Gifting an author, a book review.

Readers, one of the kindest things you can do for an author is to leave a book review. Authors value your opinions very much and good reviews obviously help the author sell more books.

Every online place you can buy a book has the ability to leave a review. Some even remind you after the purchase. There are also places like BookBub or Goodreads that give readers the opportunity to share their opinions about the books they've read. These are helpful to both reader and author as they give the reader a place to find new stories in the genres they like and allow authors a place to display their books. 

What should you include in your review? While trying to not spoil other reader’s joy of finding the ending on their own, give the components of the story that spoke to you. Here’s a list of topics to consider in your book review: plot, character development, conflict, setting description, creativity, originality, and most importantly the overall feeling the book gave you as you read it. It's not necessary to leave extraordinarily well thought out prose. Simple sentences and descriptive words work best. The comments you leave matter not only to potential buyers, but the author as well.

Finally, literature, like art, is very subjective and obviously everyone has their own taste for what they prefer. So, if you like an author’s style, the gift of a kind review means the world to us. Plus, every positive thing you say helps to counteract the occasional negative review. That said, if an author did leave you disappointed, consider this; instead of giving them a one-star rating, perhaps give three and some constructive criticism. After all, most of us want to be the best writers we can be, and our livelihoods depend on the reviews from our audience. 

Pure Gold! by Vickey Wollan 
https://vickeywollanauthor.com/

As promised in our last newsletter, each month the Gazette will host a group promo highlighting a variety of romance genres. The August event is Romance Anthologies and includes both Romancing the Holidays novels. 

Help us to grow participation in these events by posting this link on your social media or in your author newsletter. 

by Lisa Kessler
 

The Allure of Roses
by CS Bennett

Mysteries of the Sea Lie Fathoms Deep In This Alluring Romance/Adventure Novel
 

In the annals of deep-sea treasure hunting, and ocean lore, there are but a few treasures worth risking one's life for. In this adventure-romance novel, we have a national treasure that has been lost at sea for decades, the result of a violent storm. Though numerous attempts have been made to find the shipwreck and recover, the lost treasure, both ship and famous painting remain as elusive as the fabled lost city of Atlantis. What is known is this; somewhere in the expansive blue Caribbean Sea lies this famous artwork, and the shipwreck it went down on, along with the alluring backstory of the famous painter and his lovely model who brought this saga to life. 

CS Bennett hails from Philadelphia, Pa. and is a current Florida resident. He is a decorated Gulf War Veteran (United States Navy). He is a world traveler, a poet, and family man. He has degrees in Social Science, Criminal Justice, and Political Science/Public Administration. He graduated with honors (Magna cum Laude) from the University of North Florida (2012). Author became a Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Book Award recipient at the young age of 12. Author has written 28 books covering various topics, both fiction and non-fiction. To learn more about CS Bennett visit his Facebook Page here.

Official Release Date September 22, 2022

Tarot for Writers
By – Lisa Kessler

 

“Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way.”
― Ray Bradbury

 
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, a writer depends on their intuition to get a story on paper. It’s that gut instinct that tells us an event needs to take place or the character that keeps us up late at night sharing bits and pieces of their fictional life. This creative high is what keeps most of us coming back to the keyboard.

Writer’s block usually occurs when we’re distanced from our intuition or when outside influences push the story in directions that are in opposition with our character’s true motivations. We lose that connection with our writer’s intuition, and the words can grind to a halt.

This is where tarot cards can become a powerful tool for a writer. Using a tarot spread can help you get out of your own way and free you to consider new options and renew that creative connection with your intuition. The story moves again and your passion for it returns.

Because tarot focuses on all aspects of life, it’s the perfect tool for writers to use to tap into their intuition to develop characters, plots, and scenes.

The Major Arcana are more event based and perfect for generating ideas for new scenes, and the Minor Arcana, which deal with aspects of ourselves, works well for developing your characters.

            Pentacles (earth) – Pentacles represent health and money. Each deck may use a different version of the pentacles, but the cards are still focused on earthly possessions.

            Cups (water) – Cups represent emotions, always flowing and changing. These cards are focused on love on all levels, romantic, familial and friendship.

            Swords (air) – Swords represent thoughts and ideas. Each deck may use a different version of the swords, but they’re still focused on our thoughts and ideas.

            Wands (fire) – Wands represent are actions, changes we’ve made or need to make. Some decks may use a different symbol, but the focus is still on actions.

You can use the cards while you outline, or while you write, or both. As long as your intention (question) is clear when you draw, the answers should be also. Try drawing with the intention of the hero’s past, present, and future. Three cards could be all it takes to get your book back on track. The options are limitless, just be sure you have a specific intention in mind when you’re pulling the cards, otherwise you can end up with more questions than answers.

Tarot decks come in many themes. Look for cards with art that speaks to you creatively. For a small amount of money, you can add this creative too into your writer’s toolbox and watch your creative inspiration soar.

Tarot for Writers by Lisa Kessler
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter

NATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN ROMANCE FICTION AWARD 
NERFA WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
 

Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to the second round judges.

Contemporary Romance
Accidental Homecoming by Sabrina York
 
Historical Romance
Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum
 
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance
Dead Sound by Anise Eden
 
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Ancient Enforcer by Katie Reus
 
Romantic Novella (15k to 40k words)
Falling for Irish by Katie Reus

Romantic Suspense
Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson
 
Best First Book
The Refusal by Eve M. Riley 
 
The purpose of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA) is to recognize and bring attention to the best romance fiction each year. We rely on the experts — romance readers like you — to help us accomplish this important goal.

Contest Sponsor
The National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award is sponsored by First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW). FCRW is an independent non-profit organization for both published and unpublished writers. The organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops where published and unpublished writers share knowledge about the constantly evolving publishing industry.