Lorina Stephens's Blog, page 37
August 25, 2014
Michell Plested blogs about reviews
Recently on Michell Plested's website he discussed his views on reader reviews, their pros and cons, and his very sane, cogent response to negative reader reviews based on agenda and aesthetics rather than true critical evaluation and comment. I think you will find what he has to say enlightening.
Reviews (not a rant)Posted on August 21, 2014 by MichellI actually started writing this post several days ago. Except, at that time, I was writing it more as a rant than anything that might be useful.Let me begin by explaining why I was upset and felt the need (which I overcame…eventually) to write a rant.Reviews are extremely important to anyone with a product. Books, as you might guess, are products – they are the result of a lot of work, creativity, (more) work and stress, but they are products nonetheless.I cannot speak for other products that receive reviews but I have seen many instances of where an individual, apparently fueled by a sense of anonymity and overwhelming feeling of power, has left what could only charitably be called a bad review of a book or story. These “bad” reviews often focus on things that have nothing to do with the story itself – maybe the reviewer didn’t like the cost of the book, or the formatting, or they were shocked when a book clearly labelled as one genre didn’t turn out to be another.Nonsense like that makes my blood boil just a little (probably more easily due to the elevation I live at) and hence the reason for my wanting to rant.So, that all being said, let me take a moment to explain why I feel that well thought out, intelligent reviews are important:Potential readers will look at the reviews to make that final decision as to whether a book is worth investing time and money in.Inane reviews, especially if that’s all there is, do not help readers in any way. If nothing else exists, a reader may (incorrectly) assume that the reviewer actually knew what he/she was talking about and leave, never looking back.Intelligent, well thought out reviews, whether positive or negative, can give the potential reader some insight into both what the reviewer likes/dislikes and how to approach a book. That gives a true indication whether or not to pick up a book. It also (at least for me) says, I may not like a particular book, but the author’s other works might be worth checking out.Author’s need feedback. Beyond just bragging about all the 5-star reviews one might (or might not) have, it is nice to get an idea of how one’s work is perceived.Reviews mean people have read the book (typically). Some readers don’t want to be the first one to try something new. If the trail has already been blazed so much the better.Publishers, editors, agents (and many others) read reviews. If you (author) are trying to attract the attention of any of the aforementioned types of people, having real reviews is a very good thing.I know I haven’t captured every single reason why reviews are important. The message I do want to convey is how important proper reviews can be.If you have enjoyed something, please take a moment to say so and why. If a story hasn’t worked for you, its okay to say so. Just couch it in terms that explain why it didn’t work for you. What isn’t good for one person might be for another. Reasons are important.Most importantly, if you don’t have anything useful to say, don’t say anything at all. Flaming a book because you don’t like the price or the choice of layout only shows you to be…well, I’ll let you fill in that particular blank.After all, this post isn’t about ranting.Michell Plested is the author of the young readers fantasy series: Mik Murdoch, available in print and ebook from Five Rivers, online booksellers worldwide, and select bookstores.
Reviews (not a rant)Posted on August 21, 2014 by MichellI actually started writing this post several days ago. Except, at that time, I was writing it more as a rant than anything that might be useful.Let me begin by explaining why I was upset and felt the need (which I overcame…eventually) to write a rant.Reviews are extremely important to anyone with a product. Books, as you might guess, are products – they are the result of a lot of work, creativity, (more) work and stress, but they are products nonetheless.I cannot speak for other products that receive reviews but I have seen many instances of where an individual, apparently fueled by a sense of anonymity and overwhelming feeling of power, has left what could only charitably be called a bad review of a book or story. These “bad” reviews often focus on things that have nothing to do with the story itself – maybe the reviewer didn’t like the cost of the book, or the formatting, or they were shocked when a book clearly labelled as one genre didn’t turn out to be another.Nonsense like that makes my blood boil just a little (probably more easily due to the elevation I live at) and hence the reason for my wanting to rant.So, that all being said, let me take a moment to explain why I feel that well thought out, intelligent reviews are important:Potential readers will look at the reviews to make that final decision as to whether a book is worth investing time and money in.Inane reviews, especially if that’s all there is, do not help readers in any way. If nothing else exists, a reader may (incorrectly) assume that the reviewer actually knew what he/she was talking about and leave, never looking back.Intelligent, well thought out reviews, whether positive or negative, can give the potential reader some insight into both what the reviewer likes/dislikes and how to approach a book. That gives a true indication whether or not to pick up a book. It also (at least for me) says, I may not like a particular book, but the author’s other works might be worth checking out.Author’s need feedback. Beyond just bragging about all the 5-star reviews one might (or might not) have, it is nice to get an idea of how one’s work is perceived.Reviews mean people have read the book (typically). Some readers don’t want to be the first one to try something new. If the trail has already been blazed so much the better.Publishers, editors, agents (and many others) read reviews. If you (author) are trying to attract the attention of any of the aforementioned types of people, having real reviews is a very good thing.I know I haven’t captured every single reason why reviews are important. The message I do want to convey is how important proper reviews can be.If you have enjoyed something, please take a moment to say so and why. If a story hasn’t worked for you, its okay to say so. Just couch it in terms that explain why it didn’t work for you. What isn’t good for one person might be for another. Reasons are important.Most importantly, if you don’t have anything useful to say, don’t say anything at all. Flaming a book because you don’t like the price or the choice of layout only shows you to be…well, I’ll let you fill in that particular blank.After all, this post isn’t about ranting.Michell Plested is the author of the young readers fantasy series: Mik Murdoch, available in print and ebook from Five Rivers, online booksellers worldwide, and select bookstores.
August 22, 2014
High school English teacher loves Shakespeare for Slackers: Romeo and Juliet
available in print and eBookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstoresThis 5-star review from a secondary school English teacher just came in from LibaryThing:
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.I haven't totally finished reading this, but I am most of the way through, and I love it! Although there are points that I might want to argue with Mr. Kite (such as his interpretation of the word "ho"), I thoroughly believe that his modern take on the play is amazing and will easily help me engage my high school freshmen in the world of Shakespeare. As an English teacher, I am always looking for ways to help my students relate to the material, and this is going to be a valuable resource for doing just that. ( 
)
| 
flagLoriBivens | Aug 19, 2014 |
The second book in the Slackers series, Hamlet, will release December 1, 2014, with Macbeth available early in 2015.
August 20, 2014
D.G. Laderoute at When Words Collide
D.G. Laderoute, author of the spell-binding YA fantasy, Out of Time, sat on several panels at this year's When Words Collide convention of readers, writers and those involved in the publishing industry.
One of the panels was Live Action Slush -- YA Edition. The concept is writers put forward their work anonymously for the panel to read, and then the audience and panel comment, blind. Fabulous concept.
If ever you have an opportunity to hear Laderoute read, or speak, it's an event worth attending.
D.G. Laderoute, second from left,
reading at When Words Collide 2014
One of the panels was Live Action Slush -- YA Edition. The concept is writers put forward their work anonymously for the panel to read, and then the audience and panel comment, blind. Fabulous concept.
If ever you have an opportunity to hear Laderoute read, or speak, it's an event worth attending.
D.G. Laderoute, second from left,reading at When Words Collide 2014
August 18, 2014
Five Rivers on Pinterest
Senior Editor, Robert Runte, apparently loves phaffing about on Pinterest. He apparently has created a whole series of boards on a uniquely Five Rivers Publishing site. Some great categories and information there. Might want to check it out. Official site is at: http://www.pinterest.com/fiveriversp/
August 15, 2014
Mik Murdoch: The Power Within receiving rave reader reviews
Reader reviews are now coming in on Goodreads for Michell Plested's newest installment in the Mik Murdoch series: Mik Murdoch: The Power Within.
available in print and eBook
from Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
It would seem Mik, and Mike, are pleasing fans.
Jul 31, 2014Jeffrey Hite rated it 5 of 5 starsShelves: family, ya, scifi, kids, authors-i-knowThe in interest of full disclosure Michell Plested is a good friend of mine and a co-edit on a couple of projects we have worked on together, and I was given my Advanced Readers Copy in return for a fair and honest review. Though I would have gladly paid full price for the book having read the first one.
Warning there are mild spoilers of both book one and book two but nothing you can get over.
In this second book in the series Mik Murdoch Boy Super Hero continues in his efforts to protect his fair town of Cranberry Flats, but with his Super Hero Librarian Friend moved to the city and him left with only the hope of a super power to come, what is a boy to do? Well he could eat the berry given to him by the guardian, but who knows what will come of that. When troubles at school, his friends leaving town, and something weird going on with his health, his parents decide that a summer at the lake might just be the right thing for them all. When he bumps into his idol and gets a chance of a life time, the summer just gets more and more complicated.
If you read the first, book or even if you didn't you will enjoy this book. While I loved the first book, this one is head and shoulders above it, Michell Plested has really grown as a writer and a story teller. Even though he is a year older now, Mik still relies on his parents and turns to them in times of trouble, far from the norm of most absent or brainless parents found in most YA novels.
While his super powers and what he discovers at the lake are a bit out there Mik himself is truly down to Earth. He has every day concerns, his Dog Krypto, his dad who has to keep going back into town for work, and his mom who is a bit lonely out at the lake, not to mention some pesky creatures who keep messing with them, and girl near his own age in the cabin down the beach.
This book is a quick read, but just long enough to make it truly enjoyable, and just short enough to leave you wanting more.
I am still reading it to my kids (one chapter a night) and they are always asking for more.(less)flaglike · comment · see review
Jul 17, 2014Jade Brooke rated it 5 of 5 starsShelves: young-adult, childrenMik's back, and better than ever! Him and his best friend, Krypto, go on another adventure! This time, we find the two at the lake. They meet some new friends, and help solve a mystery. Mik does learn a hard lesson at the end, but he takes it in stride! I really love the character Mik, as he genuinely cares for those around him. He's always eager to his his family, he's polite to others, and he's got an endless supply of energy I wish I had! I will admit to sneaking in a few pages while at work, as I really needed to know what happened! I must say I love the super power that the berry gave Mik!
If you like adventure and mystery, this book is the one for you! (less)flag2 likes · like · comment · see review
available in print and eBookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
It would seem Mik, and Mike, are pleasing fans.
Jul 31, 2014Jeffrey Hite rated it 5 of 5 starsShelves: family, ya, scifi, kids, authors-i-knowThe in interest of full disclosure Michell Plested is a good friend of mine and a co-edit on a couple of projects we have worked on together, and I was given my Advanced Readers Copy in return for a fair and honest review. Though I would have gladly paid full price for the book having read the first one.Warning there are mild spoilers of both book one and book two but nothing you can get over.
In this second book in the series Mik Murdoch Boy Super Hero continues in his efforts to protect his fair town of Cranberry Flats, but with his Super Hero Librarian Friend moved to the city and him left with only the hope of a super power to come, what is a boy to do? Well he could eat the berry given to him by the guardian, but who knows what will come of that. When troubles at school, his friends leaving town, and something weird going on with his health, his parents decide that a summer at the lake might just be the right thing for them all. When he bumps into his idol and gets a chance of a life time, the summer just gets more and more complicated.
If you read the first, book or even if you didn't you will enjoy this book. While I loved the first book, this one is head and shoulders above it, Michell Plested has really grown as a writer and a story teller. Even though he is a year older now, Mik still relies on his parents and turns to them in times of trouble, far from the norm of most absent or brainless parents found in most YA novels.
While his super powers and what he discovers at the lake are a bit out there Mik himself is truly down to Earth. He has every day concerns, his Dog Krypto, his dad who has to keep going back into town for work, and his mom who is a bit lonely out at the lake, not to mention some pesky creatures who keep messing with them, and girl near his own age in the cabin down the beach.
This book is a quick read, but just long enough to make it truly enjoyable, and just short enough to leave you wanting more.
I am still reading it to my kids (one chapter a night) and they are always asking for more.(less)flaglike · comment · see review
Jul 17, 2014Jade Brooke rated it 5 of 5 starsShelves: young-adult, childrenMik's back, and better than ever! Him and his best friend, Krypto, go on another adventure! This time, we find the two at the lake. They meet some new friends, and help solve a mystery. Mik does learn a hard lesson at the end, but he takes it in stride! I really love the character Mik, as he genuinely cares for those around him. He's always eager to his his family, he's polite to others, and he's got an endless supply of energy I wish I had! I will admit to sneaking in a few pages while at work, as I really needed to know what happened! I must say I love the super power that the berry gave Mik!If you like adventure and mystery, this book is the one for you! (less)flag2 likes · like · comment · see review
August 14, 2014
More Photos from When Words Collide 2014
Five Rivers book launch at When Words Collide, Calgary, Aug 2014. Five of the six authors from the Spring / Summer lineup were available at the conference to do 'teaser' readings and sign their latest releases. From L-R: Susan Bohnet, Aaron Kite, Mike Plested, Ann Marston and Susan MacGregor.
Part of the attentive audience at the launch readings.
August 13, 2014
Susan MacGregor at When Words Collide
Susan MacGregor's second novel in the Tattooed Witch Trilogy, The Tattooed Seer, has been shortlisted for the 2014 Prix Aurora.
This past weekend she and Chadwick Ginther, also shortlisted for his novel Tombstone Blues, mugged it for the cameras in an all-out pseudo fracas. Susan says her image is so blurry because she was so lightning fast.
Susan MacGregor (left), Chadwick Ginther (right)
This past weekend she and Chadwick Ginther, also shortlisted for his novel Tombstone Blues, mugged it for the cameras in an all-out pseudo fracas. Susan says her image is so blurry because she was so lightning fast.
Susan MacGregor (left), Chadwick Ginther (right)
August 11, 2014
WWC 2014
Another fantastic event held by the organizers of When Words Collide.
Five Rivers senior editor, Robert Runte and many Five Rivers authors attended, taking part in panels, pitch sessions, signings and general networking.
In the coming days more news and photos will be available, for now we thought we'd share these three. Apologies for the quality; Robert's phone revolted on his way out the door and so he used a spare, and thus the quality of the images is not that great.
Mike Plested (centre), author of the Mik Murdoch series
at his book signing
Aaron Kite (left) on a panel
author of Shakespeare for Slackers, and A Touch of Poison
Susan MacGregor (left), author of The Tattooed Witch Trilogy
at her book signing
Five Rivers senior editor, Robert Runte and many Five Rivers authors attended, taking part in panels, pitch sessions, signings and general networking.
In the coming days more news and photos will be available, for now we thought we'd share these three. Apologies for the quality; Robert's phone revolted on his way out the door and so he used a spare, and thus the quality of the images is not that great.
Mike Plested (centre), author of the Mik Murdoch seriesat his book signing
Aaron Kite (left) on a panelauthor of Shakespeare for Slackers, and A Touch of Poison
Susan MacGregor (left), author of The Tattooed Witch Trilogyat her book signing
August 8, 2014
Five Rivers Spring/Summer launch at When Words Collide
An updated poster for our Five Rivers Publishing's Book Session on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. We will be launching seven books (our complete Spring/Summer line) with five minute 'teaser' readings. All seven books will be available for sale at the WWC special rate of $15 each, except for Dave Duncan's book, which sells for $10. Hope to see you there.
August 7, 2014
Updates from When Words Collide
Editor-in-chief, Dr. Robert Runte is currently attending the pre-festival workshops at When Words Collide. Thought we'd share this group shot he sent along.
He says, "At When Words Collide conference, during a break in workshop by Adrienne Kerr (acquisition editor for commercial fiction at Penguin Canada).
At the table are (left to right) short story author Ron Freidman, Five Rivers author Connie Penner, editor and author Elizabeth McLachlan, myself, Five Rivers author Susan Forest, Penguin author Rob Sawyer, and Edge author and convention chair, Randy McCharles."
He says, "At When Words Collide conference, during a break in workshop by Adrienne Kerr (acquisition editor for commercial fiction at Penguin Canada).
At the table are (left to right) short story author Ron Freidman, Five Rivers author Connie Penner, editor and author Elizabeth McLachlan, myself, Five Rivers author Susan Forest, Penguin author Rob Sawyer, and Edge author and convention chair, Randy McCharles."
