A New Approach To Blogging

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I’ve been in a ‘Blogging Funk’ lately, as many of you may have noticed. And it’s not entirely my fault.

There’s so many ‘How To’ articles out there telling authors to do this…do that…you ‘must’ always do this and… it’s a bit overwhelming. I think, in the end, everything is scheduled to the point no one knows where they are and the effect you were trying to create is lost.

Which is where I am at the moment.

I used to blog several times a week but I’ll admit, its a time suck. Trying to ‘think’ of things to say/do every week is draining and after spending that time, getting the posts made in advance, it’s like crickets around here. No one comments or engages the page and it causes that little voice in the back of my head to whisper…you did it wrong. Which leads to thinking…why bother? So I didn’t. For weeks.

But I hate thinking like that.

I started this blog back in 2005 and back ‘then’ I just posted what I wanted, whether that was about my books or my dogs. I enjoyed it. It was a release, so to speak.

I’ve been thinking for days now to just shut my blog down but I like being able to post things where my ‘space’ isn’t limited. I enjoy Facebook and Twitter but with word restrictions, it makes it very hard, so…I’ve decided to use this blog as a journal of sorts. No schedule’s (well, except for ManCandy Monday! *grin*) and just post what I want. You  may get book news one day and the daily trials of the dogs and cats tearing up my house the next. If no one responds…I’m okay with that too because I’m not looking for interaction but if I get it, great.

I think that’s the difference in what I’ve experienced in the past and what’s happened over the last year. All those ‘writing articles’ telling me I should be engaging my readers with brilliant content when in the end, just being ME is what’s important.

So…if you’d like to join my journey of nonsensical ramblings from a author who suffers from memory loss on a daily basis…this is the place to be! *assuming I remember I even have a blog – LOL*

For those out there who are like me, and can’t remember to check things on a regular basis, and would like my blog posts to show up in your email inbox, then use that nifty little sign-up form below. You never know when something brilliant may actually appear here.

What? It could happen!

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All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

New Release :: The Gambler, Western Historical Romance

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Out Now! New historical western romance ebook by Lily Graison…

The Gambler
Willow Creek, Book 3

Emmaline Hunt only had one thing she could call her own. A piece of land that held a secret not even her drunken stepfather knew about. When he gambles it away in a high stakes poker game, Emmaline does the only thing she can. She tries to steal the land deed back.

Tristan Avery has seen his share of bloodshed while sitting at a gaming table and knows its time to lay low when he wins a wad of cash and a piece of land. Especially after his opponent ends up dead at his feet. High tailing it out of town is his only option but things take a drastic turn when he finds a woman in his hotel room trying to rob him blind. The botched robbery attempt is only the start of his troubles when Tristan finds his new land occupied by the same girl who tried to rob him. When he realizes he’s left her homeless, and killed her stepfather, his conscience forces him to do the right thing. Taking her to his hometown and setting her up with a new life will make up for all he’s taken from her.

But Emmaline has other plans. She wants her land, and Tristan’s money, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get them. All she has to do is convince him she’s there to stay, outwit him, find a way back home and not let a single soul know she has a gold mine bursting at the seems with untapped wealth.

Price: $2.99

Buy Now or Read and Excerpt at LilyGraison.Com

Amazon.Com US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES

Barnes and Noble.Com

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All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Six Sentence Sunday :: The Gambler – Historical Western Romance

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This week’s 6, again, comes from my upcoming Historical Western Romance, THE GAMBLER, book 3 in my Willow Creek Series, which is due for release in May!

His gaze roamed her breasts before sliding to her waist and when she dropped the silk bloomers to the floor, he swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.

She glanced up at him and made a face. “Don’t look so scandalized. It isn’t as if you haven’t seen it all before.” She bent at the waist, untied the ribbon on her stockings and pulled them both off, crossing the room and grabbing his arm to steady herself before sinking into the tub with a sigh.

Tristan stared down at her, watched the water ripple over her breasts, and his entire body jolted.

The Gambler – Willow Creek, Book 3

Emmaline Hunt only had one thing she could call her own. A piece of land that held a secret not even her drunken stepfather knew about. When he gambles it away in a high stakes poker game, Emmaline does the only thing she can. She tries to steal the land deed back.

Tristan Avery has seen his share of bloodshed while sitting at a gaming table and knows its time to lay low when he wins a wad of cash and a piece of land. Especially after his opponent ends up dead at his feet. High tailing it out of town is his only option but things take a drastic turn when he finds a woman in his hotel room trying to rob him blind.

The botched robbery attempt is only the start of his troubles when Tristan finds his new land occupied by the same girl who tried to rob him. When he realizes he’s left her homeless, and killed her stepfather, his conscience forces him to do the right thing. Taking her to his hometown and setting her up with a new life will make up for all he’s taken from her.

But Emmaline has other plans. She wants her land, and Tristan’s money, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get them. All she has to do is convince him she’s there to stay, outwit him, find a way back home and not let a single soul know she has a gold mine bursting at the seems with untapped wealth.

Releasing May 7th 2012!

To be notified when this book is released, sign up for the Lily Graison Newsletter by filling in the form below!

Check out the other Six Sentence Sunday participants or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

The Calling, Paranormal Werewolf Romance FREE on Amazon!

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My Paranormal (werewolf) romance, THE CALLING is free, May 5th – 8th, on Amazon! Grab it while you can.

The Calling – Book 1 in the Night Breeds Series. 

In a world where the supernatural isn’t supposed to exist, one woman comes face to face with the monsters and fights to survive their call. 

Investigative reporter Rayna Ford is sent to the small community of Wolf’s Creek to write an expose on a town supposedly over run with werewolves. Assuming the inhabitants to be under a mass delusion, she learns quickly that all isn’t as it seems. Their plans involve more than a newspaper article and her life hangs in the balance as their motive for luring her to them is revealed.

 Garrett Kincaid knows a thing or two about werewolves. He is one. After leaving his pack, he’s spent the last twelve years pretending to be something he isn’t. His closely guarded secret threatens to destroy him when he meets Rayna Ford, the woman his wolf has claimed as his own. When he learns the pack has lured Rayna to them in order to get to him, he races to Wolf’s Creek to protect her from the very thing he fears the most. Himself.

 The power struggle within the pack becomes clear once Garrett reaches his old home and learns of the packs plans for Rayna. The beast lurking beneath his skin is torn between protecting the woman he wants to call mate and keeping the balance within the pack on neutral ground. When choosing a side no longer matters, he does what he must to save his mate, even if that means making one of the most difficult decisions of his life. When the stakes are high, and lives hang in the balance, can you ignore life as you know it to answer…The Calling.

Get this book FREE at Amazon US | UK | DE | FR | ES | IT

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Six Sentence Sunday – The Gambler – Historical Western Romance book

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This week’s 6, comes from my upcoming Historical Western Romance, THE GAMBLER, book 3 in my Willow Creek Series, which is due for release in May 7th!

It took him a few moments to see her and when he did, his eyes widened before he tried to sit up straight in his seat. The floozy in his lap prevented it and Emmaline threw him a sarcastic smile before glancing at the girl. “Slumming it, Tristan? I would have thought a man as wealthy as you would find your pleasure in one of the more upscale whore houses in town.” She smiled when the woman on his lap gasped and tried to look offended. “I know money can’t buy you everything but I thought it would at least buy you a women that didn’t have the spending’s of four other men still on her thighs.”

The Gambler – Willow Creek, Book 3

Emmaline Hunt only had one thing she could call her own. A piece of land that held a secret not even her drunken stepfather knew about. When he gambles it away in a high stakes poker game, Emmaline does the only thing she can. She tries to steal the land deed back.

Tristan Avery has seen his share of bloodshed while sitting at a gaming table and knows its time to lay low when he wins a wad of cash and a piece of land. Especially after his opponent ends up dead at his feet. High tailing it out of town is his only option but things take a drastic turn when he finds a woman in his hotel room trying to rob him blind.

The botched robbery attempt is only the start of his troubles when Tristan finds his new land occupied by the same girl who tried to rob him. When he realizes he’s left her homeless, and killed her stepfather, his conscience forces him to do the right thing. Taking her to his hometown and setting her up with a new life will make up for all he’s taken from her.

But Emmaline has other plans. She wants her land, and Tristan’s money, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get them. All she has to do is convince him she’s there to stay, outwit him, find a way back home and not let a single soul know she has a gold mine bursting at the seems with untapped wealth.

Releasing May 7th 2012!

To be notified when this book is released, sign up for the Lily Graison Newsletter by filling in the form below!

Check out the other Six Sentence Sunday participants or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Six Sentence Sunday :: The Gambler – Historical Western Romance book

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Since I’m gearing up for the release of THE GAMBLER, book 3 in my Willow Creek Series, I’ll be participating in Six Sentence Sunday over the next few weeks. This week’s 6, comes from my upcoming Historical Western Romance, THE GAMBLER which is due for release in May!

His gaze roamed her from head to toe before he reached out and jerked the hat off her head. “Son of a bitch.”

Emmaline kept her chin lifted and hardened her gaze as she reached for her braid and flung it over her shoulder.

“You’re a girl?”

“I’m a woman, thank you very much.” She straightened her shirt and met his gaze. “And I’d be obliged if you’d get that gun out of my face.”

The Gambler – Willow Creek, Book 3

Emmaline Hunt only had one thing she could call her own. A piece of land that held a secret not even her drunken stepfather knew about. When he gambles it away in a high stakes poker game, Emmaline does the only thing she can. She tries to steal the land deed back.

Tristan Avery has seen his share of bloodshed while sitting at a gaming table and knows its time to lay low when he wins a wad of cash and a piece of land. Especially after his opponent ends up dead at his feet. High tailing it out of town is his only option but things take a drastic turn when he finds a woman in his hotel room trying to rob him blind.

The botched robbery attempt is only the start of his troubles when Tristan finds his new land occupied by the same girl who tried to rob him. When he realizes he’s left her homeless, and killed her stepfather, his conscience forces him to do the right thing. Taking her to his hometown and setting her up with a new life will make up for all he’s taken from her.

But Emmaline has other plans. She wants her land, and Tristan’s money, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get them. All she has to do is convince him she’s there to stay, outwit him, find a way back home and not let a single soul know she has a gold mine bursting at the seems with untapped wealth.

Releasing May 2012!

To be notified when this book is released, sign up for the Lily Graison Newsletter by filling in the form below!

Check out the other Six Sentence Sunday participants or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday 56 :: Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

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This week’s 56 come from Saving Grace by Julie Garwood. (I’ll be doing this a bit different as 1 line just isn’t enough. The 5th line will be in bold, all the rest in regular fonts.)

Alex was convinced of his importance. His chest puffed up with pride.

“How old are you?” Johanna asked.

He opened his mouth to answer, then closed it again. From the puzzled look on his face, she assumed he didn’t know. She turned to her husband to get the answer. He shrugged. He obviously didn’t know either.

She was appalled. “You don’t know your son’s age?”

“He’s young,” MacBain answered.

About the Friday 56

  • Grab the book nearest you. Right now
  • Turn to page 56.
  • Find the fifth sentence.
  • Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
  • Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
  • Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don’t have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker’s blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

About Lily Graison
LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres. When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or curled up in a chair with a book in her hand.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Writer Wednesday

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I was finally able to get back to writing THE GAMBLER last week but as usual, nothing went very smoothly the first half of this week. For some reason, I just wasn’t ‘feeling’ this story. I knew something was wrong but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I had to re-read it. Again.

I spent two days reading, and tweaking, and about half way through, I realized what was wrong. Thankfully, it was an easy fix and once I got going, the story flowed and I was able to get new words on the page. I’m now at 30K for the story with about another 10K to go. Or, that’s what I’m shooting for. THE OUTLAW was supposed to be around 40K and it ended up at 51,000, so we’ll have to see where the muse takes us.

I don’t fret much about word count as I’ve always believed, a story is as long as it has to be to get it all told. Whether that’s 30,000 words or 60,000. Keeping them in the range I think they should be isn’t always an easy task. The stories sometimes take on a life of their own and just grow. More conflict is thrown in and you have a novel if you aren’t careful. I don’t really think readers mind getting more but it throws my schedule off. lol I have everything down to the week and getting behind throws it all out of whack.

I’ve also been looking at my writing schedule and debating on something that may upset a few readers. I have book 3 in the Night Breeds Series marked as ‘to write’ come end of year but sales for that series, book 2 to be precise, are not even worth mentioning compared to the first book. Less than half the people picking up The Calling are bothering to read on to book 2 so it really makes me wonder if investing a few months on book 3 will be worth it. I haven’t made up my mind yet if I want to put the series aside or not but writing is all about numbers and as of right now, that series just doesn’t have them. I get an email every week asking when book 3 will be available so that shows me ‘some’ readers are waiting for it but taking the time to write a full-length novel for a handful of readers isn’t a very good use of time when the financial rewards just won’t pay off.

I’m a writer. I love creating stories but most importantly, I love when people read those books. I see the number of readers by sales and I know, with a glance, which books sell and which ones don’t. The ones that do sell, are the ones I have to concentrate on and the ones that don’t…. Well, I don’t write and publish books for the sake of doing it. This is my job and if it doesn’t ‘pay’ me to do something, I see no point in doing it. I don’t know of anyone who would get up every morning, go to work and not expect to be paid for it. It’s the same principle here. I have to get something back and as much as your lovely words warm my heart, they don’t pay the bills.

So…in the next few months, I’ll keep a check on those numbers and make a decision when the time comes. You’ll be the first to know if you follow my blog or Facebook page so keep your eyes open if you’re a fan of the Night Breed series.

In other news…..

The Lawman and The Outlaw are both in the top 20 Bestselling Western chart on Amazon.Com! A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has bought those books! I would have never made it there without you.

Until next week,
Lily

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison