Welcome Guest Blogger Lisa Renee Jones!

Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on Fri, 2007-08-10 12:15.

Hello to everyone at Cigars! My first Blaze release is this month and though the title is Hard and Fast, there was nothing Hard and Fast about getting published. In fact, the week before I got my first Harlequin call, which was actually from Nocturne, I cried and swore I was quitting. My advice to anyone who wants to write and can’t get that big break is to just KEEP GOING. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

The struggle to get here makes being here all the sweeter though. This year I had the great fortune of having five releases. My first Blaze hit shelves on July 20th which was my birthday! What a great present!
Of my releases this year, three are anthologies, and I am thrilled to be in them with some amazing talent! One of these anthologies is out next month – EXCLUSIVE – from Berkley Heat with Jaci Burton and Eden Bradley. These two ladies are so so talented!

Then, in November the debut of my paranormal series THE KNIGHTS OF WHITE is coming – The Beast Within. I am very excited about this series. The second and third books will be out in 08 so readers who like the November release will know two more are coming soon! It’s The Beast Within, Beast of Desire, and Beast of Darkness to start. Hope to know about more in this series soon!

But back to Hard and Fast! No, I didn’t pick the title, but its and attention grabber, isn’t it? What do you think about titles? What about covers? What makes you buy a book or NOT buy a book? I’d really love to hear. So much so I have incentives! I have a package with two free books and all kinds of fun promo items in it for a drawing!

Just tell me if titles and covers impact your desire to buy a book and I’ll draw from all the comments, but you must be a registered user to win!

Lisa Renee Jones

woo!

Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Fri, 2007-08-10 12:19.

Hey Lisa! It is a great cover, and congrats on your first Blaze! I am excited to read your Nocturne series as well. You're on fire. Love the story about almost quitting -- I quit last fall, too, for about 24 hours. The lows can really get you in this business, but I think those are the testing points, and obviously, you passed the test. ;)

Covers make a huge impact on me, definitely draw my eye, and work together with titles to get me to pick up a book, though the back cover blurb is probably what really sells me.

Also, let me sneak in here to let people know the great news! Lisa will be a regular here on Cigars come January 2008! So we're looking forward to that, for sure! :)

sam

Oh Lisa!!

Submitted by goddessani on Fri, 2007-08-10 16:24.

You are joining a great group of women! I just love this blog!! ani

YUM!

Submitted by jibby2 on Fri, 2007-08-10 16:30.

I LOVE the cover too!! This will have to be a definate read. I'm glad you kept on keeping on, so you could bring us this book. I bet it's so exciting to know you're firt Blaze is finally here. I'm sure there will be many more and CONGRATS to you. I can't wait to read it:)

Thanks so much for having me

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 20:17.

Thanks so much for having me Samantha! And speaking of covers, yours is drool worthy in a big way, and I have it sitting on my desk to start reading! Can't wait. I grabbed it at RWA. Lisa

Congrats!

Submitted by fedora on Fri, 2007-08-10 14:30.

Yay, Lisa! What an exciting and rewarding year you've had! I'm not a writer myself (leaving that to the rest of you talented folks!) and can only imagine the determination you need to keep going when you haven't gotten positive feedback in a while. I'm so glad it's been worth your while (and ours!) And yes, titles and covers do grab my attention -- sometimes one, sometimes the other, often both. I think it depends a little on how I first hear about the book, too. If I'm browsing somewhere I can actually look at the covers, that definitely has a big impact, but the title ALWAYS matters. If they're clever, that's a bonus :) And I usually enjoy the eye candy appeal of the covers; sometimes if the cover doesn't really match well with my impression of the content, it's a little hard to overcome as I'm reading along, so occasionally covers disappoint, but not usually until after, if that makes any sense. Anyway, welcome, Lisa!

Hi Fedora!

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 15:58.

I like that eye candy too! So far I havne't gotten a good does of that yet though Samantha's cover does have a nice hot piece of it!!! I saw some of the upcoming Blaze covers WOW --so hot!! Karen Foley's -- MAMAMAMAMAMAM! My first Nocturne doesn't match the book well so that has me a tad worried....I don't want readers to be confused... You can see at www.theknightsofwhite.com what the hero looks like vs the cover...

Congratulations!

Submitted by Karen Foley on Fri, 2007-08-10 14:35.

Lisa, huge congratulations! This is very, very exciting! Personally, I love the title of the book, and it certainly does catch your attention. I wonder how often authors are able to keep their original titles, versus having them changed by the editor. Which begs the question...what was the working title for this book?? Karen

title

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 15:55.

Hey Karen! The working title was 'Crossing the line' so it was a far cry from where I ended up! Now on Nocturne they have kept all three of my titles, The Beast Within, Beast of Desire, and Beast of Darkness.

congrats!

Submitted by Charlene Teglia on Fri, 2007-08-10 15:06.

Congrats on all your sales. Yes, the title for Hard and Fast did catch my eye. I've got it on my shopping list. *g*

Thank you Charlene and

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 15:53.

Thank you Charlene and congrats on your new release and being picked up for a bookclub!

Covers is what gets me to

Submitted by amysmith98 on Fri, 2007-08-10 16:06.

Covers is what gets me to notice a new book. I usually buy a book based on the blurb on the back and excerpts.

Of course

Submitted by goddessani on Fri, 2007-08-10 16:23.

A sexy cover or an intriguing title is going to catch my eye! If it's an author I know or has been recommended to me, it automatically goes into the cart. If it's one I've never heard of, though, it's the back blurb that wins me over. Although there are a couple of books I've bought in the past (Sighs Matter comes to mind) simply for the cover! LOL ani

it catches my eyes, but it

Submitted by kim h on Fri, 2007-08-10 16:46.

it catches my eyes, but it wont make me buy it. and not the titles either. i would nt say never but 99% of time it doesnt matter to me. Hi Lisa Congrats on the books, i love blaze!!! so hot and i love sports, so it is up my territory.

Congratulations!

Submitted by Minna on Fri, 2007-08-10 17:12.

Congratulations on your book! A nice cover and title are goood eye catchers, but it's the blurb that makes me either buy the book or leave it in the store.

Congrats on your books!

Submitted by Kimberly (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 17:24.

And an attractive cover will cause me to pick a book up, but it's the text on the back of a cover that makes me read or buy it. If a cover is really nice, and I plan to buy the book eventually, the art may make me buy it sooner rather than later (in case it changes for subsequent editions).

Cover and title get me to pick up book

Submitted by CrystalGB on Fri, 2007-08-10 17:44.

I do find that when I am bookshopping that a nice cover and a interesting title will get me to pick up a book to see what it is about. But, I don't base my decision to buy on those items. The book blurb and short excerpt in front of the book is more what helps me make my decision to buy.

LRJ

Submitted by RobynL (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 17:52.

I love many book covers and consider them art in and of themselves. I do pick a book because of the cover but do also go by the back blurb and from excerpts I have read. If I haven't read any excerpts I go by the first page and the blurb. As for titles, they can get one's attention but often times don't really relate to the story.

Covers

Submitted by Maureen on Fri, 2007-08-10 17:54.

Congratulations on your success. I rarely buy a book because of the cover. I am looking for authors that I like or plots that interest me.

covers

Submitted by tetewa on Fri, 2007-08-10 18:45.

As an avid reader of all genres I'm always looking for new authors to read. Although a book cover can get me interested in picking up the book and seeing what it is about this is neccessarily why I but the book. It may get me interested in it though. I usually buy my books by the favorite authors that I read or different genres that I read.

Congrats!

Submitted by AshsHeroine on Fri, 2007-08-10 18:53.

A cover does impact my buying decision, but if the book sounds really good I ignore the cover. Also if a title catches my eye I am more likely to pick up the book and see what it's about. Blaze has been coming out with some really nice covers lately, and Hard and Fast has a great one. Ashley

Hey there! Thanks on Hard

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 20:15.

Hey there! Thanks on Hard and Fast...They did do a good job of capturing the two characters. I have to say I think Blaze is pretty good at that. But wait until you see some of the new ones!!! At RWA I was having cover envy lol when I saw them!

FAB cover

Submitted by Tawny Weber on Fri, 2007-08-10 19:13.

I love covers! I won't NOT buy a book because of a bad cover, but a great one is like a magnet, pulling me through the bookstore and right to the book *g*

Welcome, Lisa ;-) Can't wait to finish my deadline and dig in to read your book!!! Congrats on the release.

Thanks for inviting me!

Submitted by >Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 20:13.

Thanks for inviting me!

If the cover looks great

Submitted by Stacy S on Fri, 2007-08-10 19:43.

If the cover looks great that helps me. But I'll still buy it if it's not. Mostly its what the book is about for me. I just got Hard & Fast yesterday. Great so far!!

Thank you for picking it up

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 20:11.

Thank you for picking it up Stacy!:)

the way I choose books to

Submitted by swstmama on Fri, 2007-08-10 20:20.

the way I choose books to read when they are by authors I haven't read before is by the cover. It has to catch my eye and the summary on the back reels me in. Hope that helps.

Hi Lisa

Submitted by cherierj on Fri, 2007-08-10 21:11.

Good to have you here. When it is an author that is new to me the cover and title are what will catch my attention. This will cause me to want to pick it up and look it over. From there it is up to the story to catch my interest enough to influence me to buy it.

Hi Lisa

Submitted by Shelbysmom on Fri, 2007-08-10 21:32.

Hi Lisa Love your books. Hard and Fast was fabulous. This is my first time "blogging". When I am looking at books, one of the first things that I notice is if the FONT for the title is easily readable. If I can't read it at a quick glance, I will usually pass it by. If a title sounds interesting I will at least pick it up and read the back cover. For me, covers don't always give you an idea of what the story is about so they really aren't a big part of why I buy particular books. Most of my book purchases are based on particular authors, yourself included, and recommendations from friends. Jacki

Thank you on Hard and Fast

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 01:53.

Thank you on Hard and Fast Jacki! And you are so right on the cover not always being a good indication. If only it were it would be easily to pick from so many. I often stand in the store fretting over which one and I do read the back cover and often the first page... I have found the buzz from readers on the good ones to be really helpful. Often on my blog I ask about what is good and I have found some real jewels that way. When I love a writer I tend to devour their releases!:)

Lisa Renee Jones books

Submitted by Louise Kulp (not verified) on Fri, 2007-08-10 21:41.

Good Luck on your latest book/books.

book covers and titles

Submitted by Sharon Brogan on Fri, 2007-08-10 22:11.

Sharon Brogan congratulations. To catch my interest a book has to have an interesting title. Covers are good but it is the name that gets me to pickup a book. Then the description on back and an excerpt inside are the deciding factors. Although these days many books don't have an excerpt which makes deciding harder. I am more likely to buy a book with a good excerpt.

What catches my eye

Submitted by Momma2Many66 on Sat, 2007-08-11 00:35.

Hello Lisa, What most catches my eye when searching the HUGE racks of romance books at my local book stores is a catchy title and an interesting excerpt on the back cover. If the title is hot or exciting, I will pick it up. Then I read the back cover for more information about what the storyline is about. If the storyline sounds interesting and the characters sound good, I plunk my money right down :)

I believe it is the

Submitted by kendara on Sat, 2007-08-11 00:35.

I believe it is the combination of cover, title and well written tease on the backcover that sells a book. A good cover catches my eye and if I like the title I will pick it up and read the blurb on the back..ultimately it is what is written on the back cover that gets me to buy the book. Congratulations on your first Blaze..very exciting!!!! Kendra

Thank you Kendra! Covers are

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 01:47.

Thank you Kendra! Covers are big for me too. I think that is why I get so nervous waiting on what mine will look like since authors don't get a lot of say in how they look in most cases

Hi, Lisa!!

Submitted by Mimmi (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 01:09.

Hi, Lisa~~I'm SO thrilled you didn't quit!! I'm thrilled to have found you...and you're Blazing hot, girlie...keep it up!! I'm always on the hunt for new authors, new stories. I read ALOT, so a cover does NOT turn me off a story. A great cover might catch my eye, and I might pick that book up first, but I usally check out anything that I can get my little paws on!! Keep up the great writing...and Can't wait for Knights of White!!!

Hey Melissa!!! So glad you

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 02:43.

Hey Melissa!!! So glad you made it by:) And thank you. You've been cheering me on a long time and I so so appreciate it! And I can't wait for Knights of White! I found out they are coming our 4 months apart back to back and I am thrilled about that!

Hi Lisa, Congratulations on

Submitted by Katelyn on Sat, 2007-08-11 01:20.

Hi Lisa, Congratulations on your new books. I bought and read "Hard and Fast". Since you were a new writer to me, I bought the book based on the blurb on the back of the book. It helped that it was a book about baseball. I'm a huge sports fan but my favorite will always be baseball. There was a "similar" real life story here in Los Angeles about a female sports reporter and the star pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers(Derek Lowe) the difference was that he was married. The reporter had to resign because she covered the team and went on the road with them. It was quite a scandal mainly on sports talk radio since the newspapers chose to mainly ignore the story. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read other books by you again very soon. ps. my only little nitpick is,in one of the scenes after a game they went to a bar and you described it as there was cigarettes smoke and smoking,but in California there is no smoking in restaurants, bars or in some cities outside near those establishments. Katelyn

Thanks so much for buying

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 01:45.

Thanks so much for buying the book and reading it. Interesting about the reporter. I had the fortunate of talking with a pro-player who is the Dad of my son'ts friend. He was very patient because had pages of questions! And the smoking thing! I should have thought about how the laws have changed so much. I'm glad you brought it up because its something that will now stick in my head for the future!

When I buy a book the cover

Submitted by Gail (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 02:05.

When I buy a book the cover is what catches my eye first. I also go by the author and the blurp on the back of the book. Your book Hard and Fast is a very good read, I would recommend it to anyone that loves to read.

Waving at Gail! Love seeing

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 02:45.

Waving at Gail! Love seeing some familiar faces. Makes me feel right at home:) And thank you on the Hard and Fast plug Gail! Hugs:)

Lisa - Covers and blurbs

Submitted by Debbie Ellison (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 02:22.

Hi Lisa, I'm so excited about your new Blaze release that I went into a visiting Borders Store and took pictures of your books on the shelf. You are so personable and real that I'm just as excited as you are. It was a long haul for sure but now you ARE HERE!!! Enjoy and celebrate. I have definitely bought many books because of the cover. Never judge a book by it's cover doesn't really apply to me. It doesn't mean I won't buy a book without a great cover but the odds are in favor of a HOT cover. I also have many auto-buy authors - doesn't matter where they release the next book - I buy it. In fact I just received my SEPTEMBER copy of Romantic Times Magazine and I'm looking at the review for your next release "EXCLUSIVE" which received 4 1/2*****. Woohoo~!! I better get pre-ordering this one - also because Jaci Burton is another of my auto-buy authors. Much success to you!!! I'm so happy and proud of you! You really had to have thick skin to get this far. I remember. Hugs to you! Debbie E

Debbie!

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sun, 2007-08-12 06:28.

Waving! Hi! I read this right before bed and its sending me to bed with a smile on my face:) And thank you so much for noticing the RT review. I am so so thrilled about the Exclusive anthology with Jaci Burton and Eden Bradley. I was nervous that I was the only paranormal in the anthology and wondered how it would be recieved but so far so good. Everyone seems to like the collection and feel it fits well. I have two talented authors wiht me in it so I think their skill helps make it weave together well. Night :) Oh prize drawing will be tomorrow night so eveyrone can post until then!:)

Writing

Submitted by Jane Squires (not verified) on Sat, 2007-08-11 03:17.

I already feel like giving up and haven't started yet. I am however thinking of working of picking this area up with my girls gone now and so much time on my hands. I have always loved to write to encourage and uplift others. I have read such good books in all my life that have brought tears to my eyes, laughter, and joy. I would like to try some children's books since I've taught classes at church since I was 17 - 40 years total. Enjoy your site. I like to look at covers of books but sometimes find them misleading. I look to the blurb. What other authors have said on their website and other websites I belong to now. God Bless.

Titles and covers

Submitted by Lissy on Sat, 2007-08-11 15:34.

I think they do impact my buying a book. Most of the time a great cover will make me pick up a book, thumb through it and check out the back blurb, 99% of the time I end up buying it. Have to say I can't wait to read Hard and Fast, finally a sports hero!! :)

I am glad to hear the sports

Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Sun, 2007-08-12 06:24.

I am glad to hear the sports hero is appealing! Baseball players have a certain sex appeal to me for sure:) Especially pitchers and the control they have!

Do covers and titles sell a book?

Submitted by Sue A. on Sat, 2007-08-11 19:59.

I love to look at covers. They just keep getting more gorgeous! But I've never run across a cover that made me buy the book, because I just had to have that cover. So even if you should end up with a bad cover, don't dispair, your fans will overlook it and buy the book regardless. I also long ago stopped expecting covers to have anything to do with the contents of a book so I really don't judge a book by its cover. And although a catchy title is great, I have to admit I don't have a memory for titles. This has gotten me into trouble. I've bought a number of duplicate books because the publisher re-printed a book by an auto-buy author of mine with a new cover. I buy a book based on my liking of the backcover blurb and my liking of the author or book press I've read.

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