Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday Friend: Diana Cosby


Please welcome Diana Cosby to our blog today. Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning books are available in five languages.  Diana has appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happily Ever After,” MSN.com, and in Texoma Living Magazine. 
After retiring as a Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 33 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.   Diana is currently working on the sixth book in the award-winning MacGruder brother’s series, and is preparing for the release of her story in the anthology, “Born To Bite,” with Hannah Howell and Erica Ridley.  Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Bestselling Author


 Congratulations On Achieving Your Dream – Now What?
Diana Cosby 2012©
            Many people chase their dreams, and along the way, through hard work and perseverance, some achieve their goals.  When this happens, it’s an amazing time.  This event should be celebrated and savored as you can never replace that ‘first time’ magic when it happens in your life.
But, once you achieve your dream, now what?  Have you prepared a plan of action?  A budget?  Will your strategy and marketing be time intensive?  Do you understand how the business end of whatever goal you are pursuing works?  What about industry contacts = networking?
            Far from trying to worry or deter anyone from striving to achieve their dream, my questions are to instill a shot of reality into the dream-focused mind.  It’s easy to become caught up on that idea of being a rising star.  Realistically, once you achieve your goal, the magic wand that keeps that dream alive is you, and once again, sustained by your hard work, business savvy and perseverance.  To help you, here are some tips:
             
1.  Learn from the pros:   Why reinvent the wheel:  Select people who have achieved the dream you’re targeting.  Take notes on what they’re doing, read what they say when they are interviewed, or if possible, talk to them.  If someone has a solid game plan in the area of expertise you’re shooting for, tailor their plan of action to your strengths.

2.  Budget:  As with anything, there’s a cost to keeping your dream alive.  Gather expense information through whatever sources available and understand the monetary layout you are facing once you’re dream is a reality.  Custom the expenses to fit your budget.  If you need a credit card, to incorporate, or have other business end ideas, before your dream arrives is the best time to research and understand exactly what you’ll need to have in place when that special moment arrives.

3.  Time management:  Once you sell, the demand for your time escalates, and the proportion depends on the needs of your dream and you.  In addition to basic dream survival, there are options to appear on blogs, radio, TV, you can write articles, choose on-line networking and numerous other venues.  It’s important to manage your time wisely, to choose projects best relate to your strengths.  Example:  If you enjoy teaching, give workshops, on-line classes or talk at public venues.

4.  Networking:  I can’t express how ultra-important solid networking is.  A good business contact can make all of the difference in the world.  Be sincere in cultivating relationships.  And, if you can, help someone else out.

            The best defense in any situation, including your dreams, is a solid offense.  So, start now to plan for your success.  Then, the day your dream comes true, rather than being reactive and flounder, open your tailored plan and soar. 
            Thank you very much for stopping by.  I'm always interested in hearing what others do as they work to achieve their goals.  What is your strategy in achieving your dreams?

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author

Diana’s 4th novel in the award-winning MacGruder brothers series, “His Destiny,” is out now.  His Conquest & His Destiny coming soon! 


"His Destiny" blurb: 
As one of England's most capable mercenaries, Emma Astyn can charm an enemy and brandish a knife with unmatched finesse. Assigned to befriend Dubh Duer, an infamous Scottish rebel, she assumes the guise of innocent damsel Christina Moffat to intercept the writ he’s carrying to a traitorous bishop. But as she gains the dark hero’s confidence and realizes they share a tattered past, compassion—and passion—distract her from the task at hand…

Born To Bite blurb:
Blurb for Highland Vampire, Diana Cosby's story in the Born To Bite anthology:
As King of the Highland Coven, vampire Aedan MacGregor knows that falling for the fey Rowan Campbell could destroy her. But one taste of her healing blood and he craves her like no other. Dare claim her as his own, knowing he might lose her forever?

Born To Bite, a Highland Vampire anthology with Hannah Howell, Erica Ridley, and Diana Cosby coming August 28th!  Pre-Order now!



 Excerpt from "His Destiny"

Guilt edged through Emma that in the end, she would betray Patrik.  She shoved the emotion aside.  A year had passed since King Balliol had abdicated his throne at Brechin and resigned his Kingdom of Scotland to King Edward.  Regardless of any Scot’s wishes, the English king ruled their land.  It was the rebel’s decision to continue this fruitless rebellion, not her guilt to bear.

If Patrik hated her when he learned her true identity, so be it.  By then she would be gone, her mission long since completed.  Nor would he ever find a Scottish woman named Cristina Moffat.

A shout echoed in the distance.

Patrik whirled, caught her hand and hauled her beneath the dense underbrush.  “Stay!” he hissed.  Keeping his body close to the ground, he inched up the embankment to the edge of the trail where they’d walked moments before.  After a quick scan, he jumped to his feet and used a branch to erase any sign of their passage.  Tossing the limb, he hurried beneath the shield of leaves, covered her body with his.

“Say naught,” he whispered.

As if with his body flush against hers it was possible to think?  She scoured their surroundings for any sign of movement, tried to ignore the hard length of him, the feel of his entire body wrapped above hers.

And failed.

Wind rattled leaves overhead.  A raven flitted in the tree above then flew away.

Footsteps sounded nearby.

A stick cracked - closer this time, followed by a muttered curse.

Patrik’s calloused hand covered hers with surprising gentleness.

She stared at the tangle of scars battering his skin, the muscled hand atop hers.  She should pull away, not feed this delusion of his protecting her.  Instead, Emma savored his touch, his protectiveness in a world that offered none.

Diana can be reached through the following links:


26 comments:

  1. Hi Diana,

    Thanks for joining us at Heroines with Hearts today.

    I know when I sold my first book (definitely a dream come true) I was totally overwhelmed with the business side of things. It was definitely a learning curve to figure out what all had to be done besides the writing!

    Great post.

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  2. Love, love, love your covers and books! Yum! :) So proud of you, Diana!

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  3. This is very timely for me-- thank you for sharing! It's hard to switch gears when you've been focused on the writing for so long :)

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  4. Jennifer,
    Thank you so much for having me at Heroines With Hearts today. I love writing the MacGruder brothers series, and I'm excited about my first foray into the vampire realm of Medieval Scotland with the upcoming release of Born To Bite.
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  5. Debra St. John said: Hi Diana, Thanks for joining us at Heroines with Hearts today.

    ~Good morning, Debra. It’s my pleasure to be at Heroines with Hearts today. I appreciate your having me here.

    I know when I sold my first book (definitely a dream come true) I was totally overwhelmed with the business side of things. It was definitely a learning curve to figure out what all had to be done besides the writing!

    ~I agree. When I sold, I had so many amazing people give advice of what to do. Like you, I was overwhelmed to the point where I had a meltdown. I learned that it’s essential for the author to take charge of their career, which is why it’s essential to have a clear, focused plan. Education is the key as well as updating your goals as you move forward in your career. Take care, and I wish you the very best. Enjoy your weekend!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  6. Terry Spear said: Love, love, love your covers and books! Yum! :) So proud of you, Diana!

    ~*Hugs* Terry, thank you so much for stopping by and your kind words. Everything that’s happened in my career is humbling. I’m so thankful to so many who took time out of their crazy lives to make a positive difference in mine. My hope is that I can help others who are working to move forward to achieve their dreams. Take care, enjoy your weekend, and I wish you the very best.

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  7. Wonderful advice. I in the waiting stage right now. My book has been on submission for 4 weeks and my agent is starting to nudge.

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  8. Kimberly Kincaid said: This is very timely for me-- thank you for sharing! It's hard to switch gears when you've been focused on the writing for so long :)

    ~*Hugs* Hi Kimberly. Thank you so much for stopping by. I hear you. I sold after 9 ½ years of writing. However hard I thought writing was, toss in the promotion side and holy cow. The key is to define your strengths and build your career around them. If possible, the things you’re not wild about doing in promotion, see if your budget allows you to hire someone to take care of those. I’m giving a workshop at this October’s NJRW’s conference on promotion. If you’re going, I hope you stop by. Take care, take deep breaths as you wade into promotion, and I wish you the very best. *Hugs*
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  9. Jennifer Shirk said: GREAT tips, Diana!!

    ~Hi Jennifer, I appreciate your stopping by. If anything helps, that’s what it’s all about. The promotion side to writing can be overwhelming. The key is to focus on your strengths and manage your time. Wishing you the very best. Enjoy your weekend!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  10. ellaquinnauthor said: Wonderful advice. I in the waiting stage right now. My book has been on submission for 4 weeks and my agent is starting to nudge.

    ~Hi Ella, appreciate your stopping by. Absolutely, start NOW in preparing your promotion plan. Once you sell – and sending you positive wishes – you’ll find yourself overwhelmed. And, the better your books do, the busier you’ll be. The key is to prepare now, then update your writing/promotion plan as you go. Take care, enjoy your weekend, and I wish you the very best!
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  11. Very interesting post, Diana. I did start networking about a year before my first novel was published (in June 2011), but although it has resulted in a lot of wonderful online friends, I haven't really seen any dramatic effect on sales! I spend a lot of time supporting my friends (and others) on their blog tours, and do a fair amount of blog visits myself which I enjoy for their own sake.
    In the UK, the opportunities for book signing sessions are very limited. Our major book chain, Waterstones, has just had a change of policy, and now will only have book signings if they can guarantee 'a line of people waiting outside the door' i.e. celebrity signings. Although I've now had 3 books published in the past year, I can't claim celebrity status!!

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  12. Thank you for this advice, Diana. And for the comfort that one can be successful after years of trying. I hope promotion will be a pleasure after one of my WIP's is published.

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  13. Paula Martin said...Very interesting post, Diana.

    ~Hi Paula, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

    I did start networking about a year before my first novel was published (in June 2011), but although it has resulted in a lot of wonderful online friends, I haven't really seen any dramatic effect on sales! I spend a lot of time supporting my friends (and others) on their blog tours, and do a fair amount of blog visits myself which I enjoy for their own sake.

    ~Networking is essential to help you build a good solid base, but persistence and time are the key. One thing I’ve learned in the writing industry, nothing happens fast. Focus on your goals and believe in yourself. Each step forward is exactly that.

    In the UK, the opportunities for book signing sessions are very limited. Our major book chain, Waterstones, has just had a change of policy, and now will only have book signings if they can guarantee 'a line of people waiting outside the door' i.e. celebrity signings. Although I've now had 3 books published in the past year, I can't claim celebrity status!!

    ~Wow. I didn’t realize they’d changed their policy. I love the signings and getting to meet the authors. Take care and know I’m cheering for you. Wishing you the very best. Have a wonderful weekend!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN. Ret
    www.dianacosby.com

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  14. Thanks, Diana. I think I need to pin those two words above my computer - persistence and time! It's hard not to get discouraged at times!

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  15. Ana Morgan said: Thank you for this advice, Diana.

    ~Hi Ana, thank you for stopping by. If anything helped, that’s what it’s all about.

    And for the comfort that one can be successful after years of trying. I hope promotion will be a pleasure after one of my WIP's is published.

    ~ I hope you enjoy the promotion end as well. I tend to do what I love in promoting, which makes a big difference. Something you could do now is make a list of what you love to do, then find creative ways of how you can combine it with your writing. If you have any questions, please let me know. Take care and I wish you the very best.
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN. Ret
    www.dianacosby.com

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  16. Paula Martin said: Thanks, Diana. I think I need to pin those two words above my computer - persistence and time! It's hard not to get discouraged at times!

    ~Paula, it is hard and at times all writers become frustrated. I love the on-line communities, because you see you’re not alone and we’re all struggling daily for the right words and to find the magical promotion key. The bottom line is, choose what you love to do, from the right word to the right promotion. We work too hard not to have fun. :) Enjoy yourself and I wish you the very best!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN. Ret
    www.dianacosby.com

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  17. Diana - a question! What do you think constitutes 'over-promotion'? I've seen what I would call over-promotion (which I think ends up with a negative effect), but it's actually hard to know how far you can go with promotion.

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  18. Paula Martin said: Diana - a question! What do you think constitutes 'over-promotion'? I've seen what I would call over-promotion (which I think ends up with a negative effect), but it's actually hard to know how far you can go with promotion.

    ~How an author promotes is the individual’s decision. An author needs to weigh the impact, if the promotion they’re doing is achieving the desired results. Over-promotion is a judgment call, and a tough one to make. I believe it’s essential to continue making the promotion fresh, which helps keep it inciting interest.
    Does this help?
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN. Ret
    www.dianacosby.com

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  19. Interesting answer, Diana! I've seen some authors who post excerpts (usually long ones!) on the loops over and over again. That, to me, is over-promotion, although of course I have no idea whether it has any results for them. All I know is that I scroll down the posts without reading them!
    Keeping the promotion fresh is obviously preferable! I usually 'advertise' when I've had a new and good review.
    The FB and Twitter posts starting 'Check out' or 'Read my book' never inspire me to do that, so I don't ever fall into that kind of promotion.

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  20. Paula Martin said: Interesting answer, Diana! I've seen some authors who post excerpts (usually long ones!) on the loops over and over again. That, to me, is over-promotion, although of course I have no idea whether it has any results for them. All I know is that I scroll down the posts without reading them!
    Keeping the promotion fresh is obviously preferable! I usually 'advertise' when I've had a new and good review.

    ~To decide what is the most effective promotion is, is tough. For me, I look to what inspires me. I believe when we see commercials that make us react in a positive way, that we should figure out what it was that which intrigued you. Then, take that element and use it as a base to make a creative angle to market your work. It’s the, don’t reinvent the wheel kind of thought. Also, remember people in this high media day are bored quickly. It’s imperative to present something new and fresh often, which takes a lot of time and resources. A budget is essential, more so keeping to it.

    With the FB and Twitter posts starting 'Check out' or 'Read my book' never inspire me to do that, so I don't ever fall into that kind of promotion.

    ~Being aware of what appeals to you is excellent. Make a list of what type of marketing you like, then focus on making up a marketing plan on that. Excellent questions. Thank you for asking, and I hope my replies help. Enjoy your evening!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN. Ret
    www.dianacosby.com

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  21. Jennifer and everyone who stopped by, it was my sincere pleasure to visit today. If you have more questions, please ask. I will continued to answer them.

    Writing is a unique and demanding challenge, but an amazing and rewarding one as well. Believe in yourself and dare to follow your heart. *Hugs* I wish each and ever one of you the very best.
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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  22. Thanks so much for being with us at HWH today, Diana. You've really given me food for thought!

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  23. Paula Martin said: Thanks so much for being with us at HWH today, Diana. You've really given me food for thought!

    ~Thank you so much, Paula. I sincerely hope this helps you. Take care, keep your passion alive, and have a super weekend!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
    www,dianacosby.com

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  24. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Diana. Interesting post filled with great advice. So glad you could join us!

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  25. Anonymous Jennifer Wilck said: Thanks so much for stopping by today, Diana. Interesting post filled with great advice. So glad you could join us!

    ~Jennifer, my sincere pleasure to be at Heroines with Hearts. Thank you for allowing me to visit. Take care and enjoy your Sunday!
    Sincerely,
    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

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