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Tracy Falbe's Blog, page 11
June 7, 2015
How to make any ebook an audiobook with text-to-speech conversion apps
Rys Rising - Books on Google Play
Audiobooks let busy people enjoy fiction or nonfiction, but not everything is produced as an audiobook. Fortunately, text-to-speech software technology allows you to convert ebooks into an audiobook. This opens up many more titles to audiobook listeners, and might even save them some money because ebooks tend to be priced lower than audibooks. Audio production generally costs quite a bit. This is why only two of my novels are audiobooks instead of all ten of them.
Now I can offer some solutions to frustrated audiobook listeners who'd like to enjoy more of my novels and works by other authors as well, even if audiobooks are not available.
The Free Route
Your Kindle, Android tablet, or iPad already has some text-to-speech capabilities. This functionality is built into ebooks at the Kindle or Google Play stores.
For example, you could download one of my free ebooks such as Rys Rising: Book I from Google Play. The app on an Android device that displays Play Store Books includes a "real aloud" feature. This is freely available, but the result is an audiobook as read by Stephen Hawking. The robotic voice does not allow for much of an audio experience. But this can be improved.
You can enable a "high quality" voice for your text to speech in Google books. This article at CNet explains how to turn it on. This text-to-speech capability is also freely included as part of the ebook.
Information on setting up text-to-speech on your Kindle tablet or app is also widely available. At eHow you can find some easy directions. For a Kindle ebook to work as an audiobook, you'll need to see first if its text-to-speech is enabled. This information will be in the product information section on the Amazon page. Many of the Kindle apps for various devices also have text-to-speech.
I started exploring text-to-speech options when one of my audiobook listeners inquired about whether I would produce more audiobooks. Matt had enjoyed Union of Renegades and The Goddess Queen and wanted to keep listening. Although at this time I cannot finance any more audiobook productions, I suggested to him that he look into the text-to-speech options. Then he could listen to any of my books by simply buying the ebooks. Because some of my titles are free, I told him to download a free one at Google Play or Kindle and see if he liked the experience.
He wrote back to me and reported that he had decided to go with a paid app that read ebooks to him.
The Paid Text-to-Speech Route
Matt informed me that he had chosen to use Voice Dream, at a cost of $9.99, because he found a narrator voice there that suited him. For an additional app charge of $4.99 he loaded "Amy" Ivona as the voice to read my novels to him. The app also gave him the ability to select words and fiddle with pronunciation. Names and some of my magical fantasy terms sometimes needed adjustment. He has subsequently gone on to buy the rest of my novels and enjoy them as audiobooks. Thank you, Sir!
After hearing about the existence of paid text-to-speech products, I did a little exploring. You actually have many options for converting ebooks to audiobooks. Some simply read the book to you. Others will output an audio file for you to use.
This article at TechRepublic provides a thorough overview of five text-to-speech conversion apps. Prices range from $30 to $50, but they usually offer free trials. If you prefer audiobooks, the investment in apps and specific narrator voices could offer a good return. You'll greatly expand the books available to you in audio and buy them at lower ebook prices.
If you'd like to start experimenting with any of the free or paid text-to-audio conversion resources, you can download three of my books for free from most ebook retailers.
To get ebooks without any DRM, I recommend downloading free ebooks from my website Brave Luck Books or visiting Smashwords. At both place you'll access multiple, DRM-free formats of my novels.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
Audiobooks let busy people enjoy fiction or nonfiction, but not everything is produced as an audiobook. Fortunately, text-to-speech software technology allows you to convert ebooks into an audiobook. This opens up many more titles to audiobook listeners, and might even save them some money because ebooks tend to be priced lower than audibooks. Audio production generally costs quite a bit. This is why only two of my novels are audiobooks instead of all ten of them.
Now I can offer some solutions to frustrated audiobook listeners who'd like to enjoy more of my novels and works by other authors as well, even if audiobooks are not available.
The Free Route
Your Kindle, Android tablet, or iPad already has some text-to-speech capabilities. This functionality is built into ebooks at the Kindle or Google Play stores.
For example, you could download one of my free ebooks such as Rys Rising: Book I from Google Play. The app on an Android device that displays Play Store Books includes a "real aloud" feature. This is freely available, but the result is an audiobook as read by Stephen Hawking. The robotic voice does not allow for much of an audio experience. But this can be improved.
You can enable a "high quality" voice for your text to speech in Google books. This article at CNet explains how to turn it on. This text-to-speech capability is also freely included as part of the ebook.
Information on setting up text-to-speech on your Kindle tablet or app is also widely available. At eHow you can find some easy directions. For a Kindle ebook to work as an audiobook, you'll need to see first if its text-to-speech is enabled. This information will be in the product information section on the Amazon page. Many of the Kindle apps for various devices also have text-to-speech.
I started exploring text-to-speech options when one of my audiobook listeners inquired about whether I would produce more audiobooks. Matt had enjoyed Union of Renegades and The Goddess Queen and wanted to keep listening. Although at this time I cannot finance any more audiobook productions, I suggested to him that he look into the text-to-speech options. Then he could listen to any of my books by simply buying the ebooks. Because some of my titles are free, I told him to download a free one at Google Play or Kindle and see if he liked the experience.
He wrote back to me and reported that he had decided to go with a paid app that read ebooks to him.
The Paid Text-to-Speech Route
Matt informed me that he had chosen to use Voice Dream, at a cost of $9.99, because he found a narrator voice there that suited him. For an additional app charge of $4.99 he loaded "Amy" Ivona as the voice to read my novels to him. The app also gave him the ability to select words and fiddle with pronunciation. Names and some of my magical fantasy terms sometimes needed adjustment. He has subsequently gone on to buy the rest of my novels and enjoy them as audiobooks. Thank you, Sir!
After hearing about the existence of paid text-to-speech products, I did a little exploring. You actually have many options for converting ebooks to audiobooks. Some simply read the book to you. Others will output an audio file for you to use.
This article at TechRepublic provides a thorough overview of five text-to-speech conversion apps. Prices range from $30 to $50, but they usually offer free trials. If you prefer audiobooks, the investment in apps and specific narrator voices could offer a good return. You'll greatly expand the books available to you in audio and buy them at lower ebook prices.
If you'd like to start experimenting with any of the free or paid text-to-audio conversion resources, you can download three of my books for free from most ebook retailers.
To get ebooks without any DRM, I recommend downloading free ebooks from my website Brave Luck Books or visiting Smashwords. At both place you'll access multiple, DRM-free formats of my novels.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
June 3, 2015
High Maga Audiobook release tour with Karin Rita Gastreich commenting on reader feedback
Today, I'm happy to feature on my blog, the talented Karin Rita Gastreich. She's promoting the audiobook release of her fantasy book High Maga. She's sharing some wonderful insights about interactions between readers and authors. Then you can read about her Eolyn fantasy series and enter the giveaway drawing at the bottom of this post for High Maga in ebook, paperback, or audiobook format plus a $5 Amazon gift card.
When Readers Write Back
By Karin Rita Gastreich
I’ve been very fortunate to have a devoted readership for Eolyn. My readers have been patient, supportive, and enthusiastic every step of the way. They’ve kept me going on new projects by constantly asking, “How is the novel coming along?” and then saying, “I can’t wait for the next book!”
I especially appreciate it when readers take the time to write a review. I know this is scary for some readers; they may feel like they aren’t experts, or think they don’t know how to say what they want to say. But the truth is, just a handful of words and a thumbs up on Amazon or Goodreads can make an author’s day. If you ever want to thank an author for the gift of a story, reviews are one of the best ways to express your appreciation.
Of course, not all readers love our books. This can be a daunting part of the writer’s journey, especially for newly published authors. It’s important to keep in mind, when negative feedback comes through, that it’s not possible to please everyone. A negative review does not necessarily reflect on your skill as a writer. More often than not, it simply means that your story was not the right story for that particular reader.
Some of my most memorable interactions with readers have resulted from critical reviews. A few months ago, I received a Goodreads review of High Maga that was very insightful in its critique. The reader was upset because she realized, correctly, that despite the feminist threads of High Maga, the choices given to the characters are messy and cannot be cleanly divided into “woman power=good” and “man power=bad”. It’s rare that I come across a reader who has taken this much time to tease apart the deeper elements of the story. We had a great discussion about the significance of the events in High Maga, just one stage of a larger journey toward balance between male and female magic in Eolyn’s world. I promised this reader that the resolution she’s looking for is coming with the third book in the series, Daughter of Aithne. That’s a promise I intend to keep.
Having the third novel in cue for publication has reminded me just how important interaction with readers is. Why? Because right now, I can’t talk to my readers about Daughter of Aithne, and it’s killing me! All of us have to wait until the book is released and they have a chance to read it. I feel the absence of that dialogue every time I sit down to write a blog post or check in on Facebook. When people ask me about Daughter of Aithne, I can say, “You’re going to love it!”, and even elaborate a little on why. But I am so looking forward to the day when all of us can talk about the details of the third stage of Eolyn’s journey.
In the meantime, Eolyn and High Maga are on the shelves and being discovered by new readers every day. It’s great to be part of this growing community of friends and fans of Eolyn, and humbling, really, when I remember that the entire adventure started with a pen, a notebook, and an idea.
HIGH MAGA [audio edition]Karin Rita Gastreich (author)Darla Middlebrook (narrator)
Sisters in magic, Eolyn and Adiana seek to revive a craft once forbidden to women. When war strikes at the heart of the kingdom, their fledgling community of magas is destroyed; its members killed, captured or scattered.
In hopes of defending her people, Eolyn tries to escape the occupied province and deliver to King Akmael a weapon that might secure their victory. Trapped by the invading army, Adiana is taken prisoner and placed at the mercy of the ruthless Prince Mechnes.
Even as their world is torn asunder, Eolyn and Adiana cling to a common dream. Courage and perseverance guide them toward a future where the Daughters of Aithne will flourish in a world set free from the violence of men.
“War propels the book forward, and the characters are at their best when the events engulfing them are at their worst.” –Publishers Weekly
Purchase Links: Amazon (audio book)
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
About the Author:
KARIN RITA GASTREICH writes tales of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. Inspired by a lifetime of exploring lush forests and breathtaking landscapes, Karin’s stories blend elements of epic fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. The worlds she creates are a strange amalgamation of medieval Europe and colonial Central America, with misty forests, vast savannas, and steamy jungles. They are populated by brave heroines, noble heroes, and twisted villains. From ancient woodlands to uncharted seas, readers will experience gripping battle scenes, heart wrenching loss, hard-won triumphs, and the ultimate magic of love. Karin’s fantasy novels Eolyn and High Maga are available from Hadley Rille Books. Her short stories have appeared in Zahir, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping. She runs an on-line discussion forum about women in genre fiction at Heroines of Fantasy. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at krgastreich.com.
Author web links:
Karin’s web site: http://krgastreich.com Heroines of Fantasy: http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244 Twitter: @EolynChronicles
About the Narrator:
Darla’s voice is a versatile instrument used with skill. It is a voice filled with intelligence and warmth. Her sound can range from mature to youthful female, and she can also produce convincing male timbres. Narrative is presented in a conversational, down to earth, matter-of-fact manner and also displays a broad emotional range across a large repertoire of characters (female, male, young, old and "creature"). All of that while still conveying a sense of wonder when telling the story.
With experience of 34+ years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, more than 20 years as a stage & film actor and over 20 years as a trained singer with knowledge and insight into the mechanics of the voice and speech, Darla Middlebrook brings a wealth of experience to bear to develop character voices (male, female, mature, extremely elderly, creepy, bright exotic, etc) with an impressive emotional range.
Currently, Darla is one of many voice actors who narrate podcasts for AIRS-LA (an audio internet service for individuals with visual challenges) in addition to narrating audio books.
Narrator Web Links:
Website: http://www.darlasvoice.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damiddlebrookTwitter: @GypsyCatVoice
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
When Readers Write Back
By Karin Rita Gastreich
I’ve been very fortunate to have a devoted readership for Eolyn. My readers have been patient, supportive, and enthusiastic every step of the way. They’ve kept me going on new projects by constantly asking, “How is the novel coming along?” and then saying, “I can’t wait for the next book!”
I especially appreciate it when readers take the time to write a review. I know this is scary for some readers; they may feel like they aren’t experts, or think they don’t know how to say what they want to say. But the truth is, just a handful of words and a thumbs up on Amazon or Goodreads can make an author’s day. If you ever want to thank an author for the gift of a story, reviews are one of the best ways to express your appreciation.
Of course, not all readers love our books. This can be a daunting part of the writer’s journey, especially for newly published authors. It’s important to keep in mind, when negative feedback comes through, that it’s not possible to please everyone. A negative review does not necessarily reflect on your skill as a writer. More often than not, it simply means that your story was not the right story for that particular reader.
Some of my most memorable interactions with readers have resulted from critical reviews. A few months ago, I received a Goodreads review of High Maga that was very insightful in its critique. The reader was upset because she realized, correctly, that despite the feminist threads of High Maga, the choices given to the characters are messy and cannot be cleanly divided into “woman power=good” and “man power=bad”. It’s rare that I come across a reader who has taken this much time to tease apart the deeper elements of the story. We had a great discussion about the significance of the events in High Maga, just one stage of a larger journey toward balance between male and female magic in Eolyn’s world. I promised this reader that the resolution she’s looking for is coming with the third book in the series, Daughter of Aithne. That’s a promise I intend to keep.
Having the third novel in cue for publication has reminded me just how important interaction with readers is. Why? Because right now, I can’t talk to my readers about Daughter of Aithne, and it’s killing me! All of us have to wait until the book is released and they have a chance to read it. I feel the absence of that dialogue every time I sit down to write a blog post or check in on Facebook. When people ask me about Daughter of Aithne, I can say, “You’re going to love it!”, and even elaborate a little on why. But I am so looking forward to the day when all of us can talk about the details of the third stage of Eolyn’s journey.
In the meantime, Eolyn and High Maga are on the shelves and being discovered by new readers every day. It’s great to be part of this growing community of friends and fans of Eolyn, and humbling, really, when I remember that the entire adventure started with a pen, a notebook, and an idea.
HIGH MAGA [audio edition]Karin Rita Gastreich (author)Darla Middlebrook (narrator)
Sisters in magic, Eolyn and Adiana seek to revive a craft once forbidden to women. When war strikes at the heart of the kingdom, their fledgling community of magas is destroyed; its members killed, captured or scattered.
In hopes of defending her people, Eolyn tries to escape the occupied province and deliver to King Akmael a weapon that might secure their victory. Trapped by the invading army, Adiana is taken prisoner and placed at the mercy of the ruthless Prince Mechnes.
Even as their world is torn asunder, Eolyn and Adiana cling to a common dream. Courage and perseverance guide them toward a future where the Daughters of Aithne will flourish in a world set free from the violence of men.
“War propels the book forward, and the characters are at their best when the events engulfing them are at their worst.” –Publishers Weekly
Purchase Links: Amazon (audio book)
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
About the Author:
KARIN RITA GASTREICH writes tales of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. Inspired by a lifetime of exploring lush forests and breathtaking landscapes, Karin’s stories blend elements of epic fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. The worlds she creates are a strange amalgamation of medieval Europe and colonial Central America, with misty forests, vast savannas, and steamy jungles. They are populated by brave heroines, noble heroes, and twisted villains. From ancient woodlands to uncharted seas, readers will experience gripping battle scenes, heart wrenching loss, hard-won triumphs, and the ultimate magic of love. Karin’s fantasy novels Eolyn and High Maga are available from Hadley Rille Books. Her short stories have appeared in Zahir, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping. She runs an on-line discussion forum about women in genre fiction at Heroines of Fantasy. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at krgastreich.com.
Author web links:
Karin’s web site: http://krgastreich.com Heroines of Fantasy: http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244 Twitter: @EolynChronicles
About the Narrator:
Darla’s voice is a versatile instrument used with skill. It is a voice filled with intelligence and warmth. Her sound can range from mature to youthful female, and she can also produce convincing male timbres. Narrative is presented in a conversational, down to earth, matter-of-fact manner and also displays a broad emotional range across a large repertoire of characters (female, male, young, old and "creature"). All of that while still conveying a sense of wonder when telling the story.
With experience of 34+ years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, more than 20 years as a stage & film actor and over 20 years as a trained singer with knowledge and insight into the mechanics of the voice and speech, Darla Middlebrook brings a wealth of experience to bear to develop character voices (male, female, mature, extremely elderly, creepy, bright exotic, etc) with an impressive emotional range.
Currently, Darla is one of many voice actors who narrate podcasts for AIRS-LA (an audio internet service for individuals with visual challenges) in addition to narrating audio books.
Narrator Web Links:
Website: http://www.darlasvoice.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damiddlebrookTwitter: @GypsyCatVoice
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
May 19, 2015
On sale at Google Play Books for 99cents - Journey of the Hunted
It's time to offer a special price promotion on Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2. You can get it worldwide at Google Play Books for only $0.99 (or its converted currency equivalent) now through May 25. This is Memorial Day weekend in the United States, so use your extra day to enjoy kicking back on a warm spring day and reading an exciting adventure set in the Holy Roman Empire in 1561.
The werewolf Thal must reach the remote stronghold of his father, the sorceror Sarputeen, in the Tatras Mountains. His journey is complicated by the bounty hunters pursuing him for his acts of magic and brutal killing spree in Prague.
But his mastery of werewolf magic makes him a perilous target for those motivated by the gold florins on his head. It's a new enemy that troubles him much more, an assassin sent by Sarputeen's rival, Tekax. As the hunt continues, Tekax unleashes his most perverse creation to kill Sarputeen's heir, a fext born of dark magic. The fext cannot be killed, and if Thal bites him, a potent poison will put him down.
See more about the novel at Google Play Books where it's on sale for $0.99 until May 25th.
Journey of the Hunted is designed to be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel although it continues the story begun in Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale, which is maintaining excellent ratings with readers.
As a newer release, Journey of the Hunted has not gained any reviews at Google Play, but a reader at Goodreads left a nice 4-star review.
He wrote:
"I'm also loving the dynamic between the wolves and werewolves, at one point Thal is able to call for help from an old pack of his....Give me Book 3."
Journey of the Hunted is also available in paperback at Amazon and Createspace.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
May 13, 2015
Werelord Thal breaks into top 100 historical fantasy at Google Play Books
Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale is getting attention from readers at Google Play Books. This historical fantasy is initially enticing because it is a free ebook, but the story is earning good ratings. Werelord Thal is maintaining 4.6 stars from 26 ratings.
Now this adventure set in 1561 Bohemia is breaking into the top 100 in three fiction categories.
Read Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale for free on Google Play.
As of tonight, it is ranking at...
#60 in Historical Fantasy
#97 in Occult and Supernatural
#97 in Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
About the Novel:
He is wanted for Devil worship and shape shifting but still boldly walks the streets of 16th century Prague. Jesuits hunt him. Mercenaries fear him. Musicians sing his praise, and women are captivated by his alpha swagger.
Born of a witch and a sorcerer, he is summoned when his desperate mother casts the werewolf spell before facing torture and execution. Burdened with her magical call for vengeance Thal seeks the men that killed her. His hunt is complicated when the Magistrate’s stepdaughter Altea Kardas crosses his path. Horrified that her community is burning women to death, she can confide her doubt and fear only to Thal.
He desires her greatly but knows he will bring ruin upon her. Across Bohemia and beyond people who are different are labeled heretics in a restless world hobbled by tyrannical ignorance. The Renaissance has thrown the Holy Roman Empire into turmoil. Printed books are spreading radical ideas. Firearms are triggering a new age of warfare. And the human spirit is shaking off obedience.
He challenges a world conquered by a spiritual system that denies the flesh and forgets the Earth. And he awakens within Altea recognition of these truths. She believes any risk is worth loving him until she becomes the bait in a trap set by Thal’s enemies.
Enjoy this historical fantasy of werewolves and witches on GooglePlay.
Also a free ebook at:
Brave Luck Books
Nook US
Nook UK
iBooks
Smashwords
Kobo
$0.99 in the Kindle store because Amazon won't let me give it to you.
Kindle
Kindle Canada
Kindle Australia
Kindle UK
See my SlideShare presentation about how Renaissance art aided my research for Werelord Thal.
Researching a Novel with Help from My Favorite Renaissance Artists from Tracy Falbe A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
May 10, 2015
5-star Kindle review praises vivid world creation in epic fantasy Rys Rising
The world of the rys that I created in the Rys Rising series really connected with a Kindle reader recently. On a verified purchase review, the reader gave Rys Rising: Book I 5 stars and graciously called me a "great author."
The reader wrote:
"Some good authors can create a world. Great authors can create a world in which the reader will remember the name of every character, and the reader will fall gracefully into that world and become a part of it while reading. Tracy Falbe did this. I am entranced by her made up world and will definitely read the next books in the series!"
It is always a pleasure to deliver a vivid experience to a reader. When I'm writing, the images and feelings of the story engross me totally, and sometimes a reader connects with this imagined reality that I work to express through words.
I appreciate that this person took the time to share a personal experience with my story and leave a good review on Kindle.
For people looking for a good epic fantasy series that will take them to a glorious place of magic, it is free to start the Rys Rising fantasy series.
Rys Rising: Book I is free at:
Brave Luck Books (worldwide)
Kindle US
Kindle UK
Google Play (worldwide)
Smashwords (worldwide)
iBooks (worldwide)
Kobo (worldwide)
Nook (US and UK)
Also Paperback at Createspace and Amazon
About the novel:
Serving Onja makes it right.
In this passionate epic told from many angles, the young outlaw Amar becomes a dreaded warlord, the terror of kings. His ambitions blind him to the trivial diversions of mere female company until he must block a treaty marriage between two powerful tribes. Confronted by the desperate Princess Demeda, he feels temptation again, but the longings of his ruined heart cannot overcome his pure love for Onja. She is a mysterious outcast from the magical rys race that is oppressed by the tabre of Nufal. Onja has commanded Amar to dominate the humans of Gyhwen while she plots to overthrow her tabre masters. To support her cause, she aims to seduce Dacian, a prodigy among rys whose powers have been hobbled by his loyalty to the ruling tabre order. Will he endure more dark abuses for the sake of peace or reach out to Onja?
While a rys rebellion secretly brews, the human minions of the tabre battle pillaging savages. The young estate lord Cruce Chenomet joins the fight. Violent trials and sensual surprises break the trail on his journey to manhood. Packed with primitive energy and complex motivations, the intertwining stories and rising stakes of this fantasy world will indulge your cravings for intrigue, bravery, desire, and freedom.
Rys Rising: Book I is free at:
Brave Luck Books (worldwide)
Kindle US
Kindle UK
Google Play (worldwide)
Smashwords (worldwide)
iBooks (worldwide)
Kobo (worldwide)
Nook (US and UK)
Also Paperback at Createspace and Amazon
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
May 6, 2015
New Cookbook on Google Play - My Grandma's Vintage Recipes
My newest addition to the Google Play Store is the ebook My Grandma's Vintage Recipes: Old Standards for a New Age. I developed it from my late Grandmother's notebook that she started writing recipes in during the 1920s. She added to it over the decades of her life.
I was able to save 64 recipes from her old notebook and present them in this collection of vintage recipes. My Grandma grew up in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, so the recipes reflect the foods of the region and time.
My Grandma's Vintage Recipes ebook at the Google Play Store
Some family members and I have really been enjoying this cookbook that I put together. It's also available in paperback by the way. The recipe I use the most from this book is the "Rich Corn Cake." It's a moist cornbread that pleases every time.
Rich Corn Cake recipe
Rich Corn Cake
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup white flour
1/2 t. salt
1/4 cup sugar
4 t. baking powder
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
Mix and sift dry ingredients. Add egg, well beaten. Add milk and melted butter. Beat. Bake in shallow buttered pans in hot 425 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
Other recipes in the cookbook are:
Graham Muffins
Rice Muffins
Rich Corn Cake
Short Cake
Bran Muffins
Banana Bread
Nut Loaf
Breakfast Muffins
Waffles
Sweet Refrigerator Rolls
Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut Cookies
Ginger Drop Cookies
Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Plain Cake
Chocolate Cake
Plain Pastry
Apple Pie
Tomato Cake
Pie
Marble Cake
Orange Cake
Molasses Cake
Mince Pie
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Fudge Cake
Old Fashioned Cream Pie
Apple Dumplings
Fruit Marshmallow
Carrot Pudding
Date Loaf
Apple Pudding
Butterscotch Sauce
Tomato Jelly Salad
Salad Dressing by Mrs. Tape
Salad Dressing by Mrs. Jackson
Cooked Cranberry Jelly
Mayonnaise Dressing
Jellied Beet Salad
Nippy Relish
Green Bean Salad
Swiss Steak
Chili con Carne
Breaded Veal Cutlets
Beef Pasties
Salmon and Vegetables
Barbeque Spare Ribs
Spaghetti and Meat Balls
Tomato Soup
Chilysauce
Cucumber Crisps
Chilli Sauce
Apple Chutney
Dixie Relish
Corn and Cabbage Relish
Indian Relish
Tomato Catsup
Green Tomato Pickle
Gherkin Pickles
Grandma’s Delicious Fruitcake
White Fruitcake
Fruitcake
Christmas Cake
Other places to get the ebook of these vintage recipes are:
Falbe Publishing
Kindle
Nook US
Nook UK
iBooks
Smashwords
Kobo
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
April 26, 2015
Fantasy paperback book giveaway - Union of Renegades
Open to U.S. residents, the Union of Renegades: The Rys Chronicles Book I giveaway offers a free paperback copy of the book to one lucky winner on May 3rd.
Enter the paperback giveaway* indicates requiredEmail Address *
On May 3rd, I will randomly select a winner. I will follow up with the winner for a shipping address at that time. Thank you for entering.
Everyone worldwide can get a free ebook copy of the novel right now if so desired.
Brave Luck Books
Google Play
iBooks
Nook
Kindle
Kobo
Smashwords
About Union of RenegadesHave you ever looked at the facts of your life and realized your dreams won't come true? Have you ever looked into the unknown and seen opportunity? For Dreibrand Veta, a young officer in the Horde of the Atrophane Empire, these questions explode from his spirit in a fit of rage and launch him into an epic struggle. After he encounters a rare super race, the rys, he is forced to choose sides between passionate rivals and navigate his way through a foreign culture all while plotting to seize his own wealth and glory.
In this opening novel of The Rys Chronicles you'll meet a man scarred by bad deeds who answers the call of a heroic cause. An unconventional heroine will tug at your sympathies as she bravely faces adversity with all the strengths and vulnerabilities of her womanhood. And overarching it all are the rys. Their magic makes them superior to humans, but they are not above employing humans in their deadly schemes.
See feedback about my books from my fans right here.
Enter the book giveaway for your chance to win this book on May 3rd. (Prize ships to U.S. residents only.) #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
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Everyone worldwide can get a free ebook copy of the novel right now if so desired.
Brave Luck Books
Google Play
iBooks
Nook
Kindle
Kobo
Smashwords
April 22, 2015
Springtime Smashwords sale - Save 30 to 60 percent on select fantasy titles
I'm having a spring coupon sale at Smashwords on three of my fantasy books. Use the coupon codes on this page when you checkout at Smashwords to save 30 to 60 percent, depending on the title you select.
If you've become engrossed in one of my fantasy series with the free first books for Werewolves in the Renaissance, Rys Rising, or The Rys Chronicles, then you'll want to take advantage of the $2 Book 2s sale. With these coupons, the second novel in each fantasy series is only $2 through May 31st. That amounts to a 30 percent savings on Journey of the Hunted, and 60 percent off Savage Storm and The Goddess Queen.
Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2
$2 with coupon code HV93V
Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II
$2 with coupon code NJ73B
The Goddess Queen: The Rys Chronicles Book II
$2 with coupon code GD88Q
Smashwords sells ebooks worldwide in all the popular formats. It is one my preferred places to buy ebooks because if I ever need a different format of an ebook I bought, I can go to my account and download what I need. It even has a handy "read online" version when I want to read on my tablet and not trouble myself with downloading anything.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
April 16, 2015
When will library patrons get to enjoy indie authors?
Last year when my ebook distributor Smashwords announced its deal with Overdrive, a supplier of digital content to libraries, I was excited to finally have my ebooks available to libraries. With some estimates showing that indie authors enjoy 20 to 30 percent market share among ebook buyers, it was high time that library patrons had their chance to discover works by independent talent.
The Author Earnings Reports published by well-known indie author Hugh Howey who analyzes sales data at ebook retailers, particularly the Amazon Kindle store, showed in July 2014 that indie authors were the publishers of 25 percent of the Kindle bestsellers. As for daily sales volume of ebooks at Amazon, 31 percent were titles authored by indies.
Some self published authors enjoy enormous success and have thousands of loyal fans. Then others, like myself, have impressed modest audiences who have left good reviews at online retailers and come back to buy more of my books year after year.
My ebooks within the Overdrive system, however, are segregated into a “self published” section, which reduces the chance of library buyers finding them. Even the president of Smashwords, Mark Coker, said in a recent interview that we authors refer to it as a dungeon.
Despite proven track records of happy readers and several years worth of sales for many self publishing authors, Overdrive adheres to the view that self published works don’t deserve placement alongside works from publishing companies. This attitude probably derives from the fact that indie ebooks cost much less than ebooks licensed to libraries by major publishers.
Will Librarians Consider Us?
Despite Overdrive's financial motive of keeping affordably licensed digital content hidden from buyers, I can hope that some library professionals might be interested in the self published content now available to them. Indie authors in general offer an excellent value, especially to budget-conscious librarians who must get as much quality content as they can for the money they have to spend.
I was heartened by this news report about a library in Ohio that actually held an indie-author oriented event. Authors are book lovers and know that libraries contribute greatly to a literate culture. It would be natural for libraries to support authors in their geographical service areas.
In March, the Cuyahoga County Public Library showcased indie authors and presented workshops on marketing. The event was public so even readers were allowed to interact with local indie authors.
With a large segment of the ebook buying public choosing to read indie authors, it would be nice if more library patrons could have the same opportunity.
What could be some reasons that libraries have been slow to embrace self published authors, even the successful ones?
1. They may not know about them! Self published authors rarely get any shelf space in a bookstore. They are discovered by readers browsing online book stores like Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Nook, Smashwords, and iBooks. The internet marketing efforts of indie authors also earn them readers bit by bit, but all of this is likely invisible to librarians who depend on marketing materials from mainstream companies.
2. Some people are prejudiced against self published authors. They think that if a publisher did not produce a book, then it’s not any good. The fact is most authors have no way to even have their work seen by a publisher. Also, as the legions of indie authors show, there are thousands more writers with talent than publishing companies apparently have capacity to produce. Furthermore, business interests require publishers to focus on highly commercial work similar to what has already been successful. They typically cannot take a risk on anything new or different. This creates a literary culture driven by an accountant's ledger.
3. Librarians probably have to focus their limited budgets on popular titles that their patrons are requesting. However, the low prices of indie ebooks could allow libraries to buy some and therefore broaden their selection of digital titles. Because it’s usually only the buying public and not the library audience that is exposed to independent authors, library patrons may be largely unaware of these popular independent authors in the marketplace.
I know that my distributor Smashwords has prepared curated lists of its top-selling ebooks to help librarians choose titles with proven track records for pleasing readers. I urge acquisition librarians to consider this content so their digital collections will fully represent the literary scene.
Libraries by their nature allow readers to discover new entertainment and information free of the need to pay for it. This is a profoundly important service and has helped me personally learn a great deal over the years as well as enjoy books even when I didn’t have money to buy them.
In the spirit of making literary works available to everyone, librarians should take a look at indie authors and incorporate them into their purchases. Failing to do so would deny their patrons access to a large portion of modern literature.
A significant portion of talented writers are self publishing. Their talent competes alongside authors produced by major companies. Many of them, including myself, earn thousands of dollars and more every year from their efforts, and libraries have no reason to ignore them.
To being exploring self-published titles from Smashwords within the OverDrive system, librarians need to find the self published section. It is outside the main catalog at OverDrive. Once within the indie ghetto catalog, you can search for titles. Please enter a search for me, Tracy Falbe, to see the fantasy novels I have available.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
April 11, 2015
Goodreads Giveaway in progress for Union of Renegades paperback
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Union of Renegades
by Tracy Falbe
Giveaway ends April 18, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to Win
Now through April 18, 2015, Goodreads members in the United States can enter to win a paperback copy of Union of Renegades: The Rys Chronicles Book I. This fantasy book is 319 pages and many people over the years have enjoyed it immensely.
Although Union of Renegades sets up a series, it contains plenty of action and adventure to engross you. A diverse cast of characters face daunting challenges in an epic landscape. You'll get to know the fantasy world ruled by the rys, a rare race of magical beings that use humans as pawns in their power struggles.
For readers who enjoy ebooks instead of print, Union of Renegades is free ebook almost everywhere.
Brave Luck Books
Google Play
iBooks
Nook
Kindle
Kobo
Smashwords
About the fantasy book:
The epic begins as Dreibrand Veta and the conquering Horde of the Atrophane Empire reach a mythic Wilderness that beckons with a magical call to glory. But Onja, Queen of the rys, a race far more powerful than the greatest human state, guards this land. She has the power to imprison souls and her genocidal rage is legendary. Everything is at risk for her desperate enemies, the union of renegades.
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.
