reading

Lossent

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-8419515.jpeg

At a recent book fair, a shopper introduced me to a new word she is trying to get into the dictionary. (I’ll share the word at the end of this post). She is out “campaigning” for this word at book fairs, libraries, grocery stores—anywhere she thinks someone will be interested and will help.

I did some research to aid in my understanding of just how new words do, in fact, join the hundreds of words which are added to the dictionary each year. And, here is what I found:

  1. A words gets into the dictionary when it is used by many people who all agree that it means the same thing. (Used in conversation, books, in movies, editorials, etc.)
  2. Dictionary editors read and look for changes in language in mainstream life. They keep notes on where they “read” the word, its context, and source and key it into a searchable database. 
  3. To be added to the dictionary, they look for three types of usage: frequency, meaningfulness, and widespread use. Once words “qualify,” (such as bucket list, unfriend, selfie) they are added to the dictionary.
  4. Some common words get “new” definitions added, also. Examples would be: cookie and mouse.
  5. Here is the word the book fair lady shared: LOSSENT. It means a person who outlives their biological, fostered, or adopted child and is deeply affected by the loss.
  6. You may want to start using this term and help LOSSENT earn a place in the dictionary!

FREE e-books

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: pexels-photo-3806168.jpeg

Readers: Want to Get FREE e-books? It’s fast and easy. 

Simply sign up online at BOOK SIRENS. (Signing up is free).

They boast having books from 5,000+ authors and publishers to choose from.

As a reader, all you do is fill in a short questionnaire about your preferred genre, read a book from their library of available books, and leave a review.

Read as many as you want. No minimum or maximum.

You’ll be helping to support authors by writing your honest reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or Book Bub. If you find an author you’d like to follow, you can easily add your name to their reader list after you read.

While you’re on the Book Sirens site, look for Remember Me: A Sonnet for Marigold by Mia Michaels. It’s a new Romantic Suspense Novel you won’t want to miss.

Remember Me: A Sonnet for Marigold

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I’ve blogged to readers and writers about book covers, “Hooks,” keywords, suspense, punctuation, back cover blurbs, choosing one’s audience, marketing, pen names, and so on. 

Can any one single book can possibly deliver on all fronts?

This one comes close. From cover-to-cover, Remember Me: A Sonnet for Marigold, was written with each aspect of the writing process in mind.

Here are excerpts from the back cover copy and blurb, along with the stunning cover. Who wouldn’t be drawn into this story?

Does true love really last forever? Author Mia Michaels creates a world where all reason is lost to the magic of love.

From the moment Mike’s plane crashes, Natalie’s world is turned upside down. As she struggles to remember the details of her life after suffering a brain injury in the same crash that killed Mike, a shocking revelation about an affair with the handsome pilot surfaces, leaving her questioning everything. 

Almost losing Natalie in the horrific incident gives Paul a wake-up call. He is determined to be the husband she needs, but at every turn, someone tries to sabotage their new commitment to one another. Who is sending her gifts, trying to turn her heart away from Paul? And what is the role of Mari and Pierre, two mysterious figures who seem to be connected to this love triangle?

 If only Natalie’s memory would return, perhaps she and Paul could rebuild their relationship before it’s too late.

Just when you think you’ve figured out the truth behind this love triangle, author Mia Michaels throws in an unexpected twist in this gripping Romantic Suspense novel. Remember Me will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Sprinkled with humor and a dash of fantasy, you’ll find everything you like—and more—in this modern breakout novel.

Don’t miss this unpredictable journey of true love. BUY NOW on Amazon.com

The Cover is the Hook

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

At an auction, I ended up with a book by an unfamiliar author. I had a stack of books at home to read. I certainly didn’t need another one, but as I placed it on the bottom of the stack, I wondered to myself why its author had decided on such a nondescript cover. Not beautiful. Not exciting. Not memorable.

With dozens of books in my Must Read stack, why would I even include this one?

I made the mistake of turning to page one. Five hours later, I looked at the clock. I’d almost finished the entire book!

It was a great book. Unique plot. Suspenseful, with touches of humor—certainly proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

But should you?

Is it really important to have an engaging cover that will attract readers?

Of course it is! Case in point, if I hadn’t accidentally come across this book, I would not have read it. There was nothing compelling about its cover.

Authors, there is so much competition out there! We cannot afford to leave it up to chance readers to pick up our books. Be intentional. Hook the reader from the moment they see the cover–and keep them reading to the end.

Plan Ahead for Christmas Giving

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

The last three months of the year are especially good months to purchase books as Christmas gifts.

Many authors write Christmas/holiday-themed books especially for that purpose. Whether as gifts to others—or for yourself—you can get good deals during the last quarter of the year.

On Amazon, search for your favorite authors in the next couple of weeks and see what they are offering. (Remember: Sonnets for Marigold will be among them sometime in November).

Note: Amazon functions as Print-on-Demand. This means that each book is printed only when it is ordered. Copies of books are not stockpiled anywhere. 

So, don’t wait until December to make your purchases because the large demand around the holidays can slow down delivery times. 

A Sonnet for Marigold

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

The party was for couples, but as I looked across the hall, I saw the men huddled together talking about football. The women were divided in two groups-pre and post babies.

Whether it be baking, quilting, painting, exercising or all things in between, I guess birds of a feather really do flock together.

We all tend to gravitate toward others who share similar interests.

It should be no surprise that there are many interest groups that have formed online. One of the most popular online interest groups is readers, but even in a group of “reader” friends, sometimes fiction fanciers split off from those who like reading non-fiction.

 A simple trip up to the search bar can help you find dozens of new books to read—after all, there are literally hundreds of books published each week across the globe.

 A Sonnet for Marigold will soon join my recent book, Mending Fences, on my Amazon page as my two newest offerings for this fall. 

Since it was the first time I have written a Romantic Suspense novel, it was a challenge. But it was also lots of fun. I’m glad I pushed myself to make this change. I hope you’ll let me know if you enjoyed reading it.

Please look for A Sonnet for Marigold this November!

Mending Fences

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

My novella, Mending Fences, is now on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. 

 I previously published this novella in a collection alongside three other authors. It is now available as a stand alone novella with special pricing.

After the death of his beloved grandfather, Mason finds himself torn between the needs of Rose, the aging grandmother who raised him, and the demands of Lee Ann, the mother who abandoned him as a baby.

Mason’s relationship with Lee Ann is turbulent and complicated. After marrying the wealthy Rex LeMasters, Lee Ann charged back into Mason’s life, reclaiming him and his older sister, Glory, and moving them from the family ranch in Boise, Idaho to Green River, Washington when Mason was fifteen. His mother has not spoken to Mason’s grandparents since that time.

 When Gram takes a fall, Lee Ann at last returns to see her mother—a visit which dredges up memories of a secret buried since Lee Ann’s childhood. 

Will learning the truth about what caused the rift between them so many years ago help them move forward toward reconciliation? Will Lee Ann’s new perspective on the past serve as a catalyst to restore her relationship with her own children?

This novella will inspire you to face your own difficult circumstances, let go of bitterness resulting from past hurts and disappointments and offer forgiveness to the significant people in your life. 

Read and Write Outside the Box

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I am sooooo tired of stories about people who have had a relative pass away and being left to renovate a bed and breakfast on a remote island.

Coming up with more original themes for books shouldn’t be that difficult. Let’s start with looking at our own experiences.

A couple of my friends write blogs about the “good old days” and they always get accolades from readers.

Why?

Because these are shared experiences with readers who grew up in the 60’s, like we did. When we talk about lava lamps and hula hoops, they smile and recall what it was like for them.

Readers are drawn to authors who mention events, games, music, food—things they recognize from their own lives.

My grandson’s favorite cake is topped with coconut icing. Watching him eat it reminded me that it was my father’s favorite, too, and that gave me a great idea for a future short story.

Ideas are all around us, if we are willing to think—and write—outside the box.

Readers, Authors Need Your Help!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

Authors need feedback from readers in order to write enjoyable books for their reading audience.

If you are a reader, here’s how you can help:

  1. Leave honest reviews on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, various book-related websites, and authors’ websites. (Below, I’ve included one I just received this week for my latest book, Justice for Jessie: Forgiving the Unforgivable.)

Review from Ann Ferri- Book Bub:   This is a *Must Read* book. It hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. It is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is a new to me author and I loved her writing style and can’t wait to read more of her books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

2)    Buy their books! Sales reflect customer satisfaction.

3)    Read the authors’ blogs, leave comments, and “follow” them. We really do want to hear from you!

4) Tell your friends about a good book you’ve read—even feel free to loan it to someone. This is a great way to introduce readers to an author who is “new” to them.

As always, thank you for following me. I appreciate your comments.

Brenda

The Case for Punctuation

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I read a book last week which was devoid of punctuation. It was a funny and fascinating read. However, without punctuation, I found myself rereading sections, changing the emphasis of words and phrases as I guessed at the author’s intended meaning.

Whoever “invented” punctuation made a valuable contribution to the meaning and enjoyment of the written word. Something as simple as the placement of a comma can make a huge difference.

In my critique group, we spend time each week discussing the rules of punctuation. If you think that the creativity of writing can be separated from the mechanics of writing, do this simple exercise:

Write a paragraph with no punctuation and give it to a fellow author to read. I promise they will be frustrated  and probably misunderstand your intended meaning.

Punctuation has always been a stickler. But without it, where would we be???