K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 35

Review: Kindle Pricing and Promotion by Alex Foster

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Kindle Pricing and Promotion by Alex Foster 4/5

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Book Pricing and Promotion teaches you how to price your books for optimal results. You’ll see data from personal tests in different book categories showing you how to price your book to balance high volume sales , to maintain high page listings, as well as the best profits possible .

The book also looks at my results from popular marketing and promotional sites , both free and paid marketing. Learn how to use marketing and promotion sites for the best possible outcomes and how to correctly publish a new book for improved long term outcomes.

Review:

Pricing your book in a jam packed market is incredibly important, and Foster has tried and tested the various options and shares his statistics in this book.

There is don’t food for thought in this book. Of course, categories and competition factor, but I will be implementing some of the advice in this book and will judge the results for myself.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: Kindle Writing Tips by Alex Foster

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Kindle Writing Tips by Alex Foster 3/5

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Tips and tricks for new independent authors helping you avoid common pitfalls and improve your profits. Learn about the following:

Keywords


Titles


Formatting


HTML


Reviews


Marketing

Review:

A good little guide that covers the nitty gritty of self publishing ie formatting and the importance of keywords etc.

I have taken onboard a few pieces of advice that I will try to implement to see how they work for me.

Another book that is great for writers starting out.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: 5 Minute Marketing for Authors by Barb Asselin

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5 Minute Marketing for Authors by Barb Sweep on 4/5

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Are you a published author looking to promote your book or books? Are you hoping to publish a book soon and wondering how you are going to promote your new book?

Do you have a “day job” and not enough time to promote your books, even though you want your books to become your “day job”?

If you have books to promote and no time , this book can help.

Review:

This book is great for those starting out on their writing and self publishing journey. It wasn’t what I needed as I’m already aware and implementing most of the ideas suggested, but that doesn’t take anything away from the useful, well compiled content.

The 90 day schedule is a great idea. I will have a go at starting and sticking to my own marketing schedule.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: Swept Away by Penny Parkes

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Swept Away by Penny Parks 3/5

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Swept Away is a short story based around a large country medical practice in Larkford that also features in Penny Parkes’ novels Out of Practice and the forthcoming Practice Makes Perfect (June 2017). The Surgery at Larkford proves to be a hotbed of rivalry, resentment and romance – and that’s just the doctors. Think James Herriot meets House .

Married mum of two and successful GP Holly Graham moved to Larkford hoping to find the peaceful life she craved. Instead she found chaos and intrigue, but also a tight-knit community full of wonderful characters who helped her through difficult times.

Review:

This short is well written and showcases some interesting characters such as Elsie. Unfortunately, due to length, these characters are only touched upon, but there is more to this series to get your teeth into.

I like books that rally community and friendships, but they can be a bit samey samey. I think the neighbours and friends will be the defining feature for the rest of this series.

This book is free from Amazon at the time of this review.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: The Lost Lamb on Honeysuckle Lane by Lucy Daniels

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The Lost Lamb on Honeysuckle Lane 3/5

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It’s summertime in the little of Welford. The sun beams down on the rolling green Yorkshire hills, and the scent of freshly cut grass is in the air.

Local vet Mandy Hope and her boyfriend Jimmy Marsh are happily setting up their new home, and life at animal rescue centre Hope Meadows is as busy as ever. When the Welford Garden Committee announces a Midsummer Fair, Mandy is thrilled to be invited to judge the animal-themed fancy dress competition.

The whole of Welford turns out for the fair, and the fancy dress competition is a roaring success. Three-year-old Herbie and eighteen-month-old Kiran come as Bo Beep and her lost sheep and Mandy can’t help but melt. Maybe having children of her own isn’t such a ridiculous idea after all? But in the euphoric mayhem of the day, little Kiran goes missing and a frantic search ensures.

When the lost lamb is rumoured to have been seen on nearby Honeysuckle Lane, it’s all hands on deck to solve the mystery and restore him to his rightful home.

Review:

If you remember the Animal Ark children’s stories, then you’ll be interested to know that Mandy has grown up and this series is of her adult life, career, and relationship.

You can read this short without any previous knowledge of the Animal Ark stories.

The writing style is still reminiscent of the children’s book, and that was the only downfall.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: Valentine’s Day at the Cafe at the End of the Pier by Helen Rolfe

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Valentine’s Day at the Cafe at the End of the Pier by Helen Rolfe 4/5

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Searching for love? You’ll find it at The Café at the End of the Pier…

When Jo’s beloved grandparents ask for her help in running their little café at the end of the pier in Salthaven-on-Sea she jumps at the chance.

The café is a hub for many people: the single dad who brings his little boy in on a Saturday morning; the lady who sits alone and stares out to sea; the woman who pops in after her morning run.

Jo soon realises that each of her customers is looking for love – and she knows just the way to find it for them. She goes about setting each of them up on blind dates – each date is held in the café, with a special menu she has designed for the occasion.

But Jo has never found love herself. She always held her grandparents’ marriage up as her ideal and she hasn’t found anything close to that. But could it be that love is right under her nose…?

Review:

This story is a cute introduction into the Cafe at the End of the Pier series. There’s something more than romance in this story: a warm, homely feel that rallies behind the notion of family and community.

For an introduction, it certainly made me want to get to know the characters in more depth and buy the rest of the series. (This short story is free on Amazon at the time of this review.)

I’m glad I downloaded Valentine’s Day at the Cafe at the End of the Pier, and now have a new series to enjoy.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

ARC: Darkened Light by Sarina Langer

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Darkened Light by Sarina Langer 5/5

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The death goddess Ithrean has led the dead to their rest and watched over them in Dunhă for centuries, but they are no longer at peace. Their souls turn the red grass black, and their corruption seeps into the world of the living.

Naavah Ora is an elven mage who can enter Dunhă at will, and study its corruption like no one else can.

Doran is a runaway thief who cares about nothing as much as the next treasure, even if it puts his own life in danger.

840 is the only male sacrifice in his village, longing for a chance to live.

Ash is a troublemaker who is learning that he can’t burn his way through every obstacle.

To halt the coming darkness, they need to work together.

It’s too bad they are too different to get along.

Review:

This is the third book I have read of Langer’s and it certainly lives up to her high/epic fantasy reputation. Magic, a variety of fantastical creatures/ characters, and strong world building make for a fascinating read.

The vast array of diverse characters is the strongest factor for me. Characters make a story, and as long as each has a distinctive voice and and their own motivations, you can’t go wrong. 840 was my favourite. The name itself is just intriguing, right?

Langer uses epigraphs at the start of each chapter. I’m a Brandon Sanderson fan, and he loves a good epigraph, so Langer’s were right up my street.

This book is available from Aug 20th. Pre-order now, folks!

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Good Luck CampNaNo Participants

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It’s July 1st and CampNaNo has started again. I was hoping to participate this month, but writing and a 7 week old don’t mix. I’ve barely managed 500 words since he was born, but I’m not complaining. He beats writing any day. Besides, he’s only little for the shortest time. I’m not missing him growing because my nose is glued to a screen.

I write when I have the motivation and only once he’s gone to bed for the night. I think CampNaNo is just unnecessary pressure right now.

However, I know lots of my fellow indie authors are taking part this year and I want to wish you all good luck. I’m rooting for you.

Are you participating this month? What target have you set for yourself?

Content belongs to K.J Chapman

Review: Free Recipe Ebooks

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I had been wanting some new and exciting recipes for the summer, so I headed to Amazon. Before spending out money I decided to try some free recipe books which led to a massive downloading spree. So, which did find useful? Read on to find out.

25 Delicious Pasta Recipes by Sallie Stone 3/5

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Some interesting pasta combinations that I will use this summer. I’m all for ease and time efficiency. However, recipe books need photos!

Five Ingredient Cookbook by Hannie. P. Scott 2/5

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Basic recipes and not all from scratch. Mixing pre-made sauces and canned foods isn’t what I’m after. There are no photos to show the finished results.

30 Minute Meals by Hannie. P. Scott 3/5

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Nothing I love more than quick, tasty recipes. These 30 min recipes are varied and achievable for even the most amateur of chefs. I would have liked pictures, though.

Crockpot Recipes by Nancy Kelsey 3/5

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A large selection of recipes with something for everyone, but only a handful I want to try for myself.

Definitely worth a scan if you enjoy the simplicity of crock pot cooking.

Summer Cooking by Various Authors 3/5

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There were a few unusual recipes that I found interesting and would like to try, but the majority were simple, common recipes most people would know how to create without the need for a recipe guide.

25 Delicious Chicken Recipes by Sallie Stone 2/5

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Very simple recipes- not quite what I was looking for. Great for very amateur cooks. I would have liked pictures of the finished dishes.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review

Review: Drayton by Tony Bertauski

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Drayton by Tony Bertauski 3/5

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Drayton once believed he was a vampire. He doesn’t know what he is. Or why he lives. He takes not his victim’s blood but the silky essence of their soul during their last breath. Often mistaken for the Angel of Death, his victims sometimes ask for forgiveness. Sometimes he delivers. After all, he is not without sin.

Review:

There was a lot of depth and substance to this short story, but I wanted a little more vamp.

Drayton is an interesting character- ancient being in a young body. His lost memories of anything before a century ago are intriguing, and his uncertainty of exactly what he is makes for an interesting read.

There is lots of narrative squeezed into a short story which is surprising. I got this ebook for free from Amazon and found it an easy, quick read.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review