Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “When Love Never Ends”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

when love never ends j alec keaton

When Love Never Ends

by J. Alec Keaton

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478770626

Synopsis*:

When Love Never Ends is the love story of Sam and Sara, once separated, then reunited, then lost to each other again … unless Sam can find a way to change their destiny. As with many young couples, Sam and Sara meet at a dance, start dating, and soon fall in love. Sam is a college man; Sara only a junior in high school-but for Sam, the age difference doesn’t matter. Sara is the girl of his dreams. He wants to be with her, and she with him, and they look forward to a future together. Plans for that happy future, however, are squashed when Sara’s bigoted father, Ralph Henderson, finds out about Sam’s mixed Japanese-Caucasian heritage. Henderson refuses to allow his daughter to date a “breed,” and devises a cruel scheme to separate them for good. Years later, Sara seeks legal help, and the lawyer she contacts is Sam, now a partner in a prestigious law firm. Though she’s in a difficult personal situation, Sara’s feelings for Sam are easily rekindled, as are his feelings for her. Just when it looks like they will be able to have a future together after all, catastrophe occurs.

After months of crippling grief and depression, Sam develops an interest in his friend’s pet project dealing with time travel. Though Sam once scoffed at the idea, the improbable now seems his only hope: to travel back in time and change the order of events-to change their destiny. When Love Never Ends is a rich saga of a love that endures beyond all bounds. J. Alec Keaton’s evocative images, true-to-life characters, and clever plot twists are exactly on point. He deftly maneuvers the complex concept of time travel in a manner that is both satisfying and convincing. As his main character comes to realize, “Time goes on forever, and life is just a fleeting moment.”

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review: A Book & A Dish

AVOCADO BREAD
(A J. Alec Keaton Favorite)

3 eggs
1 cup Imperial margarine (microwave to soften)
½ cup of nuts (optional)
1 cup diced avocado
2 cups flour
1 ½ cups of sugar
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ cup allspice

Soften margarine and mix with sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, beat well. Add dry ingredients, nuts and avocado. Spray 3 loaf pans with PAM and pour mixture evenly.  Bake at 350 in oven for 45 minutes. (the time may vary slightly depending on the exact temperature of your oven)

Double recipe to make 5 loaves.

 

Review

Sam never uttered the words “I love you” to any woman with whom he had a sexual relationship.  He had said those three words only to Sara, who was the love of his life. Threatened and intimidated by her father, Sam had walked away from her a long time ago. That happened in 1966 and now, thirteen years later, he was still in love with her.  Sam tried not to think of her, but in the deepest reaches of his heart, he could never forget her.  A man never forgets his first love.  Sam’s ultimate desire was to correct the one mistake he’d made long ago.  His friend, Dr. Jeremiah Ebenezer Pike, always talked about the possibility of time travel.  If it was possible to travel back in time, then I’d correct the mistake I made in leaving Sara, Sam thought.

It was only since the loss of his wife four years ago that Ebb had been obsessed with the concept of time travel.  On a Wednesday, Sam met Ebb for dinner.  “Ebb, tell me more about your project of time travel.”

Sara’s father was a bit of a bigot.  When he found out that Sam was part Japanese he forbid Sam to see Sara.  With there being a 5 year age difference he threatened Sam with statutory rape, along with threats regarding Sam’s parents as well as Sara herself if he didn’t break it off with her immediately without allowing her to know that her father had intervened.  Sam had always wanted to be an attorney and this dream would be destroyed if he went to jail. He also worried about what would happen to his parents if his dad lost his job and how Sara would thrive with her father controlling her every move.  He had no choice but to break it off, hurting both of them more than either could imagine.

Sam saw his dream and became a graduate of Harvard University.  He met Elliot Benson who was the controlling partner in an exclusive law firm that represented some of the more wealthy clients in Seattle.  Benson took an immediate liking to Sam and offered him a position within the firm.  Sam was impressed but had committed to work for Senator Kennedy in Washington for four or five years.  After completing this he would return to Seattle and if Benson still wanted him he was his.

After returning to Seattle, Sam’s life was still incomplete.  The missing element was Sara so when she walked into his office one day asking if he would represent her in her divorce against an abusive husband, Sam felt the missing pieces of his life coming back together.  Until……

This book is so beautifully filled with love and commitment.  It also holds hate and disappointments.  But then it holds the possibility of everything being corrected and happiness falling upon everyone within Sam and Sara’s lives.  This was a truly enjoyable book with a surprise around every corner.

– Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds

“When Love Never Ends” is a wonderful portrayal of young first love. In the summer of 1965, Sara Henderson, a junior in high school, attends a college dance with her best friend Becky.and her sister Rose. At the dance, she meets her “Prince Charming”, Sam Stephens, a senior and a quarterback.at the college. For Sara, Sam is all that a girl could ever want in a man, handsome, tall, charismatic, and intelligent. Sam and Sara date throughout the summer and fall madly in love.

Sara’s father, Ralph Henderson, upon meeting Sam immediately dislikes Sam, because he looked a half breed. He had his buddy, Detective Frank Sorenson to investigate Sam. Ralph and Frank are members of the Mountaineer Club, consisting of men with similar racist & bigoted views. Upon learning that Sam is half Japanese and half Caucasian, they derive a scheme so Sam would never see his daughter Sara again.

Years later, Sam graduates from Harvard Law School and becomes successful lawyer/partner with the top law firm in Seattle but he never stopped loving Sara, One day, she walks into his office seeking his council and the love that they had for each other is rekindled, but tragedy does not elude them.

The author, J.Alec Keaton, superbly writes about young love and what their life could have been if we could travel back in time and change the course of action in our lives. He reminds us that wrong decisions we make today can adversely affect our future. It is book of fantasy of “What ifs”.

– reviewed by Donald M. Hashiguchi

“When Love Never Ends” is a very touching love story which combines some sad, hurtful events with racial overtones that tug your heart. Keaton portrays the intense power of first (and forbidden) young love with skill and sensitivity, but also with some intense and tantalizing erotica that makes the pages turn fast and furious.

– reviewed by Joanne

A story of love and caring. Sam is able to travel back in time with the help of his friend Ebb and right the wrongs of the past so that he might live a happier life. He also changes the past for Ebb so that they both share happiness in their future.

– reviewed by Julia Miyakawa

Video Book Review:

 

tuesday book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 12.4.2017 – The Company Files!

december

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!

First off, that article everyone has been talking about. You know the one! It appeared on HuffPost earlier this week courtesy of Devishobha Chandramouli, an author and entrepreneur. And if you’re like me and were immediately turned off by the title (“oh, it’s clearly set against self-publishing!”) … well, give it a chance! It’s actually one of the most elegantly worded defenses of self-publishing to come out in recent years in any medium and on any platform. Chandramouli distills down the benefits of self-publishing to six key ones, points we’ve talked about at various points on this blog: everything from rights and royalties to self-publishing’s failure to “slow down” despite industry predictions, from achieving marquee success with certain breakout stars to the slow but steady disappearance of the stigma which has so often surrounded it. But Chandramouli also presents a few realistic points of warning: that self-publishing still requires good writing to make a success out of a book, and that it places more responsibility on the author than in the traditional publishing model. We’re excited to see what Chandramouli does (and writes!) next, and highly recommend you read her full article at the link.

Ever been curious what the situation of self-publishing might be abroad, in other countries? We’ve mentioned India before in previous weeks as a hotbed for self-publishing creativity, but here’s a little concrete news about publishing companies in India courtesy of the India Blooms news service, which has the latest on which companies self-publishing authors in India are choosing to publish through. The list is packed with names that might be unfamiliar to our North American readers: Power Publishers, Notion Press, Partridge Publishing (part of Author Solutions), Pothi, and Educreation. Of these five, only one was founded and is based out of India (Partridge); the rest are home-grown and proud of it. For more about what has made these companies a breakout success in one of Asia’s hottest literary markets, read the full article at India Blooms!

As we’ve mentioned before (and regularly) on Self-Publishing Advisor, books don’t have exclusive rights to self-publishing: arts and media of all kinds have found ways to support new, creator-centric platforms which celebrate diverse kinds of art and place the creative control, rights, and the bulk of the earnings back in the hands of their creators. We’ve written about self-published digital magazines–ezines–before, too, and at length … but what else has been happening in the world of catalogs and magazines? Are there other models for what self-publishing can look like in this publishing sphere?

The answer, according to Patrick Henry of Printing Impressions, is a resounding yes! In fact, DigiPub may just have a great new answer to the ongoing question he poses in his opening to this great article: “do they have a grip on the future?” He reports on his experience at this year’s DigiPub conference, and many of the products and people who were there to discuss options. It’s a fascinating article, and not one you want to miss if you love the glossies and are curious about if there’s a place for you among their pages!

spa-news

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/1/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR R&R—AND A BIT OF CONSTRUCTION

If I actually believed in time-warp-science, the fact that the Christmas/Hanukkah Holiday season arrives so quickly each year would be a definite element of proof. And yet, I must accept the simple truth that I’ve already spent each day of the previous eleven months in 2017 and those hours did, indeed, flash past me at warp speed. It is now December 1st. Am I prepared for all the activities already written on my calendar? Maybe about half of them. However, as I look at that list, I’ve decided to do something a little different this year. I’ve blocked off two days each week this month for “me”—days that I will devote to doing nothing else but rekindle the writer’s passion within. I have big plans (and hopes) for completing at least one novel in 2018 and I don’t want to begin the New Year in a frazzled frame of mind and heart.

First on my December me/writing list is scaffold-building. What do I nescaffoldinged (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually) to support the writing I’ll be doing in 2018?

  • Have I discussed my writing plan with my family? Have I listened to their plans for the year—understanding what they’ll need from me? Do we have a plan in place to work out the unexpected family events (dramas) that will affect our family life?
  • Do I need to retire my old computer (desktop or laptop) and get a new one? What time will be involved in learning the updated software? What about the old printer? Am I mentally ready to spend the time necessary to work with a support technician from the computer/printer company when “things” happen?
  • Is my physical writing space too cluttered to allow me easy access to hardcopy research materials? Do I even know where I’ve stored the research? Are the windows clean so that I can see out and up into the sky—and imagine? If the lighting in the room is already perfect, do I have extra lightbulbs on hand to keep it that way?
  • And, finally—because I’m a writer who prays over my work and the work I do for clients—I am constantly thanking God for His guidance and support of every manuscript I produce. A large prayer jar sits within reach. It contains bits of paper—prayers for HELP, appreciation for technical and research support, and thankfulness for His sweet Presence in the midst of challenging character developments.

Second on this list, is to refresh my skills by finding a quick-read, Back-To-The-Basics writing instruction book. I never want to get rusty or sloppy with what I write even though the process now seems imbedded in my fingertips. One method of doing this (in just a few days) is to select an elementary (or middle school) writing textbook and actually doing several of the lessons.

teresa perry writing that works

Author, Teresa Perry, published such a book in 2015: Writing That Works: Put All the Pieces Together. The opening line on the back cover states: “Guaranteed to improve your writing scores.” Yes, that is exactly what I hope to do! I’ll be reviewing the grammar and punctuation sections, and especially the sentence structure chapter. Quite often I find myself explaining to another author or client that a sentence they are particularly fond of isn’t structured to say what they want Readers to understand. Plus, the journal writing encouraged in this book will strengthen the “core standards” our future Readers will expect.

As I close today, I’m not sure many blog readers will even see this December blog until January or February. That’s okay. This IS the Season when family and friends “make time” for each other and writers are wise to take advantage of every such opportunity. However, the writing coach in me will make one more suggestion. “Take Notes.” A lot of wisdom is shared during these Holidays and one of the characters in your next novel may need to share it, too. THEN, step into January utilizing the suggestions given this month. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
brent sampson, Brent Speaks, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

#NaNoWriMo2017 is Coming to an End!

Tomorrow marks the close of the 2017 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and its participants’ pledge to write 50,000 words in 20 days. “Winners” (those who met or exceeded that goals) have already started to be recognized on the NaNoWriMo website.  If you’re one of those ambitious few (statistically speaking), congratulations; that’s impressive!  Many writers enter.  Much fewer cross the finish line.  But everyone who participates is a winner in our book, because NaNoWriMo is a stepping stone toward establishing a writing habit. As they say, a writer writes.  And in order to crank out 50,000 words in 30 days, you must force yourself to write every day.

That being said, 50,000 is no reason to stop writing. Books are rarely as short as 50,000 words, so crossing the finish line for NaNoWriMo is not the final step. The final step is completing a manuscript and then revising it, editing it, proofreading it, and then publishing it.  One doesn’t publish 50,000 words. One publishes a book.

In order for NaNoWriMo to accept your word count you need to cut and paste your manuscript into their word-count validator.  Sounds easy enough, but it’s surprising so many writers are so willing to give their hard work to an organization without a second thought.  Many writers exhibit hesitancy about sharing their work with publishers and that’s even AFTER a contract has been signed expressly protecting them and their copyrights.  No such agreement exists on the National Novel Writing website.

It’s clear that this issue has come up from time to time because on their forums, they provide a link to another website that “scrambles” your manuscript for the specific purpose of only providing your word count to NaNoWriMo, rather than a book that makes any sense.  But to do that, aren’t you submitting your manuscript to the 3rd party (who may hold even less legitimacy than NaNoWriMo)?

You’ll be happy to know that US Copyright protects you in these instances, as long as you can establish the date your manuscript was completed. Send it in its entirety to a friend via email, and keep the send-receipt.  Or use the “poor man’s copyright” and mail a hardcopy to yourself through the mail, and then keep the postmarked package unopened.  These are quick, easy, inexpensive measures you can take IF you are worried about NaNoWriMo or the 3rd party scrambler taking liberties with your work.  Or, you can rely upon the reputation of the NaNoWriMo organization and rest assured they have better things to do.  

For those of you who cross the 50,000 word finish line tomorrow at midnight… kudos!

nanowrimo 2017 winner

brent sampson
In 2002, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Semi-Finalist Brent Sampson founded Outskirts Press, a custom book publishing solution that provides a cost-effective, fast, and powerful way to help authors publish, distribute, and market their books worldwide while leaving 100% of the rights and 100% of the profits with the author. Outskirts Press was incorporated in Colorado in October, 2003.
In his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Brent is an expert in the field of book publishing and book marketing. He is also the author of several books on both subjects, including the bestseller Sell Your Book on Amazon, which debuted at #29 on Amazon’s bestseller list. 
Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf’s Dream to Join Santa”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf's Dream to Join Santa stephen j groak

Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf’s Dream to Join Santa

by Stephen J. Groak

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478766735

Synopsis*:

Every big dream requires a leap of faith.

This is the story of a Kiwi elf named Yvette (her friends call her Yve) who lives on Rakiura/Stewart Island–the third largest island in New Zealand. And this little elf has a very big dream…

The great wish of her heart, of her mind, of her soul
Was to join St. Nick’s team at the frosty North Pole.
But how does an elfish lass follow her dream?
With a smoldering passion, and a will full of steam.
New Zealand is a long, long way from Santa and the North Pole, but Yve is determined to join St. Nick and his eight reindeer…and this Christmas Eve, her wish just might come true!
 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Reviews: “black starblack starblack starblack starblack star : A Cosmic Christmas Adventure!”

Christmas Yve is very eloquently written and has so much depth that you will enjoy listening to it again and again and hear something new each time. It is a true work of art that is not only excellent for children but also for the spiritual seeker looking to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas. Stephen paints pictures with his words and you feel part of the story. The message I got was: not to be afraid and to trust with all of your heart. If you do- one day you’ll have the opportunity to Jump into the love you yearn to feel. If you do Jump you will experience a whole new life that you could only dream was possible before. It will be your new reality. Savor this work of art! You’ll love it!

– Amazon Reviewer Michelle

“Christmas Yve” is a magical journey that expands your imagination to the yonder years of your childhood. Yve reminds us of the innocence that each child experiences during Christmas, as well as taking the leap of faith; “the impossible jump to growing up”.

– reviewed by Amazon Customer

A tale of Christmas so sweet and enchanting, you’ll be hooked from the start—such passion and rhyming! Reminiscent of writings so clever, but whose? Not Tennyson, Not Kipling, Not Emerson, but SEUSS! So heed this advice–(you’ll be happy you did!)–snuggle up on the couch and enjoy it with your kid!

– reviewed by Alan Kendrick

What a heartwarming Christmas tale! The New Zealand setting sets it apart from most Christmas stories. I especially loved the charming Kiwi accent of the narrator and the life lessons intertwined throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to sharing it with my family this upcoming Christmas season.

– reviewed by wiggle

“For Yve’s way of thinking, Santa Claus was a saint, more than a white beard, red suit – oh, so quaint- but a servant to Him without equal, bar none, the Christ in Christmas: the “only Begotten Son.”” I love this line in the book. I want my children to know that Christmas is not just about Santa, it is also about Him. This is a must read for my family during the holiday season.

– reviewed by Amazon Customer

Audiobook Promo:

tuesday book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

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