The Black Door by Charlotte Howard #erotic romance #giveaway

Happy Monday!!!

What! Monday's suck you say!

Well, I'm certain you will change your tune and find this Monday VERY 'Happy' once you check out Charlotte Howard's newest release,

THE BLACK DOOR.

Just a little erotic romance to help start your week off right.

Enjoy!

****GIVEAWAY ALERT****

Charlotte will be awarding an eBook of THE BLACK DOOR, a signed print copy of Seven Dirty Words with a bookmark, and a $10 Amazon gift card (£10 Amazon gift card if UK winner) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

*******

Before we get the juicy stuff, Charlotte is going tell us 10 Things she didn't know about being an Author. 

Take it away Charlotte!

Ten things I didn't know about being an author, but do now!

Wow. Where do I begin? 

First of all, by thank you for hosting me and my new contemporary, erotic romance novel, The Black Door! 

So, ten things I didn't know about being an author but do now… I could easily list a lot more than ten, but these are the things I think any aspiring writer needs to know.

1.    The importance of editing – There is a very good reason my self-published novella has been taken out of print. I didn’t edit it. I, arrogantly, wrote it and thought it was great, and then when it got rejected, self-published it (see number 7). Since making this fatal mistake I have learned that the novel you’re reading, is probably one of many versions. The Black Door started life as three separate novels, and the characters had their names, relationship statuses, and in some cases gender, changed over a period of three drafts. In fact, some poor characters didn’t even make the final cut.

2.      The importance of networking – If it hadn’t been for networking, I probably wouldn’t be a published author. My first two novels wouldn’t have been published if I hadn’t gone into freelance writing and connected with Robin Tidwell (of Rocking Horse Publishing), and had I not written those and gone to The Romance Festival in 2013, I wouldn’t have met Lucy Felthouse, and wouldn’t have looked at submitting my work to Tirgearr Publishing. I also wouldn’t have written my short story, One Night In Edinburgh (due out in November), had it not been for Lucy’s encouragement.

3.      The importance of like-minded people – I cannot stress enough how important it is to join a local writers group or similar and connect with like-minded people who are able to give you constructive criticism. My writing has improved so much since joining Yeovil Creative Writers. I would also suggest that writers ‘buddy-up’ with someone that they can use and abuse as a beta-reader and editor to help hone their skills, and develop their stories.

4.      The amount of marketing you have to do – I honestly thought that all I’d have to do is a write a book. I didn’t know that I would have to market it as well! I’ve had to create social media accounts, go to author events, attend literary festivals, be in the newspaper and on the radio… The list is endless. And not all of it successful to begin with!! But it’s all about connecting with potential readers.

5.      How NOT to write a cover letter – Oh wow, this one is almost painful to think about. My first attempt at writing a cover letter was dire! But my experience has also helped others – I am now able to say with confidence that when a “template” suggest you compare yourself to other authors, you really should skip that part. Sure, tell the agent / publisher which genre your book is, but don’t go saying you’re the next EL James / JK Rowling / Stephen King.

6.      Why you don’t need an agent – I don’t have one, and I am about to have my fourth book published. I’m not saying don’t try – I will be sending my next manuscript to agents – but it’s not absolutely vital to have an agent in order to get a publishing contract. There are plenty of Indie and small publishing houses who are looking for new authors.

7.      How hard self-publishing is – And how expensive it is! I got told it was easy, just log on to Amazon and Smashwords, upload it and ta-dah! You’re a published author! Nah. Editing, cover design, proof reading… it all adds up, and all takes a lot of hard work.

8.      Why my husband needs to learn how to cook – When I really get into a book, especially when I’m in the editing stages, I become the worst mother and wife on the planet. I could happily lock myself in a room with a constant supply of tea and food, and not speak to anyone. It’s not as simple as do a bit of typing and walk away, my laptop becomes a new limb.

9.      One book does not make you a best-selling author or a millionaire – and neither does two, three, or four. I know plenty of authors who have written numerous novels, and still work second jobs. Unless your name is one of the above mentioned, you are unlikely to become an overnight hit and earn a cheque containing a lot of zeroes. You have to work at it and keep writing.

10.  Writer’s block exists but is easily cured – I write myself into a corner and don’t know what to do. I get blocked, lose all inspiration, and consider hitting the delete button. But I’ve learned the trick. Go for a walk to clear your mind. Pick up a book in the same genre to spark some inspiration. Do whatever you want, but switch off the computer and walk away.

Thanks for sharing Charlotte. 
I can relate to all of your list but number 8 is my favourite. And I'm not saying that because I hate cooking but because that is exactly what I do!
I have front row seats for the 'Worlds Worst Mother' awards.
Tee Hee

Okay no more teasing, on with the juicy stuff!

THE

BLACK

DOOR

by  Charlotte Howard

                  

Imogen Pearce is a single mum of four children and fast approaching 40, she works at Ryedale Incorporated where she has to battle a younger and smarter generation to get to where she wants to go. 
If that means taking on the account of Cherry and Sean Rubin’s adult shop, then she will. 
But what happens when Imogen discovers the private club that they run at the back? And what happens when she realizes she knows quite a few members?

Excerpt

We sat down on a pair of large leather sofas and prepared to play our usual game of ‘who says what’. I looked around and spied a young woman with a laptop open, and a tall, skinny, something hot by her arm. The woman was in her late twenties, perhaps early thirties, with pale skin, dark hair that had been let loose around her shoulders, and a slick of crimson lipstick.

“She’s a writer,” I said, leaning close to Caroline so that nobody could overhear. “She’s writing a hot, steamy, romance where the two main characters are having a clandestine affair, and it’s all based on her life.”

Caroline tried to hide her giggle by taking a sip of her drink before hunting out a new victim.

“Okay, him,” Caroline said, pointing towards a man standing at the counter. “He works in a bank, but is trying to remain discreet and blend in with us common folk, not give away his fabulously wealthy background. He’s having an affair with a married man, and secretly likes to wax his legs.”

The man turned around. “Oh no,” I said, adding a few choice curses under my breath.

“What’s the matter?” Caroline asked, watching as I tried to shrink into the sofa and blend with my surroundings.

“That’s my boss,” I whispered.

Buy Links

Publisher~ http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Howard_Charlotte/the-black-door.htm

Amazon US~  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LP0EN70

Amazon UK~  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LP0EN70

Smashwords~  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/456730

Author Bio

British author Charlotte Howard, was born in Oman and spent much of the first part of her life flitting between Oman, Scotland, and England. Now settled in Somerset, Charlotte lives with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets.

Her career as a writer began at an early age, with a poem being featured in an anthology for the East Midlands. Since then Charlotte has written many short stories and poems, and finally wrote her first full-length piece of fiction in 2010.

During what little spare time she has, Charlotte enjoys reading and writing (of course), spending time with her family, and watching action movies whilst eating curry and drinking tea.

Charlotte is an active member of Yeovil Creative Writers.

Where can you find Charlotte???

Website ~ www.charlottehowardauthor.co.uk

Blog ~ choward2614.wordpress.com

Twitter ~ twitter.com/Shy_Tiger

Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteHowardAuthor

 Follow the tour!!!

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/08/vbt-black-door-by-charlotte-howard.html

ENTER HERE!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

    

Thanks for stopping by today Charlotte and for letting us have a peek behind THE BLACK DOOR.

Cheers,

Nancy