Simi Sunny's Blog - Posts Tagged "goodreads-blog"

Hey, guys! I've been busy again. Not to mention that I had visitors over the weekend. I had a great time, but I'm tired out. Well, at least I can relax on Memorial day. Though, it seems gloomy from where I'm living.

I hope you guys enjoyed your Memorial day weekend so far. Remember, it's all about honoring the soldiers who have protected our country. We should thank them. ^-^ Plus, they made history and today's soldiers are still making them.

Be sure to check out my novel, The White Sirens. Available on Amazon in ebook version. You can also check out an excerpt of my book on Goodreads, before you can buy it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZY1N2TM/...

She dances in the rain
With her trusty cat.
Both were in vain
But happiness is what they're good at.

Raindrops falling from the sky,
Bringing them joy in their hearts.
Positive enegy oh-so high,
Nothing could could tear them apart.

Everything the cat and girl do is for love,
Because they have each other.
Their joy is from the world above
That it inspires one another.

So do some good
And be out of the black cold.
From childhood to adulthood
You never feel so old.

(Just doing some writing exercise. I haven't done some rhyme schemes for a long time. I've always been writing free style in poems. If it doesn't sound so good, I apologize. Be sure to check out my book which is available on Amazon).

Hey, everyone. I feel like it's been awhile since I last wrote a blog post. But I'm sure I was sticking around to find more books to read in the future. Though, I have a lot in my to-read list.

Anyway, I've been busy lately, but I've managed to come up with more ideas for my new book. Thanks a few of my friends and my sister, I managed to come up with more ideas for the plot of my story. I cannot wait for you guys to read my new book. And as for you readers out there, I can give you hint of what my book is going to be. The genre will be Fantasy.

Honestly, I really want to do Fantasy, because it is my life! Even every time I think, it's fantasy based. So whatever story plot it is in a fantasy book, I hope you will love it!

And speaking of fantasy, I'm halfway finished to reading the last book of The Mortal Instruments series, The City of Heavenly Fire. And after that, I want to take a break from the Shadowhunters series and read another series that my friend recommended in high school. I hope it's promising. I saw someone doing a fanart of it, and it caught my interest. Ever heard of The Wrath and The Dawn series? I'll be reading it next. And feel free to check out my reviews on the book I read or ask me questions that are booklover related. It doesn't always have to be about me.

I'll make sure to keep up-to-date with my book and whatever project on working on. And be sure to check out my book, The White Sirens. Available on Amazon in ebook version. And if you either enjoyed it or not, feel free to rate and review my book. https://www.amazon.com/White-Sirens-S...

Hey, guys! It's finally the weekend, and I have a lot in store for you guys. Today, I want to share something very important. I guess you can say that it's a random fact that I want share you guys.

So while I was try to look though my material book, where all my writing exercises and future story ideas are there, I've noticed how much ideas I've written. Not only did I have fantasy story ideas are in there, but there's also mystery.

Of course, I have published my first novel that is a mystery one, but you know, I think I understand why.

Growing up, I would always watch a lot of action and mystery movies. Most of them were Indian films, but others were American films/shows. And most of the time, they have a lot of plot twists, which I try to weave it into my novel (you can thank O Henry, the creator of plot twists).

So I'm amazed when I realized that I have written my first mystery novel, which I thought I would never do. But, you know, it did. So I might be able to do both Mystery and Fantasy novels in the near future. Who knows? I have ideas that are in store for you guys.

And let me give you guys a quick tip, if you ever want to write a mystery novel/series. I suggest to put some feeling into that book. More importantly have a plot twist to the story. It will most likely to grab people's attention. If you don't believe me, check out Viola Carr's books, The Diabolical Miss Hyde, The Devious Dr. Jekyll, and The Dastardly Miss Lizzie. I have not read the third book yet, but I will eventually. So please, check it out.

And make sure to check out my mystery novel, The White Sirens. Available on Amazon in ebook version. Don't forget to rate and review my book, if you get the chance. Also, make sure to tell others, if they're interested!

Hello, everyone. I wanted to write a blog a few days back, but I had so many errands to run. At least I have time to write in the next few minutes or so.

So Friday, I managed to get a new hairdo before the wedding that I had to attend to. It was my dad's friend's son's wedding, actually, and I managed to have a good time. And it did do me some good, because I've been stressed and anxious for a while. Luckily. I had a big break.

Then, there was my birthday (ahhh)! So I'm officially nineteen and counting. It wasn't much relaxing than I thought it would be, because I had to help my sister move in for college. Honestly, I miss my sister so much that it's not the same. But hey, at least I'm still trying to help her make more videos for her channel. And for those who have wished me a happy birthday, thank you.I'm really grateful to have my family and loved ones with me. Hopefully, I will continue to thrive and make more books as much as possible.

That's all that I have for today. I'm trying my best to get back into writing my book, since it's been awhile since I last write it. I mean, it feels like a while. I know it's ok to take a break from writing your book, because you can gather more ideas while you're out. But I still feel guilty, so I'm going to do my best to write more.

And be sure to check out my book, The White Sirens. Available on Amazon in ebook version. Take care, guys!

What's up, guys? I wanted to write my blog post tomorrow, but I know that my day is going to be hectic. So it's better to get it over it, just in case.

Any who, I would like to discuss about what's going on. Earlier today, I was trying to promote my book online, until someone suggested to do a review swap.

So what is a review swap, you might ask?A review swap is when one author wants you to read and review your work, while he or she does the same for yours. It may sound great, but that is wrong. And there have been issues when it comes to review swaps. You would get in trouble and, if you have Goodreads or Amazon account, they would terminate you for that.

So for those who are new authors or-- for this occasion --young authors, DO NOT do review swap. I know that getting reviews is nice, but you need to be honest when you review them. More importantly, don't read something that's not your interest. If you have friends or family who are willing to read your work, that's fine. It's always better to have an audience who can give you feedback.

And I understand that you want more reviews, but this is not the best way to get reviews. Believe me. I'm desperate for reviews, too, but I don't do the cheating way to get reviews. Even if someone wants to review your book because of a blurb, don't let them do it. There's more to it in the book than the blurb, so they don't understand what they're missing out if they don't read the whole book (it happened to me. I swear).

My suggestion is to keep promoting your books as much as you can.

1. Don't over do it, because that's going to irritate people. I usually promote my book through twitter and use hashtags.

2. If you guys have a Goodreads or Wattpad, upload your excerpt and have people read them, before they read your book and review them.

3. Join an author related group chat (or any book lover book chat that allows authors to promote their books). You just need to follow their guidelines, be active on the groups as much as you can, and don't over do it.

4. And one last thing, which it can come and handy, you can do automated messages on twitter or any social media accounts. Sure, it's annoying, but it can be handy. That way, you can spread the word about your book, if people follow you. And the best part is that you don't have to force them.

I hope you guys all understand what I'm trying to say. Also, I hope that these tips would come in handy.

And if you want to check out my book, The White Sirens, you can. Feel free to read the excerpt of my book, if you're interested in. The full version is available on Amazon in ebook version. :) https://www.amazon.com/White-Sirens-S...

Hey everyone. Happy, Thursday! We're almost to the weekend, which I'm happy. At least I'm in a chipper mood for this week. Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

I want to talk about my book (just briefly). I made a few changes to the description, because someone pointed out that there was something wrong with it (not totally wrong). Hopefully, everything's all fixed. And hey, not every author is perfect. They can have a few flaws in their books. :)

Another thing that I want to add is that I increased the price. Just a tad, though. I didn't want to increase the price. But since I'm having budget problems, I need to increase it. However, I have a special deal that's coming up. For mystery lovers and fellow bookworms, get a chance to read my book for only $1.99 from Sept. 30th to Oct. 7th. So don't miss that. I will remind you as much as I can.

So please stay up-to-date with my blogs. And be sure to check out my novel The White Sirens. Available on Amazon in ebook version. I will put up the description of my book and the link to purchase it. Thank and have a happy reading.

Description:
"It has been two years since twenty-two-year-old Eliza Thorne went to prison. Now she is let out into the world and tries to make a change. Though, Eliza has no idea where to start. After she is out of prison, things have gotten to a rocky start. Eliza takes care of her old neighborhood friend's five-year-old daughter, Kayla. Then, she encounters her high school friend Anthony, who is a police officer. But fate took it's toll. After Eliza stood up to the waitress' abusive boyfriend and catches a man running down the street with a pedestrian's purse, she is hired to work with the police. And who will assist her? Her boss, Chief Johnson, assigns Anthony to be Eliza's aid. Because of Eliza's criminal history and her impressive fighting skills, the chief of police thinks that Eliza can help with the cases.

In the novel White Sirens, Eliza must redeem herself, as she faces her own past, discovers love and loyalty, and what her past unravels while solving a mystery."

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/White-Sirens-S...

Hey, everyone! Hope you guys are having a lovely week. And for those who are suffering at the hands of Hurricane Irma, I'm so sorry. A friend of mine lives in Puerto Rico, and her home was destroyed by the hurricane. So I hope that you all are safe and that your homes will be restored.

I don't want to be rude and all, but I'm these Facebook groups, where you can promote your books and share your reviews. No, I'm not in charge of it. A fellow author name Anita Chance is and created the groups. Though, I do feel like I am in charge of the groups (haha). But the important is that I encourage fellow authors and self-published authors to join. It will be a great experience.

But I will note that there is a number one rule when it comes to reviewing other books: NO REVIEW SWAPS.

If you want to do a review swap, do it privately. However, Amazon has algorithms, where they can track an see what's funky. And if you guys are doing review swap, you will terminated. I just want to let everyone know, because I don't want you guys to get into any trouble. Feel free to use a different pen name, but still.

So make sure to check it out. Or, if you have a friend or family member who was an author, let them know about our group. The more authors we have in the group, the more the support we get. ^-^

So happy reading, you guys! And, if you want, you can check out my book. The White Sirens is available on Amazon in ebook version. And make sure to rate and review my book, if you like it or not. https://www.amazon.com/White-Sirens-S...

Here are the groups to check out:
Author's Unite: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19606...

The Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11462...

Hi, everyone! How'everyone's week is going well. Mine is pleasant so far, even though there have been a few setbacks, but not to worry. I try to be blessed and be thankful of the loved ones that I have and the things that I have accomplished so far.

You may be wondering, "Hey, what's all this about?" Well, I could tell you, after contemplating my thoughts.

As you may know, Bookcon has passed and many authors I know have come, and readers that I have followed have attended. So to be honest, I was feeling left out, because I loved books. And, more importantly, my dream was to go to book festivals and events like Bookcon to meet authors and readers and interact with them while showcasing my books. But there were reasons why I couldn't attend.

1. I didn't know there was such thing as Bookcon (forgive me)!

2. I wasn't informed about it, until I looked it up at the last minute. BUT if it was far away from where I was living, I wouldn't be able to go.

AND

3. The most important of all the reasons I have listed, is because I wasn't able to afford expenses, due to the student loans that I have (how on earth did I get all the books I have read, anyway? Duh!).

So those are the main reasons why I couldn't go. But that's ok. Maybe I'm not able to go this year, but maybe by next year or the year after that, I would be able to go. I'm happy to wait as long as I can. Even when it comes to showcasing my books, I can still wait. Because you know why? I wanna build myself up while I try to live and experience life all around me. Plus, I have to take care of responsibilities, which is part of adulthood (not easy). So I hope to achieve these aspirations if I get all the love and support I needed, whether it's from readers, authors, or loved ones. But as always, I will always write for all of you and help you guys inspire, no matter what!

And I know that not a lot of readers and writers haven't been able to attend Bookcon this year because of one or two reasons I have listed (I know that most of you know about Bookcon, so that's not one of them). So I'm happy that I'm not alone but, hey, let's build together and make things possible by helping each other. Spreading positivity, here!

So I do hope you guys stay up-to-date with my blog posts and social medias, if you're following them. And be sure to check out my works, including my new novel that I just released this year (The Serpent Girl). In the meantime, take care guys and wish me luck for the future while giving me love and support, as I do the same for all of you!

“One mocha cappuccino, please,” said Janey, feeling shy when the cashier asked what she would like. “And make it skim if that’s possible.”

“No problem, miss.” The cashier smiled before punching in her order. “That will be…” The cashier’s voice trailed off, inspecting Janey closely with a hint of shock on her expression. “You ok, miss? Because it looks like a bruise on your wrist.”

Janey paused from grabbing her money from her bag and glanced down at her wrist, her cheeks beginning to warm from embarrassment. She didn’t want to imagine a thousand eyes staring at her. Honestly, Janey doesn’t want to any attention, even though her red hair was slightly unkempt, and her white dress shirt untucked. But she tried to make a good impression that Janey was fine by wearing makeup to conceal her exhaustion and pain. All except for one that she missed, and it was the bruise on her wrist.

Janey did not want to reminisce.

“I just injured myself,” Janey lied while taking a couple of dollars. “I’ll be fine.”

The cashier nodded and told her her change before taking her money. After exchanging a couple of cents to Janey, the cashier assured her that her order would be ready in a minute or two. But Janey felt a little anxious now, wishing that the barista would give her her order quickly since she didn’t want to be out that long.

As the cashier promised, her cappuccino was ready, so she grabbed it and took a couple of packets of sugar before heading out of the coffee shop. It would be great to stay there and sit down, while Janey enjoys the scent of coffee brewing. But she couldn’t.

When she was a couple of steps farther away from the coffee shop, Janey was introduced by an old man’s grin. But she didn’t smile back, because she was too focused on going home. And then, fear tugged her when the old gentleman followed her. “My, my. Aren’t you gorgeous for a little lady like you.” Janey just rolled her eyes and kept on walking, not eyeing on the man. “Well, listen, I hope you’ll have a wonderful day. Hope I’ll see you around, again, because maybe I can give you a ride.” He lowered his voice and tried to go near her. “If you know what I mean.”

Feeling infuriated and violated, Janey reached for her purse, grabbed the bottle of mace, and sprayed the old man’s eyes. She briskly walked away, leaving the old gentleman to curse under his breath while being blinded by the burning liquid in his eyes. Janey didn’t care if that man appeared to be brittle and innocent; he could still talk whatever he pleases and get what he wants with no consent. Hopefully, a quick walk to home would ease her uneasiness.

Her heels clicked clacked as she walked through the other side of town that felt frightening. Janey would get used to it since it was the way to her home. But because her ex-boyfriend bruised her badly, Janey’s confidence has shattered.

As she passed every alley, Janey heard footsteps approaching. She could tell that they were not as light as her own. So Janey walked a little faster but, unfortunately, the steps she heard were picking up. Janey decided to break into a sprint, but a meaty, sweaty hand grabbed her wrist, before Janey’s body was pinned by something hefty. Janey screamed while the guy was struggling to pin her against the gray, bricked wall. “Let me go, you sick pervert!”

Her mouth was covered by the man’s free hand; Janey saw that the man was smirking at her. “Come on. Haven’t you heard of a little fun?”

Anger returned from earlier today, bubbling inside of Janey. She was tired of being played by men like the two she encountered. So without even thinking, Janey kicked the man in the stomach before splashing her cappuccino, giving him excruciating pain before she ran off. Janey ran as fast as she could to get away from the man that pinned her down. When she stopped running, Janey wasn’t sure where she was. All Janey knew was that she was not close to home.

She wasn’t ready to go home, anyway, now that her cappuccino was gone. However, the sight of a large park has Janey develop an idea for today. Taking a deep breath, she hugged herself as she headed toward the park. As Janey got closer, she spotted children playing in the distance. Janey smiled at them, roaming and being free. If only she would have one, but…

One day, Janey would be ready.

She sat on a bench that’s near the pond. Luscious flowers and shrubs have surrounded it. Glancing down at the clear pond, Janey could see her reflection. Janey appeared to be a mess, even though she did her best to appear well-dressed. But there was no mistaken that Janey could see a hint of tiredness in her dark, brown eyes. She hasn’t been sleeping since her fight with her ex, left her with bruises and scars she wanted to hide forever. Even though the man won’t harm her anymore, Janey still felt like a prey to anyone that would look at her with interest.

“May I sit here?” a male’s voice spooked her.
Janey contained the jolt that traveled up her spine. At least she managed to take a quick look. Just like Janey, the man was wearing a dress shirt and pants. He straightened his thick, black glasses as he smiled down at her. “I hope you don’t mind me,” he clarified.

The girl was shy, wanted to tell him “yes,” but Janey shook her head and gave him space by sliding down at the other side of the bench, hoping that the man won’t touch her. Though, the man appeared to be around her age. Maybe he was nice, but Janey couldn’t risk it. So she had her mace inside her purse, ready to spray, should there be any false move from him.

“I sure love coming here when I’m done with work,” he said all of a sudden. “Even if I don’t have a bad day, I still come here for peace and enjoyment before I go home.” The man turned to see Janey and offered an extra cup of coffee to her with his one hand, while he was holding his own on the other. “You want some vanilla coffee? Apparently, there was a two for one special, so I didn’t neglect the offer. I thought maybe I could have the extra for later, but since I’m here with you, I should be generous.”

Why couldn’t he just shut up? Janey thought miserably. Janey wanted to be alone, but her timidness got the best of her. The girl shook her head again, even though she’s thirsty for some espresso.

“Alright, miss.” The man smiled. “But I will save it for you, in case you want it.”

It was odd that this man she met was being generous. Janey never met a man that could act like that. But what if it’s a trick, just like how she had been played in the past?

“My name is Evan, by the way,” he stated. “Thought maybe I should start with formalities while I’m here.” He combed through his brown hair, even though it was neat and gelled back. “What about you, miss? Mind telling me your name?” When the girl shook her head once more, Evan’s grin didn’t falter. “That’s alright. You’ll have to excuse me. I love meeting new people and getting along with them.”

Too outgoing. Janey pursed her lips.

“Well, enough about me. What about you? How are you doing? Have you been here before?”

Janey was silent while still hugging herself, causing Evan to curl his lips into a frown. “I-is something wrong? I hope I didn’t mean anything to offend you or something.”

She didn’t want to let Evan see her weakness, but it was too late because her lips were trembling. So Evan extended his hand toward her, but Janey swiped it away and yelled, “Why can’t you leave me alone?! All of you!”

Quickly, Janey took off, but she didn’t go too far because of the log Janey stumbled upon. It was humiliating. Now she was sniveling like a little girl but not because she fell; Janey was afraid that everyone, including Evan, would see it.

To her surprise, Evan knelt down beside her, avoiding to touch Janey. “M-miss, I’m sorry if I upset you in some way.”

“It’s not you,” she admitted. Janey never wanted to talk about what happened until now; she was tired and needed to open up to someone. “It’s been rough for me since my ex-boyfriend left.” Janey gazed down on the bruise that was left untouched. And when she glanced up, she noticed that Evan was crestfallen because he realized now.

For a few moments, they were silent and remained in a kneeling position, until Evan stood up before helping Janey to stand. “I’m so sorry,” he spoke. “for what you have been through. It’s not easy for you.” Evan shook his head, feeling disdained. “I don’t think men like your ex doesn’t understand the terms ‘love’ or ‘respect’ mean.”

For a man like him, Janey was amazed that Evan understood how she felt. Better yet, he understood what a woman goes through. Even if he didn’t know what Janey had been through all day, there was an inkling that Evan understood. Could this all be true and real?

“I should probably get going.” Evan walked over to the bench to pick up his things before turning to Janey, extending the offered drink to her once more. “You sure you don’t want this?”

A warm smile bloomed on her lips. “Honestly, I do feel a little thirsty.”

Evan chuckled softly and gave his extra cup of espresso to Janey. Then, he grabbed something from the pocket of his shirt before giving it to her. “This is my card if you want to call, should there be any help. I receive calls for anyone who has suicidal thoughts. And if you want to have a get-together, my cell is in there.” When Janey felt uncertain, Evan continued. “It’s up to you, that is. I don’t want to push you. I just thought I could, not only provide assistance, but also make up for today. You take the call, not me.”

It was the first time that a man would give her a number. Usually, guys would ask for her phone number or push her to go on a date, and she would always object except for the time Janey met her ex. But now, she wouldn’t have to worry. “Th-thank you. I’ll think about it.”

“Ok.” He straightened his bag and pushed his glasses back. “Take care, miss.”

“You, too.”

When Evan left, Janey clutched the card tightly, feeling warm and happy. For the first time, Janey truly felt like she was treated like a lady.

(This is for today's Summer Blog Event, hosted by Kay MacLeod. I'm grateful to be a part of this. I hope that you have all enjoyed this. I wanted to write this piece for a while and share it in a way to spread awareness. Please know that I do not think that all men are bad, if anyone is having doubts. I just wanted to clarify for all you readers out there. In the meantime, stay up-to-date, and do check out my other works so far, other than my blog. Other than that, have a wonderful Sunday)!