Welcome to Blog Treasures, my weekly roundup of the best of the blogsphere from the past week.
An Important Announcement: We have a unique opportunity to help out James Rollins. You know, NYT Best Seller, James Rollins! Interested? I knew you would be. James’ book, Altar of Eden, is up for a Weekly Deal Vote over on Amazon. Voting for it will make it a weekly special, i.e. lower price. Take a second right now (yes, I’ll wait) and let’s help James win the vote -> Vote for Altar of Eden (fourth row down) and help yourself and others get this great read at an affordable price. Voting ends soon – let’s help James seize this great opportunity.
Featured
Kristen Lamb. That’s right, the Social Media for Writers Jedi Master herself, with three fantastic posts that you don’t want to miss: We Are Not Alone, Vol. 1, Who Will Rule Social Media? Introverts vs Extroverts (includes a cool vlog) & T.E.A.M – Together Everyone Achieves More.
On Publishing
Amazon You Confuse Me by Kait Nolan. All writers should pay attention to this one – something you may not have known or considered.
Why Giving Away Thousands of Free Books is a Good Thing by David Gaughran.
Dean Wesley Smith brings us his experienced view on Pricing Indie Books…Some 2012 Thoughts.
Why Amazon’s KDP Select is God’s Gift to Authors from Joanna Penn.
From Kristine Rusch: The Business Rusch: You Asked For My Opinion….
On Social Media
From Joanna Penn: Social Media: Why Don Draper Won’t Take Your Excuses
Some Bitly and a little more Klout by Jen Talty.
From Jane Friedman: Build a More Effective Author Website.
Can Blogging Help Your Writing Process? by Jenny Hansen.
Enough with the Quid Pro Quo Blogging Etiquette – Free Yourself by Roni Loren.
Pinteresting Posts: 10 Pinterest Boards for eBook Fans from EBookNewser. Pinterest, A Superfab way to Connect with Readers by EPubGuide.
On Writing Craft
Kait Nolan provides the best writing advice of the week (in my opinion) in Nothing Is Set In Stone.
Too Quick To Tears: Emotional Timing is Everything by Tiffany Lawson Inman guest posting on Writers in the Storm.
True Colors: Using Color Theory to Boost Your Writing by Gabriela Pereira (DIYMFA)
From Bob Mayer: Idea & Conflict: The Heart & Fuel of Your Story.
Revelations & Reveals: How to Surprise Your Reader by James Killick.
From Marcy Kennedy (Girls with Pens): 6 Ways to Develop Your Voice.
How To Begin a Romance Novel: Seven Tips by Ruthie Knox guest posting on Writers in the Storm.
From Jami Gold: Ask Jami – Editing Tips: Tightening Scenes.
On the Writer’s Life
Leaping Smart: Useful Steps for Authors by August McLaughlin.
How to Reach Your Goals: Focusing on Intention vs Measuring Effect by Dan Blank.
From Donna Newton about the writer’s journey and defining your path: Back When I First Started to Write & So, You Want to be an Author? Part One – Why? And no, I didn’t forget, also from Donna: Classes, Competitions & Writing Opportunities (#26).
The Author Intros: Writers, Editors, Agents Wanted! from Lyn Midnight. Check out this new opportunity.
Tips for Writer’s Conferences by Elizabeth S. Craig.
Fun Posts
The Incredible Power of Raphael’s Rooms by Mary Jo Gibson. One of the many beauties of the Vatican.
Ingrid Schaffenburg takes a does an interesting comparison of Mardi Gras and monogamous relationships in Let the Good Times Roll.
Holmes brings his Special Interest Iran series to an explosive conclusion in: Crossing the Nuclear Rubicon & Two Months From A Nuclear Weapon.
The Urge to Create Takes Many Forms, check out this cool one by Mhairi Simpson.
How to Insult Your Spouse & Get Away With It from Leanne Shirtliffe.
Reviews
Movies: Gloria Oliver reviews Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Jillian Dodd reviews Wanderlust.
Books: Amanda Rudd reviews a pair of cool fairy tales in Nightmares & Beasts for Children.
Gene Lempp ~ Writer 
Gene, I haven’t been able to catch one of your blog treasure posts in a really long time!! I’m excited to check some of these out, thank you!
I love round ups like this. Makes my weekend catchup sessions more productive. Thanks!
I so enjoy your mashups, Gene. Thanks a bunch for including my link! I see many posts I’ve missed and can’t wait to support James Rollins in his contest. 🙂
Another great roundup! Thank you again for the mention.
-Dan
Thanks for these. I hadn’t read a lot of them!
Thanks for the shout, Gene, and for the great links. I’ve read a number but see some new ones I’m going to check out. Gene Lempp, Mr. Community Service. 🙂
Lots of great stuff here to keep me busy tonight after writing, though I already sneaked off to read a few. I love Jim Rollins’ work and went to vote for him. At the time I was there, he was winning by over 400 votes! I think he’s a shoe-in!
Thanks for another great mashup, Gene!
Wow, what a great bunch of links! Thanks for including one of mine! 🙂
I have some catching up to do, don’t I… Thanks Gene!
Awesome list for any writer! Thanks for putting all the great stuff in one place. 🙂
Thanks for including my movie review in your mashup!!
Wow, you know how to pick ’em, Gene! Those are some big name bloggers and some good advice all in one small nutshell!
Thanks for sharing those suggestions.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Awesome mashup, Gene. I’m sooooooo behind in everything. I need a free day to read all these great links. Thanks!
Oops, forgot to say I voted for James Rollins. I’ve read Altar of Eden and it’s a great read.
You have a virtual smorgasbord here, Gene. I admit I could only taste a bit here and there right now. Will be back for seconds soon enough!.