Adri Sinclair's Blog, page 28
March 15, 2015
You’re getting Married soon… Now what?
You’re Getting Married Soon… Now What? is a powerful eBook for newly engaged lovers and for all couples who want to give their relationships an edge. Many couples separate over reasons that could have been avoided, if only they took the time to plan their future and get to knowRead the Rest...
Morium:Dark Horzon by S.J Hermann
I had the privelege to get a sneak read [ARC COPY] of the second book in this trilogy. With permission from the Author, S.J Hermann, I present you with my thoughts – let’s call it an early review if you will – with a few hours to go before release..Read the Rest...
March 13, 2015
My Take on Writing Reviews.
About writing reviews:I know many of us are authors,and we support one another with reviews when we finally get to that point. Personally, I do not think reviews hold much water for me - it is like watching the adverts on Tellie. Unless you actually need something, you're not really going to pay attention.
BUT - the BIG BUT.
If you are going to write a review, let it be from the person, not the Author. Let it come from your gut, your chest, your heart ... not from your mind. Some people will hate my reviews, others may love it, but I always try to make sure that
a) I do not give the whole damn story away - I HATE spoilers. If it is not mentioned in the write-up, DO NOT mention it in the review. Because of this, I REFUSE to read reviews.
b) That I write from a PERSON's perspective, not a marketing agent, or an editorial communicator, or a journalistic interview. I read the book, it made me think and feel one way or another.. that is what I write about.
I am not saying throw it all out the window either... I'm just saying:
INJECT THE PERSON into it.
Think for yourself, if you read a article in the newspaper, you expect it to have a certain style to it - but if you speak to your friend, you have a very different expectation.
You are not going to tell your bestie [terribly assumption on my part - I apologise to the exceptions on the rule] "It was a marvel, written with a concise structure and evidence of..." No. You are more than likely going to say something along the lines of:
"You should read this book, it was bloody well written and I loved xyz - though that and that really frustrated me." THAT is a REVIEW from a spokes person who's read the book.
Perhaps I am a little idealistic, perhaps I am a lot naive. I am fairly new to all this stuff and I am learning a lot.
These are just MY thoughts on the subject though. I always think: What would make me stop and pay attention? And that is my approach. Grammatically incorrect, person's perspective.
Connect with your book, and share the connection - not the intellect.
Think about the responses to some of the bigger names. A majority of those, good or bad, are based in emotional foundations. I am yet to hear a bunch of author's picketing a Movie house because 50 shades was poorly written [not my opinion of course, I am an advocate!] but the EMOTIONAL responses came from the corners of people who FELT things. THEY were the ones picketing...
I am rambling again... as I do when I get passionate about something.. I hope you will find at least one nugget of sense in my assertion... If not... Thanks for reading anyway, leave a comment and I'll be happy to engage to gain further understanding! xx Adri.
BUT - the BIG BUT.
If you are going to write a review, let it be from the person, not the Author. Let it come from your gut, your chest, your heart ... not from your mind. Some people will hate my reviews, others may love it, but I always try to make sure that
a) I do not give the whole damn story away - I HATE spoilers. If it is not mentioned in the write-up, DO NOT mention it in the review. Because of this, I REFUSE to read reviews.
b) That I write from a PERSON's perspective, not a marketing agent, or an editorial communicator, or a journalistic interview. I read the book, it made me think and feel one way or another.. that is what I write about.
I am not saying throw it all out the window either... I'm just saying:
INJECT THE PERSON into it.
Think for yourself, if you read a article in the newspaper, you expect it to have a certain style to it - but if you speak to your friend, you have a very different expectation.
You are not going to tell your bestie [terribly assumption on my part - I apologise to the exceptions on the rule] "It was a marvel, written with a concise structure and evidence of..." No. You are more than likely going to say something along the lines of:
"You should read this book, it was bloody well written and I loved xyz - though that and that really frustrated me." THAT is a REVIEW from a spokes person who's read the book.
Perhaps I am a little idealistic, perhaps I am a lot naive. I am fairly new to all this stuff and I am learning a lot.
These are just MY thoughts on the subject though. I always think: What would make me stop and pay attention? And that is my approach. Grammatically incorrect, person's perspective.
Connect with your book, and share the connection - not the intellect.
Think about the responses to some of the bigger names. A majority of those, good or bad, are based in emotional foundations. I am yet to hear a bunch of author's picketing a Movie house because 50 shades was poorly written [not my opinion of course, I am an advocate!] but the EMOTIONAL responses came from the corners of people who FELT things. THEY were the ones picketing...
I am rambling again... as I do when I get passionate about something.. I hope you will find at least one nugget of sense in my assertion... If not... Thanks for reading anyway, leave a comment and I'll be happy to engage to gain further understanding! xx Adri.
March 10, 2015
Places I like, things I do.
My Online Publisher: OffworldersPublishing LLC Add your science fiction short stories and novels to the Offworlders online marketplace! We pay authors a 75% commission on sales of all eBooks sold on the Offworlders Publishing marketplace. Want to earn more? Add to the conversation on Offworlders by adding at least 2 blogRead the Rest...
Pick Up Lines - by Adri Sinclair
20 years ago…
He used a pick-up line, I rolled my eyes.
He said something about falling angels,
I was thinking about falling skies.
He thought he was so very clever,
I frowned and told him ‘never’.
20 years later…
He use a pick up line, I laugh in surprise.
He says something about losing a number wanting mine.
I am thinking about the washing on the line.
He thinks he was ever so clever,
I hug him and promise forever.
20 years to come…
He will use a pick up line, I will use one too.
He will say something cute and I’ll be corny.
I will be thinking it was all true.
He was actually ever so clever,
Those pick up lines is what kept us together!
He used a pick-up line, I rolled my eyes.
He said something about falling angels,
I was thinking about falling skies.
He thought he was so very clever,
I frowned and told him ‘never’.
20 years later…
He use a pick up line, I laugh in surprise.
He says something about losing a number wanting mine.
I am thinking about the washing on the line.
He thinks he was ever so clever,
I hug him and promise forever.
20 years to come…
He will use a pick up line, I will use one too.
He will say something cute and I’ll be corny.
I will be thinking it was all true.
He was actually ever so clever,
Those pick up lines is what kept us together!
Review: Morium by S.J Hermann
A GRIPPING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER – Book 1 of the MORIUM TRILOGY If you had the powers to avenge yourself… would you? Bullied… Years of shame… Lexi and Nathan knew pain. MORIUM is the story of Alexandria and Nathan… and Stacy. Three teenagers who were victims of bullying all through highRead the Rest...
March 9, 2015
Why I write.
It is every writer's dream to have a book published, and it is probably every writer's dream to hit it 'big'. I never dreamt of either those things, in fact... quite the opposite.
Eight months ago, I sat down and started writing Hidden Carmina - it was meant to be a short story. It was not meant to be read by anyone - but my long suffering husband of 20 years started getting worried.
"What are you doing?" He asked, two weeks after I started writing. So I told him. It was the first time I didn't read to him out loud, page by page, the moment I am done writing. He insisted that I do. At this point, I was only half way through the story and still had no idea where it was going, or what I am doing for that matter.
My Aunt caught wind of this, and as always she insisted on reading everything I write.
One thing lead to another, family and friends started getting involved, suddenly I had 60 people reading as I write! [At the time, I did not know the term 'beta reader'!] Some helped by pointing out flaws and mistakes, others simply cheered me on.
One year on...
Hidden Carmina is in the top #100 on Amazon for kindle & top 13th most dowloaded Epic Paranormal Romance novel on Smashwords.
To add to that, I have written 5 novels since [busy on 6th], published poetry, and have a casual agreement for a Fan-fic web story [my gaming habits came in handy!] based on Eve Online. [Thank you Kyle Pollard & Crew!]
https://offworlders.com/?product_cat=...
https://offworlders.com/rocket-the-ul...
But Hidden Carmina is the child of love - and because of that, I hope to forever keep this book free to read. Unfortunately, I've had to turn down three publishing contracts because of this. It was 'all or nothing' deals; Hidden Carmina, however, is not for sale.
In the mean time, I connected with amazing people and groups. Feedback on my work and the support I am getting is tremendous! I managed to secure a proofreader/editor in the form of Rosie Manson, and my new covers are done by none other than my brilliantly creative daughter and her new company & crew!
I often get asked: "Why do you write, if you don't want to sell your work?"
This question is cropping up more and more, along with: "How did you do it?"
The answer is two-fold and very simple.
First part is straight forward:
I write because I want to. There is no reason, no drive, no other motive behind it. I write... because I want to.
The second part is harder to answer:
I have no idea. I sit down every day, and write. When I'm done, I spend a lot of time and energy talking about the works I've enjoyed reading, or the people I met.
I've done marketing for so long, and it will always be a job - I am not ready to start working again. Not yet. I am sorry if there is no 'secret' to share, and no 'fix' to offer. I simply sit back and let things flow how they must - and continue writing.
I think the Self Publishing industry is littered with gems for the picking, and it is such a shame to watch people walk all over that, without regard.
How can YOU, as a reader or a career professional help?
Acts of kindness.
Send the writer a note if you can help them with any aspect of their journey; or just a 'thank you' helps so much.
Write a review of the work you've enjoyed - of course, apply generously the cliché: If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
When you see mistakes in an e-book, let the author know... it is easy [even with editors] to miss the small critters in the works, no matter how many times you pass them through the hands of 'experts'. [J.K Rowlings herself attest to that!]
Share the information - it does not matter what age we live in, but word of mouth is still powerful - In the digital age we move in, word of mouth translates to social media... Spread the word. Let those who will listen hear the news!
Support, support, support - you never know when YOU may be the one needing the support in a campaign. Authors have other jobs too, knowledge you may find come in handy a little later.
These are simple things, barely will it take a few minutes of your time - heck, you can do half of it while standing in line at the shop, or wait for that printer to finish your copies.
This is my plea... this is why I am writing this silly little, grammatically incorrect and simple note today - Support a writer, because stories are to be told, there will always be someone willing and able to read it and understand it.
To those becoming discouraged by the rejection letters or the low figures on your sales, or the rude and spiteful comments about your work, I offer this:
Let them chew through your skin, lovelies - when they're done, let them run into your backbone! Chin up, straighten up and don't give up.
That is my story today, and my pledge continues.
Hidden Carmina, will be free:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Carmin...
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Carmina-...
Thank you, to those who read this, and those who encouraged me to speak my mind.
Sincerely Yours.
Adri Sinclair
Eight months ago, I sat down and started writing Hidden Carmina - it was meant to be a short story. It was not meant to be read by anyone - but my long suffering husband of 20 years started getting worried.
"What are you doing?" He asked, two weeks after I started writing. So I told him. It was the first time I didn't read to him out loud, page by page, the moment I am done writing. He insisted that I do. At this point, I was only half way through the story and still had no idea where it was going, or what I am doing for that matter.
My Aunt caught wind of this, and as always she insisted on reading everything I write.
One thing lead to another, family and friends started getting involved, suddenly I had 60 people reading as I write! [At the time, I did not know the term 'beta reader'!] Some helped by pointing out flaws and mistakes, others simply cheered me on.
One year on...
Hidden Carmina is in the top #100 on Amazon for kindle & top 13th most dowloaded Epic Paranormal Romance novel on Smashwords.
To add to that, I have written 5 novels since [busy on 6th], published poetry, and have a casual agreement for a Fan-fic web story [my gaming habits came in handy!] based on Eve Online. [Thank you Kyle Pollard & Crew!]
https://offworlders.com/?product_cat=...
https://offworlders.com/rocket-the-ul...
But Hidden Carmina is the child of love - and because of that, I hope to forever keep this book free to read. Unfortunately, I've had to turn down three publishing contracts because of this. It was 'all or nothing' deals; Hidden Carmina, however, is not for sale.
In the mean time, I connected with amazing people and groups. Feedback on my work and the support I am getting is tremendous! I managed to secure a proofreader/editor in the form of Rosie Manson, and my new covers are done by none other than my brilliantly creative daughter and her new company & crew!
I often get asked: "Why do you write, if you don't want to sell your work?"
This question is cropping up more and more, along with: "How did you do it?"
The answer is two-fold and very simple.
First part is straight forward:
I write because I want to. There is no reason, no drive, no other motive behind it. I write... because I want to.
The second part is harder to answer:
I have no idea. I sit down every day, and write. When I'm done, I spend a lot of time and energy talking about the works I've enjoyed reading, or the people I met.
I've done marketing for so long, and it will always be a job - I am not ready to start working again. Not yet. I am sorry if there is no 'secret' to share, and no 'fix' to offer. I simply sit back and let things flow how they must - and continue writing.
I think the Self Publishing industry is littered with gems for the picking, and it is such a shame to watch people walk all over that, without regard.
How can YOU, as a reader or a career professional help?
Acts of kindness.
Send the writer a note if you can help them with any aspect of their journey; or just a 'thank you' helps so much.
Write a review of the work you've enjoyed - of course, apply generously the cliché: If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
When you see mistakes in an e-book, let the author know... it is easy [even with editors] to miss the small critters in the works, no matter how many times you pass them through the hands of 'experts'. [J.K Rowlings herself attest to that!]
Share the information - it does not matter what age we live in, but word of mouth is still powerful - In the digital age we move in, word of mouth translates to social media... Spread the word. Let those who will listen hear the news!
Support, support, support - you never know when YOU may be the one needing the support in a campaign. Authors have other jobs too, knowledge you may find come in handy a little later.
These are simple things, barely will it take a few minutes of your time - heck, you can do half of it while standing in line at the shop, or wait for that printer to finish your copies.
This is my plea... this is why I am writing this silly little, grammatically incorrect and simple note today - Support a writer, because stories are to be told, there will always be someone willing and able to read it and understand it.
To those becoming discouraged by the rejection letters or the low figures on your sales, or the rude and spiteful comments about your work, I offer this:
Let them chew through your skin, lovelies - when they're done, let them run into your backbone! Chin up, straighten up and don't give up.
That is my story today, and my pledge continues.
Hidden Carmina, will be free:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Carmin...
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Carmina-...
Thank you, to those who read this, and those who encouraged me to speak my mind.
Sincerely Yours.
Adri Sinclair
March 7, 2015
Growing Life…
A seedling grew deep inside, a sprout that was egged on by age, and yes, finally I grew a heart, still just a fragile and peculiar,almost trusting, thing. The echo’s now have a different voice, it seems cheery and passionate in a way, Scenic rides and glimpses by the speed of light,Read the Rest...
Dead or Alive – by Adri Sinclair
I died in my sleep and woke up with a start. Death was wearing tutu and ballet shoes. I blinked to make sure it’s not a hallucination, He held out his hand to pass me a harp. I looked to see just behind his shoulder, Was anger, depression, hatred andRead the Rest...
Blind Date…
Sometimes, we do things thinking we are helping others… then the tables are turned, and you are humbled by how they ended up helping you. A Blind Date. I couldn’t walk by the man sitting on the pavement, so I stopped and asked him what he needed. He replied. “NotRead the Rest...
