Monday, December 14, 2015

Book Of the Week "Mercy & Mayhem"

Book of the Week 


Traveling nurse Mercy Mares needs three things in life: the unconditional love of her daughter, her best friend and mentor's constant wisdom, and a new engine for her twenty-year old car. 

A new job posting halfway across the country promises to satisfy one of those needs, but when her patient's spouse dies within minutes of meeting her, she will soon find out that she's going to need a lot more than car repairs. 

What was touted as the friendliest town in America soon turns on her and it will be up to her to connect the dots and find the true murderer, but doing so will be no easy feat. With memory impaired witnesses, a meddling medical staff, and a cast of characters dead set on keeping their community free of strangers, Mercy will need a little help from her loved ones and a lot of luck to get herself out of this jam or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to achieve. 

Find out what happens when mayhem becomes synonymous with Mercy in this humorous, slightly irreverent Cozy Medical Mystery novel! 

This is book one of "A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery" series!


Get Your Copy Today!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Author's Corner with Misha Gerrick


Welcome Back to Author's Corner 

Misha Gerrick
Today I will be Interviewing Misha Gerrick 

Misha Gerrick has been creating stories long before she could write and is currently going after her dream of making a living as a writer. She is the Author of The Vanished Knight and The Heir's Choice.  

Now On To The Interview! 

Misha,why do you write?
This is a tricky one for me. I guess the simplest answer would be that I love creating stories. I started long before I even knew how to write, and it just naturally progressed from there.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?A character who appeared in my head while I was reading. I was thirteen and I thought I’d have the writing thing waxed. The first time I sat down and actually decided to finish something I wrote was also when I had a character walking into my head, and after seven failed attempts, I decided to get serious and get it done. That book went on to become the first two books in The War of Six Crowns.

What have you written?
At the moment, my finished draft count stands at nine books in seven genres. Two of those books are now published. I'm hoping to publish quite a few of the others next year.
Where can we buy or see them?
The Vanished Knight and The Heir’s Choice are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Scribd and Oyster.

You can also find them both on Goodreads (see the link to my profile below.)

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?I think the special thing about Callan is that she keeps trying even when she’s hurt and tired. In the first two books, she’s trying to find out about her past. Later on, we’ll see more of her grit as the situation becomes more challenging.

What are you working on at the minute?
Right now, I’m waiting for an Urban Fantasy to come back from my editor. It’s called Endless and I’m hoping to see it published by November 2015. Then I’m currently rewriting a dystopian that I hope to publish early next year. (Rewrites are standard to me, since I rough draft by hand.)

What genre are your books?
The War of Six Crowns is a YA Epic Fantasy series.

What draws you to this genre?
I just loved the idea of being able to go to another world as well as the complexity I could work with in this series.

How much research do you do?
I do quite a bit, but usually I research as I edit so that I can fix things I’ve written. Although that said, if I have a story that’s heavily based on reality (such as a historical) I read a lot of stories from or set in the time period so that I can get a feel for the “world” I’ll be working in.

In The War of Six Crowns, I researched how the foster care system works in England (which made for an interesting detail for later in the series), technical terms for castles, Cumbria, as well as taking Western Martial Arts and horse riding lessons.

Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
Basically, I wanted something clean, simple and modern but with an old-world feeling since the books are very much about the meeting of the modern world with a more medieval fantasy world.

How do you market your books?
At the moment, I’m taking a more soft-marketing approach, since I don’t think hard-selling helps me do anything except upset the people I’m “shouting” at.

Also, I’m a firm believer in the idea that nothing sells an old book better than a new book, and nothing sells a new book better than an old book.

So with regards to marketing, I’m taking more of a long-term view. (Which includes not screaming “Buy my book!!!” at people.)

Why did you choose this route?
I decided to go this alone because these two books were signed to a small publisher and the experience left me… jaded. Short version of the answer: Why should I give 60% to 85% of all income generated from my hard work? Especially when the people I’m paying aren’t technically offering me something valuable for my money.

To give you an idea of what I mean: I got 40% royalties on The Vanished Knight when I was with the publisher, but after Amazon or equivalent’s costs. The Vanished Knight now costs a fifth of the price the publisher charged. I generated more royalty income from The Vanished Knight five days after its re-launch than I did in five months with my former publisher. So what exactly did I pay 60% of my book’s income for?

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Basically, I do my social networking things (Note: Passive Marketing) in the quiet times of my day-job. I don’t see it as lost time because during my day-job hours, I can’t afford to be sucked into writing my stories. Because once I start writing, I basically go blind and deaf to everything else.

What do you do to get book reviews?
I just ask everyone offering reviews if they’re interested in my books. If they say no, it’s okay, but the number of people who say yes are still more than I would have had if I didn’t ask. Also, I’m seeing a lot of people leaving surprise reviews, just because they enjoyed my book, and I like those books.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
So far, my story is (mercifully) bad review free, but I try to take a philosophical stance toward it all. The War of Six Crowns does play around with a lot of things that fantasy readers might consider rules, and that means I’m due to get someone who hates it at some stage.

The thing is, I made an artistic decision on more than one occasion, and that’s fine. But it also means that I must keep my big girl pants on when people don’t like what I decided. I made the call, I bear the consequences.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. It’s completely senseless, because you don’t know what went on behind the scenes. It’s destructive, because trying to emulate someone else ruins your own style and voice. It’s hurtful, because if you think you’re so far behind compared to someone, you don’t see how far you’ve already come.

So just look at the next thing you need to achieve and focus on that. And overall, don’t focus on being the next J.K. Rowling or something like that. Focus on being the best you that you can be.

Where do you see your publishing going in the future?

I’m planning on releasing between four and six books per year for the next five years, with the stated goal of earning a sizable income from my writing. It’s actually a purposefully huge goal, so that even if I fall short, I still make a living from my writing. (A tenth of my goal is equal to my salary.)

I truly hope that one day my books will be widely read, but to be honest, I’ll be happy with a loyal if small fan-base who writes me letters to squee with me about my characters.

As for huge publishing deals, I won’t say I’ll never sign one if it was offered to me, but it had better offer me something worth it before I do.


How can readers discover more about you and you work?


Website: http://mishagerrick.tumblr.com
Blog: http://Sylmion.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MGerrick1 (if you’re not interested in the nitty gritty of writing) @MishaMFB (If you are.)
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Misha-Gerrick/e/B00NHAQTW8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7325569.M_Gerrick


Thank You For Stopping By!

Make Sure you Check Out Her Work! 

Monday, December 7, 2015

Book's of the Week!

The Veiled Truth 

There’s a hit out on her life. This is all sixteen-year-old Sasha Delant thinks about, as she journeys to the aunt she never knew, for safety she was not aware she needed. Her mother’s lifelong secret has come back with a vengeance, sweeping Sasha and her best friend, Cassie, into a life they never expected – or wanted. Unsure who to trust, and forced out of the only home they have ever known, Sasha and Cassie must rely on each other to stay alive.

 FREE  Until December 8th!

The Unraveling 

In the Search for answers into her mother’s secret Sasha uncovers a truth no daughter ever wants to hear. She experiences the ultimate family betrayal as the very ones that are supposed to love and protect her are the very ones trying to kill her. Now Sasha and her best friend, Cassie, along with her new found cousins Devin and Danny, collaborate with new allies to uncover a way out of their dire situation. As their options dwindle and time begins to run out, Sasha must harness her uncooperative powers and make a decision that will determine the outcome of all their lives. In the end they know either they will save Jasmine and expose the truth, or die in the attempt.

 FREE Until December 9th! 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Author's Corner with W Lawrence

Welcome Back to Authors Corner
Today I will be interviewing  W Lawrence


Why do you write and when did you decide to become a writer?
I initially wrote Syncing Forward based on a lucid dream I had a few years back. At the time I had no plans to do anything other than get it onto paper and move along. As I was going through the process, however, it dawned on me I wanted to do more of it.

So, what have you written? 
Syncing Forward is my first novel. Although about eight years ago, I did publish a game supplement called Epic: Raiders which contained short stories. Epic is a tabletop game (read: grown men playing with toy soldiers) I used to play frequently – it was my obsession at the time.

Where can we buy or see them?
Syncing Forward is available all over now: Amazon, Apple, Googleplay, Barnes & Noble, etc. I have gotten fan mail from Australia, India, Germany, and Belgium; proof that the internet is the greatest invention since language.

What genre are your books?
Science fiction, or speculative fiction to be precise. It regularly falls into Top 100 lists for time travel, genetic engineering, and techno-thrillers. Although I do want to say the larger story is really about family, about choices, and about consequence. To me, the science fiction is the tool to tell the story.

What draws you to this genre?
My father raised me on Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, so writing scifi came naturally. It’s practically genetic.

What are you working on at the minute?
A book called One Way Window. It’s another time travel story, albeit very different from Syncing Forward.

Do you mind telling us about it?
It’s a twisty tale involving ghost stories, old houses, moonshiners, and a window that peers ninety years into the past. I hope to have it out by Christmas.

What do you find is the easiest thing about writing?
I don’t find anything easy about it, honestly, other than the desire to do it. In the movie A League of their Own, Tom Hanks tells Gina Davis “Of course it’s hard… If it was easy everybody would do it. It’s the ‘hard’ that makes it ‘great’.” To be able to write is a reward in itself, but it is a lot like exercising – you appreciate it after you’ve accomplished something.

How are you publishing this book and why?
I self-published on the advice of my editor, C.S. Lakin. She has published traditionally and on her own, and recommended maintaining control of my own work. And Lakin wasn’t the only person to say this. Other writers I know said the same thing. Funny that one reviewer said that she didn’t know why a publishing company wouldn’t pick up my book, when the true answer is I never sent it anywhere. Ever.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Self-publishing is all about control. Win or lose, my fate is my own. It also feels like pioneering, reaching into areas that still remain uncertain after all these years. There are few hard-n-fast rules about self-publishing, and staying engaged is a challenge.

How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
Great! Syncing Forward has over a hundred fifty reviews. It didn't start out great, but there were some strategies that worked.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
The first best thing was to reach out to bloggers, especially smaller blogs that were hungry for material. Yes, it is important to get seen, but you can’t be a snob and hold out for the NY Times to contact you. Little mentions snowball into big visibility.

I also hired a publicity manager from Aintwrite.com who is affordable and wise. Bunny set up a free giveaway for my book which I initially fought, but the reviews that poured in were well worth it.

Goodreads is vital for communicating with your core audience. Do book giveaways both on Goodreads directly and through the groups. DON’T be a pushy dog and hassle the moderators into allowing you to use their reading group as your marketing platform. I read their posting rules and never violated them. Instead I participated in discussions and eventually I had a moderator contact me and offer to do a book discussion on Syncing Forward.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I read every single review at least twice. They are incredibly helpful because it is your customer communicating with you about your product. Most businesses would beg for the type of feedback authors get. Sure, some of it can be harsh and my first 1-star review stung. Oh well. You suck it up and move on, but always remember the critical reviews – they will help you improve your craft.

Any amusing story about marketing books that happened to you?
I twitter-followed a fella called The Sample Reader who does reviews based solely on your Amazon sample, then reviews it. He took notice and reviewed Syncing Forward on Goodreads, and gave it a 2-star. Ouch! I was pretty bitter about it for a few days, but I followed my own advice and reread his review, trying to pin point what his problem was. Turned out that the cut-off point for my Amazon preview was in a terrible spot and it really didn’t give readers motivation to continue; a point The Sample Reader made. I went and lengthened the preview and got immediate positive feedback from new readers. That 2-star review probably saved my bacon.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
#1 – get an editor. Yes, I know you have your degree in English Lit and never misspell anything and are a human autocorrect. It doesn’t matter. Your book needs an editor to compete. An editor is not your friend or your mom or the college student looking for an extra buck. An editor is a professional who will make your writing better, and you NEED that to stand out in this highly competitive market. Even after I had two editors work my book over, I had 5 typos in the book and customers noticed every single one of them, making comments in their reviews. Had it been 15 typos, or 50, I would have lost a lot of business and received poorer reviews.

#2 – see #1.

Where do you see your publishing going in the future?
I’m excited to announce that I signed a deal with Podium Publishing in July 2015. Podium does not take solicitations – they reached out to me and asked me to come aboard. After listening to their marvelous work on Andy Weir’s The Martian, I couldn’t say no.

In addition I am pitching my book to Lakeshore Entertainment on August 8th along with a few other companies. I hope I come back from Hollywood with some good news.


How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: syncingforward.com
Blog: syncingforward.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Syncing-Forward/414677125335199
Twitter: @syncingforward
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/W-Lawrence/e/B00L2C9QVY/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619416-syncing-forward

Thank You For Stopping By! 

Make Sure you Check Out His Work!

Monday, November 30, 2015

Book Of The Week "The Eyes of The Sun"

Book of the Week! 

New Orleans certainly has no shortage of vampire legends and after a few months in the French Quarter, Lucy Soriano was sure she had heard them all. But when a date with a handsome stranger takes a deadly turn, she quickly discovers that the truth is more terrifying than fiction. The real monsters are the creations of evolutionary advantage, not vivid imaginations. 

But vampires aren't the only ones with evolution on their side. An anomaly in her blood is found to be fatal to vampires and Lucy is swiftly recruited into shadow organization hell bent on eliminating the vampire problem once and for all. Vampirehunting does not come naturally and Lucy's dangerous improvisations are quickly called out by Andre Garnier, a hunter who makes no secret of the fact that he opposes Lucy's recruitment. 

Soon it is discovered that The Eyes of The Sun, the oldest and most dangerous collective of vampires, are once again gaining ground and have infiltrated the very organization that is trying to stop them. The hunters have become the hunted and no one is to be trusted. Lucy and Andre are forced to set aside their differences for the sake of survival, but The Eyes of The Sun have an agenda that no one expected.

Make sure you show the Author Some Love

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Author's Corner with Peter Difatta

Welcome Back to Author's Corner 
Today I have the pleasure of Interviewing Peter Difatta 

Peter is the Author of Finding Pluck. While it was in the manuscript form, Finding Pluck won the William Faulkner Literary Award in 2014.

It has recently been reviewed and recommended by The American Library Association. See the review here.

Now on to the Interview!

Why do you write Peter?
I write mainly because I enjoy it, and I think I have something creative and interesting to say. Plus, writing is a powerful force in changing the way people think, and I think I can offer up some important insights that perhaps not everyone has.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I've always appreciated the art of storytelling even when I was in grammar school. While I was in my first year of Literature class in college, I was recognized as having some skill with writing and was put in a special creative writing class. At the end of the semester, a novella I had written as an assignment was highlighted and read in its entirety to a large gathering of professors and students. While this was happening, I was extremely nervous about this and fortunately was sitting in the back of the room. However, it was well received, and from then on, I wanted to do more writing.

What genre are your books?
The latest book Finding Pluck, is difficult to place. In one regard, it is a coming of age novel. However, it does have a paranormal twist, it includes some romance, it has some mystery, and it is set in two historical time periods outside of the present. So, it could fall in any of these categories. However, if there was a genre category called “social agenda” genre, I would put it in there. It is because the novel addresses the culture of prejudice in our society—how prejudice is formed and how it is reinforced in our religions, culture and our laws. My previous novel was a paranormal (supernatural) thriller. The novel I’m working on now is set in the future so it will be in the Sci-Fi category.
What draws you to this genre?
Above everything else, I consider myself an entertainer. I may have a message to get out, but unless I get an audience to read my book, I’ve accomplished little. So, my goal is to entertain while at the same time delivering my message. I think a lot of people are drawn to the paranormal, as I am, so I use that genre to convey my message.

What have you written?
My first novel was a supernatural thriller entitled Utility. Finding Pluck is out now. Presently, I’m working on a anthology of my short stories, mostly paranormal and also working on my first attempt at sci-fi.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he do that is so special?
Um! Taylor is really not so special as a person. I tried to make him into an ordinary high school senior (when the book starts) who has a loving home environment, yet one facing numerous setbacks. Taylor desperately wants to go to college and is accepted, but financially his father can’t afford to send him. Taylor lies, saying he is gay, in order to receive a fully paid scholarship. What he does that is special is that he learns from this experience of being exposed to prejudice by walking in other people’s shoes, and he becomes a better person.

Where do your ideas come from?
I’m sure I’m influenced by everyday happenings one encounters in the news. I find myself clipping interesting newspaper stories. Real life is often stranger than fiction. And everyday actions with people are a source of inspiration. But after I have decided on the premise of my book, my most creative thoughts come when I’m swimming laps. It is a wonderful way to block out the rest of the world. All you hear are the bubbles from your breathing and the rhythmic sound of your strokes. This is a time when my mind can work best. It is a time when I can solve narrative problems.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just seeing where an idea takes you?
I outline using a database. Each chapter is one record. Each record shows a synopsis of the chapter, a time frame, people in the chapter, which draft (1, 2, 3, final), a rating of the quality of the chapter, notes on problems, and notes on things to add. New chapters can easily be added when needed. There are probably commercial writing programs to do this, but I just created my own database. It is extremely useful for examining your narrative arc, making sure time frames are plausible, and makes it easy to experiment with re-arranging chapters. When I am actually writing the chapters, they often go in a different direction than I originally intended. This may or may not result in revising the outline. Also, the outline is not fixed and definitely changes as the novel progresses.

How do you think you've evolved creatively?
I think I am much more demanding of myself. The narrative becomes more complex, and the characters become more developed, all hopefully making a more interesting read.

How do you market your books?
Marketing is a never ending challenge. First I seek out as many reviews as possible. I do this by contacting bloggers, and giving away my book on various sites in exchange for reviews. I've done press releases, opened a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a Pinterest page, advertised on Facebook and Google Words (neither worked) and had price reduction promotions. And, I enter contests. I am very selective about which ones, choosing only not for profit contests.
Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
The price reduction with promotions by far worked the best. The paid sites are the most effective, but you have to weigh the cost to benefit results. I've spent money on sites only to receive half that amount in royalties. Others are free and were quite beneficial.

Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Google Adwords, Goodreads ads, and advertising on Facebook did not work for me, and I felt was a waste of money. Possibly other genres might work, but I have my doubts. I've heard the same comments from other authors who are a lot more successful than me.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?Be very devoted to your craft. Write as much and as often as you can. And truly believe in yourself and what you want to say.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
Yes. Marketing is a never ending process that builds on itself. As an example, when I first published Finding Pluck, I contacted local media stations seeking air time to talk about my book. The only one that responded was a NPR (National Public Radio) affiliate. I posted an edited version of that interview on my website. Through Goodreads, I requested an honest review and a blogger, who saw the request investigated my book, and after hearing the NPR interview was convinced she wanted to review it. When she did, she loved it and has heavily promoted it through her blog, twitter and Facebook. See her entire review here.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T8LYQZW
Website: FindingPluck.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25033769-finding-pluck


Thank You for Stopping By! 

Make Sure you Check out his Work! 






Monday, November 23, 2015

Book Of The Week "FOEHAMMER"

Book of the Week 

Twenty years from now a virus breaks out in a couple of Arctic naval bases, and then, even more strangely, inside the White House. The guards become animated corpses, and rescue teams are rendered helpless by a mysterious trance effect. Underpaid academic Dr. Weaver has documents that refer to something similar happening in the time of Christ, and a group of billionaires seek him out and immediately set him to work. With the help of a super-hacker, he manages to track down a veteran who’s not susceptible to mind control. But this Sean “Jester” Solberg character is a wild card—an aggressive loner who lives with the immigrants outside the cities. The next recruit is even more unusual. Curtis Ferguson is the son of a couple of anthropologists and reportedly the world’s most powerful witch doctor. Into this bizarre, dysfunctional group is thrust Jodie Goodwin, a down-to-earth Texan girl with exceptional shooting skills. The newly formed team creep into the bunkers deep under the capital and encounter mankind’s ancient enemies. They end up fighting for survival and soon discover that their lives depend on the powers of the young, but untested, shaman.


Make sure you Check Out His Work

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Author's Corner With LJ Higgins

Welcome Back to Authors Corner! 

FAVOURITE

Today I have the pleasure of speaking to LJ Higgins. She is the Author of Dawn of the Dreamer and In Their Shoes.    

Now On to the Interview! 

Why do you write L.J.? 
I just love it. I’ve always had a crazy imagination and I like to be able to put it to good use. Writing just makes me happy.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something? I had created a blog to start writing again, and a friend noticed how much I enjoyed it and gave me a notebook as a gift. Inside she left me a note urging me to continue writing, and that she couldn’t wait to read my future novel. That night I had a dream that inspired my first novel, Dawn of the Dreamer.

What have you written?
I have published the first book of the Dreamer Trilogy, Dawn of the Dreamer. I am currently working on 
Fall of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy, Book Two) and it is due for release in early 2016, I have recently turned my blog series, In Their Shoes, into its own book on Amazon. 

Where can we buy or see them?
You can find Dawn of the Dreamer through my website (www.ljhiggins.com), on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookworld and other online bookstores. You can find In Their Shoes, on Amazon as well.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is so special?
Amelia is a twenty three year old who has spent her life taking the backseat. Being a Dreamer has meant she has had to keep parts of herself a secret so as not to be ridiculed, that is until she meets someone who tells her the truth about what it really means to be a Dreamer. She then needs to decide if she will take the easy option, as she always has, and stay in her sheltered life, being told there is something wrong with her. Or take the difficult route and stand up and fight for her right to Dream.

What are you working on at the minute?
At the moment I am going through my first edit of Book Two of the Dreamer Trilogy. And I am also posting my blog series, In Their Shoes, once a fortnight.

What’s it about? 
Book Two, is set in the year after the events of Dawn of the Dreamer, and Amelia and her friends have started settling into their new lives. That is until a new threat surfaces along with new questions about what Dreamers are really capable of.
In Their Shoes is a series of short stories giving you the chance to walk in other peoples shoes, and realize that not everyone are as they appear.

What genre are your books?
Young Adult with a touch of Science Fiction.

What draws you to this genre?
It covers the stage in your life where you decide who you want to be, and what you want to do with your life. I think no matter what the plot is, I can generally relate to what the character is going through emotionally.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Dawn of the Dreamer has taught me so much about my writing style, and how to weave a story. For Book Two I am a lot more structured in my work, and have done much more planning. I know that I will continue to evolve with each story I write.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
The writing was the easy part. I found it easy to sit down and get it all on the page. The editing and publishing was the biggest learning curve for me, but even though I felt like pulling my hair out at times, I enjoyed it too.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
If you have a story that’s too big to tell in one book, or that can hold the reader’s attention over a number of books, why not write a series? Your writing will only get better as you grow to know and understand your characters.

Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I do both. Editing my own work taught me so much about my own writing. But a professional taught me more about the technical side of writing. A professional ensures your book is polished and ready to be published.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Having only self-published I can’t say much about traditional publishing. I will say that I didn’t decide to self-publish lightly, but felt it suited what I wanted to get out of publishing better. And also suited my lifestyle as a stay at home mum and wife. If I were to be approached by a traditional publisher that doesn’t mean I would say no, but it would have to be the right contract for me and my family.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write! So many people want to write a book, but don’t actually start writing. So my advice would be to write, let others read it to give you honest feedback, take what they say as constructive criticism, and write again.


How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.ljhiggins.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ljhigginsbooks
Twitter: @lj_higgins
Instagram: @lj_higgins
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/L.-J.-Higgins/e/B0120ARKFA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13804669.L_J_Higgins



Thank you LJ for stopping by! Make sure you check out her work!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Book of the Week Sol of the Coliseum

Book of the Week Sol of the Coliseum by Adam Gaylord 



Deep in the bowels of the Coliseum of the mighty Astrolian Empire, the orphan, Sol, is raised by a makeshift family of guards and fellow slaves to become the most famed Gladiator in all the land. Alongside K'nal, his giant Frorian fighting partner, Sol must battle cunning warriors and fantastic beasts to delight the crowd and stay alive. But when an oppressed populace transforms Sol into a revolutionary folk hero, the Empire sends its most ruthless assassin to put an end to the uprising. Sol’s only chance is to do what no slave has ever done: escape from the coliseum and the only home he’s ever known.


Here is the link to buy the book on Amazon

Friday, November 13, 2015

Showing Traits! "Curious"


Curious

Definition: Marked by the desire to investigate and learn. 

Similar Attributes: Inquisitive

Possible Causes : 
Having a naturally inquisitive outlook.
Growing up in an environment where exploration and asking questions was encouraged
Having a thirst for knowledge.
Possessing an adventurous spirit

Associated Behaviors: 
Asking questions
Having strong observation skills
seeking out people with similar interests. Listening in on the conversations of others
Collecting things
Showing disdain for rules, boundaries, and limits.
Not becoming bored easily
Losing track of time
Joining groups or clubs
Breaking rules in order to follow an idea or interest
Thinking about the What if?
Obsessive tendencies

Associated Thoughts: 
Look at the two of them whispering. I'll corner Ella later and find out what's going on.
Interesting, how different animal species huddle together in specific environment.
Before Harold cast his fishing line, he rolls his wrist. I need to ask him why he does that.

Associated Emotions: 
Confidence
Curiosity
Eagerness

Positive Aspects: 
Curious characters are drawn to problems or inconveniences that other people would choose to avoid.
Characters who are curious easily stumble upon mysteries or involve themselves in dangerous matters . they can conveniently introduce conflict into a story line.

Negative Aspects: 
Curious characters are often impulsive, acting with out thinking. They can be single-minded to a fault.
Those who are curious are frequently more interested in their current topic of exploration than their relationship and may not understand or appreciate those  without a similar level of curiosity.

For More Help in figuring out Traits for your Characters make sure you check out The Positive Trait  by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Author's Corner With Jeff Russell

Welcome Back to Author's Corner! 


This week we are talking to Jeff Russell who is the author of The Dream Shelf! 


Why do you write Jeff?
Writing allows me to create. Characters, plot, dilemmas, solutions, conflicts, dialog – I love every facet of the process. Even if I think that no one else will read the finished story I tweak each word, sentence and paragraph until completely satisfied with the results. Writing dares me to improve, to test myself and I cannot resist the challenge.

When did you decide to take the plung and become a writer?
I go for many solitary, long distance runs and during those quiet times stories swirl in my head. One of them became so intricate that I had to write it down to keep track of the details. The more it evolved the more I became attached to the characters and their plight. 80,000 words later I had a novel that I shared with a local book club and they inspired me to share it with others. That’s when I discovered that some readers enjoy my work as much as I do.

What genre are your books?
Literary/Contemporary Fiction comes closest. I write about people like you and me – characters with limited physical, financial and emotional resources who get caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

What draws you to this genre?
As I say in my by-line … life makes for a great adventure. The real history in The Dream Shelf and the real science in Cab’s Lantern are fascinating … we just have to read and appreciate. I tap into episodes from our American past and weave them into stories with characters that readers can relate to without having to suspend their belief.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I’m keeping it real for now. My books have sold well but not enough to let me quit my day job. I write, and share that writing, for the love of it; not for the prospects of financial gain.

Any tips on what to do and what not to do?
Write for the love of writing, aiming to please yourself first. Then share your work freely in exchange for honest, constructive criticism. Everyone needs it and everyone benefits from it. Don’t write for the money; that only leads to frustration.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
The research, though that is also the most rewarding thing. When I reference an event that took place in the past but has some impact on the current-day story I want to ensure that every fact I state is verifiable. Accurate imagery is also important. I want readers to say ‘Hey, I stood on that bridge’ or ‘I’ve seen that sign’ or ‘I’ve been there – I know exactly where that took place.’ This is key to drawing readers into the story.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I’m definitely a plot person, though my storylines typically begin in the middle with some defining discovery or revelation. I plot from there to the ending and then backwards to define how it all began.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?
I always know what I want to say but not how I want to say it. The art of writing involves taking an emotion the author feels and converting it into words that will trigger the same emotion in the reader. That is no simple task. I will spend hours searching for the right combination of words to achieve that goal – that’s my version of writer’s block.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I go for a walk and talk to my characters, explaining what I’m trying to do and listening to their input. Like actors advising the director, they tell me how a scene should play out and how the dialog should sound.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Local book clubs have been a great asset for me, acting as beta-readers and giving me constructive feedback. That process has taught me to look at my scenes from the perspective of an educated, frank, well-read audience. I still love to create but now I’m creating for them as well as for myself.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Be honest with yourself. Are you writing for fame and fortune, or are you writing because it’s the spark that keeps your heart beating. If you’re writing for wealth then spend your money on lottery tickets instead – you stand a better chance there. And if you’re writing for yourself then do so at every opportunity.

Where do you see publishing going in the future?
I see readers (educated readers, at least) spending less time and money on over-hyped hardcopies churned out by the Big-5 houses and more on emerging self-published authors. Reviews are an integral part of this process, and as more reviewers step up to share their opinions more savvy readers discover this whole new world of low-cost literary recreation.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
I always make ebook copies of my stories available for free to anyone willing to post a review. Interested readers can contact me at CabsLantern@gmail.com for details.

As an aside, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. Like reviews and guest blogs, interviews are critical stepping stones for self-published authors. Your stone brings me one step closer to a wider audience. Cheers!

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.CabsLantern.com
Blog: www.CabsLantern.com
Facebook: Jeff Russell
Twitter: @CabsLantern
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RG94MIE
Smashwords: Jeff Russell (CabsLantern)



Monday, November 9, 2015

Book of the Week "Wilder"

Book of the Week Wilder by G.K. DeROSA

Wilder is written by G.K. DeROSA!

All that Celeste Wilder ever wanted was to find someone who would sweep her off her feet like she had seen in countless romantic movies. When she meets the gorgeous and mysterious Constantin brothers her senior year of high school, she gets much more than what she had bargained for. As they introduce her to an exciting supernatural world that she never imagined existed, she makes a startling discovery about her own family legacy and is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever.


Here is the link to buy the book on Amazon: http://amztk.com/wilder

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Authors Corner With Clarissa Cartharn

Welcome back to Authors Corner With Clarissa Cartharn


Clarissa, why do you write?
I write because I love it. I itch to get my thoughts and words on paper. I’m always writing either my books, in my blog or on some forum. There is no other reason but my love for writing.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I remember when I was about seven or eight years old I told my mother that I wanted to become a writer. She thought I was being too fantastical and that I should focus on something more practical and viable. So I gave up on the idea and thus began my years of drifting and sole-searching. When circumstances led me to leave work to look after my children, I decided to dabble with the idea of being a writer again. (grins) I don’t dabble anymore. I am a writer.

What genre are your books?
They are romances with sub-genres of thrillers, adventure and contemporary

What draws you to this genre?
I love romances. Watching a story of two people unfolding and falling in love is beautiful.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate, or longhand?
On a computer. But I’ve always had a fascination for writing on a typewriter, my hair and clothes all unkempt, a cigarette in an ashtray and a cup of coffee steaming by my manuscript pile. However, I am a non-smoker and my obsessiveness over cleaning prevents me from realizing this fantasy.

Where do your ideas come from?
They come from everywhere. It could be something I may have read or seen on T.V. or even when someone is relating a story to me I could go ‘hmmm… that sounds like a potential story.’

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
My last book was based on a woman who was captured and forced to marry her captor. I had to do a lot of research on how women felt under such circumstances and all those stories were not romantic at all. These were real stories of abuse and human degradation and to read about the sufferings of these women wasn’t easy.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
The cover plays a very important part of the buying process. It is a reflection of the mood, the atmosphere and the story itself. It is one of those factors that buyers use as an aid to judge whether a certain book is for them.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
The one strategy that has worked for me is to write the next book. There is no better way of marketing your book than your work itself. Spend more time on the quality of the work you produce and let your work speak for itself.

How can my readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://clarissacartharn.wix.com/clarissacartharn
Blog: http://doodlenook.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaCartharn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccartharn
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Cartharn/e/B009X0P0EO
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6575851.Clarissa_Cartharn


Make sure you show her some Love and Check Out Her Work! 

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Author's Advice by Antuan Vance

Thank You Antuan for stopping by to give some amazing advice to some aspiring writers! 

What is your advice for those who want to write? 
If you want to be a writer, find people who are writers and/or readers, make them your friends, and don’t let go. Hold on tight! Read a lot. Build yourself a network of editors and writers. Go to conventions in your area. One of the hardest things for some of us is networking and marketing. It’s good to start early; because it’s not easy to get people to read your work and give you pointers. Join a group. Join a club. You’ll have an opportunity to see other people’s work. It’s an excellent idea to pair up with another person. Start your career reading other people’s work and giving them feedback.

Another piece of advice is to start putting together plots for various stories. Put together a queue of stories. If you can’t get one story off the ground for whatever reason, it’s great to have about a bunch of other great story ideas in your pocket. You’d be amazed how you could later link one story to another and boom; it’s as if you tripped on an idea land mine and found yourself covered in genius.

Also, don’t lose hope and don’t be afraid to reach out to other writers. We’re all in this together. We’ve all been there.

Thanks for stopping By Antuan! 

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Author Corner With Cj Fosdick's

Welcome to Authors Corner with Cj Fosdick



Before we get started here is a little bit about her: 

Cj Fosdick’s writing career began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after winning her first writing contest at age ten. Since then, she has flourished in tropical Minnesota with fiction and non-fiction published in local and national publications and in three short story anthologies, while giving horseback riding lessons on her mini-farm for 15 years. Her recent novel from The Wild Rose Press is a time-travel mainstream historical romance titled The Accidental Wife. She is an award-winning member of RWA, Women Writing the West, The Historical Novel Society, and a devoted Outlander fan.

Now on to the Interview!!! 



Why do you write Cj?

Because I have to...like breathing…and reading…

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

Ideas and perceptions always flowing. Big impetus came when a contest judge told me the short story I entered begged to become a novel. It took 6 months to add 80,000 words and less than a year to see The Accidental Wife in print by Wild Rose Press.

What genre are your books? 


 Mostly historical, but I love to mix the genre with mystery, romance & adventure. Some of my short stories have been contemporary.

What draws you to this genre? 
 Always been a history buff, and loved costume dramas on TV or at the movies. Reading historicals is like armchair time-travel. The past enlightens the future.

Where do your ideas come from? 

 Reading good books in genres I love, traveling to historic places, researching eras and colorful people, and observing friends, family, newsworthy characters in the burlesque of life.

What are your ambitions for your writing career? 

 Best Seller status? At least writing ten more books, maybe a movie or series?

Which writers inspire you? 

Diana Gabaldon, Diana Gabaldon, Diana Gabaldon. While writing my novel, I took breaks when the muse was slowing down to read at random from any of her Outlander books. I met her at two HNS (Historical Novel Society)Writer Conferences, the most recent one in Denver in June. I was going to read from my novel but developed laryngitis and she graciously offered to read my excerpt. She’s very accessible, very intelligent, and oozes talent. The wonderful Starz TV series of Outlander has boosted her book sales. She’s currently #1 on Amazon, a worldwide best selling author in 42 countries with 26 million books sold in all. My heroine—even in the dedication of my book.
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books? 

 Acquire reviews, tweet, network with other authors online or at writer conferences. Try to book appearances with book clubs. Blog, write a newsletter, post on facebook. Use every opportunity to become visible. Plan a book sale, book launch, keep business cards and print copies on hand. (I once sold 2 copies in a restaurant after being asked for directions.)
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews? 

 Good reviews are a perk to writing…and marketing. The one bad review I had was from a clinically depressed woman who said she “couldn’t get into it.” I knew her, and she confessed she only read a couple chapters. It was pretty ego-deflating and I reacted badly by emailing her. She blamed herself, but didn’t retract the review. I didn’t think it fair that anyone reading 16 pages out of 345 should be ethically able to review—or would even want to, but this apparently happens to other authors. As long as a bad review doesn’t pan the writing or plot, I don’t think it hurts book sales, especially if all other reviewers loved the book. We can’t control the reader’s mindset or preferences and challenging their opinion is useless. Best to just develop a thick skin and forget the bad reviews and celebrate the good ones with wine and chocolate!

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers? 

 I asked some avid readers to review my book, asked a couple authors who’s books I liked if they would write a review or even swap reviews, snagged a Goodreads reviewer, also encouraged people who commented they loved my book to write a review, and sought reviews from multiple age groups who read the book.

Did you do a press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and did it work?

 With another author, I rented a room at our Athletic Club, offered wine and snacks, book and gift baskets, and 60 people showed up by invitation for a book launch party. This was very expensive, but semi-successful. Sending a press release to our local paper was less successful, but I did get a couple paragraphs in the paper. Getting bylines about my book in a local magazine after writing a couple humorous features helped me with visibility. Emailing, Facebooking and tweeting may have helped, but when I offered the eBook for sale at .99, sales shot up dramatically on my Amazon author’s chart. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

 Persist! Read the best in your chosen genre(s), then work toward emulating, equaling and even surpassing your favorites. Try to write something every day, whether it is 100 or 1000 words, even if you think its trash. Check out the webinars that are offered—especially on grammar, attend writer conferences, build an email and Facebook following, join a local writers group and/or National groups like RWA, WWW, HNS, MWA, subscribe to writer magazines and enter contests offered to see how unbiased judges (not family or friends) perceive your work. Persist!


How can my readers discover more about you and you work?

Email: Falorac@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cjfosdick.com
Blog: on website http://caroljfosdick.blogspot.com
Facebook: Cj Fosdick (from Rochester, MN.) http://www.facebook.com/cjfosdick
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Falorac13
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1DSYNiI
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1HfPWJ1
The Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/1IGjUrF



Make sure you Check Out Her Work!!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Book of the Week "The Vanished Knight"

The Vanished Knight



The entity living inside Callan’s soul orphaned her at age eleven. By the time she’s sixteen, it’s ensured her being shunted from one foster family to another.

Her thirteenth foster assignment should be routine. Except... it's not. A psycho in medieval armor kidnaps her and she ends up in a magical world. There, she accidentally discovers a secret her parents had kept until the day they died.

Both actually came from this magical world, but left before Callan was born. To cover their tracks, they’d lied about everything. Even who they really were.

Driven to find out where she comes from, Callan’s trapped in a race for life and death. Walking away isn’t an option, but if she stays too long, the entity will find its next victim.

In this world where secrets are sacrosanct and grudges are remembered, finding the truth will be near impossible. Especially when Callan has her own homicidal little secret to deal with.

One with a taste for destroying her life.

Make Sure You Show the Author some Love and Check out their Work!!!! 

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Showing Trait's "Addictive"

Addictive 

Definition: a predisposition to becoming unhealthily dependent upon a substance, practice, person, habit, or other Intangible. 


Possible Causes: 
Genetics
Drug or Alcohol
Low Self-esteem and insecurity
A mental disorder  
An Extreme level of Passion 
Poor coping Skills 
An unexpected trauma or devastating loss
Abuse 
  

Associated Behaviors and Attitudes: 
Playing video games for long periods of time without breaks 
Calling in sick to work or school so one can focus on the object of one's addiction. 
Having no willpower or ability to resist one's addiction 
Being secretive or untruthful about how much one indulges in the addicting behavior or habit.
Taking foolhardy risks
Needing instant gratification   
Living in denial 
Being overly preoccupied with time when one is not indulging
Feeling alienated from other people or society 
Desiring privacy
Developing an eating disorder 
Paranoia
Disruptive sleep or insomnia 

Associated Thoughts: 
"Mark better show up with the stuff. I'm crawling out of my skin" 
"I don't care how long it takes- I'm staying up until I knock Chrackshot28 out of the top spot" 
"It's just a little shopping to relieve stress. I can't believe he's asking me to give it up"

Associated Behaviors and Attitudes: 
Agitation
Fear
Elation
Desire
Shame
Overwhelmed
Paranoia

Positive Aspect:   
Addictive characters can show great focus, attention,and dedication for certain activity or desire. 

Negative Aspect: 
Addictive character allow their need for gratification or relief form emotional pain to push them into unhealthy dependencies. 
They tend to hide their addiction from others to avoid interference and judgement, even though in their own mind, they don't believe that they have a problem. 

Overcoming this trait as a Major Flaw:  
To overcome they must hit rock bottom. The first step is to admit they have a problem and have the desire to change. 
Though the support of friends and family a strong addiction program with mentoring, avoiding trigger and responding to relapses with grace and forgiveness, the character can learn to cope with and over his addictions. 

Traits in supporting Characters that may cause Conflict: 
Devout
Innocent 
Needy 
Persistent
Proper
Pushy
Volatile
Responsible 


For More Help in figuring out Traits for your Characters make sure you check out The Negative Trait by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Writing Prompt



Time To Write!



Today’s prompt, write a short story involving a family and their fight over the map that leads to a magical treasure. It does not matter the length but I hope you all have fun writing and if you take it somewhere let me know I would love to read them.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Author's Corner with Antuan Vance

Welcome Back to Authors Corner 

This week My Guest is Antuan Vance who is the Author of “The Catalyst” 


I am very excited to interview Antuan, he has become a great friend through Twitter. 

The Power of Social Media People, now let’s start this interview! 


So Antuan, why do you write?
It is what I was born to do. Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by stories of heroes and villains, comedies and adventure. I watched movies, read comic books, and played with action figures, creating unique stories and characters. Writing is a part of that. In poetry, I can express myself in a way I normally can’t around others. In novels, novellas, and short stories, I can create a new world, or one with some semblance to this one, and entertain myself and someone else the way other stories entertained me. So, I guess the basic answer would be, I write to entertain both myself and others.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I am certain of two things: one, I was born a romantic; two, I was born a writer. The moment I had a grasp of grammar and storytelling, I began to write. I started writing poetry at age nine or ten. I began my first poetry collection at age eleven. I can’t remember the exact age I started writing my first superhero story. However, I knew even when I was a kid that writing would be a major part of who I am and what I did.
What genre are your books?
My first novel, The Catalyst, and the rest of the books in its series, are action/adventure and science fiction. The novel I’m currently working on is a coming of age, Christian teen drama. Most of my early novels are going to be science fiction.
What draws you to this genre?
Science fiction is my life. I started watching Star Trek: The Next Generation when it first came out. I watched Star Wars, ET, Back to the Future. Most of my childhood, teenage years, and adulthood I’ve spent watching, playing games, or reading science fiction. Science fiction is the way my mind works. It’s how I see reality. It’s one of the things that’s made me a forward thinker. It even affects my spiritual life. I can see God through the spectrum of science: astrophysics, quantum physics, biology, astronomy, etc.
Give us an insight into your main character.
The Catalyst has three main characters. John Rider is number one. He’s a very spiritual, biblical man. Right and wrong govern him, but what sets him back in this story is his “paranoia”. He doesn’t trust but a handful of people because of the nature and numbers of the enemy. But, where he lacks in numbers, he makes up in tech resources and wisdom.
Where do your ideas come from?
The only answer that comes to my mind is God. Grace. I can have a basic conversation with someone and find a story can be formed from any scenario. Someone can say he/she drove to the market to buy a carton of milk. I take that and think, “Oh cool. What if you went into the market, got the milk, entered the parking lot, and witnessed a woman being abducted? Oh, and on the abductor’s escape path, he sees you, you see him, and you both recognize each other; but you’re not sure from where. Worst off, a day later, you get a letter in the mail from the abductor telling you to keep your mouth shut, or else. Now you’re part of the police investigation.” I hope this doesn’t deter you from having a conversation with me. Hahaha. My story ideas are not always grim. You could have come across someone incredibly attractive, flirted, exchanged information (or not), and days later, bumped into that person again and started something. Being able to grasp story ideas swiftly is a gift from God. Being able to formulate a story and piece things together so easily, that’s grace.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I usually have a story in mind, a reason for things to happen, and a projected outcome. I put together a flexible outline and then write by the seat of my pants. The Catalyst went in a very different direction than I had originally intended for it. I busted that outline wide open. John Rider wasn’t a major player at first. It was originally supposed to be about Abbey, Levi, Violet, and Jeremy.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Hmm. I can see things a whole lot clearer than I used to. I had a lot of blockage. I held myself back a lot. I used to suffer from a lot of writer’s block, as I did more thinking and formulating than actual writing. Now, I hit the page. Much of my writer’s block isn’t there as it used to be because I’ve learned to press on. Pushing and not waiting for inspiration has opened my mind to a lot more. I’ve learned a lot and researched more. Having an open mind helps. Aging, wisdom, experience, and reading expands your mind to the possibilities, improving creativity.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Oh. You used the word “the” about hardest thing. There are so many hard things about writing. In the process itself, one of the hardest things was finding the time to write and overcoming/avoiding distractions. Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is properly prioritizing your time. If you have a full-time job in addition to writing, you have to sacrifice other things to get your writing in between work, cleaning, and eating.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Distractions were my biggest problem. Once I focused and pushed myself to meet a deadline, I was in the zone. I wrote about forty thousand words in a month. I was so proud of myself. You should have seen me when I made it to one hundred thousand.
Tell us about the cover and how it came about.
For ‘The Catalyst’, the cover was the simplest part of the project. I had a few ideas for graphics for the cover and inside the book. I passed those ideas on to my big brother, who has always been the artist in the family. I was the writer. He was the sketcher, painter, and graphic designer. He agreed to do the cover. I later changed my mind about having graphics inside the book. He sent me some samples. I gave him my thoughts. He revised. In the end, we had ourselves a finished project. I’m glad he did it. I’ve received some great feedback about the presentation.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes. I hate to say it; but I judge a book by its cover. A lot of people do. We’re visual people. However, a story with a great premise, positive reviews, and a well-written excerpt will go a long way, even if a lot wasn’t invested in the cover.
How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
Not great. Not great at all. I am in a desperate and dire need for reviews. Not having them is killing my sales. I tell you: you never realize how important reviews are until you need them. I’ve spent most of my life not writing reviews. I wish I could go back in time and write a review for everything I read. However, I know; if I wrote them now, I wouldn’t do the stories justice. I’m hoping, pleading, praying for positive reviews.
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
Unfortunately, no. This whole process is relatively new for me. I’m not the greatest networker. I know very few people. Most of the people I know don’t read or are so busy that they don’t have time to read. So, I reach out to the internet to strangers who aren’t invested in my writing. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to find reviewers; but I will. Be it the Lord’s will, I most certainly will.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Good reviews sound heavenly. I want as many as is humanly possible, preferably pointing out favorite characters and scenes (without spoiling the suspense for others). Bad reviews are not wanted. If you want to write a bad review, I would strongly encourage you to write whatever pros you can find first. After which, be gentle and precise. Saying, “It was so awful; I lost my mind and strangled my firstborn” is vague and unhelpful. Speak specifics and quote examples (if it’s possible). It’s best to offer constructive criticism (written constructively, instead of destructively) and suggestions for improvement.
Where do you see publishing going in the future?
I see a lot more indie publishing in the future. The process is faster. You can write your novel, edit it, and publish it quicker through indie means. Traditional publishing is a long, slow process. Not to mention, traditional publishing requires extra steps and people. Publishers insist upon the middleman (agents). No one wants to be a small voice in a big crowd just to find someone who can knock on a locked door for you. That’s what it feels like trying to get an agent. (That’s also what it feels like when you’re marketing your book.) Indie publishing is walking to the door, opening it, and walking out with a finished product in your hand.
I also think big bookstores are going to budge in the not too distant future. They’re not supporting local writers who print independently. The more publishing becomes digital, and people spend less time physically in the stores, they’re going to make concessions and start letting local indie writer’s books into their stores. Excited indie writers will pull in more local bodies, book signings, book release parties, and other events.
Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
“John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt! His name is my name, too! Whenever we go out, the people always shout, ‘There goes John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!’ Lah lah-lah lah-lah lah-lah laaaah!”
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
My first and best suggestion is to get in touch with me on Facebook and Twitter. Interact with me. Ask questions. Have a conversation with me. I’m no longer teething; so, I’ll try my best not to bite.
Website: https://www.antuanvance.com
Blog: https://www.antuanvance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antuan.vance.author
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/antuanvance
Amazon Author Page: https://
www.amazon.com/author/antuanvance
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/antuanvance


Thank You Antuan for being a part of this! Make sure to show him some love and check out his work!