January 7th, 2019 → 3:56 pm @ rldonovan
I would like to write my fourth book in the Donna Leigh Mystery series. Instead I will focus on writing every guest blog post, guest column, author interview and any other means of getting exposure for the first three books in the series. If offers aren’t forthcoming, I will reach out in writing and offer my services.
Luckily, I enjoy interviews and blogging as well as the writing of the actual novels, but let’s face it, the novels are more fun. Right now I am honoring my pragmatic side and trying to build some steady sales for the series before putting my concentration into creation.
In order to ensure that I doggedly pursue this goal, I keep reminding myself that it doesn’t really matter when that fourth book is released if the readers will be few and far between. In the meantime, I’m capturing notes on the details of book four as they occur to me. Starting that writing process will be my reward if I see enough progress in sales. if I’m being honest – there will never be enough sales, but a noticeable uptick would be enough to get me writing again!
www.bozell.com
December 14th, 2014 → 8:11 pm @ rldonovan
A quick light fun read. Well written, with a host of unlikely sleuth characters (mainly women) who get themselves into very awkward situations but who somehow manage to get to the bottom of it all. To be enjoyed sitting back with a nice glass of wine.
November 13th, 2013 → 10:20 pm @ rldonovan
Is It Still Murder Even If She Was A Bitch? is finally on Nook! And it’s on sale!
June 21st, 2012 → 2:47 pm @ rldonovan
Check out the wonderful post that Erin Reel, The Lit Coach, wrote on her blog after interviewing me last week: http://thelitcoach.net/from-blog-to-book-with-robin-leemann-donovan/
From Blog to Book with Robin Leemann Donovan
by TheLitCoach | on June 21st, 2012 | 0 comments
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I love book titles that really get to the heart of what the book’s about. I also have a penchant for humor. When I was invited to attend a book reading/signing event for author Robin Leemann Donovan, I was only too glad to go – with at title like, Is It Still Murder Even If She Was a Bitch?, how could I not be entertained? And I was! In the decade I’ve been working with authors and their books, I don’t recall laughing quite so hard at a book reading. Totally refreshing.
The Lit Coach Interview
Donovan, a Managing Principal at Bozell, one of the top advertising agencies in the country, understands the vital importance of hook. At the urging of a friend, Donovan created Menologues, a blog devoted to helping women stumble less blindly through menopause. Her hook? Clearly humor but also authenticity – Donovan blogs, writes and speaks off the cuff, from the heart and with authority not just about menopause but about topics important to women 50+, who have largely been ignored in publishing and other media. That organic combo works for her. From my perspective, she’s on to something.
I asked Donovan for her three most important, need-to-know tips about writing and blogging. Here’s what she shared.
On Writing
Prepare for nothing happening as you would expect it.
Take notes on every chapter so you know where you’re going, where your loose ends are and when to tie them up (very important for mystery writers).
Get your work professionally critiqued and proofread. Friends and relatives are not your best beta readers, except my mother and I’ll loan her out.
On Blogging
Be specific. Stand for something.
Be relatable. Be authentic.
Be prepared. Do your homework. Discover and understand your market. Don’t touch on topics that everyone’s touched. Know what’s important and what isn’t.
Be open to the realities of the people around you and their unique experiences. Avoid stereotypes.
If you’ve had success creating a book from your blog, share your tips (and links!) here.
TLC
March 23rd, 2012 → 4:40 pm @ rldonovan
Jazzy's wiped out
It was awesome as I mentioned in my earlier post!
We got to meet so many people who are into helping dogs. Most of the attendees had already adopted dogs from Hearts United and wanted to be there to support the organization even further.
Robin and her girls
It was so much fun! People were bathing dogs, dogs were playing with each other, people were eating and drinking wine – and thankfully, buying books.
One enthusiastic supporter sent these adorable shots of my girls entertaining the troops! Thanks Trishna!
The girls were exhausted, but they seemed to know they were working for a good cause! They were such little angels – everyone commented on how good they were being with all of the commotion going on around them.
It was a great feeling to know that we helped to contribute to such a worthy cause. Everyone who donated to Hearts United: Soggy Paws, with the money for baths and a percentage of product sales, the Zin Room, with a percentage of the wine proceeds, Karen Craft with a percentage of her book, The Cosmic Purr and, of course, us with our Donna Leigh mystery and all of the wonderful attendees were there for a common cause – help make sure every dog has a wonderful home!
March 9th, 2012 → 8:20 pm @ rldonovan
Just some very nice folks who like to get together and talk about murder mysteries. On February 25th I had the good fortune to spend the evening with the “regulars” at the Mystery Bookstore on 13th Street. I met some interesting and very sweet people who asked very interesting questions, such as “How do you take something as serious as murder and turn it into a comedy?”
Robin L Donovan on Facebook