Vashti Quiroz-Vega's Blog, page 10
August 2, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Clear & Nature
August sort of crept up on me this year. My AC is working doubly hard since it’s sweltering hot outside. Thank God for afternoon showers to cool things off. August is a big month in my family because my sisters and I all have birthdays this month. We even have a couple of cousins born in August too.
Anyway, today I wanted to talk a little about book covers and the genre of your book. Do you think book covers are important? What should book covers actually do? I believe that book covers are important because they’re the first impression your book makes on the reader. I know there’s a saying, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ but many people do. I’ve actually heard people say that they can tell the difference between a traditionally published author and an indie author by the book cover. [image error]
Of course, what’s most important to me is the content inside but first, you have to attract the reader to your book. An intriguing cover will tempt the reader to pick up your book and once the book is in his or her hand the next natural thing to do is to turn it around and read the blurb and that’s when you hook them with your fabulous writing. A good cover needs to grab attention immediately, be striking, beautiful, clean and professionally made, but also let readers know instantly the basic genre.
The reader should know whether your book is a fantasy, horror, romance, sci-fi . . . by looking at your book cover. The cover also often convey the geographical locations and the main character’s age and sex which is also important.
I can’t stand it when a book misrepresents itself. Call me crazy. Also, and this may seem random, let me mention that the categories on Amazon are getting more and more ambiguous every day. It’s getting hard to figure out a book’s genre. I understand that putting general categories like Fantasy, Romance or Horror alone is not good for the Amazon algorithms but some people get so creative with these categories that they’re confusing the heck out of some people (including me).
If you wrote a horror book and there are ghosts and witches in your story then Kindle store>Horror>Witches>Ghosts are great categories, but I’ve seen some weird combinations that don’t make sense and it’s obvious that the author did it to climb up the ranks. And I’m telling you, your book may come up in the ranks at first, but readers are not going to be happy when they think they’re getting a romance novel and instead are getting hardcore erotica.
I found a great article that can help you make the most of the Amazon Categories while still representing your book accurately. Read this and you’ll thank me later. How To (Ethically) Hack Amazon Categories | David Gaughran
Okay, the bottomline is to be honest about the genre of your work and make sure your book cover, blurb and Amazon Categories clearly represent that genre.
**Check out the book covers below. I’m sure you can’t mistake their genres. If you’re interested in more info. about a book click on its image.
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Your book’s genre should
be expressed plainly or
readers won’t like it
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In honor of my birthday, both books in my Fantasy Angels Series are on sale, through the weekend, for 99¢! Please take advantage of my birthday special and spread the word. Thank you!
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Clear and Nature are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
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Happy Friday and thanks for the visit!
July 29, 2019
Shadow of the Drill by Rhani D’Chae
Today, I’m happy to feature on my blog the wonderful and extremely talented author, Rhani D’Chae. Rhani is a fellow member of Rave Reviews Book Club and I recently read her book, Shadow of the Drill: Born of Circumstance, Bred for Revenge and really enjoyed it. I’m sharing my review of it as well as a little information about Rhani D’Chae.
A little about Rhani:
Rhani D’Chae is a visually disabled writer who was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. Because of her failing eyesight, she no longer reads as much as she used to, but she does enjoy falling into the worlds created by other Indie authors as often as her vision will allow. Shadow of the Drill is her first published novel and is the first in a series that revolves around an unrepentant enforcer and the violent life that he leads.
She enjoys chatting with readers and fellow writers via Social Media sites and loves getting comments and other input from those who have read her work. She is on Facebook and Twitter. Also, if you have the time, please stop by her blog: rhanidchae.wordpress.com.
Ms. D’Chae is currently working on Winter of the Drill and hopes to have it completed soon.
Check out Rhani’s blog to see what she’s up to. She shares a bit about her upcoming novel Winter of the Drill here.
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Blurb:
A Gritty and Violent Thriller.
A brutal experience transforms an unproven young tough into a ruthless killing machine.
For fifteen years he waited, building his body into an unstoppable weapon so that vengeance would be had through the strength of his will and the power of his hands.
On the bloodstained streets of a northwestern city, the enforcer known as the Drill stalks his prey. Judge, Jury, and Executioner; he seeks out those who target the weak, condemning them to the kind of justice that has made him a legend.
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Here’s my review (Goodreads & Amazon):
Shadow of the Drill by Rhani D’Chae is a suspense/thriller aimed at an adult audience. This kind of thriller is different from what I’m used to reading, but I found it just as enjoyable.
The characters are well developed and I enjoyed the friendship between Decker and Rudy. Although it was difficult for me to relate to their lifestyle I could relate to their love for one another and their need for revenge. A couple of scenes dragged a bit, one character’s function in the story was not clear to me, and I caught a few typos, but these issues did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. For the most part, it is a well-written, thrilling, and entertaining book.
As a teen, Decker witnesses the brutal rape of a girl named Maria, the person he loves above all else. He tries to save her while risking his own life, but the three men assaulting her are out of his league and overpower him easily.
Although Maria survives, the violent attack leaves her in a comatose state and unable to function normally. Decker visits her regularly at the hospital, but he is guilt-ridden and seething and swears to take revenge on the men who did this to her.
This experience triggers a change in Decker. He builds his body, gains muscle mass, and learns to fight, ensuring that he will never be helpless again. He becomes the Drill, a fearsome and vicious enforcer who will stop at nothing to get vengeance on the men who ruined Maria’s life—and his. Will Decker get his revenge? Or will this maddening thirst for retaliation consume him and ruin his chances of a happy life with a good woman?
This gritty story is about love, friendship, and revenge. I recommend this book to fans of revenge thrillers, crime drama, and violent/dark fiction.
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Visit Rhani D’Chae’s Amazon Author Page and check out all her books.
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Thank you for stopping by today. Have a great week!
July 26, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Kind & Shift
Can people really change? Is there an age limit? Can a person be too old to become their best self?
I understand we’re all born with certain characteristics and traits inherited from our parents and other family members but aren’t our personalities also molded by how we grew up? Our environment? Our education?
I woke up this morning thinking about this; can a person after years of being a certain way suddenly change? Or is it too late for some?
I believe personality can change, especially over time. Using myself as an example, I know I’ve become more responsible and emotionally stable as I’ve gotten older. In addition, events in my life have caused changes in my attitude and character traits. I’ve also made choices through the years to change certain aspects of my personality. Does that mean I’m a perfect saint? Absolutely not––but I’m working on it.
I also believe that adults can change their character, no matter their age if they see that the present way they conduct themselves holds them back or causes them losses or harm. Your personality isn’t hardwired or a matter of genetics. I sense that our human nature is complex, yet capable of growth. You may differ in opinion and that’s okay.
So, what is the (my) bottom line? Unless you have a genuine personality disorder you can change and even those people with personality disorders can change if they seek treatment.
So there you have it. Whatever you believe there’s no excuse for being unkind or intolerant––you can change your behavior and way of thinking and be the best version of yourself.
Today I wrote two Cinquain poems. I hope you enjoy.
BEFORE . . .
Before
I was someone
I didn’t want to be
I was sad, lost, and invisible
I changed
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Before
I became strong
I knew what it was like
to be weak and undeserving
I changed
Kind and Shift are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
July 19, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ HOME
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FOR THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH POETRY CHALLENGE COLLEEN CHESEBRO WANTS US TO TRY SOMETHING NEW – A PHOTO PROMPT!
**USE THE ABOVE PHOTO AS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR POEM. ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS AND TELL A STORY. BE CREATIVE! WHAT DOES THIS PHOTO SAY TO YOU?
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“Where is home? Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness. Home is where the heart’s tears can dry at their own pace.”
~Vernon Baker
Home Is Where We Love
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Beyond the black door
there are rooms and furniture
tastefully arranged
A home built with love and dreams
The sweetest sort of heaven
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“There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits.”
~Robert Southey
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July 12, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Pretty & Ugly
Did you know that the average life of a butterfly is around two weeks? Some species only live a day or two and other species are capable of living around nine months. It makes me sad to think that such a beautiful creature’s life is so short.
On the other hand, Cockroaches are filthy, immortal scavengers that are unaffected by radiation. In a post-apocalyptic world, it will be these dirty little critters that survive. Okay, they’re not really immortal but when you read facts like: a roach can live a week without its head, you begin to wonder. The truth is that as long as there is shelter and food, cockroaches can comfortably live in a home or business for years, creating massive infestations.
Anyway, the average moth can live up to five weeks. Some people see moths as the butterfly’s ugly cousin. I’m not sure that’s true, since I’ve heard of some species of moths that are quite beautiful.
This week’s poem is a double Tanka. I hope you enjoy.
Pride & Envy
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As a butterfly
you wore your wings high with pride
looking down on worms
forgetting what you once were
a crawling caterpillar
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No plain butterflies
just lovely flowers in flight
while the moth looks on
Counting the days to their end
Death comes in a week or two
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Pretty and Ugly are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read. I appreciate it. Have a great day!
June 28, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Plan & Spend
A Nonet . . .
Narcissist
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You made me doubt my own sanity
with your consuming gas-lighting.
I am tired of your methods.
I spent my entire life
trying to please you.
A person with
a twisted
disease.
Sad.
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Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder
Grandiose sense of self-importance. …
Lives in a fantasy world that supports their delusions of grandeur. …
Needs constant praise and admiration. …
Sense of entitlement. …
Exploits others without guilt or shame. …
Frequently demeans, intimidates, bullies, or belittles others.
*Tips for spotting and coping with a Narcissist
Plan and Spend are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
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Is there a Narcissist in your life? How do you deal with a narcissistic personality? Have you had a run-in with a Narcissist? I’d love to read your insights in the comments below.
June 21, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Influence & Perception
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Welcome, everyone! Thank you for visiting.
Influence and Perception are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
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When your soul is bared
the judgment of others is
so often unfair.
Don’t let their opinions
control the way you reason.
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You’re criticized by
what makes you unique––
opinions, not facts.
You know you’re doing something
right when people are talking.
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June 14, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Beginning & Consume
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I mentioned my trip to New York City in my previous post, so I thought I’d share a few pictures this week. Although I enjoyed my visit to NYC, the huge crowds, hurried pace, peculiar smells, and loudness was not for me. At first, it was exciting but after about six days I was over it. Like the saying goes, NYC is a great place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. Of course, millions (8.623 million (2017)) of people live there and love it and that includes my sister Kathy––to each his own.
I would definitely visit again because there are so many amazing things to see and do. If you’ve never been I do recommend you go at least once. You won’t be disappointed.
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Beginning and Consume are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
Hurrying Human Tides
New York
The Big Apple
Fast walkers devour streets
My leisurely Miami pace
annoys
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St Patrick’s Cathedral seemed incongruous in the midst of the surrounding modern skyscrapers. I was mesmerized by this palatial church’s architecture and luxurious adornments.
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We saw King Kong on Broadway and we loved it! I was so impressed with the puppeteers. They controlled every facial gesture and movement the giant ape made and they almost disappeared into the shadows on the stage as they did so, except in times when they wanted you to see them––it was fascinating.
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Another thrilling part of my trip was visiting the New York Public Library. What an iconic building! The literary treasures they must have stashed away in there. There were special areas where the public could not enter, so of course, my imagination went crazy wondering what literary masterpieces must be hidden from the masses.
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Well, I hope you enjoyed my Cinquain poem and the NYC pictures I shared. Thank you for stopping by and have a happy Friday!
June 7, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ My NYC Vacation
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I’m back from my vacation in New York City and I think I need a vacation from my vacation––phew! Ha, ha! NYC is a great place to visit, there’s always lots to do and when you’re there you want to do it all. The weather, for the most part, was beautiful which was conducive to walking and exploring. One of my sisters, Kathy lives in Brooklyn (Bayridge) which is one of the boroughs of New York City, so we stayed two days with her and the rest of the time in a hotel in Manhattan. We still saw Kathy almost every day because she would take a train and meet us.
We had some unforgettable moments in NYC, from exploring my sister’s neighborhood, cruising the New York Bay to walking the streets of Manhattan it was an amazing trip. Here are some of the highlights.
BookCon
New York Public Library (this is no ordinary public library)
Yacht Sunset Cruise on the Bay
Arts & Craft Fair at Bryant Park
King Kong on Broadway
Godzilla in 4D
St Patrick’s Cathedral
I’ll share pictures in later posts. In the meantime, I do have some up on Instagram if you’d like to check them out.
And don’t get me started on the food! Italian food is my favorite and you can find the best Italian cuisine in NYC. Angelo’s Italian Restaurant on Broadway right next to The Late Show has traditional NY style Coal-Oven Pizza and a full menu of Italian cuisine––mamma mìa! (This is a shoutout, not an ad)
Now you know why we chose to walk so much. The truth is that my favorite part of the trip was the unforgettable moments I spent with my husband, sister and I got together with one of my cousins too. Making these wonderful lasting memories with my loved ones was everything.
The best things in life
are not things, they are moments
we share with loved ones
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Have you been to NYC? What was your favorite part of the trip?
May 17, 2019
Poetry Friday ~ Random Acts Of Kindness
This week has been “Random Acts of Kindness” week at the Rave Reviews Book Club and I must tell you it’s been an amazing week filled with love, generosity, and numerous selfless acts. I’ve never been happier or more proud to be a member of the RRBC because I’m surrounded by extremely talented, kind, and unselfish people. I’d like to thank Nonnie Jules, the founder of the club, her supporting staff, Tweet Support Team, sponsors, and all the members that participated in this event and have shown me love all year round. A sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart.
T Author D.L. Finn (Blog)
H Natalie Ducey & Designs (Blog)
A Suzanne Burke (Amazon Author Page)
N Join The Adventure! | Author, Karl J. Morgan (Blog)
K Fiction Favorites with Author, John Howell (Blog)
Y Scribblings of a Southern Belle | Marlena Smith (Blog)
O Gordon Bickerstaff (Amazon Author Page)
U Books and Music | Author, Jan Sikes (Blog)
V THE INDIE SPOT! | Author, Beem Weeks (Blog)
E Flossie Benton Rogers, Author | Conjuring the Magic (Blog)
R M. J. Mallon YA/Paranormal Author (Blog)
Y Wendy Scott Award-Winning Writer of Fantasy & Books for Children (Blog)
M Stephen Geez.com (Author Blog)
U My Independent Editor | Susan A. Hughes (Blog)
C Lizzie Chantree (Amazon Author Page)
H Emotional Shadows | Author, Balroop Singh (Blog)
M The Showers of Blessings | Author Miriam Hurdle (Blog)
Y Author, Forrest Robert Stepnowski (Amazon Author Page)
F Reflections by Gwen M. Plano (Author Blog)
R The Long and Short Stories of Life | Author, Linda Mims (Blog)
I Writing What I See | Author, Charles W. Jones (Blog)
E Author, Joy Nwosu LoBamijoko (Amazon Author Page)
N Outshine Ovarian Cancer | Author, Karen Ingalls (Blog)
D Rhani And Friends | Author, Rhani D’Chae (Podcast)
S Our Lady of Victory Remembered! | Shirley Harris-Slaughter (Blog)
! Yvette M. Calleiro’s Author Blog
! Mary Adler Writes (Author Blog)
Grateful for good friends
Their kindness, it knows no end
I’ll pay it forward
So that all can comprehend
What it’s like to have good friends
Thanks for the visit! Enjoy the rest of the day!
