Comic Con Charlotte 2008
Category: Writing and Poetry

I spent this past weekend in Charlotte NC. I didn't see much of the city; I spent all of my time at the Comic Book Convention.

For those of you who have not picked up a comic in a while you may be surprised at just how much they have grown up over the years. For authors- you might be surprised at how much you can learn from them.

My personal love of comics began as a child. I liked the cartoons and of course I read the comic books that went along with them.

DC Sr. VP and Executive Editor Dan DiDio asked a great question: What was your first comic and who gave it to you?

I had to think back to a time and place I rarely like to visit in my mind. But there a memory was indeed found. My grandmother, like most good memories, had given the book to me and it was a Wonder Woman comic. I had the full gear-underoos and all.

As an adult I mainly read Cat Woman and Elektra, again some strong kick-ass women who have not had the best of lives but get out there and make it happen. (Hmmm-much like me-except I am not a villain---or am I? I guess that would be a matter of perspective.)

I digress; the point is that they were kick-ass women. Strong characters that could stand alone, and the love interest only fuels the conflict in them rather than solving all of their problems.

This brings me to the conversation I had with DC Senior Coordinating Editor Jann Jones- who happens to be living my dream life by the way- about the fact that the women characters in comics need to be strong enough to hold their own cover and not because it is booby-licious, but because they rock and both men and women want to read them.

There were more women at this convention than I had seen in years past. My husband who has been to more of them than I have agreed. I don't think women stop reading comics as they get older, I think comics stop relating to women and that is where Indy comics pop up and fill the gap. But I really want my Cat Woman back. I want Selena to be the hero in her own mind but not afraid to make hard decisions and shoulder the burden of her life as a villain. Villains are the hero's in their own stories.

I also sat in on several panels and learned a great deal of valuable information from SCAD the Savannah College of Art and Design.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I have Veronica Grimm stepping out in October of next year.

After this conference I have not only more to add to her journey- I can see it, visually on pages of a comic book.

My 4 year plan is to be writing and teaching writing full time. I am not sure how this PhD I am working on will play a part but it may at some point come in handy- LOL.

In the meantime I wonder…what was your first comic and who gave it to you? Do you remember?

6:36 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Hard at Work
Current mood: busy
Category: Writing and Poetry

Is it just me or does it seem like the days of summer past, when I could just relax, write, read, and enjoy the hot days and cool nights are gone?

This summer we are working, we are working on books, covers, submission guidelines, publicity, events, I mean we are working.

But it is good to take some time off from time to time also.

Enjoy the beach, a family or friend get together, and remember that work must be done, even in the hot summer sun, but work, will be there in teh morning.

Work hard and we look forward to your query letters in JULY

Tonya

2:20 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

2009 Submission guidelines-Open for Submission July 2008
Current mood: productive
Category: Writing and Poetry

Submission Guidelines ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Step 1: QUERY

            A query letter should include the following information:

1.  The name

2.  length

3.  type (genre) of book you are sending. Including sub genre's

4.  What your book is about.

5.  Your qualifications, if any, to write the book.

6.  Your name, address, telephone number, website, and e-mail

Include the hook, synopsis (not more then 5 pages), marketing plan (Both electronic and print plans), and your biography.

            *If you have a marketing plan be prepared to send it as a separate .rtf file with the manuscript if it is requested.

If you receive a request for your manuscript please be sure to format it in this way:

            1. 12 pt Georgia

            2. double spaced

            3. contact information on 1st page

            4. page numbers bottom center

            5. justified

            6. *** for each scene break

            7. page break before a new chapter

ONLY .rtf (rich text format) files will be accepted

8.  Marketing plan in .rtf file attached separately (If you do not have a plan- do not submit)

*Submit to only 1 editor. We all know each other here, if we believe someone else will want it, we will send it to them.

GENRE'S DEFINED

We are looking for mature novels 70-100K

Contemporary

            Real world, real life, or so it would seem. These are books people today can relate to, identify with, and recognize.

Erotic Romance

            Consensual adult behavior. Don't go there with illegal actions unless you want your manuscript forwarded to the police. It is a romance, it doesn't need a HEA (Happily Ever After) but it needs a HFN (Happy For Now) even if they are happy with a new found independence. We seek well developed characters, sex that is part of the plot not just added for the sake of sex.  All genres, chic lit, historical, contemporary, etc.

Historical

            We are looking for stories set in diverse historical time periods. Time periods include but are not limited to:  ancient civilizations up to and including the First and Second World Wars, Viking invasions through the Middle Ages, Elizabethan England to 20th-century families at war. If you have a great take on the 60's or 70's we'd be interested to see that too.

Horror:

            Put the book in the freezer before I go to bed scary! Can be suspenseful, paranormal, contemporary, but it absolutely mist be spine tingling scary. (Gory and scary are not the same thing. You can have gore, but a carnage fest with no purpose isn't scary.)

Inspirational

            Wholesome entertainment showcasing characters who represent purposeful, faith-driven lives.

Mainstream Fiction and Non Fiction

            This includes current events, biographies, memoirs, personal growth, military, relationships, travel memoir, and celebrity biographies/autobiographies. You absolutely must be prepared to show credentials, references, research, and connections to the work if you submit a non-fiction. Get permissions, we will want to see them.

Paranormal

            Spans all timelines. This includes but is not limited to shape-shifters, vampires, ghosts, witches, werewolves, tarot, mythological, etc.

Romance

            Be sure to note what subgenre your book falls in. These can have varying sexual content but not the frank language of erotica. We are looking for character driven romances. We want to love the hero, relate to the heroine, and feel good at the end of this book.

Science Fiction

            Time travel, space travel, futuristic, other worldly, etc. This can include paranormal elements.

Short Stories

            Short stories are an art of their own, to put so much into so little of a space. However, we will only accept collections of short stories by one author/writing team.

They can be any genre but must have the same elements required of the genres listed here.

Suspense/Thriller

            Action packed, page turning books. Think kidnappings, stalking, murder mystery, psychological suspense or thriller; keep us on the edge of our seats!

Note to potential authors:

• We have less than 1% acceptance rate. We have a limited number of books we will publish with the intent of printing each year. Those spots are highly coveted and therefore we want only your best work. We do not sell books off of our website; we link to All Romance E-Books, and/or Fictionwise for electronic distribution.
• In short, if you don't believe in your book enough to take the time to follow our submission guidelines and have someone read through it before submitting, why would we believe in it enough to print, or you enough to follow through as an author with promotions.
• If you think you have what it takes to drive your books and sell them, you have a wonderful and successful marketing strategy, you have time and energy to devote to prompting your work, then pick an editor looking for your material and follow the guidelines to the T!

Tonya Nagle Editor in Chief of Tease Publishing LLC (send query's for the following editors to the eic e-mail with the appropriate editors name in the subject line. (Pam, Beverly, Jackie)

 Lori Senior Editor/Line Editor (Historical, Non-Fiction, Fiction, M/M,
Romance, Horror, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, just about anything)
Gail Senior Editor/Line Editor (Tarot Series, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical, M/F/M Erotic Romance, Horror, Romance)
Becky Editor/Line Editor (Short Stories(as a collection), Literature, M/M, Fiction, Horror)
Jenna (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mysteries, Romance)
Jennifer (Prefers Paranormal and Horror, also does Contemporary, Suspense, Thrillers)
Jackie (Charity Anthology Non-fiction)
Beverly (Christian Fiction, Historical)
Pam (Memoirs, Current Events, Literature)

12:23 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

GO GREEN READ E BUY POD
Current mood: busy
Category: Life

GO GREEN

..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

            Blue may be my favorite color but I look good in green. Of course I do, I'm a red-head with fair complexion. Irish. So green is my second favorite, well third I suppose but I don't count black or white which seem to be staples in my wardrobe.

            Of course GREEN is the logo of all this environmental jazz, Go Green, Be Green, Eat Green, Clean Green, drive Green.

            And they don't mind killing a bunch of trees to put out the books on this topic…hmmmm.

            So what about those of us, small press authors, small press publishers who have been green all along? As a small press we have the option of using Print on Demand services (which we do) or we can use printing and distributing services that would almost guarantee that our books, like hundreds of others would have their covers stripped and be tossed into the TRASH- not the recycling bin when they time out on the bookshelf in a bookstore.

            Now I have said it. I spent a summer working at a bookstore because it was awesome, I love books, and I liked being around other people who loved books, and it brought in some extra funds. I will never forget the day I was told to strip covers, magazines, books, it hurt! I was like, what are you going to do with them? I was told they go into the dumpster. And I was the one who put hem there. It was awful, I mean armful after armful of books and magazines went to the trash. I doubt—I seriously doubt that bookstores have a different approach to this.

            More of the mainstream, larger publishing houses are beginning to offer their books through electronic sources as well. I think it is a step in the right direction. I mean an e-reader can hold 100-1000 books depending on their size. I know what you are saying; you might not want to read off of a computer screen. You miss the bookstore, you love the smell of a fresh book. I get it, so do I. So I buy the books I know I will love to read by my favorite authors. I keep them so I don't mind the price, or the space I have to make for those books.

            I like to try new authors, and electronically helps me to 1, save money and 2, I don't have to find someone to give the book to and hope that they enjoy it if it is a good read, but a one time read for me. I only want to keep books on my shelf that I can go back to time and again and pick up to read. Like comfort food, I have comfort authors.  Buying e-books allows me to maybe have an author fling but not deal with the commitment. I worry when I give a book away that it may end up in the trash. I also worry that by buying the book, not loving it enough to keep it, I have only put one in a recycling bin where they may be stripping that book and tossing ten more in the trash behind the bookstore. It is a terrible thing.

            So while we are out there pushing the green agenda I think it would help to think about those things we love, books and magazines, and ask ourselves…are we really GREEN?

            I am an author, I have print books, I want a major publishing contract with mass distribution, but I do not want them stripping my books and trashing them. I want them to recycle, and I want the publishers to print on recycled paper if they can. I can't imagine why not.

As for small presses like Tease, and so many others, KUDO's to us, and to those authors, and owners, books are only printed based on people ordering them. People only buy them because they want it in print. You know as a small press author that the majority of your books go on the keeper shelf. If you go into a used bookstore, there are hardly any small press books to be found, you know why? They are not wasted, they are keepers, and the companies will most likely tell the bookstore to return the entire book undamaged for a full refund rather than the cover for partial. It may cost more to be a small press in the short term, but it is better for the environment in the long run.

            So take a look at the people who are already GREEN in a major way. Don't hink that because they are small, that they are not mighty!

11:58 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

SVETKAVISTA by Kayleigh Jamison now in Print!

SVETKAVISTA

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 987-1-934678-42-8 (ebook)

ISBN: 9781934678435 (print)

Ebook

Print

.. -->[if gte vml 1]> ..[endif]-->.. -->[if !vml]-->.. -->[endif]-->

Trapped within a life where she has always been an outsider, Karina dutifully follows the wishes of her father by day, and secretly pursues her dreams by night. Raised within the strict, patriarchal society of the Rom at a time when discrimination and fear are at their peak, she is forced to hide both her love of music and her passion for those who encourage her dreams.

She seeks comfort in the arms of her dearest friend and mentor, who shows her that love and lust rarely confine themselves to the ill-conceived notions of normalcy.

When a lie, spoken in a moment of desperation, threatens to shatter everything Karina holds dear, she must choose between those she loves and her own reputation. Will the truth set her free or destroy her? Does she have the courage to follow her own heart?

If you are looking for a lyrical voice, superb characters that draw you in, and fascinating out of the ordinary historical adventure with an erotic twist, I cannot recommend Kayleigh Jamison enough.

-Emma Wildes, 1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

Ms. Jamison has penned an absolutely stunning and adventure tale that drew me in from page one, to the point that I forgot everything but the story unfolding before me.

-Caro, Coffee Time Romance, 5 cups

Svetkavista…is a wonderful novel of love and revenge…grabbed me at the start and wouldn't let go.

-Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

Rarely does a novel come along with the ability to capture passion and pain, honesty and love so completely. Sensuous, heartfelt and truly beautiful, Svetkavista is one of the best romance reads of the year.

-Kelly, AORAOG Reviews

…a riveting story; I couldn't stop reading it and really didn't want it to end.

-Julianne, TwoLips Reviews, 4 stars

Wow, just one extraordinary, unique story!

-Cathie, Euro Reviews, 5 stars

I don't hesitate to recommend this complex story; it thrilled me with its involved plot lines and kept me reading late into the night.

-Chamomile, Whipped Cream Reviews, 5 Cherries

http://www.kayleighjamison.com

8:28 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Turkey is upon us-Tease is Thankful
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life

 Thanksgiving is creeping up on us rather quickly. In addition to good food and great friends, we would like to say we are thankful for the following things:

1. Readers- our readers have been so gracious to us that it has made this little company that can- very happy. We are very grateful for your support.

2. Authors- some amazing people have made Tease their home and we hope that they feel as much like a family as we condsider them. In December we will have a few guests to visit as the Tease Tarot line launches, and maybe just maybe, some of those visiotrs will move in permanently over the year as a featured author.

3. Editors and cover artists- The people behind the scenes working hard to make sure we bring you the best of Tease are due a great big thank you! Editors- you work your buts off and we are grateful to you. Artists, our covers have had wonderful feedback from teh public and for that, we are very thankful!

4. Reviewers- Thank you for recieving our books and reading them. We appreciate all of the positive feedback, and we do look at the negative feedback to (though there has not been much) We know that not every person will like every book, but we appreciate the opportunity to get our name out there, and are willing to take that chance. (In the world of celebrity- no press is bad press right?)

5. All Romance E-Books- I have to say we are very grateful to this distributor for taking us right away and really being kind, helpful, and understanding to a new company. Thank you!

6. We are thankful for those who fight and defend our freedom, so that we can write and publish the books we want to write and publish. Without the men and women who protect and keep this great nation strong and free, we would be censored, and we definately don't want that! Thank you to the troops!

7. Family- Authors can get a little bit crazy now and then as so many characters are pulling emotions to the surface- family members see this, and ride the emotional rollercoaster our characters can sometimes put us in. They reap the rewards of baked goods when we are procrastinating, and suffer from microwaved meals when we are in the zone. Thanks for your support- and Turkey day is a no writing day (unless you can squeeze in a little time while they all nap)

8. Friends- Where would we be without those who buy the first books, read the first drafts, and tell everyone to buy a copy whether they read it or not! Through tears and laughter our friends are there to suppot us, and when you need editors and know a bunch of people with English degrees, they agree to help you out. When you know people who create amazing graphics and are technologically gifted, they come to your rescue- Tease is built on interpersonal relationships- thank you to our friends!

9. Our Muses- We all have different people or things in our lives which inspire us to do more, achieve more, to write one more story. Inspiration comes from everyone, everywhere!

10. I am thankful for my partners, as I am but one leg of this team. Thank you ladies for taking a risk with me, investing your time, talent and especially your hard earned money in us. I am thankful for the people we have, the sales we have made, and hope to be just as thankful if not more this time next year!

Tonya- for Tease Publishing LLC

5:06 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

November 15th Releases
Current mood: excited

November is a very special month. Not only is it the Month to give thanks, and a start of a new holiday shopping season but its also another month for New Releases from TEASE.
Check out this months line up:
Yvette Hines: Marriage Clause
Diane Merlin: Mercenary Redemption
Kayleigh Jamison: Svetkavista
Stella and Audra Price: Hot Rio Nights

8:36 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Tease Promotion Friday October 26, 2007
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Writing and Poetry

TEASE PUBLISHING LLC

www.teasepublishingllc.com

Thank you for stopping by a Tease site. We would like to wish you a very Happy Halloween!

This month at Tease we have new releases from many of your favorite Tease authors.  

So you think you can be a Tease author?

Go to the www.teasetarot.com website and try your hand at a Dark Tale.

Check the main website often for contests and prizes.

You can also find Tease Authors and cool stuff at:

The Yahoo group teasereaders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The Blog http://teasepublishing.blogspot.com

5:17 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Yahoo group for the Tease Tarot readers!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TeaseTarot/

7:02 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Coming Soon To Tease Publishing AUGUST 2007
Current mood: anxious

These Great Titles and More... www.teasepublishingllc.com

What are you looking forward to?

5:17 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment