Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 8
March 21, 2016
Rabid Reader Ramblings: Review Requests
After blogging for a little while, the inevitable fact is that you may start getting requests to review books. If you are ambitious, you may list yourself on reviewer lists. You may include your contact information on your Amazon profile and your Netgalley and Edelweiss Profiles. You may sign up with blog tour groups. You may have your contact information up on your blog and have a well formulated review policy stating exactly what you will and will not review and even exactly how people should contact you for reviews. You may only get one or two requests a month, or dozens a day. But the inevitable fact is, the requests will eventually start coming if you put yourself out there.
I have talked with a lot of bloggers and a lot of authors. Anne R. Allen even has a post up about how to query bloggers for reviews. Yet the growing trend among a lot of authors out there seems to fire off into the dark and hope for the best. This might get you some results, but it really is not the best way to go, I can assure you of that.
Here’s an example of a horrible review request:
Blogger,
I was hoping you would review my book, Jacob’s Awakening. I have attached it as a word docment. Thank you for your time.
Lisa Pottgen
My favorite type of review request to date has looked something like this.
Hi Lisa,
These are some details about my book that I am hoping you might consider for review.
Title: Jacob’s Awakening
Author: Lisa Pottgen
Number of Pages: 27 (Approx xxx words)
Publication date March 21, 2016
Category: Young Adult
Synopsis of book: A young boy with an unusual childhood learns the startling secrets about his family’s mysterious past. Though Jacob has never spoken a word in his life, a conversation with his grandfather in a strange visionary dream thrusts him onto the path of the adventure of a lifetime.
Link to book on Goodreads
Link to book on AmazonIn case the book looks interesting , I can send the book along in the format that you prefer. Thank you for considering.
In the first example, there is no information at all about the book. It doesn’t tell me anything at all. It contains a misspelled word, does not address me personally, and has an unsolicited book in a format that is clunky and difficult to read.
The second example, however, contains all of the information I need to know about whether or not the book is in a genre I read, whether or not it fits in with the schedule I currently have based on possible upcoming publication date and length of the book, whether or not the description sounds interesting. It is short, to the point, and I can read through it quickly. The information is organized and not haphazardly thrown together. It is polite. The author did not automatically just attach the book hoping that would guilt me into reading it.
Another thing, make sure you spellcheck your review requests! Nothing bugs me more than a review request full of misspelled words. If a review request is full of misspelled words and bad grammar, I am going to assume that your book is, too. I am not likely to want to read it.
Bloggers, one of the things we need to do is make sure we have a clear review policy. We need to make sure it is easy to find on our blogs.
How we respond to these review requests is another matter. Above all, we have to maintain professionalism. We can choose to not respond at all, but if we do respond, we cannot blast the author for the way they requested. We have to be polite, even if they weren’t. I usually say something like this.
Dear (Author),
Thank you for inquiring about a review for your book. Unfortunately, I do not feel that it would be a good fit at this time. I am going to have to decline your request, but I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Lisa Pottgen
Just Another Rabid Reader.
If it is a book that just doesn’t fit with my reading preferences, but I know someone who might enjoy it, I might suggest that they try that blogger. Conversely, you might say that the book just wouldn’t fit into your schedule currently. Just remember to make sure that your response is professional. If we want to be viewed as professionals in the book world, we have to present and carry ourselves that way.
Do you have any review request horror stories? Have you gotten any requests that set your short hairs on edge? Have you gotten a review request that was done perfectly and you felt bad because you just didn’t have the time to review the book? Comment below and tell me your story! I would love to hear from you. Authors, feel free to weigh in as well. Let us know how us bloggers could improve the ways we interact back on review requests as well!
March 19, 2016
Spring Cleaning #Giveaway Hop
Welcome to my stop on the Spring Cleaning giveaway hop! Here, you can enter for a chance to win a mystery box of (primarily) YA books. This box may include ARCs or finished books. This giveaway is open to US entrants only. It ends at 11:59 PM on 3/27/2016. Once the winner is chosen and notified, you will have 48 hours to reply or the next winner will be selected.
Be sure to visit the other blogs in the Linky below as there are lots of great blogs and lots of great prizes!
Spring 2016 #Bloggiesta is here.
So, it’s Bloggiesta time. Usually, I see this event happening every year, and though I think about participating, it seems to daunting and overwhelming and like I just won’t be able to get anything accomplished and I have no idea where to start or what to do so why bother. But this year, after 4 years in the blogging community, I am going to take the plunge.
I am sitting here looking at my blog. I have been cheating a little and when I finish a book, I write up the preliminary review on Goodreads and have that post to my blog, which then puts it in my drafts. So all I have to do is plug in all of my template stuff, the specifics about the book, the blurb, and tweak out the review, add a little more stuff to it, and schedule it. Which shouldn’t take too long, right? So I should get it done pretty quick and never have a shortage of posts, right? Right? Wrong.
Right now I have something like 25 drafted posts. So why is it that every couple of months, the blog goes dry? I hit a reading slump and I stop blogging. This shouldn’t happen when I have a plethora of drafted posts. So why can’t I get all of that stuff filled in and schedule them out. If I schedule, say, 3 posts a week, I should have about 2 or so months worth of posts and not have a problem. And yet I have never managed to pull that off. So this week, it’s time to get off my butt and get it done. So to the goals.
During Bloggiesta I hope to:
Finish up and schedule all of these drafted posts.
Participate in Twitter chats
Participate in Mini challenges
Do some serious blogger networking and commune with my fellow book lovers.
Clean up my blog roll
Clean up my sidebars
Add missing tags and categories to posts
It’s ambitious and I may not get everything done, and that is okay, but I need to make a start. I am hoping the accountability of the event will help me get started and make a dent in it.
What are you planning to get done during Bloggiesta?
Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Series: :Harry Potter #4
Author: JK Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic Paperback (At least in the US that’s who the publisher is)
Publication Date: September 1, 2002
Page Count: 752
Where I got it: Amazon
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 12.99
Format I read it in: Kindle
Description/Blurb:
The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can’t wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and there are spells to be learnt and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to be attended. But Harry can’t know that the atmosphere is darkening around him, and his worst enemy is preparing a fate that it seems will be inescapable …With characteristic wit, fast-paced humour and marvellous emotional depth, J.K. Rowling has proved herself yet again to be a master story-teller
My Thoughts:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Goblet of Fire for me is a pivotal part of the series, where we see our characters start to transition from childhood to young adulthood and the tone and mood in the series starts to shift.
I love this series, and I always will. I caught a few mis-edits this time through, but they were minor. I think I am more able to notice it now than I was on previous read throughs.
All in all, it is still a great read and a series that every parent should share with their childs.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I borroed this book from the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library . I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. Clicking here will take you to the author’s website.
March 17, 2016
Children’s ARC Review: Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway by Dan Dugi
Title: Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway
Series: The Principle Gang
Author: Dan Dugi
Publisher: Dugi Group LLC
Publication Date: October 14, 2014
Page Count: 36
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 14.95
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
The adventures of Bli the Fly and Danny the Wizard Lizard continue as the best friends take a trip to New York City for an anti-bullying conference.Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway, Book Two in The Principle Gang Series, finds Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly receiving positive attention for their mission to rid the world of bullying. In recognition of their great work, Mrs. Gecko, their school counselor, registers The Principle Gang for an anti-bullying conference in New York City.
Enlisting the driving talents of Mrs. Fly, Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly make the long drive to the Big Apple for the conference. Before the conference, Danny the Wizard Lizard shows his friends around the city, where they experience speeding taxis, street food, and the subway. At the conference, The Principle Gang shares their three rules to prevent bullying: don’t be mean; tell your teacher; and, be a friend. Mrs. Fly, Bli the Fly, and Danny the Wizard Lizard leave the Big Apple having signed up 132 new members of the Principle Gang–a resounding success for their anti-bullying mission!
My Thoughts:
Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway by Dan Dugi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was an adorably cute children’s book. My 5 year old loved the vivid pictures and the story held her attention!
My 5 year old is autistic, so finding children’s books that will hold her attention is a challenge. But this one was absolutely adorable and she keeps asking for me to read it again and again. I think Wizard Lizard may yet dethrone Pete the Cat.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this book from Netgelley. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads.
March 15, 2016
Childrens ARC Review: The Berenstain Bears Easter Magic by Stan Berenstein
Title: The Berenstein Bears: Easter Magic
Series: The Berenstein Bears
Author: Stan Berenstein
Publisher: Open Road Media Young Readers
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
Page Count: 10
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 3.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
Spring is here, the trees are budding, and everywhere in the countryside, nature is coming back to life. In Bear Country, the most magical time of the year isn’t Christmas or Halloween or Thanksgiving—it’s Easter! But for Brother Bear and Sister Bear, the only good kind of Easter egg is the kind that’s full of chocolate.
This spellbinding Easter poem tells of the majesty of spring and the joys of rebirth, but doesn’t overlook the pleasures of delicious Easter treats. And as flowers bloom and animals come out to play, Brother and Sister learn a valuable Easter lesson: how to avoid a stomachache!
This is a fixed-format ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book
My Thoughts:
The Berenstain Bears Easter Magic by Stan Berenstain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adored The Berenstein Bears as a child, so when I came across this one on Netgalley, I was extremely excited to share it with my pre-school aged little girl. She absolutely loved the story. The characters are the same lovable characters of my youth. The pictures were adorable, and the underlying message that is always in this books was also present. I won’t tell you hat it was. You will have to share it with your children yourself if you want to find out!
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads.
March 12, 2016
Rabid Reader Ramblings: I Can’t Believe I Missed #BBAW, and other things.
Book Blogger Appreciation Week was one of my favorite blogger events, and I cannot believe that they finally brought it back this year, and I missed it!
You may have noticed I have not been posting very consistently lately. There are some reasons for that. I tend to stay a fairly private person and try to keep a lot of my personal life separate from my blog life, but the fact is, I know you guys will understand. In reading through some other blogs in my rss readers, I know that I am not alone.
The depression fairy had reared it’s ugly head and I went several months where I couldn’t even think about picking up a book. I have been dealing with some intense stress in my personal life and my health took a few blows this year. I have struggled a bit with what that is going to mean and trying to find a balance between meeting all of my obligations and taking care of myself.
So I let the reading and the blog slide. This makes me really sad because this blog and the blogging community has always been my solace, the one thing I could depend on no matter how crappy and out of control everything else in my life has been.
And I find that I miss it. I miss connecting with you all and knowing that someone is reading what I have to say and actually cares about my words.
The great irony is that, as a writer, I am among a unique group of people who put all kinds of words out there, but sometimes we never say anything. We don’t talk about how we are feeling because we think people don’t usually care. People care about the next story, about reading about our characters, about the great fictional kingdoms we can create. But we don’t think they care about us. But I am pretty sure that this is not true.
There are people out there who care and want to know how we are. The truth is if all is not right with us, how can we create those great works of fiction that entertain the masses, right?
And as a blogger, other bloggers really do care about how we are. We are a close knit community that, although it has expanded quite a bit since I started several years ago, really does care about each other and we want to be there for each other and I need to remember that.
So this is me, outing myself as human, fallible. I am not perfect and I have emotions. I may have been down but I am definitely not out and I will be making a comeback. It may be slow, but I am coming back.
So drop me a line. Tell me if you have ever hit a slump like this and how you combatted it. Or just say hi. I miss you all and would love to reconnect!
March 11, 2016
ARC Review: Surviving Summer Vacation: Plans and Prayers for a Mom’s Sanity
Title: Surviving Summer Vacation: Plans and Prayers for a Mom’s Sanity.
Author: Kathi Lipp
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: May 6 2014
Page Count: 52
Where I got it: Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 1.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Description/Blurb:
Ready for a summer the whole family can enjoy? With her signature wit and hard-earned wisdom, Kathi shows you the way.
My Thoughts:
Surviving Summer Vacation: Plans and Prayers for a Mom’s Sanity by Kathi Lipp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but as a mom of 3 hyperactive and impulsive kids, this one just sounded like a must read.
My hope was that I would glean some useful tips for dealing with my rambunctious brood.
Be warned that this one is Christian-based and includes prayers and scripture verses. If this offends you, don’t read this book.
I love that at the end of each chapter, there is a link to a worksheet for something discussed in that chapter. I may have to buy this one just so I can access those worksheets on my computer and print them out.
I found this book informative and full of useful tips. I just wish some of them were move detailed.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads.
March 8, 2016
Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Series: Harry Potter #2
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition
Publication Date: Reprint September 1, 2000
Page Count: 341
Where I got it: Library
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 10.99
Format I read it in: Kindle
Description/Blurb:
All Harry Potter wants is to get away from the Dursleys and go back to Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby – who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.
And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley’s younger sister, Ginny.
But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone–or something–starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects… Harry Potter himself.
My Thoughts:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We yet again find out favorite Harry Potter characters going through some amazing adventures and beginning the journey to discovering who they are and what they are capable of. Ms. Rowling has captured the hearts of millions in this series, and it is not hard to see why.
I always enjoy reading these books, and this time is no exception. Ironically enough, my 12 year old and I are reading them together. We are in a race to see who can finish the series first and it has sparked some amazing discussions.
The characters will delight readers of almost any age and really should be a must-read for middle grade readers.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I obtained this book of my own free will. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. Clicking here will take you to the author’s website.
March 7, 2016
Review: The Guard by Kiera Cass
Title: The Guard
Series: The Selection #2.5
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperCollins EpicReads Impulse
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Page Count: 64
Where I got it: Purchased on Amazon
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 2.99
Format I read it in: Kindle
Description/Blurb:
Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .
Before she entered the Selection . . .
She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.
Don’t miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down to the Elite and is told from Aspen’s point of view. The Guard also features a teaser to The One, the thrilling third novel in the Selection series.
Epic Reads Impulse is a digital imprint with new releases each month.
My Thoughts:
The Guard by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story and getting to see another side of things. This story is told from Aspen’s point of view and how he views things is so different from what we are used to with the rest of the series. It brings a whole new perspective to the events that are happening and how the relationships in the story look to those outside of them.
Every fan of the series will enjoy reading this and seeing how things can be looked at from a different angle. There are some very sweet moments and there are some funny moments and it is definitely worth a read.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I obtained this book of my own free will. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. Clicking here will take you to the author’s website.
