First let me mention the KDP experiment.  In March I totaled 279 downloads with almost all of them being from Amazon.  That made my total downloads January thru March... drumroll.... 1166!

That is so super awesome.  Thanks for all your help and support in getting Atlantis and Stonehenge out there and increasing the word of mouth.  I couldn't do it without you.  

Second, I want to check in in regards to my 2012 resolutions.  Here is the recap:

1.  Finish / Proof / Publish my PBG action / adventure novel with my friend Patrick
2.  Research and write the third and final novel in the Atlantis Series
3.  Sell over 1000 books in a 30 day period
4.  Become fluent in Italian
5.  Learn more ways to market and sell my books

Patrick and I met today and worked on our novel for a few hours as we tried to tie it up and finish it off.  There are a lot of decisions that need to be made, especially on a new series, but I think it is coming along nicely.  I am excited and nervous to release this new novel.  It is in a different genre than Atlantis and Stonehenge and I am interested to see how it does.  It has been a blast to write!  I have learned so many new and fun things, and I am excited for readers to meet my new characters.  As soon as I finish this book I can immerse myself into Lilly's world again and get to work on the final book in the Atlantis Trilogy.  I can't wait.  

I am still working on selling over 1000 books in a 30 day period.  I am certain I will get there though.  Sales are increasing steadily and I am a fan of the KDP program in helping me and readers find one another.  It will happen.

I have been a slacker on #4 and #5 on my resolutions list.  How embarrassing.  I was rocking the Italian in January but a few things came up that distracted me and caused me to lose focus.  I need to get a few things caught up with in life, but then I will be sure to immerse myself in my bilingual goals and hop back on the Italian trolley.  

As for #5... I have created a list for internet marketing that I want to systematically go through, but any tips or suggestions on how to help me and readers find one another are always appreciated.  I hope your New Year's Resolutions are going better than mine.  

Best of luck.

-Lisa
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I would like to give Atlantis away for FREE for the next 15 days in hopes of getting some more unbiased reviews on what you all think of it.  Reviews on Amazon and Smashwords are much appreciated.  Feel free to tell your friends about this offer.  Fill up those ereaders!  Here is the info:
Free with coupon code: GX93Q at smashwords site:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/57278

What would you do if you thought your boyfriend were a figment of your imagination?
Sure he randomly seems to appear and disappear out of no where.  
Perhaps he is cryptic and evasive when it comes to details of his past.
But what if you can feel in your soul that you are meant to be together?  
Would it matter?

Find out by checking out Atlantis.
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So... month two of the KDP experiment went well.  Not as well as January, but still some good numbers.  Here are the numbers for February:


Smashwords:  0 
Amazon:  329
Barnes and Noble:  7
Apple:  1
Amazon UK:  37
Total downloads = 374

Reminder: while doing the KDP experiment Stonehenge is only available through Amazon, thus the sales at the other sites are of Atlantis.  When the experiment expires April first (and Stonehenge is again available at the other retailers) I am thinking of doing it again with Atlantis.  I feel it is helping my books get some good exposure and helping me find readers.  

It's pretty sweet getting nearly 1000 new readers in the first two months of the year.  Yay 2012!

-Lisa
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One of my buddies found this on youtube and I had to share it with my fellow book lovers out there.
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Happy Wednesday! 02/01/2012
 
I wanted to check in on the KDP experiment and my numbers for January:

8 @ smashwords
5 @ barnes and noble
1 @ paperback
...and drumroll...
499 @ amazon!!!

Oh yeah!  Totaling 513 downloads for January 2012.  I am on my way to selling over 1000 books in a 30 day time period goal.  *Smiles*  

I hope all of you are still sticking with your 2012 goals and had a great January... and here's hoping everyone's February is even better.  

-Lisa
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After a big mess up in processing, Stonehenge is now available in paperback!  Only $13.95!

When I received the first proof (sample book) back in December, there had been an error as the file uploaded and the formatting was all over the place.  The fonts hadn't saved correctly.  The spacing was off.  Pages weren't where they were supposed to be.  Bah!  But after a month of fixing the issue, Stonehenge paperback is here and even cooler than Atlantis.  

I'm curious what you think of the cover.  How do you like the purple?  What about having two flowers on the back for the second book symbolizing book two?  Add your comments below.

P.S.  Stonehenge has a continuation of the Atlantis code hidden within the text.  Did you find it?

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Stonehenge is FREE today on Amazon.com

Let's see how many downloads I can get in these 24 hours!

I'll check in periodically with the stats.  Thanks for your help and support!  I love my fans!

-Lisa

It is:

11am and we are at 164 downloads!

3pm and we are at 266!

6pm and we are at 314!  oh yeah!


9pm and we are at 366!  ...3 more hours to go.  **crosses fingers that I hit 500**

Drumroll please.... the KDP Free Promo Day had a grand total of 398 Stonehenge downloads!  Woot!

That was incredibly awesome.  I want to thank everyone for all their help in making the promotion a success.  I am excited for so many people to be able to check out my writing and take a mini mind vacation into Lilly's world.  

Thanks.

*Amendment*  I forgot to check the Amazon UK sales... and get to add 53 to the 398 = 451 on the January 21st Promo.  Sweetness!
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I wanted to give an update on the KDP experiment.

So far I have sold: 10 on Amazon, 7 on Smashwords, and 1 Paperback this month.  Not the insanely awesome numbers I was hoping for.  Here's hoping they do a staggering jump.  Best Selling Author-dom here I come!  Note: the KDP Kindle Experiment will last until the end of March. 

There is a KDP FREE PROMO for Stonehenge this next Saturday, January 21st.  
Please tell your friends and "like" it on Amazon.  I appreciate all your support.

I am crossing my fingers in hopes that sales explode!  Atlantis rocks!

I'll check back soon.

-Lisa
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I've decided to enroll Stonehenge in the KDP Select Program as an experiment to see if it does increase my sells and exposure as a writer.  Starting tomorrow (1/3/12) and for 90 days, Stonehenge (Book 2 in the Atlantis Series) will only be available on Amazon.com.  I am hoping this will be a positive and rewarding experiment.  I'll keep you all posted on how it goes, and exactly what it entails. 

-Lisa
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2012 Dreams 01/01/2012
 
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Happy New Year!

I wanted to check in with everyone as we start out 2012 and talk about the hopes and dreams that come with starting a new year.

Aside from Halloween, New Years Eve / Day is my favorite holiday.  I am a big resolution / goal geek and I enjoy getting out my pen and paper and coming up with a new list of things to accomplish each year.  I usually start by looking over my past years goals (which I still have because I keep everything) and seeing what I've done and (hopefully) where I'm going.  I firmly believe that taking the time to sit down and write out my dreams for the new year is a reason I do accomplish more than the average person.  It gives me focus.  Personally I have a long list of "to do" items each year, but I challenge you to come up with 5 things to accomplish in 2012.  

It can be anything as long as it is positive in nature and well meaning.  To give you some ideas on goals to set for yourself here are some of the past goals I've set / accomplished:  start learning italian / go on a hot air balloon ride / exercise three days a week / start network marketing company / go to seminar / pay off a bill / read a book / go on a train ride / learn a new skill / write a book / eat better / meditate ect.  Basically it breaks down to:  try something new / improve health / improve wealth / and learn.

Sit down with a piece of paper and pen and write out goals / dreams / things to change / new things to try ect.  I'd suggest coming up with about ten items.  Then get out a fresh new sheet of paper and at the top write "My 2012 Goals" and pick your top five from the ten you came up with and list them in order of importance.  When your list is complete be sure to place it somewhere you see everyday.  I post mine on my bathroom mirror.

Here are my writing goals for 2012.  Wish me luck!
1.  Finish / Proof / Publish my PBG action / adventure novel with my friend Patrick
2.  Research and write the third and final novel in the Atlantis Series
3.  Sell over 1000 books in a 30 day period
4.  Become fluent in Italian
5.  Learn more ways to market and sell my books

I wish you all the best in 2012 and hope you try goal setting (and hopefully you stick with them!)
Here's to us all having a better year than the year before, each and every year of our lives.

-Lisa
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