L.E. Perez's Blog, page 3
January 10, 2014
To review or not to review, that is the question…or is it?
I know that readers often wonder why is it so important to give someone a review or feedback about what they've just read? Well, in some instances, the writer wants to know if their message got across. In other instances, the way that a book is received critically is dependent on reviews, post positive and negative.
What happens though when someone reviews your book and they can't post it on an official site? Amazon requires that only books actually purchased by you can be reviewed by you. That makes things pretty tricky when you offer the book for free. I mean really, 1000 downloads for free and 1000 possible reviews versus 10 books sold and downloaded and 10 reviews. See what I mean?
For the writer, reviews are our life's blood. One way to deal with this is to recommend that folks forward their review to you if they are unable to post. Is your email or contact info readily available as a writer? It should be. Sometimes its that lone outside review that can help clue you in to the heart and soul of your story.
An example is one from my newest release, Dear Lorna, as I posted on my Facebook page:
My two books so far...Dear Lorna on AmazonBeauty of Fear on Amazon
What happens though when someone reviews your book and they can't post it on an official site? Amazon requires that only books actually purchased by you can be reviewed by you. That makes things pretty tricky when you offer the book for free. I mean really, 1000 downloads for free and 1000 possible reviews versus 10 books sold and downloaded and 10 reviews. See what I mean?
For the writer, reviews are our life's blood. One way to deal with this is to recommend that folks forward their review to you if they are unable to post. Is your email or contact info readily available as a writer? It should be. Sometimes its that lone outside review that can help clue you in to the heart and soul of your story.
An example is one from my newest release, Dear Lorna, as I posted on my Facebook page:
A beautiful review I received from a fan who read Dear Lorna but couldn't post review on Amazon:If there were ten stars it still would not be enough. It has been quite sometime since I have been so completely taken with a story that has had me on the edge of my seat, in tears and wishing there was more. The back story beautifully frames the path that has led our heroine to a time and place that is both heart breaking and sensual. To add to the mix, there are beautiful letters that take your breath away and you wonder if anyone really writes that beautifully in real life anymore. This writer needs to write just a book of letters so that we could all wish we were the recipients of something so deep so as to take our breath away. This writer has written other stories that evoke feelings of suspense and even smiles, Beauty of Fear being the most recent until now. This book will stand alone among the others. In the past I have read quite a few romance novels as well as crime, horror and of course the classics. This book is going up in that bookshelf, it's one that will be enjoyed again and again. Here's hoping for a sequel... or two.
My two books so far...Dear Lorna on AmazonBeauty of Fear on Amazon That review made everything worth it. The sleepless nights, the editing, the rewrites. It evoked in the reader exactly what I wanted, and more.
'Nuff said...
January 3, 2014
New Year's Resolve (not resolution)
Wow, another year down. Did everyone do what they planned this year. Did you achieve what you set out to do or did you set yourself up for failure? Yeah, that's what I thought...
Too often we set out to scale a mountain and barely make it up a hill. We set out to lose 30 pounds and instead gain 15...sheesh, what's a person to do?
Well how's this. Accept that you will get out of your resolutions exactly what you put in. You don't need the new year to decide you will accomplish something. Make the decision and move on from there. Easier said than done isn't it but the idea of failing isn't a good one either so what are we to do?
Heck I don't know. I just know that sometimes we have to realize that we have to work for what we want out of life and work hard. So we must be resolved and resolute in our actions. We must be willing to make tough choices and be flexible as well.
I love to write but it is by no means easy. Some days I will sit and try to write something and get nothing. But goodness forbid I'm driving somewhere, suddenly whole chapters pop into my head and I end up all thumbs trying to record my thoughts on my smartphone, which I must admit is much smarter than me. So what is a person to do? Well keep trying of course! If we gave up whenever we encounter an obstacle then we might as well just stay home and eat Bon bons.
So what am I saying with all this?
Its a new year everyone, new choices, new decisions, new goals and aspirations. Take a deep breath and just go for it. That's what I'm doing!
Started the new year publishing a short romance called Dear Lorna its available as a kindle download or paperback. Its a story of a love almost lost before it was realized.
Dear Lorna on Amazon
What's next? My time shifter novel tentatively titled: Relativity
Too often we set out to scale a mountain and barely make it up a hill. We set out to lose 30 pounds and instead gain 15...sheesh, what's a person to do?
Well how's this. Accept that you will get out of your resolutions exactly what you put in. You don't need the new year to decide you will accomplish something. Make the decision and move on from there. Easier said than done isn't it but the idea of failing isn't a good one either so what are we to do?
Heck I don't know. I just know that sometimes we have to realize that we have to work for what we want out of life and work hard. So we must be resolved and resolute in our actions. We must be willing to make tough choices and be flexible as well.
I love to write but it is by no means easy. Some days I will sit and try to write something and get nothing. But goodness forbid I'm driving somewhere, suddenly whole chapters pop into my head and I end up all thumbs trying to record my thoughts on my smartphone, which I must admit is much smarter than me. So what is a person to do? Well keep trying of course! If we gave up whenever we encounter an obstacle then we might as well just stay home and eat Bon bons.
So what am I saying with all this?
Its a new year everyone, new choices, new decisions, new goals and aspirations. Take a deep breath and just go for it. That's what I'm doing!
Started the new year publishing a short romance called Dear Lorna its available as a kindle download or paperback. Its a story of a love almost lost before it was realized.
Dear Lorna on Amazon
What's next? My time shifter novel tentatively titled: Relativity
December 24, 2013
Happy Holidays and happy writing!
Its been a while since I posted and I do apologize but I've been busy, busy, busy. Between the job that pays the bills and the writing, revising, editing...it's been harder than usual to post and I do a lot on the Facebook page, so.... Anyway, resolution for the new year is to post at least once a week. Tips, tricks, anecdotes, you name it I'll write about it in the coming year.
For now though writing is the thing. I'm working not he sequel to Beauty of Fear but am also writing a YA series involving time traveling/shifting. I will be posting some snippets in the upcoming weeks. It was originally going to be a simple story but it took a left turn somewhere and is now much bigger than I originally intended. The characters kind of took over and they just won't let me out of it so now it's mapped out as three books minimum. Sheesh...
Funny how characters you create take on a life of their own. Even when you base your characters on someone specific they still tend to become who and what they want to be. I just give in, it's easier that way. On that note, I have a love story of sorts that will be available in the upcoming weeks, Dear Lorna. If romance, angst, and overcoming insurmountable odds is your thing, you may find it appealing. With that I will leave you with the warmest of holiday wishes.
For now though writing is the thing. I'm working not he sequel to Beauty of Fear but am also writing a YA series involving time traveling/shifting. I will be posting some snippets in the upcoming weeks. It was originally going to be a simple story but it took a left turn somewhere and is now much bigger than I originally intended. The characters kind of took over and they just won't let me out of it so now it's mapped out as three books minimum. Sheesh...
Funny how characters you create take on a life of their own. Even when you base your characters on someone specific they still tend to become who and what they want to be. I just give in, it's easier that way. On that note, I have a love story of sorts that will be available in the upcoming weeks, Dear Lorna. If romance, angst, and overcoming insurmountable odds is your thing, you may find it appealing. With that I will leave you with the warmest of holiday wishes.
October 9, 2013
Dreams that drive a story....and NaNoWriMo!
Ever have one of those dreams that is so full of action, suspense, and danger that you feel like you got zero to no rest? Yup, that was me last night. Great story though...putting pen to paper and writing this puppy down. Life threatening, scary, exciting....crap I'm tired...
Tired or no, it was a great story and one I would definitely read if I could write it as visually as I experienced it in my dream. Its funny, this was one of those times that I wanted to wake from the dream and though I did throughout the night, everytime I closed my eyes I fell back into it. Weird.
Anyway, starting November 1st I will be participating in the NaNoWriMo once again. For those of you unfamiliar, that is the National Novel Writing Month that helped me complete my novel last year. While I want to write the next novel in my Fear series, I find myself drawn to my other story. Sigh... Don't know yet which one will end of written but I plan to get my 50,000 words written in a month.
If you've ever thought of writing a novel you may want to participate. It is a wonderful opportunity with a great support system. Folks like my niece Kiomary, who have had stories in their head but haven't put it to paper. My little sister Gladys, who writes beautifully but hasn't given herself the time do put pen to paper. Guys this is your chance. All of you, any of you....give it a try...join me.
Also, at this time I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have read my book and given me feedback. I myself have re-read it twice and have found things I need to fix so look for an update with possibly a bit more background soon.
I write for me, I write for you...I write because I have to and in that vein I will be converting some of my mom's writings for upload to Amazon as well. My mother is 83 years old and still a prolific writer, she deserves to be heard and read.
Talk to you all soon and I may post just a little bit of the new work I have to get a bit of feedback....feel free to give it.
L. E. Perez
Tired or no, it was a great story and one I would definitely read if I could write it as visually as I experienced it in my dream. Its funny, this was one of those times that I wanted to wake from the dream and though I did throughout the night, everytime I closed my eyes I fell back into it. Weird.
Anyway, starting November 1st I will be participating in the NaNoWriMo once again. For those of you unfamiliar, that is the National Novel Writing Month that helped me complete my novel last year. While I want to write the next novel in my Fear series, I find myself drawn to my other story. Sigh... Don't know yet which one will end of written but I plan to get my 50,000 words written in a month.
If you've ever thought of writing a novel you may want to participate. It is a wonderful opportunity with a great support system. Folks like my niece Kiomary, who have had stories in their head but haven't put it to paper. My little sister Gladys, who writes beautifully but hasn't given herself the time do put pen to paper. Guys this is your chance. All of you, any of you....give it a try...join me.
Also, at this time I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have read my book and given me feedback. I myself have re-read it twice and have found things I need to fix so look for an update with possibly a bit more background soon.
I write for me, I write for you...I write because I have to and in that vein I will be converting some of my mom's writings for upload to Amazon as well. My mother is 83 years old and still a prolific writer, she deserves to be heard and read.
Talk to you all soon and I may post just a little bit of the new work I have to get a bit of feedback....feel free to give it.
L. E. Perez
September 11, 2013
Black Belt in writing?
Are you one of those people who has wondered what it would be like to get your black belt? Maybe you saw Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, or David Carradine in Kung-Fu. Then again if you aren't that old, maybe you saw Kung Fu Panda or a Jackie Chan movie. Either way its a cool thought isn't it? Becoming a Black Belt. That's what it is you know. You don't get a black belt, you earn it.
I wonder if it isn't the same way to becoming an author. Hear me out...
White Belt= ideas bouncing around your head, what to do, what to do...Yellow Belt=a notebook! write those ideas down girl...Orange Belt= These ideas are all over the place but at least they are in one book...Green Belt=We have a theme! Now to get these ideas sorted...Purple Belt=I have the meat, but where are the potatoes?Blue Belt=Slicing and dicing...these characters are starting to seem real...Red Belt=Backstory? What the heck is backstory?Brown Belt=It has a flow! It actually makes sense as I read it...Brown/Black or Red/Black=Review, edit, read...review, edit, read...Black Belt=ready to publish! Self pub or not, either way you are ready...SUBMIT!Higher Black Belt Degrees=ALL OF THE ABOVE, all the time...(King, Rowling, Patterson, Cornwell, you get the idea)
What do you think? Agree, disagree? If you are into martial arts, you can argue the belt colors but I don't think you can argue the process. As a writer have you gone through this? As a person have you jotted stories down, never realizing you were an orange belt in writing?
I was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do when I was still an Orange Belt in writing and for some of my stories I will probably always be an orange belt but knowing that you can move up is exciting! So, what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts about it.
Peace
L.E.Perez
I wonder if it isn't the same way to becoming an author. Hear me out...
White Belt= ideas bouncing around your head, what to do, what to do...Yellow Belt=a notebook! write those ideas down girl...Orange Belt= These ideas are all over the place but at least they are in one book...Green Belt=We have a theme! Now to get these ideas sorted...Purple Belt=I have the meat, but where are the potatoes?Blue Belt=Slicing and dicing...these characters are starting to seem real...Red Belt=Backstory? What the heck is backstory?Brown Belt=It has a flow! It actually makes sense as I read it...Brown/Black or Red/Black=Review, edit, read...review, edit, read...Black Belt=ready to publish! Self pub or not, either way you are ready...SUBMIT!Higher Black Belt Degrees=ALL OF THE ABOVE, all the time...(King, Rowling, Patterson, Cornwell, you get the idea)
What do you think? Agree, disagree? If you are into martial arts, you can argue the belt colors but I don't think you can argue the process. As a writer have you gone through this? As a person have you jotted stories down, never realizing you were an orange belt in writing?
I was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do when I was still an Orange Belt in writing and for some of my stories I will probably always be an orange belt but knowing that you can move up is exciting! So, what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts about it.
Peace
L.E.Perez
September 5, 2013
Author of my own reality...
You know, I realized something the other day. I complain, a lot, about little things, big things, silly things...you get the idea. Sometimes I mean the complaining other times I just have to voice it, to get rid of it but a parent at my place of employment looked at me and smiled as I whined about what lay ahead. With a raised eyebrow I looked at her and she said "you are the author of your own reality"
She smiled again and asked why I would complain about more business and revenue and further stated you created this because you're good at what you do. I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times before smiling back and saying, "I guess I did didn't I?" We talked a bit more about the changes and improvements she was crediting to me and I walked away shaking my head. The words resonated with me because she was right.
We can choose to wallow in self pity or we can choose to rise to the challenges that life throws at us. Every challenge is an opportunity to become a better you. I choose to become a better me. Complaining does nothing but create self doubt and conflict, when all you really want is confidence and peace.
I am the author of my own reality and I choose to write a reality where confidence and peace reign. How about you?
Peace...and happy writing.
L. E. Perez
She smiled again and asked why I would complain about more business and revenue and further stated you created this because you're good at what you do. I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times before smiling back and saying, "I guess I did didn't I?" We talked a bit more about the changes and improvements she was crediting to me and I walked away shaking my head. The words resonated with me because she was right.
We can choose to wallow in self pity or we can choose to rise to the challenges that life throws at us. Every challenge is an opportunity to become a better you. I choose to become a better me. Complaining does nothing but create self doubt and conflict, when all you really want is confidence and peace.
I am the author of my own reality and I choose to write a reality where confidence and peace reign. How about you?
Peace...and happy writing.
L. E. Perez
June 16, 2013
I've been remiss….and a bad blogger...
Happy Father's Day! Happy Mother's Day! Happy Summer Vacation! Happy…oh hell…I haven't blogged since Easter! Yikes…my bad people.
As negligent as I've been with you all I have also been a bit negligent about writing. Not that I'm not writing, I am, its just that life, love, work, writing…everything has it's time and place. Gotta pay the bills so work, work, work.
So what motivates you all to pursue what you love to do? I have found that gardening is amazing for freeing up your mind to your characters, locales, just about everything related to writing. You know what else frees up your mind? De-cluttering. I think I may just be a borderline hoarder. I am a bag whore, a sneaker whore, a boot whore, and my lord, how many t-shirts does one person need?!
Anyway, now that the summer is over, it's back to business, the business of writing. I have a sequel to Beauty of Fear that I need to get back to. I have a young adult story that has been leaking out of me in fits and starts all summer and I have some fanfics to get back to.
So, what have you all been up to?
L.E. Perez
As negligent as I've been with you all I have also been a bit negligent about writing. Not that I'm not writing, I am, its just that life, love, work, writing…everything has it's time and place. Gotta pay the bills so work, work, work.
So what motivates you all to pursue what you love to do? I have found that gardening is amazing for freeing up your mind to your characters, locales, just about everything related to writing. You know what else frees up your mind? De-cluttering. I think I may just be a borderline hoarder. I am a bag whore, a sneaker whore, a boot whore, and my lord, how many t-shirts does one person need?!
Anyway, now that the summer is over, it's back to business, the business of writing. I have a sequel to Beauty of Fear that I need to get back to. I have a young adult story that has been leaking out of me in fits and starts all summer and I have some fanfics to get back to.
So, what have you all been up to?
L.E. Perez
March 31, 2013
Happy Easter!
In this time of renewal and hope I have a bit of news. Beauty of Fear will be available for free download on Tuesday April 2nd and Wednesday April 3rd. Tell your friends and pass it on. A free download is always a great buy!
In the meanwhile, I hope those of you who have read it will take the time to post a review on Amazon. They are amazingly important, "who knew?"
As to why not April 1st? Well it's April Fools Day you know, I wouldn't do it then, you all might think I was joshing you. Take the time to frequent Amazon and download as many free titles as you can, there are some truly good writers out there.
Peace!
L.E.Perez
In the meanwhile, I hope those of you who have read it will take the time to post a review on Amazon. They are amazingly important, "who knew?"
As to why not April 1st? Well it's April Fools Day you know, I wouldn't do it then, you all might think I was joshing you. Take the time to frequent Amazon and download as many free titles as you can, there are some truly good writers out there.
Peace!
L.E.Perez
March 13, 2013
Characters and their personalities...
Well it's been a month since I last posted and in that month I've worked a bit on a lot. In other words, I haven't done squat!
Kidding…Am working on developing some new characters for my new story and expanding my existing characters for my Fear series. For those of you who have read Beauty of Fear I have a question.
If you could describe the main characters in the story in three words or less how would you?
In no particular order:
Leigh Ramirez (heroine and lead character)-
Jordan Samuels (best friend)-
Rick Sarno (friend and love interest)-
Teresa Ramirez (Leigh's mom)-
Victoria Ramirez-Perla- (Leigh's oldest child)
Olivia Ramirez-Perla- (Leigh's youngest)
For the new story, the lead character's name is Ariana Castillo, she's fifteen (right now) and it's a young adult, paranormal story involving time shifting. I have her personality firmly pinned down I think but interactions with other characters often lead to changes. So my question to you is this, what one word would you want to describe this character? Be creative! Who knows, you may help me craft this character and the direction the story goes in.
One pic that might help you idea wise is:
Another is:
Drastic difference huh? One extreme to the other, in other words…its wide open people!!
So? What say you?
I'll be posting again soon and I'll let you know what the results of the questions above are.
Ciao for now!
L.E.Perez
Kidding…Am working on developing some new characters for my new story and expanding my existing characters for my Fear series. For those of you who have read Beauty of Fear I have a question.
If you could describe the main characters in the story in three words or less how would you?
In no particular order:
Leigh Ramirez (heroine and lead character)-
Jordan Samuels (best friend)-
Rick Sarno (friend and love interest)-
Teresa Ramirez (Leigh's mom)-
Victoria Ramirez-Perla- (Leigh's oldest child)
Olivia Ramirez-Perla- (Leigh's youngest)
For the new story, the lead character's name is Ariana Castillo, she's fifteen (right now) and it's a young adult, paranormal story involving time shifting. I have her personality firmly pinned down I think but interactions with other characters often lead to changes. So my question to you is this, what one word would you want to describe this character? Be creative! Who knows, you may help me craft this character and the direction the story goes in.
One pic that might help you idea wise is: 
Another is:Drastic difference huh? One extreme to the other, in other words…its wide open people!!
So? What say you?
I'll be posting again soon and I'll let you know what the results of the questions above are.
Ciao for now!
L.E.Perez
February 12, 2013
Free Book Right now from L.E. Perez for Valentine's Day!!
Don't we all wish we could be Leigh? (Leigh Ramirez in Beauty of Fear)
Beauty of Fear was and is a labor of love. Reviews mean the world to me because it lets me know if the story struck a chord with you, the reader. Based on the reviews so far I would take that as a yes. The latest review mad me smile because I've been known to do the same.Customer Review: Incredibly Intense, February 11, 2013
By john
Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Beauty Of Fear (Kindle Edition)
"This book catches you from the very beginning and holds you until the very end. I started this book thinking I would read it when I had a few minutes, then found myself reading while I was cooking :) The story is so intense and real I could see the characters in my head! Can't wait until I can read more of her work!"
My Valentine's gift to everyone is a slightly skewed love story available for free download from Amazon on February 13th - 15th.
Free on Amazon! 2/14 & 2/15
It's a story of perseverance, strength and discovery, with a couple of murders along the way…you'll like it.
Chat soon!
L.E. Perez
