L. Diane Wolfe's Blog, page 34

Writing Reviews That Match a Book’s Star Rating

I’m being interviewed today by author Medeia Sharif. Please stop by and say hello.

There have been a lot of great posts and articles regarding book review etiquette. They’ve covered everything from how to contact reviewers, what to cover in a review, and why you should never respond to a review. I’d like to cover the content of a written review in relation to its star rating.

Sometimes I read a review that doesn’t match up with the amount of stars given. Perhaps the reviewer gushes over the b...

Human Behavior and Realistic Characters, Marketing Ideas, Amazon, and Birthdays

Today it’s my turn at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website with “Create Realistic Characters by Studying Human Behavior.”

Some other interesting publishing news:

Book Business Magazine has a regular feature, Brian Jud’s Beyond the Bookstore. Last week he posted an article - How You Can Come Up With More Marketing Ideas. There were ten tips, including “Stop selling your books. Start selling the benefits that people receive from buying your books.” That one is so true! And not just for b...

Valentine's Day, Spunky, and Birthday Party

Hi everyone!

Just some light fun today. It's Valentine's Day, so I'll have some images of love for you.

Spunky continues to improve! (Sorry, no current picture with the cone of shame. He needs his dignity.) We let him roam around the house with the cone off, monitoring his every step as he's not to jump or run. Yes, try telling a cat he can't jump and run - LOL! Tuesday he gets the staples out (22 staples and 2 stitches) and will no longer have to wear the cone of shame. He'll still be in the c...

When to Hire a Professional if You Are Self-Publishing

When do you hire a professional if you are considering self-publishing? Visit my guest post today with Elizabeth S. Craig to find out.

If you ever get the chance to meet Elizabeth in person, please do. She is a total delight and such a fun, spirited person.


The latest on Spunky -

If your pet ever has major surgery, be prepared! It’s very stressful and a lot of work. Spunky was so miserable and getting medicine down him was a struggle. We were terrified he’d pull out his staples as he bucked,...

Writers- How to Structure Your Life

Today I am visiting Patricia Stoltey and talking about how writers can structure their lives to get it all done.

Many thanks for the wonderful comments left on my IWSG Post. They removed the tumor from Spunky and he’s doing great. Should come home today!

Writing, Publishing & Promoting Tips from SpunkOnAStick!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today I have several insecurities in regards to writing, promotions, and upcoming events. I have a lot to get done and time is slipping away.

But sometimes it all takes a back seat to real life.

Today, this is my insecurity.

That’s our Big Boy, Spunky. Today he is at the vet because he has a lump on his side that is cancer. The specialist will decide whether to remove it or do radi...

Help! It's Time to Revise? Story Sprouts Creators Share Their Tips

Help! It's Time to Revise?
There comes a time in every determined writer's life that the final punctuation mark is set on the final page of the very first draft.

For quick, efficient writers, that moment may come quite quickly - perhaps days, even hours, for a picture book writer - or several weeks for a novelist. Worldwide, NaNoWriMo participants can look forward to a complete first draft in only 30 days every November.

For languid, meticulous, or easily distracted writers, the first draft m...

Is Net Galley Worth the Cost? Is There a Good Return on Audiobooks? And Trying to Find a Blog Through Google+

I had an interview on Kimberly Afe’s site this weekend, and there are prizes for commenting, including books and an Amazon card.

Today is a random questions and observations post. Feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions.

Google+

I really noticed this after being Blitzed a couple weeks ago, but a lot of people have linked their blog profile with their Google+ profile. (I tried it a year and a half ago but switched back.) Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find someone’s blog that way. Yo...

Interview & Giveaway, Selling More Books, and Friday Funnies

On Saturday, I have an interview and giveaway with Kimberly Afe, author of The Headhunters Race. My interview will be up Saturday at Meeting With My Muse and includes the giveaway of two books and an Amazon gift card.

Brian Jud had an interesting article this week - Keep Prices High and Sell More Books (Profitably) - at Book Business Magazine

He said instead of lowering prices, re-position your books - basically, find a new market. He gave an example of what Hyundai did a few years ago by offe...

Online Marketing Symposium and Love is in the Air

What Works - Online Marketing Symposium
Hosted by Arlee Bird, Yolanda Renee, Jeremy Hawkins, and Alex J. Cavanaugh.

On event day you tell us about a marketing idea that you've used and what worked or didn't work.

Early reviews of any product always helps. You want to start the buzz early and maybe even get a grassroots movement going.

Since I am an author, my tips relate to getting early book reviews as well as stirring interest in an upcoming release. Where do you send review copies and how so...