Nenia Campbell's Blog, page 57
May 6, 2013
Status Monitor #2
So Armed and Dangerous will be coming out this month, but SO WILL ANOTHER BOOK (hopefully).
I found my old laptop in my closet, and it's full of stories I wrote between the ages of 14-19.
I'm currently polishing up a story about a girl with undiagnosed depression starting her first year of high school.
I found my old laptop in my closet, and it's full of stories I wrote between the ages of 14-19.
I'm currently polishing up a story about a girl with undiagnosed depression starting her first year of high school.
May 5, 2013
Somebody Hates You - But Don't Eat Those Worms Just Yet!
i have news for you: it may be shocking, so hold on to your hats.
some people are going to hate you.
i know, right? how could somebody possibly hate YOU. you are awesome!
well, apparently some people didn't get that memo. or they got it, and crumpled it into a ball which they then threw at your head. (you big jerk.)
there's a wide variety of people who are going to hate you, for an equally wide variety of reasons which may or may not have anything to do with you, personally.
maybe they don't like the way you part your hair. maybe they think you're fake. maybe they don't like the fact that you write left-handed. maybe there isn't a reason that can be put into words.
but that hate? it's going to happen. you could be the nicest person in the world, and there's going to be someone out there who says, "this bitch..." just because you're nice, and nice people suck! damn those nice people! damn them all!
there is a lot of hate on goodreads right now. between readers and other readers, between authors and other authors, between readers and authors. sometimes the reason behind this hate is clear, but other times it is not. it is getting a little ridiculous how quick some people are to jump to the attack, or provoke others. it's not JUST authors doing it either.
but does this mean it is okay for the author to call the reader out on their hate?
not necessarily.
the way freedom of speech works is that you can say whatever you want provided that it doesn't infringe upon the constitutional rights of the person you're saying stuff about. this is why hate speech is not ok and can lead to criminal prosecution, but calling someone a poop-head jut makes people roll their eyes.
if someone is just being mean or rude, but not in violation of any of any rules, guess what? you've got to accept the hate. you signed up for this when you became an author, and your public face became a part of your public product's package. think of it as your karmic comeback for all the times you hated on the kardashians or justin bieber or miley cyrus.
it's okay to feel sad. but the good news is, you will feel less sad as time goes on. why? because there will also be people who like you. hate is exhausting. it takes a lot of effort to hate on people. they will eventually lose interest or go away. but liking people is easy. hate eventually fades, but liking does not (provided that you don't act like a poop-head).
why does the reviewer/reader get to be mean, but not the author?
because the author is the employee, and the reader is the customer. going onto someone's review as an author and being all, "[expletives deleted]" is like punching the know-it-all jerk at the apple store in the face, or spitting into someone's food at a restaurant. totally unprofessional, and grounds for firing. when readers shelve you as do-not-read, they are pulling a donald trump and saying, "you are fired from my bookshelf."
some people are going to hate you, and there is nothing you can do about that. it's their right to hate you, and you can't take that away from them. but you still have control over your own actions, and the kind of person that you choose to be. don't let a bunch of hate take that away from YOU. :)
cheers,
xnenia
some people are going to hate you.
i know, right? how could somebody possibly hate YOU. you are awesome!
well, apparently some people didn't get that memo. or they got it, and crumpled it into a ball which they then threw at your head. (you big jerk.)
there's a wide variety of people who are going to hate you, for an equally wide variety of reasons which may or may not have anything to do with you, personally.
maybe they don't like the way you part your hair. maybe they think you're fake. maybe they don't like the fact that you write left-handed. maybe there isn't a reason that can be put into words.
but that hate? it's going to happen. you could be the nicest person in the world, and there's going to be someone out there who says, "this bitch..." just because you're nice, and nice people suck! damn those nice people! damn them all!
there is a lot of hate on goodreads right now. between readers and other readers, between authors and other authors, between readers and authors. sometimes the reason behind this hate is clear, but other times it is not. it is getting a little ridiculous how quick some people are to jump to the attack, or provoke others. it's not JUST authors doing it either.
but does this mean it is okay for the author to call the reader out on their hate?
not necessarily.
the way freedom of speech works is that you can say whatever you want provided that it doesn't infringe upon the constitutional rights of the person you're saying stuff about. this is why hate speech is not ok and can lead to criminal prosecution, but calling someone a poop-head jut makes people roll their eyes.
if someone is just being mean or rude, but not in violation of any of any rules, guess what? you've got to accept the hate. you signed up for this when you became an author, and your public face became a part of your public product's package. think of it as your karmic comeback for all the times you hated on the kardashians or justin bieber or miley cyrus.
it's okay to feel sad. but the good news is, you will feel less sad as time goes on. why? because there will also be people who like you. hate is exhausting. it takes a lot of effort to hate on people. they will eventually lose interest or go away. but liking people is easy. hate eventually fades, but liking does not (provided that you don't act like a poop-head).
why does the reviewer/reader get to be mean, but not the author?
because the author is the employee, and the reader is the customer. going onto someone's review as an author and being all, "[expletives deleted]" is like punching the know-it-all jerk at the apple store in the face, or spitting into someone's food at a restaurant. totally unprofessional, and grounds for firing. when readers shelve you as do-not-read, they are pulling a donald trump and saying, "you are fired from my bookshelf."
some people are going to hate you, and there is nothing you can do about that. it's their right to hate you, and you can't take that away from them. but you still have control over your own actions, and the kind of person that you choose to be. don't let a bunch of hate take that away from YOU. :)
cheers,
xnenia
May 4, 2013
An Important Disclaimer
i'd just like to point out that i will NEVER consciously attack a reviewer. i comment on my reviews, but only to thank or discuss and if my doing so bothers you if you take it up with me then i will immediately back off.
for the record:
i do not have any socks.
i do not intentionally harass people.
one-star reviews do not make me angry.
i respect dissenting opinions.
if you have an issue with me, please take it up with me privately, as it is likely due to ignorance, oversight, or misunderstanding on my part. and if it isn't, i will be only to happy to give you an apology.
all the best,
xox nenia
for the record:
i do not have any socks.
i do not intentionally harass people.
one-star reviews do not make me angry.
i respect dissenting opinions.
if you have an issue with me, please take it up with me privately, as it is likely due to ignorance, oversight, or misunderstanding on my part. and if it isn't, i will be only to happy to give you an apology.
all the best,
xox nenia
May 1, 2013
Thank You for Participating in my 99-Cent eBook Sale!!!
a HUUUUUUUUGE thank you (and hug) to everyone who bought a book during the four day sale! your enthusiasm was so touching.
if you missed this sale, don't be sad. i have sales on holidays, too, and there will probably be another 'thank you' sale in the foreseeable future once some more of my books are shelved. we'll seeeeee...
(hint hint hint)
anyway, i'm grateful for readers like you. thank you for the excuse to bounce around the house like a fool in my socks saying, "i sold over 100 books this month!!! eeeeee!"
happy reading!
xnenia
if you missed this sale, don't be sad. i have sales on holidays, too, and there will probably be another 'thank you' sale in the foreseeable future once some more of my books are shelved. we'll seeeeee...
(hint hint hint)
anyway, i'm grateful for readers like you. thank you for the excuse to bounce around the house like a fool in my socks saying, "i sold over 100 books this month!!! eeeeee!"
happy reading!
xnenia
April 30, 2013
You Don't Need a Kindle to Read Kindle Books!
some of my readers have kindly brought it to my attention that amazon provides FREE kindle apps so you can read kindle books on your computer without buying a computer. (this was news to me.)
i looked it up, and 'tis true! you can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html...
i know some of you have expressed disappointment about not being able to participate in my ebook sales because they aren't available in nook or because you can't/don't want to buy a kindle.
well, now you can read my books (and others - but we don't care about /them/ do we? ...just kidding) for a fraction of the cost!
wheee.
thanks again, helpful all-knowing gr friends!
and thank you, lovely, wonderful readers!
happy reading!
xnenia
i looked it up, and 'tis true! you can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html...
i know some of you have expressed disappointment about not being able to participate in my ebook sales because they aren't available in nook or because you can't/don't want to buy a kindle.
well, now you can read my books (and others - but we don't care about /them/ do we? ...just kidding) for a fraction of the cost!
wheee.
thanks again, helpful all-knowing gr friends!
and thank you, lovely, wonderful readers!
happy reading!
xnenia
April 27, 2013
IT IS PROMOTION TIME!
i've set all my kindle books to...
wait for it...
$0.99!
that's right! it's time to party like it's 1999 because that's how many times my books have been shelved (more or less).
make sure you take advantage of this faaaaabulous opportunity!
oh, & please make sure to tell your friends! 99-cents is the next best thing to being free!
if you don't have a kindle, don't worry! amazon has software that allows you to read ebooks on your computer!
the price changes should show up soon.
as always, thank you for your amazing support!
happy reading!
xnenia
wait for it...
$0.99!
that's right! it's time to party like it's 1999 because that's how many times my books have been shelved (more or less).
make sure you take advantage of this faaaaabulous opportunity!
oh, & please make sure to tell your friends! 99-cents is the next best thing to being free!
if you don't have a kindle, don't worry! amazon has software that allows you to read ebooks on your computer!
the price changes should show up soon.
as always, thank you for your amazing support!
happy reading!
xnenia
April 25, 2013
"Why Haven't You Read and Reviewed My Book Yet? I'm Kind of a Big Deal."
earlier today, i was scoping out some of the goodreads authors feedback posts, and i noticed that one source of contention for authors seems to be that people who get copies of their books for advanced review don't review...or don't even read it. or--gasp--rate it without finishing!
some of these people were saying that the solution would be to bar certain people from being able to apply for books in the giveaways, or only allow certain groups to get arcs, or limiting the number of books one can apply for in a month.
all i have to say to that is, wtf?
the reader side of me is outraged. the writer side of me is disgusted.
i'll say it once, and i'll continue to say it until it stops happening: authors need to stop. being. so. freaking. entitled. (not all authors have this problem; most of you are quite lovely. unfortunately for us, though, the jerks are the most vocal.)
1. "but they are taking forever to read it!"
maybe they have a job. or a life. you know? instead of just existing to please you and your ego. but oh wait, that would mean acknowledging the fact that you aren't the center of the universe, and that would cause your very existence to collapse and implode, like a neutron star.
2. "they are keeping this book out of the hands of people who would actually like it."
um. okay? well, that's part of the risk of participating in a random giveaway. if you want to put your book out there for review, you'll get people who are more interested in the concept, sure, but since they're more emotionally invested in the idea they are liable to be more critical than a neutral party. so be careful what you wish for.
3. "they just apply for everything indiscriminately."
but isn't that a good thing? you want people who might not ordinarily pick up your book to read it and give it a chance. some of my own readers came from people who picked up my books while they were free and decided they liked my writing. i don't think being open-minded should be punished.
4. "we should put limits on how many books people can apply for."
yes, limiting your pool of participants will make it waaaaay more likely for you to get a good review. good thinking!
i think this really highlights the sheer egocentric nature of some authors. people aren't going to be applying for indie books if the gr mods put a cap on how many books you can apply for. they're going to save their applications for the nyt best-sellers. books that have already, you know, proven themselves to be worth it.
5. "there are no consequences for people who don't review the books."
actually, there are, and it says on the sidebar that site activity, review rate, popularity, and 'read' books all affect how likely you are to win a book.
i win a lot of books, but if i get really behind in reviewing i don't win a thing until i get my bum in gear. gr is very good at what it does, and to say otherwise is very ignorant not to mention insulting to the mods and librarians who do their utmost to keep this site running well.
6. "they gave me a bad review!"
people give shakespeare bad reviews. are you implying that you think that you are better than shakespeare? people give the bible bad reviews. are you implying that you think you are better than god? here's a tip: don't go walking around outside in any lightning storms. you might get smote.
7. "they gave me a one-star rating but didn't say anything. i want to know why! i deserve to know why as an author!"
it doesn't work that way. sorry. but on the other hand, if they did write you a bad review, isn't it possible that you'd pull the 'just be nice card?' maybe they figured they were fighting a losing battle and would save themselves the strife by just keeping their silence.
can you blame them?
i don't.
think carefully about the things you say and the opinions you hold publicly about and to your readers.
they are your customers - don't treat them like an enemy. it's like going to war against yourself.
happy reading!
xnenia
some of these people were saying that the solution would be to bar certain people from being able to apply for books in the giveaways, or only allow certain groups to get arcs, or limiting the number of books one can apply for in a month.
all i have to say to that is, wtf?
the reader side of me is outraged. the writer side of me is disgusted.
i'll say it once, and i'll continue to say it until it stops happening: authors need to stop. being. so. freaking. entitled. (not all authors have this problem; most of you are quite lovely. unfortunately for us, though, the jerks are the most vocal.)
1. "but they are taking forever to read it!"
maybe they have a job. or a life. you know? instead of just existing to please you and your ego. but oh wait, that would mean acknowledging the fact that you aren't the center of the universe, and that would cause your very existence to collapse and implode, like a neutron star.
2. "they are keeping this book out of the hands of people who would actually like it."
um. okay? well, that's part of the risk of participating in a random giveaway. if you want to put your book out there for review, you'll get people who are more interested in the concept, sure, but since they're more emotionally invested in the idea they are liable to be more critical than a neutral party. so be careful what you wish for.
3. "they just apply for everything indiscriminately."
but isn't that a good thing? you want people who might not ordinarily pick up your book to read it and give it a chance. some of my own readers came from people who picked up my books while they were free and decided they liked my writing. i don't think being open-minded should be punished.
4. "we should put limits on how many books people can apply for."
yes, limiting your pool of participants will make it waaaaay more likely for you to get a good review. good thinking!
i think this really highlights the sheer egocentric nature of some authors. people aren't going to be applying for indie books if the gr mods put a cap on how many books you can apply for. they're going to save their applications for the nyt best-sellers. books that have already, you know, proven themselves to be worth it.
5. "there are no consequences for people who don't review the books."
actually, there are, and it says on the sidebar that site activity, review rate, popularity, and 'read' books all affect how likely you are to win a book.
i win a lot of books, but if i get really behind in reviewing i don't win a thing until i get my bum in gear. gr is very good at what it does, and to say otherwise is very ignorant not to mention insulting to the mods and librarians who do their utmost to keep this site running well.
6. "they gave me a bad review!"
people give shakespeare bad reviews. are you implying that you think that you are better than shakespeare? people give the bible bad reviews. are you implying that you think you are better than god? here's a tip: don't go walking around outside in any lightning storms. you might get smote.
7. "they gave me a one-star rating but didn't say anything. i want to know why! i deserve to know why as an author!"
it doesn't work that way. sorry. but on the other hand, if they did write you a bad review, isn't it possible that you'd pull the 'just be nice card?' maybe they figured they were fighting a losing battle and would save themselves the strife by just keeping their silence.
can you blame them?
i don't.
think carefully about the things you say and the opinions you hold publicly about and to your readers.
they are your customers - don't treat them like an enemy. it's like going to war against yourself.
happy reading!
xnenia
April 22, 2013
The Crazy Book Lady Strikes Again
I keep whining about how I have too many books to read, and yet I am literally unable to control myself. I keep clicking the "request" button on netgalley, I keep downloading free ebooks for my kindle, I keep visiting the library, and I keep buying cheap books.
Today, I went to the Dollar Tree and they had SO MANY COOL BOOKS OMFG.
And they were only a dollar!
My friend and I went nuts (me more so than her), to such an extent that we actually drew a small crowd, and one lady asked a clerk, "ARE THESE BOOKS REALLY $1 EACH?"
It was kind of amazing.
What goodies did I get? WELL.
Flesh and Fire is a fantasy world. About wine. WINE. You know I totally had to get that. I mean, seriously, how cool is that?
I have been wanting to read Tender Morsels FOR-ever. Opinion on it seems mixed, so naturally I want to get in there and throw my oar in. 'Tis my way.
SWEDISH MYSTERY, BITCHES!!!! My mum is going to get this when I'm done. She'll be so pleased. I know a good Swedish mystery when I see one--and she likes them 10x more than I do, sooooo...
DAT COVER.
Also, it's by Nick Cave. About a road trip.
How can this end badly?
Answer: it cannot.
I just saw the cover and assumed it was fantasy and bought it. We shall see if it is any good.
A double-agent demon slayer? YES, YES YESYESYESYESYESOHGODYES.
A thousand times yes.
I don't even care if it's good or not. I mean, I DO, but omg. THAT COVER. THAT CONCEPT.
(please be good.)
The blurb for SOUL said it was "smart and sexy." Since I also consider myself Smart and Sexy, I went ahead and bought this book. 'Nuff said.
This dude was co-author of another psychology/sociology book I really liked called "Nudge."
I look forward to hearing scientific explanations for why I am such a gossipy bitch.
And that was my adventure!
Also, I bought five notebooks to write down book ideas so I don't have to dash to the computer every time I have brain diarrhea, and a bowl of frozen yogurt.
#YOLO.
Today, I went to the Dollar Tree and they had SO MANY COOL BOOKS OMFG.
And they were only a dollar!
My friend and I went nuts (me more so than her), to such an extent that we actually drew a small crowd, and one lady asked a clerk, "ARE THESE BOOKS REALLY $1 EACH?"
It was kind of amazing.
What goodies did I get? WELL.
Flesh and Fire is a fantasy world. About wine. WINE. You know I totally had to get that. I mean, seriously, how cool is that?
I have been wanting to read Tender Morsels FOR-ever. Opinion on it seems mixed, so naturally I want to get in there and throw my oar in. 'Tis my way.
SWEDISH MYSTERY, BITCHES!!!! My mum is going to get this when I'm done. She'll be so pleased. I know a good Swedish mystery when I see one--and she likes them 10x more than I do, sooooo...
DAT COVER.
Also, it's by Nick Cave. About a road trip.
How can this end badly?
Answer: it cannot.
I just saw the cover and assumed it was fantasy and bought it. We shall see if it is any good.
A double-agent demon slayer? YES, YES YESYESYESYESYESOHGODYES.
A thousand times yes.
I don't even care if it's good or not. I mean, I DO, but omg. THAT COVER. THAT CONCEPT.
(please be good.)
The blurb for SOUL said it was "smart and sexy." Since I also consider myself Smart and Sexy, I went ahead and bought this book. 'Nuff said.
This dude was co-author of another psychology/sociology book I really liked called "Nudge."
I look forward to hearing scientific explanations for why I am such a gossipy bitch.
And that was my adventure!
Also, I bought five notebooks to write down book ideas so I don't have to dash to the computer every time I have brain diarrhea, and a bowl of frozen yogurt.
#YOLO.
April 17, 2013
Tell Me Your Favorite Book and I Bet I Can Find You at Least Ten Just Like It
I've been wanting to do this for a while now. I know a lot of books, and I love giving recs.
So if you have a favorite book (YA+ please. No children's books- sorry!), and you're looking for books in similar subject or tone, let me know! Fiction, nonfiction! GO HOG-WILD!
Just comment in the post below!
Happy reading!
xNenia
So if you have a favorite book (YA+ please. No children's books- sorry!), and you're looking for books in similar subject or tone, let me know! Fiction, nonfiction! GO HOG-WILD!
Just comment in the post below!
Happy reading!
xNenia
April 16, 2013
"Party Like It's 1999!" Promotion
You guys are just so determined to make me squeal with joy that I've decided it's time for another...PROMOTION:
When my books are shelved 1,999 times, I will put all my available works on sale for $.99.
My books, as of today, have been shelved 1,718 times. Less than 300 to go!
As always, your support and endorsement stuns and gladdens me. I am lucky to have you all as friends and readers. <3
Happy reading!
xNenia
When my books are shelved 1,999 times, I will put all my available works on sale for $.99.
My books, as of today, have been shelved 1,718 times. Less than 300 to go!
As always, your support and endorsement stuns and gladdens me. I am lucky to have you all as friends and readers. <3
Happy reading!
xNenia
