Cover reveal for Tempting Beat and Mini RT Recap.

Oh my goodness, I've had an exciting and busy week. I just got back from the RT Booklover's Convention. RT Magazine is closing its doors and that was the last RT convention. ...But what about the talk about New Orleans next year? Don't worry, I have the info! But first, let me say that I managed to finish my edits when I got home and turn in Tempting Beat! Here's the cover! As his bandmates in Bleeding Vengeance start settling down, drummer Roderick Powell wonders if his sexy neighbor might be the cure for what ails him, but Gwen seems immune to all of Rod's charms. Tempting Beat comes out on June 12th! It's up for pre-order on the Boroughs website HERE and should be up at the other vendors next week. Anyway, back to the RT gossip. Yes, it will no longer be RT. Instead, Jo Carol is taking over and it will now be the Booklover's Convention.  There's already a website and you can sign up for updates on the convention HERE. The usual big names will be there, like Christine Feehan, Sylvia Day, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Jill Shalvis, Shayla Black, Lexi Blake, Karen Rose and RaeAnne Thayne, Heather Graham, Rebecca Zanetti... AND JR WARD!!!!!!! SQUEEEEE!!!! Sorry, I'm a superfan, lol. I will also be there because NEW ORLEANS!  Other good news: Registrations will be cheaper and the convention will be shorter. 3-4 days instead of RT's long 7 days. For those of us on a budget, a whole week is tough. Not to mention that it's hard to keep up with all the excitement that happens in a whole week.  Soooo many pictures to share from this one. I had a blast at the 60's/70's party, rocking my bell bottoms, participated in two author parties in which I raffled off some amazing goodies, sat on a panel, and signed a lot of books. I also made some new friends, whose books I'll be raving over soon, had some hilarious silly times. Like when I encountered this fantastic blogger who was handing out penis candies and another author was in hysterics when hers stuck to her plate, danced for my first time in over a decade, ended up on the local news in my pajamas, the list goes on. I also got a pic with some of the RT roadies because they don't get enough credit.  The 12 hour drive was exhausting, but gorgeous. We drove through a trippy desert storm in northern Nevada. Anyway, I'm in for months of being busy. I have the next Hearts of Metal book to write, a brand new, totally secret series to work on, and so much more! Next week I should have the pre-order links to the other e-book stores for Tempting Beat! Until next week, ((HUGS)) Brooklyn Ann Series by Brooklyn Ann Scandals With Bite (Regency paranormal romance) Books do not need to be read in order Bite Me, Your Grace One Bite Per Night Bite at First Sight His Ruthless Bite Wynter's Bite The Highwayman's Bite ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brides of Prophecy (Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy)  Also don't need to be read in order until book 5...kinda Prequel: Tesemini (Free) Wrenching Fate (FREE!) Ironic Sacrifice Conjuring Destiny Unleashing Desire Pleading Rapture ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hearts of Metal (Contemporary Romance) Standalones that intertwine Kissing Vicious With Vengeance Rock God Metal and Mistletoe Forbidden Song  Tempting Beat ----------------------------------------------------------- For excerpts and special content, visit BrooklynAnnAuthor.com I love hearing from readers! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email! Contact@brooklynannauthor.com

New Release alert! Metal and Mistletoe (Hearts of Metal Book 4)

Merry Christmas! My Hearts of Metal Holiday novella, Metal And Mistletoe is now available. You guys have no idea how close I was to NOT writing it. I'm not that big on Christmas stories. However, three things motivated me. 1.) I always felt bad leaving Curt in limbo when he checked into rehab in Kissing Vicious. I didn't want to just leave him as a constantly relapsing addict. I wanted a happy ending for him. 2.) My mom was a Christmas nut and I always try to pay tribute to her. 3.) I always wanted to write an interracial romance. We need more POC characters. So all this was a perfect opportunity and so I went for it. Here's the blurb: Fighting the darkness of their pasts, talented heavy metal musicians Curtis Scrimm and Dezra Hopkins seek holiday solitude but find each other. A HOLIDAY REDEMPTION Curtis Scrimm and Dezra Hopkins have lived both the highs and the lows of life—literally. They’ve both known the joy of performing to hordes of screaming fans and the horror of betraying all that they love and admire. They’ve both just gotten out of rehab. But things are always darkest before the dawn, and with this Christmas comes redemption. It arrives in an unlikely place, in the solitary and deadly beauty of Yellowstone Park. It comes in the form of desperation and unquenchable desire, though things are never so black and white. The spark is a good bass line, the hottest lick from an electric guitar, and a primalistic roar like a furious lioness, and it will ignite an inferno of inspiration that both had been seeking. But that flame needs to be fanned. Curt and Dezra can nurture it with each other. Then they’ll need to find enough trust to make it burn forever. You can get it HERE on Amazon. And it should be available at all other vendors by tomorrow. Other News: I also completed the first draft of WYNTER'S BITE, (Scandals With Bite, Book 5) And am working on revising it before I send it off to critique partners.

It comes out February 14th and is available for Preorder! And more News: On a sad note, my boyfriend's dad had a stroke. On the bright side, he's not as bad off as some and seems to be recovering quickly. On the bad side, he still has a lot of recovery to do, so my sweetie has had to fly down south to take care of his businesses. I hope he'll be home for Christmas. I'm worried sick about him and his dad. His dad is a great man and I hope he'll be back to himself soon. My heart is aching for my boyfriend. I can't stand to see him in pain. In Happy News: I GOT A NEW CAR!!!! It's a 2007 Honda Fit Sport. 10 years ago, when I worked a Honda mechanic, the moment I first sat in the '07 Honda Fit, I sighed in pleasure and thought, "This is a Brooklyn car." Seriously, you guys have no idea how hard it is for a little person like me to find a car that fits me. Then I'd daydream about the day I'd be a best selling author and walk into that dealership and buy a new Fit. I'm not anywhere close to best selling enough for a brand new one (I don't like the way they squished the front end on the new ones anyway), and I didn't get a purple one, but still, my dream actually came true.

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited, even though this means I will no longer be quitting the day job at the end of the month as I'd originally planned since now I need to pay off the car and probably do some repairs since she's used. And I REAAAALLLLY want to paint her purple... with blue ghost flames. Anyway, I hope you pick up Metal and Mistletoe and enjoy it! I also hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Cover reveal for Metal and Mistletoe!!

My Hearts of Metal holiday novella will be coming out soon, so I thought I'd give you all a peek of the cover! It's my first Christmassy story, so I hope it won't disappoint. 

Right now I'm working on the final edits, so we can get a release date nailed down. With this publisher, they usually just drop the book, so if you want to be the first to know, sign up for my Newsletter!

Once more, I'm sorry for all the silence, but I need to get back into the fray.

Cover Reveal and Release date for Hearts of Metal, Book 3!

Hey everyone!

I am so excited to show off the cover for the third Hearts of Metal book!

Drumrollllllll!

Isn't it gorgeous! This might be my favorite of the series.

The book will release on September 27th!!!

Squeeee!!! I was not expecting it this quick!

And here's a shiny new blurb!

THEY’RE EVERYTHING

THEY DON’T KNOW THE OTHER NEEDS

a HEARTS OF METAL Romance

HE’S THE BEST THERE IS

Dante Deity is revered by everyone who knows anything about heavy metal music and respected by everyone else. Rich, handsome, successful, his voice is velvet-wrapped lightning, and his ability to juggle numerous philanthropic ventures and still crank out hits is unmatched. When he’s on tour, music is his life. When he’s taking a break, he’s thinking about his next tour—or working on a project that helps him forget he’s alone. In front of him lies his next endeavor.

SHE’S READY TO BE MORE

Shayna Jones is fleeing her past. Tragedy, infidelity, heartbreak: the twenty-five year old has suffered it all. She was strong enough to run, however, like a spunky heroine from one of her novels, and soon she’ll be flying…just as soon as she can walk again. But this time she has help. Unlike her abusive ex-husband or her bullying mother, the man standing before her is determined she succeed. In fact, Dante commands it. But while his intensity and generosity can easily win her heart, to gain her trust a man must first prove she’s something worth worshipping. Even—or especially—a rock god.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm excited!

WITH VENGEANCE is up for Preorder!

Woo-hoo! I am excited to announce that WITH VENGEANCE, (Hearts of Metal Book 2) is available for pre-order through my publisher's website in every e-book format possible. Go HERE to reserve your copy!

Also, there are only 2 days left to Vote for Book 1, KISSING VICIOUS for the Reader's Choice Awards! If you haven't voted already, Go here!

With Vengeance picks up where Kissing Vicious leaves off, featuring Katana James who faces the daunting task of filling the shoes of Bleeding Vengeance’s revered guitarist who I killed off in the last book. Her growing attraction to the bassist, Klement Burke, who has a secret identity, and a mysterious, malevolent stalker trying going after Kat, lends credence to the fact that the road to love with a rocker is paved with struggle. The book releases May 19th and I hope you’ll enjoy the adventure.

Rock on everyone!

Finally! Release date and cover reveal for Hearts of Metal Book 2!

I know some of you have been anticipating this news for awhile. I finally have a release date for Hearts of Metal! But first, the cover reveal!

WITH VENGEANCE will be released May 19th!!! Wooot! I'm shocked that it's coming so quick, but very excited.

Since it's been awhile between released in this series, my publisher is going to be doing a book blitz for book one, KISSING VICIOUS on May 5th. If you sign up you can either post a quick promo on it or get a free copy to review. Here's the link to sign up! http://bit.ly/KissingViciousRB

And speaking of KISSING VICIOUS, if you hadn't heard, I'm a finalist for THE READER'S CHOICE AWARDS over at The Romance Reviews! There are only 5 more days to vote, and I need all the votes I can get. Go to the link to vote! http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=19451

Anyway, I'm so excited for you all to read Klement's and Kat's story, which picks up right where we left off at the end of Kissing Vicious.

I made a teaser graphic to share.

And there's going to be even more excitement on the way, so stay tuned!

I hope everyone has an excellent week! And don't forget to vote for KISSING VICIOUS!

Branding Demonstrated with Rock & Metal bands.

1. Earlier this month, author Bonnie R. Paulson and I did a talk on author branding and marketing. We did a nifty slideshow and my contribution was examples of rock and metal bands for brands that succeeded, brands that failed, and successful rebranding.
2. It was a lot of fun so I figured I’d share them with you.
3. Example of successful branding:
4. When I think of a successful brand, these guys are the first who come to mind… even if I’m not a fan.
5. KISS

fits.

1. Made their own “characters” with recognizable makeup and outfits.
2. Portrayed the message that they were rebels and you were one too for listening to them.
3. Had the “Kiss Army” you could sign up for, complete with membership card so you felt part of the band.
4. Comic books and movie appearances (The latter didn’t turn out so well.) KISS Meets Phantom of the Park was a major selection in my “Bad Movie Club.”
5. How this applies to authors:
6. Due to the prevalence of social media these days, authors are able to do more and more to brand themselves in different ways.
7. 1.) Looks. I’m known for my top hat and goth-y clothes, George RR Martin is known for his Sea-Captain look, Stephen King is known for his HUGE glasses etc. But if you don't have a special look, there's no need to worry. It's the least important thing in our business.
8. 2.) Genre and Style. Grace Burrowes is known for historical, Stephen King is known for horror, even though half of the stuff he writes isn’t horror, and authors who do multiple genres are known for a common theme.
9. Bonnie R. Paulson's stories always focus on survival. Mine always feature either damaged or eccentric characters and sometimes both… so I use the tagline “Love for the Broken and Strange.”
10. 3.) Newsletter/ Street-team:
11. Just as KISS has their KISS army and Megadeth has their CyberArmy, many authors bring their best fans into their network, making them part of their career. Bonnie calls hers “Survivors.”
12. I call mine my “Misfits.” Though my street team is called “Brooklyn Ann’s Bookaholics” because I have a soft spot for alliteration. :D
13. So what happens when brands fail?
14. Here are a few examples.

Marilyn Manson: “Brand Misdirection”

I was a HUGE Manson fan back in the day. He began with a certain sound, image, and message that touched me… and many of his early songs still hold up.

Parents HATED him and he just ate that up. After all, rock branding 101 teaches: “Make parents hate you, sell more albums.”

Unfortunately, he got too caught up in “Shock Value” and his messages and outfits seemed to be more for the sake of shock and piccing off parents than the message of the value of being yourself and not letting bullies hurt you that first drew me in the first place.

Plus, he changed his look so much in just one decade that my head spun and I gave up on listening to him.

This was the Manson I grew up on. Spooky & Sexy

When he changed to this, I was all, "okaay... at least the music's still good."

                                   
What the hell, Manson?                                                            Seriously, WTF?
Red & Silver Leopard print is SOOO                                        I'm DONE now.
NOT GOTH!!

Eventually he went back to his classic style, but it was too late.

How this pertains to authors:

It’s perfectly fine to try new subgenres, but try to have a complete series in each. Don’t do erotic one month and then switch to YA the next. Unless you use a pen name.

Also, it is important to KNOW your voice, and know what themes/ message you intend to deliver to your audience.

All details in your work must pertain to the story. Don’t do things just for shock value, or to comply to a trend.

Metallica: Brand Betrayal

I used to be a huge Metallica fan. I even liked the Black Album even if it was slightly mellower than the previous ones. And back in 1996, when they announced the release of a new album, I was so happy!

….Until I heard it.

This was the Metallica I LOVED.

They softened their sound & CUT THEIR HAIR!

LOAD was the title of that 1996 album. It was a load of something, alright.

Why this was a bad call:

In the mid 90’s, Alternative music was all the rage, so Metallica wanted to capitalize on that. And it did work in a way. All of a sudden the preppy kids at my school started listening to them.

However, the fan base they’d built for the past 15 years were horrified by the change and quit listening to them.

And then the new fans they gained abandoned them for the next new thing.

How this pertains to authors:  

Always remember. Your fans are your fans for a reason. Don’t let them down to chase what’s popular.

If we want to do a drastic change, we can utilize pseudonyms.

Thankfully, after Metallica’s betrayal, another favorite band stayed true. Which brings me to the next subject.

Brand Consistency: MEGADETH

I want to give them all big hugs and play with their hair!

Fun fact: Dave Mustaine of Megadeth was one of the original founders of Metallica, but he was fired and instead of giving up, he formed one of the greatest thrash metal bands ever.

As you can see with the before and after, Megadeth kept their look. They also kept the basic core principles of their sound, though with moderate changes to keep from going stale.

And that's why we see them here at the Grammy's. THEY didn't cut their hair!! 

How this pertains to authors:

Because although one should adapt to the times to avoid being redundant and remain relevant, you still need to maintain the voice your fans know and love you for.

Successful Rebranding: PANTERA

Did you know that Pantera started out as a hair metal band?  Many don’t because they were unnoticeable among tons of other hair bands. And a terrible album cover.

Before:

It's like Cinderella and Motley Crue had babies together.

And let’s take a moment to see this awful album cover.

Looks like something a kid in middle school in the 80's drew on the back of his homework folder.

AFTER: They eventually replaced their generic 80’s singer and created a sound that was so different, people sat up and said, “WOW! Who ARE these guys?”

They're metal enough that the lead singer can have short hair. :D

     Much better album art.

Seriously, listen to the difference!

       Skip to 0:49 to get past the 80's sound effects

Oh, yesss!! Now this I can head-bang to!!

How this pertains to authors: Sometimes maybe you’re not in the right subgenre. Many authors do this because they feel pressured to follow the trends.

Authors who’ve done this: Jessica Bird wrote historical romance, then became a queen of Urban Fantasy with the BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD. Kinley MacGregor became Sherrilyn Kenyon, author of THE DARK HUNTERS.

I hope this was helpful, or at least entertaining advice!!

Want more rock stars in your life?

Check out my heavy metal romance, KISSING VICIOUS!!!