Desolate Terrain: Cover Reveal

 The Blurb

Living in the quiet town of Chesapeake, Nevada had a way of making residents feel safe. Sadly, an atmosphere that took years to build is shattered overnight and their beloved town is thrown into the spotlight. Deputy Constance Stone and Sheriff Harper Collins are entrusted with the task of resolving the matter and together they set out to solve a crime.

The situation deteriorates when a series of crimes rock the town. Opportunities unfold for Constance, but it could not come at a worse time. She teams up with an unlikely ally. Despite their differences, the pair combine their skills and their partnership aids in Constance’s pursuit to uncover the criminals responsible for terrorizing their picturesque town.

The Setting

It's a modern city punctuated by warm weather. The majestic landscape of this small town, inspired the founder to build a community similar to those featured in Westerns with a modern appeal. The events unfolding in Chesapeake are undeniably shocking and it will keep you guessing until the very end. 

The Characters

You'll meet many memorable characters in Desolate Terrain. Some you'll love and others you'll love to hate. There's never a dull moment in Chesapeake, Nevada. You're welcome to visit once it becomes available on May 6, 2013.

The Book Trailer

 

A Candid Review of The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann

★★★★★

The White Masai

Once I began the journey, I was a reluctant participant trapped in Kenya observing as Corrine found herself assimilating to customs that were vastly different from her own. And once she took a leap of faith, everything she owned became communal property in a place where women have less value than a goat. Therefore, the village milks the golden cow dry.

There were many occasions when I laughed at her alien moments and I truly felt her frustration when things did not go her way. Surprisingly, I celebrated when she found her version of the perfect man. I was there even when she felt alone and helpless and I wept when there were no solutions to the immediate problems she faced. I also felt her desperation, and the need to be free. By the last chapter, I swore if the story did not end sensibly, I would lose it. As I said before, I was emotionally  invested in her journey. Thankfully, Corrine made the right decision in the end.

Whether you agree with her choices or not you cannot deny the eloquence in her writing. There were so many moments when I stopped in awe of her analogies and metaphors. The White Masai is an essential read for any woman who has ever asked the question, what would you do for love?

 

DISCLAIMER: Readers escape to another reality, if only temporarily, while reading a good book.  When I review a book, I will focus on the entertainment factor, story structure and the eloquence in the writing. I have no desire to undermine an author’s effort. After all, they are responsible for the books we enjoy.

REVIEW SCALE:

5 stars = Excellent story. I would read it to someone

4 stars = Great story

3 Stars = I liked it

The Matter of Image

It is important for authors to realize that they are a product when promoting their book. Doing so does not strip you of your humanity but it puts you out in the public sphere. Actors have a publicist to help generate and manage publicity. Their efforts also help guide and control their client’s image. If you are an independent author, you probably do not have a publicist, but you can still control your image. 

Self-control is a major factor when it comes to molding your public image. It entails controlling your impulses, emotions and desires. One should not discuss some things in a business environment. Refrain from discussing religion, politics, and personal finances when interacting with your customers. It applies whether it is a face-to-face contact or on social media.

In the matters of religion, if the person you are interacting with has stated that they seek salvation, then you are welcome to discuss religion but otherwise keep your views out of your business endeavors. It is important to state that this does not apply to authors who write religious novels. By nature, we are all religious. Some people are devoted to activities and others are loyal to a higher power.

We all have political views but it is expected that our views will vary. The failure of one party does not constitute the success of another.  We are apart of the same democracy, so unity is essential to progress. During the last presidential election, the rates of people ‘unfriended’ skyrocketed. Some of the posts were excessive and others were borderline offensive. Unless you are into the concept of the catch and release of a potential customer, be mindful that not everyone will share your views.

In the past, I have written articles on motivation. I used examples of how low one can fall. They may even feel success is not achievable but anything is possible with skill and determination. We all struggle with something whether its health, society, or finances but unless you are in a support group or you are having a conversation with a friend, leave it out of your interaction with potential customers.

Authors have more control over their image than they think. Controlling your image should not be mistaken for being fake. You are molding what matters when it concerns your writing.  The distance between you and your friends on social media is vast. It is unlikely that you may ever meet them. Still, they can sense your nature and they do not need to have a degree in the Communications Arts to figure out that you are not what you seem. Your image is important so mold it in a way that compliments you.

Thou Shalt Not Smite Thee In The Name Of Success

For centuries, empires were built on the ruins of others. One might say, “It is the natural order of things.” Wars have casualties and they will continue to occur whether it is justified or not. The debris field that is left behind can be difficult to clean up. One has to repurpose what is left and begin again.   

As big as this world is, you would think it was big enough for everyone to feel safe to carve out his or her own destiny. Unfortunately, there are other disturbing trends. It is evident in the highly publicized feuds in the music industry, in workplaces and in reality competition shows like Big Brother.  It is disheartening when talented people try to malign others to get ahead.

I came across a quote by John B. Gough that highlights an important point.

"If you want to succeed in the world, you must make your own opportunities as you go on. The man who waits for some seventh wave to toss him on dry land will find that the seventh wave is a long time a-coming. You can commit no greater folly than to sit by the roadside until someone comes along and invites you to ride with him to wealth or influence."-- John B. Gough

The quote reinforces a value my parents instilled in me from a young age. It is important to build a career by providing the world with skillfully written stories that ignite dormant passions within the reader.  Therefore, I invest a considerable amount of my time writing in the hopes of perfecting my craft. Therefore, I shalt not malign the efforts of other. 

 

★★Valuable Writer Tips★★

★Use your time wisely by improving your writing.

★Research new marketing strategies to boost your readership. 

★Attend writer’s conferences. Some public libraries and colleges have FREE workshops.

★Connect with your core audience. For example, Facebook, create a fan page, street team, join book clubs, and Twitter.

★Find a critique partner who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.  It will be unnerving at first but it will improve your writing.

 

Back Away From The Shoes Review Drawing

 

 

I need FIVE or MORE people  to participate in the 'Back Away From the Shoes Review Drawing.

 Back Away From The Shoes is a Glamazon Fiction Mystery about a young fashionista that's not afraid to take chances, especially when she wants something.

Here's the blurb:

Life was a breeze for Casey Sullivan, a high school student with an eye for fashion, until a joyous occasion was muddied by an altercation she wanted desperately to forget. One would think that working at the Reinhold Detective Agency would have prepared her for these types of circumstances, but scandalous situations were a far cry from being in the midst of a senseless crime.

A welcomed distraction presents itself as Casey’s anguish builds. Casey grabs the opportunity and flexes her detective skills, hoping it will ease her distress, but her endeavor may be chancier than she anticipated. After all, playing detective is a dangerous game that only professionals should play.

 

In exchange for your honest review, you will be entered in a drawing to win this lovely Shoe Wine Bottle Holder. 

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Here’s the book trailer.

 Rules:

1. Purchase the eBook*: It is available in kindle and paperback format.  You can also download it to your computer as a file.

Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9W5JJG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_h3PRqb1HVPAJ

2. Read, Back Away From the Shoes.

3. Write a review on amazon.com

4. Share it in your ‘Facebook Status.’

5. Post a link to your review in the comment box on this article.  

*U.S Residents only. It must be a ‘Verified Purchase Review.’

*5 or more Participants to validate a drawing.

*** This drawing is CLOSED. The Winner has been notified.***

The Initiation of Astonia: The Life and Trials of Astonia Series

If you’ve lived in or visited New York City, chances are that you’ve already been to Central Park. I went to Central Park to take pictures of a statue for a book cover. During my search for the statue, I enjoyed the scenery, took pictures of sunbathers basking on the lawn, and watched street performers gyrate to the beat of Congo drums.

After an hour and a half of searching, I looked up at the sky and wiped the sweat from my forehead. Towering above me a few feet away in the lawn was the statue. It turns out I had passed the statue twice and did not see it. I took photos and moved on. The peak of Belvedere Castle punctuated the trees ahead. I decided it would be my next stop.

The castle was smaller than it appeared from the ground level, at least the areas visitors were allowed to browse. I strolled out to the gazebo and took in the broad skyline. The lawn below was freckled with people in a constant state of flux. I left the castle and walked down the slate steps leading to the boardwalk. A moss covered pond sat in front of the castle, Turtle Pond. I walked up to the railing and looked over the edge. Turtles swarmed below the perimeter beneath the railing. I fell in love with the pond and its inhabitants; naturally, the pond found its way into one of my books.

Writing the first book in ‘The Life and Trials of Astonia Series’ was one of the most intriguing writing experiences I’ve had thus far. The Legend of Turtle Pond: The Initiation of Tabitha Obrien was inspired by Turtle Pond. The historical paranormal series is set in a time and place unlike our world, enthused with old world charms and peculiar characters that are bound to engage your imagination.  The Legend of Turtle Pond: The Initiation of Tabitha Obrien is available in three formats. You can buy it at the following link: The Journey Begins Here!

Does The Trailer Make My Book Look Fat?

Book trailers are an essential marking tool for your novel. They are no different from the movie trailers that interrupt your favorite television programs.  Within one hundred and twenty seconds, plot points are presented that can gain or lose an audience. The viewer laughs, or contorts and it can stir enough interest to get them into the theaters. The same is true for book trailers. If you create a book trailer that captures the essence of the story without giving away too much, the viewer may buy your book.

Book trailers are worth the investment. When you are creating a book trailer, it is important that the font, pictures and the music compliment the mood of the book. Here are the specifics…

Ø  The font must be easy to read. The sentence should stay on the screen long enough for the viewer to read.

Ø   Choose pictures that highlight important points in the story. The pictures should compliment the script that accompanies the picture.

Ø  When choosing music, if it is a horror story apply eerie music, romance employ tender music and drama utilize suspenseful music.

  

Ø  The audience’s focus should be on the pictures and script not the words of a song. Avoid music with lyrics and use instrumentals instead.

  

So where do you go from here? There are many choices out there and some can be costly. When I decided to use book trailers as a marketing tool, I put the task in capable hands and paid a reasonable price.  Everyone loves a bargain especially when the product is worth more than the cost.  

>>My Book Trailers<<

BACK AWAY FROM THE SHOES

WHILE REBELS SLEEP

THIN SKIN SOUL PINNED

DESOLATE TERRAIN

THE MYSTERIOUS MUSINGS OF A PRECARIOUS HEART