Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Meet Emma Right
Emma Right
Facebook
Follow me on https://twitter.com/emmbeliever
I am also on Goodreads and Librarything. Be my friend there--it gets lonely.
About: Emma is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. Emma loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.
Short Summary:
Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it? When the hand of evil seeks him out and one by one his family members disappear, Jules adventures into enemy land to seek answers to save his family from annihilation, and his Kingdom from destruction.
ASIN: B00CVK128Q
$2.99
ISBN 978-1-939337-69-6 (paperback)
Library of Congress: 2013936697
Available now on Amazon at http://amzn.to/10W9ZHO. Soon to be at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.
The Interview:
Your unique talent: I think I have perfected the art of scolding. I've had too much practice.
Share something not many people know about you:
I can't sleep if there is the slightest light. I probably couldn't live in Alaska during the summer since I can only sleep when it's dark and the slightest pinpoint of light would wake me up.
Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets? A pet sort of person…except maybe insect pets. I've even petted a cobra--it was alive, too!
Would you rather travel or stay at home? Home, please. I could probably survive in a cave with just a computer.
Do you read more or write more? Not enough of both.
Prefer cake or pie? And ice cream, too. And chocolates.
Would you or do you ride a motorcycle or do you prefer to ride/drive a car? My second home is my SUV. I spend about 4-6 hours a day driving my kids somewhere or other.
Bus or taxi or walk? Probably taxi. but I'd rather be home.
Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church?
I used to go to New Creation Church in Singapore with about 25K people. We had to line up for 2-3 hours to get to church and people jostled to get in. Some even cheated to get into the line. I used to sing in the choir. Sometimes we practiced until 1am and I had to be at church the next day for the service by 6am. It was very tiring. But I enjoyed singing for Jesus, so it was worth it. Now I am very happy to belong to a church of only 200-300 people preaching the message of grace.
Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail?
I prefer e-mail. I get very distracted on the phone. I probably have ADD or something like that.
Are you happy or joyful? Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, Jesus.
Do you eat at home or eat out? Both. But I prefer to eat standing up.
Listen to music or prefer quiet? Praise music. Quiet is good too. Depends.
Prefer sunrises or sunsets? Sunrise. Sunsets look too sad--it reminds me another day has ended and I haven't done all I needed and wanted to do!
Follow me on https://twitter.com/emmbeliever
I am also on Goodreads and Librarything. Be my friend there--it gets lonely.
About: Emma is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. Emma loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.
Short Summary:Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it? When the hand of evil seeks him out and one by one his family members disappear, Jules adventures into enemy land to seek answers to save his family from annihilation, and his Kingdom from destruction.
ASIN: B00CVK128Q
$2.99
ISBN 978-1-939337-69-6 (paperback)
Library of Congress: 2013936697
Available now on Amazon at http://amzn.to/10W9ZHO. Soon to be at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.
The Interview:
Your unique talent: I think I have perfected the art of scolding. I've had too much practice.
Share something not many people know about you:
I can't sleep if there is the slightest light. I probably couldn't live in Alaska during the summer since I can only sleep when it's dark and the slightest pinpoint of light would wake me up.
Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets? A pet sort of person…except maybe insect pets. I've even petted a cobra--it was alive, too!
Would you rather travel or stay at home? Home, please. I could probably survive in a cave with just a computer.
Do you read more or write more? Not enough of both.
Prefer cake or pie? And ice cream, too. And chocolates.
Would you or do you ride a motorcycle or do you prefer to ride/drive a car? My second home is my SUV. I spend about 4-6 hours a day driving my kids somewhere or other.
Bus or taxi or walk? Probably taxi. but I'd rather be home.
Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church?
I used to go to New Creation Church in Singapore with about 25K people. We had to line up for 2-3 hours to get to church and people jostled to get in. Some even cheated to get into the line. I used to sing in the choir. Sometimes we practiced until 1am and I had to be at church the next day for the service by 6am. It was very tiring. But I enjoyed singing for Jesus, so it was worth it. Now I am very happy to belong to a church of only 200-300 people preaching the message of grace.
Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail?
I prefer e-mail. I get very distracted on the phone. I probably have ADD or something like that.
Are you happy or joyful? Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, Jesus.
Do you eat at home or eat out? Both. But I prefer to eat standing up.
Listen to music or prefer quiet? Praise music. Quiet is good too. Depends.
Prefer sunrises or sunsets? Sunrise. Sunsets look too sad--it reminds me another day has ended and I haven't done all I needed and wanted to do!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Seventh Dimension - The Door is a Finalist in the Fiction Visionary Category in the International Book Awards
I want to share with my friends, family, and fans that I was a finalist in the International Book Awards.
You can check out Seventh
Dimension -The Door, A Young Adult Christian Fantasy at Amazon -- only 99 cents on Kindle right now.
By the way, you will notice
my publisher is Roberts Court Reporters. Did you know that Charles
Dickens got his start in writing as a Court Reporter!
NATIONAL PRESS RELEASE:
Monday, May 20, 2013
Excerpt From "The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success" by Mark Coker
How to Reach More Readers with Your Words
Copyright 2013 Mark Coker
Published by Mark Coker at Smashwords
Reprinted with permission
Indie Authors Rewrite the Rules of Publishing
Back in the old
days of publishing (four or five years ago), many writers viewed self-publishing
as the option of last resort. Self-pubbed authors were the black sheep of the
writing community. They were considered failed authors because they couldn’t
find an agent or sell their book to a big publisher. They were ridiculed as
"vanity" authors. Sadly, much of the most vitriolic criticism came
from fellow writers.
We don’t hear
much of that anymore. Self-publishing is finally earning the respect it deserves.
High profile indie author successes – utilizing the best practices contained herein
– are climbing the bestseller charts. Their commercial success is changing perceptions
about self-publishing one reader at a time.
Look no further
than the bestseller lists at major retailers to see how the indie insurgents are
scaling the lists. Many Smashwords authors have landed in the top 10 bestseller
lists of major ebook retailers, and many more have topped genre-specific lists
at #1. A few have even landed in the New York Times ebook bestseller list. Indie
bestsellers are destined to become the norm in the months and years ahead.
Don’t misunderstand,
I’m not implying it’s easy to become a bestseller. It’s difficult, and rare. To
get there you’ll need talent, smart decision-making, hard work, patience, and
luck. Even authors previously published by big New York publishers are starting
to go independent. These authors are questioning what Big Publishers can do for
them that the author cannot do for themselves.
It’s only a
matter of time before authors begin speaking of the stigma of traditional
publishing. Indie authors have the ability to publish faster, distribute more
broadly, price lower, sell more books at higher royalty levels, reach more readers
and earn more income than they can by surrendering their rights to a
traditional publisher.
I
f the indie
author movement was a person, 2011 was the year the movement entered adolescence
and 2013 will be the year the movement reaches adulthood. These newly-minted indie
ebook authors (old timers are the ones with three or four years of experience with
self-publishing) are experimenting with abandon. Through trial and error, experimentation,
and rapid information exchange with fellow authors, indie authors are discovering
the secrets of successful modern day publishing.
We're witnessing
the rise of the indie author collective. The collective – warts and all – gives
rise to an intelligence and sophistication that will redefine publishing for
the better.
In The
Secrets of Successful Ebook Publishing, I attempt to capture and distill the
proven best practices of authors who are reaching the most readers with their
books.
My hope is that
these secrets will spark your imagination as you work to become a more professional,
more successful indie author.
Five
Big Trends Facing the Future of Publishing
The publishing
world is in flux as multiple trends converge to challenge old rules and
create new ones.
Here
are the five most important trends facing publishing today:
1. Bookselling
is moving online as brick and mortar bookstores disappear.
2. Reading is
moving to screens as ebooks replace print books.
3. New
publishing and distribution tools empower authors to become professional publishers
while eroding the monopolistic edge once held by large publishers.
4. Digital
distribution enables authors and publishers to efficiently reach a global Market.
5. An
over-supply of books and alternative media content will place downward pressure
on ebook prices. These trends create an environment where indie authors and
small publishers can out-publish and out-compete the larger New York
publishers. A mere four or five years ago, publishers controlled the printing
press and access to retail distribution. Today, thanks to free ebook publishing
and distribution tools such as Smashwords, the ebook printing press is free and
available to any author. Distribution has become democratized, and global,
thanks to the foresight of retailers such as the Apple iBookstore, Barnes &
Noble, Sony, Kobo, Diesel, and Amazon. These retailers are hungry to carry the
ebooks of indie authors. They want indie ebooks because these books satisfy
their customers and sell well. Retailers also understand that readers couldn’t
care less about the name of the publisher on the book’s virtual spine. Readers simply
want great books.
The implications
of this revolution are profound. Writers are now in charge. Readers are the new
curators. You, the writer, decide when your manuscript graduates to published
book. You are your own gatekeeper. You will bypass the traditional industry
gatekeepers and publish directly to your readers around the globe.
Along with this
power shift also comes the responsibility of authors to honor the best practices
of the best traditional publishers. You must publish a quality, professional
book that is as good as, or better than, what’s published by traditional
publishers.
Readers have little
tolerance for anything less, which is how it should be. We live in an age of
media abundance. Consumers have unlimited access to myriad high quality sources
of entertainment and knowledge. Much of this content is available for free. Yet
despite the prevalence of free content options, readers will still purchase
your book because your book is unique. Darwin is in charge. This is a game of
survival of the fittest. Writers who honor readers by publishing great books
will reach the most readers.
The
Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success will help you up your game, even if
you’re already a successful author.
Before we get
started, a simple reminder: It’s tough to sell any book, even a great book. Keep
your sales expectations low, then work to exceed them. Focus on the long term. Successful
indie authors must do many things well while avoiding mistakes that can undermine
their opportunity.
***
To
learn more about Smashwords and Mark Coker, please visit: http://www.smashwords.com. To read this book in its entirety,
please visit https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/145431
You can also download the entire book for free
from the above link.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Mother's Day - My Favorite Day of the Year
I pray that all mothers will be blessed this Mother's Day. I thank God for the gift of adoption that made it possible for me to hear the word "mommy."
I arrived home on Mother's Day from Nepal on May 8, 1994, with Manisha Hope (3), my oldest daughter, who is now 22. Was that by chance or God's providence?
Single Parenting When God Speaks
Sixteen Nuggets of Inspiration
by Lorilyn Roberts
by Lorilyn Roberts
(award-winning article at http://faithwriters.com/)
Recently a friend shared with me
her daughter was in the processing of adopting two children. The little girls
had been abused in their family of origin and the legal case was slowly making its
way through the court system. As I reread her email, I prayed that God would
answer every prayer my friend’s daughter sent up, just as He had answered mine.
Then the thought occurred to me: What would I say to a young mother-to-be whom God has called to “walk in my shoes”? I know each person’s situation is a little different, but similar in that a woman feels God is leading her to single parent an orphan, an abused child, or a child who might never feel loved. What wisdom would I impart after having been at this noble but difficult task for sixteen years?
I pulled out my keyboard and a plethora of thoughts gushed forth. May my words encourage you if you are chosen by God to save an orphan—whether you are married or unmarried, but particularly if you are single. With God, all impossible things are possible. Without Him, we walk alone.
Then the thought occurred to me: What would I say to a young mother-to-be whom God has called to “walk in my shoes”? I know each person’s situation is a little different, but similar in that a woman feels God is leading her to single parent an orphan, an abused child, or a child who might never feel loved. What wisdom would I impart after having been at this noble but difficult task for sixteen years?
I pulled out my keyboard and a plethora of thoughts gushed forth. May my words encourage you if you are chosen by God to save an orphan—whether you are married or unmarried, but particularly if you are single. With God, all impossible things are possible. Without Him, we walk alone.
1.
Single parenting is the hardest thing you will ever do, but the most
wonderful thing you will ever do.
2. I would never recommend a single woman adopt. It's too hard. I would never recommend a single woman not adopt. The blessings are too great. I would let God tell you what He wants you to do. If God calls you to adopt, never back down, give up, despair, or listen to those who tell you differently. If God is in it, there is nothing that will prevent you from being a mother to a child. God has a plan and a purpose. He does things His way, not ours. Trust in God. He will direct you.
3. You will never know what tired is until you have single-parented two kids on your own (or even one).
4. God is your husband, and the perfect husband.
5. You will come to understand how much God loves you by adopting a child who has no future and no hope, for that is how we are without Jesus.
6. You will share the heart of God; His hands, His hope, and His "all" with your children. They will know God through your sacrificial love.
7. You will love more than you ever thought you could; and you will fail miserably. But your children won't mind. In fact, they will love you anyway. Acknowledge your mistakes and move on. God can be glorified in your shortcomings. He loves your children more than you do.
8. God will not abandon you. He will meet every need you have more abundantly than you could ever imagine.
9. The day you sign the adoption papers will be the best day of your life. God has given you a great gift—a chance to share His love with an orphan. That is the essence of our faith.
10. “Mommy” is the most beautiful word in the English language.
11. Enjoy every moment of the journey. Your children will grow up too fast—in the blink of an eye. The years will wiz by, and you will wonder, where did the time go?
12. Make the most of every opportunity to love, teach, laugh, cry, and even be silly. Be a mother to the fullest. Give it your all. Go to bed exhausted. It's the best kind of tiredness you will ever feel.
13. Have a latte every once and a while, and read your Bible whenever you can.
14. Pray hard. God is always with you. Know this is your calling and your life's work. Your children are precious gifts from the Hands of the Creator. They are beautifully designed in His image with a future and a hope because of your love freely given in His name.
15. Love your children unconditionally. Be flexible. Learn to say "I'm sorry." It does wonders to restore the hurting soul.
16. Enjoy the journey and have a blast. There is nothing else like it short of heaven!
*****
Please check out the following books by John 3:16 Authors, who are offering their books at a discounted price or for free through Mother's Day weekend.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to stand in the gap for your mate’s soul. This small book is a powerful tool for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for her spouse and their future together. Awarded 2010 Gold Seal Best Book in Christian Non-Fiction category on Readers Favorite. By Deborah McCarragher.
Smashwords coupon good for .99 cents though May 25th).
use this code for the discount: SA74B
*****
A one-of-a-kind inspirational adoption story--in fact, two
stories. "Children of Dreams" is borne out of Lorilyn Roberts' shattered world.
The inspiring story of turning broken dreams into realty will bring hope that
the reader's adoption dream can come true. The timeless theme of God's
faithfulness will make this a favorite adoption story for years to come.
Kindle link for 99 cents: http://amzn.to/YpLrIo
*****
The Mom Spa Journal: A respite for penning heart to paper. By Alice J. Wisler. Published in 2012. A journal designed for moms of all ages. Filled with Bible verses and prompts to guide you, this book is a companion to carry and use to rejuvenate you from your busy life. Writing is a wonderful gift from God and has many benefits for the mind and body; use this journal to draw closer to Him.
Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241177
Promotional price: $0.00 Coupon Code: LU45L Expires: May 13, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Information We Need From You for a Book Launch
Information We Need From You for a Book Launch
(John 3:16 Authors Only)
As of April 20, 2013
I will send you an invoice after I make sure you qualify.
Remember, you need ten reviews with at least a 4.0 rating.
If you would like to book a launch, this is the information you need to send to Joseph Young joe@josephjyoung.com and Lorilyn Roberts llwroberts@cox.net:
Name of Author:
Name of Book:
Short blurb:
Link to Amazon (Kindle copy preferred):
Price:
Month to Launch:
Book Cover as a .jpeg
Link to Book Trailer
Short blurbs from a few of your reviews
Number of reviews on Amazon and overall star rating
Must have ten reviews 15 days prior to first day of launch (the 1st of the month).
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