Indie Author Day 2023

I was thrilled to be invited as keynote speaker and panelist at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library’s celebration of Indie Author Day.

While in St. Augustine the day before, my husband and I lunched at AlA Ale Works at the end of King St. facing the bay.

Across the wide grassy square outside was The Treasury on the Plaza, where our daughter got married five years ago. We found a cute mini donut place down the street from this location. Then we strolled down Saint George St. to window shop. The weather was windy and drizzly so we headed to our hotel to huddle in for the night.

The next morning, we drove north along Rt. A1A toward Ponte Vedra Beach. This was a half hour trip along a two-lane road with occasional glimpses of the rough surf to our right. I had been craving a view of the ocean and wished we could have lingered but we didn’t have time.

The library staff were very welcoming. The room was crowded as I gave my speech talking about my career struggles and how to conquer the doubt demons that plague all authors.

A panel followed where we answered questions about self-publishing. My fellow panelists, Melody Pendlebury and Ken Overman, write in entirely different genres, so it was interesting to hear their responses. Vic DeGenti, an eminent member of Florida Writers Association, moderated.

We sat at tables next to sell and sign our books, while the Friends of the Library supplied sandwiches for lunch.

The rest of the day included a book fair with other indie authors. As I did not partake in this, we ducked out to head home. I was glad to meet the friendly library staff and so many inquisitive writers. I hope they gained what they’d come to learn.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-nov-2023/

A Spooky Halloween Read

Happy Halloween! If you’re looking for a spooky read, check out my Halloween novella titled Haunted Hair Nights. This book won Third Place in the IDA Contest in the Suspense Short category. The story falls between Peril by Ponytail and Facials Can Be Fatal in my Bad Hair Day mystery series.

Digital ISBN: 978-0-9970038-3-3
Print ISBN: 978-0-9970038-4-0
Cover Design by Boulevard Photografica
Interior Design by www.formatting4U.com

When history teacher Bill Ripari offers his property for a Halloween school haunted house project, hairstylist Marla Vail volunteers to help put the scare factor into the place. She joins her stepdaughter along with other students, parents, and teachers to transform the wooded estate into a creepy attraction. She’s busy creating decorations when a splash of red on the estate grounds catches her eye. Upon a closer look, she realizes the dark stain isn’t fake blood meant to be part of the scene. The trail leads to the history teacher’s dead body.

Worried about the kids, Marla puts on her sleuthing hat to investigate. She discovers that every one of the volunteers present that night had a possible motive. Between slacker students, helicopter parents, unexpected heirs, and a stonewalling school administration, Marla has her hands full in solving the murder and keeping her stepdaughter safe. Can she sift through the suspects and unmask the killer before Halloween fright night turns into reality?

“Halloween, mystery, dead body, oh my! This novella, although short, was filled with lots of twists and turns, interesting complex characters and a great storyline!” Charlene’s Reviews

“This standalone novella will keep you flipping pages wondering who done it until the end. For those of us who don’t want bad dreams for Halloween, this entry into the Bad Hair Day series is an excellent alternative.” Reader by Night

“This is a good cozy mystery that can be enjoyed by young adults on up. It was a pleasure to read this story.” Readers’ Favorite

“I love this series so much. It’s especially nice to read how Marla is progressing with her new family. A haunted mansion is the perfect setting for a Halloween read.” Socrates Book Reviews

Click Here to Get Your Copy Now

Happy Halloween!

Florida WritersCon 2023 – Day Three

This continues my recap of the Florida Writers Association Conference with a report on Day Three. We started the morning with a continental breakfast followed by two workshop sessions. The first one I attended was on creating emotional impact in your writing.

We were told to think about characters in a book that we’d follow anywhere. What was their appeal? Now think about your own protagonist. What obstacles do they face? What are their weaknesses? What would help them or hurt them? And what do they need to complete their journey? Do the same for your villain. Also, what universal truths do you want to resonate in your story? These become the themes in your novel. Tap into the strong emotions you’ve experienced in your life when writing your book.

The second workshop was a panel on AI (Artificial Intelligence), a popular topic at this conference. Many issues were raised, such as putting clauses in our book contracts against having our work used in AI training. Generative AI can be useful for tasks as a collaborative assistant. AI detection tools are in the works. For cover artists, AI can be helpful for research but not for creativity. AI generated art cannot be copyrighted because there’s no human element involved. And yet … AI generated art is winning against traditional art in competitions that are judged objectively. Is it not a creative act between the machine and the prompt engineer? You can have both, and that’s how the creative world might survive. For a writer, AI can be another tool in our arsenal for book marketing and generating story ideas.

The potential threat to humanity posed by the rise of AI was discussed. One fear is humans using AI for their own profit more so than AI itself taking over humanity. Manufactured myths are a danger, i.e. false news and social media manipulation. Artificial evolution means AI is changing fast.

How to get around AI in the classroom where it might be used by students to write papers would be to ask for opinion pieces.

Another issue … How will AI keep learning once it consumes all the data it’s fed? It may spit back generated (i.e. made-up) data or inaccurate information.

This is all food for thought. Personally, I’ve found ChatGPT to be helpful for certain tasks in book marketing and in generating specific storylines. You have to design a detailed prompt to get the desired response.

Disclaimer: These summaries are my interpretation of what I heard. Any errors are mine alone.

Join me at my next appearance on Nov. 4, 2023, 10:30 am EDT, Indie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’m proud to be a panelist and keynote speaker at this event. Free registration: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/

Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy One Get One Free! My book, Circle of Light, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Oct. 16 – Nov. 1, BookSweeps Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Giveaway
Enter to win 45 exciting Paranormal, Scifi & Fantasy Romances from a great collection of authors AND a brand new eReader! My book, Warrior Prince, is included. Enter Here: https://bit.ly/paranormal-romance-oct23

Florida WritersCon 2023 – Day Two

This continues my recap of the Florida Writers Association Conference with a report on Day Two. After a buffet breakfast on Saturday, bestselling author Lisa Black gave her keynote address. Then we dispersed to various workshops.

As a faculty member, I had a booksigning slot that morning. This meant I couldn’t attend the morning breakout session. I hung around until lunch, which was a buffet barbecue meal. Awards were presented to members of the youth group in attendance.

Since I’d had computer issues the day before, I sat in the workshop before mine that afternoon to get my program up and running. I’d updated Office 365 that morning at home and hooked into the hotel’s WiFi. Whatever I did had worked, because this time I was able to bring up my file. I spoke on Book Marketing on a Budget to a rapt audience.

That evening’s social mixer came next, followed by the Royal Palm Literary Awards banquet, which I’d won previously for Writing a Cozy Mystery. The dinner was very good and the service by the hotel was excellent. Congrats to all the award winners! This is a great contest for writers to enter because you get feedback on your work. First picture below shows me with my critique partners, Janice Hardy and Ann Meier.

And so ended a full day on a high note.

Florida WritersCon 2023 – Day One

I had a great time at the Florida Writers Association Conference this past weekend. Giving presentations, meeting new/old friends, attending workshops, and eating too much … it all made for a productive and meaningful event.

On Friday, I attended a talk on newsletters. I’ve already heard that drip campaigns can be effective, and I have been following what other authors do in this regard. This speaker gave some useful tips on content regarding these automated email sequences. Aside from a welcome letter, these included product launches, behind-the-scenes peeks, post-purchase follow up, bonus content, and sales discounts. Pop up newsletter signups are effective, too.

Segmented lists bring higher open rates and lower unsubs. And don’t forget to add at the end, Please Forward to a Friend. My takeaway? I need to work on a newsletter drip campaign and bolster my landing page. As for a popup sign-in form, I find these annoying and prefer where I have mine in the sidebar. What do you think?

I also gave a presentation on Self-Publishing Made Simple. This was a step-by-step guide on how to get started for original works or for reissued backlist titles. I posted some of this info in earlier blogs. The only snafu was that my computer wouldn’t open my PowerPoint file, and I had to borrow a laptop from the tech guy.

Disclaimer: These summaries are my interpretation of what I heard. Any errors are mine alone.

That night was a social mixer where I got to hang out with friends and meet new people. Networking is the best part of any writers conference.

Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival

Club Lake Plantation is a 43-acre site in Apopka, FL that serves as a wedding venue and fall festival site. The owners call it Agritourism, where farmers and ranchers host weddings and other events. The lakeside vista is graced by moss-draped oaks and tall pines. It looks more like a tree farm, with rows of potted trees shown during the hayride.

We went to their Fall Festival and our grandson had a blast. Admission costs $16.95, although the country store and pumpkin patch out front are free. The store had more pumpkins for sale along with jams and honeys. Concession stands sell hot dogs, chicken wings, and burgers so you won’t go hungry. This place has real restrooms, too, rather than portable ones.

Our grandson was amazed by the number of slides and bounce houses for kids. Various games abound around the site, too, like ring tosses or get the ball in the hoop type of contests. From this site, we strolled along the lake.

The lakeside setting was lovely with clever Halloween decorations scattered throughout.

There’s a corn maze for the adventurous. We chose to do the hayride. This journey took us past rows of potted trees. We laughed during the Cow Wash, which was like a car wash with a spray of water, as we ducked to not get too wet. Otherwise, it’s a tranquil ride and not very bumpy.

We each selected a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch after browsing in the store. This completed the day with perfect blue skies and balmy weather.

DEALS OF THE DAY

Booklover’s Bench
What’s the difference between bisque and chowder? Check out my post at Booklovers Bench and leave a comment there for a chance to win my Halloween novella, Haunted Hair Nights.

Giveaway
Oct 1-22 Booklover’s Bench
Enter Now to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway. Also check out our new puzzle feature while you’re there.

BOGO
Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy One Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start Reading Now

Booksweeps
Oct. 16 – 25, BookSweeps
I’ve teamed up with 45 authors to give away a collection of Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances from Booksweeps to two lucky winners! AND the Grand Prize winner gets a brand-new eReader. My book, WARRIOR PRINCE, is included. Enter Here

Warrior Lord – New Print Edition

Warrior Lord, #3 in the Drift Lords Series, is now available in a new trade paperback author’s edition. This title was previously published by The Wild Rose Press. A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she’s married an alien.

Published by Orange Grove Press
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-15-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-34-8
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by Formatting4u.com

Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood accepts a challenge from a stranger at a Las Vegas casino. The man named Magnor proposes they pretend to be engaged to win a contest with a rich reward. It seems like a sweet deal, except for one point. The winners will be married in a televised segment right after the competition. In a moment of recklessness, Erika accepts Magnor’s proposal.

Much to their surprise, they win and are pushed into a whirlwind wedding on live TV. Once they’re alone, Magnor proclaims he’s a space warrior sent to Earth to stop an alien invasion. He’s searching for a powerful weapon, and he needs Erika’s legendary powers to help locate it.

When they’re attacked by alien soldiers, Erika realizes he’s telling the truth. They’re sucked into a maelstrom of danger as they evade the enemy. But even more alarming are the growing feelings Erika has for her new husband. Once his mission succeeds, he’ll return to the stars. Can she convince him to stay and turn their marriage into a reality?

PRAISE FOR WARRIOR LORD

“A fun combination of action, adventure, sci-fi, mystery, mythology, and romance. I loved this book and cannot get enough Drift Lords.” WiLoveBooks

“Cohen’s third book in her Drift Lords series is an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish. She effortlessly blends fact with Norse mythology and fiction to create a fabulous tale, layered in detail and rich in texture.” Muddy Rose Reviews

“Warrior Lord is a fast-paced science fiction tale with suspense and romance. A well-written book that kept me reading and guessing until the last page.” Reader Forever

“Another great installment of Nancy Cohen’s series that combines sci-fi romance, action/adventure, and Norse mythology! Recommended for anyone who loves lots of action and sexy romance.” Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries

“Warrior Lord held me spellbound with this story of soul mates trying to save the world. If that is not enough for you, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. A great read.” Drue’s Random Chatter

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KDHPJHF
Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952886341/
Apple Books: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6448873701
BN Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=2940161037072
BN Print: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=9781952886348
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warrior-lord-3
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LHG9EAAAQBAJ
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/Warrior-Lord
Indiebound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/20102232?ean=9781952886348

Excerpt

Cameras aimed at her, and a wedding march blasted from the speaker system. She resisted the urge to press a hand to her aching temples.

Magnor waited for her under the canopy where myriads of tiny lights twinkled. He looked proud and tall, an unreadable expression on his face as he watched her step forward. His cape swung behind him, making him look like an avenging god with his impressive height and sword.

She took her place at his side and together they faced Dennis. The official held an open book in his hands. Dennis began the brief ceremony, his words bypassing her brain as she stood rooted in place, immobilized by the rapid pace of events.

“With the power invested in me by the State of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Erika’s head whirled. Not even fifteen minutes must have gone by. Was this what passed for a Las Vegas wedding?

What a sham. She supposed that every minute they were on the air, it cost money.

Magnor’s head descended, and he pressed his mouth to hers. As far as the TV viewers were concerned, they’d been married. The exchange of rings had felt real. She wondered who’d given him the one he’d slid onto her finger. Dennis, most likely.

The ruddy-faced official shook their hands, gave Magnor the key to the honeymoon suite, and said their new car would be available for pickup from the valet. As for the cash prize, it was theirs for the taking. He handed them a large-sized signed check made out to Mr. and Mrs. Magnor.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Dennis said. “I’ll need your signatures on these documents, please. It’s simply a formality, but we do need permission for the resort to use your likenesses for publicity. These papers also include transfer of title to the car, tax forms and such.”

Erika signed with a shaky hand. In her frazzled state, she couldn’t be bothered to read the details.

Magnor followed suit, then grasped her hand in his and raised it in the air. The watching throng cheered loudly.

“That’s it then, wife.” His low, rumbly voice broke through the haze in her head. “You’re mine now.”

New Print Release WARRIOR LORD A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she's married an alien. #alienromance #fantasy #romance Share on X

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GIVEAWAYS

Oct 1-22 Booklover’s Bench
Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Oct. 16 – 25, BookSweeps Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Giveaway
Enter to win my book, WARRIOR PRINCE, and 44 other fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal titles PLUS a brand-new eRreader: https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/

Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Book Giveaway

Are you looking for a fun escape from reality? If so, I’ve teamed up with 45 authors to give away a huge collection of Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances from Booksweeps to two lucky winners! AND the Grand Prize winner gets a brand-new eReader.

My book, WARRIOR PRINCE, is included in this multi-author book giveaway. This title has “sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, mystery, and humor all wrapped up in a steamy romance.” Enter to win your copy now plus 44 other amazing reads.

Click Here to Enter – https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/

Good luck and enjoy! Deadline is October 25.

BOGO Sale

P.S. If you’re a fan of this genre, check out Kobo’s BOGO Sale going on now! Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale runs Oct. 1-31 – My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Carrabba Wine Dinner – Orin Swift Wines

We attended the October wine dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill featuring Orin Swift wines. It was a fun evening with too much to eat! Here is the 4-course menu:

Shrimp Mandola paired with NZ Sauvignon Blanc

Shrimp, asparagus, roasted red pepper and herbs topped with lemon butter sauce and served with garlic toast. The sauce was so good we couldn’t help dipping the toast in there. The white wine was light and fruity and made the perfect accompaniment.

Rigatoni Amatriciana paired with Department 66 Others Red Blend

Rigatoni pasta with crushed tomatoes, bacon, parmesan, and Romano cheeses topped with grilled chicken. This full-bodied wine was a deep burgundy color and the best of the reds, in my opinion.

Filet and Scallop Florentine paired with 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend

Wood-grilled filet accompanied by seared sea scallops with spinach and tomatoes in a cream sauce that tasted a bit salty to me. This came with mashed potatoes.

Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberries paired with Abstract Red Blend

Chocolate torte with chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries topped with whipped cream. All in all, it was a delightful evening.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

BOOK SALE

Buy One Get One Free at Kobo’s Paranormal Romance Sale Oct. 1-31. My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo ereader, you can download their free app. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/paranormal-bogo-us

Facebook Party Takeover Tonight

This is a reminder to Join me TONIGHT from 7:00 – 8:00pm EDT for an Author Takeover at Joanna’s Readers Facebook Group hosted by my friend, bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan. Fun & Prizes! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602372550058785

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10:30 am – 12 noon “Book Marketing on a Budget” with Nancy J. Cohen via Zoom sponsored by South Florida Fiction Writers. 10:30 am is meet & mingle and business meeting; Workshop starts at 11am. Register Here: https://southfloridafictionwriters.com/upcoming-events/

Oct. 20-22, Florida WritersCon 2023 at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, 350 Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Register here: https://www.floridawriters.org/registration

“Self-Publishing Made Simple” on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3:30-4:30 pm
“Book Marketing on a Budget” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:30- 4:30 pm

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT, Indie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’m proud to be a keynote speaker and panelist at this event. Free registration: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/

GIVEAWAYS

Enter to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Category: Blog