Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
Introduce Yourself!
Hi, my name is Yawatta Hosby. I love to read. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had a book in my hand. In high school, the librarian introduced me to the classics like Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities.Now, I love reading different genres. My favorite author is Agatha Christie. Favorite genres: horror, mystery, thriller, women's fiction.
I'm also an author. Reading in different genres has motivated me to write in different genres without using a pen name. So far, I've written a mystery thriller (some readers have also called it horror) novel, and a women's fiction novella. Hopefully, there will be many more created :)
Beau wrote: "Cphe: "I've met some wonderful self published authors during my time on Amazon."It's glad to hear you say that. I ran into a guy a few weeks ago (a complete stranger, in a waiting room) who was r..."
You can't really blame if there are people who just stereotype all self-published authors. No. 1 stereotyping is faster for most people (funny but true) and no. 2 a lot of self-published books are just poorly produced and nobody is to be blamed. Either the authors did not have enough funds to have their work edited that's why I strongly suggest that any writer who wants to do it on their own should join a forum like this. They can learn a lot from authors that has done it already.
Hello, e-friends! My name is Wes Smith, an LA resident interested in making up for lost time in the realm of books. I'm normally a photographer, but writing has been a bit of a hobby of mine that will hopefully come to fruition with the advent of self-publishing.I'm really enjoying the site so far! It's quite overwhelming at first, and trying to keep track of all of these groups and people may take a bit of guidance at first. Overall, though, it's been a great resource! My Kindle app is growing quite nicely thanks to the recommendations and promotions here.
Roy wrote: "It's glad to hear you say that. I ran into a guy a few weeks ago (a complete stranger, in a waiting room) who was reading a book that I had read. So to kill some time, I struck up a conversation with him about the book and what he though of it. ..."The sad thing is that he's PARTLY right. A lot of self-published stuff shouldn't be published. There are a lot of "wanna be" writers out there who want to take the shortcut and bypass the learning curve that makes for a good writer (and eventually an "author"). As a result, a much higher portion of self-published stuff is indeed below "par" for one reason or another.
This is sad, because some stuff is quite good, just harder to find than the "traditionally" published yarns. And some of the plots are absolutely great, but ruined by poor writing or a horrible lack of even "self" editing.
There's not cure for it. Once the publishing houses lost "control" over who gets published and who doesn't, the monkeys were out of the zoo and can't be caught and contained any more.
Of course, this has been a great thing in a few instances because some really good stuff that was being rejected by publishing houses, now gets published. But as I said earlier, "it's just harder to find them."
Al wrote: "Roy wrote: "It's glad to hear you say that. I ran into a guy a few weeks ago (a complete stranger, in a waiting room) who was reading a book that I had read. So to kill some time, I struck up a con..."I totally agree with this.
Hi!My name is Shanté. I love to read and write romance novels! I have four books published, with my fifth one set to premiere within the next month or so. I'm writing my eighth book right now! I'm looking forward to meeting new readers and authors as well!
Roy wrote: I totally agree with this. (But I'll include Al also)I'm not sure which bit you agree with. The guy who made the blanket statement that all self published are rubbish; or are you agreeing with me for letting the statement slide?
My book is self published, and was edited/proof read by three people.
On the flip side, I finished reading a zombie book with about 500, 5 star reviews on Amazon. It is full of spelling mistakes (eg: "a pear of jeans"). It was released by a publisher.
So no, I don't buy into such ignorant, broad-sweeping prejudice.
Granted, there are plenty of dodgy books out there, but a book should be judged on its merits, not on who published it.
It's easily done making mistakes when you are totally absorbed in the story and the characters involved. I was still finding mistakes in my first effort, even after it had been checked for errors!
Everyone makes mistakes. That goes without saying. Some of the world's greatest discoveries were by accident.But to declare all self published books as trash is just plain ignorant.
I should think everyone agrees with that sentiment - we all need a pat on the back - perhaps 'ignorant' is an understatement!
Beau wrote: "On the flip side, I finished reading a zombie book with about 500, 5 star reviews on Amazon. It is full of spelling mistakes (eg: "a pear of jeans"). It was released by a publisher...."
I suspect that the average zombie fan wouldn't recognize a typo unless it was huge (you're obviously an exception). Most seem to be younger and more interested in fantasy worlds than English class.
Was that a "real" publisher or a fake one made up to make the book look like it wasn't self-published?
Too, anyone can set up a publishing company. There is no guarantee that they'll do it right. Some just take whatever crosses their in-basket and publish it without any editing.
That being said, I've almost NEVER read a book by even a major publisher that didn't have a typo or two in it (even the best editors are still human). Dozens of errors, however, are an indication that someone needs to be fired or whipped into shape.
Exception: I've yet to find an error in something published by Zondervan.
Al wrote: "Was that a "real" publisher or a fake one made up to make the book look like it wasn't self-published?"This was an established publisher. Their books are available in bookshops (they have a stable of authors). It wasn't just one error, the book was riddled with errors. I'm not going to disclose who the publisher was.
Oh. There seems to be some discussion about publishers...but I'll go on and introduce myself first. Sorry. Excuse me. :-)
Hi, I'm Angelica and I have just published my first book, The Capulet Death. I write contemporary romance novels and like to read them too along with thrillers.
Hope to share with and learn from you, guys, soon! Good day! :)
Hi, I'm Angelica and I have just published my first book, The Capulet Death. I write contemporary romance novels and like to read them too along with thrillers.
Hope to share with and learn from you, guys, soon! Good day! :)
Quite right Angelica. If anyone wishes to continue that discussion further, it should be in it's own thread. Sorry for going off topic.
Thank you, Beau! I am excited to be aboard! :)
Hi everyone! I'm just getting started with my collections and promoting my new book Wizdom and Pandora: The Quest for the Blood Jewel, similar to Harry Potter. Two main characters Wizdom and Pandora go on an adventure with dragons, goblins, wizards, evil and magic!Its my first book in a series and the second book will feature the two main characters going to wizard school.
About me, live in Baltimore MD and work for the government...live with my two dogs and five cats and seven fish tanks!! Very excited to be a part of the author world and I LOVE to read as well, big LOTR and Hobbit fan too of course!! My friends say my house looks like a museum. Anyway, thanks so much for having me and check out my book! I look forward to feedback and future chats!Wizdom and Pandora: The Quest for the Blood Jewel
My name is Chris and I have recently started my writing career. I have so far made two books for kindle which I do plan to release for other markets.I am a self-published indie writer with my own blog (http://writing.chrisvotey.com) doing articles for grammar, book and movie reviews, support for other indie writers, and an article on how to do maps and worldbuilding for free.
I mostly do science fiction, but after my next release, going to break into fantasy, historical fiction, and vampires. My goal is to make a living as a writer and eventually do traditional publishing, but for now focus on writing short stories.
I currently live in Phoenix Arizona. I suffered an injury in 2012 and it makes anything I do much harder to accomplish, and that includes writing. I write because it brings me happiness.
Angelica wrote: "Thank you, Beau! I am excited to be aboard! :)"Angelica, I'm sorry for misspelling your name in my earlier post.
I probably should get more than four hours sleep.
Hello everyone. I’m a reader, writer, and reclusive bat cave dweller who’s learning to use Goodreads all over again after a hiatus to complete my second novel. The writing gets easier, navigating GR doesn’t….. :)
Christine wrote: "How's everyone doing?"Oh, you know. Browsing Goodreads at work because why not? My Amazon backlog is growing way too quickly from this site.
Hi, I am still a new kid in Goodreads and feels a little like wandering around an unfamiliar building looking for where I am supposed to be. I have indy published two novels
and
.\ I mainly did these for the creative fun and challenge and have been very surprised that enough people have bought both to generate Amazon Royalties worth having. It never occurred to me that I might make money out of my first books.I have always dreamed of being a writer, but for some reason, in my early 50's it has just happened.I am about 50% of the way through writing my third novel, but I am stopping more and thinking more as I write this one, especially about plot structure and character. Ideally, I wold love to find a virtual writers group that met on Skype, if anyone knows of such a thing I would be really grateful if you could point me to one.
The advice on how to connect with readers seems to revolve around Twitter and Facebook marketing, but the idea of doing that seems horrible. Can any authors recommend a good marketing comany?
Goodreads member/author Sally Ember wants you to know: Final 2 days: Read Awesome #Ebooks at Half-Price
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"Browsing Goodreads at work because why not?"
Best reason there is. Lol. :)
Best reason there is. Lol. :)
Hey, Everyone,My name is Robert Clifton Storey Jr, Bob for short, and I am...a habitual writer. There, I said it. And I mean it. For me writing is a blessing and a curse. I love, love, love, love my characters, with all their triumphs and failures, loves and losses. They're a great bunch. Since I tend to write late at night, I hate loosing all that beautiful sleep. My sleep patterns are a disaster and baggy eyes are now a permanent fixture on my face. Of course I would never, never, never give it up...no matter how tight the straightjacket, I will always find a way to write.
Hello all. I'm Dorothy M. Wiley and I will publish two historical romances this year--Wilderness Trail of Love and New Frontier of Love. Both books are set in colonial America and the Kentucky frontier. I am retired from a 35 year career in marketing and PR and have a degree in Journalism from The University of Texas in Austin.
Nice to meet you Dorothy!I'm Katherine Grant, a debut novelist. I worked as a newspaper editor and music journalist for years.
My adult contemporary romance, Catch Me, will be released April 8th. Check it out here https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..., and read snippets from my blog here: http://comecloserbooks.tumblr.com. Excited to be involved in this great community.
Hey guys!My name is Nihar Suthar and I'm a college student. I wrote an inspirational book titled Win No Matter What: A Guide to Hyping Up Your Lifea while back, and now I'm working on an inspirational sports book, kind of like the blind side. Really having a lot of fun writing it :)
Also, feel free to connect with me on facebook (www.facebook.com/authornihar), twitter (@NiharSuthar), or check out my website at www.niharsuthar.com. I'll return the favor. Cheers guys!
Hello everyone,I'm Lizzie Charles, an avid reader, mostly of contemporary romance, but I do read a variety of genres. I'm also a writer of contemporary romance and published my first book last month. Working on my second in that series now.
Look forward to chatting with everyone!
Welcome to the group, Katherine, Dorothy, and Nihar! :-)
Lizzie wrote: "Hello everyone,
I'm Lizzie Charles, an avid reader, mostly of contemporary romance, but I do read a variety of genres. I'm also a writer of contemporary romance and published my first book last mo..."
Same here! Good luck on the second novel and welcome to the group! :-)
I'm Lizzie Charles, an avid reader, mostly of contemporary romance, but I do read a variety of genres. I'm also a writer of contemporary romance and published my first book last mo..."
Same here! Good luck on the second novel and welcome to the group! :-)
This is worse than introducing myself to someone at a party, where at least they can get a look at me and make their own assessment/assumptions. Anyway, I'm Lea Carter, an Indie/SPA of unusual light fantasy. The series started out as a pretty straight-forward story of a young fairy princess, but now it's evolving to the point that the only way I can call it a "series" still is to say that it IS all in the same fictional world. lol... I enjoy reading Louis L'Amour, Isaac Asimov, Emilie Loring, and Alistair MacLean. Random? :D Yup.
Hi All! I'm an avid reader and just released my debut novel, The Light Who Shines. It is getting really good reviews so far (Thank Goodness!) That is all I'll say about that. You can find out more about it on my Author page if interested.I live in the Smoky Mountains with my 21 year old daughter and my Australian Shepherd. My daughter also owns a cat who only has eyes for her. Her litter-mate was really my baby, but he passed away some years ago. (the cat, not my daughter!)
I'm a transplant from Chicago and loving this weather. But the builders down here really need to work on insulation. Who do I talk to about that? My electric bill is INSANE!
We are surrounded by cows, sheep, goats, and chickens in the farms around us and I love passing Alpacas everytime I go down the street.
Please friend me and feel free to chat.
Lilo
Good afternoon! My name is Fidel Betancourt and I am a new author. I enjoy reading just as much as writing and enjoy writing fiction primarily. My first book was recently published on Amazon and I will be offering it for free March 15-16 if anyone is interested to pick up my work. If you can't wait till then, let me know and I will send a copy your way! Thanks so much and I look forward to reading some of your work too!My book can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISJUUPU
Thank you all again for sharing, your comment/feedback is always appreciated.
Hello everyone, I found a love for writing and started writing poetry when I first learned the English language at age 10. I'm a Dental Hygienist, I've acted a bit, in 2007 I wrote, produced and starred in a short film "Don't Gag Me!" which screened at a couple of film festivals. In 2008 I won an international film competition sponsored by Paulo Coelho for the 'Experimental Witch Film Competition' and last year published my first book, a book of poems and short stories.
Although the poems and short stories are individual works, as a whole, the book reads like a novel.
I love sharing my words, thoughts and soul, and if you read my book, I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for reading, and thank you Vincent!
Carla G.
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