Creative Reviews discussion
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Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Yianna wrote: "Hi Everyone!! I am new to this and I was wondering to get a review on my book. It was published this year and I am trying my hardest (to no avail) for reviews. Every single book that..."I am getting to know this group slowly slowly and I noticed that folder. I am still learning, but definitely getting the hang of it. I love this group. Thank you so much Jenn!! :)
Yianna wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Yianna wrote: "Hi Everyone!! I am new to this and I was wondering to get a review on my book. It was published this year and I am trying my hardest (to no avail) fo..."No problem! It's cool!
If you have any questions feel free to contact me or send out an SOS, this is a great group and we'll help you!
I just joined this group and have been reading the thread, but the purpose of this group isn't crystal clear to me. Is it a chicken joke group? Not that a chicken joke group is a bad thing. I don't want to ruffle anyone's feathers or anything.
R.L. wrote: "I just joined this group and have been reading the thread, but the purpose of this group isn't crystal clear to me. Is it a chicken joke group? Not that a chicken joke group is a bad thing. I d..."
Lol!
We are here to talk about books and everything that goes into it. Publishing, cover art, editing, reviews etc...
We get a little off topic at times as you can tell;)
Welcome though!!!!
If you have any questions let us know, otherwise feel free to dive right in the conversation (at your own risk) ;)
Hi, I just joined. I'm an author who sometimes reviews. I have a giveaway going on right now for my latest, a literary mystery, The Girl in the Box.If anyone would like to review it (please!), let me know. I could send a Word file for pre-pub review, or ask the publisher to send a review copy when it is released in Nov., 2011.
Thank you. And hi to everyone here.
I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting you folks get to know me better. I'm glad to say I've really enjoyed getting to know some of you better, as well. It also occurred to me that of all the groups I belong to or visit (as a guest) here on Goodreads, this is the only one I consistently come back to, eager to participate. And I should note, although I'm an author and really want to get reviews once I publish, I don't actually have any books out yet so it's not like I'm kissing up to get reviews. I'm just enjoying the PEOPLE here. I don't really enjoy the people in a lot of the other forums. Once they hear I'm an Indie Author, all of a sudden I become some kind of evil person they have to be rude to without even bothering to get to know me. It definitely shuts me right down.
By contrast, this group is full of really warm, open and basically NICE people and I just felt I wanted to come by and say that, in public, to all the new people arriving daily and wondering what this group will be like for them. If you're nice to everyone here, this group will be WONDERFUL for you. It will turn out to be a bunchaton of new friends.
It's not just about getting and giving reviews of books here. It's about people who love to read and review books and who are all creative at many different levels sharing that love for books without getting high and mighty about it. Creative Reviews is one of the best groups on Goodreads because of its members. Join the "blizzard of love" *haha*
-sry
(Sarah with an "h" or the OTHER Sarah)
Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting you folks get to know me better. I'm gl..."Wow! That's a great recommendation and good to know. I'm still fairly new to the site, just feeling my way around. I belong to a few groups, but not many. This one sounds great. Thanks.
Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting you folks get to..."Shiela, it's a genuine endorsement made from actual experience on this site. I don't want to color your opinion about Goodreads (because I think it's just a specific segment of groups, really) but this group happens to really shine brighter than others.
Case in point (which really is the ongoing thorn in my side elsewhere on this site). I have a blog where I provide tips and marketing advice to other authors and on Fridays, I promote other authors' books (this week I'll include my own work for the first time in almost 4 mos). I post about my Webbiegrrl Writer Freebie Friday all over Goodreads (and twitter and facebook and everywhere else I can), trying to get these new Indie authors new readers. It's hard to get started, especially when you're indie.
Members of Creative Reviews may or may not support my blog--I have no clue if anyone here ever goes and gets the free reads I feature. I never ask, no one ever says; I don't do it for that reason, just to share the free reads because hey, free is ALWAYS good, right?--but I do know I have never once gotten a nasty remark made to me here for posting the link to free reads. I can't imagine why anyone would complain but on the Amazon Kindle groups I belong to, almost universally among them all (whether US or UK or otherwise), I get negative feedback and notably, have never once been thanked. It's interesting to notice the absence of a single thank you in over 3 mos of weekly posts. The groups are all very active, daily. It's not that people aren't around.
By contrast, the Creative Reviews folks (male and female alike) nearly always say thanks. I'll admit there are more female reviewers here in this group and for some reason females tend to have better manners online (and I've been online a loooooong time and dealt with mostly male environments so I'm generalizing based on 20+ yrs of experience) I also think there's a fair mixture of author versus readers/reviewers here whereas the Kindle groups are just readers and they don't want to have to talk to us authors directly. It's weird. I mean, elsewhere online readers can't wait to talk to authors directly.
I'm sure you'll really like it here on Goodreads. There are tens of thousands of groups, not just the Kindle groups *smirk* and hundreds of them are probably just as marvelous as Creative Reviews. In fact, I have another group called M/M Romance that I joined (and lurk in 100% of the time these days) and it's full of super fun people. It's also huge (over 3000 people) and pretty much 90% of the people are active. It's overwhelming sometimes. But the point is Creative Reviews isn't the only great group, just one of the only ones I personally have found to be (emotionally) open to everyone. The openness is important to me.
To find groups you might enjoy, just search for topics that interest you and Goodreads will tell you where those people are congregating so you can join them. You can also join reading / book clubs and challenges, enter site-wide giveaways and meet people who love to read that way, too. Goodreads is about books and those of us who love them.
Stephen wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting you folks get to..."You're welcome, Stephen. We had a discussion a little while ago elsethread in this group about the power of saying please and thank you. It was...illuminating ^_^
Stephen wrote: "My chicken joke was originally a parrot joke. I just changed it to go with the flock."ROTFLMAO!!!!
Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting y..."Thanks, Sarah, for taking the time on such a long and helpful reply!
So far, I really, really like Goodreads. I've also recently joined Library Thing, and I love that too, but I find Goodreads easier to navigate. There's one group somewhere, and it's probably good I don't remember where, where someone was pretty rude to me because I disagreed with them. I don't think it was here, but I hate online hostility. It seems so silly! We don't even know each other; at least we could be civil.
I totally sympathize with Indie authors. I might become one myself someday. I've been lucky enough to have my work picked up by publishers, but there's a lot to be said for bypassing the middle man.
It's nowhere near the same, but sometimes it's hard for Canadian authors to get "respect", too.
Seems like you're doing very good things for your fellow Indies on here. And it sounds like they appreciate it, which is as it should be.
Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and di..."We dont "do" rude here. It'll actually get you banned.( that and calling me Jenny,lol) Amy worked her butt off to put this group together, she an cambria continue to work hard at keeping this not only a fun group but a respectful one as well.
If you ever encounter something like that, do let one of us know.
We want everyone happy and comfortable here.
So again, welcome! *hug*
Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and discussions and letting y..."Sarah, random thought, I JUST figured out you were putting your initials at the end of your posts. For awhile now, I thought you were doing shorthand for sorry! Lmao.
So I can be a ditz at times, I freely admit it.
But seriously, thank you so much for your glowing endorsement of this group! You rock!
Ps, recently following your blogs as well... Will look out for the free reads.
May be awhile before I get to actually read them though.....;)
Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conversations and di..."Oh, and in case you haven't noticed yet, we have different folders where you can contact people to review your book or even offer it up to Amy to put in a contest!
Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to really participating in various conve..."Thanks so much for the warm welcome. I'm so glad I found this group!
As to the folders, I'm a bit of a technoklutz, and am not sure how to access them or use them!
Any pointers?
Thanks.
Sheila wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind of new to real..."Go to creative reviews, the discussions and scroll through. Reply to any you wish or just leave a comment. To start a new thread in a folder, on the top right in itty bitty print it will say, start new topic.
Don't forget to add yourself to the twitter n blog list if you have one so we can follow you!
Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really, not anymore) but I've been kind..."Thank you, Jenn. (Notice lack of "y", LOL). I'll get on this a.s.a.p. I don't have a blog yet, but I do have a website under construction.
I have a giveaway going on right now, but I'm interested in offering a copy through Amy, maybe when it's over on Nov. 18.
Hello Amy and everyone here on this group. I saw this group on a list and thought it was interesting. I am the Author of a new Horror book entitled "The Macabre Masterpiece:Poems of Horror and Gore" I am looking for people to review my book, so anyone interested in reading a new creepy book please feel free to check it out. I shall post more about it on another topic.Thanks, Justin
Liza wrote: "anyone here wolf rp?"Um, what?
Justin wrote: "Hello Amy and everyone here on this group. I saw this group on a list and thought it was interesting. I am the Author of a new Horror book entitled "The Macabre Masterpiece:Poems of Horror and Gore..."Sounds great!!! Welcome to the group!!!
Hi Justine!Welcome to the group you found a great place to be!!Hi Sheila! Welcome and your book looks fantastic!!! Congrats on publishing!
Jenn- when did you become AKA Texas Long Hair???
Cambria wrote: "Hi Justine!Welcome to the group you found a great place to be!!Hi Sheila! Welcome and your book looks fantastic!!! Congrats on publishing!
Jenn- when did you become AKA Texas Long Hair???"
Thanks, Cambria. Great to be here.
Sheila wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "I'm not new to this group (or not really..."Thank you for the no Y!!!! Looking forward to the giveaway!
Cambria wrote: "Hi Justine!Welcome to the group you found a great place to be!!Hi Sheila! Welcome and your book looks fantastic!!! Congrats on publishing!
Jenn- when did you become AKA Texas Long Hair???"
( PLUG IN PROGRESS)
You will have to read C.S. Splitter's book THE WILLING for that answer ;)
Cambria wrote: "oh please. LMAO"Hey! I'll plug you so much on your launch (and after ) that the lights will go out!!!;)
Stephen wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Liza wrote: "anyone here wolf rp?"Um, what?"
@Jenn aka Texas Long Hair: I think she means wolf role playing."
Huh... Ok. That's new.
Welcome to the group, Justin (or Justine *haha*) Hey, you only really belong here after your name's been munged by someone so you got it overwith early!You said you plan to give more deets on your book elsethread. You'll definitely get more responses posting in the "Authors Seeking Reviews" discussion area. Create a topic for yourself and post away. The reviewers here are awesome about stepping up in those discussions. There also are a few reviewers who have a "I'll read anything" kind of thread where you might want to cross-post.
Just remember 2 important things: (1) you might not get a glowing review but it'll be an HONEST review by a REAL person and you won't have "paid them off" for it and (2) say thank you for their having spent the time and effort to read your book and then comment on it--no matter what they say. You spent time writing it. They spent time reading it. Everyone deserves a please and thank you, eh :) And have fun!
I think this group has too much fun sometimes. We obviously need more homework! *LOL*
Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Stephen wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Liza wrote: "anyone here wolf rp?"Um, what?"
@Jenn aka Texas Long Hair: I think she means wolf role playing."
Huh... Ok. That's new."
Cambria, aren't you up for this?
Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Welcome to the group, Justin (or Justine *haha*) Hey, you only really belong here after your name's been munged by someone so you got it overwith early!You said you plan to give more deets on you..."
As a reviewer, I thank you for saying that!
That being said, my homework this week is done!
R.L. wrote: "I just joined this group and have been reading the thread, but the purpose of this group isn't crystal clear to me. Is it a chicken joke group? Not that a chicken joke group is a bad thing. I d..."
R.L
If you have something against chickens your okay by me. LOL. Actually we are for writers, readers, reviewers and anyone in between. We have lots of helpful information and we are a great community of people. feel free to jump into any conversation that interests you!
Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Cambria wrote: "oh please. LMAO"Hey! I'll plug you so much on your launch (and after ) that the lights will go out!!!;)"
Well i will be very grateful for that. :)
Stephen wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Liza wrote: "anyone here wolf rp?"Um, what?"
@Jenn aka Texas Long Hair: I think she means wolf role playing."
what is this group? where can I join. I find it amusing that Jenn be in a wolf role playing group! She LOVES shifters. bah ha ha ha
Yianna welcome to the group!! If you have any questions at all feel free to ask! ;)And welcome to any other new Peeps we have around here! Great to have you!
Cambria wrote: "Stephen wrote: "Jenn aka Texas Long Hair wrote: "Liza wrote: "anyone here wolf rp?"Um, what?"
@Jenn aka Texas Long Hair: I think she means wolf role playing."
what is this group? where ca..."Ah hah hah you got jokes!
Hi everyone, just joined in! This looks like a lovely group :)
D. wrote: "Hi everyone, just joined in! This looks like a lovely group :)"Hey girl!
Welcome!!!
Thanks for the warm welcome Jenn! Quick newbie question: is there a link where I can put up my book to be considered for reviews?
Sarah R. Yoffa wrote: "Welcome to the group, Justin (or Justine *haha*) Hey, you only really belong here after your name's been munged by someone so you got it overwith early!You said you plan to give more deets on you..."
Thank you for the welcome Sarah! haha. And thank you for the advice, I did post it in the Authors review post. I totally agree, this group has alot of nice people and alot of great opportunities for reviewers and authors, I look forward to peoples reviews comments and general talks on this group.
Stephen wrote: "@Sarah R. Yoffa: Just signed up to follow your blog via email. "Note to Stephen and anyone else who's following my Blogger via email (or who has a Blogger blog with a "follow by email" widget). I have no idea what Google is doing, but ever since they started gearing up for the release of G+ last month, I noticed the email subscriptions were coming through formatted all funky.
I used one of my many Gmail accounts to sign up for my own blog so I could test/see how it looked. It used to look great. Now it has words munged together, spacing and other formatting (italics,underscores) missing and generally looks like crap. The email used to look better than the blog posts. Now the email looks practically illegible. It still contains the words--if you can read them--but it won't "look nice" compared to other methods of following.
I have no clue what Google was hoping people would do instead, since the "Google Homepage" is NOT integrated with Google+ (it's a whole separate thing as "iGoogle" what a joke!) It really seems defeatist to screw up the emailing of Blogger content when they run an email service and it was one of the few things they did right(ish). Now they don't even do that right.
LeSigh.
I've been enjoying this feed for several weeks, one result being I haven't actually logged in to Goodreads for a while and missed getting some reviewers' requests for my first novel (When I Am Singing to You). That won't happen again (I hope :-) ).Backing off a bit from social media did allow me to polish off my YA novel The Ahimsa Club, which I am happy to announce is available now on Amazon, Smashwords, etc. Here's a short description; anyone who would like to review it on their blog, etc., should contact me and I'll make sure you get a coupon for a free review copy. Thanks for the opportunity to post this! Carry on discussing, now--it's a trip to read!
The Ahimsa Club
Ebook Price: $0.99 USD. 53890 words. Fiction by Rebecca Burke on September 20, 2011
A school assembly opens Valerie’s eyes to the horror of animal abuse. But what can a 14-year-old girl do to protect animals? With others, Valerie forms the Ahimsa Club and launches the Pledge to Veg and Save the Strays campaigns. As rumors spread, she risks losing her best friends along with her reputation. Help comes from an amazing source: a famous rock star who shares the club's views.
D. wrote: "Thanks for the warm welcome Jenn! Quick newbie question: is there a link where I can put up my book to be considered for reviews?"Yes ma'am... In the topics folder you can either respond to reviewers who are listed or start your own thread under the author section!
Rebecca wrote: "I've been enjoying this feed for several weeks, one result being I haven't actually logged in to Goodreads for a while and missed getting some reviewers' requests for my first novel (When I Am Sing..."Hey girl!
You may wanna try going into the topics folder for reviewers and contacting them that way or list your book under author section, that's where everyone looks. Good luck!
Rebecca- Nice to see you here and congrats on polishing that novel!
Welcome D.! If you have any questions feel free to ask! ;)
Mod
But welcome, and I promise to try to be around a little more often! I miss you guys!
Creative Reviews
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Charlie Courtland (other topics)
Hey yianna!
Great to have you! We have a lot of reviewers on here!
You may want to look through our topics folders.
There are reviewers listed you can contact and there's also a folder where you can list your book to be reviewed as well.
Thanks and welcome!!