Awhile back, I got a friend request via GoodReads. This happens a couple times a week, and I never say no.

In fact, after I accept, I always click on “compare books.” Have you ever done this? It’s fun to see what others are reading, and how full their shelves are (people: full shelves are GOOD things!).

This person’s books surprised me. Two were anthologies I’ve got pieces in — With Love — Indie Authors United, and 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror, a compilation of guest blog posts to accompany Stacy Juba’s novel, 25 Years Ago.

And the third book on the list? Something I’d edited. I’m still sad that client moved on. Her work was so fresh, so haunting… but you can’t please ‘em all, I guess.

So what’s the point here for the writer to take home? Simple.

Get yourself out there. Interact with the community. Jump into an anthology or three if you can. The Indie Authors Unite anthology wasn’t juried; it was a group of us who wanted to put out a book and direct the royalties to Doctors without Borders. We wanted to make a difference in the world.

25 Years in the Rearview Mirror originally began as a series of blog posts. Stacy took them and turned them into a book. I believe it’s a free download; the Amazon page says “Pricing not available.”

Sometimes, it’s that easy to get your name out there. There may not be payment involved, but let me tell you: the thrill of seeing something you helped create show up on someone else’s GoodReads list is worth it.

Go on. Get yourself out there. See where you wind up.

I’ve known Stacy Juba for a long time now. She’s one of the founding authors over at Bestseller Bound, where you know I spend a lot of time hanging out.

But I haven’t hosted her here yet, for a Featured New Release spot, even though she’s put books out. And even though she’s featured me, both on her blog and in her new book, 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror. I know I’ve asked … and this is the first time she’s taken me up on my offer.

She’s not here to talk about 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror, though. Nope. She’s here to talk about her new boxed set, Young Ladies of Mystery. This set features three of Stacy’s books: Twenty-five Years Ago Today, Sink or Swim, and Dark Before Dawn.

Without further ado, here’s Stacy:

Answer this question: What song makes you think of your book?
Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Kylie Minogue. That song comes to mind as when I was writing one of the books in the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set, Sink or Swim, the song would constantly play on the radio. Since the book has a stalker who is fixated on the main character, reality show contestant Cassidy Novak, the song became Cassidy’s Anthem. Poor Cassidy! I’m sure she wished her stalker could get her out of his head. Thanks to that song, I could never get Cassidy out of my head, either.

I’d hear it on the way to work, on the way back from work, on the way to appointments, and when I was out driving with my husband. I’d always smile, imagining my book as a movie with the song sounding over the credits. I felt as if anything was possible. I had an agent at the time and I was anxious to finish writing the book and turn it in.

Unfortunately, when I created the book trailer after Sink or Swim was published, that song wasn’t available so I settled for Every Breath You Take, which also fits the book well. I rarely hear Can’t Get You Out Of My Head on the radio anymore, however I do get to hear it frequently when I play Just Dance on Wii!

Ready for the blurb?

The Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set: Features Stacy’s adult mystery/romantic suspense novels Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim, and her young adult psychic thriller Dark Before Dawn, in one bargain-priced download. Solve a cold case with aspiring reporter Kris Langley; discover the downside of fame with former reality show contestant Cassidy Novak; and meet teenage psychic Dawn Christian, who discovers that ESP spells D-A-N-G-E-R. More on the three books included in the download:

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today – For twenty-five years, Diana Ferguson’s killer has gotten away with murder. When rookie obit writer and newsroom editorial assistant Kris Langley investigates the cold case of the artistic young cocktail waitress who was obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, not only does she fall in love with Diana’s sexy nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the obituary page herself.

Sink or Swim – How do you change the channel when reality TV turns to murder? After starring on a hit game show set aboard a Tall Ship, personal trainer Cassidy Novak discovers that she has attracted a stalker. Can she trust Zach Gallagher, the gorgeous newspaper photographer assigned to follow her for a local series? As things heat up with the stalker and with Zach, soon Cassidy will need to call SOS for real.

Dark Before Dawn – When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak “accidents” in town, Dawn has an important choice to make – continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.

Convinced? Do you need these books in your life? Here you go…

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo

Smashwords

Connect with Stacy!
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Amazon page
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Yep, it’s that time of year again.

Last year, I did pretty well. The end of the week was pre-empted by my leaving for the famed Writer’s Retreat at Confluence, PA. You guys may remember… we were flooded INTO a very lovely bed and breakfast, from which we watched the water rise. And then retreat again. What a way to watch a flood… it was phenomenal.

Last year, also, I only had two books out. I made both the Demo Tapes books free last year; I’m sure that made a difference in sales.

This year, they will be free again, if you’re looking to pick them up and add them to your e-book library.

However, Trevor’s Song, that novel of mine… I’m only discounting it 50%, to $1.50. I’ve got bills to pay, folks, and a website to support. I think spending $1.50 for up to three books is MORE than fair…

The only potential downer is that you’ll have to buy through Smashwords. If you don’t have an account there, what are you waiting for? There’s a TON of free stuff (most of which I can’t vouch for). I’ll be adding links to my friends as they report in with their links… be sure to check them out first. They are, after all, my friends. Which means that, due to the Commutative Property of Friends, any friend of mine is a friend of yours, too.

Susan’s Friends you should check out:
Thea Atkinson
KM Humphreys
Bitsy Bling Books
Sharon Cathcart
Darcia Helle
Libby Fischer Hillmann

Tania Tirraoro — Sweet Seduction
Allen Schatz — Game 7: Dead Ball

Al Boudreau decided to lower his price at Amazon, for you Kindle folk.

Stacy Juba decided to do it on her own terms:

Stacy Juba is offering a 99 cent special for her mystery/romantic suspense novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today on Smashwords, where you can download the book into the format of your choice.Visit the book’s Smashwords page at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/17652 and then type in this coupon code at checkout: BU97L.

Jason McIntyre is following my lead. Shed is free. On the Gathering Storm is half off. Two books for a buck fifty. NEW books, not used. Can’t beat that!

**You’ll notice that links to profile pages, not to the books themselves do not have the super-special affiliate code attached. The links to individual books, however, do. This means I may or may not make any money if you guys buy. Of course, I’d prefer to make a few cents…