration: none;">Lina Gardiner</a><br /> </h4>
<br /><br /> <div class="giveaway_details">
<br /> <br /> Giveaway ends April 20, 2014.<br /> <br />
<br /> <br /> See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/81105" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a><br /> at Goodreads.<br /> <br />
<br /> </div>
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<br /><br /> <a class="goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink" href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/81105">Enter to win</a><br /></div>
</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/81105" type="text/javascript"></script>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-65077735525566716672014-02-05T14:26:00.001-08:002014-02-05T14:26:56.157-08:00THE WAGONS ARE CIRCLINGGetting that first book written is hard to describe. Being able to say I've written a book, pretty darned satisfying. And then... Publishing the first book is high up there, probably near the top. It's so cool to see that first book and hold it in your hands. Then comes the first book-signing where so many of your friends line up and buy your book.... Sniff... hard to explain how wonderful that felt.<br />
<br />
After writing a handful of books, it's still uber exciting to get a book published and see that wonderful cover and hold it in your hands. After publishing several books the excitement remains because each new book is such a big part of the author (I know I write dark fantasy and creepy critters), but really-truly these books are a big part of me. Actually, I went to a psychic in Disney World in October and she shocked me when she said I had a dark side. MOI? Not really.... is all I could think. But then, the psychic said, this dark side is vented by something you do creatively. WHAT!? How cool! I told her I write dark fantasy books. Well! We chatted like crazy after that.<br />
<br />
By now you're wondering what the heck does this have to do with wagons circling. After the writing of books -- comes the reviews. And while my hide is pretty darned tough, that very first review (if not glowing) slices into our tender, baby-fresh skin. That's when you realize that being a writer is the best choice ever, because your author friends/critique partners/beta readers, etc. start to circle the wagons to buffer the blow of a less than stupendous review of your baby. That's the benefit of being part of this amazing, giving, wonderful group of people. We all want to see each other succeed, and as far as my industry friends go, they would more often than not drop whatever they're doing if any one of us needed something. And a first review that stings? The wagons start to circle and we form a supportive link that takes the sting out of almost anything that threatens our tender egos.<br />
<br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-27847888609130715992013-09-16T16:18:00.006-07:002013-09-16T16:18:52.655-07:00New Website comingHey everyone, I'm excited to announce a new website within the next couple of days.<br />
And Grevellia's story will be continuing in the Fall. <br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Norah Wilson and Barbara Phinney and I at the giant</div>
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booksigning in Atlanta Georgia in July. We had a great time. I sat beside Lisa Gardner, who is lovely.</div>
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Her fans often wanted someone to take picture of them with her, so I was photographer</div>
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for the event. </div>
Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-63523224700839174092013-07-25T14:49:00.002-07:002013-07-25T14:49:25.944-07:00Do You Think We Look Alike?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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DO YOU THINK WE LOOK ALIKE?</div>
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Allison and I were at the RWA Conference in Atlanta last week. On my way to the elevator bank I saw Allison and stopped in my tracks. You know how sometimes a person will tell you that someone looks like you, but you don't usually agree.... I looked at Allison and I said, "excuse me, but do you think we look alike?"<br />
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She agreed. There's more to the story. We kept running into each other during the conference, apparently we had similar tastes because we were attending the same events and workshops, so finally I said to Allison, "We HAVE to share business cards and stay in touch."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEohGR1tIgJ5h53VcQh052wVqImym0_2n6BoQK6MABJ3CSGxJCAesRjBS_-TntqxtwTpB65ECLBukTCSbX-XfdBD5ZSoGxnSWTwsn1MaEyBrJlQ6HYVmFXwE1n3tbBsy1dS5NF8v3Puq_A/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEohGR1tIgJ5h53VcQh052wVqImym0_2n6BoQK6MABJ3CSGxJCAesRjBS_-TntqxtwTpB65ECLBukTCSbX-XfdBD5ZSoGxnSWTwsn1MaEyBrJlQ6HYVmFXwE1n3tbBsy1dS5NF8v3Puq_A/s320/Image+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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WE HAVE THE SAME BUSINESS CARD!</div>
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When Allison handed me her card I tried to give it back. I said, "Oops, I've taken my own card." She said, "No, that's my card!" We both had Goosebumps, let me tell you. We look alike, we have the same business cards and we both write paranormal/romance books. </div>
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Let's just say, we'll be staying in touch from now on. I'm really happy to have met my Doppelganger. And, like me, Allison is blogging about our meeting. I just checked it out and it she captured the moment much better than me, but I have the pictures. Hee hee Here it is....</div>
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<a href="http://allisonbcollinsblog.wordpress.com/">http://allisonbcollinsblog.wordpress.com</a></div>
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-1723873270272416132013-05-16T16:00:00.001-07:002013-05-16T16:12:49.056-07:00Shadowed - Online Serial - Part 6Grevellia raced through the house. After she checked every room she tore outside again. Her heart raced while she surveyed the perimeter of the house. Shit! She strode to the side of the house and found fresh footprints in the soft earth near the living room window. <br />
<br />
Big feet. Definitely a male. Her stomach twisted.<br />
<br />
Someone had been standing here looking inside. Goddamn it! A freaking peeper? Or someone worse? Hair curled at the nape of her neck.<br />
<br />
Barely keeping herself from panicking she squeezed her hands so tightly her fingernails bit into the palms of her hands. It grounded her enough to figure out what had happened to Verbie.<br />
<br />
She’d known something was off all day. But she expected anything but Verbie being kidnapped. Why? Why would someone do that?<br />
She stared down their quiet street.<br />
<br />
Hell, she’d moved here because it was a good neighborhood. She’d even checked records at the precinct and had found out there’d been less calls from this location than anywhere else in the city. She’d promised herself she’d give Verbie a good home. A place where she could feel loved.<br />
<br />
Energy built inside her until her body felt like it was on a low hum. She needed to do something! Whipping her cell phone out of her pocket she started to dial. Her hands were shaking, she could barely hit the buttons.<br />
Nine-one….<br />
<br />
“Aunt Grev? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve been run over by a Mack Truck.” Verbie walked along the sidewalk toward her, hoodie over her head and her shoulder scrunched up around her ears as if it was below freezing. <br />
<br />
Relief rushed through Grev, then anger. She shut off her phone and rammed it back into her pocket. “Verbie, oh my God, kid, I thought you’d been kidnapped.” Not holding herself together now. She knew she was losing it, but had a hard time getting a grasp on her shattering fear.<br />
<br />
“What? Why?” Verbie asked.<br />
<br />
“You weren’t home. I found footprints outside one of the windows. Someone was watching from the side of the house. I thought they’d taken you.”<br />
<br />
“Crap. I had the feeling I was being watched earlier, but put it down to being nervous at home alone.” She looked suddenly guilty. “That's why I followed you. I didn’t want to be alone, Aunt Grev.”<br />
<br />
Verbie never called her Aunt unless she was being extra honest. That bit Grev to the bone and her gut twisted again. She glanced down and saw a pizza box in Verbie’s arms. The same pizza place she’d just left. “How’d you get that? I was just there. I didn’t see you.”<br />
<br />
“I went to the bathroom. Just came out when you were leaving, I tried to catch you but I was too slow, you were driving away before I got outside. So I headed for home right away.”<br />
<br />
Grev’s shoulders slumped. “You should have called me.”<br />
<br />
“I tried. You didn’t answer.”<br />
<br />
Grev glanced down at her phone. She’d put the ringer on mute when she was on surveillance and hadn’t turned it back on again. Grev had royally frigged this up. As it was, the poor kid had separation issues thanks to her nearly non-existent mother. Verbie constantly needed to know someone would be there for her. Grev wanted to give her that stability. But damn it, she’d failed Verbie tonight.<br />
<br />
Grev reached out and wrapped her arms around Verbie. Not easy to do with a pizza box between them. “Oh doll, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have even gone out there tonight if I didn’t need the scratch. I have bills due, and this gig covered the lot.”<br />
<br />
“Sorry, Grev. I didn’t want to make you feel like you can’t do your job at night time.” Verbie’s voice came out squeaky like she wanted to cry but was holding it back.<br />
<br />
“Oh hon, it’s my fault. Next time I do night surveillance, we’ll make sure you can stay over with one of your girl-friends. I won’t leave you home alone again.”<br />
<br />
She felt a shudder go through her niece. “Good idea.”<br />
<br />
Grev pulled Verbie toward the house. “What kind of pizza did you buy? We’ll be eating pizza all week.”<br />
<br />
Safely inside, Grev eyed the street before locking the front door. Someone had been outside their house. But who? And why?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.linagardiner.com/">www.linagardiner.com</a>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-65937426677019332232013-05-16T06:36:00.002-07:002013-05-16T06:36:26.864-07:00Kindle Nation Daily My Romantic Suspense "WHAT SHE DOESN'T KNOW" set on an eerie island in the Bay of Fundy is on sale at Kindle Nation Daily today. <br />
<br />
http://on.fb.me/13yV9YI<br />
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Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-53928639905857366702013-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:002013-05-05T10:27:18.213-07:00YouTube Video of my latest book, Black Moon Awakening<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vxA5xS5V-pg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219448368111822799.post-69849329157888277722013-04-23T16:08:00.000-07:002013-04-25T08:11:20.871-07:00Shadowed - Online Serial - part 5
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
His gaze shifted left then
right. “Yeah, I’m still into computers,”
he said. “Hacking mostly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
She
nodded. The tone of his voice told her
he was on a job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I
should have hired you to help me find out who set me up before I had to leave my job,
“ she said. Why hadn’t she thought of
that? Purportedly a wizard at computers, his undercover work usually had a
computer connection one way or another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’d
be happy to do that, Grev. When this job
is done.” He touched her arm and leaned
in as if to kiss her cheek. “Get the
hell out of here! Now! You’re in big-time danger here, Grev.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
She
smiled at him. Didn’t give him
away. “Call me some time, handsome,” she
said and made a show of looking at her watch.
“Look, I gotta go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
She
turned and walked away. She had no
intention of getting herself into any more trouble. She had Verbena to consider. If anything happened to Grevellia, Verbena
would have to go back to her hard-assed, nasty grandfather. No way she’d let that happen. Plus, she didn’t want to give Vince’s cover
away. His eyes had been pleading with
her to go. Whatever he was working on
had to be nasty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Hell,
she hoped he wasn’t in trouble because of her showing up. Maybe she should have stayed and helped him? No. He’d
had every chance to tell her he needed help when he’d whispered in her
ear. He just wanted her out of there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Grev
made it to her car quickly. She keyed
the ignition and pointed her vehicle in the direction of home. She thought about lack of dinner and figured Verbie
hadn’t eaten either. She pulled into a
Pizzeria on the way and grabbed an extra large pizza with the works. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36pt;">
The pizza
smelled so good. She hoped Verbie was
extra hungry because if not, they’d be eating it for days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Turning
off the car she looked at her place and frowned. The lights weren’t on in her townhouse. She glanced at her watch. Yeah, it was late, but Verbie had only left
her to go home a short while ago. It was only a couple of streets over, she
should’ve made it home safely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Grevellia
dropped the pizza on the kitchen table.
“Verbie! Verbie, did you go to
bed?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It
felt like her voice echoed back when no one answered. Verbie wasn’t here. She knew it the minute she saw the house with
no lights. Holy shit! No! She shouldn’t
have let Verbie go home alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Lina Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10888611491128255307noreply@blogger.com0