Picking books to read

When it comes to picking out a book to read I am really picky. For me, I want a book not only to be entertaining but also to be fun. Personally, I deal with reality enough and I like something that will really captivate my attention and take me on an adventure. A story that intrigues me enough to get to know the characters and why they are important enough to know them.

Judy Blume (Tiger Eyes), Beverly Cleary (Beezus and Ramona, Ralph and the mouse, pretty much all of her books) Jane Austen (Sense and sensibility and Pride and Prejudice), Stephen King (Buick 8, Carry, Pet Cemetary), Anne Rice (Mayfair Witch, interview with a vampire) J.K Rowling (Harry Potter series, The cuckoo’s calling, the casual vacancy), Cassandra Clair (Mortal Instruments), Stephanie Myer (Twilight series), Nora Roberts, John Grisham and Isaac Asimov. 

I could fill several pages of authors and their books I’ve enjoyed reading. I enjoy seeing books be made into either television series or movies. It helps breathe even more life into the books. Even if someone first saw the movie or show, it helps bring attention to a story that otherwise might not have been noticed. The Twilight series might have had a small following however after the movie the book sales increased because of it.

I don’t read short stories (unless the book is 70k words or more), Novelette or Novella. For me to invest my person time and interest I prefer novels. I love singles however if there is a series I’m more apt to check it out. Because I don’t read smaller sized books doesn’t make them worth less than the larger books or horrible books. It’s simply not what I am into personally. There is a market for smaller sized books as well as one for larger ones.

When there are “street teams” for authors I also do not read the books they are promoting. Most street teams I find to be far too aggressive with advertising the book or author and not in a good way. To be fair, there are some street teams who are respectful however unfortunately I’ve dealt with more that are not.

It’s another reason why indie authors have a bad reputation and sadly will always have a difficult battle being recognized. There are some indie authors who are truly amazing that should be more popular than ones who are listed on the top 10 for the New York Times best sellers list. However this won’t happen because they get buried under self-published authors who do not take the time to check story flow, spelling, grammatical errors, word or story confusion. I could write at least a 10 page list of errors and problems I’ve found from self-published authors. When a traditional author’s book does not sell well or generate enough to warrant another book, their being published is finished. When a self-published author writes a crappy book or one that does not warrant another book being published, they throw out a bunch more simply to get there name out there but they are not putting out material that is worth anyone’s time.

I’ve heard people say it’s only .99 so why not just take the risk since it’s cheap and won’t make you broke. Most authors would get .33 cents of that (depending on which ebook avenue they go through.) No it’s not expensive but if you take that attitude with all authors then yes you could go broke and every heard earned dollar is valuable. It adds up and who wants to support an author who truly doesn’t take their writing seriously? Artists prove themselves with their craft, doctors prove themselves or they get caught in law suits and lose their license. A hair stylist takes pride in their work or they can’t find a place that will rent them a chair to work at. If a chef isn’t good a restaurant isn’t going to keep them and neither will the space center put a person in a shuttle that doesn’t know what they are doing just because they are a “good guy.” You need to earn your right even as a self-published author and sadly too many have read crappy books and this leaves a sour taste and a huge hesitancy for people to buy from them. I don’t mind reading self-published authors however I will read the first few pages, that’s all it takes for me to know if it’s going to be worth my time and yes even if it was only a quarter I am still going to be picky.

I believe in leaving reviews. When I do its going to be my honest opinion and very well detailed. I will only give a good review if it warrants it. I won’t leave one simply because I was asked to give a good one, it has to be a good product however I won’t leave a horrible review simply to be mean. If I do leave a lesser review it will be detailed as to why I am doing it and if it’s really bad I will see if it’s possible to contact the author and let them know instead of leaving any reviews publicly. In short, self-publishing has a long way to go before it will ever be on par with traditional published authors.

When authors act belligerent or simply rude or advertise their book where it does not belong this gets their name on my permanent never to be read list. Same as a particular sunglass company which I am not stating the name because they do not deserve the recognition.  Personally when I see an author or any company for that matter making claims that are not true or trying to make themselves sound better then someone else, it doesn’t encourage me to buy their product. If you have a worthy product there should be enough things to speak about rather than make things up or to insult someone else in order to get attention for your own work.

I hate to say it but the author’s attitude does influence me enough to stop purchasing books from them. In every industry you get certain ones who will be rude and call another person horrible at their craft. First example that comes to mind. Stephen King said that Stephanie Myer was a horrible writer while J.K Rowling was a great writer, comparing the two. All three writers have their own talent and really shouldn’t be compared with each other. He’s certainly entitled to his own opinion but he certainly could have kept it to himself when he can negatively impact another person simply because their work does not fit their personal interest. Keep this in mind, when you insult the other author your not only insulting them but also those who enjoy reading their books that were readers of yours also.

\

We all know it’s a horrible thing to compare a child with another; each has their own talent and interesting way of presenting things. We nurture that and when someone calls another horrible, it really doesn’t get me to want to support that person anymore by buying items that back their name. If you truly feel a person is horrible at what they do than let their talent speak for itself. If you don’t like it then don’t buy it. There is no need to bashing someone else’s work. Enjoy your own work and if you take the time to be rude it’s not saying much about you as a person.

I do buy several e-books however I still purchase more physical copies. I like the soft cover over the hard cover unless there is something special about it like being a limited edition. There’s something about going into a bookstore, seeing all the books, the smell and atmosphere. I love it and yes I admit the cover does get my attention however if the back description or the first few pages doesn’t attract me I won’t buy it. I’ve bought a few books because the cover was rather plain. The stories inside were amazing.

There are certain genre’s I tend to read more. I rarely read non-fiction unless it has to do with history or artwork. I prefer a wide range of fiction. So who knows, one day you might decide to write a book and I’m either looking for a physical copy in the store or online, I might end up reading your book. I am and still will be a lover of the written word; I love as many books that I can get my hands on and will always enjoy relaxing and reading a good story. It happens to be my love for stories that I also love writing my own.

It would truly help lessen crime. After all how many “readers or nerds” have you heard start gangs? Reading books helps educate question it and read the Harry Potter series. Yes it is fiction however there is a lot to learn from it. If you haven’t seen the movie idiocracy, you really should. A society that reads is far better off than one that does not read.

Insecure writers?

Are writers insecure frail creatures? It would depend on who you talk to. There was a group of people that were talking about this subject and they felt if you are a good writer you have nothing to be insecure about and if you were, then you were simply just a whiny person.  I felt it was more of a group that wanted to be mean and bash people rather than actually explore whether or not there was a reason for it and to what extent.

There was a while there that several of my friends who write were stating how “insecure” they were about their writing so I asked them a few questions. I wanted to know exactly what was making them insecure. Whether it was their ability to write a story and have it understood, to come up with an interesting story for someone to read or if it was simply whether or not someone would like their writing.

Depending on which friend I wound up with answers from the very start of their writing right down to the fact their book was out there for people to see, so I asked myself the same question, if I considered myself to be insecure at all?

I would have to answer by saying yes and no. Personally when I write I enjoy the topic, the characters, names, settings and what they go through. I will dream about them and run the story through my head like a movie. I thoroughly enjoy my own story. I do my best when it’s time to present it to others by picking a cover I feel best represents the stories and hopefully a good description on the back. Unfortunately when I write up the back excerpt I tend to start writing it in story format rather than simply go to the actual story and sum it up. I can explain a general synapsis with no problem however making it short enough for the back cover is entirely different.

I certainly don’t feel insecure about the story itself. I prefer my writing style and had fun finishing the story. I feel confident in putting the story out for others to read. There’s nothing I would change regarding my stories. Here is where the insecurity comes. Whether or not anyone else will enjoy it. Even if they did not like it or would want something changed it doesn’t change my mind enough to make any changes. It helps to know what people thought of it as long as it’s actually constructive and not abusive.

Personally I don’t think writers need to be coddled or frail. If you apply for a job you would hope your potential boss would like you and that you do a good job.  One that you can be proud of and one that will ensure you keep your job. This goes for writers. They want to write a story that they are proud of and will stay with its readers hopefully in an entertaining way.

I’m sure you could make some authors inferior by simply tearing them down, if you happen to be someone they look up to. It almost seems normal to see celebrities to have their spats or who is warring with whom which is sad. There is plenty of space for talented individuals. Just because you don’t care for their work doesn’t mean there isn’t someone else who equally is interested. To tear someone down or to say someone isn’t a good writer, isn’t saying very much for the one speaking it let alone the fact there is someone out there that most likely doesn’t like their writing either. I am addicted to reading and I’ve found some books I personally don’t care for. It’s just not for me but I acknowledge the fact someone else might like it. If it’s riddled with errors such as spelling, punctuation, repetitive words, confusing dialogue between characters. Then this is something that can be fixed but it doesn’t make them a bad writer and neither does a storyline or character set up that you might not personally be interested in.

I like to help improve or encourage writers rather than waste my time and theirs by tearing them down. It’s not worth the attention that comes with it and neither is it good for the person saying it. This is why I like to know what is making a writer insecure and help them if I am able to.

My best advice to other writers. Read a lot of books and find what style that you relate to. Find the style that makes you comfortable and enjoy writing. If you enjoy or love what you’re doing then this will come across in your writing.

Believe in yourself and understand not everyone is going to like your work and this goes for those who we assume would be supportive such and family and friends. Some feel they need an outline and if this works for them then it’s great but not everyone needs to.

Don’t let the “rules” of writing stop you from enjoying what you are doing. If your style is different than other writers consider this a bonus. If every book was cookie cutter no matter the genre then there would never be a point in reading another book or learn about a new author. Different is a good thing but don’t intentionally try to be different from what you naturally are otherwise yes, this will come across in your writing.

Most importantly, relax and have fun. Don’t push yourself to hard. I only push myself when I know I can write but I’m tired. I’m always tired so I make sure I don’t use that as an excuse. I write when the passion for the story and the drive to write is there.

October book release

I enjoyed my book giveaway this last October and plan on doing this again for the next book in the Family Secrets series.
88 book marks, 4 posters, LED light candles with remote, 6 necklaces and 62 physical copies of the books. My favorite necklace was the 4 with the series book cover. The chains are not shown in the picture but they are the black metallic and I loved the look.

Besides my own personal books and the publishing company. I have so many plans that my husband and I are working on for this coming 2015. We are starting a non profit to help further literacy. We are making plans to help both aspiring authors of all ages to readers of all ages and circumstances. Later one I'll explain more however there are some great things in the works and I've already started to plan the next release party for book 5. Below are a few pictures of the items handed out.

I love to cook!

Usually if I am to distracted or not really in the mood to write, my next favorite thing to do is cook! I use my glass baking dishes for pretty much everything. For me they are easier to soak and clean than worrying about the "non-stick" wearing off. That and I can use either a sharp knife or hard spatula in it without the surface scratching. I'm including a few pictures here. One of a chicken bake which is pretty easy. You can either buy it as a kit or make it yourself. The bottom layer I use instant mashed potatoes. The second layer I have fully cooked chicken chopped into pieces mixed in with a white gravy. Than I put a garlic buttery biscuit on the top. It might not look fancy but it tastes great. If you want to dress it up try using parsley if you are handing out individual dishes or cover the top after baking with dried tomatoes or friend tomatoes and spread them out. Here is a quick recipe for friend tomatoes.

2 tbs dried basil
1/2 tbs dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp white pepper
5 tsp olive oil
2 Roma tomatoes cut in half
2 tbs olive oil

Mix all the ingredients except for the 2 tbs olive oil. The rest mix together and spread on the cut side of the tomato. Than put the 2tbs in the pan and heat. Place the cut side of the tomato down and cook in pan for about 5 minutes. Any longer and it will get mushy. You can always cut the tomato into smaller slices and spread the paste on both sides and book for 3 minutes because they are smaller pieces and spread out further on the dish. The picture I'm sharing does not have them in it. My kids are not vegetable eaters. I usually blend the veggies into sauce so they don't notice them.

This second one is a chocolate brownie. Instead of using frosting we put no sugar chocolate pudding on top and it tasted great! Most items I use are Pillsbury or Betty Crocker.

Book Covers for the Family Secrets series and single Mortal by Rebekah McClew

One common theme you will find with the Family Secrets series is one of my obsessions and that happens to be the moon. I included the back covers which had a short description of the books. I love writing paranormal romance that is appropriate for all ages. My second addiction as you will see is that I love writing about vampires. There are so many endless possibilities with them.

Mortal happens to be one of my singles which I had a lot of fun writing.

Dark Shadows by Lara Parker

The very addictive  Barnabas Collins who has remained priceless rejoining his family at Collinwood. Quentin Collins worries when he has had his portrait disappear that preserved his youthful appearance and how with it gone he fears the moon and his werewolf curse. If you enjoyed the movie or television show you will truly love this particular book where they were taken from.

I've included the link to Amazon below
$8.99 Kindle $12.64 paperback

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shadows-Wolf-Moon-Rising/dp/0765332590/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410227279&sr=1-5&keywords=frozen+shadow

Son of the Avis by Justin Dine

Justin Dine is an American author of Science Fiction Fantasy, Married for 5 years to fellow author Rebekah McClew and has 3 Children. Supporter of Animals rights and promoting Literacy. His Facebook author page is, https://www.facebook.com/Author.JustinDine

1. What inspires your writing?

My dreams inspire me, I’ve always been very creative/ imaginative growing up.

2. Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always wanted to share my stories with others and see what they thought of them.

3. Who are your favorite authors?

Eoin Colfer

4. What would you say to someone who is just starting out as a writer?

Have fun writing and make sure you have someone else edit your work. Don’t take reviews to seriously when they are negative. Not everyone is going to fall in love with your book or say kind things.

5. Do you ever put any of yourself in you charters?

My series is inspired by Kingsley where I grew up and live. When I was younger I imagined that hell was in my own backyard.

6. How old where you when your first book was published?

I test marketed my book six years ago, published it for the first time online five years ago so I would have to say I was 28

.

7. How many books have you written? What are their titles?

The series that I am writing happens to be Science Fiction and there will be several series from it. At least 11 books total in the first series. The novel “The Son of the Avis” is currently available however there is not a release date set yet for the second. I hope hoping to have the second one out next year sometime.

8. What do you hope readers take from your books?

I hope they enjoy the book.

9. What do you do to get ready to write?

Diet Coke and the munchies vary depending on what mood I’m in.

10. Do you ever get writers block? What helps you get past it?

I’m fortunate that I haven’t dealt with this. I don’t have writers block unfortunately I suffer from lack of time to write.

11. What is your favorite type of book to read? Does that type influence your books?

I enjoy Science Fiction except I’ll read, Romance, Mystery, Adventure, Paranormal and Crime Dramas. Mainly Fiction books. 

Tell us about your new novel

Brian is finding out his current life isn’t the only one he’s lived or will live in the future. The one who raised him lost his own daughter and took him in as his own son caring and raising him. When he goes off on a quest for his 21^st birthday he finds out how connected he is to the world and over the series of books he will find out just how much power he will learn to control.

Fun Facts!

1. Favorite food

Thick crust Pizza

2. Favorite color

Dark Blue

3. Favorite sweet treat

Reese’s Peanut Buttercups or crème filled doughnuts.

4. Favorite mixed drink

Diet Coke

5. Favorite thing to shop for

Printing Equipment

6. Lucky number

4

7. Favorite book

Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer

8. Favorite movie

9. Favorite song

Pretty much any song by Cyndi Lauper or Enya.

10. Favorite sport

Not into sports unless you count playing computer games.

What is something everyone should know about you?

My family is very important to me. I love animals and writing. One of the things I really love doing is looking at an expensive piece of equipment and figuring out how to make it into something I can use and for cheaper. I love creating websites and special designs for them.

Vigilant Shadows by Savannah Taylor

Here's a short interview of Savannah Taylor. Her first book was published 2014, by Center One Publishing when she was 14. Published by Center One Books. Her author page is, https://www.facebook.com/Author.SavannahTaylor

1. What inspires your writing?

It's hard to pinpoint one thing since so many things inspire me. Music helps, my cat, every day things contribute to my mind wondering off and daydreaming.

2. Have you always wanted to be an author?

No I haven't. My first love happens to be animals. I wanted to be a veterinarian. I love writing and this is something I can do while I'm working on becoming a vet.

3. Who are your favorite authors?

J.K Rowling, Erin Hunter

4. What would you say to someone who is just starting out as a writer?

Make sure you have fun, enjoy what you are writing and don't forget to get out of the house also. It's not fair if its only your characters that are living their lives and your only writing about them.

5. Do you ever put any of yourself in you charters?

Not really but sometimes I use things that have happened to me in them.

6. How old where you when your first book was published?

14 years old, it came out April, 2014.

7. How many books have you written?

Right now there is only one out and I am working on the second book which does not have a title yet.

9. What do you hope readers take from your books?

I know I had fun writing them so I hope they enjoyed them.

10. What do you do to get ready to write?

I don't do anything elaborate, chips and tea.

11. Do you ever get writers block? What helps you get past it?

Not really sure if its writers block, I get more distracted by everything around me. I tend to stop a lot to play games like Minecraft. I write when the mood or idea hits me.

12. What is your favorite type of book to read? Does that type influence your books? 

I like fantasy and also enjoy writing the same.

Tell us about your new novel

She's a girl who has lost everything. She thought these people were her friends but they ditch her when they think she is broke. She thinks her boyfriend cheated on her when in reality he's trying to save her from a horrible world but what he doesn't know is that world is already out looking for her. She finds out a lot of truths and the biggest one is her dog she thought she was being kind and giving a home to and protecting. She finds out he's really human and that she's not exactly a normal girl herself.

Fun Facts!

1. Favorite food

Pizza or Sesame Chicken

2. Favorite color

Yellow

3. Favorite sweet treat

Anything with strawberries.

4. Favorite mixed drink

Iced chocolate mocha 

5. Favorite thing to shop for

It really changes. I love shopping for others. If I had to pick something for me I would say books!

6. Lucky number

4

7. Favorite book

This is an impossible one for me. I love Immortal instruments by Cassandra Clair, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

8. Favorite movie

Twitches by Disney or Hocus Pocus.

9. Favorite song

I have to many of these, it's easier to list the singers. Katie Perry, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Evanescence.

10. Favorite sport

 Definitely not into sports.

What is something everyone should know about you?

I love spending time with my parents and siblings. I have 2 brothers. I loved playing Everquest, Minecraft and a few other games along the way and I've had fun getting to know my online friends and meeting a few of them in person.

Ardent Shorts and Stories by Aila Awatt

https://www.facebook.com/Author.AilaAwatt

www.awattbooks.com

A book definitely worth five stars! Erotica at its best. Each short story has a story title and brings you out of your comfort zone, this cannot be stressed enough. I felt as if I was peeking into someone’s personal life with each story. It's sexy, tantalizing and intriguing! She has another longer novel called "Aurora" that is worth checking out. Personally I can't wait to read another volume of shorts or full length novel from this author.

 Ardent Shorts Volume One is available for free now on Smashwords while Ardent Stories: Stronger is available on Amazon, Awattbooks and Smashwords. Short Stories Volume 3 and 4 will be released soon along with Ardent Stories: Stronger.

                                                                                                      

Each character is well developed for being involved in a short story. Each short story is addictive as the next. Almost as if you are watching the day in the life of each character, feeling their pain, excitement when they explore their world and their deepest desires. A very sexy read that is difficult to put down. This book has had over a thousand downloads.

Aurora is a girl who was confused already by the changes in her life and now to find out the person she always secretly loved had also loved her back silently. Life gets rather tangled in a rush to save her family while getting caught between two people she loves and a third determined to make sure she falls in love with him or as he likes to see it, her own kind as he finds out the truth about her. (Currently Available on Amazon and Smashwords.)

Coming soon! If you love medieval times of Knights and Ladies, this is truly an elegant, sexy and adventurous. Determined not to give in easily she fights her pursuer all the way as he slowly finds himself no longer wanting to keep her as a possession but actually falling for her. With wicked brothels and others who wish to get even with her captor she gets caught trying to survive and to decide who she will give her heart to.