Before I was a writer I was a reader. Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Since reading is such a solitary endeavor, I found myself wanting to share thoughts about my favorite books with others. So about five years ago I started a blog where I reviewed the books I read. Eventually I started reviewing books on Amazon and Goodreads as well. The thing I love about it is that it’s a place to connect with other readers and share about the books I love. But I really never review books I don’t like. If I’m not into a book I have no desire to talk about it. I just move on to another book. The books I like to review are the ones I love. Those are the ones I like to rehash and highlight the bright spots.
Since becoming a published author I’m astounded at how often people will review books they hate. I’ve even read reviews (not of my books but others) where the reviewer states: I’ve never written a review before but this book was so awful that I had to write one.
I can’t even relate to that statement. Books that are great are the ones that draw a review out of me. I like to praise authors, gush about them even. I have absolutely no desire to bash them.
As an author I can’t respond to my reviews. It wouldn’t be professional. Therefore, this post isn’t about my reviews. It’s just about reviews in general. There has been a lot of author bashing going on in our little indie community, and I guess it got me thinking about reader’s motivation to write reviews.
Personally, I don’t write negative reviews because I realize that opinions are subjective. What one person may hate another may like. So if I don’t like someone’s book it doesn’t mean others won’t like it. And I don’t want to stop others from trying out an author’s work just because it isn’t my thing. Also, as a writer myself, I know how much work goes into a book, how much blood, sweat and tears are shed. This isn’t to be taken lightly. And most importantly, authors are people too. Authors read their reviews, they see the rude comments. And as thick skinned as we are, it sometimes hurts. I would never want to hurt another author, and therefore I won’t write condemning reviews.
The thing I’m most curious about though, is the value of reviews. Do readers really pick a book based on good reviews, or not pick a book based on poor reviews? I honestly don’t think reviews sway me one way or another.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Sound off in the comments below.
Just my Random Thoughts on Book Reviews
Help Me!
I’ve kind of hit a wall with my blogging and need your help. Before I was a published author blogging was easy – I wrote about my journey as a writer trying to break into the business. I also wrote reviews of the books I read. But after getting published I have floundered, trying to figure out the best way to use this blog. I have used it as a way to inform my readers of upcoming releases, sales, cover reveals, and release dates. I have used it to push other author’s books, to showcase teasers by them, and even to share some personal things about me. But the truth is that I don’t know what you, the readers of my blog, want me to write about.
So, I’m going to leave it up to you. I am going to give you some options of things I’m thinking about, and you can comment below to tell me your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you:
1. I have a Tuesday Teaser that I do every week from my books and the books of others, but I’m kind of thinking of switching it to a twice or once monthly post where I will post a list of free and discounted ebooks. Which would you rather see?
2. Right now I post things about my writing life, but I’m wondering if maybe you’d rather hear tips on the writing and publishing process. What do you think?
3. I have stopped reviewing books on my blog, but if that’s something you enjoy seeing I can definitely do that from time to time.
4. I post about upcoming titles, release dates and insider info about photo shoots, etc. I plan to continue that so hopefully you enjoy it. 
If you have any additional thoughts I welcome them too! Thanks!
Photo Shoot for Star Struck!
Yesterday was the photo shoot for the cover of my upcoming Contemporary Romance set to release in May or June of 2013. I’m so excited about this book since it combines my two loves – writing and music.
The cover shoot was a blast and Doug and Jenna were the perfect models for Star and Beckett. Enjoy some shots that I got during the shoot. And keep checking back for the cover reveal happening in the near future!!
Beckett and Star are musicians in my book. Cute how he’s playing for her.
My photographer, Juli Losee, did an amazing job. There is her husband Paul assisting.
Tuesday Teaser!
Today LP Dover is sharing a teaser from her new contemporary romance, LOVE’S SECOND CHANCE. Enjoy!
With each determined step, I made my way over to the man that was beginning to steal my heart … again. Fear and desire coincided within me, but I couldn’t stop. I knew I shouldn’t let him in, but I couldn’t deny the way my heart was beating for this man. It was as if all of my desires, all of the pent up emotions and feelings in my body had me desperate for this man’s touch, Galen’s touch. The man I fell in love with years ago. His eyes grew wider the closer I got, but I knew I wasn’t going to back down. I needed to feel him in every way possible, and I needed it then. In one swift move I crushed my lips to his and wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him tight. His arms engulfed me, protecting me in his embrace, but also unsure of what to do.
“What are you doing?” he groaned, breaking away from the kiss. “I thought you wanted to take things slow.”
A fire so hot burned behind those pale blue eyes of his, and I knew taking things slow wasn’t going to happen. “I don’t think I can,” I breathed against his lips.
“Please don’t say that. I don’t think I can control myself if you let me in. I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you, and it’s already hard enough to keep my distance.”
“I don’t want you to keep your distance.” I sighed. “I need you, Galen, and I need you now.”
Those words were all it took for the fire to consume him, to consume us both.
To purchase the book at Amazon click here
Tuesday Teaser!
Today we have a teaser from DEMANDING RANSOM by Megan Squires! I read an ARC of this book and it was amazing! The novel is a contemporary romance and releases later this month. Enjoy!
Friday Teaser?
So, this week didn’t go as planned! If you know me well, then you know that my creative brain has a difficult time getting organized. You also know that I take on too much, and usually drop the ball at some point. Well, that’s what happened Tuesday. I was supposed to post a teaser for the lovely Airicka Phoenix, but then I had an author event and my husband was on a business trip, and next thing I know it’s Friday! Ugh. But you don’t want you to miss out on Airicka’s teaser…so I decided to post a Friday teaser! This is from Games of Fire. Enjoy!
“Will I see you tomorrow?” she asked as they walked up her driveway to the door.
Spencer stopped several feet from the porch and turned to her. “I don’t know.” He smoothed back strands of hair that were caught in the breeze, drifting across her face. “I have to see what Mom’s doing.”
She’d nearly forgotten about the annihilation of their car. “I’ll save you a seat if you do.”
He grinned. “That sounds remarkably like a bribe.”
Sophie laughed. “It might be.”
In a single fluid motion, he closed the space separating them and snaked his arms around her waist, anchoring and pulling her into him. “And what else?”
She raised an eyebrow. “You mean sitting next to me isn’t enough?”
He moved his shoulder in a shrug. “I’m very greedy.”
Warm fingers of electricity rippled down her spine. “What else do you want?”
All traces of playfulness seemed to melt into something primal, something dark and hungry to match the intensity in his eyes. His arms became bands of steel, caging her to him. Lips curved into a smirk worthy of a wolf lowered to hers. “Dangerous words, Blondie.”
Then he kissed her with a greed that made her wish they were back in his room, bodies interlocked on his bed. Every nerve ending in her body sizzled. Her toes curled. She was burning and melting and needing him to keep her up. She was about to ask him if he wanted to try and sneak into her room when the night was torn by a sharp pop that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere. In her arms, Spencer jerked. He hissed in pain as he clutched at his right thigh.
Link to purchase eBook on Amazon
Follow Airicka:
~ Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Airicka-Phoenix/252135634831614?ref=hl”>
~ Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix (@AirickaPhoenix)
~ Goodreads ~ http://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix
~ Pinterest ~ http://pinterest.com/airickaphoenix/
Author Site: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/?cat=10
To Market or Not to Market?
On January 20, 2012 my first book was released. Prior to its release, all I’d done was set up a Facebook page and blog, and posted a few details about the book on both. I didn’t really have a marketing plan. I suppose in my ignorance, I assumed that the cover and blurb would miraculously draw readers. Then those readers would tell all their friends and family, and the sales would snowball from there. A few months into publication I realized I needed a better plan than that. While the book did okay, it wasn’t exactly bestseller status. To figure out what to do I looked online at other self-published authors who had been successful to find out their tips. From there, I launched my first marketing campaign. I sent many copies of Prowl to reviewers. I joined Goodreads and Twitter and started social networking with bloggers, other authors and book pages. At this point I realized that I’d done things backwards. I really should have been connected to this wonderful online community long before publishing my first book.
Most of what I’ve learned about marketing has been from trial and error. After Prowl came out I assumed that physical events were the way to go. I worked tirelessly to set up book signings, and I sent out press releases to local magazines and papers. To be honest, these efforts weren’t that lucrative. I’ve found that with my genre, online marketing works best. Because truthfully, my kindle sales far exceed my paperback sales. And my events mostly consisted of my sweet friends and family (who already had my book). At first I had a hard time posting on my Facebook page, twitter account, etc. I thought it was shameless promotion, and that it would turn people off. But I’ve learned that the fans on my page like to hear about my books. I’ve also learned that engaging my fans is the best way to use my page. I like asking questions, sharing insider information about my books, and even tidbits about my life. Contests and giveaways work well too. Book pages and bloggers have become my best allies. They are so helpful in promoting my works, posting reviews and sharing about giveaways and sales. I am incredibly grateful for them!
Another amazing marketing tool has been my free prequel short stories. I credit many of my DAZZLE and PROWL sales to these stories. They give readers a free glimpse into my books and writing style, and if readers like it they will inevitably buy the whole novel.
I still believe the best marketing tool I have is my books. I truly think that if I channel most of my effort into writing good stories that are well written, edited and packaged nicely, they will sell. And even though I am still not a bestselling author, I’m getting better all the time. And I have amazing, loyal fans – the best in the world in fact! I couldn’t be happier, and I thank God everyday for this amazing job.
Goodreads
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