reading

The Rules Keep Changing

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I picked up a used paperback novel from 1998, this week. I scrutinized the front and back covers, the interior layout, paragraphing, and the author’s writing style.

I was intrigued by how much the rules of writing have changed over the past twenty-five years. What once was considered to be commonplace is now touted as a “no-no.”

I consulted Amazon to see if this particular book—by a very well-known author—was typical of that era. Once I determined that it was, I decided to share my observations here.

Back in the 70’s. Front covers weren’t nearly as exciting and didn’t give many clues as to actual content, back covers didn’t always include a book description (in fact, many times the author’s picture was all that was displayed there).

The biggest changes I found were inside. Paragraphs were laboriously long, sometimes two pages in length! They were often single-spaced.

What we refer to now as “head-hopping” was quite common. The point-of-view of several characters found in a single paragraph! Finally, many times stories were “told” rather than shown by action.

This all makes sense because we now live in a world of texting, which prompts the use of short sentences. There is a lot of white space on our pages, as readers are familiar with that style on their computers. With so many movies and videos, readers want lots of action vs. pages and pages of introspection.

Writing/reading styles reflect the times in which we live. That means authors constantly adjust their “product” according to current trends in our society.

Fashions change. Tastes change. Due to our connection to social media, they race ahead at record speed. No need for us to be surprised that writing trends are constantly changing, too.

Remember Me

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

It’s two days past the official Valentine’s Day, but it’s not too late to put your Romance Novel on your Facebook page. Most women—and even a growing number of men—are reading love stories as one way to find encouragement, hope, and relieve the stress of everyday life.. 

Here’s my friend, Mia’s, book cover—and its Amazon link. Consider reading it yourself, as well as sending it to your friends. It’shttps://www.amazon.com/Remember-Me-Marigold-Mia-Michaels-ebook/dp/B0DP5L58SD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GPOU9W0X70TI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zYBdJYfWJGrvCOpeXExywkUlY2YBnX_fdMcwBBLvWeXGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.k94iT6aG5r7y3uxfnHunmj4K6ZlGmKuYWvGb40P77hw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Remember+Me:+A+Sonnet+for+Marigold&qid=1739555530&s=books&sprefix=remember+me+a+sonnet+for+marigold,stripbooks,151&sr=1-1

It’s a real pager-turner. A mixture of romance and suspense!

Take A Peek

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I recently published another book. I looked at my book’s listing by typing its title in the AMAZON BOOKS search bar. However, I found that the LOOK INSIDE feature had not yet been activated.

This feature should be showing up online from 7-10 days after a book is published.

I later discovered it wasn’t that my feature had not yet been activated–Amazon had changed the feature. Now, there is a READ SAMPLE button below the book’s cover image, allowing potential buyers to click and receive a sample to read.

That’s really all that has changed.

So, authors, don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the cute LOOK INSIDE icon. It’s simply a change of wording. 

This is a great feature, when you think about it. READING SAMPLES allow readers to add the book to their cart or use 1-click to purchase instantly. They feel more comfortable ordering after “sampling”, discovering if it is a book they will truly like.

Note: Some features/pages aren’t available (or only available in limited amounts) unless the customer is logged into their account and/or have made a prior purchase. 

Authors need to be aware that this feature is NOT available for books with no ISBN, the sample cannot be adjusted, and specific pages cannot be designated to be “hidden” from view.

This is important to know. A friend of mine had pages entitled “Dear Reader”, Dedication, and so on at the beginning of her book. Because these took up about 8-10 pages, customers only saw those pages—and not any real story content. Authors may need to adjust the front matter in their books accordingly so customers can receive a meaningful sampling of their writing.

Unlike in previous years, Amazon now automatically activates the reading sample feature for authors. Less work for us!!

The Read Sample button is only available for e-books when using a mobile device  AND, it is not available for print books on mobile phones. 

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.

 NINE REASONS TO READ

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

Here we are in the second half of the school year and all of a sudden news stories are filled with concern over the reading abilities of children. Being a good reader benefits children not only in Reading Class, but also benefits school success in in all subjects.

As a parent, be a good role model and let your children see you reading for pleasure at home. Reading is FUN and the more someone reads, the better reader he/she becomes.

  1. Reading is the discipline required to concentrate and helps children be successful in life and in understanding other subjects, such as science, mathematics, and history.
  2. Reading opens a child’s mind to the world and greatly increases his/her life prospects, as well making a good income. 
  3. Readers develop an appetite for knowledge in a variety of areas. 
  4. Good literature leads to appreciation of individual differences.
  5. A reader learns spelling, vocabulary and grammar, which also improves his/her writing and communication skills.
  6. Good readers are rarely dropouts. American college graduates earn 76 percent more on average than those with just a high school diploma.  
  7. Good readers have improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in addition to developing a sense of imagination and creativity. 
  8. A reader has an improved attention span and can comprehend news articles and other reading materials. 
  9. Poor literacy leads to unemployment, poverty, and crime, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Live a Thousand Lives

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons.

I came across this quote, yesterday, and was so moved!

If you are an avid reader, I think you would agree. Each time you read a new book, you are thrust into a plot and setting with unique characters.

To me, that is the lure of reading.

I could have never traveled to so many countries, met so many people, or experienced so much—except for the power of the written word.

Now, with so much unrest in our world, I am even more grateful to authors for their stories. Places I have planned to travel may no longer be safe—or affordable. The ability to hear, see, and move about easily may cause some of us to rethink vacation plans.

However, a short trip to the library, a book store, or one’s computer should yield a plethora of reading material on almost any subject/genre. I am grateful for stories that teach and entertain; books that encourage and stretch my imagination.

Feel like taking a trip? There’s a whole world out there to explore—and it’s as close as your own bookshelf.

What Motivates You?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

To piggy-back onto last week’s blog, let’s discuss our motivation for writing and how it affects our bank accounts.

Most writers will say that writing itself is intrinsically rewarding. They write what “speaks to them”… inspires them… It is those authors who write first for their own experience and enjoyment. They hope readers will like it, too, and become followers. While making money would be nice, it is not their main motivation.

But there are also those writers who pay attention to trends in reading. Their goal is to write what is popular and are motivated by the money they can make by doing so.

One reason for writing is not better or more “worthy” than another. Both have valid points. 

It is each author’s choice to write what they enjoy, what draws the reading audience, or whatever is lucrative.

And, readers, it is up to you to choose what you read. It is even okay to stop reading after a chapter or two, if the book is not what you envisioned it to be or if you feel it isn’t delivering a satisfying experience.

As in all of life’s decisions, the choice is yours.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

What one person likes, another may not.

That’s why it’s important to offer your book in a variety of formats.

For a long time, hardback and paperback were the only options for readers.

Later, e-books and audiobooks were added.

You can widen the market further still by offering your book in other languages.

My newest book was just published on Audible. Within a couple of weeks I will announce an interview on Facebook with the producer, Brian Callahan. You’ll want to be sure to watch it. He’s an accomplished guy that can make his voice sound both feminine and masculine; likable, angry, menacing. 

He’s likable, easy to work with, and very amenable to changes/suggestions. 

Justice for Jessie in audio format is now available on Amazon.

“Continuing Education”

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

U-Tube is a great resource for many things. My husband uses it quite often. He’s a do-it-yourselfer who finds help, directions, videos, and multiple viewpoints any time he needs it.

As an author, I find answers—and even inspiration—by regularly listening to podcasts and tutorials.

I know. You want to write, write, write without interruption. So do I.

I’ve found the only way I want to give up time for this endeavor is to simply plan it into my weekly schedule. One afternoon a week, I take off my author hat and put on my student hat.

Nothing in life is learned through osmosis (the unconscious assimilation of ideas and knowledge) as much as we’d like to think it possible.

Most authors start out writing by going to conferences and reading books on the subject of writing. But writing rules and trends change, so don’t stop learning. 

Carve out some time for continuing education each week to keep yourself “up-to-date” and in “the know.”

The Christmas Gift That Costs Zero Dollars

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

Want to give your friends a gift they’ll love and costs you absolutely no money?

If you’re an avid reader like me, you likely have read dozens of books this past year. Right?

If you haven’t already given them to a used bookstore, consider starting a new tradition with your reading buddies.

How about agreeing that this year you will select books from those you’ve read for gifting each individual on your list?

If your books are in good condition, who wouldn’t want to receive a book handpicked for your enjoyment from a friend who knows the kind of books you like to read?

With Christmas cards inside and tied with bows or put in glittery bags, they are sure to be a hit without being a drain on your finances.