Ryshia Kennie's Blog, page 28
September 28, 2012
Buy the book or I'll Break Your Thumb?
Hmm - despite what the title says, one doesn't want to resort to mob style tactics to sell books. Of course, I'm not even built to be a physical threat to anyone anyway - so there goes that option.
Seriously, what does sell books? Is it giveaways like bookmarks, pens and lipstick holders?
Hmmm - got more pens then I need and last I looked, the house was flooded with bookmarks, some of them, many of them - mine. And besides I was trying to simplify. Apparently that means less stuff!
Okay, so again you ask - what sells books? Will you quit reading if I say right now I don't have the magic answer? I don't think there is a magic anything unless you have the name - you all know the name, the one that is immediately recognizable like if Queen Elizabeth II decided to write a book or better yet, any number of music or movie stars. Wait, what do you mean some of them did? Sigh - as if the market wasn't flooded enough.
Ring of Desire - Hot or Not in the Dead Sea?
But what else sells books, since most of us aren't destined for fame or even infamy? I know the obvious things - market presence, known name to consumers and of course a fabulous product that everyone knows about - and sometimes good old-fashioned luck; right time, right place.
Maybe it's consistency and baby steps that gets the job done. Like my dad, whose been unable to walk since his accident. To get him moving again we're going to try, rather than a big push to physio and standing up immediately, pedaling or moving around using your feet to propel a wheelchair. But whether he pedals or doesn't, walks or doesn't, it is all dependent on my dad's frame of mind, a dicey thing these days, you'll know if you've been following this blog, but maybe that wheelchair will be the magic number that gets him slightly more independent.
Ring of Desire - Hot or not in Petra?
I think selling books is much like that - keep moving forward - write another book, send out a newsletter etc. etc.. But first, I apologize to Dad right now for comparing promoting to his walking but I know "back in the day", he'd get it and be the first to say I should use the comparison. Of course he'd add one of his interesting catch phrases which I won't repeat here.
So lets talk about my latest marketing venture. My e-books were price slashed on Amazon from $4.99 to .99 cents through to the end of October. I thought sales would be immediate with a few well-placed online ads.
Wrong.
A - the ads may not be not as well-placed as I thought. Because on day two, no one was getting it. So going on the recently read theory, that seven ads equal success (where do they get these numbers?) I carried on - and on, and, on.
From the Dust/Ring of Desire - Hot or not in Swaziland?
The other day, the numbers on Amazon blipped and then they lurched and then they peeled downward by hundreds of thousands. Smaller numbers on Amazon are good - very good! But sitting as far up on the queue as I was means you have a lot of room to move. And even a few sales can give you a big number jump. So what happened?
Only one thing for sure - a book sold. "Heavenly days" as my MIL would say. Now how many books? Well, I tried the free trackers and they couldn't even verify what I knew for sure. So maybe I sold five books or ten or... thousands - okay pull me from my "happy place". I sold a few and I can live with that if it consistently does that from now to the the end of the month. Because you know, I may be biased, but they're good stories. So, meantime I'm going to keep getting the word out and I'm going to be happy if I can continue to shave a small whack of numbers off my Amazon rating and get my books noticed by their darn algorithm!
And thanks to all of you that took the chance - and forked out .99 cents. Not bought under diress I hope. Not that there was any threat to your thumb if you didn't - really.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.comhttp://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
Seriously, what does sell books? Is it giveaways like bookmarks, pens and lipstick holders?
Hmmm - got more pens then I need and last I looked, the house was flooded with bookmarks, some of them, many of them - mine. And besides I was trying to simplify. Apparently that means less stuff!
Okay, so again you ask - what sells books? Will you quit reading if I say right now I don't have the magic answer? I don't think there is a magic anything unless you have the name - you all know the name, the one that is immediately recognizable like if Queen Elizabeth II decided to write a book or better yet, any number of music or movie stars. Wait, what do you mean some of them did? Sigh - as if the market wasn't flooded enough.
Ring of Desire - Hot or Not in the Dead Sea?
But what else sells books, since most of us aren't destined for fame or even infamy? I know the obvious things - market presence, known name to consumers and of course a fabulous product that everyone knows about - and sometimes good old-fashioned luck; right time, right place.
Maybe it's consistency and baby steps that gets the job done. Like my dad, whose been unable to walk since his accident. To get him moving again we're going to try, rather than a big push to physio and standing up immediately, pedaling or moving around using your feet to propel a wheelchair. But whether he pedals or doesn't, walks or doesn't, it is all dependent on my dad's frame of mind, a dicey thing these days, you'll know if you've been following this blog, but maybe that wheelchair will be the magic number that gets him slightly more independent.
Ring of Desire - Hot or not in Petra?
I think selling books is much like that - keep moving forward - write another book, send out a newsletter etc. etc.. But first, I apologize to Dad right now for comparing promoting to his walking but I know "back in the day", he'd get it and be the first to say I should use the comparison. Of course he'd add one of his interesting catch phrases which I won't repeat here.
So lets talk about my latest marketing venture. My e-books were price slashed on Amazon from $4.99 to .99 cents through to the end of October. I thought sales would be immediate with a few well-placed online ads.
Wrong.
A - the ads may not be not as well-placed as I thought. Because on day two, no one was getting it. So going on the recently read theory, that seven ads equal success (where do they get these numbers?) I carried on - and on, and, on.
From the Dust/Ring of Desire - Hot or not in Swaziland?
The other day, the numbers on Amazon blipped and then they lurched and then they peeled downward by hundreds of thousands. Smaller numbers on Amazon are good - very good! But sitting as far up on the queue as I was means you have a lot of room to move. And even a few sales can give you a big number jump. So what happened?
Only one thing for sure - a book sold. "Heavenly days" as my MIL would say. Now how many books? Well, I tried the free trackers and they couldn't even verify what I knew for sure. So maybe I sold five books or ten or... thousands - okay pull me from my "happy place". I sold a few and I can live with that if it consistently does that from now to the the end of the month. Because you know, I may be biased, but they're good stories. So, meantime I'm going to keep getting the word out and I'm going to be happy if I can continue to shave a small whack of numbers off my Amazon rating and get my books noticed by their darn algorithm!
And thanks to all of you that took the chance - and forked out .99 cents. Not bought under diress I hope. Not that there was any threat to your thumb if you didn't - really.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.comhttp://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
September 24, 2012
Blow The Doors Off - It's A Sale!
I'm dancing up and down - a sale. I love sales!!
The e-book edition of my fantasy romance Ring of Desire and my historical romance, From the Dust are on sale now through to the end of October! Only .99 cents over at Amazon.
From the Dust
Picture it - 1935, the Canadian prairies an economic and environmental dust bowl:
A widow...
A man with a dream...
Strangers...
A farm they both claim.
Sometimes love can be, so unexpected!
What happens when a desperate widow inherits the same farm that a wealthy man claims?
Eva Edwards has given up a lot of things in her life. She won't give up the farm.
Tate Prescott Brown believes farming is something he understands. So when he inherits a Saskatchewan farm he gets in his coupe and heads for the prairies.
"The plot was so well-written, and the people so endearing that it was impossible to not love this book." The Romance Studio
"Kennie writes beautiful descriptions of the prairie. She paints a pretty picture of the wheat fields and surrounding scenery. Within the first page, a dust storm overtakes our heroes and I could feel the sand stuck in my teeth." The Long and the Short of It
Ring of Desire
Whispers of an ancient
draw them together...
In the medieval land of Hafne, a curse has swept through the land leaving it barren and without hope. As one of the chosen, Vala watches for signs of the prophecy and with it, the owner of a ring who is destined to fight by her side and drive away the darkness. The newly arrived Norman enemy is an unnecessary complication in Hafne--and in Vala's heart.
...an unspeakable evil fights
to keep them apart
Giles arrives with his Norman men in time to rescue a mysterious woman from a watery death. Holding Vala in his arms, the stirrings of destiny and desire begin, binding him to a prophecy for which he surely wants no part--binding him to a search for his true origins and a fight to save his soul and hers.
"Great
plot, great writing, great love between the hero and the heroine.
Action filled pages that keep the heart pounding sometimes with fear for
the characters when evil stalks their shadows and sometimes with
excitement as love develops." Alternative-Read.com
And if you've already read both these books pick another on sale book - maybe give a new author - someone you haven't read, a try. Who knows what can be found in the electronic bargain book bin!
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
The e-book edition of my fantasy romance Ring of Desire and my historical romance, From the Dust are on sale now through to the end of October! Only .99 cents over at Amazon.
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From the Dust
Picture it - 1935, the Canadian prairies an economic and environmental dust bowl:
A widow...
A man with a dream...
Strangers...
A farm they both claim.
Sometimes love can be, so unexpected!
What happens when a desperate widow inherits the same farm that a wealthy man claims?
Eva Edwards has given up a lot of things in her life. She won't give up the farm.
Tate Prescott Brown believes farming is something he understands. So when he inherits a Saskatchewan farm he gets in his coupe and heads for the prairies.
"The plot was so well-written, and the people so endearing that it was impossible to not love this book." The Romance Studio
"Kennie writes beautiful descriptions of the prairie. She paints a pretty picture of the wheat fields and surrounding scenery. Within the first page, a dust storm overtakes our heroes and I could feel the sand stuck in my teeth." The Long and the Short of It
Ring of Desire
.jpg)
Whispers of an ancient draw them together...
In the medieval land of Hafne, a curse has swept through the land leaving it barren and without hope. As one of the chosen, Vala watches for signs of the prophecy and with it, the owner of a ring who is destined to fight by her side and drive away the darkness. The newly arrived Norman enemy is an unnecessary complication in Hafne--and in Vala's heart.
...an unspeakable evil fights
to keep them apart
Giles arrives with his Norman men in time to rescue a mysterious woman from a watery death. Holding Vala in his arms, the stirrings of destiny and desire begin, binding him to a prophecy for which he surely wants no part--binding him to a search for his true origins and a fight to save his soul and hers.
"Great
plot, great writing, great love between the hero and the heroine.
Action filled pages that keep the heart pounding sometimes with fear for
the characters when evil stalks their shadows and sometimes with
excitement as love develops." Alternative-Read.com
And if you've already read both these books pick another on sale book - maybe give a new author - someone you haven't read, a try. Who knows what can be found in the electronic bargain book bin!
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
September 20, 2012
Wear Purple And Kick The Devil Out of Alzheimer's
The call came yesterday.
"Your dad's wheelchair is ready."
I never thought I'd be picking something like this up for my dad. Here's the qualifier, he wouldn't need one if he didn't have Alzheimer's. I mentioned in an earlier post that he'd broken his hip. Now he can't seem to remember how to lift himself up. It's the first step he needs, if he is ever to walk again. And with muscles atrophying daily, whether or not he will, that remains to be seen. But that's the reality of Alzheimer's - it brings you down and eventually, it doesn't let you back up.
101 failed research drugs lay strewn on pharmaceutical floors and after years of research few have made it to market and none change the outcome. Alzheimers is a tough disease, tough on patients, tough on families, tough to find a cure. But the fight doesn't end. People like my dad and all those that made the march before him and those that are now beside him - they are the pioneers, the beacons that remind us that something must be done.
So what can we do?
Raise awareness for one. And one of the best ways is remembering that this disease has a face and it has feelings - it's about people. Acknowledge them - like the hospital volunteer that took the time to stop by my dad and talk to him, give him a big smile and a wave and then repeat the whole procedure not once, but three times until she got an answering smile. And you know, that and a coke - I think pretty much made Dad's day.
This month is World Alzheimer's Month and Friday, September 21 is Alzheimer's Action Day. Tomorrow is a day to draw notice to this disease and to do that, you can donate to the cause in any number of ways but for most of us it's as easy as doing one thing - wearing purple and telling at least one person why you're doing it. Even if it's a dibble of purple. Dig out those hideous purple socks or even a pair of purple underwear if you really have nothing else. It's the thought that counts although I don't know if you want to mention about the underwear, you know, to strangers. And no, I don't want to know about the lace trimmed, thong beauties you wore when... enough!! No more, please... I'm covering my ears.
Friday, Sept. 21 - Purple for Alzheimer's.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
"Your dad's wheelchair is ready."
I never thought I'd be picking something like this up for my dad. Here's the qualifier, he wouldn't need one if he didn't have Alzheimer's. I mentioned in an earlier post that he'd broken his hip. Now he can't seem to remember how to lift himself up. It's the first step he needs, if he is ever to walk again. And with muscles atrophying daily, whether or not he will, that remains to be seen. But that's the reality of Alzheimer's - it brings you down and eventually, it doesn't let you back up. 101 failed research drugs lay strewn on pharmaceutical floors and after years of research few have made it to market and none change the outcome. Alzheimers is a tough disease, tough on patients, tough on families, tough to find a cure. But the fight doesn't end. People like my dad and all those that made the march before him and those that are now beside him - they are the pioneers, the beacons that remind us that something must be done.
So what can we do?
Raise awareness for one. And one of the best ways is remembering that this disease has a face and it has feelings - it's about people. Acknowledge them - like the hospital volunteer that took the time to stop by my dad and talk to him, give him a big smile and a wave and then repeat the whole procedure not once, but three times until she got an answering smile. And you know, that and a coke - I think pretty much made Dad's day.
This month is World Alzheimer's Month and Friday, September 21 is Alzheimer's Action Day. Tomorrow is a day to draw notice to this disease and to do that, you can donate to the cause in any number of ways but for most of us it's as easy as doing one thing - wearing purple and telling at least one person why you're doing it. Even if it's a dibble of purple. Dig out those hideous purple socks or even a pair of purple underwear if you really have nothing else. It's the thought that counts although I don't know if you want to mention about the underwear, you know, to strangers. And no, I don't want to know about the lace trimmed, thong beauties you wore when... enough!! No more, please... I'm covering my ears.
Friday, Sept. 21 - Purple for Alzheimer's.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
September 17, 2012
Get Your Damn Foot Off That Rake
The rake has disappeared again. And I need the thing even though the trees are still full of leaves, the ground is covered too.
A shovel when I need a rake!
It seems a workout program, a mini gym, has dropped into my yard. The cost, free - just pick up the rake. This is good for those of us who have been whining that they are in need of exercise. It's time to get the weight machine functioning again. Never mind that all it needs is a slight tweaking with a screwdriver. I have my excuses and you have yours.
It's been a hard summer, maybe that's a wrong descriptor - more like
difficult. And as a result I've let a few things go and I'm not feeling
good about that. This blog for one - no more, it's a new leaf (no pun
intended) but the change in a season always seems to bring about that
feeling of change. Twice a week I'll post, I'd commit to more than that
but lets see how that goes.
All that space and I'm all run out.
Fall is beginning to coat the mornings with chill and the days with that unique scent that seems to have combined endings and beginnings. I'm ready for the switch to darker, crisper mornings. It's a time to get things done - when I'm alone and the world is quiet. But despite the advent of late sunrise, I'm having trouble settling in. I set the alarm early as usual and sleep in for forty-five minutes passed that. I suspect, despite my argument to the contrary, that I'm having trouble realizing that it's time to put my shorts away. Or maybe it's my flip flops that I'm partial to.
As far as the story goes - a small glitch, something called the middle. And as for the rest of it, you know what's to come - I've been thinking as the mornings get colder that maybe when fall's edges harden and the temperature drops, a temporary escape is in order. Somewhere south, over one border, two, three or four. Fine, I'll go for one for now, just a small break later in the year. We'll see how things go.
Check out my website for everything that's going on. It's a work in progress but this fall looks like it may be busy.
And you, planning ahead?
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
A shovel when I need a rake!
It seems a workout program, a mini gym, has dropped into my yard. The cost, free - just pick up the rake. This is good for those of us who have been whining that they are in need of exercise. It's time to get the weight machine functioning again. Never mind that all it needs is a slight tweaking with a screwdriver. I have my excuses and you have yours.
It's been a hard summer, maybe that's a wrong descriptor - more like
difficult. And as a result I've let a few things go and I'm not feeling
good about that. This blog for one - no more, it's a new leaf (no pun
intended) but the change in a season always seems to bring about that
feeling of change. Twice a week I'll post, I'd commit to more than that
but lets see how that goes.
All that space and I'm all run out.
Fall is beginning to coat the mornings with chill and the days with that unique scent that seems to have combined endings and beginnings. I'm ready for the switch to darker, crisper mornings. It's a time to get things done - when I'm alone and the world is quiet. But despite the advent of late sunrise, I'm having trouble settling in. I set the alarm early as usual and sleep in for forty-five minutes passed that. I suspect, despite my argument to the contrary, that I'm having trouble realizing that it's time to put my shorts away. Or maybe it's my flip flops that I'm partial to.
As far as the story goes - a small glitch, something called the middle. And as for the rest of it, you know what's to come - I've been thinking as the mornings get colder that maybe when fall's edges harden and the temperature drops, a temporary escape is in order. Somewhere south, over one border, two, three or four. Fine, I'll go for one for now, just a small break later in the year. We'll see how things go.
Check out my website for everything that's going on. It's a work in progress but this fall looks like it may be busy.
And you, planning ahead?
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
September 2, 2012
To Review Or Not To Review
I've been thinking about reviews. The subject has come up a number of times lately. Not reviews of my books. Not that I wouldn't like more, more reviews and more published books but that's the subject of another day or even another few days. Today I'm thinking of reviews of other books.
I've been asked to do a review by two different bestselling authors. One of the books I've been asked to review is a
non-fiction book, completely out of my genre as an author, but as a
reader I devour a lot of non-fiction in a year. The other is fiction by an author who has yet to write a book I didn't enjoy. I figure if the universe knocks not once but twice in as many days, then it has something to say. But I'm reluctant to give it a resounding yes without some consideration, after all review queen isn't my gig - I'd prefer to be considered author. And wearing more than one hat, well doesn't that just become a jumble?
Besides that, there are other reasons I've been hesitant. I'm a worst-case forecaster. I suppose you could translate that to worrier. I'm terrified that four and five star is an expectation. And I'm not going to lie, if I like the book I'll let you know and if I don't - is there an opt out clause? I'm not one to post bad reviews I've had my share of great reviews and I've had one or two ouch remarks, and they smart. I don't think, never mind - I know, I couldn't do that to another author. So I suppose worst case scenario would involve a graceful retreat. I know lackluster reviews are relied on by many readers to keep it real. I've heard that too many four and five stars and the book becomes suspect. And while there may be some truth to that - I'm going to leave the reality checks to someone else. Meantime I've done some research and from what I can see, if past record is any indication, the opt out clause on either book won't be required.
Still, I worry. I worry if reviewing should be something divorced from being an author.
Am I dancing in another's playing field to even consider reviews?
I know a word of praise from a bestselling author is a coveted commodity on any book cover. And while those remarks aren't a review, they are words that can sway the sale of the book, like a banquet of flowers or neon lights flashing at the reader. And yes, I know that's a different entity than the review I've been asked for, but it does remind me that authors are allowed to have opinions on books too.
So after consideration I
think I'm going to give this a shot. This isn't going to be the norm
by any means, in other words I don't think I'll become a full-time
reviewer any time in the future. Nor will I offer reviews as a matter
of form to authors I host. But every once in a while, I may change
things up and do the odd review. So maybe the next book you read will be reviewed by me.
And as far as those coveted cover quotes. Unfortunately, so far my world does not include requests for quotes on the front cover. Maybe next year or maybe in another life.
Speaking of reviews, this isn't just about me - it's about you too. Do you know that you don't have to do a full scale review to be a help? Did you know that even a few thoughts on a book you read and liked, placed on Amazon or other online sites or even your local library can be a big boost to an author? Next time you read a book you love - leave a sentence or two and a rating. It's another way to pay it forward. And as I say that, I have to admit that I've been as guilty as I suspect most of you, for not doing that. But I'm changing that up somewhat, starting now. I won't offer a word on every book but once in a while when one stands out...
So - what are you reading today? Enjoying it....what about a few online words of praise?
Ryshia
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
I've been asked to do a review by two different bestselling authors. One of the books I've been asked to review is a
non-fiction book, completely out of my genre as an author, but as a
reader I devour a lot of non-fiction in a year. The other is fiction by an author who has yet to write a book I didn't enjoy. I figure if the universe knocks not once but twice in as many days, then it has something to say. But I'm reluctant to give it a resounding yes without some consideration, after all review queen isn't my gig - I'd prefer to be considered author. And wearing more than one hat, well doesn't that just become a jumble?
Besides that, there are other reasons I've been hesitant. I'm a worst-case forecaster. I suppose you could translate that to worrier. I'm terrified that four and five star is an expectation. And I'm not going to lie, if I like the book I'll let you know and if I don't - is there an opt out clause? I'm not one to post bad reviews I've had my share of great reviews and I've had one or two ouch remarks, and they smart. I don't think, never mind - I know, I couldn't do that to another author. So I suppose worst case scenario would involve a graceful retreat. I know lackluster reviews are relied on by many readers to keep it real. I've heard that too many four and five stars and the book becomes suspect. And while there may be some truth to that - I'm going to leave the reality checks to someone else. Meantime I've done some research and from what I can see, if past record is any indication, the opt out clause on either book won't be required.
Still, I worry. I worry if reviewing should be something divorced from being an author.
Am I dancing in another's playing field to even consider reviews?
I know a word of praise from a bestselling author is a coveted commodity on any book cover. And while those remarks aren't a review, they are words that can sway the sale of the book, like a banquet of flowers or neon lights flashing at the reader. And yes, I know that's a different entity than the review I've been asked for, but it does remind me that authors are allowed to have opinions on books too.So after consideration I
think I'm going to give this a shot. This isn't going to be the norm
by any means, in other words I don't think I'll become a full-time
reviewer any time in the future. Nor will I offer reviews as a matter
of form to authors I host. But every once in a while, I may change
things up and do the odd review. So maybe the next book you read will be reviewed by me.
And as far as those coveted cover quotes. Unfortunately, so far my world does not include requests for quotes on the front cover. Maybe next year or maybe in another life.
Speaking of reviews, this isn't just about me - it's about you too. Do you know that you don't have to do a full scale review to be a help? Did you know that even a few thoughts on a book you read and liked, placed on Amazon or other online sites or even your local library can be a big boost to an author? Next time you read a book you love - leave a sentence or two and a rating. It's another way to pay it forward. And as I say that, I have to admit that I've been as guilty as I suspect most of you, for not doing that. But I'm changing that up somewhat, starting now. I won't offer a word on every book but once in a while when one stands out...
So - what are you reading today? Enjoying it....what about a few online words of praise?
Ryshia
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
August 29, 2012
Guest Blogging
I'm blogging over at my agent's blog today. There's a blurb about me and my writing - just in case you don't get enough of it over here. Seriously, come on over and keep me company for a while.
It's all at Scott Eagan Babbles.
Ryshia
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
August 15, 2012
Middle C Isn't Always Where You Think
Middle C - on a keyboard, there it is plunk in the middle. On a violin, not quite the same. It's there but you've got to slide your fingers around a little to get to it. Of course, one year of training does not a violinist make. Thus some of those notes - well they needed a bit more sliding around. But alas, the violin is no more and that - well, it's another story. But it's not music whose notes were a little off this summer but the health of a family member.
After breaking his hip and causing some frightening moments thinking he wouldn't make it, my Dad is on the mend and looking healthier than he has in a while. He's recently taken his pencil out and is attempting to do the Word Searches that he was famous for before his accident and reading his paper, albeit sometimes upside down. My father has Alzheimer's so it's an up and down battle while he waits for long-term care, trying to make sure that each day is the best for him that life can offer.
While I'm admittedly tired of the smell and feel of hospital, it's not such a bad place. That's what the other patients have taught me over the weeks. Life on the fourth floor is a lot of sameness. The long-termers, mostly oldsters waiting for an appropriate care facility, all seem to have one trait in common, with the occasional exception, they're people with an ability to make the best of what many would call a bad situation. Roaming the hallways in convoys of wheelchairs and walkers they're quick to chat or request a favor from wheeling their chair into a favoured position for lunch to lending them a phone to call home to just lending an ear for a chat.
I suspect many on four remember living on the prairie.
Their resiliency amazes me for I suspect if it were me I would be bemoaning the fates, complaining about the food and overworking the call bell. I think about that as I leave the ward and head home but before I exit I'm surprised by the drawn out, once over look of a man wearing nothing but a flapping faded blue hospital gown and sneakers. While I skirt as politely as possible around him, I have to bite back a smile. His pickup technique is in need of work, the gown for one - just not working. And I'm sure that given the opportunity there's a few little ladies on four that would be wheeling their chairs down to main to set this man straight.
And if you said fiction was more interesting than life - I have a whole crew of people you should be chatting with.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
August 6, 2012
Pay It Forward - Visit a Library
Have you ever considered how books get into libraries? If you're a frequent cruiser of the library like I am - you might already know. But if you're not, here's the deal. Many of the bigger publishers are on an automatic order to libraries across North America. So if you write for someone like Harlequin - getting into a local library is usually a no-brainer. But if you're a mid or small-press author it's often a different story. Often the library doesn't get those books in because they're not on their radar. This is a huge loss for an author trying to get their name out there and have people aware that they even exist. Admittedly by having a book in the library the author isn't getting royalties for sales of those books but people are reading them and sometimes that's just as good a tradeoff for future sales. And in Canada there is the Public Lending Right Program which compensates authors for books taken out from select libraries across the country. Still, not a royalty, but as I said there's other benefits.
Selling books isn't an easy venture especially if you're that sensitive artist type - we hate rejection probably worse than the rest of the population and often experience it more. Who wants to add to the heap by going to battle with libraries to please carry your book. Sometimes they do on the request of an author - sometimes they don't. But what they almost always do is order a book in on the request of a local reader. When I find an author whose work I know I'll enjoy, and whose not on the library shelves, I not only make an effort to get my own copy but I also request the book at my local library so that others may enjoy it too.
When I occasionally host authors I always check to make sure their book made it to the local library and if not I put in an order for it. I often do it quietly without mentioning what I've done to the author but one day I had to say something - and that was the day when every copy of the book was on hold with readers vying for the next copy. I sent an e-mail to let that author know and I think I might have made her day. I know it would have made mine.
There's many small and mid-press authors to choose from - tons of good reads. Just the other day I requested White Lies by Jeremy Bates and while I'm first on the list to read it, I suspect I might pass up that option and buy my own copy.
Now there's limits to all this - you certainly can't be requesting
books monthly or even biweekly without becoming a hindrance rather than a help to the library. So while it's a limited tool, it's worthwhile because if I helped a small
handful of authors in any given year well, I've paid it forward.
How did you pay it forward this week.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
Selling books isn't an easy venture especially if you're that sensitive artist type - we hate rejection probably worse than the rest of the population and often experience it more. Who wants to add to the heap by going to battle with libraries to please carry your book. Sometimes they do on the request of an author - sometimes they don't. But what they almost always do is order a book in on the request of a local reader. When I find an author whose work I know I'll enjoy, and whose not on the library shelves, I not only make an effort to get my own copy but I also request the book at my local library so that others may enjoy it too.
When I occasionally host authors I always check to make sure their book made it to the local library and if not I put in an order for it. I often do it quietly without mentioning what I've done to the author but one day I had to say something - and that was the day when every copy of the book was on hold with readers vying for the next copy. I sent an e-mail to let that author know and I think I might have made her day. I know it would have made mine.There's many small and mid-press authors to choose from - tons of good reads. Just the other day I requested White Lies by Jeremy Bates and while I'm first on the list to read it, I suspect I might pass up that option and buy my own copy.
Now there's limits to all this - you certainly can't be requesting
books monthly or even biweekly without becoming a hindrance rather than a help to the library. So while it's a limited tool, it's worthwhile because if I helped a small
handful of authors in any given year well, I've paid it forward.
How did you pay it forward this week.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
July 31, 2012
Change It Up - Shake It Out - Call It the Same!
I discovered only last year that I love writing two stories at the same time. Before I would always stick to one story and then move on to the next. But this time it was two completely different stories moving along parallel to each other. I finished off a suspense with romantic elements and a women's fiction that explored the effects of a parent's illness on a woman's life. When one would cause me trouble - a twist wasn't moving anything the right way - there was the other story to turn to that always seemed to be in a place of flow. I love both stories and I've been recently told that I have two voices. There was a time, when I was thrilled to have one.
One voice, two voices - I was thinking how my recent stories have changed from my past. History was the place I first went when writing fiction. I still love that era just prior to World War II, where better to set a romance? After all, that was the era of my first published book - the book where research could have easily eclipsed the writing. Maybe it is a special time in my mind for I've heard so many first hand stories from many of my elder relatives who experienced the Great Depression and even the time leading up to it. Or maybe it's just history in general for I dove even further back when I wrote a second book, Ring of Desire. But since then I've moved on and into the present.
It's amazing how much has changed and how much remains the same.
What motivates someone to do something - what motivates a fictional character?
I was on the road last week and as we traveled through the seemingly unchanged prairie landscape I was thinking about that and a group of characters that seem to be slowly coming to life. It seems what motivates most people remains as old as time - lust, greed, envy, money, hate and even love. And fortunately, the majority, well they're good people that take a wrong turn here or there and it's those wrong turns that give the unexpected twists to fiction.
While the times, they may be a-changing, people and their motivation - well there's much that remains as steady as the unchanging countryside I'm crossing.
The scenery across Saskatchewan into Alberta is very much that rough cactus pocked hills - you can almost see the T-Rex lumbering over the rolling dips and lilts in the land. Some day I want to explore parts of those hills. But this time it's a trip to Calgary where unlike out here, where communities are spread far apart, change is never-ending because it's people that implement the change. But once you peel back all the concrete and the pavement - is it, like peoples' motivations, all the same old earth it's always been?
Stories - no matter what the genre, even when the characters aren't quite human, they still tell us something about the human condition.
Any interesting trips in your summer?
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
July 16, 2012
Enough With The Eh - Or Just Gag Me Already!
It's that lull when multiple projects are done and I'm not feeling motivated to start something new. Maybe there's a gag order, maybe not. But that's the way it is immediately post-story. It's a familiar place that used to make me uncomfortable. I love having a story to go to but I've learned to go with the flow. Sometimes a creative break really is necessary.
So as part of my break I wanted to watch something mindless - enter reality TV. And one of the most annoying words ever to be created emerged as a result of a token Canadian entering the program.
Eh!
Suddenly there were eh jokes everywhere. Who says that? Supposedly, this is a common Canadian phrase. Interesting, as I rarely hear anyone use it. I don't know if I could hang with anyone who did, I might choke them.
All things Canadian. To me eh is not one of them. Other things are - like hockey. It's our national sport and I'm wearing the t-shirt to prove it. But. There it is, there's always the but. I'm not a big hockey fan. I'll be as glued to the set as anyone else if Canada is looking like they're about to come out on top in the world of hockey. But you know, I can count on one hand how many hockey games I've watched in the last few years. Guess I best stop now or I may be deported, that is if there's anyone looking for a non-eh speaking Canadian with only a slight interest in armchair hockey.
Okay, I don't know about you but that little rant had me feeling better, more creative even, although I'm kind of enjoying my break. With life colliding like some gigantic opportunistic slug into that space I call the lull between the end of one story and the beginning of another, there's no time to even contemplate new ideas. This time used to frighten me. Now I know it's just a space where I take a few days and writing a story is the last thing on my mind. Then one day I crawl out of bed and there's a story demanding that I figure out what it's all about and start writing it down. It might be something someone said days earlier, or a local event that gets things going or maybe one of those ideas that I wrote down ages ago. Whatever it is, the urge to write is back. It's a strange process but it happens the same way almost every time.
So enough rambling for me. What gets you fired up to do what you love best?
And after all that - here's a contest with, rumour tells me, absolutely no strings. Check it out here.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.comhttp://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
So as part of my break I wanted to watch something mindless - enter reality TV. And one of the most annoying words ever to be created emerged as a result of a token Canadian entering the program.
Eh!
Suddenly there were eh jokes everywhere. Who says that? Supposedly, this is a common Canadian phrase. Interesting, as I rarely hear anyone use it. I don't know if I could hang with anyone who did, I might choke them.
All things Canadian. To me eh is not one of them. Other things are - like hockey. It's our national sport and I'm wearing the t-shirt to prove it. But. There it is, there's always the but. I'm not a big hockey fan. I'll be as glued to the set as anyone else if Canada is looking like they're about to come out on top in the world of hockey. But you know, I can count on one hand how many hockey games I've watched in the last few years. Guess I best stop now or I may be deported, that is if there's anyone looking for a non-eh speaking Canadian with only a slight interest in armchair hockey.
Okay, I don't know about you but that little rant had me feeling better, more creative even, although I'm kind of enjoying my break. With life colliding like some gigantic opportunistic slug into that space I call the lull between the end of one story and the beginning of another, there's no time to even contemplate new ideas. This time used to frighten me. Now I know it's just a space where I take a few days and writing a story is the last thing on my mind. Then one day I crawl out of bed and there's a story demanding that I figure out what it's all about and start writing it down. It might be something someone said days earlier, or a local event that gets things going or maybe one of those ideas that I wrote down ages ago. Whatever it is, the urge to write is back. It's a strange process but it happens the same way almost every time.
So enough rambling for me. What gets you fired up to do what you love best?
And after all that - here's a contest with, rumour tells me, absolutely no strings. Check it out here.
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.comhttp://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie
