A Little Bit of Information
A life-long love of reading turned me (Allison Merritt) into an indie author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. I live in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with my husband and dogs. When I'm not making character miserable or reading, I hike in national parks and conservation areas.
I graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that I'm better at writing fluff than hard news.
I serve as the newsletter editor during the 2012-2013 year for Ozarks Romance Authors in Springfield, Missouri and have been a member since 2009. I blog 2-3 times a week and stay active on social networks trying to support and help my fellow authors.
My goal is to get to Kansas City for ths year's Romantic Times convention May 1-5. Because of where I'm from a rural part of Missouri, there aren't a lot of opportunities to get to conventions. This would be a dream come true so I could help spread the word about my writing and network with other writers.
Next year it's a lot farther away and I hate to miss an opportunity for something so great.
What I Need & What You Get
The registration fee for a published author is $474. In addition to the registration fee, I need money for a place to stay, gas, and a hot meal or two--fuel for the author's soul.
If you help support me here's what you'll get:
* A personalized 'Thank You' on my blog.
* A personalized 'Thank You' card in the mail.
* A free e-copies of The Treasure Hunter's Lady, The Sky Pirate's Wife, and The Turncoat's Temptress.
* Special autographed artwork from all three books.
* Mention on the Dedication page of the next book.
If I don't reach my goal of $1000, that's okay. I'll donate half the funds to the Ozarks Literacy Council and use the other half for advertising/upgrading my computer system.
The Impact
I've been writing since I was young, but I had a five year gap of severe writer's block after my dad died in 2003. In 2008, I finally came up with an idea that got me back on track. I joined a writer's group, a couple of online groups, dedicated myself to learning and applying what I know.
There are certain items on the RT agenda I would love to attend to help my knowledge grow including classes on craft, genre, marketing, publishing, and some specialty things like the talks about steampunk and fantasy books.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't donate, but you'd like to help me reach my goal, please spread the word. Every click and reshare helps.
