Luke Stone has cheated death so many times he’s lost count. He’s been everything from a simple poor country kid to a roughneck, a singing star and a convict.
But nothing compares to the satisfaction he finds with the woman who sets his out-of-kilter world back on track. When Darlina danced her way into his heart so many years past, he never dreamed she would stick with him through thick and thin to finally, after he endures many years locked behind bars, become his wife.
And now, to have a second chance at making music, simply proves that secretly held dreams can come true.
He knows he won’t be filling the Texas dancehalls, honky-tonks and auditoriums as he did in his younger days but that doesn’t matter. He’s writing and singing again only this time Darlina joins him writing her own songs and…
As an Indie Author, I can tell you that everything Helen Sedgwick has listed in this blog is Spot-On! Writing is the easy part when it comes to being an Indie Author.
To read this article by Helen Sedgwick, (a California attorney with thirty years of experience representing businesses and entrepreneurs as diverse as wineries, graphic designers, green toy makers, software engineers, investors, restaurateurs, and writers), click on the link or her photo below:
Yikes!! What is the first thing you think of, as an Indie Author, when you are contacted by local media requesting a live unedited TV interview?
What should I wear?
How early should I get there?
Do I look at the camera or the interviewer?
How can I tell about my book/books in just a few words?
What if I cough, sneeze, belch or worse fart?
Well, that last one is a little over the top, but you get the idea. The first reaction is excitement about the opportunity to expose your work to a large viewing audience for free!
It is an incredible opportunity and you can’t beat free advertising.
I was recently contacted by a large local ABC station in Dallas, Texas after my third book, Home At Last, won two awards. It was my second TV appearance and I wasn’t nearly as nervous as the first one. I knew I’d only have a few short minutes to talk and I needed to make every word count.
After doing research, I found these helpful tips:
Choose your outfit wisely. – Bold or bright solid colors are recommended. Stay away from prints, stripes, checks, etc. If you are female and wear makeup, put it on a little bolder and darker than you would for every day.
Practice your sound bites – Think about Twitter and how you only have 140 characters to get your message across. Of course, you will have more than that, but it is a comparison. The interview time is normally very short, so choose words that count and really tell what your book is about. Direct and to the point with passion!
Send Questions to your Interviewer – If you have the option to communicate with the interviewer, send a list of questions you’d like them to ask you. Believe me, they appreciate this as it makes their job easier. On the other hand, they may send you a list of questions. Either way, it helps you prepare.
Practice makes perfect – Make time to practice what you are going to say, especially if you know the questions. Slow down your speech and be articulate.
De-Stress before you go on – Take three deep calming breaths. You can do this anywhere at anytime and it is proven to lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate. This will help you tremendously.
Control your Body Language -You’ll most likely be nervous or amped up during your interview, but strive not to let it show. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and avoid glancing off set. Keep your hand gestures to a minimum. Keep them in your lap if they want to wander on their own.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!
The morning I went into the studio for my interview, actor Patrick Duffy, from the acclaimed TV show, Dallas was also there. Of course, I had to have a picture with him.
Author Jan Sikes and Actor, Patrick Duffy
Below is the interview. I am open to comments, suggestions and/or critique. I have another live TV interview coming up in May, so I am learning as I go.
I am thrilled beyond words to announce the Pre-Order Sale for the fourth and final book of this series of true stories, ‘TIL DEATH DO US PART!!
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH TXAuthors.com
Luke Stone has cheated death more times than he cares to remember. And now, with a chance for a second music career, he knows he won’t fill the Texas dance halls and honky-tonks as he’d done in his younger days, but is determined to give it his all. Darlina, his rock and anchor, longs to see his dreams fulfilled and vows to do everything possible to help him find success. But, will time allow Luke to sing his last song?
GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY TODAY!
THE FIRST 20 ORDERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE CD – ETCHINGS IN STONE BY RICK SIKES
Writing and Music 
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