Perpetual (Pro)motion discussion

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message 1: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Elizabeth indicated in the Library (message #3 in Novels) she's happy for us to discuss her book, Lost in Apple Grove, so I thought I'd start with that one. I read it back in March and gave it 4*. Here's my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's a cracking read, and she did go back and give it another proof run (the reason I deducted a star) but I haven't looked at the end result so can't comment on the outcome. I recommend it to you; it's a well-told tale that deals with Alzheimer's and family relationships. I felt great empathy with her characters.
Well done, Elizabeth :)


message 2: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
BTW - the 'I've read' in the topic title doesn't just mean me! Let's all talk.


message 3: by K.A. (new)

K.A. Krisko (kakrisko) I'm thinking of picking this one up after I'm done with The History of the Guillotine - it isn't depressing, is it?


message 4: by [deleted user] (new)

I was just thinking the same thing Kathy!


message 5: by Jay (last edited Jul 09, 2014 07:25AM) (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
K.A. wrote: "I'm thinking of picking this one up after I'm done with The History of the Guillotine - it isn't depressing, is it?"

No, not at all; yes, the MC has trouble differentiating old memories from reality and is confused by life, but she hasn't given up. I loved the ending - but I'm not going to spoil it for you by giving any clues.


message 6: by Jay (last edited Jul 09, 2014 07:24AM) (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Kathy's is another book I can recommend (message #2 in Novels). She gave me an advance copy of AFTERThought to review last December; I didn't know if I'd like it or not as murder stories are not usually my choice. Characters and relationships are what fascinate me and this book delivers that in spades so I thoroughly enjoyed it, 5* rating in fact. Here's my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I now want to read the next part of Addie and Tracy's story, so come on, Kathy, get publishing!


message 7: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Congratulations, Ali, on getting book #2 published. I really enjoyed Conor Kelly and The Fenian King; good luck with it!


message 8: by Jay (last edited Jul 11, 2014 04:14AM) (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Had to laugh at myself - saw the word 'serial' and my undisciplined mind immediately added 'killer'.


message 9: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
I see Kathy's picked up a copy of Conor, Ali - if she loved Narnia she'll love Conor; IMO it's got that same magical, ethereal, 'almost possible' feel.


message 10: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
I've just noticed my reviewing history here - 5*, 5*, 5*

Either I'm getting better in selecting only the good stuff or it's an indication of the quality of work we have in our library. Or both.

I'm looking forward to having some more time free to pick up another couple of books from our members.


message 11: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Hey, Ali, I see you have another fan:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

How's book #3 coming along? I know it's tough trying to write during school hols, but I'm avid for the next installment in Conor's adventures.


message 12: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Good to see Lost in Apple Grove getting more 5* ratings, Elizabeth - hope they help your book get some more readers. I certainly thought it worthy of wider recognition.


message 13: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth Rose | 14 comments Jay wrote: "Good to see Lost in Apple Grove getting more 5* ratings, Elizabeth - hope they help your book get some more readers. I certainly thought it worthy of wider recognition."

Thanks for the support, Jay(and others). I made another proofreading swipe, but I'm still getting feedback about typos. I'm planning to get all of them fixed as soon as possible. I've had numerous requests for a hard copy, and I want it to be clean before I commit to a print edition.
Any advice about going into print would be welcome.


message 14: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Elizabeth wrote: "I made another proofreading swipe, but I'm still getting feedback about typos. I'm planning to get all of them fixed as soon as possible. I've had numerous requests for a hard copy, and I want it to be clean before I commit to a print edition.
Any advice about going into print would be welcome."


I like you and I like your book - very much - so I'll do a proof read for you and format it for print.

And that really will be my last freebie! I keep saying I'm going to do it professionally but I can't let down a friend in need.

As far as advice about print copies is concerned, all I can say is it's easy, but don't expect many sales and certainly don't expect to make any money from it. Print on demand gives very professional results but the author bears all the printing costs; if you're going to keep the book affordable you'll only make a few cents per copy over that base cost. I do it just so I can have that deep satisfaction of holding a physical incarnation of my babies, and being able to give copies to the family.


message 15: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth Rose | 14 comments Thanks, Jay! You're the greatest!

I'm thrilled to accept your offer (and that you think so highly of my writing), but it doesn't have to be *free*. I'd be happy to pay you back with a similar favor. I'm no good at formatting, but I'm a decent copy editor (on other people's stuff). I can also offer my services as a Beta reader if you like.


message 16: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Elizabeth wrote: "Thanks, Jay! You're the greatest!

I'm thrilled to accept your offer (and that you think so highly of my writing), but it doesn't have to be *free*. I'd be happy to pay you back with a similar favo..."


Thanks :) I'll take you up on that one day. I can see straight away what needs doing on other writing, but my own... well I was horrified when I first realised how many mistakes I'd left in the first release of my first book! It's so hard to take that big step back away from something that is an intimate part of your life.

I'll PM you my email as I don't have my 'editing' web site or email set up yet.


message 17: by K.A. (new)

K.A. Krisko (kakrisko) Createspace gives you a pretty deep discount on your own books, so if you buy them it's entirely reasonable to sell them for twice what you pay. You do have to be able/willing to go to venues such as fairs and set up signings, etc., in order to sell the paperbacks. The best I've done was at a local signing where I sold 44 books.

Createspace paperback covers are a bit tricky, but it can be done. Make sure you order hard-copy proof copies, not just on-line 'proofs'. You'll be able to see whether your spine lines up correctly on the back of the book, etc., which you can't without a hard-copy. Also check to make sure all the pages are there, including end and beginning pages.

I've been quite satisfied with my Createspace books, and the one time I did have an issue they provided fixed copies free of charge (they had eliminated the final page somehow, with author info & links on it).

Formatting the pages is a bit different too, as you have to set gutters correctly and your pages will mirror each other rather than being exactly the same. But if you bite off small chunks, it is really not that hard. In fact, I like my own formatting better than the ones from my traditional publisher!


message 18: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth Rose | 14 comments K.A. wrote: "Createspace gives you a pretty deep discount on your own books, so if you buy them it's entirely reasonable to sell them for twice what you pay. You do have to be able/willing to go to venues such ..."

Thanks, K.A. I was planning to use Createspace. They seem the easiest way to go, but not foolproof. I'll bear what you said in mind.


message 19: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
That's excellent advice, Kathy - but I'm a lazy so-and-so; if they don't want to buy a copy online they don't get one as I ain't getting my butt out there selling them lol!
And you must have noticed by now how shy I am...


message 20: by K.A. (new)

K.A. Krisko (kakrisko) A shrinking violet, you! But it's different being outgoing on-line and allowing yourself to be mauled by real-life human beings!


message 21: by Jay (last edited Aug 12, 2014 11:36PM) (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
You have to be very confident about your writing to stand there facing potential purchasers, effectively saying, "This is an excellent book and worth your money." And I've heard your tales about grubby fingers despoiling your merchandise etc.


message 22: by K.A. (new)

K.A. Krisko (kakrisko) One reason fairs are not a good option for selling things like books! Cotton candy + paper is not a great combo.


message 23: by Jay (last edited Sep 12, 2014 05:01PM) (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Want to share some brilliant news with me? I went 'professional' as an editor this week, and whose book do I bag straight away? The sequel to Khe!!! Thank you, Alexes, you really made my month, let alone my day. This is my review of Khe on Amazon and here on GR:

This is a very impressive, polished debut novel and I am really looking forward to more work by Alexes Razevich. I shall miss the doumanas. I would like to make friends with several of them, especially Khe herself.

From the very first pages I felt comfortable in the world this author has created. It is familiar enough that I did not feel disorientated, different enough that it is most definitely an alien world. I particularly liked the use of colours to reflect the emotions felt by the doumanas. How strange it would be, knowing your emotions are visible to whoever is with you.

My connection with Khe was strong throughout. She is a fully rounded character, one I empathised with and rooted for, each day longing for more free time to turn to the next page. She grew as her story unfurled, and I felt the things she was feeling. The other characters are also well-drawn and I was sad when Inra Returned before I could get to know her better. The pace is steady, thrusting forward to a very satisfying ending after the almost unbearable tension of the efforts of a few soumyo to oust the interlopers, the controlling lumani, from their planet.

This really is a masterly use of language to create a fully believable world, and I highly recommend it.


If we can persuade Alexes, who is already a member of this group, to add Khe to the library you'd be able to ask for a review copy. What do you say, Alexes?


message 24: by Hock (new)

Hock Tjoa (hockgtjoa) | 4 comments Congratulations to both Jay and Alexes!


message 25: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Thanks, Hock, but I have to admit the main talent remains Alexes'. She's been working on a few ideas I threw her way so we won't have Khe #2 ready for Christmas, but it will be just the tonic we need when it comes to the dark relentless days before spring arrives.


message 26: by Alexes (new)

Alexes | 3 comments How did I not know about this group? I've added Khe to the library.

Off topic, but I have to say, Jay was brilliant in her developmental edit for Khe2. I'm typing away as fast as I can to get the changes done and back to her for the line edit. If you're looking for an editor, I highly recommend Jay.


message 27: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 169 comments Mod
Jeez, I'm blushing now!


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