How to Ask for Book Reviews

August 17, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 17 Comments

For every book I read, I leave a review on both Amazon and Goodreads. It’s important to let authors know the things we liked or didn’t like about their book.

I’m by no means, one of the top 100 Amazon Reviewers, but recently requests asking for a review has increased; most of the time, I try to help out a fellow writer, but it’s becoming more difficult as I try to focus on my current work in progress (WIP).

If you visit my Amazon page, you’ll find my reviews are, by far, on books I’ve chosen to read – for pleasure, on the craft of writing, research, or non-fiction books of interest. If you check out my blog or Bio, you can tell my preferred genre.

I’ve noticed in a few of the requests I’ve received; the author has not done the necessary ‘homework’ to find the best reviewer for their genre, and I think that’s important. Asking a fantasy author to review my crime novel is not going to get me the review I hope to receive.

So, it thrilled me to read the guest post from one of Amazon’s top reviewers, Gisela Hausmann over at C.S. Lakin’s, Live, Write, Thrive.

In her post, Ms. Hausmann discusses, The 5 Most Common Mistakes Writers Make When Seeking Book Reviews. If you’re looking for someone to review your book, Gisela Hausmann’s guest post is worth reading and making notes.

What do you think? Do you offer reviews? What has been your experience? I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Procrastination: There’s an App for That

August 9, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 10 Comments

Do you have a project you’ve been working on since Edison invented the light bulb? You want to get to the finish line but for some reason, you haven’t.

I know, it’s the hours in the day ( they haven’t changed), the retired husband (I sympathize), the grandkids, laundry, HBO (had to catch up), Twitter, Facebook, or any number of excuses we come up with to justify not reaching the finish line.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison
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Procrastination is one of those insidious things that – surprise, surprise, do not get better with age. But, cheer up – there’s an app for that!

Thanks to Amy Rolph from Unstuck Advice, we can now have a digital monitor. The Unstuck app helps identify the type of procrastination you’re exhibiting and offer solutions.

Are you a drifter, deflated doer, waffler, perplexed planner, avoider, or just a fuzzy forecaster? Check out the Unstuck App to find out, and get the project completed!

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

My Top Twenty Websites for Writers

July 25, 2016July 25, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 59 Comments

Photo: courtesy of wikipedia.org

I don’t know about you, but I rely on the expertise of other writers and bloggers. I have collected an array of blogs that are my go-to resources for writing advice, critiques, editing, grammar, writing prompts, research, publishing, and blogging.

I’m sure you have your favored sites, but I thought I would share with you my top 20 websites for writers. Enjoy and if you have one, you think my readers, or I would like them, please pass the link on in the comment section below.

Fiction University with Janice Hardy – one of all time favorite resources on writing.
WOW- Women on Writing – designed to support women writers through all stages of writing.
Live Write Thrive with CS Lakin – copywriter, editor, and writing coach.
Writer Unboxed – all about the writing of fiction.
The Review Review – a source for all writers interested in submitting to literary magazines; read reviews and interviews with the editors, her.
Mash Stories – started out as a competition site, now a platform.
Every Writer’s Resource – Literary Magazine with all kinds of resources for the writer.
Now Novel– a structured method to help anyone write a novel.
Story Medic – professional editing blog.
Crimespree Magazine – an award-winning print magazine that covers all aspects of crime fiction writing.
Melissa Sugar Writes: Have You Heard -if you love legal thrillers, Melissa is your gal.
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog – Markets for mystery and crime short fiction.
Crime Writer Sue Coletta – A crime writer’s resource.
The Memoir Writing Club – Mentors and courses for those interested in memoir writing.
Sister’s in Crime – With chapters all over the US, this organization’s mission is the recognition, advancement, and development of women crime writers.
One Stop for Writers – the library of resources for storytellers and writers.
No Rules, Just Write – CJ Lyons – Pediatric ER Doctor turned thriller writer.
Writer’s Digest – both print and online magazine with every resource the writer may need.
Mystery Writers of America – open to the public, this organization is for crime writers (all levels).
Freelance Writing – Everything you need to know to get started and more.

Care and Feeding of Beta Readers

July 14, 2016October 5, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

Stephanie Snow’s post, Care and Feeding of Beta Readers, could not have come at a better time. I’m currently working with a few beta readers on a story collection I’m in the process of self-publishing. Her tips are excellent. Give Stephanie a shout out at Bare Knuckle Writer and as always, I’d love to hear your comments.Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Bare Knuckle Writer

Writers Tears DO: give thematically-appropriate gifts.

DO give them a properly formatted, grammatically-correct, spell-checked manuscript.* It’s annoying as hell to wade through someone’s poor grammar to try and understand their story.

DON’T respond to critiques about poor formatting, poor grammar, misspellings, or misused words with “that’s just how I like to do it.” That’s fine if you’re journalling just for yourself, but the second you give someone a manuscript to read you’re on their time and you owe it to them to follow the rules of engagement. Also, you sound like an entitled twat.**

DO include any relevant reference material. Maps (especially for alternate world settings) and glossaries are useful for understanding some stories.

DON’T foist your whole world-building bible off on them so they can be awed by your genius. They won’t be.

DO offer compensation. Some don’t want it, but you should still offer. It doesn’t have to be money…

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