Beth Martin's Blog, page 21
April 16, 2017
My collection
I'm not really a collector. I don't like procuring objects for display on a special shelf. When I decided I wanted to have a 'collection' of tea sets, I stopped at three. Of course, looking around my living room, anyone would quickly point out that my family has a book problem.
I don't consider it a problem. Each book is a wealth of information. My husband has lots of math books he's read
I don't consider it a problem. Each book is a wealth of information. My husband has lots of math books he's read
April 9, 2017
Book Marketing (AKA I Have No Idea What I'm Doing)
Marketing your book isn't limited to just indie authors. Every author is expected to participate in their own book marketing, no matter how big (or small) their publisher is. One thing that I did know going into writing was that I have no clue how to market. Now, I'm not going to say that I've learned a lot and can now share the secrets of book success with you. I have learned quite a bit, but
April 7, 2017
Book Review: The Moonborn by D.F. Lovett
The Moonborn: or, Moby-Dick on the Moon by D.F. Lovett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adam Moonborn was the first man born on the moon and a self-proclaimed lunatic. The Moonborn follows Ishmael, who is hired to ghostwrite an autobiography for Moonborn. Through Ishmael's eyes, the reader experiences his first trip to settlements on the moon.
At first, I thought the pacing was a little slow, but
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adam Moonborn was the first man born on the moon and a self-proclaimed lunatic. The Moonborn follows Ishmael, who is hired to ghostwrite an autobiography for Moonborn. Through Ishmael's eyes, the reader experiences his first trip to settlements on the moon.
At first, I thought the pacing was a little slow, but
April 4, 2017
How to Write a Novel: Staying Motivated
I'm continuing my "How to Write a Novel" series by tackling one of the hardest parts of the first draft. If you haven't already, check out the other posts in this series:
Make a Plan
Chapter One
Giving someone instructions on how to write feels a little silly. You just sit down and write. There really isn't much more to it than that. And for a first draft, you really shouldn't worry about
Make a Plan
Chapter One
Giving someone instructions on how to write feels a little silly. You just sit down and write. There really isn't much more to it than that. And for a first draft, you really shouldn't worry about
April 3, 2017
Hardcover THE END OF REFUGE Giveaway
Did you see my YouTube video on the hardcover books I ordered from NOOK Press Print? Then you know that I have two extra copies that I want to give away.
These hardcover books are absolutely beautiful. If you want to skip the giveaway and just outright purchase a copy, you can do so here. Otherwise, head over to Goodreads and enter to win!
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These hardcover books are absolutely beautiful. If you want to skip the giveaway and just outright purchase a copy, you can do so here. Otherwise, head over to Goodreads and enter to win!
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April 2, 2017
An Author's Life: A Work of Love or the Love of Work
I never knew that being an author would make me so busy. Mostly, it's my own damn fault. I've put a few too many things on my plate. I miss the days when I could whizz through a book in just a few days. Now, it can take me up to a month to finish a title.
Of course, the most obvious change is that I have children. Long gone are the hour lunch breaks at Subway, reading a book on my phone.
Of course, the most obvious change is that I have children. Long gone are the hour lunch breaks at Subway, reading a book on my phone.
March 27, 2017
Book Covers: Stock Beware
I read this article on Indie Book Launcher about the dangers of using stock photos for your book cover. They have examples of covers using the same photo, but I feel like their conclusion (never use stock photos on a book cover) was a bit extreme.
I follow a bunch of writers on social media and saw someone share this beautifully designed cover.
I'm not a big romance person, but this
I follow a bunch of writers on social media and saw someone share this beautifully designed cover.
I'm not a big romance person, but this
March 22, 2017
NOOK Press Print: Unboxing and Review
When publishing my ebook on the NOOK Press platform, I couldn't help but notice they had their own POD service which also offers hardcover copies. I set it up and ordered some in the mail, and thought I would share my first impressions on them with you.
March 20, 2017
How to Write a Novel: Chapter One
Last week, we talked about making a plan for your novel. So, now that you have your plan figured out, it's time to finally sit down and start typing.
But where do you begin?
The first Chapter has a really important goal: to get readers hooked in so they'll keep reading your novel. There are a lot of ways to hook readers.
Start with the action
I love action movies, especially ones about a
But where do you begin?
The first Chapter has a really important goal: to get readers hooked in so they'll keep reading your novel. There are a lot of ways to hook readers.
Start with the action
I love action movies, especially ones about a
March 13, 2017
How to Write a Novel: Make a Plan
This has been an exciting week for me. I finally launched my debut novel and have even gotten quite a few sales. I've heard from other authors that the best way to market a book is to write another one. So, if all goes well, I'll launch another sci-fi novel later this year.
Today, I'm starting a series on how to write a novel. We'll begin before pen even hits paper or fingers ever touch the
Today, I'm starting a series on how to write a novel. We'll begin before pen even hits paper or fingers ever touch the
