Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 12
June 17, 2020
#BookishThoughts: Good Brave People by Nicholas Trandahl book review
As a writer of both fiction and poetry, I love reading novels with poetic soul within their core. As a reader, I love novels that instantly feel like they will be classics or remind you of some of the literary greats.
Trandahl gives mention to legendary writers in their own right Hemingway and Chekhov. Jasper Augustine stares you down with the intensity of a writer who’s all about the experience from the first page.
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Primarily set in Basque County, a mountainous and agricultural area of Spain, this novel follows Augustine who sets out to write a novel, and who happens upon life’s greatest muse: an ordinary person in their home country being extraordinary at what they do, and it in turn makes you want to learn everything about them.
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Upon arriving in San Sebastian, Augustine meets Oihana and begins writing his novel with fervish inspiration.
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What’s crazy to me is how effortless this novel reads which makes it a bit of a shock that this is his debut novel.
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Filled with intrigue, Spanish mystique, and a romantic story for the ages, Good Brave People is a classic for this age, and for ages to come.
Click this graphic (below) to enter to win a paperback or ebook copy of Good Brave People!
Get your own copy of Good Brave People Now!
June 15, 2020
Why You May Want To Invest in Influencer Marketing in 2020?
The Smart Cookie Philes was built on Influencer Marketing. What do I mean by that? Well, it started as a book and music review blog, and it still is at its core because it turns out that readers and music listeners are influenced by reviews. The popularity of the online review started with the origins of online shopping. The online review showcases the best and worst parts of purchasing a particular product or service.
Now as a publicist, it’s what I build my campaigns on. Whether a book or music project is highly recommended by people with an ear or an eye for that genre. If it is more people take notice, and sales of that product continue to increase.
What exactly is influencer marketing? Marketers rely on Influencers to provide unique, engaging content that is unparalleled and targeted (Intellifluence). Basically they are a voice within that niche or targeted audience. Target markets can be broken done so much that it is the reason why marketing is so necessary and vital to any business or entrepreneur. It helps increase awareness of you and your brand. And in turn, that awareness over time turns into an increase in sales.
Many companies now hire influencers to sell their products directly. Built within influencer marketing is a more direct selling venture known as network marketing. It’s where the individual utilizes the engagement from their platform to equal out to sales or more people added to their company’s network or team.
2020 has been called the “golden age of inluencer marketing.”(Intellifluence) and that is actually due in part to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Upon the introduction of COVID-19, the average screen time has increased and consumer habits have shifted, meaning that brands need to be vigilant about hitting all digital platforms more than ever. During this unprecedented event, trusted social media influencers continue to be a reliable source of information and an effective, authentic way to communicate with target audiences (Rise of Influencer Marketing).
A platform that most people joined during this pandemic was TikTok which is now helping fuel more engagement with certain songs because of Dance videos or helping people of all demographics quickly build an audience. Another huge boom was in live video feeds because everyone was at home.
In the past two months, brands have transitioned to more video and live stream campaigns than pictures. With everyone working from home, brands should take advantage of the time people spend on their computers, TV’s and smart phones during the day with these more dynamic forms of content (Rise of Influencer Marketing).
At the same time influencer pricing is going down, their audience is growing. With much of the world forced indoors, social media usage is skyrocketing. Facebook and Instagram saw a 50% percent increases in livestreams. Twitch’s viewership shot up 31 percent in two weeks. YouTube’s U.S. viewership has increased 63%. Influencers are benefitting from this, with some reportedly seeing as much as a 76% increase in “likes” on Instagram sponsored posts
With everyone forced to shop online, influencers are driving more purchases than usual. Data from affiliate marketers showed upticks in sales via influencers. SmartCommerce reported a 30 percent increase in orders, and competitor RewardStyle has seen a similar spike(https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/349733).
While the benefits are clear, I do have a word of caution. Given today’s landscape, agencies need to tread carefully. Not all influencer marketing is the same, and the best programs are collaborations with trusted partners such as Intellifluence. Influencers are people, and some people can act irresponsibly (and very publicly) while others are using their platforms for good. Choose wisely.
In a “shelter at home” world, advertisers and agencies are scrambling to create things fast, cheap and with few promotional dollars — just the things influencers have been doing for years. More than ever, this is the time to invest in the experts (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/349733)
So whether you choose a Youtuber with 10K subscribers or an up and coming blogger with affordable rates, one thing is for sure, now is the time to get on the influencer marketing bandwagon.
Resources:
https://www.business2community.com/marketing/the-rise-of-influencer-marketing-and-what-to-expect-in-2020-02318375 June 10, 2020
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/349733 June 10, 2020
June 11, 2020
#MusicMuses: June Music Mix
I have actually found that for a while there it looked like less music was coming out and I wasn’t sure how I would survive without new music. So I waited until I had more than five songs to discuss and highlight. For this month’s mix, it’s a mix of new pop and some new Christian/inspirational that I found while the COVID-19 pandemic has been going on.
Despite the pandemic, many artists still put out the albums they had worked so hard on, and I look forward to reviewing those. Until then, here’s a summer playlist for you curated by yours truly.
Click the above graphic to listen to the playlist while you read.
Boyfriend: I remember the first time I heard this. I went for my morning walk and was instantly into the backbeat of this song. It makes this simple song go from whiny and complaining about being single and occasionally lonely into a dance party. It’s almost like a fun pop twist on the saying, “It takes two to tango.”
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I Love Yous: Sampling “No More I Love Yous” by Annie Lennox, this song talks about the importance of healing and self-care following a break-up with someone you cared for deeply, and not jumping right into a new relationship.
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Holy Water: Anthem of various genres with a timeless sound, this song celebrates forgiveness which believers have once they come face to face with Jesus and his never-ending grace.
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I’m Ready: A choir-filled anthem with a powerful declaration of putting it out in the Universe that you are ready for love to find you and love you back.
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Break My Heart: Disco-oriented, a dance party track about finally being in a happy place and wondering if this new person will end up only breaking your heart.
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Genetics: A single off Trainor’s album Treat Myself that talks about body positivity and how it can be hard with the surgery craze of the West Coast. It also has this runway type musicality.
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Savage: Made famous by TikTok, this hip-hop self-love anthem defines what it means to be a female in today’s world.
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Together: A song of hope released early amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, it touches on sticking together through the good and the bad. It’s got a choir-like anthem musicality.
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Clean: A song about taking care of your own sanity and mental well-being after you clean someone from your life. It has a multi-layered vocals musicality that mimics a choir.
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Yikes: Trap banger released early after Minaj’s retirement announcement. The track is 2:36 and hits hard from start to finish.
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All My Friends Are Fake: A beautiful lyrical look at how unreliable people can be, and it ends up causing people to develop trust issues.
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That Way: A piano ballad about two friends who have an unspoken chemistry which messes with your head and causes tension on the friendship
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CRZY: This song came out in 2016 but I just discovered its genius. CRZY is a defiant R &B ode to take back the reigns on Kehlani’s own narrative. She’s not addressing anyone who counts her out, but instead applauds her own success and the challenges she’s faced.
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Daisies: One of my favorite songs right now; a self-empowerment anthem that features a mid-tempo production in its verses and a guitar in its chorus. It just reminds the listener to remain true to the course you set for yourself, regardless of what others may think.
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Stuck With U: An R&B Collaboration between Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande to raise money for first responders during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Savage (Remix): A brand new verse from Meg and an equal verse from Beyonce. They put this song out to raise money from COVID-19 relief for their hometown of Houston.
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X: When I first heard this song, it brought me right back to being ten years old and obsessed with Ricky Martin. With musicality that reminisces his first album, the Jonas Brothers hit another one out of the park with the way they fuse genres into pop music. It’s dancy, fun, and muy caliente.
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June 9, 2020
#SmartCookiePR: Inspirational author Jen Ervig set to appear on Living and Thriving with Rustie MacDonald
Author of When My Mind Winds Up and When My Mind Unwinds Jen Ervig is set to appear on Living and Thriving with Rustie MacDonald.
The podcast offers listeners insight for the mind, body and soul.
You can find all previous and current episodes of the podcast here and check out Jen’s books here
Connect with Jen at all these networks below.
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#SmartCookiePR: Willie Handler to appear on Ghostman Podcast
Willie Handler, Author of The Road Ahead and Loved Mars, Hated The Food will appear on Ghostman Podcast and the episode will be available soon after the recording date of June 13.
Ghostman Podcast discusses horror stories, paranormal stories, and all things extraterrestial.
You can find all episodes of the podcast here and you can check out Willie’s science fiction novel here.
You can keep up to date with Willie at the networks below:
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Willie also puts together a very informative email newsletter so if you are a fan of his writing, his humor, or his cooking, make sure to subscribe. He doesn’t provide recipes but he does have all the ingredients necessary to keep up to date with him and his books.
June 7, 2020
#BookishThoughts: Stop Missing Your Life by Cory Muscara helps you learn what it means to be truly present in a distracting world
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Released at the end of 2019, I was eager to walk into 2020 more present than I had in previous years.
I got the book in January from the publisher and thought it would be a quick and easy read.
After all, it was a book walking me through how to be deeply present.
Now, five months later (I finished the book in May 2020), I’ve finished the book and see how very un-present not to mention irresponsible I’ve been.
In itself, reading a book is an act of being present. Present and actively engaged with the materials covered (if non-fiction) or in the story itself (with fiction, poetry, and memoir).
What does it mean to be deeply present?
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And it was during those five months from when I began reading this book to now, that I sought justice for evil. I had witnessed and experienced, sought healing and wholeness after heartbreak, betrayal, and utter rejection, and I began to speak from a place of true honesty and authenticity which I’ve never truly had in the twenty-seven years of my life prior.
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Muscara’s book takes the reader through personal anecdotes and mindfulness practices down a journey of true presence and intimacy with ourselves, and relates that back to the intimacy and connection we have with others.
Now, at 28, I feel more self-aware, authentic, and unapologetic about who I am than I ever have, and I will never allow myself to suppress the ‘shadow parts’ that need loving, too.
Once I sat down to being more present, and committed to finishing this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe anyone could benefit from reading it.
As far as my own journey into being present, I will start by being more adamant and dedicated toward being present while reading books I review, and music albums as well.
Overall, I want this to be me telling the world, I promise to stop not showing up for myself and all the Smart Cookie Philes is to people everywhere.
Meaning whether with my clients or books or music I promise to review, I will aim to get it done or offer a “thanks but no thanks.”
It’s this small but simple thing I believe will make the most difference.
June 2, 2020
#SmartCookiePR: Jennifer Ervig to bring her message about defeating anxiety to Dove and Dragon Radio
For Immediate Release
May 24, 2020
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
When My Mind Winds Up: Book where Author Shines a light on her own struggles with anxiety to help you defeat your own.
Author to Appear on Dove and Dragon Radio Podcast Hosted by M.L. Ruscsak
Award-nominated author Ervig writes with a conversational and authentic tone sharing about her own personal struggles with anxiety while like a best friend lifting you up with encouragement and hope to help you defeat your own. Her episode of Dove and Dragon Radio will be recorded on June 9, 2020 and available soon after. Dove and Dragon Radio is hosted by Author M.L. Ruscsak. A
podcast where you can find out what the world of indie and small press publishing is up to.!
You can listen to all episodes of the podcast here: Blog Talk Radio .
About When My Mind Winds Up:
When My Mind Winds Up is a unique help for the reader who finds their mind constantly tangled up in anxiety. Jen brings her faith and personal journey with open hands in hopes that she can take what’s helped her and “pay it forward”. You’ll be shocked at what you read and it will hurt, but hopefully it will “hurt so good”.
About the Author:
Jen is a Seattle area pastor, wife, mom, event speaker and award nominated author. Her book, As My Mind Unwinds, has been heralded as a hilarious, non fluffy, unique take on a devotional surprising even non Christian readers again and again. She loves to laugh and firmly believes that “Jesus doesn’t care about your happiness if your joy is at stake”.
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May 25, 2020
#SmartCookiePR: Oscar Redden To Be A Guest on Boss in the Making with Felicia Baxley
For Immediate Release
May 23, 2020
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
Albert The Albatross Taking Flight In Quarantine
Debut Children’s Author To Appear on Boss in the Making Podcast with host Felicia Baxley
Oscar will be sharing an inspiring and encouraging message with all listeners of the Boss in the Making Podcast. His episode will be available July 2, 2020. Boss in the making is hosted by Felicia Baxley.Boss In The Making takes the listener on a journey through one woman’s road to success. Designed to teach, motivate, realtor, and encourage, Boss In The Making discusses the necessary subject matter a BOSS needs to know! You can listen to all episodes of the podcast here: https://www.thecreativesgrind.com/listen as well as Google Podcasts, Apple podcasts, and Spotify.
About Albert The Albatross:
Albert the Albatross is on a journey sharing wisdom and Knowledge while traveling around the world.On the way he will meet and greet lots of his friends and we will learn what they do, and why they do it ( and what Albert thinks about it all )A rhyming story for the young and old !
About the Author:
Oscar Redden IV is the author of “Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equal Altitude”- a book developed to function as a blueprint to teach and inspire the youth about the values of integrity and respect. Oscar grew up in Sanford, Florida- a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and family is monumental. Oscar has a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and has spent over 6.5 years in Logistics with Walmart Supply Chain. Oscar believes that a positive attitude is more important than all skill-sets and is the X-factor to achieving your dreams. Recently, Oscar transitioned his career and is now a 5th Grade: Math and Science teacher. There he continues to share his influence about the power of a positive attitude and motivates the youth to be the best representation of themselves. He currently lives in Ocala, Florida with his Wife. Please visit his website at Albert The Albatross.
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May 23, 2020
#SmartCookiePR: Dove and Dragon Radio to welcome children’s book author and inspirational leader Oscar Redden IV
For Immediate Release
May 23, 2020
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
Albert The Albatross Taking Flight In Quarantine
Debut Children’s Author To Appear on Podcast Dove and Dragon Radio with M.L.Ruscsak
Oscar will be sharing an inspiring and encouraging message with all listeners of the Author Talk with M.L. Ruscsak. His episode will be recorded on May 26, 2020 and will be available soon after.Dove and Dragon Radio is hosted by Author M.L. Ruscsak. A podcast where you can find out what the world of indie and small press publishing is up to.! You can listen to all episodes of the podcast here:Blog Talk Radio. A live book review of Albert The Albatross will be available after June 4, 2020.
About Albert The Albatross:
Albert the Albatross is on a journey sharing wisdom and Knowledge while traveling around the world.On the way he will meet and greet lots of his friends and we will learn what they do, and why they do it ( and what Albert thinks about it all )A rhyming story for the young and old !
About the Author:
Oscar Redden IV is the author of “Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equal Altitude”- a book developed to function as a blueprint to teach and inspire the youth about the values of integrity and respect. Oscar grew up in Sanford, Florida- a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and family is monumental. Oscar has a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and has spent over 6.5 years in Logistics with Walmart Supply Chain. Oscar believes that a positive attitude is more important than all skill-sets and is the X-factor to achieving your dreams. Recently, Oscar transitioned his career and is now a 5th Grade: Math and Science teacher. There he continues to share his influence about the power of a positive attitude and motivates the youth to be the best representation of themselves. He currently lives in Ocala, Florida with his Wife. Please visit his website at Albert The Albatross.
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#SmartCookiePR:Oscar Redden Is Helping Kids With his Book ‘Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equals Altitude’ (Be A Force Podcast)
The Be A Force podcast featuring children’s book author Oscar Redden IV talk about helping kids with his book Albert The Albatross teaching children the power of a positive attitude.
You can listen here:
Be A Force Listen and Download
Make sure you follow Albert The Albatross on all these platforms:
feel free to share these graphics on all platforms if you listen to this episode so Albert and Oscar know you are a friend.
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