gena, Author at Booksquare

It’s Official!!

gena — Wed, 01 Sep 2004 12:04:24 +0000

Today is the official release date of The Stone Prince, as well as my birthday. I declare this Gena Day.

I have an urge to drive to every bookstore in my state and see where they’ve placed my books, count the books to see how many are there (so I can go back later and see how many have sold), and perhaps act as a Price is Right girl, oohing and ahhing over them. I will, however, resist this urge. I will be a big girl today. I will not obsess. I will not be neurotic. I will be calm and relaxed, damn it!

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Stock Signing

gena — Tue, 31 Aug 2004 13:52:29 +0000

I’m headed out to do a stock signing today. I won’t sit at a table and wait for people to ask me to sign it for them (or ask me where the bathroom is), or anything like that. No, I’ll go to the storage room and sign all the books the bookstore has before they put them on the shelves. (I hope) Now, I’ve never done this before. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to call ahead and say “Hey, is it okay if I visit?” What if this is a no-no? What if they really don’t want me to sign the books, but because I’m there they are forced to let me? I’ve heard of other writers doing stock signings. They survived. My plan is to just show up. I’m very nervous about this, and envision being 1. escorted to the door by a burly man named Hans. 2. laughed at hysterically. 3. completely ignored. I will let you know how it goes when I return. I’m sharing this with you because these are the things a new writer (or it is just me?) goes through.

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Book Rankings

gena — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 22:29:18 +0000

If you want the down and dirty truth, I’m obsessed with book rankings. I spend way too much time stalking Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. And what gets me is that the rankings can change by thousands in a matter of minutes (seconds, if you want to be technical). How does that happen? Canceled orders? A mad rush of orders? Aliens abducting everyone who buys my book so their secret society won’t be revealed?? Can you guess what I want to do every time my number jumps?: A) scatter little pieces of my computer all over my office. B) scream, rant, and rave at the heavens for such a travesty. C) sob into my hands as violins play softly in the background. D) all of the above. Maybe I’ll be better with my next book. Maybe it’ll take my 100th book before I calm down. Am I the only one like this?

Oh, and don’t even get me started on reviews. . .

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What was I thinking?

gena — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 12:07:05 +0000

What was I thinking. . . well, I think we can all agree there was absolutely none of that going on. Images of my name of the cover of those books got in my way. No, I honestly love having so many books due. I’m time obsessive, so deadlines work well for me.

Here’s the breakdown of books: When I signed my first contract with HQN, it was a two book contract and both books were written. Next up was a two book contract with Pocket. Only one book was written. Right away, I signed another contract with HQN, this one a three book contract — and none of them were written.
Thankfully, I write fast. I’ve already finished up my second book for Pocket, and one of the books for HQN. Only two more left, and then it will be time to start all over again! Having so many books due creates pressure, yes, but it’s a good kind of pressure — if you’re neurotic and masochistic like I am. My advice is to take a break between each book (I usually take 4 weeks), otherwise your characters will start to sound alike. And when you make your deadlines, allow yourself enough time for unforeseen problems. Life sometimes tries to get in the way.

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Author Gena Showalter

gena — Fri, 27 Aug 2004 13:28:05 +0000

Hello everyone. My name is Gena Showalter and BookSquare is graciously having me over as a guest. I’m being a brave little girl today and venturing from my cave to answer questions about writing and the publishing process. I’ll be with you from August 30th – September 3rd. I may regret this later, may even claim the aliens made me do it, but I’ll answer anything. First, let me give you a little background about me. I’m twenty-eight years old, weigh one hundred. . . Wait, wrong info. I sold seven books to two major publishers before the first one ever hit stands. In fact, (says the promo slut/goddess inside me) that first book is due out August 30th, 2004. It’s a sexy paranormal romance titled The Stone Prince and features an alien prince who is magically cursed to stone and catapulted to earth where he must wait a thousand years until the perfect kiss sets him free. You can visit www.genashowalter.com to learn more. Anyway, break out the (wine) questions. I’m ready. I think. I hope.

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