Tech Tips A word from Art....

What is a QR Code and why do I need one? Summer News and Events

Summer is upon us and I find I am busier than ever. The Oasis Project continues to do very well – back to back Number One ranking on Dorrance’s e-reader book list! I am so impressed readers are still finding enjoyment in the story and joining Slade and company on his first adventure. Power Grid is still moving well and I just completed a book signing in Asheville, North Carolina.

I am currently working on Rules of Our Fathers, the fourth in the Slade Lockwood series. Once again Slade finds himself up to his neck in danger and deceit. Mind Walkers is with my current publisher and I am waiting to hear from them.

I have recently acquired the services of an agent to promote my work. As Slade gains in popularity it has become obvious I am going to need help in marketing and keeping up

with the demand. Hopefully she will be able to assist in those areas where I do not have the time.

Speaking engagements have kept me busy as well. I have several

presentations prepared for library groups throughout the summer and an author’s night at the Barnes and Noble in Ocala in July. Take a look at my calendar to see if I am visiting your area. It is nice to meet people who enjoy reading and talking about the characters that come to life within the pages. So far, writing has been

an incredible journey and I am enjoying every moment of it.

QR is an abbreviation for Quick Response code. You have probably started seeing these in advertisements. But they can be beneficial to an author as well. Currently this QR takes you to my website, however, I am developing a “secret” page which you can only access by using a QR code. What goes better with mystery/suspense/thrillers than a secret web page? QR

codes can be created on-line and are meant for mobile applications to read them. Keep an eye out for the secret site coming soon!

Art AdkinsNewsletter

Summer 2011

Book reviews are a fun way to explore an author’s connotation and to either promote a reader’s interest in reading a book or to alert them that this probably isn’t the type of book they want to read. I have been doing book reviews for the DeLand Beacon Newspaper and for my website: www.poolsidebookreviews.com ; I enjoy sharing my opinion with anyone who wants to read it.

When I read and scrutinize the text, I look to see how the plot or story line is developed. A good book will get my attention within the 1st page of the 1st chapter. It shouldn’t take several chapters

to make me want to read more. I also look for chapters that are short, rather than rambling, and for ones that end with a mental challenge or question of what might come next. Authors presenting a story that gets too technical and bogged down with

detail usually don’t get finished.

I usually look to mystery/adventure categories first. I have read and reviewed books from most all categories and even have found some non-fiction reality type books which were high interest and very easy to digest. A good book, to me, is obvious—it is one that if I begin to read it, I can’t put it down.

Enjoyment of a good book or a good “read” can also come in the form of a character or set of characters in a continuing saga—a series of books. When an author can keep a reader wanting more stories of a main character, they are certain to create a following of fans. A good example of that is the Slade Lockwood series of newcomer Art Adkins. His books, Oasis Project and Power Grid have picked up a lot of fan base because of the interest in the main

Visiting Guest Corner

Poolside Book Reviews~ Cara Elder

A good book, to me is obvious, it is one that if I begin to read it, I can’t put it down.

character and the action this character experiences.

I have a problem with books that have not been thoroughly proofread and checked for grammatical errors. First pass should be with the author or a designee, and at last pass, the publisher should make sure it is correct—that drives me crazy.

My main interest, however, is to review books of new authors and/or authors just getting their first several books published. It is very difficult in this day and age to get any recognition for all the work that goes into writing a book and I’d like to think I’m helping, in even such a small way, by doing a critical review of a new author’s work .

If you’re interested in having your book reviewed by me then published and posted on my website, please contact me at celder@cfl.rr.com .

360 Dock Street, Cedar Key

352-325-0050

Slade’s Favorite Hangout in Cedar Key

At the urging of my current publisher I am venturing into the non-fiction area. I am currently writing a leadership book called Leadership Basics: Conquering the Seven Deadly Sins. It is a how-to guide on effective leadership and explains how to avoid the traps and pitfalls that loom around every corner. By applying the Seven Heavenly Virtues that counter the Seven Deadly Sins, leadership can become effective and fun. I have high hopes for the work and I am anxious to see where it takes me.

I had hoped to start a love/mystery/thriller with a female protagonist and penned the first several chapters, but my commitment to Slade and company has pulled

me away. Also sitting in the wings is a new male protagonist introduced in Slade’s latest novel that I want to spin off into a series of his own. A lot of ideas and concepts – just need the time to work on them all!

I was featured this month in the North Central Florida Business Journal when they interviewed me about my work. It was an honor to be selected by the magazine and I enjoyed working with the staff. You can pick up a copy around Gainesville or visit their website www.gainesvillebizreport.com

That is the latest with Slade and crew. Please pass along his exploits to friends.

Book News

Tip of the Day

Why not take your book cover and create a walking billboard? With today’s technology and availablity to do things on-line, you can turn your book cover into a fashionable t-shirt. The cost is not much and you can hand them out as contest prizes or give them to friends and family to wear. You can also add your website to the shirt and drive more buyers to your site. If your bookcover has a theme suitable to any stores, ask them to carry your shirts on consingment.

New York Times Best SellersSo far I have won awards and made several lists where The Oasis Project or Power Grid have been selected or ranked. In each instance it has been an awesome honor and I am proud of the achievement. The one area I have continuously set my sights is the NY Times Best Seller List. I would like to see my work make that revered list. It would be the culmination to an incredible journey for me.

I have friends and family ask me what it takes to get there. There is no secret: hard work and spread the word. I have written in my newsletter before about the commitment and patience needed to launch a new work and to keep the momentum going. It is not easy and a lot of authors tire of the demand and give up. Luckily I have a great deal of energy and am committed to seeing this through. It is not a journey you can do alone.

Partnerships are an invaluable piece of the puzzle. Whether it is with reader groups, book stores, publishers, radio personalities or agents, partners are essential in promoting a novel. There is no way one individual can do it all. There are too many areas that need attention and too much information needed for dissemination. It is definitely a team approach.

So how is this team formed? Carefully and with patience. First make sure you surround yourself with those who believe in your work, your character, your drive and your talent. Next, outline a marketing plan and stick to it. Success is not going to come over night and very seldom does success come knocking at

your door. You have to go out and find or create the opportunity for success to occur. That is where the ‘partners’ come in. It is easier to be successful when others are helping and assisting and pointing you in a direction you need to go. It is a sound and tried theory – the more people are talking about a novel, the more excitement that can be generated. And with help, the more ground that can be covered.

There are a lot of companies and marketing services willing to take your money to promote your work. Be careful of them. Some are very reputable, but some are not. Con artists are born every day and they like nothing more than to separate you from your money. In addition to money, you also lose valuable time when this occurs. You spend money on a marketing concept that

ends up going nowhere. When it comes to spending money on marketing or publicity proceed with caution. You will be glad you did.

Take the time to build the team best suited to your needs to promote your work. Align yourself with industry professionals and people familiar with your goals and aspirations. Do not settle for anything less or you will never achieve the results you desire. The team is also a support group. There are times when we all get discouraged. By having those around you that believe in your direction, they will be there to carry you through the down times.

To those of you writing, best of luck and build your team. Success is around the corner and waiting.

www.artadkins.com

FRIENDS OF THE

OCALA PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEW WRITER’S NIGHT Friday, July 8th at 7:00 PM

Barnes & Noble OcalaMarket Street at Heath Brook

4414 SW College Road Ste 500

Featuring New and Local Authors: Art Adkins, June Brown, Patricia Cote, Martha Gladwell, Dick Hrebik,

Nicole Kosch, Leigh McCallum, Steve Rajtar, D.G. Stern, and Claudia Ware

*PLEASE present this flyer or mention the library prior to making your

purchase. A percentage of the net sale will be contributed to the

library. (Also includes Café, DVDs/Music and NOOK!)

Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 7/8/11 to 7/13/11by entering Bookfair ID# 10494920 at checkout.

A percentage of your Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit our school/organization.