Monique O'Connor James's Blog: Random Thoughts from Monique, page 5
December 27, 2011
Bringing Back the Dead
Perhaps it's a little soon after Christmas to go morbid on you, but I really enjoyed writing this one. Hope you get a giggle.
One of the biggest reasons I think I have for writing paranormal fiction is the fact that I can so easily bring back those who have gone into the afterlife. I really didn't realize my fascination with this concept until I had completed a few manuscripts. In The Keepers, there are angels who have the ability to jerk someone back from the edge of death, Jamais Vu is about a girl who can alter her dreams causing the dead to return, and even The Mulligan Man is about a character who has been dead for years.
If I went through each of my manuscripts and pointed out the similarities you would see my fascination with this subject goes deep. Of course, for me I think the recurring theme is partially a tool I have used in dealing with the death of my mother. What if I could bring her back? I've often said, I'd do anything for one more hour with her.
We get attached to characters in the same way we bond with humans sometimes, at
least the dorkiest of us do. It's easy to be drawn to the fact that in the paranormal world, they can die and not be gone forever.
For fun, I thought' I'd list some reasons not to bring back those who have crossed from this life into the next. Let me know what you think and if you have ideas of your own:
1. The dead never come back the same – In movies and books alike, the dead usually undergo a major personality change making them less likable than they were the first time around.
2. They will try to kill you – Let's face it, in the world of the Walking Dead and vampires, humans are just lunch…or dinner.
3. Death is contagious – Ever seen the movies where those who cheat death are then stalked by it? Ever notice everyone they know soon dies?
4. Sometimes the dead want to be dead = wouldn't it really stink to spend time learning a complicated ritual to bring back your best friend, only to find out she was quite comfy in her spot on the other side?
5. There will be another sequel – Sometimes we should just let sleeping dogs lie, just so we don't have to read about those dogs again.
I had a blast making this list! Add to it and let me know what you think about the dead and their return to our world.
Cheers!
Monique O'Connor James
Author of The Keepers, Jamais Vu & The Mulligan available on Kindle and Nook.
Coming soon: Deja Vu and Becoming Jolie
December 18, 2011
So you got a bad review?
It seems that all authors treat reviews differently. Some read each one and take them to heart and others refuse to even look at them. It's difficult to take something you've loved, nurtured, and sent into the world and allow others to cast their opinions on it. For those who don't write, I would compare it to someone criticizing your child.
At least once a week, I see the following post on Facebook, "I received a one star review, and I'm crushed". Well there's hope! There are some things you should know about negative reviews and I hope this helps you put them in perspective.
First, I'll start by telling you that I've had my share of bad reviews and most of 
them were caused by something completely out of my control. When my first book The Keepers was published, we worked tirelessly on editing it and then the worst of the worst happened. Somehow, between here and there the wrong document was uploaded and the unedited version was sent out to the masses. Being so excited and green, I didn't even check my copy. (Yes, I know, I know.) So for over a month I was sending it out for reviews oblivious to the problem.
The first time I got a review back that said something to the effect of, "I couldn't even finish this book it was so error-ridden" I almost died. No, not literally, but you know what I mean. I knew we had spent hours editing it, and for me this was a huge slap in the face. I thought it was a fluke, until a few more came in with the same comments. In tears, I pulled it from the shelf and my publisher graciously sent it back through editing. So you see, I've had my bout with horrid, nasty reviews and those reviews can still be seen on my Amazon and Goodreads pages.
I can't lie, I was defeated at first. I thought there was no way to overcome the damage that had been done, and I wanted to just give up. Lucky for me, I can't ever let anything go. I put the new copy up, went plugging along, and have since released another book.
So what's the good news? One thing I did when I was distraught over the mark on my name, was I went to other author's Amazon pages. I picked authors who were at the top of their genre rankings and studied their reviews. There was a very small percentage who had never received less than three stars, but for the most part, every author had at a few low scores, and even those who didn't, had some nasty remarks made by readers and reviewers. What does this mean for you? If people selling 500 plus books a month aren't losing momentum because of a couple of less than stellar reviews, neither will you.
Another thing I noticed about reviews that were less than complimentary, was that most 
of the time, the reader couldn't pinpoint why they didn't like the book. Maybe they didn't connect with the characters, or the story moved too slow for them or two fast, but even they had a hard time putting into words why they didn't like the story. (Imagine that this is better than – the story was so riddled with errors I couldn't finish it!). Once long ago, when I first started my regular JOB a friend told me, "Not everyone will like you. Get over it." I've taken this attitude with me into my writing. No matter how hard you try, not everyone is going to get you.
Yes, I know you are thinking – But I want everyone to get me! – No you don't. I'm sure when you were writing one of the things you hoped for was a unique voice and to bring something new and different to the table. Some people just like cookie-cutter. They want romance to be boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, and they live happily ever after. They want your hero to be the kind of guy that has no flaws that everyone just falls for from the beginning. They want the same thing they've been reading for years, because they find it comfortable.
Since you were striving so hard to make your voice unique, I know that there are things in your books that not everyone will connect with and as writers we have to set our delicate egos aside and understand that it is OKAY! I've found that when you have stepped outside of the box you will no doubt get those nasty little reviews, but you will also develop a following of rabid fans that DID connect with what you were trying to say and the message you wanted your work to put out there. Wouldn't you rather have those die-hard fans who yell your name from the roof, than just another reader that felt comfortable reading your work?
Finally, I'll leave you with this. I get nervous when I have all five-star reviews. Yes, I said nervous. Right now on Amazon, Jamais Vu has all five-star write ups! I'm thrilled, because each one of those readers is passionate about how much they love the story. However, everything I've read says that when you do have a couple of lower marks, it lends credibility to your great reviews, because then it doesn't look like you just rounded up your closest friends to tell the world how super you are!
I really hope that each of us can put aside any hurt and learn anything we can from constructive criticism. We learn from each other and our editors, why can't we learn from those that didn't exactly connect with our work?
Here's to a future full of five-star reviews!
Cheers!
Monique O'Connor James
Author of: The Keepers, Jamais Vu & The Mulligan Man
all from Astraea Press.
http://www.amazon.com/Jamais-Vu-ebook/dp/B005SG02FE/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_4
http://www.amazon.com/The-Keepers-ebook/dp/B0054LO9E8/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mulligan-Man-ebook/dp/B005ES06M0/ref=pd_sim_kinc_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
December 11, 2011
12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog during the 12 days of Christmas Blog Tour!
I hope that you are all warm and snuggly and that all your Christmas Shopping is done so you can enjoy the holidays! Many of you will be getting E-readers for Christmas and looking for books to download. Remember to check out Indie and Small press authors as you can find über talented writers for a fraction of the price!
Before I tell you about the prizes I'd like to tell you about my latest release Jamais Vu.
Blurb:
A gunshot echoes, thrusting Darby Lambert into a near death experience. Inside the confines of an ambulance, she meets "the man in white light". He takes away the guilt, but makes her question everything. "You will see them," he whispers, as he catapults her back into the real world where she is plagued with dreams of demons, nurses, and rock stars.
Why has He sent her back? Does she have the courage to rectify her sins? Given the chance, could you erase it all?
If you enjoy paranormal twists and turns and a little romance you will love this book. Check for the buy links below.
Now on to the good stuff! The contest will run from December 12-December 24, 2011 at midnight. Two lucky people who comment on this blog during that time period will be picked to receive PDF's of Jamais Vu and my debut novel The Keepers. That's right! All you have to do is leave a comment and you're qualified!
I'd love for you to stop by my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moniquejamesauthor and give me a like, but it's not a requirement to win the prizes!
Finally, the linky link below will take you back to the list of authors who are participating in the blog tour and more chances to win! Have a great time and I hope your Holiday Season is filled with love and joy! Stay warm!
Linky Link: http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=109862" type="text/javascript">
Monique O'Connor James
Amazon Buy Link for Jamais Vu: http://www.amazon.com/Jamais-Vu-ebook/dp/B005SG02FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322063199&sr=8-1
September 18, 2011
Vaping….the new other woman.
For those of you who don't know what vaping is, let me explain. My husband has tried to quit smoking many times. Once we went and had our ears treated with a laser, we've done patches, gum, lozenges, everything. Let's just say the addiction is worse than heroin and we have struggled.
A friend of my husband's introduced him to E-cigarettes. Who knew that there is an entire underground group of geeks that are so into this it consumes their lives. I have to give the idea props. My husband has not smoked a real cigarette since he started smoking this e-cig. You are only getting nicotine, so all the bad stuff is left out. I have to be happy because he's not smoking….but….
Enter a new world of liquids (flavors), cartridges, atomizers, batteries, and all the 
modifications they can do to their e-cig to make it last longer and taste better. I'm now subjected to days of listening to phrases like "Wow, that was a good vape", "The throat hit wasn't right on that one", and "I found a new website that has cherry flavored liquid!"
Anytime I've tried to put the stupid thing up to my lips I hear this…"Did you get a good hit?". It makes me crazy. I want to throw the stupid thing at him. What's worse is he has about three friends that are also "vaping". They are constantly on the phone, the internet, etc, comparing their e-cigs, vapes, liquids, batteries, etc.
I have decided that he is totally geeked out and that my husband may never come back from this. I'm happy he isn't smoking, but I'm not sure how long I can take the constant discussions about his e-cigs and all the equipment that goes with it.
Oh before I go, let me leave you with this….the bedtime ritual – this involves refilling cartridges, plugging in batteries, and making sure that the next day all his vaping needs will be met!
If I see one more YouTube video with a geek behind a desk smoking an e-cig I'm gonna explode!
Heh heh….here's to all those battling to quit!
Monique O'Connor James
September 11, 2011
The Keepers Blog Tour Final Stop 9/11/11
The Keepers Blog Tour 9/1/11-9/11/11
Thanks so much for participating in my first blog tour! Please add my facebook author fan page (listed below) and comment on this blog. Once you've done those two things you will be entered for a chance to win a signed print copy of The Keepers.
The drawing will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011.
Be on the look out for the new release Jamais Vu in September. Thank you all once again!
Cheers,
Monique O'Connor James
www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
twitter: mjames13
wordpress: www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?=511255176
Facebook Author Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/monique-oconnor-james-author/151581381573144
Buy Link for The Keepers: www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578
September 7, 2011
Top 41 Top Bloggers and Reviewers!!!
Sorry guys I could only find 40 this time. I hope to have 50 for you the next time I post the list. Be sure to share the blog (bloggers) on your FB and sites so you can use the free publicity!
These bloggers are all great people and very responsive to the authors that they review, interview, etc. Hope you enjoy! No pictures just great info!!!
1. Ressa – www.ressaempbra.wordpress.com
2. Thamy – www.franticreader.weebly.com
3. Kristina – http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com
4. Mandy – http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com
5. Katrina – http://www.pageflipperz.blogspot.com
6. Leanne – www.booksnmakeup.com
7. Tanya – http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com
8. Dawn – http://dawn_hagen.blogspot.com
9. Jenn – www.romancing_the_book.com
10. Stacey – http://staceyeatonauthor.blogspot.com
11. Stacey – http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com
12. Realteen Reviews – http://realteenreviews.blogspot.com
13. The Book Boost – http://thebookboost.blogspot.com
14. Sue – www.thewmreviewconnection.com
15. Cheryl – http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com
16. Renee – www.deepintheheartorromance.com
17. Bella – http://clusallnightpreview.blogspot.com
18. Kim – www.living-fictiously.blogspot.com
19. Tazzie – http://tazziebookreviews.blogspot.com
20. Lindsey – http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com
21. Yoly – http://moonlightbeautybooks.blogspot.com
22. Shelly – www.shellygoodmanwright.com
23. Wendy – www.lovetiggibookreviews.blogspot.com
24. Susie – http://satinsbookishcorner.blogspot.com
25. Belinda – http://thebookishsnob.blogspot.com
26. Mindy – http://forbiddenreviews.com
27. Andrea – http://thesecretsanctuarybooks.blogspot.com
28. Brea – http://breaessex.blogspot.com
29. Cheeky Reads – http://cheekyreads.blogspot.com
30. Sheila – http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com
31. Kristine – www.spartanheartbyauthorkristinecheney.blogspot.com
32. Kyan – http://blog.liloqui.com
33. Devyn – http://devyn-dawson.blogspot.com
34. V Saewood Tice – http://saewood.webs.com/apps/blog
35. Mindy – www.bookscompleteme.com
36. Alaiel – http://www.libraianmouse.com
37. Amber/Sapphyria – http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com
38. Mera – http://merasyabooklist.blogspot.com
39. Chynna – http://www.the-gift-blog.com
40. Kati- http://klearsreviews.blogspot.com
41. Laurie – http://www.bona-fide-reflections.com/
Cheers,
Monique O'Connor James
Look out for Jamais Vu coming soon from www.astraeapress.com
You can currently get The Keepers at the above for $2.99 (ebook)
and The Mulligan Man for $1!!!!
Top 40 Top Bloggers and Reviewers
Sorry guys I could only find 40 this time. I hope to have 50 for you the next time I post the list. Be sure to share the blog (bloggers) on your FB and sites so you can use the free publicity!
These bloggers are all great people and very responsive to the authors that they review, interview, etc. Hope you enjoy! No pictures just great info!!!
1. Ressa – www.ressaempbra.wordpress.com
2. Thamy – www.franticreader.weebly.com
3. Kristina – http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com
4. Mandy – http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com
5. Katrina – http://www.pageflipperz.blogspot.com
6. Leanne – www.booksnmakeup.com
7. Tanya – http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com
8. Dawn – http://dawn_hagen.blogspot.com
9. Jenn – www.romancing_the_book.com
10. Stacey – http://staceyeatonauthor.blogspot.com
11. Stacey – http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com
12. Realteen Reviews – http://realteenreviews.blogspot.com
13. The Book Boost – http://thebookboost.blogspot.com
14. Sue – www.thewmreviewconnection.com
15. Cheryl – http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com
16. Renee – www.deepintheheartorromance.com
17. Bella – http://clusallnightpreview.blogspot.com
18. Kim – www.living-fictiously.blogspot.com
19. Tazzie – http://tazziebookreviews.blogspot.com
20. Lindsey – http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com
21. Yoly – http://moonlightbeautybooks.blogspot.com
22. Shelly – www.shellygoodmanwright.com
23. Wendy – www.lovetiggibookreviews.blogspot.com
24. Susie – http://satinsbookishcorner.blogspot.com
25. Belinda – http://thebookishsnob.blogspot.com
26. Mindy – http://forbiddenreviews.com
27. Andrea – http://thesecretsanctuarybooks.blogspot.com
28. Brea – http://breaessex.blogspot.com
29. Cheeky Reads – http://cheekyreads.blogspot.com
30. Sheila – http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com
31. Kristine – www.spartanheartbyauthorkristinecheney.blogspot.com
32. Kyan – http://blog.liloqui.com
33. Devyn – http://devyn-dawson.blogspot.com
34. V Saewood Tice – http://saewood.webs.com/apps/blog
35. Mindy – www.bookscompleteme.com
36. Alaiel – http://www.libraianmouse.com
37. Amber/Sapphyria – http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com
38. Mera – http://merasyabooklist.blogspot.com
39. Chynna – http://www.the-gift-blog.com
40. Kati- http://klearsreviews.blogspot.com
Cheers,
Monique O'Connor James
Look out for Jamais Vu coming soon from www.astraeapress.com
You can currently get The Keepers at the above for $2.99 (ebook)
and The Mulligan Man for $1!!!!
Misused and Abused…Words That Is!
Okay so there are several words we all tend to misuse and abuse! I feel it is my duty to stand up for these words and champion their proper usage. After all, if I don't make a statement who will? Tee Hee
1. Adverse – unfavorable Averse – reluctant
2. Accept – receive Except – excluded
3. Affect – influence Effect – bring out
4. Allusion – indirect reference Illusion – false impression
5. Capital – city or money Capitol – building
6. Elicit – bring out Illicit – unlawful
7. Immigrate – go into a country Emigrate – exit a country
8. Principle – basic truth Principal – head of school/sum of money
9. Than – Comparison Then – time
10. There – specified place Their – possessive pronoun They're – contraction for they are
11. Lie – recline or rest Lay – put or place
12. Set – place or set Sat – seated
13. Who – person Which – not a person That – things or class of people
14. Supposed to: Keep the "D" at the end! (Not suppose to)
15. Used to: Keep the "D" at the end! (Not use to)
16. Toward: No "S" at the end
17. Anyway: No "S" at the end
18. Couldn't care less Make sure it's negative (not could care less)
19. Chest of Drawers Not Chester Drawers
20. For all intents and purposes Not for all intensive purposes.
Cheers!!!
Monique O'Connor James
Twitter: mjames13
WordPress: www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website: www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
September 5, 2011
Ashley Godeaux Poetry Selection
I'm always astounded by beautiful poetry. My cousin Ashley can produce the most haunting prose and I'm a little jealous. Here is a taste.
If I had just one wish it would be…
To rewrite fate, understand destiny,
And wake up with you next to me.
If I had a chance to borrow time,
I promise you the sun would always shine above your head.
The sound of your laughter can awake the dead and force them to spring anew from their eternal bed.
Love is an addiction one that has to be fed in order to survive,
I feel like a hornet trapped in a bee's hive.
As I stare into the mirror,
I no longer fear her.
The image that reflects through the glass…is enough to make me forget the past.
This is something to cherish…something I'll take with me until I perish!
This is something I know will last…
And as time progresses it moves so slow when you're not here,
I miss you…that's all I know.
Just like a petal that's fallen from a rose,
I love you, and that's all I suppose is true.
I'm thankful I stumbled upon you…
Time is the only thing that I long for and it's all that I fear.
All I want is to have you near.
I walk outside and stand on the front lawn,
And stare up at the evening sky,
I stand there looking up at the sleeping moon,
I know I'll see you soon….the sun'll rise in an hour,
And I'll be consumed by the sparks of a meteor shower…our star is shining bright,
I'll fall asleep with you on my mind tonight.
The writer in me can't help but dream…
I am living proof that not everything is as it seems.
So there's no way to justify your means by which you live,
Love is a risk you just have to take,
Sometimes you just have to put everything at stake!
ashx
Enjoy,
Monique O'Connor James
Twitter: mjames13
WordPress: www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website: www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
September 4, 2011
15 Ways to Find New Blogging Material
If you're like me, finding things to blog about can be a challenge. I see many lists that have ideas out there, but I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring and hope it helps you break through the idea barrier!
1. Skim blogs geared towards writers – most of the time when you read something someone else wrote it will trigger an idea. You don't have to steal their content to use the idea as a springboard.
2. Read writer's guest posts on other blogs – Especially when you need to do a guest blog yourself, seeing what other writers have posted on a blog can be extremely helpful in figure out what their readers like.
3. Blast your opinion about something you read in another blog. A sure-fire way to draw attention and stir up a little controversy is to be brave enough to state your opinion.
4. Watch YouTube Videos – Blog about something silly you saw and YouTube and share it 
with your readers for some comic relief!
5. Blog about your MISTAKES! Yes we all make them, and by sharing how we fixed them we can learn from each other. You can even blog about the mistakes your critique partner found in your work in progress!
6. Fall back on a review of a new author or an old pro you adore.
7. Update an old blog post – We all have those posts that got more hits than any other. Update it and run it again!
8. Do an interview – put a twist on it and interview a fan or reader.
9. Write a letter to someone, your parents, kids, a congressman – whoever, then post it!
10. Share YOUR experience in the writing journey. We all want to know!
11. Create a weekly wrap up of events on your upcoming releases, works in progress, or interesting things you find in the news.
12. Review your favorite product. Tell us what you really think about your Kindle or 
Nook!
13. Draw a topic from questions posted on the social media sites you belong to.
14. Post about your favorite charity!
15. As for ideas on facebook and twitter!
Hope you enjoyed! Let us know how you get your ideas for blog posts in the comments section!
Monique O'Connor James
Twitter: mjames13
WordPress: www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website: www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Random Thoughts from Monique
Please stop by often!
- Monique O'Connor James's profile
- 223 followers
