T.R. Robinson's Blog, page 31

Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwall

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Regular visitors will know, with just the occasional exception, it is predominantly books by indie (independent), self-published authors that are reviewed in this website. This however, is one of the exceptions: a hardback edition having been a very generous gift.

Bernard Cornwall is well known for his historical novels of which this is one.

The tale is primarily based in the period of King Alfred of Wessex’s reign (871 – 899 AD) during which the Danes sought to occupy the whole of the land. However, the king was determined to preserve Saxon England and to expand his rule over all English speaking areas of the country. This is when England, as it is known now, was created. What sort of place would Britain be had the Danes succeeded? Consequently, the story predominately deals with battles, skirmishes and intrigue: At the time Saxon England comprised a series of small independent kingdoms e.g. Wessex, Mercia, East Anglia, Northumbria, etc. Wales and Scotland were separate countries. Occupants of the area now known as Kent also considered it a separate kingdom though it was under the king’s rule.

The author explains how frustrating it is to find any consistent or detailed history of the times. Apparently any documents that do exist were originally kept by monasteries, which only annotated them when there was anything ‘they’ considered of import. Probably means such annotations were limited to events that impacted upon the monastery directly or upon the surrounding area. These annotations are what provide historical data of the times. Consequently, there is little correlation between documents. In view of the dissolution, when the majority of religious establishments were pillaged and destroyed, it is amazing any survived. Nevertheless, the author makes clear, other than some basic accounts of battles and people, much has to be inferred or guessed at. He has effectively used these sketchy details to build his story.

In addition to the battles and skirmishes, parts of the tale include visit’s to ‘witches’ and ‘oracles’. Though the majority of Saxons professed to be Christian, it is clear pagan beliefs still held a strong sway within them. Which held more weight is debatable but is not part of this review. The author also indicates how drugs, sex and money were a constituent part of these oracles.

The reader is also given an insight into the personal attitudes of the time. For example; how women, whatever their social rank, were looked upon. As with many older ones the society of the time was chauvinist. Women were virtually considered possessions and there was little guilt, at least among the hierarchy, about having mistresses. However, contradictorily, there are instances where the influence of women is acknowledged: The queen’s influence over her son, Prince Edward; The citizens of Mercia respecting, listening to and obeying the Princess.

Bernard Cornwall effectively describes the scenery and background to his tale. He also provides sufficient for the reader to have a concept of the times without going into tedious detail. For example:

How areas, now built up, were then forests and woods.
The richness and lusciousness of the land and crops.
Living conditions e.g. how even the great halls had thatched roofs which dripped when soaked by heavy rain.
How smelly and dirty the streets were.
Health e.g. describes how even the king was dying in great pain surrounded with dirt.
The country’s division into separate kingdoms and territories (Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, Kent, etc.) under the control of different peoples (Danes, Saxons)
How wealth was displayed e.g. women wearing multiple gold and silver jewellery. Well-made, good quality, armour, swords, helmets all with gold and silver decoration.

This is an interesting read, especially when related to the historical occurrences of the time. Recommended to anyone who is interested in or enjoys historical books. It is also not a bad tale for anyone who simply enjoys a good book.

Four stars (4*).

The book is available in a variety of formats from multiple retailers: bricks-and-mortar shops as well as on-line.

Includes Amazon:     Amazon.com                 Amazon.co.uk

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

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Please note: In this post the term ‘Website’ is used to define websites, web pages and blogs as appropriate and relevant.

 

 

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a process that affects the visibility of websites. Visible to who? Search Engines and Search Engine users. Website owners naturally want people to find and use the site, to become; contributors; followers; fans; customers; etc. Especially if they provide information and products that meet the user’s need.

What constitutes SEO?

Content

Naturally, it is a website’s content that is of interest to and registers with search engines and users alike. Consequently, the content needs to be relevant to the website’s purpose and the user’s needs. To facilitate search engine indexing that determines whether the site and its content will be displayed in the response to a user’s search (see ‘Search Engines’ for further information), the content needs to contain appropriate and relevant keywords (discussed further down). It cannot be emphasised enough how content must be: good quality, relevant and appropriate.

Site Design

For both users and search engines it is important the design of a website enables ease of navigation. The design needs to avoid too many high density images, animations or anything that unnecessarily utilizes system resources. The aim should be to enable users to quickly find what they are looking for without too many clicks. Many will be put off if they find themselves constantly passed from one page to another each of which requires a further action. Ideally they should be able to reach the content they are looking for within one or two clicks.

Meta Tags/Information

As with books, websites contain background information that impacts upon whether a search engine or user will consider them. In books this is referred to as ‘metadata’; if interested more may be read about it here. For websites (to clarify this includes pages, posts, blogs etc.), meta tags/information may be incorporated in: titles; headings; descriptions; keywords and images. Nevertheless, it is usually the title or heading that is of most importance. Does it make clear what the website, page or post is about? If it immediately implies it contains what a user is looking for, or at least will have some relevance, they are more likely to click through to it. These tags and information are vital to search engines as it will often be used by them to index the site or content.

How to Optimise a Website

To ensure they have the most effective SEO possible, a website owner needs to consider:

How Search Engines work. (See ‘Search Engines’).
What people search.
The search terms (keywords, phrases) generally used.
Which search engines tend to be preferred and mostly used.

The following may help with the optimisation process.

Target Audience

Who is the website aimed at? Who are the target audience? Very important to understand the audience and what they are looking for. To understand their needs.

Keywords

A word or short phrase that easily defines the topic/subject of a website, page, post, document, etc. These determine the category under which a search engine will list the website etc. They are also the words or phrase a user will input when searching a topic.

To optimise website discoverability keywords should be incorporated within content wherever possible AND RELEVANT. Relevancy is crucial. Some abuse the facility by excessively including keywords all over the place and by also inserting ones that are not really relevant. Their aim: to get the website indexed in multiple categories, even those to which it does not belong. The idea: to have the site revealed in multiple search results in an attempt to gain greater exposure. This is known as ‘keyword stuffing’. Though it may initially work, users and search engines quickly recognise the content has no relevance to the topic searched. Keyword stuffing is frowned upon and search engines will quickly block such websites and content and usually ban them from further indexing. Consequently, the website will not even be revealed in the results of searches to which the content does actually relate. Keyword stuffing should always be avoided.

Keywords will be considered in a little more detail in a subsequent post.

Text

Website owners and designers should ensure the text entered is clear and readable. Busy backgrounds that make text hard to read should be avoided as should exotic font styles. Font size and colour should be as ‘normal’ as possible e.g. most sites opt for 11-12 point and the standard ‘automatic’ black colour. Visitors to a website frequently do not have a lot of time and if they find it hard to read will quickly move on to more user friendly alternatives.

Navigation

Navigation bars and tags need to be clear and consistent. The titles/names used should enable visitors to easily perceive what they relate to. Colourful, flowery, titles that do not instantly clarify what the subject matter is need to be avoided. In addition, it there are more than ten pages, it is recommended a site map be made available.

Images

Images are resource intensive, therefore only those that are relevant and in context should be included. Also, to assist those who may have the image facility turned off, due to an unsophisticated system or slow download times, alternative information should be provided: an ‘alt’ (alternative) label and a link to substitute text that helps the user understand what the image relates to.

Flashing, throbbing, pulsing and strobe light images should also be avoided. Not only are these extremely resource intensive but may also cause the visitor discomfort. They may be thought clever, intriguing and unique for attracting attention but for the majority of websites are unnecessary and distracting.

Overall Design

Design across the whole of a website; pages, blog, links should be consistent and correspond to the overall design and intent. Visitors need to know they are still on the same site when moving from one page/link to another. Different designs between these could easily confuse resulting in the user thinking they have wondered into something unrelated or erroneous. Most have little time to investigate or double check and would probably simply move on. Not what a website owner wants.

Addins/plugins need to be carefully checked to ensure they are relevant and necessary. They may look good but do impact upon download times, which may result in users abandoning their search for relevant information. Website designers need to remember the design needs to be search engine friendly and should always be designed for ease of use by the end user.

Crosslinking

Crosslinking to important, and relevant, pages within the same website will assist visitors and may help improve visibility as search engines will pick up on them. But again they must be relevant. Any sort of attempt to ‘fudge’ matters to gain further indexing will be noted and may result in a site being blocked.

Updates

Regularly updating information in a website and in its pages will result in search engines coming back to ‘crawl’ the site. Provided the updated information is relevant, this will facilitate further indexing and consequent visibility in search results.

Conclusion

SEO is crucial to a websites discoverability/visibility. This relies upon:

Good quality ‘relevant’ content.
Clear, consistent design: template; layout; text; images.
Clear, relevant meta tags: headings; titles; descriptions; keywords; images.
Remaining on topic throughout.
No ‘keyword stuffing’.
Regular ‘relevant’ updates.

There has been a little repetition in places but it must be emphasised websites need to be: clear; easy to navigate; easy to read; search engine friendly and above all relevant.

Against All Odds by Paul Connolly

[image error]This is an honest and hard hitting autobiography that should help readers understand what motivates some of the ‘difficult’ characters they may come across in life. The author himself has been one such. His bravery in exposing himself so thoroughly, without any attempt to shield his identity, must be acknowledged. Hopefully, readers will properly take in all he shares and consequently understand why he led the life he has and not condemn or censure him for it. It is also to be hoped the book will help overcome some of societies prejudices.

His mother having put him out, at the age of two years, with the rubbish, Paul Connelly goes on to have a terrible childhood in ‘care’. In this account he effectively shows how social services and ‘care’ systems failed him as well as many other children and young people. Numerous difficult and horrible situations and circumstances are detailed but with a sensitivity that avoids depressing or horrifying the reader too much. These include:

Sexual Abuse: Without being licentious or over graphic, sufficient detail is given to enable readers to understand what had been going on.

Psychological Abuse: The author suffered much from this and effectively shows the reader how such abuse has a long-term, life-long, impact. A good part of this autobiography explains how he dealt, or did not deal, with his own undermined personality.

Violence: The author bravely acknowledges his own violent nature that he obviously regrets. Nevertheless, he unashamedly shares what are really the consequences of abuse. The motivations driving his behaviour and where those motivations originate are plainly explained. The reader will be saddened to see how someone who should have cared for the child author almost destroyed him and were responsible for the destruction of other lives.

The author also talks about his feelings of guilt and self-recrimination with regard to a boyhood friend. Readers will undoubtedly consider these feelings unfounded: he had his own problems to deal with and probably could not have helped his friend. The psychological and physical damage to his friend had already occurred and was most likely irreversible. Nevertheless, it is easy for the reader to understand the authors feelings even if they are unjustified.

It is to the author’s credit that he managed to retain a sensible and pragmatic outlook upon life. This enabled him, not only to seek appropriate tuition, even if it was late in life, but to also have a successful career. The reader will see he has achieved far more than many who have had comparatively easier lives. The fact he has to endure a life long struggle with the violence that lurks just below the surface is regrettable. The reader will comprehend the serious failure of family, so called carers and inadequate systems are responsible for this condition. Paul Connolly must be admired for his endeavours to control the violence and for his success in doing so.

Though upsetting, this is an interesting and informative read. The brutal encounters are effectively described but are kept at a reasonable level so as not to traumatise the reader too much. This account also provides a window onto some of the social behaviours of the time.

The book has evidently been edited but in such a way that unmistakably retains the author’s own voice. It is a personal tale, personally told. It would have been a shame to have lost the personal style. It reads easily and would make a good addition to any collection of English social history. It may not be the most gratifying historical record but it is a true account that is supported and confirmed by public-domain legal records.

Four stars (4*).

The book is available in paperback and e-book formats.

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk

Search Engines

Please note: This is only intended to be an overview. Though more information and details are available they are not considered relevant to readers of this post.

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What is a Search Engine?

These are software systems designed to search both the World Wide Web (www) and their own databases for information. How they actual work is dealt with further down.

 

History

The www as it is known today commenced in December 1990. However, there were prior search engines dating from 1982 and 1989.

Initially (before September 1993) it was indexed by hand but as more and more servers were added manual indexing became unmanageable. At first the system primarily searched for users but was further developed to include file names. It still did not search the content of files and sites but at the time it was relatively easy for these to be searched manually once accessed.

In late 1993 a software system was developed that could collect slightly more detailed information.

In 1994 the software was further developed to allow users to search for any word. This became the standard for most search engines.

How Search Engines Work

There are three stages: First: the ‘Web Crawler’ (sometimes known as a ‘spider’). Second: Indexing; Third: Searching.

The Web Crawler (spider) browses the www for the primary purpose of indexing. It is able to copy all pages visited and save them for later processing. It then indexes the pages. One aspect that can be an issue for some; the crawler can visit and index sites without specific permission. Some public sites that do not wish to be ‘crawled’ may add coding to limit what may be indexed or to prevent indexing all together. Presumably individuals may also add similar coding but in most cases it would probably be counterproductive to their aims.

Basically, the crawler/spider visits URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), identifies hyperlinks in pages and adds them both to the search engine’s list of URLs. The search engine then uses ‘keywords’ to search the index to find and display information relevant to the keyword(s) input by the user.

Note: The topic of Keywords will be considered further in subsequent posts.

In addition to the keyword(s) entered search engines also have their own systems for refining search results. These filter through the available information to see if there are any other sites or pages that may be relevant to the user’s enquiry.

With the multitude of websites now in existence it is probable the keyword(s) searched will be included in millions of pages. Search engines have developed their own methods, usually an algorithm, for determining the most relevant results. Naturally, the keyword(s) entered are first taken into account and then it is most likely a combination of how popular and/or authoritative a site or page is considered to be.

Algorithms may be influenced by the legislation, politics, economics and social understandings and acceptances of a territory. For example: In some countries it is illegal to display sites containing specific types of information. Or it may be commercial: A company that advertises with the search engine may show up as more popular than other results from within the index.

Roundup

In principle search engines search their own database of information.

Web crawlers/spiders ‘crawl’ webpages and follow site links to other pages. These are then added to their index of information. Once ‘crawled’ these spiders frequently revisit sites/pages to index any updates or changes.

It should be noted that spiders can only follow links from one page to another, from one site to another. Consequently, ‘inbound’ links to a site are very important as are links from other sites as these provide additional information for the search engine to index and subsequently display.

Search engines are an essential part of modern day, technologically governed, society. Anyone with a website, blog or any on-line presence needs to be aware of their existence and usefulness. They also need to be aware of how less private these make life. Wisdom needs to be applied to anything shared on-line. Society is more vulnerable but also benefits from, and is the richer for, the Web and the ease with which search engines enable people to access information.

For the Love of a Dingo by Berenice Walters and Pamela Jean King

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Authored by Berenice Walters and Pamela Jean King.

The reader needs to be aware this is a combination of memoir and biographical information and observations. A combination that works well and provides an interesting, informative and delightful read that is recommended.

There are three distinct parts to the book. Though the authorship is shown as Berenice Walters and Pamela Jean King they in fact contributed different aspects to the tale consequently, there are distinct characteristics in some of the writing. This does not detract from the read but is something a reader should take into account. The first account, ‘Dora the Adorable Dingo’ was fundamentally written by Berenice. The second, ‘Napoleon (Chair) Dingo’ was principally written by Berenice with some input and editing by Pamela King. The third, ‘Snowgoose Obedience Champion & Dingo’ has been biographically authored by Pamela. The final parts, that provide a roundup, have also been authored by Pamela who undertook responsibility for editing and publishing the whole book.

As the synopsis makes clear, Berenice Walters, now deceased, and her dingoes are the primary topic of this account. In truth that should be the other way round; Berenice’s dingoes are really the primary protagonists.

Through Berenice’s writing the reader experiences the unity and affinity that existed between her and her dingo companions. This really has been written very personally and draws the reader in. They will feel and empathise with, her continuous joy, her occasional frustration, and her sorrow when something happens to her beloved dogs. Berenice already trained cattle dogs prior to adopting a dingo who she proved could and would respond as any dog to appropriate training techniques. It may have needed to be a little more intense, taken a little longer and required a bit more patience but in the end proved more than successful. In the midst of the joy, frustration, fear and sorrow there is also humour, especially with Napoleon. The accounts of how each of Berenice’s dingoes behaved are really very interesting and enlightening.

A few aside comments make clear there is also a tale to Berenice’s own life. However, wisely, considering the overall nature of the book, she avoids going into a lot of detail. After all her accounts were an attempt to show fellow Australians the dingo is not a dog to be feared. Her main exception regards the death of Napoleon, the possible underlying causes of which are unpleasant. Pamela King (Ferrari) has already undertaken some research into Berenice’s life and is seeking funding to expand this with the ultimate aim of publishing a full biography. A book to be looked forward to.

A few observations:

Early on Berenice Walter’s makes clear, at the time, it was illegal for anyone to own a dingo. Nevertheless, there is no explanation as to why the government had implemented such a law. She implies how people considered dingoes to be unpredictable and violent. A concept she was attempting to prove as unfounded. But it is not until the final stages of the book there are any clear quoted statements ‘…. but I knew they must be ferocious, sharp-fanged, snarling animals.’ ‘Haven’t they been branded as vicious killers to be shot on sight?’. From the start there is an implication the reader would be fully aware of the underlying issues surrounding attitudes toward the dingo. However, it must be acknowledged this is not necessarily the case. It would help non-Australians and probably younger Australians if an explanation was included up front, perhaps in the preface. The reader would then be able to understand more clearly the roots of Berenice’s fears for her companions as well as her own being.


As with most under resourced self-publishing authors the book would benefit from a little further proof-reading. Nevertheless, such oversights as there are do not detract from this enjoyable read.


There is an implication the book is only of primary interest to fellow Australians. Not so. It is relevant and will be of interest to other nationalities as well as to the general reading public. The dingo may be native to Australia but each nation has its own feral, misunderstood, ‘wildlife’.

This is not a long read, only consisting 136 pages. In addition, it has been written in such an easy style the reader will find themselves gliding through. The book is recommended to anyone interested in a heartfelt account of an unusual life experience. Four stars (4*).

Available in both paperback and e-book formats:

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk                  Amazon.com.au

Pamela King’s (Ferrari) ‘Dingo Lady’ website: http://dingolady.com.au

Priorities – Values

[image error]From time to time, everyone should, needs, to evaluate or re-evaluate their life. It may simply be a matter of confirming they are where they want to be or it may be a matter of making decisions for altering the future. Whichever it is, to effectively identify their existing position, they will need to consider the various aspects of their life: Private; Public; Social; Work; Inner; etc.

Taking into account one of the two principle purposes of this website, this post has been written from the perspective of an indie (independent), self-publishing author. Nevertheless, at top level, what is shared will apply to the majority of readers, author or not.

Some may consider such evaluations are only relevant to older people but that is definitely not the case. A person’s life, no matter their age, inevitably changes: teenager to adult; school to employment; employment to employment; marriage; children; health; location; etc. Many will acknowledge it is only when faced with a dramatic occurrence they think about their lives. For example: Death of a relative or friend, when their own mortality is highlighted. Divorce, when the path envisioned for the years ahead is destroyed. Etc. But, if they are to make the most of what they have, they should be considering where they are more frequently.

In the evaluation/re-evaluation process there is one predominant question: What is Important? Some suggestions follow: as mentioned above this post has been prepared from the perspective of an indie author. Of course, this may only be a suggested list; each person is unique and has their own take upon what is relevant. The suggested areas: Writing; Publicity and Marketing; Social Media; Work (For those who have a regular job); Family/Relationships; Self. This and the following are in no particular order and there is no intended implication of relative importance.

Writing

An author by definition will be inclined to give priority to the writing of their manuscripts. Their books quickly become their ‘babies’, which they feel must receive best quality attention. But, in the long term; What are books really? In the majority of instances, they are simply for entertainment. Even if they write non-fiction such as self-help or text books, they need to acknowledge they are not the only authority for such manuals. Consider, what will happen when they are no longer around. Consequently, though precious to them, their books are not vital to life. A hard hitting truth for many.

Publicity and Marketing

Though these have differing aspects the eventual aim is the same: to attract purchasers. For indie, self-publishing authors, gaining attention is paramount to success. It is especially important now that hundreds of thousands of books are self-published each year. A lot of time consuming effort is required if an author is to gain the attention they would like. But: Is this important when compared to overall life? Many self-published authors will acknowledge the amount of time spent in these activities rarely has a dramatic impact. Sometimes just fifteen or twenty minutes a day will accomplish the same as an hour or three.

Social Media

For authors, this is often just an extension to their publicity and marketing. However, it should comprise a little more. Many readers and fans like to have some knowledge of the person behind the book. To have some comprehension of their ‘favourite’ author’s likes, dislikes, processes, hobbies, etc. To develop some degree of relationship with them. In these technology driven days, it is an important aspect of an author’s profile. Nevertheless, though some people have short attention spans and will quickly forget someone unless they have frequent daily contact, the sincerer ‘true’ fans, will not forget if the author is not present every day. Every other day or even every third day is often acceptable.

The author may also have their own interests and may easily become distracted by the various, and often quality, information available through social media. Of course, this is useful for research and, if they are to maintain a balanced outlook, they should develop an interest outside their own field. But, in the overall scheme of life, social media is not important. Yes, it is wise, for their business (the publishing of books is, by default, a business) to maintain a presence but they should control how much time they spend on-line. Naturally, this also applies to those who simply enjoy ‘surfing the web’.

Work

Many people do not come to authoring until retired. However, there are a reasonable number who have regular jobs. Authoring is in their blood and they must write or bust, as the saying goes. These utilize their evenings, days off and the little spare time they have between other matters, to write.

Employees may often be heard complaining about how much they dislike their jobs. How they long to leave it. Of course, there are some who enjoy their jobs but these tend to be a minority. However, no matter how they feel an employee really should provide the best service they can. Besides anything else they are being paid for their work and should respect that. They expect to receive a good service from those they have to deal with themselves and should reciprocate. In all things everyone should aim to produce the best they can. Work therefore demands some prioritising.

Family/Relationships

Spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. No matter the circumstance all these are important connections that should, as far as possible, be nurtured. Sadly, family breakdown is very common. Would this happen so much if due care and attention had been given? That is another question not the subject of this post. Nevertheless, everyone, not just authors, should acknowledge the need to give due time and attention to their families and relationships. To spend quality time with them and not just the dregs after exhausting themselves with other ‘interesting’ matters. Authors should ask themselves: What is more important; their books or their family? Who is the true treasure in their life? Their ‘baby’ if you like. Of course, for a true author, their books are important and they long to spend time with them. But, they need to ask what/who is their life really about? What/who is important in the overall plan/scheme?

Self

Mental, emotional, physical. Regrettably, it must be acknowledged the majority of, if not all, individuals have a strong selfish aspect. Everyone has their own desires, goals, aims. Things they would like to achieve within their life span no matter who or what else may be incorporated within that same life. Authors want to write and publish their books. To leave them for future generations. To contribute to societies knowledge base. This can become an all-consuming desire that, if they do not take care, will override all other matters. Wrongly.

Naturally, if they are to be at their best for others, an individual should consider their own needs. Rest: ensure, as far as possible, they have sufficient. Fitness/Health: exercise, diet, etc. Emotions: It is part of human nature to face differing emotions. They are part of what makes a person who they are. Unfortunately, many suffer insecurities that, if not dealt with, may lead a person to place priority in the wrong area: no matter who they are everyone wants to be accepted and liked.

Self-interest needs to be governed. Of course, no one would want to abandon their hopes, aspirations and goals but this should not be at the cost of those who should be dear and near.

Conclusion

Everyone is different and consequently must decide for themselves what is important. What aspects should be given priority. Which matters should be valued above others.

Authors need to be aware the desire to achieve, to publish, to market may easily, but wrongly, become predominant in their thoughts and actions.

Each person should programme regular evaluation/re-evaluation moments into their life plan. It is easy to become detracted or wrongly motivated without these moments.

Throughout this post the temptation to state what should be considered paramount in life has intentionally been avoided. However, when the matter is boiled down to its basics, family/relationships must be considered important. It may help the reader to think back to how they felt about their experiences when growing up. How the way they were treated impacted upon them. To learn from those and to ensure they either follow the positive examples or ensure they do not repeat the mistakes.

In the end it is up to the individual. But, please, everyone should take time to regularly look at where they are putting their best time. To consider what really is of importance to them and those they care about. It may be hard to cut back on some aspects but in the end it will be worth the effort. They and theirs will be the richer for it. And, ultimately, by having sorted priorities, each aspect will undoubtedly benefit as they will be able to apply themselves whole heartedly to the matter in hand at the given time. Quality will undoubtedly follow as a consequence.

Jill Dobbe – Interview

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Welcome Jill Dobbe

Author of:

Here We Are & There We Go, and

Kids, Camels & Cairo

(There are links to both books at the end of this interview.)

 

Please tell us a little about yourself

I am an international educator and am currently living in my 7th country, Honduras. I am a U.S. citizen, married to another international educator, and have two adult children, Ian, who is a doctor and Ali, a high school teacher. I also have a Yorkie-Poo named Mickey who is my constant companion and a great travel buddy.

What first inspired you to write?

When my husband and I returned from India (our 5th country), he mentioned the idea of writing a book about our experiences living overseas and working in schools around the world. My first book is about our early years when we took our two toddlers across the world and during 10 years worked in four different countries (Guam, Ghana, Mexico, Singapore).

In what genre(s) do you prefer to write?

I write travel memoirs/travelogues. That’s what I know and they say you should write about what you know.

Are you working on another book?

I am currently working on my 3rd travel memoir about my time living in Gurgaon, India, and working at an international school, which included a mostly Indian national student population.

If your books have required research: What do you consider the best resources?

I keep personal journals and diaries in each country I live in. I use those as resources for my writing. I also pick my husband and children’s brains about events that occurred.

Do you consider your book(s) convey messages to readers?

The theme or message in my first book, HERE WE ARE & THERE WE GO, was that it is possible to travel with kids. In my second book, KIDS, CAMELS, & CAIRO, I included some advice on what to keep in mind while living overseas such as, keeping a sense of humour, being open minded, respectful toward other cultures, and accept what can’t be changed.

What advice would you give to authors who are just starting out?

I would tell authors to write what you know and to keep putting words into print. Write as much and as often as you can. Look for writing contests and enter them.

Biographies, autobiographies, memoirs: What advice would you give, about using real names and descriptions, to authors who write in this genre?  I ask because many raise concerns about the issue.

I don’t use real names in my books, but I do write and describe true events. It is my story and I want it to be as entertaining as possible, so I write about the good and the bad.

Do you self-edit or do you think a book should only be professionally edited?

I self-edit over and over again, but also have fresh eyes go over my writing. Getting a book professionally edited is a very smart thing to do. I have also learned the hard way to have more than one line editor look it over before sending it off to the publisher.

How do you go about marketing your books?

Amazon.com and Goodreads are important sites to be on. I also scope out other travel writing sites and or women writer sites.

How important do you think reviews are?

I think reviews are another method of getting interest for your book. However, they are very subjective.

If you consider reviews important, how do you go about obtaining them for your books?

I peruse travel websites and request interviews for my travel memoirs.

Do you have a preferred genre for when your read?

I read mostly memoirs especially travel memoirs and memoirs about brave and inspirational women who have made a difference in the world. I am partial to female authors and also enjoy humorous stories about families and women, fictional or nonfictional.

Please share with us links to where readers may obtain more information and insight into who you are.

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/jilldobbeauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jilldobbe

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Thank you Jill for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us.

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If interested T. R.’s review may be read here.

 

 

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BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications)

 

What are BISACs?

BISACs are a classification system for physical and digital products that:

Determine where a book will be shelved in a bricks-and-mortar shop.
Identify the genre and subject under which a book can be searched in on-line databases.
Provide an industry approved list of subject descriptions.
Provide a standard subject code list that companies use to categorise books.

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A BISAC is a code such as:

HIS002020 for ‘HISTORY/Ancient’ as in the examples immediately below.

GAR004060 for ‘GARDENING/Flowers/Roses’ as in the examples given further down.

 

History

The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has responsibility for BISACs.

‘BISG was founded in 1975 at the annual conference of the Book Manufacturers Institute. Initially organized to address the need for better research capabilities, BISG continues to evolve to meet the needs of a membership adapting to new and emerging ways published content is produced and sold.’

Some additional information may be found under ‘How are BISACs created?’ below.

What do BISACs consist of?

The elements are identified as Code, Heading, Descriptor, Literal, Term, Value, Tree Branch.

Code: Comprises nine alphanumeric characters.

Commences with a three-character alpha segment identifying the primary subject matter e.g. ‘HIS’ for ‘HISTORY’; ‘GAR’ for ‘GARDENING’.

This is then followed by six numeric characters; see examples above.

Heading: The English language subject description. It may be constructed in two, three or four parts each separated by ‘/’.

Descriptor: Section name e.g. ‘HISTORY’ and sub-heading e.g. ‘Ancient’ = ‘HISTORY/Ancient’. Many headings only consist of two levels. However, they may be drilled down further as follows.

Literal: More detailed level e.g. ‘HISTORY/Ancient/Roman’.

Term: Taking it to a further, far more detailed, level e.g. ‘HISTORY/Ancient/Roman/Macedonian’.

Value: At present there are fifty-two major BISAC sections (subject matters) e.g. FICTION, COMPUTER, HISTORY, GARDENING, etc. These comprise the ‘value’ e.g. in the examples above ‘HISTORY’; ‘GARDENING’. N.B. This first part is always in uppercase. Also, most top level values comprise the subject followed by ‘General’ e.g. ‘HISTORY/General’.

Tree: Group of headings with common first and second levels e.g. ‘GARDENING/Flowers’. This can act as the heading for sub-topics such as bulbs, annuals, perennials, roses, etc. e.g. ‘GARDENING/Flowers/Roses’.

Branch: This is the third level in a ‘Tree’ as defined above, e.g. in above example ‘Roses’ = ‘GARDENING/Flowers/Roses’ (BISAC code GAR004060).

How are BISACs created?

The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has responsibility for BISACs.

‘The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) works to create a more informed, empowered and efficient book industry. Our broad membership includes trade, education, professional and scholarly publishers, as well as distributors, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, service providers and libraries.’

Under BISG’s auspices there are six Subject Codes Committees who create and maintain the codes. They decide when; new ones are required; old ones have become obsolete; adjustments, amendments or corrections are required. If they have not approved a code, it does not get added to the list.

How do self-publishing authors allocate a BISAC for their book(s)?

When utilising self-publishing systems for the publication of a book, the author will be required to select at least one BISAC from a prepared list. See ‘Publishing with CreateSpace’ or ‘Publishing with Kindle’. Every book must have at least one BISAC but may have more. The systems mentioned provide for at least two though many publishers and retailers prefer there to be at least three. Some systems also ask for an equivalent to the BISAC e.g. a BIC (further information may be found under ‘Roundup’ below.).

How important are BISACs?

Very.

Identity: A BISAC identifies the genre and subject matter of a book. There are over three thousand codes: It is important the right ones are allocated.

Retailers: Most, if not all, retailers will not carry a book without at least one BISAC. The code helps them decide where to place a book and how to publicise/market it.

Discoverability: An increasing number of readers search on-line for their next read and it is these codes that determine whether, and if so, where, a book will show up in a search. If there is no code, or an incorrect code, discoverability will be dramatically diminished. With hundreds of thousands of books being self-published each year, discoverability is a major issue.

Publicity: Some publishers, retailers and on-line search engines will, when someone searches a specific genre or subject, also draw in and display details of similar books based upon the BISAC. A very welcome additional ‘free’ opportunity for authors.

Allocating the correct code(s) is important for ALL authors whether; established; traditionally published; new; unknown or self-published. For example: If an author is known for writing thrillers but decides in a new book to include a fantasy aspect and perhaps a detective they can expand the book’s discoverability by including appropriate additional codes. Naturally, and probably by default, they will include the BISAC for thriller, which their established fans will appreciate. However, as they are already known for thrillers this is unlikely to impact upon visibility or purchases. By including appropriate codes for fantasy and detective the book’s discoverability is increased because it will now show up in searches of those genre as well as thriller.

Roundup

BISACs are crucial. Without them a book’s genre and subject matter are indiscernible.

Note: Though utilized by a broad spectrum of users BISACs are primarily identified as applying to North America. Some territories utilize different identifiers e.g. BIC (Book Industry Communication). Again this is a Subject Classification System that incorporates Standard Subject Categories. BIC is a United Kingdom (UK) organisation biased toward the UK market. However, the system has been adopted by other nations e.g. Australia, Sweden, Spain, Russia etc. Essentially this, and other variations, are identical to the BISAC system though terminology may vary slightly e.g. BISAC has ‘HISTORY’ as its own header whereas under the BIC system history is a sub-category of ‘HUMANITIES’. In no way is one system inferior to the other.

It is vital correct codes are allocated. It will also help authors if as full a range as possible are allocated. For example, Random House had a strong selling book that had the BISAC for ‘FICTION/General’. However, though it was already a strong seller, when they changed the BISAC to ‘FICTION/Suspense’ sales increased fifty-five percent.

There is a more that could be discussed but this is only intended to be an introductory overview. The aim is to help independent self-publishing authors understand the how, why and importance of BISACs.

FREE! & DISCOUNTED!

[image error]Temporary Post

This is Smashwords 2017 Promotional Week (5 – 11 March 2017 inclusive).

Smashwords is an excellent ‘free’ self-publishing system open to all. It is also very reader friendly. For those interested, there will be a ‘Publishing with Smashwords’ post soon. This will provide an overview of how to utilise the system, similar to the ‘Publishing with CreateSpace’ and ‘Publishing with Kindle’ posts already published.

In the meantime, readers of this post may be interested to know about the following offers:

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Tears of Innocence will be FREE all week.

Link to where book may be obtained free.

 

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Negative Beauty will be discounted to ONLY $1.00 all week.

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Formats: All formats are available including .mobi; .e-pub; .epb; etc.

Synopsis’s: Displayed on book pages and available on the ‘Books’ page of this website.

Smashwords Author Profile.

Note: This is a temporary post. It will be removed once the offer period has ended (midnight Saturday 11 March 2017).

Out of the Shoebox by Yaron Reshef

[image error]Straight off the reader is drawn into this tale that is remarkably well written considering it has been translated from Hebrew. It is described as ‘An Autobiographical Mystery’ but is in fact a combination of autobiography, biography and memoir.

It all starts when the author is informed about a possible inheritance he had no knowledge of. This sends him on a journey of discovery that would last a year and a half. A journey during which he will discover much about his family, their friends and acquaintances. During which he will discover unpleasant, upsetting facts and will be led to destinations never before considered. Yes, it is an ‘adventure’ and in many ways a ‘mystery’ tour. His mother had been reticent about the old days, the memories too painful, so his knowledge of events had been limited. Now he would discover far more than he anticipated or expected possible.

The accounts of how he researched and discovered various details and the assistance he received from public organisations are engaging in themselves. The issues and matters slowly uncovered are even more so. The reader is effortlessly carried along looking forward to what would come to light next. The book provides a combination of interesting social, world and personal histories. Though most will have some knowledge of the world events covered, this account provides a far more ‘human’ insight and understanding.

The holocaust forms an important part of this tale; many of the author’s ancestors and their friends were victims. However, the book is about more than that and the author sensibly spares the reader too many horrific details. Nevertheless, an interesting element in the book is the inclusion of extracts from an aunt’s diary, kept in a note book while hiding from the Nazi’s. Not only will the reader sense the understandable concern but will also be shown how human nature can still be mean and uncaring even in the midst of such dreadful circumstances. Even when there is a common enemy.

It would be unfair to both author and potential reader to go into too much further detail. Suffice it to say the reader accompanies the author on an interesting and informative journey. Understandably, the journey is an emotional one for the author with which the reader may empathise. There is one point, earlier in the book, when, so as to set context and relationships, there is a sort of family tree. Some may find this a little tedious and even perhaps uninteresting. Nevertheless, it is a necessary part of any such family history.

Though the book may not appeal to all readers of autobiography, biography or memoir or general readers of mixed genre, it is well written and, as already said, draws the reader in and along. Four stars (4*).

Available in paperback, e-book and audio formats.

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