Published on March 28, 2012
For some inexplicable reason, my novel has been attacked in an Amazon review by a first-class idiot who hasn’t even taken the trouble to read it. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to damage my book’s credibility, but I suppose there are some people who are capable of such nastiness.
I’ve contacted Amazon. but they won’t remove it, saying it doesn’t violate their guidelines. Hard to believe that they would keep a review that falsifies a book’s major premise. I’m hoping anyone with half a brain will understand that this is a vicious, mindless, unfair, and irresponsible smear, and not a legitimate review.
Published on March 21, 2012
It’s in the upper 80’s now and the boys are once again swimming every single day. The weather outside is warm but I think the water is still a bit chilly…
Published on March 21, 2012
Last week, I was absolutely STUNNED when I discovered a comment online from a rejected author who said I “discriminate.” I am one of the most laid-back, easy-going, and accepting people you’d ever meet. During my life, I have had friends and boyfriends of many different races and religions. I have friends and relatives who are gay, straight, and bi. I, personally, don’t think there is any one religion favored by God so who am I to decide if there are any right or wrong ones? Everybody should have an equal chance to publish their own feelings on faith, provided, of course, their manuscript does not promote hurting others…
Published on March 21, 2012
Letters will return next week.
Published on March 21, 2012
book marketing
Even though my books are not in a mortar and brick bookstore, I have successfully sold copies of my Christmas book in some unusual places of business…
Published on March 21, 2012
My POD publisher keeps hounding me to pay them money to display my book at book fairs, for a fee of course. Do authors ever sell lots of books at those things?
Published on March 21, 2012
I often write business profiles and how-to pieces for various trade and consumer publications. I get to know these businesses well and, especially with small companies, I keep in mind any writing they may need to promote or operate their businesses.
After we’ve built a level of trust, I approach the owner with a soft sell. I have good reasons for this: I’m a freelancer and I don’t want to make the business owner resent me by feeling harassed…
Published on March 14, 2012
Max (age 10) is very creative, and is always using household items to make a variety of contraptions, as well as artwork. I give him free access to several boxes of my craft supplies and, of course, anything in the recycle bin is fair game.
Last week, he made a medieval weapon by taping two plastic bottles together, and then taping freshly sharpened pencils all over it. It resembled a spiked ball – or a flail without the handle and chain. We praised his creativity and I told him to put his new “weapon” up on the top shelf in his room because it looked pretty dangerous. He didn’t.
A few minutes later, he came to me, and sheepishly said, “I have some pencil lead stuck in my foot…”
Published on March 14, 2012
Last week, Author Solutions announced they’re for sale. Author Solutions, which is owned by Bertram Capital, has several publishing services companies, including AuthorHouse, Xlibris, iUniverse, Trafford and WordClay. They also have some lesser-known services like HollywoodPitch.com, AuthorHive.com and Palibrio.com. The announcement included some pretty revealing financial information about the company. It sure looks like Author Solutions has separated authors from a LOT of their own money! Let’s dissect the numbers, shall we?
Published on March 14, 2012
Letters will return next week.
