Nerves!!

It's a horrible wet summers day here in Western Australia. I wanted to spend it writing, working on my next instalment.

Well that was my hope anyway.... But... I'm all nerves today.

Has anyone had a look at my debut novel? How will it be perceived.

I said that regardless, I would be happy, but in all honesty I am scared.

Time to divert my attention to writing the next instalment. :)

Curbing my enthusiasm.....

Yesterday was a big day for me, with the release of my novel now available on Amazon, ibooks and other sites.

I brought a copy for my kindle this morning, Why? you may ask.... Well because I wanted to look back and say I brought a copy of my debut novel.. :)

When I started reading it, I was feeling disappointment.... The story didn't flow in this format like I had wanted it to.

Every negative thought crashed through me, self doubts creeping back in.

Would I be judged for the layout, for the way it has been set up. Did I not review it well enough prior to it being sent away for printing?

Continuing on, I started feeling some relief. As you delve further into the story it gets better. I have noticed a couple of silly editing errors which I will look at having fixed after my professional review is returned, but nothing to dramatic.

Maybe it is just me, maybe I have read and re read my story to the point of being sick of it.

Those are doubts that make you question whether or not what you have produced is good enough.

I am dreading the customer reviews now, I hope they are not too crucifying.


Heroes and Villains - California Dreaming 1




http://amzn.com/B01B6AEDY6
http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01B6AEDY6
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01B6AEDY6
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heroes-and-villains-14

Because I am happy!! :)

Very appreciative!!

Today marks a very monumental moment in my life.. after months of hard work my book is finally live!!

I love reading, my tastes varying from Stephen King and his suspenseful horror stories to Victoria Ashley and her sexy erotic novels. I am not a picky person and just have a great love of reading in general.

Through this whole process I have shifted so far out of my comfort zone, that I don't always know who I am anymore. I have always been a very private person, but by starting this journey to become a published author, I have had to venture out into the world.

I am very appreciative to the authors who have made the time to give me advice, offer me suggestions. Having to promote myself was something I hadn't counted on and if I am to be honest, has scared the crap out of me.

My self doubts creep in on and off over the day, everyday!!

It is worse when I am reading another novel, as I start to wonder whether mine is actually any good. Have I written my like this? have I structured it the same, looked for simple author mistakes. When I take the time to re read sections, I get annoyed at myself, reassuring myself that yes, it is just as good as other books.

I am very new to this and it has been an amazing journey, one I wish to continue in the years to come.

I love telling stories, sharing what I have been creating over the years. I may be nervous and all those other emotions but it has been worth it.

Even if this venture goes no where, I am proud of what I have produced and the fact that I have made it this far.

Stacey x

We are live on iBooks as well 💕

This day just get better and better!! 

And we are live on Amazon!!!

The most exciting thing to happen to me today is to see that the eBook version of my book Heroes and Villains - California Dreaming 1 is now live on Amazon.com and Amazon.com.au.

I haven't checked any of the others yet, I was too excited to see my book come up on the Amazon sites...... :)


http://www.amazon.com.au/Heroes-Villains-California-Dreaming-1-ebook/dp/B01B6AEDY6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1454035620&sr=8-6&keywords=stacey+Johnston


http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Villains-California-Dreaming-1-ebook/dp/B01B6AEDY6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1454035392&sr=8-7&keywords=stacey+Johnston

Author Review - GJ Walker-Smith - The Wishes Series

I found this author after looking for new books about six months ago. All my favourite authors were in between novels and I had read everything on my kindle.

What I loved about this series is that it is very addictive. Charli has an outlook on life that you don't commonly see and it is refreshing.

It is a romance story but you won't find any graphic sex scenes... in these books, you don't need it. The story that revolves around Charli and Adam is beautifully written and mesmerizing at times.

I also love that she is also from Western Australia....

This is the blurb for Saving Wishes - the first of many in the series...

AU & NZ iBook's Best of 2013 Breakout Book Of The Year

For Charli Blake, being seventeen is a tough gig.

She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania. Thankfully, it's temporary.

Her lifelong dream of travelling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.

When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing: fate brought him to her.

Saving Wishes is the story of a girl who doesn't quite fit the life she's living, and the boy who helps her realise why.

http://www.amazon.com.au/Saving-Wishes-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00BEJC9E6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1454025852&sr=8-7&keywords=g+j+walker+smith

Blue Ink Reviews!!

And lastly for now.. these are the lovely people that will be professionally reviewing my book. Hopefully I will have that back at some stage next week..


http://www.blueinkreview.com/

More emails from my publisher !!

I am loving how quickly everything is now progressing with the release of my book!!

I have received yet another email today, this one is for me to approve the artwork etc... for the marketing accessories.

So in about two to three weeks i will have bookmarks, business cards, postcards and posters :)

BookMad Digital Magazine

So... today brings more emails from my publisher. The first one being for the proposed decription of my book for BookMad Digital Magazine

http://www.authorhouse.com/BookMad.aspx

Quotes to make my day!!

Author Bio for Heroes and Villians :)



My author bio that is on the inside of my book!

Teaser Time!! Another little sneek peak ;)

 

'He is now standing directly behind me, with one of his arms slinked around my shoulder and his hand thus resting on my stomach.

OMFG . . . the things this boy has stirred up inside me is not anything I can easily explain.

He has managed to make my breathing quicken, my legs weaken, and my heart beat faster without really putting in any effort.'

 

 

 

 

My musical motivation for Heroes and Villains

There were sections of my book, where I wanted to write the lyrics to the songs they were either listening to or singing.

As I did not have permission I had to rewrite those scenes.

Those songs were -


Dido's - Thank You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w


Uncle Kracker's - Smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffej15-Dgl0


Seether's - Broken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPC2Fp7IT7o


Nickleback's - Satellite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmdzbVVin0s


Each song holds a special place in the book :)

Ebook.. Let's bring it on!!

Now all I need is for the ebook to go live and I will be exceptionally happy!  :)

O.M.G - Heroes and Villains - California Dreaming 1 - LIVE on Xlibris Website :)

So..... this just happened :)


http://www.xlibris.com.au/

Motivational Thoughts for today!!

Frustration!! - Are my expectations to high?

So I open my emails this morning, eagerly awaiting news of my review. Surely I should hear something by now, I assume. Well I would be wrong!!

This morning I have received an Agreement form from Blueink Review Services, forwarded to me by my publishing company.

Now I believe that I have been a patient person - ok, maybe not so patient ;)

How long will I now have to wait? Will it delay the release of my book? All thoughts going through my head this morning.

But on a more exciting note! A Standard Book Video is included in my package...

I have filled out my survey this morning to help them facilitate the creation of my Book Video!!

Now, that is something I am excited about! :)

Author Review - Nina Levine - Storm MC Series

Nina Levine is a fellow Australian author that I started following about a year ago. I stumbled across her first book Storm - which is free on Amazon :)

I have never read any motorcycle club romances before so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was really dirty mouthed, tattooed men who were obviously bikers, but hot none the less!!

Nina has a way of describing her characters that keeps you enthralled, hanging on, wanting to know how it will end. Each instalment better than the last.

My personal favourite is book 4 - Slay  - If I were to ever claim to having a book boyfriend, Blade is it for sure!!!

I would recommend this authors books to anyone, she is a fantastic author and I can't wait for book 8 - Havoc!!

http://www.amazon.com.au/Storm-MC-Collection-Books-Motorcycle-ebook/dp/B00PSLJDOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453851965&sr=8-1&keywords=nina+levine+storm+mc

Funny Quotes

My Publishing Company

When I decided to take that step and look at Self Publishing, I enlisted the help of Xlibris Publishing.

Thanks to them my book will be ready within the next three to four weeks.

I am getting very excited now!!!


http://www.xlibris.com/

Yah!! I created another Author link - I am on Twitter :)

I have branched out and created myself a Twitter account :)


https://twitter.com/author_stacey

Patience Required!!

Here in Australia, it's Australia Day!

A day where I should be sitting by my pool, drinking an ice cold Corona!

Instead I am impatiently awaiting news of my book review.... Stressing over whether or not a professional will think it is as good as I hope.  (Well, that and I am waiting for someone to come and collect the cute little dog who has claimed me as it's adopted mum :) )

Inspirational Quote of the day!

Author Review - L A Casey - The Slater Brothers Series

I found this author by accident, I was searching for something new to read and her book Alec popped up in my recommendations list.

Ok so this time I chose my book, simply by the cover!! ;)

To set the scene you have five American boys living in Ireland.... what could possibly go wrong?

This was a fantastic book, as is the rest of the series. I am really looking forward to next one Ryder which is due out on 23rd Feb 2016.

http://www.amazon.com/ALEC-Slater-Brothers-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00MSVERYE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1453729376&sr=8-8&keywords=LA+casey

Author Review - Victoria Ashley - Walk of Shame Series...

One of my favourites has to be Victoria Ashley.

She stood out for me with her Walk of Shame Series!!

http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Shame-Full-Victoria-Ashley/dp/1515158497/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1453728750&sr=8-5&keywords=victoria+Ashley

Wow, is all I can say.... If you like your men really dirty, then these three boys are what you need.
There is no easing you into the story, they are explosive from the start!!

I have now read every Victoria has written and she never disappoints... :)

What comes next?

So while I am waiting for my book to be reviewed by Blue Ink Reviews I am waiting on the following marketing to commence...

Over the next couple of weeks this should happen....

Taking that next step! :)

So this happened today!

I created myself an author page on Facebook....

https://www.facebook.com/Stacey-Johnston-Author-1674780316144796/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Just another small step towards the bigger picture :)

Inspirational Quote of the day!

Dilemma Time!!

So my thoughts are to download a program to help me design some very cool teaser pictures etc like all the fantastic authors I follow do.

Photoshop seems to be the obvious one, but I have now discovered Bimp.

I am wondering which one would be the better choice for book covers, teasers etc....

Maybe I should trial both, get an idea of what I am looking at.

Teaser Time!! Just a little look into Heroes and Villians - California Dreaming 1

The sight of him even has me thinking wicked thoughts....
 
Thoughts which I know I should not be having right now - especially, ones of me on my knees, with him standing in front of me, his shorts hanging down around his ankles, my fingers sitting just slightly underneath the rim of his underwear, ready to pull them down.
 
Right where the V . . .
 
'Are you coming?' he whispers softly, passing by.
'We have no idea where we are taking this stuff.'
 
And just like that, the daydream is gone. From the look on his face and the quiet chuckle I hear, I would say he was well aware of where my thoughts were heading.

The things I do when I am bored!! - Bombard my stuff with funny quotes :)

Do the nerves ever calm down!

At some stage this week, I will receive both my positive and negative reviews from Blue Ink Reviews. Am I scared? Oh god yes... I think I just expect the worst, that I don't believe anyone will enjoy the story as much as I do.

It took a lot of courage to branch out the way I have and I have learnt so much along the way. I am already 15000 words into the next instalment and I have noticed the changes already in regards to my writing style. Learning what words are overused and what a passive sentence is. I have to admit, I knew none of this when I first started writing.

Writing the book was easy compared to having to edit it....

Anyway, just voicing my fears today, hoping that as I progress further into this journey, it will become less daunting.

Author Review - Jo Raven - Inked Brotherhood Series

The first book I ever read from Jo Raven was 'Asher'

http://www.amazon.com/Asher-Inked-Brotherhood-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00KANRBOK/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1453604702&sr=8-11&keywords=jo+raven

I fell in love with this series, each book was exceptionally well written. With every new instalment Jo grows as a writer, her confidence in her ability to provide a great story evident. There is so much I could say but really all you need to know is that she loves inflicting pain on these poor boys!! They are all unique characters and Jo really does have a wonderful ability to create fantastic storylines.

I thoroughly enjoyed every one and am now on her review team!!
There is no doubt you will love them as much as I do :)

Author Review - Anne Mercier - Rock Star Series

After reading Fifty Shades of Grey I started searching Amazon to see what other books I could find. As I am an avid reader, I searched all sorts of Genres coming across the Anne Mercier by accident in the romance genre.

I found Falling Down and obviously because it was free I thought I would give it a go.

http://www.amazon.com.au/s?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Anne%20Mercier&search-alias=digital-text

I loved it that much I couldn't put it down!

To begin the story we meet Luciana Russo, a seventeen year old girl making her way through an airport, on her way to an acting audition. Lucy's family let me add is also connected to the Chicago Mafia!
Since she was twelve she has been in love (as all teenagers are!) with a rock star named Jesse Kingston. A man she calls 'His Sexiness'
A chance meeting at the airport with her crush and a spark set when they touch, sets the stage for what follows.
Fast forward and we find Lucy is now a famous actress. With a love for music herself, she and her sister / cousin Sera star in music videos when they need a break. After their manager organises for the to star in a rock groups new music video, Lucy and Sera find themselves once again face to face with the lustrous Jesse Kingston and his band Falling Down.

Anne describes the desire and the lust between these two lead characters extremely well. It draws you in and you have to keep reading to see what will happen next between these two. Nothing about their journey is easy, old habits die hard and patience is a must.

Do they make it? Well you will have to read the book to find out! :)  A little teaser - Just imagine the scenario of a rock star whose life consists of playing music and sexed up groupies. If you were Lucy how would you tame a man like that?
Each character in this book has a distinctive personality which Anne describes amazing well. She paves the way and creates a curiosity for you to know their stories. She has you itching to get your hands on the next instalment.

Falling Down is definitely a must read!!

**On a side note - Look out for Xander!!

Inspirational quotes to motivate!!

The journey so far....

About a year ago I discovered some writing that I started a couple of years ago. Being sneaky I gave it to my 19 year old daughter and asked her to tell me what she thought. To my surprise she liked it and that gave me my motivation to continue the story. Fast forward a few months and my manuscript was near completion. Venturing outside my comfort zone, I put myself out there on facebook and asked for some friends to read it for me. What I received in return was an honest interpretation of how it was perceived. With the assistance of a couple of amazing women I was able to go back and fix the imperfections.

Then came the daunting challenge of deciding whether to share my work with the world. Branching out, I asked author Jo Raven how she started out. She gave me some great advice and I decided to take the step and look at publishing it.

The road to publication was not as easy as I had anticipated and has filled me with fear on more than one occasion!!

But at the end of the day, I will have my own personal copy to cherish in two to three weeks and the ebook version will be ready to go live on Amazon etc in the next four to six weeks.

As an added step, I have allowed my publishing company Xlibris to enlist the services of Blue Ink Reviews to give me their honest opinion. Let's hope they don't tear it to shreds to much....

Anyway, I am excited that in the next two to three business days it will be available on the Xlibris website.

Now begins the process of getting it out there, self promotion and marketing. Something I know nothing about!

Here's hoping that everyone loves it as much as I do!! :)

A little more self promotion of myself!! ;) Story Summary from Heroes and Villians - California Dreaming 1

Authors to Follow!!

Up until a few years ago my reading extended to that of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I still enjoy reading their work, but I got sucked into the whole 'Fifty Shades of Grey' craze and started venturing into the romance genre. Along the way I have found some fantastic authors whose books I have become addicted to.

Some of my favourites include -

Anne Mercier - Her rock star series is awesome! I have read all of them and wait in anticipation for the next instalment.

http://annemercierauthor.com

Another one I love following is Victoria Ashley, her Walk of Shame series was hot, dirty and had you craving more!

http://victoriaashleyauthor.com

This particular author I am actually a part of her review team. Her Inked Brotherhood series was fantastic. Each book I read made me feel like I was actually a part of the story. I love each one!!

http://joraven.com/


If you love dirty, tattooed biker boys, then the following authors are a must!!

Nina Levine
Jani Kay
Lucci Grubb

Each one of them has me eagerly awaiting the next instalment.  :)

When I started this journey, the characters were just figments of my imagination, created when I needed to escape reality.
A bit childish, you may say....  Well yes, in a way it is.

For me, my childhood was you could say unconventional. We grew up in a house with three aunties, two uncles, our father and finally our grandparents. Life has always had it's ups and downs and I have escaped by using my imagination.

This is how my stories came to light.

About twelve months ago I finally decided to put those stories on paper. I have always had a knack for writing and it seemed to be the perfect time in my life to bring my characters to life.

It has been a daunting experience, one I was not prepared for, but am very proud of. I have learnt so much and at the end of the day I have a novel that is mine!

Regardless of what happens from here, I am excited, nervous and scared all rolled into one...

This is my Cover!

Introducing Me!!

 

This is my personal journey to becoming a published author. Regardless of what happens with my book, I am excited to finally being able to accomplish a life long dream.

I reside in Rockingham, Western Australia with my four children, and husband.

I am an Office Manager for an Audio Visual company, as well as a fulltime mum and wife.

During my spare time I also like to write. About a year ago I started on a journey to write a novel for publication. I have followed many authors for years in different genres, and have also reviewed for a couple as well. It was during that time that I started on my mission to share my own stories. In just a few weeks this will become a reality.

I have started this blog to share my experiences and my journey.

I will also be sharing all my favourite authors books, teasers and many anything else that I can.

 

In four to six weeks, the release of my first novel - Heroes and Villains, California Dreaming 1, will be made available. I am excited, nervous, and scared of what people will think. It is currently being reviewed by Blue Ink Reviews, and I am hoping that it is reviewed well.