best seller??

So this happened.... Bankers' Hours is on the Dreamspinner best seller list. That is so very cool. Thank you very much, my readers, for buying my book. It comes out March 25th. Pre-order now :)

Remember that on Dreamspinner Press you get the eBook free of you buy the paperback. Why buy paperback? 1) Real books smell cool, 2) You can get it signed by me if you are going to GRL or Rainbow Book Fair this year, (Or signed at future events) 3) You can touch it. I have a whole shelf of paperback books I like to touch.

I WILL be at GRL this year in Kansas City, MO as a featured author.

I have a blog tour underway and the next post is March 18. Please stop by my posts and check out what I have to say about my characters and my writing. :)

Thanks for your support!!
xoxox

Where I'll Be This Year

Last year I attended several conferences and book signings. Dreamspinner Press writer's workshop, Rainbow Book Fair, Ashcombe signing, Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, Rainbow Con, and GayRomLit. This year I have to scale back a tiny bit because the family doesn't like me leaving the house. My plans are to attend:

The Ashcombe Signing: Love Is In The Air 

on February 13th in Mechanicsburg, PA

I am all signed up to go. I need to re-do my banner, but I have new swag and books to display. If you are in the Maryland or lower Pennsylvania area, stop by to say hello. There will be 18 authors in all.

Dreamspinner's Writer's Workshop in March

I have registered, booked my hotel and flight to Orlando! I am looking forward to learning things and meeting others in the Dreamspinner Family.

The 8th Annual Rainbow Book Fair in New York on April 9th

I just booked a hotel. I have my table reserved. Come join me and MANY others in New York! I'll have a prize wheel set up at my table again this year. (Last time it was a hit!) If you would like to donate books or gifts cards to give away to RBF attendees, email me: writerwadekelly@gmail.com

And last, I'll be at GayRomLit (GRL) in October in Kansas City. 

Registration opens at the end of February or early March. I'll let you know if I am attending as a Featured Author, Supporting Author, or Reader this year. *fingers crossed*

If you are anywhere close to these locations, please stop by and say hello. 

Mechanicsburg, PA

New York, NY

Kansas City

And I am sure that if you are in Orlando, Fl in March, you will be able to visit me in the Gaylord Palms Resort. You just can't attend the writer's workshop. :)

GRL 2014 - A full 180

So, I attended GRL this year and found that compared to last year it was a 180 degree difference. Last year I knew 5 people … well, maybe ten… but in a crowd of 400 those ten disappear. I was reluctant and held back and withdrew enough that I might have seemed shy or introverted, I rarely approached people. I was intimidated by some from a glance, and I was overwhelmed when about 20 people approached me with books to get signed. ME…. you want me to sign your book? Why?

One year later… I was still overwhelmed.

But this time it was due to the fact that I knew so many people on sight. Overwhelmed by personal shock maybe. I could not believe how many people I knew by face or name, but I left knowing even more! I am also NOT an introverted person. Actually, I describe myself as an extroverted introvert. I DO keep much of ME close to the vest (as they say). I have opened up and trusted the wrong people and it has come back to bite me in the ass. (Kind of going on now with the one woman I should not have trusted with my heart.) But at GRL, I am not and was not SHY. No way! I'm the person that walks up and says, "Hello, person I don't know. I'm Wade Kelly." And then I attempt a conversation. Why not? I am more whole than I have ever been. I spent YEARS feeling like all the puzzle pieces of ME were scattered about in confusion. I am mostly put back together and I am trying to be myself and not apologize for it. So, this year I DID introduce myself to people I didn't know. Like Travis. "Hi Travis. You don't know me, but….." He was there last year AND this year, and probably next year. (comes with Mary and Randy) I can certainly say HI, right? So I did! I also danced with people I'd never met before and danced with people I had just met. And it was fun!

GO PAT BENETAR!

I also got a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people who wanted me to sign a book. (more than 20 this time.) I attend as a "supporting author" and for the two hour signing GRL scheduled, I had a LINE the entire time. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Yes, I LINE of people waited for me to sign something. I find that incredibly incredible to the Nth degree of incredibleness. Did not expect such dedicated and adoring fans. But you know what? I adore you right back! You validate the reasons I write. YOU motivate me to KEEP writing. I was told Names Can Never Hurt Me was brilliant. And not by ONE person but by many. Brilliant? BRILLIANT!!! Right there you show me that taking 14 months to write it was worth it. I composed a story worthy of the time. In all seriousness, I felt like a rock star. You know I love the song by All Time Low "Weightless". In it the lyrics say, "Maybe it's not my weekend, but it's gonna be my year…" Well, that felt like my weekend. And THIS is going to be my year! I have said that before, I know, but 2014 was the most balanced I have ever been in family life and writer life. I am hoping to improve my time management and be more consistent in writing because I can see now how many adoring fans I have whom I OWE great stories to. You wait patiently. You encourage and hang on until I publish the next one. I need to up my personal "bar" and write even more incredible stories and in less time. (Less than 14 months anyway!) I NEED to write the angst because it is how I express my pain and it is therapeutic to release it, but I also need to write comedy because it helps lighten the mood after getting raked through hell. hahhaa. I need breaks from emotional roller coasters just like you do.

I have MANY projects in my head. MANY. Some funny, some not so much. The ones that get written are the ones where the characters scream at me the loudest. I just finished the story of Misplaced Affection, but it is still in edits and needs to get polished. Details are missing here and there and I want a perfect story. It is very angsty, so I plan to write a lighthearted one next.

Highlights from GRL…. ONE HUGE ONE was hearing how NAMES was so brilliant it is used in a teaching capacity and handed out to people. I am being purposely vague because I don't know what I am allowed to disclose, but the woman who talks dot me at GRL made me cry. NAMES means that much to her! She saw into my meaning and depth to the point of using it to help other people and I was blown away by that!

Second, Karrie made me FAN ART! I have posted it before but I have to again. I am deeply touched that she counted JOCK among such lovely fan art and with so many amazing authors. Thank you so very much!

Third…. Someone (and I do know her name) told me she was "too star-struck to come up to me and say hi." ALL WEEKEND! Too Star-struck? Over ME? WHAT????? No way! I take that as a HUGE compliment and I tried to encourage her via FB chat that she should say HI next time. I talk enough for 10 people so there is no need to think you might say something dumb. I do all the time. I am surprised I can even write because my brain often gets confused int he middle of a sentence. I AM A HUGGY PERSON, so if you want a hug I am all for it!

And the person (couple of people) who told me they have followed my story and are praying for me and staring behind me in my struggles, THANK YOU! Your support means a lot to me!

Again I have to say that hearing the word "Brilliant" attached to MY WRITING was very very flattering and humbling and heartwarming. I work so hard to tell a meaningful story and I am glad some of you get the depth of meaning I shoot for. THANK YOU!

So, yeah, big HIGHLIGHTS for me included meeting fans (and some fans who are authors too) who I have met online and now got to hug! YAY!! Karrie, Paul, Katie, Tracy (She is so pretty!), Anya, Sandra, Bonnie, Danny (she gave me Gummy Bears!), Laura, Shirley (my dance partner), Elaine, Tame Anna, Hans, Tams (hopefully Lucien one year!), KAZY, Dani Maas, and I know there were many more! And scrapbooking with people in that event was lovely, I have to say. I do not remember all your names because a couple of you who visited me were very quiet. but I remember the faces. I loved the more intimate setting. I am all for scrapbooking next year!

Meeting JASON was a huge highlight. He is so fun. He and his husband David were lovely people to meet and hug (David did hug me!), but also meeting Crissy was wonderful too.

Talking with Erica Pike… I really really like her!! So sweet. So kind. I am glad this year we talked a title bit and maybe next year will be even better!

Formally meeting William Cooper. Now I know why JP adores him. William is a wonderful person! Really really liked hugging, meeting, and talking to him for a couple days! I look forward to seeing him again!

Smelling Jared Rackler. OMGosh, he has the best cologne, whatever it is. Last year I saw him from afar but didn't approach because I was being all shy. He looked shy or standoffish and I didn't know what to say. Okay, this year I was a different person and just walked up and said "HI, can I have a hug?" He is a huggy kind of guy and did not mind at all. Plus, bonus, every time I hugged him I got a lungful of delicious Jaredness. Jared is not standoffish at all. He is very friendly and smiley and sweet. I look forward to getting to see him again at future events!

I SPOKE to Daniel Kaine. Last year, I think I scared him when I said hello. This year I tried at a conversation again and he was very sweet and soft spoken. I was thrilled to meet him! Plus, he has some pretty awesome T-shirts!

Seeing Alex again was fun! So freakin adorable she is ;)

TJ KLUNE said HI to me! I don't know that it was the BEST of the weekend, but I was moved to tears. (I know--shocker.) But it thrilled me to no end when we passed in the hall, he said hello, and then did a double-take, stepped back and waited for me to put my bag down to hug me. Last year I had dinner at his table and he did talk to me, but it was more in that formal setting of what you do at the "dinner with the author" setting. He was with 6 other people and you make conversation. It was informal and I wasn't doing backflips over it, I was just talking. YES, I was thrilled I sat with TJ and Eric, but talking to TJ last year did not feel the same to me. THIS YEAR, his eyes said he recognized me and that made me feel very special. I spoke with him a few times, but I didn't crowd as I don't feel overwhelming a person with "hurricane Wade" is a good idea. (Venona called me a whirlwind, lol!) So, THANK YOU TJ for making me feel special. I think about you, and pray for you, all the time.

And seeing and hugging and talking to Elisa Rolle again this year was wonderful. She is a very classy lady!

I KISSED Zathyn Priest! Oh wow! That is more like star-struck! :) All the way across the world, and he comes to GRL and I get to meet him! I felt honored. He and Sam are really great people. :) I hope to get to meet them again sometimes, although Australia is VERY far away!

Oh, Australia… I met Toni Griffin! Whoot! Whoot! VERY lovely woman. I only wish we had more time to spend together!

Of course, no small thing indeed was seeing people whom I count as friends and miss all year and then got to hug again. Some of those people will make me emotional simply thinking about. Jeff posted a picture of himself and Will at the airport and I cried just thinking about seeing them the next day! Michael and Anthony live positively too far away (5 hours) and I NEVER see them enough! (SO VERY PROUD of Michael for the success of his new book!) I LOVE my sweet Heather who lets me pet her hair and chats with me. I miss her and I was glad to spend time with her on Casino night fake-gambling. We had fun! Sara York is always on my list of must-have hugs! She is special to me. And JP Barnaby was wonderful to get to know a little bit more. At RT in new Orleans we sort of "met" for the first time, although I had met her in Atlanta. We met in RT and this time actually talked. She makes me cry and fusses about me tearing up. (lol, I can't help it and she knows it!) She is one of the most warm, loving people I've met. (*flying monkey tackle hugs* right back at ya!)

I know I missed people in my accolades. I don't want to hurt feelings or anything by NOT mentioning someone. Sorry if that applies to you. I am thinking off the top of my head! And if I see you more than twice a year I may have skipped those "mentions", so no offense is intended.

Next year is on San Diego. I am looking forward to that. I'll get to meet BETH!!! YAY.

For those who want to know, you can join the Wade Brigade on Facebook for current updates or subscribe to my blog.

I took zero pictures as my camera didn't work. I am relying on others and when they upload the ones with me in them, I'll post some. (Like this one below)

I love and adore you all. Thank you so much for making me feel special and loved.

xoxoxox,

Wade


PS: People I still WANT to meet (besides Beth) are Kage Alan, and MATT BOSTON! (Brad, Sam and Rick included!!!)

Publishing Advice

I find it interesting when other authors, and aspiring authors, ask ME for advice on writing and publishing. HAHHAHAHHA. Like I really know all that much. But it is flattering nonetheless and I DO try to share my knowledge of the business.

The first thing I ask: Is the book written? from my experience, publishers want a finished product to review for consideration. Perhaps in the past a chapter or two was fine, or a proposal, but now it is about the ability to FINISH what you start. Is the story solid all the way through? Are the characters consistent? If you only have five chapters, how am I to know the answers to those questions? Because I can't know, you've waisted my time. Do you see my point.

Years ago when I was looking into Random House etc, it was also a MUST to have a literary agent. Most BIG MAINSTREAM publishers will not talk to the authors directly. They talk to the agent they trust. Like a middle man. The agent is the one you query and he/she passes judgment on your writing to know whether you are an author they want to represent. MANY time the agent will request only the first several chapters initially, but they WILL want the rest if the first bit is good. That's why it is important to FINISH the book first. If you get all tied up in HOW DO I GO ABOUT PUBLISHING without a finished product, you are promoting air. There's lot sod air out there. So stop. JUST STOP.

Concentrate on writing the best, CLEANEST, manuscript you are able to write. When the story is finished, then move on to the next step. (And by clean I refer to grammar etc.)

One item a publisher wants to know, or an agent if you use one, is WHO will read this book? Back in the day when I was writing Sci-Fi (still on the back burner, don't you worry) I was mixing genres. I wanted a Sci-Fi with more romance than most, and a romance with more action. So, I made my own. This was circa 2006. When I started looking for an agent, they wanted a specific category to file it in. "Um, it's a Sci-Fi Romance," I said. "Well, it needs to be one or the other because we need to know the demographics," they'd say. I found out quickly that I didn't fit. I colored outside the lines and no one wanted my book. Of course, things have changed and there are many publishers out there now, mainly Indie, who specialize in mixed genres. Publishing is always changing. But still , you do have to have an idea of who will read your book? Are you targeting men? women? both? what age group? Sometimes when you write these things are NOT on your mind. But later, when you want to sell this manuscript to a publisher and you consider it an adult audience and never use words over two syllables, that may effect your acceptance. OR if you use HUGE words out of context of the character because you learned how to use a thesaurus, it will show.

Pen-names… Are you going to use one? Many authors do. It depends often on what you are writing. Erotica authors who teach elementary school should be wary that the public will not react well. I know of a teacher in my town that was fired for it when her "style" leaked out. In the LGBT community, even gay men who write gay characters have pen-names. Why? Well, I'd say that it's their own business. Pen names simply put distance between the real you and the writer you. If you are 100% comfortable writing under your personal name, great!

I have a pen name ;)

Where do I start once I have those things? Facebook. I recommend it. Join under YOUR name OR your PEN name and seek like minded people. Join book groups. Read posts. Find reviewers, publishers, bloggers, and other authors to talk to. I NEVER understood the type of mind I had until I talked with other authors. OH MY GOSH! Talk about clarity! The way I think made total sense to other authors. I found that I was not the only one who thought about my characters 24 hours a day. Random moments took me to scenes and people I met inspired a storyline. How my ideas pop around like a pinball machine yet they are in complete harmony with my creative mind. Creative people need to know they are not odd, but special. Hearing voices in your head is normal! ;) And as far as finding publishers, read book jackets. Or poke around on Goodreads and see who books are published through.  All books on Goodreads have the publisher listed. You can even search for "lists"on Goodreads and find the genre you write in. The style you want. Find out who publishes those books and visit their websites. Read the submission guidelines. Follow the guidelines and submit your book.

You're published. What next? Go to conferences. Meet people. Readers want to connect to their authors. Especially if they LOVE your book. They want to know you. And before you go to a conference, you are only a name on a page. One diminutional. And besides readers, other authors read too! In meeting other authors and talking about your writing, you will find that people might be interested in reading your book and then you know what they do? They TALK to other people about it! I know I do. I recommend my favorite books. Now, of course, with ME I rarely read. So don't hold your breath for me to recommend your book around. But many people do. Authors are in the world together and we need to support each other. As I have said before, one reader can read WAY more books than one author is able to write. It is not a competition. I came up with Friend Friday as a way of promoting others. Some I have read, most I have not, and a few I have actually MET.

To Blog or not to Blog? I say BLOG. Readers , as I said, like to connect with their favorite authors. Even if you think you are boring, like me, someone out there is enjoying what you say. Even if it is because you make THEM feel normal. I had toast this morning with jelly on it, and a Greek yogurt. Maybe someone reading this had the SAME breakfast and it gives them a chuckle. Connection made. :) Or, in the more meaningful sense, you write about fear or pain or hurt because that is where you are right then, and someone online read it and knows they are not alone. My character Hannah Dixon says, "Alone is a horrible place to be." No one wants to be alone. Especially the ones who are pushed out or abandoned because then they are not alone by choice but by force. Help them connect. Be real.

Write believable characters. Readers want to feel that the character is a person they could meet. Even an Elf or Dwarf or a guy with tentacles coming out of his head! If the character is written well enough, it will FEEL REAL. Many readers read as an escape. If a reader is sucked into a story and feels like they are living it, not merely reading it, then you have succeeded in writing a good tale!

I think that is all I have for now. I wanted to write this morning but I'm tired because the dog woke me up at 3:30 to go out. argh.

Another note: I was on Amazon this morning because I had another "review" of JOCK so I checked it out. But the one at the top was one from January 2013. I liked what it said:

Another great book from Wade Kelly. This one is a lot more light and humor filled than the other book I read "When Love Is Not Enough"m but the writing is just as great. Wade really knows how to write characters no matter the personality and make them seem real. About 4000 locations and 19 chapters (there was a chapter 7.5 which comprised of a flashback)

This is mostly told through Cole's narration of events, but a few times we get Ellis or a secondary character's narration. Cole is just a bit (note sarcasm) of a Negative Nelly and somewhat socially awkward, but his biting sarcasm was a hoot to read. There is some seriously LOL moments throughout the story. Ellis is the not so typical jock who has learned how to manage Cole's drama queen moments. It's essentially love at first sight, but never you fear there are misunderstandings and other hurtles to clear before the HEA.

I wanted to point out, "Wade really knows how to write characters no matter the personality and make them seem real." because that makes my point. Readers notice! So write your heart out and make it real.

Friend Friday might be revamped and pushed a week because i forgot to get the interview questions out. This week has been a challenge for me personal and the brain isn't working. Sorry Whitley. But on an up note I have been writing some pretty good stuff. I strive to write emotion well, and when pushed to an extreme emotional response, I write the emotion better. That could be bad but I'll see it as good. Misplaced Affection is over 100,000 words and very fast paces and angsty. I re wrote the blurb yesterday because the original one seemed to happy. It does have happy moments and will have an HEA, but it is not a happy, fluffy book. It is a Wade Kelly Special all the way!

PRE-ORDERS thru me:

Names Can Never Hurt Me from Dreamspinner Press is currently #10 on their Best Seller List.

If you are going to GRL, you can PRE-ORDER paperbacks of any of my books and I will bring them to you in Chicago to sign :)  I have an updated the form HERE, but it only tells me what to bring not who ordered it. Sending a payment through Paypal with a note works best. I will message you back to let you know I got the payment and I know what to bring. Thanks to Jason and Lauren for sending me a note attached :) PAYPAL: writerwadekelly@gmail.com   cost is $14.50 for any paperback of mine. See you in Chicago!

Also, Dreamspinner is having a sale right now, so if you want books, GET THEM! DSP was offering a PRE-ORDER promo code and I do not know if it works on sales, but you can try. Most likely it will. Promo code: GRL2014   order your paperback and pick them up in Chicago. No shipping and get them cheaper than most other places. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS METHOD! Plus with DSP you get the eBook free with paperback. ;)

Odds and Ends

I am trying to post my thoughts as there are lots of things going through my head right now. It has been a crazy week and on top of thinking about zillions of things I need to do, I am in a hotel and I have to post when I have little bits of time to log on.

First: Today I have an interview with Jeff Adams. He and Will asked me a bunch of questions and it was really fun answering them. Michael Chulsky Kudo even added a question at the end. As in other posts I've done for the NAMES blog tour, there is an excerpt. Click HERE to see the interview.

Second: I have an author CHAT tomorrow on the DREAMSPINNER Facebook page. HERE. They gave me a coupon code to give out that will be good for 2 days if you buy my books at DSP. I think this is a good deal!!! For the chat, feel free to ask me anything. If it is a long answer, or something too personal, perhaps we could PM on FB sometime. I am online from 2-5 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Third: With the PRE-Orders for GRL…. Dreamspinner is actually having a sort of "sale" where they are offering ZERO shipping if you order for the GRL event. They will sell you the book and take it TO GRL, thereby skirting the shipping costs. This COULD work out really well if combined with the coupon code for MY BOOKS.

Example: If my book (NAMES) costs $17.99 - 25% ($4.50) = $13.49. If you can do this, THAT IS THE BEST FOR YOU READERS AND FANS!!! I'm telling you. Act now. If it works, that is. Because DSP is eating the shipping. I can not do better than that. You order through DSP for GRL and then pick it up from DSP in Chicago. They will have some titles THERE to buy, but I am not sure how they will charge for them as there is a 25% surcharge at the event. My advice, BUY NOW.

I DO have a form online for you to buy with, but since I am not very familiar with Google Docs I did not have a place to add a Paypal address, nor a place to have your name. I received a few order, but I have no idea who wanted them. I have now updated the form. HERE.

I have to charge $14.50 per book to cover their cost to me plus shipping they charge me. My shipping is less than $5.00 per book, but I still get charged. If you can pre-order through Dreamspinner AND use the coupon, in theory you could get my books for $13.49. This is your best deal by far. DO IT. Do it NOW while they have the sale.

If you ordered from ME, let me know please. Otherwise I have books that I don't know who to charge and who to give them to. PM of FB or e-mail (writerwadekelly@gmail.com) work great!

Coming up:

August 20 - GGR Reviews

August 22 - Multitasking Momma

August 25 - Rainbow Gold Reviews

August 26 - Tammmy Middleton's blog

August 27 - back at Joyfully Jay

Names Can Never Hurt Me from Dreamspinner Press is currently #14 on their Best Seller List. It is moving around on the Amazon Best Seller List in the 20's and 30's. It hit the ARe Best Seller List this week and is around #37.

>>>>>

FRIEND FRIDAYS is up again this week August 22 with DS Kenn.
Previously I have hosted Sue Brown, Jeff Adams, Gregory Payne,  Chris Shirley, and Tammy Middleton.

That is all I can think of for now. Thank you for all the encouraging thoughts and posts. I truly have wonderful fans, friends, and readers.

<3

Wade

I'm not selling books IN Chicago.

Just an FYI, I will NOT be selling books at GRL or the Boystown event due to pricing and selling restrictions. BUT, let it be known, I FULLY understand the reasons behind the policies that were put in place. To sell in other states you have to get a license and collect taxes, etc. This can be a hassle. At RT in NOLA, the organizers hired a company to over see this and collect the taxes for a fee. I sold books, they took a % of my money and submitted taxes and BOOM! done. But I basically gave the organizing group all my profit. With GRL, the % is higher. In order to sell in Chicago I would have to up my asking prices to cover their fees. It would not be worth while for readers!!


I can however, do a pre-order kind of thing since a couple other people are doing this. If you want to message me and order a paperback I will bring one for you. OR, buy them from DSP or Amazon or wherever and bring one to sign. NAMES comes out TOMORROW, you can get an eBook FREE with the purchase of a paperback. You can even watch for sales.

If you order with me they would be about $15 each for all my titles, but I am not sure how paypal will charge fees. I may have to use a Guinea pig for that to check it out. but anyway, let me know if you want to work out something with me ahead of time. And I know for a fact that mailing ONE book to California costs $5.60 for the flat rate envelope with tracking. It may cost less to mail it closer or more to mail it farther. I can look into mailing costs and add that to this post.



Also, I was toying with the idea of Vellum sheets that I could sign instead and you could stick them IN your book if you had one at home, or maybe stickers? I could have a sticky label that I could write a personal note on that could easily be slapped into a book. IDK. Just my thoughts. Let me know yours. 

Sorry about this, but the cost for selling them in Chicago is quite high and I would have to charge full cover price just to barely break even.

Click HERE to view FORM.

Click on the hyperlink under he picture to take you to the form. This is sort of an experiment as I have never done this. Someone can be a Guinea pig and fill in the form and we can talk about it. I am not out to make a huge profit by charging $17/ book, but I also don't want to pay someone else 25% when I have to buy my own copies of the paperbacks. They cost ME money. Cons are for readers and fans and I will be giving away something at Boystown, but I can not sell them because it is just a hassle. I will consider a giveaway thing and see what I can do. I can GIVE things away and no one charges me a fee! And giveaways are tax deductions.

That is all I have to say about this for now. I need to order some swag for GRL and blog about my BLOG TOUR. BRB.

Wade <3