Renny Barcelos's Blog, page 6

Spotlight on Ally Malinenko – Interview with a rising star

Today I’m proud to introduce a rising star: Ally Malinenko. She’s had poetry and stories published online and in print, including her first collection of poems, entitled The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press). Her second book of poems, Crashing to Earth, is forthcoming from Tainted Coffee Press. Her first children’s novel Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb, the first part in a series, was recently published by Antenna Books.

So, let’s learn more about her!

Please, tell us a little about yourself.

Hi I’m Ally. I’m from Monroe, NY which is… er… was a little town about an hour north of New York City. Since I was a kid growing up there it’s grown quite considerably. I live in Brooklyn now which is great except for when it isn’t which is horrid. Currently I’ve got 2 books published, a novel for children entitled Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb (Antenna Press) and a book of poetry entitled The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press). My second book of poetry entitled Crashing to Earth is forthcoming from Tainted Coffee Press.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing on and off for as long as I can remember. I’ve been an avid journal keeper nearly my whole life so I’ve got journals going back to grade school. My best friend and I kept a journal and log book for our imaginary land back when we were little. We cataloged all the creatures that lived there and even had an entire language. I kept all that. It’s good for creativity.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I wrote my very first story when I was ten. It was eight pages long, which at the time felt about the same size as Moby Dick. After that I moved on to shorter work and started writing very typical angst-y poetry in high school.

Can you tell us two eccentricities about yourself?

Oh goodness, only two? Let’s see – I know many people find my writing schedule rather eccentric. I get up at 5 am each morning to write. It was my husband’s idea. He’s also a writer and came up with the notion that you can get better work done first thing in the morning, before the day get its grip on you. And it works. Though I do miss sleeping in. That’s what weekends are for right? Okay, what else? I write in a closet. It fits my desk and some built in book shelves. Most mornings I’m joined by my cat June who sleeps in an empty comic book box and occasionally meows at me to remind me to stop goofing off online and get back to writing. Oh and I have a shadow of my former self tacked on the wall made by an old friend. There’s a picture in this blog entry: http://allymalinenko.com/2012/04/06/strings-and-sealing-wax-and-other-fancy-stuff/

And finally, in case none of that is considered eccentric, I’m a self-proclaimed Bardolator who was turned away from Shakespeare’s grave.

What was the best thing you’ve ever heard (or read) from a reader?

I had a woman come up to me once after a poetry reading and tell me that a specific poem about my mother’s battle with breast cancer is exactly the way she thought/felt. I was so flattered to know that my words had that effect on her. The universe got a little smaller that day, in a good way.

Do you have a good Indie author to recommend?

Yes Jen McConnel. I’m currently reading her book The Burning of Isobel Key and it’s fantastic. If you like witches and history and Scotland and good writing, it’s for you. It’s due out in October. She blogs here: http://jennifermcconnel.wordpress.com/

And also Julie Innis. Her book Three Squares a Day with Occasional Torture (Foxhead Books) is a fantastic, peculiar, hilarious collection of short stories. You can find out more here - http://julieinnis.net/

Who inspired and/or supported you to become a writer?

My first novel is a children’s book called Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb. It was definitely inspired by all the children’s literature I read as a kid. The biggest one for me was C.S. Lewis. The Narnia books were the first books that I remember reading and saying, “Wait, this is a job? This is something anyone can do? I wanna tell a story too!” Another big one for me was Bridge to Terabithia by Patterson. That taught me that books can be sad and funny and exciting and beautiful all at the same time. As for support, my entire family supports my writing work as do people I count as my closest friends. Good friends can make great beta readers as long as you’ve both got thick skin. My parents and sisters have always supported me, reading early drafts, buying books. And my long suffering husband has had to read nearly every single word I’ve written. He deserves an award.

Do you have a WIP (Working in progress)? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I have two actually. I’m currently working on the second part of Lizzy’s story and then also an untitled YA book that I just call The Chess Book. Lizzy’s book picks up where the first one left off which I won’t spoil for anyone but I will say the bad guy is back with badder intentions and Lizzy will need to pull all her friends and courage together to stop him. It’s gonna get hairy for our heroine. As for the YA book, it’s about chess and time travel and first loves and homelessness and doppelgangers and magic and kisses and family. Mostly it’s about the power to stand up to forces much bigger than you and not flinch.

What is your favorite of your books? Why?

Oh wow, I don’t know. I only have one fully completed and published novel. I probably love the ones I want to write more than the ones I’ve written. They are still full of potential. But I guess since Lizzy is my first she’ll always have a special place in my heart. So much of her story is mine, minus the whole Shakespeare connection of course!

What is your favorite of your characters? Why?

Again that’s hard but probably Lizzy. Though I do have a special fondness for Kate in the YA book I’m working on. All my characters are a little bit me, a little people I know and a little bit imagination.

Do you like to interact online? What’s your favorite social media?

I do. It’s an easy way to talk to people with the same interests as me, people that without social media I would never know. I’ve met so many great writers and enthusiastic readers online. Facebook is one of my favorites but Twitter is currently climbing the ranks. StumbleUpon and Pinterest are fun too for inspiration.

How do you feel about marketing your books?

Interviews like this are fun! I like talking about my work so I don’t really mind. I’ve got a great little press, Antenna Books, behind me too so that helps. I like sharing what I do and hearing what other people do. I’m not terribly hung up on the logistics. I try to think of it as a big party – we all have stuff in common, we like to read or write. My favorite people are readers.

Please, give us all your links – where can your readers find you and your books?

Here’s my blog: http://allymalinenko.com/

My twitter: @allymalinenko

My publisher’s link: http://www.antennabooks.com/

My book cover designer: http://saragable.com/

And my book is here at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lizzy-Speare-Cursed-Series-ebook/dp/B0098TBGHU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347482058&sr=1-1&keywords=lizzy+speare

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ally! It was a pleasure to have you on my spotlight!

And readers, don’t go anywhere! Stay tuned for next interview on Monday.

If you’re an author and want to be in my spotlight, contact me!

Related articles

Spotlight on H.C.Elliston – Interview with British thriller author (renatafbarcelos.wordpress.com)

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 15, 2012 14:51

Ally Malinenko on the spotlight – Interview with a rising star

Today I’m proud to introduce a rising star: Ally Malinenko. She’s had poetry and stories published online and in print, including her first collection of poems, entitled The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press). Her second book of poems, Crashing to Earth, is forthcoming from Tainted Coffee Press. Her first children’s novel Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb, the first part in a series, was recently published by Antenna Books.

So, let’s learn more about her!

Please, tell us a little about yourself.

Hi I’m Ally. I’m from Monroe, NY which is… er… was a little town about an hour north of New York City. Since I was a kid growing up there it’s grown quite considerably. I live in Brooklyn now which is great except for when it isn’t which is horrid. Currently I’ve got 2 books published, a novel for children entitled Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb (Antenna Press) and a book of poetry entitled The Wanting Bone (Six Gallery Press). My second book of poetry entitled Crashing to Earth is forthcoming from Tainted Coffee Press.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing on and off for as long as I can remember. I’ve been an avid journal keeper nearly my whole life so I’ve got journals going back to grade school. My best friend and I kept a journal and log book for our imaginary land back when we were little. We cataloged all the creatures that lived there and even had an entire language. I kept all that. It’s good for creativity.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I wrote my very first story when I was ten. It was eight pages long, which at the time felt about the same size as Moby Dick. After that I moved on to shorter work and started writing very typical angst-y poetry in high school.

Can you tell us two eccentricities about yourself?

Oh goodness, only two? Let’s see – I know many people find my writing schedule rather eccentric. I get up at 5 am each morning to write. It was my husband’s idea. He’s also a writer and came up with the notion that you can get better work done first thing in the morning, before the day get its grip on you. And it works. Though I do miss sleeping in. That’s what weekends are for right? Okay, what else? I write in a closet. It fits my desk and some built in book shelves. Most mornings I’m joined by my cat June who sleeps in an empty comic book box and occasionally meows at me to remind me to stop goofing off online and get back to writing. Oh and I have a shadow of my former self tacked on the wall made by an old friend. There’s a picture in this blog entry: http://allymalinenko.com/2012/04/06/strings-and-sealing-wax-and-other-fancy-stuff/

And finally, in case none of that is considered eccentric, I’m a self-proclaimed Bardolator who was turned away from Shakespeare’s grave.

What was the best thing you’ve ever heard (or read) from a reader?

I had a woman come up to me once after a poetry reading and tell me that a specific poem about my mother’s battle with breast cancer is exactly the way she thought/felt. I was so flattered to know that my words had that effect on her. The universe got a little smaller that day, in a good way.

Do you have a good Indie author to recommend?

Yes Jen McConnel. I’m currently reading her book The Burning of Isobel Key and it’s fantastic. If you like witches and history and Scotland and good writing, it’s for you. It’s due out in October. She blogs here: http://jennifermcconnel.wordpress.com/

And also Julie Innis. Her book Three Squares a Day with Occasional Torture (Foxhead Books) is a fantastic, peculiar, hilarious collection of short stories. You can find out more here - http://julieinnis.net/

Who inspired and/or supported you to become a writer?

My first novel is a children’s book called Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb. It was definitely inspired by all the children’s literature I read as a kid. The biggest one for me was C.S. Lewis. The Narnia books were the first books that I remember reading and saying, “Wait, this is a job? This is something anyone can do? I wanna tell a story too!” Another big one for me was Bridge to Terabithia by Patterson. That taught me that books can be sad and funny and exciting and beautiful all at the same time. As for support, my entire family supports my writing work as do people I count as my closest friends. Good friends can make great beta readers as long as you’ve both got thick skin. My parents and sisters have always supported me, reading early drafts, buying books. And my long suffering husband has had to read nearly every single word I’ve written. He deserves an award.

Do you have a WIP (Working in progress)? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I have two actually. I’m currently working on the second part of Lizzy’s story and then also an untitled YA book that I just call The Chess Book. Lizzy’s book picks up where the first one left off which I won’t spoil for anyone but I will say the bad guy is back with badder intentions and Lizzy will need to pull all her friends and courage together to stop him. It’s gonna get hairy for our heroine. As for the YA book, it’s about chess and time travel and first loves and homelessness and doppelgangers and magic and kisses and family. Mostly it’s about the power to stand up to forces much bigger than you and not flinch.

What is your favorite of your books? Why?

Oh wow, I don’t know. I only have one fully completed and published novel. I probably love the ones I want to write more than the ones I’ve written. They are still full of potential. But I guess since Lizzy is my first she’ll always have a special place in my heart. So much of her story is mine, minus the whole Shakespeare connection of course!

What is your favorite of your characters? Why?

Again that’s hard but probably Lizzy. Though I do have a special fondness for Kate in the YA book I’m working on. All my characters are a little bit me, a little people I know and a little bit imagination.

Do you like to interact online? What’s your favorite social media?

I do. It’s an easy way to talk to people with the same interests as me, people that without social media I would never know. I’ve met so many great writers and enthusiastic readers online. Facebook is one of my favorites but Twitter is currently climbing the ranks. StumbleUpon and Pinterest are fun too for inspiration.

How do you feel about marketing your books?

Interviews like this are fun! I like talking about my work so I don’t really mind. I’ve got a great little press, Antenna Books, behind me too so that helps. I like sharing what I do and hearing what other people do. I’m not terribly hung up on the logistics. I try to think of it as a big party – we all have stuff in common, we like to read or write. My favorite people are readers.

Please, give us all your links – where can your readers find you and your books?

Here’s my blog: http://allymalinenko.com/

My twitter: @allymalinenko

My publisher’s link: http://www.antennabooks.com/

My book cover designer: http://saragable.com/

And my book is here at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lizzy-Speare-Cursed-Series-ebook/dp/B0098TBGHU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347482058&sr=1-1&keywords=lizzy+speare

Thank your for taking the time to answer my questions, Ally! It was a pleasure to have you on my spotlight!

And readers, don’t go anywhere! Stay tuned for next interview on Monday.

If you’re an author and want to be on my spotlight, contact me!

Related articles

H.C.Elliston on the spotlight – Interview with British thriller author (renatafbarcelos.wordpress.com)

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

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Published on September 15, 2012 14:51

Spotlight on H.C.Elliston – Interview with British thriller author

I’m absolutely thrilled to post my first interview. Even more that it’s with H.C.Elliston, who’s not only an amazing writer with three chilling thrillers published, but also a very kind person who supports other Indie Authors on her gorgeous official website.

Plus, she’s a vegetarian, just like me and my daughter! Go veggies!

So, let’s learn more about her!

Please, tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from Cheshire, UK, but live in West Yorkshire where I share my home with my fiancé and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, just streets away from my fiancé’s lovely children. I run a small ‘pet art’ business from home, selling to customers worldwide, and do some part-time admin for my parents’ business. I am a trustee for a local animal rescue charity ‘Campnibble’. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old, love reading, and then curling up with my dogs on an evening watching a film to unwind. I am an independent author with three published novels (I write romantic suspense and action thrillers) and am about to start writing my fourth. It’s not been an easy journey. The whole thing gives me a buzz at times, but there have been as many downs as ups. I have a huge passion for writing, and unless that changes, I will keep going and keep challenging myself.

How long have you been writing?

Since about 2007, perhaps a little longer. (it feels longer)

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I wrote two books before writing Tick Tock Run. I class them as a learning curve and they will never see the light of day because they‘re terrible and I’d have to hide under a pillow with embarrassment.

Can you tell us two eccentricities about yourself?

Wow… ummm…Our dogs sleep in bed with us (although they probably think we share their bed) and I have a weakness for hot chilli sauce, dressing gowns and handbags.

What was the best thing you’ve ever heard (or read) from a reader?

In regards to me? A lovely email I received a month ago from a reader saying she loved my work and was encouraging me to keep going. I was delighted that she took the time to message me with such positive comments followed by a review on Amazon – it really made me smile.

Do you have a good Indie author to recommend?

I know quite a few and they write in a variety of genres. But I’ll keep this down to two names. For paranormal romance I’d recommend Brenda Dyer’s Love’s Prophecy, and for historical romance/Christian fiction I’d recommend Rachelle Ayala’s Michal’s Window. Both are engaging and well written.

Who inspired and/or supported you to become a writer?

Just reading entertaining books in general inspired me, but when I first started writing it was really just a hobby, another creative outlet. I never expected that it would consume me, or that years later I’d have three books released.

And support? Well apart from family, I’d have to say my fiancé because he is the one who has had to put up with me daily while my head is buried in writing. Until the start of this year, I used to write books and also run my art business from the dining room which is central in our house. It reached a point when I was unable to carry on working in the room that was essentially the hub of our house. I couldn’t concentrate while my fiancé and children (although I love them to bits) chatted, made food or watched TV in the room that I worked in, let alone fit in all my art equipment and stock while keeping the room free of trip hazards. And so my fiancé agreed to switch the living room and dining room around so that I could have an office. The only other option was to make his children share a bedroom when they stay at weekends, but I really didn’t want to do that to them as everyone likes to have their own space. Switching rooms! Jeez… that was a day! We had to ask a friend to help us lift the sofas over the back garden fence because there wasn’t enough of a turning circle in the hall to fit them through the door! It is wonderful to now have a private space to work, I can leave my art equipment out overnight, have notes all over my desk and no one sees the mess, but we no longer have a dining room so have to eat with plates on our knees!

Do you have a WIP (Working in progress)? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I am currently bouncing ideas around for my fourth book. Nothing is fixed yet, but I’ll probably start writing the opening chapters within the next month. After releasing a book, I tend to have a little break from writing, but soon start itching to get back to it.

What is your favorite of your books? Why?

My favourite is my latest book SHIVER SWEET. I think it’s because I feel like it has a more equal balance of suspense, action and romance. Plus, I enjoyed the idea of how creepy it would be to discover your life was on the internet, and the heartache of being forced to give up the love of your life.

What is your favorite of your characters? Why?

My favourite character is Christa from Shiver Sweet. I like her attitude as she struggles to juggle everything in her life as a single mum, she is loyal, puts others first, never gives up and tries to stay positive.

Do you like to interact online? What’s your favorite social media?

I am active on both Facebook and twitter most days. I love that it allows me to stay in touch with old friends and family (who are scattered all around the country) and to interact with people from all walks of life, all over the world, who I would not otherwise be in contact with.

How do you feel about marketing your books?

It can be fun, but also a grind and time consuming. I have a day job and bills to pay like everyone else, I also need time to write and… to have a life outside of working. I don’t want to thrust my books down people’s throats, but without a little marketing then no one would know my books exist because there are so many for readers to choose from. It’s important to get a good balance.

Please, give us all your links – where can your readers find you and your books?

My website: http://hcelliston.co.uk/#

Twitter: @HCElliston

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/H-Elliston/e/B005C50238/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/H-Elliston/e/B005C50238/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

****

Thanks for the questions. I appreciate your time and support!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, H.C.! Loved the answers!

And readers, don’t go anywhere! Stay tuned for next interview on Saturday.

If you’re an author and want to be in my spotlight, contact me!

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 13, 2012 15:25

H.C.Elliston on the spotlight – Interview with British thriller author

I’m absolutely thrilled to post my first interview. Even more that it’s with H.C.Elliston, who’s not only an amazing writer with three chilling thrillers published, but also a very kind person who supports other Indie Authors on her gorgeous official website.

Plus, she’s a vegetarian, just like me and my daughter! Go veggies!

So, let’s learn more about her!

Please, tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from Cheshire, UK, but live in West Yorkshire where I share my home with my fiancé and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, just streets away from my fiancé’s lovely children. I run a small ‘pet art’ business from home, selling to customers worldwide, and do some part-time admin for my parents’ business. I am a trustee for a local animal rescue charity ‘Campnibble’. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old, love reading, and then curling up with my dogs on an evening watching a film to unwind. I am an independent author with three published novels (I write romantic suspense and action thrillers) and am about to start writing my fourth. It’s not been an easy journey. The whole thing gives me a buzz at times, but there have been as many downs as ups. I have a huge passion for writing, and unless that changes, I will keep going and keep challenging myself.

How long have you been writing?

Since about 2007, perhaps a little longer. (it feels longer)

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I wrote two books before writing Tick Tock Run. I class them as a learning curve and they will never see the light of day because they‘re terrible and I’d have to hide under a pillow with embarrassment.

Can you tell us two eccentricities about yourself?

Wow… ummm…Our dogs sleep in bed with us (although they probably think we share their bed) and I have a weakness for hot chilli sauce, dressing gowns and handbags.

What was the best thing you’ve ever heard (or read) from a reader?

In regards to me? A lovely email I received a month ago from a reader saying she loved my work and was encouraging me to keep going. I was delighted that she took the time to message me with such positive comments followed by a review on Amazon – it really made me smile.

Do you have a good Indie author to recommend?

I know quite a few and they write in a variety of genres. But I’ll keep this down to two names. For paranormal romance I’d recommend Brenda Dyer’s Love’s Prophecy, and for historical romance/Christian fiction I’d recommend Rachelle Ayala’s Michal’s Window. Both are engaging and well written.

Who inspired and/or supported you to become a writer?

Just reading entertaining books in general inspired me, but when I first started writing it was really just a hobby, another creative outlet. I never expected that it would consume me, or that years later I’d have three books released.

And support? Well apart from family, I’d have to say my fiancé because he is the one who has had to put up with me daily while my head is buried in writing. Until the start of this year, I used to write books and also run my art business from the dining room which is central in our house. It reached a point when I was unable to carry on working in the room that was essentially the hub of our house. I couldn’t concentrate while my fiancé and children (although I love them to bits) chatted, made food or watched TV in the room that I worked in, let alone fit in all my art equipment and stock while keeping the room free of trip hazards. And so my fiancé agreed to switch the living room and dining room around so that I could have an office. The only other option was to make his children share a bedroom when they stay at weekends, but I really didn’t want to do that to them as everyone likes to have their own space. Switching rooms! Jeez… that was a day! We had to ask a friend to help us lift the sofas over the back garden fence because there wasn’t enough of a turning circle in the hall to fit them through the door! It is wonderful to now have a private space to work, I can leave my art equipment out overnight, have notes all over my desk and no one sees the mess, but we no longer have a dining room so have to eat with plates on our knees!

Do you have a WIP (Working in progress)? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I am currently bouncing ideas around for my fourth book. Nothing is fixed yet, but I’ll probably start writing the opening chapters within the next month. After releasing a book, I tend to have a little break from writing, but soon start itching to get back to it.

What is your favorite of your books? Why?

My favourite is my latest book SHIVER SWEET. I think it’s because I feel like it has a more equal balance of suspense, action and romance. Plus, I enjoyed the idea of how creepy it would be to discover your life was on the internet, and the heartache of being forced to give up the love of your life.

What is your favorite of your characters? Why?

My favourite character is Christa from Shiver Sweet. I like her attitude as she struggles to juggle everything in her life as a single mum, she is loyal, puts others first, never gives up and tries to stay positive.

Do you like to interact online? What’s your favorite social media?

I am active on both Facebook and twitter most days. I love that it allows me to stay in touch with old friends and family (who are scattered all around the country) and to interact with people from all walks of life, all over the world, who I would not otherwise be in contact with.

How do you feel about marketing your books?

It can be fun, but also a grind and time consuming. I have a day job and bills to pay like everyone else, I also need time to write and… to have a life outside of working. I don’t want to thrust my books down people’s throats, but without a little marketing then no one would know my books exist because there are so many for readers to choose from. It’s important to get a good balance.

Please, give us all your links – where can your readers find you and your books?

My website: http://hcelliston.co.uk/#

Twitter: @HCElliston

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/H-Elliston/e/B005C50238/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/H-Elliston/e/B005C50238/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

****

Thanks for the questions. I appreciate your time and support!

Thank your for taking the time to answer my questions, H.C.! Loved the answers!

And readers, don’t go anywhere! Stay tuned for next interview on Saturday.

If you’re an author and want to be on my spotlight, contact me!

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 13, 2012 15:25

Coming soon – Interviews and Spotlights!

Okay, so I’m editing My sore Hush-a-bye (with my great editors), working on covers with my artist/model/daughter Maria, writing Myself in blue, marketing Mean, and still have a day job and my English students. Phew! Seems like a lot? It is, but aren’t we all more or less in the same boat?

However, with all that, I’m not having much time to blog. Not as much as I wanted at least.

So I thought I could use my space here to play the matchmaker, introducing readers to some great authors.

I put together questions I’ve always wanted to ask, and I’m honored to have some terrific writers answering them right now. Soon I’ll post my first interview here.

Readers, please stay tuned!

If you’re an author and want to be interviewed and spotlighted here, just contact me:

[contact-form]

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

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Published on September 12, 2012 18:59

My last KDP Select Promo – Time to move on

From September 07 to September 08, my book “Mean: a psychological thriller novelette” was free to download on Amazon. I’m still a little tired after the marathon.

It was my last KDP Select Promo, since I won’t renew with the program.

When you enroll your book on the program, you cannot sell o send for free your e-book anywhere else than on Amazon. Paperbacks are okay, but digital editions are exclusive. The two advantages you have in return are Amazon Prime lending programme and the 5 days free promo.

I haven’t got many borrows during my 90 days in the program. Well, I believe not many Amazon Prime members would use their only monthly borrow with a 50-page novelette, so that was expected… Maybe it works better for full length novels.

The free days gave me exposure. At least three reviews came from people who download it on free days. However, it’s preventing me from submitting my book to reviewers, (and I sure want to do that), to promote giveaways and simply to sell it wherever I want. So it’s done for me. Time to move on.

My 90 day period ends on September 18th, and I can’t wait. I have dozens of prospect reviewers to send my book to, and plan to publish through Smashwords.

I’d like to thank everyone who helped me during my promo days, spreading the word in any way. Also, a special thank you to all people who downloaded ‘Mean’. I truly hope you enjoyed it.

If at least some of you take the time to leave a review, I’d be more than thankful. Never forget how much you can make an author’s day with a simple review.

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Done with KDP (keystrokesandwordcounts.wordpress.com)
Pros and Cons of the KDP Select Program (steveatwood.wordpress.com)
KDP Select (gnfmarketing.wordpress.com)
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Amazon’s KDP experiment (frootbat31.wordpress.com)

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

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Published on September 09, 2012 15:23

‘Mean’ Book of the month on E-thriller, FREE Sep. 07 and Sep. 08

For two days (starting today), Mean: a psychological thriller novelette, is FREE!!

This is your last chance to grab your free copy of my novelette. If you don’t believe me when I say you should do that, please, read what a reader said on goodreads (Thank you very much for your kind words, Martha Bryce!!):

I have already read Mean and believe me, this is a book that you don’t want to miss from an author you will want to follow as she climbs to the top name in the psychological thriller genre.

So, what are you waiting for? Go pick your FREE copy and see for yourself if Mean is truly a Chilling and Captivating Novelette. (And please, leave your own review on Amazon and/or goodreads– I’ll truly appreciate it!)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Ok, you still have doubts… Fair enough. Well, maybe other reviews will help you decide (thank you very much, reviewers!):

4.0 out of 5 stars Kept me turning pages…, September 2, 2012

By
SDM – See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: MEAN: A psychological thriller novelette (Paperback)

finished this well written short read in one sitting. Ms. Barcelos gives the reader insight into a multi-layered character who has ample reason to be mean. Looking forward to the intriguingly titled, “My Sore Hush-a-bye”.

5.0 out of 5 stars Mean Thrills!, August 5, 2012

By
Martha Bryce (Kentucky) – See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: MEAN: A psychological thriller novelette (Kindle Edition)

Mean is a great little novelette. A young woman starts to see a psychologist because she is worried that her meanness is going to drive her to commit murder, a murder that she hopes the psychologist can guide her to avoid committing. The murder that the young woman feels compelled to commit, however is not random but specific to a person who she feels is responsible for having ruined her life. As the story unfolds, more details of the young woman’s horrific past are revealed, building to a carefully constructed crescendo of calculated madness. This is a compelling, well written read and a true psychological thriller!

4.0 out of 5 stars Dark Psychological Thriller, July 27, 2012

By
James A. Anderson “Author” (London, Ontario Canada) – See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: MEAN: A psychological thriller novelette (Kindle Edition)

MEAN by Renata F. Barcelos is an enjoyable dark psychological thriller novelette told from the point of view of an angry female patient who is seeing a psychiatrist and planning to kill somebody. The reader is left guessing as to who the intended victim is until the last few pages. I must admit it surprised me. Very good and quick read at only 50 pages, but there are a few editing issues with the work that need correcting. I have since been advised that a revised version is posted and the errors have been fixed. Still I enjoyed it overall.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Dark but interesting, July 21, 2012

By
C Liset (Miami, FL USA) – See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: MEAN: A psychological thriller novelette (Kindle Edition)

This novelette kept my mind constantly shifting trying to figure out who she wanted to kill. Without spoiling it, I’ll tell you that is something new for me. The way that she addresses you as if she were talking to you… I enjoyed it.

e-thriller review (also on goodreads):

A Chilling and Captivating Novelette – Review by Charlotte Waller

Despite being a novelette, Mean by Renata F. Barcelos is captivating from the very first sentence. It starts off with the reader being let into the chilling mind of Cassandra Connelly, hinting at the deep but downright scary thoughts to come.

The unique style of writing makes this thriller even more exciting, as Cassandra could well be talking to the reader themselves. We soon find out that the whole story is her side of the conversation with her therapist and because the reader is seeing the whole thing through Cassandra’s eyes, it makes it even more chilling, especially as she has the urge to kill someone.

This mystery person who has angered Cassandra is only revealed at the end, keeping the reader literally on the edge of their seat. There are hints here and there as to who this person is, and you might not be as surprised at the end when all is revealed.

Lizzy Lessard (check her blog, great reviews there!) review:

I actually read two different versions of this ebook and I can definitely see the improvements in the latest update. This is an odd book in that it’s written in first person and directed to the reader – only the reader is playing the part of Cassandra’s shrink. Cassandra rants about her life and the person she wants to kill to her shrink. It’s amazing how rich her background and personality is without boring the reader. And the ending is nice…very dark.

Edit – Brand new review on goodreads:

Sep 07, 2012

Monica Akinyi Odhiambo rated it 5 of 5 stars false

That was so unexpected.I never expected it would turn out the way it did.This book just goes to show you how upbringing and environment can affect how children turn up.I could so relate to what Cassandra was going through,even if I haven’t gone through what she did.But we all have some feelings within us that makes us so dark sometimes.All part of life.I loved this short novel,Amazing.

View more on Renny Barcelos's website »

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Published on September 07, 2012 04:05

‘Mean’ Book of the month on E-thriller, FREE today (Sep. 07) and tomorrow (Sep. 08)