Thank you to my friends!

I would like to send out a big thank you to my friends at Mind's Eye! I have chosen my picture for the back of Peterson Estate's book! I'm very excited about this book being accepted and hope more people will have the chance to enjoy it! I know I have! The characters in this book have a special place in my heart because they have been with me for so long! Anyway, here's the pic! Be sure to look for it on the back of the book lol. But don't skimp out on what's inside the book lol. I will be changing the excerpt soon so be sure to look for it on my website!

Thank you!!!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

Can you help me decide?

Ok, I'm stuck lol. With my newest and favorite book getting published, I have to decide which pitcure to use for the back. I have a little time to decide and was hoping to ask my fans and friends to help me. These are my fav. pictures and of course, I could always take more lol. Which one do you like best? I'm all ears right now and do have just a little time to decide. Please, I need your help lol.

Thank you!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com/

New Book Coming Soon!

It should be sometime in 2010 but not sure on the date just yet but Peterson Estate is getting published!!!!!! Don't have the cover yet but once I get that, I will be showing it off and adding it to my website so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Peterson Estate is about a young woman named Emily Peterson. When her aunt dies, Emily's world falls apart. She's not the normal woman she thought she was--she's something more! And she has inherited a castle! Its not a normal castle either--its haunted and the woman wants Emily out! But since Emily isn't budging, the evil woman (ghost) joins forces with someone you wouldn't believe. Of course, you would have to read the book to see who that is lol.

This story is about discovering who you really are. Emily sure didn't know and just when she thinks something is one way, she learns something else about her family. Besides being a witch, Emily learns more. Her family has secrets that go beyond the grave....


Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Cursed Blood is still available for those who've missed it

This is the first book I published, a couple years now. It's still available online for those who want to read it. A little about the book...

Donna is not an ordinary woman. When she was conceived, a demon was present in the room. Demons are evil, we know that. This demon is no exception. Starting with Donna's birth anyone who is around her on her birthday, dies. Her mother was the first victim to the curse. The curse doesn't care who anyone is, it attacks on the same day no matter where Donna is.

She's tried running from herself, hoping she can save inocent people. Donna's heart is big despite of the evil that runs through her veins. She cares about the people who meet their fate because of her. Because of this curse, she has lost everyone she's ever cared about--her mother, father, friends, and even lovers. As time passes, she builds a wall around her heart. When she meets Jack, an FBI agent, she begins to trust him. Will the wall come crumbling down?

Can the FBI save her or will the cure they promise be the only thing that can destroy her? They say love conquers all. Is that really true? Can love bring Jack and Donna together and give them a happy ending or will love be the end of Jack?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok, I can't ruin it for you. Actually, I really could but I won't because I want you to enjoy this book. Seriously, I do. I enjoyed writing it, even through the bad parts (without knowing the outcome, mind you). This book is based on a nightmare which I had and it was inspired by my real life. So read the book to see what I was about. Yes, I'm twisted but that's not it lol. Enjoy!


Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Newsletter Has Been Sent Out

The newsletter for September has been sent to my subscribers' emails today. As always, it will be made available on my website in a few days. This is totally free and can even be printed out if you'd like.

For those who'd like extra promoting, my newsletter has spots open for advertising. It doesn't have to relate to writing. Just send me an email for the details. Writers who want an interview are welcome to visit my website at http://writingforall.com and just look for the page that's titled Free Promotions for the questions. That website can also be found on Ning now. So if you're a writer, please check that out. It doesn't matter if you're not published yet. Let us help you get there! The link for the Ning site is on the page with my popular links so check those out!

Thank you!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Surprised my Hubby

Yesterday we had to go to the store. First we went to Kmart because it was next to the grocery store. We both did our own shopping and he showed me an outfit he was about to get. Cowboys everything lol. After he paid and left, I rushed to the men's department and found the exact same thing in my size (well as close as I could get). After I put my things in the back of the van, I found him in the grocery store and helped him get the rest of our food.

On the way home, I told him not to look in my bags because I got something sexy and wanted to surprise him. Of course, you could imagine what he was thinking so I just smiled so he would continue to believe that lol. When we got home, we put things away, then I said I needed to use the bathroom. He began to prepare the grill so he could cook some hamburgers.

When he walked into the kitchen, I came out wearing the outfit I bought and holding his outfit in front of me so he couldn't see what I was wearing. I asked him to put his clothes on and then pulled them aside so he could see what I had on. The look on his face was priceless.

It was really hard keeping this secret from him without blirting it out on the way home. He was talking about how his shirt was too small and that after we washed it a couple times it would be mine. I even made a mistake by asking if the shorts he got were the ones that had the same pattern as his pants (he bought shorts too) but he didn't catch it lol. He loved his surprise though and was really happy that I did it!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

Many Hats

In order for a writer to succeed in the business, he or she has to wear a lot of different hats. One for writing in general (the actual act of writing), one for editing, one for research, one for marketing, and one to hide it all in (there's more on top of these lol). These aren't really hats that you can see though. And many writers wear their hats together at the same time lol. Unlike some jobs where you can quit at the end of the day and go home, writers are writers 24/7. We can't quit at the end of the day and go home, we're still writers lol. Even in our sleep, many writers continue to work pondering or dreaming which can lead to a new book or get us out of the strut we're in at the time.

As many hats there are, I have even more than some writers may have. And some may have even more than me lol. I write in many different genres so with each genre, add another hat. Some people ask me if I get confused when I bounce back and forth between my different stories. The answer is no, I don't. This is why. When I write a story, I litterally put myself in the characters' shoes. I will read the last paragraph or page and then continue on writing as if I hadn't stopped before. Since nothing is planned, I am new to the story as it progresses unless I am wearing the editor hat in which I've already been through the story so now I'm just improving it.

Because every writer works differently, I suggest you don't copy me but instead find your perfectly fitted hat(s). Some writers prefer to write one book at a time, then edit, then write more. Some prefer editing while writing one book at a time. And then there are some like me whether they edit at the same time or afterwards like I do. All hats come in different sizes. Some for children, some for young adult, some for adult, and some that can be worn in multiple sizes. And as your writing grows, more things get stuffed into the hats where they are stored (your brain actually lol). So there's another hat for the writer--the learning hat. This is the only hat that will grow with you as you write. Practice is the best way to learn and grow as a writer. Reading too which is another hat lol. I can go on about these different hats we all wear as writers lol.

If you are just starting out, please learn all the basics about writing, and all the hats you should have. Reading books on writing can help, talking to other writers will too. And what works for one writer may not work for another. So as you write, keep learning and stick with what works for you. If you don't find the perfect fitting hat on the first try, keep trying! You will eventually get it as long as you never give up. Remember, dreams really really do come true!!!!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

Spawn of the Curse is now e-book!

My third book, Spawn of the Curse is now an e-book! It can be easily downloaded and enjoyed in a matter of seconds on your own computer or i-pod. Just go to Amazon where it is available for $5.00. It was just released a few days ago!

Remember, this is the sequel to Cursed Blood which is also available in paperback (and hardcover through publisher only). If you would like to read an excerpt before buying the book, you can check that out at my website. Each book has its own page on my site so take your time reviewing the books. http://www.argrosjean.com

I am in the process of working on more books at this time and I'm in the process of waiting for a publisher on one of those books. I'm hoping I've found the right publisher but if not, the search will continue. I will let you know when I know. Also, don't forget, you're welcome to sign up for my newsletter. The next issue is due to be released to emails on September 1, 2009.

So, have a great week and see you again soon.

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

And for those writers looking for more information.......

http://writingforall.com

Writing Job

A few days ago, I was approached by a photographer from Italy. He wanted to know if I would write a book for him using his pictures. He originally had a deal with another author who had to back out due to scheduling issues and told him to go ahead and find another author. So he approached me. He sent me the story that the first author had started and I began to read it. After seeing the set up for the story I asked the photographer how many of his photos he was planning on using in the story because he was wanting to show case them along-side the erotic story. I also looked at the pictures he was planning to use and they were a story in itself, full coverage during sex scenes.

He told me he wanted to use as many of the 1700+ pictures he could. That completly threw me off. The pictures weren't bad but to put that many with a story wouldn't be a good balance. He also told me he had connections with some movie people and they were already discussing a movie deal once the book was out, which was premature, if you ask me.

I decided to turn this person down because it didn't feel right. I didn't want to put my name on something like that. He understood and said he would move to his next writer. It makes you wonder if it would've been a scam or something. If this ever happens to you, think it over hard before making any decisions. Do your research, check to see if this person has a website and then research some more. Cover all your basis.


Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Writing Frustrations

There's a lot of things around us that can cause us to become frustrated. A traffic light that doesn't seem to want to change when you're late for work. A traffic jam in the middle of a hot day and you're A/C doesn't work. And more....

What people don't understand, there's frustrations during the writing process as well. You can't think of the write words at a crucial time in the story. You lost a file that's important. You were rejected a hundreth time from a publisher. The list can go on. Believe me, every writer goes through the same process of writing a book, whether it becomes a best seller or not. Even King has been frustrated a time or two. The best thing to do is just try to work through it and calm down.

Writing can take its toll on the human body. As you begin to write, take care of your body to avoid the side affects of writing your book. When getting a membership at a local club is out of the question to get in shape, there's things you can do around the house that will help. You can even jog around the block. Cleaning house can help get your mind off things. For the guys, working on your car or something else you find enjoyable can work. Being fit, mentally and physical can help the stress level coming in from writing.

Besides excercising and doing activities you enjoy, there's way to keep the stress down. Taking your time and having fun with it is another. If you truly enjoy writing, the experience will be more enjoyable during the good scenes that just roll from the mind. It takes a lot of practice to get to that point. You will still get frustrated at times. And when that happens, just walk away for a few minutes. Go wash the dishes, take a long soaking bath or shower, take a ride to the market, call a good friend you haven't spoken to in a while and talk about things other than writing. Free your mind....

Now go back to your work, read the last page, and just begin typing. Don't think about the area where you had problems with, just write. Chances are, you were thinking too much about it. Let you mind take control. Our brain may be fighting you, ignore it lol. There are two sides in our brain, the logical side, and the side where our imagination is. They are always battling each other. Don't listen to the logical side when writing fiction. Yeah, people don't fly unless their in an airplane, you know that and your brain may be fighting you on it. Just write and ignore that logical side of your brain that's telling you that.

Make sure you breathe and drink a lot of fluids too. Slow deep breaths always help. Remember to stay calm and work through the frustrations. You can do it. Just keep writing and don't let anything stop you because dreams really do come true! I'm living proof of that. If I can do it, so can you. Just believe in yourself and don't give up. Its a bumpy ride but its worth it in the end, seriously it really is!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

4th Set: 4th Installment: Marketing Tips

Marketing your books can be very rewarding. When you're out there, sharing your books with the rest of the world, sometimes you do meet someone who actually read your book. And when that person comes up to you and tells you something about that book that you didn't even know was in it, you become really suprised. This really happened to me with my first book, Cursed Blood. She was telling me about the relationship between Jack and Donna and then said that at first she thought there was going to be something between J and Donna (Jack's father). I was totally surprised to hear that but it was nice hearing her interprentation.

Whether the people are right or wrong, how they react to each story is from their personal lives, the way they interact with others. It really is a beautiful thing to meet someone who took something from your story and took it to heart. Embrace these moments, talk to these people. Enjoy their presence as they are yours. Offer to sign their book too. Something like that will be more cherished to them than anything else and will be remembered when your next book comes out.

When writing more than one book, just remember you do improve your skills so keep it up and never let it down. This should be done like breathing--never ending. The pay may not be great but the rewards are worth more than money! Don't forget--never pass at a chance to share your book(s) with someone else. Giving away free copies can also help, just don't go overboard with that lol. And choose wisely when giving away free copies too. If someone praises you, they will tell others about your book, making more sales. One free book could lead to 5 purchases so you never know. And one of those people could end up writing a review!

Besides the physical world, there is the Internet so make it your friend. Join writing groups, chat rooms, and other social places where you can freely talk to others about your books. Add your website URL to everything; signiture in your email and blog, add it to your profile in all your sites you belong to, and more. If you can find a place to put, do it. Even visit other websites and remark what you think about them (positive remark) and add your URL to that as well. Go to the websites that have the same books as you write though, that way you will get visiters following those links.

Remember to have fun. This may be a job but its also your life. Enjoy the process, love the process, and flow with the process!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

4th Set: 3rd Installment: Marketing Tips

For those who have a small budget, marketing can feel almost impossible at times. I know the feeling. But there's hope! If you have a printer and have access to a printer, there's things you can do on your own! Here's some things, plus you can use your imagination and find more ways! If you do, please share with us here!!!

• Make your own business cards. Using your own computer and printer saves times and money plus now you can use both sides of the cards! You can the cover of your book or even your own picture. You can make any design you want. Granted, the quality isn't going to be perfect like the ones are in those stores you order from but you're saving money and that's important with these times!


• Clothing can be made or at least the design on them lol. Again, using your computer and printer with an iron and those iron-on transfers, you can put the cover of your book on countless of things including bags!


• Make your book a magnet. You can get shiny or flat appearance magnets and they are safe to be around your computer. Load it like paper, one sheet at a time and print your picture straight onto the magent sheet as you would paper! Cut it out and add it to your fridge. They make great gifts for people who have the book and for book signings!


• Same goes for stickers. And the great thing about stickers is the ideas can go further. Add a special touch for your book by adding a sticker that goes inside it that says "This Book Belongs To" with a line to add the name.

Just as I did here--------------->
I used one of the characters from the cover to add to it for an extra look! You can do that too right on your computer!

There are many ways to do it yourself and this is a short list. Bookmarks can be added to it as well! And the list can keep going. You are only limited by what your computer can do and your knowledge to make it work. Good luck and keep your mind open!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

4th Set: 2nd Installment: Marketing Tips

It doesn't matter who a writer publishes with, marketing is something a writer must always do in order to increase his/her own sales. It doesn't matter what genres this writer works in or what audience intended to read these books; marketing should never be avoided. You should never count on someone else to do this job. It is part of being a writer just as writing the book is, and editing the book is. Learn as much as you can before you even publish your first book so you're prepared for the new battle and can beat each task.

• Never pass up a chance to spread the word about your book.
• Use every tool at your disposal including family and friends. Even make new friends along the way.
• Learn as you go. Be creative! Read books on marketing.
• Visit other websites and learn how their sites work and create your own website that stands out.
• Have business cards and be eagar to pass them out at a moment's notice.
• Keep extra copies of books on hand in case someone wants to purchase a copy from you and be sure to sign it for them while they watch (ask them for the spelling of their name, even if its a common name). Sarah, Sara; common name with more than one way to spell it! And always keep your books clean and bent-free!
• Always be friendly and professional when around others. People remember cruel people even more and that isn't a good thing. Sometimes using comedy can help! They may remember the joke, therefore remembering you in one way or another!
• Get family from other cities to pass out flyers or business cards in their areas (be sure to give them copies of your book too).
• People who buy your books are how you are paid so always respect them and be sure to thank them!
• Booksignings are a good way to get noticed! Even book readings help!
• Getting your book inside actual stores are good too! It gets the book where people can actually flip through the pages before they buy it, helping you in the long run!

I don't want to give you too much so this is enough for now. Two more installments of this topic coming up! And then who knows what I will talk about! You have to keep coming back if you want to read more lol! Thank you!!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

4th Set: 1st Installment: Marketing Tips

To me, maketing is the most difficult in the writing business. Sure you can hire someone, but not everyone has the finances to do that. Most of us starting out, have small budgets so how do we get more bang for the buck? By doing it ourselves.

I had to learn the hard way but you don't have to. Before you get your first book published, begin learning how to market that book now. First things first, who's your target? In any form of advertising, you need a target, marketing your book is no exception.

1. Your audience is your target. Where do these people hang out? What are their ages, their likes and dislikes? What kinds of things are they into?
2. When marketing, use this information to guide you so you get your information in the right hands at the right places in the right time. For instance...Is your book in a religious nature? Churches would be a great place to target your readers. With all the religions there are, you can narrow it down even more or go with all of them but narrowing it down even more will be more beneficial. There's Catholics, Christian, Budism, and more. What does your book fit more?
3. Include fun ways to introduce your book to the crowd. One writer made coloring pages for her young readers of children books. She had her own characters made into those coloring pages for the book signings. It was a good way to interact and it did get the children and parents involved.
4. Be creative and use your friends. Make clothing items, have tablets with the book cover, bookmarks, stickers, magnets, mugs, and more. The more people see your name and cover, the more they will remember it.

Ok, this is enough for now. More tomorrow!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

3rd Set: 4th Installment: Pub./Agent Tips

Whether you're trying to find a publisher or an agent, you always need to remember you're a professional. Once you become a published author, you will be a professional writer so get into practice now.

• Don't use fancy type (font) or paper. Don't use perfume and don't send gifts. They hate that and will reject you on the spot.
• Always double space lines. Publishers and agents read all day long, their eyes do get sore after a while, keeping it double spaced helps keep their eyes from going bad.
• Make sure your first paragraph is enough to make them read more. There must be something that catches their eye.
• Publishers and agents are looking for reasons to reject writers. It is your job to prevent that from happening. Give them reasons to keep you, not reject you.
• Wait 3 to 6 weeks before assuming anything if you don't hear back by that time. If you don't hear back by 6 weeks, send them an email saying if they have any questions or need more information, you can have it back to them asap. Do not ask about your manuscript. Give them your title and name with a professional letter but nothing more. Don't bug them. Remember, they read all day and will be swamped with other manuscripts. It is possible that they haven't gotten to yours yet so don't give them anymore reasons to say no thank you to you.
• If they read your work and ask you to make changes, minor or major, you must ask yourself how important it is to make those changes. How do you feel about making them? If you become someone who is hard to work with (someone who doesn't make any changes), word gets around quick and other publishers will refuse you but on the other hand, sometimes it is good to stick your guns. Your story is yours. Anything that will benefit your story is worth doing. Just remember, publishers are about making sales. If they feel your story is worth making some changes, consider them at least. Good things come to those who compromise!

Ok, absorb this information. Good luck in your search and I truly hope you find that publisher or agent that does you some good! In the next installments, I will be talking about marketing so don't miss that! And be sure to visit my websites! Thank you!!!

Amber Rigby Grosjean

http://www.argrosjean.com

http://writingforall.com