R.M. Gilmore's Blog, page 7
May 15, 2012
Indie Quest 2012- May Update
Back in March I vowed to back up my Indie brethren come hell or high water. So far, GREAT SUCCESS!
While I have read a few questionable novels from some hardworking Indies such as myself, I have greatly enjoyed the majority!
For my two-month update I thought I’d share some of my trials and tribulations, as well as, promote a few authors in the process.
Here is my list of Read Indies for 2012, so far:
(In order they were read)
#1 Pennence by Clare Ashton ~ 4 Stars
** spoiler alert ** Strong four stars. Quite an enjoyable read. Unexpected twists kept me interested for the majority.
I found it hard to follow the first few chapters but once I found the narrators “voice” I was on a roll. The dialogue and sentence structure were well thought out and executed. The lead character, Lucy, is chock full of relate-able quirks and paranoia. Following a traumatic experience, Lucy, begins to neglect her home and herself. Something most folks can relate to.
I was a bit disappointed there was no finality when it came to Jake, Lucy’s ghostly partner. It seemed to me he simply stopped popping up in the cottage until his spirit was mentioned toward the end. Not detrimental to the plot, only my opinion. I was looking forward to further spectral interaction.
The relationship that developed between Lucy and her new neighbor, Karen, was endearing. In fact, the romantic interlude between the two was much better written than that of your typical “romance” novel. I didn’t even skip over the steamy scene, like I typically do. Although, I did blush a bit.
Don’t mistake this for a “romance” novel by any means. The relationships Lucy juggles are only a side note to the suspense and danger that follows her.
That being said, the end was as it should be. And I was left as I should have been, satisfied and wanting more.
Job well done, Claire!
#2 Displaced by Elle Lapraim ~ 4 Stars
Completely different! I forgot how much I love short stories until Displaced. A solid four stars, four and a half really but that’s not an option.
Loved the plot line. I actually fell into the “bleeding heart” side. I felt for the “dome” and wished it was left as is. But, alas, that is the tale here I assume.
Leave beauty to be what it is, if it kills you then at least you didn’t die in vain. Mess with it, feel it’s wrath.
(Sorry for the “quotes” I was trying not to hide because of spoilers.
)#3 A Demon Love Story Part One: The Obsession by Allison B. Levine ~ 3 Stars
If I could give a 3.5 star rating I would. Don’t take this 3 star rating as a “bad” thing. As an author I know how horrible it can feel to get a 3 star review. I wanted to start this with the disclaimer that I rarely hand out 5 or even 4 stars.
That being said, here are some things I liked about A Demon Love Story.
The plot idea was new and exciting. A nice spin on an old classic. I refuse to leave spoilers so you’ll have to read it yourself to find out. There were many twists and turns in the story which I loved. Written in first person POV, the main character, Alex, was as confident and brazen as they come. And by the middle of the book she was as ruthless as they come. The cast of characters added to her rage and lust in just the right ways.
Some stuff I wasn’t overly satisfied with.
The book is really long. Honestly, Ms. Levine could have split this book in half, added some much needed detail, and had two full length novels, both making a profit. (This is purely my opinion of course. The author is the only one who truly knows where this story is headed.)
I don’t really like romance. A Demon Love Story wasn’t FULL of it, but had more than I prefer. The love interest never peaked my interest as I thought his infatuation for Alex was a bit unbelievable. Again, no spoilers here, read the book and make your own conclusion.
A bit more detail was needed I think. I would have like to known more in certain areas. Two books with more detail may have landed Demon Love Story a 4 star rating from me.
In the end, A Demon Love Story is a lustful, revenge filled, ruthless tale of a girl, a boy, and a thirst for blood. I liked it, you should too.
#4 Black Oil Red Blood by Diane Castle
Very interesting! Fast paced, fact-filled, and edge of your seat action.
Only downside, DO NOT attempt reading before bed, or while not fully awake. This bad boy needs your full attention.
Love the redheaded spitfire, Chloe. Her adorable hetero(or not so hetero)-life mate, Miles. And the chivalrous, Detective Nash. The combination of interesting characters, legal-eagle plot line, and downright out of nowhere twists, kept me enthralled.
Took a few chapters to get me hooked, but once I was in I couldn’t put it down.
A razor sharp, eye-opening read from Diane Castle. Kudos!
#5 Nightmare at Emerald High by Joana James
Currently Reading. So far, interesting. Very YA, not really my style. But, nicely written and interesting. Review forthcoming.
Up Next:
Of Good and Evil by Gerald Griffin
HotBlood by Juliann Whicker
Next update will be July. More books, more authors, more reviews!
Indies Unite! Want to take part in the Indie Quest? Check out my pledge here.
April 1, 2012
Indie Blog Hop
Below is the information from BookedUpReviews.blogspot.com
As it is written, so shall it be.
I will be giving away a signed paperback copy of "The Scene" as part of this blog hop.
I'm in are you?
"After starting the Blogger Loving group on Goodreads, which is a group of authors and bloggers taking a stand against bullying, Fashionta of Booked Up Reviews was talking with a friend about the group, and an Indie Giveaway Hop was born."
"Hosted by A Daydreamer's Thoughts and Booked Up Reviews, and supported by Blogger Loving, Making Connections, and Shut Up & Read, the Indie blog hop is a giveaway hop to support all things indie. Authors if you'd like to participate by offering a prize on either of the host sites, please check the host's "contact us" sections to get a hold of us."
(I am only passing this on. I am a participant NOT a host. Contact one the lovely folks over at A Daydreamer's Thoughts or Booked Up Reviews for further details.)
Participant Requirements:
- Any author and /or blogger is welcome
- Prizes must be indie related books, giftcards, services
- Books must be already published
- No gift cards to major publishers or bookstores. Amazon and other Indie bookstores are allowed
- Advertise on any form you can. I want to get the word out, the bigger the better, the more expose for the authors and bloggers.
- Link to the other participants. The linky list below has the code you can use show the list
- Any attacks against any authors or bloggers will not be tolerated
- Posts must be up your site by 12 noon on the 23rd of April
- Hosts are responsible for their own prizes
- List will close 3 days before the start of the hop
- Remember to leave which countries your giveaway is open to – USA, USA/CANADA, or INT. If you don't indicate, I'll assume it's USA
This is a Blog Hop!
March 29, 2012
Indie Only Quest 2012 ~ I got your back
Making my rounds through the Indie community this year.
I have sworn my alliance to Indie authors for 2012. I, R.M. Gilmore will read, review, and support only Indie authors and their works.
I have chosen to read at least 15 Indie books this year. This is not a limitation or maximum number, only a guideline to keep me on track.
I will leave an honest review as an author. However, if I find that I cannot finish the book OR I feel I cannot give an honest 3 stars or more to a book I will NOT review it. I firmly believe in the old saying, "If you can't saying anything nice, don't say anything at all". I have two reasons for this 1.) The last thing a new "unknown" author needs is a "bad" review. 2.) Do unto others. If I wrote a horrible story I would appreciate someone tell me personally or privately and not scream it from the rooftop. A 1 or 2 star review is embarrassing and I refuse to do that to another human being.
That being said, if I find a plot discrepancy, numerous errors (We are all human and these things happen. I am the worst about editing so I know how that can go.), or simply HATE it for whatever reason I may leave a personal message as to why I won't be leaving a review. Who knows, an author may decide to make some changes and the second edition is unbelievably amazing.
My goal is to support others like me. I ask that these "others" choose to do the same. If we all band together, we can become more than just "Indies" or "Self-published", which lets face it doesn't come with the best stigma. I only hope that one day someone will do the same for me.
Indies, I got your back.
Cheers,
R.M.
March 28, 2012
Indie Only Quest 2012 ~ I got your back
Making my rounds through the Indie community this year.
I have sworn my alliance to Indie authors for 2012. I, R.M. Gilmore will read, review, and support only Indie authors and their works.
I have chosen to read at least 15 Indie books this year. This is not a limitation or maximum number, only a guideline to keep me on track.
I will leave an honest review as an author. However, if I find that I cannot finish the book OR I feel I cannot give an honest 3 stars or more to a book I will NOT review it. I firmly believe in the old saying, "If you can't saying anything nice, don't say anything at all". I have two reasons for this 1.) The last thing a new "unknown" author needs is a "bad" review. 2.) Do unto others. If I wrote a horrible story I would appreciate someone tell me personally or privately and not scream it from the rooftop. A 1 or 2 star review is embarrassing and I refuse to do that to another human being.
That being said, if I find a plot discrepancy, numerous errors (We are all human and these things happen. I am the worst about editing so I know how that can go.), or simply HATE it for whatever reason I may leave a personal message as to why I won't be leaving a review. Who knows, an author may decide to make some changes and the second edition is unbelievably amazing.
My goal is to support others like me. I ask that these "others" choose to do the same. If we all band together, we can become more than just "Indies" or "Self-published", which lets face it doesn't come with the best stigma. I only hope that one day someone will do the same for me.
Indies, I got your back.
Cheers,
R.M.
March 24, 2012
The Signing of The Book
~ Collecting all of my necessary things. Books, swag, all too important hyper-pink Sharpie. Worry hits me every now and then. Worry that five people may show. Worry that two hundred people may show (though knowingly less likely). Worry that I will fail. Worry that everything I have worked for will be in vain.
Then I remind myself that no matter how far I fall, no matter how much of a failure this particular endeavor may become, I know I have done more in the last month than most have in the last year. And more importantly, I and all that I do are too important to me for me to allow them to fail in the long run.
That being said, here's a toast to a successful future. To a fruitful and joyous year. To my never ending tenacity. To my loving family who will show to every event and read every line I write. And finally to failure, without it no one would feel the need to persevere and thus feel the undeniable feeling accomplishment. Cheers.
Drink up bitches! It's Saturday and I want to see all of your lovely hung over faces in the morning.
Love to you
~R
February 22, 2012
Tangible Reads
After quite some time my latest novel "The Scene" is out in paperback. You can pick up a copy of you very own by clicking here!!
Love what you read, do what you love.
BEST Review of "The Scene" thus far. Just thought I'd share...
Jan's review Feb 21, 12 Read in February, 2012
In her search to discover whether or not vampires are real, we find Dylan Hart in Los Angeles, trying to make her way as a journalist, pay off her student debt and get her front door open. She has body issues, money trouble and two men she doesn't know what to do with. Dylan's decision to write a book, and cash-in on the blood-drained bodies of prostitutes, begins her on her Odyssey. Slicing her way through the absurd, the ethereal and the deadly serious, of the underground vampire community, with her twenty-first century Marlowe-esque straight-razor wit. A "Thelma and Louise On Steroids" relationship with best-friend, Tatum, epitomizes the sentiment, "A good friend will help you move. A best friend will help you move a body". The only question when it comes to Tatum, is whose? But Dylan's crunchy coating hides a soft, creamy, center. She soon finds herself hunting down the murderers for a higher purposes than fame and money. Although that would be okay too. I loved this book! I'm not usually into vampires, but this isn't your usual vampire fare. It's quirky, creepy and laugh-out-loud hilarious. There's a good, solid, mystery in The Scene, and well crafted characters in place for the rest of Dylan's Odyssey. RM Gilmore has me hooked!
Want to get your hands on a signed copy? Enter to WIN one of TWO signed copies from Goodreads.com.
Click below to enter! Hurry, ends March 31st, 2012~
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Scene by R.M. Gilmore Giveaway ends March 31, 2012. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
February 13, 2012
Publishing and Promoting
So far, it is a pain in my ass! I am tired and my back hurts. I have no money to spend on promoting myself so I am trying to do every FREE thing I can think of. At times I feel like a book whore slinging my wares about town.
Book reviews are almost impossible for indie authors. Most review blogs won't even take a look at your work if it wasn't graced with a the seal of approval from some publishing shark. I actually like being independent. I don't have to answer to anyone. I can keep and toss only what I want to. I create my own timeline, cover, and character plots. It's great!
Now if I can only magically show readers the path to my novels I will be set. When that will ever happen, I don't know. But for now, I'll just keep on keepin on!
End of rant.
February 12, 2012
Dylan Hart Has Been Unleashed!
The Dylan Hart Odyssey of the Occult series begins with our heroine snooping into a media dretched homicide investigation. Havoc insues and she is ass deep in blood bars and dead hookers.
Check out Dylan's first trip into the occult with The Scene!
You can get it on:
Kindle (The app is free on your Blackberry, Android, PC, etc.)
Nook (COMING SOON)
Paperback! (COMING SOON)
Read it, love it, leave a review! Don't forget to let everyone know what you thought. Unless you hate it then…well…you know what to do!
Dylan Hart Has Been Unleashed!
Check out Dylan's first trip into the occult with The Scene!
You can get it on:
Kindle (The app is free on your Blackberry, Android, PC, etc.)
Nook (COMING SOON)
Paperback! (COMING SOON)
Read it, love it, leave a review! Don't forget to let everyone know what you thought. Unless you hate it then...well...you know what to do!
January 27, 2012
OFFICIAL BOOK COVER ~ THE SCENE
I pray it is a hit and no one sues me for slander.
The official book cover has been finalized and is being released here along with the first chapter which you can find on Dylan Hart's Odyssey blog here ~ The Scene - Big Tease
Follow Dylan on facebook ~ Dylan Hart v-v {Official Page}
Have fun and be safe, there's vampires roaming the streets. v-v
