Climbing the Charts!!

I have to admit, I think things are going well this time around with my latest book, "The Christmas Cottage".  Book sales are pretty good, we're getting the "likes" that I wanted - although when I put it out there as much as I have and only have 25 I tend to wonder what is going on with Amazon.

Which brings and interesting thought to mind.  My book is published under a pen name, I wrote the review under my read name.  The Review got published and then two hours later, it was gone!  So I submitted another review that was never even acknowledged!!  What in the world???

But I digress.  So today, I hit an amazing number on the Kindle download chart.  Out of over 800,000 Kindle titles (and it goes up daily), my book hit #9084!!!  That is like something I never thought would ever happen!!  It felt pretty darn good - and then a little disappointing because I was at work and could not celebrate!

I took Nick to lunch and he was moderately impressed but it wasn't the same as going out with someone where we could laugh and gush and dream about all the ways that I could possibly become famous!  As if!!!

So, again, please check out the book!  Please go to Amazon.com and click "Like".  We're getting ready to publish on Barnes and Noble this weekend.  A friend contacted the Hallmark Channel about the book, people are posting it on Pinterest...I honestly have some amazing people in my life who are just blowing me away with their willingness to to support me in this.

My birthday is this weekend and I would LOVE to stay in the top 10,000.  Can you help?  Please!!!

have a great weekend everyone!!!

A Social Experiment - Read With Caution

Okay, so yesterday I made the announcement of releasing my second book, "The Christmas Cottage".  I self-published again and I am responsible for all of my own marketing and promotion (with the help of my friend Dot).  So part of the whole process is essentially asking friends and family to go and go to Amazon.com and click "LIKE" to get some traffic tracked on the page and then, hopefully, for them to buy the book.

Early in the day I sent out an email to about 10-12 people - close family and friends.  Well, let me backtrack for a moment.  My first book, "Jordan's Return" was released a year ago.  Twelve months.  Fifty-two weeks.  Basically, a LONG time ago.  Over this last weekend I've come to find out that there are people who are supposed to love and support me that have NOT told ANYONE that I have written a book.  I mean, I know it's not all about me but...come on!  You can't mention to your friends or extended family that I did this - or buy the damn book???

Deep, cleansing breaths...

So last night I went on to Facebook to conduct a social experiment.  I sent out three private messages to three groups.  The first group was family, the second group was friends and the third was acquaintances.  None of the people in these groups were included in my early morning email - this was a totally separate thing.  Each group message was sent to a group of 12-15 people. 

Now, in a normal world, it would be your family members supporting you the most, right?  (Insert loud, obnoxious buzzing sound here).  Clearly, not in my world.  Out of the three groups, the acquaintances (women that I have never met face-to-face but have become friends with through mutual on-line interests) have supported me the most.  Almost EVERYONE in that group email has commented and either downloaded the book or bought the paperback (now available for $6.99 through Amazon) and all have clicked "LIKE" as I asked.

Next was the friend group.  Out of the 12-15 in that group, TWO responded and they were friends from high school that I have not seen in over 25 years.  And the family group?  ONE.  Yes, one.  And it was a second cousin of mine that I have not seen in over 32 years.

Seriously!  You cannot make this stuff up!  

So in the social experiment department, I've learned where my support truly comes from and while I am thrilled for the support of these wonderful people, the results of it all make me sad.  I remember a time when family supported one another, cared for one another and wanted to see others succeed.

What happened to that time?

The Christmas Cottage Release Day!

"Any couple who spends the night in the Christmas cottage shall have love everlasting...

Lacey Quinn did not believe in happily ever after or the legend of the Christmas cottage. As maid of honor for her best friend Ava, her duties included decorating the cottage for the newlyweds. It was a simple enough task, but she hadn't counted on sexy Ean Callahan, the bride-to-be's brother, to be assisting her.

Spending the evening ensconced in the overly romantic setting while a blizzard howls outside has Lacey wondering if fairy tales really do come true..."

Excerpt from "The Christmas Cottage" by Samantha Chase. 

So it's finally here!  My latest book which, ironically, was not something that I had planned on, what released today!  I had another book that I've been wanting to write but I just can't seem to get the words on the page.  Then, I have a book that is being reviewed right now by an agent.  So when National Novel Writing Month came up this month, I was amazed at how fast this story came to me.  I started late, finished early and basically have a finished product that is a sweet, romantic Christmas novella.

I guess when the story's right, you just know.  

My original plan had been to get this story done and as a Christmas gift to my readers, offer it as a free Kindle download.  Amazon is not letting that happen.  So for now it is a .99 cent download through Kindle and it is also available as a paperback for $6.99.

If you enjoy a good holiday themed story, I hope you'll give "The Christmas Cottage" a try.  My goal is to get 100 "Likes" on Amazon by Christmas.  Will you help?  You can contribute your help (even if you don't buy the book) by going to Amazon.com and following the link HERE and clicking on the "LIKE" button.

Thank you!!

"The Christmas Cottage" by Samantha Chase

This is what has kept me so busy that I have not had time to blog!  

 Released today exclusively on Amazon's Kindle, you can download it right now for only .99 cents!!!  Click HERE to order and don't forget to click "LIKE".

Have a great day, my friends, and enjoy!!