Author: Natalie

Self-publishing, Writing

Hitting the streets

by NatalieLeave a Comment on Hitting the streets

So, I’d heard of street teams before but never really knew what they were until a couple of weeks ago. I’ve done a bit of research into them and I have to admit, I’m starting to like the idea. It’s more than just a fan club, it’s a way to be a bit more interactive with fans and do some cool stuff. Except, there’s a little part of me that thinks – what if nobody signs up?

Talk about embarrassing.

Heart Shaped Bruise is engaging Wattpadders, to the extent that they’re eagerly awaiting new installments and I think that’s probably because it’s a bit more New Adult than Together Apart was. Not to mention, because of Smith *swoon*. But still.

And then I’ve got to come up with a name. Hmm. But it would be beyond cool. I’ve already got ideas about swag and having engaging fans is a massive motivator, if a bit scary. The fact is though, it’s not like the old days when you’d just get a boring newsletter every so often, fans expect more. They expect interaction and they’re happy and willing to shout about great books.

So. Latest addition to my to-do list:

Start a Street Team.

Name suggestions are more than welcome!

Competition

Competition time!

by Natalie3 Comments on Competition time!

Together Apart is now finally available in paperback! *happy dance*

So, to celebrate, I’ll be running a competition to give away two signed copies. All you have to do is stick your hands up by commenting on this post.

Winners will be chosen next Sunday via rafflecopter.

Good luck!

Travel

If you have an 8-ball…

by Natalie2 Comments on If you have an 8-ball…

The weather has turned. The blistering heat, blue skies and outdoor drinking has been halted with the arrival of August and a hurricane. Oh, wait a minute.

…

That was me having a massive word with myself. Let’s be more accurate, it was a heavy storm where my fence wobbled a bit in the wind. Regardless, the shite weather has done nothing to help my indecision about whether to do a massage course this autumn/winter or go travelling again. There are up and downsides to both. When I speak to my friends who are moving around Europe, selling artwork, busking or performing, I get a massive pang of jealousy. I want to do that too. But then I tell myself, this is their daily life. Travelling is how they make money.

I can’t do that.

Writing is something I can do anywhere, it’s awesome. But I’ve learned that trying to promote a newly published book while you’re travelling is not the best way forward. So, now I’m giving serious thought to bringing the release date for Heart Shaped Bruise forward – forward enough so I can have it out and promotion underway before the horrific winter properly kicks in.

The friend I’d travelled in India with told me yesterday that I had to go away. I’d spend more money than I’d save by staying and he’s right. But it’s not just a question of money (though it would help if I actually started to save some). It’s a question of practicality and forward thinking.

Doing a massage course now will take me through the winter, and I’ll be qualified enough to start practicing it. The downside is, I’ll have to put off travelling for a substantial amount of time until later next year. On the other hand, it’s cold, I don’t know how long I’ll be working for and since life is so unpredictable, who knows if I’ll get to go travelling next year instead of this.

*sigh*

I think I need an 8-ball. Actually, if any of you have one, could you ask it what I should do and post the answer in the comments?

x

Midweek Meltdown, Music

Midweek Meltdown – Nick Mulvey, Fever To The Form

by NatalieLeave a Comment on Midweek Meltdown – Nick Mulvey, Fever To The Form

Artist: Nick Mulvey

Track: Fever To The Form

Album: First Mind

I was lucky enough to see Nick Mulvey play an an intimate gig last November and boy, this guy has skills. It was just him, his guitar and a stage and he played magnificently. This is one of my favourite tracks of his, BUT, I’m not a fan of the album version. For me, it’s a bit too over produced, so this is the version that I do like. And it’s magnificent!

If you’ve got any music recommendations, please send them my way! You can also check out my previous weeks’ tracks by going to the Midweek Meltdown tab above, follow the playlist on YouTube or follow me on Spotify

Enjoy!