Category Archives: Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Sophie’s Encore Launch: A photo and audio round-up of festivities!

Posted on September 10, 2013 | 12 comments

Remember that tune, “Oh What a Night?” Now sing, “Oh What A Week” and you’ll know where I’m coming from!

Last week saw the launch of my third novel, Sophie’s Encore. Festivities began with a radio launch party over at Siren 107.3 FM on Wednesday, 4 September. That Wednesday morning dawned clear and bright, and I had no idea just how much fun the next few days would hold.

Here’s my launch week in photos and audio clips. Thank you to everyone who took part, stopped by, sent good wishes, tweeted, shared on Facebook and bought The Book. You rock. And I couldn’t be an author without you.

Pub Day -1:
Radio Celebrity (LOL!)

SPECIAL GUESTS:

THE HUSH ROCK BAND
NICK ELLIOTT
XANDER DEMOS

Listen In!

(click HERE: southsidebroadcasting, then click ‘Listen Now’)

Sophie’s Encore Party on Siren 107.3 FM, Part 1:
Starting in Nashville with Cameron Tilbury before
another note from Jersey with Anna Lewis.
***includes reading from Sophie’s Encore***

Sophie’s Encore Party on Siren 107.3 FM, Part 2:
We take a slight detour and discuss badger culling and Farmers Weekly awards… we rock’n’roll in every respect!

Sophie’s Encore Party on Siren 107.3 FM, Part 3:
Another encounter with premier photographer Nick Elliott, plus lead guitarist with The Hush, Lee Landrum — with heaps of shout-outs to online listeners…

Sophie’s Encore Party on Siren 107.3 FM, Part 4:
Ace Rock Guitarist Xander Demos shoots the breeze with Nicky Wells, Holly Cox, Hannah Sylvester , Ed Wellman & Alex Lewczuk, before the team provide a Midweek Drive debut for Actor/Producer Burt Bulos, who provides the team with thoughts on `The Lady Killers` `NCIS` & more…

In-Show Photo: Hannah Sylvester, Ed Wellman, Holly Cox (and me, of course). 🙂

Living like the rock stars… let’s have an After Party!

And a toast! Of course, a toast” *Cheers*

Publication Day:
Local Author in Action

All set and ready to roll at Welton Library.

First arrivals... let's take a photo before it gets busy!

First arrivals… let’s take a photo before it gets too busy!

Time for dinner! Cheers! What a day… 🙂 Livin’ it up!

Publication Day +1:
Bestselling Author

Friday, 6 September, was spent largely recovering from the blast of the days before, responding to emails, chatting with folks and (*psssst don’t tell anyone*) catching up on sleep. No photos of the sleeping beauty, though. 🙂

However. THIS is what I found in the morning on Amazon.com. It’s a ranking for Sophie’s Turn, book 1 in the Trilogy.

Get this. Sophie’s Turn is now *officially* a BESTSELLING ROMANTIC COMEDY!!!
(And the image is so large not because I enjoy showing off ~ although *coughs* I do ~ but because otherwise, you can’t see what’s on it. LOL

Publication Day +2:
Author On Tour

On Saturday morning, I presented myself bright and early at the BookStop Café in Lincoln for a two-hour author appearance. Huge thanks to Joff Gainey for making this possible. 🙂

Setting up ~ prime position by the entrance. Nice job!

First customer. Yes, she bought the entire Trilogy. Thank you! 🙂

With Paul Redfern, who kept me amused with anecdotes from his favourite spot on the sofa opposite.

With Paul Redfern, who kept us all amused with anecdotes from his favourite spot on the sofa opposite my ‘signing station’.

“Queuing out the door.” (Joff’s caption for this ace photo!)

Review Highlights

These are highlights from the reviews that rolled in for Sophie’s Encore on September 4, 5 and 6, 2013.

WORTHY OF A SHINY PLATINUM DISC! 5 Crowns! Perusing Princesses

How to read Sophie’s Encore: get rid of house mates, take phone off the hook, do not answer the door! Kim The Bookworm

With Sophie’s Encore, Nicky Wells gives the reader one hell of a finale! 5 Stars! Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Sophie’s Encore is in a league of its own! Cosmochicklitan

Fast paced and addictive! Today I’m Reading

~I hid in the photocopy room in work to finish the book! Oh lovely Dan. Oh sexy Dan! Dan rocked my world! Brook Cottage Books

And best of all, there were some blush-worthy scenes! Chick Lit Central

Without a doubt, one of my favorite reads of the year! Thank you Nicky Wells….you are the quintessential author of fiction! Nancy Reilly

Wow-eee! Well, what can I say? Thank you, dear readers and supporters. You all rock, every one of you.
It was a fabulous launch, an amazing reward for me personally, and an incentive to do it all again, and soon….
#1November

Rock on!

12 Comments

Posted in Author Appearance, Rock Star Romance, Part 3: Sophie's Encore, Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Bestseller, book launch, Book Stop Cafe, Review Highlights, rock star, Romantic Comedy Chart, Siren 107.3 FM, Sophie's Encore, Welton Library

Launch day for Sophie’s Run!

Posted on February 7, 2013 | 42 comments

7 February.
On this day in 2012, I had submitted my first novel, Sophie’s Turn, to Sapphire Star Publishing a few weeks previously. I was waiting with bated breath to hear back, having shared this latest submission with only my closest three friends and, of course, my husband. I was trying to keep a lid on it.

So imagine how excited I am today, less than a year that I signed with my publisher, to shout about the release of my second book, Sophie’s Run.

This might be a good time to put a finger in your ears.
LOL!

About Sophie’s Run

Glamour, glitz, intrigue, romance, weddings, betrayal, travel, rock music, food, a fire, an exploding cake, a gorgeous rock star, a zany best friend and a dashing male nurse.

Girl next door gets incredibly distraught in her quest for true love ~ Sophie‘s story.

Rock star suffers unrequited love ~ Dan‘s story.

Best friend loses her way, big time ~ Rachel‘s story.

Boy next door can’t believe his luck ~ Steve‘s story.

Intrigued? Here’s the blurb:

Her famous star remains her rock while life takes her on a little detour…

So she has finally found the man of her dreams; well, she’s seen him, for sure! Yet rock star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he is just trying to be helpful. A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life. Then, just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel commits an act of unspeakable betrayal. Sophie has had enough. Surprising herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey and eventually gets her life back on track.

Sophie’s Run is now available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, and in Paperback edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. You can also get the paperback at Barnes & Noble, or download Sophie’s Run onto your Nook (coming soon).

Stop Press! To celebrate the launch of Sophie’s Run, you can get your Kindle copy of Sophie’s Turn for a special promotional price of $.099/£0.77 for TODAY (7 February 2013) ONLY. If you haven’t got it already ~ here’s your promo chance!!

The Preview Party

Yesterday, I had the tremendous pleasure of hosting a Preview Launch Party for Sophie’s Run over on Siren 107.3 FM. Chief host and producer was, of course, the one and only Alex Lewczuk, who very kindly dedicated the midweek drive show to this launch. We had some illustrious guests phoning in and here are the highlights:

THE HUSH ROCK BAND
Lead singer Jazmine Giovanni and guitarist Lee Landrum phoned in from United States to chat about writing, making and performing rock music and shared some rock star moments with us.

Reviewer Kim Nash plus Amy Lichtenhan and Katie Henson of Sapphire Star Publishing

Reviewer, book lover and ace book blogger, Kim Nash, shared her thoughts on Sophie’s Run… find out who she sees as Dan in ‘Sophie’s Run, the movie.’

Amy Lichtenhan and Katie Henson of Sapphire Star Publishing chat about signing the Rock Star Romance Trilogy and the appeal of my books. This is the part where I blush!

We had a fabulous time in studio!

Talking to my phone-in VIPs!

And this is only the beginning! I’ll try to bring you a soundclip for our fabulous chat with iconic rock photographer, Nick Elliott, as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can already listen to the podcast for the Sophie’s Run Special MidWeek Drive featuring Nick as well as a couple of readings from Sophie’s Run and a chat with Cameron Tilbury here: http://southsidebroadcasting.podbean.com/2013/02/06/the-midweek-drive-sophies-run-launch-day-special/

In the studio celebrating with me were:

~Alex Lewczuk
~Ed Wellman
~Katie Grimason
~Shelley Paulson

Katie Grimason, Shelley Paulson, and Ed Wellman, dream team!

Sophie's Run on air give-away, competently adminstered and adjudicated by ED WELLMAN. Draw effected by Shelley Paulson and Katie Grimason and the winner is.... SHERYL BROWNE! Congratulations!

Sophie’s Run on air give-away, competently administered and adjudicated by ED WELLMAN. Draw effected by Shelley Paulson and Katie Grimason and the winner is…. SHERYL BROWNE! Congratulations!

Alex, Nicky, Ed and Katie: CHEERS!

The Party goes on ~ Join in and grab a giveaway!

I am celebrating all day over on Facebook! Pop on over and share your music, your rock stories, and your favourite bits of Sophie’s Turn or Sophie’s Run. I’d love to see you there!

Speaking of sharing, I am offering a giveaway! A double giveaway!

First of all, because I love chocolate almost as much as I love rock music, I am giving away one delicious chocolate gift to a lucky winner in the UK or North America!

You can enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

The small print: This Gift prize is a product of Unique Chocolate. The Gift prize is subject to availability in your country. If the Gift prize is not available in your country, Nicky Wells reserves the right to offer a substitute gift prize of a similar nature at her discretion. Nicky Wells will require the winner’s postal address for shipping purposes.

BONUS GIVEAWAY!

I am offering a giveaway of one Amazon gift voucher worth $20/£15 for one lucky winner. To enter, simply share your thoughts on Sophie’s Run with me. Email your comment to nickywells@sapphirestarpublishing.com and your name will be entered into the draw. Competition closes 1 May 2013. Good luck!

Thank you!

Thank you very much for your support over the past months and your enthusiasm for this launch. My job wouldn’t be worth doing if it weren’t for you, my readers, and I appreciate your every tweet, your every like, every email, every piece of feedback, every idea you share. Rock on!

A big thank you also goes to the following people for all their support: my husband and my family, Amy and Katie at Sapphire Star Publishing; Alex Lewzcuk and the team at Siren 107.3 FM; Linn B Halton; everyone at loveahappyending.com; my writing buddy, Sue Fortin; THE HUSH BAND; Nick Elliott; Kim Nash; Sharon Goodwin; Nova Reylin; Tobi Helton; Kate Verrier; Evelyn Chong; Katie Mettner. You guys are my rock stars and I couldn’t do this without you. Mwah!

A Shared Book Birthday: Give It Up for Elizabeth Arroyo!!

My Sapphire Star Publishing sister, the talented Elizabeth Arroyo, is also celebrating today as she releases her first novel, The Second Sign.

Hop on over to Elizabeth’s website or Facebook party to say hello and take part in the festivities!

Congrats, Elizabeth, I hope you have a rocking first Book Birthday! XX

Let’s party….

42 Comments

Posted in Rock Star Romance, Part 2: Sophie's Run, Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged book launch, giveaway, Kim Nash, Kindle, Nick Elliott, Nicky Wells, rock star, Romance, Sapphire Star Publishing, Siren 107.3 FM, Sophie's Run, THE HUSH

Come on Tour with Sophie and Dan! ~ Sophie’s Run Blog Tour

Posted on February 1, 2013 | 28 comments

Can it really be time for another blog tour already? My second masterpiece, Sophie’s Run, launches next week on 7 February, and I have the blog tour all sorted out. Well, you know me. I’m organized like that. And I like to party!

As before, I am going to stop at lots of blogs; nearly sixty, in fact. The tour includes many of my blogger friends old and new, and a fabulous cast of book bloggers from Reading Addiction Blog Tours, kindly organized for me by my lovely publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing. There is a tremendous diversity here and I am truly excited to embark on this journey… and to take you with me.

Blog Tour with a Difference

Speaking of: this blog tour really is a journey in more ways than one, and this makes it quite different from my previous tours. In addition to the traditional-style fun interviews and interesting guest posts, there is also a theme that connects many of the features.

Sophie and Dan would like to take you on a tour of geographic and culinary discovery, showing you many of the places they have visited and sharing recipes for their favourite meals. Are you ready to go on tour with my hero and heroine?

Photo Credits: See Below

But first things first: Thank You!

As always, I want to give due credit and say Thank You to all these amazing bloggers and fellow authors who are giving up their time and making space on their blogs to help me shout about Sophie’s Run. There are some new faces in the roll call, and I am so thrilled to have met you and enticed you onto this journey. And there are plenty of familiar faces who haven’t tired of undertaking my publication journey with me, coming along for a second and, in some cases, even a third time. I hope you know how much your support means to me. Whether new friend or long-standing best mate, I couldn’t do this without you. Thank You.

Sophie’s Run Launch Tour 2013
Come On Tour with Sophie and Dan!

Stops and features are subject to change. Links may not function until the date a post is scheduled. *Asterisked stops have been scheduled by Reading Addiction Blog Tours on behalf of Sapphire Star Publishing: Thank You!

07 February 2013 Romance that Rocks Your World Launch Party, Rock Star Style

07 February 2013 AL Jackson Someday! Launching Sophie’s Run

07 February 2013 Loveahappyending.com Same procedure as last time, Miss Sophie?

07 February 2013 The Romaniacs Necessity is the mother of invention

07 February 2013 We Do Write Interview

*07 February 2013 Reading Addiction Blog Tours Meet and Greet

08 February 2013 Bookreview by Rea Berlin

*09 February 2013 Andi’s Book Reviews Review/Interview

10 February 2013 Jera’s Jamboree Paris and Review

11 February 2013 Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog Lazy Surf’n’Turf and Review

*11 February 2013 Beth Art From the Heart Review

*12 February 2013 The Boyfriend Bookmark blog Review

13 February 2013 Eve’s Chick Lit Reviews Seaside

*13 February 2013 What’s On the Bookshelf? Review/Guest Post

15 February 2013 Love Reading Love Books Hamburg

17 February 2013 Forget the Housework Rock Star Lobster Ravioli

*18 February 2013 Author Ever Leigh Review

*19 February 2013 Stephanie Keyes Lobster

*19 February 2013 The Adventures Within Review/Guest Post

20 February 2013 The View Outside Drunken Prawn Pasta

*20 February 2013 My Reading Addiction Review

22 February 2013 The Book Chick London

*22 February 2013 Queen of All She Reads Review/Guest Post

*23 February 2013 Cocktails and Books Review and Guest Post

24 February 2013 Me My Books and I Rock Star Scallops and Pancetta

*24 February 2013 Dee’s Book Blog Giveaway

25 February 2013 Mandy Baggot New York

*26 February 2013 Me and Reading Review/Guest Post

*27 February 2013 Kaisy Daisy’s Corner Review

01 March 2013 Patricia Sands Highlands

*01 March 2013 Cozie Corner Review

*02 March 2013 Jersey Girl Book Reviews Review/Interview

03 March 2013 Jo Lambert – Writer Tea and Talk at Sally Lunns

*03 March 2013 Let’s Get Booked Review/Guest Post

04 March 2013 Kim The Bookworm Come into my kitchen…

*04 March 2013 Solitary Bookworm Book Highlight

*05 March 2013 Muse Unleashed Review

*07 March 2013 Reading Addiction Blogtours Review Wrap Up
(psst: average rating of 4.7!!!!!)

08 March 2013 Today I’m Reading Newquay

09 March 2013 Words from Anneli Paella

18 March 2013 Fascinating Books Langeoog

22 March 2013 Celtic Connexions Edinburgh

24 March 2013 Janice Horton Author showcase and give-away

25 March 2013 Chick Lit Central Review and give-away

26 March 2013 Sheryl Browne Munich

28 March 2013 My Life. One Story at a Time. Brussels

31 March 2013 Chick Lit and Wine Mussels

01 April 2013 Bonnie Trachtenberg Stockholm

04 April 2013 Jen Tucker Pizza

05 April 2013 Books 4U Tooting (London)

08 April 2013 Chick Lit Plus Cheesy Fondue and Review

10 April 2013 Amy Gregory Lasagna

12 April 2013 My Seryniti Canada

14 April 2013 Hello, You Dan’s Take on Travelling

15 April 2013 Chick Lit Club Connect (blog) When (my) life imitates (my) art: confessions of the eternal rock chick

17 April 2013 Brook Cottage Books Grünkohl mit Pinkel (sort of) and review

19 April 2013 Jennifer M Eaton Nicky meets The Little Blue Lady from Mars

What do you say? Are you coming?

You’ll get to see a lot of places
and you certainly won’t be bored, or hungry.

And lest I forget: Most stops will offer a GIVEAWAY as well, so it’s well worth stopping by.

Rock on! 🙂

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photo Credits

Food photos are my own. All others as attributed:

(1) By Vwpolonia75 (Jens K. Müller, Hamburg) (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(2) By Lee Kindness [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(3) By Daniel Schwen (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(4) By Stefan Krude (Stefan_Krude) (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
(5) By User:Huebi (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(6) Source: By Joseph Plotz (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(7) By Rnt20 at en.wikipedia. Later version(s) were uploaded by Ian Dunster at en.wikipedia. (Transferred from en.wikipedia) [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
(8) By Derek Harper [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(9) By Benh LIEU SONG (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(10) By Taken by Shmuel Spiegelman using a Canon 10D. (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
(11) By Oke (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

28 Comments

Posted in Rock Star Romance, Part 2: Sophie's Run, Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Blog Tour, Cities, Come On Tour, Countdown to Sophie's Run, Food, Sophie's Run, Travel

Unveiling the Sophie’s Run Launch Extravaganza

Posted on January 25, 2013 | 53 comments

The day is drawing near…yes, Sophie’s Run is nearly here!
Twelve days and counting!

You know me. I like to party. You do know that by now, right?
So I have a bit of an extravaganza planned.
Are you ready?

Preview-Launch!
The Sophie’s Run RADIO Party,
6 FEBRUARY

The wonderful, one-and-only Alex Lewczuk over at Siren FM has very kindly agreed to dedicate the Wednesday Midweek Drive slot to celebrating the launch of Sophie’s Run.

Isn’t it simply awesome?
We will be Live on Air from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. GMT and
YOU CAN LISTEN LIVE no matter where you are!
You can find Siren at 107.3 FM and ONLINE! Tune in for:

~Readings from Sophie’s Run
~Chat with some Very Special Guests indeed
~Rock music, and non-rock music. Of course!
~A fab give-away (more below)

SPECIAL GUESTS
Well, what would a party be without guests?
Proudly presenting my phone-in guests:

THE HUSH ROCK BAND
We’ll be chatting with lead singer Jazmine and guitarist Lee!

THE_HUSH_at_El_Rey_Theater_Los_Angeles_2010

Photo Courtesy of THE HUSH, with thanks. 🙂

NICK ELLIOTT

Photo Courtesy of Nick Elliott Press Office: Thank You!

Renowned Rock Photographer Nick Elliott will be joining us on the phone to chat about his work and The Magic of Rock!
Find out more about Nick at from his Press Office Page on Facebook, on his official Press Office Blog, or follow him on Twitter.

SAPPHIRE STAR PUBLISHING
Of course Katie Henson and Amy Lichtenhan would be there. What would a launch party be without my lovely publishers?

KIM THE BOOKWORM
Reviewer and book blogger extraordinaire, Kim Nash, will offer her perspective on the Rock Star Romance books.

Also joining us telephonically will be Cameron Tilbury, CEO of MapleStar Music and Media, Phil Leirness, and Michele Monro, among others. What a line-up!

~~~

STUDIO GUESTS
Naturally, there will be a live, real-person party going on, too. In studio celebrating with me will be:

~Alex Lewczuk
~Ed Wellman
~Katie Grimason
~Nichola Clancy
~Natasha Turney
~Karen Waring
~my lovely husband
~and drop-in surprise guests (possibly)

**ON AIR GIVE-AWAY*

One Signed Copy of Sophie’s Run up for grabs!!!
Don’t miss your chance to win a signed copy of Sophie’s Run.

Simply tune in and share your thoughts on the show while we’re live on air, and your name will be entered in the draw.
Here’s what to do:
Post a comment to Siren FM’s Facebook page or on your own timeline tagging Siren FM, or tweet the show at @sirenfm and you’re in with a chance to win. Good luck, and happy listening!

Book Signings

Yes! Readers came! My first visitor arrived at just a few minutes after 10 a.m. Witness: my first author signature in a newly-purchased reader's copy of Sophie's Turn. Awesome feeling!

Okay, I admit it… Here’s one I took earlier! But you get the idea…

PREVIEW SIGNING
Siren Studios, Lincoln, 6 February, 7 p.m. onwards
Music, drinks and nibbles (subject to permission)

LAUNCH DAY SIGNING
Welton Library, 7 February, 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Tea, coffee and biscuits (music pending permission ~ it is a library!)

Virtual Parties

Join me right here on my blog and on Facebook for a
virtual all-day party zone!

Do you reckon I’ve got enough partying planned?

Now tell me: what songs should I put on the playlist?
#ThinkRock

53 Comments

Posted in Rock Star Romance, Part 2: Sophie's Run, Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged book launch, Countdown to Sophie's Run, Kim Nash, Launch party, Nick Elliott, Radio, Rock Photographer, Rock Stars, Sapphire Star Publishing, Siren FM, Sophie's Run, THE HUSH

Sign, Author, Sign

Posted on October 21, 2012 | 44 comments

Yesterday saw another first in this, my year of authorly firsts. I hosted my first meet-the-author and book signing event. Hooray!

A few weeks ago, I connected with my local librarian, the lovely Karen Waring, and she was extremely enthusiastic about the idea of hosting a local author in one of her libraries, complete with book signing event. We picked a date (20 October) and a place (Welton Library, in Welton-by-Lincoln) and even set a time (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). We were on!

Both of us set to work publicising the event and yesterday morning, I presented myself at 9:50 a.m. to set up shop.

Was I nervous? Of course I was a little nervous. One worry was simply: would anyone turn up? And the second worry was: how would people feel about being invited to buy a book in a library, where they normally come to loan their reading material?

Well, here’s how it went.

Setting Up Shop

Books ~ check. Postcards ~ check. Bookmarks ~ check. Tasty treat ~ check. Visual hooks ~ check (1 book standing up, 1 big poster).

Taking a closer look… yes, I think this is good. Spy the fancy bookmark in the upright copy? This was a publication day present from two very special people and doesn’t it just add panache to the ensemble?

I’m ready… I think!

A big Thank You to my amazing loveahappyending friend, Sheryl Browne. I owe most of the ideas for this display, specifically the visual hooks, getting a copy of my book to stand upright, and the absolute need for a table-cloth (!) to a stellar blogpost she wrote on book signings on the Romaniacs blog. Sheryl, it worked!

The Quiet Before the Storm…

Meet the librarian: give it up for Karen!

Caught sharing a laugh off camera… Having fun already.

A huge Thank You to Karen for her amazing enthusiasm and stellar support. It is outstanding to have a library working so hard at creating a real sense of community and at bringing authors and readers together. I feel honoured and privileged to have made friends and I look forward to many more book signings in libraries up and down the county (and beyond?). You rock!

Thank you also, of course, to Karen’s fellow librarian, Jo, for helping set up, directing people my way, taking photos, printing photos, making cups of tea and generally keeping things ticking over. You ladies are a brilliant team!

…And Action!

Yes! Readers came! My first visitor arrived at just a few minutes after 10 a.m. Witness: my first author signature in a newly-purchased reader’s copy of Sophie’s Turn. Awesome feeling!

That was fun. Let’s have another go…

Of course I’ll sign another!

Meet Some of My Guests

Honestly, I had no idea this would be so much fun! Thank you to everybody who agreed to have their photo taken and let me post it right here on my blog.

And the Verdict?

Obviously, I had a lot of fun. Huge amounts of fun, in fact. I look forward to doing it all again.

Did people come? They certainly did. I barely had a moment’s rest during the three hours. I met some wonderful people and had some fantastically interesting conversations. It was amazing.

Did I sell and sign some books? You already know the answer to that. Yes, I sold some books. Not dozens, and dozens. But more than I dared hope.

Moreover, two of my guests took a copy of Sophie’s Turn out of the library there and then in addition to the copy that had already been borrowed earlier in the week. There are copies in circulation! And as if that wasn’t enough, I’m told that two or three people requested a loan copy today so there is now a waiting list. My heart sings.

Lessons learned. Was it a perfect event? Probably not. Here’s what I will do differently next time.

1) I will have a proper stand for my huge visual.

2) Wherever possible, I will set myself up in direct line of vision (and walking) of the front entrance. The most important tool I had to draw people into conversation, apart from the librarians’ kind assistance, was eye contact. It’s easier to make eye contact if you’re unmissably in the line of sight; therefore, in future, I will put myself there.

3) I will print out and have available for perusing some of the fabulous reviews that Sophie’s Turn has received. This will get me around the uncomfortable moment of reassuring potential readers that of course Sophie’s Turn is a fantastic read. Instead of bragging, I can just let the reviews do their work. Easy, and obvious (hindsight is always 20-20!).

So this was it. My inaugural book signing event. I am elated, excited and exhausted. I feel very fortunate to have had my first signing event in such a lovely and supportive environment, and with such enthusiastic hosts.

I hope everyone who bought or borrowed my book will enjoy it and spread the word. Thank you. And I look forward to the next event… Karen has some places and dates in mind, and I am in her extremely capable hands.

Rock On! 🙂

44 Comments

Posted in Rock Star Romance, Rock Star Romance, Part 1: Sophie's Turn, Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Book Signing, Karen Waring, Library, Lincoln, loveahappyending.com, Meet the Author, Nicky Wells, rock star, Romance, Sapphire Star Publishing, Sheryl Browne, Sophie's Turn, The Romaniacs, Welton

Hitting the paper

Posted on September 14, 2012 | 23 comments

So this is what it feels like to be in the paper.
Exciting. A bit scary. A little weird.

Unlike a normal blog tour stop, this is an article written by someone else about me, having spoken to me at length over a cuppa or two and having taken copious notes, of course… but still, somebody else wrote. About me.

Now, you know me. I’m a control freak. I like to have a say in what’s written, and I’m very particular about my photos. So this experience, over which I have little control, is not unlike looking into a mirror, with the same inherent question: Will I like what I see?

The answer is, yes! Thank you to Dawn at the Lincolnshire Echo for a fabulous write-up and to John for coming all this way to take a photo. Hope to meet you both again soon!

Credits: The article below was published in Lincolnshire Echo on Thursday 13 Sepember. The author is Dawn Hinsley, Features writer, Lincolnshire Echo. Picture by John Jenkins. Thank you to Lincolnshire Echo for letting me post this article on my blog.

So here goes:

Whoop! Well chuffed. 🙂 I absolutely love that Dawn picked up my ‘what’s Sophie’s Turn like’ nugget: Sophie’s Turn is Bridget Jones rocks out in Notting Hill. What do you reckon?

23 Comments

Posted in Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Dawn Hinsley, John Jenkins, Lincolnshire Echo, newspaper, Nicky Wells, Publication, rock star, Romance, Sapphire Star Publishing, Sophie's Turn, Virtual Book Tour

THANK YOU!

Posted on September 7, 2012 | 8 comments

Thank you very much indeed,
one and all.

Once again, words seem hardly adequate to convey what I wish to say to you all today, but a humble “Thank you” will have to do for the amazing party that was the launch of Sophie’s Turn right here on this blog yesterday.

Thank you to everyone who visited, commented, and partied along. You are amazing.

We had the launch party of all launch parties for Sophie’s Turn!

Everywhere I looked yesterday during the launch day celebrations, there were tweets flying around, comments posted on Facebooks, visitors to the first blogstops of my massive launch blogtour. You created a buzz that was tangible and audible all over the place and all the way down to my little office in this small village in Lincolnshire.

For that, I am truly grateful. This launch went on stage rocking and rolling and I personally will certainly never forget the day. All thanks to you. So stand up proud and take a bow for my roll call of honour!

Beth Art from the Heart

Deborah Smith

Jessie Dalrymple

Leisa Hook

Melanie Robertson King

An extra special thank you has to go to my special guests, the THE HUSH BAND. I was terribly excited when they announced they were coming to the party, ready to play a song. I was not prepared for the Twitter storm and Facebook fest that followed! Moreover, THE HUSH also supplied us with generous amounts of bubbly. A box of champagne to begin with, a special edition Coppola called Sofia, and then Bellinis, too. I am completely bowled over by your support. You seriously rock!

Post-Script

My head is somewhat heavy this morning, and my brain is not functioning terribly well. If, by any terrible happenstance, I have forgotten to thank you, please don’t take the omission personally; rest assured, I didn’t mean to! And please don’t sit there quietly in a sulk and a grumble: let me know, and I’ll fix the situation post haste. Promise!

**Happy Reading of Sophie’s Turn! Did you enjoy the launch party?**

8 Comments

Posted in Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Authors @ Sapphire Star Publishing, book launch, Nicky Wells, party, Publication, Rock Bands, Sapphire Star Publishing, Sophie's Turn, Thank You, THE HUSH

PARTY TIME! Celebrating the launch of Sophie’s Turn #sophiesturn

Posted on September 6, 2012 | 105 comments

I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was ten, and now I’m lost for words?

What can I say? Words aren’t adequate. I’m whooping with joy and clapping my hands and jumping up and down. I’m whistling and cheering and clapping. And finally, I shout.

Hooooooray! It’s publication day for Sophie’s Turn!!

Sophie’s Turn is now available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and many other Amazon sites. The paperback edition is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In addition, you can obtain Sophie’s Turn from Barnes & Noble. Yes, you can grab your copy now! And then… let’s party!

If you wanted to order 10, this is what you’d get… a whole box full!

I’m expecting quite a few guests throughout the day. There’ll be music, and dancing, and food. Come and join me as I go into party rock chick mode! I’ll update the post as new things happen during the day… it’ll be amazing.

Nicky’s Launch Party for Sophie’s Turn…

OMG, I am so excited that I can barely contain myself. What will the day bring? I have, however, breakfasted in style: a special treat courtesy of the kids.

Wow, Bucks Fizz Muffins! Didn’t know these existed…

Oh… they’re yummy! Thank you, boys!

The complete works? For me? Because it’s such a big day…? I’m touched. Tuck in!

Next job… Decorate the house!

Let’s have bunting (handmade)…

…and balloons, too!

Is that the doorbell? Already???
My goodness, the guests are arriving… must hurry!

Here’s Shaz, my first ever blogger-reviewer! She says: ‘Am honoured to have been a small part of your writing journey Nicky. You deserve all the success, not only for your skill but for all the work you put in behind the scenes. Have an amazing day with the re-launch of Sophie’s Turn and here’s to your continued success… **clinks champagne glasses** Rock On!’

And Sue, my writing buddy! She says: ‘Huge congratulations Nicky!
All your hard work rewarded.
Can’t wait to have a paperback copy of my bookshelf! XXX’

Linn, fabulous loveahappyending.com and Sapphire Star sister, is here, too! She says: ‘When it comes to rock chicks Sophie is IT! She might be in a quandary – Tim or Dan? – but she’s sure as hell going to have some fun! Wishing you all the best Nicky and congrats on a fab-u-lous party!’

OMG, all of the Romaniacs have arrived: I’m bowled over. They say: Happy Publication Day Nicky! So glad we could make it to the party – it’s certainly busy here. Have a great time and thank you for all your support. Love ~ The Romaniacs x

So many people here… that deserves a little song, right?

*Nicky sings** I’m walking on sunshine… yeah-eah…. And thank you for coming, yeah-eah-eah….

Heading into the afternoon… let’s have some lunch first!

Well, I had to, didn’t I? Sophie adores seafood… as do I!

More guests… the photographer is here! Welcome Debbie!!

Cheers!

Ooooh! And my publishers are here: that’s a really early start for them. So thrilled they made it!

Welcome, Katie! **clinks glasses**

And Amy, too: Hello! **Clinks glasses again**

And of course the party is spreading around the world!
I’m also at Shaz’s blog, Jera’s Jamboree, right now, as well as over at Loveahappyending.com. The Romaniacs are hosting me, as is Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog. In Germany, I’m visiting Dorothy Dreyer’s We Do Write, and over in the United States, I’m with Sapphire Star Publishing sister, AL Jackson, Susan Livingston’s Fascinating Books and Beth Art From the Heart. Last but not least, I am also in Canada with Melanie Robertson-King on her Celtic Connexions blog.
I mean, WOW! Talk about a global booklaunch…

So it’s lunchtime… we must be half-way there! That reminds me of a song. What was it?

**Sings along with Bon Jovi** …we’ve got each other, and that’s a lot, for love… we’ll Give It A Shot!

And hooray, right on cue, Jessie D. is here too! We are totally rockin’ and rollin’ over here.

I am so excited for the re-release of Sophie’s Turn. I can’t believe it was just a year ago when I first read this incredible book. It was my first Kindle read, and I stayed up late into the night unable to put it down, wondering what would happen next to poor, sweet, confused Sophie. And the opportunity to do some armchair traveling along with Sophie’s own adventures was so fun.
I couldn’t be more happy for author extraordinaire Nicky Wells! I’m not just a huge fan of this book because of Nicky – I’m a huge fan of Nicky’s because of this book! She’s woven a fabulous, fun tale, and I can’t wait to share this book with my friends and family… and then find out what happens next for Sophie in the rest of the trilogy!
Best of luck on the re-release, Nicky… and Sophie!

This Joint Is Jumping!

Apparently, I have to do the rock chick thing now. Well, if you’re sure… You did ask!

**Strums and sings** More than words… is all you have to do…. to make it real…

What do you mean, speech, speech?
**muffled heckling from the sofa**
Oh, alright. But I’ll have to put my glasses on first… and my speech dress.

OK, then, let’s hear it…

This is a really big day for me and it wouldn’t have happened without a number of amazing people in my life. So in true Oscar style, I’d like to thank my Mum, for always believing in me, and my gorgeous husband, for ditto. Thank you to all the many fantastic people who are continuing to help me along the way, not least: Amy and Katie at Sapphire Star Publishing; Jessie Dalrymple; Shirley Mukisa; Shaz Goodwin; Sue Fortin; Linn Halton; everyone at loveahappyending.com; Deborah Smith; and the many, many wonderful bloggers who support me: know that you make this author’s world go round! You rock, one and all. Thank you!

Changed back into my party gear. Ready for a song and a dance… and some air guitar, perhaps?

And I will dance the night away….

Oh hello! My husband is back from work…

Big hugs for my lovely, smiley husband. We’ve missed you at the party!

…and he’s brought me flowers!! Time to dress up for the evening, it appears…

Now I do feel like a celebrity!

How do you know that you’ve arrived? You know when the rock stars turn up at your party!

Give it up for: THE HUSH!

WOW! Look what special guests have arrived now… IT’S THE HUSH BAND! I am absolutely and complety overwhelmed. What a party! THE HUSH also have a message: “What an honor to be Nicky’s special guest for this momentous occassion! We wish you all the best. Sophie’s Turn is a terrific read.”
OK. Now I need to sit down quietly for a moment or I am going to explode….. Whoooop!

They’re setting up stage… they’re going to play. WOW! I am beside myself with glee and excitement. Rock stars a the rock star romance lauch party. AWESEOME! THE HUSH totally rocks!

Now it’s definitely CHAMPAGNE O’CLOCK!

I did it! I did it! Didn’t spill a drop!

Say ‘Sophiiieee’ for a picture with the star of the day.
(The BOOK, not me!)

‘Sophiiieee’: Me, my book, and a glass of pink bubbly. Rock on!

Whoa. So much bubbly. So much dancing. So much day left to go… Time to stock up the energy reserves. Happy eating!

Let’s have a party spread… Bon apetit, help yourself!

How and when will the party end?
Will it end?

Actually, all good things come to an end.
And this, as they say, is it for this feature!

Aaaah… End of a long, happy day. CHEERS!

Thank you all SO much for coming to the party, for joining in, leaving comments, partying with me and my guests. It’s been really special and I couldn’t have done it without you.
It’s been an absolute blast!

Please keep tweeting, keep visiting, keep rocking: that’s the spirit. I’ll be out and about for a long while yet, tweeting you, saying ‘hi’ on Facebook and responding to your much appreciated comments. 🙂

Thus, with the party only very nearly over,
the motto for the after-party is…

Rock the night! Rock on my friends, and happy reading.

#sophiesturn

105 Comments

Posted in Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Amazon, Bon Jovi, book launch, Boston, bubbly, Champagne, Elbow, Europe, Guests, Jump, Kindle, loveahappyending.com, Nicky Wells, party, Publication, Sapphire Star Publishing, Sophie's Turn, THE HUSH

Are you ready? Introducing the blog tour of all blog tours: #sophiesturn

Posted on September 5, 2012 | 43 comments

Taking a deep breath. And another one. Trying to calm my nerves, contain the excitement that is threatening to spill over and engulf me.

Tomorrow is launch day for Sophie’s Turn. Tomorrow, I will party. And I’ll post a party piece with all the joys and thank yous and everything. But today, I’m sharing with you the itinerary for the promotion journey that Sophie, Dan, Sapphire Star Publishing and I will undertake with sixty-three outstanding bloggers and reviewers. Yes, you read that right. Sixty-three! Hence my question… are you ready?

How did this come about? I don’t rightly now. Sapphire Star Publishing organised a fabulous blog tour on my behalf with Reading Addiction Blog Tours. And I got in touch with the bloggers I had come to know and love from a previous release of Sophie’s Turn. The response has been overwhelming, the support is staggering and I am just totally over the moon. The result is the blog tour of all blog tours.

Don’t panic. I won’t be asking you to visit every stop. I won’t be asking you to tweet yourself to death (that’s my job, wish me luck). I won’t even stalk you with continuous updates, although hopefully you’ll see the odd tweet or three… 🙂 I’m simply posting the schedule here, in a safe, obvious space on my blog, so that if you DO want to stop by and say hello on any given day, you can find me. That’s all.

Lastly, I want to give due credit and say Thank You to all these amazing bloggers and fellow authors who are giving up their time and making space on their blogs to help me shout about Sophie’s Turn. I couldn’t do it without you. So without furhter ado, take a look at this schedule and stand in awe, as I do, at the amazing support for my baby.

See?

SOPHIE’S TURN:
THE LAUNCH TOUR 2012

6 September Romance that Rocks Your World Party Time!

6 September Jera’s Jamboree Review, give-away and interview: Update on my publishing journey

6 September AL Jackson Guest post: The rock song that kept me going

6 September Loveahappyending.com Guest post: The journey begins

6 September The Romaniacs Guest post: A natural born singer. Not.

6 September We Do Write Interview: Getting to know me…

6 September Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog Review, excerpt and give-away

6 September Celtic Connexions Quick introduction to Sophie’s Turn

6 September Beth Art From the Heart* Review and guest post: A Day in the Life

6 September Fascinating Books Review and Guest post: The roaming writer

7 September Wonderland Reviews* Review and interview

8 September Louise Graham Review and interview: Hiya! meets Sophie and Dan

8 September Andi’s Book Reviews * Review, give-away and guest post: Why book covers are so important

9 September Bookreview by Rea Review, give-away and interview: Where do my characters come from?

10 September For the Love of Film and Novels* Review, give-away and guest post

11 September Books For Me* Review and excerpt

12 September Solitary Bookworm* Review, give-away and excerpt

14 September Stephanie Keyes Interview: Am I Sophie?

14 September My Seryniti * Review, excerpt, give-away and interview

15 September Love reading love books Review and interview: Tell us about writing Sophie’s Turn…

16 September The Book Chick Review, give-away and guest post: I don’t procrastinate

17 September My Reading Room* Review, give-away and interview

18 September Mandy Baggot Guest post: Mandy interviews Dan Hunter

18 September Romantic Novelists’ Association Blog Guest post: Titles and covers, and covers and titles…

18 September Up All Night Reviews* Review, excerpt and give-away

19 September A Date With a Book* Review, excerpt and give-away

20 September Amy Gregory Guest post: Just the right side of hot and steamy…

22 September Chick lit and Wine Review, give-away and guest post: Sophie’s Turn goes Wine Tasting 101

23 September Forget the Housework Interview and give-away

24 September What’s Beyond Forks?* Review, excerpt, give-away and interview

25 September Hello, You Excerpt and interview: Meet Nicky Wells, the author who loves rock stars

27 September Me, my books and I Review, excerpt and give-away

27 September Cocktails and Books* Review, give-away and guest post: A Day in the Life…

28 September Booklovin’ Mamas* Give-away and guest post: Why Book Covers Matter…

29 September Chick Lit Club Connect Give-away and guest post: Rock Star Romance… by proxy

29 September Crazy Four Books* Review, excerpt, give-away

30 September Liv for Today Review, give-away and Q&A

1 October My Cozie Corner* Review and give-away

2 October Reviews By Molly* Review and excerpt

3 October Reader Girls* Review, excerpt and give-away

4 October Jennifer M Eaton Guest post: Peak performance

4 October Jersey Girl Book Reviews* Review, excerpt and guest post

4 October LovLivLife Reviews* Review and excerpt

6 October Janice Horton Guest post: High heels and broken ankles

6 October My Reading Addiction* Review and excerpt

7 October Sheryl Browne Guest post: Taking the plunge…

9 October Lynn Reynolds Review

11 October Kim the Bookworm Review plus interview: A little bit about life, the universe and everything

14 October Linn B Halton Guest post: Party and six pieces of advice

15 October Tracie Banister Interview and give-away

16 October Today I’m Reading Review, give-away and interview: Writing and inspiration

18 October Chick Lit Central Review, give-away and interview

19 October My life. One story at a time Review, give-away and interview: Where and how do I write?

21 October Bonnie Trachtenberg Guest post: Compulsive-Obsessive Plotting Disorder

23 October books 4u Guest post: A peek into the author’s office…

26 October The Littlereader Library Review and guest post: Changing writing habits

27 October Words from Anneli Introducing Nicky Wells; followed by Guest post: The Night I Was Powerless on 30 October!

30 October Age is Just a Number Interview and review

1 November Patricia Sands Guest post: Developing strength of character

6 November She Who Blogs Behind The Rows Guest post: There’s always a song…

9 November ChickLitPlus Review

11 November Alchemy of Scrawl Guest Post: Confessions of an Insomniac

13 November Jen Tucker Interview and guest post: Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Dan Hunter

Wow! Congratulations if you had the courage to scroll all the way down. You rock! See you on tour…

43 Comments

Posted in Sapphire Star Publishing Book Launch

Tagged Authors @ Sapphire Star Publishing, book launch, chick lit, Happy Ending, loveahappyending.com, Nicky Wells, Publication, rock star, Romance, Sophie's Turn, Virtual Book Tour

Party planning, the rock star way?

Posted on August 31, 2012 | 26 comments

Six Days To GO!!!!

Yes!

Nearly There! On Thursday, 6 September–yes, that’s Thursday NEXT WEEK–Sapphire Star Publishing will launch my rock star romance, Sophie’s Turn, onto the world in its newly polished and better-than-ever format.

You know I’ve been working towards this day, like, forever. Let’s see… since January of this year…

I signed Sophie’s Turn with Sapphire Star Publishing…
I’ve built a brand and a platform…
I’ve edited and proofed…
I’ve taken the delivery of my own novel in paperback…

Now, there really isn’t much left to do. Right? Apart from, of course, organising the rocking launch party!!!!

Coming to this very blog and to Facebook on launch day, 6 September, all day long, the launch party will absolutely rock. Get ready for food and drink, music, dancing and a host of amazing guests.