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The Art of Writing a Review ...
So, you’ve read a great book lately have you? Maybe even found yourself a new “keeper” author. Can’t wait for that next great read? Like any other entertainment professional, authors need encouragement. Where do we get it? Through an honest review.
Tips for leaving a review:
. Most importantly, a review can be short. Don’t feel like you have to recap the entire book. That’s the sole purpose of the posted blurb. Two to three sentences outlining your reaction is more than enough. And, of course, set the ‘star’ ranking. Example: “I loved the 1960s setting in this sweet story. Rebecca’s inner struggle is well described and I could feel for her and the pressure she was under. I immediately liked Wyatt and was hoping it would all work out for all of them.” ~ 5-star Amazon review for “Only Yours”
. If you do choose to write a longer review, please don’t post spoilers. This is especially true when reviewing romantic suspense or cozy mysteries.
. Place your review on bookstore sites, e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as on Goodreads (if you are a member). You can copy and paste the same review everywhere.
, Attribute and disclaim. “This book was a gift in exchange for an honest review” or “ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.”
. Bloggers get your name and site out there. Link your blog review. It’s a great way to bring new people to your site.
. If you can, please post a link to your review on social media and tag the author. It not only shows your commitment to support authors, but it also gives the author a chance to share and celebrate.
Exactly how important are reviews?
. In addition to giving the author an often much needed morale boost, posting on influential sites such as Amazon also affect the author’s placement among the site’s metrics. Just remember: they’re not spying on your or your reviews, they’re just counting the author’s promotional marbles!
. Reviews are also important when an author is shopping for a new publisher or an agent. Having few or no reviews is even worse than having bad ones.
. For the reader, it’s a win-win in terms of being offered the opportunity to review ARCs. Most authors gladly share a limited number of books with those readers who take the time to read and post a review.
... continued in Col 2
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An Easy Summer Dessert
This cake is perfect for the busy person who doesn’t have time to slave away in the kitchen but still wants to produce a jaw-dropping dessert for a get-together! And, the beauty of it is that everything is store-bought so it’s easy, easy, easy.
Ingredients:
. 2 ready-made angel food cakes
. 1 container frozen strawberries – thawed but still cold
. 1 package strawberry Jello
. 1 cup boiling water
. 1 medium container whipped topping
. 2-3 fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
. 1 Tbls sugar (optional) for dusting fresh strawberries
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, cut or tear both cakes into 1-inch pieces
- Pour in thawed strawberries and mix
- Dissolve Jello in boiling water and pour over strawberry/cake mixture
- Pack mixture into bundt pan, cover with plastic wrap pressed against mixture
- Chill 3-4 hours (or overnight) until set
- After removing from fridge, set bundt pan on warm tea towel or in shallow plate of water to loosen.
- Invert pan on serving plate and allow to drop naturally.
- Ice cake with whipped topping
- Slice up fresh strawberries, dip in loose sugar (optional) and use for garnish
Easy-Peasy Crab Dip
Ingredients:
. 1 - 8oz tub Philly cream cheese w/herbs
. 3/4 cup Hellman's mayo
. 2 chopped scallions
. 1 can crab meat or 1 cup cooked fresh crab
. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Whip together the cream cheese and mayo utnil smooth
- Add in crab meat, scallions and cayenne pepper, stir to mix
- Chill 3-4 hours or overnight
Serve with your favorite cracker or Tostito's scoops!
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The Art of Writing a Review (continued)
The majority of authors don’t get rich with their writing. They give up hours of their precious time with family, they forego sleep, in order to produce the best book they can write. All they ask in return (whether you’ve purchased the book or received it for free) is a review.
Please consider writing one today.
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Upcoming Releases
Chicago, Fall 1964
Allison Stiles is the epitome of responsibility. Guardian to her two rambunctious younger brothers, she also runs a home daycare. While she doesn't have time for a vacation, she really needs a diversion.
Enter Eric Thomas, her new neighbor. Tall, dark and handsome and just what she needs to get her mind off her responsibilities, even if only for a short time.
Moving into the house he inherited from his uncle was not part of Eric Thomas' plan. Yet, starting a new business ties up a good portion of his capital, so he forgoes the fancy downtown apartment for the quaint Rogers Park neighborhood. Now if he could just get his mind off his sexy neighbor and back on the business at hand.
Coming in mid-September from The Wild Rose Press
Works-In-Progress
I’m currently in the middle of final galley edits on two new books. The first is a contemporary novella for The Wild Rose Press’ Men in Kilts series. Kilty Pleasures is an erotic romance set in New England. A release day hasn't been set as yet.
The second is a full-length time travel with paranormal elements. Eye of the Pharaoh is set in current day but travels back to 1920’s Egypt. Scheduled for release on October 19th, it's from Soul Mate Publishing.
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Quarterly Draw
On August 31st, I will be drawing two names from among my subscribers to receive $5 Amazon gift cards to show my appreciation to those of you who continue to follow my work.
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