Introduce Yourself! Showing 801-850 of 22,664

[Vincent, Group Founder]

O'Dell,

Congratulations on finishing your book! It's one thing to start a project; it's quite another to see it through, day after day, until you have the completed, published product in your hands. It's an enormous sense of accomplishment.

Welcome to the author community!

-Vince

[Sarah]

Hi,

I'm Sarah and I'm both a writer and a reader. I love fantasy and some sci fi. I've enjoyed some crime fic too and I'll try almost anything once, but those are my first loves.
Looking forward to getting to know you all.

[Amy]

Hello Vincent and everyone,

I'm both a reader and a writer. For the past 20+ years I've published nonfiction pet care/behavior books the "traditional" way with New York publishers. This past year brought back several award-winning titles that had gone out of print. They're updated and available in print and Ebooks, with more to come.

Complete Kitten Care
Complete Care for Your Aging Cat
Complete Care for Your Aging Dog
Pet Care in the New Century: Cutting Edge Medicine..
ComPETability (cat and dog behavior)

Oh, and I'm the behavior contributor over at cats.About.com, and have been writing dog and cat columns lately for AOL's PawNation site.

woofs & purrs,
Amy Shojai, CABC
http://www.shojai.com

[Karen]

It's great to see all of the new members here since I checked out this thread. Welcome.


Karen
A Whisper To A Scream

[Lisa]

Hi everyone,

My name is Lisa Kumar, and I'm a writer. My short fantasy romance, Captive,was just epubbed with bookstogonow.com and is availabe as a single title or as part of the Fantasy Paranormal Anthology I

[Dan]

Hi! I'm Dan Makaon. I recently published a science fiction short story as a Kindle e-Book for 99 cents. I tried to create entertainement value in less than 5 printed pages. Did I succeed? Let me know. Write a Kindle review. It's called "The Squabia of Ostenort" by Dan Makaon. Also, I have a great video book trailer I'm sure you'll enjoy about my upcoming full length SF novel, called Goodbye Milky Way. To watch it, go to my website at www.danmakaon.com. Below the picture click on the link "Watch video book trailer".

[Jeanette]

William wrote: "Hi Everyone. My wife Marilyn and I are the international bestselling authors of 21 books, including Midnight Express, Not Without My Daughter and Freefall. Our newest book is LUKE RULES, the advent..."

William, I'm wondering how your first, and subsequent books, were made into movies. Did you do the screenplay, did somone approach you because they liked the book and they did the screenplay, or a combination of both? It's a difficult market to get into, so congratulations on your success.

[O.]

First of all congratulations to William and Marilyn. I just read some of your "Lukes Rules" and I am definitely going to read it. I can already see it as a movie though it will have to go a ways to top "Midnight Express."

I want to tell the group that I just put Chapter 7 of my book "Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA on the site. I hope some of you will get a chance to read it and comment. Your comments will help greatly because I've already finished the second part of my saga and I am now editing. Since the style is a continuation, your comments or reviews on this one will carry over.

[Winston]

Hi writers and readers! My name is Winston Riley and my newest pen name is Derby Joshua Clearwater Ripley. I've always been a hobby writer and a professional writer for marketing purposes, mostly on client business or for some of my own businesses. I have a number of blogs on different subjects but presently I'm hoping to find readers of my fantasy novellas. I write short chapters daily on a blog. Looking for direction and advice. Not interested necessarily in money but would love to have a few followers. www.oatsofzol.blogspot.com

[Sue]

I'm not exactly new, but I wanted to say that Homecoming was just named a finalist in the Reader Views contest (Science Fiction.) I added it to the Rough Diamonds list. http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...

[O.]

You're right William, that is kool and you sound very proud. Your daughter sounds proud of you too. I went to the site but didn't finish yet. She's just getting ready to interview you.

[Jeanette]

William, Thanks for the information. My novel NO STONE UNTURNED was reviewed by Oprah's staff and the feedback was that it would make a good screenplay. However, they did not point me in a direction where I could make this happen, other than to suggest I find a literary agent who would help me. My search has been fruitless and I'm clueless as to how to do a screenplay. Like you did, I'm concentrating on writing my next book. I would love to find someone who would be willing to take this on so if you have any ideas I'd be grateful. Good luck on your future endeavors. I will listen to your interview too.

[Yassemin]

Hi guys
I'm Yas from the UK! I'm not an author and will never be, I can't write a darn! But I love reading most things, I'm an avid reader. Love a variety of stuff from chick litty stuff like Jodi Picoult to Stephen King. I like trying out indie authors too and have found a couple to keep my eye on!

[Beth]

I'm a reader and a writer.

I've got a series of short stories out with Untreed Publishing -- with more to come! Think your family is dysfunctional? Just wait until you meet this bunch -- they give "Family Business" a new meaning!

Always looking for friends who share my love for the written word. I like reading classics, sci fi, flash fiction, and humor. Really, anything I can get my hands on!

A Mobster's Guide to Cranberry Sauce

A Mobster's Recipe for Cupcakes: A Valentine's Day Story

[O.]

Welcome Yas and Beth. You've certainly come to the right place for your reading and writing pleasures. If you want a good place to start you can always go to my Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA. Orginally written for children but the adult feedback is even better than I expected. Adventure, humor, friendship and poetry. Can you beat that combination. lol.

[Timothy]

Hi Yaz,
If you're into your 'Indie' books, check out Sue Rule, David Elliot and Carrie King. A fairly eclectic mix, but all brilliant in their own ways.
I'm an 'Indie' but somehow I don't see you going for terrorist/military thrillers or grow your own fruit and veg books.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]

[M.A.]

Just to let you know the sequel to Impeding Justice will be out next week.

Amazon are offering Impeding Justice at only 49 pence at the moment, must have heard about the sequel coming out! lol

Pick up your copy now before it goes back to it's proper price of £2.14.

Mel
Impeding Justice

[Dan]

Hi, Yaz! I'd be interested in your opinion about a video book trailer on my as yet unpublished novel. Based on the trailer, would it be a book you'd like to read? Your brutally frank opinion is encouraged. You can see the video by going to my website, www.danmakaon.com. Below the picture of the cover, click on the link "Watch video book trialer" which wiil take you to YouTube. Thanks, Dan

[Mira]

Hi

My name is Mira Kolar-Brown. I published my books on Amazon Kindle last August-September and had a lot of fun since meeting both readers and other authors.

HIDING THE ELEPHANT and its sequel LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS are the first two books in the Simon Grant Mysteries series. I'm currently working on the third books in the series, FOR THE LOVE OF HONEY. They're police procedurals in format and psychological dramas in nature.

I've also written two stories for children. TIMBUKTU, THE PERMANENT DOG is a chapter book for children 7-12 years of age, and for all the dog lovers of any age.

A SOLEMN PROMISE is a tooth fairy tale for tooth-changing age.

I'm looking forward to keeping up with old friends here and making many new ones.

Mira
http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B0043ELCF6

[Judi]

Hi, I'm Judi Moore. I live in Britain. My first published novel is called 'Is death really necessary?'. It's a cheery near future tale of drug-resistant tuberculosis and the end of the petrol-based engine. People chase each other in golf carts. Fun things happen in Edinburgh. And somebody takes a bath.

It's available as paper or Kindle on both sides of the Pond. Amazon stock it, as do Barnes & Noble and WH Smith on-line.

As well as long fiction I write short stories and poetry and sometimes even perform it (why is that so nerve-wracking?). I also tutor creative writing for the Open University in Britain.

[Bryony]

Hi Vincent,

Yet another newer author here too! I had an adult Mystery/Humour called 'Mystery, Deceit and a School Inspector' published in 2006 with UK Independent publisher Pneuma Springs. I've since taken to writing for Teenage/Young Adult genre too and really enjoy it. I've had the first of my Young Adult novels 'OTOLI' accepted for publication by Pneuma Springs also and the book is due to be published in the Spring of 2011. In addition to the love of writing and being creative with my imagination I read like it's going out of fashion. For the 'real' job that helps feed, cloth etc, I'm a primary/middle grade teacher. You can find further links to everything in my profile page.(web sites links, etc)
I'll look forward to touching base with you all as we go. I'm starting to get to grips with the goodreads ideology now. Hopefully we won't clash too much over English and US English spellings. ;-)

Best regards
Bryony

[[deleted user]]

That is my favourite subject.
Nothing like the colour of night,
but do me a favour,
do not turn off the light.

[Haresh]

Hi, I am Haresh Daswani, and am an author of the book Evolution of Insanity Evolution of Insanity. I am an environmentalist and entrepreneur practically most of the time, but when it comes, I write, and continue writing, until a piece is complete.

I actually do not know what I am writing about until I am done with it, and then that is when I read it for the first time.

I do not edit my pieces, as they are in their pristine form, the very expression fresh off the subconscious.

I'd be more than happy to work together with fellow authors on how we can help each other out in promoting our books.

[Joan]

Hi,
I've been writing professionally for more years than than I want to say. -:) My latest psychological suspense 'Night Corridor' just went live on amazon.com for Kindle, paperback coming soon. Also on smashwords.com multi-formats. I'm like most of you, either writing, editing, thinking about it, or curled up with a book. I'm also a tutor with Winghill Writing School. Books are my life. Well, in large part. I love hanging out with my family too, and I play a little piano and am crazy about my dog, Scamp. Check out the new trailer for Night Corridor if you have a minute. www.joanhallhovey.com

[Timothy]

Hi Haresh,
First of all welcome to Goodreads, what I am going to say now will no doubt be taken wrongly, and won't earn me any friends. How ever this is something which needs saying.
You are obviously a clever chap, and no doubt your writing is fresh and entertaining. You are no doubt aware of what is currently happening in the publishing world at large. 'Indies' are effectively excluded from the mainstream book shops, the argument used is that 'Indie' books are unedited typo ridden amateurish products.
It is a fact that it has never been easier to get published, anyone can get 'published' these days, and that is good. I would even go as far as to say almost ALL of the best work currently available is 'Indie'. The problem is finding those 'gems'. There is even a thread on here dedicated to finding those 'Diamonds in the rough'.
I will use my first published book 'Ro' as an example, I maintain it is one hell of a story, a true one, which made hard men cry!! I made all the same mistakes as most [though not all] new authors make. I was so excited I rushed it out there, result? what should have been a book to open doors for indies sank into the morass of unedited stuff swamping the market today. I have to say, with hind sight, deservedly so, yes it is raw, and certainly emotional, BUT, to be taken seriously it needs at the very least a damned good edit, to the extent I have withdrawn it from general availability until I get chance to rewrite it.
It doesn't matter how interesting and fresh yours or anyone's work is, mine included, to publish unedited work is doing the 'Indie' world in general a great dis-service. Simply by adding unedited work to the pile, it makes it that much more difficult for the really good ones to come to the notice of potential readers.
A way forward has to be found, and quickly, as 'the mainstream world' is collapsing before our eyes. Maybe one way forward is to redefine Author and book. Those who take the trouble to do things properly, I.E edited, proof read and properly laid out etc, and the book available in print, POD what ever, be called authors and those who simply put out ebooks, without a print version, be called writers.
But then this isn't fair either, as I know of several ebook only authors who take a great deal of trouble to make their 'stories' as high a quality as possible.
The only way forward is by raising the standards, it might well be, even for an aspiring author like me, the new standards will be too high for me to achieve, so be it. Any author owes it to his or her potential readers to ensure their work is as good as possible, failure to do this is frankly an attempt to con the readers into buying something sub standard, how ever 'fresh' or 'raw' the work.
Please, please do not add to the already vast amount of sub standard work already smothering the market, simply out of enthusiasm to get it 'out there'. I've already added my share to that pile, and this is unfair to those who make the effort to get it right!
I will also add, I am fiercely on the side of the 'Indies' and will fight tooth and nail in support of the 'Indie' cause, as well as for 'mid, and lower level mainstream authors against the rip offs and injustices of the current system.
Having said all this I wish you well with your work and hope you become a successful writer.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]

[nightlyreadingheather]

Hi Everyone,
My Name is Heather and I love to read YA books. I wanted to join this group to hear of any new books coming out and to get to know the authors of those books.

[Tara]

Hi All,
I'm another new indie author. My first novel Releasing Gillian's Wolves will be coming out in August. I'm trying to do all those things you recommended, Paul. I hired an editor and a designer and I'm giving the book 4 months in advanced review copy form in hopes of garnering a review or two. Patience is not my default setting but I am publishing my novel because I want people to read it and that won't happen if I produce a sloppy book.

[Timothy]

Hi Tara,
well done you!! unfortunately taking time to do it right is no guarantee of getting enough readers, although it does help if those you get initially are impressed. Then it's all down to marketing and getting publicity.
Welcome to the group, and good luck with your project.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]

[O.]

Hi everyone - Sure wish you'd drop by to see me. I just put Chapter 9 of my book, Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA on for your perusal. K-9 Town is growing by leaps and bounds and there is always something going on to entertain us. Please also go to my blog if you can. You'll enjoy that too. http://omarblue.blogspot.com

I'd also like to thank all of you for your encouraging comments when I asked how hard it would be to make "Omar Blue" into an e-book. I've just about completed the task. Just waiting to hear from the retailers about format changes, if any. Thanks to you all though, I know I can do this. I went to Smashwords like you suggested and they are really fabulous the way they take you step by step. Not finished yet, so please wish me luck. Thanks Again!

[Timothy]

Hi Kaz,
I don't know about the young at heart bit!? although I have been described as a recycled teenager! with no intention of growing old[er] gracefully.
When I first started writing quite late in life really, in my fifties anyway. I got a similar response from publishers about my first serious effort. My reaction was not unlike your hubby's. Let's just say I have learned the hard way, and see no reason why others need to make the same mistakes I made. Maybe it is something in the make up of a wanna be writer which compels them to ignore advice and learn as I did? I don't know, but the longer I go on with writing the more it seems that way.
With money becoming ever tighter I think writers are duty bound to produce the best product they can for their customers [readers] anything less seems dishonest to me
May be it's just me getting old[er]
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]

[Frances]

Hi, everyone!
My name is Frances and I'm new to the group. My novel, "The Healing," went live in November. I published it through iUniverse with full editorial services, which were excellent. I was also very happy with the design team and the quality of the printing. The post-production experience left a bit to be desired, but I learned a lot in the process. My book merited the Editor's Choice Award and the Rising Star Award, which means it got the editorial stamp of approval in the indy world, and they deemed it marketable. You're welcome to check out my website: http://www.francespergamo.com.
I hope to get to know a few of you and share the journey!
Peace,
Fran

[Tara]

I find this thread about editing very interesting. I wouldn't want to put out something that I hadn't edited in the same way that I wouldn't stroll into the grocery store naked. No one, except maybe my very close friends, gets to know what my prose looks like naked. Having other people edit my work is just as important. I remember a few editorial comments that stung and some that were unnecessarily nasty, but for the most part all of it, even the horrid bits, has strengthened my writing and made it possible for me to produce stronger stories. When I looked for an editor this last time I sent a few pages off to a number of people for sample edits. The difference between editors was interesting and I ended up with someone who I felt understood my voice and offered suggestions that improved the book immensely.

[Raymond]

I agree with you, Tara. I have found that my writing has immeasurably improved with editing. Sol Stein, in "Stein on Writing" wrote, "Writing is truly rewriting." He also wrote, "Unwillingness to revise usually signals an amateur."

[Frances]

When I first started editing my work...I mean really editing with chopping off slabs of story and sometimes entire characters...I realized I was on my way to being a real writer. The Sol Stein quote is so true: "Writing is truly rewriting." It's a craft, and editing is the hours of practice you have to put in. No getting around that.

[Tara]

Actually, I think it's more fun to rewrite than it is to write the first draft.

[Bryony]

Heather Hearts Patch! wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My Name is Heather and I love to read YA books. I wanted to join this group to hear of any new books coming out and to get to know the authors of those books."

Hi Heather,

I will be having the first of my Young Adult novels 'OTOLI' published by Independent UK publisher Pneuma Springs in spring 2011. I'll be posting updates and further information here on Goodreads amongst other places soon so watch this space! The book has been polished and critiqued over the last year in to something that I hope is received as a great read.

Best Regards
Bryony

[Bryony]

Tara wrote: "I find this thread about editing very interesting. I wouldn't want to put out something that I hadn't edited in the same way that I wouldn't stroll into the grocery store naked. No one, except mayb..."

Tara, I find that allowing other 'writers' to critique can help greatly in rewrites and edits. I use a UK writers critique site and I also allow another UK readers site to read my unpublished works for nothing. I take everything I receive back with a pinch of salt though. Some feedback is really useful and can help shape the story more to what the book buying public would like to see. The feedback from other writers can be helpful and interesting too. They are many good writers out their offering good advice but there are equally many out there that really don't know what they are on about to be fair. Finding the balance between the two usually helps me decide whether something really works or doesn't. The only thing with sending to editors is they are going to charge you quite a bit of money and you are only really going to get one or two people's take on your work. I prefer the mixed bag of practicing writers and readers that won't charge you for your dream. Good luck with the writing though!

Best regards

Bryony

[Tara]

Brnony,

Yes, I agree that other writers are the first and best source for critiques. Stephen King's rule of thumb is that if one person suggests a change you should evaluate whether you agree or not but if the majority of your critique partners agree something needs to be changed you need to get over yourself and change it. Because I'm my own publisher, I hired a editor AFTER doing revisions with critique partners and because the manuscript was in pretty good shape by then it really didn't cost much. She caught things my regular readers don't care as much about (commas, semi-colons, a misplaced name) and left me with a much more polished manuscript. I think it is crucial for self-publishers to have a professonal editor go over their final manuscripts. It's part of the publishing process and frankly, my book deserved to be taken seriously by its publisher.

[Timothy]

Good afternoon, or evening, where ever you are.
It is very gratifying so many of you are now taking the trouble to try to 'get it right'. With your collective talents it probably means this old geezers efforts will be condemned to oblivion. However, I can sit with my cocoa tonight, fussing the cat, with a degree of satisfaction. When I realised what I'd done with my first book I vowed there and then to 'do better' and if I could, throw the accusations that indies were 'unedited rubbish' back in the face of the 'nay sayers'.
We have just about buried the 'vanity' tag. When I started banging on about editing etc, a good many years ago now, I felt I was a lone voice. I'm proud of each and every one of you 'Indies' who now take a real pride in 'getting it right'. What started as an eccentric old wanna be, actually getting laughed at, has now become the norm!! who's laughing now? not 'the big boys'.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]

[nightlyreadingheather]

Bryony wrote: "Heather Hearts Patch! wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My Name is Heather and I love to read YA books. I wanted to join this group to hear of any new books coming out and to get to know the authors of those b..."

Looking forward to it!

[Jeff]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jeff Horton, and I am the author of The Great Collapse http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97...
(ISBN# 978-1-61663-844-3).

http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-W.-Horton/....

In the novel, Iran steals an EMP weapon which they use to attack the United States. When the EMP interacts with a solar flare however, power is knocked out around the world, forcing humanity to re-learn how to live without electricity and eventually, watch as civilization crumbles. The Great Collapse is the first novel in the Survivor of the Pulse series.

Here's a link to the trailer:
http://www.goodreads.com/videos/show/....

It's great to be here!

Jeff Horton
www.hortonlibrary.com

[Christine]

I love to read, but also write suspense. My two books (Suspicions and No Way Out) are available for $2.99 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Links are here:
http://christinekersey.com/All%20book...

[J.L.]

Hi, I'm J.L. I recently completed my first book, Unlawful Intrusion. Not to much else to me.

[Patrick]

My name is Patrick Skelton. I am the author of the sci-fi thriller, The Device. Looking forward to meeting lots of nice people here!

The Device

[Julia]

Hi There! Julia Espey Here. I wrote the book I needed to read, and couldn't find anywhere. I went on a quest to discover the best daddy know-how. Why? As a single mother, I realized I had to be both daddy and mommy--so I started interviewing EXTRAORDINARY men and dads.. and they told me their secrets. The result, my first book with foreword by Jack Canfield; endorsed by Stephen M.R.Covey (The Speed of Trust author), John Assaraf (The Answer author), and Dr. John Gray (Men are From Mars.. author). - I Hope to meet lots of people and expand my own library! I welcome posts and hope to meet new friends - JuliaIf I Were Your Daddy, This Is What You'd Learn

[Kasi]

Hi! My name is K. C. Blake. I've had two books published with Harlequin under Kasi Blake, and now I'm getting a YA published this summer. Very excited about it and glad to be here.

[Julia]

Welcome to the group K.C.

[Maggie]

Hi Julia Espey,
I am excited to read your book. I love books that motivate us to become better parents. My book, ParentFix is also designed to inspire parents to do their best. Good luck and I will definitely leave feedback on your site.

[Mukkove]

Hello, I am Mukkove Johnson. I currently have one published book, Christmas is About Jesus: An Advent Devotional. I love to write. I think best on paper. I educate my three children at home and work in the summers on our ranch and raise chickens.

[Jeff]

Hello Mukkove, and welcome!