Pratap Divyesh's Blog, page 38
July 20, 2017
Prasvapa
With his first book written in English, Chand Svare Ghei, the writer of the Norwegian “Mørket – Håpet” series, makes his debut on the international market.
Prasvapa is a fleeting adventure through consciousness while witting tales unfold between the layers of reality and dreams. It is a short-story collection, which explores the limitless nature between the known and the undisclosed, the consciousness and the various states of trance and dream. It experiments with the short story format, while providing seduction and surprise.
Prasvapa includes the unofficial Elite universe story: “Lost, astray and all alone.”
Prasvapa is an unofficial sister product to the Tale Spinners´ ”Signposts” http://www.amazon.com/Signposts-Corey...
Introduction by Klaus Tvedt.
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July 19, 2017
Spiritual Healing: Help from the Spirit World
Rev. Dr. Busby investigates whether disincarnate spirits, or the souls of deceased persons, can provide us help in healing. He considers Biblical support for physicalism, the belief that we are purely physical beings, versus dualism, the belief that we are physical beings who have an immortal soul, and how the near-death experience (NDE) has become a challenge to physicalism. He describes what is known about the spirit world and how spirits would help us heal by working on our subtle energy body. He provides many examples of this help in the healing ministries of Harry Edwards and John of God.
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July 11, 2017
POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU SELF PUBLISH
Many had asked me on how to get the ball rolling to publish your own book. Self-publishing is a no joke business. You might get demotivated along the way. There are lots of hurdles that you have to overcome before you can see and touch your own book. That is why, I consider publishing my won book a personal triumph. I am going to write more about my own experiences in publishing my own books. In this article, I will outline to you the basic points that you need to know before you decide to self-publish your own book.
A good manuscript
Even though you can write whatever you like because no one is going to reject your writing, you also need to gauge the interest of your readers. You have to know what is the genre that you want to get yourself into so that your books will sell. After all, this is an investment. You do not want to end up with stack of books lying around your bedroom, do you?
Apply for ISBN
You can apply for ISBN number from the National Library of your country. For some countries, the application can be made online. They can also email you the ISBN number and bar code so that you do not have to pick them up. However, it is advisable for you to self pick-up the ISBN number and bar code because it is not that clear if it is scanned and email to you. A blurry image of the bar code will definitely affect your book. If you are planning to sell your books in the bookstores then they need to scan the bar code to keep it in their system. You really need a clear picture of the bar code.
Proofreading service.
You need someone to check your writing. This is a must. If you give your manuscript to the publisher, they will help to find you one. But since you are self-publishing, then you need to find on your own. I just googled and found a few. You have a lot of choices online, so don’t worry. If you want to use the same proofreader as I did, just drop me an email (ziedanazri@gmail.com) and I will give you her contact. She did a terrific job with my manuscript. It was not that pricey and she even returned it back to me before the actual deadline. Very fast service!
Professional designer.
A beautiful book cover is very important, as that is the first thing that the readers will be attracted to. Initially, I bought a software to make our own cover, but it did not turn out well. After I had converted my drawings into the software, we showed it to my families and friends. They thought that it was a cover design for children’s colouring book! I had to engage a professional service to do the cover design. And I think it is worth every penny that I paid for the service. You can see it for yourself now. I am very, very proud of the cover design. You too, can upgrade from something that looks like a children’s colouring book to a professionally drawn cover design.
Printing.
This is one of the mistakes that I had made. Prior to printing the books, I received so many negative comments about my book that I was afraid to print many copies. So I go for digital printing. That’s the only place that accepts small scale book printing. I printed 200 copies at first and 80 copies were already sold after 2 days! If only I had known, I would have gone for off-set printing from the start. The minimum order for off-set printing is 1000 copies. So because of all the negative remarks, I decided to go for digital printing which costs me half of the sold price. If I had used off-set printing then the cost is way more cheaper and I might spend more on promoting the books as well as gaining access to local major book stores. Well, I learned from this mistake, and I will definitely go for off-set printing after this. But, if you are not sure and want to test the market before you start selling, then maybe you want to set aside some money for digital printing. The minimum order is 20 copies. Try printing 20 copies first and then if you feel that the readers are attracted to it, you can go for off-set printing after that.
Added value.
My books have bookmarks attached to them. It was my idea to add value to the book. Of course there was cost involved. But I think the books look prettier with the bookmarks, so I decided to amortize the cost. You can do a lot of other things too to add value to the book. Maybe a calendar, a small notebook or a pen… bearing the same design as your book cover.
Where do you sell?
I think this is the most difficult part. I am lucky that I have many students who are also excited to read my writings. Thank you guys! And I had to thank my hardworking Marketing Officer, my self-appointed husband, who would go out of his way just to promote my book. Seriously, I am too shy to be in front promoting the books. The way I see it, you really have to be brave and confident. For someone shy like me, it’s a big NO for marketing. So I have to think of other ways. Most writers are introverts so we do find it difficult to be in front even if it is to promote our own books.
You must have some savings.
Without some savings, you will not go anywhere. Remember you are a self-publishing entity and that means no one is helping you in the process. You need money to pay for proofreading, designer, printing and promoting your books. You will only earn after your books start selling but how do you market your book if you do not have any money to start with?
Do not listen to people.
There will be haters, there will be non-believers, and it is time for you to prove them wrong. It is because that I listened to all the critics that I made mistakes while printing. And I had to bear all the costs. So just believe in yourself. Do what your heart told you and pray. Everything will turn out fine. Put the critics behind you. That is where they are supposed to be, behind you. You are not one of them, so stay put and accept the challenges!
This post is contributed as Guest post by NURNAZIDA NAZRI.
Nurnazida Nazri used to teach law at the university for more than 10 years. She had self-published 3 books which are available at Amazon, Payhip and E-Sentral. Teaching and writing have always been her passion and she would be clueless if she missed them even for one day.
Social Links: [Website] – [Facebook] – [Twitter]
July 8, 2017
5 Books to Keep Close to Improve Your Writing
“I want to write a book” is one of the most common statements made today. Everyone potentially has a book inside of them, of course. Our lives are a kaleidoscope of events, circumstances, and experiences. These can make great content for a book, fiction or non-fiction, but just “wanting” to write a book will not make that happen.
There is much more to being an author than ideas and experiences. There is actual writing to do, and that can take months of commitment and motivation.
The other thing it takes is exceptional writing skill – not just creativity of expression, but solid grammar and composition skills too. If you have reservations about your writing skills, here are five books you will want to keep on hand, read, study, and reference. They will give you actionable information and tips on how to improve writing skills.
Your Five Tools
Books on writing can be dry and dull. Everyone remembers Wariners’ Handbook of Grammar and Composition from school – dullsville! They are not like creative writing books that can have great, engaging examples and fun exercises.
But still, there are some that are better than others. Try these on for size.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
This may seem like an odd choice, but there is much to be learned from this little book you probably read in high school. The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity. Many of us, as authors, love our long complex sentences and our overuse of modifiers. Unless you are authoring a professional, scholarly piece, you can reduce these as you edit and polish your work.
Hemingway became so well known for his simplicity, in fact, that there is now a writing tool called Hemingway Editor. You can actually copy and paste your writing in, and it will do a bit of “cleaning up” for you.
Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by Mary Norris
Of all of the books on writing, this is a favorite of many. After all, who doesn’t find The Simpsons at least kind of funny. Norris points out errors in grammar in a comical way and will have you at least smiling, if not chuckling. But the writing tips are quite serious and will serve to improve your writing skills. It’s really a practical book, for all of its humor, and you should keep it handy as a reference tool. You will not be bored.
The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier by Bonnie Trenge
While misplaced modifiers can be funny, it is one of the most common mistakes we all make. And misplaced phrases in sentences indicate someone who is not careful about his/her writing.
This little book is short – only 72 pages, but it will be a big help in getting your writing correct and clear. She provides numerous examples of misplaced modifiers (in case you forgot what they are) and provides “fixes,” often by dividing the thought into two sentences, much as Hemingway might have done.
Conquer Essay Phobia: The Perfect Formula for a Good Grade
While this is a writing skill development e-book for students, there is an amazing number of great tips and examples for all types of writers. All of the most common structural, grammar and composition errors are covered, along with some great bonus tips. Get inspiration and great ideas, along with your skill development. Download it for free on any of four sites, including Amazon and iTunes.
Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tricks for Better Writing , by Mignon Fogarty
Here is a unique way to remember grammar “rules.” Attach them to anecdotal stories. And this is exactly what Fogarty does in this book. She has identified the common grammar errors that all writers make, whether in business, as authors, or in their academic lives, and comes up with quirky and sometimes snarky anecdotes that will help you remember the errors. Fogarty is a firm believer that grammar can be fun. In her own words, in the preface to the book, she states,
“My philosophy is that learning about language should be fun. I’m not in this for the thrill of running a metaphorical red pen through email messages or blog posts. Although writing badly is like dressing in lime skorts and an orange plaid sweater – people notice – publicly correcting a stranger’s writing is as rude as asking someone with a fashion problem, ‘Did you think that looked good when you got dressed this morning?’ I would do neither. Instead, I hope to raise the waters of good writing by distributing quick and dirty tips as widely as possible. Really, I can’t resist: I get flashes of crazy memory tricks, funny phrases, and cartoons where Aardvark…and Squiggly…go on grammar adventures, and I love to share them all with you.”
You will enjoy this book, and you will definitely remember the stories and the grammar points.
None of these books will give you great plot lines, characters or themes. That kind of help writing a book must come from within. But your wonderful ideas must be translated into good reading material, and that means amazing writing skills.
July 1, 2017
The Chronicles of Ardis: Concordance
“Well done, my friend! By the way, I have met Tracy. Super nice, and witty. All around great person. Check out the book! You won’t be disappointed!” Review By Lindsay B.
A century has passed since the Last Great War on Ardis, and Chancellor Gaden Thoradis of the Republic of Shelles seeks to commemorate the occasion with a peace summit. His plan brings together ten of the strongest nations across the planet to discuss the course and direction of their homeworld in the hopes to forge something new. Hailing from polar wastelands to shimmering deserts, and even a mighty archipelago empire, these individuals accept the invitation to this historic event.
However, with the centuries old allegiances, wavering loyalties, and festering wounds at the periphery, things feel uncertain. And amidst these preparations have been a series of attacks across the high seas, leaving little evidence as to the cause of purpose behind them.
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The Secrets of All Secrets
"I hope the main character Zane and his friends will be sent on more outlandish adventures in the future." Review By Catherine Zebrowski
Zane, a seminary and grad school dropout, obtains a USB drive left by a cloaked figure on a bridge in the middle of the night. The drive’s content offers Zane “The Secrets of All Secrets”—a tantalizing proposal for someone who has nothing left to lose. Following the drive’s directions, Zane heads to Florida where he encounters Dali, a poor waitress who received an identical USB. Initially clashing, they band together, taking a chance that The Secrets are genuine as they receive more instructions from their USBs. Four conflicted government operatives; an extremely tall corporate executive with an extremely short, scholarly hit man in tow; and two crackbrained, fringe-element, anti-government separatists are after The Secrets—and are all willing to kill to get them. Zane, Dali, and their pursuers encounter an armadillo festival, visit a nudist resort, and hang out with a presumed dead ’60s rocker. Pandemonium occurs at each venue with Zane and Dali one step ahead of everyone… that is, until all parties convene for a climactic confrontation over The Secrets.
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June 30, 2017
Caboose
"Packed with mystery and fill with eroticism."
Music producer Mr. Hilton is looking for a location to film a client’s next video.
From a friend Mr. Hilton meets Mrs. Eloisa Parker, wife of business tycoon and casino owner in Vegas, Mr. Prentice Parker.
Mrs. Parker is desperate for a divorce and her husband will hear none of the such.
Before Mr. Hilton seals the deal on renting the location, he witnesses Mrs. Parker brutally shot down from an unsuspecting sniper.
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Dog Is God Spelled Backward
"New insight…will definitely recommend to others…the only thing left to do is fine tune my imagination…behold all has been made NEW!!!" Review By Kindle Customer
Dog Is God Spelled Backward: 101 Notes to Self leads its readers through a collection of musings on the deep structures, issues, aspirations, and possibilities that give shape and meaning to the universe and to daily life. By making her way along this path of exploration and creating 101 insightful notes, Rita Cragwall tells how one can achieve personal growth by guiding one’s life to move in concert with universal laws. This approach empowers bringing one’s imagined future to pass.
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Waking Up Vampire (Silver Series Book 1)
"This piece invokes empathy and growth in thought, for very real problems we find in our lives." Review By Allison
Luigina Silver is obsessed with eradicating vampires. It’s turned her soul dark.
Michelle, her best friend and lover, knows the good heart beneath the hate. She refuses to abandon Lu the way everyone else has.
Then an execution turns Lu into one of the vile creatures she’d been hunting. Unable to face what she’s become, Lu attempts suicide, but is stopped by Michelle.
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Always: Two Hearts, One Soul Duet: Book One
"Loved this story. Read it before, now it's twice as good! London writes beautiful stories, this one is no exception!" Review By Sheryl Winters
International bestselling author London Saint James’ first installment from Two Hearts, One Soul Duet is the epic tale of abiding love, heart-wrenching loss, and an astonishing bond that will find a way to endure.
Winter Perri never truly understood love until she met Austin Carlyle—the man who would rock her world to its foundations and give her something to believe in. But the night before they were to be married, the fairytale shattered.
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