Whew! We made it through the holiday season. Hope everyone has plenty of nice Christmas memories to begin the new year. Did you get some good books from the one-day-only Romance Bookworms 2,000 FREE e-book giveaway on December 27? I sure hope so! Any resolutions? Mine is to say these words every day, whenever I need them: "Treat every day as an adventure, not a to-do list."
As readers and authors, we already know words are powerful. The earliest fantasy novels I read continually reinforced the significance of words in magical and spiritual systems. While I don't want to be overly optimistic (I am as task-driven as a squirrel during acorn season), I have been using that mantra for three days now, and it is having some positive benefits. Not just in approaching things with a better attitude, but being less stressed about them. Perspective is a mighty thing. I wish you luck and joy in the new year, and success with your own resolutions!
In December, we had some fun games on the social media platforms, like this one below. It reminded me of the "plot bunny" charts we used to do in writing class, way back when I was learning craft and how to come up with story ideas. See what your preferred combination is, and put it out there in the universe. Maybe it will take up lodging in an author's subconscious and become a new story for you to love! 🎁🎁🎁
Last issue, I mentioned I'm working on a bonus content vignette for you all. The story stars Ben and Marcie from Hostile Takeover (Knights of the Board Room series), and Cyn and Mick from the latest Mistresses of the Board Room book, At Her Pleasure. I've finished the first draft and should have it polished up and out to you in the next couple weeks. If you're on any of my social media platforms, watch for the announcement of the BookFunnel download link for your preferred reading device. If you're not on any of my social media platforms, don't worry. I'll publish the link in the next newsletter issue. When the story goes live, it will also be added to the top of the bonus content library under the Cantrips (Vignette) menu item on my website.
I'm so sorry I haven't been able to provide you vignettes as regularly as I used to do. Writing, marketing and changes in family/home life have made the holiday break period (when I usually write bonus content stories) a little more hectic. However, I'm glad I found the time to do this one. Writing these stories is FUN. No complicated storylines, just an indulgent "revisit" of favorite characters. I hope when it's ready, you'll enjoy the trip with these four. They're on a short jaunt outside of New Orleans, and it gets a little more exciting than expected!
Thanks to that Romance Bookworms promo, I had a nice bump in sales at the end of year, particularly in my Mistresses of the Board Room series. I'm delighted that people are enjoying the ladies and their memorable men. Have you read all of them yet? If not, see the links below the graphic. I know it's time to change out the Christmas-y look, but this purple was so pretty, I wanted to post it one last time! (Plus, tiny emoji reindeer - can't pass up the chance to share those, lol.)
Now that my mind is turning toward Vampire's Choice, the next book in the Vampire Queen series, the muse is shooting ideas at me almost faster than I can grab them. On my last road trip to see my aunt, I came back with 62 outline notes on my recorder. I've been transferring them into MS Notes and expanding on them, fleshing out the details of Ruth and Merc's story. The opening is almost completely written in my head, so I may have a sneak peek Chapter One earlier than expected. Scott is hard at work on a cover to ooh and aah over. 🎨🖌
Just as a reminder, we were introduced to Ruth in Vampire Guardian, the latest VQS book. She's Adan's sister. Her hero in Vampire's Choice, Merc, is part incubus, part angel and part something else. Merc was introduced in Medusa’s Heart, a non-series title. A big chunk of Vampire's Choice will happen at the Circus, a setting which is also pivotal in Medusa’s Heart, so feel free to check out that story if you’d like. It also has a pretty new cover!
Vera's story will be Book 5 of the Mistresses of the Board Room. We have a couple versions of the cover, and in the next few weeks, we'll likely post them on our FB and MeWe pages for feedback. I really like this model, and she has some great shots available. Though the MBR series brand only features the women on the cover, he isn't hard to look at, either! I'm sure he'll show up in some teaser graphics later this summer, if not earlier.
Thank you to everyone who sent me an entry for the annual holiday charity giveaway! It always does my heart good to see how much my readers care about those in need. My randomly chosen winner was Amy T, who wanted the donation to go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That has been done and Amy has been notified. Over the holiday, I watched Last Christmas with Emilia Clarke. It's one of my current favorite Christmas movies, and toward the end she says, "Helping one another is what makes us happy." I truly believe that myself, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to be happy! :>
How about an audio book to stave off the post-holiday doldrums? Here are some of mine! Skim the full library here.
THANK YOU for the many ways you all support my work, not only by purchasing my books, but by spreading the love to other readers, through reviews or direct recommendation in online groups, or one-on-one to friends and family. It all helps!! I wish all of you many blessings - and good adventures - in 2024.
Time to check out THIS MONTH's FEATURED EBOOKS - download one or more today!
FEATURED EBOOKS! CLICK THE COVER OR TITLE TO DOWNLOAD.
Megan brings us a feel-good romance about a broody billionaire and a dancer with dreams of more. Angela has a Christmas paranormal love story in her fabulous Arcane Talents world, between a police chief and a heroine with a precarious bond to her tiger spirit. And Sierra Simone has a kinky MFF take on the Robin Hood story. Enjoy!
[Reminder: Books that are free or with sale prices may be temporary, so grab them now!]
12/15/2019 - Vampire Master - Book 16 of the Vampire Queen series
08/2019 - Naughty Bits - re-release as a self-published title in print and ebook.
07/2019 - Vampire Queen's Servant - re-release as a self-published title in print and ebook.
6/30/19 - The Problem with Witches - A Crossover novel of the Arcane Shot and Knights of the Board Room series
RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES
Fall 2024 - At Her Will, a Mistresses of the Board Room series novel
Summer 2024 - Vampire's Choice, a Vampire Queen series novel
11/30/2023 - At Her Pleasure, a Mistresses of the Board Room series novel
06/30/2023 - Ignition Sequence, a Nature of Desire series novel
GoodReads Blog - Whenever I have something half-way interesting to say (hopefully), I post it on my blog. Check out the latest, as well as the backlog of over 80 posts!
For my most up-to-date appearances info throughout the month, follow me on Twitter or "Like" my Author Page on Facebook - I'll keep you in the loop as things happen!
GoodReads Blog - I don't have much time to blog these days, but I maintain a library of over 80 posts at my GoodReads blog. Go browse and find out my thoughts on a past topic that interests you!
Online Appearances - I'm always posting and inviting comments on my MeWe, Twitter or Facebook Author Page! I'll also keep you in the loop there as things happen. And we'd love to have you join us on the JWHMembersOnly Facebook fan site. The members as well as myself routinely post content related to my books and our shared love of the erotic romance genre.
SEXY AND SASSY SIGNING 2020 - July 9-12 - next year's popular reader/author event will happen in Norfolk, VA. The theme is Sinful Fairy Tales! Click on the link above to find out more. You can also join the SASS Attendee group once you've registered.
2023 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
No conferences this year, but look under the Extra Stuff section for ways to get a signed book or swag from me anyway!
Want a Kindle signature? My books are listed at the Authorgraph site, so if you'd like a "Kindlegraph", send me a request! Just go to Authorgraph.com, put Joey W. Hill in the search line, and it will pull up my books, with a "Request Authorgraph" button beneath each.
Want a signed bookplate for your print book and a bookmark? No need to be bummed about not seeing me at a book signing. Just shoot me an email at storywitch@PROTECTED with your mailing address and the title(s) of the book(s) for which you want a signature, and I'll send you personalized bookplates anytime, free of charge. And I always send it with a signed bookmark!
HAVE YOU CHECKED THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE?
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, about 90% of the general questions I receive on email can be quickly answered on my website, www.storywitch.com. And the cool thing is you get your answer in the time it takes you to do a couple clicks, versus having to type up your question and send it to me, then wait for me to emerge from my writing cave and check my email.
A lot of authors experience this now. Because we have so much more of a presence at FB, Twitter, and the like, it's easy to forget that most authors still maintain a website where you can quickly get info. On my site, you can not only find BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published, you can find SERIES ORDER, including recommendations on which ones can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. Under the In the Works page, you'll find information about UPCOMING RELEASES and what's percolating (the popular "will you ever write a book about so-n-so" question would be answered there).
Just go to my website, storywitch.com, and enjoy your visit. It is specifically and deliberately designed not to be flashy or confusing. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking.
Want a SIGNED BOOKMARK? I have seven beautiful bookmarks, each design representing one of my series: Knights of the Board Room, Nature of Desire, Vampire Queen, Arcane Shot, Daughters of Arianne, Mistresses of the Board Room, and Naughty Bits. You can look at them here (click on the one you like for a larger view).
Just shoot me an email at storywitch@storywitch.com with your mailing address and tell me which bookmark you want. I'll send you two of that design - one for you and one to share! And yes, I WILL mail bookmarks to international readers. NOTE: some of these show previous cover editions, but hopefully that doesn't detract from their appeal!
Want a SIGNED BOOK? Bummed because you can't make it to a signing? Just email me at storywitch@storywitch.com with 1) what book you want, 2) your mailing address, and 3) if you want me to personalize it to a particular name (Mary, Marie, Marissa, etc), or no personalization, just a signature and a cheery note. I'll shoot you an invoice and, once that's squared away, the book will be on its way to you!
Want a SIGNED BOOKPLATE? Want a bookplate for your favorite JWH book(s)? Just shoot me an email at storywitch@storywitch.com with your mailing address, the title(s) of the book(s), and I'll send you personalized bookplates anytime, free of charge. And I always send it with a signed bookmark!
Want to read BONUS CONTENT STORIES revisiting Joey's characters? She has over a dozen FREE novellas/shorts with easy BookFunnel download links. You'll find them all under the Cantrips (Vignettes) menu item on her website.
Want Joey to visit your BOOKCLUB? She is available for online bookclub meetings and even sometimes in-person clubs, within a reasonable geographic range. Don't hesitate to ask! Just email her at storywitch@storywitch.com.
"I have a question."
Answer: "Have you checked my website?"
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, about 90% of the general questions I receive on email can be quickly answered on my website, www.storywitch.com. And the cool thing is you get your answer in the time it takes you to do a couple clicks, versus having to type up your question and send it to me, then wait for me to emerge from my writing cave and check my email.
A lot of authors experience this now. Because we have so much more of a presence at FB, Twitter, and the like, it's easy to forget that most authors still maintain a website where you can quickly get info. On my site, you can not only find BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published, you can find SERIES ORDER, including recommendations on which ones can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. Under the In the Works page, you'll find information about UPCOMING RELEASES and what's percolating (the popular "will you ever write a book about so-n-so" question would be answered there).
Just go to my website at storywitch.com, and enjoy your visit. It is specifically and deliberately designed not to be flashy or confusing. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking.
HAVE YOU CHECKED THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE?
"I have a question." Answer: "Have you checked the author's website?"
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, remember a lot of questions can be quickly answered on my website. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking. You'll find BUY LINKS, BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published. You can also find SERIES ORDER, and recommendations on which books can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. If you particularly loved a series or specific characters, you'll also find FREE BONUS CONTENT, including short stories/novellas and interviews revisiting them.
Find me online through my website email contact link (little envelope under Follow Me on the right side of home page) or email me directly at storywitch@storywitch.com. You can leave a question for me under my Author Profile on GoodReads. I'm on Twitter and Facebook (Author Page), and regularly stop in at the JWHMembersOnly fan group. I'm also on MeWe, if you prefer that platform to Facebook. If you'd like to see the pics that inspire some of my books, visit me on Pinterest, or check out my handful of videos on YouTube.
DIDN'T GET A RESPONSE?
Responding to my readers, and doing so in a very timely manner (within 24-48 hours), is extremely important to me. So if you have sent a communication to me in any medium noted above and have not received a response, a technical glitch has occurred. Either your communication did not get through to me, or my response did not reach you. If you suspect that's the case, use one of the alternative methods to send me a "Hey, Joey, I sent you a note through email (or social media platform, etc). Did you get it?" message, and we'll make sure we sort it out. I will never intentionally ignore my readers!
HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING MY NEWSLETTER PAST YOUR SPAM FILTER? - Whenever I issue a newsletter, I will post about it on the social media platforms mentioned above, to ensure it reaches the widest number of people possible. So if you're following me on any of them, you'll get a heads up. Or you can put https://storywitch.com/newsletter/?latest as one of your Favorite links. You can click on it anytime to see if a new newsletter has been released. I try to get a new issue out during the first 7 days of every month.
HELP ME WITH FOLLOWS/REVIEWS
NEVER an obligation, but when you follow or review me on Bookbub, Amazon or both, it increases my books' visibility and marketing options on those sites. And in return, you get a heads up about releases and sales!
Thank you so much for your support of my work!
