Random Tuesdays {20}: Print on Demand

Once again it's time for Random Tuesday. Sometimes these topics are about everyday life and other times they are about my journey as an author.  So today I'm gonna talk a bit about one of, shall we say, my frustrations as author at the moment: Print on Demand.

This is a nifty little service that many indie authors use to create, publish and print their e-books into a traditional book form.  They are great for signings and while are a huge part of my sales, they are an important piece.  And with the release of Obscene Ecstasy last week, the next logical step is to get the print version set up and ready to go for next years signings - and that's where my frustration comes in.  

With Amazon's closing of Createspace - the service I've been using for the past five years or so, it's been a struggle to figure out which print on demand service I should use:  Amazon Print, Nook Print or Ingram. 

Let's start with Amazon.  From the front-end - it seems pretty seamless and similar to how Createspace was set up - as far as I can tell. The prices seem decent - kind of ticked I can't get Prime on my author copies, considering I am a prime paying member.  However, I haven't actually ordered anything yet. Checking the price for my newest release says it would be about $5.12 and I can get a free KDP ISBN for my print book - a plus as ISBN's can be pricy if bought individually.  (I am aware cheaper ISBN's are available in bulk)  But the rumors around Facebook and from other authors talk about delays in shipping and availability issues.  Do I want to chance not having my books in time for a signing if I happen to release a few weeks before said signing?  Kind a scares me. 

Then there's Nook. It was reccommended to me by another author friend.  She has used them in the past and says they are pretty good. They are new, and at first I was worried about my KU titles that I put in print.  Would I be able to use Barnes and Noble (an amazon competitor) for my print?  After checking the Terms of Service for K.U.  it does look like I might be able to print through them.  For my newest release, it looks like it's gonna cost around $5.19 per copy.  Not sure about the actual cost of shipping as they don't have that listed without actually setting up the book. 

Lastly, Ingram.  I've heard them spoke of before Createspace closed its doors.  Several author friends use them, and love the quality.  Using their pricing and shipping calaculator for Obscene Ecstasy, we're looking at $5.63 per copy - and pretty standard shipping rates.  Not horrible - a bit more than what Amazon wants or even Nook but gaurnteed turn around times listed in black and white.  Would it be worth my time to spend the few extra cents to have peace of mind about arrival times? Maybe.  

*I did sign up for an account and found out while they seem pretty comprable to Amazon, they do not supply ISBNs and if you have to load a new version of your book, then you're gonna pay $25 each time you do it.  

So now you can probably see my frustration.  Yes, Amazon is the cheapest, but I worry about their follow through, Nook just doesn't have enough information easily available about shipping and what not, while Ingram is very clear about their guidelines, in the end they will end up costing me more up front to print (with the cost of the ISBN and reload fees).   Makes an author wonder if print is really worth the headache.   

Any authors who have experiences with any of these P.O.D. services, feel free to sound off. I really could use some real life experience advice.  

Dakota 

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Random Tuesday {18}: Rebranding

So here's a random idea...rebranding. As a reader, a consumer, do you like it? Or just wish that companies would leave that crap alone.  After the failed rebranding of the GAP and (shudders) the New Coke...one could make that argument that we should just leave well enough alone, but me...I like new shiny sparkly things.  And considering I've never really had a specific brand, I thought why not give it a shot.  The worst that could happen is that I wasted my time and money, right? 

Anyway, the idea of rebranding came up after a signing I had at one of my local bookstores, M & M Bookstore, and a conversation I had with one of the P.A.'s that attended.  She was curious to see what kind of swag I was interested in (since I pretty much wiped out all my swag during this last season's book signings) and she said she could put logo's on just about anything.  Well, I didn't have a logo. (at least at the time, I didn't)  I even tossed around the idea of paying her or someone to create me one, then said what the hell, I have a graphics design degree - use it.   Of course the hardest thing to  decide on is what do I want to represent my brand?  I write in a variety genres, but it seems no matter what, my kink slides into the story.   So I came up with this idea of cuffs shaped like hearts...which you may have noticed is now plastered all over my website, my blog, hell even my facebook page.  

Now that I've decided on this logo - for better or worse,  now comes the lengthy process of reprinting everything from my business cards, to most of my promotional swag.  I've already contacted my normal lady about doing these really cool poker chips with my logo on them for signings and I have decided upon doing new key chains for next year as well.  Either way, I'm hoping it all turns out for the best.  In fact, here's a sneak peek at my new business card.

Random Tuesday {15}: Oh how it grows...

"Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow...."

Okay we all know the nursery rhyme, but I'm here to tell you it's a lot of hard work and dedication. (Not that I'm complaining.) I love to garden.  And that's what's been on my mine this Tuesday. I remember helping my grandmother in her garden, my own mother in hers.  Let's face it - if there's a garden to be found, you will probably find me there.  There's just something about digging in the soil, pulling weeds and seeing plants flourish.  And the fact that my kiddos and I get to eat the rewards of my labor? Well, that's just a bonus.  

With the way I talk you would think that I've been putting in a huge vegetable garden every year, but I've only been doing it for the past few years - and last year was my best year. I had tons of tomatoes, cucumbers and a few peppers.  But it was a big enough success I've expanded my garden this year to include  cucumbers, beans, three different types of peppers, 9 (count them) types of tomatoes and garden onions. One  might thing I'm certifiable.  Who needs nine different types of tomatoes?  

Mr. Stripey Tomato

Ummmm, well I guess that would be me.  Most would even ask are there really that many types? Any yes I can name them all off for you: roma, Sweet 100s, pear tomato, lemon tomato, celebrity tomato, beefsteak, cherry, Mr. Stripes, and chocolate sprinkles. (And yes that last one does exist!)  The peeps at Burbie love me.  I scour the racks looking for tomatoes I've never tried before.  I guess I have an adventurous palate...as well as my kids.  My daughter can't wait to try the chocolate sprinkles one. She's expecting it to taste like chocolate. Don't have the heart to tell her it's probably named that because of the dark spots on it. LOL

Chocolate Sprinkles Hybrid Cherry tomato

  ©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Random Tuesday {14}: A month and counting

It's hard to believe that month from today, I'll be attending my first book signing as an author (heck I haven't even gone as a reader).  So as you can imagine, I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because it's something new for me, and nervous because....well, it's something I've never done before.  I've always looked at my writing as an outlet, as a way to stop the voices in my head, and basically a way to escape the crazy realities of being a single mom.  I never expected it to actually make me any money. I wrote for years on Literotica - it wasn't until my dad (yes, my dad) browbeat me into subbing to Excessica, a fledging (at the time) publishing house, that I finally took the plunge. That was nearly ten years and twenty books ago. 

While I can't say it's all been roses - writing is really hard work. There's more to it than just writing (there's the editing, cover art, paperwork,  and don't get me started on all the promotional aspects of it. I swear I spend half my time in front of the computer on Facebook, scheduling blogs, Twitter, Instagram, and interacting with readers and friends...it's just pure crazy.) 

Anyway...back to the subject at hand...my first book signing. This is definitely a horse of a different color. There's absolutely no anonymity at all, no computer screen to hide behind, no long string of text, or something I can sit in my pajamas and do.  Nope, it's interacting with the public - face to face.  A scary thought. True, I interact with the public all the time at  my EDJ.  But that's different. That's not Dakota who's helping the customers find contact solution or hand lotion.  Nope, that's your friendly Wal-mart stocker.  

So to sit down at a table filled with print copies of my book, and other swag and talk to readers about my writing? Well, that's a scary proposition.  But one that I am looking forward to.  So this last thirty days will be spent getting my swag together, making sure I have all my print copies in hand and chewing my non-existing nails.   Oh and getting together a give away basket. 

Which reminds me....if you were attending a book signing what kind of things would catch your eye, (aside from free books) for a gift basket?  (Any suggestions would be helpful.)

 

2016©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Random Tuesday {12}: Inquiring Minds

So I went and did it.  I not only joined my local bdsm community, I decided that attending a sub forum would be a good idea.  (This is quite the step for me - I'm an introvert from the word GO.) Anyhow, I went last week, had a great time, but somehow managed to get myself roped into leading a discussion group next month.  So I'm freakin - just a little! 

I know I shouldn't be. I love the peeps I've met. They are all a great group of new friends that I can really relate to and are very welcoming. It's just this damn shyness.  I feel like I'm in speech class all over again.  It's crazy.  I'm a 40 year old woman, not sixteen!   However I will not let that stop me, since I love the topic that I'm going to be presenting: body modification.

And before everyone goes "Ew...are we talking gauges and split tongues..." back up the bus.  Body modification ranges from ear piercings at the simplest form to dermal, gauges, and tattoos at the far end.  

But I'm not going to get on my soapbox about the freedom of expression or how it's art...instead I'm going to beg for some input.  I want to make my presentation fun but informative.  So I inserted a poll below.  If you have the time and the inclination, take it.  It's completely anonymous and I'll be using the figures from it to give a broad picture of how peeps see piercings, and other body modifications to the group.  :) 

Thanks!

Do you have any piercings?

Yes

No

Thinking about it.

Do Quizzes

Do you have tattoos?

Yes, I just got my first one

Yes, the more ink the merrier!

Nope, too chicken...

Thinking about it.

trivia quizzes

 

Are you in an alternative lifestyle?

Yes, I love kinky things!

Nope, being vanilla is great!

Poll Maker

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Random Tusesday {11}: Subspace or Rope Space....

Sub-space or rope-space. I talk about it, give it to my characters all the time in my books, but does one ever honestly grasp what this elusive feeling entails?  It can vary from submissive to submissive, can be achieved any many ways...flogging, whipping, hot wax, or even with bondage. There are so many nuances.  Until recently however, I thought they were the same exact thing.  Because I'd never personally (shocker....) expeirenced either of them. 

I've done tons of research, talked to subs about it, even read medical articles about the phenomon, but never really understood it more than an abstract way...I could go into a long drawn out discussion about all the chemicals involved but will give you the quick and dirty of it from someone who can explain far better than I ever could...

Subspace 

Science behind subspace....

At the same time, BDSM quite often involves impacts to the body. During a scene, the intense experiences of both pain and pleasure trigger a response of the sympathetic nervous system, which causes a release of epinephrine from the adrenal glands, as well as a dump of endorphins and enkephalins.

These natural chemicals are a part of the body's primal "fight or flight" response. They produce the same effects as a morphine-like drug. This dump of morphine-like chemicals into one's bloodstream into increases the pain tolerance of the submissive as the scene becomes more intense -- and also induces a euphoric, ecstatic floating feeling. 

-Copyright 2012 Dr Dexter,

[dr_dexter@chicomunch.com,

also Dr_Dexter on Fetlife] all rights reserved.

Sounds pretty clinical doesn't it.  Do this, and this chemical is released, do that, and presto...instant flying submissive.  Not so. As I said each submissive is different, each scene is different.  As I have found out.  Until just recently I'd only had the pleasure to experience an impact induced sub-space (aka flogging) I know, I know, Dakota seems like such a nice girl...lol.  But not that long ago, I had the chance to experience 'rope space'.  Was it better than a regular trip to subspace?  Weaker than the high I get off a good flogging? 

Well it's kind of like comparing granny smith apples and navel oranges.  One is crisp and tart, while the other is sweet and tangy, but both are fulfilling.  

For me a good flogging is like a green apple.  The falls sting when they first hit skin, leaving a lingering burn that I'm sure to feel later. The longer the flogging goes on, the more sensitive I become, and it pushes me higher and higher until I almost fall into a trance like state.  From that point, the slightest stroke of leather or horsetail against my skin feels like a lover's caress.  Stimulating but soothing, until it's all I can focus on.  No worries, no kids, no commitments or responsibilities. I'm out of my head and nothing exists but me and the erotic pain Sir's flogger brings.  It's very freeing.   I usually end up crying by the end, all my stress ebbing away in a salty trail that I always assure my Sir are good tears, not bad. 

A special thanks to Spike72 for taking the time to create such a beautiful piece of artwork.  If you'd like to find out more about this awesome rope master CLICK HERE for his FetLife Profile. 






Rope space on the other hand?  I find it delicious, much like a navel orange.  Sweet, soothing, but not as hard and intense as the sub-space brought on by a flogging.  However, it's not weaker or any less fulfilling, by any stretch of the imagination.   When I'm bound I find peace in the ropes.  Not because my dominant has driven all other thoughts from head with his wicked horsehair flogger, but because the rope will hold me together, no matter how I fall apart.  Each time the rope is twisted around me, another worry falls away. The slight burn as I'm lifted off my feet, a welcome caress as I trust the ropes to hold me. It's exciting (since I know that I will be helpless) but soothing because I know they will keep me safe.  Their strong strands hold me as tight as my dominant's arms - and that in itself is beyond freeing.  Add suspension into the mix along with my Sir's gentle touch and soft praise, and I'm literally floating. It's almost like floating in pool, the water holding me up while I trust my body's natural buoyancy to not let me sink.   

So could I ever choose one over the other? Probably not.  I love both for the release they bring me.  And frankly I'm greedy. Just like I wouldn't want to eat tacos every night for the rest of my life, I still enjoy a good soft shell now and again.  

Random Tuesday {8}:Creating Sexy...

I do so love my Random Tuesday posts.  I truly missed it last week, but my crazy life got away from me and I ended up running out of time.  (No surprise there, considering school just kicked off and I just endured the normal 'omg, Mom, I need this and this for school)   

Between emergancy runs to Walmart for those last minute things, working and trying to get covers ready to go, I've been busier than a one legged man in a butt-kicking contest.  And opps, there goes my midwestern roots showing again.   

But working on these different covers, got me to thinking - how do you make a cover sexy, but not a carbon copy of another?  And how to keep a series branding, while making them stand out from the previous books? It can be such a challenge at times. 

So yesterday, I featured one of the two stock pictures that I purchased last week.   Both pictures were destined for book covers.  Both are BDSM, (which makes sense, because I primarily write in that genre)  however, one ended up as a cover for a series, and another for a Christmas themed book.  Can you guess which ended up where?  

For those who read yesterday's post this will be easy.  The first one is for a standalone Christmas themed story, while the second is for the second book in the Cattail Club series.   

Some may ask how did I decide? Like I've said before (when asked) it all depends upon the story it will, pardon my pun, cover. In the case of the first picture, it's a stand alone BDSM holiday story.  The colorization of the picture drew my eye, particularly the warm glow from the background.  It reminds me of warm fires on cold nights.  And the way that the whip is wrapped around the branch, is reminscient of the way my dad used to secure our Christmas lights.   With the underlying vibe there, I added a few elements that pertain to the story, and 'voila you have the cover' below...

As for the second photo?  Well, that's a little more difficult. When I created Safeword Interrupted, I used a very different type stock than my norm.  Not only didn't I use a bare chested man, I also took a very different route by using a business man model from the back holding what is obviously a sex toy (or in this case a whip).  While it created a very striking cover, it also made a challenge for me, when it was time for me create the next cover in my series.  (Darn that pesky branding.)  

Let me tell you, finding pictures of humans from behind holding sex toys is not an easy feat. Especially when I knew the characters from the second story are not your normal 20 somethings female and 30'ish male for the hero.  Nope, Safeword Delayed is a second chance at love story featuring a couple in their late fifies-early sixties.   Did I set myself up for failure...maybe....you'll have to tell me. 

After adding the stylistic elements (logo and selected font) that identify this book as part of the Cattail Club Series, I added one element that was important to the story.  Just like in Safeword Interrupted (where I used a pair of baby shoes to represent the main conflict of the story) on this cover, it's my heroine's desire to become nurse that causes the intial conflict. 

So what do you think? Is one cover pack more of a punch then the other?  Or are they both striking in their own way? 

Random Tuesday {7} I'm hungry...

So it's time for another Random Tuesday. And as I write this, I'm hungry again. Not the "oh my God, I'm so hungry I could chew my arm off" but the "Damn it, I got the munchies again" hunger.   I swear, at times I would rather have the first than the later - cause its the munchies that strikes  while I'm writing and just sitting on my butt.  It also packs on the pounds. Especially if I fall back on old favorites like  Reece's Pieces and Pepsi.  *glares at muse*  Don't even start! You're fat ass doesn't need candy! 


Whew...the muse is not to happy with my healthier lifestyle. She'd be content if I continued to drink heavily carbonated drinks and stuffed my face full of sweets.  But so far I'm resisting and have manged to shed a few pounds.  Below are my top five 'healthy snacks".

#5 - Bananas - easy to peel

Geez, no dick jokes please....but there is something really appealing about being able to grab one and start consuming it in less than 30 seconds.  

#4 - Single Serving Kettle Corn - just the right amount...

I absolutely love popcorn - since I was a child - to the point I'd eat a whole papersack of it. (Yep, my mom was one of those who used REAL butter and popped it on the stove.)  But now-a-days, when I want to something sweet and salty, I grab a bag of this from the cupboard...

#3 - Grapes and Cheese - sweet and salty...

I never thought I'd enjoy this kind of snack.  I love grapes, I love cheese...but together? It never crossed my mind until my local market started packaging them together in their deli.  Now, it's my newest junk food, and I can't get enough of it.  Maybe the Romans had it right?  

#2 - Pickles - tart and refreshing...

Hey, no jokes. I don't care if they resemble little penises or not. These are delicious and as long as I can keep my kids out of them, they are in ready supply at the Trace Household. 

#1 - Craisins (aka dried cranberries) - don't knock it til you tried it... 

These are my guilty pleasure. I love them. They not only are sweet, they are healthy, which means they satisfy my sweet tooth while taking care of my digestive tract.  I keep a bag of them on my desk for when those sudden munchies attacks happen. 

  

So did your favorite 'healthy' snack make my list?  If not, share! I'm always looking for something new to try.  

Dakota 

Random Tuesday {5}: Chocolate and Voices

Okay last week, I griped about my kid's choice of music and how all those songs get stuck in my head, but the graphic below is probably more accurate. Not only do I have a pesky muse named Livvy, who finds the naughty in everything, I also have about five competing heroes demanding I finish their stories (since I conveniently left them all with blue balls when I started, then got dragged away by Livvy  - who has a severe case of ADD and a hell-cious chocolate addiction.)  Speaking of which, she's pissed cause I went back on my diet and have forbidden anything remotely resembling chocolate to pass my lips.  Anyway enjoy the chuckle, while I go and try to sooth some feathers of the pissed off Doms who have been waiting for the past two months for me to finish their first sex scene with their lovely lady.   

Random Tuesday {4}: Get Out of My Head!

Welcome to another Random Tuesday.  Today I'm talking about songs that get stuck in your head. As an author, I like to listen to music as I write, but as a mother...well lets say some of my kids favorite songs get stuck...even when I don't want them to.  So below I prepared as short list - a top ten of songs that have been overplayed in the Trace Household because of my kiddos. 







Top Ten Songs I Hope I Never Hear Again...

10.  Anything by Glee!

Dear Lord, I need to cancel the netflix - my youngest is addicted  to this show and if she's not watching it in a binge marathon, she's watching the youtube videos.  She loves Kurt and the middle one loves Sebastin....as in she wants to have his babies.  #motherofteenpromblems. 

9. Trumpets - Jason Derulo

My daughter, the trumpet player, loves this song so much she tried to convince her Jazz Band instructor to add this song to their playlist.

8. Honey, I'm Good - Andy Grammer

You've never heard a song slaughtered until your oldest sings this song off key while listening to it on his headphones....*sigh* 

7. Shut up and Dance - Walk the Moon

Okay, this song almost didn't make the list, because I actually like this song - it grew on me. And I love the mashup video of the films that went viral.

6. Cheerleader - OMI

This is my middle child's current favorite song...and is slowly skyrocketing to the top of the list.

5.  Lips Are Moving - Megan Trainer

This has been dubbed the break up song....need I say more?

4. Wildlife - Jack and Jack

I honestly wouldn't mind this song...other than the fact my daughters insist upon playing it in the car - so they can feel the car vibrate from the bass riff.  

3. Sugar - Maroon Five 

Don't get me wrong, I like Adam Lambert, and love the Voice, but if my daughter tells me one more time how Maroon Five crashed all these weddings in L.A. to make the video.....*sigh* patience Mom.

2. Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson - featuring Bruno Mars 

Okay, I loved this song when it came out. It's catchy, snappy and who doesn't love Bruno...but after listening to it for the millionth time on the radio, and then walking in to the house to see it playing on youtube and listening to it for two hours straight - I'm ready to scream! 

1. I Gotta Be Me - from the Cast of Teen Beach Movie 2

My youngest is a huge R5 fan and has been listening to this since before Dancing With the Stars came out and Ross was featured in a clip with Riker and Allison. While it hasn't been overplayed to death (yet) - it has a catchy beat that once it gets in my head it takes a nuclear bomb to get it out. (It's like that annoying commercial jingle that gets stuck in your head) Somebody shoot me! 


So tell me did any of my songs make your top ten "oh please make it stop list"?  If not tell me what has - and I'll commiserate with you.  (Something tells me that "Mmm-bop" might come up.)

Random Tuesday {3}: Ouch....yoga anyone?

So some of you may remember me saying I was trying to lose some weight last year and had joined Weight Watchers and began yoga.  Well, that all fell by the wayside as my marriage of twenty years fell apart.  While I'm in a much better place emotionally now, I'm determined to not gain any more than the five pounds I gained back.  

So I broke back out the yoga mat....and boy and I'm paying for it.  Which is why I can so relate to these cartoons....lol.  

Me at the beginning of the workout

Me - during...

Me afterward....always hungry...lol

Random Tuesday {1}: Amen, Sista....

I don't usually get up on my soap box, but late last night while I was surfing Facebook, I came across a graphic that had me saying "amen, sista".  All too often I get the look, or even worse the lecture when a friend or co-worker finds out that I enjoy writing BDSM (to the point I'm a published author).   Is it because I happen to live in Small Town, USA? I have no idea.   Is it because FSoG is so popular right now?  Maybe.  

In the end, I guess it really doesn't matter why peeps confuse consensual BDSM with abuse - but there are times, I wish more peeps would run across the graphic below.  As a victim of sexual abuse, and an advicator of the lifestyle, there is a definitely difference. (As different as night and day, as my grams would say.) 

True BDSM (and I'm not talking about 'one true way' - the lifestyle has more flavors than your local Baskin and Robins) revolves around Safe, Sane and Consensual and usually has some type of power exchange - in other words BOTH parties want it!   

Okay, off soap box now.  I could beat it to death, but I would rather share the graphic that got me to thinking - and wishing I could print out and hand to those who are too quick to judge. 

.  

©Dakota Trace All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.