Book Reviews and how to write them... #amreading #ourAuthorGang

So you have read a really good book, and you have decided you are going to leave a review on Amazon. 

You go to the book's page on Amazon and suddenly you think...

“I can't do this! I don’t know what to write.” 

Maybe the book in question has a lot of reviews, and some of those reviews seem like mini-essays, but in the words of Douglas Adams... 

Don't Panic!

I am going to share some tips with you on how to write a brilliant book review.

How do you write a review?

A review does not have to be long — you really don't have to write an essay unless you want to. A simple…

“I loved it!”

 ... Will do!

But if you fancy penning something a little longer, then here are my top tips for writing a fabulous book review.

*All review examples are from a fictitious book and author.*

Let's begin...

Tip 1

In the opening paragraph, it is nice to start with a mini-blurb of the book you are going to review ~ but please no spoilers. Why ruin the book for everyone else?

An example of a mini-blurb.

“There is something very suspicious about the death of a renowned British Scientist. Can Joan Dragon solve the mystery in time to save the world?”

If you don't feel confident writing a mini-blurb, skip this tip and go on to the next one!

Tip 2

Write about your initial response to the book. Make sure you include the full title of the book you are reviewing and the name of the author:

“The Joan Dragon Mystery by J. Bloggs is one of the most compelling stories that I have ever read...”

Tip 3

If there is something that didn't quite work for you in the book, then by all means say it. But please write it constructively.

“The book starts off quite slowly, but it picked up the pace after chapter 5. Stick with it!”

Tip 4

If you had something negative to say about the book, it is nice to say something positive as well. Mention the characters, the plot — anything you really liked.

“Joan's inner turmoil at discovering the truth was very emotive and real in the telling. Joan is a very likeable character and one that was well rounded. I wouldn't be surprised if I saw her walking down the street, she was that well drawn. John on the other hand, was the epitome of evil. He really made my skin crawl. He was the perfect antagonist to go against our brave heroine..."

Tip 5

Would you recommend the book?

Here is an example:

“I loved this book. I Highly Recommend.”

 If you really want to include spoilers in your review then please state "Spoiler Alert!" at the beginning of your review. 

But what if I really hated the book?

Then leaving a review is a matter of choice. What you must not do is use the review to attack the author personally. Nor should you refer to another author who you like better.

If I have been given an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) of a book will Amazon

 still publish my review?

Yes, they will, as long as you have spent $50 in their store.  But you must disclose where the copy of the book you are reviewing came from. For example...

*I received an ARC of this book via the author/publisher for review consideration.*

So there we have it, my top tips for writing a book review!

Do you have any top tips that work for you?

World Building and Resources #ourauthorgang

By Rich Feitelberg

feitelberg.net

Well, if you've been reading all my blog posts and perhaps following along, you've come a long way. You've got a map with vegetation and elevation and climate all sorted out. Now you are ready to place resources on the map.

Knowing where the resources are is important because it will determine the cost of items and how common things like wood and iron are. If they are common and cheap then you can have buildings made from wood and you have iron tools for farming, combat, and all the others we need tools for.

It is also start to help you determine trade routes and where nations and roads develop. If all the iron is in the mountains where the dwarves live then humans will be trading with them for it; perhaps trading food or wool or clothe. And control of trade routes has made empires out of small nations so it is something to pay attention to.

You don't need to think of all the possible resources, but you should have an idea of the common ones and note this for the goods and services that characters in your stories need. This may seem like a lot of work for no benefit but this level of details adds realism. Of course it is where you probably need to also apply Tenet 1 (it's there for a reason!).

Once have your resources placed, you can have a look at the political map. We'll talk about that next time.

Color your world – Part Two

By Ruth de Jauregui

Rainbow Circle

The "real" world is filled with color. Blue skies, spring-green or autumn-colored leaves, orange pumpkins, brilliantly colored cars or Lego blocks – even beige is a color (but not my favorite).

When I describe a scene, I often use color to evoke the reader's senses and emotions. Whether it's the flashing of the light bar on the police car – blue, red, blue – or an apple green Maverick Grabber, it becomes one of the familiar elements that pull up readers' hidden memories and takes them into that particular moment with the characters.

Descriptive words, without dipping into "purple prose," also paint a scene that draws a reader in. For example, in my WIP, there's been a fire in Bitter's neighborhood. After a long night, the dawn reveals the aftermath.

Dawn touched the horizon as Bitter wearily climbed the steps to her porch. Gato and Chica raced into the garden when she opened the front door. She looked at the old rattan chair and shook the cushion over the rail to knock the ashes off before she sat down. 

"Ayyy, Papá, what would you do now?" she said aloud as she looked over the ash-laden landscape. Even the apple green of the Maverick lost its brilliance in the soft amber light. She leaned back and closed her eyes, ignoring the faint wisps of shadows hovering amid the haze of smoke that still covered the neighborhood.

She slipped into sleep for a moment, but a heavy thump into her lap woke her. "Gato!" she grumped. "OK, OK, everybody back to bed. I won't make any sense at all if I don't get some sleep."

She paused in the kitchen to make a cup of mint tea. "Not like I'm going to need it to relax, I'm so tired I think I'd sleep through another explosion."

Gato and Chica beat her back to the bed. 

Of course, sleep rarely lasts long in a cop's life, especially when she's a homicide detective. .

www.ruthdj.weebly.com

#RuthDJ  #Bitter  #CrimeMeetsUrbanFantasy 

#Book in the Spotlight from Toi Thomas #OurAuthorGang

Yesterday was my birthday and today I’m happy to let you know that all my ebooks are currently on sale $0 - $1.99 at Amazon.com. Even though this is the season of all things spooky, I thought I’d spotlight something a little romantic.

Rebecca has just turned thirty. She’s happy living a perfectly comfortable and predictable life. She’s even ready to marry her long-time boyfriend whenever he finally gets around to asking her. But all that changes when her best friend whisks her away to Italy for a much-needed vacation.

In the midst of site seeing and finally letting loose, Rebecca manages to catch the eye of a young English tourist but doesn’t let it go to her head. By the time she’s back in the States and back in the arms of her long-time beau, Rebecca has already forgotten about Peter, Paten, Paul…whatever his name was, that is until he shows up at her brother’s cabin in the woods.

A life of normalcy, routine, and stability gets turned upside down as Rebecca decides whether or not she’s truly ready to get married. And if so, who is the one she’s really meant to be with?

Add on Goodreads | Try the chapter by chapter song Playlist

Please enjoy this excerpt from the chapter entitled: That One Thing

Pexels.com

Once on the other side, Rebecca could see that she was inside a large crater of some kind. The hole opened up like a basin. The sky was bright and blue. The light revealed a pictorial gallery of treasure all around them. Paul and Rebecca sat back-to-back for a while just staring at the images, silently taking in their beauty and embedding them into their hearts and memory. Finally, Paul had to ask, “Aren’t you going to take any pictures?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Rebecca’s voice was almost a whisper, and Paul responded by holding his breath. “A photo would never do this justice. I think I’ll keep this to myself. It’ll be my one thing, my secret to keep.”

Paul turned slowly and Rebecca followed his movement. “It’ll be our secret,” he said, smiling at her and staring into her eyes.

After a few more gazes, Paul and Rebecca decided to return to the group, hoping they hadn’t missed the bus. When they reached the low valley they’d traveled, they could see that the bus had arrived. They each began to run and shout out, “Wait, don’t leave us! Wait,” but they were too late. Exhausted and out of breath, Rebecca immediately decided to take her frustrations out on poor Paul.

“So, I guess this is the kind of muddle you’re used to. This kind of thing never happens to me.”

“I’m sorry we missed the bus; you don’t have to be so upset.”

Rebecca stood silent for a moment and remembered the Petroglyphs. She knew it wasn’t his fault and that she was wrong to snap at him. “I’m sorry, Paul. I really am. I don’t do well with change. That’s why I plan everything, and this wasn’t part of my plan.”

“No worries,” said Paul. “I learned from my friend Rick, when plans don’t work out, go walkabout.” 

When Rebecca looked up at Paul with pure confusion on her face, he realized he needed to better explain himself. “Rick’s an Aussie. What his statement means is, don’t just sit around. Between the two of us, we have enough food and water to get us fifty miles in a desert. All we need to do is walk about ten.”

“Oh, only ten,” Rebecca muttered. “Ten miles is easy.”

“Come on,” said Paul, “it won’t be that bad. The day is early and long this time of the season. Plus, you’re dressed for it. The quicker we start walking, the quicker we make it back to the inn.”

Rebecca wasn’t going to argue with Paul’s logic, so they got up and began walking. Rebecca assumed she’d have trouble keeping up with Paul’s stride, but it didn’t take long for her to figure out that he’d slowed his pace to keep up with her. Paul actually seemed to be enjoying the time alone with Rebecca, a notion she wasn’t sure if she was comfortable with.

Paul talked most of the way, making the time seem to fly by. He told Rebecca about his mother dying when he was very young from cancer and how he and his dad had been coming here every year on her birthday to visit all the places she loved. Paul told her about him and his father, and how though his father was an old man even when he was a baby; they were more of best friends than father and son. They were very close and talked about everything. It was his father who encouraged him to become a writer. His father told Paul he went into banking because his father was in banking, but that he always wished he’d followed his dream to become a jazz musician.

Before Rebecca realized it, she and Paul had reached the village where the inn was and soon they would be in their warm, dry rooms preparing for dinner. The sky had clouded up and it looked as though rain was imminent, but they didn’t rush back to the inn. They’d walked a long way and knew the end was near; they were okay with catching a few droplets if it came down to it.

A few feet from the entrance of the inn, standing under an old street lamp, Rebecca turned to Paul and smiled at him, breathing a little heavy. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thank you. I had a really wonderful day.” Instead of offering the customary reply of, ‘You’re welcome’ Rebecca had expected to receive for the kind words she let flow freely from her mouth, Paul decided to show his appreciation for her gratitude in a more expressive manner.

Paul quickly charged through the space separating Rebecca from his touch and enveloped her body. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her lips tenderly, savoring every moment. Paul slid his hands up to Rebecca’s neck and massaged it as her head began to tilt back. He continued to press his lips to hers and caress her tongue while taking in her breath and absorbing her warmth and unchecked desire.

Rain began to pour heavily upon them, but Paul didn’t seem to notice. However, Rebecca did. Snapping out of the trance triggered by Paul’s tender kiss, Rebecca turned her head and tried to push herself away from him, but Paul did not want to let her go. Finally, she reached her hands up to his face and held his cheeks. While staring into his wide, wild, brown eyes, she pleaded, with a quiver in her voice, “Please, Paul, let me go.”

Paul looked at her. He sensed her longing and felt the reflexive touch of her hands struggling not to pull him in closer to her. He knew she didn’t really want him to let go, but her words and her eyes said otherwise. As soon as Paul let go of her, Rebecca ran into the inn.

It's Like the Full Moon 2nd Ed © 2016 Toinette Thomas, published as Glorie Townson.

Amazon

Find out more about me, my work, and my inspiration at the following links:

Amazon | Goodreads | The ToiBox of Words | YouTube | See a list of my other posts here.

#love, #circleoffriends, #lovetriangle, #30something, #secrets

COMMENTS

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Lovers of romance will delight in this lovely novel.

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

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Ruth de Jauregui

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Oh that was lovely!!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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Toi Thomas

1 year ago

 

 

Thank you.

Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Toinette Thomas, introduces us to nice scene from her romance novel, "It's Like the Full Moon," written under the penname, Glorie Townson. Stop by and check it out.

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Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Happy Birthday, Toi! Wonderful excerpt!

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Toi Thomas

1 year ago

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Thank you.

Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago

 

 

+Toi Thomas -- you're welcome!

Toi Thomas

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Writing romance is not something that comes easy to me, so I'm especially proud of my #romcom  It's Like the Full Moon.

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Grace Au

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Lovely romance....just love romance, don't you?

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Toi Thomas

1 year ago

 

Edit

 

Actually, it's growing on me. I think I adore romantic comedy.

Guest Author #OurAuthorGang

We welcome new Author Jennifer Daniels to Our Author Gang today.  Jennifer was born in Upstate, New York where she currently resides with her husband, son, and dog--Kera. She loves camping in the summers, spending time with family and friends, staying up late reading, and crafting during the days. If you'd like to get in touch with Jennifer, she'd love hearing from you. She can be reached at
her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferdaniels2017 or at
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jld0316Jennifer

Jennifer's debut novel, Opalla, is available at Barnes & Nobel, iBooks, KOBO, KDP, and other international platforms.

http://a.co/1vutinT

Sisters, Scarlette and Lyndy Loftin, had a normal childhood and spent every waking hour with their best friend, Poppy Heller.  Their parents were kind loving people who treasured their children, but went to their graves because of a secret they refused to share with their young daughters.

Now...the girls are grown up and on their own.

Poppy's bubbly personality is perfect for her job as a successful real estate agent. She enjoys nature and photography, and spending time with her friends at the clubs or at home.

Scarlette is an ER nurse with the perfect job. She's dating a hunky doctor, lives with her sister and best friend, and wants for nothing. Slight changes in her perception occur that make Scarlette question what's happening with her.

Lyndy's career as a successful editor allows her to purchase an old silo and renovate it into living space for three on the go women. When an old flame, Luca, comes back into town, sparks fly...literally. Tempers flare, causing physical and emotional changes in Lyndy that leave her wondering why.

The women are thrust into danger and transformation when they find out the secret their parents had been keeping from them. A secret that will take them on a journey of their lives...a journey to Opalla.

True Twin or Fickle Friend #OurAuthorGang

True Twin or Fickle Friend

by Rick Haynes

http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

Part 1 – The Waiters

The flight was long, boring, and you’re tired, but you smile, for yesterday was gone and today is a fresh start. It is time to shed the coat of servitude, and to be the master, allowing others to adhere to your every whim whilst you dance to the tune of sunshine and relaxation for the next two weeks.

Your holiday has begun.

You sit on the beach, the waters caressing your feet like velvet slippers. With both eyes closed, you carefully map out the next fourteen days inside your head. A huge sigh escapes you, involuntary, but your plan is now complete.

“What can I get you, beautiful lady?”

His voice drips like a tap you can’t turn off.

 “A large glass of fresh orange juice please.”

“You wanna help me squeeze the oranges?” 

He oozes insincerity from every pore, but you dismiss his attitude. You have too, as nothing, or no one, is going to ruin the first day of your vacation.

You look the waiter straight in the eye and give him the rhino look just before it charges. That would stop any normal man, but not this one, for his skin is as thick as your rhinoceros and his heart as black as the night. 

Leaving is easy, for you get up, and walk away, telling yourself that you will never return.

Another walk along the beach, another seat, and another waiter materializes. He is polite, efficient and knows his place. Soft liquid soon falls down your eager throat as you slowly sip the orange nectar.

“May I get you anything else?” His voice is deep like the ocean, yet can be gentle like the surf brushing your toes. You chat. He is subservient, easily pandering to your every wish. The setting sun is showering the sea with rays of gold and ochre, and you daydream of a knight in shining armour.  

Yet inside, doubts bubble up to surface inside your brain, for is he simply another womanizer in a different guise?

Part 2 – The Reality 

As you can see I’ve painted two very different pictures here, yet I’ve witnessed both scenarios many times during my frequent travels to the Mediterranean region of Europe.

Some waiters prey on women like a lion hunting down an impala, but only sex with their victim is on the menu. 

Waiters also prey on men, but persuading them to part with as much cash as possible is their priority now. They know how easy it is to give out a couple of free drinks, naturally highly potent, and wallets are quickly emptied. 

Young girls, and young boys, are gullible, and on holiday inhibitions disappear faster than soap suds down a sink. They want a good time and party hard, but tomorrow’s headache is often a massive wake up call to reality.

I can hear the groans, and the screaming, but don’t kill the storyteller, as I’m telling you the way that it is, but read on, for you may be surprised.

Lest we forget, waiters are human beings, and clearly not all are the predators that I have portrayed. 

Seeing a youngster or oldster in distress is never pleasant, but locals rushing to assist are commonplace. Waiters are often the first to help, especially with calling for medical assistance and first aid. Cracking jokes, translating documents, even arranging taxis, I’ve seen their patience and their smiles through adversary.

Waiters are a much-maligned profession, and sometimes that reputation is justified, but alternatively, I’ve seen the other side of their nature.

So take care, don’t be fooled by some smarmy chat, but enjoy a laugh and a joke with someone who genuinely wants to help you choose your perfect meal and wine.