Everly’s Comments (group member since Oct 14, 2011)

Everly’s comments from the Connecting Readers and Writers group.

Someone brought this up to me, and I thought it was a great idea.
So please, tell us a little bit about why you chose to go indie instead of traditional.

I decided to go indie because I am a control freak and didn't want to give up all the control over my work. I come from the film industry and saw too many dreams shattered by big production companies. The other reason I went indie, was because I knew I could sell far fewer books and make more money then people who went traditional.

So, what's your story?

Bryn wrote: "Elle, I didn't know where to ask this, but is there a topic for us to talk about why we went indie? I'm eager to hear people's stories on that. As for me, I'd never heard of indie before December (..."

Great question! I will make a topic for that in the writer section.

Ginger wrote: "Well, I wanted to let you all know that I finished my first book in the Evil Plan plan, went to the bookshelf to choose one for March, and found that the first one had been removed from the shelf. ..."

No, no, Don't worry Ginger. We had some issues with the books on the shelf, some were removed by accident. You did the right thing.Thank you so much for participating! I just read a great book from an author here as well. I am thinking about putting up a category for people to gush about books they really liked from authors on this group.
Thanks again for your participation. Having someone buy and review one of our books is better than presents on your birthday. Wait, my birthday is next week so don't let my husband here me saying that. :)

Allison wrote: "I hope I'm in the right place...

This really isn't a discussion of my book or spamming or anything like that--I would just like to get some opinions and feedback regarding reviews.

What are some..."
I don't consider that spamming at al. This is the exact place to ask that question. I hope someone can give you a good answer, I think we would all like to know.

Ashley wrote: "Hello,
I am an avid reader and mother of two. I joined this group because I read two books by the moderator and loved them! So i thought i would join her group and see what it is all about! I am v..."

Welcome to the group Ashely. Thank you so much for the complement. I am glad you like my books. I really appreciate the support.

We all love something for free right?
Here is where you can post a link to your free books. Feel free to put a short description with your book.

I'll go first:
Here is a link to a free version to the audio book for my new short story Displaced


When Abigail was twelve she discovered something in the woods behind her house; something that would destroy everything it touched. Fifty years later, after America is nothing but a memory, Mr. Brown shows up to interview Abigail in her London home. Haunted by his own terrifying dreams, Mr. Brown must find out why this is all happening and if there is anything they can do to stop it from obliterating human-kind. The conversation that transpires will either be the salvation he is so desperately seeking or the haunting realization that nothing can be done for any of them.

http://ellelapraim.com/books/

Sarah wrote: "I have a romance review blog, and would be interested in reviewig your. PM me or email me scintidam@gmail.com"

God bless you sarah. You make me want to run out and write a romance, just so you can review it. Thank you, in advance, from all the romance writers out there!

Abigail Larson stood at the oversized window in the library of her London manor. It was dusk, a time of day that used to be her favorite—of course, that was before the light from America lit up the sky throughout the night. As she pressed her hand against the glass between her and the white light in the sky, a car appeared by the iron gates at the end of the long driveway. It was an old American Ford from the 2020’s. Abigail smiled to herself; she hadn’t seen one of those since they came out over forty years ago.

Displaced

Patricia wrote: "Gillan wrote: I found that recording the books for an audiobook is really important. There are all sorts of things that you don't really come across until you read things out loud. I don't know if ..."
Yes!I totally agree. I make my computer read my stories back to me. I notice so many mistakes that way. I just recently turned one of my short stories into a free audio book on my website. Having someone else read my work out loud makes me both exited and cringe. There are always things you wish you could change. When I have a ton of money, I am going to pay someone to read my stories back so I can hear how people interpret them. You have to remember everyone's passing is different.

Wow, this thread has really gone off course, and many people seem to have a lot of different opinions. Let's try to stay away from "Shouty capitals" please. Unless you're talking about how wonderful the show Walking Dead is, I don't see a need to shouty capitals.
Thank you everyone for your enthusiasm, but let's all take a deep breath please.

Gillian wrote: "Hi Elle, Sorry to bother you again, but is there a way I can put my two in the young adult section? They are on the shelf, but seem to be in some sort of limbo ... thanks!"

Yes, please put them in the young adult section, that sounds great! Your welcome to put as many of your books there as you like. If you don't see yours in the bookshelf by tomorrow, then put the two back up.

If I took anyone off who contributes regularly, send em a note and let me know.

Since so many people have joined the bookshelf, I realize I have to make some amendments. You may only put two books on the bookshelf for now. If it gets crazy, I may need to bring that down to one. For now, try to choose your best two. I already took several off by the same author. In addition, I am going to remove some people on the bookshelf who I am pretty sure never use this group. I think it is only fair that people who contribute to this group get more priority.
Thanks You,
Elle

I think I am with Patricia on this one. I think it takes a village to raise a novel. It's crazy to think that an author should write a book, edit it, do the cover art and publicize it all by themselves. No one asks a painter to paint a picture and make the frame and then work the front counter at the museum gift shop.
I have a few friends who don't let anyone see their work until it is out on Amazon. They feel like if anyone gives them advice or help, then it is no longer their work. That is just crazy, no CEO of a company does everything themselves. Every successful person has had people help them. That is why humans are pack animals. Bring on the pack!

Sorry am going to get down off my soap box, it is very high up here.

There has been some chatter about whether it is a good idea try turn your book into an audio book or not. No one really seemed to have the answer, so I thought I would give it a try. My latest short story Displaced, was nice and short, so I decided to hire someone to read it as an audio book. I put it on my website as a free download.
http://ellelapraim.com/books/
I have had several people download it. The hope is that if you give them something for free, they will be introduced to your style as an author and want to buy your other work. I just put it up, so I will keep you guys posted on how it goes. I think the narrator did a good job, but of course, it could be better. I think if this is successful, I am going to buy a condenser mic and try to read it myself. I am a huge David Sedaris fan, and he reads his own work. It might turn out awful, but I want to give it a try. That way, I will be the one deciding on passing and voices.
Anyone try doing an audio book yet?

Hello everyone,
I must say how honored I am to have such wonderful people in this group. I appreciate how many of you are willing to spend your time and money on reading and reviewing others work. You all make me smile. Now, a few of you mentioned the issue of not everyone's work getting read. I love that everyone wants it to be fair, that being said, life is not fair. People need to read whatever strikes their fancy. If someone has a great book cover and an interesting book description, then they deserve to have as many people as possible read their book. I for one, have so much work to do that if I am going to take time to read (and I am a very slow reader) it needs to be my choosing and something I am interested in. I appreciate everyone wanting all the members to get a fair shot, but I think just having your book up for people to choose from is a fair shot.

Paula wrote: "Where should we post our reviews?
On amazon?
Here?
On the author's page?
What are the rules?

And what about my claim to the Turks and the Caicos?"

Feel free to review anywhere you want. I know as an author I think Amazon is the most important and then goodreads, or B&N if they have one and you are so inclined. it is really up to you, but I would say at least on Amazon.

Patricia wrote: "Elle, wonderful idea. In fact, some of the best stories I've read in the last month have been self published including yours, G.S. Johnston's, and Ginger's. Mercury Falls, by Robert Kroese is also ..."

Thank you for the support Patricia, I am so glad you liked my book. I think you have done a great job with your blog. Very impressed.

Ginger wrote: "That's fine. Guess it wasn't a stroke after all (HA! HA!) I'm on board and already bought my book. I will go back and delete my suggestions so no one is confused by them."

It was a great idea Ginger, so don't worry. i like people who think outside the box.

Ginger wrote: "Just had a stroke....of GENIUS. We can create a new subcategory on the bookshelf titled EVIL PLAN, and when a person choses a book, all she has to do is click on EDIT and check the box. The author ..."

While I do like your idea of indicating a certain book, I also like the idea that people just picka book that looks good to them. If everyone picks the same book, I would be ok with that because that means that author did a great job of pulling people in. What does everyone else think?