Beth Martin's Blog, page 13
August 26, 2018
Book Boxes: An Author's Perspective
I think subscription boxes are a fabulous idea—and when I say subscription box, I’m really only considering those with books. Each month, you receive a box with a new book to read and a handful of goodies. Pretty neat, right?
I haven’t actually subscribed to any of these boxes, because I much prefer reading things on my kindle. Also, I only have enough time to read about a book a month and
I haven’t actually subscribed to any of these boxes, because I much prefer reading things on my kindle. Also, I only have enough time to read about a book a month and
August 19, 2018
Making a Book Cover: Do You Get It?
Having an eye-catching, memorable, and genre-appropriate cover is absolutely necessary in order for a book to succeed. This is why the general rule for indie authors is: DON’T MAKE YOUR OWN.
I totally get it. It’s rare for someone to excel in both crafting memorable stories and graphic design. Also, the person who wrote the book is just too close to the story to objectively assess whether
I totally get it. It’s rare for someone to excel in both crafting memorable stories and graphic design. Also, the person who wrote the book is just too close to the story to objectively assess whether
August 12, 2018
Book Review: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne
Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne
My rating: ★★★★☆
Jane Eyre in space! It’s an excellent elevator pitch and certainly worked to sell Brightly Burning to tons of book lovers. When I first heard this description in one of my writing forums, I immediately started following the author and excitedly waited for the book to come out.
I don’t know if current teens are familiar with the classic story of
My rating: ★★★★☆
Jane Eyre in space! It’s an excellent elevator pitch and certainly worked to sell Brightly Burning to tons of book lovers. When I first heard this description in one of my writing forums, I immediately started following the author and excitedly waited for the book to come out.
I don’t know if current teens are familiar with the classic story of
August 5, 2018
Announcing my Next Novel: In the Lurch
No matter how many books I have out, I’m always super excited when I have an announcement, but I’ve been particularly looking forward to this one. This fall, on November 6th, 2018, I will be releasing my fifth book, In the Lurch.
YOU'VE BEEN REPLACED.
Once a machine could do as much work as three men, the labor force was quickly replaced by much more efficient androids. As the number of
YOU'VE BEEN REPLACED.
Once a machine could do as much work as three men, the labor force was quickly replaced by much more efficient androids. As the number of
July 29, 2018
How to Critique Without Being an Asshole
Critiquing other writers’ work is surprisingly difficult. It’s tempting to go through with a red pen and mark everything you find that’s wrong (or you just don’t like), then hand back the bloodied masterpiece: These are all the things you need to change!
However, if you do that, you’re an asshole.
Something I’ve enjoyed about the writing community is that we try to build each other up, and
However, if you do that, you’re an asshole.
Something I’ve enjoyed about the writing community is that we try to build each other up, and
July 22, 2018
Young Adult Novels: Five Tropes That Need to Die
I don’t intentionally look up tons of Young Adult books to read, they just keep falling in my lap. I really enjoy reading (and writing) dystopian fiction, but a lot of dystopian stories are targeted at teen readers.
It totally makes sense, though. Under the thumb of their parents and teachers, life as a teen can feel like living in an oppressive bunker while the rest of humanity has been
It totally makes sense, though. Under the thumb of their parents and teachers, life as a teen can feel like living in an oppressive bunker while the rest of humanity has been
July 15, 2018
Book Review: Ashes by Libbi Duncan
Ashes by Libbi Duncan
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Ashes picks up right where The Scorching left off, continuing Madi’s story. Like in the previous book, Madi is searching for her parents. There is some sort of conflict between the moon and Earth, although I must admit, I have a bad memory for stories, so I forget what the set-up was in the previous book.
I really enjoyed the voice and prose, and like
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Ashes picks up right where The Scorching left off, continuing Madi’s story. Like in the previous book, Madi is searching for her parents. There is some sort of conflict between the moon and Earth, although I must admit, I have a bad memory for stories, so I forget what the set-up was in the previous book.
I really enjoyed the voice and prose, and like
July 8, 2018
Top YouTube Channels for Writers
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I don’t really watch that much TV (I’m including Netflix and Hulu in this statement), but I do enjoy consuming tons of YouTube videos. And as a writer, most of my screen time is devoted to following ‘AuthorTube,’ which is shorthand for channels by writers and for writers. Since I’ve moved from searching for tons of writing advice to looking up
I don’t really watch that much TV (I’m including Netflix and Hulu in this statement), but I do enjoy consuming tons of YouTube videos. And as a writer, most of my screen time is devoted to following ‘AuthorTube,’ which is shorthand for channels by writers and for writers. Since I’ve moved from searching for tons of writing advice to looking up
July 2, 2018
Today is Release Day for At Fault
While in the middle of drafting a novel—one that I ultimately decided to set aside—I had an idea for another book. Actually, not really an idea for an entire novel, but a character. I’ve met some quirky and interesting grad students/postdocs over the years and wanted to write a story featuring an academic. I started piecing together my protagonist, Dr. Peter Cork. He loves his work, which
June 24, 2018
Indie Authors: Make the Most of an Event
Last weekend was HeroesCon, and I had a great time. I really enjoy going to events to meet fans and sell books in person. Of course, the primary goal of tabling at an event is to make money, but there are a bunch of other benefits that also make it worthwhile. Even though I didn’t quite reach my lofty sales goals for Heroes, I’m still really glad I went.
I’ve done an embarrassing amount of
I’ve done an embarrassing amount of
