A.C. Roberts's Blog, page 4
September 27, 2015
40 FREE Copies...
If you just read my latest post (and I know how many of you have I have stats on my blog), then you know that I have a book out there.... what you do not know is this: I gave out more than 40 free copies!!! What else you do not know is; not one of those freebies gained me a review or a rating. WHY???!!!
There are 2 possible reasons: 1. They didn't like the book, OK! Fine, but they could at least say so
2. People, want something for nothing... this is true and it is not just in the book world. It is in every aspect of life. Why are we as people so greedy? Do we just not give two craps about what it took for a person to create something from nothing? Apparently so.
I personally do give reviews and ratings. I don't hype up a book because I want something in return. I give a review because it is the polite thing to do. I know a lot of people LOVED the book, how do I know this? There are programs that show people promoting my work! But yet, there are still no ratings or reviews. While I appreciate the the promotions, what an Author really needs to make a splash is those very simple, ratings or a small review of why, you liked, loved, or even hated that book you got for free.
Another thing that irks me to no end,(and I know I am not alone in this, I have friends in this business, yes I know that sounds weird... LOL I have friends!) Some of us take time away from our day, our work, our whatever to push another persons work..... but not one of those people do the favor in return!! Seriously, what the heck is up with that??!!!
The biggest thing you can do for an author is give them a review or rating and tell someone else about their book. There is absolutely NO reason not to share your thoughts or opinions on something you got for free, or bought. what are you afraid of? It was the Author who put themselves out there, not you.
So I will leave it at this... LEAVE A RATING, OR REVIEW! (Rant over and yes I am being very Cheeky this morning as the Rooster Crows!)
There are 2 possible reasons: 1. They didn't like the book, OK! Fine, but they could at least say so
2. People, want something for nothing... this is true and it is not just in the book world. It is in every aspect of life. Why are we as people so greedy? Do we just not give two craps about what it took for a person to create something from nothing? Apparently so.
I personally do give reviews and ratings. I don't hype up a book because I want something in return. I give a review because it is the polite thing to do. I know a lot of people LOVED the book, how do I know this? There are programs that show people promoting my work! But yet, there are still no ratings or reviews. While I appreciate the the promotions, what an Author really needs to make a splash is those very simple, ratings or a small review of why, you liked, loved, or even hated that book you got for free.
Another thing that irks me to no end,(and I know I am not alone in this, I have friends in this business, yes I know that sounds weird... LOL I have friends!) Some of us take time away from our day, our work, our whatever to push another persons work..... but not one of those people do the favor in return!! Seriously, what the heck is up with that??!!!
The biggest thing you can do for an author is give them a review or rating and tell someone else about their book. There is absolutely NO reason not to share your thoughts or opinions on something you got for free, or bought. what are you afraid of? It was the Author who put themselves out there, not you.
So I will leave it at this... LEAVE A RATING, OR REVIEW! (Rant over and yes I am being very Cheeky this morning as the Rooster Crows!)
The Immortal Design
I write a lot about other Authors and their works, I review them and occasionally give out an interview.... I love this.
What I have not talked about is my own books. That's right, I am an AUTHOR as well (if you didn't already know that where have you been?).
My last book I wrote I consider my best by far, ( I won't go on about how many free copies I have given away, and the fact that I gave out those copies on good faith that I would get at least a handful of reviews or ratings) The book is called THE IMMORTAL DESIGN. It is a paranormal romance (of sorts) in the Young Adult genre.... Here is the link to the book where you can purchase it....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WBRO0O2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
THE IMMORTAL DESIGN
Johnathan Stokes is the Great-Great-Great Grandson of Bram Stoker author of Dracula. He has been unknowingly trained as a vampire assassin by his father Kenneth Stokes, who is the head of The Order of the Dragon, a secretive Order that has dedicated themselves to carrying on with Bram Stoker’s work; tracking and destroying vampires. Johnathan’s family is one of the wealthiest families in the country, and Johnathan has everything he could ever want; except his freedom from his father’s reign.
When Willa Alucard comes to town as a foreign exchange student, Johnathan’s world is turned upside down. Willa, is not your typical foreign exchange student, she is running from her own past. Born of Royalty and the one true vampire himself Dracula and Mina Harker, she has been brought up by her older brother Mihial. Willa is not a full-fledged vampire, she was born after Mina was turned back to a human, as Van Helsing (who turns out to be Bram Stoker himself) murdered Dracula. The two are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Together they discover they were meant to be mortal enemies, but as Johnathan’s mother says; sometimes The Immortal Design has other plans.
Sound interesting to you?(Well it did to me! I suppose that is why I wrote it). In my book you will find, mystery, romance, intrigue, deception, murder, and a unique answer to what happened to your favorite characters of Bram Stoker's Dracula (which let's face it is a classic!)
There is a story within a story in this book and for some reason it has been over looked, by readers (except for those who read the free version). I am not only trying to get you to take look at my own work, but I am giving you a huge example, of where things can go wrong in the self publishing world. I have had an offer for this book, however it was from a vanity press, and I will not pay thousands of dollars to publish my book! I have had several publishers interested in the story, however, I like so many others was to eager to get my book out there, I was turned down, because I published it first, then sent it out to publishers.... If I had only took my own advice in the beginning!! Well now I (and you too hopefully) now better. All good things come to those who wait...
What I have not talked about is my own books. That's right, I am an AUTHOR as well (if you didn't already know that where have you been?).
My last book I wrote I consider my best by far, ( I won't go on about how many free copies I have given away, and the fact that I gave out those copies on good faith that I would get at least a handful of reviews or ratings) The book is called THE IMMORTAL DESIGN. It is a paranormal romance (of sorts) in the Young Adult genre.... Here is the link to the book where you can purchase it....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WBRO0O2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
THE IMMORTAL DESIGN
Johnathan Stokes is the Great-Great-Great Grandson of Bram Stoker author of Dracula. He has been unknowingly trained as a vampire assassin by his father Kenneth Stokes, who is the head of The Order of the Dragon, a secretive Order that has dedicated themselves to carrying on with Bram Stoker’s work; tracking and destroying vampires. Johnathan’s family is one of the wealthiest families in the country, and Johnathan has everything he could ever want; except his freedom from his father’s reign.
When Willa Alucard comes to town as a foreign exchange student, Johnathan’s world is turned upside down. Willa, is not your typical foreign exchange student, she is running from her own past. Born of Royalty and the one true vampire himself Dracula and Mina Harker, she has been brought up by her older brother Mihial. Willa is not a full-fledged vampire, she was born after Mina was turned back to a human, as Van Helsing (who turns out to be Bram Stoker himself) murdered Dracula. The two are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Together they discover they were meant to be mortal enemies, but as Johnathan’s mother says; sometimes The Immortal Design has other plans.
Sound interesting to you?(Well it did to me! I suppose that is why I wrote it). In my book you will find, mystery, romance, intrigue, deception, murder, and a unique answer to what happened to your favorite characters of Bram Stoker's Dracula (which let's face it is a classic!)
There is a story within a story in this book and for some reason it has been over looked, by readers (except for those who read the free version). I am not only trying to get you to take look at my own work, but I am giving you a huge example, of where things can go wrong in the self publishing world. I have had an offer for this book, however it was from a vanity press, and I will not pay thousands of dollars to publish my book! I have had several publishers interested in the story, however, I like so many others was to eager to get my book out there, I was turned down, because I published it first, then sent it out to publishers.... If I had only took my own advice in the beginning!! Well now I (and you too hopefully) now better. All good things come to those who wait...
September 26, 2015
Big News Coming Soon!
To all my new friends out there.... I have some very BIG news coming out soon. Stay tuned for the announcement...
Some you may be glad it is out there!!
Some you may be glad it is out there!!
Starting Out as a New Author
Starting out as an Author can be a very scary process. The Author took the time to create this whole new world, and developed the plot and characters, and delved deep into their own self consciousness, to bring this all together. the rough draft is done! next thing you know self doubt sets in..... it happens.
The Author starts to ask will everyone love this book? Will I get an agent? Will I get a publisher?? The questions go on and on.... If I can give one piece of good advice to any new author out there it is this : STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF!!
Rejection letters suck, yes they do. Now let's take a look at some famous Authors: Did you know Stephen King was rejected roughly 30 times, for his best seller Carrie??? Let's not forget J.K Rowling received about 12 rejections for Harry Potter... look at them both now!! (bet those publishers/ agents are kicking themselves right now).
Let me ask you this, why did you give up after a handful of rejections??? Because you let your own self doubt come to fruit! Keep plugging away and working on your query letters, look some up online see what works, do your research on the agencies and publishers see what they really want, research the market and see if you can compare your work to others and let them know why your work is better.
Do NOT give up on yourself..... writing takes time, if you are in a hurry, then you are in the wrong business. Sure you can always self publish, but are you willing to do what it takes to market yourself?? (trust me here, it takes a lot to do this! It is a full time plus overtime job to market your work.).
In the end all I can really say, is don't give up... did you get that?? If not let me put it in a simple way for you.
DO NOT WHAT SO EVER GIVE UP!
The Author starts to ask will everyone love this book? Will I get an agent? Will I get a publisher?? The questions go on and on.... If I can give one piece of good advice to any new author out there it is this : STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF!!
Rejection letters suck, yes they do. Now let's take a look at some famous Authors: Did you know Stephen King was rejected roughly 30 times, for his best seller Carrie??? Let's not forget J.K Rowling received about 12 rejections for Harry Potter... look at them both now!! (bet those publishers/ agents are kicking themselves right now).
Let me ask you this, why did you give up after a handful of rejections??? Because you let your own self doubt come to fruit! Keep plugging away and working on your query letters, look some up online see what works, do your research on the agencies and publishers see what they really want, research the market and see if you can compare your work to others and let them know why your work is better.
Do NOT give up on yourself..... writing takes time, if you are in a hurry, then you are in the wrong business. Sure you can always self publish, but are you willing to do what it takes to market yourself?? (trust me here, it takes a lot to do this! It is a full time plus overtime job to market your work.).
In the end all I can really say, is don't give up... did you get that?? If not let me put it in a simple way for you.
DO NOT WHAT SO EVER GIVE UP!
September 24, 2015
To Agent or not to Agent
I have been recently asked if I would consider becoming a Literary Agent (on my own and not with in a company).... I am putting some serious thought into this business.
I know it is not the easiest job in the world, but I have made enough contacts in the writing biz that I could potentially make a go of it.
So now do I decide to leap or stay where I am and keep doing what I do???
Tough question. so I ask my audience for their opinion and views on this subject.
You tell me what you think.
I know it is not the easiest job in the world, but I have made enough contacts in the writing biz that I could potentially make a go of it.
So now do I decide to leap or stay where I am and keep doing what I do???
Tough question. so I ask my audience for their opinion and views on this subject.
You tell me what you think.
September 23, 2015
A Few Updates
Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening depending on what part of the world you are in, and thank you for reading!
I have been blessed, to have a few new Authors, get in touch, and soon you will know all about them and their works!
Here is the line up for some upcoming reviews and interviews from these Authors.
Matt R Jones: (I am currently reading Love is for Suckers) his titles include; Hollywood Vampires; Unholy War, Love is for Suckers... just to start.
Seven Steps: The Escape: Eve ate the Apple
Shirley Mclain: Dobyns Chronicles.
I look forward to reading each one of these titles and passing on my views of each one for you to consider..
Now the, let's not forget my own works.
You can check out my own books; The Cypress Hills Series (horror) and The Immortal Design (paranormal romance/mystery) . Both titles are on amazon.com and are at a low cost for Ebooks.
I have been blessed, to have a few new Authors, get in touch, and soon you will know all about them and their works!
Here is the line up for some upcoming reviews and interviews from these Authors.
Matt R Jones: (I am currently reading Love is for Suckers) his titles include; Hollywood Vampires; Unholy War, Love is for Suckers... just to start.
Seven Steps: The Escape: Eve ate the Apple
Shirley Mclain: Dobyns Chronicles.
I look forward to reading each one of these titles and passing on my views of each one for you to consider..
Now the, let's not forget my own works.
You can check out my own books; The Cypress Hills Series (horror) and The Immortal Design (paranormal romance/mystery) . Both titles are on amazon.com and are at a low cost for Ebooks.
September 21, 2015
Interview With K.c. Rice
Author K.c. Rice comes to us from Frankfort Ky. She is married and has three grown children and two precious grand-babies!! K.c. obviously a southern gal, loves the typical out doors, long walks on the beach and spending time with her husband and family, but I bet you didn't know she also loves to paint!
K.c. took time from her busy day to do me the honor of giving an interview, so without further delay here we go:
Q:WHERE DID YOU COME UP WITH THE INSPIRATION FOR YOU BOOK KAYCEE'S TATTERED SPIRIT?
A: My mind is always turning... I was day dreaming different scenarios and the idea of an online love affair popped into my mind. I decided to use a lot of my own insecurities in the creation of Kaycee.
Q: WHY PICK ROMANCE OVER ALL THE OTHER TYPES OF GENRES OUT THERE?
A: I have always been a romantic at heart. I have a strong passion and desire for erotic, yet realistic stories. So many stories focus on the sex... Because let's face it, sex sells, but I wanted my readers to see Kaycee as a true person with feelings, desires and dreams. I have a story working inside of my head that will be a paranormal/romance. I think that will be fun!
Q: AFTER READING YOUR BOOK I FOUND MYSELF NEEDING TO READ THE NEXT BOOK. SO THE BIG QUESTION IS; WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL?
A: Yes! Actually there will be at least two more books. I am currently working on book two: In RECONCILED, you'll see Kaycee still struggles at times to stay true to her new independent self. Mason, and she cross paths again. There's love, sex, mystery, new characters, a martyr and a cold blooded murder.
Q: YOU HAVE A FEW LOOSE ENDS IN YOUR STORY, IS THERE A SPECIFIC REASON FOR THIS?
A: It's the Hook to keep you wanting more.... Everyone is asking what the heck happened to Shane? What is the big secret job and life that has caused his transformation into the a**? You will get your answer in RECONCILED.
Q: AT ANYTIME DURING YOUR WRITING CAREER DID YOU THINK "THIS IS IT, THIS IS THE LAST ONE I'M DOING? IF SO, WHY? AND WHAT MADE YOU KEEP GOING?
A: YES!! Actually I felt that way with this book. I made up my mind "If this book doesn't intrigue readers- I'm going to quit. I poured my heart and soul into this story. I want my readers to live through Kaycee and miss her when the book is over.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS?
A: 1. Always keep a notebook and pen handy You never know when an idea or scene will pop up. I have been known to text myself ideas that have just popped up.
2. Don't give up. Like everything in life, it's a challenge, but if you truly enjoy sharing your inner voice and characters with others it's well worth it.
3. Do your homework, self publishing is not hard at all. many people are under the impression that it is, but once you've researched and familiarized yourself, you will see it's rather simple. There are cut throats out there that prey on newbies, if it seems too good to be true chances are it is. Become friends with other authors who can and are willing to nurture and guide you. I am an Indie Author, a newbie, but friends with so many other authors, we are a tight knit family and we stick together and help one another out. I love my Author family dearly!
Marketing: How When and Where?
This has to be one of the hardest topics most self published Authors face. How do I get my new book out there? When do I jump in and market and WHERE the heck do I do it??? It's enough to make you wanna hide under the bed and have a major freak out!!!
It truly is a very daunting task to self promote, but never the less it must be done if you want your book out there. If you are like me, you just can't afford a promotions team to do the work for you. I sat down this morning and found a few reputable places for your submit your work to that will help you gain exposure and get this.... it's free!
Let's go with the obvious choices first. FACEBOOK. Set yourself up with an Author page and send out page invites to friends and family. Ask them to share your page with their friends as well. BOOM you are on your way to marketing.
The next obvious choice is TWITTER. Don't have a twitter account? Well get off your booty and set one up!! There are millions of contacts out there on Twitter!! Author's, Agents, Publishers! I have even made contacts within the movie industry!!
So now you have those first two steps accomplished, next link the two accounts. When you post from Facebook it will automatically post to your twitter feed for you. Pretty simple right? (Don't kick yourself if you didn't already know this, no sense in abusing yourself over it!)
Moving on to the not so obvious sites.
THE READERS GAZETTE: here you can list your books with them and they tweet your book 24/7!! (unfortunately they do not allow erotic books due to the fact that they have a family audience including children)
http://readersgazette.com/world/index
GOODREADS: Here you can create an Author page as well and get your book in front of millions of avid readers! This site also allows you to link your Facebook page and Twitter account, and you can tweet your book and it's reviews from their site as well as post them to Facebook.
SHELFARI: Here you can list your books, for free.. I don;t get on this site as often as I should, however someone else may find the time to really have a go at it on this site. They have a lot of members and communities, so your books will be seen on the site.
http://www.shelfari.com/
These are just a very small few of the places you can find to promote yourself for free....It takes time to do a great job of promoting yourself. You literally need to submit to every site you can find, and you NEED to do this daily even all day everyday if you can.
Another suggestion is to take out a small add in your local newspaper. I know it's not "free" but it gets your local community behind you and you'll find more readers this way.
Oh my!! I almost forgot another place to get promotions!! Here at The Cheeky Rooster!!
Get Cheeky! Do your own thing, and don't let marketing get you flustered. If you want it bad enough, you will find the time to do these steps!!!
It truly is a very daunting task to self promote, but never the less it must be done if you want your book out there. If you are like me, you just can't afford a promotions team to do the work for you. I sat down this morning and found a few reputable places for your submit your work to that will help you gain exposure and get this.... it's free!
Let's go with the obvious choices first. FACEBOOK. Set yourself up with an Author page and send out page invites to friends and family. Ask them to share your page with their friends as well. BOOM you are on your way to marketing.
The next obvious choice is TWITTER. Don't have a twitter account? Well get off your booty and set one up!! There are millions of contacts out there on Twitter!! Author's, Agents, Publishers! I have even made contacts within the movie industry!!
So now you have those first two steps accomplished, next link the two accounts. When you post from Facebook it will automatically post to your twitter feed for you. Pretty simple right? (Don't kick yourself if you didn't already know this, no sense in abusing yourself over it!)
Moving on to the not so obvious sites.
THE READERS GAZETTE: here you can list your books with them and they tweet your book 24/7!! (unfortunately they do not allow erotic books due to the fact that they have a family audience including children)
http://readersgazette.com/world/index
GOODREADS: Here you can create an Author page as well and get your book in front of millions of avid readers! This site also allows you to link your Facebook page and Twitter account, and you can tweet your book and it's reviews from their site as well as post them to Facebook.
SHELFARI: Here you can list your books, for free.. I don;t get on this site as often as I should, however someone else may find the time to really have a go at it on this site. They have a lot of members and communities, so your books will be seen on the site.
http://www.shelfari.com/
These are just a very small few of the places you can find to promote yourself for free....It takes time to do a great job of promoting yourself. You literally need to submit to every site you can find, and you NEED to do this daily even all day everyday if you can.
Another suggestion is to take out a small add in your local newspaper. I know it's not "free" but it gets your local community behind you and you'll find more readers this way.
Oh my!! I almost forgot another place to get promotions!! Here at The Cheeky Rooster!!
Get Cheeky! Do your own thing, and don't let marketing get you flustered. If you want it bad enough, you will find the time to do these steps!!!
September 20, 2015
Kaycee's Tattered Spirit: A Review
I have recently been blessed to make a great new friend, K.c. Rice- Author. We met through a mutual friend online and quickly became fast friends. K.c Sent me her book Kaycee's Tattered Spirit. I confess I am not much into erotic books, but I have read a good handful including the first book in the series of 50 shades of Grey. So I will leave you with that for now. (It's not that I don't like these types of books, I am just more of a fantasy and horror kind of gal.)
Let's begin!!! Now, I have told you I don't normally read this genre, however, I am glad I took the time to explore this book. K.c. Rice's writing style is beyond my expectations in regards to this specific genre. I suppose because of my age, I am used to reading more of a porno type book..... that is to say that this genre has come a long way from it's origins. Yes I admit that I used to sneak my parents old erotic books as a teenager and read them..... don't judge me! (LOL)
Back to the book. I will say this, this book was far and away much better than the 50 Shade's series!! We have Kaycee who is a married young woman, who has taken up an online romance with a dark and romantic stranger. She is very much in love with her husband, but the fantasy of another man, is overwhelming, making Kaycee question herself. Her husband is becoming a completely different person due to his new job, and becomes more violent and in my own opinion a control freak. The dark and handsome stranger has his own problems he is dealing with, which only adds to the mystery of the plot as we have yet to really uncover what that may be. This character has hardened his heart and is at first a complete ass, but there is something in Kaycee that has ripped through him and his own hardness. He must have her, no matter what the cost is. Once they finally meet in person, Kaycee, has been through enough with her husband and his new found aggressiveness, that she gives into the kindness, of a man who wants to care for her truly.
She ends up leaving her husband and moves into her own place, taking steps to ensure her own dreams come true, not just in romance but her career as well. (You Go Girl!). However, due to Mason's secret life (the handsome stranger) he has unwittingly pushed Kaycee away, and now that she has found her own two feet she has decided, to never let another man use her again. In the end she leaves both of them behind and learns that she does not need a man in her life, and she is now focused on her and her alone.
Now then, let's talk the about the steamy steam steam!! WOW! If the love scenes in this book don't make you want to throw down your own lover, I seriously do not know what will! The scenes in this book were not over the top and not too "fetishy" (is that even a word? agh, I don't care if it is, it's the only way I can describe it). If you are a fan of romance mixed with some steamy love scenes, that make your own imagination go crazy then this is a book for you. Unlike 50 Shade's, this book is very well written, and there is no "young" girl being used by a man, for his own sick pleasures. (biggest reason I did not like 50).
I will admit, that there are a few plot holes, however, they are there for a reason. This was a very clever tactic used by the author, because now I NEED to read the follow up book, and I do hope there is one. This book has it all, mystery, romance a slight touch of horror (in the form of an abusive husband) and danger. A long with not one but two very strong characters who grow within the story. It is no wonder that K.c.Rice has many followers on her Facebook page!
Overall with this book I would give 4.5 stars out of 5 ( only due to the plot holes, but I admit they are necessary to the story). You can find this book on Amazon.com. The book blurb had me hooked before I even opened the pages...
Stay tuned, as K.c.Rice has generously agreed to an interview!!! I can not wait to hear form her on her work.
Let's begin!!! Now, I have told you I don't normally read this genre, however, I am glad I took the time to explore this book. K.c. Rice's writing style is beyond my expectations in regards to this specific genre. I suppose because of my age, I am used to reading more of a porno type book..... that is to say that this genre has come a long way from it's origins. Yes I admit that I used to sneak my parents old erotic books as a teenager and read them..... don't judge me! (LOL)
Back to the book. I will say this, this book was far and away much better than the 50 Shade's series!! We have Kaycee who is a married young woman, who has taken up an online romance with a dark and romantic stranger. She is very much in love with her husband, but the fantasy of another man, is overwhelming, making Kaycee question herself. Her husband is becoming a completely different person due to his new job, and becomes more violent and in my own opinion a control freak. The dark and handsome stranger has his own problems he is dealing with, which only adds to the mystery of the plot as we have yet to really uncover what that may be. This character has hardened his heart and is at first a complete ass, but there is something in Kaycee that has ripped through him and his own hardness. He must have her, no matter what the cost is. Once they finally meet in person, Kaycee, has been through enough with her husband and his new found aggressiveness, that she gives into the kindness, of a man who wants to care for her truly.
She ends up leaving her husband and moves into her own place, taking steps to ensure her own dreams come true, not just in romance but her career as well. (You Go Girl!). However, due to Mason's secret life (the handsome stranger) he has unwittingly pushed Kaycee away, and now that she has found her own two feet she has decided, to never let another man use her again. In the end she leaves both of them behind and learns that she does not need a man in her life, and she is now focused on her and her alone.
Now then, let's talk the about the steamy steam steam!! WOW! If the love scenes in this book don't make you want to throw down your own lover, I seriously do not know what will! The scenes in this book were not over the top and not too "fetishy" (is that even a word? agh, I don't care if it is, it's the only way I can describe it). If you are a fan of romance mixed with some steamy love scenes, that make your own imagination go crazy then this is a book for you. Unlike 50 Shade's, this book is very well written, and there is no "young" girl being used by a man, for his own sick pleasures. (biggest reason I did not like 50).
I will admit, that there are a few plot holes, however, they are there for a reason. This was a very clever tactic used by the author, because now I NEED to read the follow up book, and I do hope there is one. This book has it all, mystery, romance a slight touch of horror (in the form of an abusive husband) and danger. A long with not one but two very strong characters who grow within the story. It is no wonder that K.c.Rice has many followers on her Facebook page!
Overall with this book I would give 4.5 stars out of 5 ( only due to the plot holes, but I admit they are necessary to the story). You can find this book on Amazon.com. The book blurb had me hooked before I even opened the pages...
Stay tuned, as K.c.Rice has generously agreed to an interview!!! I can not wait to hear form her on her work.
September 19, 2015
Plot Holes: Avoid Them!
Let's get a bit serious for one small moment. Plot holes are a writers worst nightmare!. We as reader's hate to read a book and come out with questions to the plot of you story.
Personally when I am reading, I hate to see a main character who is obviously up to something, but as you read on, you NEVER find out what the heck that character was up to! This is dangerous waters people. Most reader's will say it leaves a bad taste in their mouths and won't recommend your book to another person.
I have read books that have done this to me. I hate to say it, but to be critical, those holes need filled in! A writer should never leave a reader hanging, it's just poor form!
As a new writer, my suggestion is this: after you have completed your manuscript put it aside and walk away. It is very important to do so. You have your head so far up that project that you will not catch the flaws on your own. The only way to see them is to walk away for a week at least. Let it stew, then go back and re read your own book from the beginning to end. Make mental note of how you felt about the book, not your work. While reading did you find a plot hole? Did you feel this was the very best you could do? If the answers to those questions are yes and no, then it is time to rethink your story and fill in the gaps.
It is difficult to be a good writer, but it is more difficult to be a great writer. Most writers take upwards of a year to accomplish a completely polished and ready for print book. As a new writer, your anticipation can and will cloud your judgment. You will most likely get rejection after rejection if you have not taken the time to make some serious changes to your story.
We all want that piece out there and hear how great our story was, but if you aren't getting the attention that it deserves then you need to go back and make those changes. I know it can be disheartening to not see those sales, and see the rejection letters pouring in, but you must maintain and persevere! Get a second and third pair of eyes on your work, take constructive criticism and use it. Don't be offended by the critics, their opinions matter. You are in the business of selling not just your books, but yourself as well. You need to be professional and develop your own skills. If you can't handle the rejection or criticism, then maybe being a writer isn't for you.
You have to take the good and the bad, and put them in a mixing bowl and whip them into something that stands out from the crowd. With so many new books being published every day across the world, you need to dig deep and work hard. Do not give up, keep those pot holes filled in and you will find a less bumpy road to success.
Personally when I am reading, I hate to see a main character who is obviously up to something, but as you read on, you NEVER find out what the heck that character was up to! This is dangerous waters people. Most reader's will say it leaves a bad taste in their mouths and won't recommend your book to another person.
I have read books that have done this to me. I hate to say it, but to be critical, those holes need filled in! A writer should never leave a reader hanging, it's just poor form!
As a new writer, my suggestion is this: after you have completed your manuscript put it aside and walk away. It is very important to do so. You have your head so far up that project that you will not catch the flaws on your own. The only way to see them is to walk away for a week at least. Let it stew, then go back and re read your own book from the beginning to end. Make mental note of how you felt about the book, not your work. While reading did you find a plot hole? Did you feel this was the very best you could do? If the answers to those questions are yes and no, then it is time to rethink your story and fill in the gaps.
It is difficult to be a good writer, but it is more difficult to be a great writer. Most writers take upwards of a year to accomplish a completely polished and ready for print book. As a new writer, your anticipation can and will cloud your judgment. You will most likely get rejection after rejection if you have not taken the time to make some serious changes to your story.
We all want that piece out there and hear how great our story was, but if you aren't getting the attention that it deserves then you need to go back and make those changes. I know it can be disheartening to not see those sales, and see the rejection letters pouring in, but you must maintain and persevere! Get a second and third pair of eyes on your work, take constructive criticism and use it. Don't be offended by the critics, their opinions matter. You are in the business of selling not just your books, but yourself as well. You need to be professional and develop your own skills. If you can't handle the rejection or criticism, then maybe being a writer isn't for you.
You have to take the good and the bad, and put them in a mixing bowl and whip them into something that stands out from the crowd. With so many new books being published every day across the world, you need to dig deep and work hard. Do not give up, keep those pot holes filled in and you will find a less bumpy road to success.
