Preacher's Daughter
Prose, poetry and rants about life, the here and the hereafter…
Another Winner!
Feb 6th
I drew the winner this morning and it is . . .
Mary Rodrigues!
I had 45 entries from all the people who signed up for my e-newsletter and three here on the blog. Thanks so much for entering!
Oh, there is going to be another chance to win on February 10th (my birthday) at Window to My World blog where Kim Ford is interviewing me. The prize will be a signed copy of Angel’s Den AND a lovely pair of amethyst and pearl earrings (see photo) reminiscent of the necklace Emma receives in the story. Mark your calendars for another chance to win!
Another Contest!
Feb 1st
Happy Birthday Angel’s Den!
Okay, funny thing happened today. This morning I starting recieving email notifications that lots of people were signing up for my e-newsletter and emailing me about a contest to win a copy of Love’s First Light. I was puzzled. Today is the debut of my fifth novel, Angel’s Den, and I ran a contest for that last week. Where were they all hearing about a contest for LFL? Then, PTL, someone mentioned hearing about the contest on Author Buzz. I went to Author Buzz and discovered that they are highlighting Love’s First Light as one of their picks of the week. This is AWESOME (thanks Author Buzz!) but they used some old copy from back when I was running a contest.
Soooo . . .
I’m running another contest!! This time all you have to do is sign up for my e-newsletter or comment here if you are already on my mailing list. I will choose a winner at the end of the week AND the winner will recieve a signed copy of Love’s First Light AND Angel’s Den.
I’m really glad this happened today because I am so excited that Angel’s Den is now available! Happy birthday to my fifth “child”!!!!
Here is a link to the latest review of Angel’s Den http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2010/01/angels-den-by-jamie-carie-review.html
Finding A Platform (And Other Arguments With Myself)
Jan 26th
I recently read an article about the importance of having a platform and branding to attract a publisher and sell books. It had a lot of good things to say but this topic has always left me with a big question mark. I’m a fiction writer. I’m more of a jack-of-all trades than an expert at any one thing. This applies more to nonfiction authors, right? Someone who writes a book about finances has a built-in platform of financial expertise and can travel the country teaching people valuable lessons about managing money. But fiction authors write about all sorts of topics/themes and may not be an expert at any of them. In my first novel, Snow Angel, the theme is the classic redemption story of God’s love. Duchess and the Dragon is finding your own faith and growing in that, Wind Dancer – spiritual warfare, Love’s First Light – forgiveness and my latest book, Angel’s Den, domestic violence. While writing and researching these books I learned a lot, but I don’t feel qualified to get behind a microphone and claim to be an expert at any of these themes. (Never mind that pesky fear of public speaking). When it comes to branding myself and platforms I’ve always felt clueless. What am I an expert at? What knowledge or ability do I have that other people would like to learn?
It’s at this point that many authors become writing coaches. I think this is great, and I try to help out aspiring authors as much as I can, but I don’t think “teaching” is my gift. I function too much on gut instinct and don’t know how to convey that as a teacher. What, if anything, do all my books have in common? Romance and history. I could build a platform around historical research and target history lovers. I’ve seen some pretty impressive websites that dive into world of the Regency period or have a Jane Austin look and feel but my books are set in different locations and time periods which would mean a separate website for each book. Not very practical and that narrows my playing field to history lovers. I’ve noticed that people either love history or couldn’t care less.
Okay, what about romance? Love? Hook-ups? Hmmm. Now there is a huge topic and I am a big fan. When I look at the kinds of books/movies/TV shows I read and watch, I definitely find a lot of romance. And if I ask myself what my dream career would be second to writing, I think I would say matchmaker – that would be seriously fun! I love it when two people fall in love. Do I have a passion for romance and helping people find their mate? Yes! Yes, I do!
In asking myself a few questions, I have discovered a possible platform that I am really excited about. I’m not sure what it will look like yet, but my immediate response to articles on branding has gone from shoulder shrugging to an eagerness to start writing blog entries about finding love. That’s a start and who knows where it might go from there? Sometimes we box ourselves in because we lack the faith and vision that God sees for us. In this area of finding my platform, that is exactly what I have been doing.
How about you? Are there any areas in your writing career that you’ve felt clueless about? Do you think fiction authors need a platform, branding, taglines, etc? I’m excited to hear your thoughts!
Jamie Carie
If you would like to read more on the writing life from a variety of authors visit Hoosier Ink! I am one of the contributing bloggers there and it is a gold mine of writing information!
And the Winners Are . . .
Jan 16th
Congratulations to the winners of my Angel’s Den drawing! (I wish I could give you all a copy!) The winners are:
Jamie Johnson
Nora SP
Ann Payne
Please email me at jamie @ jamiecarie . com (no spaces:) with your address.
I hope you enjoy the book!
What Jamie Carie character are you? Facebook Quiz!
Jan 15th
I have a fun treat for you all! I spend the evening last night creating my own Facebook Quiz and it is so much fun! Are you Elizabeth from Snow Angel? The sweet Serena from The Duchess and the Dragon or wild Isabelle from Wind Dancer? (Scarlett and the new book’s heroine, Emma, are on there too). If you are on Facebook check it out here http://apps.facebook.com/quizcreator/quizzes/500638/portal
Have fun!
P.S. I will announce the contest winners in the morning! Good luck!
Box of Books!
Jan 13th
I’m excited to announce that I received my box of Angel’s Den books!! In celebration I would like to give away three copies. Just comment (with your email address included) about why you love to read historical romance and you will be entered in the drawing. At the end of the week, I will draw three names and announce the winners.
Here is the back of the book blurb:
“Not everyone who looks like an angel . . . is one.”
Emma Daring can’t believe Eric Montclaire loves her. Not only is he a successful businessman, he’s known far and wide as the “most handsome man west of the Appalachians.” But her husband’s angelic looks mask a self-serving, monstrous soul—one that warps Emma’s dream life into a horrifying nightmare. Her only hope? Her husband’s upcoming expedition to the west. Not even Eric would take a woman on such an arduous journey.
Cartographer Luke Bowen is delighted when Eric Montclaire hires him for an expedition. And not just any expedition. They’re to follow the trail Lewis and Clark blazed a few years earlier to the Pacific Ocean. But something’s not right. Why has Montclaire insisted his wife accompany them? And why does Emma Montclaire seem so…haunted?
When the dark truth comes to light, it’s too late for Luke or Emma to escape what has become a twisted path of lies, theft, and murder. Only God can show them the way out…”
Good Luck and God Bless!
LOL Bears!
Jan 4th
I was working on my edits for my Christmas novella, set in Alaska, and got sidetracked with this research on Alaskan wildlife (Ha!). Had to share!!
Small dogs and baby bears agree: ankles are delicious!
The Polar Bear Workout
Peak-a-boo! I see you!
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Harvest Show
Dec 16th
Catch my interview on the Harvest Show this Friday, December 18th!
I will be discussing Love’s First Light and giving a sneak peak about my new book, coming out in February, Angel’s Den.
Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige
Dec 2nd
This song is so annointed and awesome! Brings me into a state of worship that feels like being in the throne room of heaven itself. I’ve got to get this CD.
Born in the small, historical town of Vincennes, Indiana, Jamie is the oldest of five children. When she was six, her parents accepted Christ as their Savior, which changed everything. Excited about Jesus, her dad decided to take a giant leap of faith and start a church. Some of her favorite memories are the road trips she used to take with her dad, driving to home Bible studies across southern Indiana where Jim would preach. After a night of teaching and ministry, they would drive home and talk of things beyond earth’s bounds - creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch. The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. As Jamie grew closer to God and developed her own relationship with Him, she discovered a heart welling with songs and poetry.
