Category Archives: General
My Goals for 2014 (and what happened in 2013)
I always like to take a look back at the past year and see how far I’ve come, and plan for the year ahead to give myself something to aim for. Though I think it’s important to be flexible and allow for plans to change as life unfolds, it’s good to have a basic guide to propel you forward.
So first of all, let’s look back on 2013, a huge year for me as it was my first year as a published author…
There were many firsts: seeing my first cover (I can’t tell you how exciting and surreal that was!), taking part in my first book club as author guest, seeing my book advertised on websites and in catalogues, getting reviews for my book, getting my First Sale ribbon at the RWA conference (and dancing like a lunatic at the awards dinner). Overall it was a great year, though there were some challenges and sadness too: my amazing Nanna passed away at age 94, and we lost our old home that my son grew up in, in the Blue Mountains bushfires (my parents had only just sold the place and moved out). Life is a rollercoaster, as they say.
Here are my writing and publishing achievements for last year:
2013
WRITING:
Overall I wrote 3 complete manuscripts, did 1 intensive revision, wrote 2 partials, and 4 outlines.
Here is the breakdown:
- Wrote I Dream of Johnny – 15k words
- Wrote The Delta Girls book #1: SIGHT – 52k words
- Wrote February or Forever (Tarrin’s Bay book #2) – 84k words
- Wrote partial (3 chapters & synopsis) of secret NA/YA project set in Salem
- Wrote partial (3 chapters & synopsis) of You Know You Want To
- Revised existing outline for The Bucket List Club
- Wrote brief outline for Christmas novella
- Wrote brief outline for Lovestruck in London
- Wrote brief outline for a New Adult dance-themed novella
- Revised The Life Makeover Club intensively (twice).
PUBLISHING:
- The January Wish was contracted (didn’t release till recently, 1st Jan 2014)
- Debut novel Fast Forward was released in Feb.
- I Dream of Johnny was contracted and released in Sept.
- Starstruck in Seattle was contracted and released in Oct.
- February or Forever was contracted.
- Signing with a literary agent after querying The Life Makeover Club to 70 agents.
2013 BLOG HIGHLIGHTS:
- Views: 13,000 views in 2013 (over 5000 more than last year!)
- Top 3 posts for 2013:
1. How To Choose A Pen Name (same top post as last year)
2. Editing Tip: 10 Words To Search For In Your Manuscript
3. I Dream of Johnny, & Johnny, & Johnny (3 Wishes Blog Blitz)
- Top / interesting / funny search terms:
1. Most popular search term that brought people to my blog: ‘How to come up with a pen name”
2. Other popular search terms were: romantic comedies 2013, contemporary women’s fiction, pen name generator, setting the scene in a story.
3. The interesting, funny, and bizarre: Cooking novels, Johnny Castle, tango, covered in spit (I actually did have a blog post with a similar title so I’m not that surprised, but why would someone search for it?), Mexican table decorations, me affair with Trisha, birthday cake too many candles, spiritual experience post 9/11, great halls in medieval castles, Help I‘m haunted, Miss chatterbox, raunchy birthday for woman, the neverending sentence, Eat Pray Love dinner party (that’s actually a cool idea!), Juliet is spit on by stranger full length (???), hopjulikit (????),what happened at the end of the fast forward by juliet madison (um, read it & find out!), please don’t disturb.
- Top 3 commentors:
2. Iris B
3. Mary Preston
- Top visitors from:
1. Australia
2. United States
3. United Kingdom
- Top referrers to my blog:
1. Search engines
2. Facebook
3. Twitter
So yes, it was a big year! What’s in store for 2014? Hopefully more contracts and books out!
Here are my goals for this year:
2014
Overall I aim to write 4 complete manuscripts, of varying lengths:
- Write Haunted Housewives, a romagic comedy novel.
- Write a romagic novella, haven’t decided which one yet out of a choice of three.
- Write Miracle in March, the third book in my Tarrin’s Bay series.
- Write The Delta Girls book #2: SOUND, the next in my YA supernatural series.
- Write a partial of The Bucket List Club (and as much more of it as possible!).
- Read more books! (See my TBR list here). I won’t try to read a certain amount as I want reading to be relaxing and fun, not another deadline. But I will aim to make reading more of a priority and read at other times during the week, not just at bedtime.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
I read an interesting article recently that said goals can simply be things like: write for one hour a day, five days a week, rather than: I’ll complete a book by June. Sometimes people do better when their goal is more of a system to follow than a defined outcome. In my case though, I know I need to have certain books finished by certain times, so personally I need the specific outcome as a goal. Then I break it down to figure out how much time I need to devote to achieving it.
Hope you have a happy and successful 2014 everyone! 🙂
My To-Be-Read Pile – so many books, so little time
Years ago I would buy a book (or receive one as a gift), read it, then buy another one. Now, I buy (or receive) many in advance. I love having books around me, there is something magical about the beautiful covers, fancy fonts, and promise of secrets within (wow, that was deep, eh?). And because I’m now a writer I’ve become aware of many new authors and books I want to read, so my pile has grown, both physically (on my bookcases) and virtually (on my Kindle).
Today I’m not going to list ALL the books in my pile, just a selection of ones that I’m particularly keen to read soon.
Are any of these on your list too? Or have you read any of these and think there’s one I should read immediately?!
I’m currently reading The Returned by Jason Mott… what will I read next?
- Blood Secret by Jaye Ford
- Banish by Nicola Marsh
- Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
- Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
- Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery
- Three Sisters by Susan Mallery
- The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
- Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
- Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger
- Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
- The Secret Ingredient by Dianne Blacklock
- Beautiful Illusion by Jacquie Underdown
- The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch
A Monday Morning Surprise – I’m a Finalist!
I’m excited to announce that I’m a finalist in the Australian Romance Reader Association (ARRA) Awards for the Best New Romance Author category!! What a way to start the week. Thanks ARRA, and thanks to those who nominated me. 🙂
You can see the official list of finalists in all categories HERE.
As someone who’s been published for less than a year, this a great honour and reward for me. I’d like to thank those who’ve supported me in my first year as an author ((hugs)).
Winners will be announced at the ARRA Awards dinner on March 22nd in Sydney, and I’ll be there for the night!
To vote (voting closes March 5th), you need to be an Australian ARRA member. If you’re not already a member, you can join HERE. It’s only $20 a year and for that you get a fabulous monthly newsletter with book reviews, interviews, special deals, industry news, articles, giveaways and more, plus access to a private email group to interact with authors and readers. Author members get promotional opportunities and a chance to advertise in the newsletter. You also get discounts to special events and can hear about various author signings and events, and of course, can vote for your favourite authors in the annual awards! 😉
And if you haven’t yet checked out my books, here is a list of all my books at Goodreads.
Yay!
Australia’s Favourite Novelist – nominate now
Booktopia is running a contest to find Australia’s Favourite Novelist for 2014 (and the Top 50), and YOU can have your say!
From now until the 5th January you can submit your nominations (as many as you like) via email, facebook, or twitter. Simply list one or more Australian authors you believe deserve the recognition, and send through to Booktopia.
Full details can be found here on Booktopia’s blog, or if you’re ready to nominate your fave authors (hint, hint! 😉 ) you can do so via any of the following:
- Email your list to: faveoznovelist@booktopia.com.au
- Tweet the authors’ names to @Booktopia
- Post or comment on their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Booktopia/91043653859
Between 6-12th Jan, check the Booktopia blog each day for the heats where you can vote on the list of authors compiled from the nominations pool.
Between 13-19th Jan you can vote on the list of finalists in the poll, and from 20th Jan Booktopia will unveil the Top 50, with 10 authors being revealed each day until the overall winner will be announced on Friday 24th January.
I’ve sent in my nominations, have you? 🙂
Coastal Romance is Making Waves… [Plus, win a $100 gift card!]
This post is part of the Coastal Romance Christmas Blog Hop, organised by bestselling author Annie Seaton. Every day up until Christmas Eve, authors are sharing a ‘post about the coast’ and offering a giveaway. Plus, at each stop you can enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a $100 Amazon Gift Card and 26 coastal romance ebooks! You can enter the grand prize giveaway at the end of this post, and I am also giving away a coastal photographic print to one lucky commenter! Read on…
Coastal Romance…
When I was writing my novel The January Wish (out on 1st Jan), I wasn’t sure where it fitted in the market. It was women’s fiction, and it was also romance. Being set in a small Australian beachside town based on where I live, I thought perhaps it fitted loosely into the rural fiction market as it is also a country town, but most rural books don’t have beaches nearby. Maybe it was a small town romance? But then, not all small towns are near the beach either, and the water plays a special role in this book and series. But when I first heard the term “Coastal Romance” at the RWA conference in Fremantle in August 2013, I thought “Aha! That’s what I’m writing!” So it was great to hear that there was a name for these types of stories and a place for them in the market. My story is still a small town romance, women’s fiction, and it has rural elements, but overall, coastal romance suits it really well.
Why is coastal romance making waves in the literary marketplace?
In my opinion, especially as an Australian, it could be because we identify with the sea as being an integral part of our landscape and a place where we go for holidays and day trips with family, friends, and loved ones. The coast is where many lifelong memories are made. So what better way to capture the enticing essence of life by the water than by writing about the lives and relationships of characters who are visiting or living by the sea?
The concept of a seachange is also appealing, and many people hold dreams of one day moving out of the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs and into a nice coastal town, where it feels like holidays all year round.
Think about these words: sun, sand, surf, summer, starlit nights, swimming, and sandcastles… Walking on the beach, camping under the stars, lazy lunches at seaside cafes, friendly communities, small town secrets, reading by moonlight, listening to the waves rolling in, finding treasures at quaint shops, colourful sunsets, uplifting sunrises, and a feeling of freedom.
Ahhh, sounds nice doesn’t it? These are elements often present in coastal romance stories.
If you’re new to coastal romance (or if you want to explore it further) you can view a collection of book covers and movies at the coastal romance Pinterest page here.
And here is a little sneak peek at a coastal scene from my upcoming new release, The January Wish…
A glorious summer morning greeted Grace through the window of the caravan. Lush green leaves dancing about in the breeze, the sky an intense cobalt, and the salty smell of the ocean enticed her to the beach for a swim. Well, if you could call it that. She wasn’t used to swimming in the ocean; growing up in the heart of Melbourne meant she was limited to the occasional seaside holiday with her parents. But she enjoyed it nonetheless, wading into the water, feeling the pull of the wave as it receded to its source, and relishing the cool caress of the water on her hot sun-kissed skin.
She giggled along with some children nearby when each new wave approached. They would try to run away from it, but she walked into it, each splash enlivening her, waking her. What would it be like to live here all the time? If she did, she’d probably come to the beach every morning; it was a great way to wake up and start the day.
Grace’s eyes soaked up the vast expanse of blue surrounding her, and she wasn’t sure where the ocean finished and the sky began. It was all connected. Up to her right, the famous ‘Tarrin’ sat proudly on the headland. The brochure she’d read said the town was named after the unique ‘Earth Man’ rock formation, which naturally resembled a man’s face. Years of waves gone before had sculpted cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a protrusion that looked like a nose. It was amazing, actually, that a random natural phenomenon could produce something that appeared to be sculpted on purpose.
So… with coastal romance making waves (forgive the pun!), what better way to celebrate than to have a big giveaway?! You could win a coastal photographic print and/or a $100 gift card and 26 ebooks. Details below…
>> GIVEAWAY #1:
Leave a comment on this post telling me where you would like to go for a coastal holiday, or tell me a coastal romance book you’ve enjoyed or are looking forward to reading. Easy! One person will be randomly chosen to win this beautiful photographic print (unframed), measuring roughly 30 x 21cm (or 12 x 8 inches). The photograph was taken on the south coast of NSW, Australia, which is where I live and where my Tarrin’s Bay series of books are set (the first book, The January Wish releases on 1st Jan 2014, and the second book, February or Forever releases on 1st Feb).
Giveaway is open worldwide, and will be drawn on 16th December, so hurry up and get an entry in by leaving a comment! The grand prize giveaway below however, will remain open until 24th December.
>> GIVEAWAY #2:
Win a $100 Amazon gift card and 26 ebooks from the authors participating in the coastal blog hop! (see list below). What a great Christmas present if you win! Winner will be drawn Christmas Eve.
To enter, simply click on the below Rafflecopter link and follow the instructions. You can get up to 11 entries in the draw:
Click here >> a Rafflecopter giveaway
>> BLOG HOP CALENDAR
Check out a new post each day until Christmas Eve and enter more giveaways:
28 November: Annie Seaton
30 November: E.E.Carter
1 December: NicoleFlockton
2 December: Dilys Carnie
3 December: Elsa Winckler
4 December: MaureenO Betitia
5 December: Sherry Gloag
6 December: Chris Stovell
7 December: J’AimeeBrooker
8 December: Susanne Bellamy
9 December: Barbara Cool Lee
10 December: Tea Cooper
11 December: Juliet Madison
12 December: Linda Mitchelmore
13 December: Julie McCullogh
14 December: Eva Scott
15 December: Maureen Fisher
16 December: Rachael Johns
17 December: Susanne O’Leary
18 December: Jean Joachim
19 December: Demelza Carlton
20 December: Lily Malone
21 December: Marisa Cleveland
22 December: Monique McDonnell
23 December: Lauren McKellar
24 December: Annie Seaton Prize Draw
Voting Now Open: Vote for Fast Forward in Book Junkies Choice Awards!
Just a quick post to let you know my debut novel, FAST FORWARD is a finalist in the Book Junkies Choice Awards in the Women’s Fiction category (yay! Thanks to those who nominated it)! I’m thrilled to be alongside some great authors!
But I need your votes….
If you would like to give my little book baby, my first published novel, a chance at getting some great recognition and exposure, all you have to do is vote via the quick and easy form on the site.
You only need to enter your email address, and then select Fast Forward from the list, and voila! Your vote will be cast. You will receive an email confirmation of your vote, and you can only vote once.
>>VOTE HERE.
Voting is open until the 25th October, so get those votes in now, and THANK YOU! 🙂
If you haven’t yet read Fast Forward, here is a link to the details of the book and where it can be purchased from.
RELEASE DAY! … I Dream of Johnny
It’s here! The release of my second book! It was not that long ago I was celebrating the release of my debut novel, Fast Forward, and now, seven months later I’m celebrating the release of I DREAM OF JOHNNY, my romantic comedy novella with a magical twist, out now with Escape Publishing.
If you like stories that make you giggle and leave you feeling uplifted and positive, then I hope you’ll check out ‘Johnny’. I love writing stories that are both humorous and heartwarming, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading them.
As with Fast Forward (which contained time travel 25 years into the future), this book has a slight magical twist, and a new sub-genre is emerging called ‘Romagic Comedy‘ which captures this type of story perfectly… set in every day life, but with a hint of something supernatural, yet not enough to be a true paranormal or fantasy book. In this case, think of a mix of the TV shows The Big Bang Theory and I Dream of Jeannie (yes – it has a magic lamp, AND geeks) 😉
>>Getting three wishes isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when an unfortunate spelling error in Mandy’s high-tech magic lamp changes her wish for a Greek God into a Geek God. His fashion IQ is in the negatives, he’s clingier than cling wrap, and he has a penchant for breaking into song at inappropriate moments. Before Mandy can request a replacement wish, she has to put up with him for twenty four hours, and the timing couldn’t be worse – – it’s her friend’s wedding day, her ex will be there, and the God of Geeks insists on coming along for the ride.
Here is what people are saying about the story so far…
“Pure, absolute fun!” ~ Maria
“If you’re looking for a light and quick read, pick this one up!” ~ Deanna
“Ms Madison is a brilliant author and I can seriously see her rocking the chick lit charts.” ~ Ananda
“Super adorable … A light, sweet read (like cotton candy).” ~ Cynthia
I DREAM OF JOHNNY is available worldwide and you can buy it from all ebook retailers, including:
Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, B&N/Nook, Kobo, Google Play, JB Hi-Fi, Booktopia, ebooks.com,Escape Publishing.
…Come back to the blog on 2nd Sept at 12pm Sydney, AU time for a huge event I’m holding to celebrate this release, called the Three Wishes Blog Blitz! Over 35 blogs are participating and giving away great prizes, so make sure you stop b y and enter the prize draws. It will run until the 6th September.
Happy reading, and be careful what you wish for! 😉
Vote in the Book Junkies Choice Awards…
There’s a new contest that’s open for nominations until the 15th Sept 2013, so head on over to Book Junkies to nominate your favourite books. You can nominate just one, or several books in different categories. Help your favourite books get the recognition they deserve!
…And if you are so inclined to nominate Fast Forward (God bless you 😉 ), here are the details you need to include on the nomination form, simply copy & paste:
– Nominee category: select ‘women’s fiction‘. It would also fit under ‘debut novel (fiction)’ or ‘debut novel (romance)’, but the more votes in one category only, the more chance of finalling.
– Book title: FAST FORWARD
– Author name: Juliet Madison
– Book blurb:
Aspiring supermodel Kelli Crawford seems destined to marry her hotshot boyfriend, but on her 25th birthday she wakes in the future as a fifty-year-old suburban housewife married to the now middle-aged high school nerd.
Trapped in the opposite life of the one she wanted, Kelli is forced to re-evaluate her life and discover what is really important to her. Will she overcome the hilarious and heartbreaking challenges presented to her and get back to the body of her younger self? Or will she be stuck in the nightmare of hot flushes, demanding children, raunchy advances from her husband, and hideous support underwear forever?
– Cover image: right click on the image of the book cover above and select ‘save picture as‘, then on the nomination form you can click to choose the file from your computer.
– Goodreads link to book title: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239167-fast-forward
– Then include your name and email address to nominate the book (you will go in the draw for prizes!)
– Click ‘submit’ and you’re done! Easy 😉
>>Here is the link to the Book Junkies Choice Awards nomination form.
Thank you! 🙂
COVER REVEAL! Starstruck in Seattle
I just returned from the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Fremantle WA (post & photos to come soon), and while I was there, I got to see my new cover for the first time! It was such a nice surprise as it appeared on the screen of the Escape Publishing powerpoint presentation during the Awards gala after party. I love it! I think it captures the story perfectly, and I love how they included the skyline of Seattle. What do you think?
Here is the official blurb, and the story is released on 1st October…
Aspiring actress Anna Hilford might only have a small role in a leading television drama, but she longs to be dreamboat Karl Drake’s leading lady. Sick of being loveless and overlooked, Anna seeks the help of intuitive love coach, Lulu, from LuluTheLoveAngel.com to give her the courage and determination to follow her destiny. But fate has different ideas, Lulu has undisclosed power, and Anna is about to realise that life happens while you’re busy making plans…
Invitation to join my Street Team!
You may have heard the term ‘street team’ before, or maybe you haven’t. In any case, what my street team will be is a fun group of like-minded readers who want to be the first to hear my latest news, read excerpts, see covers, and win prizes.
Many street teams require you to write reviews of the author’s books and help promote them… in my street team there are no obligations and no pressure to do anything, however, using word-of-mouth to spread awareness about my books is of course appreciated and will not go unnoticed, and if you do decide to write a review, that is great, but it is not required. I want you to want to spread awareness, not feel you have to.
So what is the difference between being part of this and being a fan on my facebook page or a newsletter subscriber?
The street team will be my first port of call, it will be my ‘inner circle’; an exclusive group for interaction, fun, and friendship. I will share things with my street team I won’t be sharing elsewhere, and I will reward members with regular giveaways, freebies, and competitions. I may also invite other authors over for a private online chat with us. [You can read more about the concept of street teams here.]
The only requirements to join are that you like interacting with others online in a friendly and supportive way, you enjoy discussing books with others, and you have read and enjoyed any of my books. If you’ve enjoyed my writing and look forward to more, then you’re welcome to apply for the street team (otherwise, why would you want to? lol ;))
Bear in mind this is a street-team-in-progress. If you’re accepted I will invite you to join a private facebook group.
The name of the team is Juliet’s Jewels, because who can resist a bit of colourful, sparkly fun?! You’ll even have the opportunity to give yourself a special ‘jewel name’ if you wish, such as Radiant Ruby, Dazzling Diamond, or Quirky Quartz…etc, just for a bit of fun! 😉
Sound interesting? If you’d like to apply to become a member of Juliet’s Jewels, please click on this link and fill out the form.
I’ll let you know if you’ve been accepted and will send you a link to join the private facebook group.
Thanks for your interest and I look forward to having you on my team! 🙂
P.S – any questions, leave them in the comments below…
JULIET MADISON 