Nikki Duncan's Blog, page 8

Writerly Tips: Book Reviews

Why book reviews? They’re a great way for potential readers to find out what people think about a book. Good or bad, they should be honest and factual. More often than not that is the case.

I’ve heard it both ways from authors and readers alike. They love reading their reviews. They hate them and avoid them. Personally, I’m of the reading them variety. I don’t go actively seeking them out, but if they come across my path I do read them. Some of them make me smile with pride. Others make me laugh at the way they’ve been constructed. Some get major, but simple to grasp, book details wrong. Others still are mean and inflammatory where the reviewer is using their platform (whatever the size) in an attempt to sway people to their way of thinking.

I may be a little perverse, but while I love a review that raves about my books, I also really like the ones that don’t tell me how brilliant I am. What I mean by that is that I like the reviewers who take the time to think about what they’ve read and then spell out what did and didn’t work for them and why. These are the reviews I learn the most from.

An example is this: “I so wanted to love this story, and I liked it a lot. …something missing in the developing relationship between Jace and Misty. And the long separation at the end of the book really didn’t jibe with the ending.” From Chris at Night Owl Reviews who gave Twisted in Tulips 3.5 stars.

I’m okay with someone only liking it a lot, but I do want to try to make people love my work so I’ll try harder next time. And in this case, Chris actually told me what path I took that didn’t work for her. I didn’t have the characters together enough at the end. I get it. It’s a novella, there is only so much space and it’s important for people to see the character and relationship development. Next time, I have the characters apart for a certain period of time, I’ll see what I can do to use that time apart to make sure I am still building their relationship.

Another thing I enjoy seeing are opposing views on the same book. From the time I was just beginning to write and was entering contests to now, I have always hit readers one of two way. They love it or they don’t. There’s not a whole lot of middle ground for me.

This is apparent in a Twisted in Tulips 4.5 review from Night Owl Reviews, which was new for me. I don’t normally get two reviews from the same site, but I’m not arguing. Terri gave the story a Top Pick saying “This story is an absolute winner and has be looking forward to reading more in this series.”

I know. It seems weird that I would like opposing views, but the other thing I take from this is that while I will work improve my craft always, I am never going to please everyone. Some people will see my vision of a story or they’ll see part of it but all or they’ll simply not get any of what I was aiming for. Some of that I can maybe change with tweaks, but mostly that has to do with my voice. I have a definite way that I write that either works for readers or doesn’t. That is something I don’t want to change, because when it works it works very well!

So tell me, if you’re published, what do you think of reviews? If you’re not published, what do you think you can take away from critiques and even rejection letters? If you’re a reader, how much power does a review have over you?

Midweek Miracle: By the Hair on Her Head

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about miracles big and small being all around us. Then, last week, I took my youngest to get her hair cut before my sister’s wedding, I witnessed a seemingly small miracle that is going to have a huge impact on someone’s life.

An adorable little girl with gorgeous blonde hair came in with her mom and dad for a haircut, but unlike most gets getting a new “do” this little girl was getting her hair cut for Locks of Love. The 10+ inches she donated will go toward making a wig for a child who is suffering medical hair loss. So what made this little girl want to do this? She’s doing it to support a girl in her school who has cancer.

The miracle of this little girl’s spirit is going to profoundly touch another child. No wonder Mom and Dad were so proud they took video and pictures of her.

If you want to donate to Locks of Love without growing your hair and cutting it off, you can buy an adorable Locks of Love Bear. You may just see one or two of these in November during the blog party I’ll have here.

What miracles have you heard of or witnessed lately?

The Best Leverage

Leverage has been a fave show in my house since a romance reader told me about it in a yahoo loop. I’ve always enjoyed it, and I have a blast watching Elliot kick some ass. I have to say that this last season has been a favorite.

First, there’s Parker and Hardison and their relationship. It’s fun to watch him try to lure her into the emotional side of things. As much fun as it is to watch her squirm when she lets him. Funny, they remind me a little of J.D. Robb’s In Death series. Eve is all tough and awkward with most people. Roarke is suave, loves his tech toys and isn’t afraid of making Eve know how he feels. I love that kind of stuff.

Second is Elliot. He’s the kind of character I want to write when I grow up (as a writer). He’s tough, kicks ass, doesn’t waste his words with small talk. His knowledge of weapons and military things is never dull. He is the kind of guy you don’t want to meet in an alley unless he’s on your team. He is also refined in ways you wouldn’t expect – like his knowledge of food and wine and how they play together. And then there’s the way he is when he is dealing with a victim or someone he’s allowed close. He’s gentle, encouraging and supportive.

Nate and Sophie, for me anyway, are like the foster parents who’ve taken on a group of misfit kids and pulled them together. You expect them to be settled, but they’re just as messed up as the kids when it comes to relationships. They have issues with trust on the emotional front, but when it comes to their lives they know who is going to back them up. And they are of course always there when the team needs them.

I was particularly reminded of my love for this show when I watched the first of the 2 part season finale. The show was fast paced, challenging and twisty and filled with action in a way that I’ve been missing. I hope they do more episodes like this one in the next season. Please oh please let them do more like this one.

Leverage is the best ensemble cast I’ve seen in a very long time, but I’m wondering what other shows I’m missing. What is your favorite ensemble show? Why?

Midweek Miracle: Musical Magic

When it comes to reality tv most of us fall into one of two categories. We love it or we hate it. I used to be of the hate it variety and for the most part I am still in that camp. The one place I veer off that path is in the musical shows – American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Of the three shows, I’m pretty sure I prefer The Voice.

First off, they’ve narrowed down the auditions by the time you get to the actual shows, so you never really have to listen to anyone who is bad. From there it’s a matter of picking out the best of the best. And a few of them are truly amazing.

Some of them become more amazing when you hear their story. Not that a tough background truly makes them talented if they weren’t already. It can make it better I think because hardship teaches people how to fight for their dreams.

This last week there was a girl on the show whose story touched me. She was born prematurely and had some neurological damage. At the age of 4 or 5 she barely spoke and was falling behind developmentally. Then a doctor suggested that her parents try music. They bought her some karaoke and she began singing about 4 hours a day. Singing helped bring her out of her shell. It helped her find her inner self, and that, thanks to the doctor’s unpredictable suggestion, was her miracle.

Now she’s on a team on The Voice, and she’s one of the few I’m eager to watch over the coming weeks. Here is her blind audition.

Hollywood Holiday – A Cover Reveal

My pal Sasha Summers is doing a cover reveal today. It’s a pretty fabulous cover!

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The Blurb:

All she wants for Christmas is for Hollywood to love her again. But once she meets him, her Christmas list changes.

Jen’s only Christmas wish: Hollywood falling back in love with her. Meeting ex-Marine Gunner was a bonus. She likes that he isn’t impressed by celebrities or the movie biz. She likes that he’s funny and sweet … and drop-dead gorgeous. And she loves that he has no idea who her alter-ego is: Jen Fleming, Hollywood bad-girl and paparazzi target number one. Why ruin an amazing affair when he’s leaving after the new year?

But the closer they get, the harder she falls, and the more she wants to tell Gunner everything. Especially once he shares his secret with her.

Her new Christmas wish: Gunner accepts and loves her for who she really is.

 

Know More about Red Carpet Series Book 1: Hollywood Ever After (Paperback Giveaway)

She wasn’t meant for movie stars, Hollywood, or happy endings.

And then she met him.

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not in Claire’s life. Even though she’s starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood’s ‘it’ boy Josh Wiley, Claire’s in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two… And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh’s juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?

 

About the author:

Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

 

Giveaway Swag Gift:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Revolution Rocks!

Every year when the new TV shows roll around I try to ignore the promo spots, because we have plenty of shows that we watch. Another reason I try to avoid the promo spots is because my falling for a show in the first season is generally a kiss of death for the show. Yep, I’m that person who watches a show in the first season only to have the show be cancelled when the season is over. Needless to say this irritates me.

That said, there’s this new TV show that I already think ROCKS. It’s called Revolution. A girl is sent on a quest to find an uncle she’s never known and convince him to help her get her brother away from a power hungry militia.

So far the show has been well written as it introduces small details that answer questions while making you ask more. It’s smart and gets you thinking. That alone is something I love in a TV show. Have you seen the previews for it? Did you watch it? What do you think?

What do you think life would be like if the lights go out? If we had no electricity, how do you think we would adapt? Do you think you would love it, or hate it?

Midweek Miracle: Big or Small We Love Them All

Typically when we think of miracles we think of amazing stories that touch on the impossible. They’re those stories that make our arm hair stand on end or goosebumps pop to life. They’re those stories that make us cry as we read them or watch a video about them. Miracles are more than all those things, though. And they can be found all around us in our daily lives.

Sometimes those miracles involve people. A loved one or a child who is cured of a disease. Sometimes it’s a baby who shouldn’t have been. We even called my oldest nephew a miracle baby for a long time because his father was a cancer survivor who wasn’t supposed to be able to have children.

Sometimes the miracle is an accident avoided. I think of my youngest, aka Meme or Destruction, when I think of this. Specifically, I think about the day before her 7th birthday when she darted across the street and ran in front of a FedEx truck. The miracle that day was that the driver was able to stop. I can’t allow myself to think of what might have happened on that day.

Miracles are also in the small things like a sunrise or sunset. Or the way a song touches you. I do love the major miracles, but I also have a soft spot for the small ones like a warm hug or smile from a child. Guess that makes me a softy.

What are the miracles you enjoy the most? Are they major stories that make the news? Smaller ones you don’t see coming, but surround you every day?

An NDcent Dame Opportunity

Are you NDcent? Active online? Love to read NDcent books?

It’s possible that the new opportunity being offered by Samhain Publishing and Nikki Duncan could suit you.

Curious?

See if you have what it takes to be an NDcent Dame?

Midweek Miracle: The American Spirit

Are words necessary to remind us of the miracles surrounding us?

THE WORDS – Who’s seen it?

I hadn’t heard about The Words until I was given the chance to see this movie last week before it released. Loving movies, I jumped at the chance the moment I watched the trailer. It looked so intriguing.

Well, I saw it. It was slower than the kind of movie I normally go to theaters to see, but slower in a good way. It had an artistic, literary feel to it. There was romance and heartbreak. There were characters that touched my heart and made me feel their for them and have had me thinking about them all week.

I’ve gone back and forth on this movie. Did I love it? Did I just like it? Did I simply enjoy it until that end moment that made us all go “What the hell”? I had a hard time deciding, but almost immediately I knew one thing for certain. It’s the kind of movie that embodies the kind of stories I try to write. What I mean by that is that it has kept me thinking about it. I relive the experience every time I see the trailer. And each time I remember the emotions I felt.

It also made me think and analyze things in a way I generally try to avoid. Not in a way that had me spotting continuity issues or picking apart things I didn’t like or agree with, but in ways that have me thinking about what it must have been like to work on a story like this. What must it have been like to intersect the stories and lives to a depth that it becomes woven into your mind and won’t be easily nudged free.

There is a power in that, just as there is a power in something one of the characters says. “You have to choose between life and fiction. The two are very close, but they never actually touch.”

So. Did you see it? What did you think? Love it? Hate it? Will you own it? Did one storyline resound more with you than another? Which storyline do you think was real? All of them? None of them?