Love is Murder - It's Here!

Highly recommend this one! Seems like we've been waiting forever. LOL This is an amzaing book filled with stories from some of the best thriller/suspense author's out there today. One of which is my very good friend, William Simon. It's time to celebrate!

Lori Armstrong * Jeff Ayers & Jon Land * Beverly Barton * William Bernhardt * Allison Brennan * Robert Browne * Pamela Callow * Lee Child * J.T. Ellison * Bill Floyd * Cindy Gerard * Heather Graham * Laura Griffin * Vicki Hinze * Andrea Kane *Julie Kenner * Sherrilyn Kenyon * Dianna Love * D.P. Lyle * James Macomber * Toni McGee Causey * Carla Neggers * Brenda Novak * Patricia Rosemoor * William Simon * Alexandra Sokoloff * Roxanne St. Claire * Mariah Stewart * Debra Webb

Blurb

Prepare for heart-racing suspense in this original collection by thirty of the hottest bestselling authors and new voices writing romance suspense today.

Go on vacation with Allison Brennan's Lucy Kincaid, where she saves a man from drowning, only to discover he is in far greater danger on land. Meet Roxanne St. Claire's "bullet catcher"—bodyguard Donovan Rush—who may have met his match in the sexually charged "Diamond Drop." Debut author William Simon shows us what happens when the granddaughter of the president of the United States is kidnapped. And Lee Child's pitch-perfect "I Heard a Romantic Story" puts a whole new spin on Love Is Murder.

Bodyguards, vigilantes, stalkers, serial killers, women (and men!) in jeopardy, cops, thieves, P.I.s, killers—these all-new stories will keep you thrilled and chilled late into the night.

The Wicked Secrets Beneath Goes Live!

Finally! I've finished the short story prequel and it's live on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. ;)

**Short Story Prequel to Betrayals of the Heart

Robert Shaw lost his precious wife, unborn child and almost his own life protecting the innocent. Now he fights to make sense out of the chaos that is his life. A new identity means cutting all ties to his past and focusing on the future. As Ryan Carter, he can move on, start living again. A task that seems impossible--until Makayla Prichard enters the picture.

The FBI is set on bringing her down. They believe she is working alongside her husband, committing the most horrendous crimes imaginable. But Ryan Carter realizes Makayla is not the monster the FBI profiler has made her out to be. She's a victim. A prisoner in her own home with a young son she is determined to protect. Ryan Carter has found his new purpose--to help them escape or die trying.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble


Now I can finally focus on the this third novel. If all goes as planned, Betrayals of the Heart should be due out this summer. yeah!

From "Faithful Deceptions" by Melissa Ohnoutka

My book is being featured today! :)

From "Faithful Deceptions" by Melissa Ohnoutka

Money dictates the rules of this game and the victim could be anybody— regardless of sex, age or race...

A wicked grin eased over Dustin’s face, his entire body frothy with victory. Once again, success. This was one of those magic moments that made the multitude of tedious planning hours and hard work worthwhile. Moments that lured him back again and again. It had been a long time since he’d actually been the one to pull the trigger. After Rodney and Dwayne’s little screw up with the Senator’s daughter, he had no choice but to kill her himself and had been itching to do the delectable deed again ever since. He loved to smell the fear. To see the moment his victim realized he and he alone controlled their fate.

Dustin waited only long enough for Agent Bryce to lower his head in defeat. Then the second earth shattering explosion rang out beneath the blanket of rain soaked trees. It was done.

Now to plan his most horrifying, unimaginable affliction against another human being.

Patrick Roark, bodyguard his ass, would pay a hefty price for his treacherous betrayal.

And he knew jus the sweet little trick to use too.

Self-Sabotage, It's a Fine Art

Writer or not, it doesn’t matter. We’ve all got this one really cool thing we love to do. Maybe it’s photography, painting, crafting, scrapbooking, coin collecting, etc. Or a sport like baseball, tennis or, yes I’m going to include it even though every ounce of my being is screaming not to, golf. (We’ll get back to this one)

Whatever it is makes us happy, gives us a sense of self-worth or belonging. It’s something we can share with others who love the same thing. So we make friends along the way. But the downside is it takes you away from your family, your job, your responsibilities. So, we end up feeling guilty about wanting to spend time on it. That makes us unhappy. And if we’re honest about it, everyone around us suffers right along with us.

There is a solution. One I’m still working to perfect. The main thing is to find a routine that works and keeps everyone happy. Organization plays a huge part and scheduling is a must.  This is the toughest part for me, but slowly I'm managing to put everything down on a calendar and then stick to it.

Here's the biggest myth I learned about my own self-sabotaging.

I’ll just take care of everything else first. – This only made me tired and frustrated. At the end of the day, I had a clean house, organized closets and drawers, happy hubby and kids due to the meals I scheduled for the entire week, and a weedless garden.

The only thing missing—my sanity. I wasn’t spending any time doing what I love and my attitude stunk. Not to mention the mounting self-doubt. I started thinking maybe I should just quit writing all together. I’ll be honest. The mere idea of quitting had me depressed, not wanting to spend time with anyone or do anything at all.

Let’s face it. There will always be something that needs tending to, something to fold, a call to return, a bill to pay, a kid to run here or there. It’s a never ending cycle. Life has a pesky way of getting in the way, doesn’t it?

So what’s the answer to this one?

I won’t pretend like I’ve found a magical secret. But I have learned it’s okay to let things slide occasionally and have a life outside my family. I can share part of my day with good friends and still be able to spend quality time with the most special people in my life too.  Heck and even get a few of those unending chores done along the way.

How do I do it? It means I’m getting up a little bit earlier and going to bed a little bit later. For right now, it’s working. It's not easy since I love my sleep.  But this is allowing me to be more productive with my writing and it feels so good.  I’m keeping up with most of the daily chores and even asking the kids and hubby to pitch in and help out a little more. This doesn't mean I'm a failure. Heck no! After all. We are a team. :)

No more excuses or blaming others.

No more self-sabotage! (Repeat this every time you try to make an excuse and go do something else. I think my record is 67 times in one day so far. LOL But it works like a charm!)

Onward and Upward!

Who’s with Me? :)

(Oh, yeah.  The golf thing. LOL  Still trying to get hubby to work on that one.  It's his one thing he loves to do.  Need I say more?)

The Writing Must Go On!

Ever had one of those days?  Well, I'm having one of those weeks! LOL

I missed a great RWA Conference in New York City.  The entire state of Texas is suffering from a severe drought.  And our Internet trouble is the Worst it's ever been!

We need a new desktop computer to replace the dinosaur we've been using.  I've known that for some time now and have managed to work around the minor inconveniences that pop up.  These are bad enough.  But when the Internet won't cooperate and keeps knocking you off every five minutes, things get pretty ugly around here pretty fast.  Grrrr.... I need to know what's going on out there in the world.  The suspense is killing me!

One thing I've learned from this little irritating experience is that I must not let these disturbances distract me.  The writing/editing must continue.  So off I go to one of my secret writing spots (kids are out for summer vacation- can you say major distraction!) with my laptop, I-pod, paper, pens and pencils, notebooks for jotting down quick thoughts, and a nice cold Dr. Pepper.  I'm not hard to please.  Just need a few certain things before I can sit down and have what I consider to be a productive day.

And even though the Internet is giving me fits, I still managed to find two interesting links to share. :)  Take that you nasty Gremlins! LOL


Great video on How to write that dreaded synopsis:

http://whodareswinspublishing.com/Video_Audio_Clips.html

Myth Buster:

http://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/self-publishing-myth-1-you-will-never-make-any-money/

Whatever you've got planned today, I Hope it's a Terrific Thursday!

Book of the Day - Faithful Deceptions

This is really cool!

My first book “Faithful Deceptions” is being highlighted this week on Marketing Tips for Authors . Those who leave a comment will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle copy of the book. This is a great blog to follow.  I find endless amounts of helpful information each time I visit.

Faithful Deceptions is also The Book of the Day over at:  E-Readers News Today.

I highly recommend both these sites for promoting your books.  :)

Shattered Souls of Innocence Live TODAY!

I'm so excited to announce the release of my Short Story Prequel, "Shattered Souls of Innocence."  This is more of a Suspense/Thriller and links my two novels together.  A Bonus for those who've read "Faithful Deceptions" and a Teaser for "Target of Betrayal" due out this summer.  You can find this story on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Thanks for reading!
Hope you enjoy!

Wacky Wednesday Links

Talk about Wacky! This picture says it all! LOL


We Love to Travel!

 These links are a bit all over the place.  Story of my life these days. LOL  Hope you find something you like and can use. :)

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that My Short Story Prequel -Shattered Souls of Innocence is due to release real soon! I must warn you though.  It's a teaser for the novel Target of Betrayal. What does that mean exactly?  Well, if I've done my job right, you'll be itching to read this next book.  LOL

Now to the links!

Niche-Marketing - Be Creative when thinking about who your readers are.

http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2010/07/26/boost-your-book-sales-with-the-magic-of-niche-marketing/

How about a Video Blog (Thanks to Marie for sharing this link!)
This is Not for me, but I love watching them. :)

http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/videoblogging/ht/howtovlog

Tip Sheets -Best Kept Publicity Secret?

Self Publishing Coach.com

So you are wondering about true sales numbers?  Great post by Victorine Lieske.

http://victorinewrites.blogspot.com/2011/03/sales-growth-over-time.html

How to Publish an Ebook for Multiple Platforms

The Savvy Book Marketer


How to Get Your Book Mentioned in a Newspaper - Lots of great suggestions here!

This was very interesting!  Marketing Methods that DON'T work.

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-marketing-methods-that-dont-work.html

Sharing Secrets with Tess St. John

Good morning all!

Today I'm visiting my good friend Tess St. John!

She's an amazing writer with her very own new release out this month.  "Second Chances" is a wonderful historical romance full of great characters and emotional twists.  I highly recommend picking this one up!

Stop by her blog , say hello and see what's up next! :)

Second Chances -- Out Now
Chances Are Series -- Book One

Lady Emma Easton’s elopement to an elderly earl shields her from an abusive father, until her husband’s death leaves her vulnerable once again. When she learns her father is scheming to marry her off to a brutal man, only one man can protect her—the earl’s trusted friend, Viscount Drake.

After losing his wife, Lord Harold Drake vowed never to marry again. But his heart warms to the young widow he’s promised to protect. Emma’s love frees him from the darkness that’s consumed him. But now Drake must protect her from her father’s evil whims, or face losing her forever.

BUY E-book:
 Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Have a Wonderful Weekend!
And don't forget to make time to READ! :)

Wild, Wicked & Wacky

Yep, that's where you can find me today! LOL

Wild, Wicked & Wacky

Stop in and see why you need to rest a bit after your book goes live.  The "What's Next" will have you running in circles if you don't have a game plan.  How do I know this?  It's my reality.  But, I'm working on a plan.  Really I am.  One that will give me the time I need to write, design covers, format, market and still keep my sanity. :)

All suggestions WELCOME!

The Aftermath



Okay, so you've written a novel.  Spent months, if not years, working on edits and polishing your baby till it's nice and sparkling clean.  Even gone the extra mile and learned all the different formatting required to publish your masterpiece and design a great cover.  It's out there and you're so excited.  But now what?

Marketing.  Getting that book out into the world where readers will notice and want to read it is a hard and time consuming task.  Even if you've gone the traditional publishing route, alot of the marketing will be left up to you.  Unless you are a best selling author, not much time and energy will be spent on your book.  So what do you do?

Here are a few tips I've come across.  All books are different.  Some will work, some won't.  You just have to dig your heals in and give it all you've got.  It won't happen over night, but if you spend some time everyday working on new avenues for getting noticed it will happen.

Press Release Sites

https://www.pr.com/
http://www.prlog.org/pub/account.html
http://www.pressking.com/user/new
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.clickpress.com
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/
http://www.24-7pressreleases.com/
http://www.express-press-release.net/
http://www.free-press-release-center.info/
http://www.PressMethod.com
http://www.Newswiretoday.com

Sites for Book Reviews

A Romance Review
All About Romance
Angies Romance Reviews
Cataromance Reviews
Coffee Time Romance
Contemporary Romance Writers
Dear Author
EHarlequin
Joyfully Reviewed
Love Romances More
Marilyn's Romance Reviews
Pink Heart Society Reviews
Reader to Reader
Reviews - Once Upon a Romance
Romance by the Blog
Romance Junkies
Romance Reader at Heart
Romance Reviews
Romancing the Blog
Romantic Times
Sheikh Book Reviews
Simply Romance Reviews
Smart Bitches Trashy Books
The Literary Times
The Romance Reader
The Romance Reader Connection

Extras
 
* Postcards with Book Cover and description of book to pass out when you are out and about. Also a great way to give someone an autographed souvenir for purchasing your e-book.
* Book marks with same info - Hey, I still use them. LOL
* Pens, Business cards, Magnets, etc. (easy to accidentally leave behind ;)
 
Networking & Blogging
 
Set up a blog where you can have links to purchase your books and share bits about your life or writing.  It's free.  And it's a great way to connect with your readers.  Then branch out to other bloggers.  Now I'm not talking about visiting blogs for the sole purpose of plugging your book.  Not cool.  Search the web for things you really enjoy.  Follow the blogs.  Comment on the posts.  People really do make the extra effort to click and see who you are. :)

Set Up Author's Page

* Amazon.com - (Don't forget the UK!  You have to set it up on both)
* Amazon.co.uk  https://www.amazon.co.uk/
* Goodreads
* Shelfari

 
I'm still brain storming and although it hurts sometimes (LOL) it's paying off.
 
Best of luck!  And if you have any ideas you'd like to share, I would love to hear them!  I'll even send a FREE print copy of my book for the best new idea! :) 

Marketing Tips from a Teenager

Ahh....Spring is in the air.  I can feel it, smell it, almost reach out and grab it.  I for one am so glad to see the cold leave until next fall I could do a happy dance.  Hope my neighbors aren't watching. :)  There are many reasons I decided to remain in Texas, but the warmer climate tops this list.  Cold is fun to visit, but I could never live there.

If you have animals, I'm sure you've noticed that the changes in weather triggers weird behavior in your pets.  For some reason the coming of this new season also triggers something in teenage girls as well.  With two, I've learned this the hard way. LOL  This thing is called "The Need for Clothes".  What they wore last year at this time certainly isn't an option and the fall wardrobe won't cut it either.  Don't even make the mistake of suggesting this one.  If your lucky, they'll quit rolling their eyes by the time they are ready to start making their Christmas list.

Anyway, so off we go to the local mall to see if we can reign in this need that causes moodiness if left untreated for very long.  Here's where the brilliance sets in.  At least I think it's smart now.  At the time, I was mortified.

The Sony store sits smack dab in the middle of the mall and is a favorite hot spot for my two.  Just looking and playing around on the different computers and other technical gadgets makes their day.  They don't even have to buy a single thing.  We used to call this window shopping in my day.  I'm somewhat technically challenged so I don't see the fun in all of it.  Once they'd had their fill, they came back giggling and acting like the darn cat that swallowed a huge canary.  I was pooped out and resting on a near by bench.  Of course I just tell them I'm people watching, you know doing research for my next book.  That's when my middle daughter explains her new marketing strategy for selling my new release.  I knew I was in trouble before she even started. 

Apparently, she'd made her way around the store and decided it would be cool to plug in my website on every computer in there.  She left it open to the spot where you can easily find and purchase my book.

Chills rushed my body.  I was cold then hot.  I couldn't move at first and then I wanted to run.  My picture is on that page too.  OMGOSH!  I dug out my sunglasses, ducked my head and couldn't get out of the mall fast enough.  These two stinkers are still laughing about it! LOL 

Now that it's over and I've had time to think about it and the initial shock that someone might recognize me in the mall from the picture on the webpage has worn off, I see the brilliance in her thinking.  How many people go through there?  What if they saw it? Even if it managed to catch one persons eye, it was worth it.  And best of all it was free.  Surely, no law was broken by doing this, right?  Oh, that would be my luck. LOL I just told her if she ever does this again, to make sure I'm not with her!

Teenagers!  You got to Love'em!!

I've updated my website to look more professional just in case.  ;)
www.melissaohnoutka.com

Free Books!

Everybody Needs A Little Romance

Stop in and say hello!  One lucky commenter will win award winning author Sandra Edwards' "Broken Wings/Vegas, Baby 2pk!  I highly recommend both stories.  What better way than to get them both at once! :)

http://tiny.cc/o6qa9

So Why Human Trafficking?

With the release of my new book "Faithful Deceptions", I've had several people ask me why I chose to focus on human trafficking. 

Well, it all started with a miniseries on Lifetime back in 2005 called "Human Trafficking, staring Mira Sorvino and Donald Sutherland. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.  It's a mind boggling story.  I was in the middle of finishing another manuscript, but after watching this movie my muse jumped up and said, "Out of my way, sister!"

I sat down to write a brief outline of the thoughts bouncing in my head and the next thing I knew I couldn't stop.  Six months later, Faithful Deceptions was finished.  The rough draft anyway.  I've actually been working on the edits and revisions for this manuscript off and on since 2007.  After my first RWA conference in Dallas, I let it sit for awhile and finished the story I was working on to begin with.  Then switched to writing a middle grade book and Young Adult for a change of pace.  At least I thought that was why back then.  Now I'm thinking it had alot more to do with how the story and the human trafficking affected something deep inside me.  The research has always been a fun part of the writing for me.  Not so much with this story.  The things I read and learned were almost too much to bear.  And I had two young daughters at the time.  It really shook me up.

Maybe this subject is something I need to bring more out in the open.  Human Trafficking is not a crime that only happens in foreign countries like so many of us think.  I was one of those people.  Then I found out  how many cases actually take place right here in the United States.  The Walmart in my home town is actually a stopping point for those coming in from Mexico on their way into the U.S. with these young girls. Horrified isn't even strong enough a word for how this makes me feel.  I could sit back and thank the good Lord above that I have no real life experiences to draw on.  But I feel like there's more I should do to bring this out in the open.

This horrifying reality will be woven through my next several books.  And I think I'm the one most surprised by this sudden realization.  Funny how a story can grasp hold and not let go.  How it can dig so deep within you there's no escape, no alternative but to see it through.  Heavy sigh.  Another reason I love to write?  The possibilities, shocking truths and breathtaking journeys one's imagination can take you through.

My First Interview!

Good morning!

Not only is today my youngest brother's birthday, which makes it pretty darn special all on its own, but it's also a big step for me too.

Today you can find me visiting my good friend Autumn Jordon at: AJ's Notes.  Gosh, my very first interview.  So exciting. LOL  Please stop in and say hello.  I'm giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate for one lucky commenter! Be sure to leave your name and email address when you comment so I'll know where to send your prize if you win. :)

Hope to see you there!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER! :)

So You Want to Shoot a Gun

After wonderful week filled with excitement due to my New Release, "Faithful Deceptions", I was ready for a little rest.  But first....FIELD TRIP!!!

My wonderful RWA chapter took a field trip Friday night to a shooting range.  What terrific research.  I grew up around guns, can shoot them and I'm a pretty good shot.  LOL But that said, I respect guns.  Even after all the experience I've had handling them, I still never get too comfortable around them.  Learning everything I can about gun safety is a very high priority in my book.  We had an hour of great instructions and safety rules before we even thought about stepping into the firing range.



.460 Magnum Revolver on the end.

 We were able to shoot a variety of calibers and brands.  My friend allowed her husband to bring his Smith & Wesson’s .460 Magnum Revolver and yes, I shot that baby too! LOL  Talk about adrenaline rush!!  And intimidation!  Wow!  Biggest hand gun I've ever seen.  Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. :)

Bulls Eye! No, really! LOL

Can't wait for the next one and the chance to get my license!  Like I said, Awesome Research!!  The fun was an added bonus! :)

Only Time Will Tell

It's been one hectic journey since the day I decided to take the next step in my writing career.  Talk about ups and downs.  I now understand why we go to school when we're young.  This tired brain of mine just refuses to learn like it used to.  Who was it that said, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'?  I'm beginning to think they were right on target with that!  This was one giant learning curve.  I know just enough about html codes to get myself in major trouble.  Let me put it this way.  Until my dear younger brother, who is the computer genius, told me otherwise, I thought html was an abbreviation for hotmail.  Go ahead.  Laugh.  He still does. :)

All this excited gibber to say:  If I've done everything right, (crossing everything I got) you should be able to find your copy of "Faithful Deceptions" both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as an ebook.  The print copy is still in the works, but I should have that worked out by the middle of March. Again with the fingers crossed.

Wow!  I can barely stand the excitement of knowing someone can actually pick up my book and read it.  What a wonderful feeling and totally scary thought all wrapped up into one.

Only time will tell what the outcome will be.

Thanks for all the support and encourement!  I could never have taken my dream this far without all the great writers and friends I've made along the way.  You guys ROCK!

Links to make it easy:

AMAZON - For Kindle

BARNES & NOBLE - For Nook

Off to do some more happy dancing! LOL

Crimson Snow by Cheri Jetton

Here's a great book to add to your list!  I've downloaded my copy and can't wait to start reading!

When high school teacher Sara Hansen witnesses a drive-by shooting, the Detroit police advise her to leave town for awhile. She goes to her brother’s Sugar Island home off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but finds no refuge.

She’s dropped by a rifle shot as she enjoys a snowy morning stroll. Her brother and sister-in-law are out of town at the time.

Daniel Leeds, a former Detroit homicide detective who has resigned in disillusionment, hears the shot from his cabin on the next property and finds Sara bleeding in the snow. He takes her home and cares for her until help arrives. He follows the ambulance to the hospital where he keeps vigil.

An idealistic educator and a dispirited ex-law enforcement officer. Can he keep her safe while solving the mystery? Can she make him see she’s a grown woman and can take care of herself? Come to the snowy Upper Peninsula with us and watch it all unfold.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Crimson-Snow/Cheri-Jetton/e/2940012626165/?itm=1