Blue Planet IntroScope

Next in the Que...

2012-01-21T19:57:00.004-06:00

Avah LaReaux opens 2012 with the fourth installment to the Lost & Found series. Smoke and Mirrors is set to be released in February 2012.

Win it before you can buy it at The A-Spot.

Holiday Shopping List - Item #2

2011-10-28T14:20:00.004-05:00

ISBN: 978-0-9824298-4-6
List Price: $13.95
Available: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Oksanya has been given the gift of a lifetime in the miraculous Isis operation, which replaced defective genes in her body with the genes of a cheetah. She can run faster and see better than everyone else in the world. Everyone else, however, is split on what to do with Oksanya. Many believe she has sold her humanity for the cure, the rest think she has improved her life and her species.

Holiday Shopping List - Item #1

2011-10-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

ISBN: 978-0-9824298-5-3
List Price: $12.99
Available: Amazon

The holidays are known for bringing the best out of people. Imagine what we can bring out of you when we present four of the hottest romance authors as they join forces to give you fifteen of the steamiest stories this side of a spice rack! The holidays have never been so inviting.

Now Available - Juniper Crescent by Tony Graff

2011-10-22T23:32:00.002-05:00

October Release Announcement

2011-09-25T21:34:00.009-05:00

Juniper Crescent... Rises on October 14, 2011!

There is so much more to a story than meets the eye... so much more to a person than what you see. JUNIPER CRESCENT a fantasy/sci-fi release introducing Tony Graff.

Available in bookstores and online October 14, 2011.

Making fiction reality...

Second Quarter Greetings

2011-07-06T09:54:00.001-05:00

We haven't gone anywhere. Greetings from Blue Planet Publishing! The last few months have been filled with restructuring to our editing and submission departments. We've even tweeked our marketing campaigns. Streamline is in and BPP is riding the wave of efficient as we continue to produce quality novels. So who's up next?: Tony Graff, Juniper Crescent. Stay tuned for more details.

The Literary Alphabet - Installment Four

2011-02-28T14:56:00.006-06:00

Zora Neale Hurston, author, folklorist, anthropologist. One of the preeminent writers of twentieth century [African-American] literature, Hurston’s work has influenced many authors including Alice Walker, whose 1975 article, “In Search of Zora Neale Hurston,” revived interested in the artist. Closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston’s novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is used in many college classrooms to date.

The Literary Alphabet - Installment 3

2011-02-08T00:18:00.003-06:00

J. California Cooper, author and playwright. Born Joan California Cooper in Berkeley, CA, this artist has written numerous plays and short story series and was named Black Playwright of the Year in 1978. Her first collection of short stories was published in 1984 by Alice Walker's publishing company.

The Literary Alphabet: Installment 2

2011-02-06T22:22:00.003-06:00

James Baldwin, novelist, playwright, poet. Baldwin is known for works that deal with prejudice with regards to race and sexuality. Desiring to reach a scope beyond the single vision of "Negro issues" or "Negro writing," Baldwin left the U.S. for France where he spent the majority of his later life.

African-American History Month Salute: The Literary Alphabet

2011-02-05T13:24:00.003-06:00

A is Angelou, Maya.

In 1995, writer Maya Angelou was recognized for remaining on The New York Times Paperback Nonfiction Bestseller List for two years—the longest running record in history. Ms. Angelou was also the first black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco, California, before graduating from high school.

Twelve Literary Days of Christmas

2010-12-13T11:54:00.003-06:00

BPP's Twelve Days of Christmas is back! This year, we will celebrate with 12 tips for becoming a literary artist. Watch for our daily FaceBook status posts and find tips to help you reach and improve on your literary dreams. Not our friend on FaceBook yet? Search Blue Planet Publishing and join our page. Welcome to BPP's Twelve Literary Days of Christmas!

BPP Reads - Bastards

2010-06-29T14:06:00.006-05:00

One life truly affects another. How much more accurate would that statement be if the lives were linked by blood? Meet the young Marcus Clayton and the residents of the Bradhurst community as they live, learn, and love according to their own rules. Will morals win out over physical desires or will lust overpower better judgment and foundational teaching? Join the journey, meet the players, and discover how what’s done in the dark leads to a siren’s song.

Deadline Extension - New Author Showcase Contest

2010-06-26T19:27:00.003-05:00

The deadline has been extended for the New Author Showcase Contest. New authors with outstanding unpublished works now have until July 15 to submit their work. Two winners will be selected to win contracts with Blue Planet Publishing and NCM Publishing. Winners will be announced during the 2011 Art Lovers in Paradise Cruise. Request full guidelines at manuscripts@bppbooks.com.

Guidelines

• Manuscript must be original, unpublished, and not included in a multiple submission
• Maximum word count: 60,000 words
• Double-spaced text
• 12 pt. Times New Roman font

Not Accepting
• Poetry
• Novellas
• Children’s books
• Non-fiction

BPP Reads - Hello, My Name is James

2010-06-24T15:11:00.003-05:00

James Schilling is a twenty-something man trying to find his way in life. The one great thing in his life is his best friend Frank. He has his back in any situation. James wants more out of his boring ordinary life. When a situation arises at work, he decides to make more out of his current life to be someone. While searching for his life's true calling a family issue unfolds. He decides to track down his estranged father who had left him when he was ten years old. James must decide to fix his past or let it be. He struggles with work, his family, and a possible new relationship at the same time trying to figure out where his life will lead him. Will he find love? Can he track down the man who had left him at an early age? Most of all will James discover who he is truly meant to be in his life?

BPP Reads - For God & Country

2010-06-22T14:10:00.005-05:00

Brave men and women choose military service as a means of giving back to their communities and their country. They fight wars for the many disenranchised in countries far away. What happens when one serviceman returns home to find the war has followed him? Find the answer by reading the debut novel by Daniel Reyes, For God & Country (Blue Planet Publishing 2009, ISBN: 978-0982429839).

BPP Reads - In the Name of the Father

2010-06-22T13:53:00.007-05:00

Love is learned and many times, our family teaches us what we know of it. Likewise, distance and resistance of love is learned and those most close to us contribute in ways they may never know. How will Joy overcome these aspects and triumph IN love? Read Allyson Olivia Ringgold's debut novel, In the Name of the Father to find out. Release date: June 2010.

The Blue Planet Roster

2010-04-21T11:28:00.005-05:00

Blue Planet Publishing has a dynamic arsenal of authors and titles for your reading pleasure. Visit the BPP BookStore or Amazon.com to enjoy the current titles.

Meet Allyson Olivia Ringgold

2010-04-08T13:00:00.004-05:00

Allyson Olivia Ringgold, a native of Baltimore, MD, currently resides in Miami, FL, where she works full-time as an analyst. Throughout her life she has always found comfort in writing. She started writing poetry and stories in elementary school because her imagination was too big to keep inside her mind. She pursued her interest in writing at Susquehanna University where she wrote for the school newspaper The Crusader and received a bachelor’s in mass communications. She continued to develop her craft at Syracuse University where she received a master’s in journalism. Throughout her life she has always written from her heart. She hopes when people read her fiction they will see something that reminds them of the truth. In her writing she unravels the issue of loving someone and living for God, and demonstrates the conflict that is caused when the two meet. She hopes her writing will captivate and inspire her readers to live and love her imagination.

Release Announcement - Bastards by Avah LaReaux

2010-03-24T00:09:00.007-05:00

On February 26, 2010, Blue Planet Publishing released the third installation of Avah LaReaux's Lost & Found saga series. Bastards is now available online with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Group and wholesale purchasing information can be obtained from the publishing website at BPP Books.

Release Date: February 26, 2009
Publisher: Blue Planet Publishing
Retail Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 978-0-9824298-6-0
ISBN-10: 0-9824298-6-X
Categories: 1. Fiction - Families 2. Fiction - Sagas
Purchasing Sites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BPP Books

Synopsis:

One life truly affects another. How much more accurate would that statement be if the lives were linked by blood? Meet the young Marcus Clayton and the residents of the Bradhurst community as they live, learn, and love according to their own rules. Will morals win out over physical desires or will lust overpower better judgment and foundational teaching? Join the journey, meet the players, and discover how what's done in the dark leads to a siren's song.

Watch the trailer and read the excerpt: Bastards Trailer & Excerpt

Awards & Accolades

2010-01-30T13:10:00.004-06:00

Congratulations to Blue Planet Publishing author and Allbooks Review Editor's Choice Award winner Daniel Reyes. Daniel was one of only eight winners for the prestigious award for his outstanding efforts on his debut novel, For God & Country.

http://www.allbookreviews.com/Default.aspx?tabid=771

BPP Preview: February Release

2010-01-11T18:10:00.002-06:00

ISBN: 978-0-9827298-6-0
Retail: $14.95
Genre: Fiction: Sagas; Saga Fiction: Families

Synopsis:

One life truly affects another. How much more accurate would that statement be if the lives were linked by blood? Meet the young Marcus Clayton and the residents of the Bradhurst community as they live, learn, and love according to their own rules. Will morals win out over physical desires or will lust overpower better judgment and foundational teaching? Join the journey, meet the players, and discover how what’s done in the dark leads to a siren’s song.

BPP New Years Resolutions

2009-12-31T20:50:00.003-06:00

I resolve to continue to find hungry artists and to introduce them to the literary world.

I resolve to produce only the best in today's fiction and share those titles with the world.

I resolve to help all Blue Planet authors reach their goals by offering them the best of all I have.

Happy New Year, everyone.

~ Bruce Woods

*******

I resolve to live my dreams and reach for the impossible even more.
I resolve to not be discouraged when others don't recognize my dreams.
I resolve to love where I am not loved and retain my gift of joy regardless.
Happy New Year!

Hugs & kisses,
Avey

*******

Hello everyone! Well its a new year and a new decade, so here is a list of
things I want to accomplish to get the decade off on a good note.

1. Make a million bucks.
2. Find a cure for cancer.
3. Win the nobel peace prize.
4. Become Prime Minister.
5. Marry Oprah.
6. Remove the letter "Q" from the English language.

Actually, I would happy if you just purchased a copy of my book, The Pearly
Gates. Have a safe and happy New Year, friends!

~ Darren LaMontagne

*******

I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!
I plan on completing a few writing projects in 2010, so be on the look out for those!

~ R.M. Hamilton

*******

My New Year’s literary resolution is to write with inspiration and passion like never before, and to put my deepest emotion and creativity to paper. I would like to write more poetry so I can tap into the genre that introduced me to the power in putting words together. My last goal is to write the sequel to my debut novel, In the Name of the Father.

~ Allyson Olivia Ringgold

*******

I resolve to read more blogs and consistently comment on my own blog. My blog gets neglected through the vicissitudes of life.

I resolve to WRITE. Everything has taken priority over my writing in the past and in 2010, that can be no more.

~ S. A. Brown

*******

I resolve to feel grounded in marketing my upcoming book, Juniper Crescent.
I resolve to get the sequel to Juniper Crescent on to being published.

~ Tony Graff

*******

I resolve to read more.

I resolve to get Miss Kitty finished and launched. She's been too quiet for too long.

I resolve to enjoy what I read, and, if I don't, I resolve to put the book down and walk away. Life is too short and the list of books to read is WAY too long.

~ Anne D. Roberts

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-29T13:20:00.002-06:00

It wouldn't be right to close out 2009 without hearing from the fine artists of Blue Planet Publishing. As we celebrate the accomplishments of 2009 and ahead toward the gift of 2010, we invite you to join us as we share our personal resolutions.

We'll meet you right here on December 31. Happy New Year!

The Twelfth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-24T10:25:00.001-06:00

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

A Hopeful Christmas and a Joyous New Year. Hope for all things good and joy to sustain and empower you when there is disappointment. From our family to yours...

Merry Christmas!

The Eleventh Day of Christmas...

2009-12-23T11:18:00.004-06:00

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

I am so glad that the joy of the season is not seasonal. I am beyond pleased that the excitement I have for writing and those that love the arts is a continuous, fulfilling passion. I wish you all love, peace, and joy. The very best of the best to you all now and always.

Hugs and kisses,
Avey

The Tenth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-21T13:43:00.005-06:00

On the tenth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Wishing you much joy and peace during this holiday season. May all the best be yours now and always.

Bruce Woods
C.E.O.

The Ninth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-20T15:14:00.003-06:00

On the ninth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Season greetings to one and all
Joy and glad tidings summer, spring, and fall
The pleasure of this time
For everyday
Even as Christmas is on its way

Merry Christmas!

The Eighth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-19T13:46:00.003-06:00

On the eighth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Season's greetings and happy holidays! We wish you all the best now and always.

~ The Blue Planet Order Fulfillment Team

The Seventh Day of Christmas...

2009-12-18T14:19:00.004-06:00

On the seventh day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Greetings everyone,

Well, it's that time of year again, and I'd like to take this opportunity to
wish all of my readers a festive holiday season. May the New Year be filled
with joy and prosperity. Good will and much love to all.

Darren LaMontagne

The Sixth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-17T09:09:00.005-06:00

On the sixth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

May this season bring joy to your heart, peace in your life and an abundance of friends and family to share your glad tidings.

Lynel Johnson Washington
Freelance Editor
www.lyneljohnsonwashington.com

The Fifth Day of Christmas

2009-12-16T08:04:00.005-06:00

On the fifth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

To all my readers,

I desire for them a greater sense of themselves...I wish a greater view of those around you, and that you see the similarities, not the differences. I seek a greater perspective on what they do and why they do it.

Merry Christmas
Tony Graff

The Fourth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-14T15:44:00.006-06:00

On the fourth day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Dear Readers,

As always, my wish is that you never forget the true Reason for this season. May blessings and love continue to follow you. I trust that God will keep giving me stories to encourage and bless you and that you will keep reading. Thank you for all the love and support.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Your S.A. Brown

The Third Day of Christmas...

2009-12-14T10:43:00.004-06:00

On the third day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Happy Holidays everyone!

It’s that time of year again when the weather is cold outside, but the holiday spirit gets us all warm inside.

Enjoy the lights, the sights, the warmth of family and friends, and raise a mug of hot chocolate in the air. Cheers!

-R.M. Hamilton

The Second Day of Christmas...

2009-12-13T12:42:00.003-06:00

On the second day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

a gift that couldn’t be found under a tree, or in a catalog, or even purchased online. On this day I hope you receive the gift of GOD’s love, the ultimate sacrifice – His son, Jesus. Jesus is the reason for this season and the gift of salvation is one that will bring eternal peace and joy. Have a blessed and prosperous new year and don’t get caught up in presents, but in HIS presence. I appreciate your encouragement and support of the upcoming release of my debut novel, and I pray you are encouraged to walk by faith and pursue your dreams.

~ Allyson Olivia Ringgold

The First Day of Christmas...

2009-12-12T12:56:00.003-06:00

On the first day of Christmas, Blue Planet gave to you...

Our wish is for the entire Blue Planet Publishing family. May we continue to prosper and grow in artistic mastery. May we also continue to collectively produce the kind of works that make readers proud to choose our imprint. God's blessings to all.

The BPP Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-06T19:23:00.006-06:00

Ho, ho, ho! Tis the season to be jolly and Blue Planet artists are just that. Join us December 12 - 24 as we present the BPP Twelve Days of Christmas. Come see what the Blue Planet authors are wishing for our readers this holiday season.

Saturday's Upcoming Author

2009-11-09T09:43:00.008-06:00

Inspirational Fiction Author, Allyson Olivia Ringgold

Allyson Olivia Ringgold, a native of Baltimore, MD, currently resides in Miami, FL. Throughout her life she has always found comfort in writing. She started writing poetry and stories in elementary school because her imagination was too big to keep inside her mind. She pursued her interest in writing at Susquehanna University where she wrote for the school newspaper The Crusader and received a bachelor’s in mass communications. She continued to develop her craft at Syracuse University where she received a master’s in journalism.

Throughout her life she has always written from her heart. She hopes when people read her fiction they will see something that reminds them of the truth. In her writing she unravels the issue of loving someone and living for God, and demonstrates the conflict that is caused when the two meet. She hopes her writing will captivate and inspire her readers to live and love her imagination.

Friday's Author: Avah LaReaux

2009-11-09T09:29:00.010-06:00

A writer inspired by the human condition, Avah uses the power of the written word to captivate and entertain her readers. She has a talent for penning stories that focus on the lives of everyday people while conveying messages of empowerment, optimism, and inspiration. Avah's work and prose has been featured in various anthologies including In-Between Days and Under A Quick Silver Moon in the United States and overseas in the United Kingdom in the anthology Theatre of the Mind. Her current works, What's Done in the Dark and Song of the Siren are the first two installations of six in the Lost and Found saga series.

What's Done In The Dark
(Alternate Ending Release)
by Avah LaReaux
Publication Date: May 15, 2009
ISBN -13: 978-0-9824298-1-5
Price: $14.95

Song of the Siren
by Avah LaReaux
Publication Date: April 15, 2009
ISBN -13: 978-0-9824298-0-8
Price: $14.95

Get to know Avah and sign up for her On My Mind newsletter on her website at www.avahlareaux.com.

Thursday's Author: Darren LaMontagne

2009-11-09T09:17:00.005-06:00

My name is Darren Lamontagne and I was brought into this world in May of 1969, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. I enjoy sports and watching movies but I love writing, although I am not a reader. I can't ever remember finishing an entire novel, so you know my style is going to be unique. I don't necessarily write to impress anyone - my words tend to come from the heart. I write fiction/fantasy with a splash of humour, but "emotion" is the true core of my work.

The Pearly Gates
by Darren LaMontagne
Publication Date: April 10, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-9824298-2-2
Price: $14.95

Visit Darren on MySpace at www.myspace.com/darrenlamontagne

Wednesday's Author: Daniel Reyes

2009-11-04T21:57:00.005-06:00

Daniel Reyes was born on May 13, 1982 in Burbank, California. At the age of 20, Daniel enlisted in the United States Navy. His first command was the USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN, a guided-missile cruiser out of San Diego, California. He was then picked up for communications school and was sent off to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four. With NMCB4, Daniel worked alongside Marines and other Sailors. This is where the vision of For God and Country was born.

For God & Country
by Daniel Reyes
Publication Date: May 29, 2009
ISBN -13: 978-0-9824298-3-9
Price: $13.95

Get to know Daniel Reyes at www.defendcali.com

Tuesday's Author: S. A. Brown

2009-11-03T18:12:00.012-06:00

As a native of the Mississippi Delta, Stephanie Brown’s colorful childhood and life experiences provide her a plethora of tales to inspire and entertain her readers. As a secondary teacher and coach, she witnesses the human plight in real-time and her driven imagination concocts almost everything she sees into a story to tell.

Stephanie believes her purpose is to write. With her passion restored and her “box of ideas,” she hopes to inspire, encourage, and entertain readers with compelling characters and thought-provoking storylines. Currently residing in Biloxi, Mississippi, she wants her audience to walk away with a life lesson every time they walk away from a piece of her work.

Sugar & Spice: The Anthology for the Grown and Sexy
by Avah LaReaux, S. A. Brown, Hazel Mills, and Sunshine Royal
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN -13: 978-0-9824298-6-0
Price: $14.95

Learn more about S. A. Brown online at www.stepbrownsthoughts.blogspot.com. Connect with S. A. on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stepbrown7837.

Monday's Author: R. M. Hamilton

2009-11-02T09:59:00.011-06:00

R.M. Hamilton was born in 1976 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. In 1994, he graduated from Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois. R.M. has worked in the printing/graphic arts industry for over 13 years. He currently resides in the western suburbs of Chicago. R.M. realized that his passion for life is to write. He always had a natural talent for writing and is at a point in his life where he wants to use his talent and creativity to one day make it a full-time career. R.M. wrote his debut dark fantasy novel "Unscarred" which was self-published in June 2006. He also writes short stories and poems for anthologies and magazines. In June 2007 he won the First Place Prize for FOX TV's "On the Lot" for a writing contest.

R.M. Hamilton created and runs the "Authors of MySpace" profile on Myspace.com where he promotes independent through NY Times bestselling authors. His Blue Planet debut novel, Hello, My Name is James, was released in August 2009.

Hello, My Name is James
by R. M. Hamilton
Publication Date: August 2009
ISBN -13: 978-0-9824298-9-1
Price: $14.95

Find out more about R.M. at http://rmhamilton.webs.com.

An Author A Day

2009-11-02T09:50:00.003-06:00

An author a day helps keep the boredom away. At least when they are Blue Planet authors. Join us here on the BPP blogspot to see a featured daily Blue Planet author and learn more about what the artist has planned for their literary schedules. Leave your comments and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win the author's title. An Author a Day begins today with...

Sugar & Spice Anthology Winner

2009-10-30T12:22:00.006-05:00

The winner of the autographed copy of Sugar & Spice: The Anthology for the Grown Sexy is.....

Sexy Ebony

Congratulations to our winner! Be sure to leave your mailing address in the inbox below. Remember to identify yourself as a First Impressions winner. Thanks for playing!

lwoods@bppbooks.com

** All contest winners will receive their books before November 30, 2009.

Sugar & Spice Contests Across the Web

2009-09-25T08:18:00.009-05:00

Want to increase your chances of winning this year's steamiest anthology? Enter one or all of the contests below. You can't win if you don't play. Have fun!

1. BPP First Impressions Contest (See below)

You should never judge a book by its cover, unless you're asked to. Scroll down to the next post and tell us what you think of the cover for the 2009 Blue Planet Publishing Anthology Project. First impressions do matter.

2. Avah's A-Spot Contest

Send me your hottest one-liners and win an autographed copy of one of the first two installations in the Lost & Found saga series, What's Done In the Dark (Alternate Ending Release) or Song of the Siren. Four random winners will be selected. All entries will be eligible to win a copy of Sugar & Spice: The Anthology for the Grown and Sexy. Play to win on the Book Forum in Avey World.

Avey World is www.avahlareaux.com

3. Risque Cafe's Hot Holiday Romance Contest

Send us your hottest holiday romance story for a chance to win a "Romance Me" basket which will include your personal signed copy of Sugar & Spice: The Anthology for the Grown and Sexy plus other goodies. Visit the Risque Cafe blog spot for details and other great contests.

Risque Cafe's Romance Me Contest

4. Enter Dominique's Den Contest

Log on to Dominique's site, add your email address, and be automatically entered in a drawing to win a free copy of the upcoming Sugar & Spice anthology featuring Dominique LeSane, Avah LaReaux, Sunshine Royal, and Hazel Mills! It's that easy!

Enter Dominique's Den

BPP First Impressions Contest

2009-09-24T11:11:00.005-05:00

Our 2009 anthology project is heating up! We have contests going on now and more on the way. Be sure to check out our FaceBook Fan Page to see where our Sugar & Spice authors will be next as they tour BTR shows and physical locations to promote Sugar & Spice: The Anthology for the Grown and Sexy.

Want to win a copy of Sugar & Spice? Tell us what you think of the book cover. Random winners will be selected.

Read Twice, Post Once

2009-07-24T12:34:00.003-05:00

Continuing with our tips on blogging...

Have you ever been in the middle of reading something that you found absolutely interesting, but you were distracted every third word because the piece obviously didn't make it to the proofing stage? There may be a few things more irritating to readers than a poorly edited piece, but I can't think of any. Readers, book clubs, and authors all blog continuously about the importance of proofreading manuscripts prior to having them published. This is a hot topic among all three groups. Imagine how much more distracting a poorly edited blog or blog comment can be. Unlike a novel or non-fiction work, blogs and blog comments are meant to be quick and dirty and leave very little room for error due to the length of the posting. As a rule of thumb for all writing, but especially blogs - read twice, post once.

Conscientious Blogging

2009-07-24T12:18:00.002-05:00

While blogging is a means of making your view point known and does assist an author in promoting his/her writing and building his/her brand, it also shares a piece of the author’s personality with a blogging community. For this reason, it is most important to blog carefully. There a number of subjects that individuals have strong opinions about. Among them are politics, religion, and social ills, but that doesn't mean that the individual as an author is at liberty to share his/her thoughts so freely. Remember, everything that is posted online stays online. This is no different than publishing any type of work (blogging is a form of publishing). That being the case, authors must be conscientious enough to place their opinions carefully. Unless it is your marketing goal, you don't want to publish a blog or blog comment that could potentially kill your career before it gets started or end a wonderful ride in the literary world.

Blog, Blog, Blog

2009-07-05T19:18:00.003-05:00

If you don't feel like you can do anything online or you don't have the time for extensive promotion, the quickest and simplest thing you can do is have a blog. A blog is a great way to keep your site fresh (search engines love sites that are updated often) and a blog is a great way to reach your reader. If you don't have a blog or haven't blogged in a while, take heart: start somewhere and plan to blog a minimum of twice weekly. You'll need at least two posts a week to keep it current.

~ Tip shared courtesy of APOOO Book Club

July Post Schedule

2009-07-05T19:03:00.007-05:00

This month we will focus on important marketing tools for authors. In this day and age, an author's web presence is just a important as their physical persona. One important and easy way to develop a strong web presence is through blogging. Each week in July, we will share one tip from our publisher prospecitve or one tip as noted by a BPP affiliates on the importance of blogging. Feel free to comment and share.

A Date With the Dynamic Dominique LeSane

2009-06-29T02:06:00.006-05:00

BPPBooks: What is the title of your new release?

Dominique LeSane: I have a three part series called The Housewife Diaries. Part one, The Housewife Diaries; part two, The Seven Year Itch, and part three, May/December Romance.

BPPBooks: Tell us about your new release.

DLe: They are eBooks that give us a peak into the lives of three women who are searching for love, fulfillment, and satisfaction.

BPPBooks: Without revealing too much of the plot, tell us about the main character and how s/he fits into the story.

DLe: Each woman is strong and makes decisions based on what she feels is best for her life at the moment. The stories are liberating and sexy and the women in each story are women that readers can easily relate to.

BPPBooks; Who is your favorite character in this book?

DLe: I think my favorite is May Tilson in May/ December Romance. We see her make a few changes in her life and really go for what she wants no matter what.

BPPBooks: Is this your first novel? If not, tell us about your previous release(s).

DLe: The Housewife Diaries series are my first releases.

BPPBooks: When did you first start writing?

DLe: I’ve been writing since I can remember. I know all authors say that, but it’s true. It’s the way that I can really express myself.

BPPBooks: What genre do you write in and what makes your book unique in the genre?

DLe: I call them sexy romance stories. When you read something by Dominique LeSane, it will be intriguing, with women that are going through things that we all experience. I like to say that I am the women’s voice.

BPPBooks: What appeals to you most about writing?

DLe: The fact that I can evoke emotion in others with my words.

BPPBooks: How can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

DLe: Go to www.dominiquelesanestories.com. My eBooks are available at www.ladyleopublishing.org. I am happy to be a new part of Blue Planet so you can keep posted there as well for new work.

BPPBooks: Where can your book(s) be purchased?

DLe: All my eBooks are available www.ladyleopublishing.org or amazon.com. Check www.bppbooks.com for new works.

Presenting Author R.M. Hamilton

2009-06-22T01:38:00.004-05:00

BPPBooks: What is the title of your new release?

R.M. Hamilton: Hello, My Name Is James

BPPBooks: Tell us about your new release.

R.M.: James Schilling is a twenty-something man trying to find his way in life. The one great thing in his life is his best friend Frank. He has his back in any situation. James wants more out of his boring ordinary life. When a situation arises at work, he decides to make more out of his current life to be someone. While searching for his life's true calling a family issue unfolds. He decides to track down his estranged father who had left him when he was ten years old. James must decide to fix his past or let it be. He struggles with work, his family, and a possible new relationship at the same time trying to figure out where his life will lead him. Will he find love? Can he track down the man who had left him at an early age? Most of all will James discover who he is truly meant to be in his life?

BPPBooks: Without revealing too much of the plot, tell us about the main character and how s/he fits into the story.

R.M. James is at a crossroad in his life. He isn’t satisfied with his current job and wants more in life in general. His father left him when he was younger and he has to decide whether he should try to track down his father again. At the same time he is also deciding about what to do with his current work situation and if he can get enough courage to ask out a girl who he has had a crush on for a while and further their current friendship.

BPPBooks: Who is your favorite character in this book?

R.M.: James, he is the focal point of the story.

BPPBooks: Is this your first novel? If not, tell us about your previous release(s).

R.M.: I had self-published my first novel in 2006. It is a dark fantasy novel titled, Unscarred. I have also published a bunch of short stories and a few poems.

BPPBooks: When did you first start writing?

R.M.: I had been writing most of my life but not seriously until I sat down and wrote Unscarred in 2005. After completing the novel I fell in love with writing and want to pursue it as a full-time career one day.

BPPBooks: What genre do you write in and what makes your book unique in the genre?

R.M.: I tend to genre jump depending on my current mood so I never really know what genre I will be writing next. My current release is mainstream fiction. I think a lot of people can find themselves in similar situations that James is in. My novel will have a sense of realism with the story.

BPPBooks: What appeals to you most about writing?

R.M.: Being able to create a story and world of my own. I put a lot of emotion into all of my writing and try to get readers really involved with my characters.

BPPBooks: How can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

R.M.: Right now they can contact me on MySpace - www.myspace.com/rmhamilton

BPPBooks: Where can your book(s) be purchased?

R.M.: Hello, My Name Is James is scheduled to be released in August 2009 and will be available on all online retailers.

Publisher's Note: All Blue Planet Publishing titles can be ordered at your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.

Three Minutes With Author Avah LaReaux

2009-06-14T18:49:00.012-05:00

ISBN: 978-0-9824298-1-5
Retail: $14.95

BPPBooks: What is the title of your new release?

Avah LaReaux: The title of my latest release is What's Done In the Dark.

BPPBooks: Tell us about your new release.

AL: The version of What's Done In the Dark that was released this May is the alternate ending version of my debut novel by the same title. What's Done In the Dark is the first installment of the Lost & Found saga series and introduces our main character, Marcus Clayton, by revealing a secret and exposing a piece of his former life.

BPPBooks: Without revealing too much of the plot, tell us about the main character and how s/he fits into the story.

AL: Marcus Clayton is the main character and he is the plot in What's Done In the Dark. Marcus is a former NFL linebacker who achieves fame and wealth, but not happiness. This first installment starts the unveiling of Marcus' life and how his actions affect those around him.

BPPBooks: Who is your favorite character in this book?

AL: Jewel Clayton is my favorite character in this book. Jewel is Marcus' father and he is sharp. I love the advice he gives his son during trying times.

BPPBooks: Is this your first novel? If not, tell us about your previous release(s).

AL: Yes and no. What's Done In the Dark was originally released last April. My publisher and I retooled the ending and re-released the title this May. In April, however, the second installment of the series was released. The title of that book is Song of the Siren and it digs a little deeper into the character Renee from What's Done In the Dark.

BPPBooks: When did you first start writing?

AL: I first started writing when I was nine years-old. The love affair began with poetry and progressed to novels in 2002.

BPPBooks: What genre do you write in and what makes your book unique in the genre?

AL: I write saga fiction and believe my books are unique in how the message is presented. Many books show the drama of situations and how that drama plays out with the main character and peripheral characters as relates to that particular story. My titles do that, but they also take the same drama presented by the original main character and switch it around to show the long-term effects of the behavior. I don't just deal with the here and now of the drama; I show the entire picture and how it's drawn throughout generations.

BPPBooks: What appeals to you most about writing?

AL: I love writing. I enjoy watching myself go from hearing character dialogue in my head, to developing that dialogue, to painting an entire scene. The progression of a "mere" thought into a novel is very exciting.

BPPBoooks: How can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

AL: Readers can learn more about my books by visiting Avey World at www.avahlareaux.com (my website). Feel free to browse my bookshelf and watch and read the book trailers and excerpts.

BPPBooks: Where can your book(s) be purchased?

AL: What's Done In the Dark and Song of the Siren, as well as any future titles to the Lost & Found saga series, can be purchased from my website at www.avahlareaux.com, my publisher's website at www.bppbooks.com, online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or by ordering through your favorite local bookstore.

Publisher's Note: All Blue Planet Publishing titles can be ordered at your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.

Presenting Author Daniel Reyes

2009-06-07T23:26:00.011-05:00

ISBN 13: 978-0-9824298-3-9
Retail Price: $13.95

BPPBooks: What is the title of your new release?

Daniel Reyes: The title of my release is For God & Country, after the Marine Corps code.

BPPBooks: Tell us about your new release.

DR: I tried to get the point across of how we feel in the military about certain subjects such as family, war, and how this country would react if war were to take place on our soil.

BPPBooks: Without revealing too much of the plot, tell us about the main character and how s/he fits into the story.

DR: Well, I made Eddie Valles out to be as good a military role model as possible, a great husband, father, brother, and son. He takes on the conflicts as such, a great family man and Marine, to shows what it's like for those of us that serve.

BPPBooks: Who is your favorite character in this book?

DR: It would have to be Sergeant Perez. I based him off of me - cynical and sarcastic, always making jokes and doing the daring things that no one else would do.

BPPBooks: Is this your first novel? If not, tell us about your previous release(s).

DR: Yes, this is my first, but first of many to come.

BPPBooks: When did you first start writing?

DR: I first started taking writing classes in the fifth grade. That's when I realized that my active imagination was never going to stop.

BPPBooks: What genre do you write in and what makes your book unique in the genre?

DR: I write military fiction. I like to think it's unique in the fact that the war is brought home and how many of my fellow service members and I think even our fellow Americans would react to it.

BPPBooks: What appeals to you most about writing?

DR: Basically just getting my thoughts and ideas out there. To be heard on such a great level is very appealing to me.

BPPBoooks: How can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

DR: They can visit the books website at www.defendcali.com. There's a contact page and I would feel pleasured to answer any questions.

BPPBooks: Where can your book(s) be purchased?

DR: They can be purchased on www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com, as well as my publisher's web site at www.bppbooks.com. Hopefully soon to be in select stores as well.

Publisher's Note: All Blue Planet Publishing titles can be ordered at your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.

Introducing Author Darren LaMontagne

2009-06-01T11:36:00.013-05:00

ISBN 13: 978-0-9824298-2-2
Retail Price: $14.95

BPPBooks: What is the title of your new release?

Darren LaMontagne: My new book is entitled The Pearly Gates.

BPPBooks: Tell us about your new release.

DL: The Pearly Gates is fantasy fiction, although, I believe much of the paranormal aspects of the book to be true.

BPPBooks: Without revealing too much of the plot, tell us about the main character and how s/he fits into the story.

DL: There are four main characters in the book, none more important the next. Tim and Mary Crawford are a happily married couple until the day a deadly accident destroys their lives. Tim and his son Blake die in a bizarre accident and they soon find themselves at the Gates Of Glory. While Tim's son is granted access to Heaven, he himself, is denied entry. An angel named Sophia exits the entrancing wall of light to let Tim know that he needs to complete a very important task before he is allowed to pass through the gates into eternal happiness. Meanwhile, back on earth, Mary battles with severe depression over the loss of her family, even though Tim has the ability to spend his time with her, without her knowing. Suicide looms in the balance for Mary until she discovers that she is pregnant with her's and Tim's second child, which gives her a new lease on life.

Syras and Serena are the other two main characters I was refering to. Both were, at one time, citizens from a distant planet called Valdohre who were wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit. As punishment, they were banned to earth, a planet plagued with crime, where they would eventually meet and fall in love. Before Syras meets Serena, he lives through an extremely awkward period, as he despererately attempts to adapt to his strange new world. Such a difficult transition would eventually turn to great success before it would once again turn sour in the beat of a heart. As the story progresses, the common link between these two families grows and grows.

BPPBooks: Who is your favorite character in this book?

DL: I would have to say that Syras was my favorite character. His ignorance towards the way humans live is very entertaining. At one moment, he can look like the biggest idiot of all time, and a few pages later, he'll look like an absolute genious. It's impossible not to love Syras.

BPPBooks: Is this your first novel? If not, tell us about your previous release(s).

DL: Yes, this is my first novel, but I'm well into my next story. Far From Glory will not disappoint.

BPPBooks: When did you first start writing?

DL: I started writing poetry in high school, many years ago. However, I never even thought about writing a novel until about two years ago (Feb/07).

BPPBooks: What genre do you write in and what makes your book unique in the genre?

DL: I write fantasy fiction novels. What makes me unique in my writing is that I'm not a reader, so you know my style is going to be original. It has to be. There are a few song writers who played a huge inluence in my life ( Stevie Nicks and James Hetfield ), but generally, I am my own mentor.

BPPBooks: What appeals to you most about writing?

DL: The fact that I love creating is what draws me to writing. I would much rather entertain an audience than be part of an audience any day.

BPPBooks: How can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

DL: To learn more about me and The Pearly Gates, Google my name and you'll find lots of info. Everything you need to know is also on Myspace and Facebook.

BPPBooks: Where can your book(s) be purchased?

DL: The Pearly Gates is now for sale on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Just enter my name (Darren LaMontagne) or the title (The Pearly Gates), and my book should pop up. If you prefer, you can also order it at your local bookstore or purchase it on my publisher's web site at www.bppbooks.com.

June Blog Post Schedule

2009-05-30T12:49:00.003-05:00

June is an exciting month as we are introduced to the authors of Blue Planet Publishing. Stop by each week in June and meet a new Blue Planet artist.

Welcome!

2009-05-30T12:38:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Blue Planet IntroScope, the official marketing and promotions blog for Blue Planet Publishing. This blog is designed to share information with writers pertaining to some of the best practices to use as they strive toward their publishing goals. From time to time, we will feature information as shared and developed by literary professionals and may even hear from the professional themselves. We encourage your comments and appreciate your visit.