Nancy S. Thompson's Blog, page 13

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest

The Ninjas and Knights are joining forces!
Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest, October 17, 2012 
Post about a book you’ve noticed, read, or saw online. Anything that caught your eye because of a great cover, blurb or reviews, but DON’T tell the author that their book has been noticed.  Instead, shout out until the author finds his/her book.  Leave a blog comment at Ninja Captain Alex or Ciara Knight’s blog when the author finds their book.
Only two rules:
You can’t post about your own book.The book shouldn’t be on the New York Times or USA Today bestseller list.
This is your chance to shout out about a book that might not have been noticed by others.
__________
Okay, so I’m gonna do this a little differently.  I want to post 3:  an older book, a brand new title, and an upcoming one.
OLDER TITLE:











The King of Liesby John Hart
This was Hart’s debut novel.  His next three titles made the NY Times Bestseller List, but this one is every bit as good.  In true Hart fashion, he builds each scene with visceral emotion, setting each page with impactful suspense.
CURRENT TITLE:

Dangerous Embraceby Dana Mason
This book launched on October 4th and already has a strong following.  Reader reviews on Amazon:  “Captivating characters that keep the reader hooked.”  “Excellent use of description.”  “Strong, well written, suspenseful.”  “Fast pace, descriptive and real.  Hooked me right from the start and consumed every free minute until it was over.”
UPCOMING TITLE:

Finding Claire Fletcher by Lisa Regan
Finding Claire Fletcher is truly a story of our times, magnificently told, even in its brutality. It follows ten years in the life of a girl kidnapped off the streets on her way to school at the age of fifteen.  This story will frighten you, make you angry, cry, and cringe, but it will also energize your faith in the human spirit and its ability to heal and move forward.  It is a well-written, hauntingly brutal, yet sweetly realized story of love and determination to overcome the most heinous of fates. ________


So tomorrow is my big launch day for THE MISTAKEN!  I hope you come back around for the blog tour and giveaway running from October 18th to November 1st.  See you there!
10/18:  Mark Koopmans10/19:  Alex J. Cavanaugh & Arlee Bird10/22:  Carrie Butler & Jeff O’Handley10/23:  Julie Musil10/24:  Donna Weaver & Melissa Maygrove10/25:  Matthew MacNish10/26:  LG Smith10/27:  Aimee Jodoin10/29:  Heather M. Gardner10/30:  Lisa Regan10/31:  Jennifer Hillier11/1:    Angela Peart & Livia Peterson11/19:  Arlee Bird for a follow-up

And oh, look!  I finally have some of my buy links up. The Mistaken is now available at :    
Amazon    Barnes and Noble    NookAnd soon to Amazon Books
Coming soon to Sony, Kobo, iBooks, Diesel Bookstore, and Baker & Taylor.

Big Hugs to All of You!

This is it, guys, my big week, what I’ve been working toward for over two-and-a-half years now.  My novel, THE MISTAKEN, will finally be published.  And although my Amazon and Barnes & Noble buy links go live today*—AHHH, TODAY!!—my blog tour doesn’t kick off until my actual launch day this Thursday, but I do have one thing I’d like to say right now. 
I want to—no—I needto express my profound thanks to all of you who have stuck with me, who have supported me through all my ups and downs, who have held my hand, helped me up, dusted me off, and pushed me back down the road on my journey to be published.
It’s very true that writing is a solitary profession, but only because the work itself is done within the confines of our own minds.  But with the exception of this, there really is nothing else solitary about it. 
I’ve worked in the design field for over twenty-five years now, in offices filled with people.  I’ve enjoyed relationships with those folks, gone out to lunch, had weekend barbeques, attended baby showers, what have you.  But as physically close as those relationships were, nothing really compares to the camaraderie I’ve found here, online, with my writer and blogger friends.  It is truly a fellowship, and I consider each of you my companion on this toughest of journeys. 
I want nothing more than to pay forward everything I’ve received from you, both as a group and as individuals.  I realize that might sound glib, but in my heart of hearts, I know it’s true.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  True, I might have created a product on my own, but I seriously do not think I could have taken it all the way to market without the generosity of this community.  So to each and every one of you, I offer my deepest, most sincere gratitude. 

I hope you come back Thursday for my launch, blog tour kickoff, and giveaway.  I’ll be posting a little something everyday, mostly just introductions to my hosts.  I know we’re all friends here, so I hope you go pay them a short visit, as well. 


First for today, a pre-launch post: I'm over at Shannon Lawrence's The Warrior Muse where I discuss my anti-hero.  Stop by and tell me what you think.
Here’s the list of my generous friends and hosts for my blog tour which kicks off on Thursday:
10/18:  Mark Koopmans Says Hi from HI10/19:  Alex J. Cavanaugh & Arlee Bird’s Tossing It Out10/22:  Carrie Butler’s So You Think You’re a Writrr & Jeff O’Handley’s The Doubting Writer10/23:  Julie Musil10/24:  Donna Weaver’s Weaving a Tale or Two & Melissa Maygrove10/25:  Matthew MacNish’s The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment10/26:  LG Smith’s Bards and Prophets10/27:  Aimee Jodoin’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Woman10/29:  Heather M. Gardner’s The Waiting is the Hardest Part10/30:  Lisa Regan10/31:  Jennifer Hillier’s The Serial Killer Files11/1:    Angela Peart & Livia Peterson’s Leave It to Livia11/19:  Arlee Bird’s Tossing It Out for a follow-up on my launch and tour.
I'll have another tour sponsored by my publisher with a slew of book reviewers.  That runs from November 29th through December 5th at Crossroad Reviews and Tours.  I hope to post links for that one on my Facebook page.  Please feel free to “friend” me any time!

*Here are the available buy links for THE MISTAKEN:
Amazon Kindle     Barnes and Noble     and coming soon to Amazon Books


See you Thursday for my blog tour!

BUT FIRST...

...on Wednesday, I'll be participating in the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfesthosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh and Ciara KnightHope to see you there, too!

Bouchercon 2012

Wow!  That’s about all I can say right now.  I’m sitting at a crowded gate at the Clevelandairport, trying to find a way to sum up Bouchercon 2012, my first ever writer’s conference.  But seriously, B-con was so much more than that. 
It wasn’t just a convention for writers and authors, but for readers and fans of all types of crime fiction, as well.  So while I was in absolute heaven being surrounded by other writers who truly understood me and my passion for writing and my genre, and I learned an incredible amount of information at the panels, I also had the opportunity to chat and socialize with the very people who might buy my book when it “hits the stands” next week.
But before I get into all that, let me first fill you in on the personal side of this big excursion.  As most of you already know, I was planning to meet my bff, Lisa Regan, in person for the very first time.  She didn’t get there until my second day, so I met my other bestie first, Jennifer Hillier, author of Creep and Freak.

Jenny and I
I hadn’t seen Jenny since she moved from my neck of the woods last December.  Though she was suffering from some back pain, she managed to make the trip, and we had a grand time catching up, eating and drinking, and attending panels.  And when Lisa finally arrived, Jenny was there to capture it all on video.  But that’s a private moment I’m keeping to myself right now. I do, however, have a couple of photos Jenny took.
Lisa and I
The three of us spent no small amount of time partying it up at The Renaissance.  This newly renovated hotel, a grand dame dating back to1915, was opulent and conveniently located at Tower City, another beautifully revitalized structure also housing The Ritz Carlton, an entire shopping mall, food court, and cinemas, plus the RTA or local rapid transit train, which delivered me from the airport for only $2.  Everything we could ever want was right at our doorstep.  We never even had to venture outside. 
Me, Lisa, and Jenny
The Renaissance at Tower City at night
...and in the morning
The grand lobby staircase
Tower City entrance
The Renaissance lobby fountain
The street view out our room window at The Renaissance
But, of course, we did since the opening ceremony took place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  That was a fun event with wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres.  Best of all, it was emceed by famed master author, John Connolly.  We did have an incident where a close-talking stalker fan latched on to Lisa, but we managed to shake him, thank God.  Then it was back to the hotel bar for a nightcap where we were constantly surrounded by famous authors like Lee Child and Chelsea Cain.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Lisa, me, and Jenny out front of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Author John Connolly was quite the comedian emcee
Inside the reception hall at the museum
Author Charlaine Harris of the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries (True Blood)
Jenny and  Chelsea Cain
Author Will Lavender and Jenny
Friday and Saturday were again chock full of wonderful panels.  They were moderated and debated by panelists such as John Connolly, Chelsea Cane, Charlaine Harris, Linwood Barclay, and countless other rock stars of the genre and industry. I learned more than I ever thought possible on subjects such as morally challenged heroes, adapting novels into movies and television, crafting thrillers, character development, avoiding the unbelievable, and serial killers, the last of which was paneled by Jenny herself.  And all that barely scratched the surface.   
I met so many wonderful people, especially other writers and a few debut authors like myself.  One in particular was Mark Pryor, a friend of both Lisa and Jenny and author of The Bookseller, launching tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9th from Seventh Street Books and As She Lay Sleeping, true crime from New Horizon Press and already available on Amazon.  I found Mark incredibly charming as he spent an entire evening regaling a group of us women with stories of his job as a prosecuting attorney in Austin, Texas.  
Mark, Lisa, and I were all on the New Authors panel where we were unexpectedly instructed to stand before the crowd and speak about ourselves and our books.  And although it was intimidating as hell, the moderator, legendary author Val McDermid, was so hilarious, she put us all at ease as we belly-laughed at her early morning Scottish humor.  
 Val McDermid
Lisa and I after our New Authors panel
At the Museum party, we met a group of women—readers and librarians from Lisa’s neighborhood in Philly—and just like so many of the attending fans, they were thrilled to learn that Lisa and I were launching books this year and were anxious to read and possibly share them.  How cool is THAT?!!
Seriously, Even though Jenny was wracked up and I had some weird eye infection the whole time, we had a blast, and I could go on and on about how wonderful and fulfilling this trip was, but with all I have to say, it would take 5000 words, at least, and to be honest, I drank more alcohol in last 4 days than I have in the last 4 months, so I’m a tad exhausted what with getting up everyday before 6am.  But I know so many of you were cheering me on here and on Facebook and Twitter, so I at least wanted to give you a glimpse into the most spectacularly fun 5 days of my life!
Have you ever been to a writer's conference like this?  

Dangerous Embrace by Dana Mason

Today is Launch Day for my friend, fellow SSP author, and Bay Area homegirl, Dana Mason.  If you love romance and suspense, then join me in celebrating the release of Dana's debut novel, Dangerous Embrace.


Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life—alone.  Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. But when she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well.  
Now, back in her hometown, she's found a place she loves. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she’s settled, and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life.
But it only takes one night and one act of violence for everything to change. Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.
Just when Sarah thinks she can have Mark and the life he promises, her past comes back to haunt her.
Mark Summors was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man.
Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it.
This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.
Excerpt from Dangerous Embrace :
Sarah pried open her heavy eyelids and turned, trying to focus on the clock. “Ow, dammit!” She clenched her teeth and looked down at the sling tied to her arm. The smothering realization pressed on her chest. When the nausea hit, she flung the covers off and rushed to the bathroom, fighting to get to the toilet before her stomach heaved.When the painful dry heaving stopped, she lay back on the cold tile floor, exhausted, and waited for the room to stop spinning. Her ragged breaths roared in her ears and seemed to echo in the quiet room. When her breathing slowed, the silence ebbed around her in waves, but when footsteps approached the bathroom door, she tensed again. A bead of sweat dripped down her scalp and at the same time someone tapped at the door. Her pulse spiked and she fought like hell to remember who brought her home from the hospital.  She closed her eyes. “Who’s there?” The waver in her voice pissed her off. Gawd—please don’t let me be pathetic in front of whoever this is.A hesitant and completely unfamiliar man’s voice said, “Are you all right? Do you need something?” Sarah sucked in a hard breath. “Um…” She exhaled slowly. “Who are you?”“Mark Summors.”She stiffened and tried to sit up. “Do I know you?” she asked her voice pitching. “I can explain if you open the door.” She steadied herself against the bathtub. The sling had slipped up her arm, exposing the trail of bruises. She swallowed another wave of nausea and tried to put the pieces together. Mark Summors? She glanced around for something to use as a weapon just in case, then she wanted to laugh—and cry. Who the hell was she kidding? She rolled her eyes. Good plan, Sarah, take on a strange guy with a toilet brush.  “Can I come in?”  His voice was muffled as if he was resting his face against the door.“Go ahead.” She clamped her mouth closed to suppress a shiver, then said, “It’s unlocked.” The door eased open and a cup of water shot out at her. “Oh, thank you,” she cried out, relieved to wash the disgusting film out of her mouth. She snatched the cup out of his hand and gulped it, letting her eyes lift above the rim to see his face.  “Ah.” Sarah choked and inhaled the water. She set the cup down, almost upending it as she dropped it. “Oh my God!” She would never forget those intense blue eyes, just like she would never forget the smell of her attacker’s breath. They were all thrown together in the same horrifying memory.

Dana Mason started writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace, is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern Californiawho learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. Second chances don’t come easy…but sometimes love is worth the risk.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art's Council and does what she can to support the art community.  
As an avid reader and movie watcher, she always requires a happily ever after ending.

IWSG: A Shoulder, a Hand, and a Word of Encouragement

It’s the first Wednesday of the month, time forAlex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Supports Group
I’ve been participating in the IWSG for a year now, and, in that time, I think most of my posts have been complaints about one thing or another, usually about how discouraged I was feeling.  Yes, I know, that’s kind of what it’s for, but, besides being a place to vent insecurities, it’s also a place to support those writers who need it.  I just always seemed to be on the receiving end.  But not today.
Today, I’m here to tell you, you CAN do it.  I’m living proof.  And if Ican do it, so can you.  For whatever reason, writers are incredibly insecure.  All we want is for others to read our words, and, for most of us, that means we want to publish those words, get them out into the world for all to see and, hopefully, love.  But with the industry in total upheaval, it seems quite daunting.  There are dues to pay, rules to follow, a platform to build, and a craft to learn and perfect. And to make it even harder, we have to get past those pesky gatekeepers, because…well, that’s the way it’s always been done.  Right? 
As my dear friend and fellow author, Jennifer Hillier once told me, there are many paths to publication.  Some of you have chosen the self-pub route.  I commend you on that move.  Contrary to what some might think, it’s not the easiest way, at least not if you want to actually sell your book to readers.  It takes endless hours of hard work to promote a book on your own.  I know I could never do it myself.  And it’s not just about not having the marketing expertise either.  I simply don’t have the drive.  Even if I hadn’t sold my novel, I know I never would have self-pubbed because it’s just so blasted difficult.  Kudos to those of you fearless enough to take on that brave new world.
If you’re more like me and, for whatever reason, only consider traditional publishing, take heart.  That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pursue the traditional path.  With the explosion of ebooks, and with traditional publishers—namely the Big 6—not really knowing how to forecast, let alone deal with what the future might bring, many small presses have popped up.
These independent publishers are focused and built on the very foundation of ebooks, as well as the old standards.  They’re start-ups with marketing and business plans developed around this new formula, with the ability to change with an industry in flux.  They aren’t dinosaurs trying to survive what they see as a world apocalypse.  And while the Big 6 and all their subsidiaries and imprints throw 99% of their marketing budgets behind 1% of their authors, the indies are not only willing to cast their money and reputation behind new talent, they thrive on it  
Most of these establishments understand that the old blueprint is not the only way to find this new talent.  They don’t rely solely on literary agents.  They know writers don’t always choose to seek representation, and that even if a writer hasn’t been able to land an agent, that doesn’t mean their work is not worthy of publication.  It just means many agents overlook talent while pandering to the T-Rex. 
I spent a few months seeking the Holy Grail, and while I only tapped the top of the well and had planned on digging deeper, I didn’t limit myself.  In addition to sixty or so agents, I chose to query one small press, which resulted in a deal.  Yeah, sure, I would love the validation that goes along with representation, but ultimately, publication was what I sought.  And I got that.  Without an agent.  It ispossible.  In fact, I have several friends who’ve done the same recently.  I stand behind it so fiercely, I convinced another friend who seemed dead set against it to finally submit to my publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing.  Why the hell not?  His book is every bit good enough. 

So to all of you who feel ground under the heel of Godzilla and his minions, fear not.  Embrace change and snuggle deep into the bosom of revolution.  It’s your time.  You just need the ability and desire to break free from dogma of conformity.  The publishing industry is headed that way regardless.  Why not tag along for the ride?     ________
This is my last IWSG post before my debut novel, The Mistaken, launches on the 18th.  After that, I might be seeking consolation for utter and total failure.  But I sure hope not!
BTW, if you were here on Monday, you know I’m out of town at my first writer’s conference.  Because of this, I probably won’t have time to make the rounds until I get back.  But thank you so very much for stopping by.  It’s the support of friends like you that has enabled me to make my dreams come true.

All Kinds of Wonderful!

Short post for me today.  Hey, did I just a cumulative sigh of relief?  Ha ha, no worries.  I’m swamped with all kinds of wonderful right now. 
On Wednesday, I leave for BoucherCon, my first-ever writer’s conference, though, to be honest, it’s way more than that.  It’s for anyonewho loves mystery and crime fiction, fans and writers alike.  Even better, I get to see one of my besties, Jennifer Hillier.  Sadly, she moved from here in Seattle back to Torontolast December and I haven’t seen her since, so I’m excited beyond words!  Happy dance time!

But as incredible as that is—and it is incredible—something even bigger is planned.  I finally, FINALLY get to meet, in person, my pub-sister, my most valued critique partner, my email buddy, and my very best friend and confidant, Lisa Regan.  We’ve been CPs for over two years now.  Without fail, we email long-ass letters to each other twice a week, with lots of little ones and texts in between.  So, hell yeah, this is going to be EPIC!!!  Be prepared for lots of pictures when I return.

Also exciting, starting today, I’m a judge for the Small Press Pitch portion of Deana Barnhart’s Gearing Up to Get an Agent Blogfest or GUTGAA, as we lovingly call it.  How cool is that? 
And, of course, since I’ll be gone and it’s the beginning of the month, I have to compose a little sump’m sump’m for Alex J. Cavanaugh’s IWSG on Wednesday.  And with all this wonderfulness, I simply have nothing to complain about, so I plan on writing something a bit lighter than usual.
That said, I’m happy to be buried in edits—my new day job—which, I must say, I love, love LOVE!  In addition to all that, my debut novel, The Mistaken, launches in less than three weeks, along with my whirlwind blog tour, so while I’m drowning in promo, I’m lovin’ every minute of it!  This is me with my head ready to spin right off my body! 

What about you…have you ever found yourself drowning in pure euphoria?     

  
       

THE MISTAKEN Book Trailer!

I’m so thrilled to share my book trailer with you today.  I’ve wanted one for ages, but I’m so technologically challenged, I had no idea where to start. 
A few weeks ago, my dear friend, fellow author, and beloved SSP pub sister, Carrie Butler, revealed not only the spectacular book cover for STRENGTH, but the trailer, as well, which, in all honesty, absolutely blew me away!  
Carrie knew I desperately wanted one of my own, so she generously offered to put one together for me.  I gave her the script, the link to the soundtrack I’d found, and an idea of what I was looking for as far as the background video goes.  Carrie mashed it all up, tweaked it here and there, and…viola!  
I love it so much!  And I want to share it everywhere.  If any of my lovely followers has a spare day available on their blog and wouldn’t mind hosting me, I’d love to post it for all to see.  And you know I’ll pay it forward.  Just let me know if you’d like me to host your guest post or anything of the sort, and I’m so there for you.  Email me anytime.  My address is available here or in the Contact Metab above. 
I hope you enjoy the trailer for THE MISTAKEN and find the story intriguing.  The book will be available 10.18.2012 from Sapphire Star Publishing.  You can add it to your Goodreads TBR list today!

The Genre Favorites Blogfest

Oh, I love a good blogfest, and today, Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting a good one.

One blogfest, four favorites!List your favorite genre of:MovieMusicBooksAnd a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories!
This should be easy.  First, in the movie category, my favorite genre is the action thriller !  But it has to be smart.  I’m not interested in dumbed-down macho action flicks.  I want films like Primal Fear, A Perfect Murder, Se7en, and Silence of the Lambs.


Music is a bit tougher as I like so many genres, but alternative rock is absolute my favorite.  This is a hazy category and includes elements of metal and grunge.  Think: Three Days Grace, Alice In Chains, Seether, Staind, and Smile Empty Soul. Books are probably the easiest for me.  While I do read some YA, my favorite go-to genre is definitely the adult psychological thriller .  Think: Creep by Jennifer Hillier, Iron House by John Hart, Room by Emma Donoghue, and The Shining by Stephen King. Okay, now for a guilty pleasure from any of these categories.  Hmm, this one is much harder.  I think I’ll go for films and the British romantic comedy .  Think: Sliding Doors, Love Actually, Nothing Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Shakespeare in Love.  What are your favorites?

STRENGTH Cover Reveal!

Cover design by Carrie ButlerPhotograph by Yuri Arcurs
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation—and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few minor setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do—even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.




Where to find Carrie:
WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  SSP  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS  |  GOOGLE+ 
Where to find Strength:BOOK PAGE  |  GOODREADS  |  FACEBOOK (New!)



I’m so damn proud and happy for my girl, Carrie.  Her book, Strength, is amazing.  I’ve read it, so I know.  Do yourself a big favor and add Strength to your to-be-read list today!

IWSG: Juiced Book Reviews

It's the first Wednesday of the month,time for Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group

As writers, there’s probably nothing that makes us more insecure than bad reviews.  After all, public humiliation is torture when you’re working hard to cull a following and fan base.  As an author whose book is primed for release in a few short weeks, I worry endlessly, but I also know this business is hyper-subjective. 
As a reader, I’m exceptionally particular and put down far more books than I keep reading.  I know the same thing will happen to my book, that there will likely be many who dislike it for whatever reason.  I can’t exactly say I’m okay with that, yet, when I received my first 3-star rating this week on Goodreads, I was surprised by how little it stung.
Sure, part of it was because it was my first and all the others are 5 stars.  And part of it was because she only rated it.  I would have invested far more stock in her opinion if she, as a Goodreads librarian, had reviewed it, as well.  And although she does read widely, she still reads and rates primarily romance, which my book is not.  But still, I thought it would hurt a lot more than it did.
I’m not one of those authors who will rate my own work.  I find that a little…I don't know...narcissistic perhaps.  I was recently warned by a blogger friend that one of my Goodreads followers was a fellow writer who often slams other authors and their books on Goodreads and Amazon.  When I checked him out though, I deduced that he was probably just a disgruntled writer, jealous of others’ success.  So yeah, the source of the review matters to me.
Now we have this whole controversy of authors juicing their Amazon rankings with less-than-legitimate reviews.  The first I’d ever heard of anything along these lines was just a few weeks ago.  My friend and fellow author, Lisa Regan, asked my advice about an interview she was going to post on August 16th with best-selling British thriller author, David Kessler.  While she was excited to go one-on-one with an author she admires and whose books she enjoys, she was also a bit concerned by the advice he was advocating to other authors: 
“Do not let anyone lecture you about ‘ethics’ and the integrity of reviews.  Get all your friends to review your books and if they are too lazy, write the reviews for them and get them to use their ID's to publish them. (Throw in a few four star reviews as well and maybe even a single three star review that is only mildly critical - and get all of them to vote that each others reviews are helpful).”
But this was not the last I heard on this topic. On August 25th, NY Times columnist David Streitfeld published this article about Todd Rutherford and how he'd been contracted to write and publish over 4,500 counterfeit book reviews on his GettingBookReviews.com website, now defunct.  Then on the 28th, Porter Anderson covered the controversy, as well, on agent Jane Friedman’s blog, exposing the fact that self-pub phenom, John Locke, had actually paid people to buy his books and write reviews.  And then again on Sunday morning, September 2nd, author James Scott Bell posted about what the “Paid For Reviews Scandal Means for the Future” on The Kill Zone website and how “Andrew Shaffer compares these paid-for reviews to the doping scandal in sports.”
This whole debacle has left a bitter taste in my mouth.  While we authors dearly want success and for everyone who reads our books to love them and write glowing reviews, those desperate enough to commission spurious analyses serve only to contaminate and impair the very resource designed to assist them.  It creates mistrustful readers who will be much less likely to purchase based on posted reviews. 
Perhaps this behavior is in reaction to those folks who post equally-illegitimate bad reviews on books they’ve not even read.  But I think those reviews are transparent and that the average reader can see through the malicious nature in which it was composed. 
I, for one, believe my work should stand on its own merits and face whatever valid criticism arises, good or bad.  But even saying this, I can tell you, I rarely buy books based on reviews.  I read the jacket copy and perhaps the first page or chapter and decide from there whether it’s a good fit for me.
What about you…do you buy books based on customer ratings and reviews, and will this baring of the truth affect how you make your future book purchases?  
(Sorry for the atrocious length of this post, but I felt it was an important subject for the IWSG.)