Sunday, September 13, 2009


~ FALL ISSUE ~

Seems like every few months a new and innovative way to market our books pops up online. Book trailers is one of them, and a lot of authors have told me how intimidated they are at the idea of creating one on their own. So here are two places where you can have them made for a nominal fee in high quality.

Animoto
http://animoto.com/

Trailers to the Stars
http://www.trailertothestars.com/

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FALL ISSUE
NEW RELEASES

Wow, just the covers alone make you want to read these novels. From pirates, to governesses, to the sands of ancient Egypt and the streets of Baltimore, you have
it all in these stunning tales of love, suspense, intrigue, and adventure.











































































Wednesday, July 29, 2009

August 2009 Issue


Stepping Stones Magazine


Summer Feature:


Abingdon Press Fiction Launch ~ The Beginning of a Beautiful Relationship!


At long last my novel 'Surrender the Wind' is officially out in the world...in brick and mortar bookstores and online retailers everywhere. Be sure to have a box of tissues on hand.

Surrender the Wind is the story of Seth Braxton, a patriot of the American Revolution, who unexpectedly inherits his loyalist grandfather’s estate in England. Seth is torn between the land he fought for and the prospect of reuniting with his sister Caroline, who was a motherless child taken to England at the onset of the war.

With no intention of staying permanently, Seth arrives to find his sister grieving over the death of her young son. In the midst of such tragedy, Seth meets Juleah, the daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman. Her independent spirit and gentle soul steal Seth’s heart. After a brief courtship, they marry and she takes her place as the lady of Ten Width Manor, enraging the man who once sought her hand and schemed to make Ten Width his own.

From the Virginia wilderness to the dark halls of an isolated English estate, Seth and his beloved Juleah inherit more than an ancestral home. They uncover a sinister plot that leads to murder, abduction, and betrayal--an ominous threat to their new life, love, and faith.

A Couple Endorsements:

'Surrender the Wind' is a gripping tale of intrigue that kept me turning the pages long after I should have turned out the lights.' ~ Author Mirella Patzer

'Surrender the Wind' portrays a haunting world of passion, deceit, and betrayal redeemed by unwavering faith and love that will not be denied. ~ Author J. M Hockstetler


* * * * * * * *


The Call of Zulina
by Kay Strom
www.kaystrom.com

All her life, Grace Winslow, the daughter of a mixed marriage between an English sea captain and an African princess, has been sheltered from the truth about the family business--the capture and trade of slaves.

Set in 1787 in West Africa, The Call of Zulina opens as the scorching harmattan winds blow. Desperate to avoid marriage to an odious suitor, Grace escapes the family compound only to be caught up in a slave revolt at the fortress of Zulina. Soon, she begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family business. Held for ransom, viciously maimed by a runaway slave, and threatened with death, Grace is finally jerked into reality and comes to sympathize with the plight of the captives. She admires their strength and courage and is genuinely moved by the African Cabeto’s passion, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything, including his own life, for his people’s freedom.




The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow
By Joyce Magnin
http://joycemagnin.blogspot.com/

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is the story of an unusual woman, Agnes Sparrow. No longer able or willing to leave her home, where she is cared for by her long-suffering sister Griselda, Agnes has committed her life to the one thing she can do—besides eat. Agnes Sparrow prays and when Agnes prays things happen, including major miracles of the cancer, ulcer-healing variety along with various minor miracles not the least of which is the recovery of lost objects and a prize-winning pumpkin.

The rural residents of Bright’s Pond are so enamored with Agnes they plan to have a sign erected on the interstate that reads, “Welcome to Bright’s Pond, Home of Agnes Sparrow.” This is something Agnes doesn’t want and sends Griselda to fight city hall. Griselda’s petitions are shot down and the sign plans press forward until a stranger comes to town looking for his miracle from Agnes. The truth of Agnes’s odd motivation comes out when the town reels after the

murder of a beloved community member. How could Agnes allow such evil in their midst? Didn’t she know? Well, the prayers of Agnes Sparrow have more to do with Agnes than God. Agnes has been praying to atone for a sin committed when she was a child. After some tense days, the townsfolk, Griselda, and Agnes decide they all need to find their way back to the true source of the miracles—God.



Gone to Green
by Judy Christie
www.judychristie.com

In Gone to Green, Lois goes from being a corporate journalist at a large paper in the Midwest to the owner of The Green News-Item, a small twice-weekly newspaper in rural North Louisiana. The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.

When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people. She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2, shefinds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named Kevin.

Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices theheadlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of real people and the importance of being part of a community.

While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.




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Another New Release



She'd make Raphael Sabatini proud. Best-selling author and Christy Award finalist Marylu Tyndall carries on the tradition of pirate adventure, in her new swashbuckling historical romance, The Blue Enchantress. . . .

Betrayed by the man she longed to marry, Hope Westcott is about to be auctioned off as a slave to the highest bidder on an island in the Caribbean. After enduring a difficult childhood in an unloving home, Hope’s search for love and self-worth have led her down a very dangerous path. All she ever wanted was to find true love and open an orphanage where she could raise children with all the love she never experienced as a child. But how can a woman with a sordid past ever hope to run an orphanage, let alone attract the love of an honorable man?

Determined to overcome the shame of his mother’s past, Nathaniel Mason worked for many years to build his own fleet of merchant ships in an effort to finally acquire the respect of Charles Towne society. Ignoring the call of God on his life to become a preacher, he forges ahead with his plans for success at a distant port in the Caribbean, when he sees a young lady he knows from Charles Towne being sold as a slave. In an effort to save Hope, he is forced to sell one of his two ships, only to discover that her predicament was caused by her own bad behavior. Angry and determined to rid himself of her as soon as possible, Nathaniel embarks on a journey that will change the course of his life.

Visit Marylu at her website: www.marylutyndall.com

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LINKS FOR WRITERS

Library Thing: A Home for Your Books: www.librarything.com

The Red Room - a place for writers to network and showcase their work: www.redroom.com

Goodreads: A place where writers can showcase their books and connect with readers. www.goodreads.com

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COMFORT FOOD FOR WRITERS

Philadelphia New York-Style Sour Cream topped Strawberry Cheesecake. What a title! Has a great video to show you how.
http://tiny.cc/lMQ3z


Monday, July 13, 2009

Some New Releases Readers Will Love


Love's Rescue
by Tammy Barley

A Dividing Conflict
In 1863, the War Between the States is dividing more than a nation. To escape the conflict, Jessica Hale and her family flee their Kentucky home and head for Nevada Territory. Her brother, Ambrose, committed to the Confederates, rejoins the Kentucky militia and is disowned
by his father. But the worst is yet to come.

A Heroic Kidnapper
When Unionists presume the family to be Confederate sympathizers, they set a devastating fire to their home. All alone and then “kidnapped” by cattleman Jake Bennett, Jessica is taken to a ranch deep in the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Can she overcome her resentment toward Jake for failing to save her family?

The Depths of Love

When Jake launches a plan to help Jessica’s brother escape from prison camp, she sees him for the honest, good-hearted Christian man that he is and now knows the depth of his love for her. Through the lingering smoke and smoldering ashes from her ruined home and murdered family, will Jessica see a future with Jake?


www.tammybarley.com/
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The Blue Enchantress by Marylu Tyndall

Betrayed by the man she longed to marry, Hope Westcott finds herself on an island in the Caribbean being auctioned off as a slave to the highest bidder. Raised in an unloving home and after enduring a difficult childhood, Hope's search for love and self-worth have led her down a very dangerous path. All she ever wanted was to find true love and to some day open an orphanage where she could raise children with all the love she never experienced as a child.

But how can a woman with a sordid past ever hope to run an orphanage, let alone attract the love of an honorable man?


www.mltyndall.com/


Friday, July 3, 2009

July 09 -- Book Trailers Part II


In this article, I'm going to start covering some of the steps to making a trailer with Windows Movie Maker. (WMM) Heads Up! Sometimes, WMM has a tendency to freeze up. The key is to work slowly, allow clips and titles to upload before going on to the next thing. You need to set your computer to save your work. Here's how. Do this before anything else.


  • Go to Tools
  • Options
  • Set Time to Save - 1 minute in 'Save Audio recovery every ___ minute'. I set it to 1 minute.
  • Click 'Okay'.
As you are working, the program will save your trailer every minute. If WMM freezes up, do not fear. Your work is saved.
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COLLECTIONS


In WMM there is a section called 'Collections'. This is where all your graphic images will be stored. You've found the graphics you want to use, and you've put them in your 'My Pictures' file.



Step I: Gathering Graphics

  • Open Windows Movie Maker
  • On the sidebar, in '1. Capture Video', click on 'Import pictures'.
  • Open 'My Pictures'.
  • Click on a graphic you want to use.
  • The click on 'Import'. Your picture will be transfered to WMM in 'Collections', and you will see it in the video screen.
You will have to do these steps with each graphic you wish to use.

You will want to decide how long you want your image to last. I set mine for 10 seconds and the transitions for 5.

  • Go to 'Tools' and then 'Options'.
  • In 'Default durations' choose the number of seconds in 'Picture duration'.
  • Follow this with how many seconds you want in 'transitions;.

Step II: Adding Graphics to Your Movie

  • First click on 'Show Story Board'.
  • Select the first graphic image you wish to start off your book trailer.
  • Highlight it by right clicking on it.
  • Left click on your mouse and hold it down over the image.
  • Drag the image down to the first box. Your image will pop up on this frame.
  • Add the next image

Next you will add transitions. You can try them out to see what you like best. There are so many. For simplicity, I think 'fade' works best.

  • Click on 'View Video Transitions". Select and drag it down to the small box between your images.
  • You will see a little box at the left edge of your images with a star in it. This is for video effects. Click on 'View Video Effects' and pick one. I like the 'phase in' and 'phase out'.
  • Drag the effect down to the star box.
  • Repeat this as you add images.

Step III: To add text

  • Simply go to you image, and highlight it.
  • Then in 2. Edit Movie, click on 'Make titles and credits'. You can pick where you'd like your text. I prefer to 'Add title to selected clip'.
  • Click the one you've selected.
  • Type in your text in the box.
  • You can change the text font and color and the Animation
It's all a matter of playing around with the different styles until you find what you like best.


Step VI: Adding music is easy.

  • Go to 'Capture Video' and click on 'Import Audio or Music'.
  • Chose your music file and it will then appear in 'Collections'.
  • Highlight the box and drag it down to where it says 'Audio/Music.


Step V: Saving

  • When you are finished your trailer, go to 'Finish Movie'. I save mine to my computer in my Music Playlist file.
  • When you click on 'Save to my computer', a box will come up.
  • Add the name of your movie and where you want to save it.
  • Click next
  • Click on ''best quality for playback on my computer'. Then next again.
  • Your video will download and play back when finished.

It seems complex, but if you play around with it first and learn the ropes, you will be able to create a video in a breeze.
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Share Your Trailer:

If you have a book trailer you'd like to share with the Stepping Stones readers, please post the link in 'Comments'.

You can see my two trailers by going to my website. One is on the homepage. The other on the 'Endorsements' page.

http://ritagerlach.com/

Thursday, June 4, 2009

June 09 -- Book Trailers Part I


Making a Book Trailer ~ Part 1

When I signed a publishing contract, I had no idea that I would be learning how to create my own video to promote my book. I didn't think I had the talent to take on such a daunting task. Soon I was quick to discover that it could be done. Easy? Not at first. I had to learn the 'ropes', and now I am going to share the steps I learned so you don't have to pull out your hair trying to figure this all out.

Do book trailers help generate a buzz? Absolutely. A book trailer can build interest. People for the most part are visual creatures. If your trailer is engaging, readers will be given another reason to want to lose themselves in a page-turning read.

This article will be simplistic. I won't drone on. I'll be giving you the basics in a step-by-step format. So here goes with Part I.

Starting out:

1. Go to sites like YouTube and Tangle. View various book trailers in your genre. Study them carefully. See how they are put together. You will find good ones and bad ones, and learn from both what to do and what not to do.

2. Once you get a feel for how good trailers are put together, you will want to write a brief synopsis of the story. It should be as short as a back cover blurb. Put this in a Word document so you can copy and paste the sentences to the video clips.

3.
Online search: photographs and paintings. Check Wikipedia for copyrights on paintings by looking up the artist's name. Usually they have a gallery. There you can check to see if the painting is in the public domain. For photographs always ask the photographer for permission. There are photo disks you can buy at your local computer store that are for the purpose of design. The one I have only gives permission to use for commercial use photographs that do not have people in it.

4.
Add to the Word document the credits. List photographers and their websites. List the names of paintings and the artist.

5. Music. This can be frustrating searching for music. So be patient until you find the right score that will fit the story and genre. You want music that gives 'atmosphere'. I used this site to find a classical piece. http://www.musopen.com/music.php
You can find lots of online sites where you can download music for a small fee.

Add the music credit to your Word document.


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Links

Photos (Get permission!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
http://photobucket.com/

Some of my favorite book trailers:

Mine: View it on my homepage at http://ritagerlach.com/

Marylu Tyndall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hosdRaGnWn4
Terri Blackstock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFgJf1OLXvc
J.M. Hochstetler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6TDffO09ps
Jennifer Hudson Taylor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeWjM1d2d1s
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Don't Want to take on the Challenge?
Book Trailer Designers:
Circle of Seven www.cosproductions.com/
Animoto: http://animoto.com/

Look for Part II in July.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

May Issue ~ 09




In this issue of Stepping Stones Magazine for Writers and Readers:



1. The Importance of a Writer Having a Website
2.
Book Releases
3.
Classic Covers Part II

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The Importance of a Writer Having a Website:

There are a variety
of reasons why a writer does not have a website. This may be shocking to some, due to the fact that in today's world a website is one of the most, if not the most important avenue for marketing an author's work.

Readers wa
nt to see book covers, read synopsizes, sample chapters, and a photo of the author. Readers want information. They want to know where they can buy an author's book. They want the writer to convince them as to why they should spend their hard-earned cash to purchase a paperback.

Three reasons writers do not have a website are money, time, and fear. When it comes to money, websites are not expensive if you build the site through a web-host. I use doteasy.com. It took me a while to learn the ropes, but I was determined to do it. It cost me $25 to establish a domain name, and the rest is free.

Time. Yes, it's precious and we'd all rather be writing than working on marketing. But you must set aside some time to work on a site.

Fear. I've had writers tell me they are not computer literate enough to build a website. Waylay your fears. Most of the web hosting sites walk you through the process. Start with a simple page showcasing your book. Perhaps you have a friend or family member that can help you.

You will need a website link on all your correspondence, on your business cards, bookmarks, postcards, in your email signature, on your network pages. Another way a writer can begin to easy into web building is to join a community like Facebook. There you will be able to put up your own page and meet other authors, literary agents, and publishers. I recommend you join whether you have a site or not.

Helpful links for creating and establishing a website.


Website Idea
s for Writers: http://www.sky-bolt.com/writers/

Six Website and Blog Building Tips: http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/quipsandtipsfreelancing/146

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Book Releases:

Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms. She stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet. What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian's pain?

Tina Ann Forkner: http://tinaannforkner.com/



Isabelle Renoir has always been different. Raised on the frontier during the American Revolution, she's equally comfortable hunting in the woods and dancing in the moonlight as a praise offering to God. After clashing with Samuel, an American spy, she goes her own way---until they're both captured by Indians. Can they work together to escape?

Jamie Carie:
http://www.jamiecarie.com/





The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God's hand of redemption in impossible situations. Lyrical fiction from a bright new literary talent.

Mary E. DeMuth
http://www.relevantprose.com/



Short Stories: Life is filled with follies of happiness, craziness and sadness for both humans and animals, what a great connection between both, life is lived on Eagle Lake.

Mary K. Marelli
http://www.moosehidebooks.com



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Classic Covers Part II

Pride and Prejudice is an all-time favorite. Check out the variety of covers that have sold this timeless story by Jane Austen.





Questions to Ponder:
Which cover stirs me to buy this edition?
Which cover expresses the story?
Which cover is the worse and why?
Which cover is the best and why?

Please post your comments!

















Tuesday, March 31, 2009

APRIL EDITION - Classics and Their Covers - Part I


April, 2009 ~ Classics and Their Covers, part 1

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is one of my favorite novels. I thought it would be fun in this month's edition of Stepping Stones Magazine to showcase the covers that have graced this haunting novel over the years.

While you look over these covers ask yourself a few questions.

  • How did this cover promote Bronte's story?
  • What is it about this cover that makes a reader want this book?
  • If there were no title, would this cover compel me as a reader to look inside?
  • For my own novel, how many variations of graphic design could it have?
  • What kind of mood does this cover present?

Now if you are published, look at your own book cover and ask the same questions, as well as 'how can I use my cover to promote my novel other than simply having it up on my website, blog, and on a bookmark?'.

If you are pre-published, or anticipating the a new release, sit back a moment and visualize what kinds of covers your book could have, and then use that imagery to
write scenes, such as character description, and sensory impressions. Have a pen and notebook beside you, and jot down your thoughts.

Lastly, please vote for your favorite Jane Eyre cover in the comment box.







































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Publishing News
In the February edition for Publishers Weekly, Abingdon Press took out a full-page ad announcing the launch of their new fiction line to be released into the world in August. Seven novels will be in the launch, including Stepping Stones Magazine editor Rita Gerlach's novel 'Surrender the Wind', an inspirational historical romance of love and betrayal set in Georgian England and Federalist Virginia.

http://ritagerlach.com/
Pre-order Discounted Copies
http://www.Amazon.com
http://www.Christianbook.com


Book Catalogs:

Have you ever wondered what a publisher's catalog, or a bookseller's catalog looks like. Here are excellent examples of one way that publishers do market their writers books. These pages also are good examples of how to design a 'One Sheet', or a book flyer.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/catalog_index

Borders:

Borders has revamped their website and it's classy. Check out the Media page where you can watch video interviews of authors and more.
http://www.bordersmedia.com/


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More Marketing Websites for Writers:

The Writer's Life Magazine - Author Interviews:
http://thewriterslife.homestead.com/Author_Interviews.html

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Book Releases

The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard


A Regency Romance for the Jane Austen Soul


As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.

During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.

Shortly thereafter Ariana is abducted as she leaves a performance at Covent Garden Theatre, leaving Philip to unravel the pieces of the mystery. Where has his future bride been taken, and by whom? For what reason? How does Ariana's faith play a role?