A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: 03/01/2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #31 Finale

Well, this is it. The last day of the JA Konrath/Jack Kilborn blog tour.

I'm sad to see it end.

If you're just tuning in, I visited a different blog every day in March. I also gave away many copies of my new horror novel, Afraid by Jack Kilborn, to bloggers and asked them to post reviews.

The response has been overwhelming.

First I visit JD Rhoades, where I explain how we can save the economy:

THE. BEST. BOOK. CONTEST. EVER.

Then I visit one of my favorite authors for some Q & A:

Interview with Tess Gerritsen

Next, it's a treat for Jack Daniels fans. I collaborated on an original Jack Daniels story with my friend, author Tom Schreck, who writes the Duffy Mysteries. Tom's books are a combination of action and jokes, just like mine, so it was a lot of fun to bring our main characters together.

You can download the 6400 word story for free (it is printable, Kindle compatible, and can be read on your computer or a variety of 3G cell phones) and read our intentionally hostile interview, here:

Interview with Tom Schreck + Free Jack Daniels Story

Here's a great Afraid review at I Would Rather Be Reading:

Afraid Review by Bryan Sims

Finally, if you haven't read my Amazon blog, please check it out. Afraid is officially released today, so if you've reviewed me elsewhere on the Internet, you can now post your review on Amazon.com as well.

Joe's Amazon Blog

I want to thank everyone who hosted me on this blog tour. I appeared on well over a hundred blogs in thirty-one days, and I'm humbled and grateful for all the support the blogging community has given me and my little horror novel.

It been a long, strange trip, and it's also been a lot of fun. I'm also not quite done yet--a few other blogs will be featuring me in the upcoming month of April.

I'll blog about the results of this tour next week. But in the meantime, I've got to start hitting some bookstores for some real-world promotion. My first official signing for Afraid is on Saturday, April 4, 2pm-4pm, at the Waldenbooks in Peru, IL. Keep an eye on my website for other appearances.

If you haven't followed the tour from the beginning, here are all the places where I appeared (with the many duplicate posts removed.)

See you on the road...

Monday, March 30, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #30

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm shaving my head and tattooing the book cover on my scalp. Ha! Kidding! I'm appearing on different blogs every day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons. Commenting on the guest posts at the blogs I visit is a classy touch, too.

Today I kick things off with James Rollins:

http://www.jamesrollins.com/blog_posts/view/79

Then I talk about effectively using setting at RJ Mangahas's blog:

http://outinwritefield.blogspot.com/2009/03/location-location-location_30.html

I'm interviewed by Karin Gillespie:

http://southernauthors.blogspot.com/2009/03/author-spotlight-j.html

I do an irreverent Q & A over at Maidenfine's Musings. Irreverent because the Q & A is with myself:

http://maidenfine.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/to-read-afraid-by-jack-kilborn/

Finally, a few more Afraid reviews:

http://www.bestsellersworld.com/reviews/kilborn-afraid.htm

http://condascreativecenter.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-review-and-afraid-of-changing.html

http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-by-jack-kilborn-reviewed-by.html

Tomorrow, Afraid is officially released. But many stores are now carrying it. If you've been following this blog tour, and haven't bought or ordered Afraid yet, I'm cutting you out of the will. You were going to get a lot, too.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #29

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm uploading my eight second Beautiful Agony video. Ha! Kidding! I'm appearing on different blogs every day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons. Commenting on the guest posts at the blogs I visit is a classy touch, too.

At One Writer's Journey, I talk about low cost and free marketing techniques:

http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blogger-jack-kilborn-marketing.html

I'm giving away books at Alison Kent's blog, if you reveal the scariest thing you ever read:

http://www.alisonkent.com/blog/archives/2841

Then I stop by Amy Alessio's blog and post a recipe. Yep, my favorite desert recipe. Hell yeah I can bake:

http://vintagecookbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/gooey-butter-cake-from-ja-konrath.html

Jude Hardin reviews Afraid:

http://judehardin.blogspot.com/2009_03_29_archive.html

Only two days left for the blog tour, but there are still a few fun surprises left. Stay tuned.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #28

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm eating a live moose. Ha! Kidding! I'm appearing on different blogs every day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons. Commenting on the guest posts at the blogs I visit is a classy touch, too.

Many stops on the tour today. Let's start with something unusual.

If you haven't joined www.Goodreads.com yet, you should. It's a great place to write reviews, get book recommendations, and network with fellow readers.

Someone posted a poll about the scariest book of all time, and Afraid is on the ballot. Check it out at:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/492.SCARIEST_BOOK_I_EVER_READ

I've talked a lot about good self-promotion techniques. But how about bad ones? At Michelle Muto's blog, I present eight things you should NEVER do when promoting your book:

http://michellemuto.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/jack-kilborns-top-eight-bad-self-promotion-tips/

What are the three greatest horror novels of all time? I tell all at Heather Wardall's blog:

http://heatherwardell.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blogger-ja-konrathjack-kilborn.html

To call Alex Sokoloff a good writing teacher is like calling Houdini a good magician. She's the best, and a damn fine writer as well. Her blog, where she carefully breaks down narratives and explicates why they work, is a must-read for newbie writers. I've tried to use her approach on a scary scene from Afraid, explaining the writerly choices I made, point by point. It's sort of like a DVD director commentary. Check it out here:

http://thedarksalon.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-guest-blogger-jack-kilborn.html

Finally, a smattering of good reviews:

http://danys-san.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-by-jack-kilborn.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~harryfnhate/

http://thescifigenrereview.blogspot.com/2009/03/be-afraidthen-read-afraid.html

The question now isn't whether I'll break 100.The question is what number above 100 will I stop at.

I'd like to effusively thank the folks who are posting their reviews everywhere they can. Many reviewers are reviewing on Goodreads, and in the Amazon.com discussions (because it's too early to put the review up on Afraid's Amazon.com listing, as the book doesn't come out for a few more days), and many other places. Some have reached well above a dozen different spots.

I'm humbled and excited by your efforts. If Afraid catches on, it's because of you, and I'm not the type of person who forgets the people who helped him out.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #27

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm tattooing the release date on my son's forehead. Ha! Kidding! I'm appearing on different blogs every day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons. Commenting on the guest posts at the blogs I visit is a classy touch, too.

First I explain how to get results while marketing, over at Karen Syed's blog:

http://karensyed.blogspot.com/2009/03/ja-konrathtada.html

Then I bounce over to Kaye Manro's blog, where I once again talk about writing sex scenes, and the sex in my new Jack Daniels novel. But this time, the sex is in the villain's point of view. Graphic excerpt included:

http://kayemanro.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post.html

Over at Write First, Clean Later, I visit LJ Sellers and talk about the effectiveness of blog touring. If you're thinking about trying it, take note:

http://ljraves.blogspot.com/2009/03/blogathon-be-afraid.html

I visit Sean Markey and answer some questions about writing Afraid. There's also a chance to get Afraid for free:

http://semarkey.blogspot.com/2009/03/special-ja-konrath-interview-and-free.html

There's a nice review of Afraid at The Farm Report. Scroll down to read it. I have to quote part of it, because I liked it so much:

"SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING . . . DO NOT READ AT NIGHT: I’m a pretty fearless guy. My immediate reaction on hearing something go bump in the night is to move toward that sound, unarmed, but ready to kick some ass.

I may have to change my method after reading Afraid (Grand Central, $6.99) by Jack Kilborn. This may be the scariest book I have ever read. It makes the most twisted Stephen King novel read like He’s Just Not That Into You."

You can read the whole review here:

http://www.thefarmreport.williammckeen.com/?p=120

Incidentally, I thank Stephen King and Dean Koontz in the acknowledgments of Afraid, because I'm indebted to their work in the genre. I wonder if they'll ever read it. How cool would that be?

If you missed my page 69 and 99 tests, there's a recap, along with an excerpt from an interview, over at Author Interviews:

http://writerinterviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/jack-kilborn-aka-ja-konrath.html

That brings the blog tour total up to 87 locations. Will I hit the elusive 100? Has any fiction writer ever been on a hundred blogs in a single month? Will I get some kind of award if I do?

Don't change that channel, and stay tuned...

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #26

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm sacrificing a goat a day to the Hawaiian shark god, Apukohai. Ha! Kidding! I'm appearing on different blogs every day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons. Commenting on the guest posts at the blogs I visit is a classy touch, too.

At Rowena Cherry's blog, I talk about the cumulative effect of marketing:

http://rowenacherry.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blog-cumulative-effect.html

I hang out in with Basil Sands and talk about opera:

http://basilsands.blogspot.com/2009/03/writer-interview-ja-konrath.html

I get goofy over at Read, Write, Knit, Panic:

http://readwriteknitpanic.blogspot.com/2009/03/jajoejack-reads-writes-and-doesnt-panic.html

Afraid review by Dana Strotheide:

http://thebookbook.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-jack-kilborn.html

Afraid review by Journey of a Bookseller:

http://bkfaerie.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-by-jack-kilborn.html

So far in March, I've appeared on 81 different blogs, not counting the posts I've made here on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing. If all works out as planned, I can hit 100 by the end of the month...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #25

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

It's a busy blog tour day, and I have over twenty more blogs I'll be appearing on in the upcoming week.

First, I'm over at April Henry's blog, So Many Books, So Little Time:

http://aprilhenry.livejournal.com/501434.html

Then I'm visiting the Women of Mystery, answering questions I've never been asked before:

http://www.womenofmystery.net/2009/03/joe-konrathsjack-kilborns-fraidy-blog.html

I pop over to Wayne Thomas Batson's blog, talking about suspense writing:

http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-author-ja-konrath.html

Then I hang out with my buddies over at The Outfit, where I provide one of my trademark JA Konrath rants. This one involves me giving you free copies of Afraid:

http://www.theoutfitcollective.blogspot.com/#485390803877591566

Finally, I talk about being a SAHD over at Dawn Meehan's blog, Because I Said So:

http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-joe.html

If you've wanted to host me on my blog tour, but haven't heard back, shoot me another email. I'm probably in the process of writing one for you, but it doesn't hurt to give me another reminder. In fact, bugging me will help ensure I get it done.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #24

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Yesterday, Barry Eisler and I signed books at 15 bookstores, and though Afraid has a street date of March 31, three of the stores we visited already had copies on the shelf. So if you need a copy, right now, perhaps giving your local bookstore a call can confirm if copies are available.

Today I visit Nick Kelly over at his blog, and reveal my iPod playlist:

http://nickkelly.com/?p=32

Playlists are cool. Be sure to stop by and list your playlist on Nick's blog...

Monday, March 23, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #23

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm going to be in Milwaukee, from 7pm-8pm at Mystery One Books, signing with Barry Eisler. Hope to see some of you there.

It's a busy day on the blog tour. First I talk about writing techniques with Elizabeth Craig:

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blogger-jack-kilborn-aka-ja.html

Then I hang out with Simon Haynes and discuss illegal downloads and what publishing needs to do (but won't do) to compete:

http://halspacejock.livejournal.com/118884.html

I visit Susie Hawes and talk about the differences between small presses and large presses. Should you even bother submitting to small presses?

http://ghostposts.blogspot.com/2009/03/ja-konrath.html

Peg Brantly reviews Afraid:

http://suspensenovelist.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-review-afraid-by-jack-kilborn.html

I answer some questions from Sybil Baker's college writing students:

http://sybilbaker.blogspot.com/2009/03/q-with-author-joe-konrath.html

Finally, Horrorview does an interview with Jack Kilborn:

http://www.horrorview.com/Interview%20Files/Kilborninterview.htm

Today, Barry and I are indulging in a mutual passion: drop in signings. If anyone is curious how to do successful booksignings, I direct you to an old post of mine, Booksignings: Everything You Need To Know.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #22

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I visit Marci Catania at Travels of a Bookworm:

http://travelsofthebookworm.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-jack-kilborn-aka-ja.html

Marci was also kind enough to review Afraid:

http://travelsofthebookworm.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-jack-kilborn-review-interview.html

Rowena Cherry also kindly reviewed Afraid:

http://rowenacherry.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-by-jack-kilborn-interim-report.html

If you've been promised a review copy of Afraid, but haven't received it yet, email me and we'll sort things out.

For those who have received it and are wondering where to post your reviews, here are some options:

Am I missing any review sites? If so, please list them in the comments and I'll add them to the list.

Twitter doesn't allow enough space to review books, but it's great way to link to your review elsewhere on the net.

Amazon.com doesn't allow reviews until Afraid's release date on March 31, though you can review it now on Amazon.co.uk. A work around is to start a new discussion, or add to an existing one, in Amazon Customer Communities:

http://www.amazon.com/tag/horror/ref=tag_tdt_jt_ijmp_redir

Speaking of Amazon, did you know that authors can blog there?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK1WV1HKI7FLZTH

As always, thanks for tuning in...

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #21

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today we get started at David Jack Bell's blog, and David manages to ask me some questions I haven't been asked yet:

http://davidjackbell.blogspot.com/2009/03/ja-konrathjack-kilborn-interview.html

Then I pop on over to Reading and Writing Podcast and do--you guessed it--a podcast with Jeff Rutherford:

http://www.readingandwritingpodcast.com/2009/03/003-reading-and-writing-podcast-jack.html

Elizabeth Sneed White reviews Afraid at Musings of an All Purpose Monkey, along with seven other places on the net:

http://apmonkey1.livejournal.com/26390.html

And finally, the event all of you (re: my mom) have been waiting for. Over at the Central Crime Zone blog, an extension of Crimespree Magazine, JA Konrath interviews Jack Kilborn:

http://centralcrimezone.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

You can also access the article through Crimespree's official blog, here:

http://crimespree.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

Now I'll take a few questions.

Q: I just heard about your blog tour. Have you really been featured on 54 blog posts in 21 days, providing unique, original content for each one?

A: Yeah. Every day brings something new and fresh. I encourage everyone coming in late to go back to Day #1 and begin to follow me from there.

Q: Why should I?

A: The point of this blog tour isn't just so I sell a lot of books. It's also helping to link together the blogging community. Are you a writer or a blogger? Then I've already done the groundwork for you. Follow my tour, comment on other bloggers sites, trade links with them, and Shazam--you've now got a network.

Q: Is this blog tour thing working for you?

A: So far, it looks pretty positive. I don't see any downsides, only benefits, for both me and the sites that have hosted me.

Q: Aren't you running out of things to say?

A: Not even close. In fact, the next nine days are packed with variety. Packed, I tell you.

Q: If blog touring is such a good idea, why aren't more people doing it?

A: Just watch. They will.

Q: But what about a real tour? What if I want to meet you in person?

A: Today, March 21 from 2pm-4pm, I'll be at the Palatine Library in IL, talking and signing books. On Monday March 23 I'll be signing at Mystery One bookstore in Milwaukee WI with Barry Eisler from 7pm - 8pm.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #20

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

It's Day #20, and I've been featured on 50 different blogs so far. I'd like to thank everyone who has hosted me, and is planning on hosting me. If you wanted to host me, and I haven't replied, try me again.

Busy day today on the tour. I start off at Writer Unboxed and reveal my secrets of self-promotion:

http://writerunboxed.com/2009/03/19/guest-blogger-ja-konrath-how-do-i-self-promote/

Then I discuss fear over at Feng Shui Assassin:

http://fengshuiassassin.com/blog/2009/03/ja-konrath-talks-about-terror/

The incomparable Marshal Zeringue kindly invited me to do Page 69 and Page 99 tests on Afraid:

http://page69test.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid.html

http://page99test.blogspot.com/2009/03/jack-kilborns-afraid.html

Joe Rixman gives Afraid a great review:

http://sheriffjoe.livejournal.com/205603.html

Marilyn Meredeth gives Afraid a great review:

http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-by-jack-kilborn-review.html

Please remember to send me the links to your reviews so I can post them, and thanks much...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #19

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm over at First Offenders, wondering why authors don't recommend each other more often:

http://firstoffenders.typepad.com/offenders/2009/03/welcome-guest-blogger-ja-konrath.html

Then I pop over to Jake Nantz's blog, The Pen-ferno, to share a cool writing exercise and contest where you can win some free books:

http://jnantz.blogspot.com/2009/03/afraid-to-write-super-short.html

Also, RJ Medak posted a kind review of Afraid on his blog, and many other places online:

http://rjmbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Is this blog tour working? On March 1, Googling "Jack Kilborn" resulted in 2880 hits. Googling it today brings 5320 hits. On March 1, Googling "JA Konrath" resulted in 68,400 hits. Googling it today produces 79,000 hits.

My blog and website, along with the blogs I've been visiting, are getting increased traffic. My Amazon rankings have modestly spiked, at various points in the day fluctuating between 25,000 and 300,000 for Afraid and my Jack Daniels backlist. Prior to March they were ranked between 150,000 and 900,000.

I find it strange that my Jack Daniels books seem to be selling better than Afraid, since Afraid is the book I'm promoting, but I think I know the reason. Afraid isn't out until March 31. Thinking about my buying habits, I've never pre-ordered a book on Amazon, and I've bought well over a hundred books from them. My reason is simple: if it's a book I want, I know the bookstores will have it sooner than Amazon can ship it, especially since books often reach the stores a week or two ahead of schedule.

That's why, on Amazon, the day a book is released, the numbers spike like crazy. So the real test to see if this tour worked will be to check out the Amazon ranking on April 1. If I get a nice number, all of this touring paid off. If I get a mediocre number, I'm left scratching my head.

But I have to say that, as of today, I've found blog touring to be an overwhelmingly positive experience. Especially in regards to permanence.

Roughly half of the daily hits I get on his blog are people visiting old posts. Because the Internet is permanent, and because blog posts stay live and Googleable for years and years, all of these guest blogs and interviews I've done will continue to get read. The surfers will keep trickling in.

It will be interesting to see how Afraid sells over the upcoming months, and if this word-of-mouth campaign I'm attempting to kick-start actually takes off.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #18

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I stop by Rebecca Benston's blog, and talk about rejected Dr. Seuss titles:

http://wordsiview.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-ja-konrath.html

Then it's on to Jane Bretl's blog, where I offer tips on how to read Afraid if you're a scaredy-cat:

http://janebretl.com/2009/03/18/scaredy-pants/

Finally, a nice review of Afraid up on Goodreads by Ophelia Julien:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2133674-ophelia

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #17

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm eating seventeen Leprechauns. Ha! Kidding! I'm blog touring.

Today is St. Patrick's Day. I'm not Irish, but I am today, because the bars open at 8am and it's the only day my wife lets me drink before noon.

I start the tour this fine morning at the terrific blog of Maurice Broaddus, where we discuss extreme horror.

http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2009/03/ja-konrath-and-extreme-horror

Then I'm off to Amy Krueger's blog, Random Thoughts.

http://writeonetwo.blogspot.com/2009/03/dont-be-afraid.html

Then to Dana Kaye's blog, The Chicago Contingent.

http://danakaye.blogspot.com/2009/03/from-newbie-to-novelist-interview-with.html

Nick Kelly has some nice things to say about Afraid it over at Horrorview:

http://www.horrorview.com/Reviews/A/Afraid.htm

Susan Tunis thought Afraid was sick, but still enjoyed it, reviewing it on her blog:

http://inoneeyeouttheother.blogspot.com/2009/03/youll-read-it-in-day-but-itll-keep-you.html

Sara J. Henry thought it was repulsive, and didn't enjoy it:

http://sarareports.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-jack-kilborns-afraid.html

Why am I linking to a negative review, you may ask? While I disagree with Sara's opinion, I certainly respect her right to voice it, as should you when you visit there today. Be nice.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #16

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm wrestling a bear. Ha! Just checking if you were paying attention. I'm blog touring.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm hanging out with my buddy, fellow author Jeff Strand, over at his blog/website. When you're done reading our informative, hard-hitting piece, rush out and grab a copy of Suckers, the book we co-wrote. I believe there are only 286 copies left.

http://jeffstrand.wordpress.com/2009/03/15/a-ridiculous-jack-kilborn-interview/

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #15

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm hanging out at the very funny blog of writer, Charlotte Hughes. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Warning: this post may cause you to choke on whatever you're eating or drinking.

http://blog.readcharlottehughes.com/2009/03/15/a-sentence-or-two-is-the-perfect-length-for-me-to-write-a-dumb-joke/

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #14

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I stop over at author James Knapp's delightfully irreverent blog, Oneiros. You'll laugh. I promise. Even if it's just at the sight of my disembodied head hurtling through space.

http://www.zombie0.com/ONEIROS/2009/03/like-a-comet-through-the-blogosphere/

Then I visit my good friend, thriller writer Robert W. Walker, over at the ACME authors blog, for what may be the most creative interview I've ever done.

http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2009/03/ja-konrath-jack-kilborn-cornered-by-rob.html

And remember; as with the many other fine blogs I've visited, if you're enjoying what you read, offer to trade links with these bloggers and post comments about how cool they are.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #13

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I get to hang out at two of my favorite blogs. What makes them my favorites? Well, along with being informative, interesting, and continually updated, they're written by close, personal friends of mine.

First I visit Murderati, grabbing a guest spot thanks to the inimitable JT Ellison, where I talk about why blogs are pointless and why you need to stop blogging:

http://murderati.typepad.com/murderati/2009/03/welcome-glogger-ja-konrath.html

Then I head over to The Good Girls Kill For Money Club, courtesy of the always entertaining Tasha Alexander, and talk about the scariest thing to ever happen to you. I'm also having a contest there, giving away a free copy of Afraid:

http://www.good-girls-kill.com/2009/03/13/y-chromosomes-and-all-that-jazz/

Speaking of free copies of Afraid, remember that tonight at midnight, Central Standard Time, my 70 word short story contest ends over at Laurin Wittig's blog, Between the Lines.

We're almost at the halfway point in the tour. If you're just tuning in, I encourage you to go back to Day #1 and follow my gradual progression across the blogosphere. There are lot of great blogs out there. chocked full of great information, and part of the reason for this tour is to make people aware of them. Go now. I'll still be here when you get back.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #12

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

First I drop by Judy Larsen's blog, Not Afraid of the F Word, and talk about characterization:

http://notafraidofthefword.blogspot.com/2009/03/writers-in-their-own-words-and-blog.html

Then I talk about the importance of writers groups at:

http://awritersgroup.blogspot.com/2009/03/author-of-afraid-jakonrath-shares-his.html

Also, I'd like to clear up some things. This blog tour is generating a fair bit of email, and people are asking me some of the same questions. So, for the record, here are my honest answers.

Q: Did you really get over five hundred rejections before you got published?

A: Yes. And it really took me twelve years.

Q: Did you really send 7000 letters to libraries?

A: Yes. Google my name and "Forbes" and you'll find the article they did.

Q: Did you really visit 500 bookstores on tour for your third book?

A: No. I visited over 600.

Q: Did you really say that to the vet when your dog was being euthanized? (See Greg Swanson's blog for details.)

A: Yes. I get a kick out of messing with people. Here's a pdf download--a 100% true story--where I had fun with a print-on-demand publisher.

http://www.bfnsoftware.com/cgi-bin/home/Members/DLTrack/DLTrack.cgi?User=14915&ID=1432&Code=RMgTDb

Q: Did you really kill one of your series characters at the end of Fuzzy Navel without revealing who died?

A: Yes. And apparently people are curious who took the big dirt nap, because a galley of Cherry Bomb just sold for $42 on eBay. And no, it wasn't me selling it.

Q: Are you really providing new, specific, diverse content on all 31 days of this blog tour?

A: Yes. So far I've done over 40 new blog entries and interviews, and there are more to come. I'm not recycling anything, not repeating anything.

Q: Is all of this really true?

A: Yes, it's all true. I'm a legend in my own household, and an inspiration to dozens. I'm also a very bad example. You should never compare your writing, your print run, your royalties, or your promotional efforts, to any other writer. Each of us is unique, with our own path to follow. Follow yours.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to cure cancer. (okay, that one was a lie...)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #11

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons

First, I get silly with Kerrie McLoughlin over at her blog, The Kerrie Show:

http://www.thekerrieshow.com/2009/03/author-interview-ja-konrath-writing-as.html

Then head on over to Brilliance Audio, my audiobook publisher, where I wax philosophic about books on tape in general, and mine in particular:

http://www.brillianceaudio.com/links/aroundtheweb.html

Finally, three important bits of information.

1. If I'm scheduled to appear on your blog, please email me the morning it is posted with a live link. Like many authors, I'm disorganized and easily confused, and this will help.

2. If you've donated to save Sheila, but haven't gotten your free Tequila, email me.

3. If you've been following this blog tour, but haven't pre-ordered Afraid yet, call me up and invite me over. Because at this point, the only thing left I can do you is to ply you with liquor and then take $6.99 from your wallet when you go to the washroom.

I'm visiting a bunch of other blogs this month, including (but not limited to) Good Girls Who Kill For Money, Murderati, Crimespree, The Outfit, First Offenders, ACME Authors, Charlotte Hughes, Jeff Strand, Henry Perez, Alex Sokoloff, Tess Gerritsen, and many, many more. Stay tuned. I have not yet begun to blog.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #10

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm visiting Jude Hardin's blog, where we discuss a topic that all newbie authors obsess about: literary agents. Do you need one? What do they do exactly? Read to find out...

http://judehardin.blogspot.com/2009_03_02_archive.html

Then I offer a writing exercise for newbies and pros alike, guaranteed to get your creative muscles flexing. It is quick and simple, and will make you a stronger writer and a smarter rewriter. It will also give you a chance to win a free, autographed copy of AFRAID. It all happens at Laurin Wittig's blog:

http://laurinwittig.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/seventy-words-or-less-guest-blog-by-ja-konrath/

Finally, if you're up for a little debate about violence in books and movies, we're having a heavy discussion over at Erica Orloff's excellent blog, discussing why people like horror, and if Afraid is simply torture-porn. Drop by and weigh in:

http://www.ericaorloff.com/blog/2009_03_01_archive.html

Monday, March 09, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #9

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm over at Headdesk, talking about my writing process.

http://headdeskforwriters.blogspot.com/2009/03/10-questions-with-ja-konrath_09.html

Though this is an older post, I wanted to include it in the tour because it's pretty cool. Literary agent Barbara Poelle, who isn't my agent but still seems to have very good taste in authors, blogged about Afraid.

http://heydeadguy.typepad.com/heydeadguy/2009/01/be-afraid-be-very-afraid.html

Finally, this one really cracked me up. Thanks, Pat. Beer is on me at Bouchercon.

http://picksbypat.blogspot.com/2008/11/are-you-konrath-fan-take-this-test.html

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #8

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm visiting my friend, Greg Swanson, at his My Life With Dogs blog. I met Greg years ago while on the Rusty Nail 500 Tour. He's a bookseller at Waldenbooks in Peru, IL.

I like the guy so much, I made him a villain in Fuzzy Navel.

At Greg's place, we talk about JA Konrath vs. Jack Kilborn, being funny, and dead pets. But trust me; you'll love the dead pet talk.

http://mylifewithdogs-swanny.blogspot.com/2009/03/post-in-which-ja-konrath-discusses_07.html

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #7

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm visiting the group blog, The League of Reluctant Adults, invited by author Mark Henry. Group blogs are always fun, and this one features a bunch of paranormal suspense and romance writers, many of whom I've hung out with.

My guest blog post is about pushing the envelope in fiction, and if it's possible to go to far. You might be surprised by my answers.

http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blogger-ja-konrath.html

Also, many of you following this blog tour are undoubtedly curious if the book I'm flogging, Afraid, is any good. As mentioned in my last newsletter, I offered free copies in exchange for reviews. As these reviews trickle in, I'm linking to them...whether they're good or bad.

So far, Afraid has been reviewed by Shots UK:

http://www.shotsmag.co.uk/reviews2008/reviews1108/afraid.html

Dark Scribe:

http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reviews/afraid-jack-kilborn.html

The List:

http://www.list.co.uk/article/14233-jack-kilborn-afraid/

And be prepared to scroll down to read what Publishers Weekly has to say about my paperback original horror thriller:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6637217.html

There are still 24 days left on the blog tour, and I promise a lot of new, and radically different, posts in the oncoming weeks. I will not repeat myself.

Thanks for tuning it.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #6

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

First, I visit Mary Duncan's blog, Eyes of Garnet, and talk about the problems with modern publishing, and when Ebooks will finally replace print books.

http://eyesofgarnet.blogspot.com/2009/03/guest-blogger-ja-konrath-on-his-cyber.html

Then, if you're burning to know what JA Konrath is like while doing one of his infamous book tours, now you can get read a third-party account. I did a mini-tour in St. Louis with wonderful author Joanna Slan, and she wrote an article about it for the Romance Writer's Report. She has kindly reprinted it on her blog.

http://joannaslan.blogspot.com/2009/03/travels-with-joe-what-its-like-to.html

Please take the time to visit and bookmark all of these terrific blogs.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #5

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Over past few days I've talked about my favorite horror books, getting rejection letters, writing sex scenes, and I revealed my top ten editing tips.

First stop today is at Gabrielle Harbowy's blog, Gabrielle.Edits, where I share what every writer needs to know about working with an editor, and reveal my super secret power.

http://www.gabrielle-edits.com/2009/03/05/be-afraid-of-ja-konrath/

Then I visit Kathleen McDade over at TechnoEarthMama, where we discuss why I used a pseudonym, parenting, and free Ebooks.

http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/03/a-talk-with-ja-konrath/

Finally, an unscheduled tour stop. If you can't wait until March 31st to get your copy of AFRAID, or if you're broke and can't come up with $6.99, Ali Karim and J. Kingston Pierce are giving away free copies at The Rap Sheet.

If you win a copy, help me out and review it someplace. Time Magazine would be nice, but I'd be thrilled if you could review it anywhere online.

http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/2009/03/fear-and-free-books.html

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #4

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on different blogs every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today, I'm over at Brian Crawford's blog, The Leaf Blower, talking about something near and dear to all writers: rejection. Check it out at:

http://theleafblower.blogspot.com/2009/03/rejection-konrath-style.html

It's also worth noting that the response to this blog tour has been more enthusiastic than I had anticipated, and there are many more blogs that want to host me than days in March.

I've decided the only fair thing to do is to accept all offers, though that means several visits per day. The ultimate goal is to link blogs and cross-pollinate fans, so the more the merrier. If you've requested to host me, and haven't heard back, feel free to keep emailing until I respond, as my inbox is a bit...overwhelmed.

If you like radio interviews, and want to see if I'm as witty live as I am in print, check out Rowena Cherry's show, Crazy Tuesdays. Yesterday I gabbed with her for two hours, and was joined by fellow scribes Michelle Pillow and Lori Soard.

http://www.internetvoicesradio.com/CrazyTuesday.htm

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #3

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on a different blog every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today, I'm over at romance author's Beth Ciotta's blog. As befitting such a setting, the entry is about sex.

Did that get your attention?

http://bethciotta.blogspot.com/2009/03/thrillerhorror-writer-gets-sexy.html

Monday, March 02, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #2

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on a different blog every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, and broaden your blog-reading horizons.

Today I'm visiting Kerryn Angell, revealing my favorite editing tips.

http://www.kerrynangell.com/2009/03/ja-konraths-top-ten-editing-tips.html

Kerryn also graciously posted the tips on Kiwi Writers.

http://www.kiwiwriters.org/news/klog/jakonrath-editing-tips.html

Check out what I have to say, leave some comments, and then feel free to surf both sites. They're filled with great info for writers.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Where's Konrath? Blog Tour Day #1

To promote my horror novel, AFRAID, which debuts March 31, I'm appearing on a different blog every single day in March.

Please follow my daily journey, broaden your blog-reading horizons, and let me and my fellow bloggers know if this is working for you or not by chiming in with comments.

Today I'm visiting Robert Swartwood, discussing horror novels.

Read all about it here : http://robertswartwood.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/some-horror-novels-joe-konrath-wishes-hed-written/