I am cross linking this since I posted it originally to the wrong blog. My bad, but this an excellent question, and I hope new authors (and seasoned ones) find this helpful.
Christian Fantasy Author Lorilyn Roberts: Has Your Experience with CreateSpace Been a Positi...: Recently, I received this question from William Burt, a YA Christian fantasy author , and a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Netwo...
We are a Christian Network that promotes Christian books through press releases, social networking, blog showcases, and charities, including the orphans in Nepal and Wakulla Correctional. Don't forget to check out the free books on the site - right column following book trailers.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
Summer's Winter by Robin Johns Grant
Summer’s Winter
Robin Johns Grant
Jan 2014
Inspirational romantic fiction
Story Merchant Books
ISBN 978-0989715430
US$2.99 eBook
US$12.9 paperback
When Jeanine finally connects with film star Jamie Newkirk,
the object of her obsession, will it be a dream come true? Or will she be
pulled into his family's nightmare of secrets, control, and death?
At age ten, preacher's daughter Jeanine fell in love with young movie star Jamie Newkirk and the character he played--Danny Summer. Jeanine believed God Himself promised Jamie would be part of her life--that he would rescue her from boring rural Georgia. But eleven years later, she's graduating college and about to settle into the dreary nine-to-five life with no word from Jamie or God.
And then Jamie bursts into her life in an amazing way. There are plans to resurrect the Summer series of books and movies, and Jeanine is right in the middle of it all. Jamie seems to be falling for her, just as she'd dreamed. And yet...
She never expected all the dark undercurrents. Jamie is hiding out in Georgia following the suspicious death of his former girlfriend. And isn't it odd that he found his mother dead of a supposed suicide in that same house two years before, and that both women had the same strangely-shaped burn on their bodies? And who knew there would be so many sinister characters involved in Jamie's life, and in the Summer series? There's his young co-star, Charlie--the Summer author died in an unexplained fire at his house. And Jamie's stepfather, Elliott, and uncle Richard seem to be in a vicious competition for control of the Summer series and of Jamie's life.
Jamie is obviously hiding things--about his family, about the deaths of his mother and girlfriend. The media and the public have declared him guilty. Jeanine longs to prove his innocence. Unless she can, Jamie's dark secrets may shatter her dreams, her faith--and her life.
My review
I love Grant’s way with words and her sense of story. It’s
not breathless when it doesn’t need to be, and gradually sets up story in a way
that’s a luscious down comforter and not a bumpy, worn blanket. Since reading
Jordan's Shadow, I knew Summer's Winter would be just as good.
Young Adult fiction can cover a great deal of circumstances
and settings, but the genre involves exploration of self, growth, and a lot
angst getting there. Skillfully melding twists and romance, blurring the lines
between bad guys and good, and identifying and taking responsibility for bad
behavior without glorifying it, Grant has published a great story about a young
lady with gifts on a sure path guided by the only One we can truly trust, and
her obsession, a movie star from another continent portraying a beloved
character in a series of motion pictures. While Jeanine may not truly believe
that she’ll receive the longings of her heart, she has a firm foundation that
the Giver of all good things has a plan for her.
Within the realm of believability, the movie star, Jamie,
comes from a similar-enough background to feel guilt over actions he controls,
as well as events that he cannot influence…or can he? It’s this sense of
responsibility that bring Jamie and Jeanine together, yet keep them
frustratingly apart.
Told in multiple points of view, Summer’s Winter is a story will keep readers of romantic young
adult fiction turning pages. Set in contemporary America, the story has a
genteel feel, despite the despair and drug use and less savory actions hinted
at behind the scenes. The characters are rich and multi-layered, adding a
satisfactory denseness to the beautiful settings and even the less than
beautiful events. Star-crossed lovers? Sure, but emotionally satisfying and
with just enough questions left over that make me drool for a sequel.
About the Author
While waiting for her writing to pay off, Robin Johns Grant
did a lot of crazy fan stuff and was way too involved with books and movies
like Harry Potter and Star Wars, which helped her dream up Jeanine and Jamie
for Summer's Winter.
With a degree in English and a mid-life crisis coming on, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in library and information science. She now has her best day job ever as a college librarian, which keeps her young by allowing her to hang out with students.
Robin was named 2014 Author of the Year by the Georgia Association of College Stores, and Summer's Winter won a bronze medal in the Romance - Suspense category of the International Readers' Favorite Book Awards.
Robin lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband Dave and formerly feral felines Mini Pearl and Luna. She is also surprised to find herself part owner of a sweet pit bull puppy named Pete who showed up as a stray at her mom's house.
With a degree in English and a mid-life crisis coming on, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in library and information science. She now has her best day job ever as a college librarian, which keeps her young by allowing her to hang out with students.
Robin was named 2014 Author of the Year by the Georgia Association of College Stores, and Summer's Winter won a bronze medal in the Romance - Suspense category of the International Readers' Favorite Book Awards.
Robin lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband Dave and formerly feral felines Mini Pearl and Luna. She is also surprised to find herself part owner of a sweet pit bull puppy named Pete who showed up as a stray at her mom's house.
Friday, June 24, 2016
2-Day Sale on Amazon Kindle, Seventh Dimension - The City, A Young Adult Fantasy
"Jesus used stories to tell great truths.
Satan uses stories to tell great lies." ~Lorilyn Roberts
Strange signs in the heavens manifest, global chaos ensues, and evil runs amok. The United States is rendered impotent. Other powers rise that are otherworldly.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Should I Use KDP Select? Guest Post by Terri Main
Recently, Terri Main and I had a lively conversation via a marketing group about KDP Select. We have very different opinions on its current effectiveness, and I asked if I could post her email to me on this blog so she could share her thoughts and experience. I think, as she says, you need to figure out what works for you and go with it. Knowledge is always key when it comes to marketing.
I (Lorilyn Roberts) have taken all my books out of KDP Select and can't imagine using it again. Its effectiveness for me has been so minuscule the last couple of years that I prefer not to bother with it and instead have opted for greater exposure on other sites, including Smashwords, bookstores, audiobooks, and website marketing. Terri's points are valid, though, for KDP Select, and because it's something all authors should try at least once, I wanted to share what she shared with me.
Here's Terri's Thoughts
This is one we can go around and around about. I know, because I've been interacting with people for five years on this subject. I still see a big bump in sales after a well promoted free promotion. However, it is across my entire inventory. I see significant increases. In fact the two or three days after a big free promotion are usually double my norm. Now, less well promoted ones it's more like a 20-25% increase.
HOWEVER.........
And this is the biggie. What works for one person may not work for another. You have to find what works for you. It's like the old joke about the economy. Ask five economists what's going to happen with the economy and you'll get five different answers. Six if one went to Harvard.
Each of us have different audiences and genres. Free promos for my Bible studies do phenomenally well in the after promotion period. Usually within a week, I will get a bunch of people all in a one to two day period downloading the book. What happened? I can only speculate, but after 30 years in marketing and 64 in church I can make a good guess. Some teachers were out there doing a search of Bible studies. One or more ran across mine for free. They read it and liked it, then the next week or two they adopted it for the class and a bunch of students stated to download it or borrow it through Kindle unlimited.
Now, with my Science Fiction/mystery novels, following a free promo, I'll get a bunch of downloads of other books in that series.
However, I see very little effect for standalone fiction. And I suspect that standalone fiction for someone with only one or two books out will not do as well either.
Plus, we all have different fans.
The bottom line is you have to experiment. Test. Retest. Keep what works for you and throw out what doesn't. Listen to everyone, but test everything for yourself.
I look at two top indie authors, for instance, Russell Blake and Hugh Howey. They are both very successful and very different in their approaches. Of course, they are also both very good writers. But they understand their individual markets and do what works for them.
*~*~*~*
I hope some of you will leave a comments and tell us about your experience. Sharing of information is the best way to help all of us with marketing our books, so please let us hear from you.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
"Portrait of Jenny," by Alice K. Arenz - Enjoy this Excerpt
I understand this book has a few curse words and sexual tension, but it also has Christian content, and we feature books like Portrait of Jenny from time to time if they have good reviews.
Enjoy this excerpt! I sure do love the cover.
BACK COVER
Not even a beautiful woman can save Richard Tanner from his
past.
Following an explosive—and public—argument
with his ex-girlfriend, artist Richard Tanner races into a rainstorm, gripped
by a powerful migraine. He wanders to the gazebo in University Park, where he
meets the beautiful and mysterious Jenny—a brief encounter that leaves an
indelible impression on his mind—and in his paintings.
When Detective Jack Hargrave
accuses Richard of the brutal assault on his ex, he finds himself confronting
demons of a past he doesn’t remember. A time when little Richie Tanner walked
into University Park whole, was beaten and left to die…a time that may hold the
key to his future.
Excerpt
from Chapter 1 PORTRAIT OF JENNY
by
Alice K. Arenz
For the first time since I’d
noticed her, I realized her clothing was completely dry in contrast to my own
rather bedraggled state. For an instant, I felt awkward and self-conscious,
especially since I was still fighting that unusual urge—but it was only for an
instant. The moment those violet eyes met mine once more, I was lost,
completely caught up in the girl before me.
“You come here often?”
The question was inept, and I
could have kicked myself for having asked it. I still wanted to move closer to
her, examine her from every angle, my artist’s eye preparing the figure before
me to transfer her likeness onto canvas. Even this was odd. I’d always steered
away from portraits, never feeling capable of giving the subject the proper
three-dimensional look. But this girl…
“It’s nice here.” She withdrew her
hand from beneath the gutter, pulling it in to watch the remainder of the water
run between her fingers. “Do you come
here often?” She gazed up at me, the smile still playing about her lips, the
question innocent rather than mocking.
I shook my head. “It’s usually too
crowded for my taste. It’s a beautiful spot, though.”
She nodded. “I don’t care for
crowds, either.”
She dried her hand on the hem of
her skirt, then stood and stretched her arms over her head. The action set in
motion a long chain with an ankh at its end, both swinging and bouncing lightly
between her breasts. Even from where I sat, I could see the unusual design of
silver and gold entwined, and wished again to have a better look at the girl.
My assumption that she was short
was correct; she couldn’t be more than five feet if that. There was a delicacy
about her, an overwhelming presence of femininity that was so rare in girls
today. She wore it casually, as one might an old, familiar piece of clothing,
which added to her overall attractiveness. I guessed her at around twenty but
knew immediately that her very smallness could add to the illusion of youth.
But the vitality I sensed from her was no illusion. She seemed to radiate a
kind of controlled sense of being, abundant energy that was held tightly in
check.
I was held transfixed as she
appeared to float across the gazebo with her eyes downcast, their long,
sweeping lashes and her secret smile making it impossible to catch my breath.
Coming to, I ran nervous fingers through my hair in an effort to make myself
more presentable.
“You should use an umbrella next
time.” She stopped a short way in front of me near the edge of one of the
picnic tables. Lowering herself gracefully onto the seat, she clutched absently
at her pendant as she regarded me with obvious amusement.
I felt the heat rise from my neck
into my face, and wondered idly about the last time I’d blushed. It wasn’t a
normal reaction for me, my response to the girl seeming to prove just how
special she was.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,”
she said softly, lowering her eyes from mine once more.
“You didn’t, er, well.” I laughed.
“You’re right. I should’ve used an umbrella. Actually, I had one when I started
out. Guess I left it at my last stop.”
I made a futile attempt to straighten
my wet clothing, quickly realized the uselessness of the effort, then sat back
to drink her in.
The blush came readily to her
face, touching the high cheekbones and adding to her overall beauty. Her eyes
seemed to take on a darker hue as the rosy glow spread across her face, and she
looked at me frankly, completely aware I studied her every move.
“I’m being rude—”
“No, no. It’s all right. Really.
I,” she smiled broadly. “I’m flattered. It’s not often a girl sees such honest
admiration in a man’s eyes. I like it.”
“Honest?”
She nodded. “Completely. No
come-ons, no overt acts to seduce me. Why, you actually seem quite shy, even a
little embarrassed to be so interested in me.” She drew her legs onto the bench
and hugged them to her as she’d been doing earlier. “Whether you know it or
not, you’re really quite sweet. And, I’d imagine, very nice looking when you’re
not soaking wet.”
“Thank you. I think.”
She laughed.
“My name’s Richard Tanner.” I held
out my hand, but she made no move to take it. Seeing her hesitation, I withdrew
it and made a show of tucking the book back inside my jacket pocket.
“I’m Jenny.”
*~*~*~*
Romantic mystery/suspense Portrait of Jenny is the newest book of
2010 ACFW Carol Award winning author, Alice K. Arenz. A member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, her first three novels were honored by two finals
and one win in ACFW’s Carol Award: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009
finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist), all re-released by Forget Me Not
Romances, a division of Winged Publications. Last August, An American Gothic, also a romantic mystery/suspense, was released
by Forget Me Not Romances.
Visit her at her website www.akawriter.com
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A FREE EBOOK OF PORTRAIT OF JENNY
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A FREE EBOOK OF PORTRAIT OF JENNY
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
Life is a Highway with Tracy Krauss
Life Is a Highway
Tracy Krauss
$2.99 eBook
$5.98 Print
ISBN-13: 9781491223741
ISBN-13: 9781491223741
Buy on Amazon
c. 2014
About the Book:
Life is full of surprises and there are many unexpected
twists along the way. Hope and guidance are within reach when you let God be
your tour guide. Using Biblical examples sprinkled with personal anecdotes. This
little book offers sound advice and is sure to lift your spirits. Based on a
series of talks given at a Christian women's retreat, it can be used as a study
manual for small groups or as a personal devotional.
My Review:
Connecting with other people of faith is important for
encouragement and sharing life lessons and experiences. Krauss’s book is like a
virtual visit with this uplifting author. The chapters vary a bit in length,
but each is a deeply personal and honest reflection on one Christian’s faith
walk. Scripture comes alive to me when I see it interpreted through the eyes
and practice of others, role models, so to speak. Krauss shares honestly where
she came from as a youth, how she gave her life to Christ, and the continued sometimes
difficult but joyful walk as a wife and mother and daughter of the king.
The personal reflection questions are great, intentional,
and made me think about how I want to be seen as a person of faith to my
neighbors and what practicing m faith really means to me. It’s a short book but
shouldn’t be read all in one gulp. I’ll be going back to it.
About the Author: Tracy Krauss is a multi-published author
and playwright living in northern BC, Canada. For more, visit her website:
http://www.tracykrauss.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
John 3:16 Book Review: Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures (A Sassy Pants Learns Story) (Volume 3) (Paperback)
Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures, by Carol A. Brown
Reviewed by Lorilyn Roberts
I too always seem to learn things the hard way, like Sassy Pants. Isn't it like God to use a cute pig in a kid's story to teach me about life. If you are young or young at heart, Sassy Pants will make you laugh a little more and live a little better. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Available on Amazon here.
Available on Barnes and Noble in Print Copy here.
Reviewed by Lorilyn Roberts
I too always seem to learn things the hard way, like Sassy Pants. Isn't it like God to use a cute pig in a kid's story to teach me about life. If you are young or young at heart, Sassy Pants will make you laugh a little more and live a little better. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Available on Amazon here.
Available on Barnes and Noble in Print Copy here.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Young Readers Delaware Detectives mystery from Dana Rongione
Delaware Detectives
All My Fears Relieved
Dana Rongione
$2.99 eBook
$7.95 Print
ISBN-13: 978-1517527990
About the series:
It all began with a pocket knife which led to a mysterious
inscription which led to a wolf. But there are no wolves in Delaware...or are
there? It's up to the Delaware Detectives to find out.
In book one, Abby and Jamie, along with their friends Scott and Phyllis, followed a trail of tantalizing clues to uncover a hidden fortune.
In book two, the curious siblings embarked on a nearly-impossible mission to find a missing man.
Book three thrusts the detective team into a new mystery they are determined to solve no matter where the clues may lead. But are the kids prepared to discover what's really lurking in the woods of Beaver Valley?
While this book is appropriate for readers of all ages, gender and educational status, it was designed with the homeschool student in mind. To that end, the book contains a Glossary of Terms that can be used in the subject of Spelling and Vocabulary. The author has also included a Science Center, a History Hideout and a special Art Academy--all of which provide valuable insight and activities based on information from within the story itself.
In book one, Abby and Jamie, along with their friends Scott and Phyllis, followed a trail of tantalizing clues to uncover a hidden fortune.
In book two, the curious siblings embarked on a nearly-impossible mission to find a missing man.
Book three thrusts the detective team into a new mystery they are determined to solve no matter where the clues may lead. But are the kids prepared to discover what's really lurking in the woods of Beaver Valley?
While this book is appropriate for readers of all ages, gender and educational status, it was designed with the homeschool student in mind. To that end, the book contains a Glossary of Terms that can be used in the subject of Spelling and Vocabulary. The author has also included a Science Center, a History Hideout and a special Art Academy--all of which provide valuable insight and activities based on information from within the story itself.
Lisa's Review
Cute addition to the series
Dedicated detectives spending the summer with their
grandfather, Abby and her younger brother Jamie, along with Pop-pop’s neighbors
who have returned from vacation, try to uncover the secret behind the
mysterious howling at the Beaver Valley Cave. The wooden knife Jamie had found
in the last adventure has some kind of writing on it that Abby eventually
interprets. Does the warning mean danger? Could this have anything to do with
the potential commercialization of once beautiful land?
Join the Delaware Detectives to find out. Abby narrates the
quickly paced story as the four adventurers peel away each clue. The author
discretely footnotes vocabulary words and includes local native history as an
added bonus.
About the Author:
Dana Rongione is a full-time Christian author and speaker,
fulfilling her call to share God's message of hope and comfort through her
books, lessons, podcasts and blog posts. Though her passion lies in writing
adult devotional books, Dana has also authored Christian books for children,
including her middle-grade mystery series, The Delaware Detectives. Beyond her
roles as author and speaker, Dana works to balance her duties as wife,
homemaker, church pianist, Sunday School teacher (Bible Baptist Church,
Pickens, SC) and "mommy" to her two rotten dogs. She resides in
Greenville, SC with her husband, Jason and her canine companions, Tippy and
Mitchell. In her spare time, Dana enjoys reading, hiking and daydreaming. To
find out more, visit her site at www.DanaRongione.com and be sure to sign up to
receive her daily blogs.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Wakulla Book Review: The Newspaper Code by Lisa J. Lickel
The Newspaper Code is the third book of the Buried Treasures
Mystery Series. And once again, there are many treasures buried in the story
waiting for the reader to discover. The story centers around a statue and some
gold that’s missing from the town treasury since the 1860s.
While looking for the gold, we find many more valuable
treasures along the way. The people in the story learn about friendships and
being friendly. They learn to trust, to listen, and to be patient. Ms. Lickel
is able to help us to see our own flaws in a humorous light. Every reader
should be able to connect with at least one of the characters!!
What we fine as we read this is the most important and
valuable treasure of all—Jesus! Through the flawed and bumbling cast, it is
easy to see our imperfections, our limitations and our deep need for a savior
to forgive us and cleanse us. In the end, it is healing and restoring
relationships that matter most, especially over a relationship with God.
Excellent book.
Wakulla Book Review by Loren
*~*~*~*
I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews.
Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books.
Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors.
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."
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