To pseudonym or not . . .

To pseudonym or not . . . that has been my question.

Answer???

Yes.

I'll debut my romantic suspense writing under the pseudonym: K.M. Saint James. A great deal of thought, both fore and after, went in to selecting the name. Each part of the name (initials included) has special meaning to me. I'm normally catchier if I'm long-winded -- honestly, just ask anyone who knows me -- but in this case a matter of 14 characters captured a part of me that's profound. I'm expecting my writing to live up to the name, quite honestly.

Authors tout a number of reasons for pen names:
Writing under different genres
Camouflaging their prolific abilities
Moving beyond bad books, bad reviews, bad life choices
Perhaps just for the joy to write exactly what they want, how they want, and without outside expectations.

To name a few, and famous:
Please don't respond with criticism of the order -- it's purely random.

Nora Roberts & J.D. Robb
Stephen King & Richard Bachman (if you don't know the story about his separate identities, invest the research time. Fascinating story.)
JK Rowling & Robert Galbraith
Agatha Christie & Mary Westmacott
Shelly Bradley & Shayla Black
Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kinley McGregor

EVEN
Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby) & Pauline Phillips/Jeanne Phillips

My reason for utilizing a pen name? For the joy, for the expansion beyond everything that encapsulates me currently to become more than I ever dreamed. Considering how grand my dreams -- that's a whole lot of expectations.

I'm excited for the journey to begin.
Check back for release dates and for more of the writing journey.

Inspiration . . . what inspires you?

Do you need to fill up the well? Jolt that creative side of your muse? What are the things that make your soul sing with joy? What inspires you? Makes you smile when the world is dark and gloomy?
For me . . .

Family!

My dad's 80th birthday party -- and my son getting a royal ribbing for being the red-haired grandson.
My dad.

Christmas is more fun in a cowboy hat.
Vacations really inspire me.

Dogs are family, too!

Friends!

Critique partners -- The Flip-Flop Sisters

Success!

The first book cover.
My daughter's college ring.
My son building his own super-sized, mega computer.

Great Scenery!

The Vitamin String Quartet.

Great Music!

What else?

White chocolate, Macadamin Nut cookies. A tall, frosty glass of . . . orange juice. (Gotcha!) My favorite restaurant (Bob's Chop & Steak House). Spring sunrises. Walks with hubby. The perfect sentence.

What inspires you? Do share.
Drop by the porch again, anytime.
Until then,
~Sandra

More Books Sold

The first half of this year has zoomed by. I can barely remember taking a deep breath from New Year's until now.

Partial because of the amount of work I'm doing outside the home, and partly because of the 'life' stuff that seems to show up on a day-to-day basis.

The writing schedule doesn't hold up as well as I'd like and following up on my previously released book seems too distant to comptemplate.

That said . . .

It was a lovely surprise to get my numbers in from The Wild Rose Press, my publisher, and see that my book, Harm's Way, is still selling. Both digital and hard copies are being purchased.

From a promotional aspect, I learned that my website is not garnering the attention that I wanted because then those hard copy sales would have come through my site, and I'd been able to autograph the copies -- always a neat thing.

All that said, it means that my book blurb and the reviews for Harm's Way are doing their jobs -- sell more copies.

So here's a cyber toast to residual sales.

And a kick in my own pants to get the next one finished.

Happy weekend to you all, and drop by my porch anytime.
~Sandra

What's this? Another Harm's Way review? Wahoo!

Scrolling through the Wild Rose Press marketing information I found a brand-new review for HARM'S WAY.
Okay, any review is great, but the book has been out for a year and it's still drawing attention so in MHO that's pretty over the top great.

Thanks Tammy at Fallen Angel for reading HARM'S WAY and finding it worth your time to review.

Read the whole 4 ANGEL review -- it only take a few minutes, -- just click here: HARM'S WAY FALLEN ANGEL REVIEW.

Harm's Way Books In

They're here . . . they're here!

That's right; my shipment of HARM'S WAY has finally arrived.

A truly cool experience to open a box of books, sniff that great fresh print smell, and know that without me these books would never have existed.

Okay, I'm not diminishing my dynamite publishing house

The Wild Rose Press

, which BTW is where you can still download the ebook version of HARM'S WAY should your prefer; or my great and fabulous editor, Ally Robertson; or my tremendous critique partners, Shannon C, Sherry D, Andrea G, Mary K, Laura M, and Delores S who pushed me and supported me every step of the publishing way; AND certainly not my irreplaceable family, heroic Jim, and my three adorables who never stopped believing or considered giving up as an option . . .

However . . .

What's inside the pages of HARM'S WAY is totally a product of my imagination. For an instant after opening the box of books, the feeling is one of birth, sans labor. Oh wait . . . that took place while I was writing, rewriting, editing, rewriting again and so on. So labor was longer than the nine months it normally takes to get a kid to show up, but that scent of ink, the smell of paper, the high that always overtakes me when I hit the library, was only better this time because it was my personal library.

Jeremiah Johnson quote . . . The old trapper asked Jeremiah if all the pain, the loss, the love, the survival in the harsh mountains had been worth the trouble, Jeremiah replied with a shrug of his shoulders, "Eh, what trouble?" Humble man, honest answer.

Success is always worth the trouble.

May you know many successes in your life.

Pictures

All right, so I'm fast-drafting again tonight and the blog has to be quick.

How about a few pictures from my recent Barnes & Noble book-signing?

Yep, it was fun. Loads of people showed up and I sold out. How much better can it get?

These are two of my hugely helpful CPs, Delores Shaffer (on left of pic) and LA Mitchell (on the right) They were terrific and kept me calm through all my insanity at the signing table. Thanks girlies!

Oh, and please don't ask me what I was doing in this picture. I know it looks like I was directing traffic and maybe I was, but it's more likely that the camera person happened to be my 19-year-old daughter who can always manage to show her mom's, um, strange side. Thanks, Mary for taking the pictures! *GRIN*

Janice and Terry Higgs (favorite friends back from my Burlington Air Express days -- wow, was that a life-time ago!) This lovely couple has kept in touch and couldn't wait to have a copy of the book. Thanks Terry and Janice.

And my sign . . . in huge Black & White (well, color too) If I could wax surfer for a moment . . . it is, like, poster-size, dude! This is the stuff to make me keep writing when I hate my characters, the plot, the backstory and every little detail. It was truly inspiring to see my name in print.

SOLD-OUT . . . next signing, Thursday, September 6th, 2007

All righty, then, my weekend at my HARM'S WAY book-signing was fabulous.

I sold out, yep, that's right, I sold out of HARM'S WAY in 45 minutes.

Lots of wonderful family, friends, and co-workers all turned out for the event at Barnes & Noble in N. Richland Hills. It was unbelievably to walk in to the store and see so many familiar faces.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming out to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with me.

To all who took pictures, please feel free to send copies to my email: sandraferguson@sbcglobal.net

Here are a few pictures from my dear friend and Romance Writer's of America, Golden Heart finalist: LA Mitchell. If you were at the book-signing, she was the lovely lady seated to my left. Delores Shaffer, another special critque partner made sure you all received your 'autographed copy' stickers.

MY BROTHER

THE FOLKS

LOVELY, HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY AUTHOR (AND AGGIE), GERALYN DAWSON, ARRIVED A FEW MOMENTS AFTER I SOLD OUT. THANKS SO MUCH GERALYN FOR COMING, AND PLEASE DO COME BACK. ALSO PICTURED, DEAR KELLEY WITH CK2SKwipsandKritiques. THANK YOU BOTH FOR COMING OUT.

BECAUSE I SOLD OUT . . . Barnes & Noble placed an emergency order with the book distributor and I will be signing books again.

So next book-signing:
Barnes & Noble
8525 Airport Freeway, NRH (near NE Mall)
Thursday, September 6th, 2007 @ 7:30pm

I'm Sparkling Today!

Good news about my book-signing event and an excerpt.Pop over and see me at SPARKLE THIS!

Oh, and BTW, you're all welcome at my book-signing this Saturday, August 25th, 2:00 until 4:00pm, Barnes & Noble, 8525 Airport Freeway, N. Richland Hills, TX 76180

~Happy Reading
Sandra

Harm's Way review

Judy Thomas, a reviewer for The Long & Short of It said . . .

Harm's Way reminded this reader of Nora Robert's suspense books. It was so good, I had a hard time putting it down. I'm looking forward to the next offering by this talented writer. I predict, and truly hope, we'll see much more of Ms. Ferguson. I'm her latest fan.

Whew, did you just see my socks roll up and down, then right off my feet? That review blew me away. Okay to be likened to Nora Roberts, is just pretty darned good, but that this reviewer, as a reader, found HARM'S WAY enthralling enough to not put down -- that's worth a serious happy dance.


Thanks to the Wild Rose Press loop who opened my eyes to this particular reviewer's site.

Want to read the review in its entirety? Click on: The Long & Short of It

The Diva Bookshelf

All right, so this is fun. My romantic suspense release has been highlighted on Diva Bookshelf. Just click on the title 'Diva Bookshelf' for a quick pop-over.

Yes, this is more shameless self-promotion, but this is part of an author's job.

Have a great Sunday, everyone.

My Book Cravings review for Harm's Way

Another review for HARM'S WAY . . .

...Ms. Ferguson has written a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with spine-tingling suspense. The mystery unfolds as Alex and Tori discover who the stalker is and why he wants to take her to Paradise. As you read this book you will be spellbound until the final pages as the villain is revealed. The excitement builds to a final climax that will show you that lovers will do anything to protect each other and keep their lover out of harm’s way, even if you lose focus on matters at hand. Love can conquer all, and bring happiness forever. This book has a sweet romance that builds slowly to everlasting love, while surviving many obstacles along the way.

Reviewed by: Sherry at My Book Cravings

The Book Signing . . .

. . . Is scheduled.

On Saturday, August 25th, 2007 at 2:00pm, I will sign copies of my latest release, HARM’S WAY, a contemporary romantic suspense.

BARNES & NOBLE booksellers, 8525 Airport Freeway, N. Richland Hills, 76180 (located on the access road of Airport Freeway, off the Bedford-Euless Road exit, also listed as North East Mall exit, is hosting my book-signing on August 25th, 2007.

To all of you, who have emailed, called, and cornered me in the grocery store to ask about copies of HARM’S WAY,
1ST Thank you for your encouraging words,
And here’s your opportunity,
2nd Please mark your calendar and come by for a visit.

When you enter BARNES AND NOBLE, on the 25th, there will signs directing you to my table. As my kids will turn out for awhile, just listen for the loudest part of the store and that‘s where will be. *GRIN*

To say I’m thrilled would be an understatement. This book-signing is a dream come true. Please plan a visit on August 25th and share my dream with me.

Technorati Profile

Wild Rose Press website

Not to panic--did you pop over to Wild Rose's Press website and get garbage?

Don't worry.

Wild Rose Press's server isn't big enough and the move is on.

For the next day or so, the connection to their website will be spotty.

It's coming back.

Oh and by the way! Harm's Way was on the front page for released in print.

I've arrived on Amazon.com

Another double post day for me, but I just discovered my book on Amazon.com.

That shouldn’t be a surprise, because after all, um, Amazon does sell books and I just published a book, HARM’S WAY. But to tell the truth, it was surprising to put in my title, scroll down to #48 (didn’t realize how many books incorporated Harm’s Way when I picked that title) and there is my book cover AND my name.

Let me type that again, my name, my name, Sandra Ferguson, yippee, yahoo (sorry, a momentary office dance was necessary) is on Amazon.com.

Alrighty now, that is pretty cool.

It feels like a milestone.

Is Amazon cooler than when I signed my contract . . . back up, cooler than when my editor said I love Harm’s Way, and I want to sign you. Not even close.

Is Amazon cooler than when I saw my cover from Wild Rose Press the first time? Not likely.

Is Amazon cooler than when my husband introduced me as his wife, the published author? Not in any lifetime.

BUT . . . Amazon with my name, it is pretty cool.

What happened in the past six months that fit the pretty cool description for you?

Harm's Way is in PRINT

It’s official . . .

Just visited the Wild Rose Press website and HARM’S WAY has been officially released in print.

Many of you have asked about a book-signing.

I’m working on that now. Yep, it does have to be print released before they’ll set up an e-pub author’s signing. Not my rules, but I live by them.

So soon, very soon, I’ll be posting information on a book-signing.

For those of you off in the wilds (my sister in far north Minnesota and my sister-in-law in the rolling hills of Tennessee), order HARM’S WAY and send it to me. I can’t wait to autograph your copies.

BTW: I did get an advance copy AND it’s beautiful. Holding ten years worth of effort and tenacity in my hands was thrilling.

Thanks for taking this publishing ride with me. For me, it has all been worth the wait.

Another Harm's Way review

Okay, I'm a double poster today . . . try not to hold that against me.

BUT, I just got another review from a fellow Wild Rose Press Author who said . . .

Yay, Sandra!

I agree with the reviewer. I just finished Harm’s Way on the weekend and
loved it! Rom Suspense is my favorite read so there was no question I'd buy
it after I read the blurb.

And your descriptions of the forest in Portofino were dead on. I've
walked through it before, and I felt as if I was there again.

Looking forward to more from the Donavans. I love series.

By . . . Elle Fredrix
Spinning Wildly - Sweetheart Rosette – On Sale Now!

Harm's Way Book Review

Okay, so this made my day. The upfront information is just the lingo that must be listed for any book review. Also, if you want to visit Coffee Time Romance for more reviews and book listings, click on the highlighted title of Harm's Way Book Review and the link will go directly to Coffee Time Romance.


HARM’S WAY
SANDRA FERGUSON
ISBN# 1-60154-047-7
March 2007
The Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com
E-Book
$5.00
290 Pages
Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4 Cups

Victoria Donavan was once married to a man who valued his career as a DEA agent more than either Tori or his marriage. Now a widow, she vows never to get involved with another risk taker.

Alex Harmon is hired by Tori’s overprotective family when a stalker targets her. An old family friend, Alex has been in love with her for years.

A stalker will stop at nothing to capture and keep architect Victoria Donavan as his own. He has invaded every aspect of her life and it is up to security expert Alex Harmon to keep her safe.

This is a great romantic suspense story. Alex and Tori have a great deal of chemistry and enough bad experiences in the past to keep the tension high. The villain is a particularly crafty one and you never know where he will turn up. The Donovan family seems to feel an unusual responsibility towards Tori. It is almost as if they are trying to make up for the problems caused by the dead Blaine’s selfishness. He sounded like a real prize, and Tori is much better off without him. The author is very adept at describing both Texas and Vancouver Island and has a real gift for bringing all of the characters to life. Each and every one of them is very vivid and real. I hope there are more Donavan stories coming, from the little I read of Boston and Jared, I would like to read more about them.

Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Climbing Status . . .

This past weekly my editor passed along some rather terrific news.

HARM’S WAY has climbed the ranks and is the #1 Best Seller for the Crimson Rose imprint—that’s the Romantic Suspense line at The Wild Rose Press.

Not possible I thought! It’s a first release, only been out a few weeks. I was sure my editor had spent too long attached to her computer and her eyes had crossed. How could MY book be #1?

I logged into the Crimson Rose page and up popped the CURRENT Best Seller list, and sure-shooting, as we say here in Texas, HARM’S WAY was listed at #1. I’ll admit I did the happy dance around my computer—not a pretty sight, but luckily I don’t have a web cam set up so your sight has been saved.

Then I cruised the Wild Rose Press homepage and there on the right-hand side of the screen HARM’S WAY was listed as #10 on the Best Seller list for all CURRENT books. NOT just for Romantic Suspense, but out of all the books currently released by Wild Rose Press, my book was #10. Okay, happy dance wasn’t sufficient this time. I squealed loud enough to get my kids out of their bedrooms and make the dog bark. This past week I’ve thrilled as HARM’S WAY continued to climb the overall Best Sellers list. Right now, it’s sitting at #6.

Okay, so you’re not a writer, don’t care anything about the publishing industry, what does all that mean?

It means, I say THANK YOU. Humbly and profoundly, to all of you who have been to the Wild Rose Press website and supported my writing efforts, I say thanks. You’ve spent your money to support me. I hope the read was worth your time.

Many of you are my writing buds and to all of you who have too little time and already too much in your TBR stack, I say a huge thank you. As one of my best friends, fellow writer and Golden Heart finalist, LA Mitchell said, ‘Main support—the REAL kind, not just the chocolate-covered words with hollow centers—comes from writing friends.’ Thank you for understanding how hard the work really is, and supporting me through your emails, calls, and book purchases.

Some of you are readers who found the book blurb interesting, the cover art too great to ignore, or simply stumbled across a HARM’S WAY excerpt on the Internet and were intrigued enough to purchase the book. To those who trusted me to deliver a great story, I thank you for your willingness to give a newly released Crimson Rose author a chance.

Some of you have purchased because you’re long-time friends and have graciously listened (no, your eyes didn’t glaze over too often) to me drone on about writing and publishing. To those who purchased simply because you love me as a friend, THANKS for being in my corner and making this publishing ride so thrilling.