First Word

I want to tell you my story. It is an important and inspirational story about life and love and betrayal. All of it will go into my book If You Not Wrong Us . I was used, lied to, and grifted for thousands of dollars. If I showed you the spreadsheet of the so-called loans and money scammed under false pretenses you would be horrified. I'm horrified, too, but I decided to use this story to help others avoid my pitfalls. This man came into my life under false pretenses right from the beginning. In doing my research and checking, I've managed to piece together the truth. The truth didn't come from the source of the behavior, but from my own investigation. My only regret is that I didn't dig in sooner. I let this man play, con and use me. I loved him. I would have done anything for him -- and he knew it. Yes, I kept having misgivings. Yes, my gut screamed warnings, but love is blind . Love is blind . Your heart wants what your heart wants. And thus, what I beat myself u...

Did you know a book cover (not content) can sometimes be the determinant of whether or not a book sells? I know authors may feel disappointment that a visual aid could make or break their books, but it's one of those realities. Here is what I know about great book covers: Sex always sells . It is just the way it is and no use in fighting mother nature. So a compelling and sizzling sexual cover can do wonders to pique curiosity and sales. Beauty sells though too . One of our authors was stuck on whether to go sexy or beautiful. She went beautiful on instinct and her book cover for Passenger from Greece was acknowledged with a finalist award. Headline treatments can stand on their own . A compelling title combined with an interesting use of typography and white space can provide the tools for some fantastic book covers. Mystery and intrigue provide the basis for great covers . Think about 50 Shades of Grey , a now iconic book cover. It had a lure of dark mystery ab...

Recent events in my life got me to thinking. Why don't I listen to my intuition like I should. First, some people will try to tell you that you don't even have an intuition. Stop right there. Want to know what is your intuition? It's the slightly uncomfortable feeling that something isn't quite right. It makes you feel uneasy and provokes you to question things more than you normally would.  After being monumentally lied to for not just a short period of time, but literally years I felt so angry. Not just with him, but mostly mad at myself for continually chasing my little voice into a closet. The man in question lied and lied and lied and lied until the very definition of lying should be "his mouth is moving".  After being manipulated and conned out of literally thousands of dollars, I really was indignant. At the same time, the signs were all over the place. So for the art of teaching others important lessons I learned at both the expense ...

Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing and Marketing Sales-Worthy Screenplay: $99 Want to write a marketable screenplay? Have you already written a screenplay but can't seem to sell it? Join Scott D. Roberts as he teaches the Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing a Sales-Worthy Screenplay. In this 3-hour workshop you'll learn 10 Key Tips to Screenwriting: How to write an enticing log line What is the "acceptable" structure to Act 1, Act 2/second part of Act 2, and Act 3? Why does exciting "pacing" make or break a script? What is the value of storyboarding? The importance of writing scenes on 40 index cards How to use the "Pacing Breakdown" as your pitch guide How to utilize your storyboard to write your script Do's and Don't's and bad habits to avoid Why you're not finished when you think you're finished How to get your script read with the right people Date: August 20, 2015 Time: 6pm to 9pm L...

Find out from screenwriter, director, producer and publisher how to transform a story from page screen. If you would like to buy a print or eBook copy of Vengeance is Now, click here and buy from Amazon or click here and purchase off the 3L Publishing website .   RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif .—Have you ever thought, “My book would make a great movie, but I have no idea where to start?” Join Scott D. Roberts, novelist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director, as he teaches the elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is presenting June 20, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of the California Writers Club (Sacramento Branch) at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Rancho Cordova (located near I-50 and Hazel Ave.). Join Roberts as he discusses: How to sell your book for acquisition Methodologies to adapt a book for screen Unique ways to write captivating and winning “log lines” that attract agents and producers Where and how to fi...

Find out from screenwriter, director, producer and publisher how to transform a story from page screen. RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif .—Have you ever thought, “My book would make a great movie, but I have no idea where to start?” Join Scott D. Roberts, novelist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director, as he teaches the elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is presenting June 20, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of the CaliforniaWriters Club (Sacramento Branch) at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Rancho Cordova (located near I-50 and Hazel Ave.). Join Roberts as he discusses: How to sell your book for acquisition Methodologies to adapt a book for screen Unique ways to write captivating and winning “log lines” that attract agents and producers Where and how to find an agent by overcoming the Catch-22 Understanding the buying process and knowing the difference between an option or a purchase Insider tips and tricks to gettin...

Scott D. Roberts  Why Not Turn Your Work into TV and Film?   June 20, 11am to 1pm California Writers' Club (Sacramento Branch) Cattlemen's Restaurant (I-50/Hazel Ave.) in Rancho Cordova *Non-members may attend luncheon Why Not Turn Your Work into TV and Film? Have you ever thought, "My book would make a great movie, but I have no idea where to start?" Join Scott D. Roberts, novelist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director, as he teaches writers all elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is a 25-year veteran of the film and television business. He has worked in almost every role, from assistant to talent agent, to actor to writer, to producer to director. Join him as he discusses: How to sell your book for acquisition Methodologies to adapt a book for screen Unique ways to write captivating and winning "log lines" that attract agents and producers Where and how to find an...

When I work with writers I am reminded of things I've learned over the years that help improve my work. We had our monthly Writers Who Mean Business meeting last night, and I thought some great "reminders" came out of it to spark this blog. The Book's Opening Line : did you know some places hold contests asking for the best opening line of a book? In the 3L Publishing catalog Scott D. Roberts' book Vengeance is Now has the best opening line of the catalog: You've never really lived until you seen the life leave another human being .Your opening line should be that alluring, unique, fascinating and intriguing. The idea is that it be provocative enough to get the reader engaged and wanting to find out more. Paring down your writing : too many writers fall in love with their own words. The love affair often results in wordiness and too much exposition. A great exercise is to write 1,000 words and then cut 100 words and then 200 words. See how much easier you...

Many of my readers know that I have been a loyal user of Facebook. I do believe we attract certain energies, and my Facebook account has unceremoniously become a magnet for inappropriate posts and distracting and uninvited "come-ons". Now my relationship status did change, and that brought about a deluge of unwelcome attention. I also encountered some "haters," which is common (so don't take it personally). You should never take anything personally, and especially from someone you don't even know. Unhappy people equal unhappy and negative lives. I mutinied to Twitter. Why? Well outside of the Facebook behavior that became (how shall we say) unruly, I noticed my "reach" diminishing. Facebook restricting numbers and requiring paid "boosts". Also, I noticed the hip and in-the-know users had migrated to Twitter. My favorite TV shows ( John Oliver on HBO among them) began using hash tags strategically to promote their efforts. My business p...

Before I get into this book as a great Christmas gift, I'm going to give full disclosure. First, 3L Publishing acquired Vengeance is Now in 2013, and it's a part of the Tate Holloway series, which the company also owns. Second, the author is a close friend. Now that said, it doesn't diminish why this is my all-time favorite fiction book in our catalog or why I can't wait for his second book, Hidden Agenda to finish up. My first question is always, "Do you like thrillers?" James Patterson -- that type of book. If your answer is yes, read on and shop away. Now I am not a thriller reader per se. But quintessential Stephen King, including classics like The Shining , Christine , Cujo and The Stand were always winners.  Roberts (who I will call Scott because that is weird to me when he's a friend) knows how to amp up the mystery and fear to the scariest, nail-biting, suspenseful place. Yes, it's sexy, too, and the infamous chapter 8 has become an en...

I get asked all of the time about my process of writing. All writers have their own processes. My process is unlike another author's process. My close friend Scott D. Roberts , author of Vengeance is Now , describes his process like that of a police detective with index cards and notes plastered on his office wall like a shrine. My process is much more up in my head. Sometimes I write little notes here and there to ensure I don't forget. But overall my process is meditative. If I'm stuck on plot line I will lay down, close my eyes, and visualize. In my new book Body in the Trunk I had to first get a road map in my head as to where I wanted the story to go, but I also let the story tell itself. I always start with a vague sense of the overall plot line, but I have to let the story unfold. Characters define themselves in my head. Personalities come to life organically to the story-telling process. Creating the tension, intrigue and mystery is about building-blocks. You...

I'm going to focus on consumer book sales as my example for the day. Here is the tip for authors who sell books or products directly to consumers at events (book festivals in my case): find the tagline. It's the one way to make the reader (consumer) stop in his or her tracks. My approach goes like this: Michelle: Do you read thrillers? Reader: No (keeps walking) Reader: Yes (stops) Now have a marketing promo piece or giveaway (your way of thanking them for their time to stop and talk to you). Find the pitch (tagline): Michelle: You'll never guess the killer (for the 3L Publishing book Vengeance is Now) Reader: I'm pretty good. I might. Michelle: I edited the book, and I swear I didn't guess. The author is right over there and he will sign your book. Send them off to the author to sign the book. You have to find the "hook" or the temptation. Challenging readers who pride themselves in being able to identify the killer gets them every time. If ...

Getting ready for the California Capital Book Festival between Bookfest last week in Manteca has made business as usual more like business at light speed. My company 3L Publishing and several authors including Scott D. Roberts and Cathy Lagorio have booths. I am speaking on Book Marketing and Scott is speaking on Mystery/Thriller writing. Come see Roberts speak: Panel: Mystery/Thriller Writing Panel: Scott D. Roberts, Vengeance is Now; Robin Burcell, The Kill Order; and William Wood, Sudden Impact Date: October 26, 2014 Place: Sacramento Convention Center Event: California Capital Book Festival Address: 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA Room 312 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Admission: FREE

In promoting numerous books over the years, here are a couple things that I've learned that "are what they are," so to speak. If the tipping point never arrives ... it just doesn't arrive and dumping more money and resources will not change that situation . I compare this to survey. If you survey 100 people and come up with an answer that is perhaps between 10-12 percent it doesn't matter if you survey another 1,000 people, your answer will still roughly be 10-12 percent. So if you're marketing and your book finally finds its place in the market and starts selling, it will continue to sell if you continue to promote. If you're marketing and your book has gotten 10 reviews with no momentum it's not very likely 20 reviews will be any different. The buying mood, the topic or story isn't resonating for whatever reason in the marketplace. When I have a book that has received more reviews than we can count and yet still sales remain overall flat (even ...

Vengeance is Now (The Tate Holloway Series) Scott D. Roberts 3L Publishing (2013) ISBN 9780989136006 Reviewed by Tamra LeValley for Reader Views (9/13) Click here for review on Reader Views What is a disgraced ex-cop to do?  Open up a Private Investigator firm, become a gigolo and surf the waves to your heart’s content, of course.  In “Vengeance is Now” by Scott D. Roberts, that is what Tate Holloway did anyway and he was doing a darn good job too.  He was kicked off the police force for asking all the wrong questions about a case that he thought should not have been closed.  The real killer was just waiting in the wings to start his killing spree again and to have his nemesis, Tate, take the fall.  It was fail proof, wasn’t it?  This story starts with the tragic upbringing of a young boy who is traumatized by his sister’s consistent rapes and their mother’s inability to help herself, let alone her children.  They are eventually...

This week was all about awards. Author Scott D. Roberts was a Finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards for his freshman effort Vengeance is Now, and Jori Nunes won an award from Kohl's for her first book Chocolate Flowers written to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. These authors' wins represent the kind of excellence in publishing that 3L Publishing makes its mission. We set ourselves apart from other publishers by striving to make each book its very best. New and emerging authors like working with our team of award-winning editors and designers to publish books that are award worthy. As a publisher and in an industry where many people want to break in, I could make a lot of money publishing just anything. I personally do not want to contribute to the deluge of bad writing that is hitting the eBook market because publishing has become more mainstream. Writers mistakenly believe that because the distribution methods have become more open that they can just publish an...

Tate Holloway is back in a big way after riding the national media attention from capturing and killing the notorious serial killer “The Eye” and in the process uncovering political corruption in the City of San Diego. After being exposed by the media as a male escort and dumped by his girlfriend Nicole, in true Tate fashion he continues his lifestyle vs. recognizing his true feelings for her. All he wants to do is get back to work as a private investigator with his trusted sidekick Rita and attempt to get his life back in order. A phone call from one of his “regulars,” Bonnie thrusts him into a missing person’s case when her curious nephew, who was interning for the summer in Washington, DC, ends up missing, and she fears foul play. You see, Bonnie isn’t just any attorney. Her law firm represents and handles high-level security clearance matters between the defense department and civilian defense contractors. In his hunt for Bonnie’s nephew, Tate investigates the possible re...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               MAY 20, 2014                                                             Contact: Michelle Gamble                                                             Mobile: 916-300-8012                           ...

Are you an author? Are you trying to sell your books. I have some unconventional, hands-on tips for you today that come directly from our success at the Tucson Festival of Books . Author Scott D. Roberts whose book Vengeance is Now was being sold from the Author Pavilion - West joined me. We worked as a team to sell his book. All of the authors, who sold virtually nothing that day, all looked at Scott in amazement as he had lines of readers buying his book. Now you want to know what we did that the others didn't do? Here you go... One-Sheet Flyers : We made up one-sheets with reviewer quotes and Pavilion-signing information. Then we did two critical things with those one-sheets: 1) Scott and I got in line for the Scott Turreau signing (author of books like Presumed Innocent , which is also a thriller and in the same genre as Vengeance). Two important points: 1. the people in that particular line like thrillers (obviously) and 2. we had a captive audience of readers who were bor...

Eight years ago on my 40th birthday (my birthday was yesterday), I had quit my corporate executive position. After spending my final year in corporate working for the absolute boss-from-hell who was literally crazy and used to send me a hundred emails overnight during her insomnia hours, I quit the rat race. I had come unglued in the nightmare of the 9-to-5 and working for people who either didn't appreciate me or treated me like a personal slave put on earth to make them money. I was quite literally mentally exhausted and ready for my "next" in life. So on my 40th birthday I started my own business -- and here I am still thriving! I never imagined I would own a publishing company (www.3LPublishing.com). I had been in this business since I graduated from college. I am passionate to this day about every single book we produce. I love what I do. I thank the passion gods for leading me in this direction. Yes, I've had a few tough times, but the key is I survived thro...