Category Archives: writing
Branding Myself…finally!
As most people know or don’t know about me, I was born in the great state of Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner baby! I know, people actually think that I’m from Texas but I’m not. I bleed Sooner Red, not Teasipping burnt orange. It was drilled in my head from the cradle that the Texas Longhorns are the devil and that the Sooners are the bomb. Respect Tom Osborn, coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, just don’t cheer for them. And its okay to cheer for Oklahoma State University when they AREN’T playing OU. LOL! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the state of Texas at all. I married here in Texas, my son was born in Dallas and we now live in East Texas.
Everyone in the family went to OU except for my dad. My grandparents didn’t have the money to send him. Shoot, my mother was a Gamma Phi Beta at OU. One of my uncle’s was an OU football cheerleader and a Lamda Chi. My other uncles were Delts and my aunts were Chi Omega’s. Yes, Norman got a lot of money from both sets of grandparents. Then I had cousins that went there, too. Yep, more money.
Anywoos…the purpose of the family history is because when I was thinking of my “brand”, I had to figure out some things about myself and what stories I am writing. So here’s the short list:
1. Small town Oklahoma is the setting for my books.
2. My most cherished childhood memories are with my family and extended family and friends in Oklahoma. My books feature real honest to goodness people. The names of the *cough cough* innocent changed. Sorry cousins and friends…
3. When I think back to what I remember most about growing up, is Oklahoma. Yes, I have spent 43 of the last 46 years of my life in Texas but Oklahoma is where my heart lives. I can close my eyes and still remember places, things, people, smells from my childhood like it was yesterday.
4. Since my stories aren’t erotic in nature going forward, I needed a name that reflected that. Oh…in my family on the farm…pigs rule but that didn’t look good on the banners, so I opted for horses. The paint is the perfect picture of our neighbor’s horse when we lived in Gun Barrel City. I still miss walking out everyday and seeing Trinidad. *sigh*
As you can tell, Oklahoma is where my heart lies, so Sweet Heat from Oklahoma is my brand.
Again, I love Texas. Love my Riggins, Coach Taylor, Friday Night Lights, Houston Texans, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and the Dallas Stars. Shoot, my husband is an Aggie fan.
We vacation in New Brunsfels and float the Comel River for a week every year in July. Our condo is right on the Comel River with Schlitterbaun Water Park on the other side. Yes, can literally walk across the Comel River and we are at the park. We can see Master Blaster water coaster from our balacony. Come on July 19th!!!! Woo hoo! I digress…
So there you have it. My reasons for my branding and the new banner. Be honest, what do you think?
Harlie
Coach approves of the brand.
Sorry, just had to have a picture of Riggins. *sigh*
Updates and sorry for the MIA
I’m sorry that I’ve been MIA lately. Its been a difficult year so far for me on the writing front. My debut (in my mind) bombed. Yes, I’ve written about promoting my debut, the troubles that I have had with getting reviews, being taken seriously…blah, blah, blah. Well guess what? There has been an upside to me writing and publishing book. Yes, something positive as happened to Harlie…the review blog has exploded. Something that I never expected was that people finally discovered the reviewer site of me.
Let’s back up a bit…when I realized that my debut was not going to go anywhere, anytime soon, I put my energy into the review blog. I hired an assistant (LOVE HER), we set a schedule of what the blog would do every day, cleaned up the review form, emailing the authors that sent requests and basically slowed down. Well, I didn’t slow down on the blog. I decided to do a spotlight that is exclusive on Thursday. I figured why not do a Harlequin Spotlight on Thursday. I mean, I did pick my pen name and name my review blog in honor of Harlequin.
Okay, it has already exploded. Yes, the Harlequin Spotlight has exploded. I’m completely booked until May now. Oh and I have a very special guest that will be on the Thursday spotlight for the next couple of months…Sherryl Woods. I nearly fainted when her PR person emailed me to set up some spots for her new trilogy that starts releasing in March. I mean, really? Me…Harlie…the reviewer that most people ignore or sneer at times? I fist pumped so many times that my husband that I was crazy. After setting up the schedule with her and just basically pinching myself over this coup, I’m still in the clouds.
I realize that I’ve been too hard on myself as a writer but there has been silver lining to this all. People are starting to notice me and seek me out. In fact, I recently signed a contract with Secret Cravings to work as their Promotions Manager for the Southeast Region. It’s in the pilot program stage now but so far, I love it. I work with about 10 authors with their releases and basically helping them set up their blogs, FB pages, helping them with promotion and helping them any other way I can.
Don’t think that I have abandoned my writing. Oh no, I have to finish a book in about 4 weeks before my chapter conference. I’m pitching it to two different editors and it has to be done. The synopsis is done and the first three chapters are done. Still need to write about 7 more chapters or 15k in words left. I can do this, I know I can. The worst is over…the synopsis.
So now, did my debut do what I wanted it to? No, it didn’t but its very slowly being reviewed and the reviews have been excellent so I’m getting out of my funk as an author. But the flip side to all of this is that the review blog is getting its due and more.
To all the readers, authors, PR people and publishers, I can not thank you enough for the consideration and positive feedback that Harlie’s Books has gotten from my debut novel. 
Keep it coming and get the fingers crossed about my two editor appointments in March. Maybe I’ll be a published author again.
You’re welcome!
Blood Purple by Ashley Nemer – Guest Blog
Harlie’s Review of Blood Purple
If you haven’t checked out the review of Blood Purple, the link is above. Great book and it was different from the usual vampire books. Great start to a series.
In a world we think we know, live other races entirely hidden from the mortal perspective. Creatures of legend, of fable and myth, their very history and nature have allowed them to walk side by side with humans since time immemorial. They are warriors, they are hunters, and they are Algula Vampire. And in their own midst, a battle is brewing for supremacy, for dominance, that can and will affect all around them. Old hatred never dies and vengeance is a fiery sword that cuts a bloody swath.
Guest Post:
Writing…that hobby that will forever provide you enjoying. To me it’s the best thing that I could do to pass the time on a lazy Sunday, dreary Monday or a happy Friday. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is or what is going on in the outside world there is always something for me to write. It is the hobby that will keep on giving.
How many of you keep your stress and frustrations pent up? How many have no outlet for the feelings inside and you keep them that way until you explode? Honestly I think that’s all of us, we all have things that stay hidden and we don’t know how to push them out and to the surface. It took me a long time to realize how valuable writing is to me. Well, not just writing, creativity as a whole. It comes together and with every facet of our being.
Writing…that hobby that will forever give you fulfillment. There are so many ways you can pick up a pen and bring joy to someone. It’s as easy as sending a letter to a long lost friend or relative. Jotting down a poem in the middle of the day when you’re feeling overwhelmed with some thoughts. Sitting down at your comfy desk and plugging out a blog or short story. You never know where writing will lead you.
One thing I love about writing is I can go anywhere and be anything I want. I don’t have to get dressed up and look fancy; I don’t have to fix my hair, hell I don’t even have to wear socks! Writing gives you that option to be as free as you allow yourself. I honestly believe that it’s this freedom that stirs creativity.
When I sit at my laptop I always write with my eyes closed. I visualize where I am, am I on an island in the Caribbean? Am I sailing the seas of the Atlantic? Could I be on a plane across the world going to see a friend? Yes, yes yes yes! All of the above. That’s the ability you gain when you write.
One thing just occurred to me while my eyes were shut and I was daydreaming about my plane ride to Ireland…the audience here is probably made up of mostly readers. Ahh readers…the key to any author’s success. Without the reader we are nothing. When I spoke about writing and the endless fulfillment it provides, it’s in part because of all of you readers. The lengths you will go to in showing an author you love their works is amazing. The support, loyalty and encouragement from the readers are a driving force in a lot of what is transferred onto the page.
Personally, I know without a few key words of encouragement from a few fans my author days would have been numbered. So let me leave you with this thought for the day, writer or reader, take ten minutes out of your day and jot down a story, poem or thought. Take a collection of the year and at the end see what you have. Maybe it’s a book of poetry, maybe it’s a book of inspirational phrases. Maybe it’s just a few short stories. But read through the years’ worth of work and see what you have – it might be the next great American novel.
Excerpt:
Hamza walks into the room with his guard looking at Nikole’s still body lying on the table. “Is she dead?” he questions.
“No sir, she passed out while we were in the middle of the procedure. We were doing like you instructed and burning her body with the needles when she went unconscious. We thought it best to come get you right away.”
Hamza looks over her body, placing his fingers to her neck and feeling only a small hint of life. His lips curve up in excitement as he anticipates what is yet to come. “Good, leave us alone.” He starts to walk around the table staring at her naked and bloodied body.
The room emptied out while Hamza continued to circle the table. He tried to decide what to do with this dead weight prisoner. Leaning over her body, he backhanded her jaw, the cracking of her bones deafening in the silence of the room. He heard her moan in agony while she slowly came to consciousness.
“Nikole, I think it would be best if you just gave me what I asked of you. As soon as you tell me what we want to know this pain will all stop.” Taking his knife from the sheath on his belt, he placed the cold blade to her cheek. “I will cut your pretty little face apart. Don’t think I won’t.” Taking the tip of the blade he breaks the skin at the top of her left cheek and slowly cut lines into her face. Droplets of blood ran down her cheek staining her flesh as he slashed her face. Nikole’s voice is gone from all the screaming she has done and all she can do is heave a cry. Her eyes are still forced open, not even tears can form since she can’t blink. “Come on little Princess, just tell me where Zayn is so I can kill him. I promise this will all stop.”
About the Author:
Ashley is married and lives in Houston with her husband Tony. They have two dogs named Toto and Doogie. They have been together for almost 8 years and he brings her more joy than she could ever imagine as a child. She loves to read and has been hooked on the romance genre ever since her lifelong best friend Laura gave her “Ashes to Ashes’ by Tami Hoag to read when they were younger.
Ashley finds her strength through her family, especially her parents. They always support her in life and they push her to strive for greatness. There once was a motto that Ashley heard in her youth through her Taekwondo life ‘Reach for the Stars’ and that is what Ashley has always done. It was through her upbringing that the values Ashley has and display’s came from. With her Parents always cheering her on in life she was able to grow up having faith in herself and her ability to conquer the world.
Determination to the Tenth Degree
Determination to the Tenth Degree.
via Determination to the Tenth Degree.
I think she read my post from last week. Eek…
I’m embarrassed now but what she has to say makes sense. Just don’t want to come off as a Promo Wo in social media.
Later,
Harlie Williams
A question for authors and readers…
He’s pretty, isn’t he?
Okay, that wasn’t the question, sorry but feel free to comment.
Here’s the question:
For readers: What draws you to read a book? Length? Cover? Blurb? Author name?
For authors: When you were a debut author, what got readers to your book?
The reason I’m asking these questions is because hardly anyone is reading my debut. I know, I know, its been out a month and it takes awhile for people to find it. I’ve already heard these from authors…you need a back list, don’t worry about your debut, concentrate on your next book, promo, promo, promo, did you have a mentor when you wrote the book (no I did not), have you joined a writer’s blog (tried but I’ve been rejected more times than I can count).
That’s all well and good and great advice but consider these facts that I have realized:
1. No one pays that much attention to me on FB or Twitter, so any and all promo that I have done is ignored.
2. I have/had ARC copies of my book and no one wanted them.
3. I realize that my book is only 20 pages, it won’t win the Pulitzer but I’m proud of it.
4. I know that most reviewers are backed up. It happens, trust me.
5. I know that the playing field is crowded out there with books, so I’m not sure how to stand out.
6. I don’t have a posse. Maybe I should get one…
You are probably thinking that I have sour grapes and in some respects I do. It hurts when you do something that most people wouldn’t dream of doing, you are proud of it and it seems that no one cares. It hurts that I have done everything right so far and nothing. Nada…zip…crickets chirping.
Well, I know that there are people who have read it and liked it. In fact I was told that I actually mislead them into thinking it was just hot and spicy and its more than that. 
I have two blog tours that will start next month and I will post every day where I am for that day. Hopefully, people will find me on the tours and want to read the book. It’s all I can hope for now.
Have a great weekend y’all.
Its here!!! Well…
In honor of my debut releasing today, I’m offering a $15 GC from either Amazon, B&N, MuseItUp, or Book Depository. Just tell me what all 7 seven themes were during the week and on my actual release day just write them in the comment section. Easy peasy. Good luck!
OMG!!!! I found out yesterday that my debut was already on Amazon and people were buying it! Woot!!! I’m still in shock.
Since I’m a bad newbie author, I’ve never shared an excerpt from the book so here goes:
Excerpt (PG-13 for language)
“What’s a girl like you doing at a bar like this?” he asked.
Her voice was a purr, like a cat well satisfied with its stolen pitcher of cream. “I’m looking for someone special.”
Hoping that she meant him he asked, “Did you find him yet?”
“Maybe.” The glint in her eye told him he was definitely in the running. However, I’m not looking to hook up with just any old cowboy. He must be able to go the full eight seconds and come back for more.” She eyed him from head to toe. “Think you can handle that?”
Oh, I can most definitely handle you sweetheart.
Not wanting to seem too eager he replied, “I’m not sure but I’m willing to try.”
“Do or do not. There is no try.” He struggled not to let his grin escape. The fact that she was trying to seduce him made his dick twitch.
“Let’s just say I’m looking to burn off some pent up frustration. A little excess energy. And I’ve got plenty to burn.”
The way she shivered at his words, he knew he almost had her. He winked as she licked her crimson lips and blew out a small breath. Damn what this woman is doing to him.
He pushed her knees apart with his left leg and was rewarded with the amazing scent of her arousal. The knowledge she was wet for him had him close to going off in his jeans.
Houston, we have lift-off!
“Why don’t you have a seat cowboy and we’ll talk about it.”
She gasped when he shocked her with a brush of his lips against hers; fighting with everything he had not to deepen the kiss.
Patience, patience.
He would play her game for the moment but sooner or later, she would be his. Tied up and begging for more.
He asked her, “Now about that eight second ride?”
So what do you think? Trust me, its gets hotter! If you are reading today’s post, thank you. The contest will run until January 4th. My author links and the buy links are listed below.
Author links:
Author site: www.harliewilliams.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marika67
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harlie-Williams-Writer/224885394212458
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marikaweber25
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/BriansMom
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marika-weber/36/a20/a63
Buy Link from Publisher: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=636&category_id=69&manufacturer_id=295&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
The Countdown Begins…1 day until release day
In honor of my debut releasing in 7 days, I’m offering a $15 GC from either Amazon, B&N, MuseItUp, or Book Depository on my release day. Follow my posts for the next seven days. On each day, they will be themed. Just tell me what all 7 seven themes were during the week and on my actual release day just write them in the comment section. Easy peasy. Good luck!
The official countdown has begun. Only 1 more day until my debut releases from MuseItUp Publishing. I still can’t believe it. The world didn’t end and the Mayans were wrong. So, I will definitely be around on Friday.
Did you get the themes from the earlier days? Still with me? Hate me? Tomorrow it releases! Woot!
I want to thank everyone that has read the blog this week and left a comment or two. Its been weird being at the in-laws this week. I’ve warned them about the book but they don’t seem to care. They just want to buy it and read it. We were over at my husband’s best friends house last night. Interesting conversation with his wife, who I adore. She’s read 50 Shades and I told her to read Cherise Sinclair and Shayla Black now. Much better books but I digress. I showed her my book on my Kindle and she is buying it, too. Today, my SIL is coloring my hair so the Kindle will go to her shop, too. Can’t wait to pimp it out there. A bunch of naughty women there.
Today’s topic is just a simple one…THANK YOU! There are certain people who I can not thank enough for their support and encouragement. My acknowledgment page is long but heartfelt. There is one particular person that deserves my undying love to and that person is Delilah Devlin. She rejected this story over a year and then I was crushed. I was in her crit group and I didn’t understand at the time why it was rejected. Well, I do know. It wasn’t ready. I need to revise, rework and resubmit it to the group again. I owe so much to her and to the writing classes that she and her sister, Myla Jackson/Elle James over the year. I took those classes; paid attention and learned about the craft of writing. Many authors talk about the craft but I didn’t have a clue back then but I do now.
As my release day nears…Eek!, I’m not as nervous as I was last week. Its done, finished and my one hope is that no one laughs at me. I’m proud of my story and I have re-read it this week. I can’t wait for you to read it and see if you can get the twist. I’m evil and a tease.
So, do you think you know what the topics were this week? Remember, share on FB, Tweet and the winner will be drawn next week.
Harlie
The Countdown Begins…2 days until release day
In honor of my debut releasing in 7 days, I’m offering a $15 GC from either Amazon, B&N, MuseItUp, or Book Depository on my release day. Follow my posts for the next seven days. On each day, they will be themed. Just tell me what all 7 seven themes were during the week and on my actual release day just write them in the comment section. Easy peasy. Good luck!
The official countdown has begun. Only 2 days until my debut releases from MuseItUp Publishing. I still can’t believe it. The world didn’t end and the Mayans were wrong. So, I will definitely be around on Friday.
Did you get the themes from the earlier days? Still with me? Hate me? Only a couple of more days to go!
Okay, did everyone survive Christmas? We did and I hope our house did, too. We are away for the holidays this year in SE Texas. It snowed at our house in Lindale. My dad texted me pictures of the snow in Dallas. Damn it! First White Christmas since 1978 and I wasn’t there. *pout* Instead, it was raining and humid. Oh well…
Hmmmm, what to talk about today? Easy…loops on Yahoo. (Yes, I made it easy for yall today) What do you think of loops? Personally, I’ve been burned by them. Badly…
Let me explain…One loop in particular is an author/reader loop that when I first joined was awesome. No egos, no bullshit from anyone and it was a blast. I meet one of my besties on that loop and I finally found a place that I could talk about anything and everything. Fast forward to a couple of the authors becoming a big thing and this is when the chaos began. Egos, pride and pettiness started to set in within the loop. A lot of people left the loop, me included and I’ve never looked back. Do I miss the loop? Sometimes but not often. I would love to announce on that loop about my debut novel releasing but I’m afraid that I would get my hand slapped again. *sigh*
On a couple of the other loops, I’m viewed as only a reviewer, not an author, so my voice is silent at this point. Trust me, I’ve tried to be heard but no one has taken me seriously. I want to point out that I realize that my debut releases 3 days after Christmas but I’ve been talking about my debut for months. God forbid that a reviewer can write a book and get it published. But to be kicked in sandbox before you ever get it…there is something wrong. I’ve read blogs about author jealous and pettiness. Even a couple of months ago, the RWA magazine had a great article on this very subject. People that I trusted in some of the loops I belong to is now gone. My trust was shattered some time ago and it has never recovered. As some people keep telling me, surround yourself with the people who support you, not people who bring you down. This is no truer now, than in the beginning of my publishing journey.
So why does it hurt so much? I’m very proud of my accomplishment and I want to share it but in some ways I can’t. My debut is not going to win the Pulitzer (that would be cool) or the Nobel Prize for literature (cool, too) or be the next Harry Potter/Twilight but DAMN IT, I did something that most people haven’t done or won’t do. So why the cold shoulder and all the rules that go on within the loops? On certain loops you can only post on these days about this and that. Other days are this and that. It gets confusing and within some loops I gave up trying to figure it all out. *sigh*
I still take part in loops and for the most part they are great and I’ve actually learned a lot of the craft of writing. As a social hangout, not so much. I’m not a minion, I have a functioning brain cell and think on my own and form my own opinions. I’m not a follower per se but a leader in some ways. I’m just not cool enough for some people and it shows. I don’t get invited to join blogs and such. Trust me, I’ve “auditioned” for blogs and didn’t make the cut. Yep…sad. I’ve somewhat felt like that the romance community within the loops is too closed off from the newbie writer. Have people within the loops congratulated me? You bet but getting the extra support? Forget it.
Again, I realize that its Christmas but a little love please?
What’s your opinion on loops?
The Countdown Begins…3 days until release day
In honor of my debut releasing in 7 days, I’m offering a $15 GC from either Amazon, B&N, MuseItUp, or Book Depository on my release day. Follow my posts for the next seven days. On each day, they will be themed. Just tell me what all 7 seven themes were during the week and on my actual release day just write them in the comment section. Easy peasy. Good luck!
The official countdown has begun. Only 3 days until my debut releases from MuseItUp Publishing. I still can’t believe it. The world didn’t end and the Mayans were wrong. So, I will definitely be around on Friday.
Did you get the themes from the earlier days? Still with me? Hate me? Only a couple of more days to go!
Today’s topic pretty much hits the same buttons that social media does but for me, its different. I love to blog. Its quick, easy and I can prattle on for pages if I knew people would read it. Roni’s post from last week talked about blogging. I know that some authors HATE blogging; it’s the bane of their existence. They would rather be on Twitter or Facebook spreading their gospel. I don’t have a problem with that but what about the readers that aren’t on social media?
I know, the horrors! Some people aren’t Tweeting what they had for breakfast or sharing nude pictures/postcards, etc. on Facebook. So how do you reach those readers? Well, I blog and send it out to the many loops that I belong to. Sometimes blogging works and sometimes it doesn’t. For the most part, blogging is becoming passé and boring. That said, I read some really great blogs every day. Some are funny and some are educational. Blogging can’t be that outdated is Smart Bitches, Trashy Books is still relevant. I adore that blog and I will continue to read it every day.
So why the blogging blues for everyone else? Have we gotten that lazy that you can’t read a 500 word blog? Or look at a cover reveal? Read a review? Or read what an author has to say?
That’s sad peeps. I will continue to blog and I hope that readers will continue to read them and leave comments.
So what do you think? Did you read it today?
