I'm going to be giving a workshop called Turning Your Talents into Money at the Space Coast Writers Conference in late January. I've been collecting information for this workshop, but most of it has been second-hand rather than primary.

Specifically, I have been collecting information on self-publishing e-books. As a result, I decided to add one of my books to Kindle. The book I chose is one of my favorites and is based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. If you've ever heard of a locked-room mystery, I consider this a locked-room romance. It was so much fun to write! The book is Angel Be Good.

I had previously offered Angel Be Good as a fund-raiser for the Humane Society, so it seemed like the perfect book for this experiment since it had already been professionally edited and formatted for e-publishing. It had also been given positive reviews by several online book review sites.

I created my own book covers using public domain stock photography. I'm not saying I did a very good job at this, but again, this is an experiment. I created two different covers -- the first features an angel and the second Christmas ornaments. I originally uploaded the first, but hopefully the second will replace it shortly. Here is the Angel cover:

Which cover do you like the best?

Click here for the the link to the Kindle page.

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There's a new site for authors and readers called Chapter 1 Zone. Each week an author's first chapter will be posted along with an opportunity to win a free book. Check it out by clicking here.

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Great letter from Novelists Inc. regarding vanity publishing. Click here to read.

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Authors, a heads up. SingleTitles.com just relaunched, sporting a full site makeover and a contest to celebrate the new look. They're offering up $450 worth of advertising as prizes. If you write romance, mystery or thrillers you should head over and check out. http://www.SingleTitles.com

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The latest TARA Retreat was absolutely awesome. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa was gorgeous, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! Our speakers, Christina Dodd, Connie Brockway, and Amy Pierpont were wonderful. Everyone learned oodles! There were fireworks Friday night, a wine festival on Saturday night, the TARA movie night, lots of free time with great writing friends, time to write -- what's not to love?!

Below is a link to a few photos from the retreat, including the view from my hotel room. Just click on the album.

TARA Retreat

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We'll be discussing social media tonight at 8 eastern, 7 central. Please come join us: MPR Live!

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I think Tinkerbell is pondering what trouble she can get into! My niece, Kinsey, looks absolutely darling!

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Had to post this photo of Perry and Angela from Halloween. They look so cute!

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