Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 8
July 21, 2013
Rainbow Lorikeets: Squatters?
Do our native parrots covet others’ homes?
That’s the question I asked myself this morning when I saw what had happened.
For many weeks I’d watched the tireless diligence, the devoted effort, of a certain white cockatoo. Every day he’d be hard at work, chipping away. Every morning I’d see an impressive pile of wood-chips on the path below. Quite often, the lady of the house would come and inspect her partner’s progress, maybe give her opinion, and then fly off again.
And so it was with amazement http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
That’s the question I asked myself this morning when I saw what had happened.
For many weeks I’d watched the tireless diligence, the devoted effort, of a certain white cockatoo. Every day he’d be hard at work, chipping away. Every morning I’d see an impressive pile of wood-chips on the path below. Quite often, the lady of the house would come and inspect her partner’s progress, maybe give her opinion, and then fly off again.
And so it was with amazement http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
June 25, 2013
Review: Amelia's Call
Amelia's Call by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I put this book aside for a few weeks, and read it with fresh eyes.
Amelia's Call is the type of book that invites reading in a single sitting: short yet compelling. It's easy to relate to Amelia. Flawed though she is, she clings to the core of her marriage vows, despite temptation, and despite profound difficulties.
Arguably the most serious of my titles, I believe that I've constructed an engaging, believable scenario, with a quietly satisfying conclusion.
View all my reviews
June 21, 2013
Let's Try Indie!
I admit to surprise at a recent statement made to me.
The thrust of it was, that there are readers out there that simply refuse to buy a title if it’s self-published.
Having no way of knowing if this is absolutely true; and assuming it is, how widespread is this feeling ; I can only comment on the reasons why I believe it’s worthwhile to try Indie.
Firstly, throw away any relics of the idea that self-publishing is the last resort of writers whose attempts at mainstream publishing havebeen met with disappointment. It simply isn’t the case. I, for one, have never tried to have my books published any other way.
Why did I choose to self-publish?
Its main attraction centres around control. To self-publish gives a writer complete control of virtually all aspects of writing, from the actual words to the cover, distribution and pricing. There is artistic control of the highest level. Even the date of publication is in my hands.
As a reader, why should you consider Indie?
Well, looking at self-published works clearly broadens your range of possibilities. These days, with online publishing presenting the opportunity to try before you purchase, it’s the work of a few minutes to sample and decide if a specific title may well be exactly what you’re looking for. And, if you choose to go ahead and purchase, this single act can make a difference to a writer, particularly one who is struggling to get a readership. Even better, if you go that extra mile and write a review! This often means so much to an emerging Indie writer.
Indies seem to find it particularly difficult to get their books into shops, and this can make it even harder to get established.
Isn’t it a worthwhile project for a reader to seek out and read at least the occasional Indie title?
The thrust of it was, that there are readers out there that simply refuse to buy a title if it’s self-published.
Having no way of knowing if this is absolutely true; and assuming it is, how widespread is this feeling ; I can only comment on the reasons why I believe it’s worthwhile to try Indie.
Firstly, throw away any relics of the idea that self-publishing is the last resort of writers whose attempts at mainstream publishing havebeen met with disappointment. It simply isn’t the case. I, for one, have never tried to have my books published any other way.
Why did I choose to self-publish?
Its main attraction centres around control. To self-publish gives a writer complete control of virtually all aspects of writing, from the actual words to the cover, distribution and pricing. There is artistic control of the highest level. Even the date of publication is in my hands.
As a reader, why should you consider Indie?
Well, looking at self-published works clearly broadens your range of possibilities. These days, with online publishing presenting the opportunity to try before you purchase, it’s the work of a few minutes to sample and decide if a specific title may well be exactly what you’re looking for. And, if you choose to go ahead and purchase, this single act can make a difference to a writer, particularly one who is struggling to get a readership. Even better, if you go that extra mile and write a review! This often means so much to an emerging Indie writer.
Indies seem to find it particularly difficult to get their books into shops, and this can make it even harder to get established.
Isn’t it a worthwhile project for a reader to seek out and read at least the occasional Indie title?
May 12, 2013
A Wonderful Surprise
I suppose everyone’s psyche thrives on praise and recognition. Certainly, fiction writers struggling to be noticed would surely relish every scrap of positivity: and I’m no exception.
What a smile it has brought to my face!
Australian romance writer, Kate Loveday, has given me an honour of the highest degree. She’s listed me on Goodreads as
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
What a smile it has brought to my face!
Australian romance writer, Kate Loveday, has given me an honour of the highest degree. She’s listed me on Goodreads as
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
May 5, 2013
My Journey to Self Publishing
These days, self-publishing has become a popular method of getting one's work into print.
Today, I've been honoured by popular Australia rural fiction author Nicole Alexander. She has invited me to talk on her blog about my self-publishing experience.
Here's the link: http://nicolealexander.com.au/2013/05...
Today, I've been honoured by popular Australia rural fiction author Nicole Alexander. She has invited me to talk on her blog about my self-publishing experience.
Here's the link: http://nicolealexander.com.au/2013/05...
May 3, 2013
Revised: My Review of 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia'
A Taste of Life and Love in Australia by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In late April, 2013, 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia' was accepted for inclusion in the 'Awesome Indies' list of professional quality self-published literature.
This is my favourite volume in the series, since it contains a diverse selection of engaging, human, short stories. Written to be enjoyed by young and older adults, it sheds light on various aspects of human nature and relationships.
Not all the stories end happily, but alas! this is so in real life. Nevertheless, as one reader told me, the stories contain a 'golden thread' of hope, and in many cases, the tales produce a deeper emotional response than their brevity would likely suggest.
A good read for those aged from nineteen to ninety-nine, I believe.
View all my reviews
April 29, 2013
'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia' makes the List!
The vicissitudes of life can create joy, sorrow, or any number of emotions. I for one like to dwell on the positive.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce that my second title, ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’ has passed the criteria and been approved for listing by Awesome Indies.
Why is this so exciting? Well, it demonstrates that ‘A Taste…’ has been deemed to be of professional quality by http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce that my second title, ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’ has passed the criteria and been approved for listing by Awesome Indies.
Why is this so exciting? Well, it demonstrates that ‘A Taste…’ has been deemed to be of professional quality by http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
April 23, 2013
Review: Gods, graves and Scholars
Gods, Graves & Scholars: The Story Of Archaeology by C.W. CeramMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
For those interested in Archaeology, this volume is a treasure.
It abounds in truly fascinating and factual accounts of discoveries and expeditions, spanning the centuries. We meet remarkable characters, and share their sense of purpose and excitement of discovery.
It's a lengthy volume, but highly readable from cover to cover. Its contents have made a lasting impression on me.
Highly recommended.
View all my reviews
April 17, 2013
Little Things Mean So Much
In today’s world, compliments are rare. It seems all too easy for folk to pass over the doings of others, and forget to say those little things that amount to praise, or take those actions that give others a boost.
So I count myself extremely fortunate today to have met a friend that has just paid me the type of compliment I most desire. He tells me he has borrowed one of my titles : ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’ :from the local library, and is about to start reading it….
This knowledge made me smile: and the glow of pleasure it produced lasted for hours. My mood lifted, just as sunrise lifts curtain of darkness. The day went from hum-drum to fantastic: and all because he’d chosen to sample one of my titles, and bothered to impart his decision to me.
It got me thinking: how little acts of kindness or interest in others can achieve what no pill can; and often, what society’s great god, money, cannot.
So I count myself extremely fortunate today to have met a friend that has just paid me the type of compliment I most desire. He tells me he has borrowed one of my titles : ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’ :from the local library, and is about to start reading it….
This knowledge made me smile: and the glow of pleasure it produced lasted for hours. My mood lifted, just as sunrise lifts curtain of darkness. The day went from hum-drum to fantastic: and all because he’d chosen to sample one of my titles, and bothered to impart his decision to me.
It got me thinking: how little acts of kindness or interest in others can achieve what no pill can; and often, what society’s great god, money, cannot.
April 4, 2013
Early Autumn Sunrise in Sydney, Australia
It had seemed destined to be a hassle: this (very)early-morning swim meet.
A 7a.m. start has set a precedent: the earliest in all my decades of attendance.
And yet….
The magic starts as we amble down the hill. I catch more than a glimpse of distant houselights, reflecting on the river. A sight I’ve never seen before.
But that is only the beginning: the true spectacle http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
A 7a.m. start has set a precedent: the earliest in all my decades of attendance.
And yet….
The magic starts as we amble down the hill. I catch more than a glimpse of distant houselights, reflecting on the river. A sight I’ve never seen before.
But that is only the beginning: the true spectacle http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
