Well, I'm over half-way through my Virtual Book Tour for "Checkmate," and it's going great! I've had so many interesting stops and so many wonderful comments from potential readers. I've also gotten two GREAT reviews. (Check out my homepage at http://www.jeanhackensmith.com/ to check them out!) The new book, "We The People", is also going well. I'm about 260 pages into the manuscript. That puts me about half-way there, too. A manuscript over 500 pages will surely be rejected by the large publishers, which is the destination for "We The People." I have a few agents in mind, too, who I'll start pitching to when I get a rough draft completed.
On a more personal note, our local community theatre is doing "The Music Man". It opens this Thursday, May 22. I absolutely refused to get on stage for this one. Since I didn't have to direct either, I figured that after sixteen years, I'd finally be able to take a show off. Well, not so! I got roped into being stage manager last night and doing the sound and lights. But that's okay. Next to my family and my writing, community theater is my third love. As the old saying goes, "The show must go on," and it wouldn't have if I hadn't stepped in to help out. I'm also doing the advertising, including the programs and tickets, so it'll be a busy few days. And, if I sound like I'm complaining, I'm not. Not really. We all do what we have to do.
Okay, that's it for now. So, back to programs for "The Music Man." Time is running out!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
My Virtual Book Tour Starts Today
I'm so excited to announce that my Virtual Book Tour for "Checkmate" starts today! I just visited the first stop on the tour "The Plot" website and blog. They're featuring a synopsis and excerpt from the book today, and an interview with me tomorrow. The owner of the site is named Rose, and she is definitely an interesting lady. Without people like Rose, we authors would have a really tough time getting word of our books out there to readers. Their cooperation and willingness to help us make our mark in the writing world is appreciated more than they will ever know.
To bring you up to speed on "We The People," my newest manuscript, well...I haven't touched it in two weeks, what with getting ready for the tour, but I hope to get back to it within the next day or so. The initial plan was to be marketing the manuscript to agents by the end of the summer, but we'll see. This book is one that cannot be rushed. Too much detail, too much research, and I want to do it right. I'll keep you updated as time goes on...
Well, back to the tour! Be sure to post a comment and let me know you were here!
To bring you up to speed on "We The People," my newest manuscript, well...I haven't touched it in two weeks, what with getting ready for the tour, but I hope to get back to it within the next day or so. The initial plan was to be marketing the manuscript to agents by the end of the summer, but we'll see. This book is one that cannot be rushed. Too much detail, too much research, and I want to do it right. I'll keep you updated as time goes on...
Well, back to the tour! Be sure to post a comment and let me know you were here!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Checkmate on Tour
Well, the blizzard I mentioned in my last post never materialized, thank God. We did get big winds, though...up to 60 mile an hour gusts, but only got about 3 inches of snow. It's gone now, I'm glad to say.
My Virtual Book Tour for "Checkmate" will kick off this Thursday, May 1. The tour schedule is below, so please stop in and say hi! I'm really excited about this tour, and this book! I got my first review the other day, and it is sensational. It's from Debra Gaynor of ReviewYourBook.com. The first paragraph of the review is below. You can follow this link to read the whole thing: http://reviewyourbook.com/review.cfm?reviewid=563
"It is almost 3 a.m., and I am still up. It is all Jean Hackensmith’s fault. Checkmate is one of those books that you do not want to put down. From the opening page to the last page, the action does not stop. The plot will keep readers gripping the edge of their seat..."
Cool, huh? Well, at least I think it is. That's it for now. Off to promote the tour...and here's the schedule:
May 1 http://theplotline.wordpress.com/
May 2 http://theplotline.wordpress.com/
May 5 http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/
May 6 http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/
May 7 http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/interviews/interview.asp
May 8 http://bookmarketingbuzz.wordpress.com/
May 9 http://heroization.com/blog/
May 12 http://www.divinecaroline.com/
May 13 http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
May 14 http://www.thebookstacks.com/
May 15 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taEJ99lelaw
May 16 http://www.momof3girls.net/
May 19 http://media.families.com/blog/ http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 20 http://amateurdelivre.wordpress.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 21 http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 22 http://valleygirlmusings.blogspot.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 23 http://snowlover033.blogspot.com/
May 26 http://readingmama.blogspot.com/
May 27 http://www.blogginboutbooks.blogspot.com/
May 28 http://reviewyourbook.com/review.cfm?reviewid=563
May 29 http://breenibooks.blogspot.com/
May 30 Free book giveaway (ask me about this one!)
My Virtual Book Tour for "Checkmate" will kick off this Thursday, May 1. The tour schedule is below, so please stop in and say hi! I'm really excited about this tour, and this book! I got my first review the other day, and it is sensational. It's from Debra Gaynor of ReviewYourBook.com. The first paragraph of the review is below. You can follow this link to read the whole thing: http://reviewyourbook.com/review.cfm?reviewid=563
"It is almost 3 a.m., and I am still up. It is all Jean Hackensmith’s fault. Checkmate is one of those books that you do not want to put down. From the opening page to the last page, the action does not stop. The plot will keep readers gripping the edge of their seat..."
Cool, huh? Well, at least I think it is. That's it for now. Off to promote the tour...and here's the schedule:
May 1 http://theplotline.wordpress.com/
May 2 http://theplotline.wordpress.com/
May 5 http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/
May 6 http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/
May 7 http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/interviews/interview.asp
May 8 http://bookmarketingbuzz.wordpress.com/
May 9 http://heroization.com/blog/
May 12 http://www.divinecaroline.com/
May 13 http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
May 14 http://www.thebookstacks.com/
May 15 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taEJ99lelaw
May 16 http://www.momof3girls.net/
May 19 http://media.families.com/blog/ http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 20 http://amateurdelivre.wordpress.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 21 http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 22 http://valleygirlmusings.blogspot.com/ and http://www.popsyndicate.com/books
May 23 http://snowlover033.blogspot.com/
May 26 http://readingmama.blogspot.com/
May 27 http://www.blogginboutbooks.blogspot.com/
May 28 http://reviewyourbook.com/review.cfm?reviewid=563
May 29 http://breenibooks.blogspot.com/
May 30 Free book giveaway (ask me about this one!)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Let Me Take That Back...
Remember what I said in my last post about spring finally arriving? Well, let me take that back. We're under a BLIZZARD WARNING. That's right. On April 10th. We're supposed to get up to twenty inches of snow between tonight and Saturday. We already have 50 mile an hour winds. The good news? This time of year, the snow doesn't last long.
Oh, well. If I'm going to be snowed in for a couple of days, it'll give me more time to write! The new book, "We The People" is going well. The manuscript is now almost 200 pages. I sent a certified letter to Wal-Mart the other day (they never answered my email) asking permission to use the store name AND their parking lots in the book. My "average Joe" candidate will do all his rallies in Wal-Mart parking lots. If Wal-Mart says no, I've already fabricated a fictional chain of stores where he'll hold the rallies. It's called AmeriMart.
Oh! I got copies of "Checkmate" today! It won't be officially released until May 1, but I do have books in hand, so autographed copies can now be ordered through my website at http://www.jeanhackensmith.com/.
My Virtual Book Tour for May is also coming along. Right now, I have 11 scheduled stops. When I receive a complete list from Pump Up Your Book Promotion, I'll post it on my web site and, here, in my blog so you can stop by and say "hi"!
That's it for now. More later...
Oh, well. If I'm going to be snowed in for a couple of days, it'll give me more time to write! The new book, "We The People" is going well. The manuscript is now almost 200 pages. I sent a certified letter to Wal-Mart the other day (they never answered my email) asking permission to use the store name AND their parking lots in the book. My "average Joe" candidate will do all his rallies in Wal-Mart parking lots. If Wal-Mart says no, I've already fabricated a fictional chain of stores where he'll hold the rallies. It's called AmeriMart.
Oh! I got copies of "Checkmate" today! It won't be officially released until May 1, but I do have books in hand, so autographed copies can now be ordered through my website at http://www.jeanhackensmith.com/.
My Virtual Book Tour for May is also coming along. Right now, I have 11 scheduled stops. When I receive a complete list from Pump Up Your Book Promotion, I'll post it on my web site and, here, in my blog so you can stop by and say "hi"!
That's it for now. More later...
Friday, April 4, 2008
Spring Is Here!
It's 62 degrees outside. Finally! I am so tired of cold and snow I could scream. Our first snow storm last year came in November...makes for a long winter. Don't get me wrong. I love snow, I love northern Wisconsin...wouldn't move anywhere else for the world. Just tired of winter! Call it spring fever, call it cabin fever, call it "she's just damned sick of snow and wants to see green grass". Whatever you call it, I'm just grateful that spring has finally arrived.
Okay, now to my writing. "Checkmate" is ready to go to print. The galley has been proofed, the cover is done...just waiting to hit the printer and binder. It will be available on Amazon.com, HerOrbit.com and other on-line retailers beginning May 1. You can also get an autographed copy through my web site at www.jeanhackensmith.com.
I can't tell you how proud I am of this book. It is definitely my best work yet. (I think I said that before, didn't I?) The stalker incidents are both chilling and mind-boggling. I'll be anxiously awaiting both professional and reader reviews. The professional reviews are nice, but it's my readers that I really love to hear from. You are, as it says in the Author Note in "Checkmate", my bread and butter...or at least a portion of it. My husband works in the engine room on an ore boat on Lake Superior. Don't know it I told you that before, but he does. My ultimate dream is that my writing will one day support us and he can quit sailing. He hates it. It takes him away from home too much. He's gone for 3-4 months at a time. So, answer your question as to why I have so much time to write, and why I can generally do two books a year?
"Checkmate" was so much fun to write, because I strayed away from the "norm." At least the "norm" for me. Granted, all of my books are filled with action and adventure, even the romances, (which is one thing people seem to love about them -- and the reviewers rave about) but "Checkmate" goes to the next level. For one, it's contemporary; I've only written one other book set in the present. ("Tender Persuasion") I love history, so I guess that why I've always chosen historical times and settings for my books. "Checkmate" is also a book that my readers can relate to, since it IS set in 2008. Stalking is a real problem in this country. In fact, you really don't see it much outside of the U.S. It's an "American" problem. I'm sure there will be some readers out there who have experienced some of what Caryn Deaver goes through in this book. I shudder to even think that someone out there has actually experienced what I just wrote about.
Okay, I'm rambling. Sorry. If you do choose to read "Checkmate", be sure to reply to one of my blog posts and let me know what you thought, or just go to my web site and make a comment in the guest book. I answer ALL comments from my readers, so you'll be sure to hear from me.
More later....take care.
Okay, now to my writing. "Checkmate" is ready to go to print. The galley has been proofed, the cover is done...just waiting to hit the printer and binder. It will be available on Amazon.com, HerOrbit.com and other on-line retailers beginning May 1. You can also get an autographed copy through my web site at www.jeanhackensmith.com.
I can't tell you how proud I am of this book. It is definitely my best work yet. (I think I said that before, didn't I?) The stalker incidents are both chilling and mind-boggling. I'll be anxiously awaiting both professional and reader reviews. The professional reviews are nice, but it's my readers that I really love to hear from. You are, as it says in the Author Note in "Checkmate", my bread and butter...or at least a portion of it. My husband works in the engine room on an ore boat on Lake Superior. Don't know it I told you that before, but he does. My ultimate dream is that my writing will one day support us and he can quit sailing. He hates it. It takes him away from home too much. He's gone for 3-4 months at a time. So, answer your question as to why I have so much time to write, and why I can generally do two books a year?
"Checkmate" was so much fun to write, because I strayed away from the "norm." At least the "norm" for me. Granted, all of my books are filled with action and adventure, even the romances, (which is one thing people seem to love about them -- and the reviewers rave about) but "Checkmate" goes to the next level. For one, it's contemporary; I've only written one other book set in the present. ("Tender Persuasion") I love history, so I guess that why I've always chosen historical times and settings for my books. "Checkmate" is also a book that my readers can relate to, since it IS set in 2008. Stalking is a real problem in this country. In fact, you really don't see it much outside of the U.S. It's an "American" problem. I'm sure there will be some readers out there who have experienced some of what Caryn Deaver goes through in this book. I shudder to even think that someone out there has actually experienced what I just wrote about.
Okay, I'm rambling. Sorry. If you do choose to read "Checkmate", be sure to reply to one of my blog posts and let me know what you thought, or just go to my web site and make a comment in the guest book. I answer ALL comments from my readers, so you'll be sure to hear from me.
More later....take care.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Good Day To Curl Up With A Good Book!
It's snowing. March 31, and it's snowing! They're predicting 6-8 inches. Gotta love northern Wisconsin! It's a good day to curl up on the couch with the "Checkmate" galley. I received it today. For those of you who don't know what a galley is, it's basically an unbound copy of the book. Some galley's are bound, though, with just a plain white cover bearing only the title, author's name, publisher and ISBN. Mine's unbound. In my opinion, easier to read. This is my last chance to "tweak" the book before it goes to print. I'll be looking for typos, missing words, etc. No major changes at this point. I also won't be getting back to my NEW book for a few days. It's titled "We The People." Again, something totally new for me...mainstream fiction. NO romance, or virtually none. It's about an average "Joe Blow" who decides to run for President of the United States. I'm about 80 manuscript pages in right now. More on that later, after I put "Checkmate" to bed.
I might have mentioned before that I'll be doing a Virtual Book Tour in May to promote "Checkmate". I'll post my itinerary here as soon as I get it, so I'm hoping my readers will stop by and say hi!
More in a few days...
I might have mentioned before that I'll be doing a Virtual Book Tour in May to promote "Checkmate". I'll post my itinerary here as soon as I get it, so I'm hoping my readers will stop by and say hi!
More in a few days...
Friday, March 28, 2008
Check Out My "Checkmate" Trailer!
I promised I would do better at keeping my blog updated, and I'm trying my best to keep that promise. Today, though, I have good reason to update my readers! I just received the final version of my trailer for "Checkmate." It is wonderful. It was done by a young man named Jason McDowell. I think you'll agree he's been wasting his talent working as a security guard! The trailer is below. Be sure to let me know what you think! Oh, and if you would like to take advantage of Jason's talent and have him design a trailer for you, just let me know!
Now, back to "Checkmate." I can't help but feel that this is my best work yet. Granted, it's something new for me; but, hey, we all have to try something new once in a while, right? The book is up for advance order on Amazon.com for anyone who's interested. Want an autographed copy? Check out my web site at www.jeanhackensmith.com and find out how you can get a copy of "Checkmate" directly from me! (Or any of my other books, for that matter.) Now, off to posting the trailer in other places around the web. See you again in "blog land" soon!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Sorry...
Sorry I haven't posted in so long. No excuses other than that I've been preoccupied (or maybe obsessed is a better word) with the revisions on "Checkmate." My father also passed away last month, so there were times when I just didn't feel like writing anything. I'm pleased to say that I'm back on track now, though, and that the "Checkmate" manuscript has been pared down to 460 pages and is ready for the galley stage! It will be released on May 1, 2008, and is already up on Amazon.com for advance ordering. It will also appear on HerOrbit.com soon. Autographed copies will be available through my web site.
Oh, yes! I have a new web site. It's www.jeanhackensmith.com. Go figure! If you decide to visit, be sure to sign the guestbook and let me know you were there! All of my books are listed, with synopsis' and full excerpts, so feel free to read to your hearts content.
Now, back to "Checkmate." I'm happy to announce that I'll be touring the blogisphere again in May, promoting the book. I'll be working with Pump Up Your Book Promotions again, who did an absolutely wonderful job with my Virtual Book Tour for "The Ultimate Passage." Sales on the saga have picked up tremendously, and its having a "mushroom effect." Evidently people like my writing, because they're buying my other books, too!
To reiterate, "Checkmate" is a romantic thriller. In one sentence, the book would be described as follows: "Caryn Deaver survived a nightmare...and now he's back." In fact, that will be my "hook" during the Virtual Book Tour. The book touches on both spousal abuse and child abuse, but the main story revolves around a sadistic stalker, so it is not for the faint of heart. I also currently have someone working on a promotional trailer for the book, so I'm excited for that. I'll even be running a TV commercial in my local area...or at least it'll be in my local area to start. As funds allow, I hope to start running the commercial in other areas, as well.
Well, that's it for now. Once I have "Checkmate" ready for the publisher, I'll tell you about the plot of my NEW book, which I'll be starting next week!
Oh, yes! I have a new web site. It's www.jeanhackensmith.com. Go figure! If you decide to visit, be sure to sign the guestbook and let me know you were there! All of my books are listed, with synopsis' and full excerpts, so feel free to read to your hearts content.
Now, back to "Checkmate." I'm happy to announce that I'll be touring the blogisphere again in May, promoting the book. I'll be working with Pump Up Your Book Promotions again, who did an absolutely wonderful job with my Virtual Book Tour for "The Ultimate Passage." Sales on the saga have picked up tremendously, and its having a "mushroom effect." Evidently people like my writing, because they're buying my other books, too!
To reiterate, "Checkmate" is a romantic thriller. In one sentence, the book would be described as follows: "Caryn Deaver survived a nightmare...and now he's back." In fact, that will be my "hook" during the Virtual Book Tour. The book touches on both spousal abuse and child abuse, but the main story revolves around a sadistic stalker, so it is not for the faint of heart. I also currently have someone working on a promotional trailer for the book, so I'm excited for that. I'll even be running a TV commercial in my local area...or at least it'll be in my local area to start. As funds allow, I hope to start running the commercial in other areas, as well.
Well, that's it for now. Once I have "Checkmate" ready for the publisher, I'll tell you about the plot of my NEW book, which I'll be starting next week!
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