A Pimp and Promote Frenzy, A Twitter Party and The WANA Phenomenon

Photo by Cole Vassiliou ~ WANA Commons

Photo by Cole Vassiliou ~ WANA Commons

Welcome to Thoughty Thursday here at More Cowbell! This is the day of the week when y’all get to be privy to whatever thoughts are kicking around in my brain. Today I’m thinking about my writing pals and the outrageous party we’re having tomorrow on Twitter.

What party, you ask?

It all started with a conversation between myself, August McLaughlin, Marcy Kennedy and Lisa Hall-Wilson… We were talking about 2013, and how excited we all were to see the new year, then August started table dancing and—

Sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself a bit.

We decided it was time for a Twitter party. Specifically a TGI2013 party, since so many of our pals are delighted to see 2012 come to a close. I’ve placed the details below so y’all can be there!

Where: #myWANA hashtag
When: Tomorrow, January 4, 2012: 6-10 PM Eastern / 3-7 PM Pacific

How do you attend a Twitter party??

  • Limber up those fingers
  • Pour yourself a glass of your beverage of choice
  • Crank some music (preferably some that can be shared)
  • Click on the #myWANA link above and prepare to ring in the New Year with your fellow writers and favorite peeps

It’s really pretty easy. You just have to show up. I promise!! Lena Corazon and Barbara McDowell have already promised to show off some of their stellar DJ talents.

(And I really recommend you ask Lena to tweet that picture of her in a lampshade. Amazing…)

In case you’re scratching your heads, wondering what “WANA” means…

It stands for We Are Not Alone, the lovely book by Social Media Jedi, Kristen Lamb. The WANA Phenomenon has become much more than a book, at least it has for me.

My part of the WANA story started in March 2011…Since then, I’ve gathered with people all over the world at:

  • The #myWANA hashtag (here’s what Kristen has to say about it)
  • WANA Facebook groups – one for the big group and one for the instructors at…
  • WANA International (Yep, you can learn from these peeps!)
  • Plus, we have WANATribe, the only social network build just for us creative types (and a hugely valuable resource for information and fun)

You see why I call it the WANA Phenomenon?? We like to party AND support each other. 🙂

Here’s a post from another WANA pal, Julie Glover, that will be live on Friday morning. Enjoy!

In the interest of some great community support…I’m hereby opening the More Cowbell floodgates for some “Pimp or Promote!”

pimp-juice

In case you’re new here, I’ve put the basics below so you can fully participate:

  • Pimp out somebody else’s work – this can be a favorite author, blogger, post or book you’ve read, a wonderful teacher or just someone who had profound influence on you as a writer or a person.
    AND
  • Promote one of your projects that you’re excited about – a hobby, a blog, a class, a book, a New Year’s resolution. You decide. Just tell us all about it in the comments! The rest of us will jump in and “ooooh and coo” at you, and likely promote your project even further (because that’s just how we are).

I want to hear about what’s exciting in your life today. Don’t forget to both PIMP and PROMOTE. And enjoy yourself down in the comments. Thanks again for making things so fun here at More Cowbell!

OK, my posse…rev those engines. Let’s see your best P&P!! And save a little energy for tomorrow’s party. 🙂

Have you ever been to a Twitter party? What surprises you the most about the whole concept? Do you have any questions for me?

Jenny

About Jenny Hansen

Avid seeker of "more"...More words, more creativity, More Cowbell! An extrovert who's terribly fond of silliness. Founding blogger at Writers In The Storm (http://writersinthestormblog.com). Write on!
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74 Responses to A Pimp and Promote Frenzy, A Twitter Party and The WANA Phenomenon

  1. Emma says:

    I’ll try to be up and awake for the Twitter Party 🙂

    Like

  2. Pingback: How To Find A Tribe - Lisa Hall-Wilson

  3. I’d like to PIMP the work of a friend and client of mine. Tracy is an incredibly talented artist who sells greeting cards she designed herself (http://www.tracycampbell.net/shop.html). She also has a blog that will appeal to moms and their kids (how often can you find a blog you can enjoy with your munchkins)! She features crafts, pet stories, tips for moms, and often writes in the voice of her dog Indy and her butterfly muse. If your child is a burgeoning artist themselves, Tracy will even showcase their Mindful Masterpieces on her site (http://tracycampbell.net/blog/).

    I’d like to PROMOTE my Twitter class that starts January 5th. I’m offering a New Year’s Special of 20% off if you enter the code Marcy20 at check out. This class will help you grow your platform on Twitter in a way that’s fun and doesn’t eat up all your writing time. http://wanaintl.com/event-registration/?ee=78

    Like

    • Jenny Hansen says:

      Ooooh…great stuff, Marcy! I’m excited about your class, but now I’m over the moon cuz all my peeps are going to get 20% off. Score!

      p.s. I didn’t know Tracy made greeting cards. I’m off to check that out!

      Like

    • K.B. Owen says:

      That is sooo cool, Marcy! I wonder is any WANAs out there would want to see if Tracy could do cover art, too! Good luck with your Twitter class!

      Like

  4. K.B. Owen says:

    Cool! We should put out a spread…maybe someone could spatchcock a bird for the occasion. I volunteer Gloria Richard. Zack “A Tad Dark” Kullis can help her. I hear he’s good with a knife. 😉

    Promote: Have you seen what Ellie Ann Soderstrom is up to these days? Besides co-authoring two books – Breaking Steele (which is out) and Twisting Steele (which can be pre-ordered), she’s doing this cool transmedia thing called “A Slice of Life.” I can’t explain it very well, so check it out here: http://ellieannsoderstrom.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/slice-of-life/ Seriously, does this gal ever SLEEP?!

    Pimp: I’ve commissioned a cover artist and hired a copy editor in preparation for …gulp…publishing my first novel, Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery. It’s a cozy historical, set in an 1890s women’s college in Hartford, Connecticut. When I have a date and a cover, I’ll announce it on my site (which will have a new look for the big reveal). A few more weeks, I hope! I’m also sending the ms of the sequel to my agent next week…we’ll see if she likes it!

    Thanks for the chance to share the love, Jenny! I’ll try to stop by the Twitter party tomorrow!
    –Kathy

    Like

    • K.B. Owen says:

      Gack…I don’t read directions very well…got my “pimp” and “promote” mixed up. Pimping myself again. Sigh.

      Like

    • Jenny Hansen says:

      Whatever, Kathy! I’m just glad we got you to do both. 🙂

      Also, send me the latest on the mss please. I’m finally ready for it!

      Like

    • Jenny Hansen says:

      By the way, Ellie’s project sounds fabulous! Thanks for telling me about it. I hope she gets wind of the fact that you AND Amber both pimped her out. 🙂

      p.s. She’s in her 20’s…so the answer is NO, she never sleeps.

      Like

    • Hey! K.B.!

      I knew hanging out in comments with Zack when the word Spatchcocked was in play would get me in trouble.Geesh! The things I do to make the top five for More Cowbell in 2013.

      And, you? Sneaky little Clever and prolific blogger. You beat everyone to the punch and won that prize for you and your hubby.

      Have you told Jenny you declined the gift? Hmmm? Have you? She seemed quite thrilled with the notion that Mr. Owen would own a pair of Pachyderm Manly-Man Undies.

      Like

  5. Stacy Green says:

    Tomorrow is a busy day for Twitter chats! I will try to pop in when I can. And thanks for doing the pimp and promote.

    Pimp: I want to promote the amazing Jillian Dodd. I don’t read in her genre, but I’m sure most of you know what a great success 2012 was for her. Despite our genre gap, she has been very good to me, sharing her extensive marketing knowledge and answering my many stupid questions with patience. She just revealed the covers for her next three books, and they look great. YA readers love her, so if that’s your genre or you’ve got a YA reader in your house, check Jillian out. http://jilliandodd.net/cover-reveals-for-jillian-dodds-keatyn-chronicles-series

    Promote: Some big changes are coming for me in 2013, and I’m sharing them all with my blog subscribers, as well as giving them a chance at a $20 Amazon gift card. Even better, anyone who signs up for my newsletter this month receives a free copy of my short story, Welcome To Las Vegas. Newsletter subscribers will have discounted pricing on my books and first dibs on various contests. You can sign up for the newsletter here: http://stacygreenauthor.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=4e387f56471a4b84efbd29da2&id=7c41c25afb

    Like

  6. Amber West says:

    I was going to pimp Ellie, too! http://ellieannsoderstrom.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/slice-of-life/ Her project sounds pretty awesome. And now that I read about KB’s – it’s set where I was born! I can’t wait for that one.

    On the promote side – I have a special promo going right now. It’s today and tomorrow ONLY (it’s like I knew there was a party going tomorrow 🙂 ).

    My book is FREE.

    That’s right. It’s my gift to all my broke friends who like to read but find that even a couple of bucks is tough this month. So, go forth and get your FREE book on: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ruth-Valley-Missing-ebook/dp/B00A4GPHFS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357223035&sr=8-2&keywords=ruth+valley

    Download it. Gift it. Then shout it from the hilltops. 🙂

    Like

  7. susielindau says:

    Pimp:
    I would like to pimp out a friend of mine whose writing style I admire. Cayman Thorn is a blogger’s blogger. http://drinkswellwithothers.wordpress.com/ He has a way of reaching out to other bloggers. There is no one who uses metaphors like him and I always find his wit entertaining and I hope you will too.

    Promote:
    I took an icy plunge two days ago and posted a photo essay about it. I am officially certifiable. http://susielindau.com
    Another Use Me and Abuse Me Day party is coming up tomorrow. It is very similar to this except you are encouraged to promote yourself and mingle in the comments, chat it up on other’s blogs, and gain a few more subscribers!
    Thanks Jenny! **clangs cowbell**

    Like

  8. Another WANA party? I’m there!

    PIMP: I read Adriana Ryan’s World of Shell and Bone the other week, and LOVED it! I can’t wait for the next one! And she’s got the flu right now, so please let me pimp her book so she can buy more tissues 😉 http://www.adrianaryan.com/ (Plus, that COVER!)

    I have nothing to promote, so yay Adriana and WANA!

    Like

  9. Looking forward to the party, Jenny!

    Pimp: I’m feeling a huge level of gratitude and stuffed to the gills with humble pie at the moment for the amazing Louise Behiel. If you haven’t met Louise, hop right over to her blog this very minute! You’ll be glad you did! Here’s the link: http://louisebehiel.com/happy-new-year-and-blog-of-the-year/

    Promote: Well, since you asked…. 🙂 I’m running a little poll on my blog at the moment, asking readers to help me choose a title for my next book. I’d love it if you’d all vote! (Oh, and there’s a prize, too. Yep — it’s a bribe!) Here’s the link: http://dianecapri.com/2013/01/the-next-big-thing-part-two-name-that-book/ Thanks for the help!

    See you tomorrow, Jenny!

    Like

  10. Scrambling to get a sensible post up so I can (1) erase the convoluted mess I posted yesterday, and (2) have something to pimp.

    I already have a promote. But, I’m holding that card close to my chest at the moment. They may or may not be related.

    Like

  11. amyshojai says:

    Pimp: Thriller debut author Jenny Milchman’s book COVER OF SNOW will release January 15 and I can’t wait! Jenny is one of those people who promotes others tirelessly and helps new writers and and and…just plain good people. She’s a success story, too, been toilin’ in the trenches for a loooong time so this success is particularly sweet. Here’s the link to the Ebook copy (and yes, I pre-ordered): http://tinyurl.com/a59j5zh

    Promote: My own debut thriller LOST AND FOUND has been released as an audio book! http://tinyurl.com/be8arhs Audible has a deal where you can sign up for a 30-day free membership and get 2 books free, and then 30% off other audio book purchases. *s* Oh, and if’n ya wondered what I sound like…that’s me reading the book. With a couple dozen different character voices…

    Like

    • Jenny Hansen says:

      *eyes glazed over kickass Audible deal*

      I didn’t realize you did the reading on Lost and Found. That’s fantastic, Amy!! And what a money savings to not have to hire a voice actor. I’m so impressed with you!

      Like

      • amyshojai says:

        Hey, I’m cheap. *s* I either learn to do stuff myself or do without. I’d already been working with audio for the singing/orchestration stuff and editing some of that so I already had a paw up.

        Like

    • K.B. Owen says:

      Wow, Amy! Was it hard to read your entire book aloud, and do different voices?

      Like

      • amyshojai says:

        Hey there! Actually it was kind of fun. Just had to keep track of how each character sounded so the voices were consistent. In another life I’m an actor so I’ve performed different characters before. The chapters are pretty short so typically I recorded 3 or 4 chapters in the morning, and then edited in the afternoon, and later “mastered” the whole schmear. You upload to the acx.com site one chapter at a time.

        Like

  12. I’ve never really taken part in a Twitter party, but I’ll give it a try! (My mom leaves in the morning, so she won’t be looking at me like I’m crazy. ) I’ve been MIA for a few months now, just getting back into it, and I can’t believe how much I’ve missed you guys!

    I’d like to pimp a non-WANA blogger, Amy Andrews. She’s at http://bloggingwithamy.com/ (I don’t know if this will show up as a link or not), and gives great tips on the nuts and bolts of blogging. If you don’t know how to do something, she walks you through step by step. I’ve read a bunch, but the first one I’m going to do is add an RSS feed. Simple for a lot of you, I know, but I need something to follow. So seriously, if you want to know how to set up your blog page, or get more readers or more marketing tips or anything, head on over!

    Promote? I’m close enough to finishing edits on my middle grade novel that I told Kathy Owen on FB that she could tag me for The Next Big Thing, so does that count? It’s a time-travel adventure and you’ll hear all about it in a week or two, I guess! http://jenniferjensen.com

    Now I need to go check out everyone that got pimped in other comments, and then gee, I guess I’d better get back to editing! See you tomorrow.

    Like

  13. I would like to PIMP Amber West’s debut novel, The Ruth Valley Missing. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek, and being the huge mystery lover that I am, I LOVE it! Plus, big bonus… it’s FREE today on Amazon!!

    Promote? I’ll promote my YA mystery Football Sweetheart. The holiday sales were fantastic and book 2 is almost ready for publishing!!

    Jenny, and everyone else, I will see you at the Twitter party tomorrow night….

    Happy 2013!!

    Like

  14. We are busy here at “More Cowbell” today! Yahoo!

    Okay, here’s who I’d like to promote. Serena Dracis wrote an inspiring post this week and I am in awe! http://serenadracis.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/wild-wednesday-a-brand-new-year/ Serena did a magnificent job on this post and really no one should miss it. I’m speechless, the post was that great! Go read it everyone!

    And now that I’m back, I’d like to promote my little humble blogpost for this week at http://www.karenmcfarland.com since I don’t have a book out yet. But you all are doing a great job in that department. I’m working on it. Believe me I am. I feel like the Little Red Caboose holding up the rear! And I can’t complain about the view either. Thanks, Jenny! 🙂

    Like

  15. Nothing like a party with peeps to kick off a new year! And the chance to pimp and promote stuff? I’m going to pimp Tameri Etherton’s post, “2013 Will Be Phenomenal! Dream Big, Plan Accordingly” (http://tamerietherton.com/2013/01/01/2013-will-be-phenomenal-dream-big-plan-accordingly/) because her goals for 2013 rock the casaba in terms of writing focus and taking care of self.

    I’ll promote my latest blog post, “Well, Of Course It’s Gonna Be Big for 2013,” (http://barbaramcdowell.net/2013/01/03/well-of-course-its-gonna-be-big-for-2013/) because I’m participating in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop and sharing details about my novel WIP and links to six fab other writers. It was quite fun to write and I loved the questions asking for what inspired the book as well as who could play the characters in a movie. See you at the party!

    Like

    • Barbara, you are awesome! Thanks so much for the shout out. Can you tell it’s been a wild first two weeks of the year? Here it is the 11th and I’m finally make my way over here. Sheesh! Love, love, love you sweet lady!

      Like

  16. I would like to pimp Sharon Lynn Fisher’s Ghost Planet. This science fiction romance released just before Christmas. The premise is crazy fun and, yes, thoughty. grin

    “Psychologist Elizabeth Cole prepared for the worst when she accepted a job on a newly discovered world–a world where every colonist is tethered to an alien who manifests in the form of a dead loved one. But she never expected she’d struggle with the requirement to shun these “ghosts.” She never expected to be so attracted to the charming Irishman assigned as her supervisor. And she certainly never expected to discover she died in a transport crash en route to the planet.

    Reincarnated as a ghost, Elizabeth is symbiotically linked to her supervisor, Murphy–creator of the Ghost Protocol, which forbids him to acknowledge or interact with her. Confused and alone–oppressed by her ghost status and tormented by forbidden love–Elizabeth works to unlock the secrets of her own existence.

    But her quest for answers lands her in a tug-of-war between powerful interests, and she soon finds herself a pawn in the struggle for control of the planet…a struggle that could separate her forever from the man that she loves.”

    Wow, let’s see, the promote part. I’m excited to report that I now have ten of my back list out in audio books, with four more due to go on sale this month. Details on titles of both romantic suspense and science fiction romance (most with slug of humor), can be found on my website (www.paulinebjones.com)

    Thanks for the chance to pimp and promote!

    Like

  17. angelapeart says:

    I wouldn’t miss myWana party for a million! Well, maybe for a million, but then I would be sorry nevertheless 🙂

    As for the pimping business – I want to give a shout to Jillian Dodd, a great friend, a wonderful YA author, and an amazing marketing guru – the best one I know. Here is a little tribute to Jillian: http://www.angelapeart.com/jillian-dodd-your-next-favorite-ya-author/

    Like

  18. Love the P & P parties on Cowbell, Jenny!

    I want to pimp our favourite Wild Rider, Susie Lindau, because IMHO she has really outdone herself this time! All for a good cause but … even so … brrrrrrr. http://susielindau.com/2013/01/02/plunging-into-the-new-year-polar-bear-style/

    Thanks for the chance to promote too! I might be cheating a little here because I get to pimp and promote all at the same time. The fantabulous Steena Holmes tagged me for The Next Big Thing Blog Hop in December. While I got to blather on about my next novel, The Promise of Provence, for the first time in public *knees knocking with excitement*, I also got to thank Steena and promote her site. Bonus!

    THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

    Looking forward to mingling with gang on Twitter tomorrow evening. PARTAY!

    Like

  19. Love the plans for a twitter party, Jenny. What a great way to celebrate the arrival of 2013.

    I want to pimp out Louise Behiel. Last year, she wrote a wonderful series of posts on addictions and abuse and dysfunctional families, and her background means she really knows her stuff. Plus, she’s caring and loyal and did I mention caring? 🙂 http://louisebehiel.com/happy-new-year-and-blog-of-the-year/

    And I’ll promote my free novella Wedding Fever. It’s free to the end of January 5th. http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Fever-Bandit-Creek-ebook/dp/B008JFNFF0/

    Thanks’ Jenny, and we’ll see you at the twitter party tomorrow!

    Like

  20. A little WANA pal medicine is just what this gal needs! (I’m fine, just getting over a bug. ;)) Thanks for rallying the troops for what’s sure to be a goofy, WANApanty-loving time. Woot!

    I’ll promote David Freed’s Facebook page. David is a pilot, award-winning journalist, the author of the Cordell Logan mystery series and an around fantastic person: https://www.facebook.com/FlatSpinByDavidFreed

    I’ll pimp my release party, which will take place on my blog and Facebook on Thursday the 10th. Here are the Facebook deets! https://www.facebook.com/events/126298790869251/

    I’ll be popping back tomorrow to check out others’ links. 🙂

    Like

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  22. Amber West says:

    Can I cheat and do an extra pimp and promote all-in-one?

    I posted this morning encouraging everyone to give to some worthy causes – something that should be of particular interest to those who love to read and write.

    http://withoutsushi.com/giving-back-and-going-without-the-book-edition/

    Like

  23. Pingback: My WANA Island | Julie Glover, Writer

  24. Julie Glover says:

    Promoting the Twitter party! Here’s my post on what MyWANA is like: My WANA Island http://julieglover.com/2013/01/04/my-wana-island/.

    Since I’m here, I’ll happily pimp Fabio Bueno’s debut novel, the YA paranormal titled WICKED SENSE: http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Sense-Singularity-Series-ebook/dp/B008VY32F2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357314402&sr=8-2&keywords=wicked+sense. It’s my most recent read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Like

  25. The Guat says:

    Hanging out at Susie’s party and I saw your post … I know I told you this the last time I ran into you … but I had to stop by and say it again. I so love your title and it’s awesome reference to the Saturday Night Live Will Ferrell skit. LOVE IT. Just thought I’d say that and I’m hoping to make it to your Twitter party. I guess I have to sign up for Twitter.

    Like

    • Jenny Hansen says:

      Hey, Guat! That’s exactly the More Cowbell I was thinking of when i started this blog. 🙂

      it’s lovely to have you back. Thanks for stopping in, and if you do sign up for Twitter, PLEASE look me up (@JennyHansenCA) – I’ll introduce you around.

      Like

  26. Oh, snap…I missed the Twitter party.

    Pimp and Promote, huh. Fabulous idea. It’s 5:00 am and Saturday morning. My brain is still trying to spark, so I may come back with answers.

    Like

  27. I found my way over here from August McLaughlin’s blog … I’m too late for the Twitter party, but would love to pimp and promote!

    PROMOTE: That would have to be the amazing E.L. Farris over at Running From Hell Will El. Oh boy, where to start. “Powerhouse” comes to mind, along with abuse survivor, mental health advocate, loyal friend and fearless writer who I believe will be a best-selling thriller author. And I just so happen to be reading an advance copy of her debut novel – RIPPLE – which is scheduled for release later this month. And let me tell you, it is something to behold. Here’s the link to her site: http://runningfromhellwithel.com/

    PIMP: OK. My novel – LITTLE 15 – which was banned last fall from a private literary event because of it’s risque content – just had it’s first birthday. LITTLE 15 is a dark tale about a star basketball player who has an affair with her coach. Books clubs are eating it up! To celebrate, I’m giving away 5 AUTOGRAPHED copies for those who help me promote my book the most across the social media spectrum. Visit my blog for more details – http://wp.me/p1UDsm-160

    Like

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  29. Love your pimp and promote parties, Jenny! So sorry I was late to this one and missed the Twitter party ~ I was driving down the coast from SF. It was a great drive, but too twisty for trying to tweet. Say that ten times fast!

    Keep being awesome, my friend.

    Like

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