Tag Archives: books

Why I Would Stop Reading a Book

For at least a year now, I’ve been interested in steampunk. Not interested in the way where I rush out and buy every steampunk novel on the market and start collecting old gears interested, but more of a mild curiosity kind of interest. I guess I’m beginning to flirt with steampunk. If I see an articleContinue reading “Why I Would Stop Reading a Book”

An Indie Author’s Twitter Journey

At the beginning of May I created a Twitter account. Within that first week I gained 12 followers (maybe it was 11). When the confetti settled, I had no idea how to get more. I decided to stroll around the neighborhood and introduce myself. A few clicks later and I had followed some of  my favorite authors:Continue reading “An Indie Author’s Twitter Journey”

How Do You Decide Which Book to Read Next?

I shove Stieg Larsson’s book back on the shelf. I’m not really in the mood for such a dark read. That means Connie Willis and her Doomsday Book is out, too. Indecision wraps around me and the first touch of panic grips me. I start scanning the titles faster and faster, whispering to myself, ‘No . .Continue reading “How Do You Decide Which Book to Read Next?”

Are Books Dying?

According to this reading infographic from Common Sense Media, 75% of families have access to some type of e-reader, and yet 27% of 17-year-olds said they ‘never’ or ‘hardly ever’ read. 45% of 17-year-olds said they only read a book once or twice a year. According to this reading infographic from Raymond Geddes, 33% of allContinue reading “Are Books Dying?”

Why I Signed Preston’s Petition to Amazon

I did it. I signed the petition calling for Amazon to release Hatchette books. There’s so much anger about this issue out there, I’m half-frightened I’ll turn around and find I’m surrounded by an army of my own indie-published peers with raised pitchforks. For those who don’t know, Amazon and Hatchette Book Group (one of the Big 5Continue reading “Why I Signed Preston’s Petition to Amazon”

Author Diversity

Last week I ran across a fantastic article discussing the challenges foreign authors face. I’m an American, but I live in a foreign country and I felt an immediate kinship with the author as they recounted the challenges they face. Talk about a nightmare sometimes. At the top of my list are virtual marketing and tax issues.Continue reading “Author Diversity”

The Loss of Gatekeepers

Many publishers will tell you they are not gatekeepers — at least in the sense of keeping books out. As Rachelle Gardner points out, publishers want to let books in and that makes sense. Unless, of course, you’re one of the authors stranded on the other side of the gate.