Fifty Shades of Grey...The Controversy

I am always the last to know or at least to pay attention. Fifty Shades of Grey  came to my attention by author Lauren K. Pomeroy. She heard about it, checked it out on Amazon and found alot of mixed reviews. She opted not to purchase. It's a controvery alright. One star reviews are catching up to the five star ones.

Erotica is not my genre and Fifty Shades of Grey will not be added to my Kindle library (sorry E.L., nothing personal). The question is, will it be added to yours?

#1 on Amazon in both paper back and kindle is an impressive feat. Surprising when there are (as of today) 2,123 five stars and 1,448 1 stars. 509 are four stars, 345 three stars and  427 two stars (is this still considered poor?)


It seems E. L. James is getting equal shares of pats on the backs and dirty looks over her book. The first to a trilogy. Fifty Shades of Grey was banned in three states as of May 10th, Florida (my home) was one of them.

In an article from dailymail.co. uk, Fifty Shades was referred as "Mommy Porn"  Read here.

"Libraries in Wisconsin and Georgia are following the lead set by Florida after 17 outposts deemed the book "semi-pornographic".

Huffington post did an article about this and these were the reasons why Fifty Shades was pulled from libraries:

"Public libraries in several states are pulling the racy romance trilogy "Fifty Shades of Grey" from shelves or deciding not to order the best-seller at all, saying it's too steamy or too poorly written."

 Is this statement a fact or opinion? Those 1,448 1 star and 427 two star reviews out of  the 4,852 total customer reviews on amazon all think so and repeat the phrase. Poorly written or trash. One of those libraries in Florida was Brevard county library. They pulled the book on May 4th based on those statement, but by May 29th, Fifty Shades of Grey was put back on their shelves.
From Celebrity Circuit news (cbsnews)


Why was this?

It seems the library did so in response to requests from residents. Saying the library was against censorship and was reviewing its selection criteria. Did it also happen to be due to a petition? Yep...have you heard of Change.org?

Well it seems many felt the censorship of the book was wrong and illegal.

"Because banning books is wrong, no matter what the perceived content."

1,921 people signed that petition.

So again, will Fifty Shades of Grey be added to your library? Many say it shouldn't and many say it should. Love to hear your comments...

Thanks for dropping by!

Author Spotlight: Author Mandy Eve-Barnett- Rumble's First Scare

I just love connecting with authors and love discovering their books! Mandy kindly allowed me to spotlight her on my blog and I've had fun getting to know her. Thank you Mandy!

1. Where do you call home?  Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
2. What is the title of your most recent book? Rumble’s First Scare (www.dreamwritepublishing.ca)

3. What's your Genre? No particular one – I have published a children’s book and several pieces in anthologies, websites and newspapers. My current manuscript is a YA fantasy currently in proofreading and I also have two novels under review – one is an alternative future story and the other is based on reincarnation.

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series? My fantasy will be published as an e-book later this year. The Rython Kingdom.
5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ? No I have a local publisher – Dream Write Publishing (www.dreamwritepublishing.ca)

6. Who's your favorite author? I have lots. Stephen King, Kate Morton, Maeve Binchy, Melissa Marr – as you can see I have lots and an eclectic taste. I think that is why I do not have one particular genre.
7. Your favorite book? Oh that is so hard – I read several over and over but one does stand out – Ferney by James Long as well as all of Stephen King's.

8. What book are you currently reading? The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern, which I have nearly finished and will be followed by The Map of Time by Felix J Palma.
9. A book you would recommend? Ferney, for sure, all the Kate Morton books and all Stephen King’s.
10. How do you pick your books? Whatever strikes a chord when I read the blurb on the back to be honest. If it intrigues me I buy it.

11. Advice for other authors? Write for your own pleasure and not for ideas of best seller lists. Enjoy the process and your writing journey. Find others, who share your passion and grow your writing community for mutual support and encouragement.
12. Do you write under a pen name? Not really, I use my maiden & married name.
13. Where do you write? Mostly at my desk in the living room but I have written in cafes, libraries, sports halls and at friends houses. Anywhere I am allowed really.
14. What do you wear when you write? Now that depends on where I am but if at home comfortable clothes and my trusty cup of tea beside me.

15. Do you have a pet (s)? I have a dog but in the house we also have two kittens, five crested geckos, three leopard geckos and one red eyed crocodile skink! -Wow!
16. Favorite food? Seafood and pasta.
17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?  Terry Grant (Mantracker), Stephen King, Viggo Mortensen. - ooh, I love Viggo!

18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why? There are little pieces of me in several but not one definite ‘that’s me’ character.
19. What made you want to be a writer? I’ve always been creative – trying my hand at painting, drawing, sculpture, sewing, knitting – yes you name it I’ve tried it. But it wasn’t until I immigrated to Canada with a promise to myself to find a creative outlet just for me, did I stumble across a writer’s circle. That moment changed my life considerably. It propelled me on a journey of such passion and fellowship that I will stay until my bones turn to dust.

20. Any weird talent? Not sure if it is weird but I can write spontaneously to create a story from the smallest prompt.
21. A favorite quote? Detail makes the difference between boring and terrific writing. It’s the difference between a pencil sketch and a lush oil painting. As a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.-Rhys Alexander

22. What is the one thing you never go without? Tea ( English black tea not the flavored stuff!)
23. Your biggest influence? My dear friend and mentor, Linda J Pedley, who has encouraged, supported and enthused to make me a better writer.
24. Favorite TV show? I don’t watch much TV – I’d rather be writing – but currently I do take time out for Merlin, Heroes and Misfits.
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover? Just one, wow, that’s difficult. Wildhorse33 or I could be shameless and say mine –  mandyevebarnett.wordpress.com  - there is no shame in that Mandy!

 Connect with Mandy on Twitter
Learn more about her books at - www.dreamwritepublishing.ca
Writer's circle - www.wfscsherwoodpark.com

Thanks for dropping by and do pick up Mandy's adorable book!

5 Types of Platforms and 5 Surefire Ways to never get noticed...hmmm...

Jeff Goins, amazing writer of amazing advice gives 5 types of platforms and which is right for you.

1. Be the Journalist
Jeff says : "The Journalist builds his platform on asking questions". The only requisite is curiosity.

2.  The Prophet
"The Prophet builds her platform on telling the truth."  The requisite for this is a passion for authenticity.

3. The Artist
"The Artist builds his platform by creating art — whether it be music, painting, or entrepreneurship." The requirement is an eye for beauty.

4. The Professor
"The Professor builds her platform on facts and information." The only requirements is a longing to learn.

5. The celebrity
"Perhaps, the oddest type of platform to build and the most visible..."  You have to be famous for this one.

So which platform fits you? Which one will you build?
Read more of Jeff's article and learn in detail about these five individual platforms. Click here.


Ok now I'm gonna tell you 5 surefire ways to never get noticed. What?! Why on Earth would we want to go unnoticed A.D.?  I got this little tidbit from Problogger.net  and Steve Erry, guest blogger from thecodeofextraordinarychange.com. says "You need to leave a trace; you need to affect the world; you need to be in the light."

He then gives 5 ways how people stay in the shadows:

1. Don't pay attention to what matters
Steve wants us to remember "What matters to you is what counts. What matters to you amounts to a hill o’ beans. What matters to you is enough."

2. Don't stick your neck out
Steve says quit hiding behind the wall, he says : "You always notice someone who stands up when everyone else remains seated." So get noticed.

3. Don't show any heart
"Science and logic are good allies to have these days." says Steve, but don't forget to have a heart. He says "You always notice someone who weaves heart, honesty and vulnerability and into their actions."

4. Don't raise the stakes
"You always notice someone who’s willing to risk their world for what they believe." It's easy to not think hard or risk little,but is that what you really should be doing?

5. Don't Innovate
You don't have to do what's expected or what everyone else is doing. "You always notice someone who builds something surprising from what’s right in front of them."

To read more, click here.

Heard of Ray Bradbury? No? What about Fahrenheit 451? Ray has 12 bits of writing advice for authors (not just for the young)

1.Don't Start out writing novels
2. You may love them, but you can't be them
3. Examine “quality” short stories
4. Stuff your head.
5. Get rid of friends who don’t believe in you
6. Live in the library
7. Fall in love with movies.
8. Write with joy.
9. Don’t plan on making money.
10. List ten things you love, and ten things you hate.
11. Just type any old thing that comes into your head
12. Remember, with writing, what you’re looking for is just one person to come up and tell you, “I love you for what you do.”

Some interesting stuff. Read the details...click here.

Remember above all "Keep at it!"  At Making "Baby Grand", the novel (author Dina Santorelli's blog)  she wrote about author Siobhan Fallon (You Know When The Men Are Gone) whom she is currently interviewing and  asked her what advice she had for other authors. Siobhan said: “Don’t give up. Try to say things in a way only you can say them, and then just keep at it until someone notices. And eventually someone will notice.” Dina agrees.

Writer Advice: What last's in the readers mind...What lasts in the reader’s mind is not the phrase but the effect the phrase created: laughter, tears, pain, joy. If the phrase is not affecting the reader, what’s it doing there? Make it do its job or cut it without mercy or remorse.
ISAAC ASIMOV


Want some more great writing advice? Go to AdviceToWriters.com and they have tons for ya!
Good luck in your writing and platform building. I do agree with Siobhan and Dina...never give up!

Thanks for dropping in,

Author Spotlight- James Fuller Fantasy Horror Author

Author James Fuller kindly took the time to answer my questions to allow me to spotlight him on my lil' ol' blog and a big Thank You James! for that.  I've enjoyed getting to know him through his answers and know you will too. This Fantasy/Horror author has two books on Amazon for your reading pleasure. Fall of a King and Unforgivable Part 1.

1. Where do you call home? Kelowna, BC, Canada
2. What is the title of your most recent book? Unforgivable Part 1
3. What's your Genre? Fiction/fantasy/horror

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series? Working on book 2 of my Fall Of A King series and book 2 of my Unforgivable series.
5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ? I sure am.
6. Who's your favorite author? Have a few, Alan Campbell, R.A. Salvator and David Gemmell

7. Your favorite book? Scar Night
8. What book are you currently reading? The Dragon Prince series by Melanie Rawn

9. A book you would recommend? Wow that is hard, so many to choose from. But seriously Scar Night is something out of the pureness of amazing!
10. How do you pick your books? I read everything by authors I like and when I need to find a new author I actually pick at random at whatever cover seems to draw me in.

11. Advice for other authors? It is a tough world to get into, take advantage of all local events/media that you can, from there work out.
12. Do you write under a pen name? Sure don't. James Fuller is all me.
13. Where do you write? Mostly at home, or coffee shops.
14. What do you wear when you write? Clothes... most of the time...lol

15. Do you have a pet (s)? A dog, a leopard gecko, ball python, and a big evil looking spider - Ekk!
16. Favorite food? Coffee... that is a food right? Okay okay I love cherries.
17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Amy Lee, Edward Norton and Alan Campbell

18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why? Meath, and you'd have to read Fall Of A King: The False Prince to understand, I don't want to give anything away.
19. What made you want to be a writer? Not sure, I have always had a mind for creating an epic tale just ask my mom, I had some cunning stories to get myself out of trouble.
20. Any weird talent? I can stay up for 7 days straight and still function but I am a heck of a shot with my recurve bow at 70 yards.- Impressive!
21. A favorite quote? Nothing We Do Can Ever Be Unnatural, Because Our Will Is A Product Of Nature And Thus Natural.

22. What is the one thing you never go without? Visa...lol my hat.
23. Your biggest influence? My family.
24. Favorite TV show? American Dad
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover? Don't have one, I hardly ever read blogs.

Links to connect with the author:

 Jame's Facebook page 
 His Website
 Twitter


Thanks for dropping by and getting to know Author James Fuller!



P.S. Don't forget to click on Giveaways above and enter to win Emlyn Chand's Open Heart for the Splash into Summer Blog hop!

"Stuff" and "Things" to take the WEAK out of your writing...

word pic from http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com

I just love Jeff Goins! I love his mind and his advice. This man is brilliant and you will probably, no, are garanteed to hear me say this many times through out my future posts. I could get lost in his blog of vast advisable knowledge! I just have to share his great mind with others, but don't feel you have to keep checking back with me (unless you really want to, in that case...aww...how sweet!) Go to his blog and fill your mind!  Jeff Goins

Today I share his thoughts on something very important for writers. Weak words. Jeff shares a few, but there are many.

Words matter. They’re what make your arguments more compelling, your prose stronger, and your craft more captivating.- Jeff Goins

Here are Five Lazy words he shares:


Stuff
Things
Got
Was, Is ,Are, Am
Went

Have you used all or a few of these in your WIP? I have.

The word went for Jeff is boring. "I walked to the store." or "I drove my car to the store." is better.

Jeff shares a few other words to use sparingly, read his post : Weak Words

Like he says Words Matter!

Use them wisely and be aware.

Do you use the R-Word?  Do you want to spread the word to end the word? Wanna make a pledge to stop? Check it out; makes you think.

So...thanks for dropping by! Hope this share and direction to the wonderful writer Jeff Goins helps you out in your writing journey.

P.S. Come read about my journey...
Authors want to get spotlighted? Click my spotlight link above and answer a few fun questions!
Like Giveaways? Click giveaways above to see what I'm giving away for the Splash into Summer blog hop! (Starts May 25th!)

Author Spotlight- Eric T. Benoit- Fantasy Author

Eric T. Benoit, learn the name, memorize it. This fantasy author is currently working on the first book to a series and he means serious buissness! His WIP is called Flames of Khyveria :The Khyverian Chronicles and it will be the first to a five book series. Way to go Eric! (He out did me by one:0)

About the book in Eric's words:
Khyveria is a world that has known peace, for the most part, for the last 3000 years. Sure, there have been some wars and border skirmishes, but they are generally minor affairs compared to the wars of the past. No one has wanted to take the chance that they could be the cause of mass devastation such as happened 3000 years ago.

There is a prophecy, however, one that says that the peace cannot and will not last. It speaks of a great evil rising in the world and of tiny band of adventurers who must work together despite their differences to defeat it. The ancient warlocks who started the last of the great wars couldn't even imagine the power of the evil that is now rising in Khyveria for it is something that has not been seen or heard in nearly 100 thousand years. Our would be heroes all begin their quest to save the world in different ways and for different reasons but they soon learn that without each other none of them will succeed. -Sounds interesting!!



This gentleman kindly answered a few questions for me and here is a little pick from his brain:

1. Where do you call home?Massachusetts and Las Vegas, NV depending on my mood.
2. What is the title of your most recent book?Flames of Khyveria: The Khyverian Chronicles (WIP)
3. What's your Genre?Fantasy
4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?This is book 1 in a series planned for 5. - Again Awesome!

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ?I am self Pulishing, yes.
6. Who's your favorite author?Me lol.Seriously though, there are too many to pick just 1 or 2.
7. Your favorite book?See question 6.
8. What book are you currently reading?Hero Chronicles
9. A book you would recommend?Foundation by Assimov, It's been 20 years since I last read it and lately I've had an urge to read it again.

10. How do you pick your books?Usually based on the blurb and/or the first few pages.
11. Advice for other authors?Don't write for others or worse, to make money. It's ok to make money of course, but if that is the only reason you write, your work won't have the same quality as it would if you were writing for the love of doing it.
12. Do you write under a pen name?No, I think my pens name is Bic...
13. Where do you write?Usually on the laptop while sitting on my bed in the afternoon with the TV going in the background.
14. What do you wear when you write?Jeans and a T-shirt usually.

15. Do you have a pet (s)?Yes, I have 6 kitties. Punkin, Apache, Spice, Thidders, Rascal and Gizmo. -That is way too cute!
16. Favorite food?Lasagna.
17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?Any 3 playboy bunnies would do nicely. ;) No no, Dali Lama would be one, the other 2 I'm not quite sure about.
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?Bethriel, she is the character that popped into my head more than 20 years ago and got the whole story rolling, we've had a lot of time to grow close.
19. What made you want to be a writer?It seemed the next logical step after the initial Bethriel incident (ie her first coming into my head). I knew then that I would someday put her story on paper and that time is finally here.
20. Any weird talent?
Does the ability to speak English count? I'd say that's pretty weird these days...Hmm...no nothing I can think of though.

21. A favorite quote?"Outside of a dog a book is man's best friend, inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx
22. What is the one thing you never go without?Internet access.
23. Your biggest influence?Hmmm...3 way tie: J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey and David Eddings.
24. Favorite TV show?Game of Thrones
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?http://writingishardwork.blogspot.com/

Eric's website
Eric's Twitter 

Thank you kindly Eric for participating in my Author Spotlight and I've enjoyed getting to know you! Readers make sure you follow Eric's site, his book is due to be released this year, you'll wanna be the first to know!

Thanks for dropping by and do leave comments!

Author Spotlight- K. W. McCabe

The lovely K.W. McCabe is a fellow Indie author friend of mine who I am very impressed with! She has kindly answered my questions and I cannot wait to share a tidbit of this great gal with you!  K.W. McCabe currently has five Kindle ebooks available on Amazon:
         Poetry: Dark and Light: A Small Collection of Poetry, Fantasies of the Waking Dreamer: A small collection of poetry
         Anthologies: Dreams Both Real and Strange (Anthologies) , Dreams Both Real and Strange II (Anthologies)  & Dreams Both Real and Strange I and II  (combined)
They are all reasonably priced, so great for your pocketbook and easy enjoyment!
She also has two of her ebooks on Smashwords- Click here. One of which is called Froggy Love -a funny little twist to the Frog & the princess!
 She also has a book coming out called: The Dragon's Call - coming soon!

Now on to the Q&A's:

1. Where do you call home? Minnesota at the moment!

2. What is the title of your most recent book? I recently completed The Dragon’s Call and I’m working on edits and rewrites.

3. What's your Genre? Sci fi, fantasy, YA, romance, paranormal, speculative fantasy

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series? Dragon Kin is the sequel to The Dragon’s Call. I’m also working on the continuation of Lord Death’s tale which began in Dreams Both Real and Strange I&II.
5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ? Yes!

6. Who's your favorite author? Michelle Sagara West, hands down!

7. Your favorite book? ANYTHING by Michelle Sagara West
8. What book are you currently reading? Jane Eyre
9. A book you would recommend? Kushiel’s Dart

10. How do you pick your books? The cover usually catches my attention first (sad to say,) then I read the back blurb to see if I’ll like the content. -Don't worry K.W. we all do that:0)

11. Advice for other authors? Join the internetwritingworkshop.com. Get free writing advice and coaching!
12. Do you write under a pen name? Yes: K.W. McCabe and Yvette Duval (coming soon)
13. Where do you write? In my room under nice warm blankets lol!
14. What do you wear when you write? PJs!
15. Do you have a pet (s)? Nope. Having a child is work enough lol!
16. Favorite food? Ethiopian cuisine

17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Dr. Phil, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Bear Grylls. I figure with those three no one will go crazy, sick, or starve!- Love it!
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why? Laela from In Light of Burning. I began writing her story when I was eighteen or nineteen and her personality, her reactions, her character were more “me” than any other character I’ve written. I figure if you spend ten years writing a character, that’s bound to be the case!

19. What made you want to be a writer? I can’t say that anything “made” me want to be a writer—I’ve just been writing ever since I could write lol.
20. Any weird talent? I wish :-/
21. A favorite quote? “Art and writing can only be done when inspired, and inspiration comes from a sufficient amount of laziness!” - Is this a K.W. quote? :0)
22. What is the one thing you never go without? Coffee!!!!!
23. Your biggest influence? Michelle Sagara West and IWW
24. Favorite TV show? Once Upon A Time
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover? The Blood Red Pencil

I cannot thank K.W. enough for her time to answer my questions and allowing me to spotlight her on my blog! Want to connect with K.W.? Check her links below, don't forget to follow her blog and add one or all of her books to your Goodreads list!

K.W.'s Blog: http://kwmccabe.blogspot.com
Twitter connect: https://twitter.com/#!/kw_mccabe
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/kywmccabe
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5269189.K_W_McCabe
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=wX#110390369038722061721/posts


Thanks for dropping by!

Indie Authors, need some exposure?

All authors like a little exposure, but sometimes (no maybe all the time) us Indie authors need a lot of exposure. BPC (Book Promo Central) ran by five wonderful ladies ( Loren Kleinman, Barbara Hightower, Rachel Thompson, Barb Drozdowich & Jolene Coleman) want to help Indie authors  get that exposure and succeed!

What do they have to offer?

These five fantabulous things: Guest post, Interview, Blurb/Excerpt/ Bio Feature, Sidebar Advertising & Free Days Listings - four out of the five is currently free, so hurry and jump on this opportunity!

Click here.

Resources are important to us authors, we can never stop learning and above all never stop improving our writing skills. For some words come fluently and abundantly. For others its a challenge.

Heard of Grammar Girl? Well, click on this link (yes that one right there to your right now) to discover this amazing site and get some great grammar tips among many other great tips from Quick and Dirty Tips . Want more great resources, bpc has a few more...

Two other highly recommended resources:

On Writing by: Stephen King (yes that guy) Available in paperback and hardcover as well.

Bird by Bird by:Anna Lamott available on Kindle as well.

"The world needs better writers. We need you, the writer, to be good. Really good. Especially at a time when more people have something to say. And with the Internet as a megaphone, sometimes the best voices don’t always get heard." 

Writer Jeff Goins said that above, isn't it lovely. Jeff is a man of many words that all seem to make a difference, give great advice and makes a lot of sense. Read more about How to Be a Good Writer by Jeff and then click  How to Get Your Message Heard without Adding to the Noise . These are two among many great words from this writer.

So get your exposure on and get heard!

Thanks for dropping in,

Author Spotlight- Lauren K. Pomeroy

How exciting, my first Author Spotlight and its the lovely Author Lauren K. Pomeroy! 

I just loved reading Lauren's answers and found there are many things her and I have in common! I met this lovely lady ( isn't she pretty!) a year ago, when we were both fresh in the "Indie" publishing world. Lauren has put alot of hard work into her novel and I was privelaged to have been one of the first to read it. I enjoyed this book and Lauren's descriptive, creative, and imaginative writing! Read below to get to know a little about Lauren and do check out her links to get to know this wonderful author more and learn about her book:  Alexander: Sacrafice. Instinct. Rebirth

1. Where do you call home? Apache Junction, Arizona - We're about a 15 minute walk from the great Superstition Mountains, technically it's my parents home, but it’s the one I grew up in, and the one I would always love to return to.

2. What is the title of your most recent book? "Alexander: Sacrifice. Instinct. Rebirth."
3. What's your Genre? Fantasy Fiction
4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series? This novel was originally going to be a series trilogy until I decided it needed to be a three part novel, rather than a separation of books. Also, however, there is an untold story of the great "Valentin Marcel" through tiny excerpts in the novel, an untold history of the great battle between werewolves and the "nightwalkers" otherwise known as vampires - Valentin Marcel is the father of the main character, Alexander, in "Alexander: Sacrifice. Instinct. Rebirth." who ends up tragically dying in the beginning of the novel, and is a great impact on Alexander's entire life. "Valentin Marcel: Dawn of the Nightwalkers" is the prequel to Alexander's story that does not yet have a publication date, and is still the process of being a detailed written outline.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ? I am; I published through Createspace, who is partnered with Amazon.com - "Alexander: Sacrifice. Instinct. Rebirth." is available both for Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.com
6. Who's your favorite author? There is honestly so many, however I love Christopher Paolini, and old stories I love are renditions of Disney fairytales retold - I enjoyed "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" along with "Wicked," however my favorite Disney story is that of Beauty and the Beast, which I read "Beauty" by Robin McKinley and loved it all over again.
7. Your favorite book? "Beauty" by Robin McKinley, and "Mordred" by Vivian Van Velde, of course along with the Eragon Series.
8. What book are you currently reading? Bram Stokers "Dracula"

9. A book you would recommend? Mine of course! hahaha, just kidding! (Not really) lol. I do have a couple people reading my books that I have given for free as a Kindle Gift, and so far many think that my book is very interesting, and worth the read. A book I would recommend outside of my own would have to be...Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or Cold Mountain (one of my favorite love stories).

10. How do you pick your books? I pick them normally based on popularity or person interest. For example, I would pick novels like The Hunger Games, The Inheritance Eragon Series, or novels with that kind of popularity and the reviews on Amazon. Recently, I was going to pick a novel called "Fifty Shades of Gray" however read the reviews and there are MANY who didn't like the novel because it was too disturbing in an odd sexual tone, so I decided against it. Reviews definitely help you get a personal insight before purchasing. Novels of personal interest would be my own appreciation of the Disney tales, which is why I chose Beauty by Robin McKinley, and I have "The Frog Prince: A Tale for Consenting Adults" which is another novel based off the Frog Prince tale.

11. Advice for other authors? Don't be afraid to just go for it. In the end, especially if you're self published and you're worried about publishing your novel, once it's gone through editing, any name changes that need to take place, and a cover design you like, what else do you have to lose? No one is guaranteed fame, and I know it will be difficult if you don't achieve your dreams, however you'll never know if you don't take the leap and go for it.

12. Do you write under a pen name? No - I'm a very responsive author, and even if I become famous, I still want to be that way; Interactive with my fans on Facebook, Twitter, and so on. I think many lose their personality when getting such a huge fan base, but that doesn't mean you need to take yourself out of your work because you're "too famous".

13. Where do you write? At my apartment in Gilbert, AZ, normally on my bed, super late at night around 3:00am, or in my very crowded office at my desk.
14. What do you wear when you write? I usually prefer jeans and a t shirt if I'm writing in the day, but of course late at night, I write in my pajamas.
15. Do you have a pet (s)? I do - I have a Dalmatian named Lucy, and she is my best friend. You can view her pictures on Instagram, all the links to my sites and where to follow me will be provided below.
16. Favorite food? Cheesecake!

17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, and Nicole Kidman.
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why? In "Alexander" I really enjoy the sub-character, Constantine, who is the right hand of Alexander, and his lovers brother. He's meant to be a very complicated, strong, bold-faced character and he's by far one of my favorites.
19. What made you want to be a writer? Well, I started writing when I was 11 years old and during that time I knew that’s what I wanted to do was to create stories. I didn't really know why, however from the time of being 11 to 13 years old, I wrote my first book called "Eatheon" which remains unpublished to this day, however it consisted of large ideas, and 250 pages written down on lined loose leaf paper, now on my computer. It was because of films like Braveheart and Gladiator, with great stories such as that, which made me want to create stories with the same impact.

20. Any weird talent? No - unfortunately, it's not necessarily a talent, but I'm Pigeon Toed haha
21. A favorite quote? "If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It" - Walt Disney
22. What is the one thing you never go without? Pens and a small pad in case I think of story ideas on the go, along with my film score soundtrack playlist on my Iphone.
23. Your biggest influence? Walt Disney and Braveheart - I think the creative genius between the two, both producers, and directors, each giving the world great stories, it's hard to not be in love with either.
24. Favorite TV show? I Love Lucy and That 70's Show.
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover? This one of course!!! It's always fun to see the blog of another writer, alike myself.

Links to Lauren's sites: 
Official Author Website of Lauren K. Pomeroy: http://www.laurenkayenovels.com/  (It's amazing!)
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenKPomeroy
Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/LaurenKPomeroy
Pinterest Page: http://pinterest.com/lkayepom/
Wordpress Blog: http://lkayepom.wordpress.com/ ( go here, Lauren still has four free Kindle copies to give away!)
About Me Page: http://about.me/laurenkpomeroy
Amazon.com "Alexander" Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Pomeroy/e/B004Y6Z4MK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Instagram Follow User Name:  lkayepom or Lauren K. Pomeroy

Lauren is also in the works of a book called Memoirs of a Sleep Talker. Her ispiration (hunky boyfriend- there are pics!) is a riot when he sleeps and the things he says during his slumber ! I alas am a boring sleeper, but if you've got a funny story, guess what! Lauren wants to hear it! Go here.

Would you like to get her autograph on your kindle copy?! You can with Kindlegraph! Click here to request one from this lovely lady!

Thank you so much Lauren for participating in my Author Spotlight, It was really fun getting to know you more! I recomend Lauren's book to all and I send her the best of luck along with a big slice of cheesecake! Yum!


P.S. If you would like to get Spotlighted, click link above that says "Author- spotlight" and have fun. Appreciate it!

Still want to increase your score on Klout? Here are some ways...

In light of yesterday's post on Klout scoring, I thought I would share some tips I found on increasing your score. First, it is ok to want to better your score on Klout, so don't feel bad about that, but again don't let it get the best of you either. :0)  Improvement never hurts anyone and these tips not only may help increase that score, but it can also help you do better overall in achieving your main goal. So here are some tips that can help you work towards it:

1. Build yourself a network of course! Target and engage with a network of people who would be  interested in you and your content.

  * by creating valuable/meaningful content that your network people/followers will want to share. (provide links for them to share)

   * Remember to engage! Ask questions, answer questions and converse with your followers.

    * Do not just converse with high Klout influencers. This will probably be more annoying than successful. Just keep focusing on your network strategy and your content strategy and you’ll succeed.

    * Interact with everybody.  Don’t be afraid to interact with low score Klout users. It's not going to hurt your score. By doing so you will help build their score and become more of an influencer and possibly increasing your score as well.

2. Publish! Use free publishing tools such as blogs, Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter (to name a few).  These will provided you with the opportunity to have a real voice, so take advantage of these  platforms.

3. Most of all keep at it!  Don't give up! Most of all be patient.


Did you know?

Klout is more Facebook centric than Twitter.

Twitter hashtags (#) do not really help in your score. In fact Klout considers it to be gaming their system.

How Klout scores you: It measures your  “influence” across the social web by using a complex algorithm to factor as data points such items as tweets, retweets, likes, friends, status updates, comments, LinkedIn connections, etc. in order to arrive at an individual’s Klout Score.

Have you heard of Kred? It seems they are giving Klout some heavy competition. Another similar to Klout is PeerIndex.  Anyone using these two, please share your thoughts...  I shall have to register and check them out, maybe do up my thoughts in a later post. :0)



Thanks for dropping in,

Klout and Bit.ly... what they do and do they help? Here are some answers...

Klout
First what is klout?  Klout measures your influence online. When you create content or engage, you impact others. Klout analyzes this impact to find your score, your influential topics, and your influencers.

Wait, what is a klout score? You ask. The Klout Score measures your influence on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the most. It uses data from social networks in order to measure how many people you influence (called your True Reach), how much you influence them (your Amplification) and how much they are (your Network Score).

True reach is the number of people you influence, meaning how many are acting on your content.

Amplification  is how much you influence people. For instance how many respond to your messages (blog posts, tweets, FB posts) and share.

Network is the influnence of the people in your true reach. How often do your top ones share and respond to your content.

More about Klout


Is Klout really important?

Klout measures value. The value of content and ranking of your relevance in the social web. If you are looking to establish yourself for a particular area, you can use your Klout score to see how you're  doing and use it to help you  adjust what you do on the social web to achieve your goals. This doesn't mean you have to stop the irrelevant things you do, but you may want to think before you tweet or post something is all.

Now that you have an idea about Klout...something to keep in mind...

Don't let yourself get sucked into Klout. After you set up your account with them, you are notified it will  take 24-48 hours before you get your inital score. So in the mean time you score starts of low (the average is 10). As much as this is a ego bubble pop, don't let it bother you. Wait a few days and check back.

My score started at a 19, and within a few months I reached 50. So with that said, don't think to overly hard about the next thing your blog about or a tweet you share. Don't sweat it too much. It is a great way to keep track and aim for a goal, but don't let it define you. You have to decide how much  you want to participate. There are lots of ways in which Klout will help you raise your score (+k's), so don't sweat it too much. When you set up your account Klout will ask you to connect either or both your Twitter and Facebook accounts. This will help your score rise, but it will also be broadcasting Klout through your social networks. You will be given the opprotunity to invite friends too to Klout, but you may want to think on that first before you send out any invites. Would your friends like that?  Some may, but some may not find Klout anything benificial to them, so if you do invite, pick wisely.

Now once you have your score, try to limit your checking in. Don't let the score get the best of you. Doing the things Klout suggests you do to raise your score, will raise it, but how much of an annoyance will it be to your social connections in return? And how high do you really need your score to be?

Bit.ly.

Now what is Bit.ly and what can it do for me?

On Twitter or even blogs where you see links, you may have noticed the links are very short. Ever wonder how that was accomplished? Ever wish you had more room in your tweets? Using Bit.ly helps you do thatand its FREE. You go there, paste your html and press shorten. It shorten's your link to the extreme. Many tweeters use this and love it, but Bit.ly doesn't stop just there. You can go past using its shorten bar and sign up (again FREE) where every link you paste and shorten will be put in your link and bundle history. Bit.ly is another tool that it can help you measure the amount of social media reach that you have.

Why use it?

Any link you post on your account is tracked. Stats are generated from that as to how many people click your link, how many people visit, and when they visit over time. With these stats you can get a feel for how your links are received and determined, if you are doing well or need to put more effort.

How do you figure out Bit.ly?

Once you shorten a link and it is sent to your bundle, you will see a top number and a number below it. The top one is the number of times people have clicked on your link. The bottom number is the number of times people have visited the page your bit.ly link points to (based on other users who use bit.ly). This ratio gives you an idea of your social reach and the engagement of your community with your brand. Remember perspective in this. How many people click, whether just a few isn't bad, it depends on your brand. If your selling something then your numbers will be higher. If your a blogger like me, well ten clicks isn't so bad. Like with Klout don't let yourself get hung up on the numbers, they are after all just indicators.

Other social media sources:
Feedburner
Hootsuite
Tweetdeck



Thanks for dropping in,








         

Heard of ShabbyApple.com? This is the site for your style and accessorizing needs!

I came across a site called Shabbyapple.com and discovered a site full of very modest and stylish clothing and acessories! I love this! I'm a modest girl who lacks in chest and has no need to show off too much of the legs :0)

As a mom of six kids, I try to dress stylish,but alas I do not always. Keeping the attire clean is the biggest challenge and yes, I do admit, I'm to blame for some of the messes that appear on my clothing. However, a gal never gives up on fashion or acessorizing and I do still from time to time. There is the infamous "Date night" and you never know when you'll be invited somewhere nice. What about church? Who says a mommy of six can't dress up for church?

Now how about the cost? Can I afford to buy these glamorous examples I see below? you ask. Yes you can, and feel confident purchasing from this site with the shared reviews to go buy, I  mean by.  Having six kids, the budget for me isn't vast, so I'm not going to look somewhere that is out of my reach. Shabby Apple doesn't seem so, plus the clothing is just elegant!

 So I'm looking through Shabby Apple's site, thinking the pricing isn't that bad. I love the style and the convience of the shopping for the clothing. I look through the dresses, the skirts, the blouses and then I look to the swimsuits. I'm loving it! And it doesn't stop there, there is also shopping for your pre-teen, kids and maternity. There is even arts & crafts!

If your the vintage dress kinda gal, this is gonna be a site that you'll love. It seems many of the choices are vintage inspired. I could get lost in the swimsuit category, so lovely!

 Now on to accessories, they have that too! So looking for something new, getting tired of Old Navy, the Gap or even Ambercrombie...well check out Shabby Apple!

Like Giveaways (who doesn't!) Click the links below to enter to win something great from Shabby Apple!

Design Chic        Reviewed by Mom   Gorgeous in Grey
Glamamom          Smart & Trendy Moms

These are just to start, click the logos below for two more! Good luck!

Happy shopping and discovering Shabby Apple!