Susan Allison-Dean's Blog, page 2
November 5, 2014
DO YOU WRITE BOOK REVIEWS?
In today's world, many of us rely on other's opinions before we make a decision to purchase something, go somewhere, or eat at a certain restaurant. Think Yelp, TripAdvisor and Amazon. Why not? Isn't the opinion of our peers more reliable than the ads and solicitations that are thrust upon us?
Have you ever read through a book's reviews before choosing whether to not to read it? Many readers do. Let's face it, reading takes time and if you purchase the book, money. Don't we all want to make the most of both of those?
You do not have to be a New York Times book reviewer to write a review. I wrote a blog (http://bit.ly/1uvvqzI) for everyday readers with some tips that might help. Basically, pretend like you were talking to a friend. What would you say about the book? Would you recommend it to her?
Writing book reviews not only helps other readers make reading choices good for them, it helps authors too. I greatly appreciate the reviews for several reasons:
a) Who doesn't like to hear that someone appreciated something you created? Whether that be a book, a meal or the child you carried in your womb for nine months.
b) Reviews inspire me to keep writing.
c) I learn how to improve my writing with constructive criticism.
So please, if you haven't already, consider writing a review for my debut novel, I Know You're There.
Here are links to do so on
Amazon
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble
I hope that you will not only do this for my books, but all of your favorite authors. Personally, if I don't like a book, I generally choose not to rate it at all, rather than give it a bad review. Silence is often a gracious way of saying no thank you.
Have you ever read through a book's reviews before choosing whether to not to read it? Many readers do. Let's face it, reading takes time and if you purchase the book, money. Don't we all want to make the most of both of those?
You do not have to be a New York Times book reviewer to write a review. I wrote a blog (http://bit.ly/1uvvqzI) for everyday readers with some tips that might help. Basically, pretend like you were talking to a friend. What would you say about the book? Would you recommend it to her?
Writing book reviews not only helps other readers make reading choices good for them, it helps authors too. I greatly appreciate the reviews for several reasons:
a) Who doesn't like to hear that someone appreciated something you created? Whether that be a book, a meal or the child you carried in your womb for nine months.
b) Reviews inspire me to keep writing.
c) I learn how to improve my writing with constructive criticism.
So please, if you haven't already, consider writing a review for my debut novel, I Know You're There.
Here are links to do so on
Amazon
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble
I hope that you will not only do this for my books, but all of your favorite authors. Personally, if I don't like a book, I generally choose not to rate it at all, rather than give it a bad review. Silence is often a gracious way of saying no thank you.
September 12, 2014
Read, Play, Win!!!
Have you ever read a book that leaves you wanting for more? More about what motivated the protagonist, why they acted as they did, or what ever happened to some of the characters? Finally, the sequel comes out! It’s been a while since you read the last book, however. Will you remember the story line? Who was who?
In October, the sequel to my debut novel, I KNOW YOU’RE THERE, will be released. In anticipation of this, I’ve created an I KNOW YOU’RE THERE trivia contest. During the week of September 22, trivia questions will be asked on my Facebook Page, via my newsletter (you can sign up on my website homepage), and on my twitter feed @SueAllisonDean. Answer the question correctly; you’ll win a prize. The person, who answers the most questions correctly that week, will win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Join all of these ways to connect to increase your chances to win! This will also help refresh our memory for the release of the sequel, BY THE SOUND OF THE CROW.
If you haven’t already read, I KNOW YOU’RE THERE, there is still time. It’s available on most e-reader retail sites including AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and iBOOKS. It’s also available in paperback.
Are you ready to play?
In October, the sequel to my debut novel, I KNOW YOU’RE THERE, will be released. In anticipation of this, I’ve created an I KNOW YOU’RE THERE trivia contest. During the week of September 22, trivia questions will be asked on my Facebook Page, via my newsletter (you can sign up on my website homepage), and on my twitter feed @SueAllisonDean. Answer the question correctly; you’ll win a prize. The person, who answers the most questions correctly that week, will win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Join all of these ways to connect to increase your chances to win! This will also help refresh our memory for the release of the sequel, BY THE SOUND OF THE CROW.
If you haven’t already read, I KNOW YOU’RE THERE, there is still time. It’s available on most e-reader retail sites including AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and iBOOKS. It’s also available in paperback.
Are you ready to play?
February 27, 2014
Women's Fiction: An Opportunity for Women To Share Stories and Solutions
What exactly is ‘Women’s Fiction’? Goodreads defines it as “an umbrella term for books written by women that are marketed to female readers, and includes many mainstream novels, romantic fiction, "chick lit,"and other sub genres. One of these sub genres includes women’s ‘upmarket fiction’, which features a female protagonist and often creates great conversations for book clubs. Rebecca Vnuk nicely outlines her Five Rules for Women’s Fiction (link).
Whatever the definition, women sharing life experiences, struggles, humor and ways to deal with all this is a good thing in my book. No pun intended. Anytime a woman can break away from the demands of caring for others, career, trying to fit in exercise, friends, and all the other things that yank at us to write a story, it allows a discussion to be had amongst us. We may find ourselves laughing at the same silly things we do, crying at events that ripped our hearts out, or discovering a new way to deal with a problem in our life.
When I set out to write ‘I Know You’re There’, I was targeting my story to nurses. It’s very rare to find a novel with a nurse protagonist written by a nurse. The reason for this surely won’t surprise you. Nurses are busy! Once, the book was published, I was surprised to find that it had two other popular women’s markets: Emerging Adult (post college graduate age, entering the real world and all that entails) and Prime Time Women (those 50-75 who generally are finished focusing on child raising and/or career but are vibrantly pursuing other interests).
There is no greater compliment to an author than a reader who shares how the author’s novel touched them in a special way.
“That part when they are changing the women’s diaper, I was rolling on the floor laughing.”
“You described the process of caring for someone who is dying perfectly. I had so many of those same experiences when I cared for my dad.”
“I really liked how you described heaven. It made me think.”
As women bond together and share our unique experiences, we grow stronger. It’s not always easy to get women together given the massive amount of responsibilities they tend to. A women’s fiction book, however, can be read alone and pondered. Or, if given the opportunity, open the door to discussions with other women who may be looking for validation, comfort or a good laugh.
‘I Know You’re There’ is Susan Allison-Dean’s debut novel. It is available on most e-book sites and in paperback.
Have you read a good women’s fiction book lately?
Whatever the definition, women sharing life experiences, struggles, humor and ways to deal with all this is a good thing in my book. No pun intended. Anytime a woman can break away from the demands of caring for others, career, trying to fit in exercise, friends, and all the other things that yank at us to write a story, it allows a discussion to be had amongst us. We may find ourselves laughing at the same silly things we do, crying at events that ripped our hearts out, or discovering a new way to deal with a problem in our life.
When I set out to write ‘I Know You’re There’, I was targeting my story to nurses. It’s very rare to find a novel with a nurse protagonist written by a nurse. The reason for this surely won’t surprise you. Nurses are busy! Once, the book was published, I was surprised to find that it had two other popular women’s markets: Emerging Adult (post college graduate age, entering the real world and all that entails) and Prime Time Women (those 50-75 who generally are finished focusing on child raising and/or career but are vibrantly pursuing other interests).
There is no greater compliment to an author than a reader who shares how the author’s novel touched them in a special way.
“That part when they are changing the women’s diaper, I was rolling on the floor laughing.”
“You described the process of caring for someone who is dying perfectly. I had so many of those same experiences when I cared for my dad.”
“I really liked how you described heaven. It made me think.”
As women bond together and share our unique experiences, we grow stronger. It’s not always easy to get women together given the massive amount of responsibilities they tend to. A women’s fiction book, however, can be read alone and pondered. Or, if given the opportunity, open the door to discussions with other women who may be looking for validation, comfort or a good laugh.
‘I Know You’re There’ is Susan Allison-Dean’s debut novel. It is available on most e-book sites and in paperback.
Have you read a good women’s fiction book lately?
January 2, 2014
Letting The Story Simmer
Guy Fieri, host of TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives hit the jackpot when it came to getting a job. He cruises across the country in his red 1967 Chevy Camaro Super Sport convertible and stops at local food joints to sample what they are best known for. BBQ, breakfast, baked goods, it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s good, homemade-style food. During his stop at the Weeping Radish in North Carolina, he sampled their famous Baked Potato Soup. The farm-to-table chef personally prepared a large, steel pot filled with milk, flour, potatoes from the field outside, fresh cheddar cheese, chopped green chives, sour cream and bits of bacon cured on site. The chef stirred the cauldron and announced the famous line we hear so often from all the best chefs, “And now we let it simmer.”
Simmer, to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point. The word itself makes my mouth water. Bring to a boil, and then let it simmer. Dinner’s almost ready; it just needs to simmer. Anticipation, getting a whiff of garlic doing the tango with olive oil, as the aroma of fresh basil intertwines itself in the Italian feast my mother prepares on a cold snowy afternoon. Simmer, a delicate state of transition.
There are times when we writers experience an explosion of words that tumble from the pen we hold, to the paper we write on, that leaves us in awe. I don’t know where that came from, but that’s a good line! Then there are the moments when thoughts, ideas, and fragmented sentences trickle onto the page and just lie there, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The prospect of piecing them together into a well-crafted story appears daunting.
Stepping away and allowing the words to simmer, soak up the flavor, reconfigure into a new delicacy; may be the difference between fast food and a culinary delight.
Simmer, to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point. The word itself makes my mouth water. Bring to a boil, and then let it simmer. Dinner’s almost ready; it just needs to simmer. Anticipation, getting a whiff of garlic doing the tango with olive oil, as the aroma of fresh basil intertwines itself in the Italian feast my mother prepares on a cold snowy afternoon. Simmer, a delicate state of transition.
There are times when we writers experience an explosion of words that tumble from the pen we hold, to the paper we write on, that leaves us in awe. I don’t know where that came from, but that’s a good line! Then there are the moments when thoughts, ideas, and fragmented sentences trickle onto the page and just lie there, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The prospect of piecing them together into a well-crafted story appears daunting.
Stepping away and allowing the words to simmer, soak up the flavor, reconfigure into a new delicacy; may be the difference between fast food and a culinary delight.
December 16, 2013
What would Jerry Seinfeld Do?
My latest blog post, What Would Jerry Seinfeld Do?, is now available on my website: http;//www.susanallisondean.com
Come take a look and have a laugh, please feel free to comment. :)
Come take a look and have a laugh, please feel free to comment. :)
December 4, 2013
Writing a Book Review: Simple Formula For Everyday Readers
Finding out about the latest and greatest restaurants, hotels, and books has gone far beyond the traditional word of mouth recommendations from friends, family and colleagues. Written online reviews are helping consumers’ decide quickly whether they want to purchase a service or item based on what total strangers are saying.
Why might you want to join in this conversation? When it comes to your favorite local small business, a great online review on Google or Yelp can help the business thrive without spending a fortune in advertising, thereby decreasing overhead cost and the price to you the consumer. Sharing what a great vacation you just had on Tripadvisor.com helps build a resource for travelers that they can trust, and you may want to reference in the future. When it comes to books, online reviews can help your favorite authors get noticed and sell books in the competitive world of publishing that includes over six million titles.
So how do you, the everyday reader, get involved? There are some formal ways to write a book review, such as this guideline from WikiHow.com, but most readers appreciate authentic feedback from readers like themselves. Here are 3 simple tips:
1. Create an online account on at least one popular book website such as Goodreads.com, Amazon.com, or BarnesandNoble.com.
2. Create a basic formula that you think you can easily follow. For example, pretend a friend approaches you as you are reading the book you will review and asks you these questions:
-“Hey, what are you reading?” Give her a short, less than a paragraph, description of what you think the book is about without spoiling the ending or key points.
-“Did you like it?” Again, brief summation of what you thought about the book. Would you recommend that she read it?
-Lastly, any personal points you want to add; it helped you see the culture in a new light, it made you feel better about a similar situation you went through, or maybe it made you laugh so hard you woke up your sleeping child.
3. Rating:
Each online review site has a star rating system consisting usually of 4 or 5 stars. Rating books can be a simple way to express your opinion of a particular book. This is my personal guideline to rating a book, you can create your own.
-1 or 2 Stars: My father always said, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I generally use this rule for books that I do not like or have trouble getting into. Therefore, I rarely give a book a one or two star rating. The only exception is if I REALLY tried to get into a book, like Barbara Kingsolver’s recent novel, Flight Behavior. I know Mrs. Kingsolver is a classic writer, but despite many attempts at reading this particular book, I did not connect with the characters or the vibe of the book. On the other hand, I gave her book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle a 5 star rating.
-3 Star: Enjoyed the book, average
-4 Star: Really enjoyed the book, would probably recommend it to friends
-5 Star: I save this level for my favorites! Books that moved me deeply, taught me something, I keep on my bookshelf and I loved so much I share my copy with a friend or buy them one.
Your opinion is important, please don’t be afraid to share it.
Would you like an opportunity to read, review and rate I KNOW YOU’RE THERE? For a limited time, I am offering a free copy of my novel in return for an honest review of the book on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. If you are interested, please email me at susanallisondean@aol.com
-
Why might you want to join in this conversation? When it comes to your favorite local small business, a great online review on Google or Yelp can help the business thrive without spending a fortune in advertising, thereby decreasing overhead cost and the price to you the consumer. Sharing what a great vacation you just had on Tripadvisor.com helps build a resource for travelers that they can trust, and you may want to reference in the future. When it comes to books, online reviews can help your favorite authors get noticed and sell books in the competitive world of publishing that includes over six million titles.
So how do you, the everyday reader, get involved? There are some formal ways to write a book review, such as this guideline from WikiHow.com, but most readers appreciate authentic feedback from readers like themselves. Here are 3 simple tips:
1. Create an online account on at least one popular book website such as Goodreads.com, Amazon.com, or BarnesandNoble.com.
2. Create a basic formula that you think you can easily follow. For example, pretend a friend approaches you as you are reading the book you will review and asks you these questions:
-“Hey, what are you reading?” Give her a short, less than a paragraph, description of what you think the book is about without spoiling the ending or key points.
-“Did you like it?” Again, brief summation of what you thought about the book. Would you recommend that she read it?
-Lastly, any personal points you want to add; it helped you see the culture in a new light, it made you feel better about a similar situation you went through, or maybe it made you laugh so hard you woke up your sleeping child.
3. Rating:
Each online review site has a star rating system consisting usually of 4 or 5 stars. Rating books can be a simple way to express your opinion of a particular book. This is my personal guideline to rating a book, you can create your own.
-1 or 2 Stars: My father always said, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I generally use this rule for books that I do not like or have trouble getting into. Therefore, I rarely give a book a one or two star rating. The only exception is if I REALLY tried to get into a book, like Barbara Kingsolver’s recent novel, Flight Behavior. I know Mrs. Kingsolver is a classic writer, but despite many attempts at reading this particular book, I did not connect with the characters or the vibe of the book. On the other hand, I gave her book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle a 5 star rating.
-3 Star: Enjoyed the book, average
-4 Star: Really enjoyed the book, would probably recommend it to friends
-5 Star: I save this level for my favorites! Books that moved me deeply, taught me something, I keep on my bookshelf and I loved so much I share my copy with a friend or buy them one.
Your opinion is important, please don’t be afraid to share it.
Would you like an opportunity to read, review and rate I KNOW YOU’RE THERE? For a limited time, I am offering a free copy of my novel in return for an honest review of the book on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. If you are interested, please email me at susanallisondean@aol.com
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November 19, 2013
Why Nurses Become Nurses
There is no sugar coating it. Being a Nurse is not for the faint hearted. There are long hours, potentially long nights, 24-7-365 days of the year. Nurses see things most people only experience in TV dramas that are edited of the really gruesome things that can occur. Nurses exchange precious time with their family and friends on holidays and weekends to help people who rely on their skills, compassion and advocacy. So why do they do it?
I myself became a nurse at the suggestion of my mother, “You like science and people, and it’s a good profession if you want to have kids.”
I practiced nursing for over 13 years and taught at Yale University as an adjunct professor. There is always something to learn, you never get bored as a nurse. You learn a base of knowledge that you can always apply to yourself and others. Most of all, while we think that nurses help patients, and they do, the lessons learned about life from the patients that we care for are the best rewards.
In my debut novel, I Know You’re There, Jill Bradley, the nurse protagonist asks herself why she became a nurse when she is in a fatal accident after volunteering to work an extra shift at the community hospital she works at outside New York City. Her mother, Helen, knows exactly why and when Jill decided to become a nurse, but has been reluctant to share the information with her. Not knowing, could threaten Jill’s life. The story digs into the past, while Jill struggles to go forward hoping to find the answer.
I would like to know why other nurses chose the profession of nursing. When did you first know this was your calling? Was there an event that inspired you to go into the profession? If you’re a nurse and would like to share your story, please email me at susanallisondean@aol.com. If I choose your submission, with your permission, I will feature it on my blog and give you a $50 gift card to your favorite bookstore.
In an era where jobs can be hard to find, nursing is a worthwhile profession to look into. It offers a plethora of opportunities. And as I like to say, “Once you’ve been a nurse, you can do anything.”
I myself became a nurse at the suggestion of my mother, “You like science and people, and it’s a good profession if you want to have kids.”
I practiced nursing for over 13 years and taught at Yale University as an adjunct professor. There is always something to learn, you never get bored as a nurse. You learn a base of knowledge that you can always apply to yourself and others. Most of all, while we think that nurses help patients, and they do, the lessons learned about life from the patients that we care for are the best rewards.
In my debut novel, I Know You’re There, Jill Bradley, the nurse protagonist asks herself why she became a nurse when she is in a fatal accident after volunteering to work an extra shift at the community hospital she works at outside New York City. Her mother, Helen, knows exactly why and when Jill decided to become a nurse, but has been reluctant to share the information with her. Not knowing, could threaten Jill’s life. The story digs into the past, while Jill struggles to go forward hoping to find the answer.
I would like to know why other nurses chose the profession of nursing. When did you first know this was your calling? Was there an event that inspired you to go into the profession? If you’re a nurse and would like to share your story, please email me at susanallisondean@aol.com. If I choose your submission, with your permission, I will feature it on my blog and give you a $50 gift card to your favorite bookstore.
In an era where jobs can be hard to find, nursing is a worthwhile profession to look into. It offers a plethora of opportunities. And as I like to say, “Once you’ve been a nurse, you can do anything.”
November 14, 2013
Host The Best Book Club Ever!
It’s your turn to host your book club meeting. You’re looking to do something different. Fun. You choose ‘I Know You’re There’ http://bit.ly/XhNYBD as the book you and your group will read.
The night of your book club arrives; you’ve prepared an assortment of Caribbean treats http://bit.ly/1a7QhgD , the curry aroma is intoxicating. The pineapple slices drip their juice into the bowl surrounded by round slices of kiwi on top. The blender has a full bowl of ice next to it, mango http://bit.ly/19qLvZi and of course, plenty of rum. The stage is set, now for the music.
When your guests enter your home whether it is on a snowy, cold February night or a hot, sweltering day in July, you want them to instantly pick up the Caribbean vibe you are trying to create. You want them to leave their troubles behind, just as Jill Bradley, the protagonist in the story, did and experience a place of letting go and feeling irie.
So what tunes do you play? The King of Reggae, Bob Marley http://bit.ly/1a7J2FH , immediately comes to mind. Some favorites include Is This Love, Three Little Birds and Jamming. Mix that with a little American Tropicana, Jimmy Buffett. Songs like Boat Drinks, Margaretville and the new duet with Zac Brown, Knee Deep http://exm.nr/1ePzCC5 make escaping their worries sound plausible. From across the pond, UB40, has some classics they’ll remember. Red, Red, Wine http://bit.ly/HOmgrq , Reggae Music, Kingston Town, and I Got You Babe will have them jamming in no time.
Once you’ve set the mood, your guests have had a drink, a bite to eat, their ready to relax and chat about the book. What issues in the book did they relate to? When they feel the need to escape from their problems, what do they do? Did they learn anything new about nursing? They laugh, they share, maybe even some end up shedding tears. It’s all good.
The evening ends with coffee and rum coconut cake. Your friends rave that this was the best book club ever! How are they going to top this? You hug the last guest as she leaves through your front door. You close it, go to the music and turn it on loud and dance in your living room.
The night of your book club arrives; you’ve prepared an assortment of Caribbean treats http://bit.ly/1a7QhgD , the curry aroma is intoxicating. The pineapple slices drip their juice into the bowl surrounded by round slices of kiwi on top. The blender has a full bowl of ice next to it, mango http://bit.ly/19qLvZi and of course, plenty of rum. The stage is set, now for the music.
When your guests enter your home whether it is on a snowy, cold February night or a hot, sweltering day in July, you want them to instantly pick up the Caribbean vibe you are trying to create. You want them to leave their troubles behind, just as Jill Bradley, the protagonist in the story, did and experience a place of letting go and feeling irie.
So what tunes do you play? The King of Reggae, Bob Marley http://bit.ly/1a7J2FH , immediately comes to mind. Some favorites include Is This Love, Three Little Birds and Jamming. Mix that with a little American Tropicana, Jimmy Buffett. Songs like Boat Drinks, Margaretville and the new duet with Zac Brown, Knee Deep http://exm.nr/1ePzCC5 make escaping their worries sound plausible. From across the pond, UB40, has some classics they’ll remember. Red, Red, Wine http://bit.ly/HOmgrq , Reggae Music, Kingston Town, and I Got You Babe will have them jamming in no time.
Once you’ve set the mood, your guests have had a drink, a bite to eat, their ready to relax and chat about the book. What issues in the book did they relate to? When they feel the need to escape from their problems, what do they do? Did they learn anything new about nursing? They laugh, they share, maybe even some end up shedding tears. It’s all good.
The evening ends with coffee and rum coconut cake. Your friends rave that this was the best book club ever! How are they going to top this? You hug the last guest as she leaves through your front door. You close it, go to the music and turn it on loud and dance in your living room.
November 11, 2013
Brighten Up Your Life! Plant Some Bulbs
Do you find yourself ready for bed and it’s only 7:30 pm? As the days get shorter and the nights longer, many of us slide into a more dormant state like a perennial plant disappearing for winter. November is a prime season in many areas, however, to plant flower bulbs as a sign of beautiful days yet to come.
Amaryllis: Now is a perfect time to pot up amaryllis bulbs in simple clay pots or big urns to bring life and color to your indoor spaces. Growing Amaryllis is easy, here is a simple how to video: http://bit.ly/HJ1xFC
Spring Blooming Bulbs: If you hurry before the ground freezes hard, you can still get some spring blooming bulbs planted in your outdoor garden. Tulips, crocus, allium and my personal favorite daffodils come in all different colors and kick off the spring with a bang when they bloom. To learn what varieties are available and what will work best in your garden check out Dig, Drop, Done : www.digdropdone.com.
Looking for a bulb source? Check out Colorblends, www.colorblends.com or your local garden center.
For those who LOVE flowers and especially spring blooming bulbs, plan a trip now to Amsterdam in April or early May. The Keukenoff gardens http://bit.ly/14HAO2O are a must see on any gardeners’ bucket list.
Do you enjoy gardening? I do too. I have weaved my love of gardening in my novel, I Know You’re There, now available in print and e-book format.
Amaryllis: Now is a perfect time to pot up amaryllis bulbs in simple clay pots or big urns to bring life and color to your indoor spaces. Growing Amaryllis is easy, here is a simple how to video: http://bit.ly/HJ1xFC
Spring Blooming Bulbs: If you hurry before the ground freezes hard, you can still get some spring blooming bulbs planted in your outdoor garden. Tulips, crocus, allium and my personal favorite daffodils come in all different colors and kick off the spring with a bang when they bloom. To learn what varieties are available and what will work best in your garden check out Dig, Drop, Done : www.digdropdone.com.
Looking for a bulb source? Check out Colorblends, www.colorblends.com or your local garden center.
For those who LOVE flowers and especially spring blooming bulbs, plan a trip now to Amsterdam in April or early May. The Keukenoff gardens http://bit.ly/14HAO2O are a must see on any gardeners’ bucket list.
Do you enjoy gardening? I do too. I have weaved my love of gardening in my novel, I Know You’re There, now available in print and e-book format.
October 18, 2013
5 Good Reasons To Try A Self-Published Book
A reader shared with me the other day a wonderful backhanded comment on my debut novel, I Know You’re There. She said enthusiastically, “I really enjoyed your book!” Then she paused and added, “You know, I actually liked it better than some of the regular books I’ve bought.” We chuckled, knowing what she meant is ‘traditionally’ published books.
That got me thinking….why should a reader venture out to the new Indie (Independent) Book world? There are lots of reasons, but here are five to start.
1. Shows like American Idol and X Factor have taught us there is a lot of amazing, artistic talent out there that people are not offered via traditional routes. The new self-publishing opportunities allow writers to now be judged by the audience that should be the judge: readers.
2. Self-published books are typically a less expensive risk to purchase because an Indie Author doesn’t have all the overhead expenses that go in to producing and promoting a big publishing house book. In fact, many Indie Authors will offer discounts for book groups or free books in exchange for honest reviews on websites like Goodreads and Book Retailers Online sites. Go ahead, don’t be shy, contact them via their websites.
3. You might learn something interesting or have a different reading experience. Indie authors are publishing books in all genres about all different subjects based on their expertise, passions, or unique creative perspectives. While your tried and true authors are fun to re-experience, why not break out and try something new?
4. Look at the stack of books sitting by your bedside, up on the shelves collecting dust, with tabs at page 49, abandoned. Were all those traditionally published books good?
5. Indie Authors will really, really appreciate you reading their book! And you will be helping to cultivate the art of writing so their will be more to reads to choose from.
That got me thinking….why should a reader venture out to the new Indie (Independent) Book world? There are lots of reasons, but here are five to start.
1. Shows like American Idol and X Factor have taught us there is a lot of amazing, artistic talent out there that people are not offered via traditional routes. The new self-publishing opportunities allow writers to now be judged by the audience that should be the judge: readers.
2. Self-published books are typically a less expensive risk to purchase because an Indie Author doesn’t have all the overhead expenses that go in to producing and promoting a big publishing house book. In fact, many Indie Authors will offer discounts for book groups or free books in exchange for honest reviews on websites like Goodreads and Book Retailers Online sites. Go ahead, don’t be shy, contact them via their websites.
3. You might learn something interesting or have a different reading experience. Indie authors are publishing books in all genres about all different subjects based on their expertise, passions, or unique creative perspectives. While your tried and true authors are fun to re-experience, why not break out and try something new?
4. Look at the stack of books sitting by your bedside, up on the shelves collecting dust, with tabs at page 49, abandoned. Were all those traditionally published books good?
5. Indie Authors will really, really appreciate you reading their book! And you will be helping to cultivate the art of writing so their will be more to reads to choose from.
