Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Tristi wrote: "I couldn't agree more - readers want all the books they can get their hands on, and we as authors can work together to help get those books out there. It's not like buying a car, where you'll have..."

You're exactly right. I'm a writer, but my hope for other writers is that they all do well, that they write wonderful books, that many people buy and read them, etc. My thinking is that this vibrancy will encourage more and more people to read, which will, in turn, encourage the book marketplace to flourish.

Hi:
I hope I am promoting my books in the right place. Please take a moment to consider the following three books. I have added them to Amazon Kindle this year, 2010.

The Ghost Of A Flea
A murder mystery. Action thriller. A strong romantic subplot.
https://www.amazon.com//dp/B003WQBD96
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WQBD96
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Brief Synopsis:
Time: 1975.
Location: New York City.

The murder of Roger’s musician friend, Gideon Whiting, turns Roger’s world up-side-down. His wife, Natalie, lies to him. His best friend, Ted, lies to him. His boss and U.S. Senate candidate, Charlie Holt, lies to him. And Lieutenant Tarrington, a homicide detective, is convinced Roger killed Gideon—but is Tarrington who he claims to be, or is he lying, too?

Peggy Curtis, the blond bombshell who dropped into Roger’s life one snowy night after he left Gideon’s apartment, might be the only person who can unravel the Gordian knot facing Roger, yet she has serious credibility problems, and is the last person he would want to rely on with his life and freedom on the line.

The drug cartel masterminding much of the chaos seeks an address book it thinks Roger took from Gideon. As their ruthless pursuit intensifies, the police learn of the book and join the chase. The problem is, Roger doesn’t have what they want and he must get it before they decide he is expendable.

Quarantine
A science fiction thriller.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZSHNUO
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003ZSHNUO
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Brief Synopsis:
This novel is a science fiction adventure with aliens and mutants and immigrants struggling for survival in East Africa, where deception, savagery and death are an inherent part of daily life, and where indigenous hatred and unimaginable horrors fuel anarchy and rebellion.

The Mbili are the ruling class. The Ine the underclass. In a land populated by these grotesque mutants, one thing is clear. They will never live together in peace. It is not peace the Mbili seek. It is total domination.

When Paul Henry, an accountant for an international accounting firm, decides to emigrate to Uhuru, he knows only that he can never return once exposed to the deadly Lassa fever, that Oneida, the love of his life, is scheduled to join him in two weeks, and that his life is pretty damn good. He is disavowed of the latter even before Uhuruan Airways Flight 100 lands in Mombasa, when he sees things out the window of the unmanned Tristar that challenge his sanity.

The Watcher
An occult horror thriller.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043GX1C6
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0043GX1C6
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Brief Synopsis:
The horror was starting again.
That is the opening sentence in this novel, a supernatural thriller about vengeance, love, and courage! The story deals with mindlinks, thought transference, reincarnation and mindless obedience to a father's demonic will.
Janet Stapleton, who lost the use of her legs in a mysterious car accident that killed her husband, Russ, lives in a remote Connecticut farmhouse. For reasons she doesn't understand, her astral body is called upon to witness a series of brutal slayings. As she investigates these murders, she attracts the attention of the inhuman killer committing these crimes, who turns his attention and wrath on her.
What chance does she have against such an adversary?

Thank you for your time and effort. I hope you find something to your liking.
Have a great day.
John Brinling

Hi! I'm Dan Makaon.
I didn't see a science fiction genre. Did I miss it? (When added, please don't combine it with fantasy)

I recently published a science fiction short story as a Kindle e-Book for 99 cents. I tried to create entertainement value in less than 5 printed pages. Did I succeed? Let me know. Write a Kindle review. It's called "The Squabia of Ostenort" by Dan Makaon.

Also, I have a great video book trailer I'm sure you'll enjoy about my upcoming full length SF novel, called Goodbye Milky Way. To watch it, go to my website at www.danmakaon.com. Below the picture click on the link "Watch video book trailer".

I am looking for a person lost in the internet. I was in contact with an editor who had information about finding agent for me. I have spent the past 4 months re editing Living Beneath the Radar, something I should have done before self publishing. Anyway I think she was a member of this site. Sound familiar to anyone?

JeffLiving Beneath the Radar

Hi Vincent

Is there a way to bring one's Precious (book that is) to the attention of all these Goodreading folk? I posted a bit about mine in the 'welcome' thread of this forum, and a product pop-up appeared. But now I can't find either! Any help you can give to a techno-dunce gratefully received ...

Hi Judi.
I'm probably going to get yelled at, but I think promoting our books is a bit like praying mantises mating. You have to be bold but careful. you may get snapped at and you back off but you keep pushing the edge. You must always keep in mind that you don't want to make potential readers mad, but if you don't promote your book no one will ever know about it. I've had reactions from readers giving my books a try, to readers getting mad, purchasing my book with the intent of flaming it, and becoming a fan to folks reacting as if I were peddling child porn.
I try not to be obnoxious. I don't blatantly promote in areas where It's specifically not wanted but I always try to keep in mind: Everyone,without exception, depends on sales and promotion for their living at one stage or another.
I do most of my promoting on the Amazon forums, but I never mention the books. I actively participate in the conversations and drop a little link to my books at the bottom of the messages. I do the same thing on anything I post anywhere. So far, I haven't had any complaints and have generated a surprising amount of interest.That's one way.
Good Luck!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YQ2JEI

What a good idea, Charles - a link at the bottom of each post. Doh!! Didn't think of that.

Will also check out the podcast idea: those too were wise words.

but first must finish marking! Whew. Deadlines ... deadlines ... deadlines ...

Hi all, apologies if I blunder. This site is so big, its like a city, and I keep getting lost down the little side alleys :)
I'm a playwright who moved into prose. See my bio rather than me listing awards etc. Feels too creepy to blow my own trumpet so heavily.

I have a couple of novellas and a novel to promote. *swallows nervously* I'll just put the blurb up for the last third work, rather than take up space for each...

First off. Flies for the Mayans. Flies for the Mayans A tale about God having a really bad day. Be warned, this one's guaranteed to reach places the regular toothbrush just can't get to :)

Next. The Nog Sisters. The Nog Sisters A story about some fairies who have the ludicrous idea that humans exist. Be advised its not for children.

And lastly, my little homage to epic thriller adventure stories, with big helpings of politics, conspiracy theory, and the Grotesque...
'The Depths of Deception.' The Depths of Deception

"America has disappeared some years ago. A neo-fascist Party has come to power in the UK. Russia has expanded south. Ships leaving continental European waters are attacked. China is on the rise.

A submarine hurtles through the cold dark waters of the Atlantic en route to an unknown destination. Only the ship’s doctor knows its true mission, but he is not who he appears to be. Raised as a perfect assassin by a mysterious organization called the Office, he was once a family man, enjoying a peaceful life in a remote corner of Africa. But when his family is murdered, he must return to his old profession and step on a path of vengeance.

A sweeping tale moving from the violent heart of Apartheid South Africa, to the ruins of the United Kingdom, and down to the edge of the world in the frozen Antarctic landscape, The Depths of Deception is a cruel tale of revenge, served as a shatteringly cold dish."

*salutes* Thanks for reading this far :)

Morning everyone. I hope I'm doing this right. If not I'm sure I'll be notified. Just be gentle! *shifty eyes*

My young adult novel Forever Mine is a coming of age story of first love. It is the first in The Moreno Brothers series. The premise:

eventeen-year old Sarah’s life is turned upside down when her single mom is sent to jail. She’s forced to move, leaving behind everything she’s ever known, including her best friend Sydney. Lost and bitter in a new school, her one goal is to save money and move back home. Then she meets Angel Moreno.

Enigmatic but gorgeous, Angel is almost too good to be true. Except for one thing, his archaic belief that guys and girls can never be “just friends”. The problem? Sarah’s best friend Sydney is not a girl.

With their unexpected romance intensifying to places neither ever experienced, how long can Sarah keep Angel in the dark? And how will he react when the truth finally comes out?

Forever Mine

Wow that is deffinatly something that I would read and get into. One question, when does it come out?

Side thought: Its kind of funny how just about everyone mentioning their books, apologizes in advance :)

I think we're all wary of putting a foot wrong here.

Ian, I think you're right.

No apologies needed here. We share what we write and let the readers do the deciding.

To not do so just doesn't make sense to me.

I just finished my first book called Sins of Paine. It's the first book in the Red Moon series. It reads extremely fast and I would love to have feedback or reviews. Here's the blurb.

When a string of drug overdoses overtake his childrens school, retired special forces officer Callen Paine, realizes he would do anything to protect his family. He just never realized how much he would enjoy it.

Brilliant young engineer, Alexi Dispirnov is made an offer he can't refuse by a mysterious organization. Normally he would decline but his wife's life hangs precariously in the balance. Ordinary but devoted father and husband Callen Paine goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family. A deadly international group of men who orchestrate and control the world's criminal organizations set up shop in Ft. Lauderdale and change the city forever. Sins of Paine is a thriller that takes you on a collision course that intersects all three lives in an explosive and fast paced thriller that shows you how far a father will go to protect his family.


http://www.amazon.com/Sins-Paine-Red-...

Ian wrote: "Side thought: Its kind of funny how just about everyone mentioning their books, apologizes in advance :)

I think we're all wary of putting a foot wrong here."

Yes, because the first week I was on Goodreads I got reprimanded several times just about talking the book. Yes, I am gun shy too, I think we all are.

On Amazon, they shunned the writers so much on some of the discussions that most of us left and now they are begging us to come back. I for one, will not. It was brutal. Sigh! Live and learn.

Hey who knows, when we become famous, we will be asked to come and share. LOL. Here's to success.

Interesting what you say about Amazon forums, Sonia. I'm only just starting to explore that as a place for promotion, but have no idea which are the user-friendly ones and which not. I've only participated in one so far which seems very friendly. But there are so many I don't know where to start. I am involved in many writers forums so I want to be where the readers are in large numbers too, and on here of course. Any advice? I've got several books on Kindle and Smaswhwords and many more to upload!

I think as authors we definitely want to get the word out about our books. Otherwise, how are readers going to find out about us? And, forums like Goodreads seem to be an ideal place for promotion. A lot of the groups I've joined, like this one, don't mind if you mention your writing. On the other hand, if that's all you ever talk about ad nauseum, then I can see where some people might get upset and turned off. I think there has to be a fine line between promotion and pushiness.

Darlene Underdahl

Thanks for letting me do this Goodreads; here’s my pitch:
“If Dad finds out about this, he’ll go crazy. If he goes crazy, he’ll end up in the nuthouse and we’ll all starve to death.” That was how my mother forced my cooperation. “I’ll get you sent to the nuthouse” was a greater threat than “I’ll kill you.”
I rarely wasted time with self-pity. Although I was groped by a stranger my mother let into the house, and a drunken uncle, I never felt molested. My skull was broken by my brother (whose violence our mother encouraged), but I never felt like a victim. I accidently saw my father slaughter my pet calf, but I never hated my father. There was too much fun to be had playing with cats, dogs, and other calves.
Some people may compare this to Angela’s Ashes, but Frank McCourt and I shared only poverty. He starved; I at least had potatoes, eggs, and milk. Religion didn’t seem to intrude on his life much, but my mother spent two hours in church every Sunday, then came home and did the opposite. A young Scandinavian man told me I grew up in a “pocket” of old traditions; that modern Scandinavia was much different. Well, in reading Stieg Larsson, I’m not so sure…
I’ve changed the names of the living, and refer to myself as Diana. Narrative nonfiction is a good way to describe this memoir called Threadbare (www.vermillionroadpress.com). It’s well over 90,000 words with a few choice pictures.
Nice reviews would be appreciated (smile).

Does the aversion to promoting one's work in these forums apply to free books? Here are three free mystery/thriller short stories I have put out on Smashwords to test that question.

Coffin Humor
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
His First Kill
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
The Robbery
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

I'll let you know the results.
Have a great day.
John

I hope this reply will work, John.

I just read Coffin Humor. It was funny with a great ending!

Darlene Underdahl

Thank you, Darlene. I'm really pleased you liked it. If you have time, please write a review/rating and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Every little bit helps.
Also, try the other two stories. I think you'll like them as well.
Again, many thanks. John

John, I gave you a well-deserved nice review for Coffin Humor. I'll look at the other two over the next few days.

Darlene

Darlene Underdahl

Thanks, Darlene.
Have a good day.
John

WARNING: SELF-SERVING MESSAGE:

I've just been informed that my latest story, "The Honey Wagon," has been awarded second place in the Doris Betts Contest for the short story. The story will appear in the 2012 Summer issue of the North Carolina Literary Review.

My immodesty embarasses even me. Best.

I've just put my website up (www.dreamseekeradventures.com) in anticipation of my first book's release. Check it out and let me know what you think. I'd appreciate any recommended promotion links too. Here's my hook on the book page:

Being twelve years old can be challenging, but add to that the unusual ability to experience dreams as reality and you begin to understand Patrick’s need for a little self-control. A “sweet” dream devouring the world’s largest ice cream sundae can end with an enormous stomachache. A fall from a bike means Patrick wakes with a broken arm. Try explaining that to the emergency room doctor! Oh wait -- that would be Patrick’s mom. She’s a dream seeker too, as are Patrick’s sister and brother. If Patrick follows the family’s dream-seeking rules he can have cool nighttime adventures. But if he forgets…

Lisa Ard
Author of 'In Pursuit of a Dream'
First book in the middle-grade fantasy series entitled
DREAM SEEKER ADVENTURES

Joseph wrote: "WARNING: SELF-SERVING MESSAGE:

I've just been informed that my latest story, "The Honey Wagon," has been awarded second place in the Doris Betts Contest for the short story. The story will ap..."

Congratulations, Joseph! You must be so proud and excited.

Thanks, Cheryl. I am. The NCLR is the major leagues for writer's. Getting in, attracts the attention of all the right people.

Glad you find joy in the world of Imagination. It's a pretty lovely, and not-at all crowded, place. Best.

Hello. I was fortunate enough to receive a great 4 star review but it contains a couple of huge spoilers. I've already asked the reviewer to reword it but if she doesn't do I have any recourse?
Thank you.

I don't think there is anything you can do. Some reviewers actually warn ahead of time that they will not alter their review if the author/publisher doesn't like it. Others will say they will post it only if they can give it 3 or more stars out of 5. Since you got a 4-star review, I don't think you have much to complain about, so I'm curious about what it is you don't like.

It's tad-amount to reviewing 'the sixth sense' and saying: A child psychiatrist takes on the case of a little boy who sees dead people and finds out that he, himself is dead.

I have nothing against the review, it's the spoiler. It gives up the ending of the book.

Oh! In that case I think you have a legitimate complaint. If the reviewer is a thoughtful person, he/she will consider re-wording the review so as not to give away the ending. I'm surprised that happened, because in my experience reviewers know not to do that.

By the way, does anyone have any experience with the GoodReads book Giveaway program. What's a good number of books to give away? What does it mean when it presents a check-box for providing an excerpt via ePub only? It seems like a requirement to check that box, but I don't have the ePub file available to me because the novel, Goodbye Milky Way - An Earth in Jeopardy Adventure, was converted to eBook and posted online for me, as a service provided by my distributor.

What is your experience?
I have given away free copies of several of my books asking the recipient to do a review/rating, and have been disappointed at how few people actually follow through. I suspect part of the reason is that I use Smashwords as the vehicle of distribution and some people don't know how to use that site.
I'm trying the same approach with my newest book, "Shared Emptiness," a family in crisis, and hope the response is better than with previous works. Any thoughts on how to get more reviews will be appreciated.

It's been a good two weeks. First, my story "The Honey Wagon," picks up second place in the Doris Betts Short Story Contest and is selected for publication by the prestigious North Carolina Literary Review. Then, few days ago I learn "Story Cloth, my fictional account about a Hmong family in the South, will appear in the Spring 2012 issue of the wonderful Potomac Review.I'm running out of stories and that's a great incentive for writing some more. If you're a serious writer, you know how I feel. Thanks for allowing me to brag. Best.

http://www.amazon.com/C.J.-Good/e/B00...

I enjoy reading motivational, inspirational & self-help books. I recently read Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment and Precious Gifts of Love, by C.J. Good (see author page above.)

I felt these books dissolved many blockages and helped me to learn to express myself in many new ways. I don't feel so confined or narrow anymore.

I can see new possibilities opening and I have broken free from that feeling of confinement. Life has more joy and laughter today, but there is also a dark side.

The books teach how to experience whatever grief, sorrow or emotional pain comes my way - in a very healthy manner. Eventually I regain my power and balance. I have tools to deal with crises and I know how to take action. Humans are capable of a full spectrum of feelings and I am not afraid of this truth.

Here is the link to my memoir, "Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriage," http://www.BoydLemon-Writer.com.

Yes, I do agree that people are capable of a broad spectrum of feelings - that is why the characters in books that most appeal to us are those that seem most lifelike: that is, they suffer confusion, indecision, and often do inconsistent things, they are afraid of commitment, make mistakes and are often insecure.

Tarek Refaat,

I've just published my 1st book "Ruptured"

Genre: fiction , romance

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

Is it a play on Raptured?

hey, that looks good!

If anyone is looking for a tearjerker. Cemetery Street maybe for you. If anyone can tell me what the symbolism of freight trains are in this book, I'll get you a copy of my new ebook Shangri-la Trailer Park when it's released.

Thanks,
JAZ





Cemetery Street

Hey CW !

nope its a rape story that actually discusses how the society deals here in Egypt with a victim later on as she tries to get back her life

Am glad you like it !

Hi All,

From your experience I would like to pose a question.. If it is ok?

I've written my 1st book , being located in Egypt the book is normally published in Egypt but I also managed to publish it as an e-book on kindle and pdf on lulu.com

the problem I mainly face is how to get it to be seen.. I managed to get a few book reviews from inside and outside Egypt , but the problem I mainly face is just getting people to notice it..

Any tips? Or suggestions?

Thank you for your time all

Tarek

Tarek wrote: "Hi All,

From your experience I would like to pose a question.. If it is ok?

I've written my 1st book , being located in Egypt the book is normally published in Egypt but I also managed to publis..."

Is you book written in English Tarek?

Have you thought of book signings, maybe contact your local radio station. do you have a web site?

All of these things help promote your book, get your friends to ask for it in the local library, if they don't have it already they will have to order it or you could donate a copy, and of course use this as an opportunity to promote the book, invite a photographer/journalist from the local newspaper to cover the event. Hope all this was helpful to you.

Hi Shel,

First of all , thank you for replying my post!

Well things are a bit difficult here.. See Egypt is an Arabic speaking country, However English is quite popular but still far from being no.1 read also the current political status isn't keeping people in the mood to read a story.. However my other aim now is to try to get the book to be viewed abroad such as in the English speaking countries.. USA , Canada , UK etc..

so here's the big issue for me :)

Thanks again ! Always glad to hear some thoughts and feedback !

Tarek

Tarek wrote: "Hi Shel,

First of all , thank you for replying my post!

Well things are a bit difficult here.. See Egypt is an Arabic speaking country, However English is quite popular but still far from being ..."

No problem, hope it all works out for you, it must be very difficult for a writer under the current circumstances, sorry I don't read Arabic, just English and French. I will be publishing shortly, if I ever finish the editing. Note change of name, Sarah R Weldon is my pen name.

Thank you Sarah, my book "Ruptured" is in English by the way

And I know how the editing takes time , wish you all the best of luck with that :)

Would be great to get the feedback of a fellow writer

Tarek

This whole forum is pretty awesome. Good to know that other people are going through the same trials and tribulations!

Tristi wrote: "I couldn't agree more - readers want all the books they can get their hands on, and we as authors can work together to help get those books out there. It's not like buying a car, where you'll have..."

Ditto!

Tarek wrote: "Thank you Sarah, my book "Ruptured" is in English by the way

And I know how the editing takes time , wish you all the best of luck with that :)

Would be great to get the feedback of a fellow wri..."

Not a problem Tarek as soon as I finish the editing and the last few chapters of my second book which is late and my publishers are getting impatient!