Robin P. Waldrop's Blog, page 3
June 8, 2012
THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS
One of the most powerful tools an author has is her/his reviews. Good and bad alike, but especially the bad. Somebody, somewhere, won’t like your novel and they'll respond with a bad review they believe is completely fair and accurate ... most of the time, anyway.
First of all let me say I love the blogger/reviewer world. I also love almost all of them who live in this realm. But, every once in a while you get one who claims to be fair minded and intelligent. Then you read some of their reviews and you think, "that was just wrong."
Book blog reviewers are golden. They are, in no uncertain terms, an author's best friend. I believe we owe them kindness and respect. Some of you are thinking, she must not have gotten any negative reviews yet. That couldn't be farther from the truth. I have definitely had my share of negative reviews. Some that have even made me angry and hurt when I read them.
At first I wanted to lash out and ask them why in the hell would they be so mean? Then the most awesome thing happened. My sales tripled for the first few days after their review posted. Regardless of the fact they were being tactless, petty, or downright mean, my sales increased tri-fold.
My frown quickly turned upside down. (yeah, korny, I know). But, each time a negative review posted, a day or two later my sales jumped--big time!! You see, readers are drawn to books when they read a negative review. They feel the need to read it for themselves to form their own opinion. Nine times out of ten the reader loves the story, and sometimes they'll even send you an email telling you just how much they loved it and that the reviewer couldn't be more wrong.
So, my fellow authors, when you get a negative review (and believe me, the more negative the review, the more you'll here ca-ching as your sales increase rapidly) pass along a little thank-you note. Because in the end, your smile will be larger, and your bank account fatter!
First of all let me say I love the blogger/reviewer world. I also love almost all of them who live in this realm. But, every once in a while you get one who claims to be fair minded and intelligent. Then you read some of their reviews and you think, "that was just wrong."
Book blog reviewers are golden. They are, in no uncertain terms, an author's best friend. I believe we owe them kindness and respect. Some of you are thinking, she must not have gotten any negative reviews yet. That couldn't be farther from the truth. I have definitely had my share of negative reviews. Some that have even made me angry and hurt when I read them.
At first I wanted to lash out and ask them why in the hell would they be so mean? Then the most awesome thing happened. My sales tripled for the first few days after their review posted. Regardless of the fact they were being tactless, petty, or downright mean, my sales increased tri-fold.
My frown quickly turned upside down. (yeah, korny, I know). But, each time a negative review posted, a day or two later my sales jumped--big time!! You see, readers are drawn to books when they read a negative review. They feel the need to read it for themselves to form their own opinion. Nine times out of ten the reader loves the story, and sometimes they'll even send you an email telling you just how much they loved it and that the reviewer couldn't be more wrong.
So, my fellow authors, when you get a negative review (and believe me, the more negative the review, the more you'll here ca-ching as your sales increase rapidly) pass along a little thank-you note. Because in the end, your smile will be larger, and your bank account fatter!
March 16, 2012
Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop
WooHoo! It's another giveaway hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Author Cindy Thomas. Let's hope that Lucky Leprechaun is hiding under the rainbow with a couple of free e-books for someone.
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To see a full list of participating blogs, just hit Read More!
March 8, 2012
PROMOTE OR WRITE, THAT IS THE QUESTION
As an Indie author, not only am I in charge of every aspect of my book from beginning to end, I'm also in charge of my own marketing as well.
I think I have lost perspective on what it is that I am supposed to be doing--WRITING! After all, I am a writer first and foremost. After I finished writing TIES, I didn't move on to write book 2. Instead, I starting promoting that book, and some where in the process I got caught up in all the reviews, interviews and guest posts. Before I knew it, I had stopped writing all together ... BIG MISTAKE.
So here it is March and book 2 should have been out last month so why isn't it out, you ask? Because I got caught up in trying to make sure book 1 was successful. Now, everyone is impatiently awaiting the arrival of book 2 and I don't have it ready. Actually, it is far from ready- and I apologize for that.
I am going to put book 1 in KDP's select for 90 days, and I'm going to do nothing but write for that time. Who knows what will happen? I do know this: You can write the best book of all time, but unless you get lucky somehow it's not going to make it big.
Every successful author I have spoken with says the same thing. BACK LIST SELLS. And I am lacking a back list so I better get busy.
I think I have lost perspective on what it is that I am supposed to be doing--WRITING! After all, I am a writer first and foremost. After I finished writing TIES, I didn't move on to write book 2. Instead, I starting promoting that book, and some where in the process I got caught up in all the reviews, interviews and guest posts. Before I knew it, I had stopped writing all together ... BIG MISTAKE.
So here it is March and book 2 should have been out last month so why isn't it out, you ask? Because I got caught up in trying to make sure book 1 was successful. Now, everyone is impatiently awaiting the arrival of book 2 and I don't have it ready. Actually, it is far from ready- and I apologize for that.
I am going to put book 1 in KDP's select for 90 days, and I'm going to do nothing but write for that time. Who knows what will happen? I do know this: You can write the best book of all time, but unless you get lucky somehow it's not going to make it big.
Every successful author I have spoken with says the same thing. BACK LIST SELLS. And I am lacking a back list so I better get busy.
February 6, 2012
Follower Love Giveaway
Wow, so this is my first giveaway hop. I'm not sure what to expect...I read there's something like 300 blogs participating. I want to say thanks to Kathy over at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson for organizing this event. Super cool.
Now...since this is a book lover's giveaway hop...I'm going to give away 2 ebooks of Ties to the Blood Moon!
Synopsis:A teenage girl is forced from her home in sunny California just before her mother dies in a horrific fire. Now living with her aunt in Alaska, she begins hearing myths that could only exist in fairytales…or so she believes. What were once just scary nightmares now haunt Genevieve's daily life. When it all becomes too much, she seeks comfort in the arms of her boyfriend, but something tells her he isn't what she thinks he is.
Fate now rules Gen's life. Can she complete her destiny and save the ones she cares about?
An exciting and action packed tale weaved with ancient Indian mythology and urban fantasy, Ties to the Blood Moon, offers a unique and often suspenseful storyline.
Ties to the Blood Moon is heading on tour this month. Here's what the reviewers are saying about this unique and intriguing story:
a Rafflecopter giveaway<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
February 3, 2012
Praise for Ties to the Blood Moon
Synopsis:A teenage girl is forced from her home in sunny California shortly before her mother dies in a horrific fire. Now living with her aunt in Alaska, she begins hearing myths that could only exist in fairytales…or so she believes. What were once just scary nightmares now haunt Genevieve's daily life. When it all becomes too much, she seeks comfort in the arms of her boyfriend, but something tells her he isn't what she things he is.
Fate now rules Gen's life. Can she complete her destiny and save the ones she cares about?
An exciting and action packed tale weaved with ancient Indian mythology and urban fantasy, Ties to the Blood Moon, offers a unique and often suspenseful storyline.
Ties to the Blood Moon is heading on tour this month. Here's what the reviewers are saying about this unique and intriguing story:
*The mystery and ancient truths hidden in the forests of Alaska and Genevieve's heritage was one of the best parts of this novel. – Shana at Sizzling Reads
* This was a very exiting read with exuberant characters and an epic story line. Gen still has lots to get done, lives to save and scores to settle. I can't wait to see what butt she kicks in the next book... – http://abook-loversreview.blogspot.com/
*Robin does a great job of blowing your mind with things that just weren't expected throughout the novel (most of these secrets come out in the second half). – http://andreasgoodreads.blogspot.com/
*I love the action, mystery, & surprises, as well as the growing bonds between characters! Can't wait to see what's next! - http://satedfaery.blogspot.com/2011/11/ties-to-blood-moon-by-robin-p-waldrop.html
*(Ties to the Blood Moon) was a fun exciting read, with a killer plot twist at the end that I totally didn't see coming. I will definitely be continuing on with the series to find out what happens next. – Larissa @ Howling Turtle
*Robin weaved a unique and intriguing tale of werewolves, vampires, and destiny. A point never came that I wanted to put Ties of the Blood Moon down. – Kristin @ Better Read Than Dead
BTW...Leave a comment on this post for the chance to win a copy of Ties to the Blood Moon. I'm giving away two ebooks.
February 1, 2012
EDITED AND REVISED
I am pleased to announce Ties To The Blood Moon has just been re released after a long and grueling go round with my new editor, Kelly Coffey. She is awesome, AND she is thorough. Boy is she ever. Just kidding, Kelly. She took an already great book and made it even more fantastic than I thought possible. Plus the new version has added scenes and some secret information you won't find in the first edition.
Bree Romero over at The Awesome Magic Attic is kicking off a blog tour for the new TIES on February 4th. There is going to be lots of fun things going on, but the most fun will be a contest to name book 2 in the series. Yep, that's right, but that's not the best part. If I choose someone's suggested Title, not only will they get praise, but I will use their name for one of my characters in the book.
Oh, and I am saving the best news for last. For all of you that are dying to get a glimpse of book 2, I will be revealing chapter 1 of the second book during the tour. And if you just can't wait, you can buy the
So, please, show the love and help this tour be a huge success. You can find the new Ties Here on Amazon, Here on Barnes & Noble, and Here on Smashwords right now!!
December 31, 2011
WRITER'S BLOCK BLUES
I want to start off by saying, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've been neglecting everything lately, but I have had a good reason. WRITER'S BLOCK. Now I have had writer's block before, but nothing like this time. OMG! It was terrible. I couldn't write for like a month.
But then something wonderful happened. I took a break, went to Jacksonville, Fl and walked on the beach. There is nothing more relaxing than strolling down the beach, sand squishing through your toes, the wind blowing your hair, and the warm sun shining down on you. It's about as close to heaven as one can get here on Earth.
Once I came home from my trip, I sat down at the pc and the words just started to magically flow. And they're still flowing. YAY!!!
I still have a lot of catching up to do if I am going to come anywhere close to making my February 1st deadline for the release of book 2 of the TIES TO THE BLOOD MOON SERIES.
One more thing: For those of you who have read book 1, I need help coming up with a title for book 2. It has to be one word, fit the book, AND something that hasn't been used a million times.
Thanks for being soooooo understanding and not abandoning me. ;o) May your new year be blessed, and joyful.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
But then something wonderful happened. I took a break, went to Jacksonville, Fl and walked on the beach. There is nothing more relaxing than strolling down the beach, sand squishing through your toes, the wind blowing your hair, and the warm sun shining down on you. It's about as close to heaven as one can get here on Earth.
Once I came home from my trip, I sat down at the pc and the words just started to magically flow. And they're still flowing. YAY!!!
I still have a lot of catching up to do if I am going to come anywhere close to making my February 1st deadline for the release of book 2 of the TIES TO THE BLOOD MOON SERIES.
One more thing: For those of you who have read book 1, I need help coming up with a title for book 2. It has to be one word, fit the book, AND something that hasn't been used a million times.
Thanks for being soooooo understanding and not abandoning me. ;o) May your new year be blessed, and joyful.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
December 4, 2011
EXTRA, EXTRA--READ ALL ABOUT IT!
I just wanted to share in my happiness and give thanks to the wonderful people who made it possible--REVIEWERS AND BLOGGERS AND READERS. Ties To The Blood Moon, has only been out a short time, and the reviews are pouring in. They have all been fantastic--4 and 5 stars mostly. I've only had one person to say it wasn't the right fit for them.
I can live with those numbers anyday! So, take a few minutes and read the reviews. You can find them at places like Amazon, Goodreads, and Smashwords.
I can live with those numbers anyday! So, take a few minutes and read the reviews. You can find them at places like Amazon, Goodreads, and Smashwords.
November 19, 2011
HOWLING TURTLE
Just wanted to let you know my good friend, Larissa, is hosting a giveaway for TIES TO THE BLOOD MOON. Please visit her blog and enter for a chance to win you very own copy. You can find it here, but the address is howlingturtle-pdx.blogspot.com.While you are there take a look at the wonderful interview and book review too.
You can also grab this cute button there!
November 16, 2011
HIP HIP HOORAY
I have just published my second novel, my first in the YA/Urban fantasy genre. I've gotten oodles of reviewers reading it right now. I have three author interviews up, and over the course of the next month I'll have about fifteen more. Heck! I even have a couple blog tours set up. Now, I'm sure for a lot of you bigger authors out there, this is just minimal. Me, I was doing the happy dance around my house. That was until I received my first unfavorable review.
Talk about crushed, I WAS CRUSHED! Do I hate the person for the bad review? No, of course not. This reviewer is no different from the others. These reviewers schedule months in advance because it takes a lot of work and time to do book reviews. There is a lot involved in running a review/interview blog. Not only do they read the book and write the review. They post it, sometimes in several different places, and they put it up on their blog where they are in charge of running the blog and promoting it as well. Not to mention if you agree to do a giveaway, they're in charge of keeping up with that too. And when they post yours, they don't get to take a break. They go right on to the next, and the cycle starts all over for them.
These reviews have a major impact on book sales. When they talk about your book, good or bad, they are generating a buzz, getting your name out to people that otherwise might never have heard about you. Then that person just might go out and buy your book just to see if they feel the same way as that particular reviewer. Everyone knows that opinions are just that--opinions, and if we all thought the same way, what a boring world it would be.
I am just as thankful to that reviewer as I am to the rest. Maybe even more, because that person read something they ended up not liking, but still took the time to write about it. Book Bloggers and reviewers have my utmost respect, and I think ALL authors should take time out of their busy lives to say thank you!
BOOK BLOGGERS AND REVIEWERS EVERYWHERE--THANKS!!!
Talk about crushed, I WAS CRUSHED! Do I hate the person for the bad review? No, of course not. This reviewer is no different from the others. These reviewers schedule months in advance because it takes a lot of work and time to do book reviews. There is a lot involved in running a review/interview blog. Not only do they read the book and write the review. They post it, sometimes in several different places, and they put it up on their blog where they are in charge of running the blog and promoting it as well. Not to mention if you agree to do a giveaway, they're in charge of keeping up with that too. And when they post yours, they don't get to take a break. They go right on to the next, and the cycle starts all over for them.
These reviews have a major impact on book sales. When they talk about your book, good or bad, they are generating a buzz, getting your name out to people that otherwise might never have heard about you. Then that person just might go out and buy your book just to see if they feel the same way as that particular reviewer. Everyone knows that opinions are just that--opinions, and if we all thought the same way, what a boring world it would be.
I am just as thankful to that reviewer as I am to the rest. Maybe even more, because that person read something they ended up not liking, but still took the time to write about it. Book Bloggers and reviewers have my utmost respect, and I think ALL authors should take time out of their busy lives to say thank you!
BOOK BLOGGERS AND REVIEWERS EVERYWHERE--THANKS!!!
