T.R. Robinson's Blog, page 33

Why Memoirs?

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As stated on the home page and in the various banners one purpose of this website, though not the only, is ‘To help readers find interesting and enjoyable books’. To this end book reviews are frequently posted. Though these cross a variety of genre the majority fall within memoir, biography or autobiography. Some surveys have indicated, within non-fiction, biography to be one of the most popular genre.

To gain a better understanding on this topic it may help to view it from two aspects: What motivates an author to write a memoir? And What motivates a reader to read a memoir?

What motivates an author to write a memoir?

Some may consider a memoir/autobiography author to be arrogant: Why else would they think anyone would be interested in their story? The truth is most authors, no matter the genre they write in, are shy, introverted people who seek to avoid public exposure. The very thought causes them to cringe. Nevertheless, in the case of memoir, most consider their tale is one that needs to be told. Why? What are the reasons these normally shy and withdrawn people chose to write a memoir?

They do not want their story to be lost to the sands of time.
For history (family, national, world): each person’s tale is unique.
To add to societies knowledge base.
By way of example.
To assist those facing similar situations and circumstances.
For inspiration: If they can achieve what they have, so may others.
To help them come to terms with their own life: writing can be a cathartic experience.
Create understanding of how decisions made affect lives. Sometimes, it is only seeing these matters in writing that brings comprehension.

What motivates a reader to read a memoir?

Natural interest in famous or public figures.
Enjoy scandal and gossip.
Learn how high profile people have got where they are.
Like to ‘peep’ behind the curtain.
Wish to understand the past. As someone said ‘Our future is based in our past’.
Inspiration: ‘If they can do it so can I’.
Find some basis for their own hopes and aspirations.
Need heroes.
Just plain inquisitive.

Famous and public figures have been mentioned above and certainly there will always be an interest in their lives. But, what about the ‘ordinary’ ‘Joe public’ person? Why are their memoirs of any interest?

The reader is more easily able to identify with them rather than a public figure.
Situations and circumstances are more down to earth.
Success is usually gained through self-effort without a supportive group.
To witness the resilience of the human spirit.
To learn how they may also succeed or escape a given situation.
Fact is often more dramatic than fiction.

Conclusion

The advent of multiple, easy to use, self-publishing platforms has resulted in a plethora of memoirs. Some are well written, others are not. The latter have discouraged some readers. Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, ‘Biography’ remains a very popular genre.

Everyone has a tale to tell. Some may be ‘ordinary’ but others may be both amazing and dreadful. Whatever the circumstance all have something to impart. Nevertheless, should everyone write and publish a memoir? That has to be down to the individual. Should they choose to do so, they will need to carefully consider their motivation – What is it they wish to impart? Why should their tale be told? They need to appreciate writing a book is not a quick or always easy pastime. In fact, it is not a ‘pastime’. They need to understand the necessity for dedicating considerable time, effort and concentration to the project. Some must be prepared to relive experiences they would prefer to forget or at least consign to the back of their minds. Also, if they intend to self-publish, as most do, they must accept there is a lot more to publishing a book than simply writing it.

For the reader there are a lot of interesting facts, experiences and insights. It is very true that fact can be, and often is, far more dramatic than fiction. Of course, they may also find inspiration, encouragement and help for their own situations. The range of memoirs available is as diverse as the authors themselves. Some will have the reader crying, others laughing, others will astound, others will surprise.

Memoirs, autobiographies and biographies will always exist in one form or another. Society would be the poorer without them. Of course, not everyone is interested in reading these nevertheless, they do provide an invaluable insight into the history and progress of mankind generally as well as into individual cultures. Hopefully, understanding the motivations and attitudes of individuals as well as of public bodies, governments, etc. will lead to increased tolerance and broader acceptance.

Amie: An African Adventure by Lucinda E Clarke

[image error]From the start readers will recognise this author has an excellent command of words. The way the scenes, emotions, tensions, etc. are conveyed draws the reader in enabling them to easily visualise the situations, disappointments, apprehensions and fears the protagonist, Amie, encounters and experiences. Occasionally it may appear the author is going to go into too much detail however, she never does. The information provided enables the reader to fully comprehend what is happening without every minute and unnecessary aspect or detail being drawn out. The reader is never left wondering. The words more than paint a picture.

It is sometimes possible to mistake this for a memoir, which it is not. For example, the disappointment felt on a family visit is heartfelt and realistically imparted. The author is evidently an acute observer of people and life. It is also clear she has drawn upon her own experiences.

It would be unfair to potential readers to say too much about the story. Basically, the tale is about Amie’s unexpected move to an African country. It describes the very different society she moved to together with the accepted attitudes, practices and workings. The cultural shock to Amie is readily apparent. The quality of the writing is such that the reader is able to visualise themselves in the township as well as in the surrounding savannah (countryside). The whole tale is remarkably well presented, enjoyable and exciting.

Anyone the least bit interested in Africa as a continent and in African life would find this an interesting and informative read. Lucinda Clarke lived in Africa for many years and has readily and clearly conveyed what it is like to be a resident. For those who have no particular interest in Africa this remains an enjoyable and diverting read, an adventure to enjoy.

The story does have an unexpected and dramatic twist which will cause the reader to hold their breath at times. It is an engaging read.

This is a very well written tale and merits five stars (5*).

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

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk

One or two spaces?

[image error]Though the debate regarding whether it is correct to enter one or two spaces after a full stop/period appears to have abated, it remains a relevant topic. Perhaps even more so because an increasing amount of retired people have taken to public writing. Also, as explained further down, the subject has an impact upon the readability of books, both physical and digital. Authors need to be fully aware of this.

Historically there has been consistent discussion about which is correct with some even suggesting, and using, three or four spaces. It will help to have some understanding of why the concept of two spaces, in particular, has been largely accepted and adopted as the norm for some time.

Many, incorrectly, consider the advent of manual typewriters to have been the principle motivation for the adoption of two spaces after a full stop/period. However, the truth is, this simply reflected earlier typographical acceptances; two spaces were considered to provide clearer, visible, breaks between sentences. Nevertheless, why did users of manual typewriters decide to adopt the format? Principally because these machines used character monospacing. This is where each and every character is given equal spacing no matter the actual width of the character. As a result, a lot of white space was left between each letter making it harder to detect where one sentence ended and another began. Naturally, this impacted, negatively, upon the reading experience.

When electric typewriters and computers came into use proportional typesetting was adopted. This is where the spacing for each character is determined by the actual width of the individual character. For example, the thinner ones such as ‘I’ or ‘1’ where given less space than the broader ‘W’ or ‘M’. This provided a far more reader friendly presentation though the continuing use of two spaces after a full stop/period resulted in a visibly larger proportion of white. It was subsequently found only inserting one space markedly improved the reading experience and was therefore adopted by many, though not all, as the norm.

For authors a principle factor in determining the correct method, assuming they are not prepared to simply accept the general trend at face value, is how text looks in book print format. ‘Book print’ does not just mean physical books it is equally, if not more, relevant to digital books. Why? In book publishing, physical and digital, ‘justified’ formatting is often used within which spacing becomes an important issue. To have additional, unnecessary spaces, can and usually does impact upon appearance and readability. Besides there being too much white in both presentations, the formatting of digital books tends to be thrown out generally creating a very ugly appearance. In a very competitive market these aspects are important. If a reader cannot enjoy their read, they are very unlikely to either complete or recommend a book. Bear in mind mouth to mouth recommendations can make or break the success of a book or author. Neither are they likely to purchase another book by the same author or from the same publisher.

The aspect of retirees taking up writing was mentioned earlier. No doubt many where taught and brought up to always insert two spaces at the end of a sentence. To them it is the only correct method. However, as indicted above this is no longer accepted as being so and needs to be taken on board by all writers and authors. Some, not just retirees, will no doubt, and do, continue to argue two spaces is the only correct method. Some may even feel offended by the insistence for only entering one space, considering it a further example of society abandoning ‘correct’ grammar principles. Nevertheless, they do need to take on board the aspect of presentation and readability, especially when so much is now produced in digital, electronic formats where the aspect of spacing is of particular importance.

Bitter Memories by Sue Julsen

[image error]Once read, most reader’s will undoubtedly consider the author to be a very brave woman. To put these experiences into writing, let alone publishing them for all the world to see, must have taken considerable courage. Readers should know, when initially writing and publishing this book, the author chose to conceal her own and other’s identities; ‘To protect the innocent and the guilty’. Nevertheless, she has subsequently been brave enough to reveal her identity by publishing photographs of herself. This woman’s courage has to be admired: how many others would have been prepared to take such a step?

This memoir comprises accounts of how the author was kidnapped by her own father, twice! On the first occasion her family and the authorities managed to quickly retrieve her. However, and regrettably, the father learnt from his first attempt. When taking her again, at the age of three, he changed tactics and escaped from the area undetected. From here on the reader is given insight into the awful and heartrending circumstances this innocent child endured as well as the horrible and difficult situations and treatment she would be subjected to for the following seven years:

Initially her father’s abuse consisted of virtually starving her though he ensured he had enough for himself.
For several years they spent most of their life in the car driving from one state to another, presumably to avoid the authorities.
He made her steal items he could sell.
Within a short period, the abuse took on more traditional forms: teaching her how to service and satisfy him.
In time this abuse extended to other acts and allowing others to ‘use’ her.
He often went off with women leaving his very young daughter alone in the car, without food or bathroom facilities.
Occasionally they stayed with a variety of women but some of these also proved unpleasant and cruel.

Events did change and appeared to promise a better life but more heartache and sadness were to follow.

In the opening chapters the author has done an excellent job of capturing how a two and three years old will talk. The reader does ‘hear’ a child’s voice in their mind, despite the occasional adult word, which can occasionally throw them off. Nevertheless, in the subsequent chapters the reader needs to constantly remind themselves this is a very young child they are ‘listening’ to; the language becomes increasingly adult in style. In fairness it must be pointed out this phraseology is what the little girl heard all the time and consequently, to her was ‘normal’ language. It would help if there was an occasional reminder of the girl’s age: after mentioning how old she was when kidnapped her age is not mentioned again until nine. Of course there is also the fact, although not referred to, many young people, who have been subjected to such traumatic events, grow up very quickly and will talk and consider life in a far more mature manner than would be expected from their years.

Another aspect, which would have been useful to the reader, is to know what the father’s motivation had been for kidnapping his daughter. Was it:

to hurt his wife;
to have someone to dominate, control, abuse;
because he actually had a deep down, if warped, love for his daughter;
because he was a paedophile?

Perhaps it was a combination of all or some of the above.

In the epilogue there is a one-off slight suggestion that he did these things to hurt his wife but the point is not clear. The author has published further books and it may well be the answers to these questions are contained therein.

The author must be commended on how, despite having to write about horrific and unwonted sexual abuse, she conveys the facts. She does this in a manner that, without being over explicit, leaves the reader in no doubt as to what had been going on. The book rightly carries the warnings: “Adult language and graphic content” and “Not suitable for children”, which it is not.

On top of everything else the author also suffered a multiple personality, presumably her mind’s way of dealing with the experiences, with not just one but four different characters. Without this defence mechanism she probably would not have remained sane, if she survived at all. She is to be congratulated upon how well these multiple personalities are conveyed to the reader. It must have been very confusing for her as a child; adults suffering such find it difficult enough. When reading these passages, the reader may sometimes get a little muddled with who is whom however, this confusion helps them comprehend a little of what the author was experiencing.

This is a very emotional read and in no way can it be described as pleasant. It is difficult, due to the content, to settle on an overall rating nevertheless, four stars (4*) seems appropriate.

The subject of this book is something all should be aware of and is recommended to everyone. It would also help those who have suffered similarly to know they are not alone and to see, the ‘victim’ in this tale has survived and they may also.

More information about Sue Julsen and her books may be found in her website. http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen

The book is available as a paperback; as an e-book and as an audiobook.

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

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Are ISBNs still relevant?

ISBNs came into wide usage in 1970. They are used for most text based products such as books; pamphlets; audio books; maps and mixed media where most of the content is text based.

Who uses them?

Publishers;
Bookshops;
Wholesalers;
Distributors;
Libraries;
Commercial Organisations;
Academic Organisations.

What are they used for?

To manage all stages of a book’s process.
Metadata collation.
Cataloguing.
Ordering.
Listing.
Stock Control.
Sales analysis.

What do they do?

They identify:

Book Publisher.
Language or publisher’s place of business (country).
Title.
Edition.
Format: e.g. Hardback; Paperback; E-Book; etc. (Note: Not all formats require an ISBN i.e. Kindle editions. These are distinguished by the equivalent of an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number). However, an author may choose to allocate an ISBN if they wish, either upon initial publication or subsequently.

Why are they popular?

They provide a Unique Global Identifier (used in over 200 countries).
Identifies the publisher:

(N.B.1: Self-publishing authors need to be aware; if they use a free ISBN offered, for         example, by CreateSpace they give up the right to be identified as the publisher. May be disappointing but for many cost is an issue.)

(N.B.2: If they wish to sell the same edition of the book elsewhere, they will need to         obtain a separate ISBN that they will have to pay for).

Assists with stock control.
Can be turned into a barcode.
Helps sales analysis.

Why have some people started to question the value of ISBNs?

Abuse: Because ISBNs are easy to use there has been some abuse. For example, some companies have used them for non-text based products such as T-shirts and toys. In addition, some governments use them as a means of censorship.


Digital publishing: ISBNs may be used for digital publications and in fact it would be preferable to do so. Nevertheless, some publishers e.g. Amazon, to name but one, have chosen to use their own identifiers which cannot be used in the general supply chain. Consequently, they are only relevant within the publisher’s own organisation/site; ‘walled garden’. Neither can they be used for sales analysis meaning the e-book market cannot be properly assessed. Of course, an author may have an ISBN allocated to their e-books but this brings up the matter of cost.


Serialisation: The breaking down of a tale or book into separate stories or into parts. If the publisher or author wishes these smaller elements to go into the general supply chain (why would they not), an ISBN will have to be allocated to EACH part. With all the different formats now available publishers are concerned what impact allocating an ISBN to each element will have.


Sales Analysis: As already mentioned the introduction of individual identifiers by companies like Amazon, means those trying to assess the e-book market are unable to gain accurate statistical information. Analysts could make an educated guess but that would be less than satisfactory as there is no real, supportable, evidence. This is certainly a flaw that should be addressed.

Conclusion

ISBNs are a valuable asset and should be used for all formats and editions of books. Nevertheless, for most authors, especially self-publishing ones, cost is an issue. In some countries an author is able to obtain a block of ten ISBNs free however, most have to purchase them at no mean cost. Consequently, a majority avail themselves of the free ones offered by companies like CreateSpace for their print editions and accept the in-house identifiers for other formats. Both mean the company is identified as the publisher rather than the author.

It would be useful if the cost of an ISBN could be lowered or annulled and legislation passed, in all countries, requiring all text based material have an ISBN allocated. This would facilitate discoverability, ordering, stock control and sales analysis. It would also be useful if the ISBN system where enhanced to enable copyright registration. The current system in most countries tends to be rather hit and miss and if a claim has to be made, the legal costs are way outside the means of most authors. The provision of such a system as suggested above should make it easier for authors to identify where plagiarism has taken place. There are patent registries so why not have one for copyright? For those based in The United States of America there is the Library of Congress system however, it is understood this is still not really full proof.

From whatever point the subject is viewed, it is fairly safe to say the ISBN system is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, it will be enhanced to cover all aspects and to provide the necessary, and merited, protection authors deserve.

Charles Dickens – A Life by Claire Tomalin

[image error]Most readers will acknowledge Claire Tomalin to be a brave lady to have undertaken the writing of this further biography of such a well-documented and loved author and man. Certainly the book has been superbly researched and brings out much many readers would have been unaware of. Many where brought up to view Charles Dickens in a slightly romanticised way, as the great novelist and popular man of his age. This biography however, brings home the reality in a very honest and uncompromising manner. Some will no doubt feel a little disappointed by the factual uncovering but in truth the book is the richer for it.

The reader is given insight into a very human man who had both his strengths and weaknesses. He was obviously a tenacious person: extricating himself from the poverty trap he was born into; achieving a good income through long hours of hard work; continuing to write and give public readings despite chronic illnesses and pain. Unusually, as the reader is clearly shown, he became popular and admired during his own lifetime. This is the more surprising because, as is well known, he was critical of the social attitudes of highly placed individuals and families as well as of government. This, naturally, made him popular with the downtrodden citizens of the time. Nonetheless, it is surprising he was never overtly persecuted by the authorities. Perhaps they rightly recognised such a move could be counterproductive. There had also been the prevalent and very real concern the ethos of the French Revolution may cross the English Channel with consequent results. To alienate the common citizen was the last thing the authorities would want to chance.

Claire Tomalin also draws out how much he enjoyed male company and really did not understand women. The latter is depicted, rather deplorably, by how he treated his wife and in his management of the other women in his life, even those he cared about and loved. He seems to rarely have considered their needs, comfort or desires, always assuming his decisions and choices were unarguably the right ones. The reader is also shown his tendency to treat colleagues, friends and employees in similar manner, frequently displaying an intolerance that boarded upon down right rudeness and arrogance. Many put up with this because of their love for him but once anyone got on his wrong side, including his own children, there had been no going back; he could be quite unforgiving. Of course, it has to be accepted this is the other side of a tenacious and stubborn temperament but that after all is what really enabled him to succeed.

Other aspects of the man drawn out by the author are: his prolific and agile mind that resulted in so many novels; newspaper and magazine articles; management, ownership and editing of newspapers and magazines; his American Letters (recording his experiences and observations from visits to that country); the writing of plays; his love of theatre often acting himself; his prolific letter writing. Thankfully many of his letters have survived from which Claire Tomalin includes quotes and gathers incidental and supportive information.

An aspect of the man not perhaps generally known, and drawn out in this biography, was how physically active he was. He openly stated his need of exercise to enable him to write and complained, whenever confined by illness, his mind was fogged and he could not write well. He also believed regular sexual activity necessary for a man’s health, evidenced by his numerous children. His restless nature also resulted in a constant change of residence and in regular travelling.

Some of the incidents recorded in this worthwhile book imply Dickens was to some degree insecure within himself. After his separation and in some ways cruel treatment of Catherine, his wife, he regularly seeks to justify his behaviour even to the extent of affectively fabricating circumstances. Another aspect tending to reveal this insecurity is his instance upon giving, in later life, numerous public readings despite frequently suffering considerable pain and poor health. He appeared to need the ‘adoration’ of his public; as long as people loved him he seemed content.

The biography clearly draws out Dickens’s very mixed character. The reader is shown how intolerant, cruel and unforgiving he could be but is also shown the other side of his character. He could be generous and frequently sought to help the less well off or troubled. He was often involved with, if not the instigator of, charitable works. This side of his character became even more evident after his death when details of how he provided for many friends, colleagues and employees and their dependents were revealed.

Claire Tomalin brings all these diverse characteristics and events to light in a most readable and interesting biography. She, as one commentator says, also brings to life those personalities and characters who surrounded the great man, giving sufficient detail to understand how they interacted with Dickens and why he liked them but not so much as to detract from the central theme of the book.

In places too many events are thrown together which tends to leave the reader feeling breathless. In addition, some are occasionally repeated. It is evident this has been done for chronological reasons but some readers may find it a little irritating. The author acknowledges that in some places there are perhaps too many facts given simultaneously. However, this was due to the unusual circumstance of someone having found Dickens’s note book that he had lost in America. Many previously unknown facts have been gathered from this.

This biography merits and incontrovertible five stars (5*).

The book is available in a number of formats and from various retailers.

A search of ‘Charles Dickens – A Life’ will produce a comprehensive list of retailers.

As many readers utilize Amazon for their purchases the following direct links are provided:

Amazon.com                 Amazon.co.uk

A Beginners Guide to Marketing

[image error]As implied by the heading this is intended for new and inexperienced authors. It primarily constitutes an overview of the subject.

Whether liked or not, the writing and publishing of a book are simply the first steps in an author’s career. They may well groan and consider after having spent endless hours pondering, structuring, creating and getting their masterpiece published, they have done their job, completed their task. But the truth of the matter is they have not.

Rather naively many, if not most, new authors expect their first book to sale of its own accord. They think the simple fact of it being included in Amazon’s and/or other retailer’s listings: ‘Would surely be sufficient to alert readers to this ‘must read’ book’. ‘Surely readers have been waiting for it!’ ‘It will make me a best-selling author in no time!’ However, the reality hits home rather quickly; they will come to realise how ‘green’ they have been. The only saving grace is, they are not and never have been alone. Several ‘further along the line’ authors share how they also held similar assumptions when first setting out. However, the truth is: How will readers know a book exists unless they are told?

These days, it makes little difference whether a book has been self-published, vanity press published (mostly small independent publishing companies), or traditionally published i.e. by one of the big four such as Penguin Random House. Whoever the publisher, the author will be required to heavily participate in the marketing of their creation. Naturally, if self-published the complete task falls to the author.

What does it mean to market something?

What is marketing? A daft question perhaps but not everyone has the same comprehension of the term. At its simplest to ‘market’ something is to advertise or offer for sale some item. In this case a book or books.

Before continuing: This post is primarily directed at new authors who do not have the resources to employ a marketing or PR (Public Relations) expert or company. And also to those who may have the resources but prefer to undertake the task themselves. As this guide relates to individuals undertaking the task, it, by default, will primarily refer to social media and personal websites and blogs. If an author does not already have a social media presence, they will need, at the very least, to set up accounts with the most popular sites of Facebook and Twitter. This is best done prior to publishing thereby providing opportunities for readers to get to know them beforehand. To suddenly appear and ask people to part with their money for something unknown rarely works.

So how does an author go about marketing their book? What elements are involved?

The following are suggested as necessary starting points:

Define goals.
Have a plan.
Content.
Distribution.

Define goals

‘If you do not have a target, you will never hit it.’ Unknown quote.

In other words, if an author does not have a goal they will never know if they have scored or missed.

Undoubtedly, an author’s primary aim is to get readers to buy their book but there are steps they need to take to achieve that.

Goals are very much an individual matter though it is possible to generalise in some circumstances. But in the end it is the author THEMSELVES who must decide upon what they want to achieve. The following are just some possible examples:

Build number of Facebook ‘Friends’ and ‘Likes’.
Boost Twitter following.
Extend the number of visitors to their blog/website.
Grow a list of e-mail addresses (assuming their website/blog has the facility).
Obtain author interviews.
Obtain reviews.
Etc.

Of course this is by no means a comprehensive list. Much will depend upon which sites the author uses regularly and upon their own specific goals.

Have a plan

Considered suggestions are to have a twelve months marketing plan in place. Authors may feel this is a lot to ask but there are advantages.

They will be able to prepare their marketing to take advantage of such things as: Public Holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving; Christmas; Easter; Saints Days; Other religious celebrations; Fiestas; Carnivals; etc.). International Celebrations (e.g. Olympics; World War I or II commemorations; Women’s Days; Cancer Days; etc.). Seasonal Changes (i.e. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) which may provide openings for different themes.


Relieves the pressure on them by having a ready stock of posts, articles, topics and so on. Some even have a ready supply of Tweets filed away.


Facilitates the organisation required for book signings; giveaways; blog tours etc. These can become quite stressful if they are conducted under short time constraints.


Aids planning ahead for the publication of new books.

Again this is by no means exhaustive. It is simply intended to give some idea of the benefits of forward planning.

Content

Having the right content is crucial. Marketing needs to be relevant to both the product and to the people the author is trying to attract.

Will it answer their visitor’s/audience’s questions?
Is it entertaining?
Is it educational?
Does it meet a need their visitors/audience may have?

This may sound like pampering to people’s self-interest but in this context is not wrong. After all readers are being asked to part with their hard earned money. They need to know whether the book contains anything of interest to them.

How can an author determine what would meet the above criteria?

What is the primary aim or purpose of their book/product/website/blog? Books are primarily under discussion here but the principles apply to most marketing, whatever the product.


If a book is principally for the readers’ entertainment, is there something in it that may be relevant to their own lives?


They should listen to on-going conversations e.g. what are people talking about in their Facebook posts or Tweets or in other social media comments. What is attracting general attention on the internet or in the news?


Who are the primary users of specific sites? For example; the majority of Goodreads users appear to be women with college age children: suggested round eighty percent. Content needs to be relevant to them as well as others.


Who are the target audience? (Whose attention is an author trying to gain?)


Whether liked or not, and in all honesty most have to admit to occasionally being the same, most people want to know: ‘What is in it for me?’ They want to know they are paying for something relevant and worthwhile. It could be as simple as just wanting a good, entertaining read but it could be more complex.

As with most lists this one is not comprehensive. Nevertheless, it hopefully provides some ideas and will help authors determine their content.

Distribution

Having made the effort and taken the time to write their content authors need to get it ‘out there’.  How?

Some suggestions:

Utilize what they have prepared across all social media sites e.g. in Facebook posts; Twitter tweets; Comments; Promotions. They should remember, if permitted by the site, to include a link back to their content: website; blog; book retail site (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk. Smashwords, iBooks etc.).


Participate in ‘relevant’ discussions; ensuring what they have to say is actually relevant and on topic. They need to avoid being self-centred; they may want to talk about their book all the time but by doing so will put people off. If their book contains nothing of relevance to the topic they should not mention it. May still be worthwhile joining in, if it is about something they have some knowledge of or have an interest in. It helps to let people know who they are as an individual. Warning: They must ensure what they share is irrelevant, otherwise they may well, and rightly, be accused of spamming and could end up being banned.


If they have built an e-mail address list: e-mail the post, article, details with a link back to somewhere appropriate. This should usually only be to those who have voluntarily signed-up for receipt of newsletters or e-mails.


Try and get others e.g. social media contacts, to share their content with their own followers and friends. But they should not be pressured: many will naturally share if they find what has been written helpful or interesting.


Use appropriate words to facilitate SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). This is not always an easy matter. They should consider the words they use when searching the internet for a specific topic or book. They should also take note of words used by others, especially any authors they follow or like. Naturally, the words used must relate to their book and content.

Conclusion

Basically authors should, to efficiently market their books, have a defined goal, a marketing plan, good relevant content and a viable means of distributing the information to interested parties.

 

Sleeping with the Blackbirds by Alex Pearl

[image error]Please note: this book is classified as ‘YA’ (Young Adult), which is an unusual review genre for this website.

It may help comprehension of subsequent comments and observations if the official synopsis is set out first.

‘About Sleeping with the Blackbirds:

Eleven-year-old schoolboy, Roy Nuttersley has been dealt a pretty raw deal. While hideous parents show him precious little in the way of love and affection, school bullies make his life a misery. So Roy takes comfort in looking after the birds in his suburban garden, and in return the birds hatch a series of ambitious schemes to protect their new friend.

As with the best-laid plans, however, these get blown completely off course – and as a result the lives of both Roy and his arch tormentor, Harry Hodges are turned upside down. While Harry has a close encounter with God, Roy embarks on a voyage of discovery that draws in and impacts on everyone around him, including the local police, his headmaster and the national media. Where will it all end, and will life ever be quite the same for Roy Nuttersley?’

The story contains a vast mixture of emotions and experiences and does an excellent job of showing how bad parenting may impact upon a child. The reader is given a sense of; how a child may feel; how they will try to find ways for dealing with their situation; the sorrow they experience when little comforts are destroyed or removed by the very people they are doing their best to cope with. The reader cannot help sympathising with the protagonist; Roy Nuttersley. They will admire his character and ‘secretly’ hope and encourage him to succeed. They may well find themselves laughing, cheering, crying and jumping for joy as Roy faces the vast range of experiences and challenges which assail him.

As the synopsis indicates, besides having to cope with his parents, Roy is also bullied. The emotions accompanying these experiences: fear; despair; acceptance of the ‘inevitable’; seeking refuge/escape while knowing it is unlikely to be achieved, are clearly brought out. The accounts are vivid, not only causing the reader to commiserate but to also become enraged with the bullies, particularly Harry Hodges, the ring leader. The author attempts to balance the facts by also delving into the bullies’ backgrounds, seeking to understand and explain their behaviour. This is an intelligent approach that is rarely seen and should be appreciated. There is no attempt to turn this into an exegesis on the subject; the information is simply included as a, relevant, part of the tale. Evidently the author’s aim is to help his own children, for whom the book was originally written, understand the world they would be living in as well as to seek to understand and empathise with other people’s life conditions. Naturally, an unsympathetic background is never a valid excuse but such understandings help put matters into context. The author also shows how an act of kindness, when least expected or deserved, may alter someone’s perspective. The story progresses at a good pace and, despite having moral lessons discreetly imbedded within, remains entertaining throughout. There is no attempt or intent to labour moral points or turn the book into a lecture.

In addition to the ‘factual’ accounts there is a fantasy element to this story: The Birds. The protagonist’s fascination with and kindness to them results in a camaraderie, though he may not recognise it. The author, whether an ornithologist or not, draws out the various bird’s reactions and behaviours in a very entertaining manner. The reader will undoubtedly laugh at some of their antics and cheer them on as they already have Roy. The lengths they go to in helping their friend, and themselves, are sometimes quite hilarious. In all parts the author paints a vivid picture that is easy to imagine. Is there ultimate success? The reader will have to find out for themselves.

The ending is unexpected and simply adds another delightful element to the book. It would be unfair to potential readers to give further details. Whether or not ‘YA’ is a reader’s normal genre most, young or old, will enjoy this story to some degree. It is well written and well told.

Four stars (4*).

The book is available in paperback and as an e-book from Amazon.

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk

Review and Interview Policy

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Visitors to this website and the integrated blog will have noted a number of book reviews and a few author interviews are incorporated. To avoid any misunderstanding or confusion the policies by which these are selected are detailed below.

 

Book Reviews

Due to many demands there is less time available for reading than would be liked. This also means it can take several months to complete a book, even a short one. Consequently, choice of reading material has to be circumspect.

Preferred genres:

Memoir.
Autobiography.
Biography.
Biographical Fiction.
Psychological fiction.
Some adventure.
Some suspense.
Some mystery.

Note: T. R. Robinson’s own writing primarily falls within the memoir, autobiography and biographical fiction genres. Hence the preference for those genres.

Excluded genres:

Erotica. (Never!).
Most Romance.
Most Science-Fiction.
Anything containing over graphic sex scenes.
Anything containing over graphic violence.
Anything containing excessive bad (strong) language.

Publisher preference:

Self-published books are generally, though not exclusively, given priority.

Traditionally published authors, though required to undertake some publicity and marketing themselves, have the weight of the publisher’s mechanisms behind them. Independent (indie) authors do not have such an advantage and are therefore required, unless they have the means to pay excessive amounts, to undertake all publicity and marketing upon themselves. It is considered only right and fair that independent authors support each other as much as they can. Of course, as far as possible, this should be reciprocal.

Interviews

Interviews are by invitation only.
Only authors who have had at least one book reviewed in this website will be invited.
Lists of questions will be provided.

Submissions

Bearing in mind the above criteria; requests for book reviews may be submitted using the form on the ‘Contact’ page of this website or by e-mail.

Please Note: There is a constant backlog. Consequently, if a book is accepted for review, it may be considerable time before the review is published. Please also note: all reviews will be honest; this is not the place to expect, anticipate or demand an unwarranted high rating.

Author’s will be informed, and provided with the url, once a review is available.

Please do not waste time by requesting to be interviewed; as mentioned above these are by invitation only.

Seesaw Volume I by Rosen Trevithick

[image error]This first collection of short stories by Rosen Trevithick is very readable. Containing both longer and shorter stories it has something for everyone and for every time slot. Whether a reader is looking for: a quick lunchtime read; something to while away a tedious journey; a distraction while awaiting a medical or dental appointment; etc., they are likely to find something to suit within this anthology.

Reviews should never contain spoilers (unfair to both author and potential readers) nevertheless, it may help to provide some idea regarding the content of a few of these tales. It has to be acknowledged in reading of these diverse stories it rapidly becomes evident the author is creative, insightful, honest and an acute observer of life and has an excellent sense of humour.

The Other Daughter and The Other Mother: Both are sensitively written drawing out the difficult and varied emotions of all participants. Such an understanding of people’s inner fears, hopes and frustrations is remarkable. Though fictional the reader is left with a sense the author must have known at least one person who has undergone such experiences. These are heart rending tales but nevertheless, remain readable.

On the Rocks and The Selfish Act: These are insightful, honest and moving. They depict the frustration, limitations and fears serious illness can cause. The highs and lows, the fears and uncertainties, the trauma and subsequent respite are all conveyed in a clear, readable and entertaining manner. Again, though fictional, there is a strong sense of the autobiographical/biographical.

Introducing Boris: For any budding authors this is a great introduction to the art of developing a story. For example: How to introduce the protagonist(s) at the start of a tale is dealt with.

The remainder of the stories fluctuate between fear, fun, psychology and insight. Some are really funny and prove that life may often be more bizarre than fiction. Occasionally, though rarely, the reader may be able to develop some idea of where the story is going but is held in suspense, having to wait until the end to see if they were correct.

Rosen Trevithick has a wonderful command of words and conveys clearly and easily a multitude of different emotions, scenes, situations and circumstances. There is humour, sorrow, frustration, fear, depression, uncertainty, love, commitment, re-direction and joy all of which come across in a manner easy to assimilate and identify with. The reader will admire her talent and proficiency.

Four stars (4*) for the book as a whole.

The book is available in paperback and as an e-book.

Amazon.com                  Amazon.co.uk

It may also be purchased from Rosen Trevithick’s own website: http://www.rosentrevithick.co.uk

As indicated earlier, Rosen is a prolific writer. Besides ‘Seesaw Volume II’ and a number of other adult books she has also written a number of successful children’s books. All are available from Amazon and Rosen Trevithick’s website.