The Hangout Fest and The Hangfest, Reality Meets Fiction

The Hangout Fest. Heard of it? Been to it? The music festival takes place on the beach in Gulf Shores Alabama every May, and has for the last 5 years. A mini city is built 10 days prior to the gates opening to 40,000 (this year) visitors, consists of several stage setups for music performances, rides, and vendors. Every year we may come back blistered, but never enough that we’re not making plans for the next Hangout.

If you’ve been there, chances are we’ve passed. If you haven’t, maybe you have been and don’t know it…

Have you read Six Silver Strings Series? 

The HANGFEST on the  coast in Gulf Shores is where Marissa and Jack meet. Every book has an inspiration, and The Hangfest is the fictional Hangout Fest of that fateful fictional day. Here’s a story, and if you follow me on this—and know a little background on certain musicians—you may see deeper into the G-String Series inspiration.

Readers of the series know Jack and Marissa ran into each other in a tour bus parking area. A chance meeting because of “that stupid dog,” and the rest is history for this metal maniac and jilted fiancée.

The first Hangout Fest came just after the BP Oil Spill, nevertheless, it went off fine. You know those events you go to, and the jerks seem to come out to play? Hangout Fest is not one of those places, even under the harshest of circumstances—and that was a weird year.

Next year. Foo Fighters, surprise show announced just a couple of weeks prior, and The Black Keys. I knew, no matter how many came afterward, they would never get better than that. And you know what I’m going to say next. It did—or at least was equaled.

The White Stripes was one of my favorite bands, still is, but I use “was” since the band is dissolved. This particular year, Jack White and his mobile record store had been at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin—another great music (arts and everything) fest in a great venue. In the weeks between SXSW and HF, I had a feeling Jack White would be at Gulf Shores. I was obsessed with the possibility, because he--as a musician--is my obsession.

Every year, The Hangout Fest has ‘surprise guests.’ Sure enough, that year, Jack White showed. I’m sure Jack stayed in a really nice hotel, I wouldn't know… 

What I do know is several months later, I entered a short story contest thrown by one of my favorite authors Victoria Ashley. The guidelines for the story were: humor genre, festival setting, and it had to contain a Jack Russell terrier.

After mulling that over for an hour or so while washing dishes, I banged out Jack Who? in less than two hours—the short version. My readers on Wattpad went crazy. Having never experienced Wattpad fame, I found it cool when every comment after the last chapter was a plea for the story to continue. And so the story continued. The same after book one for book two, and so on. We still aren’t finished with Jack and Marissa.

I know I’m being random here, and if you’re still reading, you’re about to put the pieces together. While washing dishes, I thought about the area with the buses, and private tents, and the day I was sure I walked by Jack White. You know the dog is fictional—he had to be in the story. The bang is fictional—although I’m pretty sure my husband would let me do Jack White. But the festival is real, and if you love music, it’s one of the best places you will ever go.

A little disappointed because you read all that crap I typed up while I’m two-glasses-of wine-chatty, and you think that’s as deep as the story behind the series gets? Don’t be. It gets much deeper. Maybe nothing  in the paragraphs above other than the inspiration for the story has any direct relation to the series, but if you absorb all the details as a whole, and if you’re a Jack White and The White Stripes fan, you may be suddenly viewing characters, names, and places with different eyes—if you haven’t already when reading the books.

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Plenty in life is free ~ but should it be? #authorRT #indie

Plenty in life is free ~ but should it be?

For a couple of years, a Craigslist ad and the response to it has been circulating social media sites. I've no idea if there’s any truth to it, but the short version goes something like this.

Ad: We are a small & casual restaurant looking for musicians to play in our restaurant to promote their work and sell their CD. This is not a paying job…but could eventually turn into a nightly event if we get positive response. …

Reply:  … I am a musician with a big house looking for a restauranteur to come to my house to promote his/her restaurant by making dinner for me and my friends. This is not a paying job…but could eventually turn into a nightly event if we get a positive response….

Being a fairly new indie author who cross promotes with indie bands, I see hard work given away FREE constantly—in the name of promotion and building a fan base.

Independent authors and bands are similar in this manner. It saddens me to see an artist or author put much time and energy into their work and then feel they have to give it away in the hopes of drawing paying fans.

No way would I say this is wrong—the twitter ‘Free Friday’ ritual is fun! However, permanent free indie work is becoming common—and even worse, expected.

I’m not frowning on the artists who go with free. I have utmost respect for those who take the indie path and the many hats they wear to get out there, get known, create a brand.

However, to consumers, I implore.

Respect the indies you love by supporting them in some way. Discover a free book or song you love? Buy another from the same artist. No money and that’s why you were browsing free? Write a wonderful review. Spread the word on your social media sites as well as word of mouth

Support Indie Authors & Musicians in whatever way you can.

It’s a new age. Unlike the past when you only heard or read what managed to get through traditional channels, you are exposed to it all and you are vital in the make it or break it stage of your favorite artists!

Looking for something free? Got you covered. (Bet you thought I didn't do free after that rant) My readers are my rock stars and for all you do, the Storm Cells series of novelettes will always be free to you. A Difficult Date is available if you don't have it yet, and June Bugs will be released next month! Here's where to sign up to stay informed.

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LAUREL CANYON Music, Magic, Murder and even Ghosts

Rising Sun, Half Moon, Rock Stars

teaser

Releasing May 2014

LAUREL CANYON Music, Magic, Murder and even Ghosts

Infamous names, including Dave Grohl and Jennifer Anniston, have always lived in modest homes in the hills of Laurel Canyon—well, present time, there are some monstrous mansions.


But during most of the 60’s and part of the 70’s, the area filled with musicians. British bands touring the States partied with other bands in Laurel Canyon, and some never left. An unusual amount of music superstars and emerging rock bands responsible for many hit songs took up residence or extended visits in the area. Many more were regulars at parties.

In a bygone era, members of The Monkees, The Byrds, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, The Doors  many, many more (seriously, one day I may blog the many faces of Laurel Canyon).

With all of these up and coming and already arrived superstars, it is only natural that LA’s most celebrated groupie, the woman who set the obsessive determination standard from groupies to come, would be a regular face in Laurel Canyon.

The canyon with the night sounds of coyotes and owls seemed a world away and was yet only five minutes away from Sunset Strip’s neon clubs. Its peacefulness is what drew celebrities wanting to hide away and party in private. There was nothing to fear except the occasional sighting of a ghost carriage near the Houdini Mansion, causing an occasional car wreck. This would all change at the turn of the decade with a series of tragic events, and a string of accidental deaths of former residents and regulars. (this could also be an entire blog in itself)
 

Why am I blogging Laurel Canyon? It is the home of fictional Jules Breaux rebellious teen  turned talented musician who is the heroine of Six Silver Strings Series D-String Set releasing May 2014.

A Ghostly Excerpt

Driving down The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, she took care, watching the lights and the light flow of traffic. She made the right from Sunset onto Laurel Canyon. With her foot barely depressing the gas, she glued her eyes to her headlights as they illuminated the steep road, curve after curve.

Coasting to a stop before turning onto Lookout Mountain, she noted the empty bus stop, and debated on lighting another cigarette. It was in that moment, when she glanced from the bus stop, back to the road ahead, that it happened.

The mythical horse and carriage apparition. In her imagination, the horses, and the carriage had always both been white, wispy, ghostly. But tonight, the horses were a majestic white, and the carriage black. Seeming to come out of nowhere, it lumbered across the road, and if she had blinked her eyes, in that time it was gone. 

But she was sure she hadn't blinked.

The blare of a car horn from behind jerked her from her state of shock, and she lifted her head from the steering wheel… wait, when had she dropped her head to the wheel? And when had a car pulled up behind her?

Forcing calming breaths into her lungs, she moved her foot from the break to the gas.

At last, she unclenched her knuckles from the steering wheel long enough to punch the code into the gate before pulling into her driveway in relief…

…Stumbled out of the car…

…Stumbled up steps and stairs… through the dark night… down the dark hallway…

…Tripped on more than one stair…

…A fearful eye stayed on the third story stairwell, which led to the master bedroom and her sleeping mother. Finally, she was easing her bedroom door closed.

LIVE ON KINDLE NOW!

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I Can Make You Love Him [ #rock #romance #pdf1 #asmsg ]

Before publishing, I spent many hours interacting and writing on a social site. The comradeship of other authors, the immediate input of readers after each chapter, fans who loved the stories and didn't tear them apart—I could go on about how wonderfully different this was, and I do miss it. There are just not enough hours in the day.

All day every day lately has been devoted to the new series D-String. Readers who know the Six Silver Strings Series  and the plan for it, know that it is my hope to put out a trilogy set titled with guitar strings. The G-String Set came first—or did it?

G-String Set was the first published, but actually it was a spin off from D-String, which is due out by summer. In the G-String set, readers fell hard for Jack Storm rock star, and some not so much for the heroine Marissa Dupleix. Marissa had her issues, and anyone who read to the end of the series, especially anyone who has loved someone who they felt was far above them, related to her desperation and insecurities.

In that series, however, it’s Jack who is breaking hearts. Readers want Jack back, more than some new rock star on the horizon in some D-String Set. On the social site, I had posted several novels. Accolades for each hero were in the comments at the end of each book. Invariably at the beginning of the next series, readers swore they could never love the next guy as much as the previous.

“Jared is great, but Matt is still my man.”

My answer was always a joking, “I can make you love him.” Joking, because it isn't me playing God with my characters. The characters have a life of their own, and just take over the laptop keys. But I promise you it happened. By the end of the next series, most readers had fallen in love again—harder.

“Okay, you did it. I want a Matt. Tissues, I need tissues!”

Matt’s time is almost here, and I hope you guys will love my first love as much as you love Jack!  

[Disclaimer: It’s 6:00 a.m. and Matt is calling, don’t hate on the blogging typos ;)]

Sneak Preview of the D-String Set 

Author Interview

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JACK WHO? A Rockband Romance by Lisa Gillis #asmsg #rock #romance

Fully Edited Jack is Back for a 3 Day Spring Sale

Buy on Amazon

Buy Nook or Kobo version

Is the answer to a breakup a hookup? Reluctantly, pressured by a friend, Marissa heeds this advice. But Jack (What was his name?) is not the average girl’s fling. Jack is a celebrity in his niche of the music world, and Marissa has no idea of his public identity. Jack Who? will bring smiles and wring tears—it is one night with a rock star gone awry, a secret, and a couple that must work together years later to bridge their very different worlds.

...behind the lyrics, the tunes, and the rock star envy are musicians living complicated lives. This complexity affects their perception of themselves, their relationships...

Author Interview

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Valentine's Blues and Reds

A Valentine's Day Novelette to Jack & Marissa fans. Did I mention FREE? Yep, I wanted to say thank you. Readers are truly my RockStars! Subscribe and a code and link to your favorite format will be emailed. I will never spam and never share your email and that is a promise.

And about Valentine's Day. Of all holidays, this one has the power to make us as women unsure and insecure--and many times downright angry. Don't over think it. I have a confession. The love of my life, wonderful and great in every way, just doesn't get Valentine's Day. I would leave it at that except I don't want anyone to think he doesn't bother. That is the problem. He does. He spends a fortune on roses that are trashed a week later. Very few times in our many years together have I had anything lasting from Valentine's Day--except the relationship. And I guess that says it all, because in the end, that is all I could want. Don't stress the day. Be happy in your life. Above all, read a good book. The fictional loves of our lives will never disappoint!   

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A Great Find! Navigating The World Of E-Book Publishing #EBBB

Monday, January 13^th was the official release of Navigating The World Of E-Book Publishing an e-book with some of the basic beginning steps on the road to e-publishing your manuscript by Deena Rae Schoenfeldt. This is a must read if you have aspirations of joining the indie publishing ranks, have already published your own book or have a full back-list of titles already on the bookstore shelves.

Book Description

With a no-nonsense, conversational style, Deena Rae of E-BookBuilders gives advice to aspiring authors about indie publishing. Filled with information about social media, pricing, formatting styles, covers, reviews and platforms (to a name a few) there is a wealth of information for the novice author. Even experienced authors and publishers will find this book helpful and informative.

With sections such as 'Authors - Quit Doing This!', 'In Praise of Audio(books)', 'Twitter Primer for Authors', and 'Should You Use Amazon's Author Central', Deena Rae gives detailed information that anyone in the industry of publishing should know and consider.

Whether you are just starting on your publishing journey, considering entering the literary world or have 30 books for sale, there is something for everyone in this book.

If you would like to add the book to your Goodread's shelf - just click the button!

What Other's Are Saying

This book is a must read for Indie Authors. Deena lays out the ins and outs of ebook publishing that many other people fail to hit on. From the novice writer to the seasoned pro, there are hidden nuggets of gold for everyone in this book. The author shares her viewpoint, having worked in the industry on several sides, as if you were talking to a friend. With helpful hints, do's and don'ts, this is the best "get your feet wet" book I've come across. -Janet W., Amazon Customer

...I got down to reading and oh my word. Almost a year into self publishing the hard way, learning everything on my own, I thought I knew it all, but no. Deena Rae's book is filled with little known information, tidbits of advice, obviously picked up from years of working in the trade. Not only was there much information to be soaked in, but my brain was pleasantly sponging every little thing up because the book is written in a fun and engaging way. I read it in one sitting, and as my kindle can attest, any other tech book is rarely read beyond 40%. -Lisa G., Goodreads Reader

...This book will answer so many questions that come up during the process, which had me baffled and almost ready to throw in the towel. The author also gives excellent information on how to promote your book. She does all this with a personal touch. You will not be buried in tech speak where even a dictionary would fail miserably....I highly recommend this book to anyone that is considering self-publishing their work, or is interested in seeing how it is all done. -Amazon Customer

I had the feeling of believing and trusting Deena knowledge, straight shooting style and passion for what she does while reading her book. She produced an ebook that was easy to read and kept me scrolling through without stopping.-Mauri B., Amazon Customer

Like many authors I wish had had read books like this before I published my first book. However it is never too late to learn. It is good to read about the things I seem to have got right, the things I could improve on and to learn a few tricks from scratch. The book is very well laid out with descriptive chapter titles so that it will be easy to dip back into which I certainly will. -Wendy U., Goodreads Reader

Who Is Deena Rae?

E-BookBuilders is the online alias of Deena Rae. She was born and raised in Texas - home of bluebonnets, boots, beef and big hair - into a family that was in the printing and publishing industries. Her father was a computer programmer for major newspapers when the equipment took up whole rooms and mother has been a publisher for almost 30 years - trying, unsuccessfully, to bring her into the family business. She is a second-generation genetically perfected super-nerd.

She was happily living her life, having three third-generation genetically perfected super-nerds herself, but then through a series of events (unfortunate and fortunate), she officially joined The Book Connection - her mother's publishing and packaging company - as the Digital Director, to create the e-publishing division in 2011. Her computer skills, willingness to help authors, love of literature, no-nonsense attitude and quick wit has helped shepherd many authors through the maze of digital publishing.

Through her work with E-BookBuilders, Deena Rae has been able to meet authors and writers from all over the world and in every genre imaginable. She has a biting wit, obscure sense of humor, awareness of the absurd, and a love of literature all which led to the creation of Bluebonnets, Bagpipes and Books, the #NSFW publishing discussion podcast she produces and hosts with Janet Wrenn and Peter Burnett. Her no-nonsense attitude makes for some hilarious discussions and plenty of "Oh my God, did she really just say that?" moments. Sometimes it is as if there is no filter between her brain and her mouth. But if she likes you she tries to be nice - sometimes. Deena also has the safe-for-everyone author interview show, B3's Bookworm. You can find her most hours of everyday attached to her computer either researching, tweeting on her 6 accounts, posting on her different Facebook timelines and pages, coding e-books for her fabulous friends/clients or with her nose buried in her Kindle reading.

So, if you are serious about publishing your own work, or just kicking the idea around, head over to Amazon and download the ebook Navigating the World of E-Book Publishing, available exclusively on Amazon. If you want to stalk her she is all over the internet and here some of her online portals (join the MailChimp mailing list for a special announcement and sale opportunities).

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