become an Alpha Reader of my latest work!

 

Do you like being the first in line? Are you the type of person who buys a new gadget the day it is released? Then ENTER for a chance to become an Alpha Reader of my most recent work, Revelations. As an Alpha Reader, you have the opportunity to read my draft in its initial phase of creation. [Please note: This book is a sequel to Spirit so if you haven't read that, the follow-up may prove confusing.]  

 

For those who may not be familiar with the term, an Alpha Reader reads the first draft of a story to tell the author what is working and what is not. This person does not review or edit small things but looks instead for the BIG PICTURE, areas such as:  

1. overall concept
2. sensible plot
3. story structure
4. engaging settings
5. rising and falling action
6. authentic voice
7. believable characters
8. emotional connection
9. interesting tension 

An Alpha Reader can help a writer (like me!) by making notes about which areas seem unrealistic, confusing, or dull as well as highlighting the strengths of the piece. They do not proofread for spelling errors nor do they perform any type of line editing. An Alpha Reader simply reads the story as it should be enjoyed.

 

So...do you have what it takes to muddle through typos, inconsistencies, and errors? Do you have the desire to read Revelations before anyone else and provide constructive feedback? If so, ENTER for a chance to become my Alpha Reader. There are many ways to enter via Facebook, Twitter, and this website. Oh, and just for fun, I am throwing in a signed paperback copy of Spirit. To review: there will be ONE winner. Good luck!

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a nice little follow-up to Spirit

 

The past weeks have been a complete and total blur. Countless hours were spent outlining and drafting a new book, many times at 4am when my stubborn mind seems to be the most creative. The result is a nice little follow-up to Spirit. I'm not sure why I chose to write a sequel, but I do know I felt compelled to begin a new project and when I debated on which one, the characters of Ellie Duncan and Reese Noble screamed the loudest for my attention.

 

Like children, all of my titles hold a special place in my authorial heart but Spirit is one that resonates within. If I hadn't written this book, I still would have sought it out. I am a firm believer in the importance of spirituality, whether it be organized religion, based in the natural world, through meditation, or elsewhere. Having something to keep us grounded and hopeful all at the same time? It can change everything. Throw in the beauty and fears of a first love, an aura of local mystery, and a hint of the supernatural, and the story just makes me smile.

 

If you are unfamiliar with this book, I suggest you check it out. For a limited time, the eBook price has been reduced to just $.99 at AMAZON and SMASHWORDS! Download and begin reading in minutes! Even better, give it as a gift (see retailer for details).

 

Love Spirit? I will offer someone the opportunity to become an Alpha Reader of the sequel.

Details coming soon!

 

reviews matter

 

Have you ever asked for a recommendation from a friend or family member? Sought their opinion on where to eat or what doctor they prefer? There are countless advertisements for a website which ranks companies in the service industry and helps people find reputable providers. Even my local mom group uses social media to poll other mothers on items, businesses, schools, and health care. Practically every product online offers a starred rating. Why is this so prevalent?

 

Because reviews matter.

 

As a consumer, I read reviews for clothing, appliances, furniture, vehicles and yes, even books. The opinions of others who have used a product guide my purchase decision. And I admit, I often do not buy a product if it doesn't have any reviews. Reviews, whether good or bad, give me some sense of what I am getting. More than the standard product description, they offer insight into how something works, what could be improved, and if it is a good fit for my family.

 

Reviews set up expectations.

 

When I purchase something after reading its written reviews, I not only feel informed, I am prepared. To some degree, I know how my product will function, its reliability, and whether it will suit my needs. This is why negative reviews are equally as important as positive reviews. Sure, negative comments often provide a snapshot of the things that can go wrong with a product, but they are also highly individual. If I know Reviewer A and B loved a book because it was an epic romance set against the backdrop of a centuries-old Europe and that the author's prose resembled poetry, I know I personally will like the story. However, if Reviewer C rated the book one star because it was dry and boring with too much history...that also helps. I understand Reviewer C and I are looking for totally different things when we read. So you see, not every negative review is necessarily a bad one. You just need to look at the context and apply it to what your needs are for a product.

 

That being said, I am making it my mission to review more books, and I ask you to do the same. Reviews can help an independent author such as myself in ways you cannot imagine. Even one review on a book is better than none. It shows it has been read and (hopefully) appreciated enough for someone to want to share their experience.

 

So today I ask a favor: review a book. Be sincere, thoughtful, but above all else honest. There is no need for rudeness or malice in a review. That is never the intent. It is meant to inform. Educate. I have provided links to my author pages for each retailer. Simply select the book(s) and begin typing (login may be required). If you could spare a moment to write something, I would appreciate it. And so would your fellow readers...

 

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

SMASHWORDS

GOODREADS