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Several years ago I attended the SCBWI summer conference and one of the wonderful people I met was Rachel Marks. Super talented as both a writer and an artist, she had an incredible joy for life, due in part to being a cancer survivor. Rachel was rooming with Paige Britt and both of them had […]
0 Comments on When Good Things Happen to Good People as of 1/1/1900
Last week at the book festival was so much fun. The venue was gorgeous – one of the best libraries I’ve ever visited – and the organizers were so thoughtful and generous. It was definitely my favorite festival so far. Plus, I got to meet some awesome authors who’ve written some great books. Thanks to […]
0 Comments on The Sound of Things to Come as of 1/1/1900
Today I’m really excited to welcome Laurisa White Reyes to the blog. I met Laurisa a few years back at a writing retreat, soon after her first novel, The Rock of Ivanore, had been picked up for publication by Tanglewood Press. Of course she was pulsing with excitement and we all wanted to sit next […]
0 Comments on Author Spotlight on: Laurisa White Reyes as of 1/1/1900
I had the chance to add more than 1,000 followers to my Twitter account last week. It was tempting. I mean let’s be honest – who doesn’t want to believe that there are thousands of people who want to hear what you think about I had the chance to add more than 1,000 followers to my Twitter account last week. It was tempting. I mean let’s be honest – who doesn’t want to believe that there are thousands of people who want to hear what you think about books and writing and more?
The only thing that held me back? The cost.
And I don’t mean the $25 charge for adding their Twitter handles to my account.
One of the things I love about Twitter – about the internet in general – is the way it allows us to connect with other people. Last week Andrew Smith favorited and retweeted one of my tweets. And yes, I had a major fangirl moment ☺ I live in a tiny town in California with a population of less than a thousand people. And yet, I shared mini conversations with people in Canada, Florida, New England – even a guy in Africa. How cool is that?
I wouldn’t have had these conversations with people I bought from a list, people who may not even know their name was on the list. We had these conversations because we share a common interest. And finding those people to connect with – people who like books and reading, writing and publishing, movies and music – that’s half the fun. Finding and making those connections. Not buying them.
I may not have as many followers as some of the people who’ve been doing it longer. But I’m content to find those people over time. So that when we do find and follow each other, we’ll share a real connection. Maybe even have a memorable conversation.
That’s worth more to me. That’s priceless.?
The only thing that held me back? The cost.
And I don’t mean the $25 charge for adding their Twitter handles to my account.
One of the things I love about Twitter – about the internet in general – is the way it allows us to connect with other people. Last week Andrew Smith favorited and retweeted one of my tweets. And yes, I had a major fangirl moment ☺ I live in a tiny town in California with a population of less than a thousand people. And yet, I shared mini conversations with people in Canada, Florida, New England – even a guy in Africa. How cool is that?
I wouldn’t have had these conversations with people I bought from a list, people who may not even know their name was on the list. We had these conversations because we share a common interest. And finding those people to connect with – people who like books and reading, writing and publishing, movies and music – that’s half the fun. Finding and making those connections. Not buying them.
I may not have as many followers as some of the people who’ve been doing it longer. But I’m content to find those people over time. So that when we do find and follow each other, we’ll share a real connection. Maybe even have a memorable conversation.
That’s worth more to me. That’s priceless.
0 Comments on Finding Friends and Followers as of 6/23/2014 2:53:00 PM
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you weren't enough? I know I can think of several. Okay, yeah, a LOT of times. In high school I worried about not being thin enough, not being cool enough. Actually, those worries still plague me at times, but at least as an adult I'm comfortable enough with myself to not let those passing insecurities overwhelm me.
As part of the release for NEVER ENOUGH, the newest YA novel from my agent-mate Denise Jaden, several author-friends contributed their thoughts on not feeling like enough. You can see them on the video embedded below.
But wait! That's not all!
Denise is also hosting a HUGE book giveaway. Leave a comment here and then visit her blog and share the link back to this blog, and that will earn you TWO entries--one for commenting, and one for sharing the link. You can see all the books she's giving away by visiting this post: http://denisejaden.blogspot.ca/2012/07/blog-tours-and-entries-and-prizes-oh-my.html
Speaking of which, I can tell you exactly what I never have enough of: shelf space for all the books I want to read!
5 Comments on Never Enough...Book Giveaways!, last added: 7/12/2012
There are so many wonderful people with books coming out this year. Another one of my friends celebrated her debut release with a signing in Santa Monica at Diesel, A Book Store. Not to be confused with Diesel, the clothing store. Trust me, I now know the difference since I showed up at the clothing store first. *head palm* Ugh.
Fortunately, I was close to being on time for a change, so we made the 3-mile trek to the right Diesel with plenty of time to hug, listen to and have a book signed by the wonderful Robin Mellom. Her YA novel, DITCHED, came out on January 10 and believe it or not, she has another book, a middle grade novel, coming out in June. Talk about a banner year!
As for me, I just got back more edits so my nose will be buried deep in revisions while I wrestle with the last act of my story. But I can't sign off without mentioning a great list I found on Mediabistro. There has been a lot of uproar in the last few weeks about one-star reviews and whether or not people who rate books on Goodreads or Amazon can really call themselves reviewers.
My answer? It doesn't matter whether you're reviewing for the New York Times or your own personal blog. Reviews make people aware of a book but it doesn't mean they're going to buy it. And the list I found on Mediabistro kind of proves the point. Look at this list of books and how many one-star reviews they had on Amazon. I've read some of those titles. I know they're awesome.
One-Star Reviews for Bestselling Books 1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (669 one-star reviews) 2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (396 one-star reviews) 3. A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (344 one-star reviews) 4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (169 one-star reviews) 5. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (157 one-star reviews) 6. Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich (119 one-star reviews) 7. Inheritanceby Christopher Paolini (118 one
13 Comments on DITCHED and One-Star Reviews, last added: 1/28/2012
I think sometimes the stronger reaction a book creates in both directions sometimes results in stronger sales. That's what seems to happen. Not always. Sometimes a book is just plain awesome and well written and receives almost all 4 and 5 stars. So jealous you got to hear her speak! I loved Ditched!
If you don't collect some one-star reviews for you book, then you aren't being read widely enough! Personally, I'd trade my nineteen 4-5 star reviews on Amazon for a hundred and fifty reviews that included some 1-stars. Better to have the book read and have some people not like it than not be read at all!
And this is why I don't pay much attention to the reviews. If I like a blurb, I'll base my decision on that. Too often I've bought a book with lots of stars and didn't feel the same way about it. And other times I thought a book rocked, and many others didn't.
I can't remember ever giving out a single star. If it's that bad, I won't finish the book and I won't rate it.
That list is great - just shows that the world is a strange, strange place. And I will remind you when your fabulous book hits the shelves! But you won't need it. :)
I'm bookmarking this entry as a reminder to myself as I wade through writing my book. I'm at the beginning of the process. And I am new to your blog, relatively speaking.
But I imagine you'll be reminded of your words if anyone has the unmitigated gall to give you one star and it upsets you. I like what Dianne said about it all, as well!
Laura: One-star reviews make me curious about the book so I agree that it could result in stronger sales. And Robin is just the best. It was a long haul for her so I'm THRILLED with what's in store for her :)
Dianne: I like your point of view! I think a strong reaction either way is better than a lukewarm "who cares" type of response.
Stina: I agree that some highly rated books have not lived up to my expectations. And like you, if the book is that bad, I just don't bother to review it, much less finish it.
Katie: I will email you straight away! Can't wait to catch up :)
Susan: Just goes to show how subjective it is. There are books I've read that everyone in the world loved and I couldn't stand, so really, one opinion won't make or break a book.
Caroline: It's been great seeing all my friends with debut novels!
Jeannette: I need to remember it as well! Like Dianne, I don't think getting a one-star review is necessarily a bad thing :)
Shannon: That list made me laugh because every one of those people with huge amounts of one-star reviews has exponentially MORE people who love the book. So yeah, very important to remember.
Michelle: This list kind of proves that one-star books can be best sellers! I hope to reach that many readers some day :)
I will certainly remind you! :o) Reviewing is often too presumptuous, imo. I quit posting starred reviews because I felt I wanted to focus on the positive of a book, rather than the negative. Most of the time my review reflects what I liked about it. I figure, hey, books are like babies and there is always at least one nice things to say about someone's baby! lol
That last paragraph (before your reminder to self) is SO, so true.
As a reader, I always check a sampling of reviews, but I focus on the lower stars b/c they're much more helpful than "OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK!"
For example, "Everything else was great but I hate first person - 1 star" is helpful b/c I don't hate first person, so I know that won't bother me.
Star ratings are important b/c they help give a quick snapshot ("Is this book even worth considering?" Anything 3 stars and up probably is.) but ANY thoughtful, well-written review can be helpful, regardless of what # of stars go with it.
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By: Sherrie Petersen,
on 6/10/2015
You need a kindle. :)
Thanks for the tip!! Hopping over to enter...
Ha! I have Kindle and Nook on my iPad and still!
that's so awesome!
What a wonderful video! Applause to all who took part in that.
Prerna: Yes it is :)
Tricia: Wasn't it great? I think we can all relate in some way.