Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 4
June 12, 2015
Why Choose Self-published?
With sites such as Amazon awash with titles, why would readers choose to buy those that are self-published?
Sure, there is a risk involved in investing time and (often) money to read something that has not survived the gauntlet of a publishing-house editor. But with this risk comes the possibility of excitement. What a buzz to be one of the first to stumble upon a hitherto unknown gem!
Sometimes the 'look inside' feature on Amazon gives an odd impression of the formatting of the book, and it's a good idea to try a actual sample first.
There are some wonderful authors out there who have chosen to self-publish. I know of several who have received exciting reviews, and yet their books remain undiscovered by almost all readers.
The purchase of a single self-published title can mean something far more significant than it might suggest at first thought. It can be a symbol of hope to a writer struggling for recognition. A positive review becomes the icing on the cake!
Next time you're looking for a new title, why not consider giving the Indies a try?
Sure, there is a risk involved in investing time and (often) money to read something that has not survived the gauntlet of a publishing-house editor. But with this risk comes the possibility of excitement. What a buzz to be one of the first to stumble upon a hitherto unknown gem!
Sometimes the 'look inside' feature on Amazon gives an odd impression of the formatting of the book, and it's a good idea to try a actual sample first.
There are some wonderful authors out there who have chosen to self-publish. I know of several who have received exciting reviews, and yet their books remain undiscovered by almost all readers.
The purchase of a single self-published title can mean something far more significant than it might suggest at first thought. It can be a symbol of hope to a writer struggling for recognition. A positive review becomes the icing on the cake!
Next time you're looking for a new title, why not consider giving the Indies a try?
May 8, 2015
Reflections of a White-faced Heron
Reflections fascinate me. Whatever the subject – trees, buildings, birds or rocks – I always stop to admire the mirror-like image that is created by still water.
This is one of the advantages of living near the river. In calm weather, chances are that there will be ample opportunity for reflections.
Enjoy if you will this photo of a White-faced Heron: a tall, elegant water-bird that is common in my area.
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This is one of the advantages of living near the river. In calm weather, chances are that there will be ample opportunity for reflections.
Enjoy if you will this photo of a White-faced Heron: a tall, elegant water-bird that is common in my area.
Copyright ©
https://margaretlynettesharp2.wordpre...
April 21, 2015
A Heron in the Wind
Today’s weather has been extraordinary. Sydney, and indeed much of the coast of N.S.W., has been lashed by cyclonic winds and heavy rain.
So I must confess that this photo of a White-faced Heron in the wind is not an image of today. Much as we love going to the park, the risks involved were just too great.
Here’s a photo taken some time ago, showing a regular visitor to the local swimming baths braving the wind. Strong enough to make waves, but it pales by comparison with what Mother Nature dished out today.
https://margaretlynettesharp2.wordpre...
So I must confess that this photo of a White-faced Heron in the wind is not an image of today. Much as we love going to the park, the risks involved were just too great.
Here’s a photo taken some time ago, showing a regular visitor to the local swimming baths braving the wind. Strong enough to make waves, but it pales by comparison with what Mother Nature dished out today.
https://margaretlynettesharp2.wordpre...
February 26, 2015
Results
Well, the big day has come and gone, leaving behind a raft of messages. My first venture into paid book promotion...
First, do not expect too much too soon. Of Love and Secretspeaked yesterday on the Amazon US best-selling list at around #33,000. Not bad when one considers that there are more than one million titles out there... But still, a long way from the top 100, even top 1000.
Second, do not expect to make a profit from paid promotion. Sure, plenty say they do, or at least break even, but to date this has not been my experience.
Third, treasure the thought that overseas readers were sufficiently interested to part with their hard-earned cash to have that particular book on their Kindle.
First, do not expect too much too soon. Of Love and Secretspeaked yesterday on the Amazon US best-selling list at around #33,000. Not bad when one considers that there are more than one million titles out there... But still, a long way from the top 100, even top 1000.
Second, do not expect to make a profit from paid promotion. Sure, plenty say they do, or at least break even, but to date this has not been my experience.
Third, treasure the thought that overseas readers were sufficiently interested to part with their hard-earned cash to have that particular book on their Kindle.
February 9, 2015
What Will Happen?
I've entered a new phase of my writing journey. For the first time, I've applied (and been accepted) for a paid advertisement.
On February 25, eReader News Today will be promoting my 2015 release, Of Love and Secrets.
To get to this point, the book passed a selection process. So, whatever happens with regard to sales, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that it made the grade.
What will happen?
Exciting times!
On February 25, eReader News Today will be promoting my 2015 release, Of Love and Secrets.
To get to this point, the book passed a selection process. So, whatever happens with regard to sales, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that it made the grade.
What will happen?
Exciting times!
January 28, 2015
Review:' Indulge: Sensual Yales of Steampunk and Fantasy' by Jenny Schwartz
Indulge: Sensual Tales of Steampunk and Fantasy by Jenny SchwartzMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This engaging collection of stories of yesteryear demonstrates Jenny's considerable talent as an author. Rich in historical detail, Jenny Schwartz weaves tales of intrigue and love, often with quite surprising twists. The characters in each story flesh out into real people as the tales unfold, and sometimes we as readers may be surprised to find our feelings about people change as we get to know them better. Five stars.
View all my reviews
December 6, 2014
How Australian is This?
How Australian is this? A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo perched high in the bushland, surveying his territory.
What a happy-looking fellow he is! I wonder whether the hole in the tree is his nest…
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
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What a happy-looking fellow he is! I wonder whether the hole in the tree is his nest…
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Copyright ©
December 2, 2014
Getting There...
Well, the new book is written, and my husband Ron is busy with the formatting. It's quite tedious, but it must be done.
Then comes an exciting part: designing the cover.
The book will first be available on Kindle, but we hope ultimately to also have it as a paperback.
Its title is still a secret...
Watch this space. :)
Then comes an exciting part: designing the cover.
The book will first be available on Kindle, but we hope ultimately to also have it as a paperback.
Its title is still a secret...
Watch this space. :)
October 29, 2014
Watch This Space
Readers. please watch this space.
I've been busy, writing. It won't be long until there's another title available.
Is young love one of your favourite themes?
The urgency, the impetuosity, and the passion that so often drives it, fascinates me.
I have written about young love, before. But no two stories are ever quite the same.
I've been busy, writing. It won't be long until there's another title available.
Is young love one of your favourite themes?
The urgency, the impetuosity, and the passion that so often drives it, fascinates me.
I have written about young love, before. But no two stories are ever quite the same.
September 1, 2014
I'm Getting There
Life changes.
Twelve months ago, I had never even considered learning to drive. In fact I had all but ruled it out, permanently. My husband Ron could drive (and drive well). That was enough.
But suddenly, about eight months ago, the idea popped into my head. Why couldn't I learn to drive?
Sure, I was a couple (alright, more than a couple) of decades older than most learners. And the idea that I was a non-driver had been entrenched into me. But, could I change?
Fast forward to now, and I'm ready to report that, yes, I can drive. In fact, I can drive quite well. I'm yet to master a few of the finer points of parking, but that will come. I can, in fact, drive in traffic. I *can* do it.
How many others are out there, stuck in a mind-set that says that they *can't* do something? How many could be liberated just by a little attitude adjustment?
What's stopping them?
If it's worthwhile -- if you want to try-- then it's just up to you...
Why not go for it?
Twelve months ago, I had never even considered learning to drive. In fact I had all but ruled it out, permanently. My husband Ron could drive (and drive well). That was enough.
But suddenly, about eight months ago, the idea popped into my head. Why couldn't I learn to drive?
Sure, I was a couple (alright, more than a couple) of decades older than most learners. And the idea that I was a non-driver had been entrenched into me. But, could I change?
Fast forward to now, and I'm ready to report that, yes, I can drive. In fact, I can drive quite well. I'm yet to master a few of the finer points of parking, but that will come. I can, in fact, drive in traffic. I *can* do it.
How many others are out there, stuck in a mind-set that says that they *can't* do something? How many could be liberated just by a little attitude adjustment?
What's stopping them?
If it's worthwhile -- if you want to try-- then it's just up to you...
Why not go for it?
