Here is the February question:
With Valentine's Day on the 14th, February is known as the month for romance.
But life as a writer isn't as romantic as the stereotype might indicate--it's hard work.
And, it involves more than putting words on a computer. What percentage of your time
do you use for promotion and the other business aspects of being a published author?
What promotional tools do you use and recommend?

Delores Fossen: I probably spend about ten percent of my writing time for promotion. I do the usual contests, booksignings and newsletters, and I think all of those are good ways to get out information about my books and meet readers. I've also set up myspace and facebook pages, and I try to spend as much time as possible there just chatting with people who are interested in my books. I also use those sites to give information about my backlist and future releases. For my February Intrigue, Newborn Conspiracy, I've used my cover art instead of a profile picture of myself at myspace and facebook. I think it's a great way to put the book out there so that hopefully readers will look for it when it hits the shelves. And hey, I think readers will prefer to see a hot cowboy than a picture of me.

Dana Marton: I use too little of my time for promotion and dream of the day when I can afford to have a publicist. Truth is, I'm in looove with the writing part of the business, everything else is a struggle. What I do, however, is always answer mail from readers. I do like that personal contact and have met many interesting people this way. I was once told that the best promotion is to write the best book a writer is capable of. I firmly believe that.

Patricia Rosemoor: I have to admit that I'm just a little promo-phobic. I feel like I have so little time as it is, that I'm not willing to spend a lot on anything other than my writing. Publishers say the best PR an author can do is to write a great book...and have a web presence. So that's basically what I try to do.  I have a website I designed myself, which I occasionally update. And I have joined with the other stellar Intrigue Authors to create a group site and group blog to bring in readers. Other than that, I go to several conferences a year. Once in a while I speak at a library. And hope that it's enough. 

Julie Miller: Absolutely the best promotional advice I've received over the years (and I try to live by it) is to write the very best book you can write. A great story told with a unique personal voice will generate sales through word of mouth so that new readers will check you out. And, writing a great story will keep loyal readers coming back for more. Beyond that, I've tried several things--some work better for me than others in terms of time, budget and skill demands vs. the rewards. In this electronic day in age, I think having a website is a must--and updating it on a regular basis is also a must. It's probably the easiest way to get information about me and my books out there.

Basically, promotion is all about communication--meeting readers and potential readers. So I participate in group websites. I frequent favorite sites and boards, which can be a fun break for me as well. I take part in blogs (my own on eHarlequin, Intrigue Authors blog, guesting on other blogs such as Pink Hearts or Sherry James' blog). I do chats on NovelTalk and eHarlequin. I present workshops at local, regional and national conferences. I do booksignings (those give me a chance to meet readers, but, just as importantly, give me the chance to develop relationships with booksellers and librarians who will, in turn, promote my books). I'll write an occasional newsletter article. And I hold seasonal book giveaway contests--sometimes I give away a current book, sometimes the prize is a backlist title that's hard to get. Every effort is a way to connect with readers--to draw them in and reward them with a great read!

Mallory Kane: Oh man. Business and percentage and tools--oh my! Ouch, the left side of my brain is hurting. :)  Right now, my promotion consists of my website which I'm trying to keep updated, a short monthly newsletter, and a MySpace page. And you know--MySpace could become a full-time activity if I'm not careful. As far as other business, I'm running in place hoping not to lose ground. Luckily I have a great agent, and a great husband who LOVES all that left-brained stuff.

B.J. Daniels:  I have a male friend who was disappointed when he found out I didn't write my books in sexy lingerie -- or even own a boa. He had this idea of "romance" writers working in a room filled with candlelight and soft music, sipping at a bottle of expensive champagne wearing high heels and little else.  If he could only see me now.   What he didn't get is that writers live out those fantasies -- in their imaginations. Not that my life isn't filled with romance and adventure. It's just that most of it I live through my characters.  The majority of the time, I write. I don't do a lot of promotion. I answer emails and fan letters (eventually) and I keep addresses of readers and send out postcards when I have a book coming out. I do an occasion book signing. I have also given writing classes.  While I enjoy all those things, I believe the best thing I can do for my career is write. And let everyone imagine how I'm dressed when I do.