Having grown up in Miami, I am a big Heat Basketball fan, but I’m not actually referring to the basketball teacm with my title. I’m referring to the fact that Heated Match is getting some great buzz!

Mama Mia from Mama Kitty reviews says “This book draws you in: begs you to devour it, relax with the characters–stay awhile. These characters, Loren and Adam are, on top of being nuclear hot, sweet and loving. Moreover, this novel speaks of real issues—physical disability and the ever-changing world of science.”

*Swoon*

Heather from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews says “A good writer knows how to suck a reader into their story within the first chapter of a book, but with Ms. Silver’s writing style, I was literally engrossed after reading only two pages of Heated Match.”

With all the chatter in the blogospher about sock puppet reviews, it feels great to get real (good) reviews from real reviewers (AKA book lovers)

So this leads me to wonder…how do you find your next read? Is it Amazon reviews? NYT lists? Word of Mouth?  I’m starting marketing budget and plan for 2013 and I want to know where to put my dollars? Should I blow it on attending a reader focused conference such as Authors after Dark or Romantic Times? Should I do banner ads? Swag (do keyrings and bookmarks sell books?)

Authors want to know! Help us find you.

Last summer I went to the RWA National conference, and during the Saturday night RITA/Golden Heart ceremony, I mentally composed what I would say if I were up on the stage. And now I want to encourage you: WRITE YOUR RITA SPEECH NOW.

Why?

Because it’s motivating. It assumes success. Don’t write your Golden Heart acceptance speech. Though GH is an amazing award, it’s a stepping stone. It means your book is not yet in the hands of readers. Go for the gold. Go for the Rita.

If you live as if you are a successful author, writing and selling the books of your heart, even if it’s not quite yet reality, it WILL happen. It has to. You already wrote your Rita speech. In my Rita speech I thanked my agent. At the time I didn’t have one. Now I do.

I thanked the Washington Romance Writers, the best, most supportive chapter in the country. This June I will become Secretary on the board of the chapter to help steer the chapter to continue its amazing mission.

I challenge you, in whatever career or goal you set for youself, assume success and it will surely come. Good luck! (Though you won’t need it. You already have your winning speech ready)