3 Ways to Gain Influence Online (That You Probably Haven’t Thought Of)

3 Ways to Gain Influence Online (That You Probably Haven’t Thought Of)

guest post by K.C. Neal

1. Provide Original Information

It seems like everyone is a content provider these days. It’s just so easy to start a blog or throw up a website. But how much of the content out there is truly original and useful? My background is in science and research, so I love data and original research. (Let’s hear it for writers who love advanced statistics! Hello…?) Last year, I put out a book blogger survey, and over 70 bloggers responded. One of the most popular posts on my blog is based on some of the data from that survey: The One Thing Book Bloggers Hate Most. It’s also one of my most commented-on non-giveaway posts. For all I know, I’m the only person who’s ever conducted a survey specifically aimed at book bloggers! That survey gave me tons of original information to share. I’ve written several posts about working with book bloggers and doing blog tours, and I’ve taught a couple of webinars on these topics. Ya see? Originality… authority… influence. Find ways to provide useful, original content, and I guarantee readers will get excited about it and be interested in what you have to say.

Wait is a four letter word

If you've followed the Belle you know that waiting and anything vaguely resembling patience is  not my virtue.

I'm a woman of action and persistence comes more naturally than waiting.

However, there are times in your life where you really do have to sit still. Where you have to literally wait for the things around you to align so that you can proceed. That scripture , Be still and know that I am God, really comes into play here.

Pxyis: YA With Color

So I haven't been posting as normally as I'd like in the review categories. But I have some new gals coming on and I can't wait until they get started. Until then there are those special people that I just have to make time for. One of them is K.C. Neal and her debut YA novel Pyxis.

This is a story that breaks ideas that people have about YA by leaps and bounds. But wait...it's not time for the review. First I'll let you know that the benevolent KC has offered up a Kindle to win and all you have to do is follow The Belle of Boise. Like KC's Facebook page. All the links and stuff are at the bottom through rafflecopter. Now for more about KC, her book and my review.

Attitude of Gratitude

I woke up at odark thirty aka butt crack of dawn on this Nov 1 not with thoughts of holiday shopping or Nano but with grateful joy.

I walked down my steps to my office and it only grew.

I sat down at the computer and began printing off coupons and organizing my lists with happiness waking me up more than any caffeine.

For you see last Nov due to financial stress I shared a tiny apartment with my family of six. And one of those six was away for over a year.

So now that this holiday season we are in a large, beautiful home I have to get up early and clip coupons and work long hours to afford.

I can't help but be thankful.

Because I get to work those hours from this home and all my family is here with me. And thousandaire or not I know I'd still be clipping coupons.

What were your thoughts this morning?

Moolight Rises...Vincent Zandri Drowns

Product Description

“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”

Dick Moonlight is dead.

Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.

But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.

But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.

Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.

Life sucks, then you die.

But Moonlight rises.

Review 

Dick Moonlight is one of my favorite characters. Perhaps it's because he reminds me of so many ex boyfriends who were damaged beyond all hope, were sexy as all get out, and a bit of an alpha male. Or maybe it's because as much as I want there to be the happily ever after for him it will not happen. That's just not Moonlights destiny. But he still tries to give it to others...and that dear reader is the endearing trait that makes me love Dick Moonlight so much.

You can tell from the amazing blurb the essentials of what happens. And everyone knows that the Belle does not give spoilers. It's all about my opinion. I bet by now you are wondering when I'm going to start bashing Moonlight Rises because of that title. Well welcome to disappointment because that's not going to happen.

Moonlight Rises is tearing up the Amazon ranking system as we speak. Which is not surprising it's a Zandri. What do you expect. His writing is versatile, signature, and classic noir with a modern edge. If you like dark plots, real characters with flaws and honor, then you'll love Moonlight Rises.

As for Vincent Zandri drowning...and this isn't about that rumor circulating involving a hot tub in Cairo. He hasn't even been there in a while. It's about drowning in success. Vincent has landed a contract with a traditional publisher while he is still creating with is local indie pub Stone House Ink. Congrats are due all around to Vincent.

Moonlight Rises is a book to read especially on a dark storming night all alone.

Belle Overwhelmed

So if you follow the Belle you know she runs at warp 9 most days and only slows down due to illness, injury, or incarceration. Well I've recently opened Belle Consulting. Something I am immensely proud of and requires more time. While I still read like a demon possessed I don't always have the time to review like I used too. It is heart breaking to turn down reviews or not even have time to respond. So I'm going to do something I hardly ever do. I'm asking for help. The Belle of Boise is inviting those who are interested to apply to be a reviewer for The Belle of Boise.

What you'll get

• You'll have your own reviewer page where we will list your bio, picture, contact info, genres preferred and forms that you read. ie. eBook print

• You'll be added as an admin to post your reviews. 

• All your social media contacts will be added

• Your own signature

•  Your posts will be shared on all my outlets

What is Expected

• Reviews should be honest, concise, include buy links, cover art and product description. 

• Posted in a timely manner.

• If I see you posting a book I have a problem with I will not let you review it here. I don't have a list of what's ok because I'm pretty easy going. So it's shouldn't be a big deal

How it will work

• A Google Calendar will be created. I would like for reviews to be posted on Fridays. Post the book you want to review on what day. This will help us stay organized. If you find a blank Friday and want to post something go ahead.  You will have requests come in over time. I get them myself and will forward any I can't do and you can choose from them. 

• Or if you got a book from a blog tour you signed up for, one you bought, or one you borrowed from the library those are great too. 

• You can do your own interviews or giveaways with authors as well.

If interested please go here and fill out the questionnaire and good luck.

My Moms Gotta Knife In Her Purse

Yes dear readers. Those were the words my little girl bellowed in public.

Out of the mouths of babes.

It's not like I keep it a secret or anything. It's more like a reminder. I've carried the 14inch sliver butterfly knife with the dragon inlay on the hilt since I was a teenager. It was gifted to me by a male friend for safety.

Where I lived it was necessary. I've since found it's a great tool as well for everyday things as a mom.

Such as getting the tags off shoes or sunglasses. Or cutting those wrists bands off you get from an amusement park or pumpkin patch.

Well and there is always the wide eyes I get flipping it open without looking while my daughter holds her hand out all trusting for me to cut off the band.

Yes I am an attention lover.

But really it reminds me of how truly far I've come from the streets and couch hopping as a youth. I feel grateful for the stability my kids have. And how crazy I love my husband.

Nevertheless, if a threat does occur I'm completely capable and willing to use my little reminder. And it's truly the only thing I could reach into my bottomless pit of a purse and find without looking.

What about you? Carry anything sentimental?

Today I Was A Mom

This has been a crazy week. Two bdays my girls are just days apart. And on both of their days I had work commitments. While they seemed happy with the family parties and everything came together...that ugly, nasty, useless guilt nagged me all week.

I was just so rushed during both parties that today when they had the friend party I wanted to nail it. But guess what today I also had a work commitment. However it was before and not after. So that helped.

The cakes were perfect, we kept the games easy, only one girl got hurt, & no blood was involved, the gifts were amazing, & we had one little girl who we met at the park who crashed the party but I had extra goody bags.

I have MANY jobs. But this is the most important, the one I fall short at the most, the one that is the eternal investment, and today I rocked it!

(and dad helped)

Make Time For Twirps

KC Neal is a local YA author releasing Pyisis soon, I follow on Twitter. Which makes her a Twirp but she's also my friend. The last time I saw her was in April and even though she ragged me for having a minivan, when we parted we made plans for lunch again soon.

Well now 6 months later we finally got together. After an hour and a half where we talked on varying subjects from husbands, sleep, YA platform and how it crosses over to Romance, pit stains & tongue rings I've vowed not to wait that long again!

KC is a breath of fresh air. After hanging I feel creatively renewed. I think that has a lot to do with the physical presence of being with another author.

There is a whole world of support for us online. However, we still need that human connection at times. Thanks KC.

Abduction Review

Today I caught the matinee with the hubster. Another one of our date days. I had high hopes for it but was let down. The script was meant to make Taylor Lautner an action hero and while he could easily be. The plot was so lacking. He has the capacity to play a character with much deeper dimensions as he's shone in the Twilight role.

I'd give it 2.5 stars.

Fall Between The Pages Blog Hop Tour: Autumn Magic

Welcome welcome huns! I love fall like a hound loves a hunt. But what I like better is giving away prizes. But first for the legalities.

Tour Rules

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, Sept 19, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, Sept 26, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

Winners will be drawn and posted Sept 27! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS AND BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR AND BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERYONE SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! 


***Hosts have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

Image courtesy of Devian art

 For me as an author and reader autumn is a magical time of year for a couple of reason. One is Halloween tends to bring out those releases that are more horror or paranormal which I adore. Second in my recent studies surrounding the research I have sought out for Scent of a Witch and Familial Witch there is a certain power to the change of the season in pagan beliefs that add to the wonder. 

Belle of Boise Contest Rules
1) Follow my blog leave me a question or a comment here below. Please also leave your email address so I can notify you in case you are a winner!
2) Go to my fan page at:http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Bri-Clark-Author/150106235050819 and say hello. If you like what you see, become a fan by "Liking" my page and adding me to your favorites. If you would like to also add me as a personal friend, feel free to send your friend request to http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TBriClark.

4) If you Tweet, click on my Twitter link and follow me at: http://twitter.com/#!/Bri_Clark 

5) If you like what you see from me then check out my publisher's pages too. Stone House Ink and Astraea Press. Right now Stone House had a Kindle and Nook contest going. 

PRIZES FOR THIS CONTEST:

Product Description
Antony is an Italian business man with conflicting upbringings...a child of a mafia don killed when he was an adolescent then the adopted child of hardworking Italian restaurant owners. When things don't go as easy as he likes he reverts back to family contacts to get what he wants and Antony wants Colleen.

Colleen is an average mother and wife living in Treasure Valley Idaho. Upon meeting a charming Antony Deluca in a coffee shop an emotional digital affair begins. However, Colleen's conscience intercedes and she ends communication with Antony. Then Colleen's husband produces a trip to Italy, Rome Italy. The very city Antony resides in.

Is it fate... or something more sinister bringing them together?

Product Description

Marie Kincaid is devastated after losing her family in a violent crash…so she runs. One morning, she awakes in an infirmary with total memory loss and a new power: Glazier. The cold frozen mists of Glazier’s instincts enable Marie to embark on a new life free of pain but most importantly free of the past. Heightened senses, accelerated strength,speed, and learning abilities make Marie a perfect candidate to be a spy…also a perfect companion for Henry Tenison, the only other known Glazier.

Henry, a loner and proud rogue finds his world upended when his connection to Marie is forged. Unsure of how to progress, he endeavors to keep it strictly professional. As far away missions and romantic surroundings entice him into pursuing his deeper desires, he caves. However, Marie’s love changes everything.

Determined to free them both of the spy world and the hold Glazier has over their lives, Henry implements a plot to disappear. However, when things become dangerous in their latest mission and memories of Marie’s past surface suggesting another man…will Henry’s efforts come too late? If Marie remembers her past, will she still want their future?

Product Description 

Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals
After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It’s there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen’s ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can’t choose destiny.

 Grand Prize Winner: An eBook of each of my books including an ARC of my upcoming Halloween Novella Scent of a Witch. Those books included are Glazier, Cafe' Seduzione, Familial Witch and Scent of a Witch. 

First Place Winner: A print or eBook copy of Glazier Additionally for authors a first three chapter critique.

Second Place Winner: eBook of Familial Witch and if an author a review of their choice of book to be reviewed within two weeks of receipt of book.

Third Place Winner: eBook of Caffe' Seduzione and a shout out on all my social media encouraging friendship and following.

Don't forget to go back to the linky list Here and check out the rest of the hop for more prize chances and amazing content.

Quiet I'm Creating a Masterpiece

There comes a time my fair readers where I am busy. I know there was a collective gasp through cybersphere. But alas I am. In Sept. I have a blog tour going on for Glazier with Pump It Up Books. I'll be posting a tab for that later. I'm doing work for my publishers Astraea Press and Stone House Ink. I've got to finish Eternal Witch by the end of September as well. In addition to my new release Scent of a Witch releasing around Halloween. So that's September for ya.

With that said. I am going to be taking a break from the blogging schedule. No blogging but the schedule. So September will be a hit and miss month for the posts. Sorry huns.

Additionally I will also announce I'm in the throws of a secret masterpiece project I'll be revealing in Oct. Squee I'm excited. Yes I squeed. God Help Us All.

Hey You! Want To Get Published? Here's a Contest

One of my publishers Stone House Ink is holding a contest. Where anyone can apply to add a chapter to an ongoing collaborative eBook.

Entries are emailed in, 5 finalists will be picked, then uploaded to the blog to be voted on by the public.

Each month's winner will be awarded a prize. In addition to a grand prize winner at the end who will receive an agent package.

You can keep entering each month there is no limit.

Just go here and check out the details.

Sweet Sample Sunday: Caffe' Seduzione is Italian for Cafe Seduction

Welcome Welcome Sweet Saturday Samplers....Sorry if I missed you last week were were having techincal difficulties and the restraining order withmy internet provider prevents me from saying anything further. Here's a sample of my short Caffe' Seduzione. The sequel come out this year with Stone House Ink entitled Mafia Seduzione.

Rating: These novels are PG

"Antony had rushed down the roads leading from his estate back to the cobblestoned streets of Rome when he got the phone call. His contact in the Carabiniere called about an American woman using his name. On the drive back to the city, time crawled like the rotation of the earth for him.
When he came into the police station, he didn‘t see her immediately, and his heart sank. But then she appeared—eyes reddened. She was actually here, in Rome! He stroked her hair as she sobbed, cooing reassurances to his Grazioso bellezza, his graceful beauty. It had been a joke between them after she spilt her drink on him, what felt like an eternity"









Make sure you got back and check out the rest of Sweet Saturday Samples.

Feature Friday: Of Light And Darkness YA Vamp Read Decidedly Different

Product Description

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.

Review

Of Light and Darkness is a paranormal YA that holds it own among the saturated genre. Original beasts, well known magical creatures like Fae and Witches, and of course vampire add to a world to get lost in. With the blend of contemporary with it’s own world building characteristic of Paranormal YA readers will still fall in love with Eastern Europe, specifically Prague.

The truly original but intriguing premise of the book is the relationship between Valek and Charlotte and how it evolves. When I first saw where it was going I was on alert. I just couldn’t see how it work out without be creepy. Nevertheless, the rhythm of writing is so amazing I read on. Pleasantly surprised Shayne Lieghton not only delivered but secured a loyal reader by bringing it together and icing it up.

Writer Wednesday:Lesson Learned Check Those Attachments.

In July I had a lot going on! I was in Tennessee visiting family and taking care of responsibilities that require my attention there every summer. It truly wasn't like I was lounging or vacationing in the least. I had my two high maintenance daughters the diva and the victim with me. To top it all off my Internet ability was like when the cell phones first came out and people walked around holding out there phone. Like I said not a vacation.


However, within the mist of that trip I released Glazier in eBook form. I was beyond ecstatic. There were a couple of reviewers I have relationships with who I immediately sent a pdf to. For a split second I stopped and thought did I send the right copy? Then frankly forgot about it.

Fast forward three weeks later. After the return home and the sudden move where I had a pack unpack 48 hour turn around. I get my first review. She mentions errors. Ding Ding Ding. Yep you bet ya. I sent the wrong copy. And now my second review where I sent the wrong copy. Apologies ladies. I'll be sure to check those attachments from now on.

Here's the latest review for Glazier from Paranormal Opinion

"This book has a lot of writing errors, but the story is incredible. It's wonderfully unique and intriguing. It's a paranormal story – but it's not your usual vampires or shape-shifters. There is plenty of sexual tension, even though the relationship doesn't get very heated."