Reviews, reviews, reviews...why are they important?

Tuesdays are usually reserved for a Top Ten list of some sort, but I haven't done one in a while, and I actually tried to make this topic into a top ten list.  I just couldn't do it.

With my next book coming out soon I've been thinking a lot about marketing.  I know a lot of authors don't pay attention to reviews, good or bad.  They don't want to see what people have to say.  They trust their editors and they'd rather keep doing what they do and loving it.  This is a hard business to be in and you definitely have to have thick skin.  I know that not everyone will like what I write, and I'm okay with that because for every person that doesn't there is a person that does.  That brings me to why you should leave a review if you enjoy indie authors or authors from smaller publishers...

1. Because I want you to...pretty simple, right?

2. Leaving a review on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles (or any other site for that matter) helps other readers find our books.

3. For every negative review there could be a positive review.  People are less likely to say the good things but people almost always share their negative thoughts.  Help change that...

4. I like to know what people think.  Other authors do too.

5. Good reviews can bump rankings higher on vendor's sites.

6. We can use reviews to improve.

7. It gives you a chance to express the journey you went through while reading.  You get to be the writer for once.

I almost made it to ten, but not quite.  Hey, I tried!  Leaving a review really does help us and we appreciate it.

So What if I Think the Capital of SC is Charleston...

I recently took a trip to Myrtle Beach and had a blast.  It was my first time there.  It was actually my first time in South Carolina.  Some friends got married on the beach giving us all an excuse to have some fun and take a trip.

We headed out late on Wednesday night in our rented Town & Country and I have to say that I momentarily wanted to own a minivan.  It had all kinds of awesome features including two DVD players and built in navigation.  So off we go on our twelve hour drive.  We made it safely and the drive went smoothly.  I was so excited to sink my toes in the sand and feel the ocean breeze on my face.

There's just something about the beach and the ocean that I can't describe.  Something about it that makes me feel at ease.  I don't worry when I'm there.  It may be the fact that I'm usually on vacation when I'm at the beach but I think its more than that.  There's something serene and soothing about the salty air, the waves crashing, and the sand between your toes.  Plus there's always the sunshine.  Needless to say I soaked up as many rays as I could, enjoyed some delicious drink, and spent time with some great friends.  And last but not least celebrated the marriage of two great people.

For the record the capital of South Carolina is Columbia.  What can I say I was never good at that stuff.  Plus its been a while...

Congrats again to Mr. and Mrs. Limeberry!  Wishing you all the best!

The One and Only...Nina Jordan

Hey everyone!  My friend and fellow Rebel, Kate Roth, is dropping by with one of the characters from her debut novel, The Low Notes.  Nina Jordan is going to answer a few questions for us.  Thanks Kate and Nina! 

1.      So Nina, I understand you’re in high school.  What’s that like?  What grade are you in?

I’m a senior, finally free. High school has been okay but I’m definitely ready to spread my wings a little bit.

2.      Is there anything you are looking forward to this year?  Dances?  Football games?

The senior choir concert is the only major thing I’m looking forward to. It’ll be the first time I perform at school. I guess prom is on the list but I’m still not sure about it.

3.      Do you have any cute teachers?  When I was younger all my teachers were older ladies.

Um, yeah I guess. There’s one guy…I mean teacher. He’s sort of good looking.

4.      I understand you have a passion for music.  Tell me about that.  Who are some of your favorites?

Music is my life! I love to sing and play piano. I can play a little guitar too but I’m rusty. I love everything from old standard singers like Frank Sinatra and Nina Simone to Adele and Maroon 5. I can even get down with some 1980’s rock if I’m feeling fun.

5.      Is your family supportive of your love of music?

Sure, I think. My dad travels for work so he can’t always make it to performances but he’s always been willing to pay for lessons. He bought me the most beautiful piano for my twelfth birthday.

6.      Are you dating anyone?

No. Um, well…it’s complicated. I mean, no. No I’m not.

7.      What are your college plans?  Are you sticking around Wexley Falls?

The Big Apple is calling my name. I’m outta here…leaving it all behind.

8.      What’s the one thing in your wardrobe you can’t live without?

I have a pretty awesome dress collection that I’d be sad to lose. Most are fancy and impractical but I can’t resist a great dress.

9.      What do you think of all of these reality shows?  I know most girls your age are obsessed.

Not really my thing. I haven’t had a lot of time to watch TV lately. I guess I’m a little distracted…with school and all.

10.  Okay, last one.  We’ll make it a fun one.  What’s your go to snack?  The one thing that makes you feel better or just always sounds good.

It’s not so much a snack but I love breakfast foods. Pancakes are my favorite. So yummy!

Thanks again for stopping by!

To find out more about Kate Roth or to find out where to buy The Low Notes go to Kate's website.

A Cover is Revealed...

Today was a very happy day for me.  I'm excited to finally be able to share the cover for From the Rubble with you!  A big thanks goes out to Rebel Ink Press and their graphic artist Carl Franklin.  My two gorgeous covers wouldn't have come to life without them.

From the Rubble is a follow up to Tears in the Rubble and will be released from Rebel Ink Press on Oct 17th 2012.  For more information visit the coming soon tab above.