Showing posts with label Blogger. Morgan Mandel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogger. Morgan Mandel. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Her Handyman


You haven't seen much of me lately because I've been working on my new romantic comedy, called Her Handyman.

It's almost done, and will be featured first on Kindle.

Once again, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with the talented Stephen Walker of SR Walker Designs, to come up with just the right design to fit the mood of my story.

I'm sharing the cover with you now. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Throw a crazy canine, a handyman, and a talented artist together in one bathroom, and you've got bedlam.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Recap for Week Ending March 24 & Preview of Next Week

Since I've been hard at work on my sequel to Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, and also keeping up with my group blogs, I'm not over here as much as I'd like to be.

That being the case, I'm offering a weekly recap and preview of the following week here as often as I get a chance to do so. This is your opportunity to catchup, if you haven't seen any of these posts by myself and my guests and see what's coming up.

Next week on Sweet Not Spicy - Roseanne Dowell, on Acme Authors Link - Jean Henry Mead, and on Spunky Senior Authors and Talents - Carolynn Carey

THIS PAST WEEK -
TUESDAY, March 20, 2012 at Sweet Not Spicy
My Guest, Alicia Rasley, Offered a Valuable Writing Technique & Shared Information about her Sweet, Discreet Romance, Allegra's Song at
http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/2012/03/romance-author-alicia-rasley-shares.html

Also, on TUESDAY, March 20, 2012 at The Blood-Red Pencil
I shared my experiences about self-publishing through Lightning Source and Amazon and received varied responses from others who either like self-publisher or prefer not going through the hassle at
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/03/is-self-publishing-way-to-go.html

WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012, at Acme Authors Link,
I posted about those Pesky Little Details at
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2012/03/pesky-little-details.html

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012, I welcomed my Guest, Romance Author, Mary Marvella
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/03/please-welcome-spunky-senior-romance.html

You're invited to stop by any of these blogs, read them and leave comments if you wish.

Morgan Mandel
Check http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/ for excerpts and links to my books, available everywhere electronically.
Or, come on over to my Amazon Central profile and find links and more about my books there.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Blog Book Tour Stops This Week & Special Kindle & Smashwords Price For Tour


The Blog Book Tour Continues For Forever Young: Blessing or Curse
Blog Book Tour Special at Amazon on Kindle & Smashwords - Now $1.99 (Other venues will take longer for the new amount to kick in) 

See http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/ for all venues

If you missed the beginning of my continuing Blog Book Tour for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, you can find all the permalinks, plus the entire schedule to date in the righthand column.

Here are some immediate stops:


FRIDAY, January 20, 2012

http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/2012/01/am-i-old-yet.html
Am I old yet?

SUNDAY, January 22, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-forever-young-blessing-or.html
Review by Maryann Miller

MONDAY, January 23, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/monday-morning-musings_23.html
Intro by Maryann Miller


WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/wednesdays-guest-morgan-mandel.html
Topic: Excerpt & Topic: Fountain of Youth Myth

FRIDAY, January 27, 2012
http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-morgan-mandel-author-of-forever.html
Interview, including a shocking happening, Plus an excerpt to show how it was included in the book

More Blog Stops


Current Blog Book Tour Stops for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse:

My Blog Book Tour for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is moving right along.
This is the paranormal romantic thriller about a widow who takes a pill to turn her from 55 to 24, but may not live to regret it.

On Kindle and in Print, Available anywhere else you can imagine. Complete list of buylinks is at http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/



Monday, February 6, 2012
Austin S. Camacho's blog - A Writer's Life
http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html#7815048673197469077
Topic: How Long Did it Take to Write This Book

Thursday, February 9, 2012
Helen Ginger Hosting at The Blood-Red  Pencil
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/02/ageless-love.html
Topic: My Editor, Helen Ginger,  Interviews Me

Check sidebar for permalinks to past posts of interest.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is Now on Kindle

It took me a while, but I've finally done it! Forever Young: Blessing or Curse just got released today on Kindle! Smashwords will follow.

Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/6tsntn6

This is the story of the 55 year old widow whose husband had been killed in a hit and run accident. In desperation, she takes a pill to be 24 forever, then finds out the pill isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her husband knew that. Was his death really an accident?

FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT:
A limp object lay sprawled in the parking lot where Dorrie was to meet her husband. It looked like, no it couldn’t be...


Pulse pounding, she hit the brakes and flung open the door. A few steps, and she stood staring in disbelief at her husband’s still form. That red streak didn’t belong in Larry’s salt and pepper hair, nor should it mar his olive skinned cheeks, and trickle onto his white cotton shirt.

She groped in her purse for the smartphone. Fingers shaking, she dialed 911. “There’s been an accident at the Life is for Living Institute. I need an ambulance. Hurry, please.”

A helpless feeling engulfed her. If only she knew first aid, but in all her fifty-five years, she’d never bothered to learn. She had to do something, but what? Bending down, knees scraping the asphalt, she touched her husband’s hand. “Larry, it’s all right. I’m here.” She wanted to be brave for him, but couldn’t keep her voice from quavering.

He whispered something she couldn’t catch, something about his iPhone.

“I found it on the nightstand, Larry. It’s right here in my purse.”

“Dorrie, I want you to keep it. Something’s…on it,” he gasped.

She bent closer. “I know honey, all those songs and photos. They mean a lot to me, too. Don’t worry, when we get home tonight, we’ll share them together.”

“No, more…Life is for Living isn’t…Forever Young isn’t…”

He struggled to speak, but his voice faded in and out. He probably shouldn’t talk. Where was that ambulance? Her husband needed help.

Larry flashed a weak smile and looked straight into her eyes. “Love ya,” he whispered.

Stifling a sob, she completed the ritual. “Love ya, back.” In their thirty years of marriage, how often had they said those words to each other?

His lips stilled. His hand slackened. His brown eyes stared unseeingly, as his face froze into a smile.

This can’t be happening. Larry, you can’t leave me. It’s too soon.

Blood rushed to her head. Roaring filled her ears. Larry couldn’t be gone. She’d prove it. Dorrie bent to kiss his lips. They felt warm and soft. He must be alive. Soon the ambulance would come, the paramedics would fix him, and he’d be all right.

She glanced again at Larry’s still form. The truth hit, sucking her breath away. She didn’t need a medical examiner to tell her what she could see with her own eyes. Larry had left and would never return. Her stomach convulsed, her chest heaved with sobs.

It shouldn’t end like this, not in the middle of a parking lot. Larry deserved better. So did she.

FOR MORE, ORDER FROM http://tinyurl.com/6tsntn6

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Really Roughing It

I'm sitting on the deck of my cottage in the Northwoods. Inside, along with electricity and running water, I have basic cable TV with remote control, VCR and DVD players, a laptop computer, an iPhone from which I can get email and connect to the Internet, or in the alternative, connect the iPhone to the computer and read it all there. On the end table by the bed sit my hands-free landline phone and clock radio. The kitchen contains a small stove and refrigerator, and running water. The bathroom boasts a toilet and shower.

Coming Soon
Forever Young-
Blessing or Curse
My husband fishes from the pier or takes his motorboat out when weather is permitting. So far on this trip, weather is very much cooperating.

From the campground further down the road, I can see a Fed Ex truck coming out.

Did I mention all the great restaurants nearby, and the casino a little too close for my pocketbook?

It's a wonder in the midst of all this hardship I can actually find the strength to sit down and get any editing done on my thriller, Forever Young-Blessing or Curse. Despite the enormous odds, somehow I'll have to manage.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Tell Us How It Got There

On one of my many walks, I happened to notice a hole in the window of a new house that was for sale. I had a few ideas of how it could have gotten there, but I thought I'd ask you to tell me and everyone how you think a hole in a window could have happened.

Please give a short scenario of how the hole got there - a sentence or two, or if you wish, 1-2 paragraphs.
Later, I'll tell you my theories.


If you like romantic suspense,
Killer Career is 99 cents on
Kindle and Smashwords,
$13.95 in print

Thriller - Forever Young-Blessing
or Curse - almost ready!

Mystery - Two Wrongs coming out
again soon!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

This Week's Lineup

I'm still working on Forever Young-Blessing or Curse, so I'm not blogging as much. I still managed to get a few posts in, if you'd like to check any of them out.

My 2nd monthly post at The Blood-Red Pencil -
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2011/09/leave-tip-today-on-blood-red-pencil.html

My blog at Acme Authors Link inspired by a Sold sign -
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2011/09/sold.html

My guest, RJ McDonnell, rock & roll series mystery author. That's not all he does -
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2011/09/rj-mcdonnell-senior-tweener-fulfills.html


Morgan Mandel

Killer Career is 99 cents on
Kindle & Smashwords.
Also in print at Amazon.

Forever Young-Blessing
or Curse Coming Soon

Two Wrongs to be re-
released soon.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Authors, Be Aware!

Money's tight, so we all need to be alert. I noticed an email ad from Kohl's about free shipping, with no purchase limit, along with 15% off. I then remembered I'd also received a mailer ad containing a 20% off code. I knew what I wanted to buy, so I went online and completed the transaction. What would have been a $51.00 charge became $35.36.

Many readers are out of jobs, or making less money than before. They're looking for deals also. Authors need to be aware of this trend. If you're publishing a book on Amazon Kindle or Smashwords, don't overcharge. Unless you're super-popular, you won't make many sales.

Or, maybe you're entering into a contract with a publisher. If so, think about that publisher's record with ebooks. Are they usually overpriced? What percentage of the sales will you get? Would it be worth it to keep the electronic rights if the publisher will allow it?

The majority of readers still want print, but the tide is still turning. While it does, and probably afterwards, overpriced ebooks don't sell as well. People still want to read, but they're looking for bargains. I know I am.

My current romantic suspense, Killer Career, is priced at 99 cents on Amazon Kindle and at Smashwords. I plan to put Forever Young-Blessing or Curse up at $2.99 at first. I have two backlist books I'm getting ready to also transfer over, and don't plan to go higher than $2.99 for any of them.

What are your thoughts about ebook pricing and book trends?




You can also find Morgan Mandel at
http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel
http://twitter.com/morganmandel
and other online spots.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

In Capable Hands

Forever Young- Blessing or Curse


Forever Young - Blessing or Curse is now in the very capable hands of my editor, Helen Ginger. Hopefully, she won't find too many things wrong with it, but I'll find out. (g)

In the meantime, I'm getting some blog posts ready ahead of time for when I do my Blog Book Tour, and also blurbs to describe the book. It's a busy, fun time!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

At Acme Today

My blog today is over at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/  where I offer examples of how what characters eat offers clue to their makeup. A good way to show, not tell. If you get a chance, go over and check out the examples, and if you have your own, please add to them.

Morgan

Monday, April 18, 2011

Never Enough Organized

No matter how much I try, I'll never be enough organized. Still, I do have to make some efforts. I relish every small success along the way.

On my group blog today at Make Mine Mystery, I show some ways for Writers and Readers to remove clutter. Maybe you know more. Please share at


http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-for-writers-andreaders.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Monday, April 11, 2011

Back with Pictures and Lots of Housework to Do



One of the Amtrak stops on the way there was Galesburg.
 
I had a great time doing research coming and going and while in Arizona. I came back with loads of pictures, also loads of wash and bills to take care of. I'm hoping to once again work on Forever Young this week, but some things need straightening out before I can think straight.




Morgan Mandel in the observation car. Lots to observe.

Every time I put my camera away I had to take it out again. There was so much to observe out there, and I wanted to keep as many memories as possible.


More pics on later posts, still have many more to upload onto the computer.

 

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Taking in the local flavor

I'm in Scottsdale right now researching for my work in progress, Forever Young - Blessing or Curse. I can hardly wait to include some of what I'm learning in my manuscript to round it all out.

When I get home, I'll put up some pictures here and on Facebook. In the meantime, if you wish, please stop over at Acme Authors Link on Wednesday to read my blog about some of the differences between Arizona and Illinois, and feel free to mention about those in your home state and others.

Monday, March 14, 2011

I'm a Guest at Mike Manno's Blog

I'm usually the one interviewing, but today I'm answering interview questions at Mike Manno's blog -


We'd both be happy if you'd stop by at

http://mikemanno.blogspot.com/2011/03/mondays-with-mike-author-morgan-mandel.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Friday, March 04, 2011

Back in the Groove

After struggling with the income taxes since February 25, my brain was wasted. When I sat down to pick up where I left off on my paranormal thriller, Forever Young, I wasn't sure if I could do it.

I took baby steps, cheating and going back to the first chapter, fixing and condensing sentences. Then, I got brave enough to hit Control, End, and skip to the bottom to pick up where the story had left off. I kept at it and the flow began.

I'm happy to say I made my daily goal of 1,000 words, actually 3 words more!

Now, I'll relax, maybe play on the Internet or read the book I tore myself away from at lunch. It's good to be back in the groove again. Once I slip out if it, I'm always afraid I can't make it back in. This time I did, and I intend to stay there!

Morgan Mandel



Come visit on Facebook as well at -
http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Will Today Be the Day?

Will today be the day I finish getting the income tax stuff in order? I hope so, because it's a real time waster. I haven't been able to do any more work on Forever Young since February 25, when the dreaded income tax junk took priority. I'm under the gun because once it's in order, then it goes to the accountant. If it's not in order, that would be tons of extra money to pay him, and it's money I can't afford.

So, I'm hoping today will be the day. Maybe you're more organized and yours is already done. Hope so for your sake.

Morgan Mandel



http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel
Killer Career is 99 cents on
Kindle and Smashwords

Monday, January 24, 2011

Working on Forever Young Again

Working on Forever Young again today. Accomplished 1038 words yesterday, despite the hoopla of the Bears/Packers game.

In the meantime, you're welcome to tell us how you're feeling today at Spill It Here:
http://spillithere.blogspot.com/2011/01/monday-mix.html

Morgan

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Spill It Here Is Now Open

Just opened a new blogspot, kind of a catchall, where you can report whether you're Sad, Mad or Glad, and why - Here's a link if you want to check it out.

http://spillithere.blogspot.com/2011/01/glad.html?showComment=1295825289805#c8153056327960744404

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Holiday Party Pics

June Sproat, Recent President, on right with Hubby, Mark
Some party pics from the Chicago-North RWA Holiday Party Monday night. Fantastic food and fabulous company!

Left to Right - Margaret Watson, Lindsay Longford


Bernadette Cynchner and Hubby, Russell



Bonnie Hoffman and Mark Sproat, June Sproat's Hubby


 

Margot Justes, New President, and Hubby, Victor, taking my pic while I took theirs.