Mayandree Michel's Blog, page 6

May 6, 2011

There Is No Thin LineThis one is a little long but worth ...

There Is No Thin Line

This one is a little long but worth reading I promise-

There is no thin line between an honest review written with no motive other than impartial feed back, and a book bashing that is clearly intended to hurt an author or their work's potential success.  

In the past month since by book's release, I've joined various book review & book club sites so that my book can gain some exposure, ultimately be read, and in the mean time find new books to read. In that time I've read many favorable reviews for my book as well as for many other author's books. I've also read reviews that weren't favorable.

Unfavorable reviews are expected. You just can't please everyone and as an author, you must realize that your book may not appeal to all readers. In those reviews you expect constructive criticism. Most author's know this when they decide to author books. Those are the kind of reviews that can potentially make you a better writer for the masses, if you as the writer is willing to learn what is seen through the readers eyes from your words.

A reviewer recently gave me a low rating. I have to admit, at first I was disappointed that someone didn't find my book satisfying, but quickly reminded my self that my book may not be every one's cup of tea. I simply appreciated the fact that initially they had thought my book was interesting enough to purchase.

I remember reading a bashing review of a book, of a GREAT author who is loved by millions and who's work I personally love, where the reviewer actually wrote that she would like to punch the author in the face. Wow!?! I know. My jaw had dropped when I read it. That's just madness, I thought.

I was disgusted by that person's lack of respect for someone who was courageous enough to put their work out there for the world to read while this person probably wishes they had the courage to do something... maybe write?  The basher reviewer even admitted to not finishing the book. But why review a book you haven't finished? Most read because they enjoy it. If you find that you are reading a book that you are not enjoying then just put it down. And just because you find that you don't like a book, doesn't mean that the book sucks. It just means that it's not the right book for you.

Bashing a writer because in your opinion their work is poor or basically tearing an author's work down for the clear intent to hinder the books potential for success is pathetic, shows no class, is proof of your immaturity, and utter ignorance. I haven't the faintest idea why someone would waste their quality time to write such slander and actually believe that anyone will consider it a review. A well written review, whether it's in favor of a book or not, shows your intelligence.

Nearly every author has been a victim of at least one bashing, my day has come and gone, and I was appalled that the person actually pasted portions of my book (without my permission) and construed it so that it read haphazardly. Book bashing is unfair to the writer who has put an enormous amount of time and effort into their work. Luckily, most readers are smart enough to see right through a book bashing head on, and read other reviews whether favorable or not to help in their book selections.

A HUGE bear size hug of a thanks to all of you who have purchased, read, and reviewed my book tastefully. As an author, I want to learn from you. I've noted your kind words and thoughts and I'm working hard on the sequel, and with someone (reputable this time) to assist in editing. I appreciate and I'm moved by all of your support!!!

:) Mayandree
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Published on May 06, 2011 22:16

May 3, 2011

The $.99 QuestionI've been asked a few questions that I w...

The $.99 Question

I've been asked a few questions that I want to address. The questions don't bother me although, I do feel that they may deserve some clarifying. For those who asked, I noted your curiosity, and here's my answer. I'm answering for me and for no one else. I don't know why other indie authors do what they do (maybe checking out their blogs may be a better way of you finding out).

I've been asked:

Who sets the price of ebooks, is it the retailer or the author?

The author sets the price.

Why do you sell your ebooks for only $.99?

I feel that it's an appropriate pricepoint for an indie author who's relatively unknown. I hope that readers will be willing to make the small investment and try out my book and be pleasantly surprised with my unique story and want to read more of my work.

Why do other indie author's sell their ebooks for $2.99 and $3.99?

As I said, a good way to find out what other authors do and why may be to check out their blogs or author websites.

Don't you think your book is worth more than $.99?

I'm the author and my work is worth more than gold to me, or I wouldn't release it for the world to read. Yet in the ebook format, stuck in a reading device, and not a physical book on a shelf to crush over, I think the great low price is perfect, don't you?
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Published on May 03, 2011 21:17

May 1, 2011

Winning!!!



First off, the winner has 72hrs to respond by email  to claim your prize, or a runner up will be drawn. Please email me: (I will need your shipping info). mayandreem@hotmail.com

The Winner of 2 signed paperbacks of Betrayal is ....





Kieranne Douglas
Congratulations!
I want to thank all the entries who were so enthused about Betrayal. It was a great turn out. For those who didn't win this one, I'd like to thank you for your support and shout outs on Twitter & Facebook, so check the email address you provided when you entered the giveaway, for a freebie opportunity to read Betrayal.

I plan on doing more giveaways, so check back here often ;)!

xoxo
Mayandree
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Published on May 01, 2011 07:13

Winning!!!First off, the winner has 72hrs to respond by e...

Winning!!!


First off, the winner has 72hrs to respond by email  to claim your prize, or a runner up will be drawn. Please email me: (I will need your shipping info). mayandreem@hotmail.com

The Winner of 2 signed paperbacks of Betrayal is ....





Kieranne Douglas
Congratulations!
I want to thank all the entries who were so enthused about Betrayal. It was a great turn out. For those who didn't win this one, I'd like to thank you for your support and shout outs on Twitter & Facebook, so check the email address you provided when you entered the giveaway, for a freebie opportunity to read Betrayal.

I plan on doing more giveaways, so check back here often ;)!

xoxo
Mayandree
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Published on May 01, 2011 07:13

April 29, 2011

An Amazing Month for Betrayal - Thanks to you!It has been...

An Amazing Month for Betrayal - Thanks to you!

It has been 30 days since Betrayal's release and what an incredible month it has been! Total copies sold in ebooks and paperbacks combined is...drumroll please... 394 copies -YAY!!! I owe it all to you, the readers and book bloggers for spreading the word. Your support and reviews have been WONDERFUL and have left me speechless. I'm thrilled beyond words that you have enjoyed Betrayal. I'm that much more eager to get the second book in the Descendants series, Sacrifice written. I have enjoyed all the feedback and want nothing more than to continue writing The Descendants series.
I would appreciate it if you purchase or have already purchased a copy of Betrayal to leave an honest review where you made the purchase, whether it be Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords, as well as the reading communities which you enjoy, Goodreads, Shelfari. 
Thank you all so much for your kind words, love, and support!!



It's the final 24 hours before the winner of the 2 signed copies of Betrayal is announced. Finally!!! Good Luck to all who have entered!!!


Oh and yes I watched the Royal Wedding. I was up at 6am eastern time and watched in bits in pieces as I got my boys ready for school. I marveled at some of those fantastically fancy hats. Those English gals are a gutsy bunch and their hat designers have quite an imagination.
I think I enjoyed the wedding mostly because I enjoyed watching the sweet interaction between Prince William and Princess Kate. I will not pretend to know what's in their hearts and minds but those two sure looked genuinely happy to be marrying each other.

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Published on April 29, 2011 21:16

April 25, 2011

Refusing to Mourn

I refuse to mourn the departure of Aidan Turner A.K.A.  John 'Mitchell' on Being Human on BBC, my second favorite vamp/ werewolf / ghost show to True Blood. It's such an amazing show with intelligent writing and a great cast. If you're not watching, you should be. But you'll have to get caught up and rent season 1, 2, & 3 which just wrapped up.
MY gripe: I understand why George had to do what he had to do, BUT the writers of Being Human ( I trust you Toby Whithouse) had better find a way to write Mitchel back into the story line. Period.

                                                                     Mitchell is sooo HOT


even with fangs
He is one of the best assets of the show, if not the best. The rest of the cast is pretty dynamic too. I really like George and Annie, but not so much Nina, but come on really he's the star of the show (in my opinion). My TV actually steams up when Aidan (obviously he and I are on a first name basis) graces the screen. He's like the hottest vampire on TV (Sorry Bill of TB  - you ain't got nothin' on Mitchell, and Eric is a close second and that's only because he's so badd ass). I wait patiently for season 4. The show's been damn awesome so far so I know Toby Whithouse won't let me down.

George (quirky but ferocious werewol)    Gorgeous Mitchell (vampire)     Annie (meddling but thoughtful ghost)
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Published on April 25, 2011 17:38

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 1 DAY LEFTRefusing to...

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 1 DAY LEFT

Refusing to mourn

I refuse to mourn the departure of Aidan Turner A.K.A.  John 'Mitchell' on Being Human on BBC, my second favorite vamp/ werewolf / ghost show to True Blood. It's such an amazing show with intelligent writing and a great cast. If you're not watching, you should be. But you'll have to get caught up and rent season 1, 2, & 3 which just wrapped up.
MY gripe: I understand why George had to do what he had to do, BUT the writers of Being Human ( I trust you Toby Whithouse) had better find a way to write Mitchel back into the story line. Period.

                                                                     Mitchell is sooo HOT


even with fangs
He is one of the best assets of the show, if not the best. The rest of the cast is pretty dynamic too. I really like George and Annie, but not so much Nina, but come on really he's the star of the show (in my opinion). My TV actually steams up when Aidan (obviously he and I are on a first name basis) graces the screen. He's like the hottest vampire on TV (Sorry Bill of TB  - you ain't got nothin' on Mitchell, and Eric is a close second and that's only because he's so badd ass). I wait patiently for season 4. The show's been damn awesome so far so I know Toby Whithouse won't let me down.

George (quirky but ferocious werewol)    Gorgeous Mitchell (vampire)     Annie (meddling but thoughtful ghost)
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Published on April 25, 2011 17:38

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 2 DAYS LEFTRefusing t...

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT

Refusing to mourn

I refuse to mourn the departure of Aidan Turner A.K.A.  John 'Mitchell' on Being Human on BBC, my second favorite vamp/ werewolf / ghost show to True Blood. It's such an amazing show with intelligent writing and a great cast. If you're not watching, you should be. But you'll have to get caught up and rent season 1, 2, & 3 which just wrapped up.
MY gripe: I understand why George had to do what he had to do, BUT the writers of Being Human ( I trust you Toby Whithouse) had better find a way to write Mitchel back into the story line. Period.

                                                                     Mitchell is sooo HOT


even with fangs
He is one of the best assets of the show, if not the best. The rest of the cast is pretty dynamic too. I really like George and Annie, but not so much Nina, but come on really he's the star of the show (in my opinion). My TV actually steams up when Aidan (obviously he and I are on a first name basis) graces the screen. He's like the hottest vampire on TV (Sorry Bill of TB  - you ain't got nothin' on Mitchell, and Eric is a close second and that's only because he's so badd ass). I wait patiently for season 4. The show's been damn awesome so far so I know Toby Whithouse won't let me down.

George (quirky but ferocious werewol)    Gorgeous Mitchell (vampire)     Annie (meddling but thoughtful ghost)
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Published on April 25, 2011 17:38

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 3 DAYS LEFTRefusing t...

GIVEAWAY - WHOO HOO! ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT

Refusing to mourn

I refuse to mourn the departure of Aidan Turner A.K.A.  John 'Mitchell' on Being Human on BBC, my second favorite vamp/ werewolf / ghost show to True Blood. It's such an amazing show with intelligent writing and a great cast. If you're not watching, you should be. But you'll have to get caught up and rent season 1, 2, & 3 which just wrapped up.
MY gripe: I understand why George had to do what he had to do, BUT the writers of Being Human ( I trust you Toby Whithouse) had better find a way to write Mitchel back into the story line. Period.

                                                                     Mitchell is sooo HOT


even with fangs
He is one of the best assets of the show, if not the best. The rest of the cast is pretty dynamic too. I really like George and Annie, but not so much Nina, but come on really he's the star of the show (in my opinion). My TV actually steams up when Aidan (obviously he and I are on a first name basis) graces the screen. He's like the hottest vampire on TV (Sorry Bill of TB  - you ain't got nothin' on Mitchell, and Eric is a close second and that's only because he's so badd ass). I wait patiently for season 4. The show's been damn awesome so far so I know Toby Whithouse won't let me down.

George (quirky but ferocious werewol)    Gorgeous Mitchell (vampire)     Annie (meddling but thoughtful ghost)
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Published on April 25, 2011 17:38

GIVEAWAY - YAY! ONLY 4 DAYS LEFTRefusing to mournI r...

GIVEAWAY - YAY! ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT

Refusing to mourn

I refuse to mourn the departure of Aidan Turner A.K.A.  John 'Mitchell' on Being Human on BBC, my second favorite vamp/ werewolf / ghost show to True Blood. It's such an amazing show with intelligent writing and a great cast. If you're not watching, you should be. But you'll have to get caught up and rent season 1, 2, & 3 which just wrapped up.
MY gripe: I understand why George had to do what he had to do, BUT the writers of Being Human ( I trust you Toby Whithouse) had better find a way to write Mitchel back into the story line. Period.

                                                                     Mitchell is sooo HOT


even with fangs
He is one of the best assets of the show, if not the best. The rest of the cast is pretty dynamic too. I really like George and Annie, but not so much Nina, but come on really he's the star of the show (in my opinion). My TV actually steams up when Aidan (obviously he and I are on a first name basis) graces the screen. He's like the hottest vampire on TV (Sorry Bill of TB  - you ain't got nothin' on Mitchell, and Eric is a close second and that's only because he's so badd ass). I wait patiently for season 4. The show's been damn awesome so far so I know Toby Whithouse won't let me down.

George (quirky but ferocious werewol)    Gorgeous Mitchell (vampire)     Annie (meddling but thoughtful ghost)
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Published on April 25, 2011 17:38

Mayandree Michel's Blog

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