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In April 2014, I mentioned the creative aspects behind the cover art for our novella, Genesis: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew Slice of Life .   ...

Video courtesy of @jcallenbooks

Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Quick Update and Other Notes of Interest

Amazon put our Paperback and Kindle editions in the same general location so now the public can see both books in one place.  This made the URLs slightly different.  I went in and corrected on our website but...if somebody tried to get there before I corrected them, well you get the picture.  So now here are the new locations to click on for Amazon Kindle and Amazon Paperback.


I also thought these two tidbits of information might be appreciated.  Mark speaks on financial matters while Jenny speaks about blog blues. Thanks Mark and Jenny for your wisdom and insight. 


As always, it is my pleasure to serve you.


Lynn

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sharing thoughts

I must admit that I like to read other people's blogs.  As I get through them, I usually either obtain information, leave words of encouragement, humor, thanks, insight, or just participate.  I try to pay it forward by relaying things that I feel would be relevant to my followers while at the same time spotlighting my fellow bloggers efforts.  


Today is no exception.  I have a follow-up on the Excel spreadsheet and some information from Wise Words about formatting for Smashwords, another way of self-publishing.

The place where I'm staying is about to get chaotic with a flurry of summertime events and visiting relatives.  I mention this only because I'm not sure when I will be able to share more nuggets of information with you.  Just know that I've enjoyed sharing them with you.  I hope that you find them useful.


Have a great one.


Lynn

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Helpful Information

Throughout my journey through this world of self-publishing or maybe I should start thinking of us as Indie authors, I discover new and interesting tidbits.  I love sharing these information nuggets because...well...just because I like to help others.  Some of it may be old hat to you and some of it not.  Either way, I hope that I'm helping my fellow traveler.

First two items come from Jenny Hansen's blog.  Even if you think you know everything you can possibly know about Excel...you still might want to check this out.  I'm looking forward to part two tomorrow.  For those of you who could use some organizational tips, and I'll wager that's most of us, you might want to check this out.

This next item comes from Mark W.'s blog.   I found this report on the Indie Revolution intriguing and thought some of the rest of you would as well. 

Here's wishing Jenny more cowbells and Mark more words.

Hope everyone out there has a great one.



Monday, June 27, 2011

Breaking News

Call Sign Wrecking Crew LLC is proud to announce their foray into Paperbacks.  Our book is now available for sale on Amazon and Create Space.  While it seems that our product information is undergoing reconstruction on Amazon at the moment, our spirits have not been dampened.  

On a personal note, I liked to say thanks to all of those people who have helped us along the way.  If I hadn't of meet so many people who encouraged and boosted me as well as others along this journey, I don't think I would have kept at it. I hope to continue to pay it forward.


I hope you all have a great one!


Lynn Hallbrooks

Unique Voice

Today I got permission to post an interesting article that I thought would be appropriate for beginning writers.  This one is about finding your writing voice.  The one that is Unique to you

As I read the article I thought there is a different affect when you have a co-author. First you have to stop stepping over the other person's voice then you eventually blend them together. As someone pointed out it is a little like singing.  Take that analogy one step farther...a duet of co-author's voices harmonizing.  It is difficult to tell where one stops and the other begins but you hear them both somewhere within.

Have a great one!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Goodreads

Being on Amazon's Discussion threads has lead me to many interesting places.  One in particular is Goodreads.  I personally find it interesting as both a reader and an author. The part that I like best as a reader is that I can organize my books. There is a 'read shelf', a 'currently reading shelf', and 'to be read shelf'.  I like the 'to be read shelf' best.  When I run across a book that piques my personal interest,  I look for it on Goodreads. If I find it then I have a place to put the virtual book until I can purchase and/or read it.  Pretty cool concept.


Recently, I discovered how to get into a Goodreads group.  Now I am able to network with authors, reviewers, and readers (I'm sure there are various combinations in there as well).  If you haven't already discovered it and are looking for a new place to go adventuring, you should check out Goodreads


Another place that I've found some interesting authors is through peoples' blogs that I'm following.  I've also found some cool tidbits for marketing.  As soon as I'm given the okay to post the new information on our blog, then I'll share them with you. 


On a business note, we sent our approval of the proof from Create Space today.  We are awaiting a location in order to begin selling our book.  So please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.  


Hello to our new follower(s) and I hope you can learn and/or share something with the rest of us.  


Have a great one!


Lynn

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Points of Interest

Today, I updated our cover art on Amazon.  It may take a day or two to show up there.  I also put it on our Facebook Fan page. This cover art is due to the kind and generous nature of C.W. Johnson, author of The Son of Man.


Speaking of kind and generous fellow authors, I finished reading a book entitled Leaves of the Fall by Violet Yates.  Violet was sweet to send it to me without charge.  In my opinion, it is a really well written book full of imagery as well as being emotionally charged.


Here is an interactive question:  When you read a book...what hits you first about it?  
  
Is it the emotions you feel or the imagery that you perceive?


Lynn Hallbrooks





Saturday, June 18, 2011

Create Space

Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC has finally gotten the nod from the lawyer to put our book, Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) on Create Space.  It is now in the review process.  So we are in hopeful but anxious mode at the moment. We hope that by being able to provide readers with something tangible, a paperback, they will finally be happy and buy our book.


The other event last night was about our cover art.  Some fellow authors felt that our cover art needed some punching up and that may improve our sales.   One kind and generous fellow author did come up  with a potential cover art for us.  Since the partners still have to meet on this latest development, I will have to table the link until I get approval.  But I will say that I really admire and appreciate my fellow authors who have such a giving and helpful spirit. I'm so glad that I found them on Amazon Discussion threads.  


Speaking of finding people.  I'm so happy to see some new followers.  I still have an open invitation to anyone who wants to comment on this or any of our blogs.  But remember, please keep it G-rated...I live with my Godchildren. I never know when they might sneak up behind me.


Have a great one...oh and for those fathers among us...Happy Father's Day, tomorrow.


Lynn
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Welcome

I just wanted to say a quick welcome to the new followers.  I've looked at several blogs in the last few weeks and all I can say is - diverse.  Everybody has their own style and formatting.  It's what works best for them. Since I'm no techno-geek (no offense intended - I wish I were more gifted in that area), I stick with simple pre-formatted designs that I think reflect where I am trying to go.


I like my background because I love books and at one point in time wanted to work in a library.  But life has a way of changing things.  So now I'm a self-published author that has sold a total of 15 e-books since January 2011.  Some days, I feel discouraged but then I read something that reminds me to be patient and have faith.  


Anyway, I digress...I hope that everyone continues to view our blog and maybe put in a comment or two to help me feel as though I'm not just talking to myself here.  


BTW, I found a helpful link today...it is especially helpful for people looking to get published or just starting to get published on Amazon:
 http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/get-your-e-book-noticed/


If this one isn't helpful you can look on the right side and pick out another one that might be.


Y'all have a good one, ya hear!


Lynn Hallbrooks
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

Easy does it.

Mark has done it again.  He is making my life and hopefully your life a little easier, if you'll look at this link then you'll understand why.
http://www.thebloodturbine.com/2011/06/get-more-out-of-following-blogs-on.html


Mark, thanks for being you.  I will continue to say that I learn something new every day...especially when I visit Amazon's discussion forums.  There are many people out there that are trying to help their fellow author/reader. 


Speaking of readers, a new website is under construction.  This website is currently recruiting authors to submit their books for posting under the appropriate genre.  Once this process is done it will be available for readers to peruse and hopefully buy. So authors, please check out this link:  https://sites.google.com/site/1500authors/home


Lynn Hallbrooks
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

Exciting news

Exciting news can be found only on our home page, so please come and visit us to find out exactly what it is.


Lynn Hallbrooks
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Onwards and Upwards

There is breaking news listed on our website that I should wait to share but might not have the chance to later.
  
I've been doing a lot of reading on Amazon's Discussion Forums and have meet quite a few interesting people. Lyn Horner is one of them.  I'm including some links so you can learn a little more.
http://texasdruids.com/
http://texasdruids.blogspot.com/
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/

With all good things, my time doing all this research and learning must come to an end.  I've enjoyed the peace and quiet of another person's home but it too must end.  I say all this to let you know that I may not be able to post for a few days until things settle back down to a normal active family routine.

I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts and new friends with all of you.  If you want to keep up with things as they happen then join us on Facebook and meet some more of my new friends.

Lynn Hallbrooks

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Path Less Traveled

Many people may not realize that self-publishing, independent authors, and even authors from a small publishing houses have to self promote.  It isn't easy to get recognized when you have little to no money to advertise.  So word of mouth is the best way we have of surviving long enough to 
"rocket to the top". This is my way of giving back to those who have been kind enough to help us out.


The first link is from a reader/reviewer I met on Amazon's Meet The Author forums.  She has a blog that includes a place for Independent (aka Indie) authors and small publishing houses. She gathers the information sent to her, formats it, and even places them by genre. Then kindly lets you know when it is done. So please follow her blog at:
http://mistressofthedarkpath.wordpress.com/book-advertisements-page-2-post-them-here/


This second link is by a fellow author, that I also met on Amazon's Meet The Author forums, who is trying to help promote Indie authors on Facebook. They need a total of 25 likes to get onto a search engine so even more people can find them.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indie-Kindle-Books-on-Amazon/219491824736253


Whilst I was posting this onto my Facebook page, I realized that the Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) Facebook page also needs 25 likes to get out on the search engine.  
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Call-Sign-Wrecking-Crew-Storm-Warning/228437083836889?sk=wall


Who knows maybe while you are checking out these sites, you might discover a book or two you'd liked to add to your library collection.


Lynn Hallbrooks
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com
co-author: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning)
co-owner: Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Amazon and other updates

Call Sign: Wrecking Crew (Storm Warning) information has been updated on Amazon including the reduced price, and revised product description.  
Anyone who is interested can click here to learn more:
http://www.amazon.com/Call-Sign-Wrecking-Warning-ebook/dp/B004INHK2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307239750&sr=8-1

I've also done what I could to get this blog over to our Facebook page. I've added a 'Follow us on Facebook' link to our website.  



I've been learning a lot from fellow readers and/or authors lately.  So I like to give a quick thanks to them for all their help, comments and yes even critiques. 


Have a great one!


Lynn
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

The Internet Connection

Here is the URL for Mark's blog (see comments under Working Together blog) regarding how to link your own blog to Facebook/Twitter:
http://www.thebloodturbine.com/2011/06/how-to-link-your-blog-post-to-twitter.html


If you can follow directions, better than I can sometimes, you shouldn't have too much trouble.  I suggest though that if you have any problems, Mark would be the better person to ask. If you follow his blog, you might learn some very interesting things.  I know I have. Thanks again Mark for sharing your words of wisdom with the rest of us. 


Lynn
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com

Working Together

One of the things that I learned today is that Blogs, Web pages and Facebook can work together.  Unfortunately, no one has explained how that works.  When I get everything talking together, my life will definitely be much simpler.  In the meantime, this link should take you to our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Call-Sign-Wrecking-Crew-Storm-Warning/228437083836889

I have also recently updated the information on Amazon for the book. I'm currently awaiting Amazon's approval for said changes.  There is a saying in the military...hurry up and wait. Good thing I learned that early on or I'd be a hot mess right now.


Okay ramblings over...y'all have a good one and please be looking for those Amazon changes any day now.


Lynn
www.callsignwreckingcrew.com