Johnny Ray's Blog, page 34
April 22, 2014
latest photo shoot selection for book cover usage
Trust me, one of the hardest parts of being an author is having to work on photos for the back cover of your novel.
While a plain head on shot is all that is normally needed, who thinks more of a mysterious writer, one with a flair for exquisite living in world wide locations would be better?
Or perhaps one depicting life as a romantic man about town would be better in selling romance novels?
Still, a man for of action and adventure, showing off his more masculine side might be the ticket--right?
Okay, I guess it was worth a try, but I think it is best to just be me, a simple laid back beach guy who loves to write.
While a plain head on shot is all that is normally needed, who thinks more of a mysterious writer, one with a flair for exquisite living in world wide locations would be better?
Or perhaps one depicting life as a romantic man about town would be better in selling romance novels?
Still, a man for of action and adventure, showing off his more masculine side might be the ticket--right?
Okay, I guess it was worth a try, but I think it is best to just be me, a simple laid back beach guy who loves to write.
April 21, 2014
How to find the perfect contemporary romance books with both action and adventure or perhaps an erotic to comedy, or perhaps even filled with mystery and horror requires using kindle's tag words effectively
Everyone that reads a work of fiction requires some level action and adventure in it to make it exciting enough to keep the pages turning. These adventures can be in the area of romance, from contemporary to erotic, and from comedy to mystery or even thrillers. The hero can be sweet and charming or even an alpha male. And just as well the heroine can be weak or strong.
The timing could be a contemporary romance or a historical romance set somewhere in history. Also, the setting could be a small town drama to an international, jet setting adventure.
Using kindle to find the perfect fictional novel for you requires you to search using special key words. By using these effectively you will discover books that are exciting and more in tune with what you like to read. If you like sexy erotic reads, then search for such, and if you love Christian romances, search for those.
Over time you will develop your own list of key words to search by and the more specific you are, well, the better you will find those hidden gems on kindle. If you have a favorite author check to see what tags they use, and this might be a good selection for you to find other authors who write the same.
It also helps to use tag word combinations. Many authors are blending genre these days. As an example I write international romantic thrillers, which are international in setting, have a romantic element, but are true thrillers. There are a few cases where mine are also mystery, but generally they are thrillers.
I would love to hear from others on what key words they use to hunt for books on kindle that they love to read.
Please leave me a comment.
The timing could be a contemporary romance or a historical romance set somewhere in history. Also, the setting could be a small town drama to an international, jet setting adventure.
Using kindle to find the perfect fictional novel for you requires you to search using special key words. By using these effectively you will discover books that are exciting and more in tune with what you like to read. If you like sexy erotic reads, then search for such, and if you love Christian romances, search for those.
Over time you will develop your own list of key words to search by and the more specific you are, well, the better you will find those hidden gems on kindle. If you have a favorite author check to see what tags they use, and this might be a good selection for you to find other authors who write the same.
It also helps to use tag word combinations. Many authors are blending genre these days. As an example I write international romantic thrillers, which are international in setting, have a romantic element, but are true thrillers. There are a few cases where mine are also mystery, but generally they are thrillers.
I would love to hear from others on what key words they use to hunt for books on kindle that they love to read.
Please leave me a comment.
April 17, 2014
April 16, 2014
a video introduction to the novels written by Johnny Ray
One of the great things about YouTube is the ability to connect directly with readers in a more personal manner.Since I am often asked what do I write, I thought this short video might answer some questions.I hope you enjoy this short video.
April 14, 2014
Utilizing Google Plus Air to Facilitate Author Interviews
I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF THIS BLOG HOP PROMOTED BY MY FRIENDS AT THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA.THIS WILL OFFICIALLY START AT 5AM ON APRIL 15TH YOU WILL FIND MANY YOU WILL SEE MANY LINKS TO MY NOVELS AND WAYS TO FOLLOW ME HERE ON MY BLOGI HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS BLOG HOP
“Florida is a giant bug light for crazy people.” Phyllis Smallman, Sleuthfest 2014 It’s no surprise to any author living in Florida that some of the craziest stories we can write are actually inspired by true events in our sunshine state. Join us in exploring a different side of Florida than the travel bureau promotes with our first Blog Hop sponsored by Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Read on, click the links below to read another member’s view of crazy Florida, comment, share your favorite stories, and enter the contest to win a Kindle Paperwhite.
Utilizing Google Plus Air to Facilitate Author InterviewsBY JOHNNY RAY I’m sure many readers have read interviews posted on blogs and they are left still wondering just who exactly is this writer when they finish reading the post. While these interviews do provide many details and answers, it has one major flaw–you don’t get to see and hear the author in person. There is a major belief out there that authors are people who hide in their caves and write all day because they are introverts. At least in Florida I can say from personal experience that is not the case. As you follow the blog hop today I am participating in you will see just how crazy and fun loving authors in Florida are. One of the purposes of this blog hop is to convince readers that living and writing in Florida is great. So what is different about Google plus air, and perhaps for many people it might be good to explain exactly what it is and how it works. Google plus air is part of Google hangouts, a place where a group of participants can enter a video group meeting and see and hear each other. There is one person in charge of the hangout and they have more controls than others. This is also the person that can has the most responsibility in making sure it runs smoothly. During the hangout the person who is talking is moved to the top where the main screen is. This way all of the participants can see and hear this person. During the hangout everyone also sees the other participants in a thumbnail at the bottom of the page. If this hangout only has the interviewer and the author it affords a great place to highlight the authors personality. This is what makes the author much more real and intriguing to the reader. What makes Google air different is that the hangout is recorded on YouTube automatically. From there the recorded meeting can be embedded on both the interviewer’s blog and the author’s blog. Another great benefit is that it is possible to edit the interview and correct anything that is needed to make the presentation look professional. I hope to have some of these added shortly to show how effective they are. The major key in making them effective is in the editing of the video. While not easy it is something a great author or fantastic interviewer needs to become a master at doing. I have a number of prizes below and one of them will be selecting one of the commentators below the opportunity to do such an interview with me personally. I will also show a few tricks on how to make these look professional, giving that person the chance to benefit from many top professionals I have hired to teach me how to make this look great. Additionally, I plan to give away several signed copies of my last novel, so be sure to leave a comment or any questions you have below to be registered.
Enter Now to Win a Kindle Paperwhite
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No purchase is necessary. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. By submitting your entry, you agree to be entered into the participating authors' email newsletter list. Your information will not be shared with anyone else, and you may unsubscribe at any time. Winner will be notified by email. Authors are not responsible for transmission failures, computer glitches or lost, late, damaged or returned email. Winner agrees for their name to be used in conjunction with the contest on FMWA and authors' social media sites. U.S. Residents only due to postage constraints.
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Visit our Other Contributors and win more prizes:
Victoria Allman, Gator Bites, http://www.victoriaallman.com/blog Miriam Auerbach, Bonkers in Boca, http://www.miriamauerbach.com/bonkers-in-boca Gregg E. Brickman, Crazy South Florida—How it got to be home, http://www.GreggEBrickman.com/blog.html Diane Capri, Fishnado!, http://www.dianecapri.com/blog Nancy J. Cohen, Characters Too Weird to Be True, http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com Joan Lipinsky Cochran, The Million Dollar Squatter: Crazy in the Land of Coconuts and Bagels, http://www.joanlipinskycochran.com/blog.htm?post=952677 jd daniels He Did What? http://www.live-from-jd.com Joy Wallace Dickinson, “In Florida, It's Great to Be a Cracker”, http://www.FindingJoyinFlorida.com Dallas Gorhman, http://www.DallasGorham.com Linda Gordon Hengerer Crazy Treasure on the Treasure Coast, http://footballfoodandfiction.blogspot.com/ Vicki Landis, Eavesdropping 101, http://www.victorialandis.com Sandy Parks, Keep your eyes to the Florida skies, http://www.sandyparks.wordpress.com Neil Plakcy, Moscow on the Intracoastal http://www.mahubooks.blogspot.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
“Florida is a giant bug light for crazy people.” Phyllis Smallman, Sleuthfest 2014 It’s no surprise to any author living in Florida that some of the craziest stories we can write are actually inspired by true events in our sunshine state. Join us in exploring a different side of Florida than the travel bureau promotes with our first Blog Hop sponsored by Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Read on, click the links below to read another member’s view of crazy Florida, comment, share your favorite stories, and enter the contest to win a Kindle Paperwhite.
Utilizing Google Plus Air to Facilitate Author InterviewsBY JOHNNY RAY I’m sure many readers have read interviews posted on blogs and they are left still wondering just who exactly is this writer when they finish reading the post. While these interviews do provide many details and answers, it has one major flaw–you don’t get to see and hear the author in person. There is a major belief out there that authors are people who hide in their caves and write all day because they are introverts. At least in Florida I can say from personal experience that is not the case. As you follow the blog hop today I am participating in you will see just how crazy and fun loving authors in Florida are. One of the purposes of this blog hop is to convince readers that living and writing in Florida is great. So what is different about Google plus air, and perhaps for many people it might be good to explain exactly what it is and how it works. Google plus air is part of Google hangouts, a place where a group of participants can enter a video group meeting and see and hear each other. There is one person in charge of the hangout and they have more controls than others. This is also the person that can has the most responsibility in making sure it runs smoothly. During the hangout the person who is talking is moved to the top where the main screen is. This way all of the participants can see and hear this person. During the hangout everyone also sees the other participants in a thumbnail at the bottom of the page. If this hangout only has the interviewer and the author it affords a great place to highlight the authors personality. This is what makes the author much more real and intriguing to the reader. What makes Google air different is that the hangout is recorded on YouTube automatically. From there the recorded meeting can be embedded on both the interviewer’s blog and the author’s blog. Another great benefit is that it is possible to edit the interview and correct anything that is needed to make the presentation look professional. I hope to have some of these added shortly to show how effective they are. The major key in making them effective is in the editing of the video. While not easy it is something a great author or fantastic interviewer needs to become a master at doing. I have a number of prizes below and one of them will be selecting one of the commentators below the opportunity to do such an interview with me personally. I will also show a few tricks on how to make these look professional, giving that person the chance to benefit from many top professionals I have hired to teach me how to make this look great. Additionally, I plan to give away several signed copies of my last novel, so be sure to leave a comment or any questions you have below to be registered.
Enter Now to Win a Kindle Paperwhite
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No purchase is necessary. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. By submitting your entry, you agree to be entered into the participating authors' email newsletter list. Your information will not be shared with anyone else, and you may unsubscribe at any time. Winner will be notified by email. Authors are not responsible for transmission failures, computer glitches or lost, late, damaged or returned email. Winner agrees for their name to be used in conjunction with the contest on FMWA and authors' social media sites. U.S. Residents only due to postage constraints.
<><><>
Visit our Other Contributors and win more prizes:
Victoria Allman, Gator Bites, http://www.victoriaallman.com/blog Miriam Auerbach, Bonkers in Boca, http://www.miriamauerbach.com/bonkers-in-boca Gregg E. Brickman, Crazy South Florida—How it got to be home, http://www.GreggEBrickman.com/blog.html Diane Capri, Fishnado!, http://www.dianecapri.com/blog Nancy J. Cohen, Characters Too Weird to Be True, http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com Joan Lipinsky Cochran, The Million Dollar Squatter: Crazy in the Land of Coconuts and Bagels, http://www.joanlipinskycochran.com/blog.htm?post=952677 jd daniels He Did What? http://www.live-from-jd.com Joy Wallace Dickinson, “In Florida, It's Great to Be a Cracker”, http://www.FindingJoyinFlorida.com Dallas Gorhman, http://www.DallasGorham.com Linda Gordon Hengerer Crazy Treasure on the Treasure Coast, http://footballfoodandfiction.blogspot.com/ Vicki Landis, Eavesdropping 101, http://www.victorialandis.com Sandy Parks, Keep your eyes to the Florida skies, http://www.sandyparks.wordpress.com Neil Plakcy, Moscow on the Intracoastal http://www.mahubooks.blogspot.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
how to set up for a professional image on google plus air
ONE THING ABOUT PROMOTIONAL WORKIT HAS TO LOOK PROFESSIONALA WRITER WANTS TO BE SEEN AS ONE WHO PAYS ATTENTION TO DETAILS, EVEN WHEN IT IS IN A DIFFERENT MEDIA ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS IS HAVING PROPER LIGHTINGI HAVE A PHOTO BELOW OF THE LIGHTING SET UP I USE. THE NEXT STEP IS HAVING THE PROPER PROPS IN THE BACKGROUND IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE OVERLY DETAILED AND CROWDED, BUT IT DOES NEED TO PORTRAY AN SENSE OF ACTIVITY. NOTE, THE TABLE IN THE CENTER IS WHERE I WILL MOVE MY COMPUTER WHEN I GO LIFE.
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE RIGHT SOUND EQUIPMENT THAT CAN RECORD YOU VOICE AND LET YOU LISTEN IN ON OTHERS WITH OUT BEING MADE TO LOOK LIKE SOME KIND OF ALIEN OR CAUSING FEEDBACK DISTRACTIONS WITH THE PROPER SET UP THEN THE WRITER TURNED ACTOR CAN CONCENTRATE ON GETTING HIS MESSAGES ACROSS TO HIS FANS.
SEE LINK BELOW
YOU CAN BUY THESE LIGHTS HERE AT A GREAT PRICE SEE LINK BELOW
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE RIGHT SOUND EQUIPMENT THAT CAN RECORD YOU VOICE AND LET YOU LISTEN IN ON OTHERS WITH OUT BEING MADE TO LOOK LIKE SOME KIND OF ALIEN OR CAUSING FEEDBACK DISTRACTIONS WITH THE PROPER SET UP THEN THE WRITER TURNED ACTOR CAN CONCENTRATE ON GETTING HIS MESSAGES ACROSS TO HIS FANS.
SEE LINK BELOW
YOU CAN BUY THESE LIGHTS HERE AT A GREAT PRICE SEE LINK BELOW
Even novelist look to cook
On a trip slightly to the north my family decided to have a little bar-be-que and chillax for a while on Santa Maria Island. You have to love lazy Sunday afternoons.
enjoying life in Florida
Living on the west coast of Florida is both relaxing and excitingespecially if you love to be around people who love to fishFlorida has a lot of fish rodeos and tournaments and from the photos below we do have some nice fish in the water
April 10, 2014
hot new releases
I enjoy seeing what the current trend is on Amazon, if you do alsocheck out this link
April 9, 2014
enjoying life
What do you do for fun?or relaxation? In Florida we live in such a vacation paradise that living here is often taken for granted. But tell me what you like about where you live.I love to travel and make new friends along the way
