Due To Circumstances Beyond Our Control...

PSSSST...my dear author and industry friends...there have been a lot of things happening lately that nobody can do anything about. The general consensus is to ignore them but that can have some horrendous effects. Not to mention you can end up in places worse than nightmares, simply because you refused to look some monster in the face and tell it to buzz off. But who would do that?

Very few of us, my friend, and that is the truth.

Because the most common reaction is to run. I know this for a fact because I have spent many years in an Alaskan wilderness where the biggest bears in the world live. I have read all the scary stories (big mistake), memorized the rules: stand your ground, make yourself somehow look bigger than you are, wave your arms and try to look threatening (I'm 5'4"). Above all, do not show fear—they can actually smell fear and it gets them all kinds of excited and ready for a chase. If they hesitate (big if), begin to back away slow. This shows them you are not going to tear them to pieces this time and they better move on. I made all that my mantra, even included it in some survival stories. I still think they're probably the best things to do.

Except the first time I heard one coming up behind me in a huge stand of berry bushes, I took off like a shot and couldn’t stop myself. I was in a survival mode I didn’t even know I had. Something that might have kept me from being here today, if that bear hadn’t been full enough of berries, and my hero husband was brave enough to stand his ground and holler at me with his booming voice (that carries like thunder), “Stand still!” Which was enough for the bear to take off in another direction and me to keep going in mine.

Embarrassing but true. But about those bears...I’ll tell you right now why they grow so big in that part part of the world. It’s because of something I saw with my very own eyes, right out in the middle of a--

Sheesh, that’s another story and not what I came to talk about at all. I’m supposed to be saying, “Sorry for the delay in communications, dear friends, but the grand opening of Lilly’s Book Funnel Shop was unexpectedly blown up by technical difficulties and pushed back by two weeks. But the final fix rolled in yesterday, and—glory be!--TODAY I AM OPEN FOR BUSINESS! What’s more, I have prepared a special little presentation for you over there called “The Anatomy of a Book Funnel,” in which I am going to reveal something you never would have dreamed about those things. Not that I’m such a genius about the deep tech of book funnels. It’s just that with so much time on my hands while I was waiting for support, somebody left one of the lab doors open that led to a—

Good grief, I’m stopping right there. I can feel all the symptoms of being overly excited coming on. More information than anyone needs and all that. The truth is, I’m back from the wilderness after fourteen long years. And with so many things advancing to light speed around here, I’m literally awestruck at what’s been going on. Not to mention the new possibilities that are popping up everywhere. And boy do I have some ideas about what we independents can do with some of those. Worlds of opportunity! As long as you watch out for the sharks.

But no worries. Living on the water as long as I have, I know a lot about sharks...

See you at the shop!

Lilly

PS...I’ll tell you about that secrets of the bears thing in my next article. If I haven’t already told everyone who asks me at the festivities today. I don’t like to leave people hanging...

About Reverse Marketing and A Bonus

 

Happy Saturday Everybody!

UPDATE: I am looking at a possible reprieve but the results aren’t in yet. So I’m giving away an extra bonus and a few secrets about Reverse Marketing…

The Second Look

Life is full of characters and in the wide sea of humanity, anyone that sticks out for some reason always gets a second look. It’s just human nature. There’s an opportunity in a second look. As authors, a hasty editor’s note scribbled on a returned manuscript (or email these days) that if you change one thing or the other you may resubmit for a second look, can spark great hope in an aspiring writer. Sometimes even the courage to press on.

Second looks—for any reason—are triggered by one thing only: SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. A flash of light, a haunting sound, or even something as simple as an attractive hat. Laughter most always gets a second look, too, because laughter is catching and there is nothing quite so delightful as a good laugh. But the hands-down winner over all of the above is an extraordinary character. They are like honey to bees.

A Surprising Twist

Which is why—as a publisher—when I make a decision to take on an appealing manuscript, my next thought is always “How am I going to sell this author?” Because whoever first said an author was the best advertising for their own book was exactly right. Not that they have to hit so many goals in the social media realm or even be a fabulous speaker. They just have to take the most engaging part of their personality and...give it a little twist. A little SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. Quite often authors aren’t even aware of what their most engaging quality is. Many even seriously insist they don’t have one. But they do.

I’ve been working with authors for many years now and can spot an engaging quality like the sparkle of gold beneath the surface of a stream. And to tell you the truth, I have a terrible case of “gold fever” when it comes to looking for treasure. I love looking for treasure! But what does all this have to do with selling books? Everything. Because if you sell an author first, the book sales will follow. Which is where book funnels come in and why they are helping to sell more books than any other time in history.

No Kidding. Do some research and you’ll see. There’s never been more books published than this day and age and right now. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room at the top for more authors. You just need a little SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY.

The Added Bonus

Which is why I propose to add to last week’s Book Funnel deal and give away a little three-page “Meet The AuthorFunnel” to go along with it. For anyone who jumps into the fray and helps me meet my goal. One that will match your brand and showcase your most engaging quality. After answering a few questions found in my Reverse Marketing Personality Test. Which will tell me everything I need to know. So I can see it right off. To give it a try, just drop a note to Lilly @ lillymaytree.com. Meanwhile, have a great rest of your weekend.

Thanks for listening!

Lilly

A GOLDEN NOTE TO AUTHORS...

A NOTE TO AUTHORS  

        Hello Everybody! 

A few moments before the world went crazy—who ever heard of being told to stay in your houses until further notice and we all actually did it—I came up with a brilliant idea. Like a sudden flash of light, I could see the whole thing. I couldn’t quit thinking about it and for lack of a better name, I began to refer to it as “reverse marketing.” Like most such inspirations, I thought I invented it all by myself and was pretty sure nothing like this had ever been done before. I admit I became obsessed with it. Something that can happen when people have too much time time on their hands. 

Looking back, I think I persuaded myself that this particular idea was nothing short of divine inspiration. Which is an author trait and why all craft books on the writing trade generally agree that you should put your masterpieces aside for at least two weeks before sending them off to publishers. But by that time I WAS the publisher (not only of my own books but for other authors as well). Not to mention a small cadre of creatives that consisted of illustrators, actors, musicians and graphic designers. Most of them had been working with me for years and I felt particularly responsible for them. Which is why—after hearing the absurd announcement from Amazon that they would not be selling anything but essentials related to the pandemic for the duration—I said the first thing that popped into my mind... 

That we should all ignore the hysterics and keep writing the kind of books readers would be starving for by the time this disaster passed. A declaration I could make with complete confidence because history had already proven that all disasters eventually do end. What I wasn’t counting on were the 120 books we ended up with by the time we got there. The thing is, when I finally poked my head out to survey the market again...it looked mostly dead out there. As if some huge tornado had torn through, leaving a path of debris and destruction in its wake. 

The way things are now.

A lot of businesses had gone under, including some of the largest most distinguished publishing houses that had existed for generations. Many had been absorbed by bigger competitors and some were even grabbed up by investors from other countries. In short, it was a mess out there. But what could we do about it? Old fashioned book tours were out of the question because so many bookstores on our circuit had gone out of business or discovered themselves to no longer be in a location that readers would care much to visit anymore. It might take years to clean up such a mess!

What should we do until then? The Internet was booming but it was like the old-time oil fields before regulations were set in place. Brigands and looters were roaming in bands through the murky waters like sharks who could smell blood from miles away. Our “mysteriously different books for children” could get killed out there and very nearly did. Which weighed heavily on me since I was the administrator of the company and the one who had to ultimately decide what we should do. The general consensus of the board was leaning toward either quitting or selling out. Because it was a different world now and things might never be the same again. To which I could only reply, “Not until I try my… my Reverse Marketing Plan.”

Talking my way out of it.

“How long will that take?” someone asked.

“Until next Friday,” I replied.

“How much will it cost?” (always the next question)

“Nothing,” I promised. “Instead, I’m going to give something extremely valuable away.”

Time and space limits me from telling you what went on in the rest of that meeting. Except to say I had serious thoughts of following in the footsteps of Igor Sikorsky, who famously locked the office door so that no one could get out before they agreed to back him on some hair-brained idea to build something nobody ever heard of... called a helicopter. Which didn’t need expensive runways to land or take off from: they would simply raise themselves up into the air. A lot harder sell than “mysteriously different books for children” but look what we all got out of it.

Is it possible to raise oneself up into the air? It is if we know how. But to go against what seems like the natural order of things takes a lot of persuasion. Not to mention a great deal of courage. More often than not, it also takes a lot of people working together to actually get things done. So, I have put together a one-shot deal here, that I can share with other authors instead of just our own company. And since I have to hit my mark by Friday, I’ve added quite a bit more than I probably should to it. I’m calling it our “Golden Marketing Plan,” and here’s what it includes:

A Book Funnel for you Price until Friday: $400 
(Custom designed, fully/Advanced Funnels typically sell for ($1,500–$5,000+) and include email marketing automation, upsells/downsells, and strategy.

It will be a professionally designed, fully automated BOOK FUNNEL (we have a fabulous design team) that is yours to keep forever without further obligation and use wherever you choose. For those of you who don’t know what a book funnel is, it’s like the goose that lays golden eggs: she will keep on providing them as long as you don’t cook her. It comes with a free lifetime maintenance plan (no subscription necessary) in case of a force majeure, such as your computer blowing up or being invaded by aliens. How cool is that? Nobody covers those—it’s the universal get-out-of-jail-free-card in every contract you sign. We do and we will. If you pay for it, we take care of it. Guaranteed.

Talking too much?
Included FREE until Friday: 
A custom designed, fully automated NEWSLETTER to match your brand. Comes with 1 year of email delivery service, contact list updates, and professional copy editing. (Usually sells for: Custom Design + Coding: $500–$2,000. TFull monthly management services to go along with it can cost: $2,500+)

Included FREE until Friday: 
Automated follow-up email service for your funnel, including updates for necessary changes as needed. (This service usually requires a third-party email service. We will do it for you in-house, Free for 1 year).

Included FREE until Friday:
Digital workbook on how to set up my brilliant “Reverse Marketing Plan” to sell your own books.(normally sells for $20)

Why am I doing all this this at such a ridiculously low price? Because somebody gave me a too-good-to-be-true deal last week that will allow me to implement my own Reverse Marketing Plan with all of the state-of-the-art software to run it. So that I can lift our much-loved nonprofit company back into the air again, now that the disaster is mostly over. And the fact that I have to make my first payment (and it’s a big one) by Friday. So I decided to offer a BIG DEAL to any fellow authors that also need a boost up into this crazy new world out there. But I don’t mind saying these last few days have been some of the most intense in my life.

I might hold off another board meeting until after Friday…

Email me at: Lilly@lillymaytree.com for more info and a buy link!

 

The Magnificent World Book Tour...

Welcome to the travelers on the World Book Tour! Should you stay on this trail to the "ends of the earth" you will be rich, indeed. A couple a day is all it will take, as a journey that circles the globe is still taken one step at a time.

Meet the authors... 

First of all, my many thanks and blessings to Carol Brown, who invited me to follow her enlightening World Book Tour post, over at: http://carolsporch.com/. 

Carol is a spiritual traveler (and adventurer!) of the calibre I rarely see. She makes you want to grab hold and take off with her as she describes the wonderful things she has seen and heard along her amazing spiritual journey. And well-qualified she is for that journey, too, as she has traveled through many dangerous places and lived to tell about it. Miraculous--don't miss getting to know her! Carol’s background is in education, teaching all ages from first graders to the university and adult levels before joining the Elijah House staff in the U.S. (a pastoral counseling ministry). Since she was diagnosed with M.S., in 1989, she has concentrated her ministry in writing. Her fiction writing happened as a respite from doing the "hard books" (non-fiction). She began story telling as crowd control for four boisterous brothers!

And now, on to my part of this writing world, as I answer the same four questions you will find throughout the entire tour, that invites you to take a look at how we actually work...

1. What am I working on?

I happen to be working on one of the most unusual projects of my life, right now. You might even say it's a form of "time travel" (I love that thought--don't get me started on it). It is combining fiction and reality (the theory of "real-ativity?"), launching into hyper-speed, and theoretically aiming for an amazing merge at the end. Either that, or a total collapse at the other end... I'm not sure which.

Let me rephrase that. I am on a sailboat, adventuring north to Alaska, writing about a group of friends who are doing the same thing (The Stella Madison Capers--I'm working on Caper #4 of a six-part series), and hoping the same things don't happen to me as must happen to them in order to make a good story. However, should any of that actually occur, I have taken the precaution of drawing up a last will and testament (all sailors do that), and am having the story published in installments along the way. Just in case it should turn into a "choose your own ending" type of a deal. 

NOTE: If you are reading this, I will have left three days ago, and not actually be here to host you (just like in that old movie The Time Machine--I love that thing). But don't worry, I'll leave instructions at the end of this post on how to make contact with me, no matter where I am. 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Probably in the way that I have this incredible compulsion to "live out my stories" in real life, and a husband who goes along with it. But before you say, "How amazing is that?" I should probably confess that I began doing it purely out of self-defense against being married to an adventurer who (I felt) was continually putting my life in jeopardy. Somewhere along the line he turned into a hero to make up for it, so I can't complain. At any rate, we've survived all our accidents and keep doing the same sort of things over and over. Which is really all I can say about that because I don't understand it, myself.

3. Why do I write what I do?

Ah, now we get to the life-blood of art. Amazing stuff, blood. Especially considering it comes from deep inside the bones. I write Inspirational adventure fiction out of the sheer amazement of what I have observed along my travels. If I didn't, I would go crazy. Because I keep picking up all these lovely treasures along the way. I love treasure--especially treasures of the heart--it's my favorite theme. But it should come with a hazard warning, since the two always seem to go hand-in-hand. However, I have found it wonderfully satisfying to pass off my treasure to others, rather than stashing it somewhere. Not only does it help me keep my balance (gold is heavy!), the more you give the more you get. Heh, heh... 

4. How does my writing process work?

And so to the bones. I am an outliner, a plotter, and an avid researcher. Absolutely love all that. But before you think how utterly boring that must be... think, again. Think Indiana Jones pouring over a musty old tome, deep in the basement of some ancient museum, and it suddenly trembles beneath his touch. Now, time is not an issue. You are going to follow that thing no matter how long it takes, and go wherever it takes you to learn its secret. So, the first thing I do in my writing process is to search for something out of the past that responds to me when I reach out to it. But it must be something noble, and good, and full of light (all that is dark leads to death, and I am personally not interested in any of that).

Along the way, characters come to me (I love this part!), and we get to know each other. Then I ask the Holy Spirit what the purpose of this story is (what's in it for readers? what's the treasure?)... at which point I either begin following "His footsteps" along a very exciting path, or...

Tuck it away for later, because it isn't time, yet. Either that, or it's part of a larger story altogether, and will make fabulous supporting material. I love it when that happens, too, because it means I am onto something magnificent, that will have to be constructed in stages. Great fun for me, there, and--oh, the adventures along the way! But sometimes, it's all just a false lead from my arch-nemesis of evil, and I will scrap the thing altogether. But I don't consider any of that time wasted, as I have learned those instances are usually smoke screens to keep me from hidden treasures, nearby, that are even better. Not to mention one begins to notice tell-tale hazard-signs to avoid (having run into them many times before) and they are more easily recognized as the years go by. I think that's called learning from experience. 

Available Now!

Eventually, I end up with a story that I hope will be half the adventure to read, as it was for me to write. At the very least, I can guarantee some bit of treasure one can take away that will be worth something to barter with, in real life. Sometimes, it's only a little something. A good recipe for goulash, maybe. But other times, it's pure gold. Which is why I like to describe my writing process as having an incredible case of gold fever... and what a fine, maddening, magnificent thing that is to have. In my own opinion, anyway. Which is always debatable. Just saying. But there you have it.

Up next on this Magnificent World Book Tour: Meet the Authors...

Now, on to the fascinating people I have chosen to follow me. You will love them, each one is a fellow adventurer in their own unique way. And, oh, what stories they have to tell you! Their posts will be up seven days after mine which is June 16.

Karla Akins: Besides being a fine author, she is a pastor's wife who rides motorcycles!  Her post will be at:
 http://karlaakins.com/blog/

Karla Akins is an award-winning, prolific writer of books, short stories, plays, poems, songs, and countless nonfiction articles. Her biography of Jacques Cartier went #1 in its category on Amazon. Besides writing biographies and history books for middle grades, she also writes fiction. Her first fiction novel, The Pastor’s Wife Wears Biker Boots was released in 2013.

Tanya Stowe: Has found unique fuel for her stories by traveling extensively and living abroad. Her post will be here:
 http://heartshavenbooks.blogspot.com 

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…gifts of the spirit and miracles, mysteries and exotic travel, even an angel or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a journey to the Old West or to contemporary adventures in foreign lands…be prepared for the extraordinary.

Eddie Jones: Wears so many hats, I didn't know which to pick. But my two favorites are that he writes fiction for boys, and is a fellow sailor. You will find his World Book Tour post here: http://www.eddiejones.org/

Eddie Jones is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. If you have questions about the book publishing industry, the writing process, or any of Eddie’s books, email him at: eddie@eddiejones.org.

Meanwhile, thank you for stopping by my blog today, and here's wishing you fair winds as you continue along this magnificent World Book Tour over the coming weeks. Oh, yes, and if you would like to follow my Alaska travels, my Armchair Travelers Portal is here:
http://www.lillysarmchairtravelers.blogspot.com

And for anyone who has managed to get all the way to the end of this very long post, I would like to give you a gift of Stella Madison's Caper #1: Home Before Dark. Just drop me an email at lilly (at) LillyMaytree.com, and request it (for delivery purposes only, I won't put your name on any list).

Suite T, Anyone?

I have always admired southern hospitality, and often wished I was in on some of those secrets that can make a guest--any guest--feel so welcome. It's beautiful country, too. Something I know first hand, having had the wonderful opportunity (thank you, Sally Apokedak!) to actually spend some time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, last fall, after having only visited via many months of research for a novel.

So, I felt very honored when I was invited to do a guest blog over on Southern Writers Magazine's author blog, "Suite T." It's a place where people share worthwhile tips and insights of the writing life, along with many interesting discussions on what has proved helpful in their journey. Personally, I've had a rather unusual journey. Still, I decided to share THE ONE THING that has made all the difference for me.

And while I started out to write something helpful about character development, I have to admit it turned into an explanation of why I so often end up literally "jumping into my characters' shoes" to see if life could really be lived that way. That same thing that has landed me--at this very moment--afloat on the Pacific Ocean, aboard the Glory B, in the middle of an "adventure of a lifetime." For which I can make no apologies, because everything I said in that article is absolutely true. Not only is it how I arrived at this place, but how I have every intention of continuing on.

Go to Suite T

Simply because I find being an "inspirational adventure novelist" one of the most exciting professions in the world. Utterly divine. At the same time, I believe in telling the absolute truth of the way things really are. Which is why I will be available over at the Suite T site, this evening, to answer any questions that might come up about my "divine encounter." And whether it has, or hasn't, stood "the test of time." I would love it if you would join me there, to chime in on your own opinion of the matter. 

I know you will be more than welcome!

10 commandments of writing...

(just for Lilly Maytree)

Many thanks to Delia Latham for coming up with this wonderful idea of sharing our own "10 commandments of writing" today. I'm looking forward to blog-hopping around to the rest of the participants, so I can learn a few tips from my colleagues! 

NOTE: I added examples to mine, so for readers in a hurry (aren't we all?) just stick with the bold print.

    1. Have something of value to share

   "The secret ingredient had been passed down through her family for generations…"

    2. It must be entertaining

   "Stella made his favorite breakfast that morning, because she knew he would hit the roof when he heard heard what she had to say…"

    3. It must be complete in itself (with a beginning, middle, and end), even if part of a series

   "Are we happy, dear?"

    "Oh, yes. Extremely happy," she replied, unable to take her eyes off the neatly stacked gold coins that made up her very own half of the treasure. "At least, for now."

    4. It must be realistic, and not cross readers' "willing suspension of disbelief"   

   Mildred had a close call that morning on the way to work, and thanked heaven she could still make herself invisible whenever she heard sirens. (Um… no. Not for me)

    5. It must have engaging characters

   Most of the passengers moving slowly up the ramp, gasped when they saw the little girl fall, and stood frozen. As if some giant director-voice had suddenly yelled, "Cut!" But not Stella. She jumped into the icy water, fully-clothed, in spite of her sixty-one years, and the Gucci purse that had cost a quarter of her monthly allotment. 

    6. It must have believable conflict

   She wanted to be a movie director. And--to be truly happy--she would have to win an Academy Award… even though she was only sixteen. (Um… not unless her grandfather was Frank Capra)

  7. It must have a universal message "threaded in" throughout the fabric of the story, that brings the reader to that conclusion, without having to actually state it in the narrative.

   Martin wrestled with demons, last night (oh--did he ever!), and wouldn't be surprised if a few weren't still clinging to his clothes on the way to the store. He would put back every one of the items he hid behind shelves for that ridiculous "escape" they had been planning. Start dealing with the crisis like normal people. 

   "Choices, Marty," he reminded himself as he pushed through the double doors without even stopping to talk to Sam. "From now on, there will be no such thing as a new normal. Not for me!"

    8. It must have rising action (or tension) from beginning to end

   (I am in favor of the "one darn thing after another" method… yes, indeed!)

  9. Must have a clear conclusion, preferably with a believable twist.

   "If I thought I could get away with it," said the Professor, "I'd run off."

     "I'd go with you," said Harriet.

     Which was why the entire dismal little group rose up from the bench, with one accord, and followed the familiar figure, like robots, when--to their amazement-- he suddenly passed by. So. He hadn't gone on alone, after all!

     "Did they confiscate your ark, Gordie? Is that why you're still here?"

     "Not on your life, Harriet. Implemented a slight modification on Noah's method, and that made all the difference."

     "What sort of modification could you make on an outlawed vehicle that wouldn't be considered against the law?" asked the Professor.

     "Well, since I never felt called to preach, I decided not to build it under everyone's noses. To the wilderness, dear friends--our carriage awaits!"

    10. I must love the idea enough to spend the time it takes to succeed in all the above points 

   (which happens to be a LOT of love, let me tell you)

Click cover to download

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! In honor of the subject, I dragged out one of my notebook studies on the writing craft (from the days when I had enough time to do such things!). Feel free to download the PDF, here.

Meanwhile, I'm heading over to enjoy all these other wonderful blogs, and learn something new today...

Paula Mowery on Creative Christian Writers Crank Up 

Delia Latham on Write Right!

Clare Revell on The World Can Wait  

Jayna Morrow on Jayna Morrow.com 

Brooksie on Groovie Brooksie

Julia M. Toto on JuliaMToto.com

Linda Yezak at 777 Peppermint Place (posting on Thursday)

Therese Travis at Paperfaces