Sandy Appleyard's Blog, page 3

Living with Depression and Anxiety Disorder-Part 3

So why have I given up on writing books? And what does this have to do with depression and anxiety?

These recent posts, as you’ll notice, have nothing to do with writing. The posts are for me-a little bit of treatment, a kind of journal to display my journey through this whole process of personal exploration and healing, and hopefully they will serve to help others who may be suffering from mental illness.

To answer the above questions: when I was writing, I believe I was doing all the right...

Living with Depression and Anxiety Disorder-Part 2

We’re all familiar with what it is like to be depressed or anxious, but what does it mean when you have a ‘disorder’?

Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe and can range from feeling ‘the blues’ to being so incredibly sad that you can’t find the energy to even get out of bed. This often comes hand in hand with feelings of anxiety that are greater than what we can deal with, bringing about physical symptoms which can often lead to anywhere from a general feeling of malaise to such debili...

Living with Depression and Anxiety Disorder-Part 1

In retrospect, I should have written this post months ago, but in doing so I would also be admitting to something I wasn’t ready to admit to…that I’m walking away from writing any new books, and possibly publishing the completed manuscripts I already have.

In April of this year, I visited my doctor, who surmised that I was experiencing some depression. After attempting a medication that was worse than the symptoms and then speaking to a counselor, it was discovered that I am also suffering fr...

You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

It’s an old adage,

you can run but you can’t hide

Some of us do one or the other when trouble arises, some do both, as in Layla’s case. Layla Dixon is a sixteen year old New Yorker who is just like any other teenager. She’s smart, driven, knows what she wants in life, and is noble to both friends and family.

But an aspect of her personality is put to the test one fateful afternoon in the Dixon household…her bravery.

Come and meet Layla Dixon, and find out why she’s one of the most courageous...

Is Your Book Good Enough to Self-Publish?

In recent months I’ve been counseling a friend on whether or not to go with small or large press publishing or self publishing. As our discussions have become more and more in depth, I thought I would share some of the highlights of our chatter, and perhaps debunk some of the myths of going with self-publishing versus small or large press.

At one point, I just came out and asked:

What is the number one reason you want to use a publisher? The answer was twofold:

1. I’m not sure if my writing i...

Is My Book Good Enough to Self-Publish?

In recent months I’ve been counseling a friend on whether or not to go with small or large press publishing or self publishing. As our discussions have become more and more in depth, I thought I would share some of the highlights of our chatter, and perhaps debunk some of the myths of going with self-publishing versus small or large press.

At one point, I just came out and asked:

What is the number one reason you want to use a publisher? The answer was twofold:

1. I’m not sure if my writing i...

Book Review-Grey by E.L. James

Amazon.com Widgets

Anyone who has been keeping up with my blog knows that I’m a die-hard fan of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, and I was thrilled to learn that E.L. James had published yet another novel about the infamous couple.

Grey was all that it promised to be

Grey was essentially Fifty Shades of Grey told from Christian’spoint of view. As for anyone who hasn’t read the original trilogy, they are all written from Anastasia’s perspective.

And while it was an interesting read and I cringed t...

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Review of Kindle Book Promotions-Part Two

Not long ago I posted a review of Kindle Book Promotions-a book review service offered to self-published authors-and while my initial experience was not terribly impressive, I decided to give them a second try.

With my previous release (Feb./2015), The Wheels of Change, came numerous obstacles trying to obtain book reviews, not unlike many authors. I didn’t like most other paid review services because authors needed to upload a free copy of their book, and they didn’t guarantee any book revie...

8 Reasons You Will Not Write a Book Review

This is not a post designed to admonish those who do not post book reviews. It is simply an attempt to break down the barriers for those readers who choose not to. After all, why wouldn’t you want to post a book review? Here are 8 reasons I came up with: You don’t have the time.

Writing a review takes seconds. Literally. Most authors even place a link at the back of their book that directs you right to the purchase page, which is one click away from publishing your book review.

You don’t...

A New Look for LA Cops Series…and a Surprise

In the two and a half years since I published my second romantic suspense, the cover has undergone a few changes. Nonetheless, I decided it was time for a new look, and it was time to surprise my readers.

Since finding a wonderful new cover designer, Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix Designs, and seeing her work her magic on the covers for She Only Speaks to Butterflies, and my newest suspense novel Betrayal Only Comes in Green, my gut told me she would do a great job giving my LA Cops Series a f...