A Chat with Ken Hoss, Author of Suspense and Crime

Ken Hoss joins us this week via New York City location setting of his suspense series, featuring Kelli Storm. Ken is an avid reader, a computer nut and also loves to promote his fellow authors as much as we do. He is currently writing the third installment.

A bit about Ken before we start the interview.

Kenneth Hoss was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas in 1957 to Albert and Mary Hoss. He served a combined total of fourteen years on active duty from 1974 to 1987 in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His tour in the Army took him to Frankfurt, Germany where he had the opportunity to travel Europe. While in the Navy, Kenneth spent most of his time stationed in San Diego and Long Beach. His Navy travels took him to Hawaii, Guam, The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Middle East and Pakistan. He has lived in several States, including South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington and California.

Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel is a Police Procedural and is the first book in a three book series. Storm Warning, the next book, has a planned release of Fall 2012.

Kenneth is currently single and lives in Irving, Texas.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Louise: Ken, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Ken: Well, it’s really a long story, but it was actually an old High School girlfriend that convinced me that I should start writing again. I wrote a lot of Sci/Fi and fantasy back them and she loved my stories. We reconnected on Facebook and she asked if I was still writing and when I said no, she asked why. Honestly, I hadn’t written in years and really didn’t feel the spark. She ended up sending me a few primer lines and I took those and ran. Of course, it was utter garbage and will most likely never see the light of day, but it got the juices flowing.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release.

Ken: My newest release is the second book in the Kelli Storm series, titled Storm Warning. It picks up a few months after the end of the first book, Storm Rising. It follows my main character, Detective Kelli Storm and her new partner as they attempt to shut down a major Colombian drug cartel’s operations in New York City.

Louise: Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write? 

Ken: Actually, my characters come to me and ask me to write their story. In the case of Kelli, she approached me shortly after I had written the first story, the one my old girlfriend got me started on, and ask if I would write her story. I told her I didn’t think I had it in me, but she had faith that I could do it. And the rest, as they say, is history. Over the past couple of years, Kelli and I have developed a special relationship.

Louise: How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits to share?

Ken: I do a ton of research, especially since my books are based on the NYPD. There are so many small details, which if left out, would make my books read like some Hollywood script. If you omit the minutia, then anyone reading it will have a hard time believing it. I had to know things like what firearms NYPD Officers were allowed to carry on and off duty. Another small, but very significant detail is the fact that the NYPD does not call their cruisers Squad cars. No, they are called RMP’s, or Radio Motor Patrols. For this book, and I don’t want to give away anything, I had to research anything to do with the Mexican drug cartels.

Louise: What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Ken: With Storm Rising I did a complete outline, as well as character bios. I found out that after a few chapters that the story line was taking a complete ninety-degree turn from the outline. After that, I just let Kelli tell me what was going to happen next. With Storm Warning I did a skeletal outline, based off what Kelli told me, and the rest I let her run. So, I guess you could say that I’m a punster.

Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Ken: I wish I could write full time. Unfortunately, I’m not at that level yet. That is the goal of course. In the interim, I work as a Lotus Notes Administrator for a multi-national company.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Ken: I put my ear buds in, tune to a good Classic Rock station, usually Q104 in New York, and I go from there. Kelli is a BIG Classic Rock fan and it helps both of us communicate.

Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Ken: Typical? There really is nothing typical about my writing day. I write when the mood hits me, or when Kelli keeps bugging me to get to my laptop because she has something to say.

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Ken: The next planned book is the third one in the series. I can’t say what is going to happen yet, because Kelli is currently taking a well deserved vacation, and she deserves it. After all the hell she went through in this last book, I can’t blame her.

Louise: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Ken: I really don’t have a favorite, but if I did, it would have to be thrillers. I also love Stephen King novels, some Sci/Fi and occasionally horror.

Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Ken: Just that if they do pick up Storm Warning, they will not be lost. It does fill in Kelli’s history throughout the book. However, I would also add, that they should pick up book one, if only to see where it all began.

Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Ken: They can go to my blog, my Independent Authors Network page, and of course my Amazon Authors page. Storm Rising is available in all eReader formats on Smashwords, and is on Amazon, Barnes and Noble; Nook & paperback, and iTunes. Storm Warning will only be available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. They are also available on Amazon UK. And of course on Twitter.

I'd also like to giveaway an eBook copy of Storm Rising to one lucky commenter. Let me know you've stop by or ask a question we did not address above, and leave your email address so we can easily contact the winner.

Louise: Ken, thank you for visiting with us this week. 

Book Launch and Prizes Galore! Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin

Visit Gale's site, comment on post or sign her Guest Book to be entered for prizes! 

Click this link:

Gale Martin - Grace Unexpected Book Launch

GRACE UNEXPECTED

Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say “I do”. In search of a respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she’s unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy.

When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan – dubbed the Shaker Plan – and despite the fact that her ovaries are ticking, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible bachelors: Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and real soul mate potential to test her newfound Shaker-style self-control. Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal… until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan.

Book giveaway on Goodreads - Click here

Grace Unexpected on Amazon and B&N

Grand Prize drawing on Friday, July 20. 

Win this tote full of books!

Web site

Blog

Twitter @Gale_Martin

Facebook

Launch Out Into The Deep - Author Interview with Acacia Slaton Beumer and Aaron Slaton

Click on the image to visit the Meet & Greet with 
Acacia and Aaron on VBT Cafe.

Acacia Slaton Beumer is a graduate of Oral Roberts University; she will earn her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in the summer of 2012. She works in the Social Service field and finds a sense of joy from helping others. Her husband John is in the United States Army. She has two daughters; Jana is 3 years old Jaci is 1. Acacia loves to interact with readers and welcomes questions and feedback. Her next project is to write an autobiography about her many life experiences. If you're interested in contacting Acacia email her at acacia@launchoutbook.com . May you be tremendously blessed and continue to persevere and daily grow in your walk with Christ.

 

Aaron Slaton is the author of the poetry and one chapter featured in this book. Writing since the age of twelve, Aaron has been gifted with the ability to bring the Scriptures to life through rhythm and rhyme. Aaron is an aspiring songwriter and producer. If you're interested in contacting Aaron email him at aaron@launchoutbook.com .

Together they have written a powerful book; Launch Out Into The Deep.

“ All I can say is, if you ever read just one book in your life, this is the book to read. ” Erica Contino

 
“ The book contains stories not only from the Bible but also everyday life stories of individuals. ” 

Reviewer "Lynn" 

“ There are many great poems in this book written by Aaron L. Slaton that are beautiful poems that add to the authors writing in each chapter. ” Ervsbookreviews

Louise: Aaron, welcome to my blog! I’m so excited you could join me for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Aaron: Originally the idea was to put together a poetry book with my sister Acacia. As Acacia did some research, she realized there is not much of a market for poetry books. As I continued to submit poems to Acacia, she started writing essays that went with the different topics. About two or three months later, Launch Out Into The Deep was complete.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release Launch Out into the Deep.

Aaron: Launch Out Into The Deep is a devotional style book that consists of essays, poems, words of the wise and discussion questions. Certain topics in the book will probably make some people feel uneasy, but they are topics that people in and out of church deal with on a daily basis. Among the topics that are hard hitting are lust, loneliness, trusting God, fear, death, and a desire for fame. There is something in the book for women, men and teens.

On Amazon

Louise: How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits to share?

Aaron: I don't really have a writing regiment. I mainly write when I am inspired by different situations or just observing people in everyday life. As you observe people, inspiration will flow out of everyday conversation. I think the important thing is learning how to capture those moments no matter how small they may seem sometimes. Sometimes inspiration to write a poem will hit me first thing in the morning, driving in my car or while I'm at work.

Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Aaron: No, I don't write full time, I have a regular 9 to 5 job. Although I would like to have more poems published and write songs that will touch many people.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example…. get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Aaron: I don't have a ritual. The main thing is not hitting writers block when I start writing. If the creative juices are flowing, I can write – I can adjust to different situations. I remember when I used to ride the train to work, a lot of the people were loud and would talk about all kinds of subject matters, but somehow I was able to write a lot on that commute.

Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Acacia: As a counselor, I am mostly inspired by the experiences of those I am privileged to counsel, as well as my own personal experiences. I don’t write everyday, only when I feel compelled. When this occurs, I prefer quietness as I often reflect back on conversations that stood out or have a message that I find relevant to my topic.

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Acacia: I am interested in writing an autobiography. The personal testimony that I share in the revised edition of Launch Out Into The Deep is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s more to share that I believe will inspire many and encourage them in their faith.

Louise: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Acacia: I like to read faith-based books. Presently, my favorite author is Joseph Prince. I am reading a book by him titled, “Unmerited Favor.”

Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Aaron: We are happy to announce and thankful that our book is a recent recipient of the Mom's Choice Award and the Dove Award! Our book is a short read that you can finish in a day, but it's a book that the reader will want to go back and reread to capture words of wisdom inspired by God.

Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Aaron: You can learn more about my sister and I at: www.launchoutbook.com. You can also buy our book at: http://www.launchoutbook.com/purchase-book.html

Watch the trailer:

www.virtualbooktourcafe.com

Prayers Poems Songs by Cesar Nostradame

This collection of 250 poems was written by Cesar during his late teens, and each piece of writing was originally intended to remain as a personal record of his journey with God. Yet the collection at some point became much more than mere thoughts about the world and God; they developed into poems, lyrics and poetry on a full range of subjects.

Then the writing stopped and the pages of thought and devotion were lost to time, gaining nothing but dust in an attic. That is where Cesar found them thirteen years later, and he chose to publish them as a testament to the influences which once surrounded his life, and as a dedication to God for his faithfulness.

The book is also dotted with hand drawn sketches which adds an additional level to the book.

Release Date: April 13th
Genre: Christian Non-fiction / Poetry / Inspirational

 

Website
 

Amazon

Cesar's Book Tour on VBT Cafe
 

Excerpt:

Haunted shame, distant pain

Hidden deep, am I sane

Can I make them hands stop

Fade away into the shade

Softest of songs drift above

Peace inside, peace within

Mumblings made to story tell

Drive this home, hope you’re well

Flying away you look down

Turn those hands and see the dirt

Nothing washes, nothing cleans

Burying deep my drifted dreams

Build me a wall and make it strong

So I can fall, trip, trip and fall

Swimming no limbs, flying no wings

Drift here to see my drunken words

House washed away by my broken tears

Soul taken by the rising flood

To carry me home, twisted fate

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Prayers Poems Songs

by Cesar

Giveaway ends May 13, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Cesar has a very experienced background in the spiritual world. He was brought up in a Christian family, but branched out from that base as he got older, seeking answers about the world around him, and the spiritual world around him. In his mid-twenties dramatic events occurred in his life which challenged his very existence, but he learned from these experienced and most of learned that how that life is not just in our own hands. Now Cesar is a firm believer that everyone has their own path to walk in life, and part of that walk is all about the choices that you make. Some people choose a good life and some a wicked life, but most of us live the life in the middle, influenced by the world around us and our own upbringing, Cesar understands that life is simply not black and white.

http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/index.html

It's early 1700's and Katherine Lindsay is kidnapped by pirates in The Devil's Fire by Matt Tomerlin - Author Interview

Arr Maties, welcome aboard the pirate ship of Captain Jonathon Griffith. Don't touch anything and beware of the captain; he might make us walk the plank. Author Matt Tomerlin is our guide this weekend. We'll stay close to him since he is in good ranks with the crew. Matt is going to tell us about his new release and how he weaved his tale.

Louise: Matt, welcome to my blog! I’m so excited you could join me for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Matt: Thanks for having me, Louise! Last year I read an article about self-published ebooks surpassing traditionally published books in number, and I decided to dust off a manuscript I had completed a while back. It was a pirate story that I'd put a lot of research and character development into. I began editing it extensively, and the last half of the novel changed quite a bit. My writing style has improved (hopefully) over the years, so it went through a lot of editing. Once I was satisfied with it, I released it for Amazon Kindle. It's sold more copies than I ever imagined, and reviews are starting to pop up now.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release, The Devil's Fire, without giving too much of a spoiler away.

Matt: It's about a young woman named Katherine Lindsay who is kidnapped by pirates in the year 1717. The pirate captain, Jonathon Griffith, has eyes for her, and murders her husband. Katherine is taken to the Caribbean, where she witnesses the most despicable acts of piracy firsthand. She quickly realizes that if she is going to survive, she must become a different person. The story is told through a number of shifting character perspectives.

Louise: Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

Matt: I plan the main characters out, but most of the time they evolve over the course of the story. Katherine took on traits that I didn't always plan for. In the end, she surprised me. There's a crucial turning point in the very last chapter, and the choice the main character makes is one I had not foreseen. It simply happened, and I knew as I typed it that it was the right way to go.  

Louise: Yes, characters do seem to take control and we have to listen. How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?

Matt: "The Devil's Fire" is historical fiction, and even though I took quite a few liberties with the time period and some of the historical figures, I wanted it to feel as authentic as possible. A reader appreciates an author who knows what he/she is writing about. It makes it easier for them to suspend disbelief. They want to learn a few things while being entertained. 

Louise: What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Matt: A combination of both. I usually have a rough synopsis, but I'm quick to abandon a plot point if I discover a better option along the way. 

Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Matt: I'm a graphic designer. Eventually I would like to write full time, but at the moment I am balancing the two.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Matt: No ritual. Ideas come to me at random times and I'll rush to my computer, and start typing away. Some days I will write two chapters, other days I just have no creative energy. I have to take it as it comes.

Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Matt: I wish I had a typical writing day… that'd be great!

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Matt: I am currently finishing up the sequel to "The Devil's Fire." It's titled "The Devil's Tide" and follows a couple of survivors from the first book, as well as introducing several new characters. I'm incorporating more historical figures into it, including some very famous pirates. It's fun to mix fictional characters with popular historical figures. The ending of the first book provided a nice path for the second, and it was easy to get right back into the flow of the story. I've paid close attention to reviews, taking note of what readers seemed to like the most about "Devil's Fire." I want to give them more of that, but also something new. This is not a retread of the previous story.

 Click on the image to read an excerpt from chapter 5.

Louise: I just love your book covers! What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Matt: Believe it or not, historical fiction is not my favorite genre. I'm a huge science fiction and fantasy nut. I love Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin, Frank Herbert, Tolkien, etc. After I finish "The Devil's Tide," I will continue on a science fiction novel that I've been working on for a while.

Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Matt: Thanks again for the interview! "The Devil's Tide" is scheduled tentatively for summer of this year.

Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web? 

Matt: Readers can find me on:

Facebook

Blog

Twitter

Amazon Author page

Louise: Matt, thank you again for visiting with me this weekend.

Readers, Matt is giving away an eBook in Kindle format to one lucky commenter. If you don't mind, please leave your email in your comment so we can easily contact the winner. If you opt not to, be sure to check back on April 16 to see who the winner is.

Bio:
Matt Tomerlin was born in 1979 in sunny Southern California. He has written several short stories and just completed his first novel, "The Devil's Fire". Due to positive feedback, he is also planning a follow-up to "The Devil's Fire". He is also working on "ARCTURUS," a science fiction retelling of the Arthur legend.
Tomerlin currently resides in Murrieta, California, where he works as a freelance graphic designer, when he isn't writing.

Excerpt from "The Devil's Fire":

It was six hours before the pirates discovered her cowering beneath the bed.

Several pirates spilled into the cabin, laughing and cursing. She glimpsed only their feet. Some wore boots, but most were barefoot. She watched through a hole in the heavy quilt that was draped over the bed as they thieved most of her clothes and jewelry. They took whatever perked their interest and then left, their boisterous laughter fading into the roaring pandemonium that had enveloped the main deck.

After what she presumed to be two hours, she heard a loud scuttle and a subsequent shriek that was abruptly cut short. A riotous commotion lasted for nearly five minutes before it broke into uncontrollable fits of laughter. For the next hour she was left to ponder her husband’s fate. Her mind played out a relentless torrent of ghastly possibilities, with Thomas meeting a grisly death in every one of them.

And then, with a glorious flood of relief, she heard his voice. Her eyes burned. She squeezed them shut, refusing to allow any tears to burst free; there would be time enough for that later, when she held him in her arms again, and the present ordeal was nothing more than a memory.

Thomas was conversing with a man whose voice held a distinctive air of authority. As this man spoke, the pirates gradually calmed. Katherine found herself transfixed on the voice, even though it was far too muffled through the cabin walls for her to distinguish words. He possessed a tranquil tone that she rather liked, and she temporarily forgot her peril while listening to him.

Thomas and the man with the fair voice eventually ended their conversation, and the pirate uproar started anew. This went on at some length, and the cabin remained empty over the next few hours. Gradually, the clamor outside grew even louder, and the unmistakable sound of a shattering bottle prompted her to wonder if the pirates had discovered the cases of wine in the cargo hold.

The endless ruckus numbed her senses, and she found her eyelids growing heavy. The floor’s wooden planking seemed to stretch away from her. Her vision thinned to narrowing slits that soon receded into darkness.

The door was thrust open, and the ruckus outside flooded the cabin like a tidal wave. Katherine lifted her head and smashed the crown of her skull against the underbelly of the bed. Her eyes shot open in accordance with the jolting pain.

A pair of buckled shoes marched deliberately for the bed. The man who wore them reached down and tore the quilt away, spoiling her hiding place. With the velocity of a striking snake, his hand shot under the bed to grasp Katherine’s hair, dragging her painfully from cover.

“This ship’s treasures never cease,” said the man with the voice that she had liked so much. But his pleasant enunciation was no match for the hunger in his eyes.

Stephen King - Closing Ceremony at the Savannah Book Festival Feb 19

I was there along with my better half! It was so exciting to see Stephen King in person. We didn't get to touch him or speak with him but just being in the same room with him was Priceless!

Mr. King promoted his new release 11/22/63 and signed 400 books for fans.

Click the image to purchase 11/22/63

I have read many of his books. My favorite is the series The Dark Tower. Mr. King announced a sequel is being released in April - The Wind Through The Keyhole. Squeeee!


We also learned Riding the Bullet released 2000, published by Simon & Schuster, was the world's first mass-market electronic book and jammed SoftLock's server that day!


Here's some photos we took of Stephen King at the SCAD (Savannah College of Arts & Design) Trustee Theater. 

The idea for 11/22/63 came about 1971, but he thought it was too close to JFK's death to write, so he stashed it. His first novel to be published was Carrie in 1974. You can read about Carrie on Wikipedia.

Carrie is dedicated to his wife Tabitha King - Tabby as he fondly calls her and referenced several times during his speech on Feb 19. They have been married 40 years and have three grown children. Tabitha is also an author. I read her book Small World - very good read!

Stephen also announced a sequel to The Shining, his third published novel. He stated many fans wanted to know what happened to the little boy, Danny Torrance . Stephen laughed and said, "So did he."  The sequel Dr. Sleep will continue when Danny has turned 8 years old, three years after the fire at the Overlook Hotel.

Stephen King is a very down to earth person. He even said the F word a few times. Cracked me up! He talked about how he started writing and touched on a few of his books. After his speech, he answered questions from the audience and then signed books.

Here's a few sites with a video of his speech and more photos:


WTOC Channel 11 Savannah, GA http://www.wtoc.com/story/16971332/stephen-king-speaks-at-closing-of-savannah-book-festival

South Magazine http://ww2.thesouthmag.com/media/scenes-of-the-south/2012/savannah-book-festival-stephen-king/

Spotted Savannah Now http://spotted.savannahnow.com/galleries/index.php?id=392258 

We sat in the 15th row from the stage and during the signing walked boldly up to the stage to take the pictures.  No way were we leaving with out photos!

Stephen King's Official  Web site
Author page on Simon & Schuster 

There a several fan sites to join; just Google.

Thank you Savannah Book Fest for bringing this awesome author to your event! 

 

Aaron Drew - One Day Book Blitz February 6, 2012

Join the Blitz!

For TODAY ONLY, when you purchase Light Under the House by Aaron Drew for just $.99 on Amazon.com, with your proof of purchase, Aaron will gift you another book of your choice valued at the same price of $.99, (exluding Erotica). That's 2 books for the price of 1! So jump on the bandwagon and go get yourself some awesome books!

Send Proof of Purchase to bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net with your Amazon receipt and the book of your choice (title and link) and preferred email. Once it's been verified, Aaron will gift you your book and send you a personal note of thanks.


You can visit Aaron on his Facebook Fan page and on Goodreads

Available at Amazon and Smashwords

The Levi family has a secret lying just beneath their house that could potentially ruin them. Light Under the House by Aaron L. and Donna Dawson, story-telling duo readers are certain to come to love, chronicles the lives of the Levi family for a generation, taking readers on an exciting and thought-provoking journey that is certain to leave them with profound lessons and meaning.

This page-turning story is set in the late 1960s during a period of cultural rebellion, with a flashback to biblical times, as well as a flash-forward to the 1980s and the present (2005). There is an ancient evil that will stop at nothing to uncover the secret that the Levi family is hiding. The events of this allegoric novel are interwoven within several themes that create cohesion for the story. Messages of courage, forgiveness, faith, the power of consequence, and the hope of redemption are all found within the pages of Light Under the House. 

Light Under the House stands out from other novels of its genre, establishing Aaron L. and Donna Dawson as true masters of their craft. The fusion of a riveting plot with compelling characters and deep thematic elements takes this novel out of the sphere of the ordinary, catapulting it into the sphere of the true literature. The story found within its pages is certain to leave a lasting impression on readers, as it is simply unforgettable.

One Day Book Blitz February 6, 2012

Meet & Greet February 6 - VBT Cafe' Blog

Interview - BK Walker Books Etc.

Book Theme - Authors Promoting Authors

Book Theme - Louise James

Guest Blogging - Wise Words

Interview - MK McClintock Blog

How to become a Book Reviewer

If you are an avid reader and love to tell your friends about the books you read, why not become a book reviewer?

There are advantages to becoming a book reviewer.  Most book reviewers receive books to review before they are available to the public. While generally this is an unpaid job, you get to read your favorite subjects and keep the books. Authors or book stores will ask a reviewer to read and submit a review for a book newly released to help with sales.

With the evolution of ereaders, it’s much easier to download and start reading. You have to be able to volunteer time and effort to write the reviews, and be skilled in writing good grammar. Following the tips below will help you establish yourself as a good book reviewer.

Before you begin writing reviews, search the web for blogs that review books. Read reviews others have posted to get an idea on how to start. A review is a short description of the book/characters accompanied by your opinion of the story.

Make a list of genres you enjoy reading. Again search the web for sites requesting book reviewers. Bookmark these sites for when you are ready to apply.

Write notes on the book you are currently reading. Once you have finished reading, organize the notes into paragraphs, and then check for spelling and grammar. Read your review out loud to make sure it flows and makes sense.

Writing good reviews takes practice. When you apply for the position, some will require at least one sample of your reviews. Consider creating a blog to post your reviews and include your web link with the sample.

Setting up a blog is pretty easy. Blogger, Wordpress and Webs.com are very user friendly, and reading the ‘Help’ section will get you started. You can then invite friends and family to read your reviews. Word of mouth is the best way to get readers to your site. Also put key words/hash tags (search words/#tags) so people can easily find your blog. (ex...title of book, author's name, your name or name of your blog, #bookreview, #authors, #writers and etc...)

Be fair when reviewing books. The public will read your reviews and decide whether or not they want to purchase the book. Don’t give away spoilers and be objective. You can include in your review you found some writing errors, but mainly read for the content. Be sure to meet your deadlines on submitting your review.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has set forth guidelines for book reviewers and bloggers.
FTC Guidelines 16 CFR Part 255  Don't let this hinder you from reviewing. Just be sure to place a disclaimer on your blog you have not received compensation for the review other than a free copy of the book.
Example...
In accordance with FTC guidelines for bloggers and endorsements, I would like to clarify that the books reviewed on (your blog site name and other sites you review for) are provided by the publisher/author free of charge. I am neither compensated for my reviews nor are my opinions influenced in any way by the avenues in which I obtain my materials.

Easy as that! And you can read the endorsement here:
www.ftc.gov/os/2009/01/P034520endorsementguides.pdf

Tell the world about the books you read and Happy reading!


How to Write a Book Report or Review
http://www.ehow.com/how_8191508_write-book-report-review.html


How to Set Up a Blog for Beginners
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-set-up-a-blog-for-beginners

Hash Tags, What Are They and Why Use Them?
http://www.natebal.com/2010/11/hashtags-what-are-they-and-why-use-them/