Dreams of Book Reviews Dance in Your Head?

In a recent conversation with author friends of mine, they asked about the review process on book blogs. They wanted to know how a book is selected to be read; how to know whether the book reviewer is responsible enough to give good treatment to their review; and also, does an author just hand over a book to a reviewer for free or for a fee?

If the review is not very appealing to the author can it be removed?

All good questions.

I've never had a book reviewed although I have reviewed several books for emerging authors because they trusted my judgment.

I'm glad I have a reputation to be fair and give fair treatment to an author's "pride and joy" infant book. It's what their passion has been poured into for months... sometimes even years. Passions are just that way. No one would want to have their book condemned before it made a decent start.

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New authors are the most frail. They've just emerged from the deep chasm of their psyche. They've toiled and worried, kept sleepless nights hoping their baby is ready for the big world wide web.

An author hopes for exposure but at what cost?

They want to be accepted but not at the cost of a bad review. They hope for more widespread recognition but are intimidated by possible national attention. I've met some writers who really don't want to be burdened with that "sales-y thing", that ugly part of book marketing.

We don't seem to be a nation of timid writers. In fact, new writers jump into the self-publishing quagmire daily. They all want fame and even fortune. Very few will admit to it but being a local celebrity ain't all that bad.

With the reviews, good ones, comes the process of marketing a good product. You can market a mediocre product but after awhile you and the product will lose momentum. "Gooder is better."

Having a great book with a terrific review history will get you accolades, sales, and even some fame. You might drive to the nearest book fair with stars in your eyes. Selling to crowds. Placing a "sold out" sign on the tabletop. Nice dreams.

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If the book title has gained some interest, you may even find a list of buyers clamoring to get more. Are you ready to be "found" by a acquistions book buyer for a major publisher? It happens more frequently now that the publishing industry is scrambling to change its tactics.

In reality, the dream of going national still may be out of reach. An author can make the difference with the attitude the book sometimes releases. And that attitude may rush that author forward into a wave of creativity to write more. Perhaps it's the review that helps give the author the forward motion.

Depending on the subject of your book, are you telling a fictional tale of romance, history, crime, biography, or a literary tome that could catapult the title to colleges and libraries? Have you entered your book into one of several national awards contests? Does your book wear a gold literary award of some kind? A reviewer's seal of approval?

These are all components of fashionable book marketing ... the platform on which you will ride... like the surfboard slicing through the curl... and the potential wipe out you face if the book title doesn't do well.

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Are you strong enough to send out your next book, and the next?

I don't have all of the answers yet. But over the next few months, I will be looking into these questions and finding some solid answers.

Because... well, basically, I want to know, too.



To your writing,

Rusty LaGrange

www.aFlairForWords.com

760.646.2661

Where Does Your Passion for Writing Come From?

Passion for writing is a phrase that turns up often. To some new writers who have yet to write their first book, it can seem mystical. How does a passion for  writing take such control? How do you know if your passion is what motivates you?

 

Sometimes it's worth going to

Source: sararenae.com via Taylor on Pinterest

 a legendary or notable author to see what makes their drive to write so overpowering.

In the world of copywriting and marketing, Bob Bly is one of the most prolific writers on the Internet. And just recently, he penned a response to one of his readers who asked him if we was happy just writing.

Here's his response:

From Bob Bly.com, Feb. 3rd, 2013

A week or so ago MW, a subscriber, wrote:

"Obviously you enjoy writing and marketing and you have
established yourself as an expert in many fields. You are making
a ton of money. So what's it all for?"

He continued: "You don't travel. You don't seem to socialize
outside of your work. Are you happy? Do you have no stress to
get rid of? Are you healthy? The only area you didn't mention is
family, so I am assuming you work as hard as you do for them,
and they bring you the joy and happiness you covet and desire in
your life."

Let me address the points in MW's query....

>> To begin with, I make a nice living, but I certainly don't
make "a ton of money."

>> The only areas where I might be considered an expert are
copywriting and marketing. Maybe freelancing. But nothing else.

>> I'm basically in good health, except for having to take
medications to control my blood pressure.

Source: annakrentz.blogspot.com via Annabelle on Pinterest

>> I'm an introvert and a loner, but I am not a recluse; thanks
to constant prodding by my wife, I socialize to an acceptable
level
>> Yes, my family is the thing most important to me, and my kids
are my pride and joy.

>> As for travel: I simply do not like to travel, especially
since air travel has become such a hassle today; I like to be
home.

MW's big fallacy, however, is his not recognizing that for
people who love what they do, work can be its own reward.

Yes, I want and need money and the many things money buys:
college tuition for my kids, financial security for my family,
and a comfortable lifestyle.

But we live pretty simply: I do not live in a mansion or drive a
luxury car. My most expensive indulgence is an annual
subscription to The New York Review of Books.

What I get most out of serving my clients as well as I can is
the privilege of writing even more for them.

You see, writing is what I like to do most (reading is second),
and copywriting is my favorite type of writing -- although
writing essays like this one is a close second.

MW asks, "What's it - working as hard as you do - all for?" It
seems as if he doesn't see that there can be great pleasure in
doing one's job well, assuming you love what you do.

If you don't love your job, then work can be the opposite: a
purgatory, as it was for my late father, who was in the
insurance business for 4 decades and hated it. Dad said he would
have liked to be either a teacher or a forest ranger; he loved
kids and nature.

Since he didn't like work, he found his pleasure in his family
and his hobbies. Dad collected stamps and coins, played tennis,
bowled, played poker, and above all, loved fishing. I don't care
about fishing, but as a boy pretended I liked it, because I
loved him.

As for me, I agree with Oscar Wilde, who said "Work is more fun
than fun!" I am sad my father never experienced that joy at the
office.

I have mentioned in these e-mails that if I go a day without
writing, I start to feel off-kilter. The week we were without
power after hurricane Sandy nearly drove me over the edge.

I also feel a strong bond with my writing hero the late Isaac
Asimov who said, "Oh, there are plenty of things I like to do.
But when it comes to things I love to do - writing is it."

Thanks to Bob's reply, I seem to understand it better myself. There is a drive within that urges writers to write. If they make money doing so, more the better. New writers who are learning the craft and experiencing stops and goes along the way, may wonder what to make of it all. Yet other writers who are working regularly and making money, may wonder how much is enough. I also agree that 'if I go a day without writing, I start to feel off-kilter.'

 

Bloggers can be just as passionate to write as any form of writing. I keep several blogs going and rotate through them to keep them active. Sometimes the passion for a certain subject takes over, but in general, a writer wants to create often and with conviction. Once you find the topic of your writing it can become a passion.

 

To your writing,

 

Rusty LaGrange

www.aFlairForWords.com

760.646.2661

 

Here's a Book Gift List for the Reader in Your Family

 

One of the easiest gifts to give a reader in your home, is another book. But not just another one, it comes from an avid reader... Daphne Gray-Grant.

It’s that time of year again when book readers love to share their last good reads. I’d like to read more books myself but I love the enthusiasm of her reading list and the variety she exposes us to. Daphne Gray-Grant suggests: Looking for some book suggestions in time for Christmas? I've just reached my goal to read 52 books this year. (For more book suggestions, also be sure to check out my report from June.)       About the Author Richard Wagamese is an Ojibway from the Wabasseemoong First Nation in northwestern Ontario. After winning a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing, he published two novels in the 1990s: Keeper’n Me and A Quality of Light. His autobiographical book, For Joshua, was published in 2002 and his most recent novel, Dream Wheels, was published in 2006. He lives outside Kamloops, British Columbia.   I name the books I like in the "recommended" part of the list. Books I didn't enjoy (remember: reading is personal) I've placed in the "other" list. Please note I don't generally read mystery/thrillers, sci-fi or fantasy (one exception, below). I pass no judgment on those who do; my tastes just don't run in those directions.     *RECOMMENDED FICTION in order of preference     1. Cohen, Leah Hager. The Grief of Others. This exquisitely written book describes a family that loses a baby 57 hours after birth. Lest you fear it's mere chick lit, let me share one sentence: "His toenails: specks of abalone." Isn't that lovely? 2. Wagamese, Richard. Ragged Company. Four homeless people start going to movies together and then win a $13.5 million lottery. Skillfully managed plot, well told. 3. O'Farrell, Maggie. The Hand that First Held Mine. The main character finds her way from rural Devon to the centre of postwar London's art scene in Soho. Fifty years later, a contemporary London couple has their first child. How are these two stories related? A good book although I found the ending too pat. 4. Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. My kids got me started reading John Green and this, I think, is one of his best works. It's the story of a young girl with terminal cancer. Affecting and not the least bit sentimental.   5. Groff, Lauren. The Monsters of Templeton. A genealogical mystery story with some very fine writing even though I disliked the ending.  6. Palacio, R.J. Wonder. Not quite as fantastic as a review had lead me to believe, but a charming book about a young boy who has a facial deformity.  7. Diaz, Junot. This is How You Lose Her. I'd been hearing the buzz about Diaz and picked up this book to get a taste of his writing. His voice is irresistible and very distinct. Warning: it's sexually explicit. 8. Flynn, Gillian. Gone Girl. I don't typically read mysteries but found this one “unputdownable.” Great beach read! 9. Joyce, Rachel. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. This book almost didn't make it to the recommended portion of my list. Parts of it are very weak but aspects of the story -- about a man who walks 600 miles across England to visit a friend in a hospice -- are genuinely charming. 10. De Bernieres, Louis. Captain Corelli's Mandolin. I was late to reading this 1995 novel that combines history, fantasy and love story. The writing style is old-fashioned but I liked the way de Bernieres tells his story from a plethora of perspectives.     *Other fiction (alphabetical by author)   1.         deWitt, Patrick. The Sisters Brothers 2.         Genova, Lisa. Love Anthony 3.         MacIntyre, Linden. Why Men Lie 4.         Morais, Richard. The Hundred-Foot Journey 5.         Ondaatje, Michael. The Cat's Table 6.         O'Melveny, Regina. The Book of Madness and Cures   7.         Otsuka, Julie. The Buddha in the Attic    *RECOMMENDED NON-FICTION in order of preference     1. Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers. I'm a sucker for anything by Gladwell. Really enjoyed this study of the over-achievers among us. 2. Graff, Gerald & Birkenstein, Cathy. They Say, I Say. This would be a terrific Christmas gift for any college-age students in your life. It's a smart guide to writing better essays. 3. Foer, Joshua. Moonwalking with Einstein. Loved this story of a writer who trained himself to become US memory champion. Very entertaining.  4. Newport, Cal. So Good They Can't Ignore You. I'm a big fan of Newport and agree with him that skills are more important than "passion" when it comes to work. 5. Gentile, Olivia. Life List. Phoebe Snetsinger was told she had less than a year to live. An avid backyard birder, she decided to spend that year traveling the world in search of birds. Her doctors were wrong and Snetsinger went on to see more species than anyone in history.  6. Grescoe, Taras. Straphanger. A fascinating history of rapid transit around the world. I agree with Grescoe: we're all too wedded to our cars. 7. Sinek, Simon. Start with Why. I found this book a bit clumsily written, and include it here mainly because I endorse his idea that great leaders always ask Why. Other non-fiction (alphabetical by author)   1. Evans, Tom. This We Know 2. Feldman, Deborah. Unorthodox 3. Mnookin, Seth. The Panic Virus 4. Vanderkam, Laura. 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think If you like what you see here, please check out my other blogs: AFlairForWords.com MyRustyBucketRanch.blogspot.com OldWestStagecoach.com Rusty LaGrange

 

A Poet Can Market Her Own Book

The ease of marketing your own book is evident across many genres such as poetry.Why not?

Joan Ambu, direct from France and born in Cameroon, has now published her first book of poetry in English. Take a look at  "Strength of the Small: a collection of poems" with her other poetry books;
http://www.joanambu.com/bibliographie.html

Choosing a Book Cover Like Changing Shoes

Creating a book cover is a very personal thing. You have poured your soul into the process. Now the creation must have a cover that will introduce it to your readers. Where do you start?

Taking a stroll through the photo design albums of Pinterest.com contributors, I noticed the creation of book covers is taking on a life of its own. Pinterest people, of all creative bents, have developed a broad array of samples that you can do for yourself. Check out the pages of samples to get your next great idea.
If you haven't found this photo and graphic community of sharing participants, I highly recommend it. It's the world's fastest growing social media community --- bypassing Facebook and Twitter in the last year. Membership is free and "pinning" a photo to your site or blog is prefectly okay. However, if you have a commercial use of a borrowed photo, it's recommended to get reprint permissions.

As you cruise through Pinterest theme or search word directed pages, you'll discover in "Book Covers" that members share new book cover "finds" and creations. You'll find bright colors for old novels, decorative covers to add color to bookshelves in interior design, and a compendium of graphic ideas that you can draw from for your next book treatment.

Let's Look a Bit Closer

Here is a sample from 1960s Japanese styles:

Source: grainedit.com via Kasia on Pinterest

These are considered modern by Japanese standards. The style is simple and shows activity and movement. It uses overlays of graphics on solid color. Next we see Hamlet and The Jungle Book have a new look. Colors chosen for these covers are dark and use sharp edges.

Source: rowansm.tumblr.com via Mer on Pinterest

Source: tqsmagazine.co.uk via Mer on Pinterest

Alternative book covers by graphic designer Rowan Stocks Moore for these old standards. A new perspective of title covers that we know but now with a new edge.

 

Source: designtaxi.com via Orlando on Pinterest

Source: brainpickings.org via Rusty on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And these samples indicate that the cartoon graphic is definately on its way back as an alternative style that catches attention and offers graphic "meatiness" to a once considered childish scrawl by professional publishing houses.

 

If you're designing your own book cover, be sure to talk to a graphic artist, a fine artist, and several friends who know your novel and can give you good feedback before you choose. You can even post several samples to choose from and have a survey to see what your readers like.

 

Can't make up your mind? Don't stress. If you choose a cover, publish it, and then find you don't really like it, you can always change the cover on your second printing. 

 

Rusty LaGrange

Chasing Puppets on a String

Methods of designing your novel can fall into two categories: your storyline evolves on a daily basis as you write it or you have a roadmap you follow so you avoid little surprises along the way. I like to refer to this as controlling your characters as if they  were puppets on  a string.

If you are allowing your characters to control the route they are on, you are chasing your puppets on a string and not keeping up with them. Kind of sounds like a horror movie.

So who's in charge here? You are.

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You're probably wondering how characters take control. As you gain more confidence in your writing, the Writing Muse tends to jump in and "help" you by encouraging runaway thought processes, often while you sleep. Some writers bolt upright in the middle of the night hearing their characters demand that they be heard. Insanity? No. Reality. Your writing brain is working all the time, especially as you sleep.

Your puppets must stay on their strings. To do that you should design a plan for your storyline. Some writers use an outline, a series of index cards to track details, or a list  of scenes and motives that propel your characters forward. Some even write a structure of eachof their scenes with more detail, then come back and add specific details that flesh out the scenes.

Whatever method works for you is easily adaptable to character development. Try it and see if your puppets play nicely together.

However, if you are a writer that prefers to let your puppets run amuk,  you spend more time trying to rein them in later. Writers who like to be free thinkers and wait to see what develops, often claim that  less control promotes better imagination and twists and turns they may  not have considered.

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I'm all for promoting imagination but at what cost? I've heard writers who have lost control of a stroyline, jumped around writing scenes that don't have a "home", and losing their way. Losing your way can result in an unfinished story. And believe me, once you create a series of unfinished novels, thr Muse jumps in again and berates you for not being a good puppeteer.

Source: aspectsofwriting.blogspot.com via Aspectsofwriting on Pinterest

On your next project, consider planning better so your puppets remain in center stage, and you don't find yourself chasing after characters without strings.

 

Rusty LaGrange

How Do You Write a Book?

Whether it's you're very first time or tenth time, writing a book is an intense inner search, using your passion, some research, an insane drive to be read, and the bravery to do it.

Believe me when I say, there is no "one right way" of writing  a book. Technique, deadlines, assembly, craft, all come into play. Just the sheer numbers of writers can offer just as many ways to craft one. Many writers don't stop with one book or one genre. And some even change thelr names to suit the genre they choose to write in.

credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Let's just look at one person who has thought about writing for years. To some that sounds strange. If you want to be a writer just do it. Echoes of "Nike" commercials rattle in my brain. Being fearful of starting the process is very real for many new writers. The fear of not being good enough, of not writing something of critical acclaim, of actually being read by the public, are all true stumbling blocks.

The easiest way to start?

Take one step at a time. Let's say you have a romance story just eating away at you. Wouldn't it be safe to read the genre and understand its layout, its character development, its descriptions, its passion, and how it's assembled? Pick your favorite one and emulate it as a study case. You can go to a book store and read about crafting romance novels. What are editors looking for? Do you have to be published to join romance clubs? Do you care about all that or just want to get it out on paper?

credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Whatever the genre, you'll need to just start. Some writers can "see" their books long before they write them. Maybe for you, establishing a time of the day and scribbling furiously about your ideas will help you begin. Some writers use index cards to identify each character, their backgrounds, and how they will work into the storyline. By using index cards, you can shuffle scenes around, monitor your story archs, and remind yourself who your characters are. Writers who have several books "in the works" will employ software management tools to keep all the players under control.

Many more writers use a simple outline to set the progression of their story. Referring to an outline will strengthen your time management so you won't have to reread where you left off. It also helps to keep new ideas from filtering into places you don't want them to go.

As a first time writer, I would recommend starting with one story and stick to it. The accomplishment of having a complete product can bolster so much more confidence that you'll be able to take the next major step...publish it.

A true writer, at one point of her life, will wake up suddenly because the characters in her head demand that she wake up and write their story. Sound insane? It's true. If that happens to you then you can truly call yourself a writer.

How do you plan to write? What's holding you back?

 

Rusty LaGrange

It's like book characters whispering in your ear,
telling you how to fit the pieces together
credit: freedigitalphotos.net