British Fantasy Awards 2010: the Longlist?

What? What? What?

British Fantasy Awards 2010: the Longlist

What? What? What?

Sue pinches self. Checks the alignment of the stars. Calculates PI *no not that PI*, sits at computer and checks to make sure she's not looking at someone elses inbox and finally traces letters on screen with finger to make sure thats HER book on the long-list!

What? What? What?

Just to demonstrate the impact this has had on me as a writer, "I DON'T CARE IF NO ONE VOTES FOR "Forever Richard." My absolute day and birthday has been made. Unbelievable. I'm . . . speechless.

Imagine what'd I'd be if it actually moved on to the short-list.

I may have to schedule a trip to the UK now to personally hug some people!!! ;D

By the way, Richard doesn't feel neglected anymore!

Would like to do book tour at Lifeway Stores.

It's no secret to anyone that it's a challenge at best for a new author to get sales through bookstores when larger bookstores typically only shelve books from established authors/publishers. But what some may not know is that larger Christian Bookstores have only ever carried fiction by affiliated authors. Only recently have they begun to allow in books by non-affiliated Christian authors but usually only if the work is highly targeted to their original target market, that being visitors to Christian Bookstores (which used to be The Baptist Bookstore.)

Well, I'm excited to say that many of my readers here in the US actually come from the market CBA serves meaning this group is ready for a different kind of fiction but I can't get to these readers where they shop. Lifeway sends non-affiliated books through a book buyer who determines what's best for Lifeway stores, usually in spite of a book already being deemed socially acceptable to the Christian Market. Yes. I know. How odd is that?

Unless things have changed, the name of that book buyer at Lifeway is Michael Robbins. Apparently Michael has already made a determination on my work and at this time won't allow Lifeway stores to carry it. This is what he told my local Lifeway manager who told me initially all I had to do was to have distribution through Spring Arbor. They will let a customer order my book, but will make the customer pay shipping and then they ship the book to the customer's house. Even more strange.

Nevertheless, I'd love to tour Lifeway Stores so my many CBA fans can have a chance to get their hands on my work. It seems though that it doesn't matter what I want. So if you'd like to see this happen you'll have to contact Michael Robbins yourself and tell him you'd like to see this series in Lifeway Stores. Maybe enough of you can change his mind. :)

How it really works.

It might surprise you to know how it really works for us authors published by smaller publishers. But just in case you thought I was making any kind of money I'd thought I'd clarify. :)

I've no real idea just how much I've made. I can tell you that I can't earn a living off the proceeds from my debut novel as my publisher went belly up and sold all of her books to a liquidator. I was able to republish my paperback through Lightning Source (and subsequently had Never Ceese deemed socially acceptable to the Christian market) but Lightning Source is a POD and as far as bookstores go, my traditionally published, Bram Stoker Short-listed, ACFW book club choice for the month of April 2997 falls back into POD status meaning Bookstores won't shelve it unless you ask them to--maybe.

Forever Richard is certainly selling better, or so I've heard, but booksellers don't have to pay for books that sell until like six months after they ordered them AND if the books they bought didn't sell and they don't want them anymore because they're damaged and unsellable, they can send them back to the publisher who has to pay for return postage etc. . .

To date, I received my advance, the standard and enough to live off of for half of a month, and nothing else. But not because my publisher isn't operating the way all small publishers operate, that's simply the way it is. Small publishers don't get paid for books that sell for quite some time and when they do get their money any profits will probably be eaten up by returns from bookstores who decided they over bought or the let the books get wet and want new ones or whatever. The only way for a small author to survive these unrealistic circumstances is for readers to buy books and a lot of them.

Just wanted to share in case you thought writing was doing it for me. It isn't and it probably won't for some time. This is why so many small authors stop before they even get started good. This is why they put so much time and effort into promoting. At some point the balance tips and they can't do it anymore.

I'm standing in the middle at this point.

I've no control over what happens next.

Maybe you can help. :)

Laughing at old Press Release.

Yes. One of older press releases came up on a google search and I absolutely had to laugh out loud. Of course these sites have affiliate advertising from google etc . . . and this advertising apparently honed in on the word Christian. The two sites advertised in the space available was Tate Publishing, earning itself a spot in Writers Beware top 20 of the worst stealth vanity publishers out there and CBD or ChristianBook.com who doesn't even carry my books because I'm not affiliated with CBA and have no other connection to the targeted market of Christians they serve. Well, aside from both books being deemed socially acceptable to the Christian market by Spring Arbor.

Gotta love it!!!

Oh and here's the link if the ads don't change.

Christian Blog Tours: A blessing and a curse.

For those of us general market authors who are new and just starting out, it would almost seem a blessing to appeal to readers from an audience you never intended to draw readers from. This couldn't be truer when it comes to Christian publishing here in the US. Christian publishing is quite different everywhere else. Authors who are Christian simply write for the general market. You might have small groups of different denominations branch off and write fiction to appeal specifically to their followers but you don't have one group claim to represent all that Christian readers want to read like you do here in the US.

Enter CBA (formed in 1950 by a group of Christian/Baptist bookstores) and ECPA (created in the 1970's, an association of affiliated publishers.) CBA called upon publishers in 1950 to provide very targeted, very biblical (according to their beliefs) and generally very watered down fiction for bookstore visitors to enjoy. Publishers who wanted to participate, because doing so guaranteed their authors would show up in every Christian/Baptist bookstore, paid a fee and followed the rules and conventions. Throwing caution to the wind, they ditched what general market publishers felt worked to create their own style of fiction. As a result there is now an entire generation of readers who simply aren't used to reading general market work.

Christian blog tours here in the US, and there are quite a few, are made up of these readers. General market Christian authors who accidentally appeal to this audience often want to try their luck at touring to hopefully garnish a few additional reviews and to of course get their book out there.

Watch out! Be Careful!

Make sure you have some solid general market reviews that can hopefully thwart some of the misguided reviews you'll get from readers who've no idea what works for general market readers Christian or otherwise.

I'd love to say I dodged that bullet but that bullet is BIG and is very tricky to dodge. My series does have solid general market appeal and my publisher felt is was worth the challenge. I'm glad they felt this way because I did garnish some absolutely fantastic reviews which are coming in now!!! Those reviewers who don't care for general market work and want their fiction more targeted and subsequently less literary, were even nice though their comments often negated what general market reviewers are saying.

Just keep in mind, if you write for the general market and want to take your chance touring one of the Christian blog tours, it definitely is a blessing and in other ways, a curse. :) Fortunately a few general market Christian readers are joining these blog tours for the free books. Hopefully one day they will dominate!

FaceBook discussion on vampire creation.

FaceBook discussion on vampire creation. Do come join in! I started a fan page and have sorely neglected it. Then I learn someone had a question for me there. Needless to say I'm about to Pimp-this-page. LOL

Check out the discussion here!

Wow! Someone is paying attention. LOL

This just in and I couldn't be prouder!

This just in and I couldn't be prouder. I suspect this is a review from one of my FIRST Wild Card Bloggers and if so, I'm no longer worried about the kind of reviews I might get from this group that is used to reading affiliated work. OMG! What an amazing review. Thank-you Stacey. You can click here to read for yourself.

Excuse me! Never Ceese is actually about a Werewolf!

Excuse me! Never Ceese is actually about a werewolf. I find it interesting when you have a series that mixes vampires and werewolves that vampires always seem to get first billing. And I fell right into it by calling Never Ceese a vampire/werewolf story. It truly is the other way around. Werewolf fans should be pleased and even in Forever Richard, the werewolf Zade is truly a formidable foe. But when you read Never Ceese do keep in mind the werewolf is the defining character and a female werewolf at that.

What keeps me going? E-mails like this! :)

What keeps me going? E-mails like this.

There are no words for what it means to me to have someone who's been there, done that, to shed light on the subject! You taking the time to share your thoughts about all this and helping me out is so awesome of you, I sincerely appreciate it. I am new to learning about the industry as it is, let alone the battle I am up against in my future endeavors, choosing to write this kind of fiction.

What kind of fiction is that you ask? Good fiction of course, written by an author of faith who chooses to say they are one. :)

Thanks for ordering both Never Ceese and Forever Richard. You'll love them!

Lucedale, Mississippi and Mobile Alabama fans!

Yikes! I meant to post this after the book signing at Changed Hearts Creations in Lucedale. There is still an opportunity for you to get a signed copy of Never Ceese and Forever Richard while supporting your local Independent Christian Book store. I signed three copies of Forever Richard and three of Never Ceese. There are three of each unsigned as well. It will be first come first serve. :)

So rush over and support Christian Book stores eager to support ALL authors distributing through Spring Arbor, Ingram's Christian arm. You'll be glad you did.

What a messed up market!

I have to say I was more than pleased when readers who identified themselves as Christians began reading and loving my vampire/werewolf series. Of course I immediately sought to get in venues where they shopped both on-line and brick and mortar. How hard could it be when your publisher has distribution through all the major distributors.

Well, I couldn't have been more wrong and I'll not bore you by rehashing through the mess that has become the Christian market thanks today, thanks primarily to two groups who do everything but identify the narrowly targeted market of Christians they serve.

You say it doesn't hurt if they don't? It does if you're an author who appeals to that market. I recently asked to have my debut novel reviewed for a chance to go on what appeared to be a Christian Book blog for Young Adults. You know, because my series is young adult and has been approved for distribution to the Christian market whether the stores choose to carry it or not. Since I've lived and learned and since the books previously reviewed were CBA/ECPA affiliated I made sure to ask the reviewer if they felt they could review a non-affiliated Christian book without bias. They said yes. The result was maddeningly dissappointing. The reviewer didn't recommend or list my book on their blog in spite of giving it four stars saying that the book had mild swearing and said so in her review. The reviewer even went on to say how they wished they could recommend it but that her every move was being watched by parents!

*Sue shaking head back and forth* So yeah, if you're looking for help promoting your book to your Christian readers and aren't affiliated with CBA or ECPA or some other publisher who targets that narrow audience of Christians that visit the larger (denomonational)Christian bookstores . . . forget about it. In the long run, it isn't worth it.

You Independent Christian Bookstores ROCK though!!!

The Bristish Fantasy Society reviews Forever Richard

A horror book in essence, both Never Ceese and Forever Richard caught the eye of The British Fantasy society's MaryAnn Boo . . . and I couldn't be more pleased. Coming from a smaller press than the "big dogs," I'm absolutely knocked on my butt every time I get a review like this. MaryAnn couldn't possibly know how much this means to me. When no other first line reviewers cared to notice, she did.

FOREVER RICHARD
By Sue Dent
The Writer’s Cafe Press, £9.99
Review by Maryann Boo

This is the long awaited sequel to Never Ceese, Sue Dent’s first foray into the world of Richard, a Vampire and his Werewolf sister, Ceese. In this book, Sue takes us back to the early days, where we meet other members of Richard’s and Ceese’s family.



You can read the rest HERE!

Okay. The part about it being a trilogy was my fault. LOL It is still a series but if I don't get the reaction I need from sales to survive, it could be a trilogy. :) That's not saying I'm not getting a good response that's just saying . . . it's pretty much up to y'all.

Someone recommended ME at CCWC?

Well, I had to google it too. LOL CCWC is the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. Today I received a shoutmail (which is Shoutlife.com's equivalent to e-mail) stating this:

At CCWC this year, it was suggested that I seek you out and tell you about my newly self-published novel . . . I was told that you would be able to help me network with others like myself with a passion for good Christian Horror.


I've decided to answer here in hopes that I can help more than just this one author. First, OMG!!!! How many times have I said it. Writers, if you're a Christian seeking publication do NOT jump at any writer's conference that slaps the label Christian on it. There are sooooo many writer's conferences and any label should, if nothing else, let you know that it's for a specific market. This Writer's Conference, like 99.9% of every other writer's conference called Christian, is specifically for those wanting to be published by a CBA or ECPA affiliated publisher. How can you tell? Look at the editors present. Each, if not every one of them, are from CBA or ECPA affiliated houses. What blows my mind is Marcher Lord Press was at this conference as well and still this person was sent to me? I thought MLP was to help those authors writing outside of CBA and ECPA's narrow market. Well, I know that MLP was set up to do this but the fact is, they serve a narrow market as well. Just not as narrow as CBA or ECPA.

Okay so now for the help. You're self-published. Not a problem. I self-published initially before getting hooked up with a small traditional publisher, (who has since bit the dust as far as traditional publishers go,) so there's nothing wrong with that. BUT (yes the big but)if you are looking for a traditional publisher, which it seems you are, get your work professionally edited. It's worth every penny, especially for this author.

Why?

Because neither CBA or ECPA is going to take his work EVER. They don't publish horror. They do publish things they call horror for the sake of calling it that but it doesn't appeal to anyone outside their narrow market of evangelicals (with rare exceptions like The Left Behind Series that doesn't seem to ever die though many express concerns on blogs that they wish it would) and doesn't sale well enough for them to take on ANY author not willing to compromise their story to fit their mold.

And why in the world would CCWC send a Christian writer who paid to go to their conference to me? Gorsh! They didn't even send him to my publisher which makes more sense. I'm an author.

Now for some more advise. Sorry dude, but don't call it Christian Horror for right now. It will turn general market readers off right away, (yes Christian general market readers included which is actually a much larger market than CBA and ECPA market readers.) They've come to distance themselves from anything called Christian because they've learned it serves that narrow audience they don't like to read.

I know, it's tough but as soon as those readers learn you're just a writer who can churn out a good story that doesn't offend Christians, calling it Christian will only muddle you're market. And if you don't write for the audience of Christian's who visit Christian Bookstores then stop going to conferences geared toward landing a CBA or ECPA affiliated publisher. Seek any small publisher of horror. If it's not overt and targeted fiction, they'll gladly look at your work. But do have it professionally edited because small houses really like not having to put out the time, energy and money to do this. Besides the other guy who you're competing with has already had his MS professionally edited, I guarantee it. :)

I do hope this was helpful.

CCWC referring writers to me. Now that is interesting. Awww, but it makes me feel good I guess.

First review of Never Ceese!

If I remember correctly, this is the first review but I could be wrong. Keep in mind when Clint speaks of Christian Fiction and what is needed to classify a work as such, he's not referring to Christian Fiction put out by publishers who pay to be affiliated with either the Christian Booksellers Association or the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. He's talking about Christian Fiction as most everyone views it. This is very important to keep in mind since both CBA and ECPA use this label to identify their narrowly targeted Christian Fiction. There's seems to be so much confusion out there about this, I just like to make sure and clarify when I can. ;)

Okay, read on. :)


Clint Smith
Author/Former State Legislator
Military Historian/Film Historian

Vampire and werewolf myths go back generations and have captured the fancy of many a culture. Classic books of the late nineteenth century and cinema renditions of the legendary creatures from the early days of Hollywood have played a role in shaping our imaginations. People are attracted to the mysterious icons of horror and fear. But why are vampires and werewolves so popular? Could it be our ability to relate to them? These poor creatures walk amongst us, interacting, embracing and engaging in most any setting -as long as it takes place under the cover of darkness. And most readers probably believe that the story lines have all been exhausted. But along comes Sue Dent's provocative, bittersweet and unpredictable novel, Never Ceese. It takes the two classic monster legends and incorporates them into the Christian fiction genre in a way that both entertains and witnesses to the glory of God. The plot grabs your interest immediately and takes you on a thrill ride. Darkness and evil are important ingredients of the story. But the story is spiced with enough humor to lighten the mood at appropriate times. And yet the spiritual themes so essential to Christian fiction are interwoven with a fascinatingly dramatic style. Adults and teens alike will be captivated by Never Ceese. Sue Dent hails from Mississippi, a state steeped in the heritage of literary giants who would all tip their hats, curtsy or raise a toast to their native daughter's tale. It successfully crosses the fantasy, horror and Christian fiction genres. Dent imparts spiritual themes in a provocative and thought-provoking manner. Bram Stoker, Anne Rice . . . . They've got nothing on Sue Dent! The author's fans appreciate her ability to weave a plot that captures your heart, stirs your emotions, and leaves you yearning for more. Good news readers! A sequel is in the works - 'Forever Richard'.

Eric Wilson's review of Never Ceese

This review was one of the first real signs that I'd tapped into a market I didn't even know existed. Eric Wilson writes for CBA affiliated Thomas Nelson. When he refers to Christian fiction he's referring to the work put out by CBA affiliated publishers. Other than that, there are no boundaries to be pushed. Christians have been writing for the general market forever and appealing to other Christians. And learning that CBA targets a narrow market of Christians and restricts normal writing conventions to protect that market, I'd hardly call myself circling the camp. LOL More like running from it as fast as I can (I don't write like that.) Overall however, the review shows that a Christian writing for the general market can actually appeal to this audience . . . even when said author didn't know this audience existed. :)

Review of Never Ceese - Paperback
ISBN: 9780976994701
Eric Wilson
Author of Fireproof

Sue Dent has done the unthinkable. She's pushed the boundaries of Christian fiction, circling the camp with a small publisher, howling for someone to take notice. And it's working.

"Never Ceese" is a blend of traditional vampire themes and modern smart-mouthed characters. Ceese is a werewolf on her way to a British castle, where she will rendezvous with Richard the vampire. Ceese is in a constant struggle with "the wolf" inside, while Richard is trying to maintain a modicum of control over his fang-toothed desires. This unlikely pair, united by an old woman named Penny, discover they have mutual childhood links. As they travel to meet a young college-age researcher, their pasts come to light. Romance flits about in unexpected places. And a self-seeking professor angles to take their immortality for himself.

The standbys are in play--garlic, crucifixes, wolfsbane, etc--but Dent adds a few of her own elements to this classic battle between the old ways and new. There are few surprises, but the story moves at a quick pace, leavened with humorous dialogue and clever insights. Dent's characters struggle with their cursed sinful natures, seeking release--if such a thing is possible.

In the end, all is resolved--if not a bit suddenly on some levels--and possibilities are left open for the sequel, "Forever Richard." I guess I know what book to add to my Christmas list. With Dent circling the camp, someone's bound to wake up to this genre's possibilities.

Horror World review of Never Ceese

This is a very close second to the review given by Nicholas Grabowsky. W.D. Gagliani, author of Wolf's Trap, is also a very well respected Horror writer. Do check him out. To see the review in its entirety please go to Horror World.org and scroll down.

NEVER CEESE By Sue Dent
S D Enterprisess
ISBN: 9780976994701
Review by W.D. Gagliani

When you hear the term "Christian horror" it's likely you'll think of the Left Behind series first, even though its readers probably don't think of it as horror. But slowly, there appears to be a subgenre unfolding, coming to terms with the inherent contradictions of the term Christian horror and finding that (like "Christian rock" or "Christian metal") shades of light and dark can be used to impart a moral with or without overt bloodshed . . . The book's publicity states: "Can two who were wronged make it right?" Herein lies one of its charming twists. Ceese and Richard hate each other on sight, and rub each other the wrong way no matter what they do. But Penelope coerces them into tolerating each other by using their love for her. The result is amusing. You might say, "Can a persnickety vampire and an uncouth werewolf share a Welsh castle without driving each other crazy?" (Cue pipe organ version of The Odd Couple theme.) . . . Older readers may wonder why Richard and Ceese don't utilize more of their powers against their enemies, but it's clearly done to de-emphasize the dark natures of the monsters in order to increase their humanity . . . The straightforward prose, vivid action and moral crises of the rather chaste versions of our favorite so-called monsters will enthrall audiences who want less darkness in their horror. Those of us who may be somewhat jaded will find it mild, but may still appreciate the monsters' heroic efforts and the author's crisp storytelling.

Forever Richard passes the true test!

That's right no endorsement from Publisher's Weekly or any other first-line reviewers (that's all a racket anyway) well, except for the outstanding endorsement from the British Fantasy Society by my own hands (and what an endorsement!) But yes, two thumbs up from Mom! I actually thought it a fluke when she read Never Ceese and then made a call to tell me she enjoyed it very much. This is a woman (though loved dearly) who often compliments by telling you what's wrong. LOL Well, at least when it comes to her real kids, not her grand kids of course. They get the "Memaw" treatment. :)

The encouraging words told to me over dinner at Applebee's, "I told Judy(my younger sister by one year) that I don't usually enjoy these kind of stories but that girl can write." That sound you hear is me choking on a shrimp at Applebee's where we'd gone to eat. LOL She was on chapter 31.

So for Caprice, you've got another Rodney hater and Geoffrey lover and for me, I get to keep a fan. So stick that up your pipe and smoke it all you front-line reviewers who cater to authors who don't need your stupid help.

Beat that!

You can't so don't even try.