Beth Martin's Blog, page 22
March 11, 2017
Book Review: The Gender War by Bella Forrest
The Gender War by Bella Forrest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After being sorely disappointed by the third book in this series, I tempered my expectations for the next installment. I still found myself a bit disappointed by the end.
Book 3 ended with an unexpected twist. Unfortunately, the big reveal didn't really impact anything. Desmond and her allegiances don't play a role in The Gender War at all
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After being sorely disappointed by the third book in this series, I tempered my expectations for the next installment. I still found myself a bit disappointed by the end.
Book 3 ended with an unexpected twist. Unfortunately, the big reveal didn't really impact anything. Desmond and her allegiances don't play a role in The Gender War at all
March 7, 2017
Today is Release Day for The End of Refuge!
It's finally here:
The End of Refuge releases today!
Back when I was in college, there was a single low bookshelf at our university library for fiction books. I read most of them. Yet even then, if you told be that I would one day write my own novel, something which I consumed en masse, I wouldn't have believed you. I was studying math to become an engineer or lecturer. I aspired to
The End of Refuge releases today!
Back when I was in college, there was a single low bookshelf at our university library for fiction books. I read most of them. Yet even then, if you told be that I would one day write my own novel, something which I consumed en masse, I wouldn't have believed you. I was studying math to become an engineer or lecturer. I aspired to
March 6, 2017
The Pros Don't Word Process, They Typeset
Last week I talked a little about how I was unsure about purchasing yet another copy of Word. I think I've found the answer:
Forget Word.
Learn InDesign.
When I first mentioned to my husband that I decided to use yet another new software in my book making endeavors, he raised an eyebrow and asked if I was sure. I've done a lot of complaining, all of which he has graciously listened to, about
Forget Word.
Learn InDesign.
When I first mentioned to my husband that I decided to use yet another new software in my book making endeavors, he raised an eyebrow and asked if I was sure. I've done a lot of complaining, all of which he has graciously listened to, about
February 27, 2017
Yet Another Subscription
In a little over a week, my novel The End of Refuge will launch. I'm pretty anxious. Hopefully, all of my hard work will pay off.
I've been debating whether or not to purchase a copy of Microsoft Word for my new laptop. In the past, I've been able to get licenses through work, mine or my husbands, really affordably. But now, I would have to pay full price for a software which I love to hate.
I've been debating whether or not to purchase a copy of Microsoft Word for my new laptop. In the past, I've been able to get licenses through work, mine or my husbands, really affordably. But now, I would have to pay full price for a software which I love to hate.
February 20, 2017
Making a Book Cover: Are We Having Fun Yet?
The cover of a book is it's number one marketing tool. When browsing through Amazon or my local bookstore, it's the cover that speaks to me and says, "You'll enjoy this book." On top of catching readers' attention, a cover needs to communicate something about the book. I want to attract readers who will enjoy my book and could potentially leave it a good review.
I took a few classes at the
I took a few classes at the
February 13, 2017
Essential Tools for Writers
Last week I tried out a keyboard and iPad combo for writing and was pleasantly surprised at how well the Bluetooth keyboard I purchased worked. However, if I'm taking my writing seriously (which I am), then I should invest in high-quality tools to help me work. Specifically, this meant replacing my dead laptop.
At first, I was allured by the low price of Chromebooks. Sure they don't have a ton
At first, I was allured by the low price of Chromebooks. Sure they don't have a ton
February 10, 2017
Book Review: And Then She Was GONE by Christopher Greyson
And Then She Was Gone by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
"A riveting new suspense novel that will keep you guessing until the end."
I just didn't get that. I picked up this book because I wanted to read something good with suspense and action and this was a best seller promising both in the subtitle.
And Then She Was Gone is part of a detective series, which I somehow missed when I
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
"A riveting new suspense novel that will keep you guessing until the end."
I just didn't get that. I picked up this book because I wanted to read something good with suspense and action and this was a best seller promising both in the subtitle.
And Then She Was Gone is part of a detective series, which I somehow missed when I
February 7, 2017
Enter to Win a Signed Copy of The End of Refuge
To celebrate the release of The End of Refuge I'm giving away three (3) signed copies!
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February 6, 2017
Bluetooth Keyboard: Worth it for Serious Writers?
Something happened to my laptop this week. I made a YouTube video about it. Basically, the computer I use for... everything... is out of commission. We have one other computer in our household: a desktop which is hooked into an enormous TV in the media room. I mean, it's nice doing photoshop on a 4K TV, but for most of the things I do, a little laptop will suffice.
But without even a laptop,
But without even a laptop,
January 30, 2017
The Importance of Proof
I've gone on a binge of watching YouTube videos of new writers unboxing the first copies of their debut book. The excitement, joy, and pride of making something amazing shows on their face. It's a special moment for budding authors, and it's addictive to watch.
As soon as I got The End of Refuge formatted for paperback, I had to order a physical copy. I was excited to see my hard work finally in
As soon as I got The End of Refuge formatted for paperback, I had to order a physical copy. I was excited to see my hard work finally in
