D.G. Kaye's Blog, page 158

Are You Using #Universal #Links for your Books?

Authors, are you using universal links for your books? If you’re not using universal links with your books, you’re most likely missing out on having many more potential readers.

 

What is a universal link?

 

When selling your books on Amazon.com, and posting the link for that book when promoting, it will take the reader directly to Amazon.com. Now that’s great that you have an interested reader to view your book, but what if they want to purchase it and they don’t live in the U.S.? They’d have to manually go to the Amazon site which corresponds to their own country to purchase that book, and this added step may have already lost their interest. Here are a few good reasons:


The reader may not be tech-savvy and may not know the correct URL for their country’s Amazon page.


They may not be too familiar with the ‘Googling’ process either, causing them to go no further to bother finding out how to get the book.


There are also readers who have short attention spans and may not be willing to go through hoops just to find the book page, or waiting for pages to load.


Enter, the universal book link. There are a few sites widely used by self-published author where you can create a dedicated URL to each of your books, By linking your book to these newly created, specific to the book URL’s, it enables the reader to land directly on the Amazon page of their own country. Once there, they can have a further look at the book and click to purchase without having to search for the intended page.

 

Two popular sites (there are a few more less commonly used) for creating a universal book link are booklinker.net and smarturl.it.

 

I use smarturl.it for my books. Each time I promote my books, I use the links I’ve created, whether it’s for a promotional ad, here on my blog, or on social media. That way I don’t have to worry about whether or not a potential buyer is getting confused where they’ve landed.

All you have to do is enter the default URL of your book eg: http://www.amazon.com/(your books I.D.) then below, add the other countries Amazon has their site on, eg: .ca, .co.uk. plus your book name, dp, and asin after the country, and the book linking site will make one universal link for all of those available pages with one common URL.

 

To obtain all 15 country URL’s Amazon sells on, I’m linking HERE to a most interesting post I recently read from the Kindlepreneur.com. Not only will you find the 15 Amazon countries, but this post explains the importance of creating new links to use for promotion. One very good reason in particular is, by using a different link, your reviews are less likely to be deleted; a common problem authors are finding lately when they choose to review a book of an acquaintance, and Amazon deems the review as biased.

 

I’m also linking to an older post I came across at ebooksuccess4free   Although it’s an older post, the info is still current, (other than the 3 newest countries added by Amazon since then), and if you read it, you will note why that blogger also prefers  using smarturl.it.

 

For more information on how to set up your links, you can read instructions on how to set up your permanent links at  booklinker.net or  smarturl.it. 

 

I hope you find this post helpful.

 

DGKaye©2016

A Visit to the #Barret-Jackson #Car Show

Many of you may know that I’m still here in mostly  sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. When we first arrived, we ran into some crazy, unseasonable weather which lasted for the better part of 2 weeks, courtesy of El Nino.

Typically, the sun shines here every day and the average temperatures can run anywhere from the mid 60s to mid 70s. This may not seem hot enough for some sun lovers, but I can assure you that with the desert climate, and when there isn’t a cloud in the sky, and relaxing at the pool, it can easily begin to feel as though it’s well above the 80s.

My husband and I like to take advantage of the sunny days by going to the pool, plus it gives me a chance to do some reading and writing. But with the El Nino in effect for much of the winter here, some of those beautiful, sunny, hot days aren’t consistent, bringing overcast clouds and sudden drops in temperatures for a day or two. Those are the days we use to go out exploring.

 

This past week we ventured out to see the biggest car collector show in North America, Barrett-Jackson, where they auction off cars for mega bucks, and people come from all over the world to attend the event. The event runs for 9 days and also hosts numerous vendors selling everything from western apparel to all sorts of automotive memorabilia, jewelry, and artwork.

Although Scottsdale is home to the Barrett-Jackson show, they’re only here one week a year and the rest of the year the show travels to other venues such as Las Vegas, Connecticut, West Palm Beach, and many more places.

1935 Mercedes

1957 Corvette Serial 1

The show attracts the likes of anyone from avid car buffs, curious lookers like us, to celebrities, and sports figures alike. It’s held at Westworld which I’ve been told is over 300 acres. It was truly the hugest event I’ve ever been to. The auctions run daily and some cars have been known to be sold with a price tag in the millions! I have to say the whole event is truly spectacular and so well organized. There are various parking lots designated to the event and shuttle buses await to drive you to the event once parked.

While passing an old 1965 Corvette, my husband told me to get in so he could take a picture.

We watched a live auction for car memorabilia for awhile and I was taken in at the speed of how the auctioneer spoke. The actual car auctions weren’t to begin till later that evening.

After walking through 2 massive pavillions of cars and vendors, we wandered outside to see what seemed like another 10 acres of cars and vendors. We came across a booth that offered you to try and ride a virtual sports car on a racing track. I thought I’d give it a go, but after 2 minutes I thought I was going to be sick from the virtual speed. I must have had a dozen car crashes and hit the side walls just as many times before I begged for mercy to let me out of the seat.

After walking for nearly 6 hours and toting 3 bags full of merchandise we bought, we’d had enough for the day. It was certainly an event we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.

 

 

DGKaye©2016

Smorgasbord Open House – Meet Non-Fiction Author D.G. Kaye | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

Writer, Blogger, Superwoman, Sally Cronin is hosting a variety of promotions this year on her blog Smorgasbord Invitation. Sally invites other writers, bloggers and artists to her site to promote their books and work in various categories.

 

The categories are: 5 Star Reviews and New Book Fanfare , Books that are Discounted or Free ,  The New Smorgasbord Sunday Show for 2016 – Sally Cronin Meets . . . , also known as The Sunday Open House and New Books in a Series .

 

This Sunday January 31, marks the first episode in Sally’s feature The Sunday Show, and I was honoured to be invited by Sally to kick off the season for this series.

“Welcome to the new Smorgasbord Open House and who better to kick things off but the effervescent D.G. Kaye non-fiction author, blogger and epitome of commonsense about life in all its glory. That is except for retail therapy which it seems the lovely D.G (Debby Gies) has a penchant for. I offer into evidence a recent visit to a luxury car show where D.G needed little encouragement to find and test drive the most luxurious ride in the place.

This stunning redhead is not just the life and soul of the party. D.G. regards all the various experiences and adventures that life throws at us with positivity and that spills into her interactions with others, her books and her blogging. Her generosity to the rest of us who inhabit her world is legendary and most of us would feel the week was not as bright as it should be if she was not in and out of our various online worlds. . .”  Please Continue Reading

 

Source: Smorgasbord Open House – Meet Non-Fiction Author D.G. Kaye | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life 

 

DGKaye©2016

One Lovely #Blog #Award | Versatile Blogger Award

I’d like to say thanks to Juana from Bringing Back the Rubies, for bestowing me with this “Lovely Blogger Award”.

And I’d also like to thank Raphaela from Hummingbird Redemption for including me in her choice for Versatile Blogger nominees and presenting me with this award.

 

 

Juana blogs about energy work and shamanism, being a mom, and often shares her dreams and doubts with an open heart on her blog.

 

Raphaela is a survivor, a poet, an artist, writer, and a lover of life.

 

I was honoured to be awarded by not one, but two lovely bloggers this week. It’s always an honour for me to receive an award, though I’ve often wanted to deem this site ‘award free’ due to time constrictions. And due to the fact that I’ve been blessed with being nominated by so many wonderful bloggers already, and my belief that new bloggers should have their moment to shine, I no longer will be pointing out individual nominees, but am offering to share this award with all my fellow bloggers who I feel are equally, all deserving.

So please, help yourself to copy and paste these awards for your pages, and feel free to add my name as the one who awarded them to you.

 

Here’s the requested protocol for accepting either or both of these awards:

Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
List the rules and display the award.
Add 7 facts about yourself. 
Nominate 9 other bloggers (some posts say 15) and leave a comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve been nominated. 

Now for the 7 things you may or may not already know about me:

My brain is always working over time as a compulsive micro-manager.
In my head I’m always writing a book, but jump very quickly to a new topic.
When I was a child I was always eagerly wanting to do exciting things. My mother used to chastise me that I could only choose one. Her words: “You can’t dance at every wedding.” Well, that never went away. I still want to be everywhere at the same time.
I’m a great believer in the laws of attraction, and manifesting our desires, but I still can’t relax enough to ever accomplish meditating.
My dream is to be able to buy a ranch bungalow in the beautiful, mountainous area of Sedona, Arizona. (Remind me about this in 5-10 years from now to see if it actually happens.)
I often worry about the state of the world and economy to the point where it consumes me.
I am truly grateful for the people in my blogging and writing life, because youare the ones who keep me motivated to stay engaged and accountable in moments of doubt.

Read more about Juana and Raphaela’s award nominations below:

One Lovely Blog Award

Versatile Blogger Award

 

DGKaye©2016

Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Week 10 – Faces | Hugh’s Views & News

 

This week Hugh Roberts‘ #blogchallenge is all about Faces. Hugh invites us to post a photo on our blogs of an object that appears to have a face, and link back to his blog.

 

Photo taken by D.G. Kaye, Sedona, Arizona Jan, 2016

 

I took this as the perfect opportunity to share a most beautiful site in Sedona, Arizona – The Holy Cross Chapel and beside it, built up in the red rock mountains, is what is perceived as the Madonna and child followed by 3 nuns, or as some perceive to be, the 3 wise men.

 

Finding God Through Art –

 

“The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural landmark and shrine. It was a gift from Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a sculptress, philanthropist, and a devout Catholic, who believed the arts should be in service of spirit and indeed, considered the Chapel of the Holy Cross to be her greatest artistic achievement and the fulfillment of her life’s mission. In 1932 Staude had an epiphany. While she gazed upon the newly completed Empire State Building, she saw a cross superimposed on the structure, and she thought, “What an idea for a church!” This idea, which affirmed her belief that churches should speak to the people of their time, would haunt and inspire Staude. “God can be worshipped as a contemporary–bringing him closer to earth and every one of us,” she said.

 

Initially, Staude envisioned the chapel as a modern skyscraper cathedral that would encircle one city block. Her early sketches impressed Lloyd Wright, son of the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, but were not approved by the archbishop of Los Angeles, her home at the time. . . . .”  To read more about this fascinating, deemed, holy site, read the article below:

Source:  http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/popular-articles/item/31-sedona-arizona-landmark-the-chapel-of-the-holy-cross

 

Blog Challenge Source: Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Week 10 – Faces | Hugh’s Views & News 

 

DGKaye©2016

Finding your #writer’s voice | The Writing Chimp

Are any of you confused about what the phrase “find your writer’s voice” entails? This article by The Writing Chimp, (Georgina Cromarty), is a concise breakdown of what it means as a writer to be heard with your own authentic voice when readers take in our words.

“A writer’s voice can be an illusive thing. It is easy to see when you are not using it, but hard to know you have found it unless you are an experienced writer with enough books under your belt to be comfortable in being quintessentially you.
You often instinctively know when you are allowing your conscious fears to get in the way of what you really want to say, but it can be so difficult to do something about it. Whether it is word choice, style choice, character choice, or some other choice you are smothering, it can be really hard to quash your inner critique and just let the inner writer out.
So what is the definition of a writer voice?”  . . . Read more here 

The writer’s voice is the individual writing style of an author, a combination of their common usage of syntax, diction, punctuation, character development, dialogue, etc., within a given body of text (or across several works) Source Wiki.

 

Source: Finding your writer’s voice | The Writing Chimp 

DGKaye©2016

Does a book’s #blurb contribute to its success, or its failure? |

Friend and author Jack Eason is busy at work finishing his latest sci-fi with a love story twist.

 

Jack and I sometimes chat on Facebook, and he’s been toying around with the blurb for his upcoming book, Celeste. I was touched that he had asked for my opinion on his latest version, and even more taken aback when he wrote a post about ‘The Blurb’ and featured me, along with Derek Haines in the post:

 

“As my old friend Derek has said many times in the past, if you have bothered to pay strict attention to his many blog posts on the subject, instead of merely liking them and moving on as so many of you do, the one area every writer always tends to overlook is a book’s blurb. Apart from reading reviews, what the potential reader really needs to make up their mind to buy your book, is a blurb that leaves them wanting to know more. . .”  to continue reading  Have a look here: 

 

Source: Does a book’s blurb contribute to its success, or its failure? | 

DGKaye©2016

Weekly Photo Challenge by Hugh Roberts – #Stripes

Hugh Roberts is running a new #Photochallenge. This week he’s inviting us to post a photo that contains stripes within it.

 

As I am away on vacation, I hadn’t planned on taking on any challenges, but as Hub and I sauntered down to the pool on this beautiful day in sunny, Scottsdale, Arizona, I realized that what I was wearing over my bathing suit was striped.

 

I had Hub snap this photo en route to the pool.

 

 

If any of you wish to participate in this, or any other challenges Hugh creates, please visit his blog, HughsNewsandViews.

 

Here are the rules:

 

Want to join the fun? Here’s what you need to do.
1. Take a photo of anything that has stripes.

2. Create a new post on your blog entitled “Hugh’s Photo Challenge: Week 9 – Stripes.”

3. Add the photo(s) you have taken to the post and tell us a little about what you are showing.

4. Create a pingback to this post or leave a link to your post in the comments section below so that other participants can view your post.

 

Entries for this week’s challenge are open until Monday 25th January, 2016, and I’ll showcase five entries when announcing the next challenge.  I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.  Have fun!

DGKaye©2016

#Excerpt from Words We Carry – Essays of Obsessions and Self-Esteem by D. G. Kaye | The Write Stuff

Thanks to Marcia Meara of The Write Stuff for inviting me over to her blog to showcase an excerpt of my book, Words We Carry.

 

Blurb:
“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it without the help of anyone else’s criticisms to assist in the deflation of my own ego.”

 

What do our shopping habits; high-heeled shoes and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect the choices we make when choosing relationships?  

D.G. takes us on her journey of unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying the situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions about Chic-Lit for real demonstrates how hurtful events we encounter in our lives linger and set the tone for how we begin to value our own self-worth.

Words We Carry is a candid view and a raw, personal accounting of overcoming the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love oneself.

 

What’s The Attraction?

 

Do you ever wonder why we gravitate to certain types of partners? Is it because we randomly meet people and connect with them, or are most of us in search of the perfect partners, not willing to settle for anything less than our ideal mates? I dare not say that anyone is perfect. We all have flaws, and sometimes we choose the wrong partners for a number of reasons. Perhaps we’ve spent a long time searching for meaningful relationships and we’re tired of being alone, so we settle.
When we find the opportunity to hook up with someone, we may be willing to forego some of our requirements in a mate, grateful that we’ve finally met someone. Or maybe we only see the qualities we like in that person and tend to overlook the things we don’t? Either way, I think these choices are a recipe for disaster in the long term. I can speak from experience about this because I too once fell into this situation. . . Read More 

 

Read some reviews HERE

 

Source: #Excerpt from Words We Carry – Essays of Obsessions and Self-Esteem by D. G. Kaye | The Write Stuff 

 

DGKaye©2016

Why You Should Use a #Dictionary – David Foster Wallace

I was reading some of my favorite blog posts the other day, and while I was at Marjorie Mallon’s blog, I noticed a badge on her sidebar which had caught my attention. It read “I write like . . .Stephen King”. Underneath it, there was a link to click to analyze your own writing to see who you write like. Of course I was curious, and I clicked on the link.

 

Once on the site, you are asked to copy and paste a paragraph or two of your own writing for analysis. I entered two paragraphs from my book, Words We Carry,  and I was informed that my writing is similar to that of David Foster Wallace. Then a box pops up with code in it to paste it to your own blog sidebar, saying, “I write like . . .”. (See it here on my sidebar to the right.)

 

I was humbled and proud for my writing to be likened to Wallace’s writing. Albeit, I didn’t know much about him prior to receiving my likeness analysis, but I was thrilled to at least be compared to a famous writer, and made a note to look into his works the next day.

 

As serendipity would have it, the next day I opened my email and received my weekly newsletter I subscribe to from Brainpickings.org. , a fantastic newsletter on everything about famous writers, by Maria Popova. The headline article of the day was on, who else, but David Foster Wallace!!!

 

You can read the article below, written by Maria Popova.

 

David Foster Wallace on Why You Should Use a Dictionary, How to Write a Great Opener, and the Measure of Good Writing

After reading the article above, I began googling Wallace to learn more about him.

 

Courtesy of : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Foster_Wallace  I learned this about him:

 

Born February 21, 1962 in Claremont, California, Wallace was a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and a college professor of English and creative writing. The genres he wrote in were literary fiction and nonfiction. He died by suicide, September 12, 2008, age 46.

His last unfinished novel, The Pale King, was published in 2011 and became a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer prize for fiction.

The L.A. times book editor, David Ulin called Wallace “one of the most influential and innovative writers of the last 20 years”. 

 

Wallace struggled with drugs, alcohol, and depression. Apparently, he had stopped taking his medication for depression which had kept him productive for more than 20 years. Because of unpleasant side-effects he was suffering from the meds, he weaned off them. When he went back on them after depression set back in, they apparently had lost their effectiveness for him. He committed suicide by hanging himself from a rafter in his garage.

 

It seems like an all too familiar tragedy, ending yet another life of a creative genius. Wallace’s story serves to remind us of just how lethal depression can be.

 

I was more than elated to have my writing compared to Wallace’s. And it was an interesting experience to learn more about him.
To read a more detailed biography of Wallace, click the link below:

http://www.biography.com/people/david-foster-wallace-507641#the-published-author

 

Now, the question remains . . . WHO DO YOU WRITE LIKE?

 

DGKaye©2016